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Mental Balance with Acupuncture

Mental Balance

Western medicine is catching up now on the fact that there’s a link between the gut and the brain. Chinese medicine has known this for thousands of years. Western thinking can actually complement Chinese medicine and vice versa. Patients with a lot of anxiety and worry can be treated with vitamins, particularly B vitamins. When the Earth element organs of the Stomach and Spleen are weak, we crave sugar more. Sugar will compound this problem causing further weakness and an accumulation of dampness. Sugar can interfere with the absorption of certain vitamins – especially B-vitamins which are important for cognitive function and mental health.

 

Yi, or thought, is the spirit of the Spleen. This is why overthinking can weaken the Spleen, and a weakened Spleen can lead to overthinking. As an acupuncturist and lifestyle coach, I hear patients telling me every day, “I can’t meditate because I can’t switch my mind off or I’ve got too many thoughts.” No amount of trying to control your thinking is going to work. Strengthening the Spleen will help, and there are some ways you can do that:

 

  • Eat your biggest meal between 7 and 11 am.
  • Avoid damp, sugary, cold, raw and greasy foods.
  • Eat more warming foods, herbs like ginger, plenty of warming soups, cooked vegetables – particularly orange vegetables are really, really, really nourishing for the Spleen. Also barley, rice and ginger tea.
  • Acupuncture
  • Meditation

 

Overthinking is the mental aspect, and worry is the emotional aspect of a weakened Spleen. Worry actually knots the energy (chi) of the Stomach and Spleen. So if you’re suffering right now from overthinking and worry, it’s a reflection of the state of your body, the way the energy is moving in your body, in your digestive system, and the way your digestive system is transforming energy for other systems. If the emotions are not being heard, then that can cause a lot of issues, physically and mentally as well.  90% of what I see coming into the treatment room is emotional in nature, compounded stuck emotion and then all the overthinking and the stories on top that have come from trying to work out why you are feeling that way. Having acupuncture and giving yourself space and time to process your emotions in a healthy way is the best treatment for this. The Earth Element also thrives on a good routine; eating at regular times, going to bed, getting up at regular times is important. Ideally you want to be going to bed as early as possible, waking up as early as possible and eating your main meal as early as possible for energy, for immunity, for lifelong strong earth element and clarity of mind.

 

Healthy Foods for Fall

traditional chinese medicine foods for fall

The season of fall brings cooler weather and shorter days. As with any season, the world adjusts accordingly. Plants begin to go dormant, animals begin scrounging for food to store to get them through the upcoming winter months and humans start winterizing everything.

As fall descends on the land, it reminds us we need to start cutting back on the numerous cooling foods that are consumed during the summer months. Things like raw foods, salads, juices and fruits should be decreased because they can create too much cold in the body, according to traditional Chinese medicine. continue reading »

Five Reasons to Get Acupuncture for Low Back Pain

Statistics show eight out of 10 people will experience low back pain at some point during their life. Seeking medical treatment for back pain is very common. Typically back pain is fleeting and can be easily resolved with rest, heat and an occasional anti-inflammatory like ibuprofen. However, once the damage is done, the recurrence of back pain can be as high as 50 percent. Part of this is because as we age, things like muscles and tendons become less flexible and pliable. It is also very well known in the United States, people are too sedentary and this leads to excess weight gain that can create added pressure on the body, especially the low back. continue reading »

Alternative Therapies for Seniors

Alternative Therapies for Seniors

May is known as Senior Citizens Month, a great time to reach out to your loved ones and check in on their health. As we age, our health needs change. It is especially important for seniors to take care of their health and do so in a way that is as natural as possible and does not require potentially harmful prescription drugs.  Traditional Chinese Medicine and other alternative practices have been proven to help aid the aging process and chronic conditions that may come with it.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture is a common treatment for chronic pain, which can be very beneficial for seniors. This centuries-old practice addresses the body as a whole by using specific acupuncture points to return the body back to its natural balance and relieve pain as well as other symptoms. Acupuncture treatment is non-invasive and is a great natural alternative to prescription medication.

Yoga

It can get harder to stay active as we age. We may find that our bodies just don’t move like they used to. Yoga has many health benefits and can be incorporated into your daily routine. Yoga has been proven to help strengthen bones and reduce the risk of osteoporosis. This practice can also help keep your joints healthy and reduce symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome and arthritis.

Massage therapy

Massage therapy not only has physical health benefits but mental as well. This therapy can work to relieve pain, improve circulation and release tension. Massage is also an excellent stress reliever and can leave you feeling more relaxed and at ease.

Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy is a natural remedy that has been used for thousands of years. Aromatherapy involves breathing or applying essential oils to the body to help improve health. Different essential oils can have a large range of benefits. This therapy can help lower pain, increase a sense of well being and help improve sleep for patients with dementia.

Animal-assisted therapy

As we age, we sometimes need different kinds of support and companionship. Animals have been proven to help adults with dementia and decrease a sense of loneliness. Animals can also help promote physical activity, which can increase mood and overall health.

Music therapy

Music therapy has been proven to be beneficial for seniors. This non-invasive therapy can help reduce pain associated with osteoarthritis and other chronic conditions. Calming music can also be helpful for adults with dementia and reduce behavioral symptoms.

Sources:

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7 Superfoods for Aging Well

Olive Oil

Olive oil is beneficial for many reasons. Researchers now know that this oil contains the antioxidants called polyphenols, which can help prevent age-related diseases.

Fish

Fish like wild caught salmon are a no-brainer. They are packed with omega-3 fatty acids, which help regulate cholesterol levels and can improve heart health, which become increasingly important to take care of as we age.

Nuts

Nuts like almonds are packed with vitamins and minerals, as well as antioxidants and other nutrients that help fight aging. Those who incorporate nuts into their diet are shown to potentially add years on to their lives. Nuts are a great way to also get more protein into your diet and keep you energized.

 

Dark Chocolate

Quality dark chocolate not only tastes good but can also be great for your health. Cocoa is packed with flavonoids that are good for heart disease and promote healthy blood vessels. Add a little dark chocolate into your diet to help lower your risk of high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, kidney disease and dementia.

Blueberries

Blueberries are known for their high amount of antioxidant properties. These berries can help inflammation and age-related deficiencies such as memory loss and motor function.

Avocado

Avocado is filled with omega-3s and vitamin E, which prove to have many health benefits. If you are fighting aging skin, avocado is your go-to food for rejuvenating your skin as well as stronger nails and hair.

Turmeric

Turmeric is an incredible herb that is often used in Chinese medicine for its anti-ageing benefits. A part of the ginger family, turmeric contains curcuminoids, which act as a powerful antioxidant to that can reduce inflammation and promote healing. This herb is perfect for Asian cooking and to add a little spice to dishes.

Sources
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The Road to Happiness

Good Morning, Santa Barbara and Fountain Valley Acupuncture Patients!

The Road to Happiness is not nearly as difficult as we try to make it. – Anonymous

Below is a very simple road to happiness written by an unknown author many, many years ago.  The years have flown by, the centuries have turned, times have changed and technology has transformed the world; yet the road to real happiness remains unchanged.

Spend some time this weekend reflecting on where you are on the road to happiness and areas you might want to improve as you read, The Road to Happiness:

  • “Keep skid-chains on your tongue; always say less than you think.  Cultivate a low, persuasive voice.  How you say it often counts far more than what you say.
  • “Make promises sparingly and keep them faithfully, no matter what it costs you.
  • “Never let an opportunity pass to say a kind and encouraging thing to or about somebody.  Praise good work done, regardless of who did it.  If criticism is merited, criticize helpfully and never spitefully.
  • “Be interested in others:  interested in their pursuits, their welfare, their homes, and families.  Make merry with those who rejoice and mourn with those who weep.  Let everyone you meet, however humble, feel that you regard them as a person of importance.
  • “Be cheerful.  Keep the corners of your mouth turned up.  Hide your pains, worries, and disappointments under a pleasant smile.  Laugh at good stories and learn to tell them.
  • “Preserve an open mind on all debatable questions.  Discuss, but don’t argue.  It is the mark of a superior mind to disagree and yet be friendly.
  • “Let your virtues, if you have any, speak for themselves, and refuse to talk of another’s vices.  Discourage gossip.  Make it a point to say nothing to another unless it is something good.
  • “Be careful of others’ feelings.  Wit at the other fellow’s expense is rarely worth the effort and may hurt where least expected.
  • “Pay no attention to ill-natured remarks about you.  Simply live so that nobody will believe them.
  • “Don’t be too anxious about getting your just dues.  Do your work, be patient, keep your disposition sweet, forget self, and you will be respected and rewarded!”

Enjoy your day, Santa Barbara and Orange Counties!  Remember that “character counts.”

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