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Here at Eastern Sun Acupuncture, we love kombucha! It is the perfect pick-me-up for those dreary Boston days in the acupuncture office with its effervescent and tart, tangy taste. I am big fan of the GT Dave brand that can be found at natural foods stores in the area and go sort of crazy whenever it is on sale…..which it is now, hence the idea for a blog post. When I can, I try to make my own concoction from a SCOBY (Symbiotic Culture Of Bacteria & Yeast) that I got from a friend when I was in acupuncture school at the New England School of Acupuncture in Newton. But occasionally, I just have to give in to the cravings and splurge a little on the pre-made version. All this got me thinking a little more about the history and purported health benefits of this interesting beverage. I did a little sleuthing and this is what I came up. If you’d rather just get to the down and dirty on how to make your own at home, a recipe will come a little further down the page.
Kombucha is a fizzy beverage that is made by fermenting tea using a mixed culture of bacteria and yeast. Typically unflavored green or black tea is used as herbal teas may contain oils or volatile compounds that can harm the culture. Sugar is added to the tea which the yeast in the culture uses to produce alcohol, hence the warning of a VERY low alcohol content on bottles of store bought kombucha. Rumors were that the disappearance of kombucha from the shelves of a local health food store were due to this very fact. The bacteria, most likely the species G. xylinum, then take this alcohol and convert it to acetic acid. That is what gives kombucha its distinct tangy nature.
The popular story of kombucha’s “discovery” is that an outstanding number of centenarians was discovered among the inhabitants of a particular Russian village and when their stories were compared, they all made a regular habit of drinking this fermented “mushroom” tea. Who know whether that is true or not but it fun to think that a daily dose of kombucha could have some profound health benefits. Modern research hasn’t really uncovered anything specific but it is thought that the cultures of bacteria can be helpful in a pro-biotic kind of way and produce a compound called glutaric acid that may make the liver more efficient, effectively aiding in detox. There may even be cancer fighting properties to this compound as well but that is strictly anecdotal at this point.
The kombucha SCOBY or “mother” looks a little like a thick, tough piece of leather floating on top of the tea but where the liquid and solid meet is where all the action takes place. Usually you can find remnants of it as a thin layer of film at the bottom of the bottle of a store bought kombucha. SCOBY are pretty hardy critters too and can usually withstand mold contamination and fairly rigorous handling. However for safety’s sake, it is always best to use very clean glassware, clean hands, and even distilled spring water when making a batch. The larger SCOBY will produce smaller “daughter” cultures with each brewing and people giving out these smaller cultures is where most kombucha batches get their start. You can usually find one pretty easily by going online in your area.
The production of homemade kombucha isn’t too tough. In fact, the hardest thing is getting a hold of a SCOBY and enough bottles to hold your batch. I actually like to use the empty glass bottles that the store bought kombucha comes in or Ball mason jars. Here’s the recipe I use which can be modified based on the amount that you want to make. Usually I do about 1 gallon worth.
Boil 4 cups of water (purified spring or distilled). Once boiling, turn off, remove from heat, and add 6 tbsp of black or green tea. Add 1 2/3 cups of sugar (white or raw) and stir to dissolve. Let steep for about 20 minutes. Squeeze tea bags and remove. Fill up a gallon jar with 12 cups of distilled water at room temperature and add tea to the jar. Let cool to room temperature. Add SCOBY preserved in 1-2 cup of previous kombucha (store bought is okay here) to the big jar. Cover with cheesecloth or a paper towel, rubber band it tightly, and wrap in a dark towel. Place in a cool, dark place and wait about 7-10 days. You can usually start testing it at about day 7 to see if it has the acetic acid level you want. Look for bubbles congregating just below the SCOBY and watch for fuzzy mold like stuff which indicates contamination. Be sure to peel off any “daughter” colonies and save a little kombucha for the next batch. You can start it right away or put the culture in the fridge and wait.
If you prefer a little bite and some carbonation, pour it directly into smaller jars, cover, and place in the fridge. If you prefer more carbonation, put it into small jars, cover, and leave it out for 3-5 days before placing in the fridge. You can add other favoring components like fresh ginger or fruit juice when bottling. I also like to add juice when I pour the kombucha. One of my favorites is pomegranate and fresh lime juice.
Once you get going, it becomes a relatively easy process that just gets repeated every two weeks or so. In the meantime, you’ll have a delicious batch of kombucha to enjoy at a fraction of the cost of the store bought stuff. Good luck!
Category : Acupuncture &Blog &Nutritional Supplements &Uncategorized &Wellness
Welcome the first in a series of monthly blog posts by Eastern Sun Acupuncture in West Roxbury on the life of Chinese herbal medicines hiding in your kitchen. Since a vast majority of Chinese herbal medicines are plant based, chances are that you have come in contact with many that play important roles in herbal medicine. Sometimes they may be in a form we aren’t used to, like asparagus tubers, gardenia fruits and apricot seeds, but they are still related to the plant we know and love.
This month’s herb is Bo He, better known as Field Mint. Bo He is an herb that is cooling in temperature but also has a pungent and aromatic nature to it. It is said to travel to the Lung and Liver meridians. The Lungs are involved in the immune system and the body’s defense against external pathogens. The Liver is largely responsible for the smooth flow of Qi through the body.
Based on its actions on the Lungs, Field Mint is used in Chinese medicine to release the Exterior and disperse Wind-Heat. What is meant by this is that can be used to combat colds and flu that have a fever, sore throat, cough with yellow sputum, and headache component to them. Chinese medicine holds that the immune system resides superficially in the exterior layers of the skin so by opening these layers, an invading pathogen can be forced out easier. In addition, Field Mint is commonly used in Ayurvedic medicine to decrease the severity of colds. Peppermint oil has also been shown to have anti-microbial and anti-viral capabilities in research studies.
Bo He also has a role in promoting the free flow of Qi through the body and thus Soothes the Liver Qi. To Soothe in Chinese medicine means to “Promote the Free Flow” so Field Mint can help treat conditions of stuck or constrained Liver Qi like chest pressure, depression or irritability, and gynecological complaints like painful menstruation. Considering the pungent scent of mint and the active component, menthol, it is easy to see how it can relieve chest tightness or pressure. But what about menstrual complaints? In a 2012 study published in the Journal of American Science, a survey of rural adolescent girls in Egypt struggling with menstrual pain showed that peppermint was the second most commonly used herbal remedy behind fenugreek seed, which is also a Chinese herbal remedy called Hu Lu Ba. The menthol in mint is known to have an anti-spasmodic action on the muscles of the digestive tract that can cause menstrual cramping. In addition to cramping, Bo He has a positive effect on PMS symptoms, scanty periods, or heavy menstrual bleeding as well.
So next time you are drinking a nice cup of tea to help combat a cold or to relax and warm your belly when you are stuck at home with abdominal discomfort, pop a piece of mint or two into your mug and enjoy the after effects. Why do you think those twins in the gum commercials looked so happy after all?
Category : Acupuncture &Blog &Chinese Medicine &Common Cold &Herbal Medicine &Immune System &Prevention &Uncategorized &Wellness
Living in Boston gives people interested in acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine many options for treatment. At my practice, Eastern Sun Acupuncture, in West Roxbury, I see patients everyday that are suffering from common health complaints like headaches, joint pain, insomnia, and menstrual irregularities. Each of these patients is unique but I often hear them all voice a similar underlying issue; dealing with daily stress has become difficult and may be affecting their quality of life. Acupuncture patients feel great leaving the treatment and depending on their health and wellness path, experience positive effects that may last for several days to a week at a time. However, most rarely get a sustained period of time to heal and the effects of the acupuncture treatment wear off. So how can you deal with daily stress and anxiety more effectively, without seeing the acupuncturist every day? The answer is Acupressure!
Acupressure is a treatment technique that relies on the stimulation of acupuncture points by applying pressure with the fingertips, knuckles or another implement that does not puncture the skin. Many people are familiar with the practice of reflexology, which is acupressure applied to the bottom of the foot or hands, but you can treat any of the body points as well. I’ve seen videos where some practitioners use an old tree root to apply pressure to acupuncture points and meridians in the body. Another related form of treatment I have training in is a style of non-insertive needling called shakuju that utilizes a blunt needle to put a gentle pressure on an acupuncture point. Now that we know what acupressure is, how can you treat yourself and your friends or family?
Typically, a finger without a long nail or the knuckle of the index finger is utilized to provide pressure. On points located over the fingers and toes, where there may not be enough flesh, gentle pressure using a fingernail can be used. Using the finger, knuckle or nail, press firmly on the point while rotating in a tight circle. The guideline for providing pressure is to just apply enough pressure to get results without causing any undue discomfort.
More often than not, points that need to be treated may be tender or sensitive to the touch, so some feedback from the patient is always welcome. The acupressure massage should feel strong but not painful. The general sensation you are hoping to elicit in the patient is one of an achy soreness or tightness in the area. If the patient feels neither of these, increase your pressure slightly until they do.
Treatment time is determined by the patient’s comfort level or by a decrease in the severity or nature of the symptoms. This may be anywhere from thirty seconds to twenty minutes with periodic interruptions of the pressure at one minute intervals. Often there are a series of acupressure points indicated for use in alleviating particular symptoms so a one minute sequential cycle of massage works well. But which acupuncture points are best to use for stress relief?
Well, there are over 360 described traditional acupuncture points on the body and countless others recognized and utilized by acupuncturists in their own practices. It would obviously be impossible to review each one here. That’s what the three year Masters degree in Acupuncture is for. But I can give some simple points you can use to help combat stress and relax the body. A relaxed and stress free system functions better and is more equipped to deal with those little hiccups in life.
Each point is given with a meridian name and a number. This is simply a way that acupuncturists classify the points. Further descriptions of the points, their location and functions can be viewed on Acupuncture.com.
Large Intestine (LI) 4: On the top of the hand, locate the muscle between the thumb and index finger. Putting gentle pressure on the muscle or the area along the index finger bone, find a tender spot that produces a nice ache with gentle pressure.
This point is great at unlocking the channels and ensuring a smooth flow of Qi between the upper and lower body. It is also a key point in treating any type of health complaint localized in the head like sinusitis, headache, cold or flu, and ear or eye pain. Because it is such a powerful point, it is recommended NOT to use it on pregnant patients unless they are past their due date or in difficult labor.
Pericardium (PC) 6: Using three fingers, place them on the inner part of the forearm up against the wrist crease. At the edge of the fingers, about 2 inches from the wrist crease, against a large tendon running down the center of the arm, feel for a tender spot or a slight depression.
This point is a key point for opening the chest, calming the Mind, and harmonizing the Stomach, which explains its use as a point to treat nausea. It is often the location where cruise ship vacationers wear the little elastic bands that put pressure on the point.
Stomach (ST) 36: Using four fingers, place them along the lower edge of the patella or kneecap. With the leg slightly bent, find this point on the outer leg about an inch from the tibia or shinbone. When you flex the foot, this point is found in the tibialis anterior muscle of the lower leg.
This point is excellent for boosting the Qi and Blood to battle fatigue, strengthening the immune system, and treating all sorts of digestive complaints. An ancient adage stated that daily stimulation of this point would allow you to remain healthy into old age.
Spleen (SP) 6: Using four fingers, place them above the border of the ankle bone on the inner leg. Pressing gently in the area above the border of the fingers, a tender spot should be located along the edge of the tibia or shinbone.
Another very powerful point, it is excellent for strengthening the digestive system, harmonizing and detoxing the Liver, calming the Mind, and treating body pain. Similar to LI 4 in its strength, it is NOT recommended for use on pregnant patients unless they are past their due date or in difficult labor.
Liver (LV) 3: On the top of the foot, in a tender spot between the big and second toe, close to where the metatarsals, or toe bones, join. This is usually a fairly reactive point and gentle pressure will reveal a strong ache at this point.
This point is great for bringing our energy down, relaxing the Mind, and promoting the smooth circulation of Qi through the body. When you feel nervous, anxious or too much “in your own head”, a quick massage of this point can help calm you and center your energy.
So you may have noticed that these points are on the upper and lower extremities making them easy to treat and providing you with a nice sequence. I usually treat in a clockwise manner moving from one hand to the feet and back to the other hand. I recently did a more in depth acupressure workshop at Inner Strength Studios in West Roxbury so if you are interested in learning more about acupressure theory, techniques, and points, keep an eye out for future offerings on my website at Eastern Sun Acupuncture. Good luck and many happy acupressure treatments!
Category : Acupressure &Acupuncture &Blog &Chinese Medicine &Prevention &Uncategorized &Wellness
The time for New Year’s resolutions has come and gone and how are you doing? About 2 to 3 weeks into a new habit is when I start to feel the pull back to the familiar routine I had before I vowed to eat less sugar, eat more veggies, hit the gym 4 days a week or sit on my meditation cushion for 15 minutes a day. Those are sample resolutions mind you and I usually try to make monthly resolutions so that they are a little more attainable. Even despite this, I often times find myself in a battle of wills. On one side is the voice that says, “Take a day off, you can always start up again tomorrow.” or “A little of this never hurt, you’ve earned it.” Obviously, on the other side is the voice that whispers, “You made a commitment to doing this and think about how good you’ll feel once you’ve achieved your goal.” Well, sometimes I need a little help and a boost to my willpower. I read an article in the most recent Whole Living magazine about willpower and learned some helpful tips that I am currently using to help me keep my resolutions.
1) Breathe – Whether you are a practiced meditator or not, setting aside some time to sit quietly and breath is a great way to separate yourself from the hustle and bustle of daily life. I find it helps me to more effectively recognize the urges and cravings that seek to erode my willpower. That way I can try to address the root cause of why I am feeling a particular way versus just giving in and acting impulsively.
2) Eat Right – Obviously this has a lot of impact for those of us that are trying to lose weight. I have found that small meals and healthy snacks like raw veggies, fruits and nuts spaced throughout the day make it easier for me to fight the sugar craving that might pop up late in the afternoon. I also like to eat a little protein in the morning to fortify myself against the sugary bagels, muffins and doughnuts we all too often see on the tables of conference rooms at work.
3) Keep Moving – A little movement and exercise can get the juices flowing and boost your willpower. Stand up from your desk every hour and twist at the waist letting your arms flop freely. Take a walk to the water cooler or down the hall. Do some squats or lunges at your desk. Activity releases chemicals in the brain that self soothe the body and make it easier to resist those temptations.
4) Sleep – A big one! Sleep is the time for your bodies cells to recuperate and if you don’t get enough (7-8 hours is ideal), tired cells means tired body. Tired body means it’s more likely that you’ll seek out stimulants or sweets to give you that temporary boost you need to keep those peepers open. Bye bye willpower!
5) Visualize – The article mentions visualizing a wave but you can use just about anything that you can focus your attention on for about 10 minutes. The temptation that you are feeling will ebb and flow like a wave on the beach and after those 10 minutes you might find it a little easier to resist. With practice, you should be able to fight just about everything that comes your way.
6) Indulge (your brain) – A recent book I read, The Compass of Pleasure, talks about this one. For some sick reason, the item we crave doesn’t produce the feeling we had hoped it would. By mentally indulging in the activity or item, we can seek to recreate the positive and negative feeling that goes along with it. Visualize the feeling that bite of cake or extra large coffee will bring with it. Will it really deliver on the expected sensations? Probably not.
7) Give Yourself a Break – We all give in to temptation from time to time and that is no reflection on your personal self. Feeling guilty about your little transgression is but a small obstacle on the path to your ultimate goal. Forgive yourself and focus instead on what you need to do to get heading back in the right direction. You are your own best cheerleader so give yourself some encouragement!
Willpower to me doesn’t mean a deprivation of the pleasures of life. There are many things that I would like to experience that might set me back (truffle oil mac n’ cheese is near the top of the list) but I know that as long I have my ultimate goal and these helpful tips at my disposal, then I am well armed in the fight against temptation.
Category : Acupuncture &Blog &Uncategorized &Wellness &meditation
The holidays are always full of cheer and festivities but little things can sometimes get in the way. So as you weave your way through the checkout lines at the shopping malls or grocery stores, heft that tree onto your shoulder or huck snowballs at loved ones remember some helpful hints to make this holiday season as healthy as possible.
1) Traveling can bring you into contact with lots of different people. Airports, car rental agencies, gas stations; they may all harbor unknown germs that can wreak havoc on a fragile immune system further weakened by holiday stress. Be sure to wash your hands often, cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze and supplement liberally with vitamin C or Echinacea prior to or at the first sign of a foreign invader. I also make sure I drink plenty of fluids, preferably alcohol or eggnog free, to combat dehydration and keep my mouth moist after noshing on all those salty and sweet holiday treats. Of course, there are some good homeopathic and Chinese herbal remedies that I like to carry along as well. Gan Mao Ling is a great all-around herbal formula for the early stages of cold and flu-like symptoms. Some simple acupressure around the base of the skull on the neck can stimulate points to fight off a foreign virus or bacteria too.
2) Oh, don’t we all love visiting with little nieces, nephews and grandchildren. The horsey and piggyback rides we all love giving aren’t exactly the safest or healthiest thing for our backs, especially if we have been skipping the gym lately to snag those last minute holiday gifts. Before you strap on the saddle for the little ones this year, take a little time to stretch out your back by touching your toes a couple of times and leaning from side to side. A gently twisting motion, letting your arm swing freely and allowing your lightly balled fists tap the muscles along the lower back, can do wonders at limbering up your spine and getting the blood flowing through these areas, decreasing the chances of injury. Of course if you do tweak something, there are a couple of things you can do. Ice is great for an initial stage of injury when there is swelling but beware, it can seize up the muscles making them less pliable and able to heal. Try a little heat and massage once the initial injury is under control. If you have an acupuncturist nearby or even in your family (lucky you!) then you can stop in for a treatment. Some great points for acute back pain happen to be along the muscle between the thumb and index finger on the back of the hand. Dig around there for some tender spots and put a gentle pressure on them until some relief is felt.
3) Sleeping in strange beds and late night present wrapping sessions can lead to insomnia and with all the bags under the tree, who needs them under their eyes? If you find the hype of the holidays is getting to you and causing you to keep your eyes wide open, frustrating loved ones who are waiting to sneak down and plant a gift or two, then you might want to try some of these tips. Before heading off to sleep, forgo that last eggnog or glass of wine and try some chamomile tea instead. It’s great at turning off the dance of the sugarplums in our heads that threatens our night of restful sleep. I also like to turn to a flower remedy called Rescue Sleep that when sprayed on the tongue can help promote the zzzzs. Acupressure can be helpful too. Just behind your earlobe you’ll find a knob of bone. Gently move along this knob towards the back of the head until you find a little notch. Some pressure and clockwise motion here can soothe the mind and put your brain in a slumber friendly state. It may even work on overtired toddlers!
Obviously, our health concerns often don’t end with the frenetic chaos of the holidays and carry over into the new year, making it all the more difficult to even get started on that list of resolutions. Whether you need a little nudge on your wellness path or a big kick in the pants, acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine might be the tool to get you on the right track in 2012. Give me a call, I’d love to introduce you to the healing powers of Chinese medicine.
Category : Acupuncture &Blog &Chinese Medicine &Herbal Medicine &Immune System &Uncategorized &Wellness
When I tell people I am an acupuncturist, they usually have one of two reactions. The first is that they have had acupuncture and know that it works. The second is that they know someone who has tried it but are a little hesitant to have treatment themselves for whatever reason. Then they start asking questions to satisfy their curiosity. Here are the TOP 3 QUESTIONS I get asked about acupuncture.
What Does Acupuncture Feel Like?
Many people have a fear of needles due to prior experience with vaccines, shots or blood work. Acupuncture is nothing like this. The pins are extremely thin and specifically designed to decrease or eliminate any painful sensation upon insertion. Once inserted, most people feel a dull ache, warmth or tingling around the insertion site. In fact, some people are so relaxed during treatment, they even doze off! That’s pretty hard to do if you are in pain.
What Can Acupuncture Treat?
Yes, acupuncture is great at treating pain and stress related symptoms but it is a therapy that can be used for so much more. Acupuncture can be a helpful therapy for respiratory conditions like frequent colds, bronchitis or asthma, gastrointestinal conditions like acid reflux, colitis or bowel irregularity, cardiovascular conditions like high blood pressure or palpitations, and genitourinary conditions like infertility, PMS or irregular periods. Both the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the World Health Organization (WHO) have a list of treatable conditions.
How Does Acupuncture Work?
A great deal of research has been gathered to try and answer this question. So far, no definitive answers have been revealed but the general explanation focuses on several things. First, acupuncture is believed to stimulate the release of endorphins, chemicals responsible for the “runner’s high” feeling, which induce a euphoric sense of wellbeing and allow for a reduction of pain and stress. Second, acupuncture is believed to positively affect the autonomic nervous system which regulates all those involuntary body reactions like circulation, blood pressure, gastrointestinal movement (stomach grumbling during treatment anyone?) and production of immune system components. Current research is aimed at determining which areas of the brain are active during treatment and why acupuncture points are located where they are.
So you can see, acupuncture is not as mysterious as it seems and you can find some more answers to your questions at the FAQ page of my website . Of course, I’d love to talk about what I do as an acupuncturist, so feel free to contact me at (617) 564-0454. easternsunacu@gmail.com if you’d like to chat. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving everyone and try not to eat too much…..if you do, I’ll be waiting for your call!
Category : Acupuncture &Acupuncture Research &Blog &Chinese Medicine &Prevention &Uncategorized &Wellness
In previous posts, I talked about how the concept of Yin and Yang forms the basis for acupuncture theory. Building on the simplicity of Yin and Yang, a more detailed understanding of the world and the human body was provided by the concept of the five phases or five elements. This model is taught in most acupuncture schools and is sometimes used exclusively by acupuncturists who are well versed in the five element style of
acupuncture. The theory is that by using five element theory, the practitioner can diagnosis a patient’s condition and use acupuncture points to adjust an imbalance between the elements, thereby treating the health concern.
The five elements involved in this model are Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water. Each element has its own characteristics and while people are rarely only one particular element, there is usually a good chance that one element will stand out among the rest. The particular element that may govern an individual’s personality can also give clues to areas where health issues may crop up. So what are the characteristics of each element and how do these fit into human personality?
WOOD: The Wood element is associated with Growth and the Springtime. Its corresponding direction is East. It’s corresponding color and emotion is Green and Anger. The organs related to Wood are the Liver and Gallbladder. Those that are Wood types tend to seek challenges, love movement, adventure and pressure situations and seek to be the best at whatever they put their mind to. Issues that may plague a Wood type include irritability, impulsive or indulgent behavior, headaches, muscle spasms and high blood pressure. A good balance is found in the ability to stay flexible and moderate their intensity levels.
FIRE: The Fire element is associated with Warmth, Flourishing and the Summer. Its corresponding direction is South. It’s corresponding color and emotion is Red and Joy. The organs related to Fire include the Heart, Pericardium, Small Intestine, and Triple Warmer. Those that are Fire types love excitement and drama and find themselves to be intuitive, empathetic and vibrant in spirit. Issues that may affect a Fire type include anxiety, agitation, exhaustion, insomnia, heart palpitations and rashes. Fire types should seek to conserve their body’s spiritual, physical and emotional resources while tempering their vigor.
EARTH: The Earth element is associated with Balance and the period of change Between the Seasons. Its corresponding direction is the Balanced Center. It’s corresponding color and emotion is Orange-Yellow and Contemplation. The organs related to Earth are the Spleen and Stomach. The Earth types seek to be involved and needed. They relish the chance to be in charge behind the scenes and insist on harmony and accommodation in all aspects of their lives. Earth types may suffer from worry or self doubt and tend to be overprotective and disappoint easily when their expectations are not met. Physical symptoms may include fatigue, digestive complaints and constant unexplained muscle tenderness. An Earth type needs to take time to separate themselves from their relationships and develop self reliance.
METAL: The Metal element is associated with the Beginning of Decay and the Autumn. Its corresponding direction is West. The color and emotion associated with metal is White and Sadness. The organs related to Metal are the Lungs and Large Intestine. Metal types respect reason and principle and expect others to be disciplined and live to high standards. Issues that may affect a Metal type include being indifferent and detached as well as too formal and strict. Dry skin, respiratory difficulty, stiff joints and poor circulation often affect a Metal type. Metals types would do well to incorporate more spontaneity, passion and social events into their lives.
WATER: The Water element relates to Introversion and the Winter. Its corresponding direction is the North. The color and emotion associated with water is Black and Fear. The organs related to Water are the Kidney and Bladder. The Water type is an enigma and is clever, introspective and self reliant. They are keenly interested in knowledge and understanding. A Water type may find themselves suffering from isolation and loneliness as well as chills, backache, loss of libido and possibly dulled vision or hearing.
To get an idea of the way the Qi flows through these elements, it is best to imagine a pentagon. The Qi moves in a circular manner from the wood through fire, earth, metal and water elements. In addition to the circular movement of the energy through them, elements have a relationship with elements on the other side of the pentagon. In this way, each element is connected in some way to the other four and can be affected negatively during periods of excess or deficiency. This is why it is sometimes difficult to truly determine exactly what element you may categorized as.
While the information above is very basic, take a moment and see how you might relate to the five elements. One of the very important things to remember is that no one person is ever one specific element. Based on the way the elements interact, it is possible to have aspects of a number of elements in your personality or health profile. A great book to check out with some checklists that may help you determine your element is called Between Heaven and Earth by Harriet Beinfield, L.Ac. and Efrem Korngold, L.Ac., O.M.D..
Category : Acupuncture &Acupuncture Theory &Blog &Chinese Medicine &Uncategorized &Wellness &Yin Yang
When I go about my daily life, I often overhear people mentioning health issues that acupuncture and Chinese medicine can treat if given the chance. When I mention that I am an acupuncturist, one of the first questions someone asks me is “Can acupuncture treat…..?” I usually answer in the affirmative because acupuncture and Chinese medicine can have a positive effect on many health concerns the modern American experiences. Then I pass them my card and just hope to hear from them when what I really want to say is “Here’s why you NEED acupuncture…..” So that’s the topic of this post.
Why you NEED acupuncture!
1) Acupuncture, like yoga, treats the physical body, the brain/mind and the emotional spirit. Many healthcare modalities have separated these aspects of the human organism and focus on just one. Acupuncture strives to treat all three. Obviously, many patients are seeking help with acute or chronic pain and this is one of the areas where acupuncture shines but it is more than just releasing the tension in muscles or relaxing the joints. Acupuncture also stimulates the brain to release chemicals that allow pain relief to occur. In addition, these chemicals wash over the body allowing the mind to focus more on the healing taking place within. The calming sensation that accompanies acupuncture is a testament to this. Other patients seek acupuncture to help manage anxiety, depression or other psycho emotional conditions. The emotional healing that can take place during an acupuncture treatment may be as subtle as a gentle lifting of the dark veil of emotional distress or as profound as a realization about your personality or how to manage a relationship with another. To each his own and the best thing about acupuncture is that it is personalized to allow each patient space to heal at their own pace within the three realms of the body, mind and spirit.
2) Do you have an hour of time strictly to yourself every week? That is what acupuncture gives to you. One hour to relax on a padded massage table with dimmed lights and maybe some soft music. One hour to let your mind tune out the comings and goings of daily life and just focus on the movement of your breath as your belly rises and falls. One hour to discuss with a focused, compassionate human being whatever you want in the session, regardless of whether it is related to your health or not. One hour to set positive goals for your health and wellness and then visualize yourself reaching those goals. In the 168 hours every week, don’t you have one hour to devote to yourself? I bet you do!
3) Your treatment is not the cookie cutter health care you might be familiar with. Your initial treatment focuses strictly on how you are and is unlike any acupuncture treatment anyone else has experienced. While there are particular points that are used for particular conditions, these can be arranged in an infinite manner giving your treatment the flexibility to adjust to what your body needs that particular day or week. The personalized aspect of acupuncture also gives it power to approach the healing process in different ways. For example, one acupuncturist may treat two similar back pain cases in two completely different ways utilizing electro acupuncture in one treatment plan and cupping in another.
4) Remember the tagline at McDonald’s that says “Over One Billion Served”? Well acupuncture is the equivalent of McDonald’s and a whole lot healthier for you. Throughout its history, acupuncture has been used as a primary form of health by billions of people in China and Asia. With this type of track record, shouldn’t you see what all the fuss is about? Acupuncture is no longer the mysterious healthcare therapy that it was. It is being accepted as a viable therapy by the United States military, multiple insurance companies throughout the country and even in the Western medical community. The only thing to do is to give it a try and see how best to incorporate this treatment into your care.
Do you want to try acupuncture? I think you do….in fact, I think you NEED to try acupuncture.
Category : Acupuncture &Blog &Chinese Medicine &Prevention &Uncategorized &Wellness
Acupuncture is gaining steam as an effective treatment for active military personnel, veterans and their caregivers. As the United States enters another year in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, it ever more important to make sure that returning veterans and their families get the care that they require and deserve. Aside from the treatment they receive through the Veterans Administration hospitals throughout the country, a growing number of veterans from both the current and past wars are turning to acupuncture as a way to manage pain, PTSD and other conditions related to combat.
For the Department of Defense to recognize the effectiveness of acupuncture in the treatment of combat conditions is a huge step for the profession’s quest to bring more acceptance from the western medical community to this ancient therapy. In addition, an ongoing research study on the effects of acupuncture on the symptoms of Gulf War Illness has garnered the New England School of Acupuncture a $1.2 million research grant and Boston Globe publicity for acupuncture care for veterans. Several Veterans Administration hospitals currently offer acupuncture services for veterans but the availability of treatment is inadequate to the handle both the number of patients requesting this service and to provide the results that can be achieved with consistent acupuncture treatment. Acupuncture is not just for returning service personnel either. Particular acupuncture treatments have been developed for use while in combat or on active duty to help personnel deal with anxiety, trauma and pain.
So how can veterans and their caregivers get the treatment they so desperately need? One answer is to look for group clinics offering free or greatly discounted acupuncture treatment. Within Massachusetts, there is an organization called Veterans Acupuncture Center (VAC) that seeks to do just that. As described in this recent article in the Boston Globe, the VAC offers a particular style of auricular (ear) acupuncture that involves the insertion of five tiny pins into each ear selected to ease the mind, relax the spirit and ease anxiety and pain. These services are offered free to veterans and their families at weekly clinics in Framingham, MA and at other sites throughout the Boston area. A larger nonprofit organization called Acupuncturists Without Borders (AWB) oversees the clinics and instructs members on how to set up and administer acupuncture at these clinics. Nationwide listings of free veterans’ clinics can be found on their website. Treatment at these clinics is done in a community setting where patients receive treatment in a small group setting. In addition to making it more effective to treat a number of patients at one time, many patients find the group healing experience to be a powerful one.
Many veterans seek acupuncture treatment for assistance in recovery from PTSD, insomnia, anxiety, depression and pain. The heightened alert response that occurs in combat often remains with the soldier after they return from combat and can be difficult to address. Acupuncture treatment works to balance the nervous system, effectively turning off or decreasing the heightened alertness and allowing the patient to relax and recover. In addition, treatment of pain is well within the scope of an acupuncturist’s skills. If this can be achieved for the veteran with the use of tiny needles instead of powerful and potentially addictive painkillers, who wouldn’t want to try it?
So if you know a member of the military, either active or discharged, or a caregiver struggling with symptoms related to combat or otherwise, please encourage them to investigate acupuncture as a potential therapy. Acupuncture is a safe, effective and all natural therapy that can give quality results if utilized regularly. We as acupuncturists are more than happy to share this amazing medicine with you and hope to give you the wellness assistance you deserve.
If you are interested in learning more about free acupuncture clinics for veterans and their families in your area or to volunteer, please check out Acupuncturists Without Borders website found here.
If you are a veteran and are interested in having acupuncture treatment fill a larger role at the Veterans Administration, please make your voice heard! Contact your local senator or veteran’s affairs coordinator.
Category : Acupuncture &Acupuncture Research &Blog &Wellness
As the weather makes its gradual change, our bodies change as well. Sometimes the extra little chill to the air (although you wouldn’t know it recently) can pose a challenge to the immune system. I, for one, always notice my sniffles seem to increase as does my daily tissue consumption. I try not to take allergy or cold medication and just rely on a daily Neti pot rinse and some delicious dietary choices.
Chinese Medicine equates getting a cold with an invasion of an external pathogen, in most cases, Wind. Depending on your symptoms, you may have a case of Wind-Heat or Wind-Cold. If you feel dehydrated, have a runny nose with yellow mucus and your tongue looks like it has a yellow coat on it, it is likely Wind-Heat. Wind-Cold is characterized by white tongue coat and a runny nose with clear watery mucus. If this sounds like you, get yourself to Eastern Sun Acupuncture, or your own acupuncturist, quick so they can help decrease the length of time you are feeling lousy. In addition to acupuncture, your practitioner may recommend some simple herbal medicine as well.
But as Ben Franklin said, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.”, it might be best to avoid getting sick in the first place. This autumn recipe for a nourishing and delicious soup includes basil, onion, garlic and cayenne, all foods that are used to prevent the invasion of Wind. Depending on your preference, you can go organic or not but either way I know you will enjoy this delicious cold fighting concoction. Enjoy!
Sweet Corn Soup with Peaches
Ingredients
6 ears sweet corn, husked
4 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
2 cups water
1 tablespoon white miso paste
1 onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
Pinch cayenne
3 large ripe peaches
1¼ cups unsweetened almond milk
12 basil leaves, sliced
Preparation
With a sharp, heavy knife, cut kernals from corn cobs and place cobs and kernals in a soup pot. Add broth, water, miso, onion, garlic and cayenne. Peel, pit and finely chop 2 of the peaches and add to the pot. Bring to a boil over high heat, lower heat and simmer, uncovered, stirring occasionally, until corn and peaches are very tender, about 30 minutes.
Use tongs to remove and discard corn cobs; cool soup to room temperature. Puree half of the soup in a blender and return to pot. Stir in almond milk. To serve soup hot, reheat gently over medium heat, stirring frequently; do not allow to boil. To serve cold, refrigerate until chilled.
Halve, pit and dice remaining peach; ladle soup into bowls and garnish with peach and basil.
This recipe was taken from Real Simple magazine.
Category : Acupuncture &Blog &Chinese Medicine &Common Cold &Immune System &Prevention &Uncategorized &Wellness
