Food as Medicine in Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine

Tree of Life Acupuncture NYC Center

32 Union Square E #804, New York, NY 10003
www.NewYorkAcupunctureCenter.com  
treeoflifeacupuncturepc@yahoo.com

  (212) 533-1192

     

The wisdom of acupuncture and Chinese Medicine

is very much relevant in the age of super drugs, flu, strains, and drug-resistant bacteria.

May I present to you the ultimate medicine - FOOD !
Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture recommend food as the first line of defense in building and preserving your health and the immune system.

Food is medicine and we have a choice what and how to eat it. I often hear people say they have no time for cooking. if I can cook in my busy NYC lifestyle and running a small acupuncture business, then anybody can do it too. (The meal below took me about 5-10 min to cook.)

Ingredients: portobello mushrooms,  tomatoes, 1 chopped up boiled egg, walnuts,  small eggplant, chopped up onions, oregano, salt, pepper, dill, olive oil.

Acupuncture and Chinese Five Element theory focus on the particular organ of the season. Because we are in the Fall now and that "falls" on the Lung and Large Intestine organs and color associated with the organs is white. I added white onions and pepper to stimulate the flow of energy in those acupuncture channels to benefit the organs and colder weather.

You can always find a way to cook efficiently and then reuse the leftovers for later saving time and money and not to mention the feeling of chef's pride.

This dish was cooked this way.
 1. The egg was in a steamer, Chinese believe that if the egg is cooked with the shell intact then it preserves more Qi - energy and nutritional value. 
2. The rest of the ingredients were cooked in a separate pan all at the same time.
3. When done mix it all togeather and you're done.

Home cooked meals can bring many health benefits, the intent of good wishes and intentions is absorbed by the food as believed by acupuncturists like me and many metaphysical practitioners.

Home cooking can be a hobby and a creative outlet to reduce the stress and get your mind off to a cooking meditation.



Be well,
Mark Moshchinsky, L.Ac (NCCAOM)
Licensed Acupuncturist in NYC
www.NewYorkAcupunctureCenter.com

Copyright 2015 Tree of Life Acupuncture, P.C. New York, NY All rights reserved.

This newsletter is for information purposes only and is not intended to diagnose or cure. www.newyorkacupuncturecenter.com/disclaimer_privacy.html

Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine in the Fall

Tree of Life Acupuncture NYC Center

32 Union Square E #804, New York, NY 10003
www.NewYorkAcupunctureCenter.com  
treeoflifeacupuncturepc@yahoo.com

  (212) 533-1192

     

Chinese Medicine and Five Element Acupuncture, associate Fall with the Lungs and Large Intestine organs. The Lungs are Yin and the Large Intestine the Yang. The element for this season is METAL.

New York City in the Fall is beautiful and it also brings drastic and volatile weather changes. Our bodies and immune system are often subjected to respiratory problems like cold, flu and asthma in this season. So here are a few steps to prepare yourself for seasonal changes and strengthen the immune system.

Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine can improve your immune system and help reduce the incidence of colds and flu or expedite the recovery if you get them.  

Now is a good time to get your immune system in optimal condition to prepare for cold & flu season.   

The Lungs control the skin and pores and are the first form of defense against exogenous and respiratory pathogens like wind and cold which is the first line of defense for the immune system. The color for the lungs is white and emotion is sadness or sorrow. 

Lungs are often referred to as a delicate organ because it is sensitive to weather changes. The Lungs are often associated with sadness or depression (at times when I insert Lung related acupuncture points, some people on rare occasions would shed a few tears, releasing sadness in this way) in Chinese Medicine. Acupuncture and Chinese Herbs do a very good job treating respiratory disorders like Asthma, COPD, Shortness of Breath and Allergies, etc.

Weather Factor
The Best thing you can do is not to expose your body to the wind and extreme weather changes during Fall season. If you dress appropriately for the weather, you are less likely to catch a cold. So scarf, hat, and appropriate shoes will all do when the temperature drops.

Food as Medicine

As it gets colder, you need to cut down on cold (energy) food like salads and eat warmer energetic food like chicken, hot soups and root vegetables such as potatoes, yam, beans, etc. Cook with ginger (or scallions, garlic, cinnamon), seeds and nuts. I personally like walnuts best because they are also good for the Kidneys and the Brain which come into play in the Winter - Kidney Season. 

Garlic has antibacterial and immune system properties and thins blood. It disperses stagnant energy by promoting circulation of energy in your body and the Lungs. It is also very useful for those flu seasons. 

This is a good season to eat root vegetables, whole grains, and hearty foods to detox your intestines.
Do weight training to build up muscle stronger exterior

Focus on relaxation in the evening hours. 


Breathing Therapy

You might also try practicing a form of breathing meditation Thai Chi or Yogic Breathing for the health of your lungs. Weight training also is a useful autumn exercise as it balances the higher amount of protein and calories you crave while preparing for the winter. This is a good time of the year to enjoy the late afternoon and evening, the time associated with metal by relaxing, letting go of the day's concerns and preparing for sleep.



Drinks and Liquids

Drinking a warm glass of water or tea with a generous squeeze of lemon is a great way to detox your Liver and enhance intake of Vitamin C which may help your immune system as well. Consuming warmer liquids is your way of helping your body to maintain body temperature.


Be well,
Mark Moshchinsky, L.Ac (NCCAOM)
Licensed Acupuncturist in NYC
www.NewYorkAcupunctureCenter.com

Copyright 2015 Tree of Life Acupuncture, P.C. New York, NY All rights reserved.

This newsletter is for information purposes only and is not intended to diagnose or cure. www.newyorkacupuncturecenter.com/disclaimer_privacy.html

How Does Acupuncture Work - Explanation by a NYC Licensed Acupuncturist

Tree of Life Acupuncture NYC Center

32 Union Square E #804, New York, NY 10003
www.NewYorkAcupunctureCenter.com  
treeoflifeacupuncturepc@yahoo.com

  (212) 533-1192

     

Acupuncture Works, but how ?

Acupuncture is a crown jewel of Traditional Chinese Medicine, it has been in existence for centuries. Millions of Asians and Chinese people use it, but how does it work ? 

I have been a practicing acupuncturist in New York City for over 23 years and once in a while, I am asked to explain how acupuncture works or what is a particular point do.  When I was studying acupuncture at my college, the teacher told us that he tells his patients that we do not know enough about it.  But we actually do. I used to say to my patients in the past that it was too complicated to explain, which was not a very good answer.  How do you combine years of studying into a few sentences ? 

Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine Point of View. 

Ancient Chinese believed that there is healing, invisible to the human eye energy called (Qi or Chi) circulates in the body. This Qi circulates in pathways called channels (sometimes called meridians). These meridians run individually in each organ all over the body. Each organ has its own pathway, which crosses its path with other meridians and attaches to corresponding organs.

By stimulating meridians with acupuncture needles, this energy starts moving around channels. If energy and blood in the body are stagnant, we get sick. By circulating or "moving Qi", we reinvigorate the body's natural defenses and that is how our system gets back to health. That is why exercising and leading an active lifestyle is beneficial to your health. 

Acupuncture from Western Point of View

It works by stimulating body's natural healing powers and helps the immune system by releasing natural painkillers (endorphins, dopamine, etc.) balancing the endocrine system, affecting spastic muscles and  trigger points.

When an acupuncture needle is inserted into the body, the body "thinks" it is being "attacked" and defends the body by activating the immune system and its healing properties. Needle insertion often produces slight muscle twitching that can be accompanied by a numbing or electric traveling sensation at the site of insertion or along the acupuncture channel.

Acupoints are
nerve rich areas, when stimulated by a needle send signals to produce powerful healing in your body, mind, spirit and balance your energy and blood in all the internal organs and muscles. Very thin, disposable needles are used to stimulate energy (Qi) on the surface of the skin abundantly flowing in pathways called channels or meridians. Chinese medicine is proven over centuries to effectively treat many health problems. 

If you like to read a full version how acupuncture works click this link

Be well,

Mark Moshchinsky, L.Ac (NCCAOM)

Licensed Acupuncturist in NYC

www.NewYorkAcupunctureCenter.com

Copyright 2016 Tree of Life Acupuncture , P.C. New York, NY All rights reserved.This newsletter and all information in it is for information purposes only and is not intended to diagnose or cure. Please read disclaimer www.newyorkacupuncturecenter.com/disclaimer_privacy.html