Ward Off That Cold!

It seems as though just about everyone is complaining about having a cold or not feeling well. January typically brings with it a rash of colds and flus. The hectic schedules surrounding the holidays has worn us down and we spent a lot of time in close proximity with friends and family who graciously shared their germs. This year the weather has been unpredictable and ever changing to make matters worse. 

To help you survive this germ filled season, here are some helpful tips:

• Know the first signs of a cold; feeling chilly, a stiff neck, and a dry or scratchy throat.

• At the first sign of a cold, eat a bowl of miso and scallion soup and bundle up.

• Induce a sweat at this early stage and it is likely to keep the symptoms to fully developing into a cold.

• Stay hydrated with non-caffeinated beverages and warm teas.

• Enjoy warm, cooked foods which are easier to digest and energetically warmer than raw foods.

• Rest, rest, and rest some more.

• Keep your neck warm by wearing scarves or turtlenecks.

I hope these tips help keep you healthy! Call me to schedule an acupuncture appointment too!

Nurture Yourself In Winter

The cycles of nature offer much about how to live life with more ease.  Nature seems a bit confused (again) this Winter with changeable, unseasonable weather.  And maybe it feels that way within you.  As we move through January with foggy days and temperatures close to 50 degrees, the bare trees and short days remind us that it is still Winter.

Winter is a time to rest and replenish our reserves.  The weather pushes us indoors and often forces us to slow down. We can find time for solitude and reflection. Listen to those around you as well as your own heart. Record your feelings in a journal. Nurture yourself with healthy, warm foods and nurture ideas to act upon later. Keep your body warm and protect the "wind" points; the neck and shoulder areas. According to Chinese medicine, pathogens can enter through these wind points, so wear a scarf and keep your neck covered.

Embrace the winter as a time to slow down and turn inward. Rest your body and your mind. Foster plans for the spring and allow your mind and body time to recharge. Seasonal workshops are offered to help you understand the effects of the season upon you mind and body and to help guide you through it. Contact me for information.

Happy Holidays!

Balance in the Chaotic Holiday Season

As we move past Thanksgiving and into the busy December holiday season, one concept keeps coming to mind:  balance.  No matter how you have been impacted by hurricane Sandy or the nor’easter, everyone had their sense of balance in life, work, home, etc, shaken.  At different times that balance started to return as clean-ups and utility repairs progressed.  But for many, balance is still a daily goal in many ways. 

A complex combination of the vestibular system (within the inner ear, which is a key player in vertigo symptoms), somatosensory system (governed by the cerebellum at the base of the brain) and the visual system help work to manage the natural sway in our bodies and maintain a stable center of gravity.  Even with the smallest of activity, our bodies are constantly re-balancing.  Just breathing or shifting our weight without taking a step means our center of gravity must adjust. 

Balance is key in the coming weeks of holiday preparations and celebrations.  Doing what we all love while balancing it with rest and healthy nourishment will help you enjoy your holiday traditions.  And for those still working to get homes repaired, here’s wishing you balance between the expectations of what this holiday season will be and being thankful for whatever blessings are received. 

Karen Giles
Five Element Acupuncture

Thanksgiving Wishes

In honor of Thanksgiving, I would like to express my gratitude for the wonderful people that I am privileged to work with in my practice. My clients and colleagues are integral parts of the success and happiness in my life. 

Happy Thanksgiving to you and your families!

Karen Giles

Five Element Acupunture

The Season of Metal in the Aftermath of Hurricane Sandy

In the Five Element tradition, Autumn is the season of Metal.  The Metal element is in charge of getting rid of waste in our bodies and lives.  Physically, this relates to the lungs and large intestine.  We breathe in life-giving oxygen through our lungs, expelling the carbon dioxide.  And we get rid of what does not nourish us from food through the large intestine. 

Along with physical processes, these systems have an emotional and spiritual aspect.  The quality of Metal is for crystal clarity in life, keeping only what really serves and letting go of what doesn’t.  For some, that can be easy and rhythmic, without struggle.  Some hold on to things too long, not wanting to let go.  While others are quick to discard things in life too soon. 

Understanding the season of Metal may be helpful to those of us who are recovering from Hurricane Sandy. Take stock of the important things that remain in your life. Now is a great time to let go of things that no longer truly serve a purpose for you. Perhaps this makes it easier to throw away items damaged in the storm or maybe it is incentive to clean out your home and make donations to those in need.

Ridding your life of waste can be a healthy and invigorating experience. Although the damage caused by the storm was tragic, look for opportunities to make something positive.

I hope that everyone is recovering and getting some normalcy back into your lives. If you need some help finding your balance, call for an appointment!

Karen Giles

Five Element Acupuncture

Acupuncture Can Minimize Side Effects of Breast Cancer Treatments

In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, I would like to share how acupuncture is often used to help ease the discomfort of the cancer patient. 

Surgery, radiation, chemotherapy and hormone therapy are typically administered in some combination to combat breast cancer. The patient often suffers from varying degrees of side effects such as:

• Nausea and Vomiting

• Fatigue

• Loss of Appetite

• Diarrheawww.kgilesacupuncture.com

• Weakened Immune System

To help with these side effects, acupuncture points are selected along the digestive system meridians which have a strengthening effect to alleviate or minimise these symptoms. The points are gently stimulated by inserting very thin needles which are allowed to stay in place for no more than 15 minutes.

Thank you to everyone who has shown support for this cause!

Karen Giles

Five Element Acupuncture