In This Issue:
**Acupuncture to Combat Stress
**Springtime is Liver Time
**Thanks for Tuning In! Book On-lineAnytime!---------------------
Acupuncture to Combat Stress
If you've had acupuncture before (which most of you have...) you probably know that one of the great secrets acupuncture adherents enjoy, is that acupuncture is RELAXING. When you tell someone who has never had acupuncture before that it has this effect, they generally give you the crazy eye and say, "uh huh..." quickly turning in the other direction, but the few that respond with curiosity and interest quickly discover the truth - that acupuncture is an incredible weapon against stress.
Indeed, a 2007 study conducted by the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine found that patients who were treated for PTSD (post traumatic stress disorder) with acupuncture over a 12 week period saw marked improvement in their symptoms, and that the results were still strongly in effect when the patients were checked up on 3 months post treatment.
Indeed, acupuncture is even being used inAfghanistan to treat military personnel who suffer mild concussions and battlefield stress!
So if you are feeling stressed - come in!
If you know someone who is feeling stressed - refer them.
If stress is noticeably affecting your health -book an appointment now without delay to ensure that stress does not take a long term toll on your health and wellbeing.
Springtime is Liver Time
I know I've mentioned it before, but I can't help but celebrate again that Spring is Liver Time in Chinese Medicine. As the five elements of Chinese Medicine continue their turning seasonal wheel, we find ourselves facing Spring - the season of the Wood Element - which dominates the Liver and the Gallbladder to boot.
The Liver in particular is our source of benevolence and creativity, and when I see the first shoots of spring outside my door (daphne in my planter box, so sweet!) I feel excited about the new life, new growth and new possibilities it represents.
In the body, your Qi wants to celebrate the same. Now is the time to think about returning to old hobbies you love or starting new ones. Engaging in creative activities that feed your soul and match the wonder of Spring.
When the Liver or Gallbladder are out of balance, however, one experiences frustration, anger, tension in the neck and shoulders and a flaring temper. Too much stress for too long, especially in the Spring time, can compound or add to these feelings.
The best way to help you Qi celebrate with the Spring or rebalance itself, is therefore to feed your soul with enriching activities, to engage in freeing and revitalizing physical movement such as yoga, qigong and taiji, and to get an Acupuncture tune up to support your Qi through the seasonal transition.
Thanks for Tuning In!
As usual thanks again for tuning in! If you are interested in more information about treating stress or treating the Liver in Springtime with acupuncture and Chinese Medicine, 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
Showing posts with label Liver Qi Stagnation. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Liver Qi Stagnation. Show all posts
Friday, April 8, 2011
Friday, March 5, 2010
All Ways Well Newsletter 3/10 ~ Spring Time is Liver Time! Treat your Liver well.
In This Issue:
**Spring Time is Liver Time!**Treat the Liver well by reducing Liver Qi Stagnation - simple acupressure & dietary tips
**Farmer's Market Reopens! Be prepared for parking on Saturdays.**Ashley, Summer and Noreen are up and running! On-line scheduling now available!---------------------Spring Time is Liver Time!
Ah, Spring. One of my favorite seasons in Portland. I can't help but step out my door every day, take a big whiff of the daphne planted just outside and feel rejuvenated as the sweet scent brings a smile to my face. Chinese medicine is an elemental and seasonal medicine, meaning that each season is associated with different colors, elements, organs and emotions. Spring in particular is governed by the Wood element, the element associated with the Liver and Gallbladder. Expressed by varying shades of green and connected emotionally with creativity and benevolence as well as occasional anger and frustration, it is a time of growth, change, beauty and regeneration. The Liver in particular is the Yin organ or substantive organ in the Liver-Gallbladder pair and has a number of important energetic jobs to do. Several of the Liver's most important jobs are storing blood (both energetically and physically), supporting digestion and smoothing the flow of the emotions. The most common Liver pathology causing distress and harm is when the Liver is stagnant and its energy is not flowing correctly. Stagnant Liver Qi can lead to anger, frustration, headache, neck and shoulder pain and host of other irregularities. Spending some time during the transition to Spring on keeping the Liver happy through acupuncture, yoga, massage, meditation or qi-gong can go a long way towards optimizing health and wellness in this exciting Season. Read on for some simple home care tips on making this happen!
Treat the Liver well by reducing Liver Qi Stagnation - simple acupressure & dietary tipsAs mentioned above, Liver Qi Stagnation is one of the most common Liver pathologies associated with Spring-time distress. Acupuncture and massage are wonderful treatments to help increase the flow of Liver Qi towards achieving optimal health, but sometimes it feels good to have something you can do at home in lieu of treatment if time and money don't permit, or to extend a treatment to get the most benefit possible from your endeavors. First, let me outline some common Liver Qi Stagnation symptoms to watch for, and then I will share some simple acupressure and dietary tips for reducing Liver Qi Stagnation and keeping it at bay.
Liver Qi Stagnation Signs and Symptoms
Acupressure Points for Moving Qi
Massaging a series of 4 points - two points mirrored on either side - called "the Four Gates" is a popular treatment for moving Liver Qi to reduce some of the signs and symptoms mentioned above. An acupuncture treatment geared towards moving Qi will often include needling these four points, and while acupressure may not be quite as strong as acupuncture, it is still very effective. In addition to moving Qi, these points can have an analgesic (pain relieving) and calming effect - great for any stressful situation! Massage these points using moderate pressure with a thumb or index finger using small circular motions:
Dietary Recommendations to Reduce Liver Qi StagnationAnother one of my favorite aspects of Chinese Medicine is dietary therapies! Here is a simple list of foods that can also help relieve Liver Qi Stagnation. Incorporate as many or as few of them as you wish towards staying well in the Wood season:
Its a blessing to have their skills at our - and your! - disposal for helping us optimize our health through more wellness treatment options. I am certainly taking advantage of their skills and availability and you should too! Don't hesitate to go on-line to book today, or to at least check out what they are offering!
Thanks for tuning in!
Thanks again for tuning in. I hope you will take advantage of some of these Liver Qi Stagnation reducing Springtime tips - every little thing really does count when you are trying to be well and engage in a preventative health regime. Please remember that you can always book on-line via my website, email me direct or call at (503)445-8888 ext. 1 for appointments, consultations or if you just want to contact me with a question. Be sure to check back regularly for appointments - last minute cancellations and openings do happen - and if you ever want to come in on a certain day but there are no slots available, please email me and I will put you on a wait list in case something opens up that day.
Happy Spring, everyone, and be good to your Livers!
**Spring Time is Liver Time!**Treat the Liver well by reducing Liver Qi Stagnation - simple acupressure & dietary tips
**Farmer's Market Reopens! Be prepared for parking on Saturdays.**Ashley, Summer and Noreen are up and running! On-line scheduling now available!---------------------Spring Time is Liver Time!
Ah, Spring. One of my favorite seasons in Portland. I can't help but step out my door every day, take a big whiff of the daphne planted just outside and feel rejuvenated as the sweet scent brings a smile to my face. Chinese medicine is an elemental and seasonal medicine, meaning that each season is associated with different colors, elements, organs and emotions. Spring in particular is governed by the Wood element, the element associated with the Liver and Gallbladder. Expressed by varying shades of green and connected emotionally with creativity and benevolence as well as occasional anger and frustration, it is a time of growth, change, beauty and regeneration. The Liver in particular is the Yin organ or substantive organ in the Liver-Gallbladder pair and has a number of important energetic jobs to do. Several of the Liver's most important jobs are storing blood (both energetically and physically), supporting digestion and smoothing the flow of the emotions. The most common Liver pathology causing distress and harm is when the Liver is stagnant and its energy is not flowing correctly. Stagnant Liver Qi can lead to anger, frustration, headache, neck and shoulder pain and host of other irregularities. Spending some time during the transition to Spring on keeping the Liver happy through acupuncture, yoga, massage, meditation or qi-gong can go a long way towards optimizing health and wellness in this exciting Season. Read on for some simple home care tips on making this happen!
Treat the Liver well by reducing Liver Qi Stagnation - simple acupressure & dietary tipsAs mentioned above, Liver Qi Stagnation is one of the most common Liver pathologies associated with Spring-time distress. Acupuncture and massage are wonderful treatments to help increase the flow of Liver Qi towards achieving optimal health, but sometimes it feels good to have something you can do at home in lieu of treatment if time and money don't permit, or to extend a treatment to get the most benefit possible from your endeavors. First, let me outline some common Liver Qi Stagnation symptoms to watch for, and then I will share some simple acupressure and dietary tips for reducing Liver Qi Stagnation and keeping it at bay.
Liver Qi Stagnation Signs and Symptoms
- pain and discomfort along the sides of the body including tops of shoulders/traps
- depression
- mood swings
- sighing
- hiccups
- inappropriate anger
- frustration
- bitter taste in the mouth
- sensation of lump in throat
- stomach ache that improves with massage and worsens with anger
- PMS with irritability and swollen breasts
- irregular periods
- temporal headache
Acupressure Points for Moving Qi
Massaging a series of 4 points - two points mirrored on either side - called "the Four Gates" is a popular treatment for moving Liver Qi to reduce some of the signs and symptoms mentioned above. An acupuncture treatment geared towards moving Qi will often include needling these four points, and while acupressure may not be quite as strong as acupuncture, it is still very effective. In addition to moving Qi, these points can have an analgesic (pain relieving) and calming effect - great for any stressful situation! Massage these points using moderate pressure with a thumb or index finger using small circular motions:
- Large Intestine 4 - He Gu - is located in the padded area of the hand between the thumb and the index finger between the first and second metacarpal bones. Looking at the Left hand, if you make an "L" with the index finger and thumb, it is in the center of the fleshy part where the junction or corner between the two lines of the capital "L" would meet. Massage this point on both hands for 30 seconds each. On deep pressure this point will be noticeably tender.
- Liver 3 - Tai Chong - is located at a mirror point on the foot - the deepest hollow below the gap on the top of the foot between the big toe and the second toe, between the first and second metacarpal bones. To stimulate this point you can use your thumb, index finger or the heel of the opposite foot to gently knead the point for approximately 30 seconds on each foot.
Dietary Recommendations to Reduce Liver Qi StagnationAnother one of my favorite aspects of Chinese Medicine is dietary therapies! Here is a simple list of foods that can also help relieve Liver Qi Stagnation. Incorporate as many or as few of them as you wish towards staying well in the Wood season:
- Milk Thistle Tea
- Garlic
- Turmeric
- Cherries
- Chicken
- Mustard Seed
- Squash
- Sweet Potato
- Spearmint
- Red Bean
- Saffron
- Sweet Basil
Its a blessing to have their skills at our - and your! - disposal for helping us optimize our health through more wellness treatment options. I am certainly taking advantage of their skills and availability and you should too! Don't hesitate to go on-line to book today, or to at least check out what they are offering!
Thanks for tuning in!
Thanks again for tuning in. I hope you will take advantage of some of these Liver Qi Stagnation reducing Springtime tips - every little thing really does count when you are trying to be well and engage in a preventative health regime. Please remember that you can always book on-line via my website, email me direct or call at (503)445-8888 ext. 1 for appointments, consultations or if you just want to contact me with a question. Be sure to check back regularly for appointments - last minute cancellations and openings do happen - and if you ever want to come in on a certain day but there are no slots available, please email me and I will put you on a wait list in case something opens up that day.
Happy Spring, everyone, and be good to your Livers!
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
April Qi Mail Newsletter - Irritability and Mood
Treating Irritability and Moodiness with Acupuncture
Everyone suffers from irritability and moodiness from time to time, but if you find that a short temper and frustration are becoming a constant issue for you, then acupuncture may be able to help.
Often irritability and moodiness are the consequence of chronic stress in your life. Over time these emotions can progress into more serious emotional conditions such as anxiety and depression as well as other health conditions such as digestive problems, trouble sleeping and the tendency to get sick more frequently.
Liver Qi Stagnation and Emotions
Within Oriental medicine emotional disorders can be associated with a number of different patterns of disharmony; however, anger, irritability, and frustration are all signs that our qi is not flowing smoothly. The liver is responsible for the smooth flow of qi (life force) throughout the body and for smoothing our emotions. When the liver’s function of moving qi is disrupted, qi can become stuck. This is referred to as liver qi stagnation.
Liver qi stagnation is one of the most common patterns of disharmony seen in today’s patients. In addition to irritability and moodiness, signs and symptoms may include distending pain in the area below the ribs, stuffiness of the chest, sighing, abdominal distention, nausea, sour regurgitation, belching, diarrhea or constipation, feeling of a lump in the throat, irregular periods, painful periods and distention of the breasts prior to periods. Liver qi stagnation is commonly associated with PMS.
Acupuncture is excellent at relieving liver qi stagnation. Treatment for irritability and moodiness associated with liver qi stagnation focuses on moving qi and supporting the liver and spleen organ systems with acupuncture, lifestyle and dietary recommendations and perhaps an herbal formula.
If you are concerned that your emotions may be interfering with your health and wellness, please call to see how acupuncture can help.
Move Your Qi!
The liver is responsible for the smooth flowing of Qi (life force) throughout the body. When the liver functions smoothly, physical and emotional activity throughout the body also runs smoothly. So, for optimum health, move your Qi!
Stretch - The liver controls the tendons. According to Oriental medicine, the liver stores blood during periods of rest and then releases it to the tendons in times of activity, maintaining tendon health and flexibility. Incorporate a morning stretch into your routine. Try yoga or tai qi.
Eye Exercises - The liver opens into the eyes. Although all the organs have some connection to the health of the eyes, the liver is connected to proper eye function. Remember to take breaks when looking at a computer monitor for extended periods of time and do eye exercises.
Eat Green - Green is the color of the liver. Eating young plants - fresh, leafy greens, sprouts, and immature cereal grasses - can improve the liver’s overall functions and aid in the movement of qi.
Try Something Sour - Foods and drinks with sour tastes are thought to stimulate the liver's qi. Put lemon slices in your drinking water, use vinegar and olive oil for your salad dressing and garnish your sandwich with a slice of dill pickle.
Do More Outdoor Activities - Outside air helps liver qi flow. If you have been feeling irritable, find an outdoor activity to smooth out that liver qi stagnation. Try hiking or take up golf.
Enjoy Milk Thistle Tea - Milk thistle helps protect liver cells from incoming toxins and encourages the liver to cleanse itself of damaging substances, such as alcohol, medications, pesticides, environmental toxins, and even heavy metals such as mercury.
Get Acupuncture Treatments - Acupuncture and Oriental medicine can help improve the overall health of your liver as well as treat stress, anger and frustration, which are often associated with liver qi disharmony.
Periodic acupuncture treatments can serve to tonify the inner organ systems and can correct minor annoyances before they become serious problems.
The Four Gates Treatment for Moving Qi
A popular treatment for the stress, anger, and frustration associated with liver qi stagnation is known as the “Four Gates.” The four gates are the right and left side acupuncture points Liver 3 (Taichong) and Large Intestine 4 (Hegu).
Together these four acupuncture points enhance the circulation of qi and blood throughout the body and have a calming and analgesic effect. They are also used to alleviate pain.
Large Intestine 4 is located on the padded area of your hand between the thumb and index finger, between the first and second metacarpal bones. Massage this point with your thumb on both hands for approximately 30 seconds.
Liver 3 is located in a hollow on the top of your foot below the gap between your big toe and the next toe, between the 1st and 2nd metatarsal bones. To stimulate this point, place your right heel in the juncture between the bones that attach to the large and second toes and gently knead the point for approximately thirty seconds. Then switch sides to stimulate liver 3 on your other foot.
Signs and Symptoms of Liver Qi Stagnation
Here are some of the symptoms commonly associated with liver qi stagnation:
* Pain or discomfort anywhere along the sides of the body
* Depression
* Mood swings
* Sighing
* Hiccups
* Frustration
* Inappropriate anger
* Sensation of a lump in throat
* Difficulty swallowing
* Bitter taste in mouth
* Constipation or diarrhea
* Abdominal distention and discomfort
* Stomachache that improves after massage
* Stomachache that worsens with anger
* PMS with irritability or swollen breasts
* Irregular or painful periods
* Poor appetite
* Churning sensation in stomach
---
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Everyone suffers from irritability and moodiness from time to time, but if you find that a short temper and frustration are becoming a constant issue for you, then acupuncture may be able to help.
Often irritability and moodiness are the consequence of chronic stress in your life. Over time these emotions can progress into more serious emotional conditions such as anxiety and depression as well as other health conditions such as digestive problems, trouble sleeping and the tendency to get sick more frequently.
Liver Qi Stagnation and Emotions
Within Oriental medicine emotional disorders can be associated with a number of different patterns of disharmony; however, anger, irritability, and frustration are all signs that our qi is not flowing smoothly. The liver is responsible for the smooth flow of qi (life force) throughout the body and for smoothing our emotions. When the liver’s function of moving qi is disrupted, qi can become stuck. This is referred to as liver qi stagnation.
Liver qi stagnation is one of the most common patterns of disharmony seen in today’s patients. In addition to irritability and moodiness, signs and symptoms may include distending pain in the area below the ribs, stuffiness of the chest, sighing, abdominal distention, nausea, sour regurgitation, belching, diarrhea or constipation, feeling of a lump in the throat, irregular periods, painful periods and distention of the breasts prior to periods. Liver qi stagnation is commonly associated with PMS.
Acupuncture is excellent at relieving liver qi stagnation. Treatment for irritability and moodiness associated with liver qi stagnation focuses on moving qi and supporting the liver and spleen organ systems with acupuncture, lifestyle and dietary recommendations and perhaps an herbal formula.
If you are concerned that your emotions may be interfering with your health and wellness, please call to see how acupuncture can help.
Move Your Qi!
The liver is responsible for the smooth flowing of Qi (life force) throughout the body. When the liver functions smoothly, physical and emotional activity throughout the body also runs smoothly. So, for optimum health, move your Qi!
Stretch - The liver controls the tendons. According to Oriental medicine, the liver stores blood during periods of rest and then releases it to the tendons in times of activity, maintaining tendon health and flexibility. Incorporate a morning stretch into your routine. Try yoga or tai qi.
Eye Exercises - The liver opens into the eyes. Although all the organs have some connection to the health of the eyes, the liver is connected to proper eye function. Remember to take breaks when looking at a computer monitor for extended periods of time and do eye exercises.
Eat Green - Green is the color of the liver. Eating young plants - fresh, leafy greens, sprouts, and immature cereal grasses - can improve the liver’s overall functions and aid in the movement of qi.
Try Something Sour - Foods and drinks with sour tastes are thought to stimulate the liver's qi. Put lemon slices in your drinking water, use vinegar and olive oil for your salad dressing and garnish your sandwich with a slice of dill pickle.
Do More Outdoor Activities - Outside air helps liver qi flow. If you have been feeling irritable, find an outdoor activity to smooth out that liver qi stagnation. Try hiking or take up golf.
Enjoy Milk Thistle Tea - Milk thistle helps protect liver cells from incoming toxins and encourages the liver to cleanse itself of damaging substances, such as alcohol, medications, pesticides, environmental toxins, and even heavy metals such as mercury.
Get Acupuncture Treatments - Acupuncture and Oriental medicine can help improve the overall health of your liver as well as treat stress, anger and frustration, which are often associated with liver qi disharmony.
Periodic acupuncture treatments can serve to tonify the inner organ systems and can correct minor annoyances before they become serious problems.
The Four Gates Treatment for Moving Qi
A popular treatment for the stress, anger, and frustration associated with liver qi stagnation is known as the “Four Gates.” The four gates are the right and left side acupuncture points Liver 3 (Taichong) and Large Intestine 4 (Hegu).
Together these four acupuncture points enhance the circulation of qi and blood throughout the body and have a calming and analgesic effect. They are also used to alleviate pain.
Large Intestine 4 is located on the padded area of your hand between the thumb and index finger, between the first and second metacarpal bones. Massage this point with your thumb on both hands for approximately 30 seconds.
Liver 3 is located in a hollow on the top of your foot below the gap between your big toe and the next toe, between the 1st and 2nd metatarsal bones. To stimulate this point, place your right heel in the juncture between the bones that attach to the large and second toes and gently knead the point for approximately thirty seconds. Then switch sides to stimulate liver 3 on your other foot.
Signs and Symptoms of Liver Qi Stagnation
Here are some of the symptoms commonly associated with liver qi stagnation:
* Pain or discomfort anywhere along the sides of the body
* Depression
* Mood swings
* Sighing
* Hiccups
* Frustration
* Inappropriate anger
* Sensation of a lump in throat
* Difficulty swallowing
* Bitter taste in mouth
* Constipation or diarrhea
* Abdominal distention and discomfort
* Stomachache that improves after massage
* Stomachache that worsens with anger
* PMS with irritability or swollen breasts
* Irregular or painful periods
* Poor appetite
* Churning sensation in stomach
---
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