News
Happy New Year 2022
The last couple of years have been an absolute whirlwind. With lockdowns, restrictions, the threat of illness, it is no surprise that people are feeling tired, stressed, anxious, etc. As a practitioner I have seen many patients struggling with anxiety, high stress, depression, you name it. We have seen a lot of success with managing these conditions with acupuncture and other TCM modalities. If you are struggling, we are here for you. That being said I think its important that we all go back to some basics with our health as we ride out this new Omicron wave. It is important that we do the simple stuff to help our immune systems and minds stay well. Eat a healthy balanced diet, get some sunshine (when we have it), supplement your Vitamin D, C and Zinc (especially D), get your body moving (you don't have to be a marathon runner- just even a walk will help), Get adequate sleep, find time for things that bring you joy. Most importantly, if you are struggling, reach out! I wish everyone a better 2022, even if the start is a little rocky!
Warm Regards,
Dr. Kristin
Manage Seasonal Allergies with Chinese Medicine
DR. KRISTIN DE LIMA, R.AC, TCMD·WEDNESDAY, 13 SEPTEMBER 2017
Sneezing, runny nose, watery and/or itchy eyes, itchy throat, headache, hives, heaviness in the head are symptoms related to seasonal allergies. Allergies, more specifically allergic rhinitis, are in simple terms the body’s inability to adapt to an aspect of its environment that is generally considered harmless. In Western Medicine we manage allergies by suppressing the excessive immune response to minimize symptoms.
In Chinese Medicine we attribute allergy symptoms to a couple general patterns. ‘Attack of Wind’ being the main pattern causing itchy eyes, sneezing and the sudden onset. As well as ‘Dampness’ that is responsible for mucous and nasal congestion. We often see these patterns occurring on top of a deficiency of the Lu and Kidney Qi.
Seasonal allergies are generally set into 3 main categories:
Spring Type: tree pollens, snow mould
Summer Type: grass pollens
Fall Type: Weed pollens
A fourth category could be listed as Ongoing. This including year round allergens such as animal dander, dust with insect feces or fungus type allergens.
Chinese Medicine Recommends the following to help alleviate these symptoms:
1. Acupuncture:
A licensed Acupuncturist/Doctor of TCM will evaluate your pulse/tongue and symptoms to establish a treatment protocol to resolve the allergy related symptoms. Points used are generally along the Lung, Kidney, Bladder, Du channels. It is also very common to use Auricular acupuncture points as they are highly effective.
2. Chinese Herbs:
Chinese herbs are also very effective at alleviating allergic rhinitis symptoms. For clearing wind, herbs such as Jing Jie and Fang Feng are excellent. To resolve dampness effective herbs are xin yi hua, bai zhi and cang er zi. There are formulas prepared in pill form to make taking these herbs easy and convenient.
3. Diet:
When it comes to all aspects of your health, what you eat matters. With allergies we are seeing an increase in dampness in the body. Certain foods exacerbate this condition. Some foods to avoid or limit are: sweets, dairy products and cold foods. These types of food tax the spleen further and make the dampness and mucus worse. Try incorporating some of the following foods to help clear the damp: soups, steamed vegetables, and boiled grains like barley. Consuming Green Tea is also recommended as it has catechins in it that have an antihistamine effect as well.
4. Reduce Stress!
The effects of stress are endless! It is another thing that can contribute to or exacerbate allergies. Try to participate in activities to help mediate stress you may have.
If you have any further questions please feel free to contact me and I am happy to help. kristin.delima@gmail.com
The End of An Era!
It is with mixed emotions that I announce the resignation of my position at Bankers Hall Club. It has been an amazing 12 years there. However, it is time to put my focus and time on only one location. I will be working full time at Wellwithin Chiropractic going forward. For those of you that are unsure whom would be best suited to treat you in my absence at Bankers Hall, I would strongly recommend Naomi Diehl. We have similar practice ideology and she is awesome! If you have any questions or concerns please feel free to email me at kristin.delima@gmail.com
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