Acupuncture & Herbal Clinic

Participation in a mindfulness-based stress reduction program yields robust and sustained improvement in cancer-related cognitive impairment, a prevalent and potentially debilitating condition that affects attention, memory and executive function in survivors, according to a new study from the Regenstrief Institute and Indiana University School of Medicine.  To read more, 

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2015/12/151207131717.htm

Eating a Mediterranean diet or other healthy dietary pattern, comprising of fruit, vegetables, legumes, and nuts and low in processed meats, is associated with preventing the onset of depression, according to research published in the open access journal BMC Medicine. A large study of 15,093 people suggests depression could be linked with nutrient deficits.  To read more, 

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2015/09/150916215535.htm

It's that time of year here in Houston ... clouds of yellow pollen blanket everything outside.  

If you're one of those that suffer from allerigies during this time, consider using acupuncture and TCM for relief. Acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine can help ...  all without side effects that some pharmaceuticals can cause.  

According to TCM theory, allergies are due to a deficiency of "wei qi".  Wei qi is thought of as an "armor" that protects the body against various "pathogens", like wind, heat, cold, etc.   If our wei qi is deficient, then we are more susceptible to allergic symptoms, as well as frequent colds, flu, slow healing, slow recovery from exercise, etc.    With regular use, acupuncture and Chinese herbs can help prevent allergic symptoms and lessen the chances of catching a cold or flu in the future (prevention!).  

Some of the more widely used Chinese and Western herbs used for treatment of allergies are : 

Jing Jie (Schizonepeta), Fang Feng (Ledebouriella Root), Huang Qi (Astragalus), Bai Zhu (Atractylodes), Xin Yi Hua (Magnolia Flower), Can Er Zi (Xanthium), Bo He (Mint),  Quercetin, Bromelain, Butterburr and Nettle.

Other helpful suggestions are using a neti pot or sinus rinse with sterile saline, eat an anti-inflammatory diet of primarily fruits and vegetables and adding spices to your dishes when you cook, lean organic grass fed meats and cutting down on dairy and processed foods.  Also, severely limit sugar and hydrogenated and tran fats and all processed oils.  If you have questions, please contact your local Acupuncturist/Chinese herbalist or Registered Herbalist (RHG) for guidelines on which herbs to use for your specific symptoms and constitution.   

 #allergieschinesemedicine #acupunctureallergies

Allergy and cold and flu season is just around the corner!!!.

Jade Windscreen (Allergies) Honeysuckle and Forsythia (Cold and Flu) 

Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) can be used successfully to treat not only the symptoms of these common conditions, but also the cause. In TCM, allergies are thought to be a sign of deficient surface energy or "wei qi". Similarly, cold and flu viruses are thought to easily invade a body that is run down or "deficient".   When we don't eat right, get enough quality sleep, drink enough water, or stress our body in some other way, we make ourselves more susceptible to these "exterior pathogens", and end up with the familiar sneezing, itchy eyes, runny nose, scratchy throat, fatigue, headache, etc. Many TCM herbal formulas are excellent in treating these conditions. And, unlike most pharmaceuticals, TCM herbal formulas can help prevent symptoms from becoming worse if taken at the first sign of allergies, colds or flu. If you usually catch a cold and it lasts for 7-10 days, with proper diagnoses and treatment with acupuncture and herbs, it will usually reduce the severity and duration to 3-4 days. 

We would like to welcome you to The Woodlands Acupuncture & Herbal Clinic (WAHC) Blog!  Stay tuned for more posts and information on acupuncture, herbal medicine, wellness and healthy living!