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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