- Jean Donati Acupuncture604 E. Joppa RD
Towson, MD 21286410-984-3700 
Traditional Chinese Medicine
Auricular Acupuncture…With or Without Needles
Are you interested in the benefits of Acupuncture but have a fear of needles?
Auricular Acupuncture may be just what the doctor ordered! Auricular acupuncture is acupuncture that focuses on acupuncture points in your ears.
It involves either the use of small hair thin needles or the use of vaccaria ear seeds (no needles) at specific points along the pathways of energy in the body called meridians.
According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), a blocked or disrupted flow of energy (qi) can have a negative effect on your physical and mental health. Acupuncture aims to restore the flow of qi by resolving any blockages or disruption thus resolving the symptom or negative effect to you physical or mental health.
There are more than 200 acupuncture points in the ear. Auricular Acupuncture can be used for a wide range of conditions, and it is especially useful to relieve pain, calm the mind and treat withdrawal symptoms from addictions. But that’s not all…. Auricular acupuncture can treat literally hundreds of conditions. All types of physical pain (headaches, neck pain, back pain, sciatica, arthritis, fibromyalgia, sports injuries, abdominal pain), Mood and Emotions (Anxiety, stress, depression, PTSD, insomnia, ADD, ADHD). Even More (Weight loss, PMS, tinnitus, TMJ, Vertigo, Circulation, Allergies ….
Some conditions most commonly treated with auricular acupuncture include:
- Stress and anxiety
- Chronic and acute pain
- Nausea
- Insomnia/fatigue
- Digestive disorders
- Motion Sickness, Dizziness, vertigo
- Smoking cessation
- Weight loss
- Headaches, including migraines
- Focus and memory problems
- Symptoms of menopause/ postpartum depression
- Infertility, low libido, sexual dysfunction
- Addiction withdrawal symptoms
- Mood swings
- Acne
An Auricular acupuncture session is generally shorter than a traditional acupuncture session, lasting only 20-30 minutes. Auricular acupuncture is performed while the patient is seated in a quiet room. Your acupuncturist may ask you questions about your health, sleep, appetite, digestion, and mood. The needles or seeds are inserted and remain in place for 10-20 minutes. It is usually very relaxing and some patients even take a nap!
The needles or seeds are removed and your acupuncturist may ask how you are feeling. Most people feel refreshed and calm.
Auricular acupuncture is a form of acupuncture that focuses on the energy of the body in the ears and can be helpful for numerous health issues from chronic pain and stress to headaches, mood disorders and addictions. It may be beneficial for those who have a fear or dislike of needles but who still would like the benefits acupuncture can provide. Auricular Acupuncture is available by request at Jean Donati Acupuncture, LLC. Call today for an appointment 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.
The Benefits of Qi Gong
Acupuncture is one of three branches of ancient traditional medicine. The other two are herbal medicine and the practice of a physical and mental discipline called Qi Gong. The main objective of each branch is to bring about a harmonious flow of Chi. continue reading
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
Is Acupuncture Safe Post-Covid? 4 Things Your Acupuncturist Wants You to Know Before You Book Your Appointment
To say that 2020 was a stressful year is putting it mildly. Due to Covid-19 restrictions, many people put checkups and other medical procedures on hold, including acupuncture treatments. If you are more than ready to get back to your treatments, here are four things your acupuncturist wants you to know about their safety procedures in this new normal. And if this does not answer all your questions, please feel free to ask. Your acupuncturist wants you to feel safe and secure as you return for your first appointment. continue reading
