Spring Newsletter 2023

“Is the spring coming?” he said. “What is it like?”…
“It is the sun shining on the rain and the rain falling on the sunshine…”
― Frances Hodgson Burnett, The Secret Garden

Celebrate spring, which is yet another opportunity for positive seasonal change through the lens of Classical Chinese Medicine (CCM). This is the purest approach to a ‘human-nature’ simpatico, which utilizes the energy flow so many take for granted. This flow, this “qi” (“chee”), is a tool built into each living system capable of propelling physical and mental functions beyond anything remotely conceivable by conventional medicine.

However, through naturopathic medicine and acupuncture treatments, qi can be addressed to:

• Increase immune function
• Stabilize digestion
• Improve stamina
• Strengthen muscle
• Result in beneficial treatment of chronic conditions such as: migraines, insomnia, infertility, and joint pain.

Explore some ways qi can be utilized in conjunction with spring for optimal results through Integrative Med Solutions.

Spring Simpatico

The “spring simpatico” consists of various constitutional lock and key elements that when working together coincide with the natural yin-yang energy of the season. This can be encouraged through various applications that may include:

• Botanical medicine – Plant-based, often herbal remedies
• Nutraceutical supplementation – Vitamin, mineral, enzyme supplements
• Clinical nutrition – Healing foods for each season (see recipes below!)
• Homeopathy – Like cures like vibrational therapy derived from plants, animals and minerals.

Working with the associated list of spring, a naturopathic doctor trained in CCM can potentially restore balance to the mind and body. Imbalances could be apparent, often in the form of disease, or subtle, such as a minor condition one might get used to. Both are revealed to a trained eye. Once these bodily clues are discovered, a variety of applications can be individually prescribed to create a holistic homeostasis that can re-balance, re-align, and rejuvenate.

Element and Associations of Spring

The element and associations list is a guide that is more symbolic than literal. For example, the emotion of spring is anger, yet this doesn’t mean one will be angry all the time. It simply means that if there is anger that is out of balance it can be explored and adjusted.

The practitioner and patient can search for clues showing an imbalance in any correlation. An imbalance can be detected when associations of the element show signs of weakness or excess. Therefore, that element is probably being affected by one or more other elements. Using the above applications a naturopathic doctor can help move qi to a higher plane. In addition, by skillfully and carefully manipulating points on meridians (pathways) throughout the body, an acupuncturist can assist the naturopathic doctor in qi movement for more beneficial results.

The list of the spring element and its associations includes:

• Element: Wood
• Color: Green
• Climate: Wind
• Stage: Birth
• Emotion: Anger
• Organs: Liver/Gallbladder
• Tissues: Tendons/Ligaments
• Sense: Eyes/Sight
• Flavor: Sour
• Fluid: Tears

As the result of many causations such as stress, anxiety, depression, trauma and more, elements can compromise one another. This is described in ‘5 Phase Element Relationships’ by Wan Minying (14th Century) translated by Heiner Fruehauf as published by the National University of Natural Medicine, College of Classical Chinese Medicine. Some descriptions regarding how wood, the element of spring, is affected, include:

“Fire is generated by Wood; if there is too much Wood, Fire will flare. Wood is generated by Water; if there is too much Water, Wood will be washed away.”

“Metal can control Wood; if Wood is flinty, Metal will be marred. Wood can control Earth; if Earth is thick, Wood will break.”

“If excess Water receives Wood, it will in turn have its momentum drained. If excess Wood receives Fire, it will in turn have its denseness transformed. If excess Fire receives Earth, it will in turn have its blazing quality checked”

These descriptions can clue practitioners and patients into looking for associated symptoms such as:

• Skin rashes
• Cloudy sclera (white of the eyes)
• Digestive difficulties
• Headaches
• Infertility

Recognizing these and so many other clues, a healing protocol can begin.

Natural Spring Allergy Relief

Another benefit of the combined protocol of naturopathic medicine and acupuncture is spring allergy relief. Spring allergies affect millions of Americans per year with symptoms ranging from minor coughs and sniffles to itchy eyes, throat, and skin as well as respiratory compromise in some. Conventional remedies often consist of temporary fix OTC (over the counter) pharmaceuticals or a daily lifelong prescribed dosage. In some people, side effects can be annoying or a significant compromise. This is why the general population is often embracing any natural remedy they can get their hands on. However, without proper guidance, natural remedies may not be as effective as they could be.

A naturopathic doctor trained in botanical medicine and nutraceutical supplementation can wholly assess the proper herbal and vitamin protocol for optimal results. Some choices may include:

• Butterbur
• Bromelain
• Stinging nettle
• Quercetin
• Vitamin A,C,D
• Probiotics

A study of quercetin for allergies published in Allergy, Asthma & Clinical Immunology concluded that,

“Quercetin,…has the potential to reduce the most significant pathologies of asthma such as eosinophil and neutrophil recruitment, the activation of bronchial epithelial cells, collagen and mucus production and airway hyperactivity….In fact, it will be a good candidate as a supplement for the management and treatment of allergic diseases, especially rhinitis. “

Adding acupuncture for spring relief can offer significant results. In a study protocol for a three-armed randomized controlled trial on the: ‘Effect of acupuncture at the sphenopalatine ganglion [located at each upper cheekbone] for the treatment of moderate to severe seasonal allergic rhinitis [SAR]’

“A previous study found that acupuncture at the SPG [sphenopalatine ganglion] led to significant improvement in nasal ventilation and nasal patency [open, unobstructed], and increased sympathetic nerve excitability”

Take advantage of the many applications of naturopathic medicine and acupuncture to ease or possibly eliminate.spring allergies.

Medicinal and Seasonal Recipes for Spring

Specific foods affect the body in specific ways creating a cohesion that correlates with each season. During spring, for example, it is best to eat fresh, green leafy vegetables as they show up in supermarkets or, better yet, at a local farm stand. These leafy vegetables are integral in cleansing and clarifying the liver and gall bladder. Lemon, lime, fermented foods (pickles, miso, sauerkraut) and apple cider vinegar (ACV) are examples of sour food choices. These encourage bile production which is a beneficial function of the gall bladder for breaking down fats and greasy foods. As spring energy moves upward and outward, sour foods balance by moving energy inward and downward.

Get started with these two scrumptious spring recipes.

Mediterranean Spinach Salad

4 bunches of fresh spinach (it shrinks fast)

1/2 tablespoon lemon juice

1/2 tablespoon balsamic vinegar

2 medium garlic cloves

1 tablespoon of EVOO

salt and black pepper

• Bring lightly salted water to a rapid boil in a large pot.
• Cut stems off spinach leaves and clean well.
• Rinse spinach leaves very well as they often contain a lot of soil.
• Cook spinach in simmering water for 2 to 3 minutes.
• Drain and press out excess water.
• Toss in rest of ingredients and serve.
• Make sure you don’t toss spinach with dressing until you are ready to serve.

*Recipe courtesy of Recipeland

Lemon Soba Salad

180 g Soba noodles dried

6 Asparagus

12 Sugar snap peas

3 tbsp Fresh parsley

2 tbsp Fresh mint

Red oak lettuce – half

Dressing

1 tsp Sea salt

½ tsp Cracked pepper

½ Lemon

100 ml Olive oil

¼ tsp Shichimi Togarashi (optional)

Note – Shichimi Togarashi is a Japanese 7 spice blend. There are different variations but the blend may include: chillies, peppercorns, orange peel, ginger, nori and sesame seeds. It is has a mild to moderate spiciness.

• Cook the soba noodles in boiling unsalted water according to packet directions. They generally take 4-6 minutes to cook. Drain and rinse in cold water. Set aside.
• Slice each asparagus spear into 3-4 even pieces. Shell sugar snap peas. Coarsely chop fresh mint and parsley. Rinse and drain red oak lettuce and tear into small pieces.
• Add asparagus and peas to boiling salted water. Cook for approximately 2-3 minutes until tender. Drain and rinse in cold water. Set aside.

Dressing

• Squeeze the juice from half the lemon. Add olive oil, salt, pepper and Shichimi Togarashi (if using).
• Whisk to combine.
• Combine ingredients. Place soba noodles, asparagus, peas, fresh herbs and lettuce in a bowl. Pour over dressing and toss to combine.
• Serve.

*Recipe courtesy of MEND

News & Noteworthy

The Real Thing

Acupuncture was recently studied on whether placebo based or real applications had any variability. It turns out that the original recipe is all we need.

The study looked at how acupuncture primarily affects the parasympathetic tone. Parasympathetic tone is not under conscious control and is responsible for things like:

• Emotional regulation
• Assessing heart rate functions
• Vasodilation of blood vessels
• Glandular activity in the lungs
• heart, and digestive tract, as well as the liver (a major organ associated with spring)
• Gastrointestinal sensitivity, motility, inflammation and immune system regulation

The study by researchers from various schools at the University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary and published by the National Library of Medicine concluded that,

“The results of this meta-analysis suggest that real acupuncture has superior effect over placebo acupuncture in increasing parasympathetic tone and in this way may improve physical well-being.”

Nerve Pain Relief with Chinese Herbs

Chinese doctors are showing excellent results in a study of a formula derived from the Chinese herb, Astragali Radix an important Qi tonic preparation. The study, conducted by Chinese researchers and published in the journal Biomedical Pharmacotherapy (March 2023) stated,

“By summarizing previous research results, we found that astragaloside IV [astragali radix herb formula] may play a neuroprotective role through various mechanisms: anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative, anti-apoptotic protection of nerve cells and regulation of nerve growth factor, as well as by inhibiting neurodegeneration and promoting nerve regeneration. Astragaloside IV is a promising natural neuroprotective agent.”

Intermittent Biome Benefits

With intermittent fasting becoming a sustainable diet, more and more have maintained healthy weight using this eating method. Basically, it works on a, time-on, time-off eating schedule at about a 16:8 ratio meaning one may finish eating by 8pm, skip breakfast and start eating again at 12pm until 8pm.

There are many benefits to intermittent fasting with one important one just studied, gut microbiota.

2023 research just published in International Microbiology stated,

“Analysis results showed that the preferred intermittent fasting program helps balance the GM [gut microbiota] composition. This study is an important example showing the strong positive link between intermittent fasting and GM.”

At Integrative Med Solutions, we will design a spring 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.

References:

https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10123-022-00272-7#citeas

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36652731/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36494036/

https://www.chegg.com/learn/topic/parasympathetic-tone

https://classicalchinesemedicine.org/five-phase-element-relationships/

https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmed.2022.904864/full

https://aacijournal.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s13223-020-00434-0

https://recipeland.com/recipe/v/mediterranean-spinach-48444

https://mendacupuncture.com/keep-your-cool-with-these-summer-food-tips/