This is SO cool! So many of us who have tried acupuncture and FELT the ‘De Qi’ Sensations at different acupuncture points along the body know that the acupuncture points exist, but now we can SEE it with this New CT scan technology.
Check it out!
Article: Acupuncture Points Getting’ Real
Wind-Heat: Symptoms include a blocked nose that does not run, sore throat, thick yellow or green nasal discharge, thirst, sweating, aversion to heat and are often accompanied by a headache. Wind-heat conditions are treated by using diaphoretics with cooling or cold characteristics.
Wind-Cold: Common in the winter and spring. Symptoms include: runny nose, sneezing, no sweating, inability to get warm under covers, aversion to cold, excessive build up and/or discharge of sinus congestion, typically white in color. Wind-cold conditions are treated by using warm diaphoretics- or sweat inducing foods. What you eat during a cold has a huge impact on how the cold will progress.
Remember the following when combating a cold: -Drink plenty of warm/hot water, such as teas, throughout the day -Eat only light and easily digestible foods -Liquids including congee, soups and broths should form the bulk of your diet -Refrain from fish, meat and fats- specifically lamb, beed, pork and chicken after taking a diaphoretic (ginger, scallion, etc.) to induce sweating -Eat plenty of fruit, especially oranges, kiwi, tomatoes, apples and pears -Consume green veggies and salads -Avoid spicy ingredients until after your cold symptoms have disappeared
Garlic OR Daikon Nose Drops: (If garlic is too powerful use daikon juice instead)
2 fresh garlic cloves, peeled or 1 TBSP (15 grams) fresh daikon, grated 1/4 cup (60 mL) water at room temperature Press the garlic cloves to extract the juice. Mix the garlic juice with water- the proportion should be 1 part garlic or daikon juice to 10 parts water. Apply the juice as nose drops.
Scallion inhalers 1 white head of scallion, slice lengthwise Place the scallion slices directly under your nostrils. Inhale deeply. Continue breathing deeply until your nasal passages are freed.
Ginger and Scallion Soup 2 cups (500 mL) water 2 TBSP (30 grams) fresh ginger, sliced 2 TBSP (30 grams) white head of scallion, sliced In a medium saucepan, bring the water to a boil. Add the ginger and scallion and simmer over a low flame for 15 minutes, or until the ginger is soft and its smell has spread through your kitchen. Drink hot before bedtime. Stay away from the cold and especially cold drafts.
Garlic and Scallion Congee 3 cups (750 mL) water 1/2 cup (100 grams) white rice 3 garlic cloves, finely minced 2 tsp. (10 grams) minced scallion, white heads only In a medium saucepan, bring the water to a boil. Add the rice, return to a boil, then lower the flame and simmer for 20 minutes, covered, stirring occasionally. When the rice has cooked down to a gruel, add the garlic and scallion. Cook for 5 more minutes over a low flame. Consume hot once a day, as part of a meal. Wear heavy clothing or get under the covers to maintain the heat of the congee within your body.
Ginger and Pear Soup 2 cups (500 mL) water 1 pear 1 TBSP (15 grams) sliced fresh ginger 1 TBSP (15 grams) sliced scallion, white heads only 2 eggs, beaten Bring the water to a boil in a small saucepan. Cut the pear in half, do not peel it. Add the pear, ginger, and scallion to the water. Return to a boil, cover the pan, and reduce the flame to low. Simmer for 20 minutes. In the meantime, thoroughly beat the eggs in a glass or ceramic bowl. When the broth is ready (when the aroma of ginger spreads through the kitchen) pour the decoction into the bowl containing the two beaten eggs. Mix and drink the decoction while it is still hot, then get under a heavy quilt or thick blanket to start sweating. Take this remedy once per day for 3-4 days, or until the cold goes away.
Ginger and Onion Rice: 1 tsp. (5 grams) sliced fresh ginger 1 scallion, including roots and green tops 1 cup (200 grams) rice 6 cups (1.5 Liters) water 2 tsp. (10 mL) rice vinegar Put the ginger, scallion, rice and water in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce the flame. Simmer on a low flame with the lid half-covering the saucepan, stirring occasionally. Cook for 25 minutes, or until the rice has become a gruel. Stir in the vinegar. Cook for another minute or two. Divide into four portions. Take one portion, hot, then get into bed or cover up with a warm blanket. Take this remedy 2x/day while the cold persists.
Peppermint and Scallion Broth 20-30 fresh peppermint leaves, or 2 heaped teaspoons (10+ grams) dried peppermint 2 or 3 crushed white heads of scallion 2 cups (500 mL) water Place all ingredients in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce the flame. Simmer for 15 minutes, or until half the water has evaporated. Drink hot or warm.
Ginger Tea 1 cup (250 mL) water 1/4 cup (50 grams) fresh ginger, thinly sliced 1/4 cup (50 grams) brown sugar 1 tsp (5 grams) green tea leaves Bring the water to a boil in a small saucepan. Add the ginger and sugar. Turn the burner off and wait for 1 minute, then add the tea leaves. (The green tea leaves contain Vitamin C so waiting 1 minute post-boiling ensures the vitamin is not destroyed by the heat). Steep for 5 minutes before drinking. *You can add 1/2 tsp vinegar to enhance the tea’s warming and detoxifying effect *Recommendation: eat some rice congee immediately after taking this tea
Watermelon and Tomato Juice: *best in the summer for hot and dry colds* 2 pounds fresh watermelon 2 pounds fresk tomatoes Thin cotton towels or cheese clothes Chop the watermelon and tomatoes into small pieces, keeping them separate. Put them separately into thin cotton towels. Twist each to extract the juice. Mix the juices in equal proportions, Drink at room temperature, slightly cooled but not cold, as often as you like *also combats dehydration, quenches thirst, relieves indigestion and lack of appetite* Source: The healing Cuisine of China: 300 recipes for vibrant Health and Longevity by ZHUO ZHAO & George Ellis
What could be better than a Relaxing and Rejuvenating Acupuncture Treatment to get your Valentine’s Day Weekend off to a great start? Treat yourself and your Some-One-Special to a One-hour Acupuncture treatment!
Don’t have a significant other? Sure you do! Call up your Bestie, your mom, your friend from work- whoever you want! and ask them to join you for a *Couple’s Treatment* They are Significant, right?! No judgements here!
Two Acupuncture Treatments for the Price of One. That’s $20 a treatment!
Book your *Valentine’s Day Couple’s Special* Treatment Online now before it’s too late at:
http://www.bostonacupunkture.com or call/text 774-259-6751
*Offer valid February 12-21, 2015: Two acupuncture treatments for $40*
Football fan or not, you will most likely be enjoying some tasty treats and an ice cold beer tonight while New England cheers on the Patriots at the 2015 Superbowl game! (Or you know… watch the puppy bowl and kitty half time show- hey I’m not judging!!)
What better way to celebrate, eat, drink and be merry than by getting an acupuncture treatment this week to combat that food coma we will all be in come Monday morning!
Appointments available at http://www.bostonacupunkture.com
#gopats!
Did you know that Acupuncture is EXCELLENT for building up your immune system and knocking out the common cold and associated symptoms before they get a foothold in your body and wreak havoc on your body and mind?
It’s true! Getting acupuncture regularly will help boost your Defensive Qi (Wei Qi) in your body, helping you stave off illness and recover faster when you do get sick. Check out this newsletter by Licensed Acupuncturist, Jessica Chen, that goes into depth about wind-cold and wind-heat invasions AKA the common cold and ways to prevent them this flu season!
Remember these tips to staying healthy while all your coworkers and friends are calling out sick!
-Drink warm beverages: If you drink Iced coffees- switch to hot coffees or better yet, switch to teas! Teas have many herbal properties that can help combat illness. Take MINT for example- mint tea can soothe a sore throat!
–Eat warm foods: Stews and warm meals are great for the cold, winter months. Avoid eating cold foods such as salads and stick to warm root vegetables and heartier foods. Try to avoid spicy foods or greasy foods and excess sugar intake- which will all produce phlegm and exacerbate any cold symptoms.
–Keep your neck covered: Now that it is officially scarf season I’m sure you are noticing many people sporting cute and stylish scarves with their winter outfits- but fashion benefits aside, scarves do hold a higher value to your health! Wearing a scarf will protect the back of your neck- which in Chinese Medicine is considered your wind-gate- the entrance way that pathogenic factors such as wind-cold and wind-heat use to enter into your body. It is important to keep this area covered when you are out facing the elements this winter to avoid getting sick.
–Get regular Acupuncture treatments: To build your immune system, make sure to get regular acupuncture treatments prior to, and during the fall and winter months or changing seasons. Make sure that as soon as you feel the slightest tinge of a cold or sore throat coming on- you call your acupuncturist and book an appointment PRONTO! It can mean the difference between being sick for another couple days or catching a full on cold and being out of commission for weeks!!
*Remember there are many stages to the common cold and your acupuncturist can help aid a faster recovery, regardless of what stage you are in*
Today’s featured Mineral is Vanadanite!
Vanadanite vibrates strongly on the navel chakra, aiding in Creativity.
*Vanadanite contains secondary lead deposits so it is important that you handle this crystal responsibly and wash your hands thoroughly after use.
Energetic Influence of Vanadanite:
– Strong spiritual grounding energy
– Promotes deep peace within oneself
– Regulates any type of hormonal imbalance
– Aids with age-related issues such as menopause, bladder dysfunction
– Helps shield against radiation from computer screens and other electronic devices
– An excellent healing stone that is said to be good for breathing difficulties such as asthma or other lung problems.
– Clears writer’s block
– Mentally stimulates and Helps with organization
– It gives you drive and determination, along with the vitality needed to sustain you while taking action
Today’s featured stone is Opal!
The “stone of happy dreams and changes”. It helps center the mind and is particularly soothing for children and those who have always slept badly or had recurring nightmares with no apparent reason. Opals also relieve any issues a child may have with an invisible or imaginary friend, and is especially helpful before sleep if the child wishes the friend to go away at bedtime!
It is also a water-stone, with the perfect vibration to connect with the spiritual forces of water.
Energetic Influence of Opal:
– Beneficial for the health of the eyes, hair, nails and skin
– May be used in treatments to clarify and strengthen the eyesight & treats disorders associated with the eyes
– Balances the body’s water content, overcoming dehydration or alleviating water retention
– Believed to disperse infections, purify the blood and kidneys, and to regulate insulin production
– Helps reduce fever
– Stimulates memory
– Energetically stabilizes neurotransmitter disturbances, such as Parkinson’s Disease
– Aids in OBGYN issues: female hormones, PMS and menopause, and provides comfort and ease during childbirth
Spiritual Influence of Opal:
– Supportive stone, dedicated to healing and strengthening the emotional body- for those seeking honest self-reflection
– High internal energy brings thoughts & feelings to the surface for examination
– Teaches one to take responsibility for one’s feelings while clearing past wounds, fears and resentments
– Facilitates the letting go of negative behaviors and soothes the emotional body, helping one feel more in control
– Assists one in becoming more positive and loving, more creative and spontaneous.
– Enhances cosmic consciousness and raising one’s level of intuition and insight.
– Traditionally used to invoke visions, increase lucid dreaming
– Attracts angelic energies and increases communications with the Divine
-Great for venturing into dangerous place and works as a shield to keep from absorbing other people’s negative thoughts and energies
– Promotes a sense of calm security, easing stress and depression
-Antidote to restless thoughts and racing minds that rehash the past or anticipate the future
For more detailed information on opals, please visit The Crystal Vault
Today’s featured gemstone is Green Fluorite from the flats in the Rogerley Mine!
This gemstone is dark emerald green in color with a strong blue-purple daylight fluorescence, and an even stronger purple-white fluorescence under long wave UV light.
Energetic & Spiritual Influence of Green Fluorite:
-Fosters growth and healing
-Grounds and absorbs excess energy
-Aids access to intuition
-Heightens mental abilities, assisting in rapid organization and processing of information
-Brings mental clarity and stability to an otherwise chaotic situation
-Allows mental and physical coordination
-Dissipates emotional trauma
-Absorbs negative energy
-Calming effect
-Gives courage
-Used as a bridge for personal growth to be accomplished
-Brings up issues from the subconscious mind, allowing the heart to heal
-Strengthen bones and teeth
-Ameliorates pain associated with arthritis
Whether or not you pay attention to the signs, or choose to listen to it, your body is constantly telling you about the state of your health! These subtle signs are right there in front of you- from aches and pains, to slight variations in the color of your skin in certain areas of your face, to the ever-changing qualities of your pulse and even the details of your tongue!
That’s right your tongue!
Believe it or not, your tongue changes over time. The thickness of your tongue and tongue coating, the color, the shape, how swollen or thin it is, canker sores in certain spots- they all tell a tale of what is going on deep within your body- in the places you can’t see. Each part of the tongue corresponds to a different organ in your body:
Diagnosing:
As Acupuncturists practicing Traditional Chinese Medicine we observe many different characteristics in each of our patients in order to form a complete diagnosis. This includes: Asking questions about signs and symptoms and looking at health history forms, Observing the patient’s demeanor- how they talk, how they sit, if they are fidgeting or lethargic, how their spirit conveys through their eyes, the different colors in their face, their personality, etc., Feeling their pulse rates in three positions on each wrist, Feeling certain areas of the abdomen during Hara diagnosis (Japanese Style Acupuncture) and Observing the qualities of the tongue.
When you come in for an Acupuncture appointment, you might find it weird that I ask you to stick out your tongue- but this is a key diagnostic tool I use to confirm my diagnosis! So take a look in the mirror and look at your friend/spouse/neighbor/child’s tongue and compare it to your own. You will notice they are all different!
Below is a chart with 9 common TCM syndromes and their respective tongues:
Healthy Tongue: A healthy tongue is naturally pink with a thin white coating.
Sometimes, temporary changes in color can occur due to certain foods staining the tongue such as blackberries, or coffee and cigarettes turning your tongue coat a yellow tinge.
Here are some characteristics I look for in my patients’ tongues. For detailed information on what each characteristic means, please visit: Yin Yang House
Color: Pink (normal), Pale, Red, Dark Red, Purple, Blue
Tongue Coating (Good indicator of Stomach and Spleen Qi):
Overall: Thin, thick, dry, moist, wet, sticky (greasy/creamy)
Color: White, Yellow, Gray, Black
Rooting: Rooted (moss appears firmly implanted in tongue), Rootless (Moss appears to float on the surface), Peeled or Patchy
Sub-linguals (the veins underneath your tongue): Swollen, Purple, Blue
Body Shape: Cracked, Deviated (crooked), Flaccid, Long, Short (contracted), Rigid, Stiff, Swollen, Thin, Thorny, Trembling (quivering)
Today’s featured Crystal is Amethyst Spirit Quartz!
-Varies in color from pale lilac to deep purple
-The traditional birthstone of those born in February
-Associated with the sign of Pisces
Spiritual Influences of Spirit Amethyst:
-Activates the Higher Crown Chakra, bringing in spiritual information and providing multi-dimensional healing
-Very cleansing to the aura and can dispel negative attachments and entities
-Repair holes to the etheric body
-Assists a soul facing death and provides immense support throughout a terminal illness
-Brings passion and imagination, emotion and logic
-Stimulates creativity: particularly helpful with artistic endeavors
-Utilizes Fire Energy
Energetic Influences of Spirit Amethyst:
-Detoxification and clearing the physical body, aligning it with the energetic bodies so treatments are more effective and longer lasting
-Treats skin problems, especially those related to allergic reactions, melanomas, scars, cysts and growths
-May also be useful for swellings and tumors on internal organs
-Powerful fertility charm, and is also supportive of the problems associated with infertility and difficult pregnancy, especially those issues related to the fallopian tubes, ovaries, and testes
For more detailed information on Spirit Amethyst, please visit The Crystal Vault!
Today’s featured Crystal is Citrine!
Energetic Influence of Citrine:
– Opens the higher mind to accept joy in one’s life
– Releases anger & negative feelings, deep-seated fears and destructive tendencies
– Helps with overcoming depression
– Reduces sensitivity to criticism and inspires creativity and self-expression
– Raises self-esteem, aids in letting go of the past allowing one to move forward
optimistically, enjoying new experiences and explorations
– Powerful purifier of one’s will center
– Provides courage and fortitude
Yellow Citrine:
– Brings the power to solidify new interests and new relationships
– Helps you see things in a different light
– Adds clarity, optimism and new meaning to your life and relationships
– Aids in establishing good communications
Light Yellow: Helps you focus on the needs of the person or group you are getting to know
Dark Yellow: Helps aid decisiveness, precision, or persuasiveness
Gold Citrine:
– Brings success, enthusiasm, happiness, and power
Light Gold: Brings cheerfulness and contentment
Dark Gold: A deeper, more pronounced sense of devotion and commitment, providing us with a mature enthusiasm and ability to share a lifelong commitment of care and love.
For more detailed information on Citrine, please visit The Crystal Vault
Today’s featured Crystal is Pink Kunzite!
Energetic Influence of Kunzite:
– Treats hormone-linked migraines
– Influences the Reproductive System in Women: puberty, PMS, and menstrual issues
– Treats skin rashes caused by allergies to chemicals
– Strengthens the circulatory system and the heart muscle
– Treats neuralgia
– Calms epilepsy
– Soothes joint pain
Spiritual Influence of Kunzite:
-Enhances the treatment of depression and psychiatric disorders
-Helps the body recover from emotional stress
-Encourages letting go of fears
-Allows free expression of feelings
-Heals the mind and heart
-Allows receptiveness for great opportunities in life
-Assists those who have trouble connecting with others
-Restores lost trust and innocence
Properties of Kunzite:
-Protective stone
-Dispels negativity
-Provides a centering influence in all situations
Pink Kunzite:
-Brings the energy rays of determination, commitment, and caring
-Calms feelings of anger or resentment
-Increases developing sensuality
-Helps overcome heartache
“Kunzite is a powerful healer of the emotional body, particularly for those who have closed themselves off from life, or from others, to protect themselves emotionally. Kunzite opens the heart to the energies of love – love of self, of others, for humanity, plants, animals, the earth and all it contains.”
“Pink Kunzite crystals reflect the Light of the heart and love, and help stimulate the Heart Chakra. The Heart Chakra is located near the center of the breastbone and regulates our interaction with the external world and controls what we embrace and what we resist. It gives us the balancing ability to be ourselves within the environment, and helps in our relationships. Pink crystal energy is used to resolve blockages and to re-balance the heart chakra, helping us understand our own needs and emotions clearly.”
For more detailed information on Pink Kunzite, please visit The Crystal Vault.
We are happy to announce that we have added many new Crystals and Minerals to our Treatment Space. Our hope is that they will foster spiritual growth and enhance your healing experience at AcuPUNKture. We will be doing a daily blog post featuring each of the Crystals/Minerals, so that you may learn of its energetic and spiritual influences.
Meet Blue Kyanite!
Energetic Influence of Kyanite:
-Instantly aligns all chakras and subtle bodies
-Restores Qi
-Promotes Calming
-Stimulates throat and 3rd eye chakras: encouraging communication on all levels
Spiritual Influence of Kyanite:
-Grounding
-Brings integrity and maturity
-Dispels illusions, anger, frustration
-Increases logical thought
Light blue crystals:
-Great for recovery from bad habits or addictions
-Aid with letting go and grief
Blue crystals: “Bring trust, faith, patience, and respect, lending the focus we need to become more sincere, act more responsibly, and become more trustworthy”
For more detailed information on Blue Kyanite, please visit The Crystal Vault
With Acupuncture!
Did you know that Acupuncture helps relieve even the worst Migraine Symptoms? Stop injecting yourself with botox and swallowing toxic medications that offer minimal relief- come in for treatments and manage your pain naturally with acupuncture!
Check out this Awesome Skit by the Mystery Man on Acupuncture and Migraines!
Check out this demo on fire cupping. This specific video is showing cupping for shoulder pain relief.
You may remember seeing swimmers in the Olympics sporting big red/purple circular marks on their backs- This is from cupping! Don’t be nervous! This actually feels really good- similar to a massage!
But How Does It Work? Cupping brings Blood and Qi that is stagnated and causing pain in an area up to the surface, allowing for the free flow of qi and blood.
Here is an detailed article by Acupuncture Today on Cupping.
Ever stop to think why more and more people are turning to acupuncture for symptom relief? Even most Health insurances are starting to reimburse for Acupuncture! There has to be some logical reason, right?!
A recent IOM survery showed that 90% of participants suffered from some form of pain on a daily basis….”Research studies consistently show that acupuncture can be an effective form of pain management, with some studies finding it even more effective than pain-relieving drugs or surgery.”
Read more about acupucnture and how it can help YOU in this article A Close Look at Acupuncture for Pain
Hello Everyone!
We are opening our doors this week just in time for the fall! As seasonal allergies start to kick in and the changes in weather begin testing your immune defenses, remember a few key things to staying healthy this Fall/Winter!
–Drink room temperature or warm beverages. This helps your Spleen and Stomach energy aid in digestion and ultimately the production of Qi. Think about it…your body temperature runs at about 98.6 degrees F and the enzymes in your body function best around this temperature. Adding cold water to your body shocks your system! Tis’ the season for warm teas and stews! Try a hot coffee or tea next time you crave a cold drink- You might just be pleasantly surprised with how you feel!
–Avoid raw foods! Raw foods are considered cold energy foods and hurt the Spleen and Stomach energy. During the cold months, it is best to indulge in root vegetables and hearty stews and soups. Stay tuned to our blog for delicious and easy crock pot recipes to try out this Fall/Winter!
–Cover the back of your neck! ALWAYS! In Traditional Chinese Medicine, the nape of your neck is considered the Wind Gate. This is where pathogens and external invasions get into your body, aka how you get sick. This is the perfect time to break out your favorite shawls, hoodies, hats and infinity scarfs! Keep the back of your neck covered whenever it is windy or rainy, even if it is not cold out! Protecting yourself from the wind will help you fight off illness this Flu season.
–Wash your hands! Washing your hands is the BEST way to stop germs from spreading! Good hand washing is the first line of defense against the spread of many illnesses, from the common cold and flu to more serious diseases such as Hepatitis A and respiratory infections.
–Get regular acupuncture! Acupuncture is great for building up your immune system and your Wei Qi- aka your first line of defense in the body! The lungs helps regulate your wei qi (defensive qi) and if your lung qi is weak, then your wei-qi is also weak and can’t circulate properly. By strengthening your lung qi and keeping your energy balanced, you are strengthening your body’s natural resistance to disease!
–Just Breathe! Your breath is such a powerful tool, not only for living but for releasing tension in your body. Focus on your breathing at least 5 minutes a day. Place your hands on your abdomen and take deep breaths in through your nose and out through your mouth. As you inhale you should see and feel your belly rise into your hands (not your chest). Imagine your breathe entering your nose, flowing through your lungs and down through your belly, down your legs and into the soles of your feet, grounding you firmly in the earth.This simple exercise can have an extraordinary effect on the mind and body and leave you feeling calmer and grounded.
–Let go! In Traditional Chinese Medicine, Autumn is associated with the Metal element. The organs energetically associated with Metal are the Lung and Large Intestine. Grief is the emotion associated with these organs. Your job is to embrace this change in season and learn to let go! Greif is a natural process we all go through at some point in our lives but when the metal element is blocked, it can lead to depression. Fall/Winter is the time to reallign yourself and find balance. Conserve your energy and gear up for the dark, cold months ahead so you can come out stronger and more vibrant when Spring time rolls around. Reflect on your life and let go of the past experiences that are holding you back, so that your can rise up from the ashes like a beautiful, resilient flower, full of life and energy- physically, emotionally and spiritually- ready to stand firm in this world.
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AcuPUNKture 