Help Your Body Prepare For Winter With Acupuncture
Welcome to winter with its steady glide that nudges you into reflective hibernation. Pay attention to your body this frosty
season while feeding it fuel of these days; winter foods that inspire re-charging and re-powering.
Your body feels this seasonal transition and begins to mimic outside nature. Like vegetation and animal regression, on cold days you too may turn inward and curl naturally seeking calm only to blossom with vigor come spring’s awakening. It may sound poetic but each change of weather offers ways for you to sit up and discover all you may have thought was just another seasonal switch.
One of the best ways to discover your body’s self-healing capability to improve body and mind is with naturopathic medicine. During the winter use acupuncture, clinical nutrition, botanical medicine, homeopathy and many more holistic disciplines applied solely or as a combined effort. These work hand-in-hand with the practice of Classical Chinese Medicine (CCM), an ancient application of foundational principals that specifically connects humans and earth as one.
Learn a little about these alternative approaches along with a few recipes, news and more in the IMS Winter Newsletter 2018. Apply some, recommend some, teach some and fuel the future with compassionate kind energy that encourages magnificent healing to those wise enough to heed.
“The wise nourish life by flowing with the four seasons and adapting to cold or heat, by harmonizing joy and anger in a tranquil dwelling, by balancing yin and yang, and what is hard and soft. So it is that dissolute evil cannot reach the man of wisdom, and he will be witness to a long life” – Huangdi Neijing Suwen (The Inner Classic of The Yellow Emperor – ancient CCM text)
Tapping Into Your Winter Meridians
The intention of acupuncture is to attempt to ‘move energy’ that has been too stagnant or possibly too abundant which, according to CCM, may cause discomfort or worse yet, disease. Each season calls for certain pathways or meridians to be focused on. Along these meridians are specific ‘points’ that when a needle no larger than a human hair is inserted into can ‘release’ or ‘increase’ energy at that spot. These points are often determined by your constitution (clues from your skin, tongue, pulses, eyes, and much more).
Some CCM points (there are 62 as opposed to Traditional Chinese Medicine – TCM – which only uses 12) and each correlation that may be addressed for winter health maintenance may include:
Stomach 36 – Located about one inch below the knee to the side of the shinbone (soft spot between tibia and fibula bones). Great for preventing winter symptoms as it boosts immunity by increasing white blood cells, increases energy, lowers blood pressure, improves digestion, reduces gas, bloating, and constipation.
Large Intestine 4 – Known as ‘The Great Eliminator’ this point is in the middle of the top of the ‘skin web’ between the thumb and index finger. Excellent for reducing pain as well as stress, especially when associated with holiday family gatherings.
Spleen 6 – Just about three inches above the inner ankle, SP6 rejuvenates your winter doldrums by increasing energy, improving digestion, increasing metabolism and reducing fat storage.
Yintang – Sometimes called ‘The Third Eye’ this point is in the center above the nose between the eyebrows. Lightly touching your finger here, closing your eyes and breathing deep can show just how powerful Yintang can be. It calms the CNS (central nervous system) which is essential for winter holiday stress as well as tuning into this season’s hibernation reflection.
This is a small example of how tapping into your winter meridians with acupuncture can lift your spirit, energize your body and balance your constitution to get you through the season.
Shiatsu Stretches
In addition to tapping into your winter meridians with acupuncture, you can also keep these pathways flowing with winter shiatsu stretches. Shiatsu is defined as “finger pressure” which activates meridian points based on the same principles that acupuncture uses. Intentionally stretching the lung and kidney meridians (these are associated with winter) can move along energy as well. These stretches should be done morning and/or night three times each.
Lung Stretch
With arms by your side and palms open, the lung meridian runs along the inner lateral (outside) thumb, up the lateral arm, to the shoulder, across the upper chest, down along the sternum and into the diaphragm.
- Stand with your feet shoulder width apart
- Put your hands above your head in a ‘V’
- Lean back your head as far as it feels comfortable
- Breathe in your nose and out your mouth
- Feel your chest and lungs stretch and open
Kidney Stretch
The kidney meridian runs up from the bottom of the inner foot, along the inner calf and quadricep, through the inner groin, up and lateral to the belly button across the chest and into the throat.
- Put arms above your head
- Step one leg forward bending at the knee into a high lunge
- Breath in your nose out your mouth
- Pull bent leg back, stand straight
- Balancing yourself with your arms still above your head, move the sole of your foot up along your standing leg and breathe in this ‘tree-like’ posture
- Bring leg down, steady yourself, breathe, repeat on the other side
Build a Natural Forcefield with Chinese Herbology
Chinese herbal medicine has been used for thousands of years to protect the body from winter germs. According to MindBody, these are some useful formulas for winter protection best prescribed and 
monitored by a naturopathic doctor trained in CCM.
Yu Ping Feng San (B4Vax) – Terrific for boosting the immune system, especially if you are prone to colds and flu or have recently been around other people who are ill.
Yin Qiao – Take this formula at the very first signs of a sore throat and it can knock viruses down quickly, often greatly shortening the course and severity of an illness.
Sang Ju Yin – Here is another excellent herbal choice to use with the first signs of illness. This is especially useful for children.
Gan Mao Ling – This formula contains both antiviral and antibacterial herbs. It is great for cold and flu symptoms such as sore throat, fatigue, fever, chills, runny nose, or clogged ears.
Bi Yan Pian – The name of this formula translates to “frontal sinus pills.” As the name suggests, Bi Yan Pian works to clear congestion in the frontal sinuses and dry up a runny nose.
Build a natural forcefield with Chinese herbology backed by thousands of years of observational studies throughout the globe. These formulas can tune up your weak constitution or add to a strong one. It is a way to allow your body to embrace its natural healing energy rather than succumb to conventional, synthetic pharmaceuticals often wrought with minor or major side effects.
Winter Eats for Optimal Performance
Another integral part of preparing and maintaining for this season is eating foods that correlate with the associations of winter. Inner warmth and protection through consuming dense, rich foods encourages systemic rest and reflection while storing physical energy.
This is a list of the best foods to choose from:
- Soups, stews, steamed foods
- Winter squash and root veggies
- Roasted nuts
- Ginger
- Garlic
- Cinnamon
- Whole grains
The Right Squash
Eating heavy meats has been shown to take a toll on the digestive system. Rather than make your body burn energy that can be used for healing elsewhere, try this baked acorn squash with vegetarian filling for a savory, healthy winter meal.
Stuffed Acorn Squash with Farro and Cranberries
Ingredients:
4 acorn squash, halved and seeded
2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
Salt and pepper, to taste
2/3 cup farro
2 cups vegetable stock
½ cup diced onion (approximately ½ medium onion)
1 garlic clove, minced
½ bunch kale, stemmed and roughly chopped
1 cup chickpeas (drained and rinsed)
½ tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
½ tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary
¼ cup chopped pecans
3/4 cup dried cranberries
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
Brush squash with 1 tablespoon olive oil and season with salt and pepper, to taste.
Place squash cut side down on a lightly sprayed baking sheet.
Bake for 40-50 minutes, or until fork-tender.
Add farro and vegetable stock to a medium saucepan and bring to a boil.
Reduce heat to a simmer, cover, and cook for about 30-40 minutes, or until farro is chewy.
Drain excess liquid.
In a large sauté pan, add 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat.
Add onions and let cook for about 5 minutes, or until translucent.
Add garlic and let cook for another minute.
Stir in kale and add 2 tablespoons water and cover for 4-5 minutes, or until wilted.
Reduce heat to low and continue to cook for 2-3 minutes.
Stir in cooked farro and chickpeas.
Remove from heat.
Add in thyme, rosemary, pecans and cranberries.
Season with salt and pepper, to taste.
Reduce oven temperature to 325 degrees.
Fill each squash with about 1/2 cup farro mixture.
Top with Parmesan cheese.
Bake for another 15 minutes, or until filling is heated through.
Serves 8.
*Recipe courtesy of dietician Karen Lyndon
Go Nuts
Fruit in winter just doesn’t cut it, but nuts and ginger are the perfect match for enhancing kidney and lung energy while warming up your inner fire at the same time.
Honey Roasted Ginger-Sesame Nuts
Ingredients:
1 cup raw almonds
1 cup raw cashews
1/2 teaspoon coconut oil, melted
2 tablespoons sesame seeds
2 tablespoons raw honey
1 1/2 teaspoons freshly grated ginger
1/2 teaspoon medium grain sea salt
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 325°.
Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper
In a medium sized bowl, combine the almonds with 1/4 teaspoon of the coconut oil.
Mix to coat the nuts evenly, and turn out onto parchment-lined baking sheet.
Bake almonds for 8-10 minutes.
Combine cashews with the leftover 1/4 teaspoon of coconut oil, mix to coat evenly.
When almonds are finished, place cashews on the baking sheet with them and bake for another 8-10 minutes – the nuts should be lightly browned and fragrant.
In the same medium sized bowl, mix the honey and ginger together (if the honey you’re using isn’t runny, place in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds, until the honey is easily poured). Carefully, pour the nut into the honey-ginger mixture and stir to combine.
Mix in sesame seeds and combine once more.
Turn nuts out onto baking sheet and sprinkle with sea salt.
Place nuts in the center of the oven and bake once more for 8-10 minutes
Let nuts cool completely before storing in an airtight container.
Makes two cups.
*Recipe courtesy of Dolly and Oatmeal
See what recipes you can make out of the above best winter foods. You may be surprised how your body reacts to fresh root vegetables, soups, nuts and other delectable dishes that can warm and empower.
News and Noteworthy
Recent news and notable achievements in naturopathic medicine and acupuncture are always worth mentioning. Here are a few:
Relieve Menopause with Naturopathic Medicine
The American Association of Naturopathic Physicians reported in Cision PRWeb that,
An estimated two million U.S. women reach menopause every year. But many begin to experience an array of physical, mental, and emotional symptoms long before the change. Unique for every woman, peri-menopause symptoms such as hot flashes, fatigue, irritability, decreased sex drive, depression, and more can interfere with quality life.
Naturopathic doctors (ND’s) help women address peri-menopause symptoms and practice prevention to optimize health as the body ages. Using a whole-body approach and natural therapies whenever possible, ND’s can help women thrive through the transition to non-reproductive years.
According to Michelle Simon, PhD, ND and Chair of the INM (Institute for Natural Medicine) Board of Directors,
“ND’s apply their rigorous training in clinical nutrition, lifestyle counseling, botanical medicine, and other treatment modalities both to alleviate symptoms and to help optimize health as the body ages.”
Science Touts: Acupuncture Relieves Pain…Again
Study after study show the incredible benefits of acupuncture. Recently, The Healthcare Medical Institute (HealthCMi) cited how acupuncture reduces pain and alleviates depression. The report stated that,
“Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (New York, USA) and University of York (York, UK) researchers conclude that acupuncture is “more effective than both usual care and sham acupuncture” for the treatment of chronic pain. The researchers state that their conclusion is based on “robust evidence from high-quality trials on acupuncture” with a sample size of approximately 18,000 patients. Specifically, the researchers find acupuncture effective for alleviating pain due to knee osteoarthritis, low back pain, headaches, and migraines. They add, “Acupuncture was also found to be better than standard medical care for all of these chronic pain conditions.” Moreover, the researchers find acupuncture a cost-effective treatment modality for the alleviation of both knee pain and depression.”
At Integrative Med Solutions, we will design an acupuncture and naturopathic treatment program that works for you. In many cases, insurance covers portions of the acupuncture 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.