Eating Right for Your Body Type – Five Elements

Eating Right for Your Body Type – Five Elements

Traditional Chinese Medicine, a medical system that has been around for nearly 3,000 years, views the body differently than modern medicine. When the body is broken down to its core, its tiniest molecules can be classified as energy. This means every element of the universe resides within the human body, to some degree. And every organ has its own properties and energies that must remain balanced for the body to function properly. The energies within the body must be a perfect synergy of elements. This allows for homeostatic balance, biochemical balance, longevity and harmony between the body and mind. 

The food we put in our mouths can either fuel us or slowly kill us. By knowing which body type we fit into based on the five elements, wood, fire, water, earth or metal, we can then eat a balanced diet that will allow us to remain healthy and strong throughout our lives. Here are some guidelines that may be helpful.

The wood element body type tends to be slender with a long face, body and fingers, similar to a tree. The liver, gallbladder, tendons, ligaments and sinews are all controlled by the wood element. Recommended foods for the wood body type include anything sour, and green foods with stalks. Make sure to exclude alcohol, processed foods, high fat foods and most dairy, as these foods can restrict the free flow of energy and blood, while wreaking havoc on the function of the wood element.

The fire element body type tends to possess a pointy nose, chin and top of the head. The fire element body is shaped like a torch, pointed on the top, narrow at the bottom and flared in the middle. The fire element handles the circulatory, glandular and immune systems. This includes the heart, small intestine and the lymphatic system. Recommended foods for the fire body type include bitter foods, grains, vegetables, dark leafy greens, beans and seeds. These foods tend to keep the fire at bay, avoiding an overabundance. Foods to avoid include chocolate, salt, meats, stimulants and hot spices.

The water element body type has a tendency towards “thickness.” The face tends to be large and round, with a wider base, while the body is full and chubby. The water element rules the kidneys, bladder, bones, nerves and teeth. Recommended foods for the water element body type include pure water (not what is contained in juices, coffee, etc.), blue, purple and black foods, root vegetables and seaweeds and seafood. Foods to avoid include sugars, alcohol, caffeinated drinks, frozen and excessively raw foods.

The earth element body type tends to be short in stature, with a short body, short fingers and neck. The face tends to be square, while the body is pear shaped with rounded buttocks. The earth element rules the digestive and structural systems within the body. This includes the stomach, spleen and muscles. Recommended foods for the earth element body type include root vegetables, leafy greens and light proteins such as legumes and fish. Foods to avoid include refined carbohydrates, dairy, iced drinks and processed foods as they gunk up the digestive system and overtax the spleen and stomach.

The metal element body type tends to have defined facial features and broad, square shoulders. However, their features tend to be thin in nature, such as thin lips and eyelids. The metal element rules the intestinal, respiratory and skin systems, as well as assisting with the immune system. Recommended foods include those that have a dispersing effect and promote energy circulation. Foods sour in nature are best for this body type. Also foods high in minerals like leafy greens and vegetables are good choices. Foods to avoid include dairy, red meat and bitter foods.

Once we know our elemental body type, we can effectively nourish our body without wreaking havoc. For more information, contact a licensed acupuncturist in your area.

Bishara Wilson, L.Ac., MSTOM

New York Sports Acupuncture

www.nysportsacu.com

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Acupuncture for Kids with Down Syndrome

Acupuncture for Kids with Down Syndrome

In recent years researchers have begun to study the effects holistic medicine, and in specific acupuncture, have on those with down syndrome. It is important to remember that a down syndrome diagnosis comes before birth. This means a child will be born with down syndrome and grow up having to experience its trials and tribulations. It can be tough for kids to cope with having down syndrome, and new studies have shown acupuncture can make it a little bit easier.

Acupressure points can help those with down syndrome suffer less from setbacks and symptoms.

Herbal formulas and certain foods are also beneficial for patients with down syndrome. Utilizing these elements of TCM can help those with down syndrome live a better life.

Many of those with down syndrome experience an increased amount of dampness. You can use acupuncture and TCM to correct the amount of dampness they may be experiencing.

Down syndrome contributes to kidney deficiency and acupuncture and TCM can be used to balance and correct the deficiency.

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New York Sports Acupuncture

Bishara Wilson, L.Ac., MSTOM, C.SMA

www.NewYorkSportsAcupuncture.com

Acupuncture and Down Syndrome

Acupuncture and Down Syndrome

Down syndrome is a genetic disease that affects around 6,000 babies every year in the United States. The cause of this disease is still unknown but science is learning more every year. The disease was officially discovered in 1866 by John Langdon Down, an English physician. There are three types of Down syndrome: nondisjunction, translocation and mosaicism. Nondisjunction, or trisomy 21, is the most common form. This type of Down syndrome is caused by an error in cell division during development. In trisomy 21 the embryo ends up with three copies of chromosome 21 instead of the two normal copies. Down syndrome causes distinct facial appearances and intellectual disabilities, as well as many other developmental problems.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, there are acupressure points located along energetic pathways or meridians. Each of these meridians is associated with an internal organ. And every meridian has its own set of properties because of the organ it is associated with. TCM treats any kind of genetic disease as a disease of the kidney energetic meridian. When the energy of the kidney meridian or Qi (pronounced “chee”) is weak, it means there is a deficiency of yang in the body. This can lead to an overabundance of dampness. In Down syndrome sufferers, this can manifest as poor muscle tone, a puffy face and protruding tongues. An overabundance of dampness can also affect people mentally, causing learning disabilities and emotional outbursts. Over time, the dampness creates blockages that build up and generate heat. This pattern is characterized by restlessness, overactivity and red cheeks.

Acupuncture is one way to help manage the symptoms of Down’s syndrome sufferers. There are multiple acupressure points that can be used to decrease the aforementioned symptoms and make life much more bearable for Down syndrome patients. These acupressure points can be used alone or in conjunction and many of them can even be stimulated without actual acupuncture needles. For instance, there is a point on the top of the head that can help with restlessness, as well as improving memory and cognitive performance.

Certain herbal formulas can also be very beneficial to the patient. These formulas treat the symptoms and the root cause of the disease from the TCM viewpoint. As mentioned beforehand, TCM views genetic disorders and a deficiency of kidney yang. To combat this, a TCM practitioner might suggest using herbs such as angelica root, cinnamon and Chinese yam in a combination that will increase the kidney yang over time.

Lastly, nutritional counseling may be required to help treat Down’s patients. Foods cold in nature, such as watermelon, cucumber and dairy products are not good choices because they further deplete the kidney yang and increase the dampness within the body. But as with every type of food, moderation is the key.

While there is no cure for Down syndrome, it is a disease that has become much more manageable. And because of medical management through methods such as acupuncture, the life expectancy and the quality of life for Down’s patients can be improved greatly.

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New York Sports Acupuncture

Bishara Wilson, L.Ac., MSTOM, C.SMA

www.NewYorkSportsAcupuncture.com

Acupuncture Complementing Cancer Treatment

Acupuncture Complementing Cancer Treatment

Acupuncture has many healing properties. Acupuncture and other forms of Traditional Chinese Medicine are known to be great complementary forms of treatment for those fighting cancer. Forms of TCM, such as acupuncture, are even used by hospitals and other health practitioners to work alongside chemotherapy.

Chemotherapy and radiation can exhaust and break down a patient’s body, so the rejuvenative properties of acupuncture and TCM are welcomed by the recipient.

Check out these reasons acupuncture is a great complementary treatment for cancer patients:

• Can help manage acute and chronic types of pain
• Acupuncture can increase your white blood cell count, which is important for fighting cancer cells 
• Bolsters immune health 
• Assists with managing debilitating side effects, such as vomiting, depression, weight loss and physical and mental fatigue. 
• Acupuncture is a safe treatment and can be used for all ages.
• Specific methods have been created to fight cancer
• Acupuncture has been an effective form of pain management for thousands of years

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New York Sports Acupuncture

Bishara Wilson, L.Ac., MSTOM, C.SMA

www.NewYorkSportsAcupuncture.com

Traditional Chinese Medicine and Breast Cancer

Traditional Chinese Medicine and Breast Cancer

According to the Worldwide Breast Cancer Association, breast cancer affected nearly 1.5 million women and men in 2010. And unfortunately, that number hasn’t decreased by much since then. Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women, worldwide. The United States and the United Kingdom have the highest incidence rates globally, primarily due to excessive exposure to toxic chemicals and improper health habits. Because of this, regular screening is highly recommended. But what should you do if you already have or have had breast cancer? Consider incorporating Traditional Chinese Medicine and acupuncture into your healthcare routine.

Using sterile, hair-thin needles and placing them into specific pressure points on the skin, a licensed acupuncturist can tremendously affect the way a person’s body deals with cancer cells or the sometimes harsh medical treatments you may be undergoing to fight the disease. Acupuncture stimulates the nervous and immune systems to release natural painkillers and infection fighters. Studies have shown acupuncture can help relieve fatigue, control hot flashes, decrease nausea and vomiting and decrease pain levels.

Acupuncture is just one facet of TCM. There are other practices, such as tai chi or qi gong that can help keep you healthy or increase your immunity while fighting a disease. Research confirms that being too sedate and inactive can actually attribute to the body becoming diseased. Everybody has cancer cells in their bodies. But these cells only proliferate when given the right set of conditions. By incorporating things like qi gong or tai chi, you can still get the exercise your body needs, which helps increase long-term immunity, thus warding off disease.

For those who are already suffering from breast cancer, Traditional Chinese Medicine can indeed help. If surgery has been performed to remove the tumor(s), acupuncture along the scar lines can stimulate blood flow, relieve pain and increase mobility that may have otherwise been impeded due to skin tightness. Acupuncture treatments can increase collagen in the skin and this helps relieve added tension along the scar lines. This can also allow for cancer patients to undergo more aggressive physical therapy that will help them heal faster and return to a normal life.

Most cancer patients who opt for chemotherapy and radiation also become severely immunocompromised, making it harder for them to recover and more susceptible to other infections. Utilizing acupuncture during and after cancer treatments can be very beneficial and stimulate the body’s immune system. However, receiving acupuncture treatments as preventive care, just like eating healthy foods, can help keep the body free from disease to begin with. And once the cancer is in remission, continuing with regular acupuncture treatments will increase the immune system’s ability to remain strong.

Breast cancer is no laughing matter and it can be a death sentence. But it doesn’t have to be. While mammography is the standard form of early detection, thermography is a much safer option and it is gaining ground. Thermography is a tool that monitors breast health, assesses breast cancer risk and does not expose the patient to radiation. These are all things that mammography cannot do. Along with the use of early detection, regular acupuncture treatments can greatly increase the chances of never hearing those words from your doctor, “You have breast cancer.” So what are you waiting for? Find a licensed acupuncturist and start your preventive care today!

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New York Sports Acupuncture

Bishara Wilson, L.Ac., MSTOM, C.SMA

www.NewYorkSportsAcupuncture.com

Research Update – Acupuncture Related to the Large Intestine

Research Update – Acupuncture Related to the Large Intestine

A study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine, has determined acupuncture, and more specifically, electroacupuncture is a safe and effective treatment for chronic severe functional constipation. The study was conducted throughout 15 hospitals in China. The participants were patients with chronic severe functional constipation and no underlying pathological causes for the constipation. They each received 28 sessions of acupuncture with electrical stimulation. The study showed each participant increased the number of consistent bowel movements with the assistance of electroacupuncture treatments and without any adverse side effects.


http://annals.org/aim/article/2552074/acupuncture-chronic-severe-functional-constipation-randomized-trial


The large intestine is responsible for absorbing water from indigestible food and transporting the useless waste material out of the body. This is the second to the last part of the digestive tract in the human body. However, according to Traditional Chinese Medicine, the large intestine is considered to be a functionally defined entity, not an organ.

TCM looks at things a little differently than Western medicine. In TCM, the large intestine is an energy system. The large intestine is defined by the role it plays energetically in the body. But there are correlations between the large intestine energy system and the actual large intestine organ. In TCM, the large intestine system is in charge of the same functions as the large intestine organ (absorbing fluids, excreting waste, etc.).

The large intestine pathway is associated with the emotions of sadness, loss, grief, guilt and stagnation. These can lead to pathologies that make it difficult for one to go with the flow of everyday life. When these emotions become deeply ingrained, the body can manifest this as constipation, diarrhea or lower abdominal cramping. Energetic imbalances in the large intestine can lead to physical weakness, while provoking emotional introversion. This can lead to depression, irritability, apathy and discouragement. It can also stimulate panic responses that then produce spontaneous defecation due to the body’s reflex reactions.

Imbalances affecting the large intestine are quite frequent in modern society due to excessive stress and constant worry. Chronic stress and worry actually stimulate the body’s parasympathetic nervous system, which controls the heart rate, increases intestinal and gland activity and relaxes the sphincter muscles that control the gastrointestinal tract. When the parasympathetic nervous system is constantly be stimulated, the body is unable to rest and digest. This leads to some of the aforementioned symptoms, diseases and ailments that trouble the large intestine.

TCM can assist a person who is dealing with pathologies of the large intestine in a safe and natural way. TCM utilizes several modalities for treating ailments within the body. The most commonly known of these modalities is acupuncture. Acupuncture uses hair-thin, solid stainless steel needles to stimulate the body’s ability to heal itself. Acupuncture works by stimulating or sedating sensory neurons that communicate with the central nervous system. This allows for the body to use its own defenses to regain harmony and balance.

Suffering from gastrointestinal ailments does not have to be a way of life. Help may be closer than you think. Search your neighborhood for a fully trained and properly-licensed acupuncturist and find out what they can do for you today. 

Call Today for Free Large Intestine Health Evaluation

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New York Sports Acupuncture

Bishara Wilson, L.Ac., MSTOM, C.SMA

www.NewYorkSportsAcupuncture.com

Research Update – Acupuncture Related to the Lungs

Research Update – Acupuncture Related to the Lungs


A study published by the Natural Health Research Institute suggests acupuncture can improve the breathing ability of COPD patients. COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) is a progressive disease that gradually decreases lung function. The patients in this study received daily acupuncture treatments for twelve weeks using the same points on each patient. Using the Borg scale to rate their ability to breathe, it was found that patients receiving the regular acupuncture treatments showed significantly better Borg scores. This study shows there are alternative options for COPD sufferers that can lead to an overall increased quality of life.

http://www.naturalhealthresearch.org/acupuncture-may-benefit-lung-health/

Traditional Chinese Medicine uses a holistic approach to the body. Everything exists within the circle of nature according to TCM theory. Balanced elements lead to a harmonious life and a balanced body, mind and soul. TCM also considers how the psyche affects the physical body, making emotional wellness just as important as physical health.

In TCM, every organ is associated with a series of properties. These associations provide clues that help the TCM practitioner locate the root of the physical problems, while guiding them through the treatments. The associations of the lungs include the emotion of grief/sadness, the season of fall, the color white and the pungent flavor. When the body is imbalanced, then disease or illness my take root. TCM views this as an imbalance in the Qi (pronounced “chee”) or vital energy. The Qi of the lungs is very important to all aspects of human life.

The lungs are known as the Prime Minister in TCM and in such, they control breath and energy, while assisting the heart with the circulation of blood throughout the body. Without Qi, the blood will not flow causing illnesses. The lungs also control the skin, which breathes through the opening and closing of the pores, which helps regulate body temperature. This is done through both perspiration and shivering.

Acupuncture is one of the modalities used by TCM practitioners to help balance the body and the energies flowing through it. The function of lung Qi is to descend and dispense downwards and to dissipate outwards. When these functions are compromised, they need to be balanced. This is achieved by restoring the downward and outward functions. Acupuncture points on the body, when stimulated, can greatly improve the flow of lung Qi, while opening up the airways and increasing the uptake of oxygen within the cells of the whole body. Acupuncture also helps relax the muscles associated with breathing, allowing lung Qi to flow properly.

Another aspect of TCM that can greatly improve and balance lung Qi is herbal formulas. Pungent flavors are known to help the lungs. Because pungent, spicy substances generally have a dispersing nature, they tend to be very effective in treating lung pathologies. Coupling Chinese herbs with pungent foods, can quickly regulate lung imbalances. Pungent foods that help balance the lungs include garlic, ginger, onions and horseradish. But just as with any type of food or herb, they should be used appropriately. Excessive usage of these items can be harmful to the lung Qi.

To find out how TCM can help you with any form of lung imbalance, it is recommended to search your area and contact a licensed acupuncturist. There are many qualified acupuncturists across the country that know how to address various lung pathologies.

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New York Sports Acupuncture

Bishara Wilson, L.Ac., MSTOM, C.SMA

www.NewYorkSportsAcupuncture.com

Building Protective Qi with TCM

Building Protective Qi with TCM

Everybody gets sick at some point in their life. For some, it’s just a quick weekend thing. For others, it can last for several days and even weeks. Why do some people always get sick whenever there is a bug going around and others don’t? It all comes down to immunity. People who have a stronger immune system, tend to be sick less often. Those with compromised or weak immune systems, seem to get sick at the drop of a hat. There are many things that can be done to strengthen the immune system though. And Traditional Chinese Medicine is probably one of the best and least invasive ways to boost the immune system, not just during the winter months, but all year long.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, the immune system is called Wei Qi (pronounced “way chee”). The Wei Qi is closely associated with the internal organs, specifically the lungs. When the energy of the lungs is well-balanced, Wei Qi is strong and can easily fight off any external attacks. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, the lungs dominate the skin and breathing. If lung function is deficient or compromised in any way, then the body is more open to external pathogens like viruses and bacteria. Common symptoms of decreased Wei Qi or immunity include coughing, sneezing, runny nose, watery eyes, sore throat, headaches, fever and/or chills.

Traditional Chinese Medicine is a medical system that has been around for nearly 4,000 years. There are many tools in the kit of a TCM practitioner. Probably the most commonly used tools for building Wei Qi are acupuncture and herbal formulas. Acupuncture uses hair-thin stainless steel, single-use needles that are placed on specific acupressure points that can boost immunity and balance hormones. When the hormones are stressed and unbalanced, illness can occur. Acupuncture points associated with Wei Qi can strengthen the circulation of energy and blood, which will then boost the body’s defense mechanisms, thus helping to prevent illness. Regular acupuncture treatments can also cause the brain to increase T-cells in the body. T-cells destroy bacteria and viruses. Acupuncture needles provoke the body’s immune response by sending T-cells and white cells to the needle sites to fight off the invaders. These effects can last for several days, which keeps immunity higher than normal.

Chinese botanicals are another great way to build up Wei Qi. Any herb or herb combination that boosts or enhances the immune system will keep the body functioning at its optimal level. In TCM, there are many individual herbs that boost the Qi and some specifically boost the Wei Qi. Astragalus (huang qi) is one of the more frequently used Chinese herbs. It is used to tonify the Wei Qi, fortify the lungs and protect against pathogens. Studies show huang qi increases white blood cells, which can help fight off infection and pathogenic invasions.

Cordyceps (dong chong xia cao) is another immune-boosting herb. Cordyceps enhances immunity by increasing white blood cells, T-cells and interferon. It also can inhibit the growth of cancer cells. While cordyceps works very well by itself, it works even better when used as part of a formula, as do most Chinese herbs. When looking to use Chinese herbs, be sure to seek out a qualified herbalist and TCM practitioner to insure overall safety of the herb or formula.

TCM and all of its modalities can be very helpful in staying well and healthy. When added to the practices of proper sleep and nutrition, drinking lots of water and mild exercise, TCM will help keep the body’s immune system healthy. And hopefully if illness does occur, it will only be mild. Here’s to your health!

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New York Sports Acupuncture

Bishara Wilson, L.Ac., MSTOM, C.SMA

www.NewYorkSportsAcupuncture.com

Five Ways to Increase White Blood Cell Count with TCM

Five Ways to Increase White Blood Cell Count with TCM

Leukopenia is a term used when there are less than adequate white blood cells in the bloodstream. This condition may make those suffering from it susceptible to infections. Leukopenia is often seen in diseases such as AIDS, cancer and lupus, as well as in common occurrences like the flu or a cold. Leukopenia can also be medically induced, as is often the case for cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy and radiation. While there are several prescription medications available to battle this condition, most of them also have multiple adverse side effects. But there are alternative natural methods that can increase white blood cell count without the side effects. One of these is Traditional Chinese Medicine.

Traditional Chinese Medicine is a medical system that has been around for thousands of years and incorporates multiple modalities to treat the body holistically. Acupuncture is one of the modalities utilized by TCM practitioners that can help increase white blood cell count. In fact, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends and endorses acupuncture for treating leukopenia. Research has demonstrated acupuncture can increase immunity, while improving both red and white blood cell counts.

Traditional Chinese Medicine considers the spleen to be a very important component of immune function in the body. In TCM, the spleen is responsible for removing nutrients from food and then using those nutrients to build up blood. Patients with low blood cell count tend to suffer from fatigue. This can be countered by receiving regular acupuncture treatments that not only increase immunity, but also boost the production of blood cells.

One very important modality of TCM is herbs and herbal formulas. Specific herbs and formulas can actually increase white blood cell count and improve immune function in the body. The peony root, for example, is used in at least three different forms to boost or tonify the blood. In single herb form, peony root is known as Bai Shao, Chi Shao and Shao Yao. All of these forms are known to tonify blood, which ultimately increases immunity.

Tai chi and qi gong are not technically part of TCM, but they are ingrained in Asian history and used by millions of people worldwide. Studies have shown these forms of low-impact exercise can be very beneficial to those suffering from leukopenia. In fact, the studies confirm blood cell count can be increased by practicing tai chi or qi gong on a regular basis. There have even been cases where tumors have completely disappeared after the patient began practicing these ancient martial arts.

Diet and nutrition are other important areas when battling leukopenia. In TCM, nutrition is vital for overall health. One of the superfoods in TCM is Shiitake mushrooms. These mushrooms are recommended because they are known to enhance immunity. Shiitake mushrooms contain lentinan, which is an antiviral substance that has strong immune-stimulating properties. This mushroom is used as a meat substitute in TCM nutrition. And when combined with other immune-boosting foods, this in itself can make for a very healthy meal.

Lastly, a practice known as meditation should be considered when low white blood cell count is present. While meditation is not specific to TCM, it is frequently prescribed and used by TCM practitioners. Mediation is a practice that helps calm the mind and the nervous system. When the nervous system is overstimulated, it creates metabolic stress within the body. Metabolic stress causes the immune system to become weakened, thus decreasing the number of white blood cells in the body. Meditation can help reverse this problem.

While Western medicine may be the current line of defense in fighting leukopenia, it is very feasible that alternative medicine may offer more without harmful side effects. The two forms of medicine can be used in conjunction, allowing the patient to have more options and more control over their treatment regimen. 

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New York Sports Acupuncture

Bishara Wilson, L.Ac., MSTOM, C.SMA

www.NewYorkSportsAcupuncture.com