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Winter Solstice Energy: Rest, Renewal, and the Return of Light
The winter solstice, arriving this year on December 21 in the Northern Hemisphere, marks the year’s longest night and shortest day. The very word solstice means “sun stands still,” symbolizing a cosmic pause—a turning point when the Earth tilts closest to stillness before the gradual return of light. Across cultures and centuries, this moment has been celebrated as a time of reflection, release, and renewal. It carries a quiet, deeply restorative energy that can nourish both

Optimal Health SF
2 hours ago2 min read


Essential Oils for Better Sleep: Nature’s Nighttime Remedy
A good night’s rest is one of the best gifts you can give your body and mind. Yet with the busyness of modern life, winding down isn’t always easy. Nature offers a gentle ally in the form of essential oils—concentrated plant extracts that calm the senses and invite relaxation. Here are some of the most effective essential oils for sleep, along with easy ways to use them in your bedtime routine. Lavender – The Relaxation Classic Lavender is the most researched essential oil fo

Optimal Health SF
Dec 12 min read


Gratitude as Medicine: How Thankfulness Heals Mind and Body
Gratitude is more than a polite “thank you”—it is a profound practice that nurtures both mental and physical health. Research in psychology and neuroscience shows that cultivating gratitude can reduce stress, lower blood pressure, and improve sleep. When we pause to notice what we are thankful for, our brains release dopamine and serotonin—the “feel good” neurotransmitters that stabilize mood and increase feelings of contentment. In this way, gratitude becomes not just a virt

Optimal Health SF
Nov 172 min read


Healing Power of Stargazing: A Self-Care Practice for Mind and Body
There is something timeless about tilting our heads upward and letting our eyes settle into the night sky. Long before modern medicine, people looked to the stars for guidance, comfort, and perspective. Today, stargazing offers more than wonder—it can also serve as an accessible form of self-care that benefits both mental and physical health. One of the greatest gifts of stargazing is the way it gently reduces stress. The act of focusing on the vastness above pulls us out of

Optimal Health SF
Nov 32 min read


Embracing Nature’s Symphony: Listening to Nature’s Sounds as Self-Care
In our fast-paced, technology-driven world, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and disconnected. Amidst the noise of daily life, the simple...

Optimal Health SF
Oct 202 min read


Cloud Watching as Self-Care: Finding Peace in the Sky
In our fast-paced, digitally driven world, finding moments of stillness can feel like an impossible task. But what if self-care didn’t...

Optimal Health SF
Oct 62 min read


Autumnal Equinox Energy
The Autumnal Equinox, is today, September 22 at 11:19am, marking the shift from the outward, active energy of summer towards a more...

Optimal Health SF
Sep 222 min read


Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup with Kale
From my friends at EatingWell.com comes a meal you can cook year-round and is a perfect way to start the fall season. This healthy, easy...

Optimal Health SF
Sep 82 min read


Urban Healing: 10 Restorative Nature Spots in the San Francisco Bay Area
In a region known for its innovation and energy, the Bay Area also holds spaces of profound stillness. Amid the concrete and bustle,...

Optimal Health SF
Aug 252 min read


Salt and Health: The Benefits of Nature’s Oldest Mineral
Salt is one of the most essential—and misunderstood—minerals in the human diet. While excessive consumption is linked to health issues...

Optimal Health SF
Aug 112 min read


Water Activities as Self-Care
Water activities offer a refreshing way to incorporate self-care into your routine, providing both physical and mental benefits....

Optimal Health SF
Jul 282 min read


The Healing Power of Water: Embracing Natural Water as Self-Care
Water has always been a symbol of life, renewal, and healing. From ancient rituals to modern wellness practices, humans have long...

Optimal Health SF
Jul 142 min read


Barefoot Walking as Self-Care: Grounding Yourself, One Step at a Time
In our modern world, it’s easy to feel disconnected—from ourselves, from nature, and even from the ground beneath our feet. Modern...

Optimal Health SF
Jun 302 min read


Benefits of Sunshine in Your Life
As the summer solstice approaches, we find ourselves in the season of the sun—longer days, warmer air, and a natural invitation to step...

Optimal Health SF
Jun 162 min read


Optimal Health Kitchen: Garlic Sautéed Dandelion Greens with Toasted Nuts & Lemon
Adding nuts to dandelion greens provides a delightful crunch and boosts the dish with healthy fats and protein. This version incorporates...

Optimal Health SF
Jun 22 min read


Benefits and Fun Facts About Trees: Nature’s Silent Giants
Trees are some of the most fascinating and essential living beings on Earth. They provide oxygen, shelter, and beauty while standing tall...

Optimal Health SF
May 192 min read


Forest Bathing as Self-Care: Reconnecting with Nature for Inner Peace
Last year, I went to Northern California Avenue of the Giants and took a Forest Bathing tour in the midst of the tall redwood trees. It...

Optimal Health SF
May 52 min read


Sensory Walking as Self-Care: Prevent Falls and Accidents through Mind-Body Balance
Through my practice, I have been working with patients for 40 years. Given the multi-tasking nature of work and how fast we must process...

Optimal Health SF
Apr 212 min read


Optimal Health Kitchen: Vibrant Quinoa & Spring Vegetable Salad
As the chill of winter fades and spring brings its vibrant colors and fresh flavors, it's the perfect time to embrace lighter,...

Optimal Health SF
Apr 72 min read


Floral Teas: A Fragrant Sip of Wellness
Most people drink tea made from the leaves, which tend to contain caffeine. Tea made from flowers is caffeine free and wonderfully...

Optimal Health SF
Mar 242 min read


Natural Ways to Prevent Seasonal Allergies
From the Chinese Medicine perspective, seasonal allergies are a mild sign of a cold or a sign of the person has a weak immune system. I...

Optimal Health SF
Mar 102 min read


Eco-Therapy: Reconnecting with Nature
In 2024, I studied Forest Bathing and what I learned is having such a positive effect on my well-being. I am continuing to study nature...

Optimal Health SF
Feb 242 min read


Honey & Health for Valentine’s Day
Honey has been cherished for centuries as more than just a sweetener. It offers numerous health benefits, making it an excellent...

Optimal Health SF
Feb 102 min read


Welcome to the Year of the Snake!
Happy Chinese New Year! Chinese New Year 2025, also known as the Lunar New Year, begins on Wednesday, January 29, 2025. This celebration...

Optimal Health SF
Jan 271 min read
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