Moxibustion
is a wonderful wintertime therapy as it disperses
cold, eliminates damp and warms yang. It is one of the best methods for general
health and well-being in the Chinese Medicine repertoire. Moxa used daily on the
point ZuSanLi is said to prevent all illness and promote longevity. The
sensation is generally one of warmth and relaxation, and very popular among
patients of Chinese Medicine.
Moxibustion is a form of therapy that developed
independently of acupuncture, and may actually pre-date it. There
are areas in the northern, colder regions of China in which practitioners use
moxibustion in lieu of acupuncture.
The moxa is made from the herb Ai Ye, or Mugwort, which is
harvested and laid in the sun to dry. It is then crushed and passed through a
sieve repeatedly until it maintains a fine, downy texture. In this form it is
referred to as moxa punk and is formed into small cones.
The
practitioner then places the cone on top of an acupuncture needle or directly
onto the skin. The moxa is lit with a stick
of incense and the warming and moving properties of the Ai Ye plant enter the
point. A slice of ginger or garlic can also be placed between the moxa and the
point, infusing the properties of these herbs into the body as well.
Moxa
punk can also be made into rolls or small sticks which are placed in a metal
tool called a Tiger Warmer. This tool is then moved along the course of a
meridian, allowing the moxa to enter the body.
"When a disease cannot be treated by needling it should
be treated with moxa." - Ling Shu
The acupuncturist featured in this video was a classmate of mine at Pacific
College of Oriental Medicine. It is a little corny, since it was featured in a
news segment, but it is very informative about the technique and benefits of the
ancient Chinese Medicine treatment.
Place scallions and ginger
into pot and sprinkle with brown sugar. Cover with 1 cup water. Once boiling,
reduce to a simmer for 10 minutes. Strain the liquid. Drink while warm.
Traditionally, this tea is taken at the first sign of a
wind-cold pattern. It is used to promote sweating and resolve exterior
symptoms such as headache, chills with an aversion to cold, body aches and sinus
congestion with clear mucus. It is best to drink this formula after taking a hot
bath, just before going to bed, so that you can cover yourself with blankets to
induce sweating. Be sure to stay warm and away from cold drafts.
I found this video today, and thought it would be nice to share. The video
describes and depicts an entire session of acupuncture with some nice
descriptions of how it works, and why certain techniques are used.
The main reason that fish and fish oils are so important is because they contain
two fatty acids that do not occur naturally in any foods other
than fish.
These
fatty acids are called EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and
DHA (docosahexaenoic acid). Together with ALA (alpha linolenic
acid), they are known as omega-3 fatty acids.
They are highest in oily fish such as mackerel, herring,
sardine, tuna and salmon.
The average
intake of EPA/DHA in the US diet is only 11-20% of the recommended
amount.
These
two fatty acids from fish oil have been shown in hundreds of studies to be
beneficial in a wide spectrum of human health including:
Heart Health
including all types of cardiovascular disease by reducing
triglycerides (fat levels) in the blood, reducing VLDL (bad) cholesterol and
raising HDL (good) cholesterol, Reducing inflammatory markers, which are now
known to be very important in the progression of cardiovascular diseases, and by
regulating (smoothing out) the rhythmic beat of the heart.
Arthritis, inflammation
and allergy
including rheumatoid arthritis, Crohns disease, seasonal and food
allergies, and eczema.
Child
Development
both before and after birth. DHA and another fatty acid
(arachidonic acid) are essential for the correct development of the fetal brain
and mental ability. Neural development and eye function may be adversely
affected by inadequate supply. 11% of the weight of the brain is the
fatty acid DHA. Supplementing DHA in breast fed or formula fed infants
has been shown to increase cognitive function including vocabulary and
comprehension in 18 month olds.
Mental alertness, cognitive function and mood
due to the fact that EPA and DHA are the building blocks of neural
cells. Those suffering from depression have significantly lower levels of DHA
and other omega-3 fatty acids. Populations with higher consumption of fish have
lower rates of depression than those with lower consumption. Studies
have shown that Alzheimer’s disease in the elderly is more common in people with
low blood levels of DHA.
So eat your
wild caught fish!! Wild caught fish have a significantly lower levels of metals
and other contaminants than farm raised fish. If wild fish is unavailable, or
unappealing to you, take a fish oil supplement daily. Be sure you get your oil
from a reputable source to ensure purity and high potency. High quality oils are
tested for mercury, other heavy metals and PCBs. Consider a fish oil with the
addition of the fat soluable vitamins A, D and E.
Since Copper River Salmon is in
season right now, I highly recommend splurging and treating yourself to a
delicious meal. I made this recipe last night from www.westcoastcooking.com and found
it to be outstanding!!
Grilled Copper River Salmon with Rhubarb and Ginger
Chutney
Very often, West Coast chefs forgo the usual dictums of tradition. Instead of
relying on the arsenal of sauces developed over hundreds of years in France and
codified a century ago by August Escoffier, we make up our own sauces as the
seasons and our own caprice dictate. This can be silly and unfortunate at times,
but it can also be revelatory. In one of my fits of regional loyalty, I decided
to forgo lemons on my menu because lemons did not grow within a hundred miles of
where I lived. To get a tangy counterpoint to rich salmon, I reached instead for
the rhubarb growing in my own backyard. Rhubarb, which is in season at the same
time as the coveted Copper River kings has a refreshing astringent quality that
compliments this rich seafood beautifully. It has become something of a
tradition, at least in kitchens upon which I have had some influence to serve
rhubarb with Copper River Salmon.
(Serves 4) For the Rhubarb and Ginger Chutney:
2 stalks rhubarb, chopped, (about 2 cups) 1/2 cup crystallized ginger,
chopped 1/4 cup sugar 1/4 cup raspberry vinegar 1 teaspoon salt For
the Salmon: 4 fillets of Copper River Salmon, or other king salmon, skin
removed 2 teaspoons kosher salt 1 teaspoon freshly ground black
pepper 2 tablespoons light olive oil or corn oil
1.) To make the
chutney, stir the rhubarb, crystallized ginger, raspberry vinegar and salt in a
non-reactive (stainless steel or enameled) saucepan over medium-high heat. Cook,
stirring until sugar is dissolved and mixture is beginning to boil. Cover,
reduce heat to low, and cook 6 to 8 minutes, or until rhubarb is very tender and
beginning to disintegrate. Chutney may be served at once or kept, covered and
refrigerated, for several days. 2.) To grill the salmon, wipe the grill with
a cloth dipped in olive oil, or spray it with an oil mister. Position the grill
4 inches above a bed of the glowing coals and wipe it with an oily cloth.
Sprinkle the fillets with salt and pepper and rub with oil. 3.) Place the fillets, skinned-side up onto the rack and allow them to broil for 5 minutes. If
the oil ignites, cool the flames with a little water splashed from a cup or
streamed from a squirt gun. With a long spatula, turn the fillets once and allow
them to broil for 5 minutes more. Transfer to a warm platter or serving plates.
Vitamin D is often referred to as the “Sunshine Vitamin” due to the fact that it
is manufactured in the skin with UV rays from the sun.Here in the Pacific Northwest we see such a
small amount of sunlight that most people are at least somewhat, if not
extremely, deficient in vitamin D. Most milk is fortified with vitamin D, but
many people do not drink milk, either due to a dairy sensitivity or possibly
because their natural medicine practitioner told them they are too “damp” to
tolerate much dairy. Vitamin D is easy to supplement, and is even manufactured
in a simple one-a-day chewable.
What does a Vitamin D deficiency look like?
The
most obvious sign of deficiency is Rickets, or a bowing of the legs. This level
of deficiency is uncommon, but more common problems linked at least in part to
vitamin D deficiency include:
Spinal
curvature, osteomalacia or osteoporosis
Sciatic Pain
Muscle
Spasms, tingling or weakness
Poor
tooth structure or Periodontal Disease
Nearsightedness or cataracts
Hearing loss
Depression or Seasonal Affective Disorder
Chronic Pain
High
Blood Pressure and Coronary Disease
Schizophrenia
Cancer
Autoimmune diseases such as Multiple Sclerosis
What are the sources of Vitamin D?
15
minutes of sunshine a day without the use of sunscreen
Animal
products such as liver, butter, egg yolks, and fortified milk
Fish
liver oils or oily fish such as salmon, mackerel, sardines, and
herring
Chrysanthemum flowers, or Ju Hua in pin-yin, have a long history of use in
Chinese Herbal Medicine as a beverage. The flowers are collected, dried, covered
with boiling water, and then strained. The liquid is drunk as a light warm tea;
alone or sometimes with sugar added.
The Taoists
favored this tea the one to
promote
longevity,
although to achieve this benefit
the tea must be consumed daily over a long period of time.
There
is a poem written by the eighteenth-century painter Zheng Ban-Qiao which
reads:
Tasting chrysanthemum
tea of old - this flower of longevity!
A man of eighty
years picks and sips, assiduous;
Teaching his
frosty beard to turn raven black.
Chinese
Herbalists consider the Ju Hua flower to be one that disperses wind and heat,
calms the Liver and clears the eyes. It is used for treating the common cold and
for any disorders related to Liver heat or Liver wind, such as blurry vision,
spots before the eyes, dizziness, and headaches.
I find this beverage particularly useful for conditions in which
there is a sudden onset of heat in the body, such as for hot flashes or
excessive sweating. It is calming and cooling in the moment, and over time.
Chrysanthemum tea might be prescribed by your
herbalist, but it is also a safe and tasty non-caffeinated drink for anyone to
consume during the warm summer months.
The flowers can
be bought in bulk and steeped in the traditional way, or a box of powdered
chrysanthemum tea with sugar is sold in individual dosage packages.
Near the
end of pregnancy, when the due date begins to loom, most babies will position
themselves head down and facing the mother’s back. This is the ideal position
for labor and delivery. When a baby is in this position the head descends and
puts pressure on the mother’s cervix which helps initiate labor and leads to
effective, productive contractions during labor. This position is also ideal for
the descent of the baby through the birth canal and out into the world.
While
turning head down is the norm, not all babies move into this position on their
own. Giving birth to a breech baby who is butt down or feet down is possible,
but it carries a higher risk to the baby and mother and most care providers are
not willing to do it.
There are
two choices in Western medicine when it comes to breech babies. One is to
attempt a manual version from the outside. The midwife or OB
will use their hands on the outside of the mother’s abdomen to try and turn the
baby into the ideal position. This is done with the aid of an ultrasound machine
while the heart rate of both baby and mother are monitored closely. It is not
without risk and not all practitioners are willing to perform this technique.
Some women find it to be painful and opt out of trying it. The second choice,
when manual version is not an option, or is undesired, is to schedule a
cesarean section.
Chinese medicine offers another option.
There is a simple technique that can be quite successful
if applied correctly and daily within a specific time
period.
Moxibustion is applied to the
point Zhiyin (BL-67) on both feet for 15 minutes every day.
A
practitioner of Chinese Medicine can perform the technique once, showing the
woman and a partner how it is done, and then the woman can have it done at home
every day for up to 5 days. After 5 days, the pregnant woman should be checked
to see if the baby has in fact turned. If not, another 5 days of moxa can be
applied.
The
ideal week of gestation for applying moxa is week 34, but anywhere
between 30 and 38 can be done. If it is applied too early, the baby may turn
back into the breech position, while attempting too late may not be successful
if the baby doesn’t have enough amniotic fluid or room to make the
move.
There have
been several studies performed testing the efficacy of this technique. The
success rates vary from 60% to 80% success, depending on the study. Most of
these studies also conclude that the 34th week of pregnancy is the
ideal time to perform moxibustion for turning breech babies.
I
have personally seen this technique succeed and feel that it is usually worth
trying when cesarean section is the only other option.
Children bring us such joy. Watching them play, learn, and drink in life with
such zeal is a benefit to our heart qi. It is so painful for us to see them
sick. As a mother, I have found this to be true, and I have seen it in the
parents of my pediatric patients.
Children Can Benefit from Chinese
Medicine
When our children suffer, there is no reason we can't help them with
acupuncture and herbs. Children's bodies change so fast, they respond quickly to
treatment and require very little to step onto the road to recovery. With small
children, needles are inserted and removed quickly. There is no need to retain
needles for the usual 20-30 minutes, since the qi of children is so close to the
surface and very accessible. In addition to this quick needling technique,
medical massage, called Tui Na, and acupressure can be used, particularly when a
child is afraid of the needles. I have found that parents tend to be more
worried than their children about having needles inserted. Children are usually
more curious than anything, but will pick up on the fear of their parents and
then decide they do not want to be needled. When this happens, acupressure and
massage techniques can still be very effective.
Herbal medicine is as safe for our children as it is for us. There are a few
companies making Chinese Herbal formulas in liquid form specifically for
children. These are easy to administer, either directly into the mouth with a
quick squirt, or mixed in with drinks or soft foods such as yogurt or oatmeal.
My own daughter takes hers directly into her mouth without complaint, but as the
daughter of an herbalist, she has had many years to get used to the taste of
chinese medicinals. With older children, the same herbal pills that we take
ourselves can be given in smaller doses.*
Moxibustion is another
technique that is very useful for children. Even newborns can benefit from a
little moxa to warm the belly and aid in digestion.
What Pediatric Disorders Does Chinese Medicine
Treat?
Children suffer from some of the same disorders that adults do. There are
also some things to which children are more prone and below is a list of the
most commonly seen things in the pediatric Chinese Medicine clinic.
Colds, Flus, Allergies
Ear Infections
Skin rashes, viral, eczema, or acne
Constipation, Diarrhea, Vomiting or
Gas
Acid Reflux
Failure to Thrive, Low appetite
Insomnia, or Night Terrors
Irritability or Agitation, Anxiety
ADHD
Asthma
Headaches
Cough
Sinus Infections
Menstrual Irregularities
Depression
*Always seek the advice of a trained herbalist before administering herbs
to children.
People
who suffer from allergies know that hayfever season has arrived. If your nose
has gotten stuffy or runny, and your eyes are feeling itchy and watery, you are
likely having an over-reaction to the pollen that is in the air. Allergies are a
response by the body's immune system to antigens found in the environment. The
body responds too well, causing all that congestion and itching. There are two
main types of allergies, Seasonal and Perennial. Seasonal
allergies, also called hayfever, tend to occur in
Spring and early Summer, and are a reaction mainly to pollen and grasses.
Perennial allergies occur all year and are typically a reaction
to animal dander, house dust or dust mites, fungus, smoke or perfume. Both cause
much suffering.
The Cause of Allergies
In Chinese Medicine, the reason for both types of allergies is a deficiency
of the body's Wei Qi, also called Defensive Qi. This Qi is
like a protective layer at the surface of the body that prevents things from
getting into the body, whether it be bacteria, viruses, or allergens. In order
to treat allergies with Chinese Medicine we must build up the body's own
protective Qi as well as treat the symptoms that allergy sufferers know so well.
When to Treat Allergies
For Seasonal allergies, the best time to treat the
underlying deficiency is at the end of the season of suffering, typically
August, September and October. If you are suffering from a stuffy nose and
watery eyes right now, see your acupuncturist to get temporary relief of those
symptoms, and then even though you may be feeling free of symptoms, continue
with treatment in the fall in order to prevent those allergies from returning
next year. For Perennial allergies, treatment can take place at anytime.
Herbs to Treat Allergies
In addition to acupuncture, there are a number of Chinese Herbal formulas
which allergy sufferers can rely on. Most likely, your practitioner will give
you one formula for the symptoms you are experiencing now, and then change that
formula to treat the root of the problem once those symptoms subside. If you
have been experiencing allergies for many years, it can take more than one
treatment season to be allergy free. Your practitioner may advise you to take
that Wei Qi building formula for a few seasons in a row in order to be rid of
allergies forever.
Sinus Rinsing for Relief from Nasal
Congestion
The Neti Pot or a modern Sinus Rinse can
also be helpful to clear nasal congestion. Used every day these tools open the
nasal passages by clearing out bacteria and allergens, and calming inflamation
of nasal tissues. Using the Neti Pot takes practice but once mastered, allergy
sufferers swear by it. It involves irrigating the nostrils with a salt water
mixture using a small pot with a spout, not unlike a watering can. It has a long
history of use in Asia, although modern plastic squirt bottles may be easier to
use and can be bought for pennies at drug stores.
It is fairly well known that acupuncture can help women who are struggling to achieve pregnancy. Many of the women I have seen for fertility
ask me what they can come in for once they are pregnant. What can acupuncture do
for them? There is a long history of obstetrics in Chinese Medicine.
Commonly treated pregnancy
symptoms:
Morning sickness
Headaches
Threatened miscarriage
Edema, or swelling
Leg Cramps
Insomnia
Fatigue
Colds and Flus
Diarrhea or Constipation
Urinary Tract Infections
Depression and Anxiety
Gestational Diabetes
Hypertension
Malposition of the fetus (breech)
Back Pain and Sciatica
Labor Induction
Why Seek Acupuncture Treatment for Pregnancy
Related Symptoms?
Many of these issues are difficult to address with western medicine, since so
many of the drugs and treatments for them are dangerous to the developing embryo
or fetus. Acupuncture is a safe alternative to cold medicines, migraine
medications, pain medications, and other western treatments.
Postpartum problems can also be addressed
with acupuncture
Excessive bleeding
Urine retention
Depression and Anxiety
Dizziness
Fatigue
Uterine Prolapse
Back Pain, Hip Pain or Rib-side Pain
Headache
Edema, or swelling
Night Sweating
Diarrhea or Constipation
Insufficient Lactation
Mastitis, or breast infection
Achieving pregnancy is no reason to stop visiting your favorite
acupuncturist. Not only can he or she help you manage the often difficult, and
sometimes debilitating symptoms of pregnancy and the postpartum period, it is
always good for a pregnant woman or a new mom to have an hour to herself in a
meditative, nurturing environment.
A woman who is taken care of will better be able to take care of herself and
her children. Every woman, and mothers in particular, deserve some time alone to
come back to center and heal.
I've seen a lot of women lately who have gone post-term in their pregnancies
and are looking to acupuncture for induction. I have to admit, it is one of my
secret joys to treat. Although acupuncture is not a sure-thing for bringing on
labor, it works most of the time and can help prevent western medical
intervention, which many women do not want. The use of Pitocin has been
clinically proven to increase the risk for other medical intervention in labor,
including cesarean sections, and many women today would like to avoid those
interventions. Trying acupuncture before Pitocin is always worth a try.
During pregnancy, the woman's body is primarly in a state of Yin. She is
holding and containing the fetus which is a Yin function. In order for a woman
to have contractions and give birth, it is necessary for her Yang to rise up to
take action. Yin must transform into Yang.
Unless a pregnant woman is truly on the verge of going into labor, more than
one session will typically be necessary. I find that three is the most common
"magic" number of treatments. Ideally, these treatments will be spaced only days
apart, three days in a row if possible. There is a specific handful of points
which are used to induce contractions, but additional points to help balance an
individual woman's consititution may be chosen.
Aggressive stimulation of several points, including Hegu (LI-4) and Neiguan
(P-6) and Taichong (Liv-3) will be necessary. Many practitioners, including
myself, rely on the use of the electrical stimulation machine attached to the
needles on these points. This allows the practitioner to provide continual
stimulation to these points, while having his or her hands free to manually
stimulate some of the other points, such as Yanglingquan (GB-34), Zusanli
(St-36), Zhiyin (BL-67) also used to turn a baby in the breech position earlier
in the pregnancy, Jianjing (GB-21), and any of the Bladder points situated on
the sacral area, particularly BLs-30-34.
I have seen women start having regular contractions during the acupuncture
session, and I have had women receive all three treatments with no success. Of
course, no acupuncture treatment is a guarantee of success, but considering the
minimal risks involved, I feel that it is always a worthwhile course to try.
The year of the Rat begins on the first new moon after the winter solstice, on
February 6th.The rat is the first of
the twelve animals in the Chinese zodiac and is associated with new
beginnings.
Plans and projects started in the year of the rat have a
strong potential for long term success as long as they are practical and well
thought out.Those who are motivated and
energetic will do well.Small ideas can
grow steadily over the long-term; it will be a good year for new beginnings,
reinventions and starting over.If
there is something you have always wanted to do, this is the year to begin!
Rats like
to keep moving, take risks and favor mental activity. Because this will be an
Earth Rat year, the earth element will lend a bit more calm and stability after
the last two fire years.Rats are known
to be clever, curious, witty, smart, frugal, shrewd, and industrious, with a
certain charm and a great sense of humor.They are fond of having many children and enjoy the gathering of large
families, which makes the year a good one for marriage, starting a family or
having another child, even adopting a new pet.
Rats are
not looked upon favorably in the western world but in the Chinese zodiac they
are revered as the adaptable, opportunistic scavengers who have a talent for
accumulating wealth.On the down side
they are known to be gossipers, so tarnished images are something to watch out
for this year.
The year of
the rat is an auspicious year that can bring abundance, good fortune, and fun
times socially.This year will be
especially good for those born in the year of the Rat, Dragon and Monkey.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), arthritis is
called “Bi Syndrome” which is translated as “painful obstructive syndrome”. The
theory of Bi Syndrome is that it initially occurs at a time when our defenses
are low and we are exposed to “the three evil pathogenic factors” of wind,
dampness, and cold. These factors are said to enter our bodies and obstruct the
normal flow of Qi and blood, thus causing inflammation and pain.
Wind Bi is characterized by symptoms
that move from one area of the body to another, affecting multiple joints.
Sudden changes in weather and exposure to wind are likely to exacerbate the
condition.
Damp Bi symptoms include a feeling of
heaviness, numbness, and swelling. Damp Bi will worsen with exposure to damp
weather or living in a damp environment.
Cold Bi manifests in a fixed,
contracting type of pain and is also aggravated by exposure to cold. In the
Northwest we are commonly exposed to wind, cold, and dampness, although our body
type, dietary habits, and lifestyle can also be contributing factors in
arthritis.
The treatment principle for arthritis with Chinese
medicine is to invigorate the flow of Qi and blood, strengthen the body’s
defenses, and to expel the wind, cold, and damp factors. How is this
done? First, start with prevention. It is especially important when the season
changes from summer to fall and from winter to spring to dress warmly, get
plenty of rest and exercise, and keep a regular, balanced diet. For arthritis
with fixed pain that is worse with exposure to cold, tea made
of fresh or dried ginger, cinnamon bark and twig tea, and cayenne will help to
warm the meridians and expel cold. For arthritis that is worse with exposure to
damp weather, a diet low in fatty, greasy foods, sugar, dairy,
and cold or frozen foods (including ice) will help. Include barley, soy, rice,
and eat all meals warm or cooked.
Acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine have also been
proven effective in increasing circulation, strengthening the immune system, and
reducing inflammation and pain associated with arthritis.
