February has arrived, along with its age-old association with the heart and love. The commercial aspect of Valentine’s Day and strong focus on couples can be really troubling, especially for those not in a satisfying relationship.

But wait! Love is everywhere, and the concept of romantic love is only a tiny fragment of what it’s all about. There are endless ways to honor this month, to open our hearts and celebrate love. Here are some ideas:

• Approach things with a loving manner. If you can put your love, care and attention into your work, no matter how simple or difficult the task, it is likely to be more enjoyable and bring you a sense of opening your heart.
• Give thanks and appreciation. When you appreciate what you have, or thank someone, you are expressing love in a way that benefits you and others.
• Learn more about heart health. February is also American Heart Month. If you or a loved one have, or are at risk for, a heart condition, do something small (or big!) to improve your heart health. Check out the American Heart Association for ideas.
• Spend some time doing something you love. When do you feel best? What for you makes time stand still and gives you a sense of peace? It’s different for everyone: spending time in nature, dancing, playing with your dog, listening to a great piece of music. Make it a priority to spend some time each day doing what you love.
• Do something nice. It doesn’t have to be big, in fact the smallest things often count the most. A simple compliment is a great gift, or a quick note to just say hello. Do something kind for someone else, it can even be anonymous.
• Treat yourself well. Give yourself the love that you deserve, in every form. Thank yourself for everything you do to take good care of yourself. Buy yourself something nice for no particular reason, it doesn’t need to cost much at all.

As for me? This year, during this month of celebrating love, I’m focusing on how much I love what I do. I felt called to become an acupuncturist after surviving a horrible accident where acupuncture was pivotal to my recovery. I wanted to share with others that which helped me. Every day I am grateful for being where I am now and being able to use my skill and knowledge to help others. This year I feel very honored to be celebrating my tenth year in practice. I am as much, if not more, in love with acupuncture now as I was when I was first introduced to it.

How are emotions like love, and the heart itself related to acupuncture? In Chinese medicine, the heart is of such importance that it is likened to the emperor in a society. The heart is integral to all mental, spiritual and emotional activities as well as providing circulation of blood and its healing energy to every part of the body. If the heart system is not balanced, a person can suffer from such things as palpitations, poor circulation, feeling scattered, anxiety, insomnia, or feeling disconnected. Acupuncture addresses this by balancing the heart, calming it, improving its function, and enabling the person to feel more grounded and secure.

At Sage Health, I feel incredibly privileged to work with such a talented group of providers who love what they do and have so much to offer. Any of our services would be a great way to treat yourself, or someone else, and celebrate this month of love!

Wishing you a love-filled February,

Dr. Aimee C. Holdwick, DAOM, L.Ac.