Archive for the ‘Chinese Medicine’ Category
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About Autumn
Autumn represents the metal element and is associated with the Lungs and Large Intestine. It is a time of harvest and gathering together. We prepare and eat foods that keep us warm, start collecting or bringing out warmer clothing, and plan indoor projects or quiet time. This gathering also occurs in nature. Plants and animals are contracting and moving energy and nutrients inward and downward into root systems and places of hibernation.Fall is also considered a time of dryness. Any type of dry condition a person might have is usually associated with the lungs. Dry symptoms might include dry skin anywhere on the body, dry throat, thirst and itchy skin. Using a little salt (I recommend Himalayan or French Celtic Sea Salt) with cooking helps to moisten dryness as well as eating the following moistening foods:
- Ghee (clarified butter)
- Healthy oils – olive oil, sesame oil, sunflower oil, safflower oil
- Squashes (in season)
- Yams, sweet potatoes
- Spinach
- Apple, pear, persimmon, loquat
- Seaweed
- Barley and millet
- Mushrooms (black and white)
- Almond, pine nuts, peanuts, sesame seed
- Honey, barley malt, rice syrup
- Milk and dairy products (in moderation)
- Eggs
- Clam, crab, oyster, mussel, herring
- Pork
Foods that are spicy or warming, aromatic and bitter should be used with caution if you are experiencing a dry condition, for they are drying to the body.
The Lungs: In Balance and Disease
The function of the lungs in TCM is to receive nourishing oxygen and combine that with the vital energy or qi of healthy food. This becomes protective qi or “wei qi”, as it’s termed in TCM, and is distributed through the body by the lungs. The spreading of protective qi by the lungs creates a barrier against bacteria and viruses. It also helps to moisten the mucus membranes to keep them healthy and strong.
Keeping Lungs Balanced
Emotionally, the lungs are related with grief. Any unresolved grief may cause the lungs to contract or “hold on”, which prevents the spreading of protective qi throughout the body and causes the lungs to be congested with mucus or fluid. Therefore, processing this emotion in whatever way is most effective, will prevent any imbalance and help to strengthen the lungs.
Preventatively, the lungs can be kept strong through regular exercise, getting regular acupuncture treatments to keep the body balanced, and by eating a healthy and protective diet that is appropriate for the fall season.
Warming pungent foods such as hot peppers and chilies, onions, garlic, turnip, ginger, and horseradish dark green and orange/yellow vegetables – winter squashes, broccoli, carrots, parsley, kale mustard greens, watercress, wheat or barley grass, and various algae are also wonderful this time of year. Green foods are so important in our daily nutrition because the chlorophyll in them inhibits viruses, help us to digest protein and fat, and ultimately keeps the lungs and intestines clean. As you can see, all of this bolsters our immune system, which gives us better protection throughout the cold and flu season.
Remember, having one or two colds a year is not considered unhealthy! Our bodies need to clean themselves from toxins, and this is one way to achieve that. If you happen to contract a cold, herbs and acupuncture are an excellent way to shorten the illness. A treatment with a prescription of herbs and or supplements can help your immune system fight off the cold without the side effects of antibiotics or other medications (which ultimately compromise immunity). Acupuncture also helps to reduce the severity of symptoms so you remain comfortable, and prevents the illness from progressing into something more serious and chronic.
More Tips for Fall
Some little things to remember for the season – always keep a sweatshirt or scarf handy. You never want to get a chill from being underdressed. We say the “wind” can enter in through the back of the neck and can cause a cold. Wear a scarf or hooded sweatshirt to keep the back of the neck protected. If you do catch a chill, disperse it immediately by taking a hot shower or bath or drink some ginger tea (an example of pungent) or a warming drink.
Chinese formulas such as Gan Mao Ling and Yin Qiao can be used for early stage cold/flu. Yin Qiao is more appropriate for strong sore throat and heat signs (feeling warm, sore throat, thirst). Gan Mao Ling is more neutral; where strong heat or cold signs are not obvious.
Keep your immune system strong through proper diet, exercise, emotional well-being, rest, preventative herbs/supplements and acupuncture!
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Ayurvedic Body Types
In Ayurvedic medicine the three doshas, Vata, Pitta and Kapha are energies which rule all functioning in the body. Each individual can be placed into one or a combination of these doshas. This is very interesting because the characteristics of each dosha can explain many aspects of a person’s mental and physical being.Over the next three weeks I will be writing about each dosha and the characteristics and tendencies unique to each. Try and determine which dosha fits you best!
This week I’ll begin with Vata, considered the king of all doshas. In nature, Vata can be compared to the Wind. Vata is movement, air and the force underlying everything in nature. Vata is said to be made up of Air and Ether/Space. Certain qualities help to define the Vata dosha – for example, dry, light, cold, rough and mobile. These aspects can be seen as physical or personality traits, as well as imbalances in an individual who is considered a Vata person.
Let’s get an idea of what a Vata person would be like. Vatas are usually thin, perhaps petite or tall with less muscle mass and more prominent bones – the light quality. They may experience frequent light-headedness or dizziness, a feeling of being ungrounded and restless – also the light quality. Often, their skin and lips are dry with more wrinkles and their hair is thin – dry and/or rough qualities. Their joints often crack and digestive disharmonies such as constipation, bloating and gas are common – also the dry quality. Body temperature tends to be cold with poor circulation, thus cold hands and feet – the cold quality. Vata’s muscles are tight, perhaps in spasm or constricted with pain - cold.
The mental or personality attributes of a Vata individual would resemble the following: very active, without regularity and constantly changing – this is the mobile quality. They love to be constantly on the go and travel. Because of this restlessness, sleep is often difficult and insomnia is chronic. Vata people talk a lot and are quite dramatic. They are very imaginative, creative and artistic – also mobile. Vatas often excel in many areas of the arts.
Mentally, Vatas are anxious, nervous and are usually worried about something. Their minds are often focused on the future rather than appreciating the present moment. Thus, the qualities that best represent the mental aspects of a Vata person are light and mobile.
What are some ways to balance the Vata person?
Diet – focus on food that nourishes, calms, strengthens and grounds. Temperature of food should be warm and prepared mostly by steaming or cooking (less raw and cold). Moist and heavy foods are great for Vata. Sweet, salty and sour flavors benefit while bitter, pungent, and astringent are best avoided. While eating, concentrate on eating. Do not multitask, read or watch television while eating. Be sure that you are calm and not anxious, nervous or worried before eating.
Where specific foods are great for Vata types and some should be avoided, it’s best to contact a practitioner, like myself, to get a specific list designed for you. Most commonly, people fall into two dosha categories – “Vata-Pitta” for example.
Lifestyle – consistent/regular, calming and grounding practices are extremely beneficial for Vata individuals. Regular yoga practice with mostly floor poses are the best for Vatas. Daily meditation and breathing practices are excellent to calm the Vata mind and help keep it focused. Less “on the go”, travel-type activities and more daily routine with predictable schedules will help a Vata person who is very anxious, worried and has difficulty sleeping.
Body Treatments - self massage with sesame oil, which is warm and heavy will help ground the body and moisten the tissue. This helps with muscle strength, flexibility, cracking joints and keeps the muscles free of pain. This treatment also calms the mind and helps with sleep and anxiety.
Acupuncture treatments help to move and warm the Qi, prevent stagnation, calm the heart and mind and nourish the Yin (vital fluid) of the body – all which benefit a person who’s Vata is in excess.
Treatment packages – currently I am offering Dosha Balancing/Acupuncture packages customized to each dosha – Vata, Pitta and Kapha. Included in the package:
- 4 Acupuncture treatments (with additional modalities if necessary)
- Dietary education specific for current condition
- Techniques used for stress reduction
- Supplement/Herbal recommendations
- At home self-treatments for specific condition
This is a special that I am offering for $250, and would regularly cost $310! Make an appointment today and understand your personal dosha. Check my blog next week for information all about the Pitta dosha.
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Acupuncture and Pain Reduction
Three articles demonstrating acupuncture’s effects on reducing pain caught my attention this week.Image Credit: http://www.AcupunctureProducts.com
A recent study published May 30, 2010 through the University of Rochester Medical Center in Rochester, New York found that acupuncture stimulates the release of the naturally occurring chemical Adenosine, which ultimately dulls the sensation of pain.
The second article discusses the use of auricular (ear) acupuncture by the US Military to reduce pain right on the battlefield.
The final article demonstrates the use of auricular acupuncture for use in treating low back and posterior pelvic pain in pregnancy.
In my own practice, more than any other disorder I treat, pain always sees the most quantifiable results. It’s easy to measure and patients often see quick results. Chronic pain may take more time to treat with slower results. That being said, acupuncture is one of the most effective treatments for pain, with almost no side effects!
In reference to the article on “Battlefield Acupuncture”, auricular (ear) acupuncture is an easy and effective system to treat any area of the body. The ear is mapped with points representing every aspect of the human body. For example, if treatment for lumbar pain is desired there is a point on the ear that is specific for “lumbar”. The internal organs such as, spleen, liver, stomach, kidneys and intestines have their points on the ear as well.
Specifically, in the case of pain, the five points used in “Battlefield Acupuncture” are significant to reduce pain because they are most likely dealing with pain processing at the central nervous system level. These points are also used to treat and resolve migraine headaches! Examples of how these specific ear points work are seen in the functions of the Cingulate Gyrus and Thalamus points.
Cingulate Gyrus – a part of the brain situated in the medial aspect of the cortex, and its functions include:
- Coordinates sensory input with emotions
- Emotional responses to pain
- Regulates aggressive behavior
Thalamus – is located between the cerebral cortex and midbrain. Major functions include:
- Motor control
- Receives auditory, somato-sensory and visual sensory signals
- Relays sensory signals to the Cerebral Cortex
- Reduces over excitement, shock and sweating
I’ve used auricular acupuncture for years with excellent results! It’s any easy and fast method to get significant pain relief with lasting results because the pins can remain in the ear up to 3 days.
If you or anyone you know is experiencing significant pain, come in for a consultation to determine if auricular acupuncture or regular acupuncture could help reduce pain!
– Carmen
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Late Spring Rains, Allergies and Traditional Chinese Medicine
Have seasonal spring allergies been irritating you? Give Traditional Chinese Medicine a try! Acupuncture, herbs, supplements and dietary changes can help calm the sneezing, dry up the phlegm and soothe those red and burning eyes. How does it work? See below for a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) explanation and tips for relieving those allergy symptoms…
TCM describes Spring as having the natural movement of upward and out. This can be observed in nature as trees and plants are pushing up new growth from the ground or out from tree buds. The spring is directly associated with the element of Wind. The spring winds have the responsibility of carrying nature’s pollens and seeds and spreading them up, out and all around. This beautiful action in nature called pollination takes place, and results in a fertilized plant. For those with allergies, however, it may not be so wonderful.
Allergies are considered a “Wind” condition in TCM. This makes sense as most hay fever or allergic rhinitis conditions occur in the spring. There are several reasons described in TCM as to why some individuals are more sensitive than others. Most commonly, the protective shield of the body is weakened to some degree over time or from birth. This is analogous to the immune system. Also, repeated invasions of Wind that are not treated properly, in combination with a weak immune system, may lead to chronic “Wind” in the nose. Chronic wind in the nose would have symptoms such as chronic nasal congestion and watery phlegm and sneezing fits.
There are many ways to relieve the irritating symptoms of allergic rhinitis. I’ve worked with many patients with allergies and have helped them get off allergy drugs and strengthened their immune systems to have much fewer to almost no allergy symptoms.
Here are a few tips:
- Local bee pollen – take about 1 tsp. in the morning mixed with room temperature water. Researchers believe that bee pollen may contain protein ingredients, which seem to have the ability to act as histamine blockers. When the histamine chain that causes such symptoms to arise is broken, the symptoms disappear almost instantaneously.
- Local honey – take a few tsp. a day – see above
- Anticipate weather changes and keep a scarf or hooded sweatshirt handy to keep the neck warm and protected from the wind – in TCM we say the wind enters easily through the channels in the neck
- Use a Netty pot daily to wash the sinuses
- Get an herbal prescription especially for your unique condition and constitution
- Do a liver cleanse to clean out toxins and enhance immunity
- Eat healthy foods in their whole form – veggies, fruit, whole grains, organic meats
- Reduce dairy if you have chronic phlegm issues
- Avoid processed and fast foods, foods high in refined white sugar and flower, and allergenic foods such as wheat, corn, soy, diary and eggs
- Get an Acupuncture treatment to strengthen the immune system and relieve the symptoms associated with allergies – all my patients with allergies get relief from just one treatment, plus they get the added benefit of learning about ways to enhance their immune systems through diet and lifestyle changes. See my website to make an appointment.
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Spring Cleaning
Spring is the optimal time to purify the Liver. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, each organ system has a season, and the Liver belongs to Spring. The Liver’s energy is therefore at its peak in the Spring. Use the upward and outward energy of the Liver to clean out your inner environment as well as your outer environment (ie,” Spring cleaning”)!
Patients have shown the most interest and dedication to Liver cleansing this year, than any other in my seven years of practice. I’ve lead fifteen people through the Standard Process Purification Program this month, and I’m still getting inquires.
I now have patients who call me each Spring to order a kit, and have me guide them through it. I’ve done the cleanse for the last three Springs.
What are the benefits?
- Improved weight management results
- Increased energy/vitality
- Clearer thinking
- Better digestion
- Clearer Skin
- Less bloating
- Disappearance or lessening of past conditions (PMS, digestive problems, etc.)
- Better sleep
How does it work?
The Standard Process Purification Program stimulates specific detoxification organs in the body-the liver, kidneys, and intestines. With help from these organs, your toxic load will decrease and your body will concentrate its energy on purification and weight reduction. This will help you achieve optimal health by cleansing the body from the inside out.
Does Acupuncture improve the purification process?
YES! Acupuncture stimulates the organ systems involved in purification and calms the nervous system. It can also help with any cravings you may be experiencing while on the program. You will experience deep relaxation and rejuvenation while cleansing!
I offer a special discount on treatments for those doing the purification program! Contact me for more information!
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