How Does Eastern Medicine View Western Medical Interventions? (A note from our founder...)

When I meet my patients, it is often when they have exhausted all other options for their condition. Acupuncture and Eastern Medicine are typically considered last-resort treatments for ailments such as chronic pain, stress, and digestive disorders. As a result, I frequently hear stories from patients who have "tried everything," including medical procedures and medications such as pain relievers, IBS medications, and biologics. By the time they reach my clinic, they are often frustrated and looking for an alternative solution—one that may offer relief where conventional treatments have failed.

A common misconception is that holistic providers, including practitioners of Eastern Medicine, are opposed to Western medical interventions. This could not be further from the truth. In fact, this misunderstanding may prevent people from seeking treatments that could significantly improve their health, especially if Eastern Medicine had been integrated earlier in their care plan.

While I do not claim to be an expert in every facet of both Eastern and Western medicine, I have observed firsthand that when these approaches are used together, patient outcomes improve significantly. Allopathic medicine (commonly referred to as Western medicine) plays a crucial role in emergency care and in managing acute symptoms effectively. It excels in situations requiring immediate intervention, such as trauma, infections, and pain relief. However, when it comes to long-term health management, a more holistic approach may provide additional benefits.

Research supports the integration of Eastern and Western medicine. For example, a study published in The Journal of Pain (2018) found that acupuncture significantly reduces chronic pain conditions, including osteoarthritis and lower back pain, when used alongside conventional medical treatments. Additionally, a meta-analysis in JAMA Internal Medicine(2017) reported that acupuncture is effective in reducing the frequency and severity of migraines, providing an alternative or complementary option for patients relying on pharmaceutical treatments.

Furthermore, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) emphasizes treating the root cause of illness rather than just the symptoms. This contrasts with many Western interventions, which often focus on symptom management rather than long-term healing. A study in Integrative Cancer Therapies (2019) highlighted that cancer patients who received acupuncture and herbal medicine alongside chemotherapy experienced fewer side effects and improved quality of life compared to those who only received standard chemotherapy treatments.

It is important to acknowledge that Western medicine has made remarkable advancements in life-saving procedures and pharmaceutical innovations. However, integrating Eastern Medicine into patient care may reduce dependence on medications, minimize side effects, and support the body's natural healing processes. The key is balance—leveraging the strengths of both approaches to optimize patient health and well-being.

Ultimately, my goal as a practitioner of Eastern Medicine is not to replace Western medical interventions but to complement them. A collaborative approach that respects the strengths of both systems has the potential to improve patient outcomes, enhance quality of life, and create a more comprehensive and effective healthcare experience!

Spring Awakening: Harnessing the Power of the Wood Element in TCM

Spring is a time of renewal, growth, and expansion. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), this season corresponds to the Wood element, which governs the Liver and Gallbladder. Understanding the Wood element and aligning with its energy can help us thrive during this vibrant season.

The Wood Element and Spring
In TCM, each season is linked to one of the Five Elements, and Wood is associated with spring. Just as trees and plants push upward and outward after winter dormancy, our bodies and minds also seek movement, flexibility, and new beginnings.

Wood represents growth, vision, and adaptability. When our Wood element is in balance, we feel motivated, creative, and resilient. However, if the Wood energy is stagnant or excessive, we may experience frustration, irritability, digestive discomfort, or tension in the muscles and tendons.

The Liver and Gallbladder: Spring’s Governing Organs
The Liver and Gallbladder are the primary organs connected to the Wood element. The Liver is responsible for the smooth flow of Qi (energy) throughout the body, while the Gallbladder supports decision-making and courage. When these organs function well, we experience emotional clarity, smooth digestion, and physical flexibility.

However, stress, poor diet, and lack of movement can cause Liver Qi stagnation, leading to symptoms such as:

• Irritability and mood swings

• Eye strain or blurry vision

• Headaches, especially on the sides of the head

• Digestive disturbances, such as bloating or acid reflux

• Muscle stiffness and tension

Understanding the Liver and Gallbladder in TCM vs. Western Medicine
In TCM, the Liver and Gallbladder are understood as energetic systems rather than just physical organs. While the Liver in Western medicine is primarily responsible for detoxification and metabolic functions, in TCM, it is seen as the organ that regulates the flow of Qi and emotions. Similarly, the Gallbladder in Western medicine helps store and release bile, while in TCM, it is linked to decision-making, courage, and the ability to take action.

These TCM organ systems encompass a broader physiological and emotional role, meaning that symptoms related to the Liver or Gallbladder in TCM may not necessarily indicate dysfunction in the physical organs from a Western medical perspective. Instead, they represent energetic imbalances that can be addressed through diet, lifestyle, acupuncture, and herbal medicine.

How to Align with Spring’s Energy
To stay in harmony with the Wood element, consider these practices:
1. Eat Seasonally
Support your Liver by consuming light, fresh, and green foods. Leafy greens, sprouts, citrus fruits, and sour flavors help detoxify and invigorate the body. Reduce heavy, greasy, or overly processed foods that can burden the Liver.
2. Move Your Body
Stretching, yoga, walking, and outdoor activities help release stagnant Liver Qi. Engage in exercises that promote flexibility and circulation.
3. Practice Emotional Release
Spring is a great time to release pent-up emotions. Journaling, breathwork, and acupuncture can help clear emotional blockages and promote a sense of ease.
4. Spend Time in Nature
Connect with the Wood element by surrounding yourself with greenery. Walk in the woods, garden, or simply open your windows to let in fresh air.
5. Cleanse and Declutter
Spring cleaning isn’t just for your home—it’s also for your mind and body. Consider a gentle detox with herbal teas, plenty of water, and mindfulness practices to let go of what no longer serves you.
6. Get Acupuncture
Acupuncture helps balance Liver Qi, relieve stress, and support overall well-being. It’s especially beneficial in spring to encourage a smooth transition into the season.

By aligning with the energy of spring and the Wood element, you can cultivate vitality, clarity, and a sense of renewal. Embrace the season’s opportunities for growth, and enjoy the fresh start that spring offers!

The Problem With PCOS and How Acupuncture Can Help

Polycystic ovarian syndrome, or PCOS, affects between 8% to 20% of reproductive-age women worldwide. PCOS is a hormonal disorder which has numerous symptoms, many of which can seem unrelated. Typically, health care providers will look for these common characteristics in a potential PCOS patient: 

• Absence of ovulation

• Cysts on the ovaries

• Excess androgens

A PCOS diagnosis is not always definitive, but rather health care providers typically look for a grouping of several PCOS related symptoms in order to determine the diagnosis. Additional symptoms can include: irregular menstruation, infertility, excess hair growth, persistent acne, and/or stubborn weight gain particularly around the middle. Unfortunately, “researchers know that genetic and environmental factors contribute to the development of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), but do not know exactly what causes PCOS”.

The problem with PCOS is that since the diagnosis is not always definitive (meaning the diagnosis is based off a number of symptoms a patient has rather than through any diagnostic test result) and “it is a multifaceted disorder affecting endocrine, nervous and cardiovascular systems and has many metabolic repercussions and clinical repercussions” with the causes of PCOS remaining unknown, patients who have PCOS are are left to manage the symptoms of PCOS as opposed to addressing whatever the root cause is. This leads to a lot of symptom chasing and frustration on the patient’s part. Many times, the solution from the Western doctor is to put a woman on birth control to “regulate” her cycle - which is not regulating anything because birth control, unless it is the copper IUD, cuts off communication between the brain and the ovaries or to utilize IVF to get a patient pregnant.

Often patients arrive at the acupuncturist’s office with a long list of complaints as a result of their diagnosis, with very little real help being offered by their Western health care provider. The biggest complaint is that of irregular menstruation and anovulation (lack of ovulation) leading to amenorrhea and infertility problems. Women often speak about having a history of irregular periods, with or without ovulation, and are now trying to get pregnant without success. 

Luckily for them, acupuncture has demonstrated efficacy in treating not only the symptoms of PCOS, but also in treating the fertility problems women with PCOS face. In a study published in the American Journal of Physiology Endocrinology and Metabolism in March 2013, it was shown that “repeated acupuncture treatments with manual and electrical stimulation in lean/overweight women with PCOS results in a higher ovulation frequency during the treatment period than in the control group.” Additionally, circulating levels of a variety of hormones (including estrone, estrone sulphate, estradiol, DHEA and testosterone) were found to have decreased significantly more in the acupuncture group compared to the control group. 

The efficacy of the acupuncture in PCOS cases can be contributed to a number of things, but the primary take away is that acupuncture has a profound effect on the central nervous system, and in turn on the endocrine system. Helping to regulate hormones naturally, helps to regulate the hypothalamic-pituitary axis which is vital to a well functioning female reproductive system. Acupuncture is a relatively side-effect free way of regulating these hormones, as well as promoting proper blood circulation in the female reproductive organs through its effect on the central nervous system. 

The takeaway here is that anyone seeking help for PCOS fertility issues - or any other PCOS related concerns - should feel confident seeking out an acupuncturist to help with these issues. Acupuncture is painless, effective, and relatively side effect free, which I know we can all get behind! If you or anyone you know is looking for help with PCOS related issues, feel free to give us a call at 646-760-9880 or email us at hello@aurumacupuncture.com to learn more about the benefits of acupuncture or to book an appointment! 

Chlorophyll, Chlorella, and the Importance of Blood

As daylight fades on 2021 and we move towards 2022, post-holiday hibernation is beginning.  The temperatures are finally getting cooler and my thoughts turn inward just as the season predicts. I look around and see the leaves have fallen from the trees and I’m reminded of a particularly potent pigment in mother nature: chlorophyll. 

“Chlorophyll is a photosynthetic pigment present in green plants that absorbs light energy and uses it to produce carbohydrates from carbon dioxide and water. Chlorophyll is crucial to the process of photosynthesis, which is responsible for sustaining the life process of green plants.” What I find so fascinating about chlorophyll is its similarity to another vital fluid: blood. 

As famous botanist Donald Peattie found in Tree: A Life Story, "Using spectrum analysis, [I] learned that the constituents of a chlorophyll molecule were eerily familiar. 'To me, a botanist's apprentice, a future naturalist,' he writes, 'there was just one fact to quicken the pulse. That fact is the close similarity between chlorophyll and hemoglobin, the essence of our blood.' This is no fanciful comparison, but a literal, scientific analogy: 'The one significant difference in the two structural formulas is this: that the hub of every hemoglobin molecule is one atom of iron, while in chlorophyll it is one atom of magnesium.' Just as chlorophyll is green because magnesium absorbs all but the green light spectrum, blood is red because iron absorbs all but the red. Chlorophyll is green blood."

What is the importance of this finding? Firstly, it leads us to the conclusion that plants are not as different from us as we may like to believe. Secondly, with such striking biological similarity, it is clear that we may use chlorophyll to nourish our own blood, because in Chinese Medicine (CM) we use “like to treat like”. 

I talk a lot about blood quality in session and the key difference between how CM views blood and how Western Medicine views it is, CM is more interested in the quality of blood rather than the quantity. If the quality is good, you will have enough quantity. Blood is categorized as connective tissue, therefore fresh, healthy, high quality blood is one of the vital fluids that keeps our bodies running and functioning optimally. 

That being said, I frequently recommend chlorella whenever a patient presents with any blood quality issues. Blood quality issues run the gamut and can be anything from pain to insomnia and everything in between. “Chlorella is a single-celled green algae found in bodies of freshwater and contains high concentrations of nutrients such as vitamin C, carotenoids, vitamin B complex and iron. The algae also contains a high amount of protein and can produce healthy oils high in polyunsaturated fats.” 

Why chlorella over chlorophyll? Though they are related, there are some key differences between chlorella and chlorophyll. Chlorella is a type of algae and chlorophyll is the substance plants use, along with sunlight, to make their own food. While straight chlorophyll is an excellent supplement, taking chlorella has added benefits such as:

• Delivers a high amount of nutrients to the body: Chlorella is packed with good-for-you stuff like vitamins B12 and C, iron, fiber, protein, antioxidants, and fatty acids.

• Helps the body process heavy metals and detox: One of chlorella's best-known benefits is that it's a great ingredient for helping rid your body of all the toxins that come from processed foods, the environment, and life in general which can disrupt our hormonal balance. It binds to heavy metals to assist with detox.

• Provides protective benefits to the body: While studies are mixed, this edible algae may also help strengthen the immune system, as well as possibly lower cholesterol, blood pressure, and manage blood sugars.

• Promotes weight loss:A 2008 study published in the Journal of Medicinal Food discovered that regular chlorella intake over a 16-week period resulted in a lower body fat percentage for the participants, along with lower cholesterol and blood glucose levels.

While supplements are not a cure-all, they are certainly part of the process of healing. Feel free to reach out directly with any questions and I look forward to seeing you in the clinic!

https://www.livestrong.com/article/470008-chlorella-vs-chlorophyll/

https://healthyeating.sfgate.com/chlorella-vs-chlorophyll-10702.html 

https://www.byrdie.com/chlorella-benefits

What is Ear Acupuncture & How Does it Work?

In the 1950s, Dr. Paul Nogier, coined as the “father of Auriculotherapy,” discovered that certain points in the ears correspond directly with specific parts of the body. The process of inserting hair thin needles into these specific points within the ear is called Auricular, or “ear,” acupuncture. Auricular is different from ‘regular,’ or body, acupuncture because it does not utilize the meridian system. Auricular utilizes points or areas within the ear to stimulate specific organs or to obtain certain results. It is similar to reflexology in that certain groups of cells gather in certain areas, like these specific points, and represent or dedicate themselves to specific parts, functions, and/or organs of the body. Therefore, “stimulation of a reflex point in the ear can relieve symptoms of distant pathology with a reliable duration,” (Gori & Firenzuoli, 2007). Signals created by ear acupuncture travel directly to the brain. The body then takes these signals as commands coming directly from the brain, thereby allowing ear acupuncture to take advantage of its own control center, the brain. 

Auricular acupuncture is used for a wide variety of reasons and is effective at treating a variety of physical, mental or emotional issues. It can be used alone or as an additional modality along with a typical acupuncture treatment. When used alone, the treatment is typically for pain or substance abuse and the aim is to get quick results with minimal time and energy. The most famous protocol to be administered alone is called the NADA protocol and is used to treat anxiety, addiction and for smoking cessation. When used along with body acupuncture, ear points help strengthen the treatment. Additionally, ear seeds (small seeds or magnets) are sometimes applied at the end of a treatment to further stimulate the points and help keep the effects of the acupuncture going between sessions. 

Overall, ear acupuncture (when administered properly by a licensed professional) can be as effective as body acupuncture at reducing pain, cravings, and easing anxiety. Many people enjoy the benefits as an extension of treatment, and as an added bonus many people love the way ear seeds look!

Works Cited:

Gori, L., & Firenzuoli, F. (2007). Ear Acupuncture in European Traditional Medicine. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine : eCAM, 4(Suppl 1), 13–16. http://doi.org/10.1093/ecam/nem106

What the Tongue Tells us About Your Health.

Everyone wants to know why we look at tongues and what we’re looking for. 

Well here is a great example: 25yo F trying to conceive. She has PCOS and hypothyroid and has not had a natural period in over 10 years. From her tongue I can see that she has damp accumulation, particularly of the low jiao, there is heat accumulation as a result of the damp, some blood deficiency, and dysfunction of the digestive system which is hampering all of this.

The 2nd picture was taken about 2 months later, after a course of damp clearing, Spleen and Kidney tonifying herbs. Here we see a lot of damp has been cleared by the thinner tongue coat, the coat is no longer yellow so we can see we have cleared heat as well. The tongue is far less puffy, though we still see some puffy “rails” on the sides, so we see fluids are not accumulating as they had been. And overall color is pinker - though the lighting is different, the color has definitely changed as well.

I’m also happy to report that after 10+ years, she finally got a natural period!! 

Next steps are monitoring BBT to try and track if and when she is ovulating to time conception and further Kidney Yang tonification to support a healthy pregnancy!

The Gut-Brain Connection

Chinese Medicine has long held that there is a connection between what you feel and how you feel. Western medicine research is beginning to understand the relationship between our guts and our minds called the “Gut-Brain Axis.” Our gut and brain have a steady ability to communicate via the nervous system, hormones, and the immune system.  Such communication greatly affects how we feel physically as well as emotionally. 

The gastrointestinal (GI) tract, has it’s very own nervous system called the enteric nervous system (ENS) which governs the movement and regulation of the digestive system. “Scientists call the enteric nervous system the “little brain”. But it’s not so little. The ENS is two thin layers of more than 100 million nerve cells lining your gastrointestinal tract from esophagus to rectum…(and what’s more) researchers are finding evidence that irritation in the gastrointestinal system may send signals to the central nervous system (CNS) that trigger mood changes.” As a result of this strong relationship, what we put into our bodies becomes vital to our physical and emotional wellbeing. 

Hormonally and immunologically speaking, when we are under stress, our bodies react by releasing what are called “inflammatory cytokines.” These are little chemical messengers that bring our immune system into high alert. In a way, our body reacts to all stress as if it were an infection (and to chronic stress as if it were a chronic infection) by releasing these cytokines. How is the gut involved? It turns out that the gut flora plays an important role in regulating our immune response. “Your digestive tract is...where 80% of your immune system is located. Research is revealing links between an unhealthy gut and a wide range of medical problems, including obesity, allergies, asthma, and cancer. In fact, many researchers believe that diseases often stem from a communication breakdown between the gut and other parts of the body.” Additionally, growing evidence shows disruption of the microbiota in early infancy as a “critical determinant of disease expression in later life.” Therefore, the makeup of our gut microbiome can make the difference in whether we are sick or well.

What does this mean for you? It means that in terms of feeling well physically and emotionally, the quality of the food we consume is just as important as making time for a workout. 

When in doubt, here are 8 ways to a healthier and happier “second brain”:

1. Limit or stop your consumption of:

– Processed foods

– Refined sugars

– Alcohol

– Caffeine

– Grains

– Seed oils (these are high in omega-6 oils, which are pro-inflammatory)

2. Take antibiotics only when absolutely necessary; these play a major role in killing off healthy gut flora.

3. Avoid exposure to pollutants, pesticides, and other chemicals.

4. Eat coconut milk yogurt, coconut milk kefir, sauerkraut, refrigerated pickles, and kimchi. These are probiotic foods that supply your body with good bacteria.

5. Eat prebiotic foods such as jicama, onions, garlic, asparagus, leeks, bananas, chicory root, and Jerusalem artichokes. These supply the soluble fiber that your good gut bugs love to eat.

6. Take a powerful probiotic supplement such as lactobacillus acidophilus and bifidobacterium lactis to flood your system with good bacteria.

7. Manage your stress. Activities like yoga and meditation don’t just calm your mind; they help heal your “second brain” as well.

8. Drink bone broth every day. The gelatin and anti-inflammatory nutrients in bone broth soothe and heal your gut.

References:

http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/healthy_aging/healthy_body/the-brain-gut-connection

https://www.drkellyann.com/blog/gut-brain-connection-your-second-brain

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3983973/

The Beautiful Order of Things

When things feel so out of control - as they have for some time now - I often turn to Chinese Medicine (CM)  to help make sense of things. CM has a rich history that relies heavily on philosophy and observation of the environment to help us understand the world around us, which in turn provides insight into our bodies on a deeper level. There’s even a proverb for this: as above, so below.

The Nei Jing, which informs all modern practitioners and has been around for over two millennia, is the seminal Chinese Medicine text. However, it is much more than a medical text, as Edward Neal, MD, MSOM states: “it is a manual on how the universe works.” So to discuss the Nei Jing is to understand it functions as a medical text by discerning patterns in the natural world and creating a language for those patterns. In doing so it seeks to help us better understand nature, the environment, and thereby ourselves. This explains why many discussions around Chinese Medicine involve environmental terms, such as “Damp”, “Wind”, “Hot”, and “Cold”. Chinese Medicine practitioners view the body as an extension of the world and its environment. 

Bearing this in mind, when I turn to CM for guidance during difficult times, I see the correlation between ourselves and the world at large; just as the universe expands and contracts, we inhale and exhale. The Nei Jing infers from this: if we consider the universe as taking a breath, when breath is moving outward, is when things are coming into being or generating. When breath is moving backwards, is when things are going back to their source to be regenerated - the generation/regeneration cycle or the life cycle. 

It’s interesting, then, that COVID-19 is a virus which affects the lungs primarily and affects our ability to take a full breath. That gasping for air is a signal we are in the regeneration period; the period of change and transformation. The Nei Jing demands of us to understand that you cannot have generation without regeneration. Make no mistake, nature seeks balance just as our bodies seek homeostasis and will do what is necessary to maintain that balance. What follows regeneration is a rebirth. 

This, then, is an entreaty to understand this basic principle of Chinese Medicine. If we are doing too much, producing too much, using too many of our resources, nature will invoke transformation and change. If we can think of something good coming out of this, it’s that we use this moment as a point of change. So what will you do with this moment? What will I? What changes are out there waiting for us?

(This post was inspired by a talk Dr. Edward Neal, MD, MSOM did in April 2020, titled, “The Neijing Perspective on Epidemic and Pandemic Diseases and the Current COVID-19 Situation”)

Acupuncture for Immunity: Health is Wealth

Every so often, I find there is a shift in the collective subconscious and suddenly everyone is talking about the same thing. With the global Coronavirus pandemic front and center in everyone’s minds these days, it seems that all anyone has been talking about is their health and immunity and what can be done to improve it. Questions like “How can I improve my health overall?” or “Are there any supplements I can take to help boost my immunity?”, have been cropping up again and again in my Telehealth sessions. Of course, the answer is different for everyone and will depend on if there are any underlying conditions and where your health and immunity are at today. 

That being said, let’s first understand what immunity is with some definitions: 

• Immune System: a system of cells and organs designed to protect you against “foreign” invaders or “bad” bacteria

• Immune Response: the chain reaction of events that occur when your immune system detects those foreign invaders

• Immunity: the body’s overall ability to create immune responses to the appropriate things

Why is that important to know? Your general health and wellbeing relies on how well your immune system works in initiating the proper immune response. When we talk about immunity, we're typically referring to the response and how it may be affecting how you feel. Some people find that their immunity is poor because they either have over or under active immune responses. The reasons for this are plentiful (and too long to get into here!), but it should be noted that this atypical response can be the reason for a myriad of health issues ranging from allergic reactions and allergies to gut and intestinal problems. 

Two big factors that play a part in our immunity are lifestyle and diet. Getting some regular exercise, establishing healthy sleep habits, and maintaining a “clean” diet with few inflammatory foods and the right balance of macronutrients are all ways in which you can boost your immunity naturally by creating the right environments for our body to produce the correct response. In addition to those changes, things like reducing stress, consuming immune-supporting herbs, and spending quality time outdoors to soak up sun are also some manageable and simple ways to pump up your immunity this spring.

While it’s impossible for us to predict everything, we can certainly help with the stress reduction through acupuncture and immune-supporting herbs and supplements. Acupuncture has been proven to decrease leukocyte (white blood cell) values (Kou et al., 2005). What this tells us is that through the use of acupuncture, we can support a healthy and well-circulating immune system which supports appropriate immune responses. The research shows: acupuncture really works! 

The other benefit of acupuncture in the immune response is that it reduces stress, which has a huge effect on health. When you are stressed, your body enacts its most innate fight or flight response, which introduces cortisol and all sorts of stress response hormones into your body. Over time this will damage your body and put you in a chronic state of “flight” where secondary functions - such as digestion or reproduction - are thrown out of whack since they are not considered essential. 

Herbs are the pharmaceutical arm to Traditional Chinese Medicine (or TCM), and they allow us to accelerate the acupuncture response through careful selection of herbs and supplements. Some people are curious about what single herbs will help alleviate fatigue or ease allergies, but to that I say there is no “one size fits all” approach in TCM. It’s a matter of working with your body to create the proper formula. For most who need an immunity boost, that usually involves herbs like ginseng and astragalus which are good for reducing fatigue and increasing immunity.  

Supplements differ from Chinese Herbs in that they are single ingredient vital nutrients you should already be getting through nutrition, but may not be getting enough of in order to receive a therapeutic effect. The supplements I suggest to everyone looking for a little bit of an immunity boost are: A high quality multivitamin with minerals, 1000mg liposomal Vitamin C, 20mg Zinc, 500IU Vitamin D, Elderberry, and a probiotic to encourage optimal gut health. 

The key to using acupuncture for immunity is the knowledge that good health requires maintenance and upkeep, just like staying in shape. Using a three prong approach of diet, lifestyle, and stress reduction via acupuncture is an excellent course of treatment that has been proven to work. 

References:

Kou, W., Bell, J. D., Gareus, I., Pacheco-López, G., Goebel, M. U., Spahn, G., ... & Dobos, G. J. (2005). Repeated acupuncture treatment affects leukocyte circulation in healthy young male subjects: a randomized single-blind two-period crossover study. Brain, behavior, and immunity, 19(4), 318-324.

No sanitizer? No problem! Homemade Hand Sanitizer Recipe

It’s difficult to overstate the importance of hand washing right now: it’s the most effective way to stop the spread of germs and viruses, period. But in the event you don’t have access to running water (think: on your next big supermarket run), hand sanitizer is definitely effective in a pinch. Unfortunately, with so much in flux in the world, it's becoming nearly impossible to find any in stores. What’s a guy or gal to do? Well…make her own, of course! Below is a recipe for homemade sanitizer. Unfortunately there is really no such thing as “all natural” sanitizer, because the main ingredient for any disinfectant is usually alcohol, though there are a number the CDC recommends and you can find a list here, as well as a good explanation for the difference between cleaning and sanitizing.

But back to our recipe! The most important ingredient is alcohol and the percentage of alcohol counts. A bottle of 99% alcohol is best, but if you don’t have that on hand or can’t find any, you can also use 75% or 60%, though you will not be able to dilute those as much. Please know that the bottle of vodka you have laying around will not count, as the alcohol content, while strong enough to get you drunk, is not strong enough for proper sanitization. 

Ingredients:

• Isopropyl alcohol (99-75% recommended)

• Glycerol or glycerin (to keep alcohol from becoming too drying - if you can’t find any or don’t have any on hand, you can leave it out, but don’t forget to apply moisturizer after applying the sanitizer)

• Hydrogen peroxide (used to inactivate any contamination in the solution)

• Distilled water (or boil water and wait for it to cool down)

• Essential oil of your choosing (for scent)

• Spray bottle (this should be sterilized before being used)

Directions: mix 12oz of alcohol, 2 teaspoons of glycerol, 1 tablespoon of hydrogen peroxide, 3oz of water (less if you are using lower concentration alcohol - ¾ of your solution should be alcohol) and 1-2 drops of your favorite essential oil.

The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends allowing any mixture be left to sit for 72 hours to allow any spores present in the mixture or bottles to be destroyed. 

Recommendations for essential oils are: Tea tree oil for its antimicrobial ability or Thieves oil for its immunity boosting power. Clove and eucalyptus are in the Thieves oil blend, so they can be used alone or together if you can’t find Thieves oil.

Acupuncture for Allergies...it's AMAZING!!

Asthma and allergic diseases, such as allergic rhinitis (hay fever), food allergy, and eczema, are common for all age groups in the United States. Folks in Memphis, TN are particularly susceptible due to all the tree pollen, ragweed and grass. Allergies are the 6th leading cause of chronic illness in the U.S. with an annual cost in excess of $18 billion. More than 50 million Americans suffer from allergies each year. Surprisingly, it is among the country’s most common, but overlooked, diseases.

An allergy attack occurs when your immune system reacts to a foreign substance, called an allergen, which could be something you eat, inhale into your lungs, or touch. An allergen is any chemical substance of non-microbial origin that triggers an immune response in your body. An immune response is when your immune system, thinking the allergen is a foreign invader, overreacts by producing antibodies called Immunoglobulin E (IgE). The IgE molecules attach to mast cells, which are white blood cells that are part of the immune response and are plentiful in the lungs, skin, and linings of the nose and gastrointestinal tract. The next time a person is exposed to that allergen, these IgE-primed mast cells release powerful chemicals, which in turn cause the allergic reaction, commonly seen as itchy and watery eyes, runny nose, and sneezing. Unfortunately, there is no cure for allergies, however, they can be managed through proper treatment and prevention.

Some steps you can take today to help alleviate symptoms and prevent allergies from getting in the way of living your life include:

1. Acupuncture is incredibly effective at helping mediate the symptoms associated with seasonal allergies. In fact, in 2015 The American Academy of Otolaryngology’s Clinical Practice Guideline recommended acupuncture for patients with allergic rhinitis (hay fever) who were interested in nonpharmacological solutions. Acupuncture is recognized as an effective alternative to medical therapies, and is associated with a reduction of symptoms and improved quality of life for patients.

2. Chinese herbal medicine, which is the pharmaceutical arm of acupuncture, is well known to help boost immunity naturally in order to prevent an allergic outbreak from occurring in the first place. Specifically, magnolia flower powder ( “Xin Yi San”) has been found to reduce nasal symptoms in patients with perennial allergic rhinitis (hay fever) due to its diverse immunomodulatory effects. This is far from the only Chinese medicine formula effective at treating allergies, so please be sure to speak with your Chinese Medicine practitioner about what formula would be right for you. 

3. Supplements such as Quercetin, which is a naturally occurring antioxidant, have been found to have an antihistamine effect, reducing allergic outbreak. Bromelain, which will oftentimes come with Quercetin, and is found in pineapples, is another well known anti-inflammatory said to be effective at treating respiratory distress. 

When all else fails, don’t forget these two important tips:

1. Wipe yourself down with a small towel when walking into the house. The reason being, that when we enter our homes, we’re bringing in small bits from the outside as well, which will exacerbate any allergic reaction. 

2. Neti pots are thought to be useful for allergy season for the same reasons - because you are clearing out any potential allergens, bacteria, or mucus that could lead to an allergic response. 

Please note that anaphylaxis is the most severe allergic reaction. Symptoms include flushing, tingling of the palms of the hands, soles of the feet or lips; light-headedness, and chest-tightness. If not treated, these can progress into seizures, cardiac arrhythmia, shock, and respiratory distress or even death. If you think you are experiencing any of these signs, call 911 immediately.