Spring and Traditional Chinese Medicine

With the official start of spring upon us, there is no better time than now to consider using popular forms of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). As Mother Nature comes out of her state of dormancy, flowers are beginning to blossom, trees develop leaves, and the brown winter landscape will be replaced with flowing green grass. This massive change comes with some unwelcome side effects that TCM may prove useful in treating.

While cold and flu infection rates typically diminish by the start of spring, a new problem begins to emerge: allergies. According to the American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology (ACAAI), approximately 50 million people in the USA suffer from seasonal allergies. When exposed to pollen or other plant allergens, the individual may develop a runny nose, nasal congestion, eye redness, headache, sore throat, and other related symptoms.

Whether you suffer from mild, moderate, or severe seasonal allergies, however, TCM can help. This centuries-old medicine involves the placement of fine needles on specific points throughout the body. Acupuncture is believed to restore the body's balance, by stimulating its self-healing mechanisms.

In TCM, spring falls under the wood element, meaning this time of year is closely related to the gallbladder and liver. According to TCM, one of the liver's primary functions is to regulate the flow of energy through the body. If this flow is blocked or restricted in any way, the individual will be susceptible to pain and illness.

Here are some tips to keep your body spring-ready:

1. limit or eliminate your intake of processed foods
2. eat more fresh vegetables and fruits
3. start your mornings off with a light stretching exercise like yoga or tai chi
4. the warm weather offer the perfect excuse...get out there and walk
5. consume sour food and drinks...according to TCM, sour flavors stimulate the liver
6. seek acupuncture treatments

Spring Body Cleansing Tips:

Use apple cider vinegar and honey. You can make a powerful, all-natural detoxifying beverage by mixing together 1Tbsp of raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar ("with the mother") with 1 Tbsp of raw, unprocessed honey in 12 ounces of water. The vinegar works to stabilize your body's pH, while the honey works to regulate your blood sugar levels. When combined together, they offer a superb cleansing and detoxifying beverage that's perfect for the spring season. Even the Greek philosopher Socrates prescribed apple cider vinegar to his patients.

Take care of your eyes. Did you know that the liver has the strongest connection to your eyes? When your eye health begins to decline, so does your liver. Take care of your eyes by limiting your time in front of electronic displays and have an eye exam performed by a licensed optometrist at least once every 2 years.

Consume chlorophyll. Consuming chlorophyll, the pigment that gives green plants their color, will strengthen your liver. Chlorophyll is known to exhibit antioxidant properties, fighting harmful chemical by-products in the body known as free radicals.

Get outdoors. The blooming plant life and warming temperatures offer the perfect opportunity to get outdoors and exercise. Exercise and fresh outdoor air stimulate the body's energy (cardiovascular system, lymphatics), keeping it moving and flowing. When your energy becomes stagnant, it increases the risk of pain and illness. Something as simple as a 30 minute walk outside can make a world of difference in your health.

Seek acupuncture care. We can't talk about ways to cleanse the body this spring without mentioning acupuncture. From relieving seasonal allergies to reducing pain and inflammation, the benefits of TCM are endless.

Give me a call today to learn how you can get back on track to better health!

Kathy E Thomas

Lake Premier Wellness Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine

2430 South Bay Street, Eustis, FL 32726

352-323-0795