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Wellness
Research Update – Acupuncture Related to the Lungs
A study published by the Natural Health Research Institute suggests acupuncture can improve the breathing ability of COPD patients. COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) is a progressive disease that gradually decreases lung function. The patients in this study received daily acupuncture treatments for twelve weeks using the same points on each patient. Using the Borg scale to rate their ability to breathe, it was found that patients receiving the regular acupuncture treatments showed significantly better Borg scores. This study shows there are alternative options for COPD sufferers that can lead to an overall increased quality of life.
Traditional Chinese Medicine uses a holistic approach to the body. Everything exists within the circle of nature according to TCM theory. Balanced elements lead to a harmonious life and a balanced body, mind and soul. TCM also considers how the psyche affects the physical body, making emotional wellness just as important as physical health.
In TCM, every organ is associated with a series of properties. These associations provide clues that help the TCM practitioner locate the root of the physical problems, while guiding them through the treatments. The associations of the lungs include the emotion of grief/sadness, the season of fall, the color white and the pungent flavor. When the body is imbalanced, then disease or illness my take root. TCM views this as an imbalance in the Qi (pronounced “chee”) or vital energy. The Qi of the lungs is very important to all aspects of human life.
The lungs are known as the Prime Minister in TCM and in such, they control breath and energy, while assisting the heart with the circulation of blood throughout the body. Without Qi, the blood will not flow causing illnesses. The lungs also control the skin, which breathes through the opening and closing of the pores, which helps regulate body temperature. This is done through both perspiration and shivering.
Acupuncture is one of the modalities used by TCM practitioners to help balance the body and the energies flowing through it. The function of lung Qi is to descend and dispense downwards and to dissipate outwards. When these functions are compromised, they need to be balanced. This is achieved by restoring the downward and outward functions. Acupuncture points on the body, when stimulated, can greatly improve the flow of lung Qi, while opening up the airways and increasing the uptake of oxygen within the cells of the whole body. Acupuncture also helps relax the muscles associated with breathing, allowing lung Qi to flow properly.
Another aspect of TCM that can greatly improve, and balance lung Qi is herbal formulas. Pungent flavors are known to help the lungs. Because pungent, spicy substances generally have a dispersing nature, they tend to be very effective in treating lung pathologies. Coupling Chinese herbs with pungent foods, can quickly regulate lung imbalances. Pungent foods that help balance the lungs include garlic, ginger, onions and horseradish. But just as with any type of food or herb, they should be used appropriately. Excessive usage of these items can be harmful to the lung Qi.
To find out how TCM can help you with any form of lung imbalance, it is recommended to search your area and contact a licensed acupuncturist. There are many qualified acupuncturists across the country that know how to address various lung pathologies.
For additional information, see http://www.naturalhealthresearch.org/acupuncture-may-benefit-lung-health/
The Benefits of Acupuncture for Insomnia: A Holistic Approach to Better Sleep
Insomnia is a common sleep disorder that affects millions of people worldwide, leading to difficulties in falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking up too early. While conventional treatments like medication and cognitive-behavioral therapy are effective, many individuals seek alternative therapies to avoid potential side effects. One such alternative is acupuncture, an ancient practice rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Recent studies, including those published in reputable medical journals like JAMA, have shed light on the efficacy of acupuncture in treating insomnia.
Understanding Acupuncture
Acupuncture involves the insertion of thin, sterile needles into specific points on the body, known as acupoints. These points are believed to be connected by pathways called meridians, through which the body’s vital energy, or “qi,” flows. By stimulating these acupoints, acupuncture aims to restore balance and promote natural healing processes.
Evidence from Medical Research
A study published in JAMA Internal Medicine explored the effects of acupuncture on patients with chronic insomnia. The researchers found that participants who received acupuncture treatments experienced significant improvements in sleep quality, sleep duration, and overall well-being compared to those who received sham acupuncture or no treatment1. The study highlighted that acupuncture could be a viable option for individuals seeking non-pharmacological treatments for insomnia.
Another review in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine analyzed multiple clinical trials and concluded that acupuncture effectively reduces insomnia symptoms by influencing neurotransmitters involved in the sleep-wake cycle, such as melatonin and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)2. These findings suggest that acupuncture not only helps in falling asleep but also enhances the quality of sleep.
How Acupuncture Works for Insomnia
- Regulating Neurotransmitters: Acupuncture has been shown to modulate the levels of neurotransmitters that play a crucial role in sleep regulation. By increasing the production of melatonin, a hormone that promotes sleep, and GABA, a neurotransmitter that induces relaxation, acupuncture helps in achieving a restful night’s sleep2.
- Reducing Stress and Anxiety: Insomnia is often linked to stress and anxiety. Acupuncture stimulates the release of endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers, and mood elevators. This helps in reducing stress levels and promoting a sense of calm, making it easier to fall asleep1.
- Balancing Energy Flow: According to TCM, insomnia can result from imbalances in the body’s energy flow. Acupuncture aims to correct these imbalances by targeting specific acupoints, thereby restoring harmony and improving sleep patterns2.
Practical Considerations
Before starting acupuncture, it is essential to consult with a licensed and experienced acupuncturist. They will conduct a thorough assessment to determine the underlying causes of insomnia and develop a personalized treatment plan. Typically, a course of treatment involves multiple sessions over several weeks to achieve optimal results.
Conclusion
Acupuncture offers a promising alternative for individuals struggling with insomnia. With its ability to regulate neurotransmitters, reduce stress, and balance energy flow, acupuncture can significantly improve sleep quality and overall well-being. As more research continues to validate its benefits, acupuncture is becoming an increasingly popular choice for those seeking holistic and natural approaches to better sleep.
If you are considering acupuncture for insomnia, consult with a qualified practitioner to explore how this ancient practice can help you achieve restful and rejuvenating sleep.
1: JAMA Internal Medicine 2: Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine
Feel free to reach out if you have any questions or need further information!
5 natural ways to improve women’s health
Egg health
Getting pregnant can be frustrating when it isn’t happening as easily as planned. There are many reasons you could be dealing with a difficult pregnancy including egg health. There are many factors that play into egg health including blood circulation, stress and hormonal balance. For improving blood and oxygen flow, try to get some sort of exercise whether it is yoga, running or simply going on a brisk walk at least three times a week. Ask a massage therapist about abdominal massage, which can increase blood flow to the reproductive system. Stress can also play a very important factor in egg health. Find ways to destress with meditation practices, acupuncture and deep breathing.
Hormonal balance
Hormonal imbalances in women are common and can result in weight gain, fatigue, skin problems, infertility and PMS. Hormones are an important part to our body’s growth and development, mood, reproduction and metabolism. To keep your body in balance, avoid high omega-6 polyunsaturated fats that are found in vegetable oils. Reduce your caffeine intake. Too much caffeine can have a negative impact on the endocrine system. Most importantly, make sure to get an adequate amount of sleep each night. When the body does not get enough rest, hormones cannot regulate.
Breast health
There are many reasons that some women have a higher risk of breast cancer including both genetics and environmental impacts. Research has shown that keeping a diet of fresh, unprocessed foods can help the health of breast tissue. Chemical exposure from foods as well as other environmental factors have been shown to be high in women who have breast cancer. Foods to eliminate from your diet include highly processed foods, additives, canned foods and soy. Avoiding foods that are high in hormones and adding foods that are packed with antioxidants such as berries can help lower your risk of breast cancer.
Metabolism
Many women feel their metabolism has slowed over the years, making it harder to break down and burn calories and fat. Try adding more omega-3 fatty acids into your diet such as salmon and tuna. Omega-3 fatty acids have been found to help regulate blood sugar and lower inflammation, which can then improve metabolic function. Increasing strength training can also help give the metabolism a boost. The more muscle you have, the more your resting metabolism will increase to burn fat. Lastly, eating breakfast has been shown to give your metabolism a jump start for the day compared to eating your first meal later in the day.
Immune health
Don’t let the cold and flu season get you down this year. There are many natural ways to boost your immune system to prevent illness and to improve energy levels. Assess your stress levels and take action if you are feeling stressed and overwhelmed. Spend some time practicing deep breathing or finding an activity that you find relaxing. Try adding in more garlic and ginger to your diet. These natural ingredients contain properties that help boost the immune system and lower cold and flu symptoms.
http://natural–fertility–info.com/increase–egg–health
http://wellnessmama.com/5946/natural–breast–health/
More Than Meets the Ear
“My, what big ears you have!”
“ All the better to hear you with!”
Or, if you’re a Chinese Medicine practitioner: “All the better to live a long, healthy life with!” That’s because the ears are a manifestation of the kidneys which hold our essence (jing), our genetic potential, and large ears can be an indication of health and longevity.
Acupuncturists and Chinese herbalists have long understood this connection between the ears and the kidneys, relating issues such as hearing loss, tinnitus, and ear infections to imbalances of the kidney qi. In clinical practice we will treat the kidneys while working with these types of disorders. Interestingly, Western medicine also recognizes a relationship between the kidneys and the ears. The inner ear and the kidneys develop at the same time in utero, so if a baby is born with hearing issues, a good doc will know to immediately check the kidney function. [1] Ongoing research is still exploring the parallels of specific aspects of the inner ear to renal function. [2]
The ears are also a valuable microsystem in Chinese Medicine practice. Being a manifestation of the kidneys which govern our development, the ears are actually a map of our development. They reflect the whole body and have their own complete acupuncture point system as such. Picture an upside down fetus when looking at the ears in this way, with the head at the lobe and spine curving up to the little baby bum at the top, with internal organs on the inner portions of the external ear. Paul Nogier, a French Neurologist, is actually considered the father of auricular medicine, as he measured the electrical conductivity along the skin of the ear and recorded the specific points as a reflexology system, which was then incorporated into Chinese Medicine texts. He based his understanding of this system on the correlating tissue types and innervation between various parts of the ear and the parts of the body they represent.
“The ear is one of the few anatomic structures which are built up of tissue from each of these three primary tissue types to be found in an embryo. Paul Nogier maintained that each tissue type in the ear had a link to the various somatotopical reflections and to the innervation related to that part of the ear.” [3]
Many Chinese Medicine practitioners diagnose and treat the whole body just using the ears. Abnormalities, tenderness, discolorations, etc. on the ear can signal issues in the correlating part of the body. There have been studies done to test these practitioner’s accuracy. In one study, pre-established medical diagnoses matched with auricular diagnoses over 75% of the time. [4] Treatment can then be done with needles or ear seeds. The benefit of ear seeds is that they can stay on the ear for up to a week, providing continuous stimulation of the ear acu-point. Practitioners can also train patients in administering their own ear seeds for home use. Ear treatments have been used successfully in the treatment of addictions, chronic pain, anxiety and weight loss among many other conditions.
A simple way to experience the amazing healing potential of your own ears is to massage them! In addition to all the acupressure points you will be activating, the ears are actually the only external access (via the auricular branch) we have to the Vagus nerve (the longest nerve) in the body.[5] Stimulation of the vagus nerve has tremendous benefits, including relaxation, improved digestion, cognitive function and calming inflammation. So go ahead and give your ears some love and attention… and respect for the amazing body parts they are!
Winter is a great time to get some ear acupuncture, as it is kidney time in the Chinese Medicine understanding of the seasons. Schedule today, and ask your acupuncturist to include an ear seed or 2 if appropriate for you. This can help direct your ear massage to points personalized for you and what you need!
[1] https://webspace.ship.edu/cgboer/genpsyfetaldev.html
[2] https://www.annualreviews.org/doi/full/10.1146/annurev.med.60.052307.120752
[3] Auricular Acupuncture & Addiction: Mechanisms, methodology and practice, Book, 2009
[4] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/7402685/
[5] https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-athletes-way/201907/vagus-nerve-stimulation-the-outer-ear-takes-center-stage
Valentine’s Day: Empower Your Heart With Your Kidneys!
This Valentine’s day, whether you celebrate romantic love with a partner, enjoy the love of family and friends, or simply go on with life, marking another day on the calendar, it can be a chance to at least take a moment and honor one of the most important relationships in our lives. In Chinese Medicine philosophy, the relationship at the core of our existence that helps to give our lives meaning, joy, and power is the sacred harmony between our heart and our kidneys.
Valentine’s day lands right smack in the dead of winter, while we are deep in kidney time. Winter’s focus is on the kidneys which represent the water element, so it is a great opportunity to remember it’s balancing organ, the heart, which corresponds with fire. The relationship between water and fire in the body influences much more than just aspects of our physical health. It actually determines how we engage our purpose in life, how we connect what we love with what we do.
In terms of physical health, this balance between the heart and the kidney function in the body is required to regulate heart rhythm, sleep cycles, water metabolism, temperature, and mental and physical stability. The heart, located in the upper (yang) part of the body, must descend it’s yang qi (fire) to warm the kidney yin and prevent cold stagnation. The kidneys, located in the lower (yin) part of the body, must ascend their yin qi (water) to prevent the heart fire from becoming overactive. If there is a miscommunication that leads to disharmony in this relationship we can see issues of hyperactive heart fire such as palpitations, anxiety, insomnia, even mania. If an overactive heart fire dries up the kidney yin, we can have issues like dizziness, tinnitus, weak back and knees. Not enough fire to warm the kidneys can lead to cold limbs, fatigue and edema. The heart and kidneys share a special relationship in Western medicine as well, as they rely on each other for proper circulation, water and waste metabolism, and blood pressure. Disorders of one organ can lead to issues in the other, which is why doctors often say ‘what’s good for your heart is good for your kidneys’ and vice-versa.
A more profound analysis of this relationship has to do with the spiritual energy held in these organs according to TCM. Our heart is the home of our Shen, our heart-mind, the aspect of spirit associated with our consciousness, our desires, insight and passion. Kidneys house the Zhi, the aspect of our spirit associated with our willpower. This is what gives us our ‘umph’ to face challenges and keep going, our self-discipline, our drive. Together these motivations, our desire coupled with our drive, empower us to carry out our soul’s life plan.
This Valentine’s day, wake up and stretch, rub your lower back to charge up your kidneys and activate your willpower. Breathe deep, adjust your posture and stick out your chest to let your heart lead the way. Feel the connection between these 2 organ systems in the body, letting your will empower your passions. This internal harmony can fill your life with love on Valentine’s day and everyday.
Roses and chocolates are great on Valentine’s Day, but why not also get some acupuncture to help support your heart-kidney connection? You’ll leave feeling balanced at your core and in love with life!