New Year, New You, right?  If “balance” in your life is what you seek, Traditional Chinese Medicine holds the answer, as it has for nearly 2,500 years.

Here are seven reasons to incorporate Chinese medicine into your life in the year ahead. The practices below can change your life, as they have mine:

1. The underlying principle of Traditional Chinese Medicine is balance – balanced mind, body, and soul. When the body is out of balance, it can lead to discomfort and challenges—ranging from feeling run down or overwhelmed to experiencing ongoing tension and unease. Alternatively, a body and mind in balance yield a longer, healthier, more vibrant life. If you were to look at your current life professionally, personally, mentally, and spiritually, are you currently “in balance”?
   
   
2. Acupuncture isn’t taboo. While the actual number of acupuncturists in the U.S. is unknown, it’s estimated to be over 35,000. Chances are, someone you know has added acupuncture to their wellness routine—whether to support relaxation, overall balance, or specific personal goals, it's far more common now than it was a decade ago. Fear of needles?  Today’s needles are quite thin, and in some cases, you won’t even feel them. By the same token, the mental “zen-like” experience one feels after a 45-minute appointment offers a wonderful mental break from reality. You can find an acupuncturist here.
   
   
3. Modern research is increasingly exploring the potential benefits of traditional Chinese medicine. In 2015, the Nobel Prize in Medicine was awarded to Youyou Tu, a researcher in Chinese medicine, for her discovery of a plant-based therapy for malaria. Her groundbreaking work has helped spark global interest in classic herbal formulas—some of which are being studied today for their role in supporting immune health, stress resilience, and emotional well-being. 
   
   
   
   
4. Insurance companies are increasingly offering coverage for alternative health practices—among the most recognized is traditional Chinese medicine, valued for its long history, cost-effectiveness, and growing acceptance in integrative care. And for good reason: such established medical centers as The Cleveland Clinic and The Mayo Clinic offer acupuncture and Chinese herbal options to complement their well-established Western medical practices. Check with your healthcare provider to see if a basic acupuncture treatment is covered. It’s an incredible experience.
   
   
5. Now is the time to incorporate Tai Chi and Qi Gong into your weekly flow. The health benefits of Tai Chi for managing one’s stress are many, to say nothing of the low-impact cardio workout one receives through an hour of this timeliness practice. Looking for something slightly more intense? Consider Qigong, which is closer to a martial art, but is nonetheless low impact on the body, offers a cardio benefit, and challenges the mind to focus. Looking for motivation to get started? Check out our friend Mimi Kuo Deemers' new DVDs, retreats, and blog posts.
   
   
6. Chinese medicine was early to incorporate a “food as medicine” practice. While Chinese medicine cooking can be slightly esoteric in the selection of some ingredients, it doesn’t have to be in the final presentation and taste. We publish a weekly recipe that combines the culinary health practices of Chinese medicine with Western flavors and ingredients. Cooking can contribute to a healthy lifestyle and promote mindfulness.
   
   
   
7. Finally, we’re nothing if not passionate about the power of Chinese herbs, hence the motivation behind DAO Labs. Chinese herbs are powerful, offering incredible formulas and herbal blends used for centuries in wellness practices. Chinese herbs are traditionally challenging in taste (they don’t taste good at all!), but the benefits, efficacy, and power make up for this. Our vision was to make them enjoyable and approachable. Whether you're a frequent flyer looking to support your body's natural defenses or seeking a sense of calm during stressful days, our formulas inspired by Chinese herbal traditions can be a valuable part of your wellness toolkit.

Looking for more information? Email or call us (888-228-1066)! We’ll help fill in the gaps to any of the above, and tell you how we’re finding balance in the year ahead.

Care Consideration: Just a reminder that the above information is not a substitute for medical care and is not a substitute for medical advice or recommendations from a healthcare provider.  This information is not intended to treat, mitigate, or cure any disease.  That said, we encourage you to connect with an Acupuncturist in your community to learn more about this and other Traditional Chinese Medicine options.  If you’ve got questions about Chinese herbal medicine or getting started with an Acupuncturist, feel free to connect with us at hello@mydaolabs.com.

John G. McGarvey is a co-founder of DAO Labs and a regular contributor to The Way. A frequent visitor to China and Asia for both business and pleasure, he is an avid consumer of Chinese medicine. He can be reached at john@mydaolabs.com.