Transitioning to Autumn

Transitioning to Autumn

 

With autumn approaching and the beginning of the yin cycle, the energy of plants is moving down into their roots, helping the body become aware of the energy of the season. This season is a time for the body to begin gathering energy for the colder months to come.


The lungs and large intestine are the organs associated with fall. The lungs are responsible for the circulation of Qi (the body’s natural flow and circulation), and are also very susceptible to cold and illness. For this reason, it is important to stay healthy and warm during the season. If the Qi circulation is weakened, muscles will not be able to warm the body properly.

 

Autumn Foods:

Vegetables of autumn like carrots, sweet potatoes, spinach and kale can help purify and protect your body against free radicals. These color-rich vegetables are packed with beta-carotene, which then turns into vitamin A. Vitamin A is essential for our immune system, especially as the cold and flu season rolls in. These vegetables can also strengthen your lungs and large intestine to fight illness.

 

Vegetables to cook with:

●      carrots

●      winter squash

●      pumpkin

●      broccoli

●      parsley

●      kale

●      turnip greens

 

Autumn weather becomes more yin, calling for warming dishes. Foods to cook that are in harmony with the season include more sour foods, as well as foods rich in protein and fats.

 

Sour/pungent foods to cook with:

●      sourdough bread

●      sauerkraut

●      adzuki beans

●      yogurt

●      rosehip tea

●      ginger

●      garlic

●      horseradish

 

Some find it hard to let go of summer, with the longer days and warm air transitioning into the crisp and shorter days of fall. Acupuncture not only helps the body physically, but mentally as well. Fall is a great time to see an acupuncturist as your body and mind adapt to the changing of the season.


Give your acupuncturist a visit to prepare for the new season ahead and to stay in good health!

 

Sources:

https://www.acufinder.com/Acupuncture+Information/Detail/Enjoy+the+Energy+of+Fall+Autumn+and+Traditional+Chinese+Medicine

 

“Practical Chinese Medicine” Penelope Ody

Research Update: New research might help explain how acupuncture works

Research Update: New research might help explain how acupuncture works

One of the theories scientists have held for many years as to why acupuncture works to alleviate chronic pain and other ailments is called the Vascular-Interstitial Theory. This theory describes the idea that acupuncture works by affecting the electrical system of the body, the network of currents conducted by our cells. Electricity is vital for sending information through the body to the brain and vice versa, as well as in order to conduct currents to the heart, which allows it to pump at the right times.

A disruption to any of these electrical currents can cause illness. The Vascular-Interstitial Theory of acupuncture suggests stimulating acupoints affects these electrical currents in our bodies, facilitating healing by allowing the transfer of blood, organic matter and electrical energy between healthy and injured tissues.

Research published in March 2018 in Scientific Reports offered a significant contribution to our understanding of the interstitium, and therefore sheds new light on the Vascular-Interstitial Theory.



Previous research on the interstitium suggested it was a layer of densely packed connective tissue lining the digestive tract, lungs, urinary systems and surrounding veins and fascia between the muscles. New and increasingly powerful microscopes now allow scientists to look inside living tissues. In this case, the authors of the research were able to look inside the interstitium for the first time, and rather than a web of densely packed connective tissue, they found the space is a network of interconnected, fluid-filled compartments. This finding may help to explain why placing acupuncture needles at specific points on the body creates healing elsewhere in the body.

In an article for The Cut, reporter Katie Heaney interviewed one of the authors of this new research, Neil Theise, a clinician and professor of pathology at NYU Langone Health and a proponent of alternative medicine. While the research paper itself did not discuss acupuncture, Heaney asked Theise to weigh in on the possible connections. Theise posited it was possible the research had implications for understanding acupuncture. The layer of skin into which acupuncture needles are inserted is the interstitium, Theise explained.

“There’s fluid in there,” he told Heaney. “When you put the needle [into an accu-point], maybe the collagen bundles are arranged into a channel through which fluid can flow.”

The research shows the interstitium is a structured and organized system in the body. It may be that stimulating true acupoints allows interstitial fluid to travel throughout the body, explaining why acupuncture has far-reaching effects, not just offering pain relief at the site where the needles are inserted. Channels of interstitial fluid may be responsible for facilitating the transfer of blood, organic matter and electricity between healthy and injured parts of the body. These findings also offer a possible explanation as to why other research has shown sham acupuncture points have some pain-relieving effects where the needles are inserted, but true acupoints go a lot further in offering system-wide relief.

As always, this research is inconclusive on its own. It will require more research to further explore the connection between the interstitium and acupuncture, but it is undoubtedly an interesting idea.

Dr. Bishara Wilson, DACM, L.Ac.
New York Sports Acupuncture
www.nysportsacu.com
888.375.5444



https://www.thecut.com/2018/03/do-we-finally-understand-how-acupuncture-works.html


https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-018-23062-6


https://www.graduate.umaryland.edu/gsa/gazette/February-2016/How-the-human-body-uses-electricity/

Patient Help Sheet: Fatigue

Patient Help Sheet: Fatigue

As the days get shorter, it is common to feel your overall energy level decrease. This is a natural response, but if it starts negatively affecting your days, there may be an energy imbalance contributing to your tiredness.

To treat fatigue, traditional Chinese medicine uses several modalities, including acupuncture, moxibustion, herbal formulas and nutrition. To determine the right treatment, a diagnosis must be made first. Diagnosing in TCM is quite different from conventional medicine. TCM looks at the patient holistically, considering all aspects, including the mind, the body and the environment of the person.

Acupuncture for Fatigue: Acupuncture is used to balance the energy within the body. Specifically, acupuncture is used to remove excess that may be creating blockages and to improve blood circulation and oxygenation to the cells, all of which can be contributing factors to fatigue. Studies show acupuncture also increases serotonin levels, which help with sleep. Acupuncture improves mood, lessens pain and boosts the immune system, all of which are factors that can affect a person’s energy levels.

Acupuncture Points for Fatigue:

*  Yin Tang - Yin Tang is located directly between the inner edges of the eyebrows. It is a reflex point of the pituitary gland. Yin Tang calms the mind and relaxes the body by helping control hormone secretions, which can aid in more peaceful sleep.

*  Kidney 1 - Kidney 1 is located on the bottom of the foot, at the junction of the anterior one third and posterior two thirds of the line connecting the base of the second and third toes and the heel. Kidney 1 can sedate and calm the mind, while also regulating blood flow throughout the body.

*  Stomach 36 – This point is located bilaterally on the outer side of the lower leg, about 4 finger-widths from the lower border of the patella or kneecap. This point is considered an overall energy and immune-boosting point.

Chinese Herbs for Fatigue: 

Liu Wei Di Huang Wan is often prescribed for fatigue. This formula is particularly helpful at increasing energy within the kidney and liver energetic pathways. 

Another popular formula for fatigue is Si Jun Zi Tang. This formula helps increase energy by clearing out excess phlegm and dampness in the body.

Nutrition for Fatigue: 

When it comes to fatigue, nutrition for the spleen, liver and kidneys is particularly crucial. The kidneys are the source of our vital essence. The liver and spleen help produce blood and vital energy that sustains the body. Foods like black beans, kidney beans, asparagus, plums, blueberries and blackberries are all beneficial for strengthening the kidneys. Dark leafy greens like spinach and kale are good for building blood and energy via the liver and spleen. Sweet potatoes, squash, pumpkin, quinoa and oats are all good for tonifying the spleen. Also, healthy oils and fats such as avocado, salmon and coconut oil can be very beneficial.

Dr. Bishara Wilson, DACM, L.Ac.
New York Sports Acupuncture
www.nysportsacu.com
888.375.5444

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/321841.php

https://www.amcollege.edu/blog/acupuncture-for-the-treatment-of-fatigue

https://www.prevention.com/health/a20478518/acupressure-for-energy/

https://vitalitymagazine.com/article/tcm-for-chronic-fatigue-syndrome/

https://agelessherbs.com/fatigue/natural-alternative-herbs/

https://www.healthcmi.com/Acupuncture-Continuing-Education-News/1781-chronic-fatigue-recovery-with-acupuncture

https://www.healthline.com/health/food-nutrition/foods-that-beat-fatigue#noncaffeinatedbeverages

https://www.onemedical.com/blog/get-well/tcm-fatigue

https://www.livestrong.com/article/539934-a-list-of-acupressure-points-for-fatigue/

Research Update: Acupuncture and Respiratory Issues

Research Update: 

Acupuncture and Respiratory Issues

The Journal of Complementary Medicine Research conducted a study that compiled the research from multiple trials to evaluate the effects of acupoint application for asthma in adults. Eight separate studies were included in the review. The results indicated acupoint application decreased the production of immunoglobulin E and increased the amount of air people could exhale in a single breath – a common way to diagnose asthma, because lung congestion reduces one’s exhalation capacity. The review concluded acupoint application, whether it be acupressure or acupuncture, helps improve pulmonary function, while reducing the levels of immunoglobulin E and interleukins in the blood.

Respiratory issues and deaths associated with them have shot up tremendously over the past 35 years in the United States. The number of deaths from chronic respiratory illnesses jumped from 41 in 100,000 in 1980 to 53 in 100,000 by 2014. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or COPD is the leading cause of respiratory deaths, but other ailments like asthma, interstitial lung disease and pneumoconiosis are also contributors. In many cases, symptoms are merely masked or managed through the use of pharmaceuticals. But, alternatives like Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) can address both the symptoms and the root causes of the disease.

Traditional Chinese Medicine 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 lungs are associated with grief and sadness, the season of fall, the color white and the pungent flavor. The energy of the lungs is very important to all aspects of human life. When the body’s energy is imbalanced, disease or illness my take root.

The lungs are known as the “Prime Minister” in TCM. They control breath and energy, while assisting the heart with the circulation of blood throughout the body. The lungs also control the skin, which breathes through the opening and closing of the pores, helping to regulate body temperature both through perspiration and shivering.

Acupuncture can be a great asset in balancing the energy of the lungs. The function of the lungs is to descend and dispense energy downwards and to dissipate it outwards. When acupuncture points are stimulated the flow of your lung energy can greatly improve, 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 energy to flow properly. 

Dr. Bishara Wilson, DACM, L.Ac.
New York Sports Acupuncture
www.nysportsacu.com
888.375.5444

Acupoints for Fall

Acupoints for Fall

Because the lungs are one of the organ systems correlated with fall in traditional Chinese medicine, lung acupuncture points can be beneficial at this time of year. In this article we’ll look at two common lung acupoints and what they’re good for.

Lung 7

In classical texts, this point is revered as one of the four most important and useful points on the body. Lung 7 is also called Broken Sequence. This may sound like an unusual name for an acupuncture point, but it is in reference to the pathway of the lung channel where it splits to join the large intestine channel. Traditionally, Qi is transferred from one channel to another at the last point on the channel, but in the case of the lung channel, lung 7, not lung 11, is where the Qi is transferred, hence the break in the sequence.

Lung 7 is the main point for moving and regulating the Qi in the lung meridian. It can be useful for treating coughs, asthma, chest tightness and pain, shortness of breath and wheezing. It can also be used to treat chronic sore throats. This point can also relax the diaphragm and can help with chronic hiccups. For allergy sufferers, this point can be effective in treating common hay fever symptoms.

           

Lung 7 is also the command point for the head and the back of the neck. That means this point can be used to treat myriad conditions related to the head and neck. Lung 7 can release pain and stiffness in the neck, ease dull headaches, help with anxiety and help someone think more clearly.

Lung 3

Lung 3 is classically named Tian Fu. Tian can be translated to mean celestial or of the heavens. Fu can be translated here to mean storehouse or treasury. The most common translation for Lung 3 is celestial storehouse. The point itself is below the axillary fold on the radial side of the biceps brachii tendon. This is about three inches below the armpit and five inches above the elbow.

Lung 3 is classified as a window of the sky point, and has the function of regulating the flow of Qi between the body and the head. This point can also disperse stuck Qi in the chest for people who experience a shortness of breath, especially due to smoke inhalation or carbon monoxide poisoning. Needling Lung 3 will help them take deeper breaths and get more oxygen into their bodies.

           

One of the most common uses of Lung 3 is for spiritual issues of a wide range of manifestations. It can effectively treat insomnia as well as help people who sleep too much. This point is also used to treat confusion, poor memory, crying, depression and fear of ghosts. Traditionally, it was used to treat patients with tuberculosis. When the tuberculosis became severe and there was chronic depletion of the lung yin, patients would experience “floating corpse ghost talk,” basically delirious speech, which is where the treatment of fear of ghosts comes from.

Each acupuncture point is connected to many other areas and systems within the body, allowing it to be beneficial for a wide range of issues. Ask me today if you have questions on these or other points.

Dr. Bishara Wilson, DACM, L.Ac.

New York Sports Acupuncture

www.nysportsacu.com

888.375.5444

Potent Organs in Fall

Potent Organs in Fall

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, fall is the season associated with the lung and large intestine energetic meridians. These two meridians work in a symbiotic way to control the immune system from both the inside and outside of your body.


The large intestine channel runs up the arms, across the shoulders, up the neck, over the face and ends next to the nose. As many people now know, the health of our large intestine and gastrointestinal tract overall plays a big part in our immunity. Keeping the large intestine channel warm and preventing exposure from the elements will help to keep you healthy. Cold pathogens can enter the body through the pores or nasal cavity. By wrapping the neck and shoulders with a scarf during the fall months, you can help ward off the pathogens and prevent catching a cold or the flu.


The large intestine also has the function of transporting all waste products out of the body or to other areas for excretion. The large intestine absorbs liquid and releases anything that is no longer needed. This can be food, toxins or even emotions. This helps to cleanse the body and mind.


The lungs are the paired organ system to the large intestine in TCM. The lungs have a very special kind of energy, or qi, called the Wei Qi (pronounced “way chee”). Wei Qi is similar to what Western medicine calls the immune system. Wei Qi provides a barrier that protects the body from pathogens. When the Wei Qi is depleted or low, then the body is unable to fight off infections. Strong, healthy lungs enhance the functions of the whole body. Lung health can be weakened by poor food choices, pollution, poor genetics, emotional stress, and even unexpressed emotions such as grief or sadness.


The lungs are known as the Prime Minister in TCM. They control breath and energy, while assisting the heart with the circulation of blood throughout the body. The lungs also control the skin, which breathes through the opening and closing of the pores, helping to regulate body temperature. The pores regulate body temperature both through perspiration and shivering. This mechanism is another way the lungs help to protect the body – when we perspire, we usually release toxins from the body. Fewer toxins means less chance of getting sick.

As fall approaches, it is a good idea to start focusing on the health of your lungs and large intestine. One way to do this is by getting regular acupuncture treatments. Check in with us if you’d like to schedule extra appointments this fall to support your lungs and large intestine!



Dr. Bishara Wilson, DACM, L.Ac.
New York Sports Acupuncture
www.nysportsacu.com
888.375.5444

Patient Help Sheet: Allergies

Patient Help Sheet: Allergies

A runny nose, sneezing, itchy watery eyes…also known as symptoms of allergies. Allergies can really be a pain. It is estimated that nearly 50 million Americans suffer from allergies every year, and spend over $18 billion a year on over-the-counter allergy medications. What if there were a way to combat allergies without the harsh side effects of medications and actually get to the root of the problem instead of just masking the symptoms? In fact, there is. The arm of traditional Chinese medicine called acupuncture has proven effectiveness when it comes to allergies.

Acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) offer a safe, holistic approach to allergies that can end up saving you money in the long term. Western medicine sees seasonal allergies as a hypersensitive reaction that occurs when antibodies interact with airborne particles such as pollen. Interestingly, the places in the body where these antibodies are produced align with the energy meridians most strongly connected to allergic reactions in TCM. Both Western medicine and TCM map these sensitivity points onto the gastrointestinal tract and the spleen. Both schools of thought also connect inflammatory foods such as sugar with allergy flare-ups. Through TCM, patients can find allergy relief through a holistic wellness plan that doesn’t necessitate a reliance on synthetic medications.


Acupuncture for Allergies: Acupuncture helps build or tonify the energy within the respiratory system and the immune system. This energy is called qi (pronounced “chee”). When lung qi and the Wei qi (aka the immune system) are strong and the body is balanced, then allergies rarely become an issue. Acupuncture stimulates blood flow, which carries oxygen to every cell in the body. The increased blood flow boosts the immune system, dilates the bronchioles and produces anti-inflammatory agents that help improve breathing by relaxing the muscles.

Acupuncture Points for Allergies:

1. Large Intestine 20 – This point is located bilaterally on the face, on either side of the nose, in the middle of the nasolabial groove. Large intestine 20 is used to open nasal passages and clear heat from the sinuses.

2. Lung 5 – Lung 5 is located at the end of the outer crease of the elbow, just to the outside of the tendon. This point opens up the airways and the throat, while reducing wheezing.

3. Ren 17 – This point is located in the middle of the chest, midway between both nipples. It is used to open the chest, loosen up congestion, stop coughing and encourage full breathing.


Chinese Herbals Formulas for Allergies: Combinations of herbs, known as formulas, are used frequently in TCM. One of the most commonly used formulas is Yu Ping Feng San or Jade Wind Screen. This formula builds up the Wei qi, while decreasing allergy symptoms like sneezing and rhinitis.

Another popular formula choice of TCM practitioners is Bi Yan Pian. This formula works to clear the nasal passages, and it usually works within five days to a week. Compare that with the weeks of symptoms many people spend trying to mask with Western medicine. The herbs in Bi Yan Pian work to disperse wind, expel toxins, relieve inflammation and dissolve phlegm.

Nutrition for Allergies: For the lungs and respiratory system to be strong, they need proper nourishment, just like the rest of the body. Certain foods are good for increasing immunity, while also opening up the lungs and increasing circulation. Foods like garlic and onions reduce inflammation and fight off infections. Chili peppers open up the nasal passages, stimulating the mucus membranes and fighting off pollen, bacteria and viruses. Peppers, berries and parsley all contain quercetin, which can reduce histamine reactions that occur when allergies flare up.

As you can see, TCM is a great way to deal with allergies. Contact us to see what they can do for you and get started today.


New York Sports Acupuncture

Bishara Wilson, DACM, L.Ac.

www.NewYorkSportsAcupuncture.com

888.375.5444




https://sunwarrior.com/healthhub/foods-for-lung-health

https://www.modernacupuncture.com/news/2017-07-05-breathe-deeply-acupuncture-for-respiratory-issues-allergies-45

https://www.acufinder.com/Acupuncture+Information/Detail/Energetics+of+Foods+for+Health+and+Healing+-+Part+II

https://www.livestrong.com/article/69650-chinese-herbs-strengthing-lungs/

http://www.modernreflexology.com/acupressure-points-to-treat-lung-diseases/

http://acupuncturewellness.net/respiratory-diseases-and-chinese-medicine/

http://www.touch2cure.com/acupressure-points-for-asthma/

http://acupuncture.com/education/points/largeintestine/li20.htm

https://picturehealer.com/blog/4-chinese-herbal-formulas-to-treat-seasonal-allergy

https://www.webmd.com/allergies/features/foods-fight-allergies

Healthy Eating for Fall

Healthy Eating for Fall

The season of fall brings cooler weather and shorter days. As with any season, the world adjusts accordingly. Plants begin to go dormant, animals start scrounging for food to help get them through the upcoming winter months and humans start winterizing everything. Sweatpants and hoodies become more commonplace and everything…EVERYTHING is pumpkin flavored.

As fall descends on the land, it reminds us we need to start cutting back on the numerous cooling foods that are consumed during the summer months. Things like raw foods, salads, juices and fruits need to be decreased because they can create too much cold in the body. This is just one principle followed by Traditional Chinese Medicine.

There are many facets to TCM and nutrition is one of the most important. The ancient Chinese observed what took place in nature and followed those cues accordingly. So when the season changed to fall and the amount of daylight decreased and the temperatures cooled, the Chinese began to eat what was available. This is what it means to “eat for the season.” By eating according to the season, we can avoid many illnesses and diseases. If we continue to eat raw, cold foods during the cooler fall and winter months, then we set ourselves up for digestive problems, colds, sinus infections, and even painful joints.

When a person eats seasonally, they will inevitably notice certain foods are no longer abundant or available. In the season of fall, one should fill their pantry and cupboards with dried foods, heavy grains, seeds, roots and squashes that can help move the body’s energy or Qi (pronounced “chee”) inward.

Fall is also a time to slow down. This means we should cook food for longer periods of time on lower heat. How we cook food will affect how the body tolerates it and how the energy is utilized. Some examples of how to cook for the season of fall include making soups and stews, using a crockpot or slow cooker, roasting, and baking foods. These methods create a deeper warmth and supply greater energy from the food.

Foods that are nourishing to the lung are very important during the season of fall. Since many people get sick during these months, lung tonifying foods can be very beneficial. This includes foods like ginger, onion, garlic, pears, walnuts, miso, navy beans, almonds asparagus, broccoli, apricots, bananas, apples, plums and grapes.

The dryer weather can also cause chapped lips, a dry nose, an itchy throat, rough skin, and even dry stools. To counter these issues, it is recommended to eat foods that promote the production of bodily fluids, such as nuts, seeds, pears, pumpkin, honey and a traditional Chinese porridge known as congee.

Animal products tend to be warming and grounding by nature. And for those who eat animal flesh, increasing the intake can be beneficial during the cooler fall months. As mentioned before, roasting, baking or stewing the meats is the most beneficial.

When we follow the cues given to us by nature, we can maintain a very healthy existence. Stop on by the office for a Free Fall-Time Health Boost Evaluation 888.375.5444

New York Sports Acupuncture
Dr. Bishara Wilson, DACM, L.Ac.
www.nysportsacu.com
888.375.5444

Patient Help Sheet – Respiratory Issues

Patient Help Sheet – Respiratory Issues

Our lungs are incredibly important. Without properly functioning lungs, we cease to exist. In the United States alone, nearly 200,000 people die every year from forms of respiratory disease. Respiratory diseases include both acute and chronic conditions, everything from the flu to emphysema. While many of these ailments can be prevented, there are others not avoidable due to things like genetics.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the lungs play a very strange role because they are considered the most external of the internal organs. With every breath taken, the lungs come into contact with the outside world. Also, any part of the body that has anything to do with breathing can be considered part of the respiratory system. This includes the nose, bronchi, sinuses, the diaphragm and even the skin, to some degree.

What’s nice about TCM, is it approaches the treatment of any condition on a very individualized basis. Every person gets a different treatment protocol depending on their symptoms and diagnosis. There are also accessory modalities like cupping that can help pull toxins out of the lungs and herbal formulas that can be added to treat almost any respiratory condition. Here are some ways that TCM can help those suffering with respiratory issues.

Acupuncture for Respiratory Issues: Acupuncture helps build or tonify the energy within the respiratory system. This energy is called Qi (pronounced “chee”). When lung Qi is strong and the body is balanced, then respiratory issues rarely become an issue. Acupuncture stimulates blood flow which carries oxygen to every cell in the body. The increase blood flow boosts the immune system, dilates the bronchioles and produces anti-inflammatory agents that help improve breathing by relaxing the muscles.

Acupuncture Points for Respiratory Issues:

· Kidney 27 – This point is located bilaterally on the chest, just below the collarbone. Kidney 27 is used to open the lungs, reduce coughing and encourage full breathing.

· Lung 5 – Lung 5 is located at the end of the outer crease of the elbow, just to the outside of the tendon. This point opens up the airways and the throat, while reducing coughing and wheezing.

· Ren 17 – This point is located in the middle of the chest, midway between both nipples. It is used to open the chest, loosen up congestion, stop coughing and encourage full breathing.


Chinese Herbals Formulas for Respiratory Issues: Combinations of herbs, known as formulas are used frequently in TCM. One of the most commonly used individual herbs is Wu Wei Zi, also known as Schisandra. This herb is used to treat asthma, wheezing, and boost immune function.

A popular formula choice of TCM practitioners is Bi Yan Pian. This formula works to clear the nasal passages and it usually accomplishes this within five days to a week. The herbs in Bi Yan Pian work to disperse wind, expel toxins, relieve inflammation and dissolve phlegm.

Nutrition for Respiratory Issues: For the lungs and respiratory system to be strong, they need proper nourishment, just like the rest of the body. Certain foods are good for increasing immunity, while also opening up the lungs and increasing circulation. Foods like garlic and onions reduce inflammation and fight off infections. Chili peppers open up the nasal passages, stimulating the mucus membranes and fighting invasion of nasty bacteria and viruses. Carrots and pumpkin are rich in vitamins A, C and lycopene. All of these vitamins affect lung health by lowering the chances of developing lung disease.

As you can see, TCM is a great way to deal with respiratory issues. If you are having difficulties dealing with these types of conditions, contact me and we will see what we can do to get you back on track. 888.375.5444


New York Sports Acupuncture
Dr. Bishara Wilson, DACM, L.Ac.
www.nysportsacu.com
888.375.5444



CITATIONS:
https://sunwarrior.com/healthhub/foods-for-lung-health

https://www.modernacupuncture.com/news/2017-07-05-breathe-deeply-acupuncture-for-respiratory-issues-allergies-45

https://www.acufinder.com/Acupuncture+Information/Detail/Energetics+of+Foods+for+Health+and+Healing+-+Part+II

https://www.livestrong.com/article/69650-chinese-herbs-strengthing-lungs/

http://www.modernreflexology.com/acupressure-points-to-treat-lung-diseases/

http://acupuncturewellness.net/respiratory-diseases-and-chinese-medicine/

http://www.touch2cure.com/acupressure-points-for-asthma/

Lungs Emotion/Care and Feeding

Lungs Emotion/Care and Feeding

The organs in Chinese medicine are more than just a physical representation. The organs include not only their physiological function but also mental, emotional, spiritual and elemental qualities that align with nature and the seasons.

The lung season is autumn. This is a good time to protect the lungs from changes in weather by wearing a scarf to keep your neck warm, staying out of the wind and keeping your dryness at bay. It’s an excellent time to nourish the digestive system with warmer foods such as sweet and sour soup, steamed vegetables and making seasonal choices at the market. It’s also a good time for letting go and allowing changes to process without repressing emotions such as sadness and grief.

The lungs are known as the “delicate organ”, as they are the uppermost, most superficial aspect of the body and therefore the most sensitive to environmental changes such as wind, dryness, heat, cold and damp. They breathe in the pure air to nourish the organs and let out the impure. According to Chinese medicinal principles, the lungs push waste and fluids downwards to help the large intestine, so these two organs are known as paired organs. The lungs transport yin fluids (the yin part of us is what is moist, lubricating) and distribute moisture. They are also in charge of the opening and closing of pores and sweat glands, and they provide moisture to body hair and skin.

The lung channel opens to the nose, governs the voice, its color is white and its flavor pungent. The emotion associated with the lungs is grief. The lungs receive and let go, keeping the movement in and out in a healthy exchange with the outer world. If that exchange is blocked emotionally by grief and sadness, it affects the smooth action of the lungs. When someone is sad, they hold their breath and oxygen is decreased. The emotional blockage of not letting go and the symptom of grief affects the receiving and letting go action of the lungs.

How can you tell if your lungs might be deficient? Some symptoms include frequent colds, asthma, bronchitis, cough, dry skin, fatigue, pain and distention in the chest. Itchy skin, and increased nasal discharge can also be indicators.

Here are some ways to strengthen your lungs:

Breathe: Taking deep-cleansing breaths is an excellent way to keep your lungs in shape. Abdominal breathing, or diaphragmatic breathing, is ideal for keeping the circulation, oxygenation and lymph drainage of your lungs strong. Place your hand on your abdomen and feel your hand rise as you breathe deeply more from your core than your chest. Breathe in and hold for a few seconds, let it out slowly and repeat several times. Singing is also good for the lungs, so belt out your favorite songs.

Exercise: Exercise like tai qi, qi gong and walking keep your lungs in shape naturally, as inhaling and exhaling steadily brings in fresh oxygen and circulates energy.

Posture perfect: All those well-meaning people who told you to straighten up had a point. Good posture opens the chest, which is good physically and also emotionally “opening up to the world”.

Diet: Lungs are associated with the color white and its flavor is pungent. Examples of these foods, which should be eaten in moderation, are radish, white mushrooms, whitefish, cauliflower, onions, apples, Asian pears, and garlic. Grapefruit is also beneficial.

The lungs do not like too much cold, so an abundance of cold food such as dairy, cold raw vegetables, ice, salads and fruit juices create too much mucus in the lungs (cold inhibits circulation), slowing down digestion and metabolism.

Share this post with friends and family to help them stay healthy too during this Autumn season. Thank you!

New York Sports Acupuncture
Dr. Bishara Wilson, DACM, L.Ac.
www.nysportsacu.com
888.375.5444

Research Update: Herbal Medicine and De-congestion

Research Update: Herbal Medicine and De-congestion

A study published by the National Institute of Health looked at the use of Chinese herbal formulas in conjunction with conventional medicine for the treatment of chronic rhinosinusitis. The study surveyed 4,294 patients who utilized Traditional Chinese Medicine and of these, nearly 97 percent received herbal remedies. The most commonly prescribed herbal formula for this condition was Xin Yi Qing Fei Tang. While the study did not look at the outcome of the use of the herbal remedy, it is conclusive more people are turning to alternative medicine in order to treat everyday problems like congestion.

Congestion of the chest and sinuses is something everybody has experienced at some point during their life. It can be caused by allergies, the common cold or even changes in the weather. Regardless of the cause, it makes life difficult when we are unable to breathe properly. Many people reach for over-the-counter decongestants as a first line defense. But there are side effects to be aware of when using anything synthetically made in a lab.

Natural remedies, like Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), are safer and can generally be used long-term without the side effects. An estimated 30 million people suffer with sinus problems, and congestion is one of the top symptoms associated with sinus issues. Most people who suffer with sinus issues have them for the majority of their lives. This is because once the problem has been cleared up using conventional medications or treatments, the sinus cavities themselves have not been completely drained and the body still sees the remaining mucus as a foreign invader it must attack.


This is where Traditional Chinese Medicine surpasses conventional medicine. TCM addresses the symptoms and the root of the problem. So not only will the congestion be targeted, but so will be the cause of the congestion. Too much sugar causing excess phlegm? chronic allergy flare ups? Weak lungs due to asthma or COPD preventing you from expelling the pathogens? All of these things can lead to chronic congestion and TCM can help.


TCM uses many tools to treat congestion. The two most commonly used are acupuncture and herbal formulas. One of the most commonly used herbal formulas is Cang Er San. This formula contains xanthium fruit, magnolia flower, angelica root and mint. If yellow mucus is present, then cooling herbs like honeysuckle flowers and Scutellaria root are added to address the excess heat. But the base formula unblocks the nasal passages, reduces inflammation and expels toxins, all of which lead to congestion.


Another popular choice of TCM practitioners is Bi Yan Pian. This formula works to clear the nasal passages and it usually accomplishes this within five days to a week. The herbs in Bi Yan Pian work to disperse wind, expel toxins, relieve inflammation and dissolve phlegm.

Ask me to find out how Traditional Chinese Medicine can help you with any respiratory and congestion issues you might have.

New York Sports Acupuncture
Dr. Bishara Wilson, DACM, L.Ac.
www.nysportsacu.com
888.375.5444


CITATION:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25511322

Strengthen Your Immune System with TCM

Strengthen Your Immune System with TCM

It’s that time of year again...the weather is getting colder, the leaves have fallen off the trees and people are beginning to trickle into the office with autumn colds and allergies. As an acupuncturist, I have to say I rarely get sick. I have lots of tools and tricks in my bag to stay healthy during cold season, and I’m happy to share some of them with you!

You know how your mom always made you wear a scarf when you were a kid, telling you that you’d catch a cold if you didn’t? I used to think that she was just saying that, but as it turns out, there was something to it after all! In the world of Chinese medicine, there is an area at the back of the neck which can absorb wind and cold, allowing it to permeate into your system and creating an ideal situation to catch an actual cold. By keeping this area warm and covered, you are putting up a shield between yourself and this invading wind, increasing your chances of avoiding colds.

Since we acupuncturists view cold as an entity that can migrate into your system, adding warm foods into your diet can help to balance out that cold, keeping you healthy or speeding up your recovery once a cold has set in. Eating chicken soup to ward off illness isn’t just a fallacy; the temperature of the soup is helpful, but there are also lots of “warm” ingredients within the soup. Every food has an energetic quality, and warm spicy foods balance out excess cold in the system. Most good chicken soup has garlic, pepper and other spices that are considered “warm” in TCM.

Adding spicy foods into your diet when cold season hits is a way to protect yourself from succumbing to the sniffles. Whenever I begin to feel a cold coming on, I sautee slices of ginger with a little butter or oil, and add it to a tea made with lemon, honey, cinnamon, clove and a dash of cayenne. I let the ginger soften as I drink the tea, and then eat the ginger. This never fails to get me feeling healthy again, if I drink it before the cold settles into my system. It’s also delicious!

Staying warm and eating the right foods are two ways to stay healthy, and another is acupuncture. If you don’t have access to your acupuncturist, the next best thing is to utilize some acupressure points to crank up your immune system. If you slide your finger down the side of your thumb, you will hit a bone just below the wrist crease. Keep sliding down about an inch or so, and press hard while feeling for a tender spot. This is Lung 7, which is a powerful point to build up the energy of the lung, which boosts the immunity. Another great immunity point is Stomach 36. This point is located approximately four fingers down from the bottom of the knee cap, along the outer boundary of the shin bone. This point boosts the energy of the entire body, so massaging it will help to keep your “Wei Qi” up. This Wei Qi is your defensive energy, which creates a barrier between yourself and pathogens that cause harm. In Western terminology, it would be the equivalent of the immune system.  Pressing on both of these points will allow you to tap into the positive effects of acupuncture, minus the needles. 

Bishara Wilson

New York Sports Acupuncture

www.newyorksportsacupuncture.com

888.375.5444