Lian Qiao / Forsythia Fructus

Forsythia is recognized for its ability to clear toxic heat from the body – be it a sore throat accompanied by fever and chills or chronic skin eruptions, acne, or dermatitis. These hot, swollen and inflamed pathogens are precisely what Lian Qiao can quell.

In Chinese medicine, we refer to such afflictions as “contraction of wind-heat” which literally translates to a quick manifestation of something red, hot, painful, swollen or all of the above. The nature of heat-diseases in this case are ones that show up quickly and severe. Possible manifestations could include common cold, strep throat or something more severe like meningitis. Lian Qiao can also be used when long-term heat disorders build up in the body and lead to chronic, more toxic inflammation. Possible manifestations of this include cystic acne, boils, or chronic sore throat.

Contagion had it correct, as the precise nature of the virus in the film caused sore throat, difficulty swallowing, headache, fever and chills. Forsythia could have been the perfect cure – but maybe not alone…

Friends of Forsythia

In Chinese Herbal Medicine, herbs are most commonly utilized in formula combinations. Friends often paired with Forsythia include Lonicera, Arctii Fructus and Fresh Mint – all of which amplify the action of cooling heat toxicity and venting it from the body. Translate this to Western Medicine, and you could call this team anti-viral. While formulas are often created for the presenting individual, a quick and common patent remedy called Yin Qiao San can be used to address the symptoms described earlier and is a good one to have at home in the medicine cabinet:

Yin Qiao San

For Fever, with or without chills, Sore Throat, Headache, and Thirst.

Ingredients: Lian Qiao (Forsythia), Jin Yin Hua (Lonicera), Jie Geng (Platycodi), Niu Bang Zi (Arctii Fructus), Bo He (Menthae Herba), Dan Dou Chi (Sojae Semen), Jing Jie (Schizonepetae), Dan Zhu Ye (Lophatheri), Lu Gen (Phragmitis), Gan Cao (Glycyrrhizae)

Have you been trying to get pregnant?

Have you considered alternative methods to enhance your pregnancy possibilities?

Are you interested in learning different ways to support and help you as you go through this process?

If so, then come to the

Red Tent Fertility Wellness Workshop!

June 18th, 2011

9:45am-3:00pm

Om Factory Yoga Studio

You will learn helpful fertility-enhancing tips, receive a robust gift bag, nutritious snacks, the opportunity to connect with like-minded women, and a chance to win free services! Featured presentations include restorative yoga, acupuncture for reproductive health, self care to maintain balanced living, and comprehensive pre-pregnancy nutrition. This event will nourish your mind, body and soul – in addition to providing you with essential tools to maintain these practices in your daily life.

To register, email: fertileblissnyc@gmail.com

RSVP by June 15th to receive the early bird discount!

]]> http://www.erinhessel.com/2011/06/fertile-bliss-workshop/feed/ 0 http://www.erinhessel.com/2011/05/spring-cleaning-herbs/ http://www.erinhessel.com/2011/05/spring-cleaning-herbs/#comments Tue, 31 May 2011 17:59:25 +0000 Erin http://www.erinhessel.com/?p=1687

It is that time of year for cleaning out all the cobwebs, reorganizing the closet, vacuuming under the couch – all the spring cleaning duties that make our homes and lives feel fresh and light. The same holds true for the body. Springtime is analogous with the liver element, who is the emperor of detoxification, and is especially responsive to purging toxins this time of year. You can help your liver accomplish this important task with some simple herbal remedies. Meet the plants responsible after the jump!

Pu Gong Yin – Dandelion (pictured above)

Pu Gong Yin is the same plant often referred to as an “inconvenient weed”  (or, Dandelion) that sprouts up in the middle of gardens or sidewalk cracks. The resiliance of this plant to grow in the most obscure of places is part of the signature of use in medicine. It has an innate ability to dredge through obstacles like cement and toxins like runoff exhaust and other chemical waste, in order to flourish.

The leaves of the dandelion plant are wonderful liver detoxifiers and help promote healthy liver function, release gallstones, support digestion, reduce inflammation, treat viruses, promote urination and clear acne from the skin.

This herb can be used as food as well, and is often found in supermarkets and farmer’s stands. The plant leaves are potent sources of Vitamin K, Iron, Vitamin A and Calcium. Many people enjoy sauteing fresh dandelion greens or adding a bunch to a spring salad. Fresh leaves can also be steeped in hot water to make a nourishing tea. Because dandelion can grow in toxic places, it is best not to consume or harvest dandelions from lawns that aren’t specifically trying to grow the plant.

In Chinese Medicine, Pu Gong Yin (dried Dandelion) is used more in cases of severe heat toxicity. That is, clearing viruses and infections from the system. It is an especially common herb for relieving (and preventing) post-partum mastitis as it clears heat trapped in the liver channel, which runs through the breasts.

Pu Gong Yin can be taken in whole plant form, as tea or in a formula.

Qian Ma – Nettle

Nettle is another common plant that can be found on the tincture shelves in most health food stores, as well as sold fresh at the farmers market in the springtime. The plant itself is often referred to as “stinging nettle” as the plant is equipped with little hairs that release an acid and literally sting the skin when handled. Cooked and cleaned, the sting goes away making this plant a great addition to stir-frys, salads or pesto.

Nettles are most commonly used in the Western Materia Medica, and are said to be great liver detoxifyers and nervines (anxiety reducers). The plant contains a large amount of protein, and is also a great source for trace minerals, iron and fats. Nettles can ignite the liver function to propel toxins out of the body, in addition to nourishing deficiencies like fatigue or anemia. Nettles are also key in the removal of uric acid from the body, relieving Kidney Stones, Eczema, Skin Rashes and Gout.

While Nettles have a less prominent place in Chinese medicine, they are said to Drain Dampness through the Urine, Cool the Blood and Release Toxic Heat through the Pores. In short, Qian Ma (Nettle) clears out toxicity from many avenues. Because of this strong clearing function, it is important to take care in not consuming too much, especially if there is a constitutional deficiency. An interesting post on the use of Nettles in classical Chinese Medicine can be found here.

Nettles can be used in whole plant form as food, in tea or tincture.

Many insurance companies are beginning to cover for acupuncture treatments more and more these days, and we are proud to be a part of a vast collection of out-of-network providers. Thanks to our new billing partner, Jenn, we are able to verify coverage for patients within 48 hours and bill for services in the event that acupuncture is a covered benefit.

Find Out All the Details after the jump..

What this Means for You

No more super-bills and self-submitting receipts! This step takes out the work that you, the patient, had previously done in an attempt to get reimbursed for treatments. We take the hassle of calling insurance companies, understanding denied claims and resubmitting with accurate billing codes.

How This Affects Payment

In the event that you have acupuncture as a covered benefit on your insurance plan, it is likely that you will be able to continue receiving treatments for the cost of your office co-pay (usually ranging from $15-$30) once your deductible is met. While your herbal consultation is included in the office visit fee, herbal formulas are unlikely to be covered by your insurance.

Information Needed

A copy of your health insurance card, date of birth and updated contact information is all we need to check your coverage. Once verified, we need little else from the patient to submit claims.

Is There A Catch?

No catch! Well…not, really. Insurance companies can be slippery entities to work with, and try their best to find their way out of denying payment wherever they can. In the event that your insurance company fails to compensate for services you’ve rendered, you will be responsible for any remaining fees unpaid. This, of course, can be placed on a payment plan if needed and is upheld only in the event that all other avenues for reimbursement have been exhausted.

Join me as Babybites invites city moms (and dads and even grandparents!) to their annual Mommybites Summit: The Ultimate Moms Night Out, happening May 19 at the Columbia Faculty House. It’s an evening to meet other parents; enjoy wine and snacks; check out a variety of cool kids’ products and services; and hear from notable parenting experts, including keynote speaker and “ScreamFree Parenting” author Hal Runkel, Cool Mom Picks publisher and CEO Kristen Chase, and Emmy-winning producers Mary Ann Zoellner and Alicia Ybarbo. All attendees will be entered to win incredible raffle prizes and will leave with a gift bag.  I’ll be there offering info and raffles for acupuncture services to support busy moms post-partum and for stress relief. Hope to see you there!

To learn more about this fantastic event, click here.

What It Is

It starts with a mushroom, called “Scoby.” Techinically speaking, scoby isn’t a mushroom at all because it cannot grow spores or “fruit,” but it is commonly referred to as such. Rather, the kombucha “mushroom” is a yeast culture and correctly named S.C.O.B.Y (symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast). Sounds yum, right? No need to cringe, the bacteria contained in products brewed by scoby are the good guys – just like in yogurt, kefir, sourkraut or miso. Actually, kombuha is a great way to restore the gut with healthy bacteria in a dairy-free diet.

As you can see in the photo above the scoby culture looks like a round disc, that can vary in shades from cream to brown, and it will take on the shape of whatever container it is being brewed in (therefore it tends to be circular). It lives on sugar and caffeine, which will fuel the brewing process and propel the scoby to multiply quite rapidly. The more scoby cultures in a batch will yield a more concentrated kombucha flavor. At some point in the process, new spawns will need to be separated and discarded – or, better yet, given to a friend to begin their kombucha brewing journey. Don’t know anyone with a scoby culture? Starter kits are sold here OR here.

Why It is GOOD For You!

While your countertop can look a little like a science experiment, I assure you – the results will please your palate and your tummy. The digestive enzymes contained in Kombucha help the healthy bacteria in the gut, thus promoting proper nutritional absorption from the food we eat. According to Chinese medicine, the digestive system is the hub of systemic health, and views beverages like Kombucha as a real tonic. Here are just a few of the extraordinary benefits from including this beverage into your diet:

• Contains glucoronic acid, a natural detoxifier normally found in the liver, which helps support the immune system, remove metabolic waste and environmental toxins from the blood.
• Contains lactic acid, which increases oxygenation to blood cells thus improving energy and combating fatigue.
• Supports beneficial bacteria in the gut, intestinal health and nutritional absorption.
• Can help individuals heal from food sensitivities and allergies
• Can help heal intestinal dysfunction (chrone’s disease, IBS, celiac)
• Contains acetic and usnic acids which are anti-biotic and anti-microbial and actually prevent growth of harmful bacteria in the system.
• Contains malic acid, which prevents muscle fatigue.

If you are like me and interested in learning more about the fascinating world of fermentation, this site will help you learn all the ins and outs of why and how to ferment almost anything!

HOW TO BREW

Once you have attained a culture, brewing is easy:

1) Bring 3 Quarts of Water to a Boil

2) Remove from heat and add 4 organic tea bags, or loose-leaf equivalent. Steep for 15 min, then remove tea bags. (Be sure to use caffeinated teas – black, mate, green or white for the majority of bags and may add a little of your favorite herbal teas – nettles, red raspberry, rooibos, etc)

3) Add 1 cup organic sugar to warm water & tea, stir to dissolve

4) Once liquid has cooled to room-temperature (several hours), pour over the scoby inside a pitcher large enough to hold all of the liquid.

5) Cover the opening of the pitcher/jar with a clean paper towel, fastened with a rubber band.

6) Allow fresh kombucha to brew for about 1 week on the countertop. Begin to taste it after 5 days and stop brewing when desired flavor is acheived.

7) Strain the finished brewed liquid into a separate large bottle/pitcher, store in the refrigerator. Leave 2 cups of the liquid in with the scoby to keep it alive. Store scoby and liquid in a smaller container with a paper towel over it until ready to brew again. Scoby will stay alive for many weeks and even months without a new feeding.

Want to learn about the benefits of acupuncture for labor preparation? Well..I’ll be there too. Please pass along the word!

For more information, or to register, please go to thepregnantnewyorker.com

Spring is in the air! While most of us can excitedly embrace the changing seasons, for many, the winter thaw brings about much strife as pollens and blossoms burst into the air. I can sympathize with them as I suffered from seasonal allergies for many years – to the point where my symptoms became almost year-round allergies rather than “seasonal.” Why do some people have seasonal allergies, while others remain unaffected? Why do allergies worsen or improve when people move to new cities? How can symptoms improve? Chinese medicine has the answer after the jump.

Unique Treatment

Individual constitution can lay the foundation for health, immunity and our unique ability to exist with (or react to) our environment. Imbalances in this delicate system can occur as a result of genetic history, diet, lifestyle, chronic illness, emotional upset or environmental pollutants. Whatever the etiology of imbalance, it is important to find the root of the cause. In Chinese medicine with respect to the treatment of allergies, we often look to the energetic meridians of Spleen, Lung, Liver or Kidneys. Often, a combination of imbalances may exist and more than one meridian will need to be treated, and often utilizing both a dispersing and/or nourishing treatment principle.

Which Are You?

Appropriate diagnosis can be determined through symptom presentation, pulse and tongue evaluation. Below are some general characteristics of potential allergy etiology – which are you? Keep in mind that it would be best to verify any inquiries with an experienced practitioner, and these are meant to be general informative guidelines.

Liver Fire/Liver Wind

• Sudden dry, itchy, red eyes (that may or may not tear-up)
• Feeling irritable, anger or emotional constraint
• Thick, yellow nasal discharge
• Flushed Face
• Headache at the top of the head

Spleen Deficiency

• Copious and Nasal Mucous (may be thick or runny)
• Digestive complaints such as nausea, loose stool or bloating after meals
• Fatigue, low energy
• Foggy-headedness, or dull sinus headache
• Pale complexion

Kidney-Lung Disharmony

• Difficulty taking a deep breath, or asthma associated with allergies
• Cough
• Low Back Weakness
• Feelings of sadness or on-edge, fearful
• Clear nasal discharge, easy to expectorate

What You Can Do

The pivot of health and feeling your best begins with diet, exercise and sleep – almost all schools of medicine will agree on that fact, and TCM is no different. When that is not enough, medication, herbal formulas, acupuncture and other modalities are there to support your body back into balance. To best support your system, the following are general dietary/lifestyle guidelines for different constitutional types.

• Liver Constitution - Avoid greasy, fried foods. Indulge in fresh citrus fruits, vegetables, lean proteins. Yoga, brisk walking, or jogging are good choices, and getting plenty of rest at night.
• Spleen Constitution – Avoid raw, uncooked foods and too much bread. Enjoy yams, soups, stews, lightly steamed vegetables, whole grains and all protein. Brisk or leisurely walking, and sleeping long hours at night with perhaps a short nap during the daytime.
• Lung/Kidney Constitution - Avoid foods that are too drying (dehydrated foods, overly roasted or baked foods). Enjoy hearty meats, lentils, all vegetables and fruits. Gentle yoga and pilates are good choices to strengthen the core. Sleep plenty, especially in the winter and during seasonal transitions.

Individual herbal formulas are also a great way to support your system, along with the Xanthium formula to get you feeling better fast. Seasonal allergies don’t have to be a curse, and they don’t have to be expected! You can feel better, year after year.

Other Possibilities

We can’t exist in bubbles, and Chinese medicine is a great way to supplement your system so you can enjoy the environment you live in without discomfort. Sometimes, structural problems such as a deviated septum exist, which can lead to chronic inflammation of the sinus cavity resulting in improper drainage. The relief that acupuncture and herbs can offer for this may be minimal (although some patients have had enough reduction in inflammation to reduce their symptoms dramatically). In cases of severe structural deformity, it may be wise to utilize a combination of both western and eastern therapies.

March 8th, 2011 marks the 100th anniversary of International Women’s Day. This day commemorates the achievements of women past and present around the world, and was first held in Denmark, Switzerland, Germany and Austria in 1911. While there is much to celebrate in how far women’s rights have developed from a social, political and economic level; this day also gives a nod to the modern movements making waves for an even brighter future.

There are many activities taking place all over the world in celebration of International Women’s Day, from Google to the White House.  The biggest, and most international of the events will take place on bridges around the globe. Women will flock to the Brooklyn Bridge in New York City, the Barriere Bridge in the Congo, the Millenium Bridge in London and many others to celebrate accomplishments and collectively look towards the future.

On Sunday, March 6th, I went to see Ina May Gaskin speak about her new book (which by the way, is of course worth checking out and reading cover to cover!). She opened her lecture with the importance of the International Women’s Day event as a pivotal landmark in ending violence against women. It also happens to be her birthday, which in my opinion is an equally important day worth celebrating due to her profound contribution in the field of women’s health. On this day, I give a nod and respect to Ina May, for her social change and for the fire she ignited in me to provide service for women and their families.

Who inspires you?