Digestive Issues - Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia syndrome is characterized by chronic generalized pain accompanied by a broad symptomatologic spectrum. Besides chronic fatigue, sleep disturbances, headaches and cognitive dysfunction that are extensively described in the literature, a considerable proportion of patients with fibromyalgia experience gastrointestinal symptoms as well. 

Digestive issues are a very common issue for those living in the United States. About 70 million people are estimated to be experiencing some sort of disorder related to our digestive system. The root cause of many digestive issues is often chronic stress, improper diet, poor sleep habits, and other lifestyle issues. Acupuncture helps by balancing the gut-brain axis and the nervous system to reduce stress, which in turn improves digestive function.

Acupuncture reduces inflammation, stimulates the release of endorphins (your body's own pain killer), and promotes our parasympathetic nervous system into it's rest-and-digest state. This can help reduce the pain and stiffness that accompanies the disease, as well as gastrointestinal issues related to inflammation. 

Because the cause of fibromyalgia is still unknown to experts, supporting your body and helping it to naturally reduce symptoms is important as you navigate through treatment.

When working with an acupuncturist they will also discuss different steps to help reduce your symptoms such as how to minimize stress, what nutrients are needed to best to support your body, and what activities you can do to stay active. Chinese herbs are another incredible and natural way to help give the body the support it needs

Digestive Issues - Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

Digestive issues are a very common issue for those living in the United States. About 70 million people are estimated to be experiencing some sort of disorder related to our digestive system. A lot of these problems are hard to navigate and solve, but acupuncture has been proven to help relieve the symptoms and issues that come along with these disorders. IBS in particular is one of the top complaint for people experiencing digestive issues.

Symptoms of IBS that people may experience include: stomach pain/cramping, diarrhea, constipation, gas, and bloating. 

Here are some acupuncture points that practitioners will use to help treat the symptoms of IBS:

Zu San Li (ST36): This pressure point is below the kneecap, between the two bones of the lower leg.
San Yin Jiao (SP6): This pressure point lies four finger-widths above the highest point of the ankle on the inside of the leg.
Tian Shu (ST25): This pressure point sits on either side of the navel on the abdomen.

When working with an acupuncturist they will also discuss certain lifestyle choices such as diet and emotional problems which can help alleviate some of the symptoms as well. They can also prescribe Chinese herbs that will alleviate pain and bloating. The most important thing about Acupuncture is consistency. If you want to see results and to experience the effects it's important to create a habit and make time for it in your life.

Preparing for the Summer Season

"As the seasons change, so do we. May we be aware we are shifting - just like the wind" 

-Anonymous

Spring was the season of growth, and Summer is now the season of expansion. Now is the time to enjoy and savor the things that you have been working on up until this point. 

Summer tends to be all about fire, high energy, and upward movement. It asks us to make the most of the abundant daylight we are given and to soak up the sun. How can we harness that fiery energy and use it to our best ability? How can we also balance that energy with rest and renewal? Here are some ways to get ready and to support yourself through this new season. 

MIND
Changes in seasons are always a great time to reset. The idea of a fresh start and turning the page to start a new chapter are always beneficial to our mental space. You can always begin again. Another way is to clear space physically by doing a deep clean of your home, organizing that junk drawer, or cleaning out your car. 
Making space in your life allows for good things to come in.

BODY

Make sure you are bringing in the right nutrients and elements to support your body in this new season. Because of the heat and dryness that summer can bring, aim for consuming more cooling, hydrating and fresh ingredients such as cucumber, mint, and watermelon. Because we have strong digestive fire in summer, you can include more raw foods such as salads and fresh fruit. Also make sure you are giving your body time to rest and recover after active days spent in the sun!

SPIRIT

Journaling and seasonal affirmations are another way to tune in and notice where you are in your season of life. Awareness leads to introspection and positive action. Here are a few to get you started:

"This season I want to feel...."

"This season I want to make more time for... "

"This season I am excited about..."

See if you can offer 3 ideas for each thought!

Wherever you are at in your own season of life, know that like nature we are always changing and evolving. After the rush of summer, there will always be a release of autumn, a slow & restful winter and then regrowth in the spring. Appreciate wherever you are at and also be ready for what is to come. 

The Benefits of Ear Seeding

Ear seeding, also known as auriculotherapy, is a form of acupressure. The external ear is represented by nerve endings that can be stimulated to influence the central nervous system, and organs in the body. The seeds themselves are vaccaria seeds. For a more modern twist, 24K gold, Swarovski crystals, or small steel balls can be placed. 

Pressure at specific points stimulates the vagus nerve which sends a message to your brain that alters biochemical responses, helping to achieve your desired result

Ear seeding will de-stress, balance, energize, boost immunity, improve sleep and more. These benefits include all types of pain management such as headache, PMS symptoms, tension, and neck and shoulder pressure. Ear seeding can help to relieve stress and anxiety, and can improve focus, memory, and digestion. Ear seeding helps to promote relaxation and restore balance. Once the seeds are applied, the seeds act as a support system that runs in the background as you go about your day.

Read more about ear seeding here in our featured article in Byrdie! Or here on our website!

Releasing Stuck Emotions

We experience physiological responses in our bodies when we experience emotions. Stressful and difficult emotions can sometimes get stuck in our physical bodies and must be released. There are different tools to use such as movement, breath work, acupuncture and body work to release these emotions through what is called somatic healing. 

It's important to acknowledge our emotions so that they don't manifest physically as disharmony and disease.

Movement: In nature, animals face a great deal of stress while trying to survive. When a gazelle is chased by a lion and escapes, it gets stuck with pent-up fear, trauma and anxiety. It releases these emotions through what is called neurogenic tremoring. The approach involves shaking the body to release tension and trauma, helping to regulate the nervous system. Dr. Peter Levine developed somatic experiencing as a body-based therapy to process and release trauma. Start by shaking your hands, then your whole arms, and then your entire body, bouncing and moving and literally "shaking it off". 

Breath Work: Our breath is an incredible tool to move energy and to help us let things go. It helps bring our attention down into our bodies, inhaling to deepen our focus on the present moment, and exhaling all that does not serve us. Just a few moments of deep belly breathing can regulate our nervous system, taking us from an agitated state to a relaxed and calmer space. Simply close your eyes, take a deep inhale into your lungs, expand your belly, hold for just a moment, and then let the air release out of your mouth. Make sure your exhales are 2x longer than your inhales to feel the effects of this calming practice. Do this 10 times and notice the difference in how you feel. 

Acupuncture: The state of our mind and quality of our emotions may be the leading causes of disease. Negative thoughts and emotion create imbalance and disharmony within the body, which makes us more susceptible to dysfunction and illness. When your symptoms are addressed in acupuncture, your underlying emotions are also released. Acupuncture helps to move Qi, or energy, and release energy that is stagnant in the body. For some individuals with stuck emotions, acupuncture can cause an emotional release. 

Be aware of what you are feeling - it is a healthy start to your best wellness.

Feel it and then let it go. 

How Emotions Manifest

What happens when you feel an emotion? Does it make your stomach flutter? Or cheeks flush? Or maybe it makes your chest burn?

These are all physiological responses to a felt emotion. It's real for you, because you feel it. Sometimes these responses happen without us even realizing what emotion they are attached to. But if you pay attention to where that feeling is in your body, it can help you figure out what's really going on inside. 

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, each organ in our body has a corresponding emotion associated with it. Below, we have highlighted each pair and how symptoms might manifest if you're experiencing an emotion that is stuck. 

Grief & Regret - Lungs: Tightness in the chest, being unable to take a big breath, tiredness.

Worry & Stress - Spleen/Stomach: Upset stomach, poor digestion, loss of appetite, "knots" in stomach.

Overstimulation & Shock - Heart: Rapid heartbeat, fluttering, palpitations, insomnia, restlessness. 

Fear & Anxiety - Kidney/Bladder: Persistent urination, incontinence, lower back pain, panic attacks. 

Anger & Resentment - Liver: Red/hot face, headache, menstruation issues, dizziness, outbursts.

If you can acknowledge and face your emotion, you can release it. When we don't recognize emotions or we ignore what we are feeling, that emotion will hide itself and manifest in different symptoms until we pay attention. When something is wrong and we are not feeling at ease, that's what creates dis-ease. You can use different tools, which we will discuss next week, to release these emotions but it's also important to face and acknowledge that emotions exist.

To feel what you are feeling, is not wrong but a healthy start for your best wellness.