Healthy adrenals means a better life! Adrenal fatigue is becoming increasingly common in our fast-pace society. The adrenal glands sit on top of the kidneys and secrete cortisol and adrenaline in response to stress. This causes a cascade of activity in the body known as the “fight or flight” response. Adrenaline can be helpful in acute moments of stress as it boosts physical energy but is harmful when stress becomes chronic as it can lead to high blood pressure and rapid heart rate. Cortisol affects the immune system, brain function and digestion and can lead to impairment of memory and learning. When a person is experiencing chronic stress the function of the adrenal glands can become impaired. When the adrenals are not functioning properly changes occur in metabolism, energy, immune function and the endocrine system which can lead to feeling dizzy, tired, depressed, and weak. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, the pattern of symptoms associated with adrenal fatigue is called ‘Kidney Deficiency.’ It’s a very common condition and something we see a lot of in the clinic. It’s important to remember that you only have one body and you need to take good care of it so it serves you well in the years ahead. Here are seven ways to give a little TLC to your adrenals Sleep. Make sure you are getting adequate sleep each night. Aim for 7-8 hours of uninterrupted sleep. Avoid watching tv or being on your computer in bed. Try to relax as the evening comes to an end by having a hot bath or listening to soft music. Dimming the lights an hour before...
More research on one of my favorite acupuncture points Stomach 36 (ST36) Chinese name: Zusanli Location: On the anterior aspect of the lower leg, 3 cun (approximately 3 inches) below ST35 about one finger-breadth from the anterior crest of the tibia. Indications: Gastric pain, vomiting, dysphagia, abdominal distention, borborygmus, diarrhea, indigestion, dysentery, constipation, abdominal pain, low energy, poor appetite Common point with powerful effects Probably most of you have experienced the acupuncture point Stomach 36 (Zusanli) before as it is one of the most commonly used points to increase energy and improve digestion (it’s located below the knee on the lateral side of the leg). If you’ve seen me for treatment, then you probably have as I use it on most people for a variety of purposes. After this point is needled, patients will often feel and hear their stomach gurgling. This is because ST36 is located along the stomach meridian and has a strong effect on gastric motility and secretion. It’s especially good to get your digestion moving after eating a big meal like thanksgiving dinner! Research A lot research has been done on this point, and the latest study has yet again demonstrated the effectiveness of it on digestive activity. Researchers evaluated the effects of ST36 (electro-acupuncture) on gastric motility following colorectal surgery. Typically gastric motility is impaired after colorectal surgery and it’s important to get the intestines moving again as soon as possible. This study demonstrated that ST36 can be used as an effective method to induce intestinal movement after surgery. A group of forty patients undergoing surgery to remove cancerous colorectal tumours were involved in...
Happy Spring! Spring is here, flowers are blooming and the world just feels brighter! It’s a time of growth and renewal. As the days grow longer, our bodies adjust to the seasonal change and you may notice that you are waking earlier. This is a great time to take advantage of it and incorporate a new morning habit. Amazing changes can happen with even the smallest effort – as long as it is regular. Start with something really simple and do it regularly. Keep a journal or checklist to keep yourself on track. Here are a few simple ‘under-five-minute’ ideas to inspire you. Pick one, try it everyday for two weeks and let me know how it goes! Two minutes of meditation when you first wake up One veggie juice daily (use a juicer) Jot down three things you are grateful for every day Drink a large glass of water every morning Five push ups Read two pages of a good book Write down two positive intentions for the day Ten jumping jacks Give/receive at least one hug Smile or say hello to a new person Floss Quick call to a friend or relative Park in the farthest spot and walk a little further Write down three good things that happened in the...
Jeffrey’s next Qi Gong class starts Wednesday, April 23rd. Class runs every Wednesday evening from 6 to 7 pm from April 23rd through to May 28th, 2014. While this is a six week class feel free to drop in when you can and don’t worry if you can’t make all of the classes. The main focus of the class is to get you practicing regularly so just come when you can! If you haven’t already done so please register online so that we have an idea of the number of people coming. You can register by clicking here Instructor: Jeffrey Chand, RAc., Dipl.TCM Date: Wednesday evenings 6 to 7 pm (April 23 to May 28) Location: Knox Presbyterian Church, 2964 Richmond Rd, Victoria, BC Course Fee: $60 for all six classes (or $12 drop-in) Payment can be made by cash or cheque at the class. Stay in touch Feel free to ‘like’ our Facebook page or subscribe to our newsletter to get updates, info and inspiration. I look forward to seeing you all soon and thank you for helping build a great “Communi-Qi!” -Jeffrey Chand...
TCM Tongue Diagnosis Many people are surprised when asked to show their tongue during an acupuncture treatment so I thought I’d shed some light on it. The tongue is an incredibly important diagnostic tool in Traditional Chinese Medicine. The color, coating, shape and texture of the tongue reflect the state of your health. The color of your tongue can change daily and will tell a lot about what’s going on inside your body. The sensitive tissue of the tongue reacts to changes in digestion, pH, circulation and immune function. Here’s what your tongue is telling you… Color A healthy tongue will be pink or light red with a thin white coat on the surface. If there is excess heat in the body due to fever, inflammation or infection the tongue will be a bright red color. A purple tongue shows poor circulation and blood stagnation. A pale or white tongue can indicate low energy, fatigue and a weak immune system. The different zones of the tongue reflect different areas of the body. For example, the tip of the tongue reflects the health of the heart. A bright red tip can indicate a ‘restless heart’ causing insomnia. The mid-section of the tongue reflects the digestive system and a greasy coat here can indicate poor digestion. The sides of the tongue reflect the health of the liver. Bright red sides with no coating can indicate stagnation in the liver and high levels of stress. Coating Many people brush their tongue when brushing their teeth but it’s best to avoid brushing your tongue for 24 hours before your appointment. Your practitioner will...
