Summer Newsletter 2023
Smell the sea, and feel the sky. Let your soul and spirit fly.”
~ Van Morrison
Exuberance and abundance are some ways the season of summer can be described. It is a time to utilize flowing yang energy, embrace carefree breeziness, and fuel up with succulent, fresh fruits and vegetables. Welcome to summer 2023, another opportunity to change the lens of health for the better in a season that is the perfect jumping off point.
Gut Boost with Acupuncture SAAT
The season of summer is an excellent time to strengthen gut microbiota. The biological structure of the gut is believed to be an integral part of what is known as the gut-brain axis.
According to a study of the gut-brain axis published in the Annals of Gastroenterology,
“Strong evidence suggests that gut microbiota has an important role in bidirectional interactions between the gut and the nervous system. It interacts with CNS [central nervous system] by regulating brain chemistry and influencing neuro-endocrine systems associated with stress response, anxiety and memory function.”
Strengthening the gut during summer takes advantage of the high activity and movement during this season. This enhances qi (“chee” – life force) flow which can rebalance and rejuvenate a sluggish system.
Summer acupoint application treatment (SAAT) was researched in a randomized controlled trial conducted by Chinese scientists and published in the journal ‘Medicine’. The trial stated that,
“Our findings indicated SAAT substantially influenced the bacterial community structure in the gut microbiota of healthy Asian adults, which might serve as potential therapeutic targets for related diseases, and provided a foundation for future studies aimed at elucidating the microbial mechanisms underlying SAAT for the treatment of various conditions such as obesity, insulin resistance, irritable bowel syndrome.”
In addition to working with a licensed acupuncturist, the gut microbiome can also be boosted simultaneously with supplements and through an enhanced diet of pre-biotic foods such as:
- Miso
- Sauerkraut
- Pickles
- Garlic
- Onions
- Asparagus
- Apples
- Avocado
- Flaxseed
- Seaweed
Summer Skin Sunburn Supplements
Whether on the beach or out and about, summer sunburn can be a serious result of a more powerful sun than ever before.
According to a 2023 study by researchers from The Ronald O. Perelman Department of Dermatology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine published in the Archives of Dermatological Research it was stated that,
“Although certain sun-protective behaviors have become more prevalent, the incidence of skin cancer continues to rise.”
In addition to topical protection, a naturopathic doctor could help maximize skin protection against ultraviolet exposure through specific vitamins, minerals, herbs and more. Some supplements that may be recommended include:
Polypodium leucotomos – Derived from a South American fern, polypodium leucotomos was studied at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, stating that,
“P. leucotomos blocked the deleterious effect of UV irradiation both in vivo and in vitro. The molecular basis of photoprotection relies on its ability to inhibit free radical generation, prevent photodecomposition of both endogenous photoprotective molecules and DNA, and prevent UV-induced cell death.”
Nicotinamide (also known as niacinamide) – This water-soluble vitamin B3 derivative was reviewed in Experimental Dermatology which stated that,
“Nicotinamide prevents ultraviolet radiation (UV) from reducing ATP levels and inhibiting glycolysis, thus preventing the UV radiation-induced energy crisis. This enhances DNA repair and reduces UV-induced suppression of immunity.”
Beta-carotene and Lycopene – These two phytochemicals (derived from plants such as tomatoes, apricots, melons, carrots, spinach, lettuce, tomatoes, sweet potatoes, broccoli, cantaloupe, and winter squash) show excellent protective support against UV exposure.
“Human intervention studies have documented protective effects for β-carotene or for lycopene provided either by a carotenoid-rich diet or by supplementation…an optimal supply of antioxidant micronutrients in the skin increases basal dermal defense against UV irradiation, supports longer-term protection, and contributes to maintenance of skin health and appearance.”
Working with a naturopathic doctor to strengthen skin through supplementation offers strong summer protection to prevent sunburn and possibly skin cancer.
Body Constitutions and CCM
A naturopathic doctor practicing Classical Chinese Medicine (CCM) is trained to look for the most obvious and the most subtle indications of each individual’s constitution. This is the first order of business when it comes to the application of proper treatments such as acupuncture, botanical medicine, homeopathy, clinical nutrition and nutraceutical supplementation. Therefore, knowing the associations of summer (listed here) can help the naturopathic doctor prescribe the best treatments.
- Organ – Heart (governs blood, responsible for the shen)
- Element: Fire
- Emotion: Joy
- Taste: Bitter
- Opens to: Tongue
- Color: Red
Below is an example of two deficient constitutional types showing a description of symptoms and a healing approach that can be applied accordingly. During summer, if there is an imbalance (such as these examples), a re-balancing regiment can create a healing path to hit-the-ground-running right into the next three seasons of fall, winter and spring.
Yang Deficient
- Flabby muscles
- Quiet and introverted
- Cold hands and feet
- Cold feelings in the stomach
- Sleepiness
- Pale, bulky tongue
- At risk of puffiness, excessive phlegm and diarrhea
Healing approach: Invigorate liver and kidney body systems to produce more heat while protecting the body from overcooling. Acupuncture, acupressure, cupping, and moxibustion all help the meridian flow to help expel coldness.
Yin Deficient
- Thin
- Outgoing
- Impatient
- Warm palms
- Dry mouth
- Constipation
- At risk of constant cough, fatigue and insomnia
Healing approach: Avoid heavily spiced, roasted and deep fried foods. Replace with pear, apple, pomegranate, peach, lotus root, gojiberry, mulberry, sesame, rice, mushroom, honey, and egg,
Fill the Tank Right
Summer is connected to the element of fire. Although this may not be surprising as summer is full of heat and humidity making some days feel like fire, there are other aspects to take into account. One aspect is that each season includes a variety of associated foods that, when consumed mindfully, can be highly beneficial to optimal health and may include results such as:
- Increased stamina
- Less fatigue
- Better sleep
- Digestive balance
- Cognitive harmony
These benefits (and others) can be attained by simply following a choice of foods that empower rather than hinder homeostasis (systemic equilibrium). Summer foods are able to cool internally while preventing a dampening of the essential fire constitution which is needed to rule the heart, small intestines, tongue and shen (mind).
Heart Healing Gazpacho
Cool the heart of summer but don’t extinguish the fire. This recipe for Heart Healing Gazpacho soup fuels the coursing energy of summer with a science worthy antioxidant, antiviral rush at the same time.
Ingredients:
2 large yellow heirloom tomatoes, roughly chopped
1 avocado, deseeded
1 cucumber, peeled and chopped
1 fennel bulb, rim off stocks and roughly chop bulb
3 scallions, chopped
2 cups spinach
2 garlic cloves
1 cup fresh basil
1 jalapeño, seeded and chopped
2 limes, juiced
1 tbs apple cider vinegar
1/2 tsp pink Himalayan salt
2 cups water
1/4 cup Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Directions:
Add ingredients to a high speed blender
Blend until pureed and smooth
Serve chilled and garnish with a drizzle of Extra Virgin Olive Oil.
*Recipe courtesy of Megan Magill
Lemon Soba Salad
Soba noodles are good for clearing damp and heat brought on by summer exposure and supports the middle burner (aka digestive system). Try this delicious Lemon Soba Salad to get through the summer swell.
Ingredients
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
Instructions:
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
Whisk to combine
Place soba noodles, asparagus, peas, herbs and lettuce in a bowl.
Pour over dressing and toss
Serve
*Recipe courtesy of MEND
News & Noteworthy
Acupuncture Relieves Sciatica
A systematic review of thirty randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published in Frontiers in Neuroscience 2023 revealed the safety and efficacy of acupuncture when applied for sciatica pain.
The combined subjects in the trials amounted to 2,662 participants with the overall result concluding that:
“Acupuncture therapy is an effective and safe treatment for patients with sciatica, and it can be considered a suitable replacement for medicine treatment (MT).”
Asthma Treated with Acupuncture
A recent randomized controlled trial titled: ‘Long-term efficacy of point application therapy on different acupoints and durations in the treatment of asthma’ published in PubMed concluded that,
“Point application therapy can effectively improve the clinical symptoms of patients with asthma, reduce the number of attacks, improve the quality of life, and decrease the total serum IgE level. The choice of acupuncture points, but not the length of the application time, influenced the therapeutic effect of point application therapy in asthma.”
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.
Sources:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36845439/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36640006/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36790452/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17728848/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23053552/