Five Self Care Tips for Winter

Traditional Chinese medicine teaches that humans should live in harmony with the seasons. According to traditional Chinese medicine there are five seasons: winter, spring, summer, late summer and autumn. Each season has many associations that help us change our habits, allowing for a more balanced mind and body. When these systems were being developed, people were living in harmony with nature. People rose with the sun, ate what was available during the different seasons and they were much more aware of their natural environment. What to wear, when to wake up, when to go to sleep and what activities to engage in were all dependent on the weather and the environment. Because of this, people were capable of staying healthy throughout the year and their immune and organ systems were boosted to ward off disease.

1. Get some rest

In TCM, the season of winter is a time of repair and rejuvenation. Winter is associated with the kidneys, which hold the body’s fundamental energies. Rest is important for revitalising the kidneys.This is why some animals hibernate during the winter months. We should also spend more time resting during the winter months to help prepare our bodies for the months ahead when most people expend more energy.

2. Incorporate self reflection

Winter is a really good time to turn inward and do some reflection. Practices like tai chi, qi gong and yoga can be very beneficial during the winter season. These practices help us connect to our inner selves, while supporting the kidney energy. They also help relax the mind and calm our emotions. Things like journaling and meditation are other ways of reflecting during the winter months. Long term, these practices can be very helpful at extending a person’s life.

3. Drink water, lots of water

The kidneys are closely associated and ruled by the water element, which is the element associated with winter, so it is important to remember to drink water during wintertime. Drinking room temperature water is a vital step to maintaining sufficient kidney qi throughout the winter months.   

4. Eat warm, seasonal foods

Choose foods that grow naturally during the winter. Items such as squash, potatoes, pumpkin, sweet potatoes, cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamom, root vegetables like beets, greens, carrots, mushrooms, apples, pears and cabbage are great. During the winter months, cold foods like salads and raw foods should be avoided as they will deplete the immune system. There are also foods that specifically target and nourish the kidneys, including kidney beans, black beans, dark leafy greens, garlic, ginger, walnuts, quinoa, asparagus, celery, onion, fennel, scallions, cloves, watercress and turnips. Sea salt is also helpful, because salty is the taste associated with the kidneys. As with anything, moderation is key. Too much salt can actually tax the heart, which then causes the kidneys to work overtime.

5. Treat yourself to some TCM

Traditional Chinese Medicine utilises numerous modalities and tools to help keep the body balanced and prepped for the seasonal changes. Acupuncture and moxibustion are two of the tools that are regularly used to boost the kidney qi. Moxibustion is a practice where dried mugwort is burned very near the skin to warm and boost the qi within the body. There are certain acupuncture points that are essential for boosting kidney qi. Most are located either on the lower abdomen, below the umbilicus or on the lower back above the hip bones, in the areas of the kidneys. Applying moxibustion to these areas is a wonderful way to boost the energy reserves of the kidneys.

When we align ourselves with the natural processes of life and the seasons, our bodies will adjust and perform optimally, just as they are intended to.

 

 

 

 

DANDELION: DETOX WITH THIS YELLOW CHARMER

    

Next time you’re in a wide open field, pasture or meadow dotted with beautiful yellow dandelions, know that these prolific little delights are not only beautiful, but packed with nutrition and offer a host of healthy benefits. Let’s explore this amazing flower.

Dandelions are known as Pu Gong Ying in pinyin and are used frequently in Traditional Chinese Medicine. The name comes from the French “dent-de-lioun,” which translates into “tooth of the lion” due to its sharp leaves. They are known to aid the liver, kidneys and gallbladder in particular. In Chinese medicine herbs are used to heal, this includes flowers, bark, roots and seeds. For example, if a herb is considered “warming,” it is given for cold conditions. A herb that is bitter would clear heat and detoxify. If a herb is sour it benefits the liver. If a herb is red it benefits the heart and blood. TCM creates herbal formulas that use a combination of different herbs to balance the formula and keep it safe.

    

Dandelion is considered a cold, bitter and slightly sweet herb. Its milky juice clears heat, detoxifies blood, reduces swelling and helps the early stages of a cold. Dandelion helps the liver and gallbladder by increasing bile production, and helping in cases of jaundice. Often dandelion is combined with licorice, milk thistle and fennel. 

Here are some other key benefits of this flower:

•  It is a diuretic and aids the kidneys, urinary tract, and may prevent kidney stones
•  Lowers blood pressure (as a diuretic)
•  Weight loss (as a diuretic)
•  Helps digestion, promotes appetite, increases bile, is a mild laxative
•  Stimulates the production of insulin by the pancreas for diabetes
•  Has iron, vitamins and protein to help anaemia 
• Dandelion can be eaten, taken in a tea or as a supplement. Be careful of picking dandelion on your own and ingesting it, the area it grows in may be sprayed with harmful chemicals.
• It is not recommended to start taking dandelion without consulting a healthcare professional. Dandelion is considered safe, but may cause digestive upset if taken in large quantities. It is also not recommended to combine dandelion with other herbs without consulting a herbal specialist. In TCM, the practitioner will record a patient history and make a careful diagnosis before prescribing a herbal formula designed specifically for your constitution.
• Smile next time you walk by a field of dandelions; these little beauties are lovely for our bodies. 

Five Natural Ways to Cure Migraines

Around 400,000 people in Ireland (10% of the population) are thought to suffer from migraines, and they are more common in women than men (ref: irishhealth.com)

Symptoms of a migraine can include an intense throbbing headache, usually occurring on one side of the head, nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light and even difficulty speaking. They can last for hours or even days. For some, migraines become so intense they actually have to miss work and put their lives on hold. 

Migraines tend to be more debilitating than regular headaches and can literally ruin someone’s life. Unfortunately, science still can’t explain what causes migraines, it makes it virtually impossible to find a cure. But this is where natural medicine and nutrition excel in the treatment of migraines. There are many natural approaches to treating migraines. We’ll examine five ways to naturally approach and treat migraines. 

1. Acupuncture

Acupuncture is a part of the Traditional Chinese Medical system that has been around for nearly 3,000 years. Acupuncture uses pressure points on the body to help decrease pain and inflammation, while balancing the energy within the body. When somebody is suffering from a migraine, all the energy rushes to their head. By stimulating pressure points on the feet, this energy can then be drawn down and reduced, thus decreasing the intensity of the migraine. Acupuncture can also help with the treatment of the other symptoms frequently associated with migraines.

2. Diet

Your diet plays such an important role in your life. For many migraine sufferers, gluten sensitivities can be the main cause of pain. Gluten is a component found in wheat and it is known to increase inflammation in the body. Magnesium and B vitamins are also very important for migraine sufferers. Studies show many migraine sufferers actually have low levels of both magnesium and B vitamins. Magnesium blocks pain-transmitting chemicals in the brain, while B vitamins help decrease oxidative stress in the body that may lead to chronic pain and inflammation.        

3. Biofeedback  

Another suggested natural cure for migraines, biofeedback provides information about muscle tension, skin temperature, brain waves and other body signals that helps reduce stress levels. Small sensors are placed on the skin to measure the aforementioned items. Using that information allows the migraine sufferer to change the blood flow to the brain, which helps manage the pain.        

4. Exercise 

Everybody knows exercise is good for the body. But for people with chronic pain, it is even more important. Just by sitting at a desk, working on a computer all day, we are adding an additional 20-30 pounds of pressure to our necks! This can create stress and tension on the muscles and tendons in the neck and shoulder area, which can contribute to migraine pain and frequency. Studies show by merely adding in 20 minutes of stretching daily, migraines and other chronic pain levels can be significantly reduced. Plus exercise gets the blood pumping and increases oxygenation to the tissues. Both are important for relieving pain and inflammation.       

5. Chiropractic Care 

Chiropractic care is another treatment that has proven beneficial for migraine sufferers. Chiropractic manipulation helps reduce oxidative stress at the cellular level. Oxidative stress damages tissues and can ultimately lead to disease. Studies show chiropractic adjustments can help decrease tension and relieve pain almost instantaneously.

If you are one of the millions of people who suffer from migraines, you are not alone. But the silver lining is that there are natural cures out there that can help you get your life back.

Hopefully one or more of these remedies will help you too.

 

 

IT’S ALL IN YOUR HEAD: HEADACHES AND TCM

There are four main types of headache: tension, cluster, sinus and migraine. And, there are varying triggers for these headaches, such as food, stress, hormones, dehydration and weather. Fortunately, eliminating the triggers and finding natural ways to prevent and help an ongoing headache are possible.

Tension: Tension headaches are the most common and are the result of impinged blood flow due to muscle tightness and contraction. Tension headaches are mild to moderate and are most commonly found behind the neck, on the forehead, behind the eyes and the top of the shoulders. Causes of tension headaches are stress, fatigue, cold, poor posture, skipping meals, and dehydration.

Cluster: Cluster headaches are the most severe and commonly affect men under the age of 30. Cluster headaches are usually one-sided and are accompanied by watery eyes, a red face and affect the face where the trigeminal nerve travels. Cluster headaches last days, weeks, even months and happen the same time every day, multiple times a day. Research shows the hypothalamus is involved in these types of piercing headaches. Causes include alcohol and smoking.

Sinus: Sinus headaches are from a sinus infection and feel like painful pressure around the eyes, cheeks, forehead, teeth and may have other symptoms such as post-nasal drip, congestion with green mucus or fever. The mucus is trapped in the sinuses causing inflammation, which creates the painful pressure.

Migraine: Migraines are another severe type of headache. What differentiates a migraine from a tension headache is the accompanying symptoms such as visual disturbances and auras prior to onset, increased sensitivity to light, nausea and vomiting and one-sided throbbing pain. Triggers may include hormonal changes, food sensitivity, weather, iron deficiency or thyroid issues.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, the goal is to get to the root of the headache, not just treat the symptoms. There is a diagnosis and treatment plan based on a history, as well as a pulse and tongue diagnosis. Typical triggers for all types of headaches are wind, cold, heat and damp conditions either internally or externally. A wind type headache would be moving, a damp type would feel heavy, and a cold type would feel piercing and worse with cold conditions. Blood deficiency, which is a type of anemia, might also cause headaches, as the blood is not nourishing the head. Blood stagnation, which would be a severe headache, can also be a factor. After diagnosing the correct cause of the headache, a Chinese medical practitioner would apply acupuncture and offer herbs or other type of treatment to facilitate blood flow and alleviate pain. There would also be dietary advice and maybe some acupressure self-care.

Some foods and supplements have been shown to help headaches. These include B3,  magnesium, potassium, calcium, spicy foods, ginger and watery foods. A common herb for migraines is the magnolia flower. Others include lavender, peppermint, feverfew and basil. 

Acupressure around the eyes, temples and in the web between the thumb and forefinger are helpful. Pressing the hollows of the neck with the thumbs can relieve the pressure, as well as visualizing hot energy flowing downward from the head and out the feet while making a “whooooooo” sound (breathlessly, as if blowing on a candle).

Reducing stress is a key factor; do some deep breathing exercises and take a walk in nature. It is best to see a health care practitioner and not to self-diagnose or take herbs without consultation. A headache could indicate something serious.

Increasing IVF success with Electro Acupuncture (EA)

During an IVF cycle there is a lot of emphasis on improving egg and sperm quality, but what about the health and receptivity of the womb? This is an equally important factor, as the thickness and quality of the endometrial lining is essential for the success of an IVF cycle and the ability to carry a baby to term.

What is a thin lining?

The endometrium is the inner layer or lining of the uterus. It it is this layer that is shed during menstruation each month and it thickens in preparation for the implantation of a fertilised embryo. The hormone oestrogen is responsible for creating a thick, rich and healthy uterine lining. If oestrogen levels are low and blood flow to the pelvic cavity is poor, then the lining of the uterus can be thin.

Pulsatility Index and Blood Flow to the Uterus

So for any woman undergoing IVF, good blood flow to the pelvic region is essential and there is a very precise technique that predicts both uterine blood flow and also the success of an embryo transfer.

A transvaginal ultrasound can be used to measures the pulsatility index in the uterine arteries, which is the blood flow to this area. A higher index indicates greater restriction of blood flow to the uterus. The pulsatility index has been used in many studies to assess endometrial receptivity (1,2).  Many studies also indicate that a higher index (greater restriction of blood flow) has been associated with a decreased pregnancy rate following embryo transfer. One study showed that a pulsatility index of 3.0 or more at the time of embryo transfer could actually predict 35% of failed pregnancies.

Can Electroacupuncture Increase IVF Success?

Acupuncture has been shown to increase blood flow to the womb lining and increase vascularization of the lining also. Electroacupuncture, which involves gentle electrical stimulation of acupuncture points, has been shown to reduce blood flow impedance to the uterine arteries. In one study, a group of women undergoing IVF received a series of 8 acupuncture treatments over the course of 4 weeks. In these women, a statistically significant drop in the pulsatility index was measured by the end of the 8th treatment.  This benefit could still be measured 10-14 days after the treatment period had ended. Following the acupuncture treatments, the pulsatility index fell within the range for optimal uterine receptivity of 2.0 – 2.99, for the majority of the women in this study.

Summary

At Shen we use an evidence-based protocol by Stener-Victorin (3), to improve lining quality, thickness and blood flow, thus enhancing implantation and reducing miscarriage rates. A series of 8 electroacupuncture treatments is recommended to increase uterine artery blood flow and promote endometrial receptivity in women undergoing IVF.

References:

1. Steer, C.V., Campbell, S., Tan, S.L. et al. The use of transvaginal colour flow imaging after in vitro fertilisation to identify optimum uterine conditions before embryo transfer. Fertil. Steril. 1992; 57, 372-376.
2. Steer, C.V., Tan, S.L., Mason, B.A. and Campbell, S. Vaginal color Doppler assessment of uterine artery impedance correlates with immunohistochemical markers of endometrial receptivity required for the implantation of an embryo. Fertil., Steril. 1995; 61, 101-108.
3. Stener-Victorin, E., Waldenström, U., Andersson, S.A. and Wikland M. Reduction of blood flow impedance in the uterine arteries of infertile women with electro- acupuncture. Hum Reprod. 1996;11, 1314-1317.

Foods for the Winter Season

Everybody knows that food is what gives our bodies the energy we need to survive. But not everybody is aware that certain foods should be consumed at specific times of the year.

Traditional Chinese Medicine is a medical system that has been around for nearly 4,000 years. When this system came into being, people were much more in tune with the seasons and their environment. The foods they consumed were based on the seasons and when those foods were available. This is a system that should be followed for people to remain healthy throughout the year, regardless of where they live.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, winter is a time of reflection and rejuvenation.  The body needs the extra hours of darkness to repair. The kidneys are the center of energy in the Traditional Chinese Medicine system and thus, they need to be nourished during the winter months. It is recommended we consume foods that are warming and that will boost the kidney energy. We also need to eat foods that benefit the Shen (spirit) so that the winter months don’t bring about depression.

Things like soups and stews are extremely important during the cold winter months. Energetically, warming foods such as bay leaves, chestnuts, fennel, leeks, nutmeg, pine nuts, sweet potatoes and walnuts are all great to incorporate into the diet. Also, foods that boost kidney energy are just as important. Items like millet, sesame seeds, kidney beans, grains, seeds and nuts are all good tonics for the kidneys. It is recommended that the foods be cooked for longer periods and at lower temperatures to retain as much energy as possible. It is also advisable to eat more food with bitter flavors while reducing salty flavors, so that heart health is promoted and the workload of the kidneys is reduced. Bitter-flavored foods include apricot, asparagus, celery, coffee, tea, grapefruit, lettuce, kale, vinegar and wine.

One of the most commonly used foods is something known as congee. Congee is a thick grain-based soup or porridge. Congee is used in a preventive fashion to promote good health and strong digestion. Congee can be made with a single grain, like brown rice, or a combination of grains, beans, vegetables and medicinal herbs.  Incorporating this food  into the daily diet will improve energy levels over time. Congee is prepared in a crock pot overnight, which fits in perfectly with the aforementioned principles of slow cooking at lower temperatures. It is said that the longer the congee cooks, the more powerful it becomes.

Incorporating the foods listed above during the winter months, can be a wonderful way to boost your energy throughout the season. And this will also help in the seasons to follow, as the body will be healthier and better prepared.

 

 

Positive Side Effects of Acupuncture

Most acupuncturists begin an initial session of acupuncture with an extensive health intake that goes over all of the systems of the body. We use this information to determine certain patterns of imbalance, allowing us to treat the root cause of the problem..

However, when someone makes an appointment to deal with their pain, naturally this is all they are concerned about. So, when we see these patients, we focus on their presenting issue. Once this problem has resolved, they will likely see other beneficial side effects from the treatment, such as:

● A reduction in stress or anxiety. Acupuncture is incredibly calming, and when you get acupuncture on a regular basis, that feeling of peace and well-being tends to become your new norm. Life’s little stresses just seem easier, somehow.
● You don’t get sick as often. Acupuncture boosts the immune system, and regular clients often comment on having lesser colds and illnesses throughout the year.
● Better sleep. It promotes a deep, restorative sleep that can’t be matched by anything else. Acupuncture is very effective for insomnia, but even those without sleep issues look forward to a fantastic nights sleep after a treatment.
● Less painful periods. When the blood and energy of the body flow as it should, pain and stiffness disappear. Acupuncture moves the blood, lessening cramps and even alleviating the symptoms of PMS.
● Happier digestion. Again, acupuncture is moving, so it creates movement within the digestive tract too. If you are prone to constipation, this medicine can get you unstuck. And if you fall on the other end of the spectrum and suffer from frequent or loose bowel movements, acupuncture can help to regulate that as well.
● More energy. When your body is in balance, you have the right amount of energy to get through your day. Patients who get treatment regularly tell us that they feel more energised and alert throughout the day.
● Increased fertility. Studies have shown getting regular acupuncture increases your chances of getting pregnant. It regulates hormones and lowers stress levels.
● Better relationships. I know it sounds strange, but hear me out. Acupuncture helps to regulate the emotions. It can vent your anger, ease your grief and help you to let go of negativity you’ve been holding on to. Irritated or frustrated? Try a treatment. You will immediately feel those emotions slipping away. When your negative feelings begin to transition into a lighter, calmer place, you will connect with people around you in a very different way.

Five Ways to Increase White Blood Cell Count with TCM

Leukopenia is a term used when there are less than adequate white blood cells in the bloodstream. This condition may make those suffering from it susceptible to infections. Leukopenia is often seen in diseases such as AIDS, cancer and lupus, as well as in common occurrences like the flu or a cold. Leukopenia can also be medically induced, as is often the case for cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy and radiation. While there are several prescription medications available to battle this condition, most of them also have multiple adverse side effects.

But there are alternative natural methods that can increase white blood cell count without the side effects. One of these is Traditional Chinese Medicine.

Traditional Chinese Medicine is a medical system that has been around for thousands of years and incorporates multiple modalities to treat the body holistically. Acupuncture is one of the modalities utilized by TCM practitioners that can help increase white blood cell count. In fact, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends and endorses acupuncture for treating leukopenia. Research has demonstrated acupuncture can increase immunity, while improving both red and white blood cell counts.

Traditional Chinese Medicine considers the spleen to be a very important component of immune function in the body. In TCM, the spleen is responsible for removing nutrients from food and then using those nutrients to build up blood. Patients with low blood cell count tend to suffer from fatigue. This can be countered by receiving regular acupuncture treatments that not only increase immunity, but also boost the production of blood cells.

Another important modality of TCM is herbs and herbal formulas. Specific herbs and formulas can actually increase white blood cell count and improve immune function in the body. The peony root, for example, is used in at least three different forms to boost or tonify the blood. In single herb form, peony root is known as Bai Shao, Chi Shao and Shao Yao. All of these forms are known to tonify blood, which ultimately increases immunity.

Tai chi and qi gong are not technically part of TCM, but they are ingrained in Asian history and used by millions of people worldwide. Studies have shown these forms of low-impact exercise can be very beneficial to those suffering from leukopenia. In fact, the studies confirm blood cell count can be increased by practicing tai chi or qi gong on a regular basis.

Diet and nutrition are other important areas when battling leukopenia. In TCM, nutrition is vital for overall health. One of the superfoods in TCM is Shiitake mushrooms. These mushrooms are recommended because they are known to enhance immunity. Shiitake mushrooms contain lentinan, which is an antiviral substance that has strong immune-stimulating properties. This mushroom is used as a meat substitute in TCM nutrition. And when combined with other immune-boosting foods, this in itself can make for a very healthy meal.

Lastly, a practice known as meditation should be considered when low white blood cell count is present. While meditation is not specific to TCM, it is frequently prescribed and used by TCM practitioners. Mediation is a practice that helps calm the mind and the nervous system. When the nervous system is overstimulated, it creates metabolic stress within the body. Metabolic stress causes the immune system to become weakened, thus decreasing the number of white blood cells in the body. Meditation can help reverse this problem.

While Western medicine may be the current line of defense in fighting leukopenia, it is very feasible that alternative medicine may offer more without harmful side effects. The two forms of medicine can be used in conjunction, allowing the patient to have more options and more control over their treatment regimen.

 

Easy Does It Meditation

There are lots of different types of meditation to choose from. There is transcendental meditation, mindfulness, zen, mantra, chakra, sound, guided and active meditations and Buddhist practices also.

Here are some of the benefits you might experience from practicing meditation

● Increased relaxation
● Less anxiety and stress
● Increased energy
● Improved focus
● Deeper spiritual connection to oneself
● Increased amount of positive feelings

The goal of meditation is to quiet the mind and bring your consciousness to the present moment. In addition, meditation helps one connect with the inner self and increases connection to others and the whole of creation. Meditation eases persistent mental noise, improves focus, creativity and is calming. Almost any activity can be meditative if it absorbs your attention and keeps you present. Let’s consider some meditation exercises:

Qigong, tai chi, yoga – These exercises cultivate “life energy” and promote the circulation of energy (Qi) through the focus on breathing and movement. In particular these exercises circulate oxygen and blood. If you are interested in one of these, seek out a qualified instructor to guide you.

Activity mindfulness – Walking or doing other enjoyable activities such as sports, art, music or writing promote activity mindfulness. Doing dishes, gardening or cleaning can also be considered a meditation if we are focused and present while enjoying the experience.

Guided meditation – This type of meditation is where one sits and focuses on specific imagery given by an instructor or through audio. This form of meditation is often used in healing, as one can focus on specific parts of the body.

Sound – The focus of this meditation is on a sound, repeated mantra or vibration.

Mantra – Mantra meditation is repeating a mantra such as “Om” or “Om mani padme hum.”
Transcendental meditation – this is a very popular and well-known practice which includes a mantra and is usually practiced about 20 minutes twice a day. It might be a good idea to seek out an instructor for transcendental meditation, as it has specific techniques that might require a higher level of assistance.

Mindfulness meditation – this involves bringing one’s attention to the present experience on a moment-to-moment basis. The practice is quite simple, just get comfortable, pay attention to your breath, and when your attention wanders just return to focusing on the breadth.

Sitting – Sitting meditation is very common and can incorporate focus on sound, a mantra or breathing. Practices tend to originate from Buddhism, and established positions, such as the lotus, have been taught to encourage deeper inner connection.

Binaural Beats – This is a modern addition to the meditation circle. Binaural beats are special frequencies that put the brain into meditative states such as alpha or theta. The frequencies, which synchronize brain waves, have benefits such as increased awareness. Binaural beats tend to quickly enhance mood. They can be found easily using an Internet search.

If you are ready for meditation, start slowly with one that appeals to you and looks enjoyable. In choosing what type might suit you, think about the type of person you are overall, the amount of time and dedication you have, and where your interests lie. What do you intend to get out of meditation?

To really feel the benefits of your new practice remember to set aside some time for it every day.

 

 

ACUPUNCTURE: NOT JUST NEEDLES

Most people have heard of the field of acupuncture by now, but did you realise that it is a part of Chinese medicine, and includes so much more than needles? Let’s explore this ancient therapy.

Firstly, the practice of Chinese medicine starts with a diagnosis. The practitioner asks many questions to build a picture of the person; questions about digestion, appetite, diet, sleep patterns, bowel movements, urination, pain, lifestyle and stress levels, for example. The acupuncturist will also be noting the voice pitch, hair lustre, skin colour and tone, as well as the posture and mood of the patient and any significant odour. After that, there is a pulse and tongue analysis to determine where the energetic imbalances are. When the history taking is complete, a diagnosis and treatment plan is determined. What might be included in this plan?

Needles: Acupuncture needles are very fine, sterile, painless and safe. They are, of course, the main component of the treatment plan. They are placed into certain acupuncture points on the body, either locally (at the pain site) or distally (away from the pain). The needles are retained anywhere from 20 to 40 minutes and most find the treatment to be relaxing and calming.

Herbal formulas: Chinese medicine includes the use of herbal formulas. The herbs and acupuncture needles work together to bring the body into harmony naturally. Herbal formulas come in either patent formulas, or the practitioner will make you your own formula.

Nutritional counselling: In Chinese medicine, food is medicine, and if you don’t get an herbal remedy, you will probably get dietary advice tailored to your specific constitution. For example, if someone has a pale tongue with a white coating, and it is puffy with teeth marks on the side, this might indicate this person has too much cold in the stomach, which is hampering the digestive fire. Chinese medicine rates food according to its temperature, season, colour, shape and whether it’s right for your individual body. Cold foods include too many cold, raw vegetables, iced drinks and smoothies. A food such as ginger might be a nice addition to one’s diet in this case.

Cupping and Gua Sha: Cupping uses bamboo, plastic or glass cups heated with a small flame to create a suction on the skin. This dissipates stagnation of blood and lymph fluid, promotes blood flow, eases stiffness, encourages better circulation to muscles and tissues, and feels great. It leaves a purple bruise and “cup” mark, only temporarily.

Gua sha uses a flat edged tool that is scraped in one direction on the skin, usually on large areas such as the back. Gua sha is used for many ailments, but especially for pain and stiffness. It removes blood stagnation and promotes the smooth flow of oxygen and blood. Waste and toxins are removed, and the scraping helps circulate fluid and nutrients, encouraging micro-circulation in soft tissue areas. Gua sha can be used on the face for health and beauty, as well.

Moxibustion: Moxibustion is heated mugwort and comes in many forms. Usually this smoky herb is held over an area of the body to warm and circulate. It’s great for menstrual cramps, cold conditions and chronic pain.

As you can see, the wide practice of acupuncture is much more than just needles. In addition to the above mentioned treatments, some practitioners use massage techniques and a form of manipulation called Tui Na, or acupressure.