How do you know Spring has arrived?  The air feels fresh, clean and light, your nose is running, you have watery eyes, and you are sneezing uncontrollably.   Seasonal allergies affect at least 1/3 of the American population.  A study published in September 2004 of Allergy magazine concluded that a combination of Chinese herbs and weekly Acupuncture treatments can alleviate the symptoms and may help with preventing allergies

Allergies are trigger by our immune system incorrectly identifying pollen as a harmful pathogen and become overactive to defend your body.  Western prescribed medication or over the counter medication only counteracts symptoms.  In addition, some of the medications have side effects such as drowsiness, headaches, anxiety and fatigue.

Diagnosing allergy with Chinese medicine is far more individualized than Western medicine. Allergies are analyzed by the pattern of symptoms seen in the specific patient, and the treatment is designed to relieve these particular symptoms. Chinese Medicine uses a two pronged approach – “root and branch”- for treating Allergies. The branch is the symptoms themselves:  the runny nose, the watery eyes, and the sneezing.

The root cause of Allergies is usually weak Lung Qi and weak Spleen Qi.  Lung Qi is associated with the entire function of the respiratory tract which includes the nasal passages.  Weak Lung Qi indicates that the respiratory tract is under performing.   Spleen Qi is associated with the digestive system and fluid metabolism.  Weak Spleen Qi indicates poor digestive function and fluid metabolism, which can lead to an overproduction of mucous, which tends to collect in the Lungs.  Weak Lung and Spleen Qi is not the only root cause of Allergies.  To correctly diagnosis what is the root cause, I would need to do a complete patient intake.   Once the Allergy “branch” has dissipated, it is important to continue your treatments to resolve the root cause.

For the majority of my patients, Acupuncture bringing immediate relief after I insert the hair-like needles.  The majority of needles are inserted into specific points on the arms and legs.  In severe cases, hair-like needles are inserted in the forehead and around the nose.   These points can stop the sneezing, relieve congestion and calm down the overactive immune system.

Suggested things that you can do to help yourself:

• Dairy products can cause mucous.  To decrease sinus congestion, decrease dairy intake
• Wheat can cause inflammation, therefore limit your Wheat intake.
• Vitamin C rich foods are a natural antihistamine.  Rich Vitamin C foods are citrus fruits, strawberries, melons, spinach, broccoli, and cabbage.
• Low Magnesium has been linked to Allergies.  Included magnesium foods into your diet such as sunflower seeds, sesame seeds, salmon, spinach, and chard.
• Quercetin is an antioxidant, high in bioflavonoid and has an antihistamine effect and decrease inflammation. Quercetin can be found in red grapes, tomatoes, apples (with skin on), onions and leafy green vegetables.
• Beta-carotene is another antioxidant and it supports the respiratory system.  Examples are yellow and orange fruits, such as carrots, yams, mangoes, papayas, and green leafy vegetables such as kale and spinach.

Most importantly get a weekly Acupuncture treatment during the Allergy season. If possible start your Acupuncture treatments before your Allergies starts.

For more info check Lory’s Acupuncture page.

We will use an emerging technology called Binaural Beats. Basically its using music engineered to have an effect on your brain, in this case making us relax quicker, deeper, & with more profound experiences.

“Join Jason at Ascension Wellness for a guided meditation. This session will be about an hour long & most of it will be in meditation. Great for the absolute beginner to learn what meditation can be. Excellent for the advanced to learn new techniques & support your practice. Bring your own blanket, pillow, or yoga mat as we have a limited supply.”

What to expect: Nothing weird. No chanting, dancing, or recruiting to a cult. Just scientifically justified breathing & visualization. Good meditation technique & others who want to meditate with you. We will start with a few basics, answer questions, then relax & meditate.

When/ Where: Friday June 18th 2010, 8pm, Ascension Wellness Center, Des Moines, WA.

Need more info: meditation page

Cost: Free- A Donation of canned or boxed goods for the Des Moines Food Bank is all we ask.

To learn more about this class & our “Be your own Guru” style of meditation please go to our meditation page http://ascendwell.com/meditation/ .

Seating is limited to insure each person gets personal attention with the instructor.

What to expect: Nothing weird. No chanting or dancing or recruiting to a cult. Wear comfy, loose, layered clothing. Also expect to be in socks or slippers, warm socks are great when meditating. You can also bring a blanket or pillow for meditating. Many people lay down & we have a limited supply of blankets & pillows. Bring a quick lunch or snack for a mid-day break. You will be learning techniques from many styles of meditation. From Mindful reflection to TM or Zen meditation. All are covered but no one technique is the one… use what works for you!

Instructor: Jason Morton, Meditation Instructor & Certified Clinical Hypnotherapist

When/ Where: Saturday June 5th, 11am-5pm at Ascension Wellness Center, Des Moines, WA.

Need more info: meditation page

Cost: $115

This month we will use our breath & visualizations to heal ourselves in our meditations. Learn to reprogram & heal each cell of your body.

“Join Jason at Ascension Wellness for a guided meditation. This session will be about an hour long & most of it will be in meditation. Great for the absolute beginner to learn what meditation can be. Excellent for the advanced to learn new techniques & support your practice. Bring your own blanket, pillow, or yoga mat as we have a limited supply.”

What to expect: Nothing weird. No chanting, dancing, or recruiting to a cult. Just scientifically justified breathing & visualization. Good meditation technique & others who want to meditate with you. We will start with a few basics, answer questions, then relax & meditate.

When/ Where: Friday May 14th 2010, 8pm, Ascension Wellness Center, Des Moines, WA.
Need more info: meditation page
Cost: Free- A Donation of canned or boxed goods for the Des Moines Food Bank is all we ask.

I was walking my dog early one morning and I heard the birds singing and noticed buds on the trees.  The early morning air felt fresh, clean and light, instead of heavy and stagnate.  It must be Spring.

Spring carries the energy of growth and movement. Moving out of our Winter cocoon, we feel surges of life: our bodies want to move, our creative minds envision projects for the coming months. We plant seeds in both the Earth and our lives. It is also an opportunity to look at old patterns with new awareness, as we move from the confine of Winter into the opening of Spring.

In Chinese medicine, Spring is the time of year when what has gotten stuck gets moving again. The heavier energy of Winter is lifting and lighter energies are now becoming available to us. Spring is a perfect time to cleanse the body of the heavy rich foods of Winter and more sedentary lifestyle we’ve been living.

Spring is associated with the Wood element, and the Liver organ, whose job in the body is to ensure the smooth flow of physical and emotional energy. When Liver Qi is flowing well, our body systems work smoothly, and emotions come and go in an appropriately. However, if the Liver Qi is stuck, we may experience tension, irritability, depression, lack of motivation, or a worsening of various physical symptoms.

Spring is a good time of year to clear out clutter from your body and your environment so things can flow. Here are a few suggestions:

• Do a good spring cleaning/decluttering - you can donate used items to Goodwill or any other organization.

• Cleanse your own system – After the heavier food of winter, eating more whole grains and vegetables will help lighten your body and unblock the energy channels. You can also cleanse your Liver with milk thistle tea or capsules.

• Air out your space and your Lungs – Open the windows, put on some fans, and invite the outside air to flow through your space. Spending some time outdoors also helps air out your own lungs and freshen the mind.

• De-clutter your schedule. Notice where you spend your time and energy, and see if you can let go of something unnecessary or taxing. Making room for something new in your life helps keep the Qi flowing and life fun.

• Schedule a seasonal Acupuncture and Aqua Detox tune-up. Acupuncture and Aqua Detox treatment is designed both to balance your body’s energy, and to align it with the environment around you. Many people schedule quarterly Acupuncture and Aqua Detox treatments to ease the change of seasons and maintain their health and balance through the year.

The more you are able to harness the cleansing energy of Spring the more energy you will be able to soak up in the Summer time when the energy is lightest and most available to us. Not only is this good for your health, it will also help you transition to next Winter smoothly.

(Schedule or contact Lory Lee, For more info Check Lory’s Website)