Alternative Primary CareAllergies
According to Chinese medical theory, the symptoms and signs that indicate a Western diagnosis of allergies relate to imbalances in the meridian and Organ Systems of the body. These imbalances may stem from a variety of causes, including stress, poor diet, constitutional weakness, pollutants and environmental toxins.
Over time, if imbalances remain within the body, they will affect the functions of the Organ Systems. Some of these Organ Systems are involved in the production of Wei Qi (pronounced “way chee”). According to the theories of acupuncture and Chinese medicine, it is important to have
the correct quality and quantity of Wei Qi circulating around the body in order to stay healthy.
What is Wei Qi?
The Chinese concept of Wei Qi is similar to the Western concept of the immune system. Wei Qi functions to protect and defend the body against foreign substances, that if not caught can lead to allergies. When Wei Qi is strong and abundant, we remain healthy. When the supply of Wei Qi becomes deficient, health is compromised and we become vulnerable to foreign invaders such as dust, mold, animal dander, bacteria, viruses and pollen. People who have a Wei Qi deficiency are prone to allergies and frequent colds.
Acupuncture and Chinese medicine support and strengthen the systems of the body that are involved in the production of Wei Qi. By building up the supply of Wei Qi, and facilitating the smooth and free flow of it through the body, symptoms and signs related to allergies could be greatly reduced or eliminated.
Allergies according to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) can be due to a variety of factors. Below are some of the more common TCM diagnoses that your acupuncturist
may discover and treat.
- Wei Qi deficiency
- Spleen weakness
- Kidney deficiency
- Lung deficiency
What will an acupuncturist do?
An acupuncturist will conduct a thorough exam, taking a complete health history. They will then develop a unique treatment plan that will address your specific concerns. The goals of the treatment plan will be to eliminate visible symptoms and signs, while addressing the root cause(s) and underlying imbalances affecting the quality and quantity of Wei Qi.
Acupuncture treatments may be combined with herbs, dietary changes, massage (tuina), or exercise. These therapies accelerate the healing process in order to balance, build, and support the body’s Wei Qi.
Seasonal allergy tips:
- Flush your nose with a Neti pot.
- Add spicy foods and omega-3’s to your diet.
- Keep your windows closed during allergy season to prevent dust and pollen from entering.
- Put on a dust mask when you are doing yard or house work.
- Do not hang your clothes out to dry in the sun, as they
will gather dust, mold and pollen. - Come in for an acupuncture tune-up.
Acupuncture and Chinese medicine are a drug-free, safe, natural and effective way to eliminate hay fever, allergies or the common cold.
Arthritis
If you live with arthritis, you know what a challenge it can be to find relief from joint pain and other symptoms. But there are many things you can do to manage and control your arthritis and live a healthy, active life. Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) can be powerful additions to any treatment plan, without causing harmful side effects.
Arthritis according to Western Medicine
Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common type of arthritis, affecting more than 21 million Americans. It occurs when the cartilage between the joints breaks down, usually affecting the hips, hands, knees, low back, or neck.
Some factors can increase your risk, including a joint injury, being overweight, aging, and genetics. Putting stress on a joint through repetitive motion can also increase your risk.
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is another common type, affecting 2.1 million people in the United States. This chronic condition occurs when the lining of the joints becomes inflamed, and can lead to long-term joint damage and even loss of movement. Women are two to three times more likely to get RA.
RA often starts in the hands or feet, and usually affects the same joints on both sides of the body. Symptoms include:
- Warm, swollen or tender joints
- Joint stiffness, especially in the morning
- Fatigue
- Flu-like symptoms such as fever
- Muscle pain and weakness
Treatment options
Western treatment generally focuses on relieving pain and preventing further joint damage. Often this is done through the use of anti-inflammatory drugs and other medications, as well as through self-care and physical therapy. In some cases, surgery may even be needed.
- Weakness or deficiency of the internal organs
- Constitutional imbalance
- Physical injury and/or trauma
- Changes with the quality and quantity of Qi
- Blockage or inadequate flow of Qi
- Invasion from external factors such as Wind, Cold and Heat
- Unresolved emotional upset, mainly related to stress and anxiety
Acupuncture offers a safe, natural way to control joint pain and other symptoms and maintain overall health. In fact, a 2004 study showed that patients with OA of the knee experienced a 40 percent decrease in pain and a 40 percent increase in function after receiving a series of acupuncture treatments.
A whole-body approach to relief
Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) take a holistic, or whole-body approach to health. According to these theories, Qi (pronounced “chee”) is the vital energy that animates the body and protects it from illness. It flows through pathways called meridians, providing nourishment for every cell, tissue, muscle and organ. When there is an imbalance or blockage in the flow of Qi, physical symptoms may result.
During treatment, fine, sterile needles will be inserted at specific acupoints along the meridians in order to unblock any obstruction and allow Qi to flow freely.
Your practitioner may also recommend herbal remedies, massage, and stretching. Be sure to discuss any new medications with your doctor to avoid any potential interactions.
What you can do
It’s important to remember that there is no “quick fix” for arthritis, and it may take time to achieve results. However, there are lifestyle changes you can make that may help you find relief faster.
- Exercise can help increase your flexibility, strengthen muscles and bones, and maintain a healthy weight.
- Diet is another important issue. Stick to a healthy diet made up of a wide variety of unprocessed, organic foods. Your acupuncturist may also suggest adding natural anti-inflammatories to your diet.
- Stress relief can also help. By learning to identify your stressors and lowering your stress through techniques such as breathing exercises, meditation, yoga, Tai Chi or Qi Gong, you can improve your state of mind and your health.
- Maintaining balance in your life is also key. A balance of rest and relaxation with activity and exercise will keep you feeling your best.
By working closely with your acupuncturist and other treatment providers, you will be taking charge of your arthritis and taking a step toward a healthier life.
Contact me to discuss options for treating “Brain Fog” and together we will develop a personalized health plan that is sure to help.
Best in health,
David Bibbey, L.Ac.
Contact me online here or
call me at: 352-464-1645
References:
Berman BM, Lao L, Langenberg P, Lee WL, Gilpin AMK, Hochberg MC. Effectiveness of Acupuncture as Adjunctive Therapy in Osteoarthritis of the Knee: A Randomized, Controlled Trial. Annals of Internal Medicine. 2004; 141 (12):901-910.
What is Osteoarthritis? National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. September 2006.
What is Rheumatoid Arthritis? National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. May 2005.
Joswick, Diane L.Ac. Acupuncture for Arthritis. 2006.
Osteoarthritis Fact Sheet. Arthritis Foundation. 2005.
Summer heat Increases inflammation; a major problem for most.
Florida’s summers are some of the hottest in the world. Unfortunately, summer heat can aggravate or trigger many symptoms of disease.
In fact, it’s the presence of inflammation that allows us to detect disease in an individual.
One such disease is Fibromyalgia. Fibromyalgia is when connective tissues are inflamed. This is often due to a food allergy and exacerbated by secondary nutritional and neurological imbalances.
Muscle pain and weakness along with fatigue and depression are some of the symptoms of Fibromyalgia. Many people suffer in silence from these symptoms feeling like they have no options for treatment. However, diet modification and the proper herbs can often completely eliminate Fibromyalgia symptoms in about six months.
Please forward this email to your friends and on social media to help spread the word. Over 5 Million Americans, about 1 out of every 60 people, reportedly suffer from Fibromyalgia.
If you would like to help a friend or discuss a personalized treatment plan for Fibromyalgia, I can be reached online here, or by calling 352-464-1645
Click here to see a chart of the other inflammation related diseases and descriptions.
Best in health,
David Bibbey, L.Ac.
352-464-1645
Chart of symptoms of the other inflammation related diseases and descriptions.
Sources: http://www.niams.nih.gov/health_info/fibromyalgia/fibromyalgia_ff.asp
http://www.medicinenet.com/image-collection/fibromyalgia_picture/picture.htm
Join us for this informative introductory class, Mindful Movements with
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Ward Off Diabetes With These GeneChanging Foods
More and more we are finding that what you eat and your environment can change the way your genes express themselves. Which means, foods and environment can change your propensity to get certain diseases.
Mitchell Gaynor, MD is an expert in GeneChanging Foods. Watch his video; it provides information about what foods to eat in order to Ward Off Diabetes.
For more information about controlling your blood sugar or weight loss contact me at 352-464-1645 or online here.