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Meridian Point for Winter: Large Intestine 4

Large Intestine 4 is one of the most important and influential points in the entire body. The Chinese name for Large Intestine 4 is “He Gu” meaning union valley or converging valley. The point is located on the hand in the web between the thumb and index finger, also described as the depression where the index finger and thumb bones part. This area of the hand is often described as “valley like” hence the name converging valley.

The large intestine has many important functions in the body. Connected to the Western medicine function of the large Intestine, it is vital in digestion and bowel regulation, but it also has many functions above and beyond that in Chinese medicine. The large intestine is associated with the emotions of sadness and grief, it can help build immunity as it works as a paired channel to the lung meridian and has a big effect of the flow of Qi and blood in the body. continue reading »

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Foods for the Winter Season

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Everybody knows that food is what gives our bodies the energy we need to survive. But not everybody is aware that certain foods should be consumed during specific times of the year. In areas like the Midwest, where fruits and vegetables are harder to keep on hand when the weather becomes colder, this principle is followed a little more closely. But in areas like Hawaii and Southern California, where fresh fruits and vegetables are always available and the climate is more moderate, people sometimes forget to eat according to the seasons. continue reading »

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Why am I so TIRED…and how to fix

blog-img-why-am-i-so-tiredand-how-to-fix_640A very common complaint that acupuncturists hear from our patients is that they constantly feel tired. Sometimes this fatigue is related to lack of sleep, but sometimes no amount of rest seems to alleviate the sleepiness.

From an acupuncture and Chinese Medicine perspective, there are numerous imbalances in our bodies that can cause the constant fatigue. Here are some of the most common imbalances that can lead to fatigue, lethargy, lack of energy and motivation, and tiredness. continue reading »

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Five Ways to Alleviate Insomnia

blog-img-five-ways-to-alleviate-insomnia_640Insomnia is a phenomenon almost everybody experiences at some point in their life. And most of us don’t know how or why it happens.  Insomnia is defined as difficulty falling asleep, despite being tired. Combatting insomnia may be easier than you think. Here are five simple ways to fall asleep faster and stay asleep all night.

Turn off your phone

In today’s society, we are almost surgically attached to our phones, iPads, laptops, etc. And while the devices keep us informed and connected, they are also harm us when it comes to our sleep.  Smartphones and other gadgets emit blue wavelengths. These wavelengths suppress the production of melatonin in our bodies. Melatonin is a natural hormone that makes you feel sleepy. Also, the light given off by your devices can actually stimulate the mind, thus causing poor sleep. So as hard as it may be, buy a regular alarm clock and turn off the phone. continue reading »

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How to Prepare For Seasonal Affective Disorder

When the seasons change you have to be ready for a change in mood, especially as we move from fall into winter. Although it may not seem as drastic of a shift as you think, it matters more to our mental and physical states than you may know. Seasonal affective disorder is estimated to affect around 10 million Americans a year, and this isn’t even the full number of reported cases. continue reading »

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7 Reasons to Seek Out Acupuncture

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Do you ever feel your life’s a ride that won’t ever stop? How many nights do you wait for Mr. Sandman to magically appear? How often do you truly take time for yourself? Do you have aches and pains almost daily? Are over-the-counter or prescription medications controlling your life? When was the last time you actually felt at peace? If any of these questions resonate with you, then it might be time to look at Traditional Chinese Medicine and acupuncture for an answer. People in Asian countries have known the magnificence of acupuncture for thousands of years. Traditional Chinese Medicine is growing in popularity in the United States and here are some reasons why you might want to consider utilizing it also. continue reading »

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Nutrition for Heart Health OM Nutrition & Hypertension

blog-img-nutrition-for-heart-health-om-nutritionOriental medicine (OM) nutrition combines ancient wisdom with modern science. OM nutrition is a holistic approach, which aims to balance all five flavors within most meals with one or two flavors being emphasized for therapeutic purposes. OM nutrition for a hypertension emphasizes bitter flavors, sour flavors and energetically-cooling foods.

OM theory states the bitter flavor benefits the heart in moderation but an excess is harmful as it has a drying effect; for example, coffee is bitter. In moderation coffee acts as vasodilator increasing circulation but in excess it can raise blood pressure and has a diuretic effect. Modern scientific research has discovered while the human genome has 25 bitter taste receptors 12 of these are expressed in the human heart. continue reading »

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7 Ways to Communicate Healthy Habits to Your Kids

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As the school year kicks back into gear so should the healthy habits that you and your children have before practiced. Notice how I said “practiced,” because we all know during the summer-vacation months we tend to indulge a little. Maybe you have had one too many backyard barbecues, or three too many trips to the favorite ice cream shop down the street. Whatever your summer vice may be don’t worry about it, you can regain those healthy habits from before and introduce them into your children’s lives! continue reading »

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What is Liver Qi Stagnation?

Written by Kalina Shannon, AP, DOM

What is Liver Qi Stagnation?

 

Have you ever dropped something harmless such as keys or a piece of paper on the floor and angrily sighed or growled in irritation? Have you ever experienced stress and tension, irritability, dull body pain, tense shoulders, grinding teeth, easy to anger, PMS, menstrual cramps or possibly digestive or eye issues? You may have Liver Qi Stagnation!

In Chinese Medicine, we see the Liver as responsible for the free flow of Qi or energy in the body and when stress, toxins, Liver disease, hormonal imbalances or poor nutrition stagnate it, then the body’s functions and emotional balance may suffer.

What are some things that you can do to alleviate Liver Qi Stagnation?

  1. Breathe deeply… Oxygen alkalizes, relaxes, brings us out of ‘fight or flight’, and brings us into our NOW moment!
  2. Exercise… Do something you love to do and get both your Qi and your endorphins flowing. The Liver loves Tai Qi, aerobic exercise, weight-lifting, in fact, any exercise.
  3. Express your anger in a healthy way. Quit holding it in. Quit raging it out.K
  4. Keep a journal or find a therapist, close friend or partner who is present and available for you to both vent and process the stressful issues in your life, as well as find dynamic solutions.
  5. Eat healthy, fresh foods… Some foods that help the Liver Qi and/or nourish the blood are: mung bean sprouts, celery, spirulina, dark leafy greens, beets, berries, and Goji berries.
  6. Go green… as in bare feet on the green grass, look at nature, lean back against a tree with arms outstretched, do some gardening, walk or sit and reconnect with the rhythms of nature. Put a green plant next to your computer screen. Rest your eyes. Turn off your phones, tvs, and wi-fi when you go to sleep, give your body a rest from the electronic static and overwhelm of modern society.
  7. Make plans and follow through on them or recommit to a different outcome. In Chinese medicine, our Liver is all about our Visions, Goals, and Decision-Making. Honor that part of yourself and make some dynamic realities come true. If your plans change, chill, be flexible and grow in a different direction to make a new plan with minimal or no frustration!
  8. See a great Acupuncturist or Herbalist. You may receive dietary, herbal or lifestyle advice along with treatments that could smooth your path, refresh and recharge you on all levels.

Bless your Livers, may they flow smoothly! namaste

To contact Dr. Shannon or schedule a FREE 30 minute consultation call 941-301-8485 or schedule online at https://www.goodlifehealing.com/schedule-online/

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What is acupuncture good for?

Acupuncture bradentonThis is the most frequent question I am asked by those considering treatment in my clinic. The short and simple answer to this million dollar question is “Acupuncture is good for everything!”

The long and thoughtful answer takes into account that, with acupuncture, some conditions respond quickly and some get better slowly over time. Also, each condition and person varies in how much initial and then maintenance treatment is needed. Sometimes, herbal medicine plus acupuncture together are a better solution and sometimes other techniques like deep tissue laser therapy, chiropractic adjustment and yes even modern antibiotics are in your best interest.

Chinese Acupuncture and Herbal medicine are the oldest continuously practiced forms of medicine that exist.  Acupuncture has been actively used for 2500 years and herbal medicine for as long as 4500 years.  They were developed and practiced separately until the mid 1900s — acupuncture in northern China where the climate was cool and plant life limited, and Herbal medicine in the south where the weather supports diverse and abundant plant life much of the year. Consequently, each form of medicine is a complete, comprehensive modality that was practiced as a stand-alone form of healthcare in its respective geography.

No matter what your ailment, if you lived in northern China you would be treated with acupuncture techniques that had been developed and used for your problem for hundreds or even thousands of years.

The best questions for you as a potential patient to ask your practitioner about acupuncture for your condition are: How much will it help? How fast will it help? And how much will it cost now and down the road? These questions can only be answered after the practitioner learns more about you and the details of your condition. Good medicine is always customized for your individual needs.  That is why an important part of my practice is the free initial consultation I offer to every new patient, at my Bradenton (LWR) and St. Petersburg offices.

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