The basis for acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is that energy flows through the body separately from the nervous and circulatory system. When acupuncture needles are placed in the body, they affect the flow of energy; affecting nerves and fluids. This affect is apparent all over the body, the same way when you feel bad, it is apparent not just in the body, but also in your face. Most people have had someone look at them and say, "What is the matter? Are you sick?" because that is how your face appears.

The same is true when the pain, discomfort, anxiety and stress are relieved by acupuncture; it shows in the face. After an acupuncture treatment, people leave with a "glow" of well-being that is seen by others and will translate to health over time. There are three ways this occurs.

The liver channel runs from the inside of the big toe up to the eye and into the brain. Many believe the eye is the window to the soul. In TCM, the liver is where we store our anger and our drive to overcome challenges. By massaging the top of the foot between the first and second toe, we can tamp down some of those angry feelings; literally draining the anger from us. Our eyes will appear more clear and open.

The spleen channel travels on the outside of our big toe up to our cheeks, where it then goes into the body. The emotion of the spleen in TCM is depression and pensiveness (overthinking). So by massaging our feet, especially on the sides and around the toes, we can stimulate the spleen to do its job, which is to drain dampness and clear the mind. We will appear less puffy and doughy, and our thinking will be more concise.

The lung channel starts on the outside of the thumb and travels to the clavicle, where it enters the body. The lung controls the skin all over the body. The emotion of the lung is grief of any kind, from losing a loved one to having to move from someplace you really liked. This time, we need to massage our hands, making sure to really work the muscle of our thumb, which will lift some of the weight of grief. Then our skin will be more clear and firm.

Dr Sheryl Roe is a board certified doctor of oriental medicine with offices in Navarre, Fort Walton Beach and Destin. For more information, call 850-225-3460 or visit DrSRoe.com.