Spring Newsletter: Spring Allergy Remedies

“In the spring, at the end of the day, you should smell like dirt.”

– Margaret Atwood

As winter roars to a close, savor the opening of spring when temperatures slowly rise and breezes turn into aromatic treats. This year, hope glimmers on the horizon as it is easy to feel a literal “spring” in the steps of many who are slowly emerging into a season that emanates change. This is why wood is one of the main constitutions of spring, representing growth and change or put more clearly, motivation and action. Get into the dirt this spring and inhale all Nature offers, embracing balance, rejuvenation, and the invigorating health benefits available at your fingertips.

Acupuncture Stimulates Your Liver

The main organ associated with spring is liver. In association is the gall bladder and during this season these two organs are at the most optimal functioning stage. Working in unison, the liver and gall bladder are linked to:

• Eye health – Keeping eyes protected and clear
• Lungs and spleen – Enhancing immune function and helping prevent allergies
• Tendons – Maintaining robust origins and insertions for tendon strength and flexibility

By embracing a spring acupuncture protocol, the liver can be stimulated into influencing the gall bladder. This collaboration benefits the overall system, particularly the eyes, lungs, spleen and tendons for optimal reinforcement.

According to a study of acupuncture and its affect on retinitis pigmentosa (a hereditary eye disease), published in Clinical and Experimental Optometry, it was concluded that,

“Acupuncture entails minimal risk, if administered by a well‐trained acupuncturist and may have significant, measurable benefits on residual visual function in patients with retinitis pigmentosa, in particular scotopic [dim light] sensitivity, which had not previously been studied.”

4 Spring Allergy Remedies

As the weather warms outdoor activities increase immersing so many into the pollen, mold, weed, and grass vector of spring. Some can handle these histamine agitators but others may struggle. These 4 allergy remedies look at easy, ways to apply botanical medicines, body points, and essential oil remedies to prevent or treat spring allergies.

Bi Yan Pian

Bi Yan Pian is a formula composed of xanthium fruit, magnolia flower, Chinese mint, and angelica. Presentations that include inflammation, heat in the face, yellow phlegm and infection all correlate to the remedy Bi Yan Pian. It is best to obtain the advice from a naturopathic doctor trained in botanical medicine for optimal herbal applications.

This Chinese herbal combination is used to treat allergies related to symptoms such as:

• Stuffy sinuses
• Rhinitis (inflammation of the mucous membrane of the nose)
• Runny nose
• Nasal allergies

Chrysanthemum

Chrysanthemum is a one herb wonder and ju hua is the Chinese herbal name for this golden flowered plant. Consumed best as a tea at the onset of spring allergy symptoms, ju hua is described as taking the path through the lung channel which opens the nose and also through the liver channel which opens the head and eyes. Allergy symptoms such as runny nose, headache and itchy red eyes can all be addressed using chrysanthemum.

As reported by Healthline, according to Dr. J. D. Yang, expert in Chinese and integrative medicine,

“Chinese medicine categorizes herbs based on energetic properties rather than the chemical ingredients,…Chrysanthemum provides mildly cold energy. It has special affinity to the energy channels that lead to the lungs, liver, spleen, and kidneys.”

Niaouli

The essential oil Niaouli has been shown to ease the histamine response. Histamine is a compound the body sends out in response to allergens, it is also responsible for the symptoms related to allergies.

Niaouli oil has an aroma similar to eucalyptus or tea tree oil and can be used in a room humidifier, as a chest rub or a preventative all-day inhalant. If Niaouli oil cannot be found, eucalyptus, tea tree oil, and peppermint can all be used. However, these oils could be caustic if used without proper guidance. Be sure to seek out the professional expertise of a naturopathic doctor when using these oils.

LI 4, The Great Eliminator

The Great Eliminator is the name given to the fleshy, web-like point between the thumb and index finger. Technically known as Large Intestine four (LI 4), it is often used by acupuncturists to relieve headaches, red itchy eyes, jaw and sinus pain. LI4 is believed to move the life force qi (chee) out of stagnation and into circulation, particularly to reduce pain and discomfort associated with allergies.

This point can also be self activated (acupressure) by gently pinching and pushing up toward the hand into the belly of the muscle. It often triggers the feeling of an electrical jolt which usually means it is the correct location. Gently release and then return pressure while circling clockwise if weak or counterclockwise if agitated. Keep inhaling through the nose and exhaling out of the mouth. This should be done for about five minutes on each hand, five times per day. Working with a professional acupuncturist can increase allergy relief exponentially through this point location.

According to a randomized controlled clinical trial titled, ‘Acupuncture in patients with seasonal allergic rhinitis’ published in the Annals of Internal Medicine it was found that,

“Compared with sham acupuncture and with RM [rescue medication], acupuncture was associated with improvement in RQLQ [Rhinitis Quality of Life Questionnaire] score…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 alone,…”

Eating in Tune

Choosing foods that correlate with the seasons can be advantageous to overall health. Why run on subpar choices consisting of packaged, processed ingredients when whole foods are equivalent to putting super fuel in your tank.

Recommended foods for spring include:

• Onions
• Leeks
• Mustard greens
• Chinese yam
• Seed sprouts
• Wheat
• Dates
• Sour fruits: lemon, lime, grapefruit
• Cilantro
• Mushrooms
• Spinach
• Arugula
• Bamboo shoots

Seasonal, whole food spring recipes according to Classical Chinese Medicine (CCM) can increase liver and gall bladder strength while cleansing the system and rebalancing qi.

Roasted Sweet Potato, Mango, And Edamame Salad

Ingredients

4 small Sweet Potatoes

1 large Mango

1/2 cup shelled Edamame

2 Tbs. plus 1 Tbs. Olive Oil

Sea Salt and freshly ground Pepper

Juice of 1 Lemon

2 Tbs. Honey

1 Tbs. Rice Vinegar

Small handful of finely chopped Cilantro

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 425° F

2. Rinse and scrub the sweet potatoes well and pat dry. Cut into 1 1/2” cubes and place in a bowl. Add the 2 tbs. olive oil and a generous dash of salt & pepper and toss until well coated. Spread the sweet potatoes onto a foil-lined cookie sheet and roast for about 15 minutes or until tender.

3. While the sweet potatoes are roasting, prepare the dressing by combining the remaining tablespoon of olive oil, lemon juice, honey, rice vinegar, and cilantro, and whisk together well. Set aside.

4. Peel & cut the mango into 1” cubes, and if you’re using frozen, whole edamame, thaw & shell it so you have the individual beans at your disposal.

5. When the potatoes are done roasting, allow them to cool for a few minutes. Combine the potatoes, mango, and edamame in a large bowl. Drizzle the dressing on top & toss lightly.

6. Serve on a bed of greens or on its own, and enjoy!

*Recipe courtesy of: Five Seasons

Although spring is associated with wood, it is the heavy metals that could be impeding optimal health, both on a CCM level as well as a biological level. This metal detox juice is a great way to keep the body cleansed of as many compromising metals as possible so the body can spring into summer without toxic accumulation.

Metal Detox Juice

Ingredients:

3 stalks celery

1 cucumber

Handful of parsley

Handful of coriander

½ fennel bulb

1 lemon, peeled

Directions:

• Wash all ingredients.
• Peel Lemon.
• Put all ingredients into a blender.
• Blend, pour, enjoy

“Often metals can become stuck in our bodies, often on our cells, causing waste to be retained.

Allow these carefully selected ingredients, especially celery and cucumber, to flush the metals out of your system and restore balance.”

*Recipe courtesy of Natural Harmony

News & Noteworthy

2021 Review Finds Acupuncture Treatment Beneficial For Low Back Pain

Recently published in Current Pain and Headache Reports January 2021, the review, ‘Acupuncture for the Management of Low Back Pain’ compiled by a combination of data from researcher centers including BethIsrael Medical, Harvard Medical School, LSU, and the University of Arizona reported:

“Low back pain (LBP), defined as a disorder of the lumbosacral spine and categorized as acute, subacute, or chronic, can be a debilitating condition for many patients…Conventional treatment for chronic LBP includes both pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic options. First-line pharmacologic therapy involves the use of NSAIDs, then SNRI/TCA/skeletal muscle relaxants, and anti-epileptics….According to the 2016 CDC Guidelines forPrescribing Opioids for Chronic Pain and the 2017 American College ofPhysicians (ACP) clinical practice guidelines for chronic pain, non-pharmacologic interventions, acupuncture can be a first-line treatment for patients suffering from chronic low back pain. Many studies have been done, and most show promising results for acupuncture as an alternative treatment for low back pain.”

Natural Ways to Increase Serotonin

Serotonin is a multi-functional neurotransmitter that helps regulate mood, memory, digestion, immune response, and sleep. Conventional medicine offers all sorts of pharmaceuticals to increase serotonin especially for those experiencing depression, anxiety, and insomnia. However, there are ways to naturally attempt to boost serotonin as well.

According to the Association of Accredited Naturopathic Medical Colleges (AANMC) there are several ways to increase serotonin production. Three recommendations include:

• Bright light – “Being exposed to bright light, especially sunlight and first thing in the morning, stimulates increased serotonin production in the body.”
• Nutrition – “The amino acid tryptophan is converted to serotonin in your brain, so eating foods high in tryptophan, such as poultry, nuts and seeds, spinach, eggs, and salmon can help increase your serotonin levels. It is best to eat these foods in conjunction with carbohydrates, which make it easier for tryptophan to reach your brain and convert to serotonin.”
• Massage therapy – “Getting a massage helps to uplift mood, increase relaxation, and decrease stress. Massage stimulates the body to produce both serotonin and dopamine (another mood-improving neurotransmitter) as well as decreases cortisol levels in the body, resulting in both a better mood and a reduction in stress.”

At Integrative Med Solutions, we will design a spring health treatment program that works for you, applied either in person or through digital, telemedicine communication. 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.