The Spring Equinox

Welcome to spring time! March 21st marks the moment we begin to emerge from our long winter hibernation and move towards the longer days and warmth of spring. Of course, Coloradoans know there’s plenty more “winter” to come; however, if you take a look around, you might be able to see the stirrings of tiny green plants stretching out of the soil. Internally, you might be feeling that same hint of a “push” - the feeling of wanting to stretch your arms and welcome the sun, or simply just to move. Perhaps you’re feeling the drive to “spring clean” your house and start afresh. Or maybe you’re feeling a little stir crazy, and even irritable, from being in your winter abode for so long. 

These feelings are all very natural and reflect the seasonal and energetic shift around us and within us. Of course, adding COVID to this mix has most likely compounded these feelings and makes our internal and external spring cleaning that much more important this year. 

In Chinese medicine, Spring is ruled by the Wood Element and corresponds to the Liver and Gall Bladder organs. The Wood Element is the element of change, new beginnings, and transformation. It is the energy of movement and growth. Emotionally, it rules our drive and excitement for “newness”, flexibility, and passion fro growth. The Wood Element also loves to plan and organize, and can become irritated or angry when not able to do so. 

On a physical level, the Liver and the Gall Bladder energetic systems are monumentally important for our overall detoxification process, digestion, and immune system. Everything that comes into our physical body is processed by the Liver in one form or another, making it very susceptible to toxicity and fatigue. As spring comes into our lives, it’s the perfect time to refresh our Liver organ both emotionally and physically. 

When our Liver and Gall Bladder energy is within balance, this spring “drive” will flow easily through us and we’ll feel productive, motivated, and excited without feeling overwhelmed or anxious. When this element is out of balance, we might feel “stuck”, irritable, or even depressed. These feelings - although a very natural response - signify that we may need a little rebalancing. Spring time is the perfect time to “reset” mentally, emotionally, and physically. Through a gentle liver cleanse - using both acupuncture and herbal medicine - we can help your mind and body brush off the cobwebs and greet the brand new season with a sense of clarity, fluidity, calm, and joy. Physically, this will kickstart the metabolism and immune system and help your body detox from the winter months. 

From a holistic perspective, we believe that we are at our most healthiest and happiest when we live in harmony with the seasons - so join us for a balancing treatment and start your spring feeling refreshed, inside and out! 

The Ancient Art of Cupping

What is cupping? 

Cupping is an ancient healing technique that involves using suction to increase circulation to various tissues. 

In ancient times, cupping was achieved through the use of fire to create a vacuum inside of a bamboo “cup”. Today, fire cups are still used, as well as a modernized version which utilizes a pump to create the vacuum. 

Cupping has many different benefits for the body’s wellbeing. Perhaps most commonly, cupping is used to relieve muscle pain and tension. Sometimes I refer to cupping as a “backward massage”, for instead of pushing on the muscle tissues in the body, we’re pulling on them. The pulling sensation of the cups also has a significant effect on the tissues. Unlike most daily activities in our lives, cupping allows for space within the tissues. Generally speaking, as we move about a typical day, we are in a constant state of compression. Our weight as well as gravity are constantly putting pressure on our tissues. Massage is extremely effective at releasing muscle tension, however it too utilizes this same type of pressure. When we use a vacuum to pull the muscles away from the bones, we create a unique state of space for these tissues. This allows for a specialized form of release and relaxation that is difficult to achieve with any other modality. 

Along with this muscle tension release, cupping also helps blood circulation to these tissues. When we place a cup onto a site in the body, the vacuum and pulling sensations help draw blood circulation to that area. Muscle, tendon, and ligament health are dependent on proper circulation. Inflammation, the most common and well-known cause of pain, is eased by proper circulation. The natural permeation of blood within these tissues helps draw inflammation away from affected sites, and replenishes these sites with fresh oxygenated blood. It is through this cycle that muscles, tendons, and ligaments are able to heal and repair. Cupping is excellent at promoting this natural cycle, thus reducing inflammation and relieving pain. 

What causes the purple spots? 

Contrary to popular belief, the purple spots that are left by cupping are not bruises. Although they may look like they are painful, generally they don’t hurt at all. They are, in fact, the remnants of a muscle knot beneath the surface. When we have knotted up muscles, what we are actually feeling is the lack of circulation to that area. Muscles require fresh, oxygenated blood to keep them relaxed and healthy; but when we experience frequent tension, these muscles start to tighten up, inhibiting the blood flow through these muscle fibers. This results in what we call a knot. Just like in bruises, blood that is cut off from its oxygen source starts to become purple. When we see these purple marks on the body, what we are seeing is the old blood being pulled out of the muscle knot which then makes room for new, fresh blood to take its place. So when you see these purple markings, don’t be scared! It’s a sign that your muscle knot is being released and your muscles are receiving the oxygen they need for relaxation and health. 

What else is cupping good for? 

Although pain is the most well-known symptom for which cupping is utilized, there are many other benefits from cupping. Cupping has been shown to help relieve stress, aid sleeping, and increase immunity. It has also been used to improve digestion and aid the body in detoxification. It can also help you fight off a cold or flu more quickly! 

In general, most people really enjoy the sensation of cupping. The cups shouldn’t be so tight that they pinch and hurt - they should actually feel soothing and releasing. In fact, most people literally feel the tension ebbing away during a cupping treatment. 

Cupping is offered as a part of an acupuncture session when applicable and it can also be booked as a stand alone treatment.

Chinese Medicine and the Immune System

Through the lens of holistic medicine and acupuncture, the best thing to help your body fight off pathogens is to keep your immune system strong and healthy. We come into contact with viruses and bacteria on a regular basis. Why do we get sick some of the time but not others? The short answer is, if our immune system is strong enough and our body is in balance, we will be able to fight off the pathogen. There are of course some pathogens that would overwhelm even the healthiest of immune systems, but as a general rule, if our body is stronger than the pathogen, our body wins the battle. 

There are many ways that acupuncture can help to boost immunity. Our immune system is a complex, integrated system consisting of multiple layers. The first lines of defense are the physical and chemical barriers - including the skin, saliva, mucus, tears, and stomach acid. If these fluids and barriers are healthy and functioning, they will trap the pathogen and either keep it out of our body, or the stomach acid will dissolve it and kill it. There are multiple acupuncture points that help stimulate the production and functionality of these fluids thus increasing the ability to halt pathogens from entering our system. 

If this first line of defense fails at destroying the pathogen, the internal, cellular part of the immune system takes over. A healthy immune system will identify the pathogen and coordinate amongst its various cells to launch an immune response. In a healthy immune system, the cellular response will correctly identify the pathogen, contain it, suppress it, and ultimately keep it from spreading. By working closely with the nervous system, acupuncture can help stimulate the communication of cells within the immune system, thus allowing for a more concise, coordinated attack. 

If the immune system fails to contain the pathogen, the next and final part of the battle is to continue producing and launching a powerful white blood cell attack. There are various white blood cells which each have their own specific functions. Through various maneuvers, they each combat pathogens differently to create an intricate, systemic removal of the external threat. Acupuncture can increase blood circulation and reduce unnecessary inflammation, aiding the body’s natural ability to fight quickly and efficiently. There are multiple acupuncture points that stimulate the spleen, the lymph system, and the bone marrow which are all vital tissues for the immune response. 

Along with being able to stimulate and strengthen the body’s immune system, acupuncture is also extremely valuable when it comes to managing stress. At a time like this, the tensions are high and we can feel the fear, panic, and anxiety that’s humming through our communities. It’s hard not to be swept up in it all. Unfortunately, when our body is under a lot of stress, one of the first things that suffers is our immune system. Prolonged stress and increased cortisol levels (“the stress hormone”) trigger a decrease in the white blood cell production, as well as deplete our bodies of important vitamins such as B3, B5, B12, and vitamin C. Stress, anxiety, and panic also indicate that our body is in a “fight or flight” response. When we stay in a prolonged state of “fight or flight”, our immune system is dampened. In response to perceived danger, resources that would otherwise be used for our immune response are channeled away, as our body prepares for imminent attack. In this way, it is vital for us to maintain healthy stress levels and consistent sleep in order to increase our immunity. Acupuncture works remarkably well at calming the nervous system and taking us out of the “fight or flight” response. It works closely with the nervous system to “reset” our homeostasis and bring us back into balance. 

If anyone feels uncomfortable leaving their home for treatment, please stay home and take care of yourself. I've Included some important diet recommendations below that aid the overall immune response. I’m also available for over-the-phone herbal and nutrition consults. Otherwise, please know we are here to support you during this time if you choose to do so. Acupuncture has been shown, time and time again, to excel in preventative medicine.The stronger our immune systems are, the better chance we have of fighting off - and not spreading - foreign pathogens. 

Please note, we are taking serious precautions to maintain the health and wellness of all of our practitioners and clients. I will be taking your temperature before treatment and anyone with a fever will be asked to return home and contact their primary care physician. Upon making an appointment, there will be further guidelines we will need to follow to ensure everyone’s safety. We will discuss these individually prior to your appointment.

Diet Recommendations for Immunity

• Increase water and herbal tea intake

• Decrease caffeine intake

• Decrease sugar intake

• Decrease dairy intake

• Decrease processed food intake (“junk food”, soda, etc)

• Eat plenty of foods containing antioxidants and omega 3’s

• Make sure your plate is naturally colorful! The more color, the more vitamins and minerals are present in your food 

• The following vitamins and minerals play a vital role in our immune response: 

  • Vitamin A

  • B Vitamins (mainly Vitamins B1, B2, B3, B5, Folate, and B12)

  • Vitamin C

  • Vitamin D

  • Vitamin E

  • Iron

  • Magensium

  • Zinc

  • Selenium 

Kitchen Herbs for Immunity 

• Sage - antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, expectorant, diaphoretic 

• Rosemary - antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, diaphoretic

• Garlic - anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, expectorant, diaphoretic 

• Ginger - anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, expectorant, diaphoretic

• Thyme - antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, expectorant, diaphoretic