By: Rebecca Rice, L.Ac
The other day I was marveling at the fact that I hadn’t come down with a cold or flu all year! To the surprise of my pride, the next morning I woke with chills, mild fatigue, and rhinitis. Now I do see my missteps of the previous day-getting overjoyed with the sunshine and warm weather I went outside with damp hair and a lighter jacket, thus making myself more vulnerable to cold and flu viruses. I also had a big cup of hot chocolate and later that night was walking in the cold March wind to my car returning from a concert, wearing the same light jacket.
In Chinese medicine the nape is called the ‘wind gate.’ This is the area in the back of the neck where external pathogens can enter the body. This is why many Acupuncturists wear scarves in the winter – to protect the wind gate. I certainly provided the perfect invitation to the cold I contracted by exposing my wind gate through cold damp hair, wind, and lowered the strength of my immune system with sugar.
The treatment I chose was a hot shower, hot ginger tea, and an acupuncture treatment to open the wind gate, expel the pathogen and consolidate the wei qi. (The wei qi is the protective qi which lies at the surface of the skin and regulates what enters the body and what does not-chills are a sign that the wei qi is weak and has been infiltrated). Because I acted quickly with incorporating all of these therapeutic responses, I was able to significantly reduce the severity and the amount of time I had the cold. Thank You Chinese Medicine!
Archive for the ‘Acupuncture’ Category
Spring Fever
Monday, March 8th, 2010Winter Solstice and Chinese Medicine
Thursday, December 10th, 2009By: Christopher Reilly, L. Ac
There are a great many reasons and methods to celebrate the winter holiday season. Numerous religious holidays, New Years and the American holiday of Thanksgiving have a tendency to keep us moving at top speed to keep up. In Chinese medicine, the coming of winter is associated with the movement of the water archetype.
With fall, we had the metal archetype- pulling in that which is most valuable and letting go of what is not essential at the time, just as the plants store their nutrients and shed their leaves. With winter we have a time of stillness to sit deep within ourselves and avoid arousing excessive passion. A time to embrace solitude and introspection, and a truly perfect time for the giving of thanks. A good image is the crisp clarity of a deep winter’s night, the moon shining down brightly through the dark as an embracing stillness is felt as a presence all around, and precious things are remembered.
In addition, the winter solstice itself is a powerful time in the tradition of Taoist alchemical practices. The power of the moment as the earth’s yin movement (toward increasing darkness) mysteriously transitions to a yang movement (toward increasing light) is reveared as one of the most important times of the year. Within the exact moment of the transition, there is thought to be a moment of perfect harmony, a mysterious blending of the yin and yang that opens the possibility of new creation and rebirth. It is a time to bring together those parts of ourselves we hold in the light, and those that we hold in the dark. A time of redemption, reconciliation, acceptance and rebirth.
Oh, and P.S.- take it easy on the cookies and spirits! There, I got it out of my system. Happy Holidays!
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) Can be Treated with Chinese Medicine
Wednesday, October 28th, 2009By: Rebecca Rice, Licensed Acupuncturist in Traditional Chinese Medicine
In my practice I have worked with a number of patients who have this diagnosis and are trying to conceive. I chose to write about this topic because it’s a very common condition; and one which can be positively affected by Chinese medicine.
The prevalence of PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome) is estimated at about 5%-10% of women who are seeking treatments for infertility. This may be a small representation of the estimated 20% of the population actually effected by the disease.
In Chinese medical theory PCOS is marked by a picture of “dampness.” This occurs when fluids in the body are ineffectively synthesized and accumulate to form cysts. As explained in western medicine, there is also a hyper-secretion of insulin and testosterone. This gives rise to abnormal follicular development also characterized by anovulatory cycles.
Acupuncture and Chinese herbs are beneficial to those with PCOS in the following ways.
1. Acupuncture and Chinese herbs can regulate the cycle.
2. Lifestyle changes based on concepts in Chinese medicine help manage weight and promote healthy eating habits. This is so important because 30% – 50% of obese women with PCOS develop diabetes.
3. Acupuncture and herbs are known clinically to improve egg quality.
In Chinese medicine we focus much of our treatment protocol on the lifestyle changes patient make. For PCOS, as mentioned above, diet is very important. Common foods to avoid are those that promote dampness; these are dairy (especially cheese), refined sugar, excessive sweets, and greasy foods. These will essentially promote weight gain and support the increase of excess insulin and testosterone in the body.
Acupuncture for the West
Friday, October 2nd, 2009By: Christopher Reilly, L.Ac
I was interviewed today by a student at SUNY Albany who was doing a paper on natural healing. At the end of a series of very well thought out questions, she asked me if there was anything else that I would like people to know about acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine. I had to pause for a moment to consider the question before beginning to answer.
The common perception of acupuncture is steeped and clouded in mysticism and associations with the culture of China and the East. I’ve often thought about the general opinion that seems to portray acupuncture as a mysterious and magical art performed by wizened Chinese practitioners in the back of old herbal shops in China town. It has become obvious to me over the years that one of the most consistent barriers to accepting acupuncture in the West is this concept of acupuncture as a metaphysical art tied to mysticism of the East, and impenetrable to the understanding of the modern mind.
Acupuncture most likely began in China, and we owe a debt of gratitude to it’s rich history. The first manned flight was achieved in Kitty Hawk, North Carolina. And while we applaud the efforts of the Wright brothers, it is obviously a silly notion to think that the pilots and engineers of the rest of the world who aren’t embedded in American culture are unable to understand the dynamics of flight. The laws that govern flight are the same for everyone. In the same way, the laws that govern acupuncture are universal to the human being. Acupuncture is a science that requires training in a very special way of interacting with the human body to facilitate health and healing. It is a human science. And while we look to China to study the history of acupuncture, it is to the West that we must fix our gaze to see it’s further evolution.
The best research in the world on Acupuncture is now being down in countries like the U.S. and Germany. This research is helping to peel away the shroud of mystery that has separated acupuncture from the modern medical community, and kept it from being accepted as a true science by the average citizen. Acupuncture isn’t a system of magic, belief or a supernatural feat. It is a science that works with the natural systems of the human body in a way that other forms of medicine have not yet been able to. It’s value is in it’s use for the treatment all mankind, and its future will be found in its integration with the broader medical community. In this spirit, I hope that we can increase the acceptance and growth of acupuncture in the West not as an elitist or secretive mystical art, but a science of interacting with the human body in the service of all people, regardless of culture or background.
Is it Possible to Have Acupuncture Covered by Insurance?
Monday, August 31st, 2009By: Rebecca Rice, L.Ac
Is it possible to have acupuncture covered by insurance?Yes! In light of the plethora of news about the reformation of health care, where does Chinese medicine stand? Many practitioners in the field of holistic and complementary medicine are trying to encourage lawmakers to include services such as acupuncture into the new health care plan. The national governing bodies for Oriental Medicine, the NCCAOM and the AAAOM are backing this measure. To support acupuncture coverage please visit: http://www.aaaomonline.org/
For information on President Obama’s statement on preventative health care visit:
http://www.acupuncturetoday.com/mpacms/at/article.php?id=31983
Uncle Sam Wants….Us
Friday, August 7th, 2009by: Chris Reilly, L.Ac
According to a recent article in Acupuncture Today (http://www.acupuncturetoday.com/mpacms/at/article.php?id=32014), the programs that the U.S. Army, Navy and Marines are developing to more effectively support soldiers diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) will now emphasize an integrative approach. To the standard treatments of drug therapy, psychotherapy and cognitive-behavioral therapy, these programs will add tai chi, reiki, yoga, acupuncture and medical massage.
This news comes in addition to news from 2008 when the Air Force began a pilot program to train a number of physicians to apply acupuncture for soldiers still in the field (http://www.acupuncturetoday.com/mpacms/at/article.php?id=31882). This “battlefield acupuncture” was and is being developed as a way to relieve musculoskeletal pain and some other health problems that can adversely effect a soldier’s ability to function at full potential.
Acupuncture’s reputation continues to grow by the year, and with innovations like those listed above, I’m sure that exciting new insights for the use of acupuncture, and the combination of integrative therapies with more conventional treatments will come to light!
The Heart is Emperor
Wednesday, July 1st, 2009by: Rebecca Rice, L.AC
In Chinese medical theory summer is related to the heart, the emotion joy, the sound of laughter, the ability to sleep, and the function of speech and memory. In western medicine we understand the function of the heart to be related to pumping the blood to supply the body with nutrients and oxygen. In Chinese theory we recognize this along with the concept that the heart is the Emperor and houses the mind. The entire human body can be seen as a kingdom where the center of our being is the heart and the other organs are part of the whole functional dynamic, each with their own unique and necessary roles for the proper maintenance of the kingdom.
The nature of the heart as Emperor is to make its decisions based on clarity. When the heart/mind is clear we sleep well and we are present in conversation. Decision making is easier because we are focused. Things that are harmful to the heart and cloud its ability to “rule” are excessive alcohol intake, anxiety, stress, late nights, and over-thinking; which diminish and stagnate the heart qi causing conditions like insomnia, mania, confusion, poor memory, high blood pressure or depression.
To remedy these symptoms it’s important to clear the mind. This can be cultivated through meditation, quiet contemplation and a lifestyle that allows you to manage the stressors of life. Try being present, listening to your spouse, children, and friends. When they are sharing something with you about their life, look them in the eye and avoid the rustle of thoughts in your own mind. Meditate daily. Clear your mind by beginning the day with 5 minutes of meditation in the morning (for beginners, 30-60 minutes for seasoned meditators). This will give your ‘heart’ a sound ‘throne’ to sit on for the rest of the day.
Acupuncture, Integrative Medicine and Healthcare Reform
Wednesday, June 24th, 2009By Christopher Reilly, L.Ac
Now is the time to show our support for Acupuncture and Integrative Medicine. The reforms that will take place over the coming year will shape healthcare for generations to come. At no time will there be a better chance and opportunity to influence these changes. Programs that have already been established and set in motion will be much more difficult to change than programs that have yet to take their final shape.
Acupuncture Coverage Law
New York’s very own Congressman Maurice Hinchey has sponsored the acupuncture coverage bill H.R. 646 (http://www.washingtonwatch.com/bills/show/111_HR_646.html). This bill would include coverage for acupuncture under Medicare. This is very important, because state’s often follow national regulations when it comes to healthcare coverage, and it would make a NY state mandate to cover acupuncture much more likely. Please visit this link and vote in the poll to support acupuncture coverage.
In addition, you can contact your own Representative https://writerep.house.gov/writerep/welcome.shtml in order to request that he or she also support this bill.
Now is the time to make our voices heard as loudly as possible!
Integrative Medicine Reform
Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA) http://harkin.senate.gov/- a long time supporter of natural and integrative healthcare that I remember from his relationship with Bastyr University- and Senator Barbara Mikulski (D-MD) http://mikulski.senate.gov/ recently co-chaired “Integrative Care: A Pathway to a Healthier Nation.” The Institute of Medicine, part of the National Academies, also recently held a “Summit on Integrative Medicine and the Health of the Public” http://www.iom.edu/CMS/28312/52555.aspx. There is a very real buzz about prevention going on. We can all bring more momentum to the movement by letting our representatives know that this issue is important to us.
Contact your representatives in the senate: Senator Charles Schumer http://schumer.senate.gov/ and Senator Kirsten Gillibrand http://gillibrand.senate.gov/ and let them know this is important for you. Contact your representative in your district https://writerep.house.gov/writerep/welcome.shtml and let them know that you want them to support H.R. 646. It’s a rare opportunity to be able to have a say in your own government and healthcare at the same moment!
The Quick Fix
Saturday, June 20th, 2009By Christopher Reilly, L.Ac
“Haste makes waste” is an axiom that has largely fallen out of style in the fast-paced world that we live in. We expect results quickly and with very little cost or effort, whether that be cheap hamburgers at a drive-through or cable TV on-demand movies. We don’t even have to read books anymore- we can just see them acted out on the silver screen.
When this tendency towards “instant gratification” behavior comes into contact with how we take care of ourselves, the outcome can be a little worrying. Who of us wouldn’t want to be able to just take a pill and not have to worry about eating healthy foods, avoiding yummy treats and sweating it out at the gym? Would anyone refuse a simple pill that can cure all of our ills in a moment without any work on our part? I know I wouldn’t. That is, if they existed. Unfortunately, that’s not how things work.
Think about how things work in real life. Suppose you have a partially clogged drain leading from the kitchen sink, and now it’s starting to leak. Ignore it, and it simply becomes more backed up. Give it a quick cosmetic fix, and we all know you’ll soon be having to fix it again in addition to water damaged floor boards. Maybe you have a well-meaning neighbor who offers to take care of it for you. You’re immensely grateful until a month later you notice the basement ceiling is buckling because he successfully cleared the clog, but failed to seal the leak. Most of us bite the bullet at the outset when we realize we have a plumbing problem that we can’t fix ourselves, and call in the plumber to avoid damage to our home and the investment that it represents.
Do we take care of ourselves with equal care? Taking pain relievers for a chronic pain is sometimes necessary. To do so without at the same time doing everything we can to fix the underlying problem, and to support the body as a whole can lead to more pain and dysfunction down the road. Taking cholesterol lowering medication is often recommended, but doing so without at the same time changing our diet and lifestyle is simply fooling ourselves into believing that the cholesterol was the problem, and not the result of underlying issues of diet and lifestyle that will inevitably lead to other difficulties.
We really do reap what we sow. If we want quality time from our lives, we have to slow down a little and invest quality time into our lives. Exercise can be thirty minutes walking outside watching children play and the clouds dance their slow dance. Eating well can be the adventure of picking a new recipe and having the whole family take part in gathering and preparing the ingredients. Treating the root cause of a problem can be as pleasant as a massage, as relaxing as acupuncture or as rejuvenating as a series of vitamins and herbs. It may even be as awe-inspiring as a sort of renewal of the self and spirit, and a reaffirmation of the value and wonder of our own lives.
“The size of our life is in direct proportion to the size of our courage.” I can’t remember the exact saying or who said it, but it strikes me as being very true. It takes a lot of courage to scoop ourselves out of our old habits, and drop into new and unfamiliar ones. But the reward for such courage can be a bigger and greater life, and what could be more amazing than that?
Qi: Going With the Flow
Thursday, May 28th, 2009by: Rebecca Rice, M.S, L.Ac.
Often patients come to the Center for treatment and say to me, “my qi is out of whack….” Or “Can you fix my qi?…” To me this relates to a whole slue of different diagnoses in Chinese Medicine, requiring different acupuncture point combinations and herbal recommendations. The cause of “blocked qi” is related to different symptoms, stemming from stress to shoulder pain, infertility to migraines. The commonality of all of these symptoms is the basic idea that qi is blocked: it is not flowing to areas where it ought to, or there is a buildup of qi.
Aside from acupuncture specifically, there are things to keep in mind that will help keep the flow of qi running smoothly. By following the guidelines of Chinese nutrition, eating foods that are known to create blockages should be avoided. These are foods that are too spicy, too greasy or fatty, and high in sugar. Also eating too much or too little food is not advised. We know that exercise is crucial for musculoskeletal strength and function as well as cardiovascular health; a body that moves regularly will keep qi moving as well.
The state of our qi and health is also related to the emotions. We will experience all emotions at certain points in our life, some more frequently than others. However if sadness, anger, concern, fear and even bliss become a more constant state, qi will become stagnant (blocked) as these ‘natural emotions’ turn into their unhealthy counterparts (depression, rage, anxiety, paranoia, and mania or bitterness).
A healthy state of qi is also influenced by thermodynamics, or the natural order of things. If we are to deny the next step based on need or destiny, then qi can also become blocked. For example, if at 11pm I ignore the fact that my body needs to sleep, staying up until 1 or 2am, then I will deplete my reserves leading to lassitude the following day. All in all, go with the flow! When the mind is clear the heart will flourish …
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