Winter is a time of quietude and introspection, where nature retreats to rest and recharge for the coming spring. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the winter season is associated with the Water element and the Kidney and Bladder organs. During this time, it is crucial to nourish our bodies, support our immune system, and maintain our warmth. Here are some TCM-inspired foods and tips to help you stay balanced and healthy this winter.
1. Warm and Nutrient-Dense Foods
In TCM, it is recommended to consume warm, cooked foods during winter to support the body's Yang energy, which is responsible for warmth and metabolic activities. Nutrient-dense, hearty foods like soups, stews, and roasts are perfect. Root vegetables, whole grains, and proteins should be the mainstay of your diet.
2. Kidney-Nourishing Foods
TCM associates the Kidney with winter. The Kidney, in TCM, is the source of all Yin and Yang energies in the body. Nourishing the Kidney can help maintain balance and vitality. Foods that support Kidney health include black beans, kidney beans, bone broths, seaweed, and dark leafy greens. Salty foods are also linked to the Kidney, but moderation is key.
3. Hydrate Wisely
While it's important to stay hydrated, too much cold water can dampen the digestive fire. Instead, opt for warm beverages like herbal teas. Ginger tea, for instance, can help warm the body and aid digestion.
4. Rest and Reflect
Winter is a time for introspection and conservation of energy. Prioritize rest and make sure you're getting plenty of sleep. Activities such as meditation, yoga, tai chi, and qi gong can support inner peace and tranquility.
5. Keep Warm
TCM emphasizes the importance of keeping the body, particularly the lower back and feet, warm in winter to protect the Kidney's Yang energy. Dress warmly and consider using heat packs or warming herbs such as cinnamon and cloves.
6. Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine
TCM treatments like acupuncture and herbal medicine can help balance the body's Qi, or life force, during the winter months. If you're feeling out-of-sorts, consider booking a session at Āurum Acupuncture.
Winter, in TCM, is a time for restoration and preparation for the burst of life that comes with spring. By aligning your lifestyle and diet with the season, you can better support your body's natural rhythms and promote overall health and well-being.
Remember, everyone's body is different, and what works for one person might not work for another. Always consult with a healthcare professional or a trained TCM practitioner before making any significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.
Stay warm, eat well, and enjoy the tranquility that winter brings!
Unraveling the Needle: Dry Needling vs. Acupuncture
A question that continuously comes up in my practice - especially as needle-based therapies have gained immense popularity in recent years for their potential to alleviate pain, improve wellness, and enhance overall health - what is the difference between acupuncture and dry-needling? Two prominent practices that involve the insertion of thin needles into the body are acupuncture and dry-needling and it makes sense that people want to understand how to differentiate between the two. While these therapies may appear similar at first glance, they differ significantly in their origins, principles, techniques, and applications.
First, it is important to understand what dry-needling actually is. The term “dry-needling” was first used by Janet Travell, MD to differentiate between “wet needling” or hypodermic injections and “dry needling” which is either insertion of a needle into muscle without injection or with the use of a filiform - or solid - needle. So by this definition, acupuncture is dry-needling. However, while the distinction between acupuncture and dry-needling can be complex, there are significant differences in the two practices. To better understand these differences, let's delve deeper into the key distinctions.
Acupuncture is an ancient practice originating in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), dating back over 2,500 years. Acupuncture has a rich history deeply intertwined with Chinese philosophy and culture. It was initially used to balance the body's vital energy, known as Qi, and has evolved over centuries to treat a wide range of health issues. Whereas, dry-needling is a relatively modern therapy that has its roots in Western medicine. It emerged in the late 1970s with Czech physician, Karel Lewit, when he published his landmark paper ‘‘The Needle Effect in the Relief of Myofascial Pain'’ where he concluded that the insertion of needles into muscles to elicit a trigger effect had a remarkable ability to treat pain in musculoskeletal conditions.
Acupuncture is rooted in the principles of TCM, focusing on the flow of Qi (or energy) through meridians or channels in the body. Acupuncture aims to balance Qi by inserting needles at specific acupoints along meridians, promoting the body's natural healing processes. Dry-needling is grounded in neuroanatomy and the understanding of trigger points, which are tight bands of muscle tissue that can cause pain and dysfunction. The primary goal of dry-needling is to release muscle knots and reduce pain by targeting specific trigger points.
Acupuncture uses thin, sterile needles, often made of stainless steel.Needles are placed at various acupoints, which may or may not coincide with trigger points, and are typically left in place for a longer duration to balance energy flow. In dry needling, solid, filament needles are used, typically without the addition of substances (hence "dry"). The needles are inserted directly into trigger points or tight muscle bands to elicit a twitch response, which helps release tension and relieve pain.
Acupuncture is employed for a broader range of health issues, including pain, digestive disorders, stress, anxiety, and more. Acupuncture seeks to restore balance in the body's energy flow, addressing both physical and emotional well-being. Dry-needling is commonly employed to treat musculoskeletal conditions such as muscle pain, tension, and myofascial pain syndrome. The primary objective is to reduce pain, improve muscle function, and enhance mobility.
The biggest difference, however, may be in the training. Acupuncturists undergo extensive training in TCM theories, meridian systems, and needle techniques, typically completing formal programs and obtaining licensure. Acupuncture is regulated in many countries, ensuring practitioners meet specific educational and ethical standards. Whereas, practitioners of dry needling, who often include physical therapists, chiropractors, and some medical doctors, have varying degrees of education in needling technique. Regulations regarding dry needling vary by region, and it may not be regulated in some places.
In summary, while acupuncture is highly regulated and dry-needling is mostly regulated, they are distinct practices with different practitioners, training requirements, and scopes of practice. Acupuncture is practiced by licensed acupuncturists, with a broader range of applications based on Traditional Chinese Medicine principles - which means they are able to treat musculoskeletal pain in addition to things such as women’s health, digestive health, autoimmune issues, etc. Dry-needling is primarily performed by physical therapists and focuses on musculoskeletal issues. Patients in Tennessee - or any other state in the US - seeking these therapies should ensure they receive treatment from qualified and licensed practitioners in their respective fields.
Acupuncture for Allergies...it's AMAZING!!
Asthma and allergic diseases, such as allergic rhinitis (hay fever), food allergy, and eczema, are common for all age groups in the United States. Folks in Memphis, TN are particularly susceptible due to all the tree pollen, ragweed and grass. Allergies are the 6th leading cause of chronic illness in the U.S. with an annual cost in excess of $18 billion. More than 50 million Americans suffer from allergies each year. Surprisingly, it is among the country’s most common, but overlooked, diseases.
An allergy attack occurs when your immune system reacts to a foreign substance, called an allergen, which could be something you eat, inhale into your lungs, or touch. An allergen is any chemical substance of non-microbial origin that triggers an immune response in your body. An immune response is when your immune system, thinking the allergen is a foreign invader, overreacts by producing antibodies called Immunoglobulin E (IgE). The IgE molecules attach to mast cells, which are white blood cells that are part of the immune response and are plentiful in the lungs, skin, and linings of the nose and gastrointestinal tract. The next time a person is exposed to that allergen, these IgE-primed mast cells release powerful chemicals, which in turn cause the allergic reaction, commonly seen as itchy and watery eyes, runny nose, and sneezing. Unfortunately, there is no cure for allergies, however, they can be managed through proper treatment and prevention.
Some steps you can take today to help alleviate symptoms and prevent allergies from getting in the way of living your life include:
Acupuncture is incredibly effective at helping mediate the symptoms associated with seasonal allergies. In fact, in 2015 The American Academy of Otolaryngology’s Clinical Practice Guideline recommended acupuncture for patients with allergic rhinitis (hay fever) who were interested in nonpharmacological solutions. Acupuncture is recognized as an effective alternative to medical therapies, and is associated with a reduction of symptoms and improved quality of life for patients.
Chinese herbal medicine, which is the pharmaceutical arm of acupuncture, is well known to help boost immunity naturally in order to prevent an allergic outbreak from occurring in the first place. Specifically, magnolia flower powder ( “Xin Yi San”) has been found to reduce nasal symptoms in patients with perennial allergic rhinitis (hay fever) due to its diverse immunomodulatory effects. This is far from the only Chinese medicine formula effective at treating allergies, so please be sure to speak with your Chinese Medicine practitioner about what formula would be right for you.
Supplements such as Quercetin, which is a naturally occurring antioxidant, have been found to have an antihistamine effect, reducing allergic outbreak. Bromelain, which will oftentimes come with Quercetin, and is found in pineapples, is another well known anti-inflammatory said to be effective at treating respiratory distress.
When all else fails, don’t forget these two important tips:
Wipe yourself down with a small towel when walking into the house. The reason being, that when we enter our homes, we’re bringing in small bits from the outside as well, which will exacerbate any allergic reaction.
Neti pots are thought to be useful for allergy season for the same reasons - because you are clearing out any potential allergens, bacteria, or mucus that could lead to an allergic response.
Please note that anaphylaxis is the most severe allergic reaction. Symptoms include flushing, tingling of the palms of the hands, soles of the feet or lips; light-headedness, and chest-tightness. If not treated, these can progress into seizures, cardiac arrhythmia, shock, and respiratory distress or even death. If you think you are experiencing any of these signs, call 911 immediately.