I’ve been studying Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) more seriously lately, but my relationship with it started much earlier—through healing my own health. I didn’t want to learn just to memorize facts. I wanted to understand how to live and feel better.

So instead of diving into textbook explanations, here’s what I’ve learned through real use. Things I actually do. Things that have helped.

Daily Teas and Herbal Formulas

I started making my own tea blends based on how I’m feeling—calming, warming, immune-supporting, and digestion-soothing. I learned how herbs can be combined to support specific systems, and how the temperature and nature of food or drink can shift your whole day. Most mornings now start with something warm and medicinal.

Acupuncture After Long Work Sprints

After intense periods of work—like 12 to 14-hour days for several days in a row—I make sure to go for acupuncture. It’s one of the only things that forces my body to reset. It helps me calm down, reset my nervous system, and shift out of overdrive. It’s especially helpful when I feel anxious or heavy emotionally. I’ve learned not to wait until I crash.

Heat Patches for Pain and Injury

When I hurt my left side rock climbing, or when my grandfather injured his arm in a fall, I reached for herbal heat patches. I use them for my back, neck, and shoulder pain too. In TCM, applying heat helps move stagnation and brings circulation to the area, which supports healing. It’s simple but effective.

When I Feel a Cold Coming On

I have a whole ritual when I feel run down:

• I take herbal supplements and sinus sprays
• I switched to only warm food and drinks
• I use acupressure points around my hands and sinuses
• I rest more and avoid wind or cold exposure. This way, I catch things early. I don’t try to “power through” anymore.

Practices Like Tai Chi and Qigong

These aren’t just exercises. They’re tools for recalibrating energy. I use them when I want to feel more balanced, centered, and in my body. Even a few minutes make a difference.

Infinichi Energy Healing

This has been a huge part of how I balance and move energy. It’s part of how I learned to clear blockages, not just physically, but emotionally and energetically. I have a whole video on this if you’re curious.

Herbs for Sleep and Calming Down

Instead of over-the-counter meds, I now turn to herbs to help with anxiety, sleep, and emotional imbalance. There’s a whole category of formulas in TCM that focus on calming the spirit. They’ve made a huge difference in my night routine.

Keeping My Feet Warm

This might sound small, but it’s one of the most important practices I’ve taken from TCM. I don’t walk around barefoot anymore. I wear socks, slippers, or wrap my feet, and I do regular foot baths. The feet hold key meridian points, and cold enters easily through them. When my feet are warm, my whole body feels safer and more grounded.

Warm Cooked Food, Even for Breakfast

I used to drink smoothies and cold juices all the time. Now I rarely do. I eat cooked food for breakfast—rice, soups, oats. I only crave cold drinks when I’m on a hot beach in Mexico. Otherwise, it’s tea. All day.

How I Healed My Sleep (And Still Work On It)

• I replaced meds with herbs
• I treat nighttime like a ritual
• I stay off screens in bed
• I dim lights, light candles, and create a quiet mood two hours before bed
• I use lavender sometimes, but gently (too much can be overstimulating)
• On anxious days, I add extra calming practices
• I use earplugs, an eye mask, and blackout curtains
• I’ve stopped fighting with myself when I wake up at night. Sometimes I journal or just acknowledge what’s on my mind
• I move my body—especially outside. Swimming, climbing, walking
• And I let my rhythm shift. Some nights I sleep early. In some seasons, I sleep more. I adjust for my cycle, the weather, and how much I’ve worked. Sleep is alive. Not rigid.

Slavic and Eastern European Wisdom from My Grandmother

This deserves its own post. But I’ll just say—so much of what I learned growing up overlaps with what I’m learning now in TCM. Warmth. Herbal infusions. Foot baths. Listening to the seasons. My grandmother had no “system,” but she had deep, intuitive knowing. I carry that with me.