Embrace the Transformative Vibrations of Spring

If you want to find the secrets of the universe, think in terms of energy, frequency and vibration.
~Nikola Tesla

Welcome to Spring 2024, a time that lifts the deep hibernation of winter and embraces transformative vibrations which go hand-in-hand with the teachings of Classical Chinese Medicine (CCM) and the ancient practice of acupuncture. Through these two disciplines, engaging in the seasonal tide of spring can open doors of perception few take the time to attain, however, when discovered, these transformative vibrations could very well include:

• Self-healing
• Self-empowerment
• Wider positive perceptions
• Less physical and mental pain

In this Spring IMS Newsletter explore a few seasonal ancient healing applications that can easily be integrated into any busy life, to increase quality of life. Through mindful movement, informed supplemental additions and some delicious recipes this spring can become a whole new experience; offering:

• Hope
• Growth
• Physical Prowess
• Emotional Exploration
• Colorful, succulent, energizing foods

Utilizing the powers of naturopathic medicine and acupuncture, both influenced by the deep healing philosophy of CCM, and applying these to a winter-into-spring shift just may be a highly optimal move.

Year of the Wood-Dragon

On Chinese New Year Day, February 10th, 2024 the Year of the Dragon was celebrated. The season associated with the year of the dragon is spring, as it rules as a yang polarity, but what made this particular celebration even more grand was that it correlated with the element of 2024 which is wood. The last wood-dragon year was 1964. These two associations are believed, by Chinese tradition, to be an excellent combination, offering:

• Growth
• Wealth
• Power
• Courage
• Wisdom
• Enthusiasm
• Respect

Some famous people born during the last wood-dragon year include: Salvador Dali, Lenny Kravitz, Jack Ma, Sandra Bullock, Kamala Harris, Michelle Obama, Keanu Reeves.

This spring is also a time for primary acupuncture channels to be “tuned” for optimal performance. This is done by addressing and moving along stuck or stagnant “qi” (chee – life force). An acupuncturist trained in CCM can use spring association clues for beneficial point applications. These associations include:

• Green
• Wind
• Sour
• East
• Eyes
• Tendons
• Tears
• Liver
• Gallbladder

Proper Balance

As spring is connected to the wood element it is essential to keep this in balance. Symptoms from an imbalance in wood include:

• Irritability
• Anger
• Excessive stress
• Headaches especially migraines
• High blood pressure
• Itchy dry eyes
• Unexplained rib pain
• Muscle spasms
• Brittle nails

These symptoms from a wood imbalance also correlate with a weak liver and/or gallbladder the two organs associated with spring. Some applications that may help begin a path of wood balance recovery and liver/gallbladder strengthening include:

Acupuncture – Many western medical studies have confirmed the validity of acupuncture, particularly in boosting the immune system. Coming out of the slow pace of winter and into a yang dominant spring, it may be favorable to embrace an acupuncture balancing protocol.

According to a collection of conclusions from various studies as reported by the Global Autoimmune Institute, it was found that,

“…acupuncture reduced [rheumatoid arthritis] inflammation and pain in affected joints and also changed the levels of inflammatory cytokines, the immune molecules that cause inflammation. Another study showed that acupuncture had anti-inflammatory and pain-reducing effects, possibly due to acupuncture stopping a type of immune cell called macrophages from turning into pro-inflammatory cells in inflamed joints.”

Get Sour – The liver is connected with the spring associated taste of sour. When the liver is out of balance, sour foods such as sour plum, lemon, and apple cider vinegar could re-balance the liver for optimal performance. Note: Do not consume on an empty stomach.

Move Your Qi – As the body represents a series of flowing paths (meridians), health can be affected when these paths are blocked. Similar to a river slowing due to obstacles such as rocks, boulders, mud, etc., the energy of the body (qi) is believed to be the same. Winter season can be more sedentary so when spring arrives it is essential to incorporate a movement schedule. Yes, many will assume that walking here and there, maybe during a daily commute, is enough but it is not. Movement must be a mindful, consistent application for qi to flow optimally. Some movement suggestions include:

• Yoga
• Biking
• Rowing
• Martial arts
• Walking (at least 30 mins consistently, hiking is great!)

The Power of Seasonal Food Choices

Fueling the body with seasonal food choices correlates with the ancient practice of combining nature with the human experience. For spring, it is a time to nourish the growth and development of qi through consuming liver and gallbladder strengthening foods such as:

• Onions
• Leeks
• Leaf Mustard
• Chinese Yam
• Wheat
• Dates
• Cilantro
• Mushrooms
• Spinach
• Bamboo Shoots
• Fresh green and leafy vegetables

These recipes are a good starting point to embrace the power of seasonal food choices during this spring transition.

Kale and Spinach Quinoa Bowl

1 cup kale
1 cup of spinach
1 cucumber
2 large carrots
1 scoop pre-made seaweed salad (optional)
2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
Juice from 1/2 large lemon (1-2 tablespoons)
Salt and pepper
Cook quinoa following the instructions on the package.
Dice up cucumber and carrots.
Prep dressing mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, and salt and pepper to taste.
Combine quinoa, kale, spinach, carrots and cucumber.
Toss with lemon dressing and top with a scoop of seaweed salad.

*Recipe courtesy of Welleum

Consuming root vegetables at the beginning of spring can prime the system for optimal performance throughout the season. It is using the energy of winter to catapult into the energy of spring.

Roasted Chunky Root Vegetables with Tangy Tahini Dressing

2 large rimmed baking sheets
1 large turnip, cubed
1 large carrot, cubed
1 tbsp  avocado oil
1 Chinese yam peeled and cubed
1 sweet potato peeled and cubed

Preheat oven to 400°F
On 1 baking sheet and and toss together turnip, carrot and 1 tbsp of avocado oil.
On 2nd baking sheet, toss together Asian sweet potato, orange sweet potato and remaining oil.
Roast in preheated oven, stirring 2 or 3 times, for about  20 minutes or until vegetables are tender. (Turnip and carrot may take slightly longer to cook than sweet potatoes)
In a serving bowl, combine turnip, carrot, Asian sweet potato and orange sweet potato. Gently toss with dressing until coated.
Serve immediately.

Tangy Tahini Dressing

3 tbsp. unseasoned rice vinegar
1 Tbsp. toasted sesame oil
1 1/2 tsp. coconut sugar
1 tsp ginger juice
1/2 tsp salt

In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup water, tahini, rice vinegar, sesame oil, coconut sugar, ginger juice and salt until smooth.
Slowly add water for consistency.

*Recipe courtesy of NUNM

News & Noteworthy

As the news continues to be inundated with stories that feed negativity it is the “good” stories that get pushed aside. These are some of the acupuncture and naturopathic reports that should be front page news.

Acupuncture May Lower Stroke Risk in Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients

This is the title of a recent story reported in US News of an acupuncture study that included 23,000 patients with RA (rheumatoid arthritis). It was reported that:

“The study indicates that a course of acupuncture treatment may lower blood levels of inflammatory proteins called cytokines that are linked to heart disease, the No. 1 cause of death in people with RA.”

“Inflammation is a consistent and independent predictor of cardiovascular disease in [rheumatoid arthritis],” researchers wrote in the Feb. 13 issue of BMJ Open. “Unstable blood pressure and lipid profiles are two risk factors for ischemic stroke, and acupuncture has the advantage of controlling both.”

Compounds in Female Ginseng Could Lead to New Osteoporosis Treatments

There are different types of ginsengs beneficial for males and females. A recent study on the “female ginseng” (Angelica sinensis) showed promise when treating osteoporosis. It was reported by the American Chemical Society that:

“The researchers performed chemical extraction on the medicinal plant and identified two new compounds, calling them falcarinphthalide A and B, that were structurally unlike anything previously discovered in female ginseng.”

“The researchers say that this study opens up the possibilities for new osteoporosis treatments based on the female ginseng compound, whether in its current form or as a structural template for further drug development.”

Controlled Psychedelic Administration Helps Veterans with Post Traumatic Brain Injuries

Psychoactive plant-based drugs have been used for centuries in many religious and cultural exploration practices. Now, the advent of “micro-dosing” these powerful substances may be a gateway to recovery for many struggling with cognitive and physical impairment. Research of these applications for veterans showed promise.

A study published in ‘Nature Medicine’ as reported by JAMA Medicine stated,

“Special Operations Forces veterans with traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) who were treated with ibogaine, a plant-based psychoactive substance, experienced improved symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, and anxiety immediately after receiving the drug and at 1 month after treatment, a recent observational study found. The results might be the first evidence that a single treatment with ibogaine can improve chronic disability from TBIs after combat and exposure to blasts, the researchers reported in Nature Medicine.”

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://www.autoimmuneinstitute.org/articles/diagnosis-and-treatment/the-spectrum-of-autoimmune-disease-treatments/
https://www.usnews.com/news/health-news/articles/2024-02-14/acupuncture-may-lower-stroke-risk-in-rheumatoid-arthritis-patients
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/02/240221160418.htm
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41591-023-02705-w