Acupuncture

I often get asked what acupuncture is and how it works.  Since I’m starting a new blog, I’d figure I would explain some things before going into how well acupuncture works for *insert concern here*.  

Most people know that acupuncture involves needles.  That part is correct.  I pulled a blurb from my website about what it is and how it works. 

Acupuncture is an effective form of medical treatment that has been practiced for over 5,000 years. Acupuncture is one component of Traditional Chinese Medicine, or TCM. Acupuncture is a safe, natural, drug-free and effective way to realign and rebalance the energy systems in your body. Acupuncture stimulates your body's own healing abilities and promotes natural healing. Traditional Chinese Medicine is a complete holistic approach; therefore, it can be used to treat the entire person. Mental, physical, spiritual, and emotional imbalances can be addressed to improve overall health and well being.

Acupuncture is based on the belief that living beings have Qi that circulates through twelve invisible energy lines known as meridians that connect all of our major organs. An imbalance or block in the flow of qi throughout a meridian is how disease begins and an illness arises.  A western view is the insertion and stimulation of needles into specific points located all throughout the body to alter biochemical and physiological conditions to achieve your desired result. 

There are numerous theories about how acupuncture works. Some of them are:

• acupuncture stimulates the release of pain-relieving endorphins
• acupuncture influences the release of neurotransmitters, substances that transmit nerve impulses to the brain
• acupuncture influences the autonomic nervous system
• acupuncture stimulates circulation
• acupuncture influences the electrical currents of the body

When needles are inserted into acupuncture point, energy flows through the meridians to the areas of the body that are in need of healing. These points also stimulate the Central Nervous System (CNS) to help release your own natural chemicals into the body. These chemicals help to reduce pain and trigger your body's hormones to regulate your body and bring it back into balance.  Acupuncture can increase circulation, decrease inflammation, pain relief and boost the immune system. 

One last thing that tends to go into the unknown is what exactly is qi.  Different cultures have different spellings, but it all means the same.  Qi or vital (life) energy flows through out your body. Qi stimulates the body and protects it from illness, pain and disease. A person's health is influenced by the balance and quality of Qi. When Qi is out of balance, your body will send out distress signals (headaches, body pains, depression, etc.). Many things influence Qi; physical and emotional trauma, stress, lack of exercise, diet, and seasonal changes.  

I hope that helps explain a little about acupuncture.  Next week, I’m thinking about writing about stress and how acupuncture can help with lowering this nasty uninvited guest.  It definitely knows how to leave a mark.  Have a great weekend.  In health and balance.  

Fighting a cold or flu?

We are halfway through the winter season, but colds and flus are at its peak and are still knocking us down.   Colds are most likely to strike during early fall, midwinter and early spring.  Being in the midst of cold season, there are ways to help prevent colds and flus.  The easiest way for prevention is to wash your hands and boost your immune system.  Emergen C can only take you soo far.  Along with drinking plenty of fluids to stay hydrated, eating healthy with minimal sugars and processed foods, getting plenty of sleep/rest and avoid smoking is a great start to a healthy you.  To properly hydrate your body, a person should consume half of their body weight in ounces.  This can include your naturally caffeine free teas.   We all have it, but stress is a huge trigger to lower your immune system.  Try to take some time for you to keep your stress low.  Massage can be good for lowering stress and increasing circulation.  If you have a cold, avoid getting a massage as it can push the cold deeper into your body and make you feel worse.  Acupuncture can help in any stage of a cold to help increase your immune system, lessen symptoms and help to drive the cold virus out of your body.   If only there was a quick fix...

A few herbal tips for prevention and treatment during the cold season is to take vitamin C , zinc, astragalus, echinacea, and goldenseal.  Astragalus should not be taken if there is a fever or an acute infection.   It also helps to limit your dairy intake.  Dairy can  increase mucus production and worsen congestion.  I actually take cow milk out of our diet during the cold season to avoid feeling too mucusy.  My daughter much prefers rice milk anyway.  

If you do end up with a cold, REST REST REST. Drink your warm liquids, gargle with warm salt water, use a neti pot, blow your nose (don't sniffle it back up into your sinuses), inhale steam and/or take a steamy shower, use a mentholated salve under your nose (Badger's is awesome!), and use hot or cold compress around sinuses.  I personally enjoy eating pho and making it spicy.  The warm broth helps move mucus and the spice acts as a decongestant.  Plus it's just comforting.  

Good luck and keep those bodies strong!  

Live well love much laugh often

*waves*

I'm jumping on the band wagon and starting a blog.  My goal is to post weekly about random health related information.  Is there something you want to know more about that is related to massage or acupuncture?  Go ahead and ask and I will answer it in one of my posts.  If no questions are asked then I will come up with something that I think is pertinent and useful.
Thanks for reading.
Live well love much laugh often