If Spring is springing out of your nose, or itching out of your eyes and you're interested in trying something different and PREVENTATIVE, then Chinese Medicine has some cures for you!
Allergies in Chinese Medicine are in the same class as colds and flus. They are diagnosed based on the color of the mucous and the symptoms. There are herbal formulas that are effective at reducing symptoms and work on resolving the cause of the allergies.
The underlying cause of allergies is usually either related to your digestion or to your kidney energy.
If your digestion is the cause you may experience symptoms like bloating or fatigue after a meal or a feeling of heaviness in your limbs. Any obvious trouble digesting would qualify as well. Sometimes the problem is in what you are eating. Avoid excessive dairy, junk food, processed and greasy foods and get back to eating cooked meals at regular times during the day. Chew your food thoroughly and try not to multi-task while eating, which weakens the digestion.
If the underlying cause is low kidney energy, some common symptoms are an ache in the low back and knees, low libido, pain in the low back during the menstrual cycle, and graying hair. To help boost your kidneys you can rub your low back, avoid overworking, and increase fish, black beans, and black rice in your diet.
As a Licensed Acupuncturist who works with allergies serving the Denver metro area, I can diagnose, treat and monitor your progress. Many find relief from symptoms and are happy to have an herbal option. Don't suffer through another season sniffling!! Contact Tina Laue, L.Ac., a gentle and effective practitioner to help you at 303-881-1971. Free consultations are available.
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Monday, March 8, 2010
Chinese Medicine has 5 Spring Health Tips!
It's Spring!! That means its windy and wind is a strong "evil" in Chinese Medicine with the power to make you sick. Stay healthy this Spring by doing 5 simple things.
1. Keep miso and scallions in the house. If you even THINK that you are getting sick, make a nice warm bowl of miso and scallion soup. If you are experiencing more chills, then add more scallions, if there is more fever, then less scallions. Drink it and bundle up to sweat it out.
2. The wind gate - where the evil wind penetrates your defenses is on the back of the neck. Close the gate by wearing scarfs if you are chilled or if it is windy outside. You'll be surprised how effective this one is.
3. We tend to have more energy in the spring, so hopefully you are starting to feel it surging up within you. However, Colorado is full of sneaky low energy days. Our bodies are very plugged into nature, even if our minds are not! Don't think too hard about it. If you are having a lower energy day, take it easy and get a nap or some extra sleep. Sleeping more on these days may just keep you from getting a cold!!
4. Allergies often flare up at this time of year. Remember to press Large Intestine 4, located in the fleshy pad between your thumb and first finger. Strong pulsing pressure will help to clear stuffy sinuses, stop sneezing, and get rid of sinus headaches.
5. Speaking of allergies, they are often related to a poor diet in Chinese Medicine. Focus on eating at regular times and chewing thoroughly. Lay off the junk food and start your day off with hot water with lemon juice or detox tea.
What can Chinese Medicine do to keep you health this Spring? Lots. Acupuncture and Herbal Medicines can help you get healthy and stay healthy. Happy Spring!
1. Keep miso and scallions in the house. If you even THINK that you are getting sick, make a nice warm bowl of miso and scallion soup. If you are experiencing more chills, then add more scallions, if there is more fever, then less scallions. Drink it and bundle up to sweat it out.
2. The wind gate - where the evil wind penetrates your defenses is on the back of the neck. Close the gate by wearing scarfs if you are chilled or if it is windy outside. You'll be surprised how effective this one is.
3. We tend to have more energy in the spring, so hopefully you are starting to feel it surging up within you. However, Colorado is full of sneaky low energy days. Our bodies are very plugged into nature, even if our minds are not! Don't think too hard about it. If you are having a lower energy day, take it easy and get a nap or some extra sleep. Sleeping more on these days may just keep you from getting a cold!!
4. Allergies often flare up at this time of year. Remember to press Large Intestine 4, located in the fleshy pad between your thumb and first finger. Strong pulsing pressure will help to clear stuffy sinuses, stop sneezing, and get rid of sinus headaches.
5. Speaking of allergies, they are often related to a poor diet in Chinese Medicine. Focus on eating at regular times and chewing thoroughly. Lay off the junk food and start your day off with hot water with lemon juice or detox tea.
What can Chinese Medicine do to keep you health this Spring? Lots. Acupuncture and Herbal Medicines can help you get healthy and stay healthy. Happy Spring!
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