Pin & Tonic: A restorative evening with Wei Wellness

This past Wednesday, we enjoyed a restorative evening with Emma McCune of The Wei Wellness. Nestled in Seattle's Eastlake neighborhood, Emma's calming haven welcomed us with soothing neutral tones that instantly promoted relaxation. As guests arrived, refreshing lime and cucumber cocktails, mocktails, and herbal teas were served alongside delightful lavender shortbread cookies – a perfect start to a tranquil evening.

Acupuncture's roots run deep, stretching back thousands of years to ancient China. Evidence suggests it might have even been practiced as early as 6,000 years ago during the Neolithic period. The first documented use comes from the Han Dynasty (206 BCE – 220 CE) with texts like the Huangdi Neijing, a foundational work in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). This text played a key role in shaping our understanding of acupuncture and TCM as a whole. It established core concepts like Qi (vital energy) and meridians (pathways for Qi flow) that continue to be central to the practice today.

Over time, techniques evolved, from sharpened stones to detailed meridian maps. Once facing decline, acupuncture saw a major revival in the 20th century, gaining international recognition and integration with modern medicine. Today, research and technological advancements continue to shape this practice, making it a sophisticated and globally embraced therapy.

What is Traditional Chinese Medicine?

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) revolves around the concept of Qi, the vital life force that animates and sustains the body. Imagine Qi as a flowing energy coursing through specific pathways called meridians. These 12 main meridians connect to different organs, and over 360 acupuncture points lie along these meridians.

Acupuncture focuses on balancing the flow of Qi through these points. By inserting fine needles, acupuncturists aim to unblock stagnant Qi, redirect its flow, or even boost its levels. This, in turn, helps restore balance between Yin and Yang, two opposing yet complementary forces that influence health in TCM. When Yin (darkness, cold, stillness) and Yang (light, heat, activity) are in harmony, the body functions optimally. Acupuncture helps achieve this balance, promoting overall well-being.

“Acupuncture is a great physical tool to switch on the parasympathetic state. It’s been a game changer for my mental health. ”

— Emma McCune, The Wei Wellness

During this introductory acupuncture session, guests could receive up to 9 needles placed according to specific points. The most popular selection was the "four gates" pattern, chosen by many attendees. Additionally, guests had the opportunity to experience acupressure ear seeds.

How does acupuncture work?

From a Traditional Chinese Medicine viewpoint, acupuncture works by stimulating different points along the body’s energetic meridians in order to balance an individual’s Qi. From a biomedical perspective, acupuncture promotes the body’s inherent self-healing abilities by stimulating, moving, and adjusting the body’s energy to restore internal homeostasis.

Needling specific areas on the body stimulates the nervous system to release various chemicals in the muscles, spinal cord and brain which either change the experience of pain and symptoms or trigger the release of additional hormones which further influence the internal regulating system of the body. Acupuncture has the ability to not only down-regulate the body’s response to stress, injury and illness, but also modulate and fundamentally recalibrate it.

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We served refreshing cucumber gin & tonics along with cucumber spritz mocktails. Whip up your own at home the next time you need a refreshing moment of zen.
Hendrick’s Gin & Tonic: 2 oz. Hendrick’s Gin, 6 oz. tonic water, sliced cucumber and/or lime, ice.
We kicked these cocktails up a notch by freezing thin lime slices in the ice cube molds. Bonus: bigger ice cubes mean your drink stays cooler for longer.

A multifaceted approach to pain and mental health:

Acupuncture offers a natural, multifaceted approach to manage chronic pain and improve mental well-being. Here's a breakdown of its benefits:

Pain Management:

Reduced pain: Acupuncture stimulates endorphin release, the body's natural pain relievers. It also helps modulate pain signals and reduces inflammation, beneficial for conditions like arthritis.
Improved mobility: Regular sessions can improve joint mobility and function, easing stiffness and discomfort.
Stress reduction: By promoting relaxation, acupuncture addresses a common trigger for headaches and migraines.

Mental Health:

Reduced anxiety and depression: Acupuncture regulates neurotransmitters like serotonin, impacting mood and anxiety. It also lowers stress hormones and promotes endorphin release, lifting mood and reducing depressive symptoms.
Improved sleep: By activating the parasympathetic nervous system, acupuncture fosters relaxation and improves sleep quality. It can regulate sleep patterns and reduce insomnia symptoms.

Acupuncture can also be helpful for:

Digestive issues, infertility and menstrual problems, autoimmune diseases, respiratory conditions, cosmetic concerns (facial acupuncture).

Acupuncture offers a holistic approach to managing pain, stress, and various health concerns. By addressing both physical and neurological aspects, it can be a valuable complementary therapy alongside conventional treatments.If you are wondering if acupuncture can help a condition that is not listed, please reach out to Emma at The Wei Wellness!

Infused with the delicate aroma of lavender, these shortbread cookies will be the star of your next gathering or afternoon tea. A touch of dried lavender adds a delightful floral element.

Lavender Shortbread Recipe:

Ingredients: 1/2 cup rice flour, 1 1/2 tsp. kosher salt, 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more, 1 cup plus 6 Tbsp. unsalted butter, cut into pieces, room temperature, 3/4 cup granulated sugar, 2 tsp. coarsely ground dried lavender

Directions: Whisk rice flour, salt, and 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour in a medium bowl. Using an electric mixer on medium-high, beat butter, sugar, and lavender in a medium bowl until very pale and fluffy, about 5 minutes. Mix in dry ingredients on low until fully combined. Wrap in plastic and chill at least 2 hours and up to 2 days.

Preheat oven to 350'. Roll out dough between 2 sheets of lightly-floured parchment to 1/8" thick. Cut using your preferred cookie or biscuit cutter. Re-roll the scraps and repeat. Bake on parchment-lined baking sheets until edges are golden, 12-14 minutes. Let cool on a wire rack.

Recipe adapted from Bon Appetit