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 Spring. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Spring. 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!
Friday, June 5, 2009
Live in Harmony with the Seasons
Live in Harmony with the Seasons
Five Phases (Seasons) in Chinese Medicine
Chinese Medicine is a medicine of the seasons, based in part on an understanding that all change in the universe and in your body happens in five distinct phases that correspond to the seasons - namely:
Spring: Invite the Wood Element
Spring is dominated by the wood element in Chinese medicine which governs the Liver and the Gallbladder organs. The Liver and Gallbladder are related to growth, change, benevolence, creativity and deciding a course of action. In this spirit, Spring is a time for clearing out the old to make way for the new. A great way to do this is to focus on your diet, ensuring that your digestion is smooth and healthy. How do you do this?
First, try to include more greens in your diet. Green is the color of Spring and of the wood element, and green veggies are a great source of fiber, antioxidants and important vitamins and minerals. If you are having a hard time including greens in your diet - especially good organic veggies - consider a service like spud! Spud! is a local organic produce delivery service that will bring local fruits, veggies and more right to your door. I use it at home and not only does it help me ensure that I'm getting plenty of fresh and local foods, but it saves me valuable time shopping and reduces my carbon footprint. If you're interested in checking it out, use the code CR5-1005173 for a $25 discount.
Next, try drinking some milk thistle tea or taking milk thistle caps daily through the Spring months. Milk Thistle is an antioxidant that targets the liver, protecting it from incoming toxins as well as encouraging it to cleanse itself of damaging substances like alcohol, medications and environmental toxins
Lastly, if you haven't been in for a tune up for a while, now is a great time to check in. Since Chinese Medicine is a seasonal medicine, coming in with the change of seasons is always recommended as a minimum health maintenance program.
Office Updates
Welcome Jamaica Stevens, LMT - $40 new patient offer
Yes, we have a new massage therapist joining us on Saturdays who specializes in Swedish, Deep Tissue, Pregnancy Massage and Reiki and she is truly amazing. She's offering a special $40 first appointment offer to all current patients - a very generous offer for her outstanding service. Simply go online to our online scheduler and book a one hour massage with Jamaica to take advantage of this offer. Please note "$40 new patient special" in the notes section of your appointment. Slots are going fast, so I recommend booking soon if you are interested.
Rebecca Honored by Cambridge Who's Who
Nifty, huh? Rebecca has just been honored by Cambridge Who's Who Among Americal Entrepreneurs as an Outstanding Professional in the field of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine. Spread the word! Press release can be seen by looking back one blog post.
Five Phases (Seasons) in Chinese Medicine
Chinese Medicine is a medicine of the seasons, based in part on an understanding that all change in the universe and in your body happens in five distinct phases that correspond to the seasons - namely:
- Wood (Spring)
- Fire (Summer)
- Earth (Late Summer)
- Metal (Autumn)
- Water (Winter)
Spring: Invite the Wood Element
Spring is dominated by the wood element in Chinese medicine which governs the Liver and the Gallbladder organs. The Liver and Gallbladder are related to growth, change, benevolence, creativity and deciding a course of action. In this spirit, Spring is a time for clearing out the old to make way for the new. A great way to do this is to focus on your diet, ensuring that your digestion is smooth and healthy. How do you do this?
First, try to include more greens in your diet. Green is the color of Spring and of the wood element, and green veggies are a great source of fiber, antioxidants and important vitamins and minerals. If you are having a hard time including greens in your diet - especially good organic veggies - consider a service like spud! Spud! is a local organic produce delivery service that will bring local fruits, veggies and more right to your door. I use it at home and not only does it help me ensure that I'm getting plenty of fresh and local foods, but it saves me valuable time shopping and reduces my carbon footprint. If you're interested in checking it out, use the code CR5-1005173 for a $25 discount.
Next, try drinking some milk thistle tea or taking milk thistle caps daily through the Spring months. Milk Thistle is an antioxidant that targets the liver, protecting it from incoming toxins as well as encouraging it to cleanse itself of damaging substances like alcohol, medications and environmental toxins
Lastly, if you haven't been in for a tune up for a while, now is a great time to check in. Since Chinese Medicine is a seasonal medicine, coming in with the change of seasons is always recommended as a minimum health maintenance program.
Office Updates
Welcome Jamaica Stevens, LMT - $40 new patient offer
Yes, we have a new massage therapist joining us on Saturdays who specializes in Swedish, Deep Tissue, Pregnancy Massage and Reiki and she is truly amazing. She's offering a special $40 first appointment offer to all current patients - a very generous offer for her outstanding service. Simply go online to our online scheduler and book a one hour massage with Jamaica to take advantage of this offer. Please note "$40 new patient special" in the notes section of your appointment. Slots are going fast, so I recommend booking soon if you are interested.
Rebecca Honored by Cambridge Who's Who
Nifty, huh? Rebecca has just been honored by Cambridge Who's Who Among Americal Entrepreneurs as an Outstanding Professional in the field of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine. Spread the word! Press release can be seen by looking back one blog post.
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