New
Year's Rejuvenation
It is
the beginning of a new year and, once again, a time to reflect on
what changes we can make to improve our lives.
If you are
intent on improving your health this year, acupuncture may be the
very thing you need to "stick" to those resolutions. Here's
how:
Resolution: Stay Sharp
Your New Year’s
resolution may be to learn a new language or take a class at the
local college. How ever you choose to exercise your brain,
acupuncture can help. Numerous studies suggest that acupuncture can
help improve memory, mental clarity, concentration and cognitive
function.
One recently published study showed how acupuncture
can be used to help patients with vascular dementia. Cerebral
functional imaging before and after acupuncture treatments showed a
significant increase in the cerebral glucose metabolism of the brain
which is associated with improved cognitive function. Other studies
have looked at how acupuncture affects the performance of student
taking an exam, Alzheimer's disease and memory impairment induced by
diabetes and cerebral ischemia. All results, thus far, have been
positive.
Resolution: Relieve Pain
Naturally
Increasingly, people are looking for more
natural approaches to help relieve painful conditions instead of
relying on medications. Acupuncture has no side effects and can be
helpful for all types of pain, regardless of what is causing the
pain or where the pain is located. Some studies have shown the pain
relief it provides can last for months.
Magnetic resonance
imaging (MRI) of the brain before and after acupuncture treatment
for pain shows dramatic decreases in brain activity -- up to 70%.
This decrease in brain activity in certain areas of the brain is
thought to be the reason for the reduction of pain caused by the
acupuncture treatments.
In addition to reducing pain,
acupuncture also hastens the healing process by increasing
circulation and attracting white blood cells to an injured
area.
Resolution: Eliminate Stress
Stress
reduction is always on the top ten list for New Year’s resolutions
and for a good reason. Stress is often the cause of illness and the
deterioration of health. Numerous studies have demonstrated the
substantial benefits of acupuncture in the treatment of stress,
anxiety and lowering blood pressure
In addition to
acupuncture, Oriental medicine offers a whole gamut of tools and
techniques that can be integrated into your life to keep stress in
check. These tools include Tui Na, Qi Gong exercises, herbal
medicine, dietary therapy, meditations and acupressure that you can
administer at home.
Needless to say, if the stress in your
life is throwing you off balance, consider coming in for a treatment
to regain peace of mind and stay healthy.
Resolution:
Reach Target Weight and Stay There
Losing weight is the
#1 most common New Year's Resolution. Acupuncture and Oriental
Medicine can help you reach your goal weight and maintain it by
promoting better digestion, smoothing emotions, reducing appetite,
improving metabolism, and eliminating food cravings.
From an
Oriental medicine perspective, the acupuncture points, foods and
herbs that are chosen to assist with weight loss directly influence
the Qi of the Spleen and Liver systems to treat the root imbalances
that are causing the weight gain.
From a Western perspective,
acupuncture and Oriental medicine have been shown to have an effect
on the function of the nervous system, endocrine system, digestive
system, food cravings, and metabolism. All of which can help to
energize the body, maximize the absorption of nutrients, regulate
elimination, control overeating, suppress the appetite, and reduce
anxiety.
The beauty of acupuncture is that each treatment is
catered to the needs of the individual patient. Acupuncture points
on the body will be chosen for overall well being with the objective
of increasing circulation of the blood and Qi (stimulating the
metabolism) and calming the nervous system.
Acupuncture and
Oriental medicine are powerful tools for healthy weight loss, by
themselves or as a supportive treatment in conjunction with other
weight management programs.
Resolution: Quit
Smoking
Acupuncture has turned a growing number of
cigarette cravers into permanent ex-smokers. In fact, researchers
say that acupuncture is a promising treatment for all types of
addiction from cigarettes to heroin.
In one study, a team
from Yale University successfully used auricular (ear) acupuncture
to treat cocaine addiction. Results showed that 54.8% of
participants tested free of cocaine during the last week of
treatment, compared to 23.5% and 9.1% in the two control groups.
Those who completed acupuncture treatment also had longer periods of
sustained abstinence compared to participants in the control
groups.
The acupuncture treatments for smoking cessation
focus on jitters, cravings, irritability, and restlessness; symptoms
that people commonly complain about when they quit. It also aids in
relaxation and detoxification.
Call now to see how
Acupuncture and Oriental medicine can help you with your New Year’s
Resolutions!
The
Will Power Connection
Is there a body/mind connection to
will power? According to the principles of Oriental medicine, there
is. Will power or “Zhi” is said to reside in the Kidneys and the
state of the Kidney Qi directly correlates to the fortitude of our
will power.
“The Kidneys determine our will power,”
writes Giovanni Maciocia, the author of The Foundations of
Chinese Medicine. “If the Kidneys are strong, the will power
will be strong, the mind will be focused on goals that it sets
itself and it will pursue them in a single-minded way. Conversely,
if the Kidneys are weak, will power will be lacking and the mind
will be easily discouraged and swayed from its aims.”
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In
This Issue
- New Year's Rejuvenation
- The Will Power Connection
- The Anti-Flu Diet
- Jade Windscreen Tea
The
Anti-Flu Diet
Looking
for ways to reduce your chance of getting flu this
season?A study, published by The American
Physiological Society found that mice were significantly less
likely to contract flu when given quercetin, a powerful
anti-oxidant found in a variety of fruits and
vegetables. According to the study's authors, the research
also indicated that high consumption of quercetin resulted in
catching fewer colds. So, what are the best quercetin
rich foods that you can load up on? Quercetin is found in red
onions, grapes, blueberries, tea, broccoli and red wine. Red onions
are one of the best quercetin rich foods as they have
approximately four times the quercetin of most other produce.
Eat them raw or cooked. Source: American Journal of
Physiology
Jade
Windscreen Tea
Jade windscreen tea is a tonic made up of three herbs that are
used to enhance the immune system. This herbal combination is
thought to improve resistance to colds and flu, strengthen the
lungs, and help to balance the body during periods of stress.
Ingredients
To make Jade Windscreen Tea, you will
need equal parts (2–3 oz. each) of the herbs listed below.
1.) Huang Qi (Astragalus root)
2.) Bai Zhu
(Atractylodes)
3.) Fang Feng (Ledebouriella
Root)
Directions
Boil and Simmer. Place one part
herbs and four parts water in a large stockpot. Bring the water to a
rolling boil. Turn the heat down to a low simmer and cover. Do not
lift the lid to look at the herbs too often, as this will diminish
the “flavor” and allow the volatile oils to evaporate out of the tea
very easily. Cook the herbs for 30 to 45 minutes.
Strain the
Tea and Drink. Using a slotted spoon, remove the herbs from the pot
and allow the soup to cool. Pour the tea into a mug or thermos and
sip it throughout the day. Two cups a day, taken with a slice of
fresh ginger, is recommended through the cold and flu
season.
The tea has a slightly bitter taste. Water down the
tea or add a natural sweetener such as honey if you find the taste
disagreeable.
As with all herbal medicine, please consult
with your practitioner to determine if this is the best formula for
you. |
