Staying Healthy This Season

Seasonal changes affect the body's environment. As we move gradually from Winter to Spring, patients are still coming in with colds/flu. Good lifestyle and hygiene habits are proven to reduce your risk of getting sick.



Wash Your Hands– Studies have shown that one of the main reasons that we catch colds and flu in cold weather is that we are indoors and in closer vicinity to others. Protect yourself by washing your hands regularly and try not to touch your face.



Sleep In - The Nei Ching, an ancient Chinese classic, advised people to go to sleep early, rest well and rise late, after the sun's rays have warmed the atmosphere a bit. This preserves your own Yang Qi for the task of warming the body.



Stress Less - Find a release valve for your stress. According to Chinese medicine, stress, frustration, and unresolved anger can play an important part in throwing the immune system off and allowing pathogens to affect the body. Find a way to relax and release stress on a daily basis. Such methods may include yoga, meditation and exercise. Acupuncture has been shown to be effective in the treatment of stress, anxiety and depression.



Seasonal Tune-Up - Acupuncture and Oriental medicine can prevent colds and flu by building up the immune system with just a few needles inserted into key points along the body’s energy pathways. These points are known for strengthening the circulation of blood and energy and for consolidating the outer defense layers of the skin and muscle (wei Qi) so that germs and viruses cannot enter through them.

Seasonal acupuncture treatments also serve to tonify the inner organ systems and correct minor annoyances before they become serious problems.

Source: Qi Mail

Thoughts on Winter, Which is Still Here

Winter is still hanging on. The weeks of rain, wind, and colder temperatures are reminders of that. Staying indoors and sleeping are more appealing as our bodies try to keep warm, and cravings for certain foods may also be at the forefront of our minds.

In Traditional Chinese medicine, each season has an organ that belongs to it. Winter is the season of th Kidneys, which holds the essence of our being and the root of our energy. Winter is also the season that has the most “Yin” aspect of Chinese medicine (think of the black side of the Taiji or YinYang symbol).

Yin is dark, movement is slow, and it represents cooler temperatures (in contrast to the Yang summer season, which is light, with more activity and warmth)

If you have an acupuncture treatment this winter, we may use moxibustion to warm your cold extremities, low back, or abdomen. Moxibustion is a wonderful way to warm the body slowly, with lasting effects. You may also consider an herbal formula to fight off colds.

A book that I often recommmend to patients is “Staying Healthy with the Seasons,” by Elson Hass, MD. This book discusses how to eat and exercise with each season and the changes that occur in nature and within our own bodies. In winter, it’s best to eat warm foods such as nourishing soups and hearty stews to help our bodies be still and keep warm.

It’s also important to keep up with some form of exercise routine, such as yoga, pilates, or your usual gym workouts. Even though we may not be sweating as much, out bodies still need water in this season. After all, it is the season of the Water element…

Ginger Tea

Freshly made ginger tea is delicious and healing. It's wonderfully soothing on a cold day and it's very healing for digestive discomfort, nausea, morning sickness, menstrual cramps, and common cold. Ginger tea bags are just not the same as the freshly made tea!

Traditional Recipe for Ginger Tea

• 4-6 thin slices of organic fresh ginger (each slice should be about the size of a quarter coin)
• 1 1/2 - 2 cups of filtered water

Bring the water and ginger to a boil and reduce heat to simmer for 10-20 minutes (20 minutes will yield a stronger ginger tea). Strain the tea and enjoy. You can add honey or lemon to taste. If this is too gingery, add more hot water to dilute.

No-Simmer Ginger Tea Recipe

• 1 teaspoon of grated organic fresh ginger
• 1 cup of boiling water

Simply add the boiling water to a mug with the teaspoon of grated ginger. Cover and let steep for 10 minutes. You can strain or simply drink with the pieces of ginger. You can add honey or lemon to taste. If this is too gingery, add more hot water to dilute.

Winter: The Time To Nourish Your Kidneys

Here are some nutritional tips for Winter:

Water - The Kidneys are associated with the Water element. Drink ample water, at room temperature, throughout the day.

Kidney Shaped Foods - Black beans and kidney beans are excellent examples of kidney shaped foods that nourish and benefit Kidney Qi.

Blue and Black Foods - The colors blue and black correspond to the Water element of the Kidneys and are thought to strengthen the Water element. Include blueberries, blackberries, mulberry and black beans in your diet.

Seeds - Flax, pumpkin, sunflower and black sesame seeds relate to fertility and growth which is governed by Kidney Qi.

Nuts - Walnuts and chestnuts have been found to be especially effective for increasing Kidney Qi.

Vegetables - Dark, leafy green vegetables are the best choice for Kidney Qi. Other Kidney Qi boosting veggies include asparagus, cucumbers and celery.

Source: Qi Mail

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.

Happy Winter Solstice

With Chinese medicine as the guide, we can all experience the amazing healing potential of our mind, body and spirit. Happy Winter Solstice. December 21, marks the official beginning of winter. Welcome this change of season, and have a healthy and happy holiday!

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.

Preparing for Winter with Warming Foods

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, each of the five seasons (Spring, summer, late summer, autumn, and winter) is associated with a specific element. As fall begins to turn to winter, we transition from the element of metal to the element of water.

As Paul Pitchford explains in Healing with Whole Foods, in order to “unify” with winter, “one emphasizes the yin principle to become more receptive, introspective, and storage-oriented; one cools the surface of the body and warms the body’s core” (354). We need to seek inner warmth.

The kidneys are the organs most affected by wintertime. We may notice that we naturally gravitate towards “warm hearty soups, whole grains, and roasted nuts” on cold days. Pitchford recommends dried foods, small dark beans, seaweed, and steamed winter greens to fortify the kidneys. It is also important to cook foods at a lower temperature with less water.

Salty and bitter are the flavors for this cold season, appropriate because “they promote a sinking, centering quality which heightens the capacity for storage.” They help cool the exterior of the body and bring body heat “deeper and lower,” which means that we feel the cold less.

Salty foods include: miso, soy sauce, seaweeds, salt, millet, barley, plus any food made salty by the addition of salt. However, it should be noted that an excess of salt causes an over-consumption of water, weakening the bladder and kidneys and affecting the heart.

Common bitter foods may not be bitter on their own but are a combination of bitter and other flavors, including: lettuce, watercress, endive, escarole, turnip, asparagus, alfalfa, carrot top, rye, oats, quinoa, and amaranth.

Citrus and other foods for which the protective coating is bitter are also on the list. The strongest bitter qualities, however, can be found in herbs such as chicory root, burdock root, horsetail, and chaparral.

Try this recipe from Healing with Whole Foods to brighten up even the darkest of winter days.

Winter Sunshine Soup

Serves 8

Ingredients:
1 cup yellow split peas, soaked
2 quarts water
1 5-inch piece kombu, soaked
½ onion, cut into crescent moons (optional)
2 carrots, cut into flowers
1 cup winter squash, diced
½ cup parsley, chopped
¼ teaspoon salt

Preparation:
• Place kombu and peas in a pot with water.
• Bring to boil. Reduce heat and simmer 30 minutes.
• Add onions, carrots, squash, and salt. Simmer until peas and vegetables are tender.
• Add miso diluted in stock and simmer 5 minutes more.

How to Survive Holiday Travel

For many of us, the holiday season involves traveling to visit family and friends. Though this is a joyous, celebratory time of year, the hustle and bustle can be taxing on our minds and bodies, putting us at risk for illness and injury.

Sitting in one position for a long time on planes, in buses, and cars can wear on the body, causing discomfort in the back, shoulders, and neck. Lugging heavy bags weighs us down. The stress of rushing to make departures, long lines at airports, crowded highways, along with throngs of other people dealing with the exact same things, takes its toll on us emotionally as well as physically.

When we arrive at our destination, relief is usually fleeting. Sleeping in guest beds, on couches, and air mattresses can wreak havoc on our spines, and family tensions can make us emotional. Being out of our familiar settings and in close quarters with people we may not see that many times a year can drive us to lose our good will towards men.

However, here are a few measures you can take before, during and after your trip to make it as stress-free as possible.

• Before you leave, get organized.
o Pack ahead of time rather than saving it for the last minute. Minimize luggage by bringing only the necessities.
o If you’re flying, keep tickets in a safe place where you will remember them. Don’t wait until ten minutes before you leave to find them.

• Be prepared for delays and traffic. Bring a book and music to keep yourself occupied.
o Get enough sleep in the days leading up to your trip so you’re not running on empty.

• Strive to eat balanced meals and drink plenty of water, even on the road or in the air. It may be tempting to resort to surviving on coffee, pastries, and airline peanuts, but you’ll feel much better by the time you reach your destination if you’ve given your body the nutrition it needs.
o Be mindful of what you eat and drink, but don’t beat yourself up for indulging in a special treat.

• See your Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioner to pick up some remedies:
o “Cold Quell” pills can be taken before beginning your journey to prevent colds and then immediately with any sign of a cold coming on.
o An immune booster like "Jade Windscreen Pill" for a week before travel and during your entire stay is also effective.
o A great formula to help with digestion is "Strengthen the Spleen" pills to be taken after a very filling holiday meal.

• Pressing on acupressure points, self-massage, and self-care are also helpful.
o LI4 (or Large Intestine 4 point, also called peaceful union) is great for any type of headache, toothache or pain in the body. Take the thumb and index finger of one hand and press the soft mound of flesh on the palm between the thumb and index finger of the opposite hand. Look for the tender area and rub for 5 minutes, alternating sides.
o Round rub around eyes—Make hands into loose fists and take the knuckles of index fingers and rub around the eye socket pausing in the tender spots. Rub around nose and sinus passages to encourage healthy, open sinuses and clear vision.
o After arriving, soak feet in warm water to encourage any anxiety, tension or excitement from travel to melt away. This will help you get a good night’s rest by descending energy away from the head in order to calm nerves and rest the mind.

• There are various yoga stretches and breathing exercises that promote calmness or increase energy.
o Forward bends are great for calming the mind. Either with legs straight or bent, hang from hips, holding elbows, nodding head “yes,” shaking head “no”, to open spine and release neck and shoulder muscles. Resting your head on a few stacked books helps to calm mind.
o You can also do this on the floor with backs of legs flat against floor and bending forward towards your toes (no need to touch) and resting your head on stacked pillows to make it restorative rather than strenuous. It is best to relax into this pose for 3-5 minutes.
o If you want to boost your energy, doing a headstand is a great way to gear up.
o Practice deep breathing, in moments where you’re afraid of losing your cool,. Breathe in for seven seconds, and then out for seven seconds. Do this for 10 rounds and feel the effects.

Exercise is one of the ultimate stress-busters. Even a walk around the block with a cousin or sibling can get your heart rate up and produce feel-good endorphins.
Perhaps most importantly of all, be kind to your body. Don’t push yourself too hard. Though many of us feel pressured by the demands of the season, remember that you are only human.

When you get home, check in with your acupuncturist, chiropractor, therapist, or any other practitioner you regularly see. They can help you tend to any lingering ailments.

Cheers to a happy and healthy holiday season!