Eating With The Seasons

Earth Element

-The Earth Element, represented by the spleen-pancreas, regulates the “center”, that which is constant, from where it harmonizes the effects of the four seasons

– The Inner Classic

The Earth element in Chinese Medicine governs the spleen/pancreas and the stomach. The seasons associated with the Earth Element are late Summer to early Fall. The energy is particularly strong around the Fall Equinox, which is September 22nd this year. The Spleen and Stomach organ systems are responsible for digestion and the assimilation of nutrients from the foods turning it into Qi and Blood, or energy and nourishment. In particular, the creation of Wei Qi or immune system energy. It is important to eat foods the nourish and harmonize the Spleen and Stomach as to build a strong immune system in preparation for the Winter months and the cold and flu season. foods that nourish the Spleen and Stomach are mildly sweet in taste, yellow or golden in color, and round in shape.

Foods That Nourish The Spleen And Stomach

  • Millet Tofu
  • Corn Sweet Potatoes
  • Carrots Sweet Rice
  • Cabbage Rice
  • Garbanzo Beans Amaranth
  • Soy Beans Peas
  • Squash Chestnuts
  • Potatoes Apricots
  • String Beans Cantaloupe
  • Yams

In general, people with a Spleen/Stomach imbalance will be chronically tired, have physical and mental stagnation, and compulsive, “stuck” behavior that prevents them from creatively developing their personalities. They typically have weak digestion, may have nausea, a poor appetite, a dull sense of taste, abdominal bloating, and loose stools. Patients may have blood-sugar issues and struggle to loose or gain weight.

Acupuncture for Pain Relief

Introduction

Acupuncture, a practice rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine, has been used for thousands of years to treat a variety of ailments. In recent decades, it has gained popularity in Western medicine, especially as a method for managing pain. This post explores how acupuncture can be effective in alleviating pain and what you should know if you are considering it.

How Acupuncture Works

Acupuncture involves inserting into specific points on the body, known as acupuncture points, to stimulate the body’s own natural healing processes. According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, these points are linked to energy pathways, or meridians, that influence health. Western science suggests that acupuncture may work by stimulating nerves, muscles, and connective tissues, which can enhance the body’s pain-relieving chemicals and promote blood flow.

Types of Pain Treated

Acupuncture has shown to be effective for various types of pain, including:

  1. Chronic Pain: Conditions such as arthritis, back pain, and fibromyalgia often respond well to acupuncture. Studies suggest that acupuncture can help reduce inflammation and improve function.
  2. Acute Pain: Injuries and acute conditions like muscle strains can also benefit from acupuncture, which may help accelerate the healing process.
  3. Headaches and Migraines: Regular acupuncture sessions have been shown to reduce the frequency and severity of headaches and migraines for many individuals.

What to Expect

During an acupuncture session, you’ll lie down while I insert needles at specific points. The procedure is generally painless, with many people describing a slight tingling or sensation of warmth. Sessions typically last 60min, with the first session being 90min.