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Find deep insights into TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) with acupoints, diet recommendations, and so much more.

Norman Plotkin Norman Plotkin

Early Pregnancy SymptomsTraditional Chinese Medicine Perspective

The first twelve weeks of pregnancy, often called “the settling of the fetal essence” in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), are a time of deep transformation. During this stage, experiences like nausea, fatigue, breast tenderness, shifting emotions, and changes in appetite are not viewed as illnesses, but as normal signs that the body is adjusting as new life establishes itself. From a TCM perspective, the goal is to interpret these changes clearly and support the mother with gentle, appropriate care during a particularly sensitive window.

TCM explains early pregnancy through several natural physiological shifts. As the Chong and Ren channels strengthen to support reproduction, qi and blood are redirected to nourish the developing embryo. This internal prioritizing can temporarily leave the mother feeling depleted or “off balance,” especially in digestion, because the Stomach’s harmony may be disrupted. What appears as discomfort is often the visible surface of a profound internal reorganization required for fetal development.

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Norman Plotkin Norman Plotkin

Why Knee Pain Happens And What It’s Really Telling You About Your Body

Knee pain isn’t always just a “knee problem.” As Dr. Bae explains in her latest article, the knee often acts as a messenger—showing stress from issues in the hips, feet, ankles, or overall movement patterns. When alignment, muscle balance, or circulation is off, the knee becomes the first place discomfort appears.

Her article highlights the three major causes of knee pain:
Structural stress from wear, tears, or irritation
Muscular and fascial imbalance that pulls the knee out of alignment
Circulatory or inflammatory issues that reduce healing and increase stiffness

Dr. Bae also explains how hip stability, foot mechanics, daily posture, and lifestyle habits all shape how the knee moves and absorbs force. True healing often requires a whole-body approach—strengthening, mobility work, improving alignment, and supporting circulation through modalities like acupuncture, cupping, or moxibustion.

If you’ve been dealing with knee pain, this article is a powerful guide to understanding the root cause and taking the right next steps.

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Norman Plotkin Norman Plotkin

Cosmetic Acupuncture vs. Botox: The Natural Path to Radiance at Violet Wellness Spa

The choice between a quick injectable fix like Botox and a holistic, natural approach is a common,

modern skincare dilemma we encounter daily at Violet Wellness Spa. While Botox has long been the

primary solution for smoothing wrinkles, a growing number of our patients are now choosing, and being

pleasantly surprised by the remarkable power and beauty of, cosmetic acupuncture to achieve lifted, firm,

and youthful skin.

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Norman Plotkin Norman Plotkin

Western Medical Principles of Cosmetic Acupuncture

Microtrauma and the Skin’s Healing Response

From a biomedical perspective, cosmetic acupuncture works primarily by creating controlled micro-injuries at specific points on the face. When fine acupuncture needles are inserted into the dermis or subdermal layers, they cause microtrauma that is too mild to cause scarring but strong enough to trigger the body’s natural wound-healing cascade.

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Norman Plotkin Norman Plotkin

Preparing for Pregnancy A Traditional Chinese Medicine Perspective

In modern times, many couples hope to conceive naturally, yet few truly understand the importance of preparing their bodies beforehand. From the Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) perspective, preconception care is like cultivating fertile soil—only when the body’s qi and blood are harmonized can new life take root and thrive.

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Norman Plotkin Norman Plotkin

Forward Head Posture

We’ve been seeing more and more patients with forward head posture – what we often call “anterior carriage.”
This happens when the head shifts forward compared to the shoulders. Even just one inch forward adds about 10 extra pounds of load on your neck and upper back muscles. Imagine holding a bowling ball out in front of you all day – that’s what your neck is doing!

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Norman Plotkin Norman Plotkin

The Five Elements in TCM: How They Influence Your Body and Mind

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is built on the principle that nature and the human body are deeply interconnected. One of its core theories is the Five Elements Theory, which explains how different aspects of the body, emotions, and even personality traits are influenced by the elements Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water. Understanding these elements can help you achieve better health, emotional balance, and overall well-being.

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Norman Plotkin Norman Plotkin

Yin and Yang: The Balance Behind Health and Wellness

Yin and Yang are the foundation of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and represent the dynamic balance that governs all aspects of life, including health, energy, and emotional well-being. This ancient philosophy teaches that harmony between Yin and Yang is essential for maintaining optimal health. When imbalances occur, they can lead to fatigue, stress, digestive issues, and chronic illnesses.

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