Acupuncture and Spring – Better Health and Energy
“It is spring. The earth is like a child that knows poems by heart.”
-Rainer Maria Rilke
The breath of spring has arrived, gently lifting winter’s stupor, landing with warm breezes carrying the floral perfume of opening blossoms. This season pokes and prods your hibernating self to awaken your sleeping energy life force. It allows you to grasp all the opportunities there are to heal, hope, and harvest your mind and body into optimal health.
Use acupuncture (if your local, head to our Westchester acupuncture clinic) and naturopathic medicine to transition into spring so you hit-the-ground-running with vigor and peace of mind. Remedy and rebalance into a clarity that just may propel you like never before. This means embracing the power of herbs and other botanical medicine or homeopathic applications. The importance of nutraceutical supplementation which involves an individualized protocol of vitamins, minerals, enzymes and microflora as well as clinical nutrition and seasonal recipes linked to associations that directly affect your constitution. There is also the application of environmental medicine which may help you recognize and remedy your surroundings that may be compromising your health.
Let this spring bring out the best in you by tapping into the deep healing capabilities of your entire system. It is time to dust off your rusty cylinders and take this season by the horns for a ride down a path of a renewed sense of clean, effective, important life decisions.
Springtime Illness Acupuncture Application
Spring can bring common illnesses that may creep up on you when you least expect it. Acupuncture has been shown to alleviate these illnesses especially when applied at the first indication of symptoms. Studies show how acupuncture may help these and many other common springtime health challenges.
Cold and flu
Spring colds (many due to allergies) and lingering winter flu strains can be a risk this season. Researchers from the Taizhou Municipal Hospital combined acupuncture with standard drug therapy. It was concluded that,
“The aforementioned independent investigations indicate that acupuncture is an important treatment option for the treatment of influenza. Acupuncture improves the serum level of IFN [interferon, an antiviral effect] and improves phagocytosis [ingestion of bacteria] of viruses. Patients are encouraged to contact local licensed acupuncturists to consult about treatment options.”
Nasal Allergies
Allergic Rhinitis is a major doctor office visit presenting with symptoms of runny nose, scratchy throat, and tearing eyes. Acupuncture could address natural allergen interlopers before pollens, molds, and many more compromise your system. The Annals of Internal Medicine concluded in 2013 that,
“Acupuncture led to statistically significant improvements in disease-specific quality of life and antihistamine use measures after 8 weeks of treatment compared with sham acupuncture and with RM [rescue medication] alone”
Lyme disease
Outdoor activities like biking, hiking and camping are, for many, the pinnacle of spring. However, with these activities comes risk that includes Lyme disease. The Borrelia bacteria is the cause of Lyme disease carried and transferred to humans by the tick bug. Symptoms include flu like conditions and joint soreness. Adding acupuncture to conventional protocol treatments has been linked to a more rapid recovery. According to a report by Spirit of Change magazine,
“Opening these energetic blockages through acupuncture will often improve a patient’s symptoms and allow other therapies to work more effectively.”
Migraines
Springtime headaches and migraines are common for some either dealing with allergic reactions or sensitive to fluctuating barometric weather changes. A study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal concluded that,
“On the basis of the existing evidence, acupuncture should be an option for the first-line treatment of migraine to supplement other non-pharmacologic treatment options. It is at least as effective as prophylactic drug therapy, has longer lasting effects, is safe, seems to be cost-effective and reduces drug intake with possibly severe unwanted effects.”
These conditions are a small example of the many springtime health challenges you may come up against and how acupuncture might be your best, first treatment choice.
Spring Fails and Fusion
When spring arrives your systemic constitution shifts. The associations most connected to spring include:
Element: Wood
Color: Green
Nature: Yang
Organs: Liver, Gallbladder
Emotion: Anger
One of the most effective ways to tap into strengthening these constitutions is through dietary choices. Reported by the Dova Center for Health and Healing, these are the foods and other associations to avoid and embrace for an optimal spring transition.
Fails
Don’t let this list takeover what should be more healthy choices and peace of mind like meditation.
- Stress
- Caffeine
- Processed foods
- Greasy, fatty foods
- Spelt, rye, oat and wheat
- White or refined sugar
- Flax oil, sesame oil, olive oil
- Chemicals, drugs and alcohol
- Deep fried, grilled and stir-fried recipes
Fusion
Fusing your body with the season of spring can be wholly empowering. Eating the right foods allows the capability to fuel and fuse your body, especially your immune system, to run at its full potential. Here are some foods and an easy recipe that, according to Classical Chinese Medicine (CCM), are linked to supporting the liver and gallbladder constitutions.
- Legumes and soft seeds
- Basil
- Fennel, rosemary, marjoram, bayleaf
- Caraway and Dill
- Kale, collard greens, spinach
- Dandelion and Dandelion greens
- Fruits
- Asparagus
- Sprouts
- Lettuce
- Green peas
- Scallions
- Mint
- Lime
- Lemon
- Tomatoes
- Yogurt
- Vinegar
- Fermented foods like kimchee, sauerkraut and pickles
Tempeh Reuben Sandwiches with Dandelion Tea
Tempeh is a nutty flavored, high protein (31g per cup!) soy protein that is 
fermented, not processed. This easy savory and satiating spring recipe is full of liver/gall bladder supporting qi (“chee” – life force) that easily fits into today’s plant-based eating consciousness.
- 2 packages of tempeh
- chopped garlic
- sliced onions
- olive oil
- pickles
- 1 jar of sauerkraut
- rye bread
- vegan or conventional cheese slices
- Condiment: Russian dressing, yogurt dressing or ketchup
In a large skillet drizzle olive oil enough to thinly cover the bottom, add chopped garlic and sliced onions and place on a warming stovetop flame or low setting.
Open tempeh package. Be careful, there is usually another packaging ‘skin’ around the tempeh inside the package. Rinse off and slice each tempeh ‘loaf’ vertically into four long pieces and then each long piece horizontally into two. You should end up with eight fairly square pieces of tempeh. Carefully place each square in the skillet and slowly turn up heat. Sauté tempeh, turning each square until browned on both sides.
Begin toasting rye bread.
Lower flame, place a small pile of sauerkraut on top of each tempeh square and over that a slice of cheese. Let melt and when sufficient, transfer to toasted rye bread smeared on both sides with your choice of condiment (depending on size of rye bread you may be able to fit one or two tempeh squares). Slice in half and serve with a pickle and cold *dandelion tea.
*Dandelion tea can be found in most health food stores in dry bag form. Simply boil water, pour in a pitcher with tea bags, let steep for about an hour or so, remove tea bags, mix in stevia natural sweetener, chill and serve.
Botanical and Nutraceutical Spring Cleansing Remedies
Opening your energy vessel during any seasonal transition can be attained through a proper body and mind cleansing. This spring, try the many botanical medicine and nutraceutical supplementation options available for purging your body of toxins while building it up to optimal health. These are some herbs, vitamins, and minerals, with accompanying study confirmation, used to cleanse and support the spring organ associations of liver and gallbladder. Naturopathic remedies are best applied under the guidance of a naturopathic doctor.
Turmeric – According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, “curcumin [turmeric] stimulates the gallbladder to produce bile.” Since the liver uses bile to eliminate toxins, turmeric can indirectly help your body get rid of toxins. Turmeric is best taken in supplemental form with black pepper (piperine) added for optimal absorption and potency.
Milk Thistle – Known for its liver strengthening properties the compound silymarin, found in milk thistle, has a remarkable biological effect. A study by Italian researchers published in the journal Molecules (1/24/17) stated that, “Silymarin is the extract of Silybum marianum, or milk thistle, and its major active compound is silybin, which has a remarkable biological effect. It is used in different liver disorders, particularly chronic liver diseases, cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma, because of its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antibiotic power.”
Artichoke – This savory vegetable which can be grilled, steamed or taken as a supplemental capsule has been linked to ancient healing of the gallbladder and liver. For liver and gallbladder detoxification artichoke may be an excellent choice. The International Journal of Hepatology published a study on the effects of artichoke leaf finding that, “In conclusion, the current study sheds light on the potential role of Cynara scolymus {artichoke compound] in management of NASH [nonalcoholic steatohepatitis – fatty liver disease]. The active constituents of this herb such as flavonoids and caffeoylquinic acid [various bioactivities such as antioxidant, antibacterial, anticancer, antihistamic, and other biological effects] may be responsible for this effect. These compounds have been proven to have hepatoprotective [liver protective] activity and hypolipidemic [decrease of liver fat] effect.”
Vitamins and Minerals – Drug rehab centers may use alternative remedies for liver detoxification during a resident’s stay. This lessens the many challenges associated with an alcohol or drug detox path. According to Recovery Village in Colorado, “Common vitamins and minerals that assist in liver detoxification include vitamins A, C, E, K, B1,B6, beta-carotene and biotin. Additional liver support can be found by ingesting the following herbs: dandelion, schizandra, milk thistle, garlic, and rosemary.”
News and Noteworthy
As naturopathic remedies and acupuncture treatments continue to increase health benefits, many results have made it into the news cycle. Here are a few advancements that are worth noting.
Naturopathic Diabetes Treatment
Regardless of healthy food education, poor eating still leads to the obesity epidemic in America. As a result, levels of pre-diabetes and diabetes development continue to increase. Pharmacological intervention has shackled people struggling with this disease to a daily reliance on potent drugs to control insulin production. Naturopathic doctors are being sought after more than ever to help people break the chains of conventional medicine and apply healthy eating with various botanical tools for healthier maintenance.
Natural News reported that, “One of the herbal plants that are an effective remedy for diabetes is Gymnema sylvestre (called Gurmar in Ayurvedic medicine). Extracts from the plant’s leaves have been proven to be effective in managing diabetes. In Ayurvedic medicine, the herb is referred to as the “destroyer of sugar…Research also shows that it causes the regeneration of beta cells, which are pancreatic cells that make insulin.”
Black Women in Alternative Medicine
The African-American community is front and center when it comes to obesity and poor eating habits. Much of the southern influence in this community still embraces fried dishes and high meat consumption which have been shown in many studies to be linked to cancer development. Well Insiders reported on seven black women practicing various modalities including Reiki, doula (birth companion, birth coach or post-birth supporter), plant-based nutrition, naturopathy, and psychotherapy. These women continue the march for people from affected communities to benefit from practitioners of their own.
Intermittent Fasting Reboots Healthy Eating
Many eating habits involve consuming way too much food. Some practitioners have reversed the “what to eat” mantra and now recommend the “not to eat” approach. This is not only useful in relieving symptoms such as weight gain, fatigue, joint pain, digestive compromise, and sleep issues but has shown significant beneficial effects for those challenged with cancer treatment. Some recommended approaches to intermittent fasting by Field Notes for Natural Medicine include,
- Eat freely 5 days a week, but for 2 days a week, (no need to be consecutive) you stick to a 800 calorie day.
- Fast for 3–4 consecutive days, once a month, again in that 800 calorie range.
- Eat all food within an 8–10 hour period of the day, say 9am to 6pm or 11am-7pm. Fast for 14 hours a day/night or push this to 16 hours, but research shows a 14 hour overnight fast is adequate to achieve health benefits.
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. Please call 914.337.2980 or securely email.