Start the New Year Off Right: Get Acupuncture

Start the New Year Off Right: Get Acupuncture

It’s almost that time of year again. The time of year when everybody makes promises to themselves known as New Year’s resolutions. But how many actually keep and achieve those resolutions after January? The statistics aren’t very promising. According to Forbes.com, only about eight percent of the people who actually make New Year’s resolutions, carry them to fruition. Not too good. But there is a way to help stay on track with the resolutions. Yes, acupuncture can help with achieving the new goals we set for ourselves.


For many people, losing weight is the top New Year’s resolution. So we join a gym, start dieting, exercising and by the end of January, most have given up. Why? It’s too hard. Or is it? Acupuncture has been shown to help in many areas when it comes to losing weight. First off, it helps curb cravings. For many, this is huge. Acupuncture can also help balance hormones, which can lead people to eating more than they should and a lot of the things they shouldn’t, like sugary treats. Adding regular acupuncture treatments to proper diet and exercise can greatly increase the likelihood the weight will slowly come off, which is exactly how it should be approached.

Something else that occurs at the beginning of every year, after people join the gym, is they overdo it and then their muscles become overworked and sore. This is another area where acupuncture can help. Relieving pain and muscle spasms is the most common reason people go to see an acupuncturist. Unfortunately, it is usually after they have tried everything else without success. Why not avoid the middleman and just go straight to the source? Acupuncture is great for helping relieve pain and spasms, which will allow you to return to the gym more often, thus helping with resolution number one…losing weight.

Finally, regular acupuncture treatments can help relieve stress. After all the holiday get-togethers, the family outings, shopping, decorating and cleaning up all the mess, who isn’t stressed out? Acupuncture is a wonderful way to relax and unwind. And stress reduction is in the top five for those who actually do make resolutions. Stress is the cause of so many illnesses. And numerous studies have shown acupuncture can not only decrease stress and anxiety, but it can also lower blood pressure. For those who are on blood pressure regulating medications, this can be a great adjunctive therapy that can ultimately lead to taking less medications or even being able to stop them altogether. There are also other facets of Traditional Chinese Medicine that can help with stress relief, like tai chi or qi gong. These are both in the martial arts family but they are much more fluid and create less impact on the joints. So not only will you be able to decrease stress, but you may also notice you’re losing weight and gaining health and stamina. It’s a win-win!

So when you start gearing up for those resolutions, don’t forget to include regular acupuncture treatments. You might just be surprised how much easier it is to actually keep the resolutions and achieve your goals.

New York Sports Acupuncture

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

www.nysportsacu.com

888.375.5444

7 Ways to Detox After the Holidays

7 Ways to Detox After the Holidays

Oh the holidays! You either love them or hate them. There is rarely any gray area. But, one thing is almost certain, everybody feels sluggish after the holidays are over. Thanks to all the cookies and milk, cakes and candy. And, most people feel the same way about dieting as they do about the holidays themselves, either love them or hate them. So why not detox instead of diet and maybe shed some pounds in the process? Seems a little easier to handle. So let’s explore some ways to detox after the holidays.

1. Drink green tea with ginger.

Green tea is becoming more popular in the West, but it has been used in areas such as Asia for centuries. Green tea with ginger is thought to increase digestion, so it helps burn off those extra calories just by ingesting it. Have a cup or two a day and see how you feel.



2. Exercise regularly.

Yes, we know. UGH! Many of you are not a fan of going to the gym and that’s ok. Exercising doesn’t have to be something you dread though. You can get a decent workout in the comfort of your own home. Yoga is much harder than it looks and it can work up a sweat too. Tai chi and qigong are also great ways to lose weight without putting lots of impact on your ankles, knees and hips. But the best way to lose a few pounds is to be more active than you normally are. So get online and find a practice that you connect with.



3. Drink lots of water.

On top of all the green tea with ginger, add in numerous glasses of water throughout the day. Water helps cleanse the system and get you back on track. A normal person should be drinking at least 64 ounces of water per day. If you’re doing some intense exercising, it should be even more. So drink up!



4. Sit in a sauna.

Saunas and steam rooms are great for shedding a couple of extra pounds of water weight. But they can also help your body to detox by sweating out the toxins. Going for a couple of days after the holidays might be just what you need to kick start the rest of your detoxification plan.



5. Eat lots of fiber.

After indulging in all the sweets and alcohol, the digestive tract needs to be kick-started back into action. Having a bowl of oatmeal in the morning is a great way to do just that. And it’s healthy for you too.



6. Ditch the sugar for vegetables.

We all need the vitamins and nutrients found in wholesome-organic vegetables. And what better time to boost those nutrients than right after the holidays? Green vegetables are best. Things like kale and romaine lettuce are loaded with valuable nutrients. Also things like onions and garlic, will help eliminate any residual toxins in your system. So reach for the salad instead of the cookie.



7. Get poked.

Believe it or not, acupuncture can help you detox. There is a whole system called the NADA system that is specifically designed to help people detox. It can help with alcohol as well as weight issues. And it’s only a few little needles in the ears. Typically, you will need to go through several sessions, but you’ll be amazed at the way you feel afterwards.


These are just a few of the many ways to help you detox after the crazy holiday season. There are many other ways out there too, including doing a full-on cleanse program. You just have to find what works best for you and go for it. But one thing is certain, you will definitely feel better after ridding your body of the toxins and getting back to a normal routine. There’s no better time than now.

New York Sports Acupuncture

Bishara Wilson, L.Ac., MSTOM

www.nysportsacu.com

888.375.5444

The Bladder in Chinese Medicine

The Bladder in Chinese Medicine


In Traditional Chinese Medicine, the bladder is one of the six yang organs, paired with one of the six yin organs. The yin organs store vital substances (such as Qi, blood, yin, and yang), whereas the yang organs are more active and have a function of constantly filling and emptying. The bladder is a perfect example of a yang organ. Its main physiological function is to remove water from the body in the form of urine. To do this, the bladder uses Qi (energy) and heat from its paired yin organ, the kidneys.


Urination is an essential component to the functioning of our bodies, and as such, the bladder plays a vital role through its filling and emptying of urine.


However, the bladder system in TCM has far more influence in the body than just over fluid transformation and excretion. As mentioned above, each yang organ is paired with a yin organ, and the bladder is paired with the kidneys. The kidneys are one of the most important energy systems in TCM, they store some of our deepest levels of energy, being the root of all yin and yang in the body and hold our essence. The kidneys often exert an effect on the bladder system when there is a weakness, this means that sometimes problems with the kidney energy can be detected and treated sooner by treating the bladder or the bladder channel. An example is low back pain. The kidneys in TCM govern the low back and the knees. The bladder meridian runs down the length of the back in not one but two trajectories on either side of the spine. Most forms of low back pain can be treated with bladder points on the back, as well as bladder points on the backs of the legs.


In acupuncture, one of the most essential aspects of the bladder channel is treating the back. The bladder channel runs from the inner canthus of the eye, over the top of the head, down the neck and the back on either side of the spine, through the sacrum and down the back of the leg to the knee. Then the channel travels back up to the top of the back and begins its downward trajectory again, tracing another trail down the length of the back, more lateral than the first. It then continues down the back of the leg to the outside of the pinky toe. The bladder channels trajectory makes it a powerful channel for treating most kinds of neck, back, sacral, hamstring, calf and achilles pain. It is particularly helpful when there is a pain condition affecting more than one of these sites.


Every energy system in TCM exerts an effect on both the physical body and the mental/emotional self. The kidneys are associated with fear - this means excessive fear will weaken the kidneys, but irrational fear can also be a symptom of a kidney imbalance. As the bladder is linked to the kidneys, it can be used to support the kidneys in treating fear. When the bladder itself is out of balance, there may be negative emotions such as jealousy, suspicion and inability to let go of grudges.


To take care of the bladder, make sure you drink plenty of non-caffeinated, non-sugary beverages throughout the day to optimize its water transforming function. Eating a kidney-nourishing diet will also help the bladder energy. To keep energy flowing optimally through the bladder meridian, make sure to stretch! Create a daily stretching routine that includes stretches for the whole posterior portion of the body. You might think about including foam rolling, massage, myofascial release, cupping, gua sha or tuina.

New York Sports Acupuncture

Bishara Wilson, L.Ac., MSTOM

www.nysportsacu.com

888.375.5444

Research Update – Acupuncture and Improved Bladder Function

Research Update – Acupuncture and Improved Bladder Function


http://www.healthcmi.com/Acupuncture-Continuing-Education-News/1684-acupuncture-helps-bladder-control-stops-leakage


A study published by Healthcare Medicine Institute has demonstrated acupuncture may hold promise in treating urinary incontinence. The study incorporated two different treatment protocols. The first used just acupuncture alone and the other used acupuncture plus electrostimulation. The results varied, but were positive in both trials. There was a 54 percent total efficacy rate in the trial that utilized acupuncture only and an 86 percent efficacy rate in the trial that used acupuncture plus electrostimulation. This holds great promise for those suffering from chronic urinary incontinence.


According to the World Health Organization, urinary bladder control problems affect nearly 200 million people worldwide. Women tend to be more likely to be affected by urinary bladder dysfunction than men. The most recent reports show more than fifty percent of older Americans struggle with urinary incontinence. This is just one of the many urinary problems that plague people all around the world. Urinary bladder dysfunction can mean anything from enuresis (urinary incontinence) to bladder stones. Many of these illnesses are preventable or treatable.


The urinary bladder is part of the filtration system in the human body. The bladder stores and excretes urine from the kidneys and really only has this one function as an organ. However, in Traditional Chinese Medicine the bladder is viewed somewhat differently. As an energy system, the bladder is very closely related to the functions of the autonomic nervous system. The bladder energetic meridian runs along both sides of the spine from head to heel. The autonomic nervous system is responsible for the control of the unconscious bodily functions, such as breathing and digestion.


Acupuncture, part of the nearly 3,000 year old medical system of TCM, has been shown in numerous studies to be effective at treating multiple urinary issues. Acupuncture elicits an autonomic response that applies a modulation effect on the nerves that control bladder function. Acupuncture has also been shown to positively influence the immune system, as well as the psychological well-being of the patient. This benefits the individual who might be suffering from urinary bladder issues.



The general premise of TCM and acupuncture is that when the energies of the meridian are not flowing properly, then something is out of balance. This can manifest as either an excess or a deficiency. Regardless of excess or deficiency, the energy has to be balanced for it to flow properly and allow the organ to function as it should. The acupuncture needles modify the flow of energy, creating balance and harmony. There are over 400 acupuncture points on the body and 67 of those exist on the bladder energetic meridian alone. This makes it one of the most commonly used meridians in TCM and it is used to help treat various different conditions.


It is recommended that those suffering from debilitating urinary issues consider combining the use of both Western and Eastern medicine to achieve the best possible results. Always seek out a properly trained and licensed acupuncturist when considering using TCM. Licensed acupuncturists will be qualified and trained to differentiate any bladder problems, while also assisting the patient in understanding what treatment options may be best for their situation.


New York Sports Acupuncture

Bishara Wilson, L.Ac., MSTOM

www.nysportsacu.com

888.375.5444

Successful Tonics to Boost the Kidneys

Successful Tonics to Boost the Kidneys

The kidneys in Traditional Chinese Medicine are a vital energy system. They are the root of all yin and yang in the body, and they store our essence. They govern growth, reproduction and healthy progression through the different cycles of life. They play a role in healthy aging and preventing lots of age-related decline. They also control the bones, the low back and the knees. On a mental-emotional level, the kidneys are associated with fear - an imbalance in the kidney energy often leads to irrational or pervasive fear. On a spiritual level, the kidneys are the source of our Zhi, or will-power - our drive to succeed, to thrive and to be alive.

So a weakness in the kidney energy can create any number of problems in the body. An accurate diagnosis of a kidney weakness requires evaluation by a practitioner of TCM, but most people can benefit from some kidney tonification, particularly if trying to get pregnant, when healing from a chronic illness and after the age of 65. Chinese Herbs are safe and effective when prescribed by a licensed practitioner. Below are some of the most common tonic herbs we prescribe in TCM to nourish the kidneys.


Shu Di Huang (Rehmannia Root, Chinese Foxglove Root): Shu Di Huang tonifies and nourishes the yin aspect of the kidneys. It also strongly nourishes the blood energy of the body. Shu Di Huang is used in many herbal formulas for insomnia, hot flashes, night sweats and anxiety.


Gou Qi Zi (Chinese Wolfberry Fruit, Goji Berries): Gou Qi Zi nourishes the yin and blood of both the Kidneys and the Liver. It benefits the essence stored in the kidneys, and has a specific function of brightening the eyes. It can be used in the appropriate formulas for issues such as weakness in the low back, trouble sleeping, dizziness, blurry vision, nocturnal emissions, and infertility.


He Shou Wu (Polygonum, Fleeceflower Root): He Shou Wu is another herb to nourish the yin and blood of the liver and kidney. It has a specific function of nourishing the hair to prevent premature thinning and graying. It can also be used in formulas for chronic constipation, dizziness, vertigo, blurry vision, infertility or weakness in the low back and knees.


Rou Cong Rong (Broomrape Stem): Rou Cong Rong strengthens the yang aspect of the kidneys, or the source of warm, fiery energy in the body. As such, it is used in formulas for infertility, impotence and urinary disorders such as urinary dribbling or incontinence. It also has a function of moistening the intestines and can be used for certain types of chronic constipation.


Rou Gui (Dried Cinnamon Bark): Rou Gui also strengthens the yang of the kidneys, and warms the kidneys and the channels. It is used in formulas for symptoms such as a deep feeling of cold, cold limbs, weakness in the low back, impotence, frequent urination, chronic pain worse in the cold, wheezing and certain types of menstrual pain.

Most of these herbs need to be prescribed by a licensed practitioner of Chinese herbal medicine. If you want to nourish the kidneys on your own, consider adding Shan Yao (Chinese Yam) into your diet, and picking up some Goji Berries at your local health store. You can also incorporate kidney-nourishing foods into your diet, such as fish, seaweed, miso, kidney beans, black beans and bone broth.

New York Sports Acupuncture

Bishara Wilson, L.Ac., MSTOM

www.nysportsacu.com

888.375.5444