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Immune System
Gratitude’s Link with Love & Happiness
A glass half full – grateful people have a particular view of the world and themselves. They choose to notice the positive things in the world and their own lives and have an appreciation for things that other people may take for granted. In a growing body of research, the importance of gratitude suggests that it is a cornerstone of positive psychology.
Love: Research from Psychologists Dr. Robert Emmons from UC Davis and Dr. Michael McCullough from the University of Miami go so far as to say that not only does gratitude promote feelings of happiness and love but that it is also a form of love itself. Open communication is necessary for healthy relationships. People who focus on the positive qualities of their partners experience more feelings of closeness and are often more aware of their partner’s needs and wishes, resulting in healthier, happier, more intimate relationships.
In 2010, Dr. Sara Algoe of UC Berkley sampled 67 heterosexual couples who had been together for at least 3 months. The partners wrote in a diary every night for 2 weeks and recorded both their own and their partner’s thoughtful actions, their feelings toward the actions and how they felt about the relationship that day. This research found that gratitude reminds romantic partners of the quality of the relationship, the quality of the individual’s partner and enhanced feelings of closeness.
Other studies, like one by Kubacka, Finkenauer, Rusbult and Keijsers in 2011 showed that gratitude begets gratitude. Kind gestures toward a spouse led to feelings of gratitude (of course!) and that gratitude motivated the other spouse to reciprocate with kind gestures. None of that should be too surprising but the ultimate result was a positive cycle of gratitude and caring behavior that continued to increase.
5 Proven Health Benefits of Gratitude:
- Improved sleep
- Can strengthen your physiological well-being
- Longevity
- Increased Energy Levels
- Increased likelihood of physical activity
Life Satisfaction:
Ever wonder how some people continue to stay genuinely happy, even though they get hit with hardship after hardship and other people seem miserable even though they have everything anyone could ever want. Studies show it may come down to gratitude. “A key determining factor of well-being is the ability to notice, appreciate and savor the elements of one’s life”, say Dr. Emmons and Dr. McCullough. Three studies conducted by the pair looked into whether focusing on negative or neutral life events versus focusing on positive ones can lead to improved psychological and physical function. All three studies concluded that “an effective way to produce reliably higher
Is practicing gratitude a cure-all? Of course not! But research demonstrates its many benefits with no drawbacks. It is a powerful tool that can be utilized to live a good, meaningful life.
One thing to consider is being gracious with yourself. Show some gratitude to YOU, and treat yourself to an acupuncture treatment. Give us a call today!
https://positivepsychology.com/gratitude-research/
Author: Jean Donati PA-C, M.Ac, L.Ac.
Jean Donati is a Nationally Certified Physician Assistant, Licensed Acupuncturist and owner of Jean Donati Acupuncture. She specializes in Traditional Five Element Acupuncture, and Facial Rejuvenation for physical, mental and emotional concerns.
Health Benefits of Acupuncture and Yoga
The Health Benefits of Acupuncture and Yoga
Acupuncture is an ancient healing technique originating in China over 5000 years ago. It is the process of moving qi (chee) or energy, in the body to decrease pain, facilitate health, wellness, and allow the body to heal itself. Disruption of qi energy is responsible for pain and illness in the body. By using certain acupuncture points, this energy is allowed to move freely and decrease pain and improve health.
The practice of yoga can be traced back to Northern India 5000 years ago. It incorporates body postures, meditation, breathing and relaxation techniques all dedicated to moving prana or energy.
Acupuncture and yoga share the philosophy of connecting the body, mind, and spirit. Through the practice of acupuncture and yoga, you can experience many health benefits.
According to Johns Hopkins Medicine the benefits of acupuncture and yoga include….
*Pain relief, in particular, improving back pain.
*Easing arthritis symptoms.
*Benefiting heart health
*Relaxation for improved sleep
*Increased energy, brighter moods and mental clarity.
*Stress relief
Both and acupuncture and yoga benefit the whole person by enhancing health of multiple body systems and increasing the sense of well-being.
The World Health Organization (WHO) recognizes acupuncture to be helpful for many conditions affecting the body, mind, and spirit. These include pain, stress, nausea and vomiting, headache and sciatica, plus many more medical conditions.
Come enjoy Acupuncture with Jean Donati Acupuncture in Towson, MD., and Yoga with Janet. Your body will thank you for it.
Schedule an acupuncture appointment with Jean Donati Acupuncture in Towson, MD here https://www.East2WestMedicine.com
Schedule a virtual yoga class with Yoga with Janet here https://www.yogawithjanet.yoga/
Notes:
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/286745
https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/9-benefits-of-yoga
https://holistic-health.org.uk/acupuncture-evidence-project-deeper-look/
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/156488#what-is-acupuncture
Author: Jean Donati PA-C, M.Ac, L.Ac.
Jean Donati is a Nationally Certified Physician Assistant, Licensed Acupuncturist and owner of Jean Donati Acupuncture. She specializes in Traditional Five Element Acupuncture, and Facial Rejuvenation for physical, mental and emotional concerns.
The Benefits of Acupuncture and Heart Health
Every February romantics all over the world flock to the local flower shops and jewelry stores in search of the perfect bouquet or piece of jewelry to express their undying love. It has turned into a festival of love. The holiday became commercialized, celebrated with the retail consumption of heart-shaped candy and trinkets.
in recent years Valentine’s day has become trending more toward “self-love” and emotional wellness – You’ve surely heard the term Mental Health IS Health. So, today let’s talk about self-love, heart health, and the benefits of acupuncture on heart health and Mental health.
In Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine, the heart houses the Shen. The Shen is sometimes described as the spirit, but it also includes the mind. During the winter months, when the hours of sunlight are short, the weather is typically colder and very little is growing; many people develop something known as Seasonal Affective Disorder or SAD. So perhaps, celebrating Valentine’s Day in the middle of winter is a way to keep our hearts healthy and our Shen lively, similar to the timing and benefits of the Chinese New Year celebrations. The feeling of love and community can permeate every cell of the body and mind. This feeling of emotional relief can bring healing to those who are experiencing SAD (or similar seasonal conditions) while helping to nourish the heart.
The heart is the center of perception and associated with feelings of joy. Valentine’s Day is a wonderful time to experience joy, and it doesn’t have to be from a romantic partner. Sharing special moments with those who are closest to us, friends, family, etc., helps to keep the heart full of joy. Even acts of selfishness can have profound effects on the mind, body, and soul. It is said that taking time to reflect while spending time alone can also help keep a healthy heart. If you are someone who enjoys being outside, now is a GREAT time to get out and appreciate the natural beauty around you.
Heart health is extremely important. Recent studies show general practitioners are prescribing exercise, nutrition, and stress reduction therapies as a primary means to prevent heart disease. In order to lower the prevalence of heart disease on a national scale, we can expect to see more regular implementation of these natural (and effective) holistic approaches to wellness. Acupuncture is beneficial in stress reduction as well.
Acupuncture has been shown to help lower blood pressure, decrease heart rate and calm the mind. There are specific acupuncture points and point prescriptions that can help the mind and the heart, which can strengthen the mind-body connection.
This year, when Valentine’s Day rolls around, don’t fret over trying to find the perfect card or gift. Instead, try focusing attention on the people, places, and things that bring joy and love to your life.
Give us a call for more information on the benefits of acupuncture for heart health.
TRY THIS ACUPRESSURE ROUTINE FOR HEART HEALTH
CV 17: Dan Zhong This is a great self-help point for many reasons. Conception Vessel 17 is easy to find, and matches the location for the heart chakra, at the center of the sternum. With this point, you will find potent stress and anxiety relief, as well as an opening of the chest and calming of heart palpitations.
HT 7: Shen Men This point is located bilaterally on the underside of the wrist, at the outermost end of the wrist crease. H7 can help with heart arrhythmias, panic attacks, hypertension, insomnia, and much more. This point reduces excesses that disturb the spirit and the balance of yin/yang. This point is so powerful that TCM practitioners often praise Shen Men as being the most calming and relaxing point in the body, while conveniently being highly accessible.
PC 6: Nei Guan You can find this point on the inside of the wrist, 2 finger-widths up from the wrist crease, in between the two prominent tendons of the inner arm. Modern studies (linked here) have extensively evaluated the benefits of this point. It is becoming increasingly clear that acupuncture, specifically PC6, can effectively treat both the symptoms and underlying causes of cardiovascular disorders.
KD 1: Yong Quan This is a great point used for grounding. Kidney 1 is located on the bottom of the foot, at the junction of the anterior one third and posterior two-thirds of the line connecting the base of the second and third toes and the heel. Kidney 1 can sedate and calm the mind, while also regulating blood flow to the upper part of the body, aka the brain.
Contact me today for more information on the specific acupuncture (or acupressure) points for heart health.
We are the premier Acupuncture Clinic in Baltimore, MD and Towson, MD.
Give us a call, we are here to help! It does my HEART GOOD!
Jean Donati Acupuncture, LLC
https://www.East2WestMedicine.com
410-984-3700
Author: Jean Donati PA-C, M.Ac, L.Ac.
Jean Donati is a Nationally Certified Physician Assistant, Licensed Acupuncturist and owner of Jean Donati Acupuncture. She specializes in Traditional Five Element Acupuncture, and Facial Rejuvenation for physical, mental and emotional concerns.
TCM to Improve Children’s Immune System
Acupuncture is part of an ancient medical system known as Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). It is commonly used to treat a multitude of ailments in adults and is gaining popularity among pediatrics. There are licensed acupuncturists who specialize in treating children and are in high demand. These pediatric acupuncturists are helping children where others can’t and for many, it is lifesaving.
Most kids, as well as a lot of adults, are afraid of needles. So the pairing of acupuncture and kids might not be an obvious one. However, more and more parents are seeking alternative methods of treatment for their children. This is because our conventional medical system is faltering a bit. Pharmaceuticals are proving to be more harmful than beneficial for many, especially kids. And with the bodies and brains of children still being developed, who can really blame a parent for wanting to find an alternative to drugs with adverse side effects?
Parents are turning to acupuncture because it provides a safe resolution of illness, while also preventing future illnesses. This happens because acupuncture and acupressure stimulate the body’s ability to restore and heal itself. Our bodies are fully capable of fighting off disease and healing injuries when the right tools are provided. Acupuncture not only stimulates the immune system, but also relaxes the nervous system and regulates the digestive and hormonal systems. All of these things need to be in balance for the body to heal.
Kids are more prone to getting sick because their immune systems are still being built. Children also tend to be more susceptible to bacteria and viruses because of their immature immune systems. For some kids, school can create added stress that taxes the immune system. There are a lot of factors involved when it comes to staying healthy. This is where TCM can be very beneficial.
TCM approaches illness and ailments from a very different angle. In TCM, wind is one of the six external pathogens that can invade the body and produce symptoms. The external pathogens responsible for the cold are seen as invasions of wind. The body is protected by something known as the Wei Qi (defensive Qi, pronounced “way chee”). The Wei Qi is comparable to the immune system in conventional medicine and acts as the first line of defense when the body is under attack from external pathogens. If the Wei Qi is strong, then the body is capable of fighting off invaders like viruses and bacteria. The Wei Qi keeps the pores of the skin closed and prevents wind from entering.
There are specific acupressure points on the body that can help improve a child’s immune system. There are also other techniques that are used in TCM that may help, like gua sha or cupping. Both of these techniques stimulate blood flow and help remove toxins through the skin, which can boost immunity.
Not only is acupuncture cost effective for treating children, but it is a logical approach to healing their illnesses.
Boosting Immunity
Immune Enhancing Home Self-Care Techniques
Your immune system is your body’s security system. It is the job of the immune system to deter foreign invaders like bacteria, parasites and other microbe causing infections. Disorders of the immune system range from common conditions such as mild seasonal allergies to more serious illnesses like leukemia. Stress, lack of sleep, and other common lifestyle and environmental conditions can contribute to a weakened immune system, which can make you vulnerable to infections.
Good news! Acupuncture therapy can treat a wide range of health conditions, including immune deficiency, by stimulating and balancing the immune system. Acupuncture can strengthen a weakened immune system by increasing red and white cell counts, T-cell count and enhancing humoral and cellular immunity. Acupuncture can regulate immune function and treat the underlying cause of the disease by reducing symptoms, speeding up the healing of infection and normalizing the body’s immune response.
Acupressure To Support Immune Health
Immune Enhancing Acupressure Routine
Get into a comfortable position so that you can easily
access all points.
Begin with Kidney 27 and work your way down the body
Kidney 27
Large Intestine 11
Lung 7
Stomach 36
- Stimulate each of the points on both sides of the body at
the same time - Spend 30-60 seconds on each point and apply firm
pressure while breathing steadily into your lower abdomen - Strive to complete this routine at least once in the morning
and once before bed
Apply finger pressure in a slow, rhythmic manner to enable the layers of tissue and the internal organs to respond. Never press any area in an abrupt, forceful, or jarring way. Keep track of the results of your self-acupressure practice to
pay close attention to your progress and well-being.
Stomach 36
ST 36 can be found on the anterior (front) aspect of the lower leg. To identify the acupressure massage point, measure roughly four fingers below the kneecap on the outside edge of your shinbone. You will know you’re in the right place by flexing your foot back to feel the muscle below (the tibialis anterior muscle) begin to flex.
Performing acupressure on Stomach 36 is like a Vitamin C shot for your body. It is one of the most effective acupuncture points for strengthening the immune system, recovering from fatigue and boosting endurance
Large Intestine 11
Large Intestine 11 is located on the tip of the elbow. The easiest way to find this point it is to bend your arm, look down the outer side of your forearm to the elbow, LI 11 lies there where the elbow crease meets the joint.
This point runs along the Large Intestine meridian, traveling up the index finger, through the arm, shoulder, and neck, into the face and nose. This point acts as a fever-reducing point, but it is also used to help prevent the flu and other immune-compromising conditions. It is known to be one of the strongest points in the body for clearing heat. Think of LI 11 as a great vent for the body to release a little steam whenever it’s needed.
Kidney 27
To locate this point, place your hands on either side of the depression on the
lower clavicle bone. From here (with your fingers below the clavicle) separate hands approximately 1-2in horizontally (outward toward shoulders).
An excellent immune-boosting point used for common colds, influenza and for people that have compromised immune systems. Kidney 27 is known to open the chest, descend lung and stomach Qi, and stop coughing.
Lung 7
Lung 7 (LU 7) is located on the inside arm above the wrist. To find this point interlock your fingers (palms snuggly together) and direct your attention to your lowest thumb. On the outer edge of your thumb, you will find the crease of your wrist. The point lies roughly one inch down toward the elbow, in a depression between the sinew and the bone.
This is a very common point to use for systematic relief of cough, headache and/or stiff neck. As the Luo point of the Lung channel, this point is used to treat anything related to the lungs (asthma, wheezing, bronchitis, cough, congestion etc.) and can help symptoms associated with a weakened immune system.
Astragalus
Immunity Enhancing Soup
Ingredients
1 1/2 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil
2 large onions, thinly sliced
3-6 garlic cloves, crushed
1-2 tablespoons fresh ginger, minced
4-6 ounces shiitake mushrooms, stemmed and thinly sliced
2 large carrots, thinly sliced
3-4 pieces astragalus root
10 cups vegetable stock
2 tablespoons tamari or low sodium soy sauce
Salt & Black pepper (to taste)
2 cups broccoli florets
1/2 cup chopped scallions
How to prepare:
- In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat, add the onions, garlic, and ginger
- Saute until soft and translucent
- Add shiitake mushrooms, carrots, astragalus root and vegetable stock
- Bring to a low boil, reduce heat and simmer for 45-60 minutes
- Add tamari and adjust the seasoning with salt as needed
- Add the broccoli florets and cook until tender, about 2 minutes
- Remove the astragalus root pieces
- Serve soup in bowls and garnish with scallions
Garlic
Garlic is a powerful antioxidant with antimicrobial, antiviral, and antibiotic properties. It’s also a natural decongestant.
Garlic Lemon Honey Tea
Ingredients
3 cups of water
3-6 cloves of garlic, halved
Honey to taste
Lemon to taste
How to prepare:
- Put water in a medium saucepan and add garlic
- Bring to a boil and simmer for 3-5 minutes (the longer you simmer, the stronger the tea will be)
- Remove from heat, add honey and lemon juice
- Sip 1/2 cup, three times per day
- Refrigerate for 3-5 days
Elderberry
Elderberry is a commonly used medicinal plant that is known all around the world. Elderberry is
most often taken as a supplement to treat cold and flu symptoms.
Whole-body Support Tea
Ingredients
4 oz. Astragalus
4 oz. Elderberry
4 oz. Eleuthero
4 oz. Rose Hips
4 oz. Cinnamon Chips
How to prepare:
- Mix all herbs together and store in a clean, dry jar
- Simmer 1 tablespoon in 1 cup of water for 15 minutes
- Add honey to taste
- Drink 1-3 cups per day
Elderberry is excellent for flu prevention, but it is contraindicated if you have an illness that manifests with a cytokine storm. Ask a qualified practitioner for more details.
Personal Protection Steps:
Everyone can take simple steps to not only prevent the spread of COVID-19, but seasonal Influenza and other respiratory illnesses:
- Wash your hands frequently with warm water and soap
- Avoid touching your face
Cough and sneeze into a bent elbow or tissue, then throw away the tissue - Avoid close contact with people who are sick
- Stay home when you or a family member is sick
- Clean and disinfect frequently used objects and surfaces
- Clean your produce thoroughly
Homemade disinfectant:
Fill a 16 oz spray bottle most of the way full with 99% isopropyl rubbing alcohol.
Add the following essential oils:
- 30 drops tea tree essential oil
- 15 drops lemon essential oil
- 15 drops lavender essential oil
- 15 drops eucalyptus essential oil
As always, get plenty of rest, drink water and find ways to reduce stress.
Immune Supportive Vitamins
Vitamin E
Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant that could help your body fight off infection. Some foods rich in vitamin E include nuts, seeds and spinach.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is one of the biggest immune system supporters. Daily intake of vitamin C is essential for good health. Foods rich in vitamin C include – oranges, grapefruits,
tangerines, strawberries, bell peppers,
spinach, kale and broccoli.
Further Research
If this information has spiked your interest we encourage you
do to more research, try starting with some of our favorites:
– How to make Fire Cider
– Probiotics for immune health
– Medicinal mushroom tinctures
– Wellness Formula
– Source Naturals
– Qi Gong for immune health
– Wim Hoff and other breathing exercises
– Natural produce wash
