Acupuncture and Classical Chinese Medicine: Winter Newsletter
Fall is now in the rearview mirror as winter, in all its shimmering excellence, opens ahead. Sure, it’s cold in our northeast region but there is so much more beyond these upcoming spectacular, frigid days.
Welcome to our Integrative Med Solutions Acupuncture and Classical Chinese Medicine Winter 2025 Newsletter (it’s a mouthful, but it’s worth it!). Here we explore the powers of naturopathic medicine and acupuncture through the ancient teachings of CCM (Classical Chinese Medicine). These teachings, which are well over 2500 years old, still hold a wide range of health remedies and beneficial lifestyle recommendations. These can be highly advantageous for navigating each season, especially with the many challenges of a modern world.
In this newsletter, we offer an invite to absorb and expand on some of the many acupuncture and CCM benefits for the season of winter. These are the seeds of information, which, when applied hold the potential to help improve one or more aspects of daily living. Information that conventional medicine may not consider.
Put A Pin In It
During the winter months, as the body yearns to slow down and recharge, it is acupuncture that could act like the incubator it needs. This modality, as a winter tune-up, has shown to enhance systemic balance. In a study titled, ‘Neural Circuit Mechanisms of Acupuncture Effect’, posted by peer-reviewed periodical Frontiers in Neurology, it was stated that,
“Acupuncture has been discovered to have the ability to regulate the physiological activities of the organism and generate therapeutic effects by influencing various neural circuits and neurotransmitter systems.”
One aspect of winter that acupuncture has shown to improve is the challenge of SAD (seasonal affective disorder). SAD is described by the National Center for Biotechnology Information as,
“A syndrome characterized by depressions that recur annually at the same time each year, usually during the winter months. Other symptoms include anxiety, irritability, decreased energy, increased appetite (carbohydrate cravings), increased duration of sleep, and weight gain.”
A 2025 study published in the journal Brain & Behavior of how acupuncture showed promise for relieving several SAD symptoms, as posted by PubMed, concluded that:
“Evidence from RCTs [randomized controlled trials], SRs [systematic reviews], and clinical guidelines suggests that acupuncture may reduce depressive symptom severity and provide additional benefits for patients with comorbid anxiety, sleep disturbances, or somatic symptoms, particularly when used as an adjunctive [supplemental] therapy.”
Also, through the daily challenge of braving the cold and its elements, the body can benefit from a “meridian makeover”. Meridians are the life stream of essential energies that run in “pathways” needed for overall health and balance. When a meridian slows or even gets “stuck”, health compromises can arise. Some examples of such compromises associated with winter include:
- Sinus pain
- Insomnia
- Weight gain
- Joint inflammation
- Immune system drain
Acupuncture was designed to open stuck meridians and CCM symptomatic clues help locate the proper acupoints to achieve optimal systemic flow. These two approaches combined are a health improving powerhouse. Yet, not many practitioners are trained in CCM as it is the original inception of ancient China’s approach to using naturopathic remedies for health. Most follow the “modern”, some might say “watered down” version of CCM called TCM (traditional Chinese medicine). At IMS, Dr. Fred Lisanti is not only a licensed acupuncturist but is also trained in CCM.
SAD Fixes
In addition to acupuncture treating seasonal affective disorder, trying these SAD fixes may help as well.
- Retire early, rise early
- Move with any exercise that works
- Get exposed to daily sun
- Stay away from cold drinks and food
- Eat more plant-based for energy
- Try blue light therapy
- Keep indoor lights bright, especially at dusk
Navigating The Associations of Winter
These are the most referred associations of winter according to CCM:
- Element: Water
- Organs:
- Kidneys (Yin), Bladder (Yang)
- Emotion: Fear
- Color: Black/dark blue
- Taste: Salty
For some, these associations may be confusing at first. However, embracing the proper recognition of each could offer some applications that may surprisingly help ease various health challenges. For example, although the emotion of winter is fear, by recognizing fear in different ways brings the option of self-power. In CCM, negativity is not associated with fear but rather it is an about looking inward. Facing many fears that, up to this point, may be obstacles to moving forward. This means embracing self-care such as:
- Talk therapy
- Intervention
- Seek connection
- Massage
- Acupuncture
- Sound therapy
Some of these can ease fear while others may address fear head-on. Also, there is healthy fear which, when applied to winter, includes:
- Cautiousness
- Reflection
- Conservation
- Preparation
At IMS, helping navigate winter associations can be applied to each individual through a personalized, naturopathic approach for rebalancing and rejuvenating the life force qi (“chee”).
Adapt to Stillness
Winter calls for embracing quiet, reducing physical activity, and looking within. As mentioned above, this includes facing compromising fears as well as recognizing healthy fears. It also means tuning in. To achieve being able to adapt to the stillness of winter and be able to listen to a deeper, inner voice it is recommended to incorporate one or more of the following in a slow, application manner:
- Yoga
- Mediatation
- Deep rest
- Eat clean
- Prevent cold invasion
- Breathing exercises
- Being sure not to overexert
- Practice more meaningful interactions
- Unplug and unwind
- Slowing down when approaching any task
- Music therapy (healing frequencies 432 Hz or 528 Hz)
Incorporating the above references shows how much control we can have over our well-being as long as we just pay attention. If it is too challenging to go at it alone, IMS is always here to create the best, personalized path, especially when it comes to seasonal applications.
Back in Black
Black is the main color of winter and when it comes to food, according to CCM, eating black colored foods is a natural kidney tonic. With kidney being one of the major organs of winter (and water being the element) this is an example of how seasonal eating can be put to use.
When it comes to overall health, black beans are a powerhouse. They are rich in protein, fiber, magnesium and iron. Plus, the black pigment (carotenoid) contains the antioxidants called anthocyanins which have shown to reduce inflammation and oxidative stress. CCM considers this food a symbol of abundance and growth as well as a vital strengthener of Jing. This recipe is a great way to get back in black.
Black Bean & Walnut Congee (aka rice stew)
Ingredients:
1 cup black beans (soaked overnight)
½ cup walnuts
1 cup short-grain rice
2–3 slices fresh ginger
6 cups water
Method:
Simmer beans until soft.
Add rice, walnuts, ginger, and water.
Cook slowly until creamy.
CCM Note: This combination nourishes the kidneys as well as brain function.
*Recipe courtesy of VFD
Due to its deep green hue, seaweed depicts a black food. Add in the protein of tofu and this recipe is a combination that can really fuel one up on a cold winter day.
Seaweed & Tofu Soup
Ingredients:
Wakame or kelp (rehydrated)
Cubes of firm tofu
Ginger, miso paste, scallions
Optional: daikon slices
Method:
Simmer seaweed and daikon in water.
Add tofu, miso paste, ginger.
Garnish with scallions.
CCM Note: This combination nourishes the water element and helps balance yang energy.
*Recipe courtesy of Hikari Miso
News & Noteworthy
Acupuncture Helps Insomnia and Brain Fog in Cancer Patients
“As reported by the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR), it was found that, “More than 40% of breast cancer survivors experience cancer-related cognitive difficulties, which are sometimes referred to as “brain fog” or “chemo-brain,… The clinical trial enrolled 260 women… Real or sham acupuncture treatments were delivered once weekly for 10 weeks, and cognitive function was evaluated at baseline, 10 weeks, and 26 weeks… acupuncture improved insomnia and may improve cognitive function”
Naturopathic Medicine May Define Future Healthcare
Reported by Digital Naturopath, as more people seek natural, traditional medicine treatments in place of, or as an adjunct to, conventional medicine, naturopathic choices are projected to increase exponentially. Experts predict that the next decade will bring exciting advancements in naturopathic medicine, from emerging treatments to technological innovations. Key takeaways include:
- Naturopathy is evolving with emerging treatments and technologies.
- Demand for naturopathic practices is predicted to grow significantly.
- Technological innovations are enhancing naturopathic methodologies.
At Integrative Med Solutions, we will design a winter health and acupuncture treatment program that works for you. In many cases, insurance covers portions of the treatment. Allow us to support you to achieve optimal health. To make an appointment or find out more about how acupuncture and naturopathic medicine can benefit you, please call our office at 914-337-2980 or Click Here to schedule an online appointment.
*Please Click Here to see a current list of insurance companies that commonly carry acupuncture benefits for its members. For more info, please call 914-337-2980 or securely email us at info@intmedsolutions.com.
Best in health from Integrative Med Solutions.
Sources:
https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/neurology/articles/10.3389/fneur.2025.1576213/full
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12665193/