Holiday Season is here, and while it can be magical, it also can be very stressful. Good news! Acupuncture can help alleviate that stress and keep you balanced, allowing you to feel merry and cheerful all winter long.
- Maria Hogan
Holiday Season is here, and while it can be magical, it also can be very stressful. Good news! Acupuncture can help alleviate that stress and keep you balanced, allowing you to feel merry and cheerful all winter long.
Get Merry!
Many people feel rejuvenated and recharged after receiving an acupuncture treatment. When we are stressed, our sympathetic nervous system is active, our “fight or flight“ mechanism. Acupuncture helps counter this by triggering our parasympathetic response, also known as our “rest and digest” mode, by inducing deep relaxation.
Stay Healthy!
Nobody wants to catch a cold or the flu during the holidays! Did you know that acupuncture improves your blood flow and your oxygen circulation, which in turn supports your immune defense mechanisms against viruses and bacteria?
Rest Up.
Have that big To-Do list for the holidays you can’t seem to get off your mind? Maybe it’s preventing you from getting some good sound sleep. Many studies have shown that acupuncture lessens anxiety, stimulates melatonin production, induces sleep onset, and reduces sleep disruption.
Slow Down, You Move Too Fast…
The ancient Chinese believed that human beings should live in harmony with the natural cycles of their environment. The cold and darkness of winter compel us to slow down. This is the time of year to reflect on health, replenish energy, and conserve strength. In Chinese medicine, winter is ruled by the water element, which is associated with the kidneys, bladder, and adrenal glands.
This is especially important because the kidneys are considered to be the source of all our energy or “Qi” within the body. They store and reserve our Qi so that it can be used in a time of stress, prevent illness, and allow us to age gracefully. This means that during our winter months, it is important to nurture, nourish, and overprotect our Kidney Qi.
Some dietary tips that can help nourish our Kidney Qi and increase our health and vitality are:
Black and Blue foods: The color associated with the water element. Examples are blueberries, blackberries, black beans.
Seeds: Flax, pumpkin, sunflower, and black sesame seeds relate to fertility and growth, which is ruled by kidney Qi.
Nuts: Walnuts and chestnuts are very effective in increasing kidney Qi
Veggies: Dark, leafy green vegetables, asparagus, cucumbers, and celery are the best choices for kidney Qi.
There is a famous saying in Chinese Medical: “Bu tong ze tong, tong ze bu tong,” which translates to “If there is not free flow, there is pain. If there is free flow, there is no pain” Consider this when holiday stress sets in. Things might not go according to plan, so try focusing on your ability to flow through them. The holiday season is meant to be joyful, don’t let stress take over! Enjoy and be Healthy!!
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About the Author
Maria Hogan
Maria Hogan, is a Licensed Acupuncturist and Massage Therapist. She graduated with a Masters Degree in acupuncture from the New York College of Health Professions, where she currently is a Professor and Supervisor to students in the Massage Clinic.
She is available for both Acupuncture and Massage services in Incentives Organic Spa and Salon