e ews
SPRING
/ Spring SeUles
Upon Us
Acupuncture News
Acupuncture helps relieve
prostatitis symptoms
Spring brings with it
warmer weather and renewed physical and
mental energy. For many people, however,
the transition from winter to spring isn't
always easy, The cold winter months are
a nalUraltime for rest and introspection so it
can be a challenge to get moving again.
Almost 10% of adult men suffer
from Chronic Prostatitis (CP)
and Chronic Pelvic Pain
Syndrome (epPS).
Unfortunately. the available
therapies have had IiUle or no
proven benefit.
The School of Pharmaceutical
Science in Malaysia conducted
a 1O-week study to test the
efficacy of acupuncture as a
natural approach to relieving the
symptoms 0/ CP/CPPS.
The study concluded that after
10 weeks of treatment,
acupuncture was almost twice
as likely as sham acupuncture
to improve CP/CPPS symptoms.
In addition, participants who
were treated with acupuncture
were 24 limes more likely to
report long-term beneflls than
those who received sham
acupuncture
A""punct"",
""fSUS sham IllCUpUrJCIUflI ""
c.hroroc pros/8!w$lchronlC psIIIic
pain LeeSW,et ai, Am J Med 2008
Jan; 121 (1 );79.81·7
Acupuncture
an effective
allergy treatment
A study was recently conducted
in Australia 10 determine the
efficacy of acupuncture versus
sham acupuncture in the
treatment of persistent allergic
rhinitls. Subjects received
acupuncture twice a week for 8
weeks, with a follow·up after 12
weeks.
Findings suggest that
acupuncture is effective in
treating the symptoms of
persistent allergic rhinitis.
Acupuncru,.
Irx P'JIsiSllHl11JHIJ1IPC rhmills
9 f8ndomi~ed. $ham..r;onlt'l)ll&d
tna/ XueCC,etai
MedJAust2007Sep
17; 16716):337-41
Traditional Chmese Medicine (TCM)
tells us that selliing into spring can be
even more difficult if there is an imbalance in the Liyer. which is responsible
for the now ofQi (Life Energy) throughout the body. An imbalance or lack
of Qi can cause a whole range of emotional and physical symptoms such as
anger. depression, mood swings. abdominal pain. menstrual problems. and
even allergies. If you suffer from any of these ~ymptoms. then you are av.are
that they can be barriers to moving forward and living in harmony with the
seasom.
The good news is that you ctln take charge of your health and kick-start your
~rring. ~iN. talk \0 me about how to address any underlying imbalances
that might be affecting your energy levels. ['II have some suggestiom for
you, and may even talk about dietary changes. supplements. herbs or excrcises
that can help.
NpxL decide how to tackle lin) slrcssors at work or home that might be
keeping you from feeling your best. Consider acupuncture. acupressure.
meditation. yoga. massage. or talk therapy to help you handle stress and
keep from becoming overwhelmed.
Lastly. plan to get moving. Exercise is an lInpoJ1ant way to boost your energy
and kecp your Qi nowing. Keep these lips in mind:
• Take it slow. especially if you hayen·t exercised o\er the winter. Use
common sense to avoid overdoing it and IIlJuring your~elf.
• Set small goals for yourself sueh as walking for 15 minutes each day. Set
new goab as your fitness level improves.
• Warm up before exercising and ah\ays remember to stretch.
• Do something you enjoy. so your workout doesn't feel like work.
With a little planning and some assistance from TCM you can shake off
those winter blahs and enjoy all the wonderful benefits of spring.
Reference,
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Food for
(((I
ro Tips for
Spring Cleaning
(-jill!
Spring is a season of awakening and
of new beginnings. Making healthy
choices that will carry you through
the seasons is important this time of
year. Here are a few ideas to get you
started
Meridian Exercise - Side
Bend Stretch If youhave ever
practiced yoga, you may be familiar
with this pose. The side bend stretch
helps open up the free flow of Qj
1. Embrace yourself
honestly.
Assess the various aspects of your
life, see where the stressors and
weaknesses exist. Are they in your
diet, exercise program, work or
relationships? Focus on the ones that
need improvement, and begin moving
away from the ones that detract from
your life.
along the Liver and Gallbladder
meridians.
It's a simple way to move
your body's energy and to stretch
both body and mind.
Here's how to do it:
1) Sit on the floor with both legs
extended out to your sides. Keep
your knees straight.
2. Examine personal relationships.
Include your significant other, friends,
or relatives. Think about how you
effect each other and what you can
do to make each relationship more
meaningful.
2) Clasp your hands up over your
head with your palms turned
upwards.
3) Inhale and stretch your arms up
as high as they will go.
4) While exhaling, bend toward the
right side at the waist as if you are
trying to get the right elbow to touch
the right knee, while keeping your
3. Choose to change habits.
Perhaps you want to be more positive,
exercise more, or give up junk food.
Do you need help or can you do this
on your own? II may be easier to
make changes with support from
others.
left elbow pointing upward to the
sky_ Stretch as far as you can
without causing discomfort.
S) Inhale into the side of your body
that is facing up, and exhale sinking
deeper toward your leg.
6) Inhale, return to center and
stretch your arms upward. Upon
exhalation, repeat for the opposite
side.
-
I
4. Clean and organize.
Clearoul the old and bring in the new.
Take a look at your possessions and
give away or recycle anything that
doesn't serve a good purpose. You
may be surprised at how much lighter
and happier you feel when you've
cleaned and freshened up each area
of your home.
5. Get active.
Work more exercise
improve your health
stress Walk around
neighborhood,
try a
dancing, or ride your
new.
into
and
your
yoga
bike
your day to
reduce
class, go
someplace
6. Make positive choices.
Think about what you take in every
day with your eyes, ears, and heart.
Consider the things that make you
feel your best such as beautiful music,
energetic friends, and inspirational
art. Consider taking a break from TV,
news, violent movies, and stressful
people.
7. Feel your best.
Assess your emotional well-being.
Take an honest look at your moods
and emotions. Find the cause of the
disharmony, and make a conscious
choice to change. Many factors, from
diet and digestive health to learned
behavior, can have an influence on
mood and energy level.
8. Try a Detox Program.
You may want to try a 1 to 3 week
detox program during the spring.
Choose a program that works for you
whether it's a juice cleansing, fasting,
cutting out dairy or refined sugars, or
a more in-depth detox diet. Talk to me,
I may be able to give you helpful
information about how to approach the
detoxification
process.
9. Consider nutritional
supplements.
You might find supplements helpful for
boosting your immunity and overall
health. Consider taking an age and
gender appropriate
multivitamin and
mineral daily, as well as additional
antioxidants such as Vitamins C and
E. Also remember to drink plenty of
water and green tea.
10. Commit to a plan.
Consider what you want out of life,
from your health, habits and
relationships to your career and work.
Create a plan to achieve these goals.
Most importantly, remember to be
nurturing and kind to yourself as you
commit to making positive changes in
your life.
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Have you ever woken up with a great idea in the middle of the nighl?
WelL there's a reason! Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) tells us Ihat
each organ has a specific time when it is the most active. The Liver and
its pal1ner the Gallbladder arc most active between 11 1'.111. and 3 a.m.
These organs. when functioning optimally. control our <lbility to plan.
organiL.c. make clear decisions and take decisiyc action. When these
organs arc out of balance. we can become disorganized. ~tan demonstrating
poor planning and time management. or cOll\'erse!y, cXfX:rience stress
from tlying to plan \00 much.
One way to addrcs~ this imbalance is to take
charge of your life and become more organized
and less stressed. These (ips from Stephen R.
Covey's "The 7 Habits of Highly
Effective
People" are a great place to stan.
Be PmClct~ve
Rccognize
making
your responsibility
111
BEANS
(sprouted)
Adzuki
Garbanzo
Fava
Lentils
Mung
FRUIT
Avocados
Blackberries
Dates
Grapes
Grapefruit
Jicama
Lemons
Limes
Loquat
Olives
Oranges
Strawberries
Tangelos
Tangerines
GRAINS
things happen
Begi"" wit~t~e 5vcd i""
Mivcd
(sprouted)
Barley
Buckwheat
Corn
Rice
Create with your mind what you
Rye
cannot at present see with your eyes
Wheat
HERBS
Pl-tt F~t'"st TVt~Vv9s FLYSt
Focus on whm needs to be
accompli..,hed.
visualize
using your mind 10
Here are a few
books that
may help
you make sense of your life and
the desired result
,
Anise
Basil
Bay leaf
Cardamom
Chickweed
Chicory
Chives
Cilantro
Cumin
Dandelion root
Dill
Fennel
Green tea
Hawthorn berry
Marjoram
Milk thistle
Mint
Nettles
Parsley
Peppermint
Raspberry leaf
Rosemary
Rosehips
Sassafras
Celery
Chard
Collard greens
Comfrey
Dandelion
Fennel
Garlic
Green onions
Green peas
Kale
Leeks
Lettuce
Mushrooms
Mustard greens
Pickles
Radishes
Rhubarb
Scallions
Sorrel greens
Sauerkraut
Spinach
Sugar peas
Watercress
SEEDS
(sprouted)
Alfalfa
Clover
Sunflower
VEGETABLES
Alfalfa
Artichoke
Asparagus
Beets
Beet greens
Bok choy
Brussels sprouts
Cauliflower
become more organizcd.
T11LV'v~ WLi'\r-WLV'v
Seek mutual benefit in
all
human
interactions
seeR. FiYSt to cwwIeYStovcd,
The"" be cwwIeYStooct
Li..,ten with the intcnt 10 understand
StJ """"g ize
Develop
unity and creativity
conjunction
in
with other human
"Life IIi-IS Nel'er Meant to Be a
Struggle" by SlUan Wilde
"Time MClI1agelllelllJor the
Cremil'e Person: Right-Brain
StrategiesJor Stoppillg
Procrw·tillmioll. GetTing COli/rot
oj the Clock alld Calellc/w: and
Freeillg Up YOl/rTillie alld YOllr
Life" by Lee Silber
being..,
s~0Yf>e"" t~e sow
Never stop improving
yourself
UThe PmaostillC//ors Halldbook:
Masterillg fhe Art oj Doing It
Now" by Rita Emmett
Reference;
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CO\-cy_$irnu" & Schu,ler.:!OI.'l6.
Points Toward Health
Rubbing
acupuncture
points with your finger for
seconds
can stimUlate
and promote
the
circulation
of Qi within your own body. restoring
30-60
health and well-being.
Here is a useful acupuncture
point that promotes
health in spring
The Liver 3
point can be located
on the tops of both feet. DO
NOT USE THIS POINT DURING PREGNANCY.
LOCATION. On the top of the
foot, in the depression
between
where the first and second
metatarsal
bones meet. It is
usually tender for most people.
FUNCTIONS: Used for
dizziness,
headaches,
vertigo,
epilepsy,
painful and/or blurry
eyes, irregular
menstruation,
depression,
uterine bleeding and
prolapse,
urine retention,
genital
pain, frequent
sighing,
and
insomnia
iii
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