Late Summer in TCM

Part 1: Late Summer in TCM

As humans, we are a part of nature. We are made up of the same minerals and chemicals as the earth and are deeply connected to the environments that we live in. According to TCM, there are 5 seasons of the year. Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer and Late Summer. We are currently experiencing Late Summer, a time of in-between and transitions. Like the earth, we also go through different seasons and when you sync with the natural world, it benefits your health and wellbeing. 

In TCM, Late Summer is characterized by the following: 

Organs: Spleen & Stomach 

Emotion: Worry 

Color: Yellow & Flavor: Sweet

Energy: Centered, grounded, Earth

MIND

Worry is the emotion that is associated with with Spleen and therefore can be felt strongly this time of year. That is why it is a great time for centering, simplicity and quiet reflection. Journaling or participating in a gratitude or meditation practice are great tools for keeping your mind in a state of acceptance and support. 

BODY

Spleen and Stomach are the organs associated with Late Summer. They are the center of our health and literally in the center of our body. Foods that support the center are often mildly sweet, yellow or golden, and round shaped. Sweet potatoes, corn, ginger and fish are all foods that support your well being during this time of year. Limiting raw vegetables and dairy during this time of year helps keep the stomach fire strong and keeps our spleen warm and dry. 

SPIRIT 

Yellow is the color of Late Summer and Sweet is the flavor associated. It is comparable to our third chakra, our Solar Plexus, which happens to be in the center of our abdomen. To activate our chakra you can incorporate yellow and sweet food in your diet, wear yellow clothing or decorate your home with yellow flowers. This will draw power to that energy center, one responsible for empowerment and self-esteem. 

Acupuncture for Weight Management

According to traditional Chinese Medicine, unintended weight gain is the result of an imbalance in the body. It could be that one of your organ systems, such as your liver or spleen are out of balance. Or that your endocrine system and its hormones are not functioning properly, instructing the body to hold onto excess water and tissue. It could also be a result of stress or emotional distress. Below, we explain how Acupuncture can help regulate the body so that it can maintain a healthy and natural weight. 

Gut Health

Points associated with digestion along the stomach, spleen and kidney meridians can help regulate your metabolism and rate at which you digest and absorb nutrients. Clearing out slow digestion and improving gut health, you can relieve constipation, bloating and other gastrointestinal issues that may keep you sedentary or lead to fat deposition.

Rest & Digest

When the body is in a heightened, stressful state it activates the Sympathetic nervous system which tells the body it is in danger and to save energy in case it needs to fight, or flight. This stops our digestive system and holds onto fat as storage to use as energy in a state of emergency. Acupuncture takes us out of fight-or-flight and activates our Parasympathetic nervous system, which is our rest-and-digest state. This tells the body it's okay to release, let go and optimize our digestive functioning. 

Reduce Cravings

Sometimes in times of stress or low mood, we reach for food as a source of comfort and something to make us feel good. Sometimes these cravings extend beyond our means and the addictive quality of sugar impacts us negatively. Acupuncture has been found to help with addiction issues, as well as promoting our own feel-good hormones naturally, so we are able to make healthier choices for ourselves. 

Whatever place you are at in your life and on your wellness journey is enough. The fact that you are interested to learn and grow shows tremendous strength and we are here to support you in any way possible. Our staff and practitioners are here for any questions you may have and know that Seyhart is a safe space for healing. 

Tuina for Weight Management

When we take a holistic approach to our health, most symptoms are not the problem to be solved, but are instead a doorway to understanding what is going on beneath the surface. By allowing the body to heal what may be the root cause of a problem, the symptoms you experience will fade and new life will begin to take shape.  

Tuina (pronounced tween-ah) is an ancient technique that uses various massage-like movement with different sets of pressure, force and speed to promote the movement of qi and blood. Tuina helps to promote the movement of stagnant energy in the body and restore our yin and yang energies into balance. Accelerating the movement of blood, qi and fluids helps to rid the body of excess fat. Once we are back in balance, our bodies can work properly to ensure a healthy state of being.

Studies, such as the one cited here, have shown that regular Tuina sessions, combined with a healthy diet and exercise can support a healthy weight. Results will vary depending on how your body reacts to the Tuina experience, but like anything we do in life, consistency creates results. We suggest a Tuina session combined either with Cupping or Gua Sha once or twice per week. 

Cupping for Weight Management

Optimal weight for health means something different for everyone. The methods that work to maintain an optimal and healthy weight may work for some, and may not work for others. A rapid reduction in weight will alter the state of the body and may not be safe. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, every person - and body - is considered unique. And by working with an acupuncturist, one can find ways to support the body and maintain a healthy, natural lifestyle.  

Cupping is an ancient technique that uses a vacuum seal to promote movement of blood to specific areas on the body, typically the back. Cupping helps move blood to the area with fresh blood, oxygen and nutrients while helping to remove stagnant energy. Increasing blood flow with cupping helps to accelerate your metabolism and improve lymphatic drainage. 

Results will vary depending on how your body reacts to the session, but like anything you do in life, consistency creates results. We suggest a cupping session once per week depending on how your body adjusts, and from there you can increase your cupping sessions to twice per week. 

When working with an acupuncturist, suggestions will be provided to improve lifestyle choices such as diet, stress, and sleeping habits which influence the way our bodies hold onto extra weight. Be open to creating new habits and adjusting your life to create one that supports the best version of you.

Digestive Issues - Candida

Candida albicans, the species of candida fungus that most often causes candidiasis, is a type of yeast that exists naturally in the human body. When the population of candida is at normal levels, it causes no harm; in fact, it aids digestion and the absorption of nutrients from food. But when the fungus gets out of control, candida can cause burning pain, redness and inflammation, and difficulty with normal processes like eating, digestion, and elimination. In extreme cases, candidiasis can cause serious illness.

What causes candidiasis? Candidiasis is abnormal fungal overgrowth due to a lack of friendly bacteria or a weakened immune system. Women often get yeast infections during pregnancy because of changes in the balance of bacteria in their vagina. Antibiotics, steroids, birth control pills, and chemotherapy can all contribute to candidiasis by putting the gut flora out of balance.

Candida overgrowth can lead to symptoms of fatigue, chronic allergies, chronic sinusitis or post-nasal drip. Central nerve damage, constant irritability, and chronic fatigue syndrome are all signs that a person may have a subclinical candida infection. 

Acupuncture can help our bodies regain control of the internal environment. Acupuncture helps to reduce inflammation in the gut, stimulates the release of endorphins (your body's own pain killer), and promotes the parasympathetic nervous system to be in the rest-and-digest state. This can help boost the body's own natural immune defense and help us achieve homeostasis, or balance. 

An acupuncturist will discuss different strategies to improve your symptoms such as steps to reduce stress that can negatively impact our gut health, what diet best supports your body and gut flora, and what things to avoid. Chinese herbs can also support our bodies.  

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.