New Year's Rejuvenation
It is the
beginning of a new year and, once again, a time to reflect on what changes
we can make to improve our lives.
If you are intent on improving your health this year, acupuncture may be
the very thing you need to "stick" to those resolutions. Here's
how:
Resolution: Stay Sharp
Your New Year’s resolution may be to learn a new language or take a class
at the local college. How ever you choose to exercise your brain,
acupuncture can help. Numerous studies suggest that acupuncture can help
improve memory, mental clarity, concentration and cognitive function.
One recently published study showed how acupuncture can be used to help
patients with vascular dementia. Cerebral functional imaging before and
after acupuncture treatments showed a significant increase in the cerebral
glucose metabolism of the brain which is associated with improved cognitive
function. Other studies have looked at how acupuncture affects the
performance of student taking an exam, Alzheimer's disease and memory
impairment induced by diabetes and cerebral ischemia. All results, thus
far, have been positive.
Resolution: Relieve Pain Naturally
Increasingly, people are looking for more natural approaches to help
relieve painful conditions instead of relying on medications. Acupuncture
has no side effects and can be helpful for all types of pain, regardless of
what is causing the pain or where the pain is located. Some studies have
shown the pain relief it provides can last for months.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain before and after acupuncture
treatment for pain shows dramatic decreases in brain activity -- up to 70%.
This decrease in brain activity in certain areas of the brain is thought to
be the reason for the reduction of pain caused by the acupuncture
treatments.
In addition to reducing pain, acupuncture also hastens the healing process
by increasing circulation and attracting white blood cells to an injured
area.
Resolution: Eliminate Stress
Stress reduction is always on the top ten list for New Year’s resolutions
and for a good reason. Stress is often the cause of illness and the
deterioration of health. Numerous studies have demonstrated the substantial
benefits of acupuncture in the treatment of stress, anxiety and lowering
blood pressure
In addition to acupuncture, Oriental medicine offers a whole gamut of tools
and techniques that can be integrated into your life to keep stress in
check. These tools include Tui Na, Qi Gong exercises, herbal medicine,
dietary therapy, meditations and acupressure that you can administer at
home.
Needless to say, if the stress in your life is throwing you off balance,
consider coming in for a treatment to regain peace of mind and stay
healthy.
Resolution: Reach Target Weight and Stay There
Losing weight is the #1 most common New Year's Resolution. Acupuncture and
Oriental Medicine can help you reach your goal weight and maintain it by promoting
better digestion, smoothing emotions, reducing appetite, improving
metabolism, and eliminating food cravings.
From an Oriental medicine perspective, the acupuncture points, foods and
herbs that are chosen to assist with weight loss directly influence the Qi
of the Spleen and Liver systems to treat the root imbalances that are
causing the weight gain.
From a Western perspective, acupuncture and Oriental medicine have been
shown to have an effect on the function of the nervous system, endocrine
system, digestive system, food cravings, and metabolism. All of which can
help to energize the body, maximize the absorption of nutrients, regulate
elimination, control overeating, suppress the appetite, and reduce anxiety.
The beauty of acupuncture is that each treatment is catered to the needs of
the individual patient. Acupuncture points on the body will be chosen for
overall well being with the objective of increasing circulation of the
blood and Qi (stimulating the metabolism) and calming the nervous system.
Acupuncture and Oriental medicine are powerful tools for healthy weight
loss, by themselves or as a supportive treatment in conjunction with other
weight management programs.
Resolution: Quit Smoking
Acupuncture has turned a growing number of cigarette cravers into permanent
ex-smokers. In fact, researchers say that acupuncture is a promising
treatment for all types of addiction from cigarettes to heroin.
In one study, a team from Yale University successfully used auricular (ear)
acupuncture to treat cocaine addiction. Results showed that 54.8% of
participants tested free of cocaine during the last week of treatment,
compared to 23.5% and 9.1% in the two control groups. Those who completed
acupuncture treatment also had longer periods of sustained abstinence
compared to participants in the control groups.
The acupuncture treatments for smoking cessation focus on jitters,
cravings, irritability, and restlessness; symptoms that people commonly
complain about when they quit. It also aids in relaxation and
detoxification.
Call now to see how Acupuncture and Oriental medicine can help you with
your New Year’s Resolutions!
The Will Power Connection
Is there a body/mind connection to will power?
According to the principles of Oriental medicine, there is. Will power or
“Zhi” is said to reside in the Kidneys and the state of the Kidney Qi
directly correlates to the fortitude of our will power.
“The Kidneys determine our will power,” writes Giovanni Maciocia, the
author of The Foundations of Chinese Medicine. “If the Kidneys are
strong, the will power will be strong, the mind will be focused on goals
that it sets itself and it will pursue them in a single-minded way.
Conversely, if the Kidneys are weak, will power will be lacking and the
mind will be easily discouraged and swayed from its aims.”
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In This Issue
·
New Year's
Rejuvenation
·
The Will
Power Connection
·
The
Anti-Flu Diet
·
Jade
Windscreen Tea
The Anti-Flu Diet
Looking for ways
to reduce your chance of getting flu this season?
A study, published by The American Physiological Society found that
mice were significantly less likely to contract flu when given quercetin,
a powerful anti-oxidant found in a variety of fruits and vegetables.
According to the study's authors, the research also indicated that high
consumption of quercetin resulted in catching fewer colds.
So, what are the best quercetin rich foods that you can load up on? Quercetin
is found in red onions, grapes, blueberries, tea, broccoli and red wine.
Red onions are one of the best quercetin rich foods as they have
approximately four times the quercetin of most other produce. Eat
them raw or cooked.
Source: American Journal of Physiology
Jade
Windscreen Tea
Jade windscreen tea is a tonic made up of three herbs
that are used to enhance the immune system. This herbal combination is
thought to improve resistance to colds and flu, strengthen the lungs, and
help to balance the body during periods of stress.
Ingredients
To make Jade Windscreen Tea, you will need equal parts (2–3 oz. each) of
the herbs listed below.
1.) Huang Qi (Astragalus root)
2.) Bai Zhu (Atractylodes)
3.) Fang Feng (Ledebouriella Root)
Directions
Boil and Simmer. Place one part herbs and four parts water in a large
stockpot. Bring the water to a rolling boil. Turn the heat down to a low
simmer and cover. Do not lift the lid to look at the herbs too often, as
this will diminish the “flavor” and allow the volatile oils to evaporate
out of the tea very easily. Cook the herbs for 30 to 45 minutes.
Strain the Tea and Drink. Using a slotted spoon, remove the herbs from the
pot and allow the soup to cool. Pour the tea into a mug or thermos and sip
it throughout the day. Two cups a day, taken with a slice of fresh ginger,
is recommended through the cold and flu season.
The tea has a slightly bitter taste. Water down the tea or add a natural
sweetener such as honey if you find the taste disagreeable.
As with all herbal medicine, please consult with your practitioner to
determine if this is the best formula for you.
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