Celebrating the Chinese New Year

The Lunar New Year celebration is a festival unlike any other. Also known as the Chinese New Year and Spring Festival, this celebration does not hold a specific date, rather it is based on the lunar calendar. The 12th lunar month marks the end of the previous year, with the capstone Lantern Festival landing in late January to mid-February.



Similar to Christmas in the United States, part of the Chinese New Year celebration promotes retail consumption and mass domestic tourism. It is estimated that this vast festival brings in the equivalent of nearly 80 billion US dollars. The travel surrounding the holiday is considered to be the largest annual human migration in the whole world, with nearly 3 billion people travel around the country, most returning to their hometowns.



The lunar new year celebrations happen in phases.



February 4th-11th: Little Year

The first phase, lasting for 8 days, is called the Little Year. This is the time of preparation - cleaning, sweeping, and overall out with the old and fresh start mentality. In traditional and contemporary Chinese culture the color red represents happiness and prosperity. Red is considered to be a lucky color. The belief is that by surrounding yourself and your home with elaborate red decorations good luck will follow you into the new year.



February 11th: New Year’s Eve

New Year’s eve is aligned with the new moon. Families come together for a reunion dinner, many traveling long distances to return home. This dinner consists of traditional symbolically lucky meals, and of course Chinese dumpings. From 8:00 pm-12:30 am TV sets in family rooms will be set to CCTV’s New Year Gala for a 4.5-hour live presentation of games, songs, dances, martial art exhibitions, sketches, music, acrobatics, drama, and more.



February 12th-26th: Spring & Lantern Festival

Following the previous night’s new years eve celebrations, this marks the beginning of the Spring Festival. Fireworks are loud and often set off on the ground in an effort to fend off evil spirits. Respect is paid to ancestors in the form of shrines and offerings. Both kids and unmarried adults receive money in lavish red envelopes from parents, grandparents, aunts, and uncles. The first full moon marks the last day of the Spring Festival. On that last day, this year February 26th, is traditionally China’s most important festival: the Lantern Festival. These celebrations welcome Spring and symbolize the reunification of the family bond. The daytime is filled with folk dancing in the streets, food vendors selling tangyuan (ball-shaped sticky rice dumplings), music, art exhibitions, riddles, and more. As evening falls onlookers enjoy watching extravagantly crafted lanterns float into the night sky under the first full moon of the year.


One of the most phenomenal things about this holiday is the vast number of people and cultures coming together in the same traditions to welcome the new lunar year. It is estimated that 20% of the world’s population take part in celebrating this Spring Festival. This group of people is far from only Chinese citizens, large populations in Singapore, Malaysia, Korea, Vietnam, and Tibet have also traditionally taken part in this holiday. There are many small variations of this celebration, however, the underlying traditions remain the same. It’s easy to imagine that with modern technology, and the advent of social media, this colorful new year’s celebration will be around for many more thousands of years to come.

Dr. Bishara Wilson, DACM

flow.page/drbishara

Stay Healthy This Winter with a Balanced Qi

Stay Healthy This Winter with a Balanced Qi

Winter’s element is water and is associated with the kidneys, which in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is considered the source of all qi and energy within the body. Winter is also associated with the bladder and adrenal glands.

Focusing on inner reflection, rest, energy conservation and storage during the winter months is when it’s most important as it helps us to properly nourish our Kidney Qi.

Below are a few methods you can learn about and apply during this season in order to maintain a balanced qi.

Balancing your lifestyle

For most people, a reduction in activity is common during the winter months whether it’s due to the frigid temperatures, damp weather, or lack of activities available in the area where you reside.

Given that reduced activity is likely a factor for many, it’s important to also consume less food this time of year to avoid unnecessary weight gain. Food that should be gravitated towards would be warmer foods such as beans, ginger or garlic, and even soups and stews.

Rest & Relaxation

Although the days are shorter during the winter, it’s important to stay in line with our circadian rhythm. This can be done by having an earlier bedtime and waking up after the sun has had time to warm the earth in the morning. Not only does getting more sleep helps with balancing our Yang Qi, it helps give our body the necessary rest we need in order to prevent common winter illnesses such as the flu, colds, and general aches and pains. Not only that, but according to TCM, unresolved anger, stress and frustration can throw your immune system thus off allowing pathogens to affect the body.

Relaxation is also a way to stay balanced during this time of year.

Drink Plenty of Water

We’re all aware that drinking water is extremely important to our survival, but it does more than simply keeping us alive.

Drinking water has many benefits including the fact that it’s essential for proper kidney function and can even prevent kidney stones. It’s also known for lubricating the joints, delivers oxygen through the body, regulates body temperature, and maintaining blood pressure.

If you have a hard time drinking water, try adding lemon to it to amplify the taste, drinking tea, or adding a vitamin flavor enhancer.

Wash your hands

Winter time is the time of year where we are in close proximity with others because we tend to stay indoors more. That being said, we are more likely to spread our germs to others and vice versa.

Washing your hands often can help prevent the spread of germs and keep you healthy. Other ways to avoid coming in contact with germs is to keep a container of sanitizing cloths with you so you can wipe down door knobs, grocery cart handles, and even condiment containers at restaurants before handling them.

Acupuncture Points

The acupuncture point that we suggest catering to is Du 14. It helps regulate blood circulation and can also strengthen the outer defense layers of the skin and muscle to prevent the intrusion and duration of germs and viruses.

Du 14 is a crucial point that is used to release the Exterior and treat Wind-Heat.


Applying Traditional Chinese Medicine to your active lifestyle is beneficial for your health and should be made a priority.

New York Sports Acupuncture

Dr. Bishara Wilson, DACM, L.Ac.

www.nysportsacu.com

888.375.5444

https://www.centredaily.com/living/liv-columns-blogs/article189158219.html

https://www.acufinder.com/Acupuncture+Information/Detail/Chinese+Medicine+and+Winter+Season

http://www.acupuncture.com/education/points/du/du14.htm

7 Ways to Achieve Your New Year’s Resolution

7 Ways to Achieve Your New Year’s Resolution


We all do it. Every year we set New Year’s resolutions for ourselves we plan to achieve. But sometimes, we let these resolutions slip away. It turns out it can be harder than you think to turn those new year’s resolutions into reality.

But with a little discipline, hard work and practice you can meet your goals for the new year. Apply these tips to your new year’s resolutions and start off the new year on the right foot.


1. Make sure your goals are realistic

Don’t set goals that seem impossible. Make sure your goals are realistic. The more realistic they are, the more attainable they will be. We tend to become stressed when we are not achieving the goals set forth for ourselves. Don’t let this potential stress affect you, set realistic new year’s resolutions and reach them.


2. Set small monthly goals that get bigger over time

Budget out your resolutions. Think about it. If you set a goal to lose 5 pounds during the first month of the new year and achieve it, you will be feeling great and confident you can do more. Try setting a goal of losing 10 pounds the following month, and slowly increase increments until you reach your desired goal.


3. Stay focused on one goal

It can be easy to start off the new year with a ton of resolutions. You want to be healthier and more active. So it is only normal you set a lot of goals for yourself. But remember, in order to reach your goals most effectively, you should focus on one specific goal at a time. Once you have completed that goal you can move on to the next one.


4. You aren’t in this alone

Make sure you have a solid support system around you. Friends, family, colleagues, personal trainers or workout partners are all great people to make up your support system. Build a support system that will encourage and empower you to reach the goals you have set out for yourself this new year.


5. Believe in yourself

This may seem a little obvious, but putting faith in yourself goes a long way. When the going gets tough it can be hard to truly believe you will achieve the goals set forth. So take a deep breath, believe in yourself, you can do this!


6. Front-of-mind awareness

Don’t forget about your New Year’s resolutions. Keep your resolutions in your front-of-mind awareness. Hold yourself accountable and remember your goals. Life can be busy, and at times feel as though it is moving too quickly. But if you keep your resolutions in mind you can make them a reality.


7. Start immediately

As soon as you write down that New Year’s resolution, go out and start making the change happen. I know we have all been there. We are all guilty of having set New Year’s resolutions for ourselves we don’t reach. This is mainly because we write the goal down and don’t do anything about it on Day 1! Start reaching your goals immediately. Tackle Day 1, and with it, achieve your New Year’s resolutions!


New York Sports Acupuncture

Bishara Wilson, L.Ac., MSTOM

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

Three Daily Rituals to Stay Positive

Three Daily Rituals to Stay Positive

It’s so important to start your day off on the right foot. A healthy and happy morning can lead to a successful and productive day. Sometimes the key to starting off your day right can be practicing a few daily rituals in order to stay calm, collected and focused. Not only will making these rituals part of your everyday routine help your morning, but it will greatly increase the overall quality of your whole day.

1. Write - Keep a Journal

Right when you start your day it can be helpful to write out a small list of goals that you have for the upcoming 24 hours. Keep a small notebook or journal by your bed and when you wake up write down some goals for the day that will help you stay positive and focused.

2. Exercise

Exercise is key. You need to make sure to get your blood moving when you begin your day. The smallest amount of exercise can make a big difference as to whether or not your day is positive, productive and successful.

3. Morning herbal tea

Having something nice and warm to start your day can ensure positivity throughout the rest of it. Start your day with a soothing cup of herbal tea and think positive thoughts as you drink every sip. The combination of a good tea and positive thinking can be very beneficial for staying positive. 



Bishara Wilson, L.Ac., MSTOM, C.SMA
www.NewYorkSportsAcupuncture.com
888.375.5444

S.M.A.R.T Goals

S.M.A.R.T  Goals

Every New Year we lay out a numerous amount of positive goals we hope to achieve. With the New Year comes new responsibilities, changes and a chance to start fresh. New Year’s resolutions are a big part of most individual’s first week in January, but people begin to lose track of the goals they set as the month drags on. Work, school, family and other obligations can fill up your schedule, and you may find yourself forgetting about those New Year’s resolutions you made just a few weeks ago. But, with the SMART goal method you can make sure you achieve your New Year’s resolutions. The SMART method creates a full-proof plan to keep you on task and to make sure those resolutions become reality.

Specific

The “S” in the SMART method stands for specific. This is a very important first step to achieving your resolutions. You need to nail down the specifics of what you are striving to achieve. What do you want to accomplish? Who do you need to help you in order to accomplish it? When will you accomplish your goal? How will you accomplish your goal? Where will you accomplish your goal? All of these questions should be answered in order to have a clear understanding of your goal.

Measurable

Establish a way to track your progress. It is very key to make your goal measurable. Create a certain criteria that is quantifiable. For example, if your resolution is to eat less fast food in the new year, make sure to save your receipts and track how many times you go to fast food locations.

Achievable

This step in the SMART method is critical. It can also be the hardest part of the method. You have to understand how attainable your goals are. Make your goals realistic. If you have created some New Year’s resolutions that seem a little far-fetched you have to stop them before you begin. Only pursue goals that are attainable.

Realistic

To achieve anything you have to truly believe that you want it. Make your goals realistic to your opinions, beliefs and interests. If it really isn’t important to you, you will not strive to make it a reality.

Timely
Create a sense of urgency. By creating a sense of urgency you allow yourself to see the real progress you are making. Instead of claiming you will lose 25 pounds in the New Year, say you will lose five pounds a month for the next five months. This way not only do you create a sense of urgency built around your time-based goal, but in turn you are creating a metric that is measurable, when knowing how many pounds you lost a month. Did you meet your goal?

New York Sports Acupuncture

www.NewYorkSportsAcupuncture.com

7 Tips to be Stress-Free During the Holidays

7 Tips to be Stress-Free During the Holidays

Keep a routine

It is especially easy to lose your normal routine during the holidays due to festivities and the special occasions that tend to happen this time of year. Don’t abandon your healthy habits, keep your usual routine of diet and exercise, which is especially important when holiday foods and drinks come around. Try keeping a calendar to keep better track of your schedule.

Prioritize

It is easy to take on too much during this time of year. On top of your normal schedule, there is the obligation to see family, attend gatherings and gift-giving. You can only do so much! Prioritize and don’t be afraid to say no if you simply don’t have enough time to commit to something. The holiday season is busy and overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be.

Watch the wallet

There is nothing that will stress you out more in the long run than spending too much money during the holidays. Make a budget and stick with it. It is incredibly easy to overspend during this time. Budget and allow yourself to spend a certain amount for the entire season, you’ll thank yourself after the holidays are over.

Make time for yourself

Although it is the season for giving, make sure to make time for yourself too. It can be stressful and overwhelming when you try to constantly please others. It is ok to say no to events that you may feel obligated to go to. One of the most important ways to stay stress-free this season is to give yourself time to relax. Do yoga, read or any other activity you like to do to relax.

Try acupuncture

There is no better time than now to try acupuncture. If you are feeling under the weather, stressed and not at your best health, acupuncture can help. Acupuncture can help lower stress levels, boost your immune system and leave you feeling relaxed. Give it a shot!

Give Back

Volunteer at your local food back or donate to a clothing drive. Giving back to the community is always important, but especially during the holidays. Spending time helping out doesn’t just help others, but can benefit you as well.

Don’t sweat the small things

Holidays are meant for family, friends and for celebration. Don’t sweat the small stuff. This is a time to relax and be thankful for the people in your life. Material objects come and go, but relationships will be there and are the most important thing of all. Put your job and your stress on the backburner for a bit and enjoy the people who mean the most around you.

Give me a call today to schedule a complimentary 15 minute health evaluation.

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

New York Sports Acupuncture

(888) 375-5444

www.newyorksportsacupuncture.com

http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/in-depth/stress/art-20047544

Ways To Ring In The Chinese New Year

Ways To Ring In The Chinese New Year

Cleaning

Part of celebrating the Chinese New Year (February 19) involves cleaning. Traditionally, homes are cleaned before the New Year, but sweeping and dusting isn't done until the third day after New Year out of fear that good fortune will be swept away. The floors can be swept, starting by brushing the dust and dirt towards the middle of the house or building. Once the debris is piled into the center, it's moved to the corners where it remains until the fifth day, at which point it can be thrown out.

Decorating

Whether you intend on hosting an extravagant New Year's Eve party with dozens of friends, or you plan on having a low-key evening with your family, you should decorate your home to reflect this ceremonial event. Some traditional decorative practices for the Chinese New Year include the use of red lanterns, couplets, door god designs, and images of the upcoming year's Chinese astrology animal (hint: 2015 is Year of The Goat).

Fireworks

We can't talk about ways to ring in the Chinese New Year without mentioning fireworks. This joyful practice is said to expunge the old year while welcoming the new one. Traditional belief is that all doors and windows should be left open on midnight New Year's Eve so the old year can go out. Just remember to close them back once the celebration is over!

Don't Wash Your Hair

If there's one day you shouldn't wash your hair, it's on February 19. Traditional Chinese belief states that washing your hair on New Year's will wash away your good fortune. So lay off on washing your hair until the second arrives.

Wear Red

When you're choosing an outfit to wear on New Year's, look for something red. Red is symbolic of happiness and longevity, and wearing it is believed to bring a similar future to the individual. This is the reason why you see so many people dressed in red during the Chinese New Year celebrations.

Don't Use Knives

Lastly, avoid using knives on New Year's Day. You may find it difficult to prepare food, but traditional Chinese superstition states that using knives on February 19 “cuts” off a person's good fortune. Whether or not there's any truth to these superstitions is debatable. But given the fact that people have followed these traditions for centuries, it's probably a good idea to follow them.

Food for Body, Mind, Spirit

The Gift of Sharing
As you may already know, word of mouth is the best form of advertising. My practice does not rely on advertising alone in order to grow. It relies upon something that is more important and priceless-–You! Without you, and people like you, this practice would not exist. When people talk, others listen. A recommendation from You is more powerful than ANY form of advertising.

By sharing your experience with your family and friends, you are spreading the gift of health!

One great way to do this is by staying alert.

How often do you hear people complain about their health when you are out in the world?

When you hear this, you can share your story with them. Mention how you have been helped thorough acupuncture care, and if you wish, give a brief explanation of how it works. Then you can let them know that they can contact us if they want a consultation. You can even take a few extra business cards to hand out.

Rest assured that by sharing your success with acupuncture care, you can help change the life of another in a positive and healthful way. We will certainly treat your friends and family members with the utmost respect and provide them with superior care.

As Dr. B.J. Palmer once said, “you never know how far reaching something you may say, think or do today may affect the lives of millions tomorrow.”

Thanks for sharing and offering the gift of health to others!

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

New York Sports Acupuncture

(888) 375-5444

www.newyorksportsacupuncture.com

Chinese Lunar New Year

Chinese Lunar New Year:

It’s about a month into the New Year. Do you already wish you had a do-over for your New Year’s Resolutions?

If so, you’re in luck.  You do.

February 19th is the Chinese lunar New Year.  The celebration of the New Year, the Spring Festival, is China’s longest and most important holiday.  Because it is based on a different calendar, it falls on a different date between January 21 and February 20 every year.  You can think of Spring Festival as Christmas and New Year all rolled into one.  Just like our holiday season, it’s a time of celebration, visiting family and friends, giving gifts and preparing for the next year.

Chinese Lunar New Year:   Spring Festival

In China, there are many New Year’s traditions during the 15-day Spring Festival.  Many people clean their homes to sweep away the past year and usher in the next.  Oftentimes family members travel home for a visit.  Children receive red envelopes, called hóngbāo in Mandarin, filled with money from their relatives. People hang red lanterns outside their homes to bring happiness and good luck.  On Chinese New Year’s Eve families gather for a huge meal and enjoy “lucky” foods together.  And, of course, there are fireworks.

The Chinese zodiac has 12 years in its cycle, each one represented by an animal; 2015 is the Year of the Goat.  Astrologers say that people born in the Year of the Goat are gentle mild-mannered, shy, stable, sympathetic with a strong sense of kindheartedness.

They are creative, have perseverance and acquire professional skills very well. They are strong on the inside and with a sense of resilience and defensive instincts.

They are often quiet and reserved and prefer to be in groups rather than being the center of attention. They enjoy spending times in their own thoughts.

Recommit to Your New Year’s Resolutions

The Chinese do not traditionally make New Year’s Resolutions like we do in the west, however this is a good time to reflect on the goals you set a month ago. Are you keeping your New Year’s resolutions?

If you’re having trouble, maybe it’s time to take a lesson from the Goats.  Take a quiet moment and reflect on what is stopping you.  Do you need to get serious?  Do you need additional support?  Are your goals genuine—do you want to do them or do you think you should do them? Why haven’t you kept your New Year’s Resolutions?

If your resolutions include improving your health in 2015, I can help you with that.  Give me a call and we can arrange an appointment for anything from a tune-up to weight control to mood balancing.

If you need to make a deeper commitment to your resolutions, take a moment and think about what you need to do to keep them.  Write down 3 easy action steps.

…and do them.  Now.

Use the Chinese lunar New Year as a do-over.  Commit to your New Year’s resolutions.

Gōng Xǐ Fā Cái.  Happy New Year.

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

New York Sports Acupuncture

(888) 375-5444

www.newyorksportsacupuncture.com