Seasonal Allergies

by mark on May 1, 2014

I am frequently asked about seasonal allergies this time of year. Traditional allopathic medications tend to make people feel exhausted, sluggish, and dry. There are many alternatives to taking these kinds of medications that will still be powerful allies in controlling your allergic symptoms.

For seasonal allergies neti pots can be used to bathe the nasal passages, thereby washing away some of the irritants to which you are exposed.The first of these is a neti pot. Neti pots can be used to bathe the nasal passages, thereby washing away some of the irritants to which you are exposed. A neti pot is a small teapot-like device that is used to pour a saline solution (water and pure salts combined in a ratio similar to the body’s ratio) in one nostril and allow it to drain out of the other. This takes a little practice but the benefits are tremendous. The best way to use these is on a daily basis as preventive medicine during the time of year when you know your allergies tend to flareup.

In addition to using water to wash out your nasal passages, it is important to drink more water to flush out your system from inside. I recommend drinking a big glass of water first thing in the morning right when you get up. This flushes out toxins from your system that have accumulated overnight while you sleep.

Many people are not aware that acupuncture and herbal medicine is also very powerful for allergies of all types. After treating several patients for their seasonal or food allergies, those allergies have resolved completely in some cases and been significantly reduced in others. Acupuncture influences the immune system to teach it to behave in a more “appropriate way” when exposed to dust, pollens, other airborne allergens, and various foods.

TurmericLastly, there are several spices with medicinal properties that you can add to your meals when preparing them. First is turmeric. Turmeric can be purchased in it’s whole form, similar to ginger, or ground in the spice aisle. Turmeric is also an anti-inflammatory herb that can be used in cooking when your allergies are flaring up. Additionally, thyme and oregano, either fresh or dried, are excellent decongestants when your nose is stuffy.

To learn more about other natural allergy remedies, I would recommend this outstanding article from WebMD: Natural Allergy Remedies

Build Your Immune System with Acupuncture

by mark on December 20, 2013

As the temperature drops and the snow begins to fall, so comes the emergence of cold and flu season. Recent estimates put the cost of influenza epidemics to the economy between $71 and $167 billion per year! Acupuncture, a branch of Traditional Chinese Medicine, can help to both limit the symptoms associated with your cold or flu as well as prevent you from succumbing to illness.

The first way to protect yourself from getting sick is to understand how your immune system functions in Asian medicine.  The vital energy source of our body according to Chinese Medicine is Qi (pronounced “chee”).  Qi can take on many forms in our body.  One such form called Wei Qi, or “defensive Qi,” is similar to our immune system in Western Medicine; Wei Qi serves as a protective layer around the exterior of the body.  Acupuncture points associated with Wei Qi are known to strengthen both the circulation of blood and energy to boost your body’s inherent defense mechanism.   Symptoms of Wei Qi deficiency include high susceptibility to infection, low energy, and delayed recovery from illness.  To boost your Wei Qi, drink lots of fluids.  If you are on the verge of getting sick and feel very chilly, use spices such as garlic, cinnamon, green onions, chili and onion to warm you up and induce a sweat. If you are feeling feverish, use eggplant, green tea, watermelon, and chamomile to help cool you down.

Build your immune system

Dr. Smith demonstrating the anatomical location of Lung 7

Another form of Qi to consider is Lung Qi.   Damage can easily occur to the Lung channel as it is in direct contact with the external environment, making it highly vulnerable to attacks by microscopic invaders.  A great way to protect your Lung Qi is by stimulating Lung 7 (LU 7).  As the “command point of the head and posterior neck,” LU 7 is one of the most powerful acupuncture points on the Lung meridian.  It is particularly useful in stopping a cough and relieving a sore throat.  This point is about 2 inches below the base of your thumb and will often be achy to touch.  Use your index finger to stimulate this point on both wrists at the first signs of sickness.

Another great way to preserve your Qi, in particular your Yin Qi, is by getting extra sleep.  Sleep is restorative to the immune system and, therefore, helps protect the body from foreign pathogens.  The Yin time of day is from sunset to sunrise.  Yin activities include resting and digestion:  similar to the activities of the parasympathetic nervous system.  It is therefore optimal to rest and digest in the evening hours at night.  When you feel the early signs of getting sick, resting (restoring your Yin) is one of the best ways to fight off a cold or flu.

As a physician and an acupuncturist, I strive to create treatment plans catered to your individual needs at each appointment, using my understanding of both Western and Eastern Medicine.  If you’re feeling under the weather or just looking to stay as healthy as possible this winter, feel free to call the office today!  I am here to help you.

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