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.

Are You In Need of Stress Relief?

"Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!" 

That may have sounded lovely in December when we were happily singing along with the radio while preparing for the upcoming holidays, but it doesn't sound quite so lovely at the moment. The weather here in the Northeast has been challenging, to say to the least, and has helped increase our stress levels exponentially.  

The effects of super storm Sandy are still being felt as many of us work to repair/rebuild our homes and businesses. Now, we must add the recovery from the damage Nemo caused as the blizzard tore through our region. Shoveling driveways and walkways, digging out cars, assessing our homes for snow/water damage are all tasks we will undertake almost automatically, but it is the emotional toll we may not face.

The stress the major storms induce is cumulative. In addition, there has been the onslaught of the flu and almost constant illness that many of us have been feeling making it difficult to keep up with the demands of daily life. 

What is stress? Stress is a biological and psychological response to a situation we feel we may not have the resources to handle. The stressor is the stimulus such as driving on icy roads, being stuck in the house due to 3 feet of snow, or missing work/school. The stress response is how the body responds to stress by releasing a set of biochemical reactions. The heart beasts faster, blood pressure rises, and muscles tense. This gives the body added strength and alertness to deal with the situation at hand. In short doses, there is no damage caused, the situation is survived, and we move on.

However, when we live in continued states of stress, our energy reserves become depleted and we may experience consequences.  Stress can manifest itself in many ways such as:

• headaches
• backaches
• skin disorders
• gastric problems
• sleep disorders
• depression
• anxiety
• poor concentration
• poor memory

So how do we combat stress? Unfortunately, many people use unhealthy coping mechanisms such as alcohol, cigarettes, emotional eating, or drugs leading to additional long term health problems. A healthy way to combat the effects of stress is to use acupuncture. 

Acupuncture is used to help regulate the body and bring it into balance. Acupuncture has a relaxation response with decreased heart rate, lowered blood pressure, stress reduction, and increased energy. Acupuncture can also relieve feelings of anxiety and depression, promoting feelings of well-being and self-confidence. 

Contact me to learn more about Five Element Acupuncture and the benefits is can provide for YOU.

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

Healthy and Comforting Recipes for Autumn

The damp, cold weather has many of us longing for warm and hearty meals. When carefully planned, these meals can provide healthful nutrients as well as comfort. Here are a couple of nutrition filled recipes for you to enjoy!

Stuffed Acorn Squash:

Ingredients:

• 2 acorn squashes
• 1/2 white or yellow onion, diced
• 1 small granny smith apple, diced
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 4 crimini mushrooms, chopped
• 4 leaves of swiss chard or kale, stems removed, chopped
• 4 strips turkey or vegetarian bacon, torn into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tsp salit, or to taste
• 2 tsp maple syrup, divided
• 2 tsp olive oil
• soft goat cheese, optional

Cut the acorn squashes in half through the stem toward the bottom of the fruits. Remove the seeds and string from the center of each half and set aside. Place each half of squash into a baking dish skin-side down and rub the inside of each with olive oil.  In a mixing bowl, combine the onion, apple, garlic, mushrooms, salt, chard, and bacon.  Heap the mixture into each portion of the squash and loosely cover the baking dish with parchment paper and then foil.  Bake at 400 degrees for 55 minutes or until the squash halves are soft. After removing the dish from the oven, drizzle each portion with 1/2 teaspoon of maple syrup and garnish with goat cheese.  Salt to taste. Serve the squash halves in their skin on individual platters.

Squash is high in vitamin A, complex carbohydrates, and an array of minerals. Squash influences the spleen, liver, stomach, and large intestines.

Roasted Winter Squash Seeds:

Ingredients:

• Squash seeds (this recipe is for 1 cup of squash; adjust as needed)
• 1-2 tsp olive oil
• pinch of salt

Optional:

• pinch of kelp flakes
• pinch of garlic powder
• pinch of cayenne pepper

Separate seeds from squash fiber. Toss seeds with olive oil and a pinch of salt. Add a shake of kelp flake, garlic powder, and cayenne, as desired. Spread seeds flat on a cookie sheet or tray and bake at 250 degrees for 45 minutes. 

Don't throw away seeds from any winter squash you cook with.  The seeds are nutrient packed and can be delicious snacks, used in salads, or used as garnish!

These recipes were submitted to the Tai Sophia Institute by Victoria Yunez Behm. 

Karen Giles 

Five Element Acupuncture

www.kgilesacupuncture.com

Letting Go of Clutter

Chinese symbol for the metal element

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

Along with healthy 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. This refers to physical items, feelings, relationships, etc. 

In honor of the beginning of Autumn, I thought it would be helpful to offer some tips for removing clutter from your home. Sometimes, it is easier to rid your self of emotional and spiritual clutter after you have removed the physical clutter. Here, then, is a great place to start your "letting go"!

• Keep it short! Break your home down into manageable pieces to tackle at different times. It can be room by room, closet by closet, or drawer by drawer. Instead of pieces, perhaps you would feel more comfortable with time limits. Set a timer for 20 minutes per day and walk away when it buzzes. These tips can help you avoid feeling overwhelmed by a large job.
• Memories are in your head, not the object. Often, people have a hard time letting go of an object because it has sentimental value. Choose the most special pieces to hold on to ,such as a family heirloom, and let the rest go. It is the feeling and memories the object produces that you want to keep with you. Try writing about it in a journal or taking a picture of the item. The journal and picture can of course be scanned and sent into cyberspace thereby avoiding the clutter in your home.
• Closets! Here is a great trick I have come across! At the beginning of a season, such as NOW, turn all of the hangers in your closet so that they face right. Once you have worn an item, turn it's hanger to the left. At the end of the season, get rid of all the items that are on hangers still facing to the right!
• Still struggling? Some items are just more difficult than others to say goodbye to and you find yourself vacillating. Place these items in a bin and store it out of sight for a month or two. Any item that you did not need during this time can be thrown out.
• The wonderful world of cyberspace! Already mentioned above, is the organizers dream spot .... cyberspace! Receipts, tax returns, address books, recipes, journals, photos, and so much more can be scanned and sent into cyberspace patiently waiting for you to retrieve it. Just think of the possibilities!

As we move further into the Autumn season, we naturally begin to spend more time indoors. Having uncluttered space will help us as we work to free our minds, hearts, and spirit of clutter.

Karen Giles 

Five Element Acupuncture

Healthy Fall Foods

People seem to always look forward to the delicious fruits and vegetables of summer, but what about the delicious and healthy foods of the fall? As the cool air approaches and we move towards the fall harvest, Karen Giles Acupuncture offers you this list of foods to help keep you healthy this fall.

• Sweet Potatoes - This root vegetable is almost completely fat free and sodium free. Rich in vitamin A, sweet potatoes are good for vision, healthy skin, and a strong immune system.
• Pears - High in fiber, vitamin C, and potassium, pears will contribute to a healthy heart, muscles, and nerves.
• Pumpkins - Not only good for carving, pumpkins are chock full of fiber, vitamin A, B vitamins, and minerals. 
• Pomegranates - Juicy, delicious, and has a high level of antioxidants which help prevent free radicals from causing harm to the body.
• Apples - From pies and fritters to salads, it is easy to find ways to enjoy apples! High in vitamin C, antioxidants, and fibers apples will help keep the doctor away! Important tip ... keep the skin on. Most of the nutrition can be found in the skin and the layer directly below it.
• Kale - One of the healthiest foods on the list, kale contains vitamins A, K, C, and B, beta-carotene, calcium, magnesium, and potassium. Beta-carotene is suggested to help prevent cancer and heart disease.

Break out the cook books, hit the market, and try some new recipes! Eating healthy can be delicious an enjoyable!

Test Me I'm Clean

Track and field Olympian Dee Dee Trotter is committed to natural athleticism, fair play, and sportsmanship. She is known for using acupuncture as part of her training and even receives treatment trackside after sprints. She She lead the women's 4X400m relay providing a good lead from the pack.  The team won the Gold!

Dee Dee Trotter also founded the not-for-profit organization Test Me I'm Clean. The organization promotes hard work, honesty, and honor as well as fights against the use of steroids and performance enhancing drugs. 

Other celebrity athletes known for using acupuncture on a regular basis are Maria Sharapova, Martina Hingis, Carl Lewis, Charles Barkley, and Jim McMahon. The reason many athletes use acupuncture is because it can enhance physical performance and endurance as well as speed recovery time and help prevent sports injuries.

Call Karen Giles Acupuncture to learn how acupuncture can enhance your sports training!

Elemental Wisdom .....As It Is In Nature It Is In Us

The heat and sunshine has certainly 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 get more of a workout with outdoor activities too.  Summer’s Fire can be intense for many, 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 ranges of temperatures this Summer have certainly been quite like a flame! 

The crest of Summer has peaked as we move into the Late Summer.  This season can sometimes be overlooked…it has a different quality to it than high Summer, and there is a taste of the coming Autumn, but is often rushed through.  During Late Summer, everything around us is full and “hanging”.  The fruit and vegetable stands are bursting.  The air is more humid and sticky and everything is viewed through a foggy haze.  Our bodies and minds may feel heavier during Late Summer, finding it hard to move through our days and the heavy air.  This year it feels particularly heavy and “stuck” with weeks of greater humidity and heat.  But after all the high Summer fun this is a great season to enjoy some deeply nourishing time before the Autumn.

Related to the Five Element philosophy, Late Summer is represented in the Earth element which correlates with the functions of the stomach and spleen.  The stomach digests all that we take in whether from words, food or thoughts, to nourish our whole body.  The spleen carries blood throughout the body and mind, distributing energy throughout.  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 this Late Summer season in greater depth is by what (and how) you eat.  The nurturing comfort of food is at its peak right now and you can see it in the fruits and vegetables that are in abundance.  Do you make a conscious effort to savor all that you take in?  The “taste” or flavor associated with the Earth element is sweet.  You can soak in this wonderful season by visiting a local farm stand to sample all that is in season, smelling the sweetness and tasting it all.  And at your next meal, notice whether you truly taste every bite.  In doing so, notice your sense of satisfaction in body and mind after wards.

To learn more, call Karen Giles Acupunture.