Treating Irritability and Moodiness with Acupuncture

Everyone suffers from irritability and moodiness from time to time, but if you find that a short temper and frustration are becoming a constant issue for you, then acupuncture may be able to help.

Often irritability and moodiness are the consequence of chronic stress in your life. Over time these emotions can progress into more serious emotional conditions such as anxiety and depression as well as other health conditions such as digestive problems, trouble sleeping and the tendency to get sick more frequently.

Liver Qi Stagnation and Emotions

Within Oriental medicine emotional disorders can be associated with a number of different patterns of disharmony; however, anger, irritability, and frustration are all signs that our qi is not flowing smoothly. The liver is responsible for the smooth flow of qi (life force) throughout the body and for smoothing our emotions. When the liver’s function of moving qi is disrupted, qi can become stuck. This is referred to as liver qi stagnation.

Liver qi stagnation is one of the most common patterns of disharmony seen in today’s patients. In addition to irritability and moodiness, signs and symptoms may include distending pain in the area below the ribs, stuffiness of the chest, sighing, abdominal distention, nausea, sour regurgitation, belching, diarrhea or constipation, feeling of a lump in the throat, irregular periods, painful periods and distention of the breasts prior to periods. Liver qi stagnation is commonly associated with PMS.

Acupuncture is excellent at relieving liver qi stagnation. Treatment for irritability and moodiness associated with liver qi stagnation focuses on moving qi and supporting the liver and spleen organ systems with acupuncture, lifestyle and dietary recommendations and perhaps an herbal formula.

If you are concerned that your emotions may be interfering with your health and wellness, please call to see how acupuncture can help.

Source: Qi Mail

Three Foods to Support Thyroid Function

Here are some foods to support healthy thyroid function:

Seaweed - Iodine is an essential element that assists the thyroid in producing thyroid hormone. By increasing iodine intake, patients have seen an increase in the production of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH). The best natural source of iodine is kelp, bladderwrack and other seaweeds.

Coconut Oil - Virgin coconut oil is praised by health experts for its ability to lower cholesterol and stabilize blood sugar. It is made up largely of medium chain fatty acids, or triglycerides (MCTs). MCTs are known to speed metabolism, promote weight loss, and raise basal body temperatures.

Brazil nuts and walnuts – These nuts contain high amounts of selenium. Many hypothyroid patients have been found to have deficiencies in this trace mineral.

More Thyroid Tips: Track Your Basal Body Temp

How to Monitor Your Basal Body Temperature

Blood tests may not be sensitive enough to detect milder forms of hypo- thyroidism. Monitoring your body's basal (resting) temperature is often used to identify a thyroid hormone deficiency.

Here is how to track your basal temperature accurately:

1. Get a Basal Body Thermometer and place it where you can reach it without getting out of bed.

2. In the morning, before you get out of bed, take your temperature.


3. Keep a record of your temperature for at least ten days. (Women should do this during the first two weeks of the menstrual cycle, as their basal temperature may rise during the latter half.)

Normal basal body temperatures fall between 96° F and 98° F. If your basal temperature is consistently low in that range, you could be mildly hypothyroid.

6 Food Tips for Autoimmune Disorders

A class of plant chemicals known as bioflavinoids has been found to dramatically reduce inflammation and improve symptoms associated with autoimmune disorders. Here are some examples:

1. Tea: Both green and black tea contain the flavenoids, catechins and theaflavins, which are beneficial in autoimmune disease.
2. Apples: Apples, contain the flavanoid, quercetin that can reduce allergic reactions and decrease inflammation. Quercetin occurs naturally in certain foods, such as apples (with the skin on), berries, red grapes, red onions, capers, and black tea.
3. Carrots: Carotenoids are a family of plant pigments that include beta-carotene. A lack of carotenoids in the diet is thought to promote inflammation. Good sources of carotenoids include apricots, carrots, pumpkin, sweet potato, spinach, kale, butternut squash, and collard greens.
4. Ginger: Recent studies show that ginger reduces inflammation by inhibiting prostaglandin and suppresses the immune system's production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines, reducing disease severity in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.
5. Omega-3: Omega-3 essential fatty acids can counter the formation of chemicals that cause inflammation. Good natural sources include flaxseed oil and salmon.
6. Fiber: A healthy and active colon can decrease food sensitivity, which, in turn, can lighten the burden on your immune system. For maximum autoimmune health, increase the fiber in your diet.

Source: Qi Mail™

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™

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™

Women and Foot Pain

Many people, especially women, suffer from foot pain and believe it is normal. Living in a walking city, such as New York, we need to take special care! A recently published study featured in the New York Times, determined that many women make poor shoe choices early in life and suffer with foot pain in later years. The issue is not only confined to the feet, but has also been seen to cause alignment issues in knees, hip, back and even the neck. Unfortunately for the fashionista, high heels not only cause pain, they also cause corns, bunions, hammer toes, shortened calf muscles and ingrown toenails. Ouch!

Improve foot health

• Limit the amount of time you wear high heels. Carry a pair of good quality flats to wear for part of the day, and choose athletic shoes for weekends and downtime.
• Cushion! Take your high heels with thin soles to the shoemaker, and ask for a thin rubber sole cemented to the bottom of the shoe to cushion your foot.
• Pregnancy may cause your feet to grow up to a full size! When shoe shopping, look for thick, supportive soles. Buy shoes that give your toes room to move. Laced, rather than slip on shoes are recommended by podiatrists for the best fit.
• In addition to alignment issues caused by poor shoe choice, I also see a fair bit of orthopedic conditions in the neck, shoulder and hips due to carrying large, heavy handbags on one shoulder.
• Acupuncture can be very effective in treating chronic pain, but prevention is the best medicine. Lighten up the load, limit the high heels and switch to a supportive pair of shoes!

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.

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:
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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.

Acupuncture for Allergies

While the spring brings with it warmer weather and a sense of rebirth, for many, it also brings on the dreaded seasonal allergies. As a result, millions of dollars are spent every year on allergy medications and shots, which often provide only mild relief.

Allergies are caused by an over-reactivity of the immune system to certain allergens such as wind-born tree, grass, or weed pollen. Sneezing, nasal congestion, runny nose, headaches, fatigue, coughing, wheezing and watery, itchy, or red eyes are common symptoms. In addition, when allergens and antibodies react nasal mucosa becomes swollen and may obstruct drainage from the sinuses causing sinusitis in many people.

Western doctors may prescribe antihistamines. Unfortunately, these remedies only treat the manifestation of the condition. Not only that, but many of these medications cause side effects such as dizziness, fatigue, insomnia, nervousness, dryness, and gastro-intestinal issues.

From a Chinese medicine point of view, allergies are due to an imbalance in the immune system, namely, a deficiency of the body’s Defensive-Qi, combined with the presence of chronic "Wind" or external pathogen in the nose and eyes. A practitioner will use herbs and acupuncture to clear the Wind, reduce congestion, open the nasal passages, relieve itchiness and clear the eyes. This is treatment of the manifestation of the condition. But Chinese medicine does not stop there. The real strength of the medicine is its ability to address the underlying root of the condition, namely, the weakness in the immune system in the face of such overpowering external stressors: the allergens. Together, both the root and the manifestation of the condition are treated to produce lasting results. Receiving acupuncture treatments during the season in which you suffer from allergies can diminish your symptoms and shorten the duration of or eliminate altogether the allergy season. There is also a special classical Chinese medicine treatment administered at the height of the summer heat to help strengthen the lungs and immune system. This treatment addresses longterm asthma, seasonal allergies, and chronic colds. Please be sure to schedule appointments in mid July to early August to catch this short window of time!

Acupuncture for Addiction

In the spirit of spring cleaning, this can be a particularly positive time in regards to detoxifying the body, especially since the season of spring is associated with the Liver system. According to Acupuncture Today, there are currently 5000 National Acupuncture Detoxification Association (NADA)-trained clinicians worldwide, and more than 800 programs within the United States.

Since 1974, when the first US acupuncture detoxification clinic opened at the Lincoln Memorial Hospital in the South Bronx, acupuncture has steadily increased in popularity as a treatment for many addictions, ranging from drug and alcohol dependency to less serious addictions involving smoking and overeating.

Clinical evidence shows that acupuncture works very well to control addictions and curb cravings and behavioral issues without any side effects. It is considered a preferable way to bring relief from withdrawal symptoms and promote relaxation and improved sleep. Acupuncture helps raise the level of endorphins, the same “feel-good” chemicals released during exercise that also act as the body’s natural painkillers. Patients have reported experiencing a very calming effect and a feeling of peace and well-being. Being in a positive frame of mind helps patients deal with the mental, emotional and physical obstacles that arise during their recovery. Rather than treat symptoms in the way, say, methadone does, acupuncture addresses the deeper imbalances in the body and work with the root problems, detoxifying the body of chemicals that trigger additive behavior.

An acupuncturist treats points outside the ear to nourish yin, the cooling, nurturing fluids of the body, by inserting short, thin, sterile needle at three to five points. The patients then sit or lie comfortably for about forty-five minutes. Three of these five points help to strengthen the liver, kidneys, and lungs, organs that are often most damaged in addicts, due to the high-volume stress of eliminating toxins from the body. Patients addicted to hard drugs are advised to receive daily treatment until clean and then gradually scale back to a few times to week to help them remain so. Alcoholics also need daily treatments at the beginning of their recovery.

However, it is important to realize that while acupuncture is part of recovery, no one type of treatment cures all addictions for all individuals. Patients are encouraged to build a supportive network of help, including practices such as psychiatric treatment and group therapy.

Dermatological Creams Now In Stock

Five Seasons Healing now offers topical skincare products designed by master herbalist Carl Shan Leung, OMD. Dr. Leung's strategy of combining modern ointment bases with TCM formulations plays a big part in the products' success. Dr. Leung is committed to using only natural, active ingredients derived from Traditional Chinese Medicine herbs.

All the formulations are absolutely steroid-free. When combined with systemic herbs and acupuncture, they offer more holistic dermatological care rather than simply a local solution.

Five Seasons began using these dermatological creams in late 2008 and has seen great results treating acne, eczema, psoriasis, and other skin ailments.

Treating Seasonal Depression with Traditional Chinese Medicine

Clinically referred to as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), the winter blues can weigh you down during the dark months of the year. An estimated ten million Americans (two-thirds of them women) suffer every year. Symptoms include depression, irritability, headaches, fatigue and lethargy, increased appetite, carbohydrate cravings, difficulty concentrating, and decreased libido.

In the Western world, it is thought that because people have less exposure to sunlight, they experience a decrease in melatonin levels in the brain. Genetics, hormones, stress and other factors may dictate how one is affected by SAD. Western medicine practitioners often to turn to light therapy, and, in some cases, antidepressants to alleviate symptoms.

The Traditional Chinese Medicine approach explains this SAD as the result of a yin-yang imbalance. While yin, the feminine energy, relates to nourishment, it is also associated with cold and darkness, and that it is negative in sign means that it refers also to decreasing and descending aspects of nature. Yang, by contrast, is the male energy, associated with heat and light as well as expanding and ascending aspects. These opposing yet complementary energies are associated with the seasonal cycle, and late autumn and winter find us in the yin cycle, which beings on autumnal equinox and lasts until the spring equinox. It is natural to feel an increase in yin-related tendencies such as isolation and sadness. Those whose makeup is naturally more yin (due to gender, genetics, environment, etc.) may feel these effects more strongly, and hormonal changes can also influence these feelings.

As the winter months profoundly deplete our core energy, it is not surprising that many people find themselves craving quick-fix, high-calorie energy sources so that extra energy can be stored as fat that helps keep the body warm. We use a lot of energy in winter fending off the cold, which can make us feel drained, and we may notice ourselves become more emotionally and physically sensitive to our own surroundings. Stress, poor diet, and lack of sleep many of us are too familiar with due to hectic schedules (not to mention drafty apartments and overzealous radiators) further deplete energy, leading to both a depressed immunity and mood.

While a few individuals may require psychotherapy or medication, there are many other ways to treat SAD:

• The first step to take is to ensure you have proper nourishment and rest as well as a comfortable living environment.
o Stock your kitchen with vitamin-rich fruits and vegetables (try dark leafy greens and baked root vegetables) as well as “warming” foods like whole grains, nuts and seaweed to use in soups and other hearty dishes.
o Give yourself time, space to rest and to be reflective, a natural inclination we experience in the winter months.
o Make sure your thermostat (if you have one) is set to a comfortable temperature. Invest in a space heater or humidifier if necessary.
o Try to go to bed early and wake up early.
o Work by a window if possible, in order to get some direct sunlight.

• Exercise can also boost one’s mood. This a great time of year for outdoor sports such as skiing. Indoor stretches, yoga, and tai chi also do wonders to boost the immunity. It is important to stay active without overstraining the mind or body.

• Acupuncture, especially when combined with heat therapy and yang-fortifying (or “warming”) herbs can be very effective in treating SAD symptoms. It helps guide the body back to balance and regulate the neurological and endocrine systems. Your TCM practitioner can prescribe the herbs that will best complete your personal treatment.


Taking these simple steps can help you stay well all winter. A strong mind and body are your best bet for braving the elements.