Asheville Acupuncture
Vernal Equinox
25/03/13 11:56
Hello!
The vernal equinox arrived on the twentieth of this month with snow! Spring is officially here, yet we are still awaiting for the full departure from Winter.
In Chinese Medicine, the Spring is associated with the Liver and Gall Bladder, the Wood element, the color green, the sour taste, and when out of balance, the emotion anger. When the Wood is thriving and flourishing within us, we feel flexible and relaxed, resilient and motivated.
At this very beginning of Spring is an opportune time to get a seasonal attunement acupuncture treatment, so that we can awaken this vital return of the fresh Spring within our bodies as we synchronize with the rising up of Spring all around us. Often, we do this by engaging the Wood points on the Wood channels, whether that be through acupuncture, moxibustion, acupressure, or even a strong intention. These Wood on Wood points are Liver 1 and Gall Bladder 41, both located on the foot.
Spring is a natural time to do some "spring cleaning." We can do this on so many levels. While we freshen up our houses, getting rid of the old stuff we are no longer using, we can do the same thing within by invigorating our Liver and Gall Bladder to gently detoxify. A simple and gentle way to do this is by putting fresh lemon juice in our water. We can also nibble on fresh dandelion greens, specifically the young tender leaves. Movement is also key for our spring cleaning. Getting exercise is an excellent way to get the Qi/energy moving through the Liver and therefore the whole body. The Spring welcoming points are on the foot, as previously mentioned, encouraging us to move, to step forward, to take that next step.
And now for some haiku by Basho to honor Spring:
spring night
at dawn the cherry blossoms
it ends
blooming wildly
among the peach trees
first cherry blossoms
butterflies and birds
restlessly they rise up
a cloud of flowers
The vernal equinox arrived on the twentieth of this month with snow! Spring is officially here, yet we are still awaiting for the full departure from Winter.
In Chinese Medicine, the Spring is associated with the Liver and Gall Bladder, the Wood element, the color green, the sour taste, and when out of balance, the emotion anger. When the Wood is thriving and flourishing within us, we feel flexible and relaxed, resilient and motivated.
At this very beginning of Spring is an opportune time to get a seasonal attunement acupuncture treatment, so that we can awaken this vital return of the fresh Spring within our bodies as we synchronize with the rising up of Spring all around us. Often, we do this by engaging the Wood points on the Wood channels, whether that be through acupuncture, moxibustion, acupressure, or even a strong intention. These Wood on Wood points are Liver 1 and Gall Bladder 41, both located on the foot.
Spring is a natural time to do some "spring cleaning." We can do this on so many levels. While we freshen up our houses, getting rid of the old stuff we are no longer using, we can do the same thing within by invigorating our Liver and Gall Bladder to gently detoxify. A simple and gentle way to do this is by putting fresh lemon juice in our water. We can also nibble on fresh dandelion greens, specifically the young tender leaves. Movement is also key for our spring cleaning. Getting exercise is an excellent way to get the Qi/energy moving through the Liver and therefore the whole body. The Spring welcoming points are on the foot, as previously mentioned, encouraging us to move, to step forward, to take that next step.
And now for some haiku by Basho to honor Spring:
spring night
at dawn the cherry blossoms
it ends
blooming wildly
among the peach trees
first cherry blossoms
butterflies and birds
restlessly they rise up
a cloud of flowers
In Celebration of Summer
29/06/12 11:45
Hello! Happy Summer!!
Summer has officially arrived with the recent summer solstice on June 20 this year. Summer solstice marks the peak of summer and is the longest day of the year, when the sun at its highest in the sky. This unique annual event has been acknowledged and honored for thousands of years by peoples around the world, made evident by many amazing monuments. Stonehenge in England was made approximately five thousand years ago, and when the sun rises on the summer solstice, it lines up with what is called the heel stone and its first rays shine through a stone archway in the center circle. In New Mexico in Chaco Canyon there is this remarkable Sun Dagger that shines across the midpoint of a large spiral engraved into stone at summer solstice. This Sun Dagger represents a celestial calendar of the ancient Pueblo Indians. Stonehenge and Chaco Canyon are just two examples of old civilizations marking summer solstice on the calendar. Fires are held by numerous cultures to welcome and celebrate summer solstice.
Clearly the arrival of summer is a significant time. This is true today as it has been for millennia.
In Chinese Medicine theory, (and I also think perhaps universally) summer is associated with the heart. Fire is the element associated with summer. This is naturally the time when we feel invited to open our hearts, to connect with joy, to welcome laughter, to bask in sunlight and love. Summer beckons us to do so as we savor the succulent fruits, dip in the running streams, and revel in the twinkling fireflies and starry nights.
Somewhat akin to building the great monuments marking the passage of time, we can receive acupuncture on the source points of the Heart and Small Intestine channels, lighting up our internal flame in our living monument (the human body) synchronizing our rhythms with those of the universe. In Chinese Medicine this is what we call the microcosm within the macrocosm.
When holding our hands in prayer and bowing our heads in reverence, we are bowing to the wisdom of the heart. This seems to be the perfect bodily representation of what happens during summer.
This poem by William Henry Davies does a good job of capturing the resplendent nature of summer:
When on a Summer's Morn
When on a summer's morn I wake,
And open my two eyes,
Out to the clear, born-singing rills
My bird-like spirit flies.
To hear the Blackbird, Cuckoo, Thrush
Or any bird in song;
And common leaves that hum all day
Without a throat or tongue
And when Time strikes the hour for sleep,
Back in my room alone,
My heart has many a sweet bird's song--
And one that's all my own.
Summer has officially arrived with the recent summer solstice on June 20 this year. Summer solstice marks the peak of summer and is the longest day of the year, when the sun at its highest in the sky. This unique annual event has been acknowledged and honored for thousands of years by peoples around the world, made evident by many amazing monuments. Stonehenge in England was made approximately five thousand years ago, and when the sun rises on the summer solstice, it lines up with what is called the heel stone and its first rays shine through a stone archway in the center circle. In New Mexico in Chaco Canyon there is this remarkable Sun Dagger that shines across the midpoint of a large spiral engraved into stone at summer solstice. This Sun Dagger represents a celestial calendar of the ancient Pueblo Indians. Stonehenge and Chaco Canyon are just two examples of old civilizations marking summer solstice on the calendar. Fires are held by numerous cultures to welcome and celebrate summer solstice.
Clearly the arrival of summer is a significant time. This is true today as it has been for millennia.
In Chinese Medicine theory, (and I also think perhaps universally) summer is associated with the heart. Fire is the element associated with summer. This is naturally the time when we feel invited to open our hearts, to connect with joy, to welcome laughter, to bask in sunlight and love. Summer beckons us to do so as we savor the succulent fruits, dip in the running streams, and revel in the twinkling fireflies and starry nights.
Somewhat akin to building the great monuments marking the passage of time, we can receive acupuncture on the source points of the Heart and Small Intestine channels, lighting up our internal flame in our living monument (the human body) synchronizing our rhythms with those of the universe. In Chinese Medicine this is what we call the microcosm within the macrocosm.
When holding our hands in prayer and bowing our heads in reverence, we are bowing to the wisdom of the heart. This seems to be the perfect bodily representation of what happens during summer.
This poem by William Henry Davies does a good job of capturing the resplendent nature of summer:
When on a Summer's Morn
When on a summer's morn I wake,
And open my two eyes,
Out to the clear, born-singing rills
My bird-like spirit flies.
To hear the Blackbird, Cuckoo, Thrush
Or any bird in song;
And common leaves that hum all day
Without a throat or tongue
And when Time strikes the hour for sleep,
Back in my room alone,
My heart has many a sweet bird's song--
And one that's all my own.
Emergence of Spring
19/04/12 14:10
Welcome this fresh verdant season of Spring! Spring is the season associated with the Wood element and the Liver and the Gall Bladder organs. The Liver is considered the General as well as the Architect within ourselves. It is this vital energy of the Liver that guides us in finding our way in the world, shaping what it is we want to do with our lives. The Liver energy fuels our sense of vision to create a plan. Our creativity, imagination, and our dreaming are all reflective of the Liver energy. The Gall Bladder is the paired organ with the Liver. The Gall Bladder is considered the general contractor or builder whose job it is to carry out our Liver’s plan. The Wood Yin energy needs to be anchored deeply and securely within the core of our being so that the expansive, outreaching, flexible Yang aspect of the Wood can be effective and far reaching in its power.
There are many ways we can cultivate healthy thriving Wood energy in our bodies, minds, and souls. Within the framework of acupuncture, it is very empowering to have the Wood points on the Wood channels needled in the time of Wood (spring time!) This allows us to honor and acknowledge the rhythms of nature, in terms of Spring’s arrival both without and within us. These points are Liver 1 and Gall Bladder 41. It is also beneficial to needle the last point on the Liver channel, Liver 14, whose name is Gate of Hope, Qi Men. The Liver is the last of the 12 channel pathways in terms of Qi flow, rendering the last point on the last channel a very powerful one. Being named Gate of Hope, it is fitting that as our Qi (energy) completes the cycle, we do so with a sense of hope as we let go of all that has transpired in the previous cycle of time, and begin our renewal of Qi/ life energy with fresh hope.
We also nourish and honor our Wood energy by getting enough sleep and reveling in the magical world of dreams. The Hun is the spirit of the Liver and it is the Hun that rules our dreamtime. This is the aspect of the Liver that needs to be deeply rooted in our core so that we can go forth boldly. We can honor the Hun’s amazing dream capacity by welcoming our dreams, writing them down, and gathering gems of inspiration from the symbolic dream world.
A nice way to gently invigorate the Liver Qi is with the flavor/essence of bergamot. Bergamot smoothes Liver qi, keeping the Qi moving, preventing any stagnation. Healthy Wood is flexible and pliant, and bergamot promotes that flexibility. Bergamot is found in Earl Grey tea, which is black tea with essence of bergamot. Bergamot essential oil can also be applied to the previously mentioned Liver points instead of acupuncture needles.
A haiku for Spring:
green hope emerging
from the gate of hope, renewed
once again, born free
There are many ways we can cultivate healthy thriving Wood energy in our bodies, minds, and souls. Within the framework of acupuncture, it is very empowering to have the Wood points on the Wood channels needled in the time of Wood (spring time!) This allows us to honor and acknowledge the rhythms of nature, in terms of Spring’s arrival both without and within us. These points are Liver 1 and Gall Bladder 41. It is also beneficial to needle the last point on the Liver channel, Liver 14, whose name is Gate of Hope, Qi Men. The Liver is the last of the 12 channel pathways in terms of Qi flow, rendering the last point on the last channel a very powerful one. Being named Gate of Hope, it is fitting that as our Qi (energy) completes the cycle, we do so with a sense of hope as we let go of all that has transpired in the previous cycle of time, and begin our renewal of Qi/ life energy with fresh hope.
We also nourish and honor our Wood energy by getting enough sleep and reveling in the magical world of dreams. The Hun is the spirit of the Liver and it is the Hun that rules our dreamtime. This is the aspect of the Liver that needs to be deeply rooted in our core so that we can go forth boldly. We can honor the Hun’s amazing dream capacity by welcoming our dreams, writing them down, and gathering gems of inspiration from the symbolic dream world.
A nice way to gently invigorate the Liver Qi is with the flavor/essence of bergamot. Bergamot smoothes Liver qi, keeping the Qi moving, preventing any stagnation. Healthy Wood is flexible and pliant, and bergamot promotes that flexibility. Bergamot is found in Earl Grey tea, which is black tea with essence of bergamot. Bergamot essential oil can also be applied to the previously mentioned Liver points instead of acupuncture needles.
A haiku for Spring:
green hope emerging
from the gate of hope, renewed
once again, born free
Food Energetics: Focus on Seeds and Nuts
10/02/12 10:31
This is a brief and potent summary of some of the amazing health benefits of food, from a Chinese Medicine perspective.
Each organ has Yin and Yang components. Yin is the fluid aspect, the moistening ability, the sustenance; whereas Yang is the capacity to move, to activate, to transport and excrete.
Seeds generally nourish Kidney Yin.
Nuts nourish Lung and Stomach Yin.
Legumes nourish Liver Yin and Liver Blood.
Grains nourish Stomach Yin.
Looking more closely at seeds,
Sesame seeds nourish Kidney Yin.
Flax seeds nourish Liver Yin and clear Liver Heat.
Pumpkin seeds nourish Stomach Yin.
Sunflower seeds nourish Lung Yin.
Enjoy delicious and extremely delicious nuts and seeds, and know that the Yin is grateful!
P.S. The focus on the Yin tonics is because we tend to overexert, overdo, i.e.....be so busy, that it is often at the taxation of our Yin which is the fuel behind all of our Yang activities!
Each organ has Yin and Yang components. Yin is the fluid aspect, the moistening ability, the sustenance; whereas Yang is the capacity to move, to activate, to transport and excrete.
Seeds generally nourish Kidney Yin.
Nuts nourish Lung and Stomach Yin.
Legumes nourish Liver Yin and Liver Blood.
Grains nourish Stomach Yin.
Looking more closely at seeds,
Sesame seeds nourish Kidney Yin.
Flax seeds nourish Liver Yin and clear Liver Heat.
Pumpkin seeds nourish Stomach Yin.
Sunflower seeds nourish Lung Yin.
Enjoy delicious and extremely delicious nuts and seeds, and know that the Yin is grateful!
P.S. The focus on the Yin tonics is because we tend to overexert, overdo, i.e.....be so busy, that it is often at the taxation of our Yin which is the fuel behind all of our Yang activities!
Winter herbal healing & toning
03/01/12 10:40
Greetings!
Winter officially began with the Winter Solstice on December 22nd.
In Chinese medicine, the Winter season is associated with:
the element Water
the yin yang paired organs and meridians of the Kidneys and Urinary Bladder
the salty flavor
the colors dark blue and black
the low back, knees, bones, teeth, and thickness and luster of hair on the head
the emotion of fear
the virtue of wisdom
and the spirit of the Will
Some foods that are particularly nourishing for the Kidneys and the Water element within us are black beans, sesame seeds, walnuts, and seaweed. Sesame seeds specifically tonify the Kidney Yin, while walnuts tonify the Kidney Yang. An excellent kitchen medicine Kidney tonic is a walnut-sesame-honey paste. It is simple to make and is delicious!
Blend together equal parts of walnuts and sesame seeds (i.e. - one cup of each)
Add enough honey to make into a paste consistency (in a separate bowl to avoid the blender getting very sticky!) Eat one Tablespoon daily. Keep refrigerated.
Seaweed is a Kidney tonic because it is salty, and the salty flavor has a natural affinity for the Kidneys and Urinary Bladder. Seaweed is an excellent source of iodine and vitamin B6, and it's a good source of potassium and iron. An excellent company for quality seaweed is Maine Coast Sea Vegetables. Their products are certified organic, and they are tested for chemicals, heavy metals, fuel oil, radiation, and bacteriological pollution. The website iswww.seaveg.com.
Essential oils that are great for affecting the Kidneys are black spruce and vetiver. Putting a drop on the bottom of the foot, in the center of the ball of the foot, is a direct way of nourishing the Kidney Qi. This part of the foot is where the Kidney meridian begins.
There are stones that influence the Kidneys and the Urinary Bladder. For disease in these two Water organs, the following stones are helpful: cuprite, prehnite, jade, and smoky quartz.
Stones that help with fear are: angelite, golden yellow calcite, orange calcite, jet, kunzite, lepidolite, sunstone, and tiger's eye. The stones can be carried, worn, or kept in one's vicinity to be effective.
In acupuncture, there is a Yuan Source point on every meridian. It is where the Yuan (Original/Primordial) Qi is activated, accessed, and accumulated. These points connect to the internal organ for which the meridian is named. Empirically, they are powerful points for directly communicating with the deepest aspect of our Qi. On the Water meridians, the Yuan Source points are Kidney 3/ Tai Xi/ Great Ravine, and Urinary Bladder 64/ Jing Gu/ Capital Bone. Kidney 3 is the Earth point on the Water meridian, and it tonifies Kidney Yin and Yang, strengthens the low back, and relieves heel and ankle pain. Urinary Bladder 64 dispels wind, clears the brain, and calms the heart and the Shen(the spirit of the Heart.)
The famous classical Chinese herbal formula for supporting the Kidneys and Urinary Bladder is called Six Gentlemen/ Liu Wei Di Huang Wan. It is so named because of its elegant(gentleman-like) composition of six herbs that are perfectly balanced. The treatment principle of the formula is to enrich Yin and nourish the Liver and the Kidneys.
The six herbs are:
Shu Di Huang, prepared rehmannia root
Shan Zhu Yu, dogwood fruit
Shan Yao, wild yam root
Ze Xie, alismatis root/ great water plantain
Mu Dan Pi, peony root bark
Fu Ling, poria mushroom/hoelen
The functions of the herbs are as follows:
Shu Di Huang- nourishes Blood and Essence, tonifies Kidneys
Shan Zhu Yu- nourishes Liver, restrains leakage of Yin and Essence
Shan Yao- tonifies Spleen and Kidneys; astringes Essence
Ze Xie- clears heat, promotes urination, clears turbidity from Kidneys
Mu Dan Pi- clears Liver Fire, cools Blood
Fu Ling- strengthens Spleen, expels damp, promotes urination
The elegance of the formula is understood in realizing that the first three herbs are tonics being counterbalanced by the gentle draining action of the latter three herbs. While Six Gentlemen is a Kidney tonic, it is thus by having mild draining as part of the tonification strategy. The principle of Yang within Yin is demonstrated by this dualistic approach. Symptoms addressed with Six Gentlemen include: sore and weak low back, vertigo and dizziness, tinnitus, diminished hearing, and night sweats.
The Chinese New Year will be here on January 23. Look for a blog entry on the White Pine website commemorating this event in a few weeks!
Wishing you happy, healthy, thriving Water energy in this time of Winter.
Winter officially began with the Winter Solstice on December 22nd.
In Chinese medicine, the Winter season is associated with:
the element Water
the yin yang paired organs and meridians of the Kidneys and Urinary Bladder
the salty flavor
the colors dark blue and black
the low back, knees, bones, teeth, and thickness and luster of hair on the head
the emotion of fear
the virtue of wisdom
and the spirit of the Will
Some foods that are particularly nourishing for the Kidneys and the Water element within us are black beans, sesame seeds, walnuts, and seaweed. Sesame seeds specifically tonify the Kidney Yin, while walnuts tonify the Kidney Yang. An excellent kitchen medicine Kidney tonic is a walnut-sesame-honey paste. It is simple to make and is delicious!
Blend together equal parts of walnuts and sesame seeds (i.e. - one cup of each)
Add enough honey to make into a paste consistency (in a separate bowl to avoid the blender getting very sticky!) Eat one Tablespoon daily. Keep refrigerated.
Seaweed is a Kidney tonic because it is salty, and the salty flavor has a natural affinity for the Kidneys and Urinary Bladder. Seaweed is an excellent source of iodine and vitamin B6, and it's a good source of potassium and iron. An excellent company for quality seaweed is Maine Coast Sea Vegetables. Their products are certified organic, and they are tested for chemicals, heavy metals, fuel oil, radiation, and bacteriological pollution. The website iswww.seaveg.com.
Essential oils that are great for affecting the Kidneys are black spruce and vetiver. Putting a drop on the bottom of the foot, in the center of the ball of the foot, is a direct way of nourishing the Kidney Qi. This part of the foot is where the Kidney meridian begins.
There are stones that influence the Kidneys and the Urinary Bladder. For disease in these two Water organs, the following stones are helpful: cuprite, prehnite, jade, and smoky quartz.
Stones that help with fear are: angelite, golden yellow calcite, orange calcite, jet, kunzite, lepidolite, sunstone, and tiger's eye. The stones can be carried, worn, or kept in one's vicinity to be effective.
In acupuncture, there is a Yuan Source point on every meridian. It is where the Yuan (Original/Primordial) Qi is activated, accessed, and accumulated. These points connect to the internal organ for which the meridian is named. Empirically, they are powerful points for directly communicating with the deepest aspect of our Qi. On the Water meridians, the Yuan Source points are Kidney 3/ Tai Xi/ Great Ravine, and Urinary Bladder 64/ Jing Gu/ Capital Bone. Kidney 3 is the Earth point on the Water meridian, and it tonifies Kidney Yin and Yang, strengthens the low back, and relieves heel and ankle pain. Urinary Bladder 64 dispels wind, clears the brain, and calms the heart and the Shen(the spirit of the Heart.)
The famous classical Chinese herbal formula for supporting the Kidneys and Urinary Bladder is called Six Gentlemen/ Liu Wei Di Huang Wan. It is so named because of its elegant(gentleman-like) composition of six herbs that are perfectly balanced. The treatment principle of the formula is to enrich Yin and nourish the Liver and the Kidneys.
The six herbs are:
Shu Di Huang, prepared rehmannia root
Shan Zhu Yu, dogwood fruit
Shan Yao, wild yam root
Ze Xie, alismatis root/ great water plantain
Mu Dan Pi, peony root bark
Fu Ling, poria mushroom/hoelen
The functions of the herbs are as follows:
Shu Di Huang- nourishes Blood and Essence, tonifies Kidneys
Shan Zhu Yu- nourishes Liver, restrains leakage of Yin and Essence
Shan Yao- tonifies Spleen and Kidneys; astringes Essence
Ze Xie- clears heat, promotes urination, clears turbidity from Kidneys
Mu Dan Pi- clears Liver Fire, cools Blood
Fu Ling- strengthens Spleen, expels damp, promotes urination
The elegance of the formula is understood in realizing that the first three herbs are tonics being counterbalanced by the gentle draining action of the latter three herbs. While Six Gentlemen is a Kidney tonic, it is thus by having mild draining as part of the tonification strategy. The principle of Yang within Yin is demonstrated by this dualistic approach. Symptoms addressed with Six Gentlemen include: sore and weak low back, vertigo and dizziness, tinnitus, diminished hearing, and night sweats.
The Chinese New Year will be here on January 23. Look for a blog entry on the White Pine website commemorating this event in a few weeks!
Wishing you happy, healthy, thriving Water energy in this time of Winter.
How singers cope with sore throats and raspy voices
29/11/11 13:31
How singers cope with sore throats and raspy voices
(with help from honey, herbs, and acupuncture)
In Chinese Medicine, when studying herbal medicine, we learn that Pang Da Hai, sterculia seed, is the secret pocket remedy of many an opera singer. It clears heat, which manifests as irritation or even hoarseness, and also moistens the yin, thereby coating the throat. The way it is used is to pour hot water over the dry seeds which are about the size of a large almond. Once the Pang Da Hai has been submerged, an amazing phenomenon occurs...which is this amorphous gelatinous glob spreading out throughout the cup. While it looks strange, it is extremely effective. The tea, which is very mild in flavor, is sipped and enjoyed as the voice is preserved for both performance and just talking!
Honey is also an excellent remedy and preventative for singers and actors. It is so lubricating and is loaded with B vitamins, so that it is also an immune boost.
As far as acupuncture goes, there are several empirical points that work extremely well at both preventing and treating a sore throat. Some of these points are:
Lung 7 and Kidney 6
Large Intestine 4
Stomach 44
Stomach 42
San Jiao 6
Auricular point for the throat (ear acupuncture)
So, sing away, and feel assured by these simple yet effective preventions and remedies!
(with help from honey, herbs, and acupuncture)
In Chinese Medicine, when studying herbal medicine, we learn that Pang Da Hai, sterculia seed, is the secret pocket remedy of many an opera singer. It clears heat, which manifests as irritation or even hoarseness, and also moistens the yin, thereby coating the throat. The way it is used is to pour hot water over the dry seeds which are about the size of a large almond. Once the Pang Da Hai has been submerged, an amazing phenomenon occurs...which is this amorphous gelatinous glob spreading out throughout the cup. While it looks strange, it is extremely effective. The tea, which is very mild in flavor, is sipped and enjoyed as the voice is preserved for both performance and just talking!
Honey is also an excellent remedy and preventative for singers and actors. It is so lubricating and is loaded with B vitamins, so that it is also an immune boost.
As far as acupuncture goes, there are several empirical points that work extremely well at both preventing and treating a sore throat. Some of these points are:
Lung 7 and Kidney 6
Large Intestine 4
Stomach 44
Stomach 42
San Jiao 6
Auricular point for the throat (ear acupuncture)
So, sing away, and feel assured by these simple yet effective preventions and remedies!
Blue Ridge Roller Girls use acupuncture
02/08/11 16:35
In Asheville, North Carolina, there is a phenomenal roller derby team
called The Blue Ridge Roller Girls. They have a huge following and a
tremendously varied fan base. They perform regularly at the Civic
Center, often drawing crowds of more then 5000 people per evening bout!
Roller derby originated in Austin, Texas in the 1970's. It consists of a
team of strong, bold women on roller skates, competing to quickly
circle the track, while holding back their opponents via hip blocks. It
is a very athletic endeavor, and these women are protected by helmets
and knee and elbow pads.
The Blue Ridge Roller Girls have the fortunate opportunity to have a
team of two acupuncturists as their sponsors. The way these
acupuncturists sponsor the players is to administer acupuncture to the
players before the bouts.
Several hours before the doors open and the crowds begin to descend on
the arena, the acupuncturists set up shop in the locker room. The
players carefully request what exactly they need to get from their
acupuncture treatments. The players' requests vary widely, but one
consistent theme is the request of endurance and speed!
The acupuncturists listen intently to each request and formulate a treatment
plan specific to each player. Often the treatment strategy includes
energy boosting, determination and focus, calming of nerves, and, of
course, tending to old injuries. The treatments usually last about
20-30 minutes and often include auricular acupuncture, in addition to
body points.
The derby ladies are thrilled to get such comprehensive sports medicine
care, and the acupuncturists take great pride in directly supporting
their local legends!!
called The Blue Ridge Roller Girls. They have a huge following and a
tremendously varied fan base. They perform regularly at the Civic
Center, often drawing crowds of more then 5000 people per evening bout!
Roller derby originated in Austin, Texas in the 1970's. It consists of a
team of strong, bold women on roller skates, competing to quickly
circle the track, while holding back their opponents via hip blocks. It
is a very athletic endeavor, and these women are protected by helmets
and knee and elbow pads.
The Blue Ridge Roller Girls have the fortunate opportunity to have a
team of two acupuncturists as their sponsors. The way these
acupuncturists sponsor the players is to administer acupuncture to the
players before the bouts.
Several hours before the doors open and the crowds begin to descend on
the arena, the acupuncturists set up shop in the locker room. The
players carefully request what exactly they need to get from their
acupuncture treatments. The players' requests vary widely, but one
consistent theme is the request of endurance and speed!
The acupuncturists listen intently to each request and formulate a treatment
plan specific to each player. Often the treatment strategy includes
energy boosting, determination and focus, calming of nerves, and, of
course, tending to old injuries. The treatments usually last about
20-30 minutes and often include auricular acupuncture, in addition to
body points.
The derby ladies are thrilled to get such comprehensive sports medicine
care, and the acupuncturists take great pride in directly supporting
their local legends!!
Summer
27/06/11 11:03
Summer
Welcome, Summer! In Chinese Medicine, each season has many associations within the
body as well as the world in which we live. There are the organs and their respective
channels or meridians(pathways of energy), one of the five elements, color, emotion,
and sound. Summer is the season of the Heart, and Fire, the color red, joy, and laughter.
Summer is officially upon us, as Summer Solstice was June 21.
The word solstice comes from the Latin words sol, meaning sun, and sistere, meaning to
stand still. This is because when this astronomical event takes place, the Sun stands still
in declination, that is, the apparent movement of the Sun’ s path North or South comes to
a stop before reversing direction. In this vein, may we take a moment to contemplate the
fullness of fiery Summer as we delve into it.
And now a haiku for Summer:
feathery cohosh rising
above plump red fallen fruits
as mourning doves coo
The spirit of the Heart is called Shen. It is considered to be the most heavenly of the five
spirits. A teacher of mine, named Lorie Dechar, writes about Shen as follows,” It is the
starlight and sunlight that stream down from the sky and illuminate the mountaintop. It
inhabits the realm of the divine fire of the sun and the initiatory energies of dawn.”
The Heart is revered as the Emperor or Empress within the body. All of the other
components of the body and mind rely on the Emperor to live and reign from a place of
wisdom, love, and purity. From an acupuncture perspective, a significant way to affect
and honor the Heart is through the Source point on the Heart channel. Source points are
the most direct way to connect with our Yuan Qi or Original Qi, our deepest and most
precious Life Force Energy. This point is named Shen Men, which translates as Spirit
Gate. It serves as a gateway to the Emperor.
Now that we are in the time of the Empress, Summer, it is a great time to receive
acupuncture on the Source points on all the Fire channels. The Heart is paired with
the Small Intestine; and together they are the Imperial Fire. The Pericardium (Heart
Protector) and Triple Burner are also of the Fire element and are known as the Ministerial
Fire. Needling these Source points is a reverent way of honoring the Fire within and
around us.
This is seasonal acclimation via acupuncture.
The Source points on the Fire meridians are:
Heart 7, Shen Men, Spirit Gate
Small Intestine 4, Wan Gu, Wrist bone
Pericardium 7, Da Ling, Great Mound
Triple Burner 4, Yang Chi, Yang Pool
Look forward to seeing you in this Yang time of fiery Summer,
Welcome, Summer! In Chinese Medicine, each season has many associations within the
body as well as the world in which we live. There are the organs and their respective
channels or meridians(pathways of energy), one of the five elements, color, emotion,
and sound. Summer is the season of the Heart, and Fire, the color red, joy, and laughter.
Summer is officially upon us, as Summer Solstice was June 21.
The word solstice comes from the Latin words sol, meaning sun, and sistere, meaning to
stand still. This is because when this astronomical event takes place, the Sun stands still
in declination, that is, the apparent movement of the Sun’ s path North or South comes to
a stop before reversing direction. In this vein, may we take a moment to contemplate the
fullness of fiery Summer as we delve into it.
And now a haiku for Summer:
feathery cohosh rising
above plump red fallen fruits
as mourning doves coo
The spirit of the Heart is called Shen. It is considered to be the most heavenly of the five
spirits. A teacher of mine, named Lorie Dechar, writes about Shen as follows,” It is the
starlight and sunlight that stream down from the sky and illuminate the mountaintop. It
inhabits the realm of the divine fire of the sun and the initiatory energies of dawn.”
The Heart is revered as the Emperor or Empress within the body. All of the other
components of the body and mind rely on the Emperor to live and reign from a place of
wisdom, love, and purity. From an acupuncture perspective, a significant way to affect
and honor the Heart is through the Source point on the Heart channel. Source points are
the most direct way to connect with our Yuan Qi or Original Qi, our deepest and most
precious Life Force Energy. This point is named Shen Men, which translates as Spirit
Gate. It serves as a gateway to the Emperor.
Now that we are in the time of the Empress, Summer, it is a great time to receive
acupuncture on the Source points on all the Fire channels. The Heart is paired with
the Small Intestine; and together they are the Imperial Fire. The Pericardium (Heart
Protector) and Triple Burner are also of the Fire element and are known as the Ministerial
Fire. Needling these Source points is a reverent way of honoring the Fire within and
around us.
This is seasonal acclimation via acupuncture.
The Source points on the Fire meridians are:
Heart 7, Shen Men, Spirit Gate
Small Intestine 4, Wan Gu, Wrist bone
Pericardium 7, Da Ling, Great Mound
Triple Burner 4, Yang Chi, Yang Pool
Look forward to seeing you in this Yang time of fiery Summer,
The Health Benefits of Goji Berries
24/06/11 13:18
The Lycium fruit, Goji berry, is very popular now in the health food movement, as it has been for thousands of years to the Chinese. It is also known as Wolfberry fruit and Gou Qi Zi (in pinyin, the English written version of phonetic Chinese, pronounced "go chee zuh".) It is also known as Matrimony Vine. It has long been revered as a health tonic.
The part of the plant that is used is the fruit. It resembles a raisin, though it is light red in color. The taste is also somewhat like a raisin. It is sweet.
Some of the many health benefits include:
longevity
healthy vision
relieves dizziness and vertigo
reduces blood sugar
prevents anemia(iron deficient anemia)
helps low back pain
relieves tinnitus
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Gou Qi Zi is classified as a Yin and Blood Tonic. Yin is generally the fluid aspect of the body. Specifically it is associated with the Liver and the Kidneys, and that is why it nourishes the eyes, because the eyes are associated with the Liver. The Goji berries nourish the Liver Yin and therefore keep the eyes moist and support healthy vision. The Kidneys are associated with the ears and the low back. Because the Goji berries nourish the Kidney Yin, they help with tinnitus (ear ringing) and low back pain. Also because of their affiliation with the Kidneys, they play a significant role in longevity. The Kidneys and their role in the body are very highly revered in TCM. They are thought to be the foundation of our energy and life force. Gou Qi Zi nourishes the Kidney Yin and therefore enhances longevity;for when the Kidney Yin dries up, there is no more life.
It is best to eat a small handful of the Goji berries daily. They are great as a snack. They are also great in oatmeal, or added to rice, or tossed in a salad.
They can be found at most health food stores as well as from your local Acupuncturist and Herbalist!
The part of the plant that is used is the fruit. It resembles a raisin, though it is light red in color. The taste is also somewhat like a raisin. It is sweet.
Some of the many health benefits include:
longevity
healthy vision
relieves dizziness and vertigo
reduces blood sugar
prevents anemia(iron deficient anemia)
helps low back pain
relieves tinnitus
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Gou Qi Zi is classified as a Yin and Blood Tonic. Yin is generally the fluid aspect of the body. Specifically it is associated with the Liver and the Kidneys, and that is why it nourishes the eyes, because the eyes are associated with the Liver. The Goji berries nourish the Liver Yin and therefore keep the eyes moist and support healthy vision. The Kidneys are associated with the ears and the low back. Because the Goji berries nourish the Kidney Yin, they help with tinnitus (ear ringing) and low back pain. Also because of their affiliation with the Kidneys, they play a significant role in longevity. The Kidneys and their role in the body are very highly revered in TCM. They are thought to be the foundation of our energy and life force. Gou Qi Zi nourishes the Kidney Yin and therefore enhances longevity;for when the Kidney Yin dries up, there is no more life.
It is best to eat a small handful of the Goji berries daily. They are great as a snack. They are also great in oatmeal, or added to rice, or tossed in a salad.
They can be found at most health food stores as well as from your local Acupuncturist and Herbalist!
Acupuncturists Without Borders
21/04/11 07:43
By Mindy Gates
Last month I was able to attend the Acupuncturists Without Borders (AWB) training program in Phoenix, Arizona. AWB is a nonprofit organization with a mission of promoting world peace through the medicine of peace: acupuncture. Trained volunteers, organized by AWB, travel to disaster areas nationally and internationally to provide acupuncture in a community setting for those suffering the repercussions of disastrous situations. Using a system of ear acupuncture developed by the National Acupuncture Detoxification Association (NADA), acupuncturists working with AWB treat a multitude of traumas; including physical pain, post traumatic stress, acute traumatic stress, as well as secondary trauma (frequently suffered by the disaster relief workers, as the suffering of others can become imprinted on our psyches).
We spent the training weekend learning and practicing the system of acupuncture, discussing different types of trauma and how to recognize each, and how to set up a mobile clinic in a disaster area which includes interfacing with government, media, military and other health care and disaster relief workers. The training also included information about and practice with group dynamics and cultural sensitivities.
After the training, I was fortunate enough to be able to travel to Tucson, Arizona and volunteer with AWB at a temporary clinic specifically focused on healing community trauma in the aftermath of the Tucson shooting in January. In one afternoon,
AWB volunteers and other local acupuncturists treated nearly 100 people living in the Tucson area and suffering from the trauma of the recent events. I feel impassioned and empowered by this work. For me, working with Acupuncturists Without Borders is the perfect combination of altruism and activism.
Last month I was able to attend the Acupuncturists Without Borders (AWB) training program in Phoenix, Arizona. AWB is a nonprofit organization with a mission of promoting world peace through the medicine of peace: acupuncture. Trained volunteers, organized by AWB, travel to disaster areas nationally and internationally to provide acupuncture in a community setting for those suffering the repercussions of disastrous situations. Using a system of ear acupuncture developed by the National Acupuncture Detoxification Association (NADA), acupuncturists working with AWB treat a multitude of traumas; including physical pain, post traumatic stress, acute traumatic stress, as well as secondary trauma (frequently suffered by the disaster relief workers, as the suffering of others can become imprinted on our psyches).
We spent the training weekend learning and practicing the system of acupuncture, discussing different types of trauma and how to recognize each, and how to set up a mobile clinic in a disaster area which includes interfacing with government, media, military and other health care and disaster relief workers. The training also included information about and practice with group dynamics and cultural sensitivities.
After the training, I was fortunate enough to be able to travel to Tucson, Arizona and volunteer with AWB at a temporary clinic specifically focused on healing community trauma in the aftermath of the Tucson shooting in January. In one afternoon,
AWB volunteers and other local acupuncturists treated nearly 100 people living in the Tucson area and suffering from the trauma of the recent events. I feel impassioned and empowered by this work. For me, working with Acupuncturists Without Borders is the perfect combination of altruism and activism.
Winter - The Season Of Water
24/01/11 09:29
Hello!
Here we are in the midst of Winter, the season of Water.
The highest form of goodness is like water.
Water knows how to benefit all things without striving with them.
It stays in places loathed by all men.
Therefore, it comes near the Tao.
-Lao Tzu, Tao Teh Ching
It is the time of year of the Kidneys (yin) and Urinary Bladder (yang.) The spirit of the Kidneys and Water element is called the Zhi which translates as the Will. This is the time to cultivate our Will by spending more time resting, being quiet and still, renewing ourselves and rededicating our intentions. Energetically, we tend to pull in, as we feel more introspective. It is in this deep, slower way of introspective being where we find our strength and inspiration to sustain our endeavors and good work.
The virtue of Water is wisdom.
May we acknowledge and honor the beauty, wisdom, power, and grace of all the many forms of Water around and within us, as it sustains and inspires us in its numerous forms......rain, snow, ice, creeks, streams, rivers, oceans, springs, lakes,swamps, marshes, clouds, waves, tides and tears.
The emotion associated with Water is fear. Healthy Water within us manifests as instinctual power, aligned will, and courage.
Martin Luther King,Jr., whose birthday we celebrate this month, said,
"We must build dikes of courage to hold back the flood of fear"
King seems to be the perfect illustration of a person whose Water was obviously healthy and thriving, as his strong Zhi allowed him to profoundly better humanity.
This Water time facilitates the facing of our fears and finding our healing energy within to transform fear into courage. It is the Zhi that provides this pivotal foundation.
Here we are in the midst of Winter, the season of Water.
The highest form of goodness is like water.
Water knows how to benefit all things without striving with them.
It stays in places loathed by all men.
Therefore, it comes near the Tao.
-Lao Tzu, Tao Teh Ching
It is the time of year of the Kidneys (yin) and Urinary Bladder (yang.) The spirit of the Kidneys and Water element is called the Zhi which translates as the Will. This is the time to cultivate our Will by spending more time resting, being quiet and still, renewing ourselves and rededicating our intentions. Energetically, we tend to pull in, as we feel more introspective. It is in this deep, slower way of introspective being where we find our strength and inspiration to sustain our endeavors and good work.
The virtue of Water is wisdom.
May we acknowledge and honor the beauty, wisdom, power, and grace of all the many forms of Water around and within us, as it sustains and inspires us in its numerous forms......rain, snow, ice, creeks, streams, rivers, oceans, springs, lakes,swamps, marshes, clouds, waves, tides and tears.
The emotion associated with Water is fear. Healthy Water within us manifests as instinctual power, aligned will, and courage.
Martin Luther King,Jr., whose birthday we celebrate this month, said,
"We must build dikes of courage to hold back the flood of fear"
King seems to be the perfect illustration of a person whose Water was obviously healthy and thriving, as his strong Zhi allowed him to profoundly better humanity.
This Water time facilitates the facing of our fears and finding our healing energy within to transform fear into courage. It is the Zhi that provides this pivotal foundation.
The Arrival of Summer
19/06/10 16:16
Summer officially begins Monday, June 21st! In Chinese Medicine, the corresponding element for this season is Fire. Fire is associated with the Heart, the color red, laughter, and joy. This season is very expansive and yang, as we experience more fullness in our activities, our energy, and, accordingly our pulses. The abundance of vitality in all the wonderful fresh fruits and vegetables available now and throughout the summer provide us the needed sustenance for our extra activities.
With all of this outward, expansive energy, we must take care to keep the Fire balanced within us. Water balances Fire. Physically, it is crucial that we stay hydrated, drinking plenty of water, especially as we are likely losing more fluids through sweating. Energetically, it is also important to embrace the yin nature of Water during the ultimate yang stage of Fire (Summer.) We do this by seeking out stillness, choosing to rest, and being in and around water.
Acupuncture is an excellent means of clearing any excessive heat that may likely be generated in this time of Fire. Some common symptoms of Summer Heat are sore throat, headache, dizziness, phlegm, skin rashes, fever, and chills. The sooner one can get in for an acupuncture treatment with onset of any of these symptoms, the better as far as a quick resolution. Treatments also provide the much needed respite from our activities, and enhance our bodies' ability to restore the Yin (loosely perceived as bodily fluids, which tend to get scorched in the blazing heat of summer) and the Qi (energy, life force.)
Welcome, Summer and Fire, as our hearts open to receive the abundance...
With all of this outward, expansive energy, we must take care to keep the Fire balanced within us. Water balances Fire. Physically, it is crucial that we stay hydrated, drinking plenty of water, especially as we are likely losing more fluids through sweating. Energetically, it is also important to embrace the yin nature of Water during the ultimate yang stage of Fire (Summer.) We do this by seeking out stillness, choosing to rest, and being in and around water.
Acupuncture is an excellent means of clearing any excessive heat that may likely be generated in this time of Fire. Some common symptoms of Summer Heat are sore throat, headache, dizziness, phlegm, skin rashes, fever, and chills. The sooner one can get in for an acupuncture treatment with onset of any of these symptoms, the better as far as a quick resolution. Treatments also provide the much needed respite from our activities, and enhance our bodies' ability to restore the Yin (loosely perceived as bodily fluids, which tend to get scorched in the blazing heat of summer) and the Qi (energy, life force.)
Welcome, Summer and Fire, as our hearts open to receive the abundance...
Growth and changes at White Pine in rhythm with spring
29/03/10 20:03
With the recent emergence of spring, Chinese Medicine practitioners perceive this time as the season of the Wood element. Wood is one of the Five Elements. It is associated with the color green (as witnessed in all the new sprouts bursting forth), the organ energetics of Liver and Gall Bladder, expansive growth, flexibility, motivation and direction. Emotionally it is associated with frustration and anger, when the Wood element is out of balance within us. The frustration, anger, and sometimes depression arise as we are not readily adapting to the strong surges of the Wood energy rising up in the atmosphere surrounding us. So this is a great time to get a seasonal tune-up for spring. By opening and invigorating the Wood channels/meridians in our bodies, we are better able to be flexible and adapt to this new season.
Our practice is also expanding at this time of growth and change. In addition to the acupuncturists Sally Robinson and Mindy Gates, we have a wonderful massage therapist, Tara Nichols, and more recently a Rolfer named Ann Marie Cockrell. We are happy to be able to offer this thorough in-depth body work at White Pine. We are finding that these services are a nice complement to Chinese Medicine.
Our practice is also expanding at this time of growth and change. In addition to the acupuncturists Sally Robinson and Mindy Gates, we have a wonderful massage therapist, Tara Nichols, and more recently a Rolfer named Ann Marie Cockrell. We are happy to be able to offer this thorough in-depth body work at White Pine. We are finding that these services are a nice complement to Chinese Medicine.
White Pine goes to CHINA!
27/11/09 12:04
Sally Robinson, L.Ac., founder of White Pine Acupuncture, Inc. is travelling to China! She will be in Tianjin, south of Beijing. Mindy Gates, R.N.,L.Ac., will be running things here in Asheville while Ms. Robinson is pursuing studies in China. There is a program called China Connection in which a friend is involved. This friend is there, through China Connection, for a three month acupuncture intensive program in a hospital in Tianjin. There, she is receiving acupuncture several times a day as well as doing other TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) modalities, such as cupping and Tui Na (TCM massage) and herbal medicine. She has a team of acupuncturists and physical therapists. Fortunately, this dynamic team of acupuncturists has made it clear that they are willing and eager to share their treatment strategies with Ms. Robinson, so that she can continue the treatment protocol upon returning to the Asheville area.
We are so grateful for this amazing learning opportunity! We look forward to sharing with you the richness of this experience.
We are so grateful for this amazing learning opportunity! We look forward to sharing with you the richness of this experience.
White Pine Acupuncture Providers for Mission Hospital Employees
27/10/09 12:02
We are so happy to be providing insurance-covered acupuncture services for Asheville Mission Hospital employees. Through the Alternative Healthcare Option(AHO) plan, Mission employees can come see us, as the official acupuncture providers on their insurance/benefits plan. This makes our services widely available and very affordable to many hospital employees. Mission employees who are on the AHO plan simply bring their AHO member card to their treatment, and we take care of all the billing and processing. We look forward to working with many more nurses, educators, and administrators through this great integrative opportunity.
And we want to give a big THANK YOU to all of our patients at Mission who continually asked for us to be covered on the AHO plan!! It is a great honor once again to be so actively integrating Western and Eastern Medicines in the Asheville community.
And we want to give a big THANK YOU to all of our patients at Mission who continually asked for us to be covered on the AHO plan!! It is a great honor once again to be so actively integrating Western and Eastern Medicines in the Asheville community.
Acupuncture meets Roller Derby!
25/09/09 12:29
We are the official acupuncturists for Asheville's Blue Ridge Roller Girls! This means that we provide acupuncture to the team members before the bout, to boost their dynamic athletic performance. We address whatever aches and pains may need attention, treat muscular strain, as well as preventing strains by keeping the channels open and free of obstruction. During half-time, we offer tune-ups for any pain conditions, energy boosts, or whatever the Roller Girls desire! We also focus on mental acuity so that the ladies are able to optimize their athletic endurance and finesse.
This is a really fun and exciting event.....oh the many faces of Chinese Medicine in today's modern world!
We have an informational booth set up....so come say hi! Learn all about our Asheville acupuncture clinic. The last bout of this year's season is this coming Saturday evening, September 26 at the Asheville Civic Center.
This is a really fun and exciting event.....oh the many faces of Chinese Medicine in today's modern world!
We have an informational booth set up....so come say hi! Learn all about our Asheville acupuncture clinic. The last bout of this year's season is this coming Saturday evening, September 26 at the Asheville Civic Center.
East meets West
08/09/09 15:04
White Pine Acupuncture of Asheville, NC, consisting of Sally Robinson, L.Ac. and Mindy Gates, R.N., L.Ac., is very supportive of the integration of Eastern and Western Medicines. We regularly refer patients to doctors, and likewise receive many referrals from physicians. We readily welcome patients' use of pharmaceuticals, as deemed appropriate by their physicians. We have been trained to bridge these two fields of medicine, as this is what society is calling for in the here and now.
This month and next month we will be providing acupuncture at The Mission Hospital Holistic Nursing Conference. This is our second year being participants in this wonderful event put on by the Integrative Health Care Department of Mission Hospital. This is a great opportunity to introduce nurses to acupuncture and the field of Chinese Medicine. We are are so grateful to be a part of this integrated effort. This is the second year that Mission Hospital has put on this event, educating their staff on holistic health options in our community so that they can better refer and suggest these services to their patients.
We are also in process of becoming providers for Mission Hospital employees, as part of their Alternative Health Care Options program!!!
We are so happy to actively embrace integration of Eastern and Western medicines right here in Asheville.
This month and next month we will be providing acupuncture at The Mission Hospital Holistic Nursing Conference. This is our second year being participants in this wonderful event put on by the Integrative Health Care Department of Mission Hospital. This is a great opportunity to introduce nurses to acupuncture and the field of Chinese Medicine. We are are so grateful to be a part of this integrated effort. This is the second year that Mission Hospital has put on this event, educating their staff on holistic health options in our community so that they can better refer and suggest these services to their patients.
We are also in process of becoming providers for Mission Hospital employees, as part of their Alternative Health Care Options program!!!
We are so happy to actively embrace integration of Eastern and Western medicines right here in Asheville.
Asheville Acupuncture
31/08/09 14:58
Looking for Acupuncture specialist in Asheville, NC? Our office is a comfortable, soothing environment, located in one of Asheville's most beautiful and historic parts of town. There is ample, free parking to be found, and a relaxing and private setting within which to receive your acupuncture treatment.
Welcome to White Pine
31/08/09 14:09
Hello and welcome to the White Pine blog. We will be focusing on issues that deal with acupuncture in our clinic in Asheville, NC as well as general educational information about acupuncture, Chinese medicine and herbs.