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!

Forget Resolutions—Embrace Healthier Choices for a Happier You

New Year’s resolutions sound great in theory, but let’s be honest—they often fizzle out by February. What if you could feel amazing all year without the pressure of a resolution? At Ãurum Acupuncture, we believe lasting wellness comes from small, meaningful lifestyle choices backed by science.

So, let’s ditch the “all-or-nothing” mindset and focus on simple, effective habits that help you feel your best—without the guilt.

1. Explore New Flavors for Better Gut Health

A diverse diet is linked to better digestion and a stronger immune system. Research published in Nature found that eating a wide variety of plant-based foods can increase beneficial gut bacteria, supporting everything from mood to metabolism. Try incorporating colorful veggies, fermented foods, and new herbs into your meals—your microbiome will thank you!

2. Get Outside for a Dose of Nature Therapy

Time spent outdoors isn’t just refreshing—it’s scientifically powerful. Studies from Environmental Health Perspectives reveal that regular exposure to nature can lower inflammation and improve mental clarity. Whether it’s a weekend hike, barefoot grounding in your yard, or a few mindful breaths on your lunch break, connecting with nature can do wonders for your well-being.

3. Tune Into Your Body’s Natural Rhythms

Listening to your body’s cues can be transformative. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) emphasizes syncing with natural cycles, like eating seasonally and adjusting activity levels with the seasons. For example, winter is a time to slow down and nourish deeply, while spring invites gentle detoxification and movement.

4. Swap Multitasking for Mindful Moments

Modern life glorifies being busy, but multitasking can leave you feeling scattered and stressed. Neuroscience shows that focusing on one task at a time improves productivity and reduces mental fatigue. Whether it’s sipping your morning tea without scrolling or truly savoring a meal, small mindful pauses can boost your mental clarity and emotional balance.

5. Make Preventive Wellness a Priority

Health isn’t just about fixing issues when they arise—it’s about staying balanced. Acupuncture is a powerful tool for preventive care, helping keep your body’s energy flowing smoothly. Regular treatments can support everything from digestion to hormonal balance, keeping you feeling vibrant year-round.

This year, let’s shift the focus from rigid resolutions to joyful, science-backed habits that truly support your well-being. At Ãurum Acupuncture, we’re here to help you create a lifestyle you love—no pressure, just progress.

Ready to feel amazing all year long? Book your next session with us and start thriving!

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! 

The Benefits of Acupuncture for Perimenopausal Symptoms

Being a woman of a certain age, I feel intimately aware of the changes my body is going through at this time. It’s hard to believe when you are in your most fertile prime that one day you will experience any of these changes, but it happens to everyone and everyones body handles it differently. I’m taking about perimenopause and menopause.

Perimenopause, the transition leading up to menopause - which can last up to ten years before the actual onset of menopause - brings with it a wide array of physical and emotional changes. From hot flashes to mood swings, night sweats, brain fog, and sleep disturbances, these symptoms can significantly impact a woman’s quality of life. At Ãurum Acupuncture, we specialize in natural, holistic therapies - including acupuncture and herbs - which have been gaining attention for its efficacy in managing perimenopausal symptoms.

How Acupuncture Helps

Acupuncture is an ancient practice rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). It involves the insertion of fine, sterile needles at specific points on the body to stimulate energy flow, or “Qi.” This stimulation is believed to help restore balance to the body’s systems, including hormonal regulation, which can be highly beneficial during perimenopause.

Several scientific studies have begun to explore how acupuncture can offer relief for women experiencing the challenges of perimenopause. A few of the key perimenopausal symptoms that acupuncture can alleviate with supporting evidence are listed below.

1. Relief from Hot Flashes and Night Sweats

Hot flashes and night sweats are among the most common complaints during perimenopause. These symptoms are caused by fluctuations in estrogen levels, which disrupt the body’s temperature regulation. Acupuncture has shown promise in reducing the frequency and severity of hot flashes. A randomized controlled trial published in the journal Menopause found that acupuncture significantly reduced the frequency of hot flashes in perimenopausal women over an 8-week period compared to a control group . The study suggested that acupuncture works by modulating the central nervous system, which helps in thermoregulation.

2. Improved Sleep Quality

Many women experience insomnia or disrupted sleep during perimenopause, often due to night sweats and anxiety. Acupuncture has been shown to help improve sleep by promoting relaxation and balancing the autonomic nervous system. A 2016 study in Acupuncture in Medicine found that perimenopausal women receiving acupuncture reported significant improvements in their sleep quality compared to those in the control group . The mechanism involves acupuncture’s influence on increasing the secretion of melatonin, the hormone responsible for sleep regulation.

3. Brain Fog

“Brain fog” is a common symptom many women experience during perimenopause. It manifests as memory lapses, difficulty concentrating, and a general sense of mental cloudiness. This cognitive decline is often linked to the fluctuating hormone levels, particularly estrogen, during the perimenopausal transition. Research has highlighted the impact of hormonal changes on cognitive function. A study published in The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism found that women in perimenopause often report issues with memory and concentration, which were correlated with declining estrogen levels. This hormone plays a critical role in cognitive processes, including verbal memory and executive function. Though brain fog can be frustrating, try not to worry too much, as it is usually temporary and improves after the menopausal transition. If you’re struggling with brain fog, acupuncture may provide relief by improving overall energy flow and reducing stress, promoting clearer thinking during this transition.

4. Reducing Mood Swings and Anxiety

The hormonal shifts during perimenopause can cause emotional disturbances, including mood swings, anxiety, and irritability. Acupuncture helps regulate the body’s stress response by stimulating the parasympathetic nervous system. A 2020 review in Frontiers in Psychiatry highlighted that acupuncture is effective in reducing symptoms of anxiety, which is particularly relevant for perimenopausal women . Acupuncture can help stabilize mood by releasing endorphins and serotonin, hormones that play a role in emotional well-being.

5. Hormonal Balance and General Well-being

As estrogen and progesterone levels fluctuate during perimenopause, women can experience fatigue, low libido, and general feelings of malaise. Acupuncture may help to naturally balance hormones by promoting the release of neurochemicals that influence the endocrine system. A study published in The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism indicated that acupuncture can modulate hormonal levels, contributing to overall improved well-being in perimenopausal women . Many women report feeling more energized and balanced after acupuncture treatments.

Why Choose Acupuncture for Perimenopause?

Acupuncture is a gentle, non-invasive therapy that works with your body’s natural processes. It offers an individualized approach to treating perimenopausal symptoms, tailored to the specific needs of each woman. Acupuncture can complement other treatments, such as herbal remedies, diet, and lifestyle changes, to create a holistic care plan that supports women through this life transition.

At Ãurum Acupuncture, we focus on creating a nurturing environment where our clients feel supported throughout their perimenopausal journey. Our skilled practitioners tailor each acupuncture session to address your unique symptoms and promote overall wellness.

For women seeking a natural, side-effect-free option for managing perimenopausal symptoms, acupuncture offers a promising solution. If you’re interested in learning more about how acupuncture can help, contact us at Ãurum Acupuncture for a consultation.

References: 1. Menopause. “Acupuncture for Hot Flashes: A Randomized Controlled Trial.” , 2. Acupuncture in Medicine. “The Effect of Acupuncture on Sleep Quality in Perimenopausal Women.”, 3. Frontiers in Psychiatry. “Acupuncture in the Treatment of Anxiety.”, 4. The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism. “Acupuncture’s Effect on Hormonal Levels in Perimenopausal Women.”

This post is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any new treatment.

Unraveling the Needle: Dry Needling vs. Acupuncture

A question that continuously comes up in my practice - especially as needle-based therapies have gained immense popularity in recent years for their potential to alleviate pain, improve wellness, and enhance overall health - what is the difference between acupuncture and dry-needling? Two prominent practices that involve the insertion of thin needles into the body are acupuncture and dry-needling and it makes sense that people want to understand how to differentiate between the two. While these therapies may appear similar at first glance, they differ significantly in their origins, principles, techniques, and applications. 

First, it is important to understand what dry-needling actually is. The term “dry-needling” was first used by Janet Travell, MD to differentiate between “wet needling” or hypodermic injections and “dry needling” which is either insertion of a needle into muscle without injection or with the use of a filiform - or solid - needle. So by this definition, acupuncture is dry-needling. However, while the distinction between acupuncture and dry-needling can be complex, there are significant differences in the two practices. To better understand these differences, let's delve deeper into the key distinctions.

Acupuncture is an ancient practice originating in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), dating back over 2,500 years. Acupuncture has a rich history deeply intertwined with Chinese philosophy and culture. It was initially used to balance the body's vital energy, known as Qi, and has evolved over centuries to treat a wide range of health issues. Whereas, dry-needling is a relatively modern therapy that has its roots in Western medicine. It emerged in the late 1970s with Czech physician, Karel Lewit, when he published his landmark paper ‘‘The Needle Effect in the Relief of Myofascial Pain'’ where he concluded that the insertion of needles into muscles to elicit a trigger effect had a remarkable ability to treat pain in musculoskeletal conditions. 

Acupuncture is rooted in the principles of TCM, focusing on the flow of Qi (or energy) through meridians or channels in the body. Acupuncture aims to balance Qi by inserting needles at specific acupoints along meridians, promoting the body's natural healing processes. Dry-needling is grounded in neuroanatomy and the understanding of trigger points, which are tight bands of muscle tissue that can cause pain and dysfunction. The primary goal of dry-needling is to release muscle knots and reduce pain by targeting specific trigger points.

Acupuncture uses thin, sterile needles, often made of stainless steel.Needles are placed at various acupoints, which may or may not coincide with trigger points, and are typically left in place for a longer duration to balance energy flow. In dry needling, solid, filament needles are used, typically without the addition of substances (hence "dry"). The needles are inserted directly into trigger points or tight muscle bands to elicit a twitch response, which helps release tension and relieve pain.

Acupuncture is employed for a broader range of health issues, including pain, digestive disorders, stress, anxiety, and more. Acupuncture seeks to restore balance in the body's energy flow, addressing both physical and emotional well-being. Dry-needling is commonly employed to treat musculoskeletal conditions such as muscle pain, tension, and myofascial pain syndrome. The primary objective is to reduce pain, improve muscle function, and enhance mobility.

The biggest difference, however, may be in the training. Acupuncturists undergo extensive training in TCM theories, meridian systems, and needle techniques, typically completing formal programs and obtaining licensure. Acupuncture is regulated in many countries, ensuring practitioners meet specific educational and ethical standards. Whereas, practitioners of dry needling, who often include physical therapists, chiropractors, and some medical doctors, have varying degrees of education in needling technique. Regulations regarding dry needling vary by region, and it may not be regulated in some places.

In summary, while acupuncture is highly regulated and dry-needling is mostly regulated, they are distinct practices with different practitioners, training requirements, and scopes of practice. Acupuncture is practiced by licensed acupuncturists, with a broader range of applications based on Traditional Chinese Medicine principles - which means they are able to treat musculoskeletal pain in addition to things such as women’s health, digestive health, autoimmune issues, etc. Dry-needling is primarily performed by physical therapists and focuses on musculoskeletal issues. Patients in Tennessee - or any other state in the US - seeking these therapies should ensure they receive treatment from qualified and licensed practitioners in their respective fields.

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

A Case of Extreme Bloating: Before and After

Another before/after transformation ✨😁✨
Patient came in with a chief complaint of extreme bloating (she is NOT pregnant). She had modified her diet on the advice of her dietician. Multiple functional tests reported nothing out of the ordinary. These cases are always the most frustrating for patients - they don’t feel good, but there is no pathological reason for it!
In her first treatment I opened her Dai Mai, the “girdling” channel, and worked on moving Qi of the Middle Jiao.
Next I prescribed a modified Fu Zi Li Zhong Wan for cold in the middle, to warm and move in an attempt to jumpstart movement in the middle.
The 1st pic is after her first treatment, where she said she already noticed a decrease in bloating. The 2nd pic is from today, after 6 days of herbs. Big difference!! There is still some bloating, but you can see her waist now and more importantly, she feels SO much better.
Next steps are to continue warming Yang and work on nourishing Spleen Qi so she can work on her next big project: getting pregnant. 

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/

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.