Spring into Spring...It's the season of the Liver and Gallbladder

The Five Element Theory serves as a major diagnostic and treatment tool in Traditional Chinese Medicine.  It is based on the observation of the natural cycles and interrelationships in the environment and within ourselves.  For example, there are five environmental elements – fire, earth, metal, water and wood – each corresponding with certain body organs, such as the heart, spleen, lungs, kidneys, liver, intestines, stomach, urinary bladder and gull bladder.  The five different elements are associated with different times of the year: fire with summer, Earth with late summer, metal with autumn, water with winter and wood with spring.

The five elements interact with each other (they depend on each other).  For example, the liver, belonging to the Wood element, directly affects the spleen, which belongs to the Earth element.  Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) practitioners try to maintain a balance among the body’s organs

Spring is associated with the Wood element, which governs the liver and gall bladder. Strong winds are typical during spring.  The blowing of wind in spring could over-strengthen the liver, which in turn could affect the spleen.  If so, a disharmony of the liver and spleen occurs.  TCM practitioners may detect this imbalance by observing symptoms such as stomach pain, acid regurgitation, stomach distention and diarrhea.

Allergy problems are abundant during spring.  If the liver is not healthy, it could affect the spleen and the lungs.  Symptoms of this disharmony between organs include: chest congestion, sneezing, running nose, itching eyes and other symptoms that are associated with allergy problems.  It is very important, especially during spring, to cleanse the liver and lungs and to bring a balance among them and other body organs.  Acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine can help to accomplish this balance.

TCM practitioners pay attention to weather, especially very extreme weather, like an unusually windy spring.  Extreme or unusual weather can cause health imbalances in people.  Health problems tend to occur during or immediately following certain seasons.  The liver, which is said to “open into the eyes” in TCM, is associated with cases of infectious hepatitis and cases of pink eye, which tend to be more numerous in the spring.

TCM practitioners believe that a person should cater his or her diet to the seasons.  Because spring is associated with the liver, it is important to have a diet that strengthens and cleanses the liver.  There are many foods serving the purpose of soothing and cleansing the liver.  Green is the color of the liver and of spring.   Green and leafy vegetables, especially if the plants are young, help by cleansing and freshening the body.  They benefit the liver’s overall well-being. Dandelion also works well as a spring cleanser.  A balanced diet with a variety of juices such as citrus fruits, pear, apple, celery and carrot is very helpful. Sprouts from seeds such as beans, mung, and radish are valuable for spring use, as well.

How can you put some SPRING into your step?

• Begin your day early, with a brisk walk.
  Feel the sunshine pull you up and out, like the plants and animals. Watch buds rush into leaf, often doubling their size in a day. Look for birds' nests - you'll find them everywhere, even on top of air conditioners. Feel the life within you, like that outdoors, thrust up out of darkness into new possibilities. Make a garden. Eat greens.
• Begin new things - at home, in your work, and in yourself.
  In this season when nature reinvents itself, we too can see people and situations with new eyes. Let new tissue grow over old hurts, and take fresh hope. Be creative. Make things, do things. Begin!
• Consider how you wish to make ready for your summer harvest.
  Spring does not last forever. Use its bountiful energy wisely, so that the crops you sow - again, in yourself, in your work, and in your life - are those you wish to harvest. The energy of spring brings vision.

Acupuncture and Fertility...help, naturally.

Infertility can be a crushing blow. Endless visits to doctors and specialists, expensive fertility treatments, and even just the waiting, lead to frustration, depression, and feelings of hoplessness. You're not alone. Infertility plagues approximately 7.3 million couples each year. Any sort of imbalance can be a stumbling block to conception.

Couples often turn to mainstream fertility treatments, such as in vitro fertilization and injections. The discomfort and pain due to side effects and the risks of the procedures alone are reasons why those struggling to get pregnant should consider all of their options. Failed treatments lead to further devastation and at times, serious financial burden. Unfortunately, there is no magic pregnancy pill. It is all about increasing your chances of conceiving.

Acupuncture is one of the oldest fertility treatments and has been practiced for thousands of years.

It is still around today because it works. In fact, it's becoming increasingly common for Western reproductive specialists to refer patients to acupuncture practitioners. You might be cringing at the thought of needles, but it's virtually painless. The hair-thin, flexible needles are inserted shallowly into the skin and most patients find the experience relaxing.

Many women are disheartened when they are ushered into a specialist's office and given a one-size-fits-all diagnosis. This is where acupuncture differs.

The process of conception is multi-tiered and complex. Issues at any step in the process can disrupt the ability to conceive or carry a healthy pregnancy to term. In many cases, Western medical doctors treat one specific factor. A licensed acupuncturist focuses on remedying the root cause of the issues, which could be anything from high FSH to ovarian cysts, and and considers each woman as a whole, accounting for the body, mind, and spirit.

Diagnosis is based on every aspect of health, from the coating on your tongue to the flow and color of menstrual blood. An acupuncturist takes the time to listen to you and keeps in mind the laundry list of potential causes of infertility.

Infertility can stem from a mixture of factors, including biological, genetic, environmental, lifestyle, and physical elements.

This allows for an individualized treatment targeted to you and you alone. Acupuncture brings the body, emotions, and spirit into balance. Appointments are more in depth, and will broach many possible reasons for infertility that aren't typically addressed by Western medicine.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, it is thought that imbalances anywhere in the body lead to illness and health problems.

Acupuncture targets certain points along the body's energetic organ pathways (meridians) by stimulating them with needles. These points are associated with different organs and organ systems, conditions, and body functions. Balance is achieved by correcting conditions of excess and deficiency. In addition, acupuncture has a soothing and restorative effect, which helps the body to accept an embryo.

From a Western perspective, studies have found that acupuncture releases endorphins and other hormones that play a role in conception adn regulating the menstrual cycle. There are also neuroendocrine effects, and the two areas of the brain and the ovaries that form the network that dictates egg production and ovulation are impacted. Acupuncture can increase blood flow to the reproductive organs adn stimulate the ovaries with increased hormones. The uterus is often strengthened, which makes it more capable of absorbing the hormones and nutrients that are necessary to secure an embryo.

Does Acupuncture for infertility work?

There are no 100% effective treatments, as everyone is different. Acupuncture isn't a one-time deal either. It takes a course of treatement to reap the benefits. But acupuncture can significantly enhance your chances at conception and a healthy pregnancy by addressing underlying causes of infertility and creating a healthy reproductive environment. 

Acupuncture stimulates egg function without the use of fertility drugs. When you compare the pregnancy rates for an egg producing drug such as Clomid to acupuncture alone, the rates are equal: 50% chance of pregnancy in 3 months for general patients. The advantage is that acupuncture does not pose side effects. 

Depending upon the study and type of infertility issues, the success rate for acupuncture alone is estimated to be more than 50% (I always add herbal medicine and dietary therapy to a treatment plan). 

Acupuncture and IVF

A study conducted in Denmark assessed women who received acupuncture on the day embryos were implanted. It was found that certain neurotransmitters may be released during acupuncture that affect pituitary gonadotropin secretion, ovarian follicular growth, fertility, and ovulation.

What this means is that acupuncture administered on the day of embyro transfer significantly improves the reproductive outcome in women undergoing IVF. The rates of positive pregnancy tests, clinical pregnancies, and ongoing pregnancy or delivery were all significantly higher than those in the control group. 

I always welcome the opportunity to consult with a couple regarding help in conceiving, and I look forward to serving you.

Kathy E Thomas

Lake Premier Wellness Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine

2430 South Bay Street, Eustis, FL 32726

352-323-0795

Chinese Medicine and Women's Health

What are some unique needs of women that Traditional Chinese Medicine can meet?

PMS
Irregular, Absent, Heavy, or Painful Menstruation
Endometriosis and Fibroids
Menopause
Fertility Issues
Chronic Bladder Infection and Urinary Incontinence
Complications from Pregnancy (back pain, nausea, constipation, heartburn, fatigue, anxiety...)
Breech Presentations
Labor & Delivery

How Can Acupuncture Help?

The many stresses of modern-day life can easily upset a women’s delicate hormonal and physiological balance. This can cause a multitude of symptoms and discomforts ranging from painful, irregular periods in the early years, to abnormal flow, irritability, depression, and insomnia in the later years, to hot flashes, night sweats, sleep disturbances, and depression during the menopausal years. In addition, many women suffer from the severe pain and heavy bleeding associated with endometriosis, fibroids, or cysts, while others experience periods that are either too long, or too short, or completely absent. Quite a few women who seem to have normal cycles and few or none of the above problems, find that, inexplicably, they are unable to get pregnant. In all these situations, acupuncture, and Chinese herbal medicine, has a long history of bringing harmony and balance to a disrupted cycle.

PMS

Symptoms, such as nausea, constipation, cramping, acne, backache, breast swelling and tenderness, headache, bloating and mood swings, among others, a few days prior to menstruation are so wide-spread, especially among young women, that they are seen as a normal consequence of the monthly cycle. Even women, who suffer debilitating pain, often go no further than an over-the-counter pain medication to find relief. Yet, painful periods are not normal and if not addressed, might lead to even more complicated problems down the line. Although the underlying causes for painful periods are many and may vary greatly among individuals, from a Chinese medicine point of view, they are almost always related to some form of energetic blockage or deficiency, both of which are easily addressed with acupuncture, herbs, and, often, dietary changes. Sometimes only a few sessions are needed to resolve the issue and eliminate the need for pain medication, while occasional “tune-ups” may prevent recurrence of symptoms. Many women find acupuncture for PMS to be an overall calming and restorative experience.

Irregular Periods, Abnormal Bleeding

Chronic menstrual problems can take many forms and present a more complicated picture. Although we define a normal cycle as being 28 days in length, many women do not fit this pattern. Cycles as short as 21 or as long as 35 days may be normal for some women, as long as they are regular and consistent. Problems arise if a cycle shifts drastically from month to month or if periods are missed altogether. The same can be said for the duration of a cycle. Normal is seen as 4-5 days, yet for some women, it can last as long as six or seven days or be as short as three. What is important, is consistency. Longer cycles with a continuously heavy, perhaps clotty flow, requiring frequent change of tampon or sanitary napkins, might be an indication of a more serious, underlying problem, while pale and scanty flow with spotting between periods would also warrant a closer look.

Irregular periods and abnormal bleeding can have a multitude of causes and should definitely be evaluated by a Western physician, so that serious diseases can be ruled out. However, Chinese medicine has been able to bring relief in many complicated situations as well. Endometriosis, fibroid tumors, and ovarian cysts, for example, respond well to an acupuncture and herbal protocol. Heavy, scant or continuous flow can also be normalized using acupuncture. In fact, Chinese medicine, which is safe, effective and without side-effects, would be a good first-course to take, before more serious medical intervention, such as drugs, hormone therapy, or surgery is employed.

Pregnancy

At no time in a women’s life is the harmony and balance of the hormonal system more important than during pregnancy. Here, Chinese medicine has much to offer, for both the mother and the developing baby. Acupuncture, alone, has a long history of relieving the symptoms of morning sickness, such as nausea and vomiting, tiredness, poor appetite and depression, and it can also bring relief to the mental restlessness, anxiety and insomnia that plague many women during the later stages. Through the regular use of acupuncture, some of the more serious complications associated with late-stage pregnancy, such as hypertension, dizziness, and oedema, might even be prevented.

However, in Chinese medicine, the management of mother and baby during pregnancy is not just about achieving hormonal balance and alleviating symptoms; it is about achieving and maintaining an optimal level of health by also considering nutritional and life-style factors. The level of the mother’s health during pregnancy translates, quite directly, into the ease of delivery and subsequent health of the baby. The judicious use of acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine after childbirth can be most helpful in restoring the mother’s energy, insure a sufficient supply of milk, and prevent insomnia and depression.

Morning Sickness

Morning sickness has always plagued women, some much worse than others. While the majority of women can suffer through the phase until it passes others need help because they have a particularly bad or lengthy case of morning sickness. Many of the medications do not work for some women or are very expensive so doctors and patients have long been searching for alternative approaches to help relieve the nausea and vomiting that makes morning sickness so hard to live with. Acupuncture has been one of the best techniques found to naturally do away with or lessen the symptoms of morning sickness. Not only is acupuncture natural, it is something that will not affect the mother or the baby in anything but positive ways.

Menopause

Menopause is the point at which a woman stops ovulating and menstruation ceases, indicating the end of fertility. It is a natural progression in life, and despite its many annoying or even debilitating symptoms, not a disease. For most women, hormone production begins to slow down when they reach their thirties and continuous to diminish as they age. During this period of “perimenopause” few women have any symptoms, although for some, brief intervals of anxiety, heart palpitations dry skin, fatigue, decreased interest in sex, insomnia and irritability, may occur. On the threshold of actual menopause, the complete cessation menstruation for at least 12 months, these symptoms may increase in frequency and intensity. Hot flushes, night sweats, bouts of anxiety, depression, as well as insomnia and mood swings are probably the most frequent complaints during this time. Western medicine treats these symptoms primarily as arising from a hormone deficiency and tries to alleviate them by supplying the missing estrogens. This, however, is ultimately not really helpful, as it not only interferes with the body’s attempts at finding its own, new hormonal balance, but can bring about a cascade of side-effects that can result in serious disease. Acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine with its ultimate goal of harmony and balance, offer a simpler, safer, yet highly effective approach to these symptoms, especially excessive sweating, insomnia and anxiety. Furthermore, by stimulating the body to regain its balance within these new and greatly altered hormonal levels, Chinese medicine can help women to not only move through this transition with ease, but also to maintain a high level of overall health. This increased sense of wellbeing may make a woman’s “golden” years truly “golden.”

Infertility

Infertility is a condition for which many women (and men) are turning to alternative practitioners. There are several reasons for this. Women in general are more likely to take advantage of alternative practitioners. Infertility is a condition that crosses into every aspect of a person’s life- physical, mental, emotional, social, and spiritual. Conventional medicine generally only addresses the physical aspect. Many women want to exhaust all options before going to powerful medications or invasive surgical procedures. And finally for all of conventional medicine’s successes, as many as 50% of couples facing infertility are not helped by conventional technology.

Breech Baby

The turning of breech babies using moxibustion from week 33 onwards is a successful and natural method to avoid medical intervention. The success rates are as high as 81% in turning a breech baby. Even women with a very late diagnosis of breech presentation have found that their babies have turned with the use of moxibustion and/or acupuncture.

Moxibustion involves burning a fragrant herb in the form of a moxa stick over one acupuncture point on the feet to relax the muscles in the uterus allowing the baby to turn.

It is extremely safe and relaxing and the great benefit of this treatment is that you can continue the treatment with your partner or friend in the comfort of your own home once we have taught you the technique and frequency of treatment.

How can I assist you or someone you care about in living your best life?...

Kathy E Thomas, 352-323-0795

How Can Acupuncture Help You Keep Your New Year's Resolutions

Ok, folks, it is that time again. Time to make some New Years Resolutions and try to stick to them. Guess what? Acupuncture just might be able to help. Here are some of the most common resolutions that people make, and how acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine can help you keep them all year long!

 

Get in Shape.

One of the most common resolutions Americans make each year is to exercise more. Because acupuncture looks at the whole body, it can help you in this endeavor in multiple ways. On a physical level, acupuncture is a great treatment for sore muscles or joint pain following a hard work-out – the kind of pain that may prevent you from sticking to your work-out regimen. It can also be used to increase athletic performance, aid in recovery from work-outs, and support structural alignment, along with Chiropractic care. On a mental/emotional level, acupuncture can help with motivation. Probably the most common reason that people slack off from an exercise routine is a lack of motivation or feeling too busy/overwhelmed. (Ironically, the best thing to help unstick energy is…exercise!) Acupuncture seeks to rebalance the hormones and neurotransmitters in the body, which gets us unstuck on a mental-emotional level, too.

 

Quit Smoking.

The benefits of acupuncture in the process of quitting smoking are well-documented. While not a magic pill, acupuncture helps the body to deal with the symptoms of withdrawal and helps treat the anxiety and cravings that one experiences when quitting smoking. Acupuncture treatments for smoking cessation usually involve a well-known ear acupuncture protocol that helps the body, mind, and spirit through this transition. We also begin the process of repairing your cardiovascular system, damaged by smoking.

 

Quit Drinking.

Like smoking cessation, acupuncture can help with other addictive behaviors, too. Perhaps the most common we see in clinic is for support while quitting drinking. Acupuncture is actually utilized in many Western medical detox clinics because of its positive effects on helping to manage symptoms of detox, reduce cravings, and promote calm and relaxation.

 

Lose Weight.

I get calls all the time asking if acupuncture can help with weight loss. And the answer is yes. However, it is not magic, and it is often something that happens over time, along with behavior modifications on the patient’s end. That said, acupuncture can help with weight loss in the following ways:

- Help to regulate metabolism to ensure your body is processing food effectively.

- Help to balance hormones in situations where hormonal imbalance (hypothyroid, PCOS,menopause, etc) is tied to weight gain.

- Increase motivation (see above) to help patients stick to exercise routines.

- Reduce cravings and regulate appetite to aid patients in making healthy eating choices.

 

Be more organized.

This might not sound like a healthcare issue, but because acupuncture seeks to understand how all aspects of a person are functioning together, helping you to be more organized is actually something that acupuncture can do. An acupuncturist will work to understand what energy system is causing someone to have trouble staying organized – it is a difficulty focusing on a task? Is it a problem with seeing things in terms of categories and what needs to get done? Is it a problem of feeling easily overwhelmed and unsure of where to start? Each of these aspects points to an imbalance in a unique energy system in Traditional Chinese Medicine. By supporting the body’s natural ability to better take care of itself, often we see significant changes in how the mind is able to organize, focus, and get things done. This is a situation where Chinese Herbal Medicine can also be very helpful.

 

Spend more time with family and friends.

Again, desiring to spend more time with family and friends doesn’t immediately sound like something for which you would go to a medical professional. However, because acupuncture can work on an emotional level, it can help you to better be able to prioritize what it is you want out of life, and perhaps help you get to a mental place to make changes in your busy life to be better able to do that. 

 

Enjoy life more.

Most patients feel good after acupuncture. Clinically, acupuncture is used frequently as a supportive treatment for people with depression, anxiety, panic disorders, eating disorders, and other psychological disorders. For all of us, acupuncture can help you be in a better mood, be less anxious, worry less, and have a more positive outlook.

 

Save money.

Ok, this one is a little harder, given the fact that acupuncture, for most people in Florida, is an out-of-pocket expense. (Which hopefully will change in the coming years as insurance companies start to cover acupuncture more and more.)  That said, Americans pour millions into medical expenses. In the long-run, spending money to maintain a better state of health now could save you money in the long-term.

 

Try something new!

Have you ever tried acupuncture before? Have you ever been asked to understand yourself in a completely new way? Acupuncture presents a very different way of understanding the body and the world than most of us grow up with. And it is a new experience for many to think of wellness in the terms of health-care rather than sick-care. To aim for a lifestyle of wellness first, before something goes wrong.

How can I help YOU or someone you care about this year?

Kathy E Thomas

Lake Premier Wellness Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine

2430 South Bay Street, Eustis, FL 32726

352-323-0795

 

Stick Out Your Tongue And Say...Huh?!

Practitioners of Chinese Medicine look at the tongue as a reflection of the internal condition of the body... When looking at your tongue, factors such as  the color of the tongue body, its size and shape, the color and thickness of its coating, locations of abnormalities and moistness or dryness of the tongue body and coating are noted. These signs reveal not only overall states of health, but correlate to specific organ functions and disharmonies, especially in the digestive system. Not all tongue irregularities are indications of dis-ease, however. Food and drugs may change the coating or color of the body of the tongue. For example, coffee yellows the coating and Pepto-Bismol turns the tongue black. The tongue body is a fleshy mass and has color, texture and shape, all which are important on their own. (To evaluate the tongue accurately, always do the examination in natural light.) A pale tongue body indicates deficient blood, energy, warmth or excess cold. (anemia, fatigue, depression, impotence, incontinence, palpitations) A overly red tongue body indicates excess heat. (constipation, skin issues, angry, high blood pressure) A purple tongue indicates that energy and/or blood are not circulating properly (stagnant). Pale purple means the stagnation is related to cold. (cold limbs, varicose veins, pain, endometriosis) Reddish purple is related to stagnation of heat. (headaches, chest pains) When the tongue is black or grey, it indicates extreme stagnation; if black and dry, that indicates extreme heat stagnation; black and wet is an indication of extreme cold stagnation. Bright red indicates deficient body fluids (can be hormones, enzymes, blood components, etc.) or excess heat. Dark red indicates severe excess heat. (hot flashes, tinnitus, insomnia, irritability, excess sweating) Cracks in a red tongue indicate deficient body fluids or heat consuming the fluids. But if the tongue is pale and cracked, deficient energy or blood is present. Enlargement of the buds on the tongue mean heat or stagnant blood. (stress, PMS, worry) The tongue’s coating is the "furry" surface layer. When the digestive system is in balance, there is an even coating of fur, with a slightly thicker area in the center of the tongue. Thicker coating indicates excess. Thinner coating is related to deficiency. Coating  that is wet indicates excess fluids and/or a deficient metabolism (warmth). Dry coating is a sign of excess warmth or deficient fluids. A greasy coating is a sign of phlegm or dampness in the body. If the coating  looks peeled off or missing, it reveals deficient digestive/body fluids. White, moist coating indicates cold. Yellow coating means heat. However, white coating, resembling cottage cheese, points to heat in the stomach. (heat begins to dry out fluids, leading to congealing) Grey/black fur with a red body is associated with extreme heat; grey/black fur with a pale body is a sign of extreme cold. This is just a basic overview of what a Chinese Medicine Practitioner looks for when asking you to stick out your tongue! Care to know more about your own health and how your tongue reflects this...call me! Kathy E Thomas Lake Premier Wellness Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine 2430 South Bay Street, Eustis, FL 32726 352-323-0795

It's Not Too Early to Start Planning Your Post-Holidays Detoxing!

7 Steps to Detox After the Holidays

Get rid of leftovers

The holidays bring delicious homemade food, and along with that come the leftovers. Holiday leftovers can be just as good as when you cook the meal the first time and become a tempting go-to snack. Time to let go. Toss the leftovers, they most likely aren’t the healthiest dishes and it’s time to start fresh.  

Stay hydrated

Most Americans do not drink enough water, and there is no better time to start than now! Fill up your glass before you feel thirsty, for by then you are already dehydrated. Some find it easier to carry a water bottle throughout the day to remind yourself to keep hydrated. Staying hydrated can flush out toxins and detox your body, as well as keeping you feeling good.

Hit the gym

Sweating is another great way to flush out toxins. Exercise has many health benefits long term and short term. Find just 30 minutes a day to get some form of exercise, whether it’s going on a run, yoga or simply going for a walk. Getting your body moving is important for your metabolism as well as overall health.

Ditch the sugar

The holidays are a notorious time for sugar intake to start ramping up. When they are over, it’s time to remove added sugar to your diet. Limit how often you eat dessert and when you do, eat in moderation. Replace sugary foods with natural sweet foods like fruit. Fruit can fix your sweet tooth and also give you a boost of vitamins.

Drink green tea

Green tea is packed with antioxidants and nutrients to help your body get back on track. It is one of the healthiest beverages you could choose, it can act as a replacement for coffee, lower your risk of cancer and protect your brain as you age.

ACUPUNCTURE!

Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine believe in addressing the body as a whole when illness arises or the body is run down. Because of this, acupuncture treatment works by returning the body back to balance and restoring its natural energy. Certain acupuncture points can detoxify important organs like the kidneys, colon, lungs, liver and skin.  

Relax

Don’t forget to relax and give yourself some downtime. The holidays are hectic and stressful, which can lead to bad habits and bad eating. Give yourself some time now that they are over to relax. Find activities you enjoy and make sure you make time for them every week. Detoxing is not just for improving your body physically, but mentally as well.

http://www.modernreflexology.com/acupressure-points-for-body-detoxification/

Achoo!! Acupuncture for cold and flu

ACUPUNCTURE TREATMENT FOR FLU AND COMMON COLD

Flu and Common Cold 

Did you know that Traditional Chinese Medicine has had treatments for the common cold & the flu for thousands of years? Acupuncture and Chinese herbal therapy are second to none in their effectiveness at treating the common cold and the flu. Chinese Medicine makes a major impact in altering the extreme symptoms that accompany both the flu and the common cold.

The common cold is the most prevalent medical condition in North America, followed by low back pain. 

Treat your Flu and Common Cold – ASAP

Prompt treatment brings the most effective results when treating any form of cold or flu, and at any stage of the infection. Whether it be chills and fever, headache, sore throat, cough, sinus congestion or settled in the lungs. Of course, the longer one waits to treat an infectious disease, the longer it takes to clear the pathogen. When treating cold or flu symptoms, the results are always more dramatic if the treatment begins at the earliest possible stage of the illness.

Chinese antiviral and antibacterial herbs are used in much the same way as antibiotics prescribed by your regular doctor are. Chinese herbal therapy is used very effectively to combat the infection and inflammation produced by the bug. There are also different herbal formulas for the different type of bug and symptoms you have, which would be treated with two very different sets of herbs and acupuncture techniques.

Using Acupuncture to Treat the Flu and Common Cold

Acupuncture , gua sha, and moxibustion can provide immediate relief from cold symptoms and help the body expel the pathogen much faster. Needles are typically inserted into points along the meridians which have demonstrated the ability to activate immune function and also points that suppress pain and relieve colds and flu. Patients frequently experience quick relief when the point is needled.

Common Cold and Flu – Turn Around Time

Typically, just a couple of acupuncture treatments and a week’s course of herbal medicine are all that are required for colds. If the symptoms are recognized and treated early, it is possible to fight off a cold in a day or two with acupuncture treatment and herbs.

Acupuncture Relieves Common Cold and Flu?

Acupuncture accelerates the healing process by boosting the body’s natural defenses (immune system). It also alleviates symptoms, but requires herbal and dietary support to achieve fast & lasting results. Herbal formulas destroy both viruses and bacteria, alleviate symptoms, and push the pathogen out of the body while strengthening our immune system.

Flu Shot – Chinese Medicine Flu Prevention

Beginning a regimen of immune-enhancing herbs now can prevent illness down the road. As in many areas of our life, the best defense is a strong offense.

Acupuncture and Chinese herbs are effective for prevention and treatment of colds and flu because they adjust this energetic balance, strengthening your immune system. People that receive regular acupuncture treatments get sick less often. If you have a cold or flu, acupuncture and Chinese medicine will help you recover more quickly.

We hear about so many people catching the flu – but in reality it is only a portion of those exposed to a virus that get sick. Why? According to Chinese medicine’s teachings, our bodies get sick when we are in a weakened state. It is only when our immune systems are weakened and our bodies are out of balance that we are vulnerable to sickness. So why not increase your resistance to getting ill naturally?

Acupuncture Immune System Boost

Your immune system is boosted when you get regular acupuncture treatments. Acupuncture strengthens the protective energy that safeguards us against colds and flu. Talk to me about a preventive protocol that I offer to help keep you well this fall and winter.

Common Cold Symptoms (early stage)

•    Hyper-sensitive to cold or drafts
•    Chills, Shivers
•    Sneeze, Cough
•    Nose Running with clear or white-watery mucus
•    No fever or slight fever
•    Body aches, Stiff neck
•    Not sweating, Not thirsty

This virus invaded the body quickly and its defensive response is to increase the body temperature in order to literally kill off the bugs.

 Early Stage Symptoms:

•    Hyper-sensitive to drafts
•    Fever (Check your forehead)
•    Sore throat, Swollen tonsils
•    Sneezing, Cough
•    Slight body aches
•    Running nose with yellow or green mucus
•    Sweating, Thirsty

Common Cold Remedy at this advanced stage

•    Rest and hydrate.
•    Cover Your head and neck.
•    You need Acupuncture and herbs not antibiotics

What if I have already had a cold for a week?

You need Acupuncture and Chinese herbs to prevent it from going into your lungs.

What if I havent shaken last month’s cold?

You need Acupuncture and Chinese herbs for lingering pathogens or pathogens caught half inside and half outside to prevent it from going into your lungs.

As a form of preventative medicine, get regular acupuncture treatments during the flu season, or the changing of the seasons. Prevention is the key. If you catch colds easily, know that studies have shown that acupuncture increases white blood cell count resulting in a boost to your Immune System. Finally, if you feel just the slightest indication of a cold invasion such as slight body aches or a scratchy throat, or if everyone around you is coming down with something, or if you have been on an airplane, get Acupuncture and Chinese herbs immediately.

Want to know more about how Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine can see you through "cold and flu season"? CALL ME at 352-323-0795!

Kathy E Thomas

Lake Premier Wellness Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine

2430 South Bay Street, Eustis, FL 32726