- Professional Acupuncture & Physical Therapy1118 East Superior Street
Duluth, MN 55802(218) 724-3400 
Blog
Back To School during Covid19
You can’t always control those around you, but you can certainly control your own actions. That’s why it’s important to teach your children necessary steps to help prevent the spread and contraction of the novel coronavirus.
WHAT IS COVID-19
For those who may not know exactly what the coronavirus entails, it is a new strain of virus that came into the world in late 2019 that is linked to the same family of viruses as Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) and a few different types of common cold.
For a formal breakdown, the acronym stands for the following: (CO) Corona, (VI) Virus, (D) Disease, (19) referring to the year humans began contracting it. When compiled, COVID 19 aka CoronaVirus is what we get.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF COVID-19?
Although not everyone finds this virus to be threatening, it’s still never enjoyable to catch a cold or become ill. Stay on the lookout for the following symptoms to prevent the spread of COVID-19 to others.
✓ Fever
✓ Shortness of Breath
✓ Dry Cough
✓ Loss of ability to taste
There are, of course, other potential symptoms because every person is different and thus the virus will affect everyone differently. This is why a test is needed before one is able to confirm whether or not they have the virus.
WHAT THIS MEANS FOR BACK-TO-SCHOOLERS
As summer ends and schools attempt to open their doors for a normal start to the 2020 school year, it’s important to understand how this virus may affect you and how it is spread. COVID-19 is transmitted through direct contact with respiratory droplets from a person that is infected and is usually spread through coughing or sneezing. Another common way that COVID-19 spreads is by touching a common surface that is contaminated with the virus and then touching your face (nose, mouth, eyes, etc.) This is why it’s important to disinfect your hands and various surfaces between each person/point-of-contact.
Remember- the CoronaVirus can last on surfaces for several hours, but disinfectants can kill it quickly!
SLOW THE SPREAD!
With hundreds and potentially thousands of school-aged kids congregating in enclosed spaces, it’s important to be aware of ways to reduce the spread of this potentially deadly disease. Public health measures are important to follow in order to reduce the spread of not only this virus, but other respiratory infections like the flu or the common cold.
PREVENTATIVE ACTIONS INCLUDE:
✓ Teach your children to cover their mouth and nose with a flexed elbow or tissue when coughing or sneezing. Dispose of used tissue immediately!
✓ Washing hands often with soap and water is important!
✓ Purchase a small container or hand sanitizer for your child to carry on themselves (or in their backpack) and teach them to use it often (such as after touching a door handle or borrowing a pen from someone else)
✓ Normally we encourage the notion that sharing is caring but sharing food and drink should cease until we learn more about this virus.
✓ Remind your children to be aware of their spatial surroundings and how close they get to one another.
✓ Teach your kids to play with each other at a distance
✓ Staying home when sick or are beginning to feel any of the above symptoms listed earlier in this article
✓ Clean frequently-touched-surfaces and objects.
As we learn more about COVID-19, it’s effects and how it is spread, public health officials may recommend additional or alternative actions. We suggest consulting the World Health Organization and the Center for Disease Control websites and social pages to stay up-to-date on current mandates and information.
Ways To Support Your Kids, Back-To-School & COVID
2020 has proven to be a year of trials and growth for all of us. With a new school year just around the corner, it’s important to have an open dialogue with our children about what to expect, how to stay safe and how they can express themselves even with certain restrictions.
GET THEM A MASK THEY CAN BE EXCITED ABOUT
Children don’t have the full scope-of-understanding about this virus like us adults do. They may be confused, find it frustrating that they have to cover half of their face (which is a means of self-expression) and not be able to function in a way that they’re used to.
Getting your child a mask that they enjoy may encourage their desire to wear it, thus keeping them and others around them more safe. Affordable and unique masks can be found on sites such as Etsy and can range anywhere from $5-15.
Private sellers make masks with anything from floral print, to superheroes and video game characters such as Spider Man or Fortnite.
RECESS GAMES AT A DISTANCE
Depending on your governing state and the rules that they apply when it comes to COVID-19, you may find your child becoming antsy not being able to play with their friends at recess like they used to. Here are some fun socially-distanced activities that you can incorporate so that kids can still enjoy their play time.
Fitness Relay: Set up into teams of 3 (ensuring everyone is at least 6 feet from one another). Set up cones in front of each team in a straight line to distinguish the start and finish areas. The leader will call out an exercise (jumping jacks, pushups, toe-touches, etc.) and when the leader yells “go!” The first players of each team will run to the cone and perform that exercise. Then, they run back to the starting cone and the next person goes. The first team to have all players finished, wins!
Mirror, Mirror: Players pick a partner and face each other keeping at least 6 feet of distance. One child is deemed the leader, and the others must mirror their movements. Talking and/or giving hints isn’t allowed! So pay close attention. The leader tries to come up with as many movements as possible while the others follow along. Switch leaders after 2 minutes.
MOBILE APPS AND GAMES
There are some mobile apps that can be downloaded on cell phones to help kids stay connected while social distancing. Of course, we encourage family discussions before a game is downloaded to ensure that it lines up with online safety as well as family values.
That being said, a few apps that we have found to be fun include Online Uno (a classic card game), Animal Crossing: Pocket Camp and even Pokemon Go!
ACUPRESSURE!
Even with the above suggestions, kids are likely to get stressed and hold tension in their bodies when trying to navigate this new world. If your child shows signs of headaches or stress, show them the below acupressure points so relieve some of their symptoms.
Pericardium 6 – This point is located bilaterally on the underside of the forearm, roughly three finger widths below the wrist crease, between the two tendons. PC6 is a great point to alleviate nausea from pregnancy-related issues, motion sickness, drug reactions, stomach issues, etc.. It’s also an excellent point to calm the mind and spirit.
All things considered, this new school year will be challenging and will break conventional norms. That also means it’s a great opportunity to have conversation with your children and teach them how to still have fun, socialize and spend time with their friends all while prioritizing their health and safety.
Traditional Chinese Medicines & COVID-19
With the novel CoronaVirus making its rounds across the globe and no cure or vaccine at the moment, but there are things we can do to prevent ourselves from catching it. That being said, we have compiled a list of 5 effective Traditional Chinese Medicines (TCM) that are helpful in fighting COVID-19 should you contract it.
Hua Shi Bai Du Formula
This formula was developed by the National Traditional Chinese Medicine team at the China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences.
Hua Shi bai Du is a formula created from 14 different herbal components and is mainly used to detoxify, remove dampness and heat from the body as well as relieve coughing. This formula prescription has been used in different stages of treating symptoms from the novel coronavirus pneumonia and has been able to significantly shorten the length of hospital stays for those taking it. It is recommended to take 1-2 doses of Hua Shi Bai Du boiled with 100-200 ml of water between two and four times per day and can be taken by either oral or nasal consumption.
Jinhua Qinggan Granule
This was developed in 2009 during the H1N1 influenza pandemic and consists of 12 herbal components. Some of the ingredients include mint, licorice and honeysuckle and is known to clear heat and detoxify the lungs.
Jinhua Qinggan Granule has a curative effect in treating patients with lesser symptoms, but is also known to improve the rate of recovery of white blood cells and lymphocytes from those affected.
We also recommend honeysuckle because it is known to help with infectious and inflammatory conditions.
Lung Cleansing and Detoxifying Decoction
This remedy has 21 herbal ingredients and the recipe was derived from other TCM recipes such as Shang Han Za Bing Lun which has been around since 220 AD. This recipe is effective in improving symptoms such as fatigue, fever, coughing and even improves lung function which has been shown in CT scans.
Studies using this decoction have shown that it regulates multiple cell signaling pathways to inhibit virus replication and mitigates cytokine storms. This remedy targets the lungs and also protects other organs and can be used as a general recipe to treat patients with mild to severe symptoms previously listed in this section.
Lianhua Qingwen Capsule/Granule
This extremely common Traditional Chinese Medicine is used to help treat flu and cold symptoms. It has shown curative effects on patients with mild symptoms and best aids in relieving fevers, fatigue and coughing. Made with 13 different herbal components, it can reduce the occurrence of bodily deterioration and help patients become free of thier symptoms.
Xuebijing Injection
This Traditional Chinese Medicine was developed as an injection that was marketed during the 2003 SARS epidemic. Consisting of 5 herbal extracts, it’s main function is to treat sepsis as well as remove and detoxify blood stasis. The Xuebijing Injection is also effective in suppressing Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome which is often induced by infection during the treatment of ill patients on a severe or even critical level.
Studies have shown that a combination of this injection coupled with Western Medicine allowed an increase in hospital discharge and slowed (or even reduced) the rate of deterioration. Other studies have also shown that this treatment had certain antiviral effects in vitro to inhibit inflammation factors caused by the novel coronavirus.
Herbs can be a powerful ally in helping to curb symptoms and fight the spread of many illnesses. But they have to be used properly and with professional supervision. Do your best to maintain your health and wellness by balancing adequate sleep, healthy eating, exercise and so on. If you wish to learn how herbs can help achieve and maintain health and well being, please reach out to us or follow us on social
ACUPRESSURE VS ACUPUNCTURE
We’re confident that you’ve heard of acupuncture, but do you know where it comes from? The study and practice of acupuncture and acupressure have been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for thousands of years and is an ancient healing technique. Acupressure and acupuncture apply the same principles, but acupressure uses pressure points instead of needles to achieve the desired results.
TCM & DEPRESSION
Today, we’re here to talk about different acupressure points that are used to reduce depression and anxiety through intentional point-placements and massage. Each of these points are ones that can be done on your own without the help of another person.
Acupressure can reduce anxiety and depression by massaging (or using an acupressure stick) the proper locations. Below, several commonly known acupressure points are listed and are known to treat depressive symptoms.
ACUPRESSURE POINTS TO REDUCE DEPRESSION
1. HEART 7 (HT-7) “SPIRIT GATE”
Location: On the crease of your inner wrist towards the ulnar (pinky finger) side. Feel for a hollow place at the base of the pisiform bone.
How does it help?: HT7 is often used to strengthen the heart and nourish qi and blood. This pressure point is also known to settle anxiety/worrisome emotions and also quiets the mind. It helps with sleep disturbances and emotional stress, releases tightness in the chest and even aids with heart palpitations.
2. NEIGUAN (PC6)
Location: Find the middle of your wrist, about two finger widths below the palm. Using your thumb and forefinger, press on this location for 2-3 minutes. Repeat on your other wrist.
How does it help?: Neiguan can be used to treat depression and anxiety.
3. CONCEPTION VESSEL 17 (REN 17) “CHEST CENTER”
Location: At the center of your chest, midway between the nipples/center of your sternum.
How does it help?: This acupressure point is also known as the ‘influential point of Qi’ (or energy) which this point helps regulate. Qi often gets stuck (or stagnant) with excess stress and imbalances in life. This point helps to relax your chest and release your diaphragm.
4. YIN TANG “HALL OF IMPRESSION”
Location: located between the eyebrows, in an area also known as the third eye.
How does it help?: This pressure point calms the spirit and takes the edge off emotional restlessness and anxiety. It’s also known to promote a deep relaxation and even helps with insomnia! It is also great at relieving headaches and helps to clear nasal congestion or a runny nose.
If you found these home-tips helpful and are ready to take the next step and try acupuncture, call us at (218) 724-3400 to set up an appointment in Duluth MN!
Research Update: Effects of Acupuncture on Quality of Life in Patient with Depression
THE STUDY
A study published by the Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine and conducted by the West China Center of Medical Sciences, found acupuncture treatments can be effective in the treatment of patients suffering from depression.
According to the study, 163 participants were divided into three groups. Each group received differing forms of treatment utilizing acupuncture or acupuncture and other accessory modalities, twice a week, for a total of 12 weeks. The scale of life was used to evaluate the results at four different times, which allowed for the patients quality-of-life to be objectively followed and determined. There were eight specific items that were evaluated after each acupuncture treatment, thus leading to the overall quality of life score. The items evaluated were physical function, bodily pain, physical role, general physical condition, social function, energy, mental health and emotional function. The study showed the overall quality of life score was improved significantly in all three groups.
BACKGROUND ON DEPRESSION
Worldwide, nearly 350 million people suffer from depression and nearly 16 million of those are in the United States alone. Statistics show women tend to be more likely to experience depression and young adults between the ages of 18-22 are also at a higher risk. Symptoms of depression include extreme irritability over minor issues, anxiety, restlessness, irrational anger, lack of interest in everyday activities, thoughts of death, insomnia, severe fatigue, weight gain/loss, difficulty concentrating and unexplained aches and pains. When these symptoms occur for more than a few weeks, depression may be the reason behind them.
ACUPUNCTURE AND DEPRESSION
As shown in this study, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) can be very effective in treating depression, not only short-term, but also long-term. A TCM practitioner makes a diagnosis based upon each patient, on an individual basis and treats according to the root cause(s)of the illness – treating the “whole” person, holistically, taking into account a person’s physical and emotional well-being. TCM incorporates multiple modalities such as acupuncture, Chinese herbs, tuina massage, cupping and exercises like qigong to help restore balance to the body.
The theory behind treating depression using TCM, all revolves around the concept of Qi (pronounced “chee”). Qi is considered the vital energy that flows through the body and animates everything. When Qi is blocked or stagnant, it will affect all aspects of a person’s health. The goal of TCM is to locate and correct the imbalances which exist.
THE RESULTS
With all of this information on depression and TCM in mind, the results of the study concluded that the overall quality-of-life score was improved significantly in all three groups. The items evaluated were physical function, bodily pain, physical role, general physical condition, social function, energy, mental health and emotional function. Acupuncture releases endorphins and activates natural pain killers. By doing so, it improves the flow of Qi throughout the body while eliminating blockages and bringing balance to the mind and body. Endorphins counter the symptoms of depression and allow the person to resume a normal life.
If you are suffering from depression and are looking for a natural way of dealing with it, give us a call, we may be able to help you navigate the waters of depression without the harmful side effects of pharmaceuticals, while helping you get back to a happier life. We are conveniently located at 205 W. 2nd Street, Suite 502 in Duluth, MN and are happy to help!