Traditional Chinese Medicine

Childhood obesity is a serious health issue affecting more than 12 million children in the United States. From a Traditional Chinese Medicine perspective, obesity is related to a weakness in the digestive energy, a stagnation of energy in the body, heat accumulating in the stomach or an accumulation of dampness and phlegm. These imbalances may be inherited or may be products of the environment, lifestyle, diet and stress of the patient.

There is no magic pill for obesity – but in most cases, childhood obesity can be prevented or treated with lifestyle modifications and natural medicine. Here are four ways to help your child overcome obesity.

1. Move!

Exercise is incredibly important in reaching and maintaining a healthy weight. It is important, especially for kids, to make exercise fun! Try different team sports and individual athletic endeavors, competitive sports and collaborative activities, high intensity exercise and more gentle forms of movement like yoga or tai chi. The important thing is to find what is right for your child – what he or she will keep doing on a regular basis (at least four times per week).

2. Eat a Spleen-friendly Diet

In Traditional Chinese Medicine the spleen is what controls digestion. It is in charge of transforming the food we eat into nutrients the body can use, and then transporting those nutrients around the body. When the spleen is constantly fed food that is overly processed, sweet or greasy, it can’t function optimally. This leads to the formation of dampness and excess fat. The metabolism will suffer as the spleen is weakened, compounding the problem. That is why it is important to be sure your child largely eats a spleen-friendly diet.

To nourish the spleen, avoid foods that have a lot of sugar, are overly processed or are particularly greasy. Also, limit the intake of cold temperature foods and beverages. The spleen exerts a lot of energy heating up the food you eat to be 98.6 degrees – you can help it out and give it warm foods or room temperature beverages, allowing it to use its resources on digestion, transformation and transportation.

3. Heal the Gut

A spleen-friendly diet is a great way to prevent obesity and to teach your child how to stay healthy long-term. However, in order to reverse direction when obesity is already present, it is important to take steps to heal the digestive system, as it is clearly already compromised. Taking age-appropriate probiotics is a great place to start. Probiotics introduce good, healthy bacteria into your gut, so that there isn’t space for unhealthy bacteria to make themselves a home. More and more research shows how integral our microflora biodome is to our overall health, and probiotics are an essential piece of creating healthy gut flora. Another way to heal the digestive tract is to introduce bone broth. Bone broth refers to soup or broth made from cooking animal bones (ie, from beef, pork or chicken) for a long time, allowing the broth to leech out the good, healing nutrients from the bone marrow. Bone broth is incredibly nourishing to the digestive system as well as other core energy systems in the body. It helps repair a damaged gut.

4. Get Acupuncture

Acupuncture can be a terrific therapy for helping your child through this process of losing weight and shifting their lifestyle. Depending on the age of your child, acupuncture or acupressure may be more appropriate, and both serve to move stuck energy, strengthen the spleen and stomach, reduce heat or inflammation, and transform dampness and phlegm. They can improve metabolism, reduce cravings, regulate appetite and offer support during these difficult lifestyle changes.

It may be hard work, for both you and your child, but overcoming childhood obesity is essential in setting your child up for health as an adult.

If it’s your first time seeing an acupuncturist you may be taken back by some of the questions you are asked during the intake. Even if you are just coming in for help with headaches, you’d most likely get questioned about seemingly unrelated bodily functions. While the subject of your poop may be uncomfortable at first, rest assured that, in Chinese Medicine, it has a long history of being used as an important diagnostic tool. In the case of the headache and almost any other complaint, the color, consistency, frequency, even odor of your poop can point to patterns in energy, substance and organ relationships that will inform the most effective treatment.

While your acupuncturist is investigating the imbalance that is responsible for whatever you are seeking treatment for, you will get asked specific questions about what ends up in your porcelain throne. The reason for this is because many organs are involved in the process of digestion. We often look at the absorptive functions of the spleen, stomach and small intestine, the Kidneys as the root source of digestive fire, the liver as an important player in harmonizing digestive function through the regulation of qi movement in the body and the large intestine as that main exit pathway that pulls out excess water to finally concentrate our waste material into the perfect poop. 

In explaining the state of the body based on the function of these organs, Chinese Medicine uses terms like damp, dry, heat, cold, stagnant, excess, and deficient. These terms refer to patterns of energy and substance recognized in the body that can predict other health aspects. For example, we can predict that a patient recognized as having a “damp pattern” evidenced in loose stools and edema might tend to also suffer from brain fog and difficulty losing weight.

So before getting into the various signs of imbalance, let’s lay out the ideal poop situation. When all is well a person should have a bowel movement 1-2x/day. Less can be considered constipation, while more would be considered diarrhea. According to TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine), the perfect bowel movement is formed but not hard, it should not be odorous, there should be no blood or pus, and you should not have to push hard. If you fit the bill, this is generally indicative of not only good digestive health, but overall health as well. 

Signs of imbalance include stool that is too soft, too dry, sticky, thin, small, stinky or any color other than a nice dark brown. 

Soft or loose with undigested food: we look at spleen, stomach and small intestine absorptive function as well as the strength of the kidney yang or that fire of metabolism in the body.

Dry, hard:  generally considered to be caused by a deficiency of yin (moisturizing, cooling aspects of the body), or blood. Basically, the person is dehydrated.

Thin: can be a result of qi deficiency or qi stagnation. Consistently pencil thin stools are considered a red flag in Western medicine, and while it may just be an area of spasm in the colon, it is best to rule out more serious concerns like a blockage such as a tumor.

Sticky or Slimy: If you have to wipe multiple times, you may have excess ‘dampness’ or ‘phlegm’ in the body. (In Western medicine this is associated with the inability to break down fat). 

Pebbles: If you tell your acupuncturists that your poop looks like goat droppings, s/he will check for signs of liver function. The liver, according to TCM, is in charge of keeping a smooth flow of qi in the body. If qi becomes stagnant, waste wont move along its exit path, instead it sits and dries up, breaking down into ‘pebbles’, especially when there is also excess heat involved.

Color is important from both an Eastern and western perspective. In either case, there are some red flags such as pale or gray stools which may indicate a bile blockage. Red in your stool can be indicative of blood (are you SURE you didn’t eat beets yesterday?!) which should be further investigated.  Generally though, according to TCM, we may look for signs of heat (or infection) in the intestines if we hear that there is dark yellow stools, or want to check liver function if they tend more greenish. 

Strong odor is another sign of  heat in the intestines, While an especially foul odor indicates damp-heat. All of these distinctions are important as they inform treatment in both acupuncture and herbal approaches.

Even if you’re not experiencing any problems, it’s still a good idea to monitor your stool regularly. This can help you identify any potential health concerns before they become a bigger problem. So keep track of what your poop looks like, and if you notice any changes, talk to Heidi right away.

When it comes to achieving healthy and radiant skin, sometimes the best solutions can be found right in your kitchen. Nature has provided us with an array of powerful ingredients that can nourish and rejuvenate our skin. By incorporating kitchen remedies into your skincare routine, you can harness the power of natural ingredients to promote a glowing complexion. Let’s explore some easy and effective kitchen remedies for skin health.

1. Honey for Hydration:

Honey is a true skincare gem with its moisturizing and antibacterial properties. It helps to retain moisture, leaving your skin soft and supple. Apply a thin layer of raw honey to your face and let it sit for 10-15 minutes before rinsing with warm water. The natural enzymes in honey also gently exfoliate, revealing a refreshed complexion.

2. Turmeric for Brightening:

Turmeric has been used for centuries for its skin-brightening properties. Its active compound, curcumin, helps to reduce inflammation and even out skin tone. Mix a teaspoon of turmeric powder with plain yogurt or honey to form a paste. Apply it to your face and leave it on for 15-20 minutes before rinsing off. Be cautious, as turmeric can temporarily stain the skin, but it will fade over time.

3. Oatmeal for Soothing:

Oatmeal is a gentle and soothing ingredient that can calm irritated and sensitive skin. Grind a handful of oats into a fine powder and mix it with warm water to form a paste. Apply the mixture to your face and leave it on for 10-15 minutes. Rinse off gently with water, and enjoy the calming effect on your skin.

4. Lemon for Brightening and Exfoliation:

Lemon is a natural exfoliant and skin brightener, thanks to its high vitamin C content. Squeeze fresh lemon juice into a bowl and dilute it with equal parts water. Using a cotton ball, apply the mixture to your face and leave it on for 10 minutes before rinsing off. Due to its acidic nature, lemon juice can be drying, so it’s important to moisturize afterward and avoid sun exposure.

5. Avocado for Nourishment:

Avocado is a treasure trove of nutrients that can deeply nourish and hydrate the skin. Mash half an avocado and mix it with a tablespoon of honey or plain yogurt. Apply the mixture to your face and leave it on for 15-20 minutes before rinsing off. The natural oils in avocado will leave your skin feeling soft, supple, and rejuvenated.

Remember, everyone’s skin is unique, so it’s important to patch test any new ingredients to ensure compatibility with your skin. Additionally, these kitchen remedies can complement your regular skincare routine but should not replace professional dermatological advice for specific skin conditions.

Incorporating kitchen remedies into your skincare regimen can be an enjoyable and cost-effective way to nourish your skin naturally. So, raid your pantry and indulge in these wonderful kitchen remedies for radiant and healthy skin.

Note: If you have known allergies or skin sensitivities, it is crucial to consult with a dermatologist or healthcare professional before trying new ingredients on your skin.

Living with psoriasis can be a challenging journey, as this chronic skin condition can cause discomfort and affect our overall well-being. While there is no cure for psoriasis, acupuncture offers a holistic and natural approach to managing its symptoms. In this article, we will explore how acupuncture can help soothe psoriasis and enhance skin health.

Understanding Psoriasis:

Psoriasis is an autoimmune condition that manifests as red, scaly patches on the skin. It occurs when the immune system triggers an overproduction of skin cells, leading to their rapid accumulation on the surface. This results in the characteristic plaques and itching commonly associated with psoriasis.

The Role of Acupuncture in Psoriasis Management:

Acupuncture, a key component of traditional Chinese medicine, focuses on restoring balance and promoting the body’s natural healing abilities. By targeting specific acupuncture points, acupuncture aims to regulate the flow of energy, known as Qi, within the body. Here’s how acupuncture can help manage psoriasis:

1. Reducing Inflammation:
Acupuncture has been found to possess anti-inflammatory properties, making it valuable in alleviating psoriasis-related inflammation. By stimulating acupuncture points, this ancient practice can help regulate immune responses and reduce the release of pro-inflammatory substances, providing relief for inflamed skin.

2. Promoting Circulation:
Psoriasis is associated with impaired blood circulation in affected areas. Acupuncture stimulates blood flow to the skin, promoting better circulation and oxygenation. Improved circulation supports the delivery of essential nutrients and removal of waste products, aiding in the healing process.

3. Regulating the Immune System:
Psoriasis is an immune system disorder, and acupuncture can help modulate immune responses. Research suggests that acupuncture can regulate immune function, preventing excessive immune activity that contributes to psoriasis symptoms. By promoting immune balance, acupuncture can help reduce the severity and frequency of psoriasis flare-ups.

4. Relieving Itch and Discomfort:
Persistent itching and discomfort are common challenges for individuals with psoriasis. Acupuncture can help alleviate itching by stimulating the release of endorphins, the body’s natural pain-relieving and mood-enhancing chemicals. By reducing itchiness and discomfort, acupuncture improves overall quality of life for those living with psoriasis.

Complementary Lifestyle Practices:

In addition to acupuncture, adopting healthy lifestyle practices can support psoriasis management. Consider incorporating the following habits into your routine:

1. Moisturize Regularly:
Keeping your skin hydrated is crucial for psoriasis management. Apply moisturizers daily to prevent dryness and minimize skin irritation. Look for fragrance-free and gentle moisturizers recommended by dermatologists or your healthcare provider.

2. Manage Stress:
Stress can trigger psoriasis flare-ups, so finding healthy ways to manage stress is essential. Engage in activities that promote relaxation, such as yoga, meditation, deep breathing exercises, or mindfulness practices. Acupuncture sessions can also help reduce stress levels.

3. Avoid Triggers:
Identify and avoid triggers that worsen your psoriasis symptoms. Common triggers include certain foods, alcohol, smoking, and excessive sun exposure. Keep a journal to track any patterns between your lifestyle choices and flare-ups, helping you make informed decisions about potential triggers to avoid.

4. Maintain a Balanced Diet:
While diet alone cannot cure psoriasis, consuming a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats can support overall skin health. Consider consulting with a registered dietitian or healthcare provider for personalized dietary recommendations.

Acupuncture offers a promising avenue for managing psoriasis symptoms naturally. By targeting the underlying imbalances within the body, acupuncture helps reduce inflammation, regulate the immune system, promote circulation, and provide relief from itchiness and discomfort. Alongside acupuncture, adopting a holistic approach that includes self-care practices and healthy lifestyle habits can further support your psoriasis management efforts.

Together, we can develop a comprehensive plan that supports your journey towards soothing skin and improved quality of life. Call Heidi at (218) 724-3400 to schedule an appointment today.

“The eyes are the window to the soul” as the saying goes.

This couldn’t be held more true in Traditional Chinese Medical theory as we look to the eyes to diagnose the quality of the shen, or spirit. Clear, bright eyes tell us the spirit is vital and strong, whereas dull eyes that lack spark suggest emotional struggles. Our eyes provide us a unique perspective into various aspects of health such as our emotional states, digestive function, and sleep quality. Keeping those soul windows sparkling requires a lifetime of maintenance.

Check out our helpsheet on eye safety below!

Download here