Staying Healthy and Balanced in the Fall Season

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) offers a holistic approach to health that takes into account the changing seasons and their effects on the body. Here are some TCM tips for the fall season to help you stay in balance and maintain well-being:

1. Balancing Yin and Yang:

   • In TCM, the fall season is associated with the metal element, which corresponds to the lungs and large intestine. It's a time when yang energy (heat) starts to decline, and yin energy (coolness) begins to increase. It's important to maintain a balance between these opposing forces. To do this:

   • Dress appropriately for the changing weather, layering clothing to adapt to temperature variations.

   • Incorporate warm, nourishing foods into your diet to support the yang energy. This might include soups, stews, and roasted vegetables.

   • Stay hydrated, but avoid excessive consumption of cold beverages, which can disrupt the balance of hot and cold in the body.

2. Boosting the Immune System:

   • As the weather cools down, people are more susceptible to colds and flu. TCM recommends strengthening the immune system:

   • Eat foods rich in immune-boosting nutrients like vitamin C and zinc, such as citrus fruits, ginger, garlic, and mushrooms.

   • Engage in regular physical activity to improve circulation and enhance the body's defenses against illness.

   • Consider incorporating adaptogenic herbs like astragalus and reishi mushrooms into your diet to support immune health.

3. Lung Health:

   • The lungs are particularly vulnerable during the fall season, as they are associated with the metal element. To care for your lung health:

   • Practice deep breathing exercises or engage in mindfulness meditation to strengthen lung function and relieve stress.

   • Avoid exposure to pollutants and tobacco smoke to protect the lungs from harm.

4. Balanced Diet:

   • TCM emphasizes eating seasonally and maintaining a balanced diet. Incorporate foods that are in season during the fall, such as apples, pears, squash, and root vegetables.

   • Choose warm and nourishing foods like ginger, garlic, onions, and whole grains to support your body's energy needs during the cooler months.

   • Limit or avoid cold and raw foods, which can disrupt the digestive system's balance in the cooler season.

5. Stay Hydrated:

   • Even though it's getting cooler, staying properly hydrated is important. Drink warm water, herbal teas, and broths to maintain hydration while avoiding excessive cold or iced drinks.

6. Fall Fruits and Vegetables:

   • Incorporate seasonal produce into your diet, such as pumpkins, sweet potatoes, carrots, and persimmons, as they are believed to be beneficial for the body during the fall season.

7. Regular Sleep and Rest:

   • Adequate rest and sleep are essential for maintaining balance. Make sure to get enough sleep to support your body's energy and immune function.

How to Support a Healthy Uterine Lining for pregnancy and IVF

Tips to support a Healthy Uterine Lining

1. Diet and Nutrition:

   • Consume a well-balanced diet rich in nutrients like folate, iron, vitamin C, and vitamin E. These nutrients are essential for uterine health.

   • Include plenty of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats in your diet.

   • Foods rich in antioxidants, such as berries, spinach, and broccoli, may support overall reproductive health.

2. Hydration:

   • Stay well-hydrated by drinking an adequate amount of water each day. Proper hydration can help maintain a healthy uterine lining.

3. Omega-3 Fatty Acids:

   • Include sources of omega-3 fatty acids in your diet, such as fatty fish (e.g., salmon, mackerel), flaxseeds, and walnuts. Omega-3s have anti-inflammatory properties that may support uterine health.

4. Herbal Teas:

   • Some herbal teas, like red raspberry leaf tea and nettle tea, are believed by some to support uterine health. Consult with a healthcare provider before using herbal remedies, especially if you're pregnant or trying to conceive.

5. Iron-Rich Foods:

   • Iron is essential for maintaining healthy blood flow to the uterus. Include foods like lean red meat, beans, lentils, and fortified cereals in your diet to ensure an adequate iron intake.

6. Avoid Excessive Caffeine and Alcohol:

   • High caffeine and alcohol consumption may negatively affect uterine health. Limit your intake of these substances.

7. Manage Stress:

   • Chronic stress can impact hormonal balance, potentially affecting the uterine lining. Incorporate stress-reduction techniques into your routine, such as meditation, yoga, or deep breathing exercises.

8. Exercise:

   • Engage in regular, moderate exercise to promote overall health, including reproductive health. However, excessive or intense exercise can sometimes have the opposite effect, so balance is key.

9. Adequate Sleep:

   • Ensure you get enough quality sleep each night, as sleep plays a vital role in hormonal regulation and overall well-being.

Summer tips and tricks according to Chinese Medicine

Chinese Medicine Tips & Tricks For a Great Summer Season

With summer on the horizon, it is important to take steps to live our best in accordance with nature. Here are some great tips to help you feel your best this summer.

1. Stay Hydrated: In TCM, summer is associated with the Fire element and represents maximum Yang energy. The heat and perspiration during this season can deplete fluids in the body. Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water, herbal teas, and consuming water-rich foods like fruits and vegetables. Avoid or limit excessive intake of caffeine and alcohol, as they can further dehydrate the body.

2. Eat Cooling Foods: Include cooling foods in your diet to help balance the body's internal temperature and counteract the external heat. Enjoy refreshing foods such as watermelon, cucumber, mint, cilantro, coconut water, and leafy greens. These foods can help cool the body, support digestion, and provide essential nutrients.

3. Protect Yourself from Excessive Heat: Protect yourself from excessive heat and sun exposure by wearing lightweight, breathable clothing, wide-brimmed hats, and using sunscreen. Limit your time outdoors during the hottest parts of the day and seek shade when needed. Be mindful of your body's reactions to the heat and take breaks to cool down if necessary.

4. Avoid Overexertion: While it's essential to stay active and exercise regularly, be mindful of overexertion during the summer months. Engage in gentle exercises such as swimming, walking, or practicing yoga to promote circulation and maintain overall well-being. Avoid intense workouts during the peak heat hours to prevent excessive strain on the body.

5. Balance Your Emotions: In TCM, the heart is associated with summer and emotions such as joy and happiness. Cultivate positive emotions, engage in activities that bring you joy, and spend time with loved ones. However, be mindful of excessive excitement or overstimulation, as they can strain the heart's energy. Practice relaxation techniques, meditation, or breathing exercises to maintain emotional balance.

6. Embrace Light, Fresh Foods: Summer is a time for light, fresh, and easily digestible meals. Incorporate seasonal fruits, vegetables, and herbs into your diet. Opt for cooking methods such as steaming, stir-frying, or light grilling. Include foods with a slightly bitter taste like bitter melon or arugula to help clear heat and support digestion.

Acupuncture & Allergies

Acupuncture has been used for centuries as a natural, holistic approach to managing various health conditions, including allergies. Allergies are caused by an overactive immune response to normally harmless substances, such as pollen, dust, or animal dander. The symptoms of allergies, such as sneezing, itching, and runny nose, can be debilitating and affect one’s quality of life.

Acupuncture works by regulating the body’s immune response and reducing inflammation. By inserting fine needles into specific points along the body's energy channels, acupuncture can stimulate the release of endorphins and other natural pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory chemicals. This helps to calm the immune system and reduce the severity of allergy symptoms.

In addition to its immunomodulatory effects, acupuncture can also help alleviate the symptoms of allergies by improving respiratory function and reducing sinus pressure. By stimulating points along the lungs and sinuses, acupuncture can promote the flow of energy and blood, which can improve breathing and reduce sinus congestion.

Acupuncture can also help reduce stress, which can exacerbate allergy symptoms. Stress can weaken the immune system, making it more susceptible to allergens. By promoting relaxation and reducing stress levels, acupuncture can help improve the body’s resilience to allergens and reduce the severity of allergy symptoms.

In conclusion, acupuncture offers a safe, natural, and effective alternative to traditional allergy treatments. It can help regulate the immune system, reduce inflammation, improve respiratory function, reduce sinus pressure, and reduce stress. If you suffer from allergies and are looking for a holistic approach to managing your symptoms, consider trying acupuncture.

Acupuncture and Fertility

Acupuncture has been shown to have several potential benefits for fertility, including:

1. Regulating menstrual cycles and improving hormonal imbalances.

2. Increasing blood flow to the reproductive organs, which can enhance the chances of ovulation and improve the health of the endometrial lining.

3. Reducing stress and anxiety, which can have a negative impact on fertility.

4. Improving sperm count and motility in men, which can improve the chances of successful conception.

5. Improving the chances of success with assisted reproductive technologies, such as in vitro fertilization (IVF).

It's important to note that acupuncture is not a guaranteed cure for infertility, but it can be a complementary treatment to traditional medical approaches.

Let’s look into these key areas further.

Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese healing technique that has been used for thousands of years to treat a variety of health conditions, including infertility. Acupuncture is based on the principle that there are channels of energy, or “meridians,” running through the body, and when these meridians are blocked or imbalanced, it can cause physical, emotional, and mental health problems. By stimulating specific points along these meridians, acupuncture aims to restore the flow of energy and promote healing.

One of the main benefits of acupuncture for fertility is that it can help regulate menstrual cycles and improve hormonal imbalances. Hormonal imbalances can cause a range of fertility problems, including irregular periods, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and endometriosis. Acupuncture can help regulate the menstrual cycle by improving the function of the hypothalamus and pituitary gland, which play a key role in controlling the production of hormones.

Acupuncture can also help increase blood flow to the reproductive organs, which is essential for maintaining a healthy endometrial lining. A healthy endometrial lining is crucial for successful implantation of a fertilized egg. Additionally, acupuncture can help reduce stress and anxiety, which can have a negative impact on fertility. Stress can interfere with ovulation and reduce the chances of successful conception.

In men, acupuncture can help improve sperm count and motility, which are key factors in fertility. Infertility in men is often caused by low sperm count, poor sperm quality, and decreased sperm motility. Acupuncture can improve the overall health of the reproductive system and increase blood flow to the testes, which can enhance sperm production and improve sperm quality.

Finally, acupuncture can be used in combination with assisted reproductive technologies, such as in vitro fertilization (IVF), to improve the chances of success. Studies have shown that women who undergo acupuncture in conjunction with IVF are more likely to conceive and carry a healthy pregnancy to term. Acupuncture can help reduce stress and improve the chances of a successful implantation by promoting a healthy endometrial lining and improving blood flow to the uterus.

In conclusion, acupuncture offers several potential benefits for fertility and can be a complementary treatment to traditional medical approaches. It can help regulate menstrual cycles, improve hormonal imbalances, increase blood flow to the reproductive organs, reduce stress and anxiety, and improve sperm count and motility in men. If you're struggling with infertility, consider incorporating acupuncture into your treatment plan.

Summer 2021 Tips for Self Care

Summer is well underway and it is a hot one!

Chinese medicine teaches us to live according with the seasons. What can we do now to optimize our health for this summer?

ADJUST YOUR SLEEP SCHEDULE. 

Adjusting your sleep schedule with seasonal changes can help ensure you have the most energy throughout your day. You can do this in the summer by taking advantage of the later days and staying up later than usual, and rising earlier than usual. A nap or meditation in the afternoon can help you sync to this schedule adjustment.

EAT SEASONALLY. 

Aim for a light, cooling, nutritious and seasonal diet that is bright colored and hydrating. Some great foods for the summer include: Lettuce, watermelon, cantaloupe, apricots, apples, bananas, zucchini, snow peas, mint, citrus, tomatoes, peaches, bok choy, corn, and strawberries. These are foods of the season- they are plentiful! Incorporating these into your diet will help offset any extra summer heat your body may accumulate.

HYDRATE.

Offsetting the heat with water is absolutely essential for staying healthy in the summer.  Keep your electrolyte balance in line by adding a pinch of sea salt or trace minerals to your water. Watermelon juice is also a delicious way to hydrate and detox the system.

STAY BALANCED.

Summer corresponds with the Heart and Small Intestine organ systems. Symptoms like poor memory, anxiety, agitation, insomnia, UTIs, heartburn, or depression might indicate imbalance of these organ systems this time of year. Acupuncture can help the body regulate and help your body get back in sync naturally.

Why do I wake up at the same time every night?

The question gets asked frequently.

The Chinese clock can help guide us in the right direction as to why you might be waking up at the same time.

Every 2 hours, our energy runs through a different meridian. When there is an imbalance of energy in a certain meridian, there could be issues sleeping during the related time. Let’s take a look at the different Chinese clock times.

9 PM TO 11 PM – TRIPLE BURNER

Do you feel stuck in flight or fight mode? Are you stressed out, and your mind is racing too much to fall asleep? The Triple Burner is responsible for intake, transformation, and elimination. When this meridian is disrupted, you may feel on edge; like your emotional and physical well being is threatened. It’s possible that you fall asleep but wake up quickly after, feeling disoriented and confused.

11 PM TO 1 AM – GALL BLADDER TIME

Have you been feeling frustrated, or judgmental of yourself and others? In Chinese medicine, the gallbladder channel begins right outside of the eye. Diet can play a role in gall bladder disruption, so it is important to assess what foods you are eating and what types of oils you are using in your food.

1 AM TO 3 AM – LIVER TIME

This is the most common time frame that patients complain of waking up. “The Witching Hour”. This time frame corresponds with the Liver, which has a massive impact on our entire system. Liver disruptions can result in hormonal imbalances, digestive issues, anxiety, anger, and frustration.

3 AM TO 5 AM – LUNG TIME

A 3 to 5 am wake up time is often associated with deep grief and sadness that has not been processed. Many people like to wake up around 5 am, and if that is your intention, it is a great time for meditation and a focus on deep breathing.

5 AM TO 7 AM – LARGE INTESTINE

The large intestine is responsible for “letting go”. Do you hold on to things? Try to control everything? Holding on and control build more and more toxicity and waste accumulation in our bodies that can lead to constipation and other digestive issues. Many people also naturally wake up on the later side of this during this time period.

This is a great tool to help identify what is going on internally. By narrowing down these patterns, we can focus acupuncture treatments to help treat the root of what could be causing your disturbed sleep.

Coughs & Colds

Coughs and Colds in Chinese Medicine

Colds, coughs, and the flu are usually caused by viruses that enter our body which then cause our immune system to react. This reaction sets off a series of inflammatory responses resulting in a runny nose, coughing, body aches, a sore throat, and more.  

Ancient Chinese doctors looked at environmental factors to be the cause of illness. The environmental factors of Chinese medicine are referred to as heat, cold, dampness, and wind. Chinese medicine theory believes that if these external factors penetrate into the body, illness will occur.  Have you ever gotten a runny nose from being outside and exposed to cold wind? You can think of that as an invasion of cold and wind entering your body, causing an inflammatory response.  

Traditionally, patients who presented with cold like symptoms were treated with massage, cupping, and other techniques to help stimulate the immune system and “drive out” the external pathogen.

It is still believed by Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioners that treatment as soon as any cold or flu like symptoms occur can help stop the pathogen from lodging further into your system.

Acupressure for Cough and Cold Symptom Relief

In combination with acupuncture, rest, hydration, and healthy eating you can do some self-acupressure massaging at home to help with stubborn symptoms:

The points indicated above can help move any blockages in the nose and sinus cavities. Simply press and rub the points to help mitigate your symptoms.  The points are often tender with pressure.

Below, is another great acupressure point for helping with a stubborn cough is the acupuncture point KD 27. Massage gently to stimulate.

What are trigger points?

Trapezius Trigger Points

Have you ever felt a particularly tight band in one of your muscles? Maybe when you press on it, you can actually feel a knot that feels tender.

Sometimes that knot will refer pain to other areas in the body. For example, a knot in your upper back might refer pain into your head, causing a headache. A knot in the muscle over the shoulder blade cause cause pain in the front of your shoulder. A knot in your lower back can cause pain in your groin and hip area.

In the pictures above, you will see an "x" or a dot where the trigger point is located. The areas of concentrated and scattered red represent the referred pain. 

These "knots" are known as trigger points, which are tight bands of muscle that produce pain locally at the spot, and "distally" (away) from the area. Hence, sometimes that nagging headache in the back of your head is pain referred from a tight muscle in your back. 

What can you do about trigger points?

Left untreated, trigger points can cause chronic pain and tightness. One of the most effective methods for releasing trigger points is the trigger point release acupuncture technique (what some refer to as dry-needling). 

Essentially, you are feeling your muscle contract and release out of a spasm, which helps the muscle stay in a relaxed state. After a few sessions of trigger point release, adhesions, tension and muscle knots are typically much less and the muscle is more relaxed. 

Minimal soreness after treatment is normal, and within 24 hours you should feel a significant decrease in tension and referred pain from the affected muscle. 

Trigger point needling should only be performed by a trained and licensed acupuncturist.

This technique is not appropriate for every patient, however, can be extremely effective if used properly. If you are unsure whether trigger point needling is right for you, we'd be happy to talk about it further!

Stress & Infertility

It is estimated that nearly 20% of couples in the US suffer from infertility issues. Over the last 50 years there has been a steady increase in infertility rates. Longterm birth control usages, increased maternal age, and an increase of environmental toxins have been blamed to cause many cases of infertility.

Research indicates that nearly 10% of infertility couples are left never knowing why they cannot conceive. The medical world explains this to patients as “unexplained infertility”. Options for assisting in reproduction are offered. However, when you don’t know what you’re fixing, what can you expect the outcome to be?

Chinese medicine trains practitioners to look for patterns of dysfunction rather than specific symptoms. Symptoms are always looked at in relation to the whole person, and never as individual pieces that cause disease. We are evaluating your entire being… what makes you tick. What is the root of your body’s health? What is causing you to manifest in the symptoms you present, for example, infertility? This is just one part of the puzzle.

In a world where our purses and pockets are constantly beeping and chiming, we are always expected to be turned on. We’re expected to answer at the blink of an eye, with no excuse to be unreachable. All of the technological advancements in the world have not given us more free time; they have made our free time one of multi-tasking sensory overload., with the goal of: try to do as much as you can in a short amount of time! This results in a true inability to shut off. When we can’t shut off from the outside world, how can we give our bodies the rest, space, and nourishment to shut down and prepare for having a child? These demands of being constantly connected in the world inevitably increase our stress levels. The stress to be on call and reachable, to stay in the know, to be up-to-date on the latest trends. The stress to fit into the mold of societal pressures.

If you are suffering from unexplained infertility, I encourage you to take a step back and think about your day. Are you giving yourself moments to unwind and disconnect from these stresses? Are you taking time to properly nourish yourself with the right nutrition throughout the day? Are you practicing self-love and self-care by exercising, and making time for your health?

With acupuncture, we can work together to identify your root, and work to harmonize any imbalances that your body is experiencing. We will implement a feasible treatment plan to help you disconnect from the stressors of life to support your treatments outside of the office.

We can help you to stress LESS.