FREE ACUPUNCTURE DAY

Greetings,
Come meet Jenny Dull L.Ac. (Licensed Acupuncturist) and try acupuncture on Monday July 11 (10-5) at my Paso office for FREE ACUPUNCTURE DAY! call and sign yourself up and try it! 805-226-5190 (30 minute slots, donations appreciated) Previous patients and new are welcome...Yay!!! Peace to you, Jenny

Notes on Spring and Allergies:

Allergies: The Immune System and Boundaries

Jenny Dull L.Ac., D.O.M
June 5, 2011


What is an allergy? We experience allergy symptoms when our body encounters a substance that we are sensitive to. The immune system sends white blood cells to the area and they engulf the pathogen. The body's reaction varies from watery runny nose, itchy nose/eyes, scratchy throat, and skin irritations.

Keep in mind, the pathogens, such as ragweed, dust, cat dander, entering the body via the nose and mouth are innocuous/harmless to most people and only cause problems to those with an allergy to that specific substance. There is nothing inherently dangerous about cat dander or pollens. The problem occurs because of the immune system's overreaction to the substance. The immune system recognizes the allergen and immediately jumps into overdrive and acts like it has encountered a disease-causing agent that has to be eliminated quickly.

Symptoms: The uncomfortable symptoms of the runny nose are the body's attempt to flush out the allergen.

Boundaries:
1. Skin is the external immunity to the outside world
2. Internal immunity: includes digestion, adrenal and lung strength

Traditional Chinese Medicine:
1. Skin/Lung Qi (our own bio-electricity energy) relationship of immunity (external immunity): directly in contact with air
2. Internal immunity affects external immunity (nose, eyes, skin)
3. Emotional boundaries: "influenza" means "under the influence of"
a. Check own personal boundaries: Are you "under the influence of" everyone but yourself and do what other people want more than what your own heart tells you to do.
b. Repercussions of not following own intuitions/desires can run us empty, thus low immunity.
c. It is ok to say "no"
d. Ask how your thought processes, behavior, and emotional state are connected to your health. It is empowering!
4. When immune system overreacts to external threats, the mind/body analogy extends as well-the boundaries are out too far.

Benefits of acupuncture and herbs

Acupuncture helps build whole body immunity, lungs, adrenals, and digestion. It clears superficial pathogens/allergens, circulates Qi to clear stagnating mucous, and builds specifically Lung protective Qi, which strengthen external immunity.

Traditional Chinese herbs are considered internal medicine and are analogous to acupuncture in function and supplement the benefits of acupuncture. Herbs can help transform phlegm, move stagnation, clear heat, warm and strengthen the immunity, and strengthen whole body Qi (immunity).

The best approach for preventing allergies and reoccurring colds/flu is to keep exercising (strengthens Lung energy, clears skin surface via sweat, strengthens immunity), have acupuncture/herbs before allergy season, sleep 7-9 hours/night, and use foods as medicine. Think about your thought processes and be healthy with your mind and emotions.