Jaw Pain: Temporomandibular Dysfunction (TMD)How often do you chew during the day?
The temporomandibular joint (the joint that allows you to open and close your jaw) is probably one of the most used joints in the body. Think about it, you use it when you are eating, chew gum, and sometimes even when you sleep if you grind your teeth. The temporomandibular joints are comprised of fibrocartilginous surfaces and a number of muscles that allow for easy movement. So,what happens if the muscles that act on the movement of the jaw become overworked or there is disc degeneration? The short answer is you experience pain. Your doctor or dentist should diagnose TMD. The causes of TMD are unclear, but appear to be related to problems with the muscles of the jaw or with the joint itself. Injury to the jaw or muscles of the head and neck, teeth grinding/clenching, hard to chew foods, stress, or arthritis are other possible causes of temporomandibular joint pain.
Common signs and symptoms
* Pain or tenderness in the face, jaw joint area, neck and shoulders, and in or
around the ear when you chew, speak, or open your mouth wide.
* Limited ability to open the mouth very wide
* Jaws that get "stuck" or "lock" in the open- or closed-mouth position
* Clicking, popping, or grating sounds in the jaw joint when opening or closing the
mouth (which may or may not be accompanied by pain)
* A tired feeling in the face
* Difficulty chewing or a sudden uncomfortable bite – as if the upper and lower
teeth are not fitting together properly
* Swelling on the side of the face
Common treatments include acupuncture, massage, applying moist heat or cold packs,
medication, wearing a splint or night guard, and corrective dental treatments. Some life adjustments that can be incorporated are eating soft foods, avoiding extreme jaw
movements, not resting your chin on your hand, keeping your teeth slightly apart, and
learning different relaxation techniques.
Never underestimate the power of stress. How many times do you find yourself
clenching your jaw when you are having a bad day? Acupuncture is a great way
decrease stress, pain, and relax muscles. Points in the ear can be activated using “ear seeds” as a way to continue the treatment at home. Such techniques can also help
decrease tension and pain during a dental visit.
Friday, November 26, 2010
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Chronic Low Back Pain
Whether it’s caused by a weekend of playing touch football or something as simple as
picking a piece of paper off the floor, most of us have experienced some form of lower back pain in our lives. If you’ve been to your primary care physician for your pain, you may have heard it referred to as sciatica, herniated discs, or even spasming lower back muscles. Generally, a few days of rest and maybe an Advil are enough to soothe those stressed and cramped muscles, but for some, it can lead to chronic, long-term back
pain.
Chronic pain is pain that occurs frequently or is constant for an extended period of
time. In terms of Traditional Chinese Medicine, it’s often diagnosed as cold damp
congestion or hot damp congestion. These are just another way of describing the stiff, achy feeling that comes when it’s cold and damp outside or hot burning sensations that occur with arthritis pain. The specific affected areas of the lower back are called the lumbar and sacral regions. The lumbar vertebrae are larger than the other vertebrae in the spine to support the weight of the rest of the body. Between each vertebrae are intravetrebral discs that consist of a jelly-like substance. These discs act as a soft cushion and shock absorber for the stresses the body encounters in daily life. There are many bone and disc degeneration disorders, such as spinal stenosis (degredation of the bone in the vertebrae) or herniated discs (rupturing of the disc causing leakage or bulging). Herniated discs can cause pain, as can the muscles themselves within the lower back. The muscles commonly affected in the lower back are the erector spinae group, quadratus lumborum, iliopsoas, the gluteals in the buttocks, and the abdominal muscles. The abdominal muscles are opposing muscle groups for balance. Weakness of these stomach muscles can cause an increased curvature of the spine that can lead to pain in the lower back. Some things you can do in addition to the care suggested by your primary care provider are:
Acupuncture
Chiropractic
Massage
Physical Therapy
Stretches
Yoga
Acupuncture works well alone or in conjunction with other therapies to decrease flareups of chronic low back pain. Not only can it treat the pain and other symptoms you may be experiencing (e.g. decreased mobility and flexibility), but it can also treat the underlying cause of the pain.
picking a piece of paper off the floor, most of us have experienced some form of lower back pain in our lives. If you’ve been to your primary care physician for your pain, you may have heard it referred to as sciatica, herniated discs, or even spasming lower back muscles. Generally, a few days of rest and maybe an Advil are enough to soothe those stressed and cramped muscles, but for some, it can lead to chronic, long-term back
pain.
Chronic pain is pain that occurs frequently or is constant for an extended period of
time. In terms of Traditional Chinese Medicine, it’s often diagnosed as cold damp
congestion or hot damp congestion. These are just another way of describing the stiff, achy feeling that comes when it’s cold and damp outside or hot burning sensations that occur with arthritis pain. The specific affected areas of the lower back are called the lumbar and sacral regions. The lumbar vertebrae are larger than the other vertebrae in the spine to support the weight of the rest of the body. Between each vertebrae are intravetrebral discs that consist of a jelly-like substance. These discs act as a soft cushion and shock absorber for the stresses the body encounters in daily life. There are many bone and disc degeneration disorders, such as spinal stenosis (degredation of the bone in the vertebrae) or herniated discs (rupturing of the disc causing leakage or bulging). Herniated discs can cause pain, as can the muscles themselves within the lower back. The muscles commonly affected in the lower back are the erector spinae group, quadratus lumborum, iliopsoas, the gluteals in the buttocks, and the abdominal muscles. The abdominal muscles are opposing muscle groups for balance. Weakness of these stomach muscles can cause an increased curvature of the spine that can lead to pain in the lower back. Some things you can do in addition to the care suggested by your primary care provider are:
Acupuncture
Chiropractic
Massage
Physical Therapy
Stretches
Yoga
Acupuncture works well alone or in conjunction with other therapies to decrease flareups of chronic low back pain. Not only can it treat the pain and other symptoms you may be experiencing (e.g. decreased mobility and flexibility), but it can also treat the underlying cause of the pain.
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Summer Time and Chinese Medicine
In order to help you to understand fundamental Chinese medicine you can look to Mother Nature. The five basic elements are Wood, Fire, Metal, Earth, and Water. Each element is related to both a season and an organ system. Summer corresponds to Fire, and is related to the heart and small intestine. The heart in Chinese Medicine is the” Shen” or the mind, and is considered to be the Monarch of the organ systems. It governs the blood and controls the blood vessels, it manifests in the complexion (or affect). Its primary emotion is joy, its channel opens onto the tongue (think of it as it gives you joy to eat chocolate), and it controls sweat.
Summer is considered to be a yang season; the Inner Classic suggests that we express the yang principle- expansion, growth, lightness, outward activity, brightness, and creativity. Summer is a period of luxurious growth. To be in harmony with the atmosphere of summer, awaken early in the morning and reach to the sun for nourishment to flourish as the gardens do. Work, play, travel, be joyful, and grow into selfless service. The bounty of the outside world enters and enlivens us.[i]
To achieve greater health and longevity there are certain foods and food preparations that are and are not recommended during summer. I am going to provide both the traditional information, and my personal suggestions. Generally speaking, eat what is in season, and eat everything in moderation.
What does this all mean?
Since fire corresponds to the heart and summer is hot it means that the hot weather could cause disease if you over heat. It is recommended that you eat predominately cooling, damp-providing (yin foods) to disperse heat and build up body fluids. The bitter taste is associated with the heart and fire. Bitter cool foods should be consumed. Examples of bitter foods are spinach, lettuce, and rye.
There is a theory that by eating spicy foods (red and green hot peppers, cayenne red pepper, fresh ginger, horseradish, and black pepper) you are able to increase warmth, but ultimately bring the body heat out to the surface to be dispersed through sweat. Spicy foods in warm climate are commonly seen in parts of Asia, India, Mexico, and many other countries that are primarily hot. Be careful, there is such a thing as to much of a good thing. By causing increased sweating during the summer it can cause the body to deplete its natural yang (warmth), and will result in the inability to stay warm in the colder seasons. For some people who are naturally hot, spicy foods are never a good thing. You are only adding more fuel to the fire. Naturally hot people should stick to cooler to warm foods.
Heavy foods on hot days can cause sluggishness. Such foods include meats, eggs, nuts, seeds and grains. These foods are better suited in larger consumption during the winter. A perfect example of body sluggishness would be what you experience after a cook out where you chow down on a huge burger. It is a better idea to eat less and lightly on hot days, and to eat multiple small meals. Remember your body is burning more calories because you are being more active. Split up your meals so you can enjoy the longer hours of sunlight!
Fruit
Apple
Banana
Pear
Persimmon
Cantaloupe
Watermelon
Especially the rind
Tomato
All citrus
All berries
Lemon
Kiwi
Pineapple
Vegetable
Lettuce
Radish
Cucumber
Celery
Button mushroom
Asparagus
Swiss chard
Eggplant
Spinach
Summer Squash
Cabbage (green, purple, or Napa)
Bok Choy
Broccoli
Cauliflower
Sweet corn
Zucchini
Legumes & Grains
Soy milk
Soy sprouts
Tofu
Tempeh
Mung beans and sprouts
Alfalfa sprouts
Millet
Barley
Wheat
Amaranth
Other Products
Kelp ( &seaweeds)
Spirulina; wild blue green
Oyster-shell calcium
Wheat & barley grass
Kudzu
Yogurt
Crab
Clam
Black/green tea
Mineral water
Mussels
Rabbit
Spices
Peppermint
Dandelion greens & root
Honeysuckle flowers
Nettles
Red clover blossoms
Lemon balm
White peppercorn
Cilantro
Marjoram
Diseases of summer
Summer is the time of year children are out of school, college students are flooding the pool side bars, and the sun worshipers are scattered across the beach. Whether you are young or old, there is the chance of heat stroke if you do not maintain proper hydration. Many of the foods listed below will help to enhance body hydration. However, you must keep drinking your water!
The Chinese have recommended green tea during summer for centuries because it disperses summer heat, can expel toxins, cool the heart fire, and calm the mind.
Avoid
· Hot foods like coffee, and spicy foods
· Chinese medicine also recommends avoiding ice cold beverages and ice-cream, because they abruptly block the stomach’s digestive energy. However, my personal opinion of this is that I would prefer a patient to eat ice cold foods and ice cream during the summer rather than them eating/drinking them during the winter.
Traveller’s Tip
If you find yourself on vacation in a tropical destination do not forget your garlic. Yep, garlic or at very least garlic pills. Garlic is antiviral, antibacterial, and antifungal. So although you may smell a little funny, at first onset ingest larger amounts of garlic, and you may be able to fight off the impending doom of a ruined vacation. It is also useful for Montezuma’s revenge (traveler’s diarrhea) if you accidentally consume some questionable food or drink the water. It works the best as preventative or at initial onset.
[i] Healing with Whole Foods, P. Pitchford, North Atlantic Books; 2002, p. 331
2 Healing with Whole Foods, P. Pitchford, North Atlantic Books; 2002, p.62
Summer is considered to be a yang season; the Inner Classic suggests that we express the yang principle- expansion, growth, lightness, outward activity, brightness, and creativity. Summer is a period of luxurious growth. To be in harmony with the atmosphere of summer, awaken early in the morning and reach to the sun for nourishment to flourish as the gardens do. Work, play, travel, be joyful, and grow into selfless service. The bounty of the outside world enters and enlivens us.[i]
To achieve greater health and longevity there are certain foods and food preparations that are and are not recommended during summer. I am going to provide both the traditional information, and my personal suggestions. Generally speaking, eat what is in season, and eat everything in moderation.
What does this all mean?
Since fire corresponds to the heart and summer is hot it means that the hot weather could cause disease if you over heat. It is recommended that you eat predominately cooling, damp-providing (yin foods) to disperse heat and build up body fluids. The bitter taste is associated with the heart and fire. Bitter cool foods should be consumed. Examples of bitter foods are spinach, lettuce, and rye.
There is a theory that by eating spicy foods (red and green hot peppers, cayenne red pepper, fresh ginger, horseradish, and black pepper) you are able to increase warmth, but ultimately bring the body heat out to the surface to be dispersed through sweat. Spicy foods in warm climate are commonly seen in parts of Asia, India, Mexico, and many other countries that are primarily hot. Be careful, there is such a thing as to much of a good thing. By causing increased sweating during the summer it can cause the body to deplete its natural yang (warmth), and will result in the inability to stay warm in the colder seasons. For some people who are naturally hot, spicy foods are never a good thing. You are only adding more fuel to the fire. Naturally hot people should stick to cooler to warm foods.
Heavy foods on hot days can cause sluggishness. Such foods include meats, eggs, nuts, seeds and grains. These foods are better suited in larger consumption during the winter. A perfect example of body sluggishness would be what you experience after a cook out where you chow down on a huge burger. It is a better idea to eat less and lightly on hot days, and to eat multiple small meals. Remember your body is burning more calories because you are being more active. Split up your meals so you can enjoy the longer hours of sunlight!
Fruit
Apple
Banana
Pear
Persimmon
Cantaloupe
Watermelon
Especially the rind
Tomato
All citrus
All berries
Lemon
Kiwi
Pineapple
Vegetable
Lettuce
Radish
Cucumber
Celery
Button mushroom
Asparagus
Swiss chard
Eggplant
Spinach
Summer Squash
Cabbage (green, purple, or Napa)
Bok Choy
Broccoli
Cauliflower
Sweet corn
Zucchini
Legumes & Grains
Soy milk
Soy sprouts
Tofu
Tempeh
Mung beans and sprouts
Alfalfa sprouts
Millet
Barley
Wheat
Amaranth
Other Products
Kelp ( &seaweeds)
Spirulina; wild blue green
Oyster-shell calcium
Wheat & barley grass
Kudzu
Yogurt
Crab
Clam
Black/green tea
Mineral water
Mussels
Rabbit
Spices
Peppermint
Dandelion greens & root
Honeysuckle flowers
Nettles
Red clover blossoms
Lemon balm
White peppercorn
Cilantro
Marjoram
Diseases of summer
Summer is the time of year children are out of school, college students are flooding the pool side bars, and the sun worshipers are scattered across the beach. Whether you are young or old, there is the chance of heat stroke if you do not maintain proper hydration. Many of the foods listed below will help to enhance body hydration. However, you must keep drinking your water!
The Chinese have recommended green tea during summer for centuries because it disperses summer heat, can expel toxins, cool the heart fire, and calm the mind.
Avoid
· Hot foods like coffee, and spicy foods
· Chinese medicine also recommends avoiding ice cold beverages and ice-cream, because they abruptly block the stomach’s digestive energy. However, my personal opinion of this is that I would prefer a patient to eat ice cold foods and ice cream during the summer rather than them eating/drinking them during the winter.
Traveller’s Tip
If you find yourself on vacation in a tropical destination do not forget your garlic. Yep, garlic or at very least garlic pills. Garlic is antiviral, antibacterial, and antifungal. So although you may smell a little funny, at first onset ingest larger amounts of garlic, and you may be able to fight off the impending doom of a ruined vacation. It is also useful for Montezuma’s revenge (traveler’s diarrhea) if you accidentally consume some questionable food or drink the water. It works the best as preventative or at initial onset.
[i] Healing with Whole Foods, P. Pitchford, North Atlantic Books; 2002, p. 331
2 Healing with Whole Foods, P. Pitchford, North Atlantic Books; 2002, p.62
Summer Recipes to Keep You Cool
Pressed Cucumber Salad
Cucumbers sliced paper thin
½ tsp. salt in 1 cup water
Pinch of dill
· Soak cucumbers in brine 30 min
· Drain and dry slightly by pressing slices between paper towels
· Sprinkle with dill and serve.
Cucumber Salad
3 large cucumbers, thinly sliced
3 teaspoons salt
3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon Olive oil (kosher for Passover)
1 tablespoon sugar ±
2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill
1/2 cup thinly sliced red onion
· Toss cucumber with salt in large bowl. Cover with plate that rests directly on cucumbers; weight down with 1-pound can. Let stand 1 to 2 hours.
· Drain in colander; rinse well.
· Combine lemon juice, oil, sugar, and dill in serving bowl.
· Mix in onion and cucumber.
· Refrigerate overnight. Serve cold or at room temperature.
Tomato Salad
Vine ripe tomatoes
Sweet onion
Olive oil
Salt
Pepper
Oregano
Water
Feta or fresh mozzarella
· In a bowl combine tomatoes, onion, and fresh mozzarella.
· Add olive oil, salt to taste, pepper, oregano, and a tiny bit of water.
· Mix
· Can add in cucumber
Cucumbers sliced paper thin
½ tsp. salt in 1 cup water
Pinch of dill
· Soak cucumbers in brine 30 min
· Drain and dry slightly by pressing slices between paper towels
· Sprinkle with dill and serve.
Cucumber Salad
3 large cucumbers, thinly sliced
3 teaspoons salt
3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon Olive oil (kosher for Passover)
1 tablespoon sugar ±
2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill
1/2 cup thinly sliced red onion
· Toss cucumber with salt in large bowl. Cover with plate that rests directly on cucumbers; weight down with 1-pound can. Let stand 1 to 2 hours.
· Drain in colander; rinse well.
· Combine lemon juice, oil, sugar, and dill in serving bowl.
· Mix in onion and cucumber.
· Refrigerate overnight. Serve cold or at room temperature.
Tomato Salad
Vine ripe tomatoes
Sweet onion
Olive oil
Salt
Pepper
Oregano
Water
Feta or fresh mozzarella
· In a bowl combine tomatoes, onion, and fresh mozzarella.
· Add olive oil, salt to taste, pepper, oregano, and a tiny bit of water.
· Mix
· Can add in cucumber
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
Pain Management and Acupuncture
There is one thing that almost everyone has experienced at least once in their life. No.. I am not talking about taxes. I am talking about pain. Whether it was chronic pain or acute pain chances are you have experienced at least one.
Chronic pain that frequently occurs or is constant. Acute pain is sudden and generally due to traumas or excessive use. So the question is, once you have pain how do you get rid of it?
Chronic pain in terms of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is often related to cold damp congestion , or heat damp congestion. Essentially, these are the Chinese Medical Diagnosis' for the stiff heavy aching feeling you have when it is cold and damp outside, and for arthritis type pain.
Acute pain in terms of TCM is often related to congested blood and qi which can lead to muscle spasms, knots, tension, and other types of pain. This is most commonly seen in injuries due to excessive use, accidents, or sports injury type traumas. However, if left untreated acute pain can sometimes turn into chronic pain. Hence the reason why the ankle that you sprained multiple times as a child can feel tight/stiff and probably crack more than it used to especially during certain times of year.
How does acupuncture help me to manage my pain? TCM has many different modalities in which to treat both chronic and acute pain. Some of the tools of our trade include: Cupping, moxibustion, gua sha, Tui Na (Chinese Medical Massage), lineaments/ ointments, herbal formulas, and the use of acupuncture.
Cupping The use of suction to release adhesions deep within the muscle and facial tissue. It is commonly used as a facial release. It feels a like a deep massage.
Moxibustion A technique used to bring warmth into a specific point or area of the body. To nourish and decrease pain in the affected area. Great for chronic conditions.
Gua Sha A scrapping technique similar in function to cupping. Gua Sha affects the superficial muscle layers.
Acupuncture Acupuncture can increase energy and fresh blood flow to the affected area. It can also decreases muscle spasms, and decreases recovery time.
Chronic pain that frequently occurs or is constant. Acute pain is sudden and generally due to traumas or excessive use. So the question is, once you have pain how do you get rid of it?
Chronic pain in terms of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is often related to cold damp congestion , or heat damp congestion. Essentially, these are the Chinese Medical Diagnosis' for the stiff heavy aching feeling you have when it is cold and damp outside, and for arthritis type pain.
Acute pain in terms of TCM is often related to congested blood and qi which can lead to muscle spasms, knots, tension, and other types of pain. This is most commonly seen in injuries due to excessive use, accidents, or sports injury type traumas. However, if left untreated acute pain can sometimes turn into chronic pain. Hence the reason why the ankle that you sprained multiple times as a child can feel tight/stiff and probably crack more than it used to especially during certain times of year.
How does acupuncture help me to manage my pain? TCM has many different modalities in which to treat both chronic and acute pain. Some of the tools of our trade include: Cupping, moxibustion, gua sha, Tui Na (Chinese Medical Massage), lineaments/ ointments, herbal formulas, and the use of acupuncture.
Cupping The use of suction to release adhesions deep within the muscle and facial tissue. It is commonly used as a facial release. It feels a like a deep massage.
Moxibustion A technique used to bring warmth into a specific point or area of the body. To nourish and decrease pain in the affected area. Great for chronic conditions.
Gua Sha A scrapping technique similar in function to cupping. Gua Sha affects the superficial muscle layers.
Acupuncture Acupuncture can increase energy and fresh blood flow to the affected area. It can also decreases muscle spasms, and decreases recovery time.
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Springtime Liver Cleanse
Liver Cleanse/Flush
• Either: Drink the juice of a fresh lemon (1/2) in luke-warm water on an empty stomach first thing in the morning,
• Or, (add to the above lemon juice) the juice from half an orange, and 1 TBS of olive oil
• Or, (more elaborately) to the above lemon/ olive oil (cold pressed)/ orange juice mixture, add two cloves of minced garlic and then ground together in a blender- every morning for a week
Recipe for Greens
During this liver flush and all through the spring try to incorporate dark leafy greens. Not only are they high in iron and fiber they help to flush out the toxins from the body. Try this recipe three times a week during your liver flush. DON’T BE AFRAID OF YOUR GREEN VEGGIES! They are easy and quick to make.
• Pick a leafy green: kale, collards, turnip greens, mustard greens, dandelions (or a combo).
• Clean greens and break off the stem (you can just pull the leafy parts off of the thick stem).
• Bring approx gallon of water to boil.
• Once water is at a rolling boil, throw greens in water.
• Cook 5-7 min/ fast boil until leaves turn dark green and start to sink.
• Scoop out of water (keep water boiling on stove) and place on chopping board. Chop into pieces.
• In the same boiling water put in udon noodles or pasta
• Do not overcook! Read the package for cook time, it generally only takes a couple of minutes.
• In separate pan sauté some garlic and crushed red peppers in olive oil. Make sure you have enough oil to cover the pasta and greens. Once cooked add to greens. Add salt, pepper, and lemon to taste. Mix and serve.
• Either: Drink the juice of a fresh lemon (1/2) in luke-warm water on an empty stomach first thing in the morning,
• Or, (add to the above lemon juice) the juice from half an orange, and 1 TBS of olive oil
• Or, (more elaborately) to the above lemon/ olive oil (cold pressed)/ orange juice mixture, add two cloves of minced garlic and then ground together in a blender- every morning for a week
Recipe for Greens
During this liver flush and all through the spring try to incorporate dark leafy greens. Not only are they high in iron and fiber they help to flush out the toxins from the body. Try this recipe three times a week during your liver flush. DON’T BE AFRAID OF YOUR GREEN VEGGIES! They are easy and quick to make.
• Pick a leafy green: kale, collards, turnip greens, mustard greens, dandelions (or a combo).
• Clean greens and break off the stem (you can just pull the leafy parts off of the thick stem).
• Bring approx gallon of water to boil.
• Once water is at a rolling boil, throw greens in water.
• Cook 5-7 min/ fast boil until leaves turn dark green and start to sink.
• Scoop out of water (keep water boiling on stove) and place on chopping board. Chop into pieces.
• In the same boiling water put in udon noodles or pasta
• Do not overcook! Read the package for cook time, it generally only takes a couple of minutes.
• In separate pan sauté some garlic and crushed red peppers in olive oil. Make sure you have enough oil to cover the pasta and greens. Once cooked add to greens. Add salt, pepper, and lemon to taste. Mix and serve.
Springtime and Chinese Medicine
Spring is the ideal time for cleansing and rejuvenation for overall health and well-being. As spring is represented by the wood element and includes the liver and its complementary organ, the gallbladder, these two organs are usually the primary targets for springtime cleansing and health regimens.
• Element: Wood
• Season: Spring
• Color: Green
• Nature: Yang
• Organs: Liver, Gallbladder
• Emotion: Anger (can also manifest as frustration, irritability, stress)
• Governs/ controls: Sinews and Tendons
The Liver Function in Chinese Medicine
According to the philosophy of Chinese medicine, the Liver (the energetic not the physiological organ) is responsible for the smooth flowing of Qi (energy) throughout the body. When the Liver functions smoothly, physical and emotional activity throughout the body also runs smoothly. When there is dysfunction of the Liver it can manifest as anger/frustration/ irritability, headaches, dry eyes, and frequent sprains/strains. It can also manifest as menstrual disorders including painful periods and PMS.
Helpful Spring Time Hints
Stretch - The liver controls the tendons. According to Chinese medicine, the liver stores blood during periods of rest and then releases it to the tendons in times of activity, maintaining tendon health and flexibility. Incorporate a morning stretch into your routine. Try yoga or Tai Qi.
Eat Green - Green is the color of the Liver and of springtime. Eating young plants - fresh, leafy greens, sprouts, and immature cereal grasses - can improve the Liver’s overall functions and aid in the movement of Qi.
Taste Sour - Foods and drinks with sour tastes are thought to stimulate the Liver's Qi. Put lemon slices in your drinking water, use vinegar and olive oil for your salad dressing. Garnish your sandwich with a slice of dill pickle.
Get Out and Move - Exercise moves Liver Qi flow. If you have been feeling irritable, find an outdoor activity to smooth out that Liver Qi stagnation. Go for a walk or take up bike riding
Do a Liver Cleanse
Clean out all the stuff your body accumulated during your winter hibernation mode. Liver cleanses are for detoxing the liver and kidneys, especially allowing the liver to regenerate and rejuvenate. Here is a nice one that I personally use every year. It was recommended to me by a dear friend and teacher Justin Pomeroy. Justin owns Life Gate Center in Chicago, IL and was one of the first people to start practicing acupuncture in Illinois. http://justinpomeroy.com/bio
SEE NEXT BLOG ARTICLE FOR A GREAT LIVER CLEANSE AND RECIPE FOR YUMMY GREENS!
• Element: Wood
• Season: Spring
• Color: Green
• Nature: Yang
• Organs: Liver, Gallbladder
• Emotion: Anger (can also manifest as frustration, irritability, stress)
• Governs/ controls: Sinews and Tendons
The Liver Function in Chinese Medicine
According to the philosophy of Chinese medicine, the Liver (the energetic not the physiological organ) is responsible for the smooth flowing of Qi (energy) throughout the body. When the Liver functions smoothly, physical and emotional activity throughout the body also runs smoothly. When there is dysfunction of the Liver it can manifest as anger/frustration/ irritability, headaches, dry eyes, and frequent sprains/strains. It can also manifest as menstrual disorders including painful periods and PMS.
Helpful Spring Time Hints
Stretch - The liver controls the tendons. According to Chinese medicine, the liver stores blood during periods of rest and then releases it to the tendons in times of activity, maintaining tendon health and flexibility. Incorporate a morning stretch into your routine. Try yoga or Tai Qi.
Eat Green - Green is the color of the Liver and of springtime. Eating young plants - fresh, leafy greens, sprouts, and immature cereal grasses - can improve the Liver’s overall functions and aid in the movement of Qi.
Taste Sour - Foods and drinks with sour tastes are thought to stimulate the Liver's Qi. Put lemon slices in your drinking water, use vinegar and olive oil for your salad dressing. Garnish your sandwich with a slice of dill pickle.
Get Out and Move - Exercise moves Liver Qi flow. If you have been feeling irritable, find an outdoor activity to smooth out that Liver Qi stagnation. Go for a walk or take up bike riding
Do a Liver Cleanse
Clean out all the stuff your body accumulated during your winter hibernation mode. Liver cleanses are for detoxing the liver and kidneys, especially allowing the liver to regenerate and rejuvenate. Here is a nice one that I personally use every year. It was recommended to me by a dear friend and teacher Justin Pomeroy. Justin owns Life Gate Center in Chicago, IL and was one of the first people to start practicing acupuncture in Illinois. http://justinpomeroy.com/bio
SEE NEXT BLOG ARTICLE FOR A GREAT LIVER CLEANSE AND RECIPE FOR YUMMY GREENS!
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