Autumn and the Lung - Boosting Immunity

It's Autumn and it's the season of cool, dry air. Our immune system has to adapt to the change and we can become more susceptible to colds and possibly the flu. It's important to boost the immune system and protect ourselves from the seasonal change. Airborne microbes seem to travel more easily in the dry air, transported, for example, by wind when a cold front makes it's way through the region. The nose is the opening where pathogenic microbes can easily implant themselves; the nose being the direct connection to the lungs.

The skin is also a connection to the lungs and wind invasion through the skin can weaken our immunity if we aren't properly protected. It's important to protect the back of the neck, which when exposed can be a portal for wind invasion. In terms of acupuncture meridians, channels that lead to and through the internal organs, the nape of the neck is connected to the lungs. So it isn't unusual to contract a cold through simple exposure to the elements, something that everyone has experienced at one time or another.

In the acupuncture world, the Lung and Large Intestine meridians are paired. The lungs are where we take in the air and the large intestines are where we let go of waste. Emotions are related to the Lung and Large Intestine as well. Grief and sadness are associated with the Lung. When we cling to our grief and let it control our daily lives our immune system is often weakened when we do not properly let go of grief in due time. Qi, which is the mysterious force that moves and protects the body is governed, or controlled, by the Lung. When immunity is low and qi is out of balance, the action of qi is affected and the body will not properly protect itself. Then the lungs are weakened and it's easier to become sick from any outside factors that invade the body.

Where does acupuncture fit into the picture? Acupuncture points along the Lung (yin) and Large Intestine (yang) meridians have functions that protect the body by not only boosting the immune system, but also helping the body move through emotions, balancing the ability to let go once the grieving process is supposed to be over. In terms of affecting the immune system, point Lung 7, located about an inch and a half above the base of the thumb, benefits the nape of the neck where a wind invasion is likely to take place. It also pacifies wind and phlegm that accumulates when a cold sets in. Lung 5, located on the thumb side of the crook of the elbow, is specifically indicated for coughing with or without phlegm, wheezing, fever, shivering, and even diarrhea. Large Intestine 11, located on the outside of the crook of the arm, lateral to Lung 5, is used to clear heat and eliminate wind, but is also a useful point to maintain and boost the immune system, helping the body protect itself from pathogenic factors that invade the body and create illness. These, in combination with other acupuncture points, are important, basic points that an acupuncturist will use to dispel cold symptoms as well as affect the body's ability to protect itself.

So consider an acupuncture treatment this season to protect yourself from colds and flu. Acupuncture brings balance to body, mind, and spirit, and when all of these are balanced we can live healthier lives. Be well!

A fine display of the meridians in motion.


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Acupuncture for Anxiety - The Earth and the Spleen

It's late summer. In terms of Chinese Medicine and Five Element acupuncture, anxiety can be explained through certain imbalances in the body correlating with certain patterns. In Chinese medicine this is the prominent organ association is Spleen, the element is Earth, and the season associated is late summer because it's the time of harvest. In an ideal world we want to be grounded with our feet firmly planted on the earth. This gives us sense of security. A variety of symptoms can occur when someone has an imbalance in the Spleen or Earth element. 

Worry, overthinking, and great concern can signal an imbalance in Spleen and Earth. Obsessing about a situation, not being able to let go, and a loss of control can produce feelings of anxiety. If the anxiety persists panic attacks may occur making it difficult to function in daily life. Let's say a person is thinking of a work situation that's stressful. They may build up the situation in their mind while getting ready for work, creating feelings of worry about the day and what's to come during the day. Getting out the door is then difficult and taking those steps to get to work can be stifled. Thoughts turn over and over, producing anxious feelings and maybe panic. It can become a never ending circle of worry and self doubt. This can create poor performance at work and more stress than a situation calls for. The person may have problems with attendance or lateness because of these anxious feelings. 

Millions suffer from anxiety and lots of medication is prescribed to control it. By there is an alternative - acupuncture. Focus on what the patient describes is key and the most important tool in putting together a treatment plan, often focusing on the Spleen imbalance signs and symptoms. While other elements can come into play, Spleen imbalance can be the root of the overthinking and excessive worry. Acupuncture points in the Spleen channel on the legs and feet are often used, as well as the wrist and chest relating to elements that interact with Spleen. Ear acupuncture also has many benefits. Acupuncture itself activates the parasympathetic nervous system, inducing relaxation and rest. Some people are nervous at the thought of receiving acupuncture and being "stuck with needles." But if they try it willingly just the opposite will occur, relieving the symptoms and restoring balance.

Something else anyone with anxiety should consider is learning and practicing meditation. Focusing on breathing and letting the obsessive thoughts just be thoughts that pass can relieve anxiety. Focus is the key word. Sometimes a moving meditation like yoga, qigong or tai chi works better as the movement gives a person to focus on. 

Giving acupuncture a chance and adding these other practices can be the best alternative to taking medications. Be well!

Acupuncture for Depression; Summer, Joy, and the Fire Element

It's summer, finally here after a bitterly cold winter here in the Northeast. It's officially time to get outside, delve into exploring our natural surroundings, and attending parties, cookouts and being with the people we enjoy. 

In Five Element acupuncture theory, Fire is the element of summer. Fire qi is the base of life and vitality within a person. The Fire element in people also controls the ability to feel joy and laugh. When the Fire element is not balanced, they may feel either sadness and the inability to communicate with others as a result of deficiency, or one may talk excessively, laugh uncontrollably, and be easily and overly excited in the case of excess Fire.

Depression can be a manifestation of the first Fire imbalance described. A person doesn't enjoy pleasurable activity that they used to. They find it difficult or do not have the will to communicate and be joyful with others in social situations. They may speak with a dullness, void of expression. These are just a few examples of the manifestation of depression, which is a serious problem in America. Millions rely on anti-depressants to overcome the symptoms of depression, but are they treating the root cause?

Imbalance of Fire qi deficiency is only one example of a pattern leading to sadness and depression, but it can be a root cause in acupuncture terms. The organ associated with Fire is the Heart and the tissues in the body are blood and blood vessels. The Heart has a special relationship to all organs, which depend on the Heart to function properly. Specific acupuncture points nourish the blood and build Heart/Fire qi bringing this element in the body to balance. Through the use of needles and stimulation of the points, blood can freely flow to the face and tongue where the Fire of our being is expressed. A practitioner can see this action in the patient's body and the patient can literally feel the movement of blood and qi flowing. This nourishment and movement is a manifestation of reaching the root of the imbalance.

Acupuncture has been shown in many studies to improve depression in patients that regularly receive treatment. Regular treatments keep the body in balance and maintain healthy flow if qi and blood to the Heart and all organs. External and internal influences can disturb the balance and it's beneficial to keep a diary of symptoms and recognize when things are off and it's time for a treatment. 

Everyone wants to enjoy our time on this planet whether it's summer, winter, or in between. Our vitality keeps us going throughout all cycles of life and acupuncture has the key too keeping our lives in balance.