As the year comes to a close, we at Basic Balance Acupuncture extend our deepest gratitude to you, our cherished patients. Your trust and commitment to your health inspire us every day. This holiday season, we share with you the wisdom of The Gifts of the Twelve Officials as taught by Julie Bear Don’t Walk, an acupuncturist and personal mentor of Allison's. These reflections highlight the gifts our bodies and spirits offer us, encouraging health, balance, and joy as we enter the new year.
The Gift of the Lungs: Breath and Inspiration. Our lungs give us life through each breath—a cycle of inhalation and exhalation that resets and nourishes. Place your hands on your abdomen, inhale deeply, and feel your belly rise. Exhale and feel it fall. Repeat this cycle ten times for a breath massage that replenishes your nervous system. Thank you, lungs, for this gift of sweet breath.
The Gift of the Large Intestine: Letting Go. The Large Intestine teaches us to release what no longer serves us—both physically and emotionally. This holiday season, reflect on what you’ve been holding onto and ease into letting go. With each release, you create room for flow and new possibilities.
The Gift of the Urinary Bladder: Regulation. The Urinary Bladder offers balance by knowing when to hold and release. Stretch your hamstrings and back to relax this channel, creating space for regulation and clarity. A few moments of this simple stretch can bring your entire body relief.
The Gift of the Kidneys: Resourcefulness. The Kidneys fuel motivation and power through rest and thoughtful action. As the days grow darker, give yourself permission to rest. Take that extra nap and unplug; your kidneys will thank you.
The Gift of the Pericardium: Emotional Boundaries. The Pericardium, or heart-protector, encourages compassionate detachment and healthy boundaries. Remember, you don’t need to ask for things others can’t give. Instead, love without compromising your well-being.
The Gift of the Liver: Compassion. The Liver’s gift is self-compassion, which radiates outward. Treat yourself with the kindness you would offer a loved one. Begin with gentle care for yourself, and let that compassion expand to others.
The Gift of the Gall Bladder: Clear Decisions. The Gall Bladder helps us make clear decisions by breaking things down into manageable pieces. When indecision strikes, rest and let clarity emerge naturally.
The Gift of the Triple Warmer: Interconnectedness. The Triple Warmer teaches us how moods and intentions affect others. Choose words like “ease” and “flow” to create calm and harmony. Your intentionality inspires others to do the same.
The Gift of the Small Intestine: Discernment. The Small Intestine’s gift is in sorting the nourishing from the unnecessary. This season, reflect on what truly feeds your body and soul. Let go of the rest.
The Gift of the Heart: Love and Joy. The Heart radiates love, joy, and connection. Place your hand on your heart, imagine it filling with golden light, and exhale any bitterness. Smile into your heart and share its warmth with others.
The Gift of the Spleen: Nurturing and Grounding. The Spleen provides grounding through nurturing. Spend a few moments on the floor, stretching gently. Feel the earth’s support and let your mind settle. This grounding practice restores balance and calm.
Wishing You a Joyful and Healthy New Year
Thank you for being part of our community. As we embrace the gifts of these Twelve Officials, we wish you and your loved ones health, happiness, and peace this holiday season and beyond.
If you’re inspired to share these gifts with others, consider gifting one of our acupuncture sessions or a gift certificate for support. Let us help you and your loved ones enter the new year with balance and joy.
Special thanks to Julie Bear Don’t Walk for her guidance and inspiration in sharing this wisdom.
Warmly,
Allison, Tracy, and the Team at Basic Balance Acupuncture
Comments