A TCM Physician’s Guide to Healthier Urban Living
By Ann Lin
This English version was translated from the original Chinese article
In New York’s fast-paced culture, where productivity is often synonymous with success, days are scheduled to the brim, and breakfast is frequently replaced by a rushed iced coffee. Moreover, people often push through early warning signs from their bodies until a doctor’s visit becomes unavoidable.
According to Dr. Serene Feng, founder of PhoenixCare, a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and holistic wellness center, this modern lifestyle depletes the body and contributes to a long list of health concerns. “Being healthy is not about repairing the body after disease appears,” she said. “It’s about building a strong constitution when the body is most receptive to restoration.”
PhoenixCare is helping patients in the New York area achieve holistic wellness through acupuncture, moxibustion, and herbal medicine, while encouraging healthier, more sustainable lifestyles.
Moxibustion is the practice of burning dried mugwort near specific acupuncture points to stimulate circulation, and it’s gaining increasing popularity in Western countries. In Elite’s exclusive interview, Dr. Feng shared her perspective on the therapy and explains why nurturing yang qi—the positive, vital energy that supports resilience—is especially important for those navigating the demands of urban life.
The Blind Spots of City Life
“Based on my observations, more than 90 percent of people today can benefit from moxibustion therapy, especially those living in cities like New York,” Dr. Feng said.
Since the pandemic, many people have spent long hours seated in front of computers, with their minds racing and fingers flying across keyboards. As a result, their blood flow and vital energy tend to become concentrated in the upper body, while the lower body receives less movement and circulation. This allows “han qi”, or cold energy, to gradually accumulate and create imbalance in the body.
Moreover, Dr. Feng said that many people have misconceptions about what constitutes a healthy diet. In her clinical practice, she frequently sees health-conscious patients unknowingly depleting their yang qi by starting the day off with an iced smoothie, eating a cold salad for lunch, and finishing the evening with large portions of meat, cheese, and foods that are hard to digest.
“New Yorkers love salads, but regularly eating large amounts of raw, cold foods can lead to the accumulation of han qi in the body,” she said. The morning is a crucial time for the body’s yang qi to activate, and cold foods and beverages interfere with that process.
(Samira Bouaou)
The Benefits of Mugwort
Mugwort is traditionally harvested during the fifth month of the lunar calendar, when the yang qi of heaven and earth is believed to be at its peak. Used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine, the herb is prized for its ability to strengthen the body’s vital energy and ward off pathogenic influences.
Moxibustion harnesses mugwort’s warming properties to gently dispel cold and dampness from the body. “It can help clear blockages and promote the smooth flow of qi and blood throughout the meridians,” Dr. Feng said.
The therapy is commonly used to address cold hands and feet, chronic fatigue, sluggish digestion, menstrual discomfort, as well as musculoskeletal aches and joint pain. By restoring balance and supporting circulation, moxibustion aims to enhance the body’s natural capacity for healing.
San Fu Tian Moxibustion Therapy
The Sanfu period refers to the three 10-day intervals in the Chinese lunar calendar that are considered the hottest days of the year, when yang qi is believed to be at its strongest. This coincides with the traditional Chinese medicine principle of “treating winter diseases in summer”—the idea that conditions prone to recurring or worsening during the colder months are best addressed in the summer.
From this philosophy emerged one of TCM’s signature therapies: Sanfu moxibustion. According to Dr. Feng, cold energy does not simply disappear when the weather turns warm. For individuals with weaker constitutions, Sanfu moxibustion may help strengthen the body and build resilience before winter arrives.
At PhoenixCare, there is no one-size-fits-all remedy. Dr. Feng believes that effective TCM care begins with a thorough consultation and health evaluation to understand each person’s lifestyle and needs.
While TCM principles may seem complex at first glance, they often boil down to daily habits that are easily overlooked, such as eating regular meals, maintaining proper posture, and keeping a consistent sleep schedule. Over time, these steady practices help support healthy circulation and the smooth flow of qi, fostering a stronger constitution and better wellbeing.
Clinical Note
Moxibustion-Assisted Weight Management
Gender: Female
Age: In her 40s
Occupation: Nail salon owner
Initial Weight: 160 lbs. (approximately 72.5 kg)
Case details: A woman standing 5 feet, 2 inches tall and weighing 160 pounds at her initial consultation, sought treatment to improve her overall health and manage her weight. Years of a sedentary lifestyle, work-related stress, and a preference for sweets had contributed to weight gain and ongoing discomfort.
Following a comprehensive TCM evaluation of her health, diet, and lifestyle, Dr. Feng advised the patient to establish a regular breakfast routine, maintain consistent meal times, reduce dinner portions, and limit sugar intake. Her treatment plan included moxibustion, “gua sha” (a skin-scraping technique), cupping therapy, and herbal medicine.
After four months of consistent treatment, the patient’s weight decreased from 160 to 129 pounds. In addition to a slimmer waistline, she reported increased energy, reduced physical discomfort, and a marked improvement in overall wellbeing.
*Note: This article is presented for educational purposes only. Individual health conditions, treatment plans, and results may vary. All treatments should be administered under the guidance of a qualified TCM practitioner.
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