Spleen Qi deficiency

Understanding Spleen Qi Deficiency: Causes, Susceptibility, and Solutions

What Is Spleen Qi Deficiency? Spleen Qi deficiency is a common condition in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) that refers to an imbalance or weakness in the body’s digestive and energy distribution system. The Spleen, in TCM, plays a crucial role in transforming food into energy (Qi) and nourishing the body. When Spleen Qi is weakened, it can lead to symptoms such as fatigue, bloating, poor appetite, loose stools, and a feeling of heaviness in the body.

Who Is Affected by Spleen Qi Deficiency?

Anyone can experience Spleen Qi deficiency, but certain groups are more prone to developing this imbalance:

• Individuals under chronic stress: Overthinking and excessive mental strain can weaken the Spleen’s function.

• Those with poor dietary habits: Regular consumption of cold, raw foods and highly processed items can impair the Spleen’s ability to function optimally.

• People experiencing prolonged physical or mental exhaustion: This includes those with high workloads or caregivers who have minimal time to rest and recharge.

• Elderly individuals: As we age, the body’s natural Qi weakens, making older adults more susceptible.

• Post-illness recovery: Those who have recently battled illness or infection may find their Spleen’s energy depleted.

Factors Contributing to Spleen Qi Deficiency

Understanding what contributes to Spleen Qi deficiency is essential for prevention and recovery:

1. Diet:

   • Cold and raw foods: Salads, smoothies, and raw fruits and vegetables can be difficult for the Spleen to process.

   • Excessive consumption of dairy and greasy foods: These can lead to dampness, which burdens the Spleen.

   • Irregular eating patterns: Skipping meals or overeating disrupts the Spleen’s rhythm.

2. Lifestyle and Emotional State:

   • Overthinking and worry: The Spleen is associated with the Earth element, which connects to mental processing. Excessive rumination can directly weaken its function.

   • Lack of movement: A sedentary lifestyle can stagnate Qi and prevent the Spleen from efficiently distributing energy.

   • Cold exposure: Being exposed to cold, both in the environment and through consumption of chilled foods and drinks, can negatively affect the Spleen.

How to Support Spleen Qi: Emotional and Dietary Guidance

1. Emotional Well-Being:

• Practice mindfulness: Engage in activities that calm the mind, such as meditation or yoga, to prevent overthinking.

• Balanced work-life approach: Ensure that rest and relaxation are part of your daily schedule. Prioritize breaks to recharge your mental energy.

• Grounding activities: Connect with nature, walk barefoot on grass, or engage in light stretching to nurture the Earth element associated with the Spleen.

2. Dietary Recommendations:

• Warm, cooked foods: Soups, stews, and lightly steamed vegetables are easier for the Spleen to process and can provide nurturing energy.

• Complex carbohydrates and grains: Foods like rice, oats, sweet potatoes, and squash can strengthen Spleen Qi.

• Ginger and cinnamon: Adding warming spices can help the digestive process and invigorate the Spleen.

• Avoid overly processed and sugary foods: These can create dampness and weigh down the spleen’s energy.

Sample Spleen Qi-Supporting Meal Plan:

• Breakfast: Warm oatmeal topped with a sprinkle of cinnamon and cooked apples.

• Lunch: A bowl of rice with steamed spinach, sweet potato, and lean protein such as chicken or tofu.

• Dinner: A warming vegetable stew with carrots, ginger, and barley.

• Snacks: Roasted pumpkin seeds or herbal teas such as ginger tea.

Final Thoughts

Caring for your Spleen Qi involves a holistic approach that integrates diet, lifestyle habits, and emotional balance. By fostering warmth, mindfulness, and nourishing meals, you can support your body’s energy distribution and overall health. Remember, consistent small changes often lead to lasting improvements in well-being.

Pa-chi Piezo stimulator- its use in pediatric care

Discover the Pa-Chi Piezo Stimulator : Needle-Free alternative for Children

Perfect for sensitive children, the Pa-Chi Piezo Stimulator offers a gentle yet effective way to build trust and experience the benefits of Traditional Chinese Medicine’s without penetration. Designed to stimulate pressure points through a targeted electrical impulse, this tool is a versatile option for pediatric care.

How does it Work?

The Pa-Chi Piezo Stimulator operates by generating a small, controlled electrical pulse with each press of its activator. Inside the device, a piezo crystal creates a quick pulse, around 10 microseconds, with a peak voltage of up to 10,000 volts. This pulse is applied directly to selected points on the body, helping to alleviate conditions and promote healing in a similar way to traditional acupuncture.

While the effects aren’t as long-lasting as needling, the stimulator works well on children as they generally react quickly to treatment.

What does it feel like?

Practiced safely by an acupuncturist, the Pa-Chi pen feels like a light static current. It is short lasting and unharmful to the body.

What to expect in a pediatric consultation

Pediatric treatments begin with a thorough intake to understand the child’s health concerns. The main tool used for pediatric care is Tuina Chinese massage, including techniques such as rubbing, tapping and kneading along the channels. Parents are welcome to participate by learning massage techniques to continue supporting their child’s well-being at home.

As trust builds and the child feels more at ease, I may incorporate additional tools like the Pa-Chi piezo activator and lastly, if the child is comfortable, scalp acupuncture.

Attentive communication and constant presence is key to conducting a successful treatment with children. They will never receive any treatment they haven’t agreed to.

Sessions are kept brief (30-45 minutes) to ensure the child remains comfortable and engaged.

Acupuncture for TMJ: A natural solution for jaw pain and tension

Acupuncture for TMJ

Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) dysfunction can significantly impact daily life, affecting everything from sleeping, eating and speaking to overall comfort and stress levels. Many people experience jaw pain, headaches, ear discomfort, and even neck and shoulder tension as a result of TMJ issues. Fortunately, acupuncture offers a non-invasive, effective approach to managing and alleviating TMJ symptoms, with growing research supporting its benefits.

What is TMJ Dysfunction?

TMJ dysfunction refers to a range of issues related to the temporomandibular joint, which connects the jawbone to the skull. Causes can vary widely, from jaw injury or arthritis to teeth grinding or stress-related muscle tension. Symptoms often include jaw pain, restricted movement, headaches, earaches, and even dizziness. Traditional treatments range from physical therapy and bite guards to medications, but many individuals seek out acupuncture as a natural alternative or complementary treatment.

How Acupuncture Can Help with TMJ Pain

Acupuncture has been practiced for thousands of years as part of Traditional Chinese Medicine. When needles are inserted into the skin, they send signals through sensory nerves to the spinal cord and brain, triggering the release of neurotransmitters and hormones, which is how pain relief occurs.

When it comes to TMJ, acupuncture targets specific points that help release tension in the jaw muscles, reduce inflammation, and improve circulation in the affected area.

Research suggests that acupuncture’s effects extend beyond just pain relief. It may help stimulate the body’s production of endorphins, reduce muscle activity, and lower stress—all factors that contribute to the relief of TMJ symptoms. By addressing the root cause and relieving stress, acupuncture can offer a more holistic, long-term approach to TMJ care.

What the Research Says

Several studies have explored the benefits of acupuncture for TMJ dysfunction:

• A 2017 systematic review published in The Journal of Acupuncture and Meridian Studies found that participants with TMJ pain experienced significant improvement in pain levels after acupuncture treatments. The study suggested that acupuncture could be an effective treatment for reducing pain and improving quality of life for those with TMJ disorders (Fernandes et al., 2017).

• Another 2024 Randomized controlled trial published in the QJM: International Journal of medicine demonstrated that acupuncture effectively reduced pain and improved quality of life in patients with chronic TMJ pain. The researchers concluded that acupuncture could provided marked pain relief and improvement in physical and emotional function for patients with TMJ (Liu et al., 2024).

What to Expect During an Acupuncture Session for TMJ with me

During an acupuncture session for TMJ, I will begin with a thorough assessment to understand your specific symptoms and tailor the treatment to your needs. Fine needles are then inserted into specific points, not only around the jaw but also at points on the body that help relieve stress and promote relaxation. I will most likely proceed to use electro-acupuncture on the jaw to enhance treatment effectiveness. Tuina massage may also be added to the treatment on the neck and shoulders to aid in further releasing tension.

Each session lasts between 30 and 60 minutes. Although immediate relief is possible, a series of sessions will be needed for lasting benefits, especially in chronic cases.

Complementing Acupuncture with Lifestyle Adjustments

In addition to acupuncture, some lifestyle changes may support TMJ relief. Simple practices such as stress management, and regular stretching exercises can help reduce strain on the jaw. I may also recommend incorporating gentle massage and mindfulness practices, to further enhance the benefits of the acupuncture treatments.

Tuina Chinese Massage

What is Tuina?

Tuina (pronounced “twee-nah”) is a therapeutic form of Chinese massage that has been practiced for thousands of years. It is one of the foundational pillars of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), alongside acupuncture, herbal medicine, and Qi Gong. “Tui” means “to push,” and “na” means “to grasp,” describing the primary techniques used in Tuina. This dynamic, hands-on therapy is designed to unblock energetic pathways in the body, promoting circulation, relieving pain, and restoring balance.

Where Did Tuina Come From?

Tuina has its roots in ancient China, with references dating back as early as 1700 B.C., where it was used as a medical treatment for infants and adults alike. Over time, Tuina evolved as practitioners refined their techniques and developed specialized methods to address a wide range of health concerns. Today, Tuina is practiced in hospitals and clinics throughout China and is increasingly recognized in the West for its therapeutic benefits.

How Do I Use Tuina in Treatments?

I always use my Tuina skills when working with children, it is gentle and non-invasive, yet effective and perfect to build trust with little ones.

I also often blend Tuina to my acupuncture sessions using a variety of techniques tailored to your individual needs. These may include pressing, kneading, rolling, and stretching or tractions. In addition to treating pain and tension in muscles and joints, I may incorporate Tuina into treatments to enhance relaxation, improve circulation, and stimulate acupuncture points related to organ health.

What Does Tuina Treat?

Tuina is versatile and may help in treating a wide range of conditions, including:

• Musculoskeletal Pain: Lower back pain, neck and shoulder tension, joint stiffness, and general muscle pain respond particularly well to Tuina.

• Digestive Disorders: Techniques that stimulate the abdomen and certain acupuncture points may support digestive health.

• Stress and Emotional Health: Tuina can promote relaxation and mental clarity, it may be beneficial in reducing stress and anxiety.

• Pediatric and Preventative Care: Tuina is often used for children, it may help with common issues like digestive discomfort, colds and coughs, and general well-being.

Where Tradition Meets Science: Exploring Acupuncture through a Neurological Lens

Acupuncture and the Neurobiological Perspective: Exploring How It Works

Acupuncture has been practiced for thousands of years, and in recent decades, scientific research has shed new light on how it functions from a neurobiological perspective, which looks at how acupuncture impacts the nervous system. This modern view offers a fascinating take into why this therapy is so effective for pain management, mental health, and neurological conditions.

What is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is a therapeutic technique rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) that involves inserting fine, sterile needles into specific points on the body. Traditionally, it’s believed to work by balancing the body’s energy flow, known as Qi, along pathways called meridians. However, a neurological based perspective translates these effects into a modern context, focusing on how acupuncture points influence the nervous system, brain function, and body-wide healing responses.

History of Acupuncture

Dating back over 2,500 years, acupuncture originated in ancient China, and practitioners have refined its techniques and applications ever since. Historically, acupuncture evolved alongside Chinese medicine as a holistic approach to treat a wide range of ailments. Today, acupuncture is practiced worldwide and has become recognized as an effective complementary therapy by the World Health Organization (WHO) and national health organizations in various countries, including Australia, the United States, and the United Kingdom.

Is Acupuncture Effective?

Extensive research has demonstrated acupuncture’s effectiveness for various conditions, especially pain, inflammation, and stress-related disorders. Current neurological school of thought emphasizes a modern understanding of acupuncture’s physiological effects, supports these findings by showing how the therapy engages the body’s central nervous system. Clinical studies indicate that acupuncture effectively reduces symptoms associated with chronic pain, migraines, anxiety, depression, and certain neurological disorders by interacting with the brain and body’s regulatory mechanisms (Wang et al., 2024).

How Does Acupuncture Work? A Neurobiological Perspective

From a neurobiological standpoint, acupuncture activates specific points on the body to stimulate nerves, muscles, and connective tissue, triggering multiple healing responses. When acupuncture needles penetrate the skin, they send signals through sensory nerves that reach the spinal cord and brain, prompting the release of various neurotransmitters and hormones. This process influences multiple systems, including the immune, nervous, and endocrine systems (Fan et al., 2024).

Local Effects: How Acupuncture Targets Specific Areas

Locally, acupuncture increases blood flow to the targeted area, delivering more oxygen, nutrients, and immune cells to promote healing. By stimulating nerves in specific regions, acupuncture also reduces inflammation and muscle tension. For example, inserting needles in the shoulder or back can signal the body to release endorphins and other natural painkillers, effectively easing localized discomfort and tension.

Acupuncture’s Effects on the Brain

One of the most intriguing aspects of acupuncture is its impact on brain function. Research using functional MRI (fMRI) shows that acupuncture modulates activity in specific brain regions, including the hypothalamus, amygdala, and prefrontal cortex. These areas are associated with pain perception, stress response, emotional regulation, and even memory (Wang et al., 2024).

When acupuncture activates these brain areas, it alters the brain's neural pathways, reducing the sensitivity to pain and calming the body's stress response. For instance, stimulating certain points can help reduce overactivity in the amygdala, which is commonly associated with anxiety, fear, and stress. This effect explains why acupuncture is often successful in managing mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression (Bai et al., 2010).

Additionally, acupuncture appears to influence the brain’s default mode network (DMN), a set of brain regions active during rest and mind-wandering. By modulating DMN activity, acupuncture may help reduce overthinking, improve focus, and bring a calming, grounding effect to the mind (Bai et al., 2010).

Conclusion: A new Approach to Holistic Healing

Through the lens of neurobiology, we see acupuncture as a treatment that communicates directly with the nervous system to promote balance, healing, and resilience. By tapping into both local and systemic effects, acupuncture enhances blood flow, modulates pain, reduces stress, and harmonizes brain function. These benefits extend to managing physical and emotional health, making acupuncture a powerful tool for addressing a wide range of health concerns, from chronic pain to mental well-being.

As science continues to explore acupuncture’s effects on the nervous system, we gain a clearer understanding of how this ancient technique engages the body’s innate healing capabilities. For those seeking a natural, neurobiologically informed approach to health, acupuncture offers a unique and effective pathway toward wellness.

Zhu Scalp Acupuncture

What is Zhu Scalp Acupuncture ?

Zhu Scalp Acupuncture (ZSA) is a specialized form of acupuncture that focuses on zones of the scalp to promote healing and restore balance within the body. Developed by Dr. Ming Qing Zhu, this technique uses fine needles inserted shallowly on in defined zones of the scalp. These correspond to different areas of the body and their functions. ZSA is particularly effective for addressing neurological conditions and pain management.

Where does it come from?

Zhu Scalp Acupuncture originated in China, developed by Dr. Qing Ming Zhu, a prominent figure in the field of acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Drawing from classical acupuncture principles, Dr. Zhu integrated his extensive knowledge of anatomy and modern neuroscience to create this innovative approach. His method emphasizes the significance of the scalp as a microcosm of the entire body, enabling practitioners to target various ailments through scalp stimulation. Over the years, ZSA has gained recognition both in China and internationally as an effective treatment modality, particularly in neurology and pain management.

How do I use it in my treatments?

In my practice, I incorporate Zhu Scalp Acupuncture as part of a holistic treatment approach tailored to each patient's needs. During the initial consultation, I assess the individual's health concerns and identify areas where ZSA can be beneficial. I then select appropriate scalp points to target based on their specific condition.

The treatment itself lasts for 1 hr, during which I gently insert fine needles into the designated points on the scalp. Many patients find the experience relaxing and often report a sense of lightness or warmth in the treated areas. I may also combine ZSA with other techniques, such as traditional acupuncture or Tuina Chinese massage, to enhance the overall effectiveness of the treatment.

What can you expect?

Patients can expect a comfortable and calming environment during their ZSA sessions. While individual experiences may vary, many report immediate sensations of relief and improved clarity following treatment. ZSA is known for its gentle nature, making it suitable for various demographics, including those who may be apprehensive about traditional acupuncture. I often use ZSA on children, as it may help with ADHD, Autism and cerebral palsy.