acupuncture

Oct

2018

Wei Qi: How the Body Prevents Colds and Flu According to TCM

✍️Wendy Brown, Lic. Ac.

As a microcosm of the rhythms and fluctuations of the seasons and their elemental factors to which we are inextricably linked, Chinese medicine would consider the result of our health in one season as being a marker of our lifestyle preparations in the previous seasons as well as in the present. With regard to colds and flus, the ability of the immune system to resist external pathogens, be they bacterial, viral, or allergen toxins that result in immune suppression that leaves us ailing and struggling to recover, exists in the strength of ‘Wei Qi.’

A patient texted me asking how my flu kung fu is: i.e. my thoughts on flu shots. I put together the following from the TCM perspective to share in response. Collage by W.Brown, Lic. Ac.

In Chinese medical theory, Wei Qi is fierce, useful, combative energy from nutrition, says the Lingshu, a medical text compiled in the 1st century BCE, one of two parts of a larger work known as the Huangdi Neijing, the Yellow Emporer’s Divine Classic. Wei Qi is lively and agitated and circulates in superficial tissues, skin, connective tissue, muscles and peritoneum. It radiates to the chest and abdomen. According to the classics, it does not circulate through the meridians but rather flows through the face, trunk, and limbs during the day, and at night through the viscera. Wei Qi protects the body from external perverse energies by opening and closing pores and warming connective tissues. It concentrates at the sites of acupuncture points, the “Holes of Qi,” per se. Wei Qi represents the whole immune system, from leukocytes to anti-bodies, histamine, bradykinin and serotonin.

In Chinese medicine it is an intrinsic reference to discuss “wind gates” and “wind invasion or wind penetration.” The neck, sides of the head, forehead, and upper back according to TCM are conduits whereby externally contracted pathogenic wind can gain entry to the body. Fierce Wei Qi is the primary way the body resists an invasion. Nutritional status, inadequate rest, excessive consumption of alcohol, among other lifestyle factors may lead to the impairment of Wei Qi. It is always advisable to adequately keep wind gates covered, interestingly, in every season to varying degrees. The migration of wind inside the superficial levels of the body can lead to cold and flu symptoms exhibited as chills, body aches, headache, runny nose, congestion, cough and fever. Vulnerability in externally contracting wind is increased by damp hair. We are far more empowered than we may realize in the ways to govern our health and be master of our own unfolding. The timeless ways of Traditional Chinese medicine can be an invaluable guide to reeducating our modern misconceptions and to show us the way.

Handmade Moxa

A colleague in my office recently gave me some pure, aged, Japanese moxa from MoonGate Moxa Source.

I immediately used the Homare on two cases of arthritic pain and am happy to recommend it.

The incense is lovely, also!

Please share these photos with accurate credit siting to: ELEMENTAL CHANGES • www.ElementalChanges.com

Please only share these photos with accurate credit siting to: ELEMENTAL CHANGES • www.ElementalChanges.com

thread moxa, direct moxa, moxibustion,

okyu, japan, incense, chinese medicine, moxa floss,

tcm, acupuncture, japanese incense, mugwort,

acupuncture treatment, moxa, artemisia vulgaris,

miyabi, homare, matsu

Mar

2016

Acupuncture Detox for Chemical Addiction Cessation

✍️Wendy Brown, Lic. Ac.

Auricular acupuncture is clinically proven to be the most effective natural method of chemical detoxification. Chemical addictions are insidious, and acupuncture can reduce cravings and lessen associated withdrawal symptoms that plague people in the process of quitting, and which so often sabotage success. It must be established, however, that acupuncture is not a magical cure. Although it does effectively mute and redirect the buildup of craving energy and bestows resilience to the human vessel, acupuncture treatment for cessation of addiction does not turn cravings off per se. A commitment from the patient to move forward with treatment and the healing process can only be made on a personal level by the patient. The physical and psycho-emotional health of an individual develops as it overcomes and transforms the shackles of chemical addictions, and acupuncture helps significantly.

My own hand-drawn design - aren't you impressed?

my drawing-design of the 5 auricular points

The Treatment: 5 auricular(ear) acupuncture points have proven highly effective for breaking addiction. Investigations into the efficacy of acu-detox have repeatedly demonstrated that acupuncture stimulates endorphin release, the body’s ‘feel-good’ hormones. At the same time, specifically, the principles of Chinese medicine show that acupuncture needling heals by stimulating a person’s inherent Qi. Harmonious Qi flow circulates and adjusts within the body, creating equilibrium that preserves and strengthens organ function and grants the organism structurally and emotionally flexibility. Adjusting Qi to release calming, pain-inhibiting endorphins amounts to a most successful natural method of successfully getting a handle on addiction to move beyond destructive habits toward freedom and health.Chemically addicting agents enter the Heart orifice, altering and injuring Shen (spirit that resides in the Heart), thus causing obfuscation of the Heart sovereign’s sensing and processing of thought. Addictions exhaust blood and shorten lifespan. In Chinese medicine, tobacco, specifically, is categorized as having a pungent taste and a hot, toxic nature. Tobacco use depletes Jing (essence of the kidney), which lends explanation to the particular toxicity of tobacco during pregnancy. According to Chinese medicine, tobacco pathologically dries vital fluids and Jing-Essence, on top of the focal harmful effects on the lungs, which is why it is considered to be largely, if not likely entirely, without medicinal benefit.

Tobacco was introduced in China in 1575. The last emperor of the Ming Dynasty, Emperor Chong Zhen (1611 –1644), enacted laws against smoking and by the Qing Dynasty it became known medically that tobacco scorches Kidney Jing and the vital fluids with its pungent and drying nature, damaging the lungs, throat, and stomach, as well. Tobacco was noted to lessen the perception of food and drink tastes, and to make the tongue coating dark yellow, or eventually black, indicating heat toxicity critically building up in the body. I offer to assist patients break their substance addiction, and most commonly for nicotine cessation.

Note from Wendy: Having gained hands-on knowledge from fieldwork and training in New York City and Boston area facilities that successfully apply the 5-point auricular method; Having participated in treating heavily drug and alcohol-addicted populations by applying the 5-point ear detox acupuncture method, and witnessing the noteworthy results it yields in the three decades that I have offered this method to patients; I invite you to please share this post with anyone interested in quitting their chemical addiction.

Copyright © All Rights Reserved. ELEMENTAL CHANGES Oriental Medical Arts.

Jul

2015

Attention Deficit Disorder

It appears that Attention Deficit Disorder, referred to as A.D.D., arises from a neurological defect, with abnormalities in brain tissue and/or biochemical functions. Nutritional deficiencies, exposure to harmful chemicals in-utero such as from smoking, alcohol, prescription and/or illicit drugs, and by further exposure to environmental pollutants – all of which have become wide-spread problems during the past four decades – seem to be the pathological factors that strongly contribute to A.D.D.

The imbalance of spiraling from Yang to Yin to Yang

From the perspective of Chinese medicine, essence and marrow are the foundation of the brain. Early problems with mental development indicate deficiency of an individual’s vital essence. As well, phlegm obstruction and settling agitated Yang energy that is manifesting as hyperactivity are significant pieces of the etiology of A.D.D. that can be improved with oriental medicine. Chinese literature suggests that treatment of this condition by acupuncture begins to show improvement ranging from two weeks to two months, with Chinese herbal preparations appropriate to the condition also crucial to the success of treatment.

May

2015

Barefoot Doctors of Rural China

The name barefoot doctor refers to farmers who would work barefoot in the rice paddies, and who, along with an idealistic young population instituted by Mao Zedong, brought rudimentary health care to Chinese living in the countryside. With only basic medical and pharmacological training, the grass-roots healthcare movement was able to tend to common illnesses, offer preventive health care, promote family planning, and basic hygiene. Over the past six decades, China has been experimenting with radically different forms of healthcare for the best ways to administer healthcare to its ever-sizable population.

Apr

2015

Horary Cycles and Bi-Hourly Clock

HORARY CYCLE • BI-HOURLY CLOCK

According to root and branch energetic rhythms in traditional Chinese medicine, Qi flow circulates through the 12 main meridians beginning with the lungs, as respiration is the first independent bodily function of the human vessel, then systematically flows through each organ. The organ systems have their points of highest energy and lowest energy throughout a 24 hour cycle. By the insight of these rhythms we can best understand times to participate in basic functions of daily living and also when to communicate with a particular organ or energetic system of the body. Chinese Medicine practitioners will sometimes use the horary clock to corroborate their diagnoses and patients typically find the clock to be of great interest. Here is more detailed information the Horary clock can reveal to patterning healthy habits of body-mental functioning-and emotional well-being.

3-5 am the time of the Lungs. This is the time where the body should be asleep. If woken at this time, soothing breathing exercises are recommended and the body should be kept warm to enable the lungs replenish the body. Emotionally, the lungs are associated with feelings of melancholia, sadness, and grieving and these emotions may be more commonly felt during these hours.

5 am to 7 am is the time of the Large Intestine. This is energetically the ideal time to have a bowel movement, removing toxins from the previous day before moving forward into the present one. It is also the ideal time to wash the body and comb hair. It is believed that combing hair helps to clear energy from the mind. At this time, emotions of defensiveness or feelings of being stuck could be evoked.

7-9 am is the time of the Stomach so it is important to eat the biggest meal of the day here to optimize digestion and absorption. Warm meals that are high in nutrition are best in the morning. Emotions that are likely to be stirred at this time may be include disgust or despair.

9-11 am is the time of the Spleen, where energy for the day ahead is released from food digestate. This is the ideal time to exercise and work. Do your most taxing tasks of the day at this time. Low self-esteem is an inherent Spleen vulnerability that could be noted at this time.

11 am- 1 pm is the time of the Heart which will work to pump blood throughout the body to provide energy and nutrition. Eating a light, cooked meal at this time is recommended. Having a one hour nap or a cup of tea is also beneficial during this time. Feelings of significant joy or sadness could be experienced at this time.

1-3 pm is the time of the Small Intestine, the time when digestion will take place and assimilation of food eaten earlier will be complete. This is a good time to carry out daily tasks or exercise. Vulnerable thoughts or feelings of abandonment may subconsciously arise at this time.

3-5 pm is the time of the Bladder when metabolic wastes move into the kidney’s filtration system. This is the ideal time for study and completion of brain-challenging work for the day. Another cup of tea is beneficial, as would be drinking some water. Feeling irritated or timid may come into expression at this time.

5-7 pm is the time of the Kidneys when the blood is filtered and the kidneys work to maintain proper chemical balance. This is the perfect time to have dinner and to activate your circulation either by walking, having a massage, or stretching. Subconscious thoughts of fear can be active at this time.

7-9 pm is the time of Pericardium, when nutrients are carried to the capillaries and to each cell. This is the perfect time to read, but avoid any more mental activity than this at this time. A difficulty in expressing emotions may also be felt however, this is the perfect time in the day to have sex.

9-11 pm is the time of Triple Warmer or Sanjiao, pertaining to waterways and the endocrine system where the body’s homeostasis is adjusted replenished. It is recommended to be asleep at this time so the body can conserve energy for the following day. Feelings of paranoia or confusion may also be felt.

11 pm-1 am is the time of the Gall Bladder and in order to wake feeling energized the body should be at rest. In Chinese medicine, this period of time is when Yin energy fades and Yang energy begins to grow. Yang energy helps you to keep active during the day and is stored when you are asleep. Subconscious feelings of resentment may appear during this time and should be dissipated in favor of resting.

1-3 am is the time of the Liver and a time when the body should be in deep sleep. During this time fresh blood is made. If you find yourself waking during this time, excessive yang energy, heat toxin, or problems with liver energy in general may be indicated. Anger, frustration and repression of emotions pertain to the liver and may be part of the tendency for wakefulness.

The energetic cycle is completed with circulation through the liver at night when the eyes are closed and where the spirit roots into the body during sleep.

If one tends to experience an aggravation of symptoms or fluctuations in energy, note the time of day of the occurrence. The time may provide a cue to the organ system that may be a contributing factor in current health themes.

Feb

2015

Giovanni Maciocia on Types of Acupoints

Patients often wonder why the needles are left in only 10 minutes

on the back and longer on the front,

or why sensations of QI vary the way they do.

Jan

2015

Warming Needle Moxibustion

www.ElementalChanges.com WarmingNeedleMoxa JiaxingZhejiang

Jiāxīng, Zhejiang. Photo: Stringer [Reuters]

Promotes free-flow of QI and blood and warms meridians; treating painful joints caused by cold-damp, for numbness, paralysis, and sensation of cold. An excellent treatment, particularly in seasonal cold-damp and conditions of debility.

Dec

2014

Perspective on Acupuncture Needle Size

✍️Wendy Brown, Lic. Ac.
Unsurprisingly, some people initially express some concern about needles that are used in acupuncture treatment. On occasion, the concern may verge on a phobia of needles in general, which would likely deter the person from seeking acupuncture treatment that they may derive great benefit from, due to a vague and undifferentiated grouping of needles, and how they were applied. Here is an important visual to lend perspective to the extent to which acupuncture needles are finer than needles that people may have previously encountered.

Used for acupuncture, needles are almost exclusively constructed of stainless steel (although infrequently, of zinc, gold, or copper). They are pre-sterilized, fine-gauge, with no hollow space to transmit or extract a liquid substance. Acupuncture needles are inserted to varying depths from shallowly beneath the skin to a depth that depends upon structural location and patient’s personal build. The needles used are usually silicon-coated to create an extremely smooth blade surface, and they are completed with an ethylene oxide gas sterilization which can keep individually packaged needles sterile for approximately 5 years. Needle gauge, or thickness, and needle length vary considerably depending upon factors from anatomical terrain, to patient comfort level, to desired outcomes of treatment, most commonly. Nearly all acupuncture needles are intended for single use and are to be disposed of in bio-hazard waste containers, and discarded accordingly.

Oct

2014

Acupuncture & Moxibustion

THE INTEGRAL WHOLE IN THE RELATIONSHIP OF MAN WITH HEAVEN & EARTH, AND ACUPUNCTURE AS A TREATMENT FOR ALL DISEASE.

The human individual is an integrated aspect of the universe, with life’s happenings reflecting the interplay of Yin and Yang. These dynamics, displaying the shifting, greater movement of energy, are the root of prevention and treatment of disease by Chinese medicine.

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