Interesting Acupuncture Facts

Here is some historical highlights of where acupuncture needles came from, how they evolved, and how they are used today:

*The earliest acupuncture devices were made of stone. These were not used to pierce the skin, but rather to press on acupuncture points.

*Before metal needles, historians think thorns, bamboo slivers, or sharpened bone were used to stimulate acupuncture points.

*The oldest acupuncture needles found date to A.D. 600. These needles were made of bronze, copper, tin, gold, and silver.

*In the fourth century A.D., China began using steel. Once steel was discovered, it became the most favored material for crafting acupuncture needles because it is both very strong and can be used to make very thin needles.

*In the 17th century, Waichi Sugiyama - a famous blind acupuncturist from Japan- invented the guide tube which resulted in the development of much finer needles.

*The acupuncture needles most commonly used in present-day practice are made of stainless steel of a very fine diameter (approximately 0.015"). These are pre-packaged, sterilized, and disposable.

*In The Yellow Emperor’s Classic of Internal Medicine (one of the original Chinese medicine textbooks), nine different types of needles are mentioned as being used for acupuncture treatments. Each one had a different tip and a precise length and width.

*Studies have shown that acupuncture points have significantly more electrical conductivity than areas of skin without acupuncture points.

*In 1995, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) classified acupuncture needles as medical instruments, assuring their safety and effectiveness.

*According to a National Health Interview Survey, an estimated 8.2 million U.S. adults had used acupuncture in the past, and an estimated 2.1 million U.S. adults had used acupuncture in the previous year.

*Usually needles are inserted from 1/4 to 1 inch in depth. Depth of insertion will depend on the patient’s size, age, constitution, and the nature of the condition being treated.

*A popular acupuncture point for treating sciatica is located on the buttocks. An acupuncture needle is usually inserted three to four inches into this acupuncture point.

Source: AcuFinder.com

Study: Acupuncture Lessens Depression Symptoms During Pregnancy

A great alternative for pregnant women who feel depressed. A Stanford study shows that acupuncture lessens depression symptoms:

Acupuncture appears to be an effective way to reduce depression symptoms during pregnancy, according to a first-of-its-kind study from Stanford University School of Medicine researchers.

The study authors, led by Rachel Manbar, PhD, professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences, said they hope the results will raise awareness of the problem of depression during pregnancy and provide patients and physicians an alternative to antidepressants. “This standardized acupuncture protocol could be a viable treatment option for depression during pregnancy,” they wrote in a paper that appears in the March issue of Obstetrics & Gynecology... Read More

Acupuncture and Pain

There was a blurb in the Wall Street Journal about Acupuncture that I found share-worthy:

The compound adenosine is key to acupuncture's effectiveness, according to a study in Nature Neuroscience. Despite acupuncture's 4,000-year history, little is known about the biological pathways that enable carefully placed needles to relieve pain in many patients. Researchers mimicked acupuncture in mice by placing and gradually rotating a needle at a point just below the knee, for 30 minutes. Levels of adenosine, a neurotransmitter, rose 24-fold in the tissue fluid surrounding the needle. Mice injected with an inflammatory substance in their paws and given acupuncture displayed fewer pain symptoms than mice that didn't get acupuncture. But mice genetically engineered to lack a certain adenosine receptor didn't benefit from the acupuncture session at all—further evidence of adenosine's role. Blocking enzymes that break down adenosine made the acupuncture much more effective, tripling the level of adenosine near the needle and extending pain relief from about one hour to about three hours.

Caveat: As with any animal study, it's far from certain that these findings can be replicated in humans.

Many of my patients report significant pain relief after an acupuncture treatment. It looks as though we are discovering even more about the body's pain receptors and how acupuncture works!

NY Times Discusses Acupuncture Benefits

This article from last week's New York Times discusses how many people are finding relief for common health issues using acupuncture and Chinese Medicine. There are also some great tips on making acupuncture work within your budget.

Read the article here.

Great Article about Acupuncture

The Wall Street Journal had a great article about acupuncture this week. Read it here. As a Chinese Medicine practitioner, I appreciate the discussion of the more scientific/Western medicine view of why acupuncture works. As science progresses, there is the ability to monitor the brain activity of people receiving treatment, which helps scientists see how and why acupuncture is so effective in treating a variety of conditions.

Acupuncture and Autoimmune Disease

Treating Autoimmune Disease with Acupuncture

Over 50 million Americans suffer from autoimmune disease; an autoimmune disease occurs when the body’s immune system attacks healthy tissue. Autoimmune disorders include Rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, thyroid disease, Addison's disease, pernicious anemia, celiac disease, multiple sclerosis, myasthenia gravis and Guillain–Barré syndrome. Due to the complexity of treating autoimmune disorders, integrative medicine solutions including acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) have received much attention as successful therapies in their treatment. Acupuncture is specifically noted for its use in pain relief, regulating the immune system, managing symptoms and improving quality of life.

What Causes Autoimmune Disease?

Under normal conditions, an immune response cannot be triggered against the cells of one's own body. In certain cases, however, immune cells make a mistake and attack the very cells that they are meant to protect. This can lead to a variety of autoimmune diseases. They encompass a broad category of over 100 diseases in which the person's immune system attacks his or her own tissue.

The exact mechanisms causing these changes are not completely understood, but bacteria, viruses, toxins, and some drugs may play a role in triggering an autoimmune process in someone who already has a genetic (inherited) predisposition to develop such a disorder. It is theorized that the inflammation initiated by these agents, toxic or infectious, somehow provokes in the body a "sensitization" (autoimmune reaction) in the involved tissues.

As the disease develops vague symptoms start to appear, such as joint and muscle pain, general muscle weakness, possible rashes or low-grade fever, trouble concentrating, or weight loss. The following symptoms may point toward something being wrong: numbness and tingling in hands and feet, dry eyes, hair loss, shortness of breath, heart palpitations, or repeated miscarriages can also be caused by an autoimmune response.

How Acupuncture Treats Autoimmune Disorders

According to TCM, autoimmune disorders occur when there is imbalance within the body. Imbalance can come from an excess or deficiency of yin and yang that disrupts the flow of qi, or vital energy, through the body. Acupuncture is used to help the body restore balance, treating the root of the disorder, while specifically addressing the symptoms that are unique to each individual.

Clinical research has shown that acupuncture causes physical responses in nerve cells, the pituitary gland, and parts of the brain. These responses can cause the body to release proteins, hormones, and brain chemicals that control a number of body functions. It is proposed that, by these actions, acupuncture affects blood pressure, body temperature and the immune system.

In addition to acupuncture, your treatment program to manage your autoimmune disorder may involve a combination of therapies including stress reducing exercises, moderate physical activity, herbal medicine, nutritional support and bodywork.

To learn more about how acupuncture can safely and effectively be incorporated into care for people with an autoimmune disorder, please call for a consultation today.

Source: Qi Mail™

Fight that Cold ... With an Acupuncture Treatment!

Another wave of colds and flus seem to be in the air. This week, many of my patients cancelled their acupuncture appointments due to illness. Most of them expressed concern about spreading illness by coming in. While it is recommended to limit your activity out in public to keep from spreading illness, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is very effective at treating acute colds. I encourage my patients to keep their appointments with me when they are sick. If you come in for a treatment, especially if it's at the beginning of the illness, TCM can shorten the duration of the cold.

The TCM theory behind the common cold is that an external pathogen (cold/flu) has entered into our system (body). Our first defense, and most common area of entry, is through the mucus membranes of the nose and throat. If we can push the pathogen out of our body, using acupuncture and herbs, then there is less likelihood for symptoms to worsen and for the pathogen to penetrate deeper. We all know when a simple cold moves into the lungs, for example, it can cause more intense flu-like symptoms or infections. And then what often follows is that lingering cough that just never seems to go away! It is important to treat a cold as soon as possible to stop it in its tracks. So, next time you start to feel run down and a cold coming on, make an appointment! Let TCM help you get back on your feet and back to your life!

Nutrition for Fertility

Randine Lewis wrote a great book called "The Infertility Cure" which discusses the use of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for conception and a healthy pregnancy. The book is somewhat technical but also provides some great tips on how to prepare your body to conceive.

TCM recognizes food as a main source of energy for the body. Thus, nutrition plays a vital role in a woman's fertility. In particularly, it is important to nourish kidney energy, which is responsible for reproductive functioning. Here are some ways to nourish your kidney energy:

• Avoid ice-cold drinks, especially during menses. Cold has the effect of reducing blood flow, and we want lots of nutrient rich blood flowing to our uteruses!
• Eat lightly steamed veggies, rather than raw. Cooked foods tax our digestion less, so nutrients become more accessible to the body.
• Make the bulk of your diet come from organic plant sources (fruits & veggies).
• Limit caffeine and alcohol (some green tea is fine) which tend to be more toxic to our systems.
• Eliminate nicotine, which can make eggs resist fertilization.
• Avoid unnecessary medications and drugs, including over the counter medicines. Even non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs, like Alleve) can inhibit ovulation and antihistamines and decongestants can dry up cervical mucus, making it more difficult for the sperm to reach the egg.

For more information, check out Dr. Lewis's book, available here.

Study on Acupuncture and Hot Flashes

More news about menopause: Acupuncture reduces nighttime hot flashes caused by menopause, according to a study published in the journal, Fertility and Sterility. Researchers found that seven weeks of acupuncture treatment reduced the severity of nighttime hot flashes by twenty-eight percent among menopausal women compared with a six percent decrease among women who had a sham acupuncture treatment. The effects of acupuncture vs. a sham acupuncture treatment on the severity and frequency of nighttime hot flashes were compared. Taking part in the study were twenty-nine menopausal women experiencing at least seven moderate to severe hot flashes per day.

All of the women underwent nine treatments from trained acupuncturists in sessions over seven weeks. Twelve of the women received real acupuncture using points selected to target hot flashes and sleepiness. The rest of the women received a sham acupuncture treatment using non-penetrating needles at random acupuncture channel points. Throughout the study, the women reported the number and severity of their hot flashes. The results showed that nighttime hot flash severity decreased significantly (twenty-eight percent) among the women who received acupuncture vs. a six percent drop among the women who got the sham treatment. However, they did not see a similar finding in the frequency of nighttime hot flashes between the two groups.

Researcher Mary Huang, M.S., of Stanford University, and colleagues say the results suggest acupuncture deserves further study as an alternative treatment for menopausal hot flashes.

Source: Huang, M. Fertility and Sterility, September 2006; Vol. 86: pp. 700-710. News release, American Society of Reproductive Medicine.

Credit: Qi Mail™

Menopause: Creating Physical and Emotional Health with Acupuncture

With its close understanding of the female body, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has always addressed the special needs of women throughout their lives. Menopause, in particular, is an area in which TCM shines. Acupuncture and TCM have the ability to detect energetic changes that occur in the body and quickly relieve uncomfortable symptoms that accompany the onset of menopause.

What is Menopause?
Menopause is a transitional period marking the cessation of ovulation in a woman’s body. Most women stop menstruating between the ages of 48 and 52, but symptoms can begin as early as 35. Symptoms vary from mild to severe, and are brought on as our bodies try to adapt to decreasing amounts of estrogen. Symptoms include hot flashes, night sweats, insomnia, fatigue, mood swings, memory loss, vaginal dryness, headaches, joint pain, and weight gain.

From an Eastern Perspective
According to TCM theory, menopause occurs when a woman’s body begins to preserve blood and energy in order to sustain her. The kidney is the organ system in TCM that is viewed as the root of reproduction, vitality and longevity. Menopause signifies the depletion of the fertility essence stored within the kidneys. Blood and essence from the kidneys are conserved and cycled through the body to nourish the woman’s spirit and extend her longevity. Thus, in TCM, menopause is seen as true change in life from mother to enlightened and wise being.

Treating Menopause with Acupuncture and TCM
Few areas of women’s health stir up as much confusion and debate as Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT), which is normally started when the first symptoms of menopause appear. While HRT may alleviate hot flashes and prevent osteoporosis, they may also increase the risk of breast, ovarian and uterine cancer, and have a number of significant side-effects. But HRT isn’t the only solution, TCM has long recognized that health and vitality can be sustained over a woman’s lifetime by restoring balance within the body and supporting the natural production of essential hormones.
Lifestyle and Dietary Instructions
Menopause patients are encouraged to maintain a healthy weight and to follow a diet with a high content of raw foods, fruits and vegetables to stabilize blood sugar. Some foods may exacerbate hot flashes or increase mood swings; steer clear of dairy products, red meats, alcohol, sugar, spicy foods, caffeine, and don’t smoke. Lastly, try to eliminate stress, tension and anxiety or learn techniques to cope with stress so that you can diminish the effects that it has on your body and mind.

With support from Acupuncture and TCM, along with small changes in lifestyle and diet, menopause can be a time of a revival of vital energy and an opportunity for personal growth. Please call with any questions or to schedule a consultation.

Credit: Qi Mail™

Repost: NYT Article Linking Stress to Infertility

"The truth is that if you are not in harmony with yourself and your culture, you are stressed," said physician-researcher, Dr. Sara L. Berga in a recent NY Times article highlighting the findings of her research linking stress to infertility. This 'truth' is the very foundation from which traditional Chinese medicine is built. Traditional Chinese medicine aims to restore health by creating a balance within ourselves and an equilibrium with the environment we live in.

Dr. Berga's research looks at how chronic stress alters brain signals to the hypothalamus--one of the four organs, including the pituitary, the ovary and the uterus--responsible for the intricate hormonal dance of fertility. "Chronic stress," she says, "whether emotional or physical, taxes the body."

In addition to treating the particular pattern of disharmony that may prevent a woman from becoming pregnant, acupuncture offers deep relaxation to the uterus as well as to the whole body-mind. By relieving stress and calming the spirit, acupuncture allows endocrine activity to proceed smoothly and effortlessly. And this helps balance the hormones necessary for fertility.

Often during an acupuncture session for fertility, points are specifically chosen to stimulate the hypothalamus-pituitary-ovary-uterus axis. If you've ever had one of these treatments, you may notice a needle place on the top of your head, one between your eyebrows, a needle a few inches below your navel and a needle 3 or more inches lateral to this point. These points stimulate the hypothalamus, the pituitary gland, the uterus and the ovaries, respectively.

Thus, as the article proposes, getting pregnant naturally may be as simple as, "just relax." To read the New York Times article in full click here.

Preventing and Treating the Flu with Herbs

There’s a simple herbal formula that people in China are using to prevent the flu. Read about it here. The formula is made up of very common herbs that I often use with my patients in various combinations to help treat different flus and colds I see. If you are interested, you can come in for a session to see if these are appropriate for you.

Here is the text of the article:

Chinese Herbs Prove Effective In The Cure Of Inlfuenza A (H1N1)

By Vincent Low

BEIJING, July 23 (Bernama)-- Chinese herbs have proved effective in the cure of Influenza A(H1N1) in Ditan Hospital, Beijing where 88 out of 117 patients treated for the disease only on the herbs fully recovered and were discharged.

"From our clinical tests and observation, the traditional method of treatment left no after effects and it is safe, more over the recovery period was shorter and the cost relatively lower as compared to Tamiflu treatment," said Wang Yuguang, spokesman of Ditan Hospital at a special briefing for the media at Ditan Hospital Wednesday afternoon.

He said the advantage of using herbs on these patients was that the doctors could prescribe different combination of herbs according to the individual's health condition.

"Treatment cost per patient using Tamiflu is about RMB56 a day whereas using traditional herbs it cost only around RMB12."

Ditan Hospital first started using traditional medicine in combination with Tamiflu on H1N1 patient from May 15 to June 15, and when the method proved effective, started treating many patients solely on Chinese herbs.

"We have even tested using the method on high risk patients since July 1, and the results proved favourable." said Wang.

However, Wang did not reveal the herbs used to cure the patients.

Ditan Hospital is one of the two hospitals specially designated for H1N1 patients in Beijing since the pandemic started from May in China.

Built in 1946, Ditan Hospital is the highest grade hospital for infectious diseases and comes under the supervision of the Ministry of Health, Beijing Municipal Health Bureau and the Chinese Centre for Disease Control and Prevention.

The hospital had excelled in 2003 and 2004 in the fight against SARS.

Meanwhile, Beijing Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital has introduced an Influenza A(H1N1) prevention herbal medicine pack.

The Deputy Director of the hospital, Jin Wei, told a press conference earlier that the herbal pack contained seven little packs of four types of herbs in combination, which were said to be effective in the prevention of H1N1.

"Just dip a small pack of herbs in a teapot of hot water and drink it like tea, or used it as mouthwash, and it helps to prevent people for being infected," said Jin.

She said the pack could even cure mild cases of H1N1. However if patients do not recover after taking the herbs for seven days, they are advised to go to the hospital for further treatment.

The combination of the herbs is as follows: Lonicera Japonica Thund-3 grammes, Isatis Indigodica- 3 gms, Mentha Haplocalyx Brip.-3 gms and Glycyrrhiza Glabra-3 gms. These herbs are available in Chinese herbal medicine shops.

H1N1 Virus: How to Protect Yourself from Swine Flu and Alternatives to the Vaccination

Autumn is here and, with it, cold and flu season. A lot of patients are asking me about the Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) approach to treating colds and flu, especially with the concern this year about the H1N1 (Swine Flu) virus.

Q: What are your thoughts about the flu shot and H1N1 (Swine Flu) vaccine?

A: While I can’t make a specific recommendation as to whether you should or should not get the vaccine, please do read up on the safety of the vaccine. The CDC offers answers to FAQs regarding the vaccine here. In my own research I have come across a clinical trial that is currently being conducted, but not scheduled to be completed until April 2010.

A CBS piece summarizes some of the concerns parents have regarding the vaccination here. Parents are particularly hesitant about the safety of such a newly introduced vaccine and the possible inclusion of chemical additives like Themerosol.

If you do choose to get a flu shot this season, acupuncture treatments can help prepare your body for the vaccine and help with any side effects.

Here are some things for you to consider in your decision:

The flu shot and H1N1 vaccine introduce pathogens to your body, essentially to give the body a preview of the bacteria, virus, or toxin it may be exposed to. This allows the body to learn how to defend itself in advance. If the body is ever invaded by that particular pathogen after the vaccine has done its work, your immune system is ready. Some people may experience illness or other side effects from the vaccine itself.

TCM treatments, given before and after a vaccination, strengthen the body to prepare for the pathogens before you receive vaccine and also “release heat” from the body after the vaccine is administered. (Similar treatments are available for infants and young children who are vaccinated against other illnesses.)

Q: How can Acupuncture and Chinese medicine help me avoid or treat colds and flu this season?

A: In TCM, we focus on strengthening the body to increase immunity (how well your body is able to fight off illness). With regular acupuncture treatments, you can strengthen your immune system and decrease your incidences of cold and flu in the coming months. The best time to start treatments to prevent the cold and flu is the season before (early Autumn), which is now!

Acupuncture treatments and herbs can also alleviate symptoms if you do catch a cold or flu. Chances are the treatments you’ve gotten will help your body better fight the illness - it will be more mild and you will get over it more quickly. If you tend to be susceptible to getting multiple colds and flus in the winter, schedule an appointment for acupuncture and herbs today!

Other tips for avoiding and treating colds and flu:

• In Chinese Medicine, we try to avoid "catching a cold or wind." As the air is becoming more crisp and cool, even when the sun is out, wear a scarf to protect your neck from being cold, keep your torso and feet warm and don’t go outdoors with wet hair.

• At the first sign of a cold or flu, rest and get extra sleep. Listen to your body's need for rest and try not to "push through" your illness. Especially this season, stay home to prevent spreading the illness to others.

• Drink warm teas, broths, and eat nutritious whole foods. Eat less processed sugar. If you have phlegm/mucus, avoid dairy products (especially unfermented dairy and citrus). Honey soothes sore throats and helps with coughs.

• Mild exercise is okay; intense exercise will only deplete your immune system further.

• Double dose your probiotics. A healthy gut can help your body fight off a nasty pathogen.

• A simple formula of four Chinese herbs has been shown to be beneficial at warding of swine flu. Come in for an appointment to see if these are appropriate for you.

Moxa for Breech Babies

Below is an instructional video from Acubalance Wellness Center to show a Chinese medicine acupuncture technique called Moxibustion that is used to turn breech babies.

Acupuncture for PTSD

While acupuncture is used to treat a broad range of physical ailments, it can also benefit those suffering from mental and emotional issues such as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.

In a pilot study at the University of New Mexico, researchers conducted a clinical trial examining the effect of acupuncture on the symptoms of PTSD, including depression, anxiety, and impairment in 73 people who had been diagnosed with the condition. The participants were assigned to receive either acupuncture or group cognitive-behavioral therapy over 12 weeks, or were assigned to a wait-list as part of the control group.

The researchers found that the effect of acupuncture was as effective as the group cognitive-behavioral treatment, and that both were superior to the effect on the control group.

At the end of the program, both treatments were extended for 3 months, and the control group was offered treatment or referral for treatment.

While the results are not conclusive, as the sample group was small, they have paved the way for further studies that may show in greater detail how acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine can alleviate PTSD symptoms.

For information about acupuncture services offered at Five Seasons Healing, click here.

Acupuncture and Exercise bring Relief to PCOS sufferers

According to a new study, exercise and electro-acupuncture treatments can reduce sympathetic nerve activity in women with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), one of the most common endocrine disorders. PCOS affects about 10% of women of reproductive age and is associated with health issues such as elevated levels of androgens (like testosterone), ovarian cysts, irregular menstrual cycles and infertility.

This finding is especially important, since women with PCOS have elevated sympathetic nerve activity, which can contribute to hyperinsulinemia, insulin resistance, obesity and cardiovascular disease.

The study also found that the electro-acupuncture treatments led to more regular menstrual cycles, reduced testosterone levels and reduced waist circumference.

While it may be too soon to say for sure that low-frequency electro-acupuncture and exercise may be an alternative, non-pharmaceutical way to treat PCOS, the results of this study are promising.

Read the full article here, and for more information about how traditional Chinese medicine can benefit women's health, check out the Five Seasons Healing website.

Acupuncture at Wal-Mart

After the implementation in February 2008 of in-store health clinics in Atlanta, Little Rock and Dallas under “The Clinic at Wal-Mart” brand, Wal-Mart has set its sights on the holistic health market with the opening of Wal-Mart Community Acupuncture clinics in several of its major urban centers across America.

Said Wal-Mart Senior Vice President and president, health and wellness Dr. John Agwaunobi, “Chinese medicine and pharmacology are a great treasure house and efforts should be made to increase both access and affordability, which seem to go hand in hand.”

Many acupuncturists have been eager to participate. Some plans for the project include immediate availability of acupuncture to "massive and unreachable markets of patients, free education for acupuncture students, jobs for failed private practice acupuncturists and the creation of new, guaranteed jobs for Wal-Mart trained acupuncturists."

While the phrase "Wal-Mart trained acupuncturist" doesn't exactly make me want to trek to the nearest of the 3800 Wal-Mart stores to try it out for myself, it is encouraging to see such a mainstream company embracing alternative medicine.

Read more about it here and feel free to visit the Five Seasons Healing website for more information about alternative medicine and local practitioners in the New York area.

Acupuncture on NPR

This morning, a story about acupuncture for chronic back pain appeared on NPR. The piece details one woman's first-time experience with acupuncture and examines a study sponsored by the National Institutes of Health, which found that a seven-week course of acupuncture helped many patients ease the pain of chronic lower back pain.

One interesting finding was that when points are stimulated on the body's surface it produces the same results as inserting needles. The reason this happens is that both methods are based on the same chinese medicine meridian system and simply stimulating the points on the channel can illicit a therapeutic response. In fact, in certain types of acupuncture, namely Japanese acupuncture, which is also practiced at Five Seasons Healing, the technique is to either shallowly insert needles or only placed them on the surface of the skin.

You can listen to the story or read the text on NPR's website.

Treating Moodiness and Anxiety the Natural Way

Despite the bright, hopeful energy of springtime, many people may find themselves suffering from moodiness, frustration, and anxiety, as these feelings are tied to the health of the liver qi, the system associated with this season. Because of our renewed sense of energy and eagerness to push forward, many of us may notice our limitations that much more, making it difficult to accept that change is gradual and that we are constantly in transition.

Another factor is stress—a lot of us are even more stressed out than we realize! While everyone gets irritated or moody once in a while, but sometimes these emotions can evolve into more serious conditions like anxiety and depression. They can also feed into other health issues such as digestive problems, a weakened immune system, and trouble sleeping.

In the west, many doctors and patients are quick to turn to anti-depressants and other drugs to help combat these conditions.

In traditional Chinese medicine, however, the underlying cause of emotional issues is addressed. The liver is responsible for the smooth flow of qi throughout the body and for balancing our emotions. When the liver’s function of moving qi is disrupted, qi can become stuck, or stagnated.

As stagnation of liver qi is one of the main causes of disharmony reflected in anger, irritability, and frustration, we can improve our health by moving our qi.

Acupuncture is an excellent way to relieve liver qi stagnation. Marie and I see patients all the time with this condition at Five Seasons. To treat irritability and moodiness associated with liver qi stagnation, we focus on moving the qi and supporting the liver and spleen organ systems with acupuncture, lifestyle and dietary recommendations and perhaps an herbal formula, if appropriate.

There are other things you can do to get your qi moving.

Stretch. According to Chinese medicine, the liver stores blood during periods of rest and then releases it to the tendons in times of activity, which maintains tendon health and flexibility. Make a habit out of a morning stretch and try yoga or tai qi.

Waterfall Pose. This yoga pose, also called Viparita Karani, is incredibly relaxing. Lie down on your back with your legs up against a wall. Hang out in this pose anywhere from 5 to 15 minutes. Here is a step-by-step explanation of the pose:
...

Eye Exercises. The liver is said to open into the eyes. Although all the organs have some connection to the health of the eyes, the liver is connected to proper eye function. Remember to take breaks when looking at a computer monitor for long periods of time and do eye exercises.

Eat Green. The color green is associated with the liver. Eating young plants like fresh, leafy greens and sprouts can improve the liver’s overall functions and aid in the movement of qi.
Some other good foods to eat to move your liver qi include celery, cabbage, mustard greens, scallions, beets, peaches and miso soup. Mild spices like ginger, rosemary, and basil can work well too.

Try Something Sour. Foods and drinks with sour tastes are thought to stimulate the liver qi. One of the simplest ways to incorporate this flavor into your diet is to put lemon slices in your drinking water. You can also use vinegar and olive oil for salad dressing and garnish sandwiches with a slice of dill pickle.

Sip Milk Thistle Tea. Milk thistle helps protect liver cells from toxins and encourages the liver to cleanse itself of damaging substances, such as alcohol, medications, pesticides, environmental toxins, and even heavy metals such as mercury.
Peppermint tea is also helpful.

Limit junk foods, processed foods, and dairy. These foods can clog up your system, so it’s best to avoid them if you are concerned about stagnant qi.

Get Outside! Outside air helps liver qi flow. If you have been feeling irritable, try going for a walk or bike ride.

Consider Herbs. Xiang fu, chuan lian zi, he huan pi, he huan hua, and qing pi are all herbs that move liver qi.

Get Acupuncture Treatments. Acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine can help improve the overall health of your liver as well as treat stress, anger and frustration. Regular treatments can tonify the inner organ systems and can correct minor annoyances before they become more serious problems.

Post-Partum Haircare

After giving birth, when hormone levels return to normal, new moms often experience many physical and emotional changes. One of the most frustrating is hair loss. Just as you’ve gotten used to enjoying the thick, healthy hair you had during your pregnancy, it starts to fall out, sometimes in clumps! There’s no need to panic, though—It’s completely normal and temporary. Hair loss usually begins three to four months after the baby’s birth, but within a year, your hair should be back to its vibrant self.

Normally, most of the hair on your head is growing and the rest is in a resting stage. After the resting period, this hair falls out and is replaced by new growth. An average woman sheds about a hundred hairs a day. When pregnant, however, fewer follicles are in the resting stage, so she enjoys thicker, more lustrous hair. After giving birth, your estrogen levels fall, causing more hair follicles to enter the “resting” stage, so you may notice more hairs in the shower drain or hairbrush.

Before you reach for the scissors, though, there are plenty of ways to help promote healthy hair growth. As a new mother myself, I definitely plan to try them out!

Through birth and breastfeeding, women literally give energy to another life. They need to make sure that they get enough nutrients so they have plenty to pass on to their baby without draining their own supply.

Chinese medicine has been treating hair loss for hundreds of years with acupuncture and herbs. As Paul Pitchford explains in his book, Healing with Whole Foods, “In Chinese medicine, hair is said to be an extension of the blood and therefore influenced by the health of the spleen-pancreas and kidneys.” To help restore hair to its healthy state, you need to nourish the blood qi. After giving birth, mothers are encouraged to take blood tonifiers for overall benefits (not just hair loss).

There are two general approaches to enriching and building blood through nutrition. First, you want to increase absorption of nutrients and secondly, you also should add nutrients that generate healthy blood.

The nutrients most often needed to cure blood deficiencies include iron, folic acid, and vitamin B12. Getting enough protein is also important.

Legumes, grains, nuts, and seeds are all good sources of iron, especially when eaten in their raw forms, as protein, copper, and B vitamins needed to aid absorption are still intact. It is also helpful to combine these foods with vitamin C to further enhance absorption.

Folic acid can be found in micro-algae, sprouts, leafy greens and other chlorophyll-rich foods. However, you have to be careful not to lose those nutrients by overcooking, so it may be best to eat these foods raw or lightly steamed.

One of the most convenient ways to obtain adequate levels of B12 is to use bacteria-derived tablets. Grains, legumes, sprouts, green foods, and vegetables are also good food sources of this key nutrient.

In some cases, animal protein may be necessary, as it is a more direct source of these nutrients.

At Five Seasons Healing, I use acupuncture treatments and herbs such as sangshen, he shouwu, and heizhima. to help encourage absorption, by building spleen-pancreas qi and reducing any damp/mucus conditions.

Something else you might want to try is an armotherapy oil blend tested by Scottish dermatologists at the Aberdeen Royal Infirmary. In a clinical study, patients massaged their scalps for two minutes every evening with the a blend of thyme, lavender, rosemary, and cedarwood oil mixed with a carrier oil—a combination of jojoba and grapeseed oils. They wrapped a warm towel around their head afterwards to further enhance the absorption. Patients were advised to use this treatment every night. After seven months, forty-four percent of the patients using the aromatherapy blend had improvement, compared to fifteen percent in the control group.

To promote health hair growth, try this aromatherapy blend:

Cedarwood 2 drops
Thyme 2 drops
Lavender 3 drops
Rosemary 3 drops
Jojoba oil 1/2 teaspoon (carrier)
Grapeseed oil 4 teaspoons (carrier)

This is great to try if you’re suffering from post-partum hair loss or simply want to add some life to your locks! I’ll keep you posted on my results!