November 2011 All Ways Well Newsletter - Cold Weather Colds & Flus

In This Issue: 
**Cold Weather Colds & Flus 
  *Strenghten Qi with Acupuncture, Cupping & Gua Sha 
**Thanks for Tuning In! Book On-line Anytime!
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Cold Weather Colds & Flus
I don't know about you, but I'm already getting reports of colds and flus sweeping through local communities from patients and friends alike. With the holidays coming fast and school in full swing, it is an especially difficult time to be sick. In Chinese medicine, colds and flus are due to a combination of external factors that "invade" the body. When your energy or Qi is weakened or depleted, these "external (or evil) pathogenic invaders" can make their way inside and get you sick. The solution? Herbs, acupuncture, rest, cupping and gua sha!

Strengthen Qi with Acupuncture, Cupping & Gua Sha
A constant addition to Fall and Winter treatments, therefore, is strengthening your Qi to keep your immunity boosted during entry to the cold and flu season. In addition to syndrome differentiation related points (i.e. acupuncture points for your specific and individual needs), this means Lung, Spleen and Stomach channel points to tonify Qi. Energetically, the Spleen and Stomach are responsible for creating Qi and this Qi is disseminated throughout the body to perform various functions.

 Energetically the Lungs not only govern the Lung organs themselves, but also create Wei Qi or Protective Qi. This Qi circulates on the outside of the body during the day to fend off those nasty invaders and keep you well. If your Spleen, Stomach or Lungs are suffering, your immunity will too. Sometimes when you are at that first onset of a cold, the invaders are trapped in the external energetic layers, perhaps embroiled in an epic battle with your Wei Qi. At this stage, we can give your Wei Qi a helping hand through the addition of Cupping or Gua Sha. Cupping is the placement of warmed glass cups on the back while Gua Sha is also called spooning (don't laugh!) or scraping. It sounds strange, but it is very effective - by creating suction with the cups or scraping the skin with a ceramic spoon or specific Gua Sha tool, you release what is called "sha" or stagnation from the body. This opens the upper layers energetically or the "wind gates" where colds and flus enter the body. This helps you vent out the pathogen directly - thus giving your Qi a helping hand to expel said evil and help you heal. Discoloration of the skin is common, but no bruising bleeding or pain - the more color you see, the more sha or stagnation you have to release.

Haven't been in for a while? Seeing people get sick around you? Now is the time for a tune up. Don't hesitate to call, email, or go online to book today. If you're interested in cupping or gua sha, let me know. If you don't feel up to needles but want to try these therapies, we can do that too! Book a cupping or gua sha only treatment online anytime.

Thanks for Tuning In!
As usual thanks again for tuning in! If you are interested in more information please don't hesitate to call or book on-line. Free 15 minute consultations in person or over the phone are always available which you can book via phone at (503)445-8888 or on-line as well if you have more specific questions. Looking forward to seeing you!

~Rebecca