The Cycle of the Seasons

Photo taken by Laura Kara

By Laura Shahinian Kara

Acupuncture in spring

It’s hard to believe that spring is actually here. With the cycle of the seasons comes the biggest transition of all - The transition from winter (the most Yin time of year) into spring (the most Yang time of year). Because of this extreme change from the deep, dark, damp and dormant winter to the fast and aggressive nature of bulbs pushing their way up through somewhat frozen soil, all of nature is affected by the birthing of spring.

For the ancient Chinese, nature is the center from which they derive their medicine. Traditional Chinese Medicine dates back thousands of years and is still living today because of its efficacy in being a complete system of healing - that which recognizes the body, mind and spirit. Just as nature is affected by the cycles of the seasons, what effect is it having on us? We are all familiar with the term “spring fever” and that feeling the first flowers and warm sun bring to our spirits. When living in harmony with nature we feel the joy that spring can bring and the lifting of the heaviness we’ve endured through the long cold winter.

Symptoms of spring - emotional

According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, spring is the time when the liver and gallbladder are most active. The emotion most closely tied to the liver and the quality of spring is the explosive nature of anger. If you’re off balance, overtaxed (pardon the pun) and have put on some weight over the winter months, moving into spring can feel like a strenuous transition, making us feel easily angered over trivial matters. Anger is the most Yang of the emotions and often surfaces more quickly and intensely in the spring months.

Symptoms of Spring -physical

According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, the liver/gallbladder meridian governs tendons and ligaments, and I find my clients coming in with more injuries this time of year, especially because they get the urge to exercise and often overdo it early on. Like the transition from winter to spring, exercise should go from more quiet to more active and definitely outdoors, but not all at once.

Allergies are also something we see as the spring. Trees and grasses pollinate and make you sneeze, itch, and have difficulty breathing.

keeping the liver clear with acupuncture

Chinese medicine teaches that the liver is the organ that is most susceptible to congestion and when congested will throw the body into disharmony. This congestion in the liver may be the first sign of spring. Physical symptoms may include muscular-skeletal stiffness, sneezing, red itchy eyes, nasal congestion, constipation, and an overall agitation.

treating allergies with acupuncture

According to Chinese Medicine, allergies are an example of misplaced immunity. Wei Qi (pronounced “way chee”) is our outer layer or defensive Qi. The nearest thing we associate with Wei Qi is our resistance to respiratory symptoms such as colds and allergies. When our immunity is out of balance, it overreacts, creating histamine and allergic rhinitis. Balancing the immune system with acupuncture can be simple or complex, depending on the individual. Usually, if attended to early on, it can ward off hay fever season all-together. Acupuncture keeps the immune system balanced, strengthens our defensive mechanisms and soothes the liver Qi which balances the emotions, and gives my clients a deep sense of calm. This is why acupuncture done at the change of seasons is important, but especially in spring - the most extreme change of year. The following poem describes it perfectly:

“Spring is an ache.

Buds swell on their branches.

Bulbs cannot stay in their casings.

There is the breaking out of one state into another.

This is true in inner development as well.

We are both the ones giving birth and the birthed.

We are incredibly vulnerable, beautiful, dependent,

dynamic, needy, and bursting at the seams.

The Spring of the soul hums and aches.

Birthing is full of pain, full of fear, full of exquisite excitement.

It must be carefully attended.

It must be left well enough alone.

Whatever has the dynamism to develop cannot be stopped.

It will grow. It will grow.”

- GUNILLA NORRIS, from her book, A Mystic Garden, Working with Soil, Attending to Soul.

Acupuncture for Stress and Immunity

Here is an article written by my colleague Matt Maneggia on the added benefits of acupuncture on stress and immunity. In my own practice, I see a person's demeanor change within minutes of putting in those first acupuncture points. Since Acupuncture points stimulate the central nervous system, releasing chemicals into the muscles, spinal cord, and brain, it's no wonder its biochemical changes may stimulate the body's natural healing abilities and promote physical and emotional well-being. It has a direct effect on changing brain chemistry and why patients repeatedly report a sense of peace and calm, even when they come in with the most acute pain.

This is a good read! Check it out:

Acupuncture for Stress & Immunity: Just the Medicine for These Anxious Times

Acupuncture's Proven Effectiveness For Sciatic Nerve Pain

Photo: ©iStock/seiki14

Sciatica is compression of the sciatic nerve resulting in pain radiating down the back, side or even the front of the leg. It is commonly caused by nerve root compression at various levels in the spine, usually L3, 4, 5 or S-1 or pressure from tight buttocks muscles such as the Piriformis causing an inflamed sciatic nerve. I would say 70% of my patients have experienced this at one time or another and it’s one of the most common symptoms I treat.

Symptoms associated with sciatica are low back pain, numbness or tingling down the leg as far as the foot, and weakness of the affected areas.

Many people choose to treat Sciatica through acupuncture and get fantastic results. In rare cases do they need surgery, but often this is avoided after a series of acupuncture treatments.

Here is a great study showing the success rates of acupuncture on sciatica:

The effectiveness and safety of acupuncture treatment on sciatica: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Lyme Disease Basics: Prevention and Testing

Picture taken by Laura Kara

By Tina Beaudoin, ND

AN OUNCE OF PREVENTION IS WORTH A POUND OF CURE. LET GO OF THE MYTHS THAT LYME DISEASE IS ONLY AN EAST COAST PROBLEM AND THAT YOU ONLY HAVE TO BE CAREFUL WHEN YOU’RE IN THE WOODS.

Ticks carrying Borrelia burgdorferi (the spiral-shaped bacteria that causes Lyme disease) have been identified in all 50 states. While the black legged tick is the traditional vector for transmission, new tick species including the Lonestar tick and the a Ixodes pacificus (western black-legged tick) have also been shown to carry the bacterium.

A few preventative measures that you could do include spraying your clothing with insect repellent, wearing long sleeves and pants and tucking your pants into your socks. Your choice of insect repellents vary widely from insecticides like DEET to all-natural options that use essential oils like citronella, cedar, rosemary, eucalyptus and geranium. (I prefer these and they work just as well. Nantucket Spider is a wonderful tick spray found on Amazon) Lastly, perform repeated tick checks on your person/s and pets when outdoors and definitely a whole body check when back inside. (I also recommend having your property sprayed every season)

Become savvy on how to remove ticks using fine-tipped tweezers to grasp it as close to the skin’s surface as possible. Do not burn the tick or stress the tick with ointments and aggressive manipulation, as the contents deep in the tick’s digestive tract can spill into the wound more quickly. While, for many, the urge to dispose of the tick is strong, it is better to safely store it in case you want to send it for testing or closer examination. While you may opt to begin treatment immediately, you can concurrently send the tick to be tested for B. burgdorferi with a form from IGeneX, a Lyme specialty lab. Also, many county vector control boards also do tick testing for B. burgdorferi but the specimen needs to remain intact and moist (add a moist cotton ball and put the tick in a zipped bag).

Testing for Lyme disease is very complicated and faces many limitations including the very elusive nature of the tricky spirochete and its ability to hide in our cells, tissues, and behind biofilms, avoiding our immune system. Adding complexity, there are five subspecies of B. burgdorferi, over 300 strains worldwide, which further adds to the bacteria’s antigenic variability. Also, controversy still surrounds Lyme disease diagnosis and treatment.

INDIRECT TESTS FOR LYME DISEASE

ELISA TEST	WESTERN BLOT TEST	IFA/IMMUNOFLUORESCENT ASSAY
Detects IgM and/or IgG antibodies • Most commonly used screeening test for primary diagnosis, despite significant limitations • Many insurance providers require these tests to be ordered first • Misses 35% of culture proven Lyme disease Unreliable as screening test • 52% of patients with chronic Lyme disease are negative by ELISA but positive by Western blot	Detects IgM and IgG antibodies • Generally more sensitive and specific than ELISA • Testing lab may be able to report if findings are consistent with early, late, persistent and/or recurrent disease • 20-30% of acute culture-proven Lyme disease remain seronegative on serial western blot sampling Should be performed by a lab that reads and reports on all of the bands related to B. burgdorferi • Including highly specific bands 31 and 34, which are not generally reported by commercial labs	Detects IgM, IgG and IgA antibodies • Antibodies are detected - 2-3 weeks after infection • May remain elevated for a long time in some patients

DIRECT TESTS FOR LYME DISEASE

LYME PCR

LDA/LYME DOT BLOT ASSAY

Detects the genomic and plasmid DNA of the Lyme bacteria • Can be performed on whole blood, serum, urine, breast milk, skin and CSF • Increased specificity to ID unusual strains of B. burgdorferi • Test can often be negative due to the bacteria's ability to "hide" behind biofilms • Standard PCR generally not sensitive enough due to the low numbers of bacteria present • Multiple sample types (whole blood and serum) improve sensitivity of test

Detects antigens of Lyme bacteria in urine samples and cerebral spinal fluid/CSF • Can be useful when initial Lyme panel tests on blood samples are negative (including PCR) but symptoms for Lyme disease are present • Cross reactions may occur with other non-Lyme antigens so use caution

Lyme literate practitioners generally rely on a combination of both direct and indirect tests to help diagnose Lyme disease. Direct tests look for the presence of antigens or nucleic acids of B. burgdorferi while indirect tests look for an individual’s immune response to this elusive invader.

Lyme testing is complicated and the purpose of this brief article to help practitioners to become a bit savvier on the different types of tests and the definite limitations of testing. If a patient comes into your office with Lyme labs, consider taking an extra moment to further scrutinize the type of tests ordered and explain to your patient the significant limitations and differences in testing methodologies. I would like to thank Igenex Inc. and the International Lyme and Associated Diseases Society/ILADS for their immense contributions in furthering the identification and treatment of Lyme disease and their online resources that helped shape the information provided in this article.

On an added note, paying attention and documenting all your signs and symptoms is one of the best ways to track and treat Lyme disease and it’s co-infections. Most Lyme Literate MD’s (LLMD) pay close attention to this. In my own acupuncture practice, I’m always leery of an underlying Lyme diagnosis if someone’s symptoms are not getting well after at least 6 treatments, especially if symptoms are moving around and if the patient is at high risk (spends time gardening, has a pet or spends time in the woods) I’ve been able to educate my patients and send them to the right doctors so that they can get the right treatment for their underlying symptoms. - Laura Shahinian Kara M.S.L.Ac.

Debunking Acupuncture Myths and FAQ's

Have You Heard These Acupuncture Myths?

by Ka Hang Leoungk

As an acupuncturist, I do a lot of myth debunking. It’s understandable. After all, acupuncture speaks an entirely different language from the one through which most Westerners learned to see the world. However, with acupuncture continuing to grow in popularity and gain acceptance by mainstream medicine, it’s important to clarify a few myths and misconceptions that have a strong hold on our collective psyche.

Here are the five most common myths and misconceptions I hear about acupuncture.

“Acupuncture is only for pain.”

Ask most people what acupuncture helps with and the overwhelming majority will say pain. It is true that acupuncture can work wonders for back pain, headaches, neck pain, shoulder pain, leg pain, postoperative pain, ( and scar tissue - LK) and pretty much any other kind of pain you can think of. However, pain is just one of many ailments for which acupuncture can provide relief.

Acupuncture alleviates digestive problems, menstrual irregularities, allergies, insomnia, stress and anxiety, asthma, and several other conditions. While many acupuncturists are generalists who treat a wide range of ailments, some specialize. So do a little homework before booking an appointment to find out whether an acupuncturist has experience treating whatever you need help with.

“acupuncture doesn’t work because I’ve had it once and nothing changed.”

I hear this one a lot. It’s a myth that is easily debunked by thinking about your car. If you go for years without getting your car checked, when you take it to the mechanic it’s going to require more work than if you had come in for regular tune-ups. Similarly, if you’ve been experiencing back pain for six months, it will probably take more than one acupuncture treatment before you notice results.

After your first treatment, an acupuncturist usually will provide an estimate for how many treatments you’re likely to need. This is always an estimate because response times to acupuncture can vary widely, but it’s a good guideline.

Acupuncture is a cumulative process, much like going to the gym: You don’t start running faster or lifting heavier weights after just one trip. That said, most people notice at least some changes after 10 acupuncture treatments. If you haven’t seen any improvement after giving it 10 appointments, I suggest trying another acupuncturist.

“Acupuncture doesn’t work because we don’t know how it works.”

This is an understandable misconception. When it comes to concepts with which we are unfamiliar, it’s comforting to have solid proof. Although there is tentative evidence of acupuncture’s efficacy, definitive, Western-friendly proof of how acupuncture works was unavailable, (but since this article was written there are several studies showing acupuncture’s direct efficacy to the brain, connective tissue, blood flow, lymphatic drainage, etc. - LK)

There is good reason for this. Controlled, double-blind trials are inappropriate for studying acupuncture. Most acupuncture research models look at a standard selection of acupuncture points to determine if they are effective for a certain condition. But from an acupuncture perspective, one condition can have several different causes—and therefore would require completely different acupuncture points. (This is why no two treatments are alike and a headache for one person may require an entirely different set of points for the other - LK)

Researchers are beginning to look at acupuncture using MRI. I believe this method of studying acupuncture is the most promising yet. Rather than concentrating on people’s perceptions, which can be misled by placebos or prejudices, the MRI studies look directly at how acupuncture changes brain activity. These MRI studies also address findings from previous research that show effects from fake or “sham” acupuncture. Through MRI, we know that both real and sham acupuncture relieve pain but that the effects on the brain are considerably different.

“acupuncture hurts.”

I disagree with acupuncturists who say that acupuncture needles are so thin you can’t even feel them. In my experience, most people feel acupuncture.

When needles are inserted in the right places, they often produce a feeling of heaviness, like a dull ache. (Or with trigger-point dry needling, you’ll feel a muscle twitch - LK) Since this sensation is unfamiliar for most people who have never had acupuncture before, it’s commonly interpreted as pain.

If I describe this dull-achy feeling to people before beginning a treatment, they are less likely to experience the sensation as pain. They are prepared, which means their bodies are less tense. Often the “hurt” associated with acupuncture can be attributed to anxiety about the unknown.

I also make a point of telling my patients that acupuncture—rarely, but on occasion—can cause pain after a treatment. Sometimes needles in certain acupuncture points, after they’re removed, can cause a residual feeling of ache. (like a deep tissue massage - LK) When people understand ahead of time that this is a completely normal outcome, their perception of acupuncture as something that hurts seems to shift.

“Acupuncture is religious.” (Also known as “Acupuncture is voodoo.”)

I have been told, “I don’t believe in acupuncture because I’m a Christian.” Although it’s becoming less common as the general public gets more educated about acupuncture, the myth of acupuncture as a religion or supernatural phenomenon remains.

Acupuncture is not religious, nor is it voodoo. There is nothing supernatural or otherworldly happening during an acupuncture treatment. Acupuncture is a healthcare modality designed to help balance your body’s various, interconnected systems.

You don’t need to “believe” in acupuncture in order to experience its benefits because there is nothing to believe in.

I think some of the misinformation surrounding acupuncture’s origins and intentions stems from the word “qi,” which is often described as “vital energy.”

A better interpretation of what ancient Chinese practitioners meant by qi is simply oxygen. They understood that oxygen and nutrients were needed throughout the body in order for it to function properly. They called it qi and Blood, but acupuncture is merely a tool for moving the oxygen and nutrients that our bodies need to thrive.

Boost Your Immunity With This 2-Minute Acupressure Routine

By Sara Calabro

Acupuncture strengthens natural resistance to disease.

I recently came across that sentence when I was leafing through some old notes from acupuncture school. It was underlined twice and highlighted.

Although I don’t remember writing it or which of my teachers said it, the words clearly resonated with me at the time. Rereading them now, especially during peak flu season, they still do.

It’s a simple idea and yet profound. Forget endorphins. Forget improved blood circulation. Forget placebo. This is how acupuncture works - by strengthening our natural resistance to disease.

Whether we’re talking about flu, and hence its immunity-boosting ability, or back pain, acupuncture makes us stronger so that we can naturally resist illness and pain. This is true whether it’s happening due to fired up neurotransmitters or a practitioner with exceptional bedside manner.

In the end, acupuncture works by making us better equipped to cope physically and emotionally.

The Acupuncture Flu Shot

For the above-state reasons, acupuncture is primarily a preventative form of medicine - it makes us stronger so that we can avoid disease rather than dealing with it after it happens.

The following four acupuncture points strengthen immunity and will improve your chances of avoiding the flu this year. If you’ve already suffered through the flu, these four points will help prevent a recurrence.

In between regular acupuncture treatments, the best way to stay healthy throughout flu season - you can press these points yourself. You also can perform the routine on children or other loved ones who are in extra need of an immunity boost.

Kidney 27 - “Elegant mansion”

Location: In the depression directly below the protrusions of the collarbone.

Benefits: Strengthens the immune system as well as relieves chest congestion, breathing difficulties, asthma, coughing, anxiety, and depression.

Kidney 27 is an immune-boosting super star, and especially helpful for people who are prone to upper respiratory flu symptoms. The Kidney system is said to grasp Lung Qi, meaning it helps distribute the air that enters the lungs throughout the rest of the body. When this interplay doesn’t happen correctly, shortness of breath and cough can occur as well as fatigue because your body is not being properly oxygenated. Kidney 27 is easily accessible, located about one inch from the mid-line on the lower border of the collar bone.

large intestine 11 - “crooked pond”

Location: On the upper edge of the elbow crease.

Benefits: Relieves immune system weaknesses, fever, constipation, and elbow pain.

Although better known as a fever-reducing point, Large Intestine 11 also is used preventively for colds and flues, and other immune-compromising conditions. In fact, one well-known style of Japanese acupuncture, Kiiko Matsumoto, considers Large Intestine 11 to be the master immune point in the body. It’s actually a point that falls just slightly below and outside Large Intestine 11. The exact location is determined according to sensitivity in that area. The most sensitive spot is usually the most effective when pressed or needled. Find Large Intestine 11 at the lateral (thumb side) edge of the elbow crease.

lung 7 - “Broken sequence”

Location: Two fingers width from the “snuff box.”

Benefits: Headaches/Migraines caused by external pathogens, stiff neck, sore throat, cough, asthma, nasal problems.

Make a thumbs-up sign. When you do that, you’ll see a depression at the base of your thumb (referred to as the anatomical snuffbox). From that depression, Lung 7 is located approximately two finger widths up your arm. This acupuncture point is good for bolstering your body’s defensive energy.

stomach 36 - “Three mile point”

Location: Four finger widths below the kneecap, one finger width to the outside of the shinbone. If you are on the correct spot, a muscle should flex as you move your foot up and down.

Benefits: Strengthens the whole body, especially the immune system; tones the muscles and aids digestion as well as relieves fatigue.

Stomach 36 is one of the most effective acupuncture points for strengthening the immune system and recovering from fatigue. Acupuncturists often incorporate this point into treatments because it is such an energizing point. Stomach 36 is found about a hand length below the patella of the knee, just outside the prominent tibia bone. Sometimes pressing this point, if it’s done firmly enough, will produce a strong sensation that travels down the leg.

How to Do the Routine

Here are a few quick tips on performing acupressure on these points. Do once in the morning and once before bed:

• Get into a comfortable position from which you can easily access all four points individually.

• Begin with Kidney 27 and work your way down the body. The order should be Kidney 27, Large Intestine 11, Lung 7, Stomach 36.

• For Kidney 27 and Stomach 36, since you have both hands free, press the point on both sides of the body at the same time.

• For Lung 7 and Large Intestine 11, try pressing the point on each side of the body to determine whether one side is more tender than the other. If so, focus your acupressure sessions on the tender side. If both are equally tender, take turns pressing the points on both sides.

• Spend 30 seconds on each point. Apply firm pressure while breathing steadily into your abdomen. You’ll probably find this routine very relaxing, so feel free to repeat it. You can’t overdo it.

THE IMMUNE SYSTEM FROM AN ACUPUNCTURE VIEW

One of the primary reasons for delayed healing, or inability for the body to heal itself is an imbalance in the immune system. Because of this, it is imperative to keep our immune systems strong.

Causes of a Weak Immune System

• Focal infections (staphylococcus or streptococcus bacteria).

• Nasal deviation (narrowing of the nostrils and nasal cavity may lead to focal infections because the impaired flow of air through the nostrils may cause bacteria to linger and multiply in the region of the nose and throat).

• Chronic sinusitis may become a site for focal infections.

• Any chronic disease.

• Shock, trauma, or other factors that cause adrenal gland exhaustion.

• Drug and alcohol abuse including caffeine and smoking or overuse of antibiotics.

• Excess of dairy products and/or sugar.

• Depression, stress, and anxiety.

• Immune-suppressant drugs.

• Radiation and chemotherapy.

Clinical Manifestations of an Immune System Out of Balance

• Susceptibility to catching a cold.

• Chronically swollen lymphatic glands at the neck, armpit, and/or groin.

• Fatigue.

• Difficulty recovering from a common cold which may develop into chronic conditions.

• Stomach flue, indigestion, and lack of appetite.

• Autoimmune diseases and allergies.

• Chronic ear infections that may lead to symptoms of an autonomic nerve imbalance.

• Weakened connective tissue which may present as a susceptibility to injury.

• Injuries heal slowly and cause repeated problems.

• The body does not seem to respond to treatments for any disease or complaint.

• Chronic and resistant tendonitis.

Acupuncture Helps Tweens And Teens Focus And Gives Mental Clarity

Acupuncture can be a lifesaver for the constantly changing adolescent. Treating tweens, teens and young adults can be extremely effective as it has an affect on brain chemistry in a positive way. Research tells us that acupuncture causes an increase in endorphins and other “feel good” chemicals that bring on a calming effect.

SIX WAYS ACUPUNCTURE CAN HELP YOU IN SCHOOL!

1. Restores proper blood flow to your brain and improves focus.

2. Calms the Nervous System and relieves stress - especially before exams!

3. Helps with the smooth flow of hormones - and emotions!

   Acupuncture will make you a more patient person. Many people report a deep peaceful calm after their sessions.

4. Helps to overcome anxiety - therefore helping with sleep.

   Acupuncture helps take the edge off and turn off your “fight or flight” mode, helping your body to “rest and digest.”

5. It can give you more energy.

   While initially in “zen ville” after a treatment, many people report having more energy in the hours, days and weeks after an acupuncture treatment.

6. Gives you a topic to talk about at parties!

   “Does it hurt? Did you get the needles in your ears? Does it work?” You will be an instant sensation if you share your experience about acupuncture.

   Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine get to the root of the problem and not only helps your concentration, mood, and cognitive abilities, but gives you an over-all sense of well-being.