Stay warm this holiday season!

The holidays are here and winter has officially begun! The temps this past week have been averaging in the teens so I thought it would be appropriate to share a list of common ingredients that you can incorporate in to your diet this winter to help increase circulation, boost your yang energy and warm you from head to toe.


Winter Warming Boosters

• Ginger root
• Garlic
• Cinnamon
• Cloves
• Nutmeg
• Cardamom
• Walnuts
• Chocolate
• Red Meat (especially Lamb)
  
• Wine
• Whiskey
• Chilies

You can incorporate some of these ingredients in to your current diet. For example, before brewing a pot of coffee I like to add a little dash of cinnamon in with the coffee grounds. When making lasagna I like to add a pinch of nutmeg to the ricotta or to the sauce. You can add walnuts or chilies to your favorite stir-fry. Get creative!

After shoveling snow or a day on the slopes you can warm-up quickly with a cup of ginger tea:


Ginger Tea

1/4" - 1/2" slice of fresh ginger root
Boiling water
Honey (optional)

Pour boiling water over the sliced ginger in to your favorite mug. Let steep for a few minutes and add the honey to sweeten.


Many common holiday foods are nutritious and delicious. Here's a great article with a few examples (courtesy of CNN.com) Holidays foods with a nutritional punch



I wish you all a very happy, healthy and safe holiday season. See you next year!

Swine flu treatment with acupuncture therapy and Chinese herbal medicine

The cold and flu season is upon us and the topic of flu vaccinations have been making headlines, particularly for the 2009 H1N1 influenza virus, commonly known as "swine flu." The swine flu virus has proven to be very contagious and has affected people all over the globe. Manufacturers have been pushing out swine flu vaccines as fast as they can, but the demand is still greater than the current supply. Because of this shortage the CDC is recommending that pregnant women, people who live with or care for children younger than 6 months of age, health care and emergency medical services personnel with direct patient contact, children 6 months through 4 years of age, and children, especially those younger than 5 years of age and those who have high risk medical conditions are at increased risk of influenza-related complications should receive the vaccine before other population groups.* Vaccine shortages have left many people frustrated and worreid that they won't be able to do what they need to do in order to protect themselves from illness. Fortunately, acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine are natural, safe and viable options to help with the prevention and treatment of flu viruses, including the swine flu.

Prevention
Conventional medicine uses immunization as a preventative measure. A vaccine is basically a weakened or dead strain of a particular virus. When injected the presence of the virus stimulates the body's immune system to begin producing antibodies for that virus and they become resistant to any future infection of that particular virus. This is actually a very homeopathic approach and is one example of how the roots of modern medicine and ancient Easter and homeopathic medicine are intertwined. Immunization has proven to be quite effective and has helped in nearly eradicating several serious diseases such pertussis, polio, measles, mumps and rubella just to name a few. Generally people receive these vaccinese during childhood and are protected for the rest of their lives. However, influenza virus strains mutate so rapidly and so often that conventional medicine recommends annual vaccinations in order to keep up with the ever changing strains. Manufacturers are often unable to produce and distribute vaccines fast enough for the most current strain. So even if you do receive a flud shot, it is not guaranteed that you are going to be protected from the most current flu virus.

Chinese medicine, particularly herbal medicine, has played an integral part in the the prevention of colds and flus for thousands of years across Asia. The focus of Chinese medicine is not to "cure" diseases, but more to encourage the body's natural immune system and healing mechanisms so that the body can heal itself. Because of this, acupuncture and herbal medicine not only play a role in treatment, but also in the prevention of disease. Our bodies are designed to fight off illnesses and do just that every day whether we realize it or not. Every once in a while our natural defenses are weakened and we become susceptible to the surrounding pathogenic factors. Chinese medicine can help strengthen and maintain your natural defenses so that you are protected at all time. Unlike a strain-specific vaccination, Chinese medicine works to strengthen your immune system as a whole and therefore you would be protected from all strains of illness.

Treatment
If you do happen to get sick, Chinese medicine also has a solution for the treatment of various stages and symptoms of illness. Research has shown that several classical Chinese herbs, such as Lonicera and Isatis, have anti-viral and anti-inflammatory properties and have shown to be effective in decreasing fever, cough, and inflammation in the lungs. Hospitals in China have been successfully treating infectious diseases for decades using a truly integrative approach towards healthcare by combining both modern and ancient medicine. Here is one article of a hospital in Beijing that is designated specifically to the treatment of swine flu. ARTICLE

I have a few go-to herbal products available in my clinic that I recommend to all of my patients to keep in their medicine cabinets for not only immune support, but also if they happen to get sick. Here are some other ways to help keep your immune system strong this winter:

Wash your hands
Hand washing is the single most effective way to prevent the spread of disease.

Eat a well-balanced, healthy diet
Chinese medicine believes that health begins in the gut. A healthy gut/digestive system means a healthy immune system and a healthy body and mind. A good rule of thumb for a well-balanced diet is to be sure that each meal includes as many colors of the rainbow as possible (natural colors of course... blue Gatorade doesn't count!)

Exercise
Blood flow encourages healing and it is important to keep your muscles and respiratory system active and strong. Go for a walk once a day, or at least every other day. It doesn't have to be strenuous.

Get plenty of rest
Sleep is the only opportunity for our bodies to recharge. If your body is tired, then it won't have enough energy to fend off pathogens.

Stay home
If you are sick, please stay home. Going to work or school while you are contagious not only spreads illnesses, but also makes it harder for your body to heal. It's likely you will be sick for longer than if you were to just stay home and rest for a day.


Recipe: A home remedy for cough and congestion


Thinly slice some daikon radish (a white, oblong-shaped Asian radish; you can use regular fresh radish if you can't find daikon) and place in a small bowl or dish. Cover with about 2 Tbs. of natural honey and let sit for 20-30 minutes. The juice from the radish will begin to leach out and mix with the honey. Drink the radish jus and honey together.

*CDC.gov. November 13, 2009. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. November 27, 2009.

Insomnia

Treating Insomnia with Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine

Insomnia is one of the most common mediccal complaints that health care practioners see in their offices. It has most-likely affected every one of us in one way or another. For many of us it is situational, such as a sudden increase in stress, jetlag, that extra cup of coffee in the afternoon, etc. When we get ourselves back in to our regular routines then our sleep patterns go back to normal. However, many people suffer from severe and chronic insomnia where they only get a few hours of sleep per night (or sometimes none at all) leaving them cranky, unproductive and exhausted. Sleep medications can be effective, but can make you feel groggy and "out of it". They also can have dangerous side effects including allergic reaction, sleepwalking, and negative interactions with other medications. There is also the risk of accidental overdose.

I cannot stress enough the importance of sleep. We spend the entire day using up our available energy and sleep is the only time that the body has the opportunity to recharge itself in preparation for the next day. It is similar to recharging your cell phone: Your phone is on all day using up the battery life. If you forget to charge it at the end of the day, it won't have enough battery life to make it through the next day. The more you use it, the more important recharging it becomes. As humans we also have to recharge our "battery" at the end of each day. Unlike cell phones though, the human body is able to pull from and energy reserve when it needs to. It enables our minds and bodies to continue to function in case we are unable to get a significant amount of rest.

According to Chinese medical theory, the Kidneys are the source of this energy reserve. The Kidney energy, or Qi, is considered to be the pilot light of the body. It constantly puts out a low amount of energy in order to encourage the rest of the body's systems to function properly. When the body requires more energy to function, the Kidney Qi is able to provide that extra boost. However, without proper rest the body depends on this extra boost more and more and eventually the fuel for the pilot light will burn out faster than it can be replenished. Once the body has reached this stage, the body's various systems begin to suffer including immune function, digestion, concentration, etc.

The symptoms of insomnia include: difficultly or inability to fall asleep, stay asleep and/or waking inappropriately early. Women tend to suffer from insomnia more than men, and the likelihood of developing insomnia increases with age. Often when people are under an abnormally high amount of stress they complain that they "can't shut off their mind" and will lie awake or have a restless night's sleep. Certain mental health disorders (such as anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder and/or post traumatic stress disorder) and the medications to treat them can also disrupt sleep patterns. The reason for insomnia can vary from person to person. Chinese medicine recognizes that regardless of the root cause, in the case of insomnia an integral part of the treatment strategy is to "Calm the Shen". "Shen" translates to "spirit" and it presides over activities that take place in the mental, spiritual and creative planes. Chinese medicine believes that there is no separation between the mind and body or the mental and physical. A healthy, clear and calm Shen is considered essential for health maintenance. When it is not calm or rooted, symptoms such as insomnia, anxiety, restlessness, mania and mental instability can manifest. Chinese medicine can help to calm the Shen and therefore rebalance any mental/emotion disruptions and the physical symptoms that may accompany them.

If you suffer from insomnia, acupuncture and herbal medicin are safe, natural, chemical-free and drug-free therapies that can help you get the rest you need.

Treating acid reflux with acupuncture & herbal medicine

Acid reflux, also known as GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease), affects millions of Americans. Some experience it as a short-term incidence usually due to something they ate. For many it is a long-term condition that may or may not be affected by diet. Either way, it can be very uncomfortable and, in the long term, can affect your overall health.

The causes of acid reflux

Acid reflux is when the natural acid and pepsin from the stomach regurgitates up in to the esophagus. The acidic nature of the stomach fluid damages the lining and stimulates the nerve endings of the esophagus which leads to symptoms we know as heartburn. Heartburn symptoms are often described as sensations of heat or burning in the abdomen, chest and/or throat. Sometimes it can manifest as pain or pressure in the chest which can sometimes extend to the back. The pain and pressure can be so intense that many people have mistaken it for angina and they rush to the hospital in fear that they are having a heart attack. If the stomach acid travels high up in to the esophagus a person may complain of an acidic or bitter taste in the mouth. Generally, reflux and heartburn are worse at night, specifically when a person is lying down. When a person is upright, gravity and swallowing helps the acid return to the stomach. When lying down, the acid tends to pool in the esophagus causing damage to the muscular structure.

Acid reflux is often related to diet. Spicy and acidic foods tend to be the biggest aggravators, but aren't necessarily the culprits. Reflux can be caused by physiological problems such as abnormalities in the lower esophageal sphincter (the ring of muscle where the esophagus meets the stomach), a hiatal hernia, or abnormally slow emptying of the stomach. Many pregnant women suffer from acid reflux as well. As the baby grows, pressure in the abdomen increases and the stomach acid is easily pushed toward the esophagus.

Acid reflux over time can cause many complications including bleeding ulcers, strictures/scar tissue that causes narrowing of the esophagus, cough and asthma, and inflammation and infection in the throat, larynx, and lungs. More seriously, a person suffering from chronic acid reflux could develop a condition called Barrett's Esophagus, a type of esophageal cancer. The constant irritation from the stomach acid causes changes in the cells of the esophageal wall. These damaged cells can eventually become cancerous.

Common medications given to treat acid reflux are antacids (such as Tums), histamine antagonists (such as Zantac/Pepcid), and proton pump inhibitors (such as Prilosec). These are designed to neutralize or reduce the production of stomach acid. These medications generally have good results and provide relief, but can cause side effects such as constipation, diarrhea or something called "acid rebound". This is a phenomenon where reflux symptoms resurface after discontinuation of acid reflux medication. When on medication, the body's natural function of producing stomach acid is reduced or inhibited. During this time the acid producing cells are continuously multiplying in order to counteract the effects of the drug. Once a person goes off the drug, these cells produce more acid than before and the reflux symptoms return at full force. Here is an article about how heartburn drugs can cause more heartburn.

Addressing acid reflux with acupuncture and herbal medicine

While acid reflux medication can provide relief, it does not get to the heart of the issue. Acupuncture and herbal medicine work to rebalance the digestive system and resolve the root of the problem. According to Chinese medical theory, acid reflux is due to "rebellious stomach qi". This is a metaphorical term describing a disruption in the flow of energy within the stomach and digestive system. The natural direction of the stomach's qi is downward. When there is an imbalance within an organ system the natural energy flow can be thrown off and it begins to travel in the opposite direction. In the case of acid reflux, the downward nature of the stomach's energy reverses, or rebels, and begins to travel upward. Other symptoms of rebellious stomach qi are nausea, vomiting, hiccups, and belching.

If you are suffering from acid reflux or acid rebound, acupuncture and herbal medicine is a safe and natural alternative that can help to reduce your symptoms and resolve the condition completely.

Treating headaches and migraines with acupuncture and herbal medicine

Just about everyone has experienced a headache at one time. For most of us, headaches are infrequent and generally mild to moderate in intensity. For relief we will drink some water, take a nap, or take some NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) such as Advil, Tylenol or Aspirin. However, many people will experience headaches on a more frequent basis, sometimes with unbearable intensity, and will take handfuls of medication to make it go away.

What causes headaches and migraines?

Headaches and migraines are often associated with other symptoms or functions. I often see women who can directly correlate their headaches with their menstrual cycle. Many people can link their headaches to some kind of past physical trauma, such as falling, being hit on the head or a car accident that has caused misalignment or muscle tightness in their neck or back. Several people experience an increase in their headaches when under increased periods of anger or stress. For many, the cause of their headaches are a mystery. Regardless of the situation, acupuncture and herbal medicine can provide an effective and natural solution that doesn’t require overloading on medication.

Acupuncture and herbal medicine treatments for headaches and migraines

In Chinese medicine, the treatment strategy is the same for both headaches and migraines. There are several diagnostic patterns that contribute to headaches, but two of the most common are “Qi and Blood Stagnation” and “Liver Yang Rising”. As explained in past newsletters, improper flow of qi and blood can lead to stagnation and it is the stagnation that causes the pain. The treatment strategy would be to “move the qi and blood”. This is a metaphorical term that refers to unblocking the stagnation so that the qi and blood can flow freely and the pain is alleviated.

The pattern of “Liver Yang Rising” is a little more complicated as it is usually a result of 2 concurrent disharmonies. Chinese medicine, and historical Chinese culture, believes that there are two forces that are constantly opposing and attracting each other. Those forces are known as Yin and Yang. In the pattern of “Liver Yang Rising” there is an imbalance of Yin and Yang, specifically a deficiency of Yin. When there is an overabundance of Yang vs. Yin, then it is said that the Yin is too weak to anchor the Yang and the Yang energy begins to rise upwards towards the head. The symptoms of Yang rising manifest as headaches, tinnitus (ear ringing), dizziness, high blood pressure, and hot flashes or feelings of heat in the head or upper body. Sometimes these symptoms can be accompanied by anger or extreme irritability.

Why you should opt for alternative medicine over medications

Medications prescribed for migraine relief are often expensive and can have mixed results. All medications, whether prescribed or over-the-counter, have risks of damaging the liver especially when taken on a frequent basis and/or in high doses. They may provide temporary relief, but they only work to mask the immediate symptoms rather than fixing the root of the problem. Acupuncture and herbal medicine are natural, drug-free therapies that work to find the underlying cause of the problem and can help reduce the number of overall headaches or to resolve them completely.

If you have a problem with headaches and are interested in acupuncture and Chinese herbal therapy treatment options in the Boston area, please contact me.

Acupuncture treatments for infertility

Acupuncture and herbal medicine have shown to be very effective in the treatment of women’s health issues. Of all the areas of Western medicine, specialists in obstetrics and gynecology tend to be the most receptive to alternative health care treatments. From infertility to morning sickness, more and more women are turning to acupuncture and herbal medicine for help with great success.

Infertility is more common than you may think

Millions of women have experienced difficulty getting pregnant. According to the National Center for Health Statistics of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 12 percent of women (7.3 million) in the United States aged 15-44 had difficulty getting pregnant or carrying a baby to term in 2002*. Many of the current Western treatments involve invasive procedures, numerous medications and hormone injections. The treatments are often very expensive, time consuming and both physically and emotionally draining.

There are a number of health issues that can increase the risk of fertility problems in women, such as endometriosis, Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS), amenorrhea (lack of a menstrual period), irregular periods and painful periods (dysmenorrhea). It is often difficult for conventional medicine to pinpoint the reason why women suffer from these problems. As a treatment, oral contraceptives are often prescribed in order to force the body in to having a regular menstrual cycle or to manipulate the body in to only having a few menstrual cycles per year. However, this is often just a temporary solution because many women who discontinue the use of oral contraceptives go back to experiencing their original symptoms.

Chinese medicine can help with infertility

According to Chinese medical theory, infertility is most commonly attributed to imbalances in the body’s regulation of blood and Qi. Qi can be thought of as an intangible energy or a driving force within us that enables our bodies to function as they do. In most cases of infertility, there is a deficiency of both Qi and blood. Deficiencies occur naturally as we age, but also can be caused by external factors such as lack of sleep, stress, over-working, over-exercising, and poor diet (pretty much all the bad things we subject ourselves to!). Acupuncture and herbal medicine work to tonify the deficiencies to bring the body back to a state of balance. Once balanced, the body’s natural processes can function normally.

If a woman is already undergoing fertility treatments, acupuncture and herbal medicine are a great way to supplement the process. By creating a healthy, well-balanced environment, the success rate of implantation and full-term pregnancy increases. Acupuncture and herbal medicine can also address the side-effects associated with fertility treatments.

If you would like to know more about how Chinese medicine can help you, please feel free to contact me.


* Womenshealth.gov. May 1, 2006. U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. May 13, 2009. Click here to read.

Acupuncture therapy and treatments for stress and anxiety

Lately, many people have been asking me “can acupuncture help with stress and anxiety?”. During these uncertain economic times many of us are consumed by worry. But by the laws of nature and the ever-present yin/yang balance what goes up must come down. Things will eventually get better and the best we can do is have patience, prioritize, and stay positive.

Chinese medicine: Connection between the body and mind

Chinese medicine is unlike other medicines in that it recognizes a connection between the body and the mind. Excessive emotions can become a deep rooted issue over time and can create imbalances within our bodies and systems. According to Chinese medical theory, when we undergo stress our energy flow is compromised and stagnations are created. Each person responds to stagnation differently. For some, the response is more of an emotional change such as crankiness, anger, or mood swings.

The physical symptoms of stress and anxiety

Emotions, particularly stress, can also trigger physical symptoms. For example, many migraine sufferers recognize a direct connection between stress and an onset or severity of their migraine symptoms. For many women, there is a delay in menstruation or increased menstrual cramps during months when they are under significant amounts of stress. It is not uncommon for people to have digestion issues such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or constipation during times of stress. Both Eastern and Western medicine agree that stressful lifestyles can make us more susceptible to heart problems and can aggravate existing heart conditions. As time goes on, stress compounds and symptoms gradually get worse if the stress is not addressed.

How Chinese medicine addresses stress and anxiety

Acupuncture treatments and herbal medicine help to remove the stagnation and calm the mind which will help to bring the body to a state of balance. Once the body is balanced, the physical and emotional symptoms disappear.

We only get one shot at life so it’s important that we invest in taking care of our bodies while we’re here. Regardless of what you choose to help you regain some balance in your life, whether it’s acupuncture, yoga, jogging, or a new hobby, the most important thing is to not let your stress get the best of you!

How acupuncture therapy, combined with Chinese herbal medicine, can help with cold and flu season

“I think I’m coming down with something.”

“Ugh… I have that bug that’s going around.”

“Everyone in my office is sick and I know I’m next!”

“It’s been 2 weeks and I can’t kick this cold!”


Do these phrases sound familiar to you? We’re about to enter the winter season here in New England which means either you or someone you know has uttered at least one of these. But how to deal with the problem?

Using acupuncture therapy to treat illnesses

Acupuncture therapy, often in combination with Chinese herbal medicine, has been used for thousands of years for the treatment of sicknesses. Many of the over-the-counter products available today are designed to mask your symptoms well enough so that you can make it in to work or go about your day. However, none of these products are actually designed to cure a cold or really get to the root of the sickness. So while you may feel good while the medicine is working, you’re still really sick (and contagious). And as you keep pushing your body through the sickness, the longer it will take for you to get better.

Chinese medicine has a different approach to treatment. Rather than masking the symptoms, it addresses the root of the problem. I like to use the analogy of a pot of boiling water. To get it to stop boiling, you can add some cold water to it. That works for a short while, but it will eventually start to boil again and you will have to add more water. The better solution to get the water to stop boiling is to put out the fire underneath the pot and cut off the heat source. This is the idea behind East Asian medical theory. Address the root and create balance.

How does Chinese medicine apply to colds and flus?

According to East Asian medical theory we are constantly surrounded by pathogens in the air. A healthy immune system keeps those pathogens from entering in to our bodies. Every once in a while our immune systems become weak enough that the surrounding pathogens are able to attack and enter in to our bodies resulting in chills, fever, body aches, sore throat… the first signs of a cold. Acupuncture and herbal medicine work to kick these pathogens out of our bodies by “releasing the exterior.” It’s a metaphorical term that refers to opening our pores and pushing the acute pathogen out through our skin. The pathogens are released and the body’s natural immune system takes over to finish up the healing process.

Acupuncture and herbal medicine can also be used to help build immunity and prevent sickness. If you are someone who gets sick often or easily, who works in an environment where you are exposed to a lot of germs (daycares, schools, poorly ventilated offices), or are someone just can’t afford to get sick then acupuncture and/or herbal medicine would be perfect for you to keep you healthy!

Rebecca’s Tips to Avoiding Sickness

- Get plenty of rest. A tired body and mind makes for a tired and weak immune system.
- Cover up! Exposure to the wind and cold forces your body to use more energy towards staying warm and less towards keeping you healthy and balanced.
- Wash your hands: The single most effective way of preventing the spread of disease is hand washing.
- Take the day off: Forcing yourself to go out while you're sick not only delays the healing process, but also exposes the people around you to your sickness. If you can, do yourself and your colleagues a favor and stay home to recover.

Welcome to Boston Alternative Health!

We at Boston Alternative Health are on a mission to improve the health of Bostonians and other Massachusetts residents through acupuncture therapy and Chinese Herbal Therapy. The use of acupuncture therapy and Chinese Herbal Medicine has proven to help a number of common ailments.

For more information on what acupuncture therapy can do for you, be sure to check out the treatment section of our homepage.

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If you have any questions about finding acupuncture therapy in Boston, or Chinese Herbal Medicine in Boston, please email me at rebecca (at) bostonalternativehealth (dot) com.