The following is a little poem that will help you learn to create balance in your life:

Warm is good but too much heat creates burning sensations, fever, rashes, irritability.

Cool is good but too much cold creates contraction and stagnation, chills and pain.

Moist is good but too much moisture is heavy and sinking and difficult to move.

Dry is good but too much dryness is brittle and parched and has you thirsting and restless.

Earth is good but too much earth is heavy and accumulating.

Fire is good but too much fire burns recklessly and out of control.

Metal is good but too much metal constricts and controls too rigidly.

Wood is good but too much wood expands inappropriately rising up in headaches and temper flairs.

Water is good but too much water brings fear and withdrawal.

Balance your body. Take in warm and cool and all the elements in a balanced way. Notice your tendencies. If you run hot, try to balance that out with cool. If you run cold make sure you give yourself warm clothes and foods. Listen to your needs. Don't go to extremes. Staying healthy makes good common sense.

Kat Delse, L.Ac. is an acupuncturist, Reiki healer and herbalist in Santa Rosa, CA. She is committed to helping people live more balanced lives on all levels. For more information visit http://www.santarosa-acupuncture.com or call (707) 775-8311.