The Heart and Soul of Summer

Elemental wisdom…as it is in nature it is in us

The intense heat and sunshine has allowed the full expression of the Fire element this Summer.  Longer days encourage us to be more active, spending time outdoors with friends and family.  Joy and laughter fill the beaches and parks as children play.  Our physical hearts, which correlate to the Fire element in the Five Element philosophy, get more of a workout with outdoor activities too.  Summer’s Fire can be intense for some, leaving them feeling a little burnt out.  Others find their hearts (physical and emotional) and bodies feel the best in Summer.  The Fire element, just like a candle flame or campfire, has both a quietness and intensity that draws people into its warmth.  And the range of temperatures this Summer has certainly been quite like a flame! 

The crest of Summer is peaking as we move to Late Summer.  This season can sometimes be overlooked as it has a different quality to it than high Summer.  During Late Summer, everything around us is full and ripe.  The fruit and vegetable stands are bursting.  Sometimes our bodies and minds can feel the same way...heavier, harder to move through the sticky air.   But after all the high Summer fun, this is a great season to enjoy some deeply nourishing time before the Autumn.

Late Summer is represented in the Earth element which correlates to the stomach and spleen.  The stomach digests everything we take in (words, food or thoughts) to nourish our whole body.  The spleen carries blood throughout the body and mind, distributing vigor and strength all the way to our limbs.  These two organs function to process and distribute vitality on a physical level but also keep us centered and rooted to the ground in body and soul. 

One way you can experience Late Summer in greater depth is by what (and how) you take in nourishment.  Do you make a conscious effort to savor all that you take in?  What appeals to you at the bursting farm stands?  The “taste” or flavor associated with the Earth element is sweet - explore what sweet fruits make you feel fulfilled.  You can also allow your spirit to feel nourished right now.  See if you can connect with your heart's spirit.  Is it feeling supported and nurtured?  During this transition from Fire to Earth, consider what will satisfy you at all levels.   Don't rush through this very special season...there is much to enjoy in the coming weeks!

Karen Giles

kgilesacupuncture.com

Acupuncture Or Antidepressants?

Summer is usually a happy time of year for many people. After all, time is spent outdoors soaking up vitamin D and whether it's a leisurely stroll around the block or a fast 5K, people tend to get more daily exercise. This summer has presented some challenges though.

The weather has not cooperated with our ideal thoughts of what summer days should be. We have had numerous rainy days with few bright and sunny days sprinkled in between. People have reported spending less time outdoors than in past summers. Wary of planning in advance, many have missed opportunities to gather with friends and family and partake in typical summer fun. Unfortunately, this has resulted in feelings of depression and anxiety. 

I do have a bit of good news for you though! Relief may not come solely in the form of antidepressant medications. Research has shown that acupuncture may be an alternative! Functional MRI studies have shown that acupuncture influences brain chemicals such as dopamine and serotonin which affect levels of happiness. 

Antidepressants are highly prescribed in the US even though side effects are common and can often be quite severe. In fact,  according to a 2010 article in the Journal of the American Medical Association antidepressants may be no more effective than a placebo. Interestingly, the article also states that antidepressants are significantly less effective than talk therapy as well as being least effective in patients with less severe depression whereas acupuncture is most effective with this population.

Why risk the negative side effects when acupuncture may offer superior relief? Call me at 631-804-5902 to learn more about how acupuncture can benefit YOU!

Karen Giles

Five Element Acupuncture

Catch Some ZZZZ's with Acupuncture!

A large percentage of adults in the U.S. suffer from insomnia, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.  Insomnia is a condition in which a person has difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep which may have numerous negative impacts on a person's life. Irritability, drowsiness, depression, difficulty at work, and increased risk to health problems are all possible symptoms of insomnia.

There are many over-the-counter and prescription medications that may help a person fall asleep or stay asleep. Along with the needed sleep, the medications may also cause a number of unwelcome side effects. Fortunately, acupuncture can provide an alternative to medications.

Evidence from clinical trials has shown acupuncture to improve sleep duration as well as quality of sleep and daytime social function. Happily, many private health insurance plans in the U.S. cover acupuncture treatments.

Having trouble getting enough quality sleep? Schedule an appointment with Karen Giles to learn how acupuncture may be able to help.

Acupuncture and Western Medicine

Slowly over the years, western medical practitioners have come to accept the benefits of acupuncture. 

Just recently, the Daily News interviewed Dr. Houman Danesh, the director of integrative pain management at Mount Sinai hospital. He treats patients for all kinds of pain and performs acupuncture more than 1,500 times per year. He said, "It's appropriate for all ages, and even children can tolerate acupuncture, unless needles freak them out." Dr. Danesh is not alone. A study was conducted at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center which concluded that acupuncture can help reduce chronic pain.

It is comforting to see western medicine embrace acupuncture. When western medicine works in conjunction with acupuncture, the patients come out ahead!

If you have questions or would like to schedule an appointment, please call Karen Giles Acupunture.

Being Flexible With Spring's Arrival

As an acupuncturist, I rely on the seasons and their “elements” in my work.  In the Five Element style of acupuncture, Spring is the season of the Wood element.  What does this mean to you?  The Wood element corresponds to muscles and tendons of the body.  It allows for physical movement, energy pushing up and out in the body like the plants and flowers push out and up from the ground. And it needs flexibility so that the “push” is smooth and efficient. 

The Wood element corresponds to muscles and tendons of the body

It has been a challenging shift from Winter to Spring this year.  The cold and wind has kept everything in wait.  After one or two warm, sunny days, back we go into grey skies, almost relentless wind and chilly temperatures.  What has the bumpy transition to Spring felt like to you?  Maybe you are frustrated because you can’t get out and going with your Spring routine. Do you struggle against the slow transition of the season? 

Regardless, nature will continue to move through its cycle.  Some ways you can support your movement through the transition is to be flexible.  As you take on springtime activities, incorporate simple stretching, yoga or qi gong in your days.  Take time to open up at the hip and shoulder joints, where the flow of energy can get stuck or blocked. Wood must be easy and flexible to maintain its strength.  And as it is in nature, it is within us.

Karen Giles

Five Element Acupuncture

Ah, The Arrival of Spring!

Spring has officially begun! No really, it has. Don't let the snow on the ground fool you!

Mother Nature may be slow to awaken, but the warmer days are fast approaching. With warmer weather, comes the blossoming flowers, trees, and plants. For some of us, this means seasonal allergies too. 

Allergies can cause varying degrees of discomfort, but there are several things you can do to keep the allergies under control. One option is nasal rinses. Using either a netti pot or another product like Neilmed Sinus Rinse after being outdoors can wash away the pollen that you have picked up. However, during the height of allergy season, using it morning and night may be more helpful.

Another option is the herbal supplement called stinging nettle. It has natural antihistamine and anti-inflammatory properties and can help open sinus passages. It can also alleviate some asthma symptoms.* (Please check with your health care provider before starting any supplements.)

Of course, acupuncture is yet another option to help ease the symptoms of allergies. Please call Karen Giles Acupuncture to learn more about relieving allergy symptoms with acupuncture.

Spring time can be challenging as we adjust to the changing weather. Being proactive with any allergy symptoms you may encounter can keep you outdoors as the warmer days finally arrive.

Keeping the "Cold" Away

It can be a challenge to stay healthy during the winter months, especially in this day and age of running ourselves ragged. Here are some tips to help ward off the germs and have an enjoyable winter:

• Follow winter's "sleep cycle". During the winter months, the sun sets early and rises late. Do the same to avoid the coldest parts of the day.

• Expose yourself to the sun to help warm your body and elevate your mood.

• Seek warm areas and avoid cold areas.

• Do not expose your skin to the cold. Often, women will layer warmly on top, but wear just one layer on the bottom or worse yet, wear only thin stockings. According to a Chinese proverb, "Wind comes into the body through one's neck, the cold comes into the body through one's legs." Wear warm pants, warm socks, and warm shoes.

• Do exercises to improve circulation in your feet and legs which will help reduce the constant chill you may feel in them.

• Eat foods with a warm nature such as shrimp, ginger, garlic, pepper, and curry.

As always, healthy eating and exercise will help you remain healthy during the cold months. Acupuncture can also help keep your body in balance and relieve cold symptoms. For an appointment, call Karen Giles, Five Element Acupuncture.