Your Mom Was Right: Wear a Scarf!

According to Chinese medicine, the common cold and influenza begin as exterior pathogens that enter your body when your immune system isn't robust.  Normally, your wei qi, or protective energy, keeps this "wind" energy from penetrating the outermost energetic level of your body.  The area that is most susceptible to cold wind, is a channel that runs along the back of your neck.  So along with sleeping well, eating well, staying calm and washing your hands, be sure to keep your neck warm and covered! 

Santa is Coming To Harrison St.!

Santa will be on Harrison St. this weekend, spreading good cheer and available for pictures. Photographs are $9 and each child will receive a goody bag.  All proceeds will benefit Longfellow PTO, Sarah's Inn and the Food Pantry. Check out the Oak Park Arts District website for details.  If you come down tomorrow morning, please stop by Ginkgo and say hi!

The 7 Foods Experts Won't Eat

Most of you know by now that choosing organic over conventionally produced food is preferable in most cases, both for your body and the environment. I just came across this article , about some more surprising food warnings that should be noted.

For a list of the "Dirty Dozen" (foods with the highest level of toxic pesticides as determined by the Environmental Working Group), see here. Of course, buying organic can get expensive. There's also a companion list of safe conventionally grown foods to help keep money in your wallet.

Adaptogen: Reishi, The Fabulous Fungus

Reishi, or ling zhi, is a medicinal mushroom that's indigenous to Asia. Its name means "spirit herb," and has long been used by Toaist sages to expand mind consciousness and improve longevity. Though it's fairly rare in the wild, and was once distributed primarily to Chinese royalty, it is now cultivated and readily available. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, Reishi is used to calm the "shen," or spirit, which when disturbed, causes anxiety, poor sleep, restlessness and poor memory.

Reishi is one of the most important Chinese tonic herbs and has been researched extensively. As an adaptogen, it has the ability to modulate the immune system and reduce stress, and it is used to relieve the side effects of cancer treatment and increase T-cells. It is rich in antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties. This is one mushroom that you may want to consider adding to your diet! It typically comes in capsule form and is taken with a dosage of 500-1000 mg.

The Gift of Gratitude

This year, children from Oak Park elementary schools drew pictures of, and wrote about, what they're grateful for.  In turn, Oak Park Arts District business owners transformed these colorful "gratitudes" into origami crane ornaments, symbols of beauty and luck, which are for sale throughout the holiday season.  All profits go to the participating schools.

Check it out: Holiday Lights: The Gift of Gratitude

Giving Thanks

Thanksgiving encourages us to pause and take stock of all that we are grateful for in our lives. Having gratitude for life's experiences, both joyful and difficult, opens our heart energy, releases stagnant energy and expands our shen, or spirit. It's a choice we make, after all, to see ourselves and the world around us as beautiful and bountiful, adaptable to change.

Why not give thanks to your body and it's miraculous ability to protect and heal itself? Nurture your shen with peace and love for your family, neighbors and friends. Meditate on the awe-inspiring perfection of the universe. Choose to wake up with joy and begin each day with gratitude. Blessings to you and yours.

Hegu for Headaches

There are various causes and types of headaches. An acupuncturist will treat a headache based on the quality and location of the pain, taking into account other presenting symptoms. Acupressure is a valuable self-healing technique. One of the most powerful acupoints used for headaches can be stimulated at home. Hegu (L.I.4) is located between the thumb and forefinger, on the dorsum of the hand. Find it by squeezing your thumb against the base of your forefinger. Hegu is the highest point of the bulge of the muscle, approximately level with the end of the crease. Squeezing here, you should feel slight tenderness.

As the "Master" point of the face, Hegu is used for general head or face pain, including sinus pain and toothaches. Although it's typically used as part of a comprehensive prescription, it can be quite effective on its own. To prevent or eliminate head pain, press firmly on Hegu until you feel a dull, achy sensation. Massage Hegu on both hands, for a few minutes at a time, several times a day. Try this the next time you feel a headache coming on. Feel empowered to heal yourself naturally.

Do not stimulate this point if you are pregnant, as it may promote uterine contractions.

Meditate Today

Any debate about whether or not meditation is good for your health is long over.  Meditation can help reduce stress, anxiety and depression.  People who meditate report experiencing reduced pain and improved health in general.  Often, when people think of meditation, they're intimidated by the thought of sitting in lotus position for hours at a time, chanting their way to enlightenment.  But meditation needn't be difficult, nor should it be.  Yes, it takes practice to quiet the constant chatter of your mind, but as with many things, it comes naturally with patience and commitment.   

There are many meditation methods to help your mind relax.  Guided meditation is especially good when you are beginning because it gives an active mind something on which to focus.  The following is a very simple meditation that I use regularly with my patients.  It can be used upon waking, in the middle of the day while seated in a chair, or in bed before going to sleep.  Patients with insomnia report much improvement when practicing this before bed.  

First, sit or lie comfortably.  Take a few moments to listen to your breath as you breathe naturally. Feel your lungs fill with air, then allow your body to relax with each exhalation.  In Traditional Chinese Medicine, humans are viewed as living "between heaven and earth;" we receive energy from the heavens above, while remaining rooted in the earth below.  There is an energetic entry point on the crown of your head, and two points on the bottoms of your feet.  With your next inhalation, imagine a healing white light entering the top of your head, traveling the length of your body, picking up any pain, illness, or negative feelings along the way.  With your exhalation, move that white light down through the bottoms of your feet, releasing anything you no longer need nor want.  Continue with each inhalation and exhalation.  

Aim for about five minutes the first time you practice, and work your way up to twenty or thirty minutes, once or twice a day.   This meditation is very relaxing.  If you practice before bed, you may find that you spontaneously fall asleep.  That's o.k.  Try it during the day as well.   As your practice grows, you won't need to guide your thoughts during meditation in order to let your mind, and stress, go.  Enjoy the expansive feeling of bliss and well-being!

Grief

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, the body, mind and spirit are treated as one, with each aspect influencing the other and organizing uniquely in each individual. Each energy channel in the body corresponds with a particular emotion. Emotional distress consequently effects the physical body, and physical injury can induce emotional instability. This is seen as a web of interaction, rather than a linear cause and effect.

We have all experienced grief at some point in our lives. Whether it's the loss of a loved one, a failed relationship, or the death of a cherished pet, experiencing grief is part of the human condition. Emotions are natural, and when expressed freely, will not cause lasting damage. They are meant to come and go like like the ebb and flow of waves. It's when we internalize emotions, or get stuck in a repetitive pattern, that we have the potential to create imbalance, or dis-ease.

Grief is related to the Lungs in Chinese medicine. Grief is said to "comsume the qi." When we experience prolonged, intense grief or sadness, eventually we may have corresponding physical symptoms. In Chinese medicine, the Lungs are responsible for breathing and transforming the breath into qi, or energy, that circulates in the body. Along with the Kidneys, the Lungs are responsible for water metabolism, and are intimately linked to the immune system. The Lungs regulate sweating and moisten the skin. Physical symptoms of disharmony in the Lungs would include shortness of breath, asthma, allergies, sweating, fatigue, coughing, frequent colds/flu and dry skin.

Grieving is a necessary process, with stages that gradually allow the body, mind and spirit to let go and return to a state of joyfulness. This process is personal and multi-layered. There are many valuable services that assist those in the grieving process. Because Traditional Chinese Medicine is holistic in its approach to emotions, acupuncture can be utilized as one unique tool in the grieving process, by stimulating points that strengthen the Lung channel and calm the mind, it can help ease the path to renewed joy.

Astragalus: A Leader Amongst Leaders

If you choose one herb to support your immune system this season, it should be astragalus. Astragalus, or Huang qi, is an adaptogenic herb that is native to China. The name means "yellow leader," and it's called this because of its yellow roots and its reputation as the leader of the tonic herbs. Astragalus has been used for thousands of years to strengthen spleen (digestive) qi and wei qi, the protective energy that helps prevent illness. Modern uses include supporting the immune system and helping to prevent colds, influenza, bronchitis, pneumonia and mononucleosis. It has been used to prevent immunosuppression caused by chemotherapy and it improves blood flow. Astragalus has antiviral, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties and is rich in antioxidants.

Regular use of astragalus in appropriate doses is safe and a great way to help prevent a cold or flu. It's safe and effective for kids too. It can be taken raw and steeped in a decoction, or in powder form. Talk to your acupuncturist about dosage. Keep in mind that if you currently have a cold or flu, you should discontinue use until it passes. Astragalus should not be used with immunosuppressive medications. Here's a link to my favorite manufacturer of tonic herbs: Dragon Herbs

Happy Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine Day!

National Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine Day-it's a day to spread the word on the holistic benefits of Chinese medicine. If you've tried acupuncture and like it, please tell your friends about your experience! If you haven't had a treatment in a while, call your acupuncturist to set up a fall tune-up. Now is the perfect time to give your immune system some extra attention.

Wishing you the best in health!

Adaptogens: Herbs For Strengthening and Balancing the Body

What are adaptogens?  Adaptogens are natural substances that are nontoxic, produce a nonspecific defense response to stress, and have a normalizing influence on the body.  They help the body to adapt to various environmental, biological, physical and emotional stressors, restoring balance to the body's systemic functions.  They're capable of either toning down the activity of hyper-functioning systems or strengthening the activity of hypo-functioning systems.  In other words, they are a safe boost to the body, helping it to function at optimum levels.  Adaptogens are considered to be tonics in that they nourish the organs and strengthen the protective energy of the body.  Tonics are safe and can usually be taken every day to help regulate and strengthen the body.  

Some important adaptogens used in Chinese medicine are Panax ginseng, Astragalus, Cordyceps, Codonopsis, Eleuthero, Polygonum multiflorum, Gynostemma, Lycium, Duanwood reishi, Rhodiola, and Schisandra. 

Look for follow-up posts highlighting these truly amazing herbs!

Auricular (Ear) Acupuncture: Effective Treatment for Reducing Back and Pelvic Pain in Pregnant Women

Auricular acupuncture is a microsystem within Traditional Chinese Medicine. It uses a localized area of the body (the ear) to treat the body as a whole. It can be used alone or with other treatments such as full body acupuncture or herbs. A recent study reported in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynocology shows that pregnant women who received ear acupuncture had a significant reduction in low back and pelvic pain. 152 women were split into three groups: one group received acupuncture needles in three points, held in place with tape for one week, another group received sham acupuncture and a third group served as the control and received no acupuncture. 81% of the control group reported a significant reduction in pain, while only 59% of the sham acupuncture group and 47% of the control group reported pain reduction. If you are interested in receiving acupuncture while pregnant, be sure to locate a board certified and licensed acupuncturist to discuss treatment options.

Food for Balance

Come fall, my body craves pumpkin soup, roasted root vegetables, casseroles, sauteed greens, stews...comfort food for chilly days. Gone are spring green salads, fresh tomatoes, asparagus, peaches and corn. We naturally move toward warmer foods when the temperature drops. When we listen to our bodies, we can adjust our diets to correspond to the change in seasons and balance internal energy. As Yin emerges in the fall and grows through winter, our bodies need warm, Yang food. Think spices like ginger, green onion, garlic and cayenne. Try sipping on warm beverages, and cooking your food a little more to help fuel your internal furnace. You'll leave the table feeling energized and nourished, and if you choose your food wisely, you can help boost your immune system and maintain your health.

An indispensable book on the virtues of food as medicine, both to maintain health and treat illness, is Healing with Whole Foods: Oriental Traditions and Modern Nutrition, by Paul Pitchford. It's a mainstay for acupuncturists and could benefit anyone interested in the healing power of food.

Opposites Attract

The Taiji, or Yin Yang symbol as it's known in the west, is familiar to just about everyone. But what do those fish-like swirls and dots really mean? In Taoism, the beginning of the universe is represented as the Wuji, an empty circle. It symbolizes a great void, literally "lack of extremes." Following the Wuji is the Taiji, representing the nature of Yin and Yang, literally "ultimate extremes,” the dynamic universe as it is today.

The theory of Yin and Yang dates back more than 6,000 years. Yin and Yang are opposites, traditionally described as the shady side of the mountain and the sunny side of the mountain, respectively. Everything in the universe can be categorized as Yin or Yang when coupled with another, because everything in the universe is relative. For example:

Yin is cold, receptive, slow, dark, night, the moon, feminine, north, water.
Yang is hot, active, fast, light, day, the, sun, masculine, south, fire.

However, there is also always Yang within Yin, and Yin within Yang. Take the seasons, for example. Winter is considered Yin (cold) and spring is considered Yang within Yin (cold with growing warmth). Summer is Yang (hot), and fall is Yin within Yang (hot with growing coolness).

Yin and yang are mutually dependent. It is impossible to describe one without the other. What is hot without cold? We can't think about night without reference to day. Yin and Yang are constantly in motion and changing. Night turns into day, day turns into night. A sapling pushes forth into the world and continues to grow and mature into a tree, harnessing Yang energy, until growth ends and the process of decline begins, with an increase in Yin energy, eventually decomposing and turning back into soil. The cycle continues.

Let's revisit the Taiji (Yin Yang) symbol again. The visual attributes are meant to remind one of the essential nature of Yin and Yang. Each contains the essence of the other and they are continuously transforming into each other, supporting and controlling each other. The black, Yin, dot within the white, Yang, swirl reminds us that there is a seed of Yin within Yang, waiting to grow, and vice versa. It is the most important symbol in Taoism because it represents the nature of the universe and the understanding that the only constant factor in nature is change.

I hope that this will help you appreciate the simple, complex beauty of the Taiji the next time you come across this ubiquitous symbol!

Acupuncture Eases Breast Cancer Treatment Side Effects

Last year, researchers from the Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit studied the effects of acupuncture treatments on 47 women with breast cancer. Acupuncture was shown to be as effective as Effexor in mitigating hot flashes, a common side effect of anti-estrogen drugs, and had the added benefit of increasing energy and sex drive. For more info, visit henryford.com.

Live Longer?

I love this book.  The Secrets of Longevity was written by co-founder of Yo San University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Dr. Maoshing Ni.  Dr. Mao comes from a long line (38 generations) of Taoist healers and knows a thing or two about anti-aging medicine.  His book is chock-full of pearls of wisdom that will have you kicking up your heals on your centennial birthday. 

Infection Protection

Why do some people seem to breeze through the cold and flu season without so much as a sniffle while others catch every little virus that comes their way? From a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) perspective, the body's natural resistance against diseases and its repair ability are due to a flow of protective energy that circulates near the surface the body, which is called defensive energy, or wei qi (pronounced "chee"), and corresponds with the immune system in western medicine. When this healthy energy is abundant and flowing freely, our bodies are able to fight off viruses naturally. It's when the balance of energy is disturbed that we have the potential to succumb to illness. So the old Toaist saying goes, "It's best to dig a well before you are thirsty." In other words, we should work to build our wei qi now to prevent illness in the future. How do we do that? Here are a few tips to get you started.

Diet: Food is medicine, to be sure. Eating a balanced, nutritious diet is your first step toward a flu-free season. Curb your sweet tooth, watch the saturated fats and pile on the vegetables. Adding some garlic, green onion, ginger and cayenne is helpful too. And don't forget to drink plenty of pure, filtered water.

Exercise: It's a must. And it is proven to boost the immune system. Aim for 30-45 minutes five days a week. But you needn't race the treadmill. Gentle exercises, like walking, yoga, tai chi and qi gong will do the trick, and help calm your mind at the same time.

Sleep: You know you need it. Are you getting enough? Seven to nine hours of undisturbed sleep are ideal. Make it a priority to give your body the rest it needs, and it will reward you for your efforts.

Chinese herbs: There are several tonic herbs that have long been used to powerfully and safely regulate the defensive qi. Duanwood reishi, cordyceps and astragalus are three of the best. All are potent immune modulators that strengthen and protect the body and mind.

Acupuncture: Acupuncture is energy medicine, and the focus of it is always to balance energy in the body with the intention of preventing and treating illness. It's a great idea to get a "seasonal" acupuncture treatment four times a year at the change of seasons, when our bodies are most prone toward imbalance.

Sound Mind Acupuncture

Please join yoga teacher and musician extraordinare, Karen Faith, and me for Sound Mind Acupuncture, a Gingko Acupuncture signature treatment blending ancient wellness practices with contemporary energy and warmth.  Enjoy a group experience combining vibrational healing and a stress-reducing acupuncture treatment with flower essences and energy cleansing.  Participants should come in comfortable dress for the revitalizing perk of a few well-placed needles and the other-worldly hum of huge crystal singing bowls. Space is limited.  Please call ahead to reserve.  $40.  708-386-4343

maryjane@ginkgoacupuncture.com

October 25th and November 8th, 3-4pm

Yoga Trek Center

911 S Lombard Ave

Oak Park, IL