By: Erika Weber, AP
As per Chinese Medicine, each season is connected to a particular organ, and spring happens
to be the season for the liver. Springtime is known as the season of renewal, growth, and
change. It symbolizes new beginnings, and it is the perfect time to start anew. Let's delve more into how Chinese medicine correlates with the season of spring.
In Chinese Medicine, the liver, which is responsible for detoxification, plays a crucial role during springtime. The liver functions to remove toxins from our body and regulate the flow of Qi energy. In Chinese medicine, liver Qi imbalances can lead to various symptoms such as
headaches, irritability, and digestive difficulties. Without proper liver function, our bodies
become more susceptible to diseases. Spring season signifies the renewal of nature and rejuvenation. In this season, we experience more daylight hours, and nature starts to blossom. This season is a fantastic opportunity to re-energize and re-establish balance in our daily lives. According to Chinese Medicine, the spring season is also an ideal time to cleanse your liver and boost your vitality.
Some essential tips to maintain good health and wellbeing
during spring include:
Creating a positive state of mind 
In Chinese medicine, the liver is closely related to our emotional state, and a positive mindset can help maintain a healthy liver. Practice activities such as meditation, breathing techniques, or yoga to help keep a calm and peaceful mind.
Exercise
Engaging in regular physical activity helps stimulate energy flow and helps the liver function properly. Take a walk, practice Qigong, or participate in activities such as swimming, running, or cycling.
Eat fresh and seasonal foods
In Chinese medicine, foods are a powerful way to maintain balance and wellness
During spring, it is essential to consume fresh greens like spinach, lettuce, Artichoke, and arugula, as they help nourish the liver.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture helps regulate the flow of Qi, aiding in the body's natural healing process. Acupuncture can also help improve liver function and balance the body's energy.
In conclusion, our bodies need to adjust to the changing seasons to stay in harmony
with nature. By following the above tips, we can maintain our liver's health and overall
well-being during the spring season. These suggestions can make a significant
difference in helping us maintain our vitality and health throughout the year.
At Sunshine Healing Arts we also recommend our injectable vitamin LIPOTROPICS
for liver support. They are B complex compounds that promote the flow of fat and
bile to and from the liver. In essence, they produce a “decongesting” effect on
the liver and promote improved liver function and fat metabolism.
by Sunshine Healing ArtsWritten by our new acupuncture physician Erika Weber.
The five elements-Earth, Metal, Wind, Water, Fire-and their relationship to the body are a fundamental concept in Traditional Chinese Medicine. Each element corresponds with a season, organ system and emotion in the body.
Now that Summer is drawing to a close, days are shorter and nights are cooler. The Fire element/heart, also known as the ultimate yang, moves consciously into the yin. In Autumn, we pay close attention to purging, hydrating, and nurturing our minds and bodies.
The hot Summer weather with so many outdoor activities is now changing into the drier Autumn season, corresponding to Metal/lungs and large intestines. They require constant fluid, so it is essential that you drink more water to keep them from damage.
Eat seasonal fruits and vegetables. Stay away from the raw food and salads that you have been enjoying during the heat of the summer and move to more warm cooked foods. Fill your plate with winter squash, pumpkin, kale and broccoli instead. These vegetables contain important fluids to nourish your body in the Fall season. Walnuts and hemp seeds are another source for good health, since nuts and seeds also contribute to the maintenance and balance of your body at this time. Stew and soups are recommended to support the digestive system, as their long cooking times are warming, making the foods easier to digest. Also, when you cook foods longer their nourishment travels deeper in the body.
The energies of Autumn are associated with introspection and more serious matters. Turn your attention to setting limits and protecting boundaries. Organize yourself by completing projects and starting new ones. Cultivate both mind and body in this season.
This is the time to be mindful.
The energetic quality of the season is grief and anything that has been ‘on our chest’ (lungs), it’s time to let go of. Let go of the things in your life that no longer serve you. Like leaves that die and fall from trees, some friendships and relationships that are at a standstill need to be examined. It is important to be honest with yourself at this time, although it may be difficult. When you discard negative energies, you open your spirit to welcome in positive energies. Of course, there is grief whenever things change. Transition is not easy. For harmony to remain, this sort of loss is inevitable. It is a time for self-nurture and introspective thoughts. Even if things seem out of your control, just making a small change works toward keeping negativity out of your life. Be sure to keep your body hydrated and nourished. Adapting to change is much easier if your body is in alignment with your mind.
Clean your home and work space of unnecessary things. Drop off a box or two at your local Goodwill or charity shop. Purging is very important in this season for your mental health and well-being. It feels good to breathe in fresh air. Strengthen your lungs with deep breathing to help memory, energy levels and immune system. Flood your cells with oxygen. Feel the beauty of change.
Open your arms to embrace the gifts of Autumn.
Autumn Associations in Chinese Medicine:
Element – Metal
Yin Organ – Lungs
Yang Organ – Large Intestine
Emotion – Grief / Sadness
Climate – Dryness
Stage of Development – Harvest
Flavour – Pungent
Colour – White
Sense Organs – Nose
Tissues – Skin
Sound – Crying
Healing Sound – sssssssssss
Beneficial Foods to Eat in Autumn:
Garlic * Sweet potato * Onions * Carrots * Turnips * Parsnips * Radishes * Beets * Potatoes * Yams * Sweet potatoe * Ginger * Onion * Cabbage * Pears * Walnuts * Black pepper * Grains * Chili * Cinnamon * Cardamon * Leeks * Miso * Navy Beans * Pumpkin * Almonds * Asparagus * Broccoli * Cucumber * Celery * Mustard Greens * Apricot * Banana * Eggs * Sourdough Bread * Sauerkraut * Olives * Pickles * Vinegar * Cheese * Grapefruit * Apples * Plums * Grapes
If you are interested in reading more about eating for the seasons, one of the best books about TCM nutrition is Healing With Whole Foods by Paul Pitchford.
How can Chinese Medicine Help My Diabetes?
Chinese medicine has long recognized, understood, and managed diabetes mellitus. For thousands of years its methods have been widely used and practiced, spreading to surrounding countries, in recent years around the world. Chinese medicine is best characterized by its natural philosophy of healing the body which serves to guide all of its treatments. This philosophy understands the complex workings of the natural world and uses these principles to adjust the imbalances that are the source of disease. It is far more than a traditional or folk healing practice. It aims to improve the body’s overall function, slow the progress of disease prevents complications, improves the quality of life and prolong the life span.
Acupuncture and moxibustion are being used more and more to help diabetes patient’s manage their disease, avoid side-effects from pharmaceuticals, and deal with complications. These techniques are popular with patients because they are absolutely safe when properly administered by a trained acupuncturist.
How does it work?
Acupuncture has been described for thousands of years as working on a complex system of channels, called the jinglu. These channels supply the entire body with Qi and blood, fiving substance to the muscles and organs, and providing energy for their function.
What will my treatment be like?
After collecting detailed information, our practitioner will identify the pattern of disharmony and select an optimal treatment protocol according to theories of Chinese Medicine. Then, the patient is usually left to relax for about 20-40 minutes.
When the treatment is over, you will probably feel relaxed and energized. Some of your symptoms may disappear instantly. You may sleep better, have a more regulated appetite, feel less pain or experience less anxiety.
It is advised to be in the best condition possible when you have your acupuncture treatment. Don’t come for you acupuncture treatment when you are very hungry or just after a big meal, and try to be rested. Get the most out of your treatment by being extra careful of your general health the day before and after treatment. Help Chinese medicine help you!
RESEARCH
Over the past 50 years, thousands of clinical trials and research projects have been performed on the effect of acupuncture on different disease. Here we have summarized the results of some of the studies performed on patients with diabetes to show that not only are the results of Chinese medicine noticeable to the patient, but can be recorded by modern scientific techniques as well.
A study divided 80 diabetes patents randomly into an acupuncture group, an exercise group, and a control group treated with dietary advice and pharmaceuticals. The results showed that acupuncture and proper exercise can significantly decrease blood sugar and improve lipid metabolism.
A study of 65 patients with type II diabetes showed that acupuncture along with dietary restrictions over 30 days lowered their blood sugar by an average of 1.97 mmol/L (35.46 mg/ dl) over a control group that received only a placebo (combined vitamins).
In a study where 72 cases of diabetic gastroparesis were randomly divided into a treatment group and a control group, the treatment group had acupuncture done twice a day for 10 days. The control group got Motilium 10mg, 3 times each day, 30min before meals. The total effective rate (symptom relief index more than 20%) was 91.7% in the acupuncture group and only 77.8 % in the control group.
Chinese medicine can offer a transformational experience for those who suffer from diabetes or any other disease. It is more than decreasing your blood sugar level. It is about recovering your ability to heal; relieving discomforts which may not go away even if your sugar levels are normal; improving your quality of life, maximizing your sense of well-being, eliminating or delaying complications, and achieving a longer and happier life.
Copyright © PMOH www.pmph.com
ISBN: 978-7-117-09215-9/R.9216
People’s Medical Publishing House, 2007
by Sunshine Healing ArtsCancer. It’s a diagnosis that no one wants to hear. It can leave you feeling frightened, uncertain, and powerless. But if you or a loved one is facing cancer, it’s important to have hope. In many cases, cancer can be cured, especially when it’s detected early. There are more treatments available now than ever before to cure cancer or slow it from spreading, relieve its symptoms, and can help you live a healthier life.
It’s also important to know that you have options in addition to standard medical therapies. Acupuncture and Tradition Chinese Medicine (TCM) have been used for thousands of years to treat a wide variety of conditions. It can safely be used to naturally support your body and mind as you undergo conventional cancer treatments.
Understanding treatments and there side effects
Cancer is an overall term for a group of diseases that occur when cells begin to reproduce abnormally, eventually damaging or killing healthy tissue. Most cancers are named according to where they begin in the body, and there are more than 100 different types. The most common are breast cancer, skin cancer, lung cancer, colon cancer, and prostate cancer.
Your treatment plan will be based on many factors, including the type and stage (how far it has spread) of the cancer and your overall health. While cancer treatments have proven to be effective, they do have serious side effects to take into account. The most common treatments include:
Surgery: Performed to remove the cancer if possible. Surgery may be used alone or with radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or biological therapy.
Chemotherapy: The use of medications to destroy cancer cells. Chemotherapy generally lasts from 3 to 9 months, and can have side effects including fatigue, nausea, vomiting, hair loss, early menopause, and hot flashes.
Radiation therapy: The use of high doses of radiation to destroy cancer cells. Side effects generally include fatigue, hair loss, and skin darkening at the site of the treatment.
Biological therapy: This treatment works by boosting the body’s immune system to fight cancer cells. Side effects depend on the specific type of therapy, but they can include rashes or swelling, flu-like symptoms, fatigue, nausea, and loss of appetite.
How acupuncture and TCM can help
Acupuncture and TCM have been used for thousands of years to maintain health and relieve symptoms. Practitioners work to treat imbalance in the body’s Qi, or vital energy, by inserting fine, sterile needles at specific acupoints.
Since acupuncture has few side effects, it can be safely used as a complement to conventional cancer treatments. In fact, in many cancer cases it’s recommended as a way to soothe and reduce side effects. According to National Institutes of Health, acupuncture has been found to be effective in relieving:
· Nausea
· Vomiting
· Fatigue
· Post-surgical pain
Acupuncture and TCM can also help relieve stress, depression, and anxiety, which can greatly improve your quality of life during this challenging time.
In addition to acupuncture, your practitioner may also provide massage, acupressure, nutritional counseling or an exercise program designed to help you stay as healthy as possible. He/she may also recommend herbal medicines or vitamin supplements. Remember to always communicate with your health care providers about these and any other medications you take in order to avoid any drug interactions.
Treating the person, not just the disease
Acupuncture practitioners take a holistic, or whole-body, approach to cancer care. This means that not only will your symptoms be considered, but also your lifestyle, emotional state, and overall health. Your whole being will be taken into account, not just the cancer. When you work with your practitioner to improve your health and relieve your side effects, you are not only helping yourself get the most from conventional treatments, you’re taking back the control of your own life.
© 2012 Acupuncture Media Works 866-696-7577
www.acupuncturemediaworks.com
by Sunshine Healing Arts
Most people experience significant pain at some time in their lives-whether from an injury, illness, or an unknown cause. Pain is a warning signal, an alarm that goes off when your body is trying to tell you that something is wrong or out of balance.
What can you do? No one should have to live with pain, but which treatment is right for you? Often times, people suffering from pain take medication to dull the pain. Taking medication is understandable when pain is constant and unbearable. It may be helpful to dull the symptoms for a short period of time, but it will not get at the root of the problem and correct it. It is like hitting the snooze button on the alarm. Unless the cause of the pain is treated, your body will keep sounding the alarm and reminding you that something is wrong. Eventually the pain may get worse or become chronic. It is also possible for the medications to cause unwanted side-effects and further compromise your health.
Surgery may be another option. At times, this approach may make sense, but it could be both expensive and risky, and there is no guarantee that it will be effective.
Acupuncture is a time-tested, safe, effective, natural and drug-free way to eliminate pain. Unlike other methods of handling pain, there are no side-effects. Well known and leading national and international health organizations acknowledge the benefits of acupuncture in treating and eliminating pain due to a wide range of causes.
An acupuncturists approach to pain. Acupuncture practitioners recognize that there is a vital energy, called Qi (pronounced “chee”), circulating within the body. Qi flows through a series of pathways called meridians. Meridians are like rivers within your body. Wherever a river flows, it brings with it water that provides nourishment and life to the land, plants, and people around it. Likewise, meridians transport life-giving Qi that provides nourishment to every cell, tissue, muscle, organ and gland in the body.
It is important for the Qi to flow freely through the body. Think of water flowing through a garden hose. A blocked hose will not provide an adequate supply of water to a plant. Eventually, the plant will be unable to thrive, grow and blossom.
Similarly, a blockage in the flow of Qi anywhere in the body will inhibit the amount of nourishment that reaches our cells, tissues, muscle, organs and glands. Under normal circumstances, your body can easily return to good health and vitality. If the disruption of Qi is prolonged or excessive, or if your body is in a weakened state, the flow of Qi becomes restricted and a variety of symptoms, including pain, may arise.
What does acupuncture do? By inserting fine, sterile needles at specific points, an acupuncturist is able to break up blockages that have hampered the smooth flow of Qi. Once this is all done, Qi can travel freely throughout the body, promoting pain-free health, well-being and vitality.
Not only can acupuncture treat signs and symptoms of pain and discomfort, it can also get to the root of the problem. When the initial cause of the pain is corrected, your body can begin to heal on deeper levels. Our acupuncturist may also suggest adjunct therapies to enhance treatment and speed healing, such as massage, stretching, yoga, herbal supplements and dietary changes.
©2012 Acupuncture Media Works 866-696-7577
www.acupuncturemediaworks.com
by Sunshine Healing ArtsOur community has been through a lot over the last few months, and all of us are looking forward to resuming our normal routines. While many things have changed, one thing has remained the same: Sunshine Healing Arts's commitment to your safety.
Infection control has always been a top priority for us at Sunshine Healing Arts and you may have seen this during your visits to our office. Our infection control procedures are made so that when you receive care, it’s both safe and comfortable. We want to tell you about the infection control procedures we follow in our practice to keep patients and staff safe.
There are many things we have always done in our facility to maintain a healthy environment. Some of these include:
- Hand washing and sanitation by our staff between patients.
- Clean sheets and pillow cases for every patient.
- Sanitization and cleaning of rooms between patients.
- Hand sanitizer available and accessible in each room.
In addition to these procedures, we have now implemented these steps to allow us to stay open during this crisis:
- Face coverings are being worn by our staff.
- Health screenings of all patients as they come in the door.
- We are asking that anyone feeling sick or who has a fever to stay home. We also offer telephone consultations for sick patients who would like to purchase custom herbal medicines for curbside pickup.
- Cutting edge sanitation by Ecovasive, which is a botanically based disinfectant that has been proven to kill COVID-19 and other viruses. It is sprayed floor to ceiling on every surface. This product continues to disinfect for 21 days and we are utilitzing this service on a regular, recurring basis.
- Frequent disinfection of common areas such as couches, chairs, door handles, front desk surfaces, and cash register after each use.
by Sunshine Healing Arts625 Atlantic Boulevard, Suite 1
Atlantic Beach, FL 32233
After nearly a decade in Jacksonville Beach, we are very pleased to announce that as of April 15, 2020 we have moved to our new location in Atlantic Beach! Our new facility is located right next door to Monahan Jewelers. Additional parking is located in the back of the building.
Book your appointment today and come see it for yourself!
As we transition to our new location, our top priority remains the safety and well being of our patients. Our office follows the safety recommendations made by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the State of Florida Department of Health, and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). We follow the activities of these agencies so that we are up-to-date on any new rulings or guidance that may be issued. We do this to make sure that our procedures are current and adhere to each agencies’ recommendations.
