Acupuncture and Classical Chinese Medicine Spring Newsletter
In winter, I plot and plan. In spring, I move.
~Henry Rollins
Spring 2025 has finally arrived and for those in cold affected climates, it is a welcome transition. If harnessed correctly during the winter months, that newly charged “human battery” is ready to tap into the high energy vibration of spring. If winter was more of a challenge than expected, not to worry, Integrative Med Solutions (IMS) has naturopathic applications that can forge a new track to seasonally beneficial improvement. So, this spring, whether capitalizing on a re-energized system or trying to hit-the-ground-running, IMS offers significant useful protocols of clinical nutrition, botanical medicine, nutraceutical supplementation, detoxification and acupuncture for seasonal balance revival.
In our Integrative Med Solutions Spring Newsletter 2025, peruse some ways to apply personal lifestyle changes as well as how seeking out guided naturopathic remedy protocols, such as acupuncture, could help harness a variety of healing powers waiting to be utilized. Plus, learn how to eat with the season to strengthen spring associated organs, the liver and gallbladder, through everyday choices and some mouth-watering recipes.
Acupuncture Allergy Alliance
According to Classical Chinese Medicine (CCM), health is more important than the absence of disease and after properly regulated nutrition, acupuncture is considered a driving force. Applying an acupuncture protocol during the spring seasonal transition as well as into spring proper, helps assist the body in utilizing the unique benefits the season has to offer. Spring is a very potent season, mostly due to the opening and blooming of a wide variety of flora. With the release of tree and grass pollen, mold spores, and insect influence even the most usually unaffected could present with allergic reactions. Allergic rhinitis (AR) is a major result of spring allergies and one of the most common doctor office visits during this season. AR, aka ‘hay fever’ presents with runny nose and itchy watery eyes as well as sneezing and congestion. Although conventional medications can be effective, there are some concerns regarding side effects, dependency, and toxicity. One approach is to apply acupuncture treatments in addition to conventional pharmaceuticals with the intention of, if possible, reducing conventional use altogether.
A study titled, ‘The Effect of Acupuncture along with Conventional Therapies on the Treatment of Allergic Rhinitis: A Clinical Trial’ published in Advanced Biomedical Research 2025, stated:
“The results of this study revealed that a decrease in the runny nose score [] and a decrease in the sneezing score [] were significantly more than those of the control group []. In addition, the frequency of nasal congestion, nasal itching, and tearing was significantly lower in the acupuncture group as compared with the control group []. According to the results of the present study, [], the use of acupuncture along with conventional AR [allergic rhinitis] treatments has been able to play an effective role in improving and reducing the severity of AR symptoms.”
An example of some prominent allergy acupuncture points (which can also be attempted as self-applied acupressure) include:
- ST2 (Stomach) – Located just below the eye, addresses redness and itching of the eye.
- LU5 (Lung) – Located on the inside (medial) elbow, this point is responsible for relieving pressure and congestion of the sinus cavity.
- LU7 – Located on the (lateral) outside soft point at the base of the wrist and thumb. Reduces coughing, congestion and overall respiratory compromise.
- LI20 (Large Intestine) – Located by the outer nostrils in the groove next to the nose. Opens the nasal passages when congested.
- LI4 – In the thick muscle between the thumb and forefinger. Boosts the immune system.
At IMS, a spring allergy acupuncture protocol can be individually designed to address specific spring allergy presentations in conjunction with any concerning health compromises. It is a safe, meditative, effective therapy for reducing pain and discomfort, particularly during pollen season.
Wood Organ Systems of Spring
Wood is the associated element of spring which correlates with a variety of connections to nature as well as humans. A CCM approach can be an integral part of this season that works to balance the Ying/Yang energies
In nature, the wood element controls:
- Spring
- Wind
- The colors green and blue
- Growth
In humans. The wood element controls:
- Liver
- Gall Bladder
- Anger
- Frustration
- Shouting voice
- Life planning
Everything correlates with the philosophy of Yin/Yang which are opposite forces of energy that interconnect and complement one another. The Yin organ of spring is the liver and the Yang organ is the gall bladder. Some examples of Yin/Yang connections are:
- Dark/Light
- Female/Male
- Moon/Sun
Supporting the liver every day is important, but during the season of spring it is highly essential as the liver is Springs prominent organ responsible for many bodily functions which include:
- Blood detoxification
- Hemoglobin breakdown
- Vitamin and iron storage
- Bile production to break down fats
- Glucose and hormone conversion for activation
Emotional and physical imbalances of the wood and liver associations of spring can include:
- Aggressiveness
- Inappropriate behavior
- Over persistence
- Violence
- Muscle tension
- Sciatica
- Headaches
- Menstrual irregularities
- Digestive compromise
- Vision compromises
- Hypertension
When the gallbladder is healthy it is believed in CCM to enable wise decision making and the courage to act upon them. The Yang Qi (“chee” – life force) of the gallbladder is associated with the functions:
- Regulate the storage of bile
- Regulate the release of bile into the digestive system to break down fats, absorb nutrients and eliminate waste
Emotional and physical imbalances of the wood and gall bladder associations of spring can include:
- Poor decision making
- Lack of confidence
- Timidity
- Chills
- Muscle pain
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Gallstones
- Gallbladder inflammation (cholecystitis)
DIY Balancing Spring Tips
In addition to activating a naturopathic remedy protocol of nutrition, supplementation and acupuncture, there are some simple, do-it-yourself ways to integrate the mind and body into the season of spring.
Motivate and Activate
Motivate and activate an everyday movement routine. Sometimes all it takes is getting through that initial starting point. Once this is established any number of ‘action activities’ can be implemented for extra health benefits. These activity choices can range from minimal to maximum efforts but either way there will be advantages to be had including: mood elevation, oxygen rejuvenation, joint strengthening, muscle enhancement and more. Some ideas to get started include:
- Walking
- Jogging
- Biking
- Swimming
- Bowling
- Golfing
- Yoga
- Tai Chi
- Drumming
- Weight training
With the change of seasons (especially daylight savings) the mind and body can react in the form of “the blues” or outright depression, both described as SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder). Movement can help. According to a systemic review and analysis study of physical activity and depression, published in JAMA Psychiatry, it was concluded that:
“This systematic review and meta-analysis of associations between physical activity and depression suggests significant mental health benefits from being physically active, even at levels below the public health recommendations. Health practitioners should therefore encourage any increase in physical activity to improve mental health.”
Get moving to enjoy all the spring vibrations that put spring into each step.
Clean Eating and Detoxification
Following a clean diet as well as a detoxification regiment could be the best seasonal change needed. Give that hard-working liver a break by incorporating whole, non-packaged, non-fried, non-processed foods. Choosing organic when possible is also an excellent choice along with more water consumption to continually flush the system of toxins. Emphasize a higher plant-based diet with lower amounts of lean meats and fishes.
Foods associated with ‘spring seasonal simpatico’ include:
- Radishes, artichokes, and sprouts for liver cleansing
- DGLV (Dark Green Leafy Vegetables) aid in movement of qi
- Tart fruits: grapefruit, lime, kiwi, and tart cherry juice (an excellent anti-inflammatory)
- Ginger, garlic, chives, and scallions for pungent liver support
- Chia seeds, lotus seeds, mung beans, and goji berry to clear the body of winter stagnation
Detoxification can be an everyday approach (extra water, detoxing foods, environmental changes) along with more involved protocols that include specific eating times, fasting and/or naturopathic assistance.
Some ideas on how to incorporate a good spring detoxification include:
- Drink filtered tap water
- Set up one or more air purifiers
- Discontinue cooking and storing with plastic
- Switch to non-toxic cleaning products
- Choose clean products such as those that advertise: biodegradable, petroleum and phosphate-free
- Practice forgiveness – Forgiveness is the opposite of anger and can rebalance the system
Also, try milk thistle tea or supplements. Milk thistle is a natural liver detox. In a study of the effects of milk thistle on the liver, published by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), it was found that,
“Silymarin is a natural compound derived from the species Silybum marianum, which is commonly known as Milk thistle…Silymarin enhances hepatic glutathione and may contribute to the antioxidant defense of the liver….”
Scrumptious Seasonal Stimulation
Every season has eating recommendations that enable the mind and body to connect in unison. These recommendations are derived from thousands of years of observational studies of humans as well as animals as recorded by the earliest practitioners of CCM.
Although seasonal foods are mentioned above, this is a list of some spring associated foods and how they might correlate to human health.
- Asparagus – Considered a liver tonic and natural detoxifier.
- Goji Berries – Supports kidney, liver, eyes and lungs
- Dandelion – Controls the flow of bile while treating liver and gall bladder compromises
- Fennel – Helps alleviate bloating and gas
- Garlic – Helps boost the immune system
- Artichoke – Good for liver and digestion
- Peppermint – Reduces inflammation and
- Nettles – Best taken as a tea for optimal detox support
These two recipes are a good way to get started for preparing spring friendly dishes.
Oven Roasted Artichokes
Ingredients:
4 medium artichokes (about 1½ pounds total)
2 medium lemons, halved
⅓ cup plus ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
Kosher salt to taste
Freshly ground black pepper to taste
¼ cup dry white wine
¼ cup water
1 head garlic, plus extra unpeeled cloves, if desired
8 sprigs thyme
Directions
Preheat the oven to 425°F.
Trim the bottoms of the artichokes and peel the stems
Split the artichokes lengthwise and lay them flat on a cutting board. Using a sharp paring knife, cut out and discard the chokes but leave the pale artichoke hearts.
Pull out the small, hard inner leaves.
Place the artichokes faceup in a 9 x 13-inch nonreactive baking dish.
Squeeze one of the lemon halves all over the exposed pale green choke and the peeled stems.
Cut the other half of the lemon into 8 chunks and place one chunk inside the cavity of each artichoke.
Drizzle ⅓ cup of the olive oil all over the cut sides of the artichokes, season generously with salt and pepper, and pour the wine and water into the pan.
Flip the artichokes so the cut sides are facing down.
Nestle the garlic head into the dish, arrange the thyme sprigs on top, scatter any additional garlic cloves around the pan, if using, seal tightly with foil, and roast in the oven until the artichokes and garlic are tender, 50 to 55 minutes.
Remove the pan from the oven and uncover the pan.
Let the garlic cool slightly.
Squeeze the garlic into a small bowl.
Mash in the remaining ¼ cup olive oil and the juice of half of the remaining lemon with a fork. Season with salt and pepper and serve with the artichoke halves.
Cut the remaining lemon half into wedges and serve with the artichokes.
*Recipe courtesy of: La Boite
Curried Red and White Quinoa with Carrots and Chickpeas
Ingredients:
1 large carrot, sliced
1 cup cooked chick peas
1 tbsp yellow raisins
1 tbsp cashews
1 large yellow, red, or white onion, sliced
1 tbsp olive or sesame oil
1 tbsp curry powder
1.5 cups red and white quinoa
3 cups water
salt to taste
Directions:
Sautee onion and cashews till the onions turn soft and brown.
Add quinoa, carrots, curry powder and raisins.
Sautee on low to bring out the curry and coat the grain with the oil.
Add water.
Bring to a boil.
Reduce heat, cover with a lid, and simmer until the grains are translucent and the germ has spiraled out from each grain, about 15 minutes.
Serve.
Recipe courtesy of: Body, Mind Wellness
News & Noteworthy
Medicare May Include Acupuncture for Seniors
According to the American Society of Acupuncturists (ASA),
“Washington, D.C., February 28, 2025 – The American Society of Acupuncturists (ASA) and the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM) applaud U.S. Representatives Judy Chu (D-CA) and Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA) for re-introducing the Acupuncture for Our Seniors Act, H.R. 1667, in the 119th Congress. This bill would authorize the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to recognize qualified acupuncturists as Medicare providers so they can provide covered acupuncture services to Seniors…However, current policy prevents acupuncturists from treating Seniors for chronic lower back pain because of their lack of Medicare-provider status.”
Hopefully this bill will be passed soon to allow seniors access to this healing modality.
Mind Your Words
A Japanese businessman and pseudoscientist performed an observational study which was recorded in his 2004 book, ‘The Hidden Messages in Water’. The results showed the unique effects positive and negative words have on water crystals which may have one take pause the next time certain words are chosen.
According to a report by Research Gate,
“Masaru Emoto has carried out very interesting experiments with water at critical point for freezing. He claims that words expressing emotions have effect on the crystals formed in the process. Emoto reports that words with positive emotional contents produce beautiful crystals and those with negative emotional content generate ugly ones. Also music and even pictures are reported to have similar effect.”
At Integrative Med Solutions, we will design a spring season health 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://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamapsychiatry/fullarticle/2790780