Building Resilience Through Food: Nourishing Qi, Blood, and Jing

Recovering from trauma is no small task, and developing resilience following trying events can tax us greatly. The good news is that food can be a great ally throughout this process. Three major “building blocks” in Daoist healing serve as the foundation of our vitality and resilience: qi, blood, and jing. Particularly in light of […]

5 Common Signs of Childhood Complex Trauma You May Not Recognize

When we consider signs of trauma’s impact, the first things that come to mind for many of us are large, dramatic symptoms. We’re talking flashbacks, or severe panic attacks, like those often experienced by war veterans. Trauma, particularly the complex kind experienced in childhood, does not always show up in clear-cut form though. Sometimes the […]

Facing Uncertainty: How to Stay Grounded When Fear Creeps In

Let’s be real: life feels pretty uncertain right now. Political upheaval has a way of doing that. And if you’re anything like me, that uncertainty can quickly spiral into fear—perhaps even a minor panic attack. Sometimes when we gaze out at the world—or even at our own life—everything we assumed we could rely on seems […]

Why Childhood Complex Trauma is More Common Than You Think

When you hear the word “trauma,” what do you think of first? For many of us, it’s the major, clear-cut stuff—physical violence, auto accidents, or natural disasters. Trauma, however, is not always clearly obvious or dramatic. Actually, a lot of trauma is subtle and creeps into our daily lives in ways we might not even […]

Reconnecting with Daily Rhythms: Finding Balance with Your Body’s Natural Cycles

If you’ve experienced trauma in childhood, it can be very difficult to cultivate a sense of safety and security. You always feel a bit “off kilter.” One gentle approach to feeling more grounded is to reconnect with life’s daily rhythms—like your natural sleep, eating, and rest patterns. Particularly in times when life has been anything […]

What Are Adverse Childhood Experiences?

While some difficult childhood events leave long-lasting scars, not every one of them do. ACEs, short for adverse childhood experiences, are among these. These are the situations or circumstances that could undermine the foundation of your early years, sometimes in ways that follow you long beyond childhood. Understanding ACEs helps us to make sense of […]

Standing Your Ground: A Simple Meditation to Cultivate Stability and Ease Anxiety

Have you ever felt like you’re floating, unsettled, or just can’t shake that anxious, jittery feeling? Having a sense of stability, of being grounded, is difficult for a lot of people, particularly those who’ve experienced trauma in the past. In particular, childhood complex trauma can cause long-term anxiety, making it difficult to achieve stability and […]

Using Food to Calm the Nervous System: Basic Daoist Principles

You know how difficult it can be to feel settled, grounded, and calm if you’ve dealt with trauma, anxiety, or simply overwhelming stress. Right on your plate, food is one of the most effective tools for supporting the nervous system. Food in Daoist nutrition is more than just fuel; it’s a means of balancing the […]

Doug Crawford, L.Ac.

Disclaimer

This website does not provide medical advice. The information provided is for educational purposes only. While I strive for accuracy, it’s not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your physician or qualified health care provider with any questions about a medical condition or treatment and before starting a new health regimen. Never disregard or delay seeking professional medical advice because of something you read on this website.