Blog & Articles
Spring 2011
The information in this entry was originally posted in early March, but I have seen enough in the clinic to tell me it is still relevant to what people are experiencing out there now. Only the type of pollen has changed. Hopefully, for the sake of allergy sufferers in Austin, the Spring-time pollen will come to an end soon.
Spring often brings out two common conditions that acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine can treat very well. Allergies, because everything is blooming and spreading pollen, and pain, because the weather is nice and the days are getting longer so people are more active.
At this time of year, when allergies are active, the use of acupuncture and herbs can help to keep the symptoms to a minimum with virtually no, if any, side-effects. Medications for allergies, on the other hand, can leave one feeling either drowsy or too “wired.” Keep in mind, if you visit your acupuncturist after allergy season, the root cause of your allergies (as determined through a Chinese Medicine diagnosis) can be addressed in order to reduce or eliminate symptoms for the following season.
In regard to the aches and pains mentioned above, these can be brought on by different conditions; I will discuss two here. Both situations are brought on by the change from being less active during the Winter to being more active in Spring.
In some cases, there may be an underlying chronic condition like arthritis. For most, arthritis pain is less when they put less stress on arthritic joints. For a few, arthritic pain is less with cooler weather. In Chinese Medicine, arthritic pain in general is classified as a “bi” (sounds like “bee”) syndrome. Arthritis pain that is worse in warm weather may be referred to as “hot bi” , and arthritis that is worse in wet weather may be called “damp bi.” There can be a mix as well. So, in Spring, when it is warmer and it tends to rain more, the weather may contribute to one developing “damp-heat bi.” Acupuncture and/or the use of herbs can help to resolve the pathogens of heat and dampness with the result being less pain.
The other main reason for pain due to increased activity in Spring is related to weakness of the muscles that support joints during movement. This weakness occurs after a prolonged period of inactivity in the Winter, then becomes apparent when someone tries to suddenly be more active as the nice, warm weather comes out. Even though one may be motivated to get back into shape, it is important to take time to gradually build strength and not try to jump into strengthening too vigorously at first. Acupuncture is great for alleviating the pain, but to prevent it from happening in the first place, doing tai chi, qi gong, and Pilates exercises are ideal ways of addressing stability and strength.
Here are videos for the qi gong I like best, Return to Spring. The name is appropriate to the season, though doing this style of qi gong need not be limited to spring.
Enjoy the beautiful weather & take care.
Marc Smith, L.Ac. (AC01180)
Articles by Marc Smith, L.Ac.
Acupuncture Presentation: Treatment of Phantom Limb Pain
Other people’s articles about acupuncture
Follow these links to some interesting reviews of acupuncture research. All of the articles I’ve chosen are from non-acupuncture organizations for the sake of objectivity.
