Wednesday, December 20, 2017

Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine in the Winter

32 Union Square East #804, New York, NY 1003
For appointment/ consult, call 212-533-1192


Winter season in Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine is associated with the Kidneys. In my acupuncture practice in NYC, I adjust my acupuncture and Chinese Herbal treatments according to the season. 

Winter in acupuncture and Chinese Medicine 

Kidneys rule the Brains, Water Metabolism, and Reproduction.

Kidneys have a special relationship with the Heart/Bladder and the Lungs. You can think of Kidneys as your batteries (Positive + and Negative -). According to acupuncture and Chinese medicine, people with dark circles under the eys may have kidney imbalance. Weakness in the knes or lower extremities may also point to kidneys. 

Kidneys also rule lower back, so if you have some symptoms that are worse in the Winter (back pain, breathing problems, blood pressure issues (high and low). Low energy levels may also be attributed to the kidneys.  As well as infertility and low libido in men or women.  If legs are swollen you can be sure that Kidney energy is involved.

     
Kidneys have a close relationship with the Heart. The element of Kidneys is water and is responsible for water metabolism. The heart is fire, so you want a balance of water and fire in the body. Some people are either too hot or too cold. Acupuncture and Chinese Herbs can help regulate the body temperature.

Kidneys control low back and if someone has chronic back pain, kidneys or its Yang pair Bladder channel is often chosen to treat it. Just like water can freeze (we are about 70% water) so can the human body and muscles can get cold and contract and cause more pain especially in the Winter. Acupuncture can address seasonal changes.


Foods to Eat in the Winter
bone marrow Chinese Medicine soup NYCAny food black in color or in kidney-shaped is good in the winter. Black beans, kidney beans (most beans). 
Seeds: flax seeds, black sesame seeds, sunflower seeds, etc. 
Fruits: Blackberries and blueberries.
Seafood: fish, shrimp and seaweed.
Nuts: walnuts, chestnuts, etc.

   
Hot soups, especially made of root vegetables are great to keep you well nourished and warm. Soups are nutritious and prepare and warm up your digestive system for food consumption.


Animal Products: Pork, duck, lamb, eggs, cheese, etc. Small amounts of animal protein can be used therapeutically here. Too much meat, particularly without the balance of vegetables, will stagnate the Liver and create heat. 

Bone-Marrow Broths and Soups: This will nourish Marrow governed by Kidneys. Especially beneficial for people wanting to prevent or heal osteoporosis.

Grains: Barley, Millet. These are both mildly cooling and nourishing.

Emotional element of kidneys is "Fear", so if someone is exposed to a lot of fear may experience kidney imbalance (anxiety, restlessness insomnia, etc). Because Kidneys have a very special connection and relationship with the Heart, imbalance in one can and often affects the other. (season for the Heart is Summer)
acupuncture food in winter in NYC
Black Beans for Kidney Health
acupuncture winter food in NYC
Black Sesame Seeds

Foods Black in color are good for the Kidneys. Any beans, especially black once, black sesame seeds, walnuts etc.


Be Well,

Mark Moshchinsky, L.Ac. (NCCAOM) Licensed Acupuncturist in NYC and founder of Tree of Life Acupuncture Clinic in New York. www.NewYorkAcupunctureCenter.com
Copyright 2017 Tree of Life Acupuncture, P.C. New York, NY. All rights reserved. This newsletter and all information contained is for information purposes only and is not intended to diagnose or cure. Please read disclaimer at http://www.newyorkacupuncturecenter.com/privacy-disclaimer.html




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