"Vulnerability is not winning or losing; it's having the courage to show up and be seen when we have no control over the outcome." - Brené Brown

I hope this note finds you soaking up the splendor of summer and enjoying some quality time with your loved ones. Can you believe how incredible nature is right now? Lush forests, meadows bursting with life, birds serenading us with their songs, and the sweet sound of buzzing bees—it's like the whole world is buzzing with energy….The energy of love.. =)

According to the Five Element acupuncture theory, summer is all about love, love, love! The Fire element brings us those heartwarming connections with others—the kind that makes our connections with family, friends, and romantic partners shine brighter than ever. It's like we're dancing to the same rhythm as the birds and bees, creating beautiful harmony together.

As you know, us wacky healer types are all about finding balance and harmony, and let's face it—our hearts are at the center of it all. We celebrate the beauty of an open heart, where we can truly be ourselves, love deeply, and be loved in return. But life isn't always a walk in the park, and we've got to protect those precious hearts of ours too.

That's where acupuncture theory comes in! We have a function in us that we call the Heart Protector Meridian and one of its roles is to act like a natural bodyguard for our heart.  When we are healthy and in balance, this function opens wide and lets our authentic selves shine, when appropriate, allowing us to connect with the world and shine our destiny. When it’s not safe for us to be vulnerable it closes up shop, helps us to emotionally detach, and builds a protective fortress around our hearts. 

If that function gets stuck open or closed it can leave us with a prolonged feeling of either 'wearing our heart on our sleeve'; being vulnerable in unsafe situations OR leaving us ‘close hearted’; unable to connect with others. In a perfect world, we want this gate of the heart to be well-oiled and open and close when appropriate. 

So what do we do when we are feeling a stuck open or closed? Don't worry—I've got acupuncture secrets up my sleeve, literally, to help us find that perfect balance! 

Presenting…. The Inner Frontier Gate (Neiguan - Heart Protector 6),  the superhero of our heart's energetic space. 
(click the pic below to read all about it in the Spirit of the Points section of our Village Wellness website) 

If you are struggling in the realm of the heart, I hope this note has given you some insight and support. Ultimately, it's all about navigating life with authenticity and grace, ready to embrace the connections and personal growth that await us.

If you have any burning questions or want to dive deeper into this topic, just give me a shout. The Village Wellness Team and I are here to support you on your incredible journey.

Sending you warm and heart-centered vibes this summer!

Big hugs,

Lance