So how do you know if you are affected by dampness? One of the best ways to measure this is by looking at your digestion. Are you often gassy, have loose stools, are bloated, and just have an overall feeling of distention and puffiness? Chances are you may have some damp accumulation. Quite honestly, most of us do. And we have our sedentary lifestyles and poor diets to thank for that. Another sign of damp accumulation will show up in our respiratory system. Ever notice after eating ice cream, drinking a cold smoothie, or after eating greasy foods, you may cough up a bit of phlegm, or your sinuses get congested even though you may not have any known allergies? Maybe you’re experiencing loose or sticky stools? Maybe your eczema is acting up? This has everything to do with dampness manifesting in different ways. Putting effort and time into strengthening and supporting your earth element is like making daily deposits of chi into your health account. The more you invest in putting foods that nurture, support, and tonify, the more you increase your levels of comfort, energy, and overall health. Outside of East Asian medicine, Laurenceau is an avid student of nutrition, lifestyle, and breath work, and is a self-taught herbalist who advanced her understanding of herbology with Peekle Trenkle at the New York Open Center. Always the student, Laurenceau will be working towards continued certification in the study and practical application of Chinese herbs to offer her patients. During her studies at Pacific College of Oriental Medicine, Laurenceau founded TeaFèy Infusions, a local Brooklyn-based herbal tisane and tea brand focusing on “Tea For The Urban Lifestyle." She created this bespoke tea brand based on her Haitian roots and a strong desire to personalize every cup of tea according to each individual. She incorporates East Asian medicine, Haitian (remèd) remedies, and her experience with western herbs and tea leaves to create custom blends for patients.
