The 5 Spirits: Supporting The Soul in Chinese Medicine
The Spirit in TCM is made up of five “spirit-minds” that are stored in each of the five Yin organs. You can think of them like facets to your personality: they each have unique roles and characteristics that assert themselves when content or afflicted. Discover how the Five Spirits influence your health and ability to pursue your potential.
WRITTEN BY ACUPUCTURISTS: LAUREN DYER & HANNAH GUYON
WHAT’S IN A SPIRIT
Along with Qi (energy), Blood, and Essence (like genetics), our Spirit or Shen is considered a vital substance in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) as it completes the fabric of our physiological makeup and human life. Rather than being linked to religion or used to convey how “spiritual” a person is (or isn’t), in this medicine, Spirit takes on a secular meaning.
Fundamentally, Spirit is the unique animation humans possess which allows a person to: express their authenticity, dedicate themselves to a hobby or vocation, feel connected to mundane everyday wonders, and to be the conscious co-creator of their destiny. It is that intangible yet empirical inner spark that activates our imagination, ambition, intention, and awe.
Together with our psyche and body, Spirit is what orients us within our reality and experience of the world around us. Its health and vibrancy is essential for developing relationships as well as the virtues unique to the human condition (compassion, accountability, wisdom, morality, courage, etc.)
Put simply, Spirit determines how we show up in the world, connect with others, and navigate all the experiences that life has to offer.
A unique feature of Acupuncture and TCM is how discussions of health integrate how one’s physical, mental-emotional, and spiritual health mirror one another. Just like how each of the body’s organ systems has its own Acupuncture meridian (the Lung channel, The Large Intestine channel, for example) there are associations between the organs and specific emotions, as well as the organs and the spirit.
These connections reveal how, in TCM, energy is considered on a spectrum from the material to the ethereal.
On the Material end you have the most tangible and visible of substances: the body, blood, fluids etc would land here. Towards the middle of the spectrum is energy whose presence is apparent in how the body functions even if it cannot be measured or fully grasped, aka Qi. A person’s Qi can be sensed in their pulse or heartbeat and heard in the voice. Can you think of a time that you walked into a room full of people and could tell whether the energy was tense or cheerful? That’s Qi - which also makes itself known through emotional states.
On the far end of this spectrum, you get Spirit.
The Spirit is the most ethereal expression of energy and an extension of an organ’s Qi-aspect. It can be seen in something as simple as whether someone’s eyes sparkle or light up when they talk to you about something they’re passionate about, versus if they have a dull gaze, and perhaps appear depressed.
You still with us? Good, because deeper down the rabbit hole we go...
THE FIVE “FACETS”
If you have thought of your spirit or soul as being stored in your heart, that’s actually not far off! In TCM, there are five types of “spirit-minds” that branch-off from someone’s central Spirit. Each is stored within one of the 5 Yin organs:
The Heart beholds The Shen
The Lungs contain The Po
The Liver commands The Hun
The Spleen grounds The Yi
The Kidneys are keepers of The Zhi
Each embodies your capacity to show up in the world as the best version of yourself. You can think of them like five facets to your personality: they each have unique roles and characteristics that assert themselves when content or disturbed.
When we sit and listen to our patients, we tune into the presence of these characteristics too. Assessing the state of their Spirit is always included in our observation & diagnostic process since the spirit is vital to one’s overall well-being.
Usually when we see spirit disharmonies they are paired with physical symptoms. Other times they aren’t, but patients will share behaviors - deep seated emotions - and mental tendencies they know are holding them back from the things they want in life—or the way they want to feel. This is because when one spirit is affected it can impact the others, leading you to feel “off,” “stuck,” “lost,” or not yourself anymore. Sometimes it can even feel as if you are not in your body.
Our guess is that you’ll likely be able to relate to at least one or some of the following spirit-mind tendencies. However as you read along, please keep in mind: the expressions of these spirit-minds is a dynamic dance within us. Like our bodies and state of health, they are not stuck in a state of imbalance unless something changes—and sometimes that change starts within...
Here’s what we will be sharing :
What each spirit is + its paired organ
Each spirit’s responsibilities
Qualities of that spirit when it is tethered and balanced
Shadow tendencies that manifest when the spirit is disconnected and imbalanced
So, here they are…
THE FIVE SPIRITS
THE SHEN ~ THE MIND
The Shen is the spirit of “The Mind” and represents our consciousness. It is the basis for our humanity and source from which all other spirits emerge from. The Shen is in charge of our identity and capacity for self-awareness, but also, how we view and interact with others: how we orient ourselves in the world around us. The Shen is essential for integrating our psychic and emotional life since it governs perception, insight, ideas, the ability to extend beyond the Self (form relationships), determine our values, morality, and wisdom. The Mind is what bridges our intuition and inspiration: it allows one to recognize their truth and callings so they can show up in the world as their most authentic self.
In the body, the Shen is ruled by the Heart which, in Chinese Medicine, is the “the origin of mental life,” and therefore the “monarch” of all other organs: the only one capable of recognizing, assessing, and truly feeling the spectrum of one’s emotional experiences. Although different emotions (anger, joy, sadness, fear, guilt, etc.) will affect the body’s organs in unique ways, those organs do not “feel” the emotion and, instead, reflect the impact of that emotion as perceived by the Heart in the form of physical symptoms. In that sense, the Shen is referred to as the Heart-Mind, giving the old adage the heart has a mind of its own, a ring of truth.
Given the Shen’s role in processing interactions with others and external stimuli, all senses (eyesight, hearing, smell, taste, touch) depend on it for meaning just like how the brain is relied on in Western Medicine.
For this reason, the Shen is said to be the “most visible” of all the spirits, evident in how one carries themselves both in public and in conversation: the sparkle (or dullness) in one’s eyes, the capacity to maintain eye contact, as well as the use of clear/logical speech (since the Heart is the root of the tongue in TCM). It is the Shen that calculates appropriate behavior in order to “click” with others and foster mutual understanding: a Heart (Shen) to Heart (Shen).
When the Shen is vibrant, there is:
Clear thinking & consciousness, sharp insight, good intellect, self-awareness, a strong sense-of self, sound sleep (since the Shen retreats back into the Heart to be housed at night), a balanced emotional reality, good judgement expressed through wise action, flowing ideas, inspiration, alertness in the eyes, eye contact during conversation, clear speech + confident self-expression, compassion, and empathy.
When the Shen is disturbed and the Heart is affected, a person will have:
Cloudy consciousness, poor insight, inappropriate/erratic behavior or speech tendencies, socially awkward interactions, low self-esteem, difficulty expressing one’s self, hypervigilance and paranoia, poor self-awareness, a hard time relating to others (including little-to-no eye contact in conversation), little capacity for compassion/empathy, irrational thoughts and phobias, an imbalanced emotional reality (fixated on one emotion), panic, disturbed sleep etc.
THE PO ~ THE CORPOREAL OR ANIMAL SOUL
The po is the spirit-mind stored by the Lungs. It integrates with us at our first breath, and disintegrates at the end of life when breathing ceases.
When you think of the Po, consider your moment-to-moment experiences - your instincts, impulses, and knee-jerk reactions.
When balanced, the Po supports our ability to stay connected to the present moment through our breath. When strong, it is associated with assertiveness and fairness. We would expect someone with a well balanced Po to speak with a clear strong voice, to breathe well, and to act with the virtue of justice.
When there is weakness of the Po, we might see lingering or unresolved grief, lifeless voice, lethargy, depression, or constant feelings of loss or incompleteness. In this case, a person might be stuck in a moment that is far in the past, keeping them from being present or moving forward. We might also notice the presence of chronic respiratory issues like frequent colds, long standing cough, or asthma associated with this aura of sorrow.
When the Po is supported and reintegrated with the present moment, we see the ability to process grief in a healthy way. Impulsive reactivity is exchanged for responsiveness and trustworthy instincts. We see the shroud of sadness and heaviness lift, giving way to the ability to appreciate the beauty and fullness of the present moment, to experience awe and wonderment, and to grasp a flash of inspiration.
THE YI ~ THOUGHT
The Yi is the spirit-mind stored by the Spleen. It has to do with thought, intellect, and comprehension, as well as intention and creativity.
The Spleen organ in TCM is a major organ of digestion, separating and transforming useful nutrients from waste products. On a physical level, a weak Spleen can result in poor digestion of food. On a spirit level, a weak Spleen, and a weak Yi as a result, can cause poor digestion of thoughts. This means there may be trouble effectively deliberating, and instead a person may find themselves overthinking or ruminating on their worries. They may lack clear intention, and therefore they may feel “foggy brained,” or bored and unmotivated.
There is a saying, “the Yi guides the Li which guides the Qi” - meaning your intention guides the ritual which guides your energy. Have you ever noticed the difference between having a vague desire to achieve a broad goal such as “get in shape one day” or “learn a new language” doesn’t tend to pan out unless you set up a structure (or ritual) for yourself? My mother gave me the sage advice that “a dream without tangible goals is just a wish.” Having a strong and clear intention (Yi) helps us to create smart, structured plans and goals, which takes our energy there (aka manifests that reality!).
A strong Yi also promotes the virtues of faithfulness and loyalty. If the Yi is suffering, these virtues can become skewed to the point of “‘stifling’ loyalty, exaggerated sympathy, and even self-destructive generosity” (Kaptchuk, 60).
Supporting the spleen and its spirit-mind the Yi, can help you to cultivate clear intention, insight, creativity, motivation, and appropriate faithfulness (to your goals and to other people).
THE HUN ~ THE ETHEREAL SOUL
Of all the spirits in Chinese Medicine, the Hun or Ethereal Soul broadly shares the most similarities with the Western concept of the soul: it is tethered at birth, has a will of its own, yet at death it survives the body, preserving its physical appearance to wander the earth, the spirit realm, or return to the source of all life. This wandering quality is essential to understanding the Hun’s purpose and nature.
To start, the Hun is its own level of consciousness whose vitality depends on its ability to connect and disengage with the Mind—to “come and go” as it pleases. Whereas the Mind is more rational and in charge of processing/integrating information perceived from the external world, the Ethereal Soul is in charge of bringing one’s inner world and dreams into awareness and fruition. It alerts the Shen to our intuition, ideas, life goals, creativity, and artistic inspiration so they can be pursued rather than merely reflected on. Inherently Yang in nature, the Ethereal Soul provides the psyche with movement in several ways:
out-of-body during sleep and dreaming
beyond one’s everyday life/circumstances through the pursuit of life goals
through the planning of projects and paths needed to accomplish them
beyond the self towards others in fostering/maintaining relationships
Knowing the Hun requires movement to engage and detach from the Mind, it is no coincidence that it resides in the Liver: the organ responsible for ensuring smooth circulation throughout the body. Physically, the free flow of Liver Qi and Blood is the medium by which the Ethereal Soul “comes and goes.” In TCM, the Liver acts as the chief delegator to the monarch (The Heart). In that sense, the healthy personality of the Liver—and balanced animation of the Ethereal Soul—can be seen in those who excel at self-leadership, management, structure, and routine.
When the Liver is healthy, the Liver Blood is abundant, and circulation of Liver Qi is smooth, the Hun is content—it can come and go freely: there will be a healthy flow of ideas and creativity for the Mind to receive and integrate. A person will be connected to their intuition, able to envision a goal, and feel like they have a direction for their life. They can plan the steps necessary to actualize their dreams. In essence, a rooted Hun provides the courage to pursue one’s potential and regulate emotional ups/downs. With a balanced Hun, roadblocks can be faced with flexibility and frustrations met with resolve.
When the Hun’s movement becomes stifled due to a weakened Liver (such as Liver Qi stagnation or a Liver Blood/Yin deficiency) the Mind will lack stimulation, making a person apathetic and depressed. They will feel a lack of direction or purpose. They can lose touch with their emotions or internalize to the point of endlessly stewing causing resentment. Because of the Liver’s connection to the eyes and physic “sight,” there can be a lack of vision for life-dreams, dream-disturbed sleep, and a disconnection from one’s intuition. This can cause discouragement and a lack of desire to move beyond one’s “stuckness” and circumstances in life. If the Mind is overly-controlling or not receptive to the Ethereal Soul’s input/desires, they might be fully aware of what changes they need to make to pursue their potential, but unable to “get the ball rolling” in the direction they seek.
If the Liver is overburdened due to an excess pathogen (usually Liver-Heat Rising or Liver-Fire) the Hun will travel excessively and inundate the Mind. For example, someone can be full of ideas and inspiration, but because the Hun is so flighty, a person will not be able to bring them to fruition. With this kind of Hun-disturbance, there will be agitation, anger, rage, an inability to regulate one’s emotional overwhelm, and manic tendencies.
Overall, a disembodied Hun is implicated in involuntary dissociation (such as in PTSD), conscious escapism (excessive daydreaming, procrastination, substance use, etc.) and nightmares.
THE ZHI ~ THE WILL
The Zhi is our willpower. This spirit-mind is stored in the Kidneys, which, in TCM, are associated with our deepest “essence,” our inherited traits, our reproductive potential, and our deepest stores of energy. The Kidneys are said to house the “life gate fire” which is yang in nature, yet they are also associated with the water element which is yin. This duality is mirrored in how there is a yin and yang aspect to the Zhi.
The emotion of the Kidneys is fear, while the virtue of their spirit-mind is wisdom. When you look back on your life - do you recall experiences where fear of the unknown transformed into experience-based wisdom? It’s something that develops over a lifetime. The Yin Will is related to our destiny or fate - our relationship with and journey into the unknown of the future - it involves trust and faith. The Yang Will is more immediate than that - it has to do with the conscious efforts and fundamental decisions that allow your will for certain desires and outcomes to come to fruition.
An imbalance between the Zhi may look like restlessness, a desire to run away from your life, a vague or existential fear; patients might share a desire for things to be different than where they are regarding their life cycle, like a fear of aging, for example. When the Kidney Qi is weakened, there can be a lack of willpower and drive which is an important aspect of chronic depression. On the other hand, the Zhi can also become destructive, resulting in recklessness and excessive risk-taking. These symptoms can coincide with premature aging (looking older than you are), low back/knee pain, bladder issues, burnout, chronic exhaustion, recurrent or lingering illness, ear ringing, thyroid imbalances, memory loss, edema.
Have you ever wanted something, set out on the path to complete it, and come to find that after enough time, conviction in your ability to achieve it, and consistent effort—you have it? A job (or career change)...a degree...to become skillful at a hobby...to birth a passion project?
You can think of the Will like The Wizard of Oz...it works tirelessly behind the curtain—the scenes of your conscious awareness—until you reach your destination. Once you arrive, it comes out to greet and congratulate you on the journey as if to say: “Well, look who it is...you did it! I knew you could make it here. Welcome to (your “dream” aka manifested reality), you are right on time.”
In that sense, the Yang Will gives you the perseverance to set out on the journey whereas the Yin Zhi is that part of you that becomes apparent once the goal is reached. A healthy Zhi invites us to faithfully wade into the unknown, take the reins of destiny, and realize you’ve had the power to be the co-creator of your life all along. It’s like that saying, choose your hard. Healing and embarking on the journey to change your life is hard. Yet, staying in the same place and living with regret is hard. The Zhi asks:
What will it be…will you stay or will you go?
YOUR SPIRITS AWAIT…
Oftentimes people think of seeking out Acupuncture for a physical ailment or, just as commonly, to support their mental health in cases of anxiety, depression, and trauma-recovery. However treating the spirit can be just as helpful to encourage someone’s healing.
In many cases, it’s actually the key.
As you just read, cultivating clear and intact spirit-minds helps us to adopt and express the virtues of wisdom, justice, loyalty/faithfulness, propriety, and human kindness, rather than be consumed by fear, anger, reactivity/impulsiveness, complacency/boredom, or disconnectedness. They allow us to have authority over our thoughts, actions, and life path. Together, they guide us to hone our individuality but also foster connections that make life meaningful.
While offering acupuncture, we are intentionally selecting points that, yes, mobilize your body’s natural healing process—but also points that nourish these spirits to tether them to their associated organ systems so you feel more grounded, clear, safe, and fully integrated in your body. That is how Acupuncture, as a blend of physical and energy medicine, clears the blockages while creating the space for you to fully inhabit and express most vibrant and authentic self. If that is something you seek for yourself, we would be grateful to support you.
Your spirits await…
BEHIND THE BLOG
Hannah Guyon a Licensed Acupuncturist who has owned and operated her own private practice Thrive Acupuncture + Herbal Medicine for three years. Hannah specializes in working with patients for: Women’s Health, Mental/Emotional health, and Internal Medicine (via her National Board Certification in Chinese Herbal Medicine). In her spare time, she enjoys hiking, yoga, and reading. To learn more about Hannah and her approach to care, check out her practice through: ThriveAcuHerbal.com
Lauren Dyer is the co-owner and Licensed Acupuncturist at Empower Chiropractic & Acupuncture in New Gloucester, Maine. She has been in private practice for three years and specializes in providing Acupuncture + TCM therapies for Mental/Emotional Health and Pain Management. For her, the ways a person’s psychology and physiology become reflected in their health is an ongoing area of focus in her care. To learn more about Lauren and her offerings, you can check out more blog articles and connect with her right here at Empowerchiroacu.com
SOURCES:
Kaptchuk, Ted (2008). The Web That Has No Weaver: Understanding Chinese Medicine. New York: McGraw-Hill.
Maciocia, Giovanni (2009). The Psyche in Chinese Medicine: Treatment of Emotional and Mental Disharmonies with Acupuncture and Chinese Herbs. Edinburgh: Churchill Livingstone.
What Does Your Tongue Say About Your Health?
Believe me, I get it. “Go ahead and stick out your tongue” is not something you’re used to being asked at the doctors. But in Chinese Medicine, Tongue Diagnosis is an essential part of our evaluation. It’s like a road map and mirror of what’s taking place inside the body. Read on to see what your tongue says about your health!
BY Dr. Lauren Dyer (DAC, LAC, MSA)
TONGUE DIAGNOSIS IN
CHINESE MEDICINE
If you have ever had Acupuncture or are thinking about setting up an appointment, get ready to be asked what might seem like a strange request:
“Go ahead and stick out your tongue.”
If your eyebrow is raised in confusion, I get it.
I mean, what medical professionals ever ask to look at your tongue? Not many.
Yet in TCM, Tongue Diagnosis is an essential part of our assessment and evaluation.
This is because the tongue is like a road map for your health—a mirror of what’s taking place in the body. It offers observable, objective information about the state of blood circulation, hydration, digestion, energy levels, and so much more.
In fact, each area of the tongue corresponds to the Acupuncture meridians where your vital energy or Qi (pronounced “chee”) flows through, and the internal organ systems themselves.
As you see from this diagram, the key organ systems depicted on the tongue include the Heart, Lungs, Spleen/Stomach, Liver/Gallbladder plus the Kidneys/Bladder/Intestines. Each governs a section of the tongue much like how they are laid out in the body: the front of the tongue represents the organs in the upper body, the middle of the tongue representing the digestive center...and so on-and so forth.
For us practitioners, Tongue Dx is a cornerstone for understanding your current health (like a snapshot of the present), while also providing a peak into the past to detect what underlying imbalances lead to your present concerns.
WHAT’S IN A TONGUE?
There are several defining characteristics your Acupuncturist will look for when observing your tongue, like:
SHAPE - is it small, enlarged, puffy, pointed?
COLOR - is it pale, red, purple, grey?
TEXTURE - is it dry, wet, glossy, or greasy?
BODY FEATURES - are there cracks, spots, ulcers, raised speckles, or deviations?
COATING or “FUR” - is it thick, thin? Where is the fur distributed?
FUR FEATURES - what is the texture or color?
A HEALTHY TONGUE:
A “normal” and relatively healthy looking tongue is a fresh pink color, a medium thickness with a rooted light white coat on it (rooted meaning it cannot be scraped off easily). It is free of cracks, spots, ulcers, or teeth marks.
WHAT DOES YOURS SAY?
QI DEFICIENCY
Pale tongue with thin white coating, a few spots, and teeth marks
Qi Deficiency is typical if someone struggles with low energy, poor appetite, shortness of breath with exertion, bloating/gas, and worry
BLOOD DEFICIENCY
Pale tongue with little to no coating, there could also be teeth marks
Blood Deficiency is typical in someone who struggles with dizziness, fatigue, dry/thinning hair, brittle/ridged nails, palpitations, poor memory and concentration, insomnia, light/absent menstrual periods
YIN DEFICIENCY
Red to crimson tongue, usually thin, little to no coating and cracks
Yin Deficiency is typical in someone who struggles with irritability, night sweats, insomnia, hot flashes due to menopause, joint/muscle stiffness (dryness), ear ringing
YANG DEFICIENCY
Pale tongue that is puffy or enlarged, usually with a thick and white coating
Yang Deficiency is typical in someone who feels cold easily, has chronic knee and/or back pain, low spirits, is emotionally apathetic or depressed, low libido, feels exhausted/burnt-out, thyroid issues (usually hypo-)
DAMP RETENTION
Swollen or puffy tongue with a white, greasy (think oily vs. glossy wet) coating
Dampness is typical in people who have issues with indigestion, bloating, gas, loose stools, nausea, pain or muscle aches that are worse with wet/humid/damp weather
DAMP HEAT
Swollen, red tongue with a yellow-greasy coating
Damp heat is often seen in those who experience chronic inflammatory conditions such as IBS/IBD, skin eruptions (acne, psoriasis, eczema), UTIs, are easy to anger, have pain or muscle aches that are worse in hot/humid weather
QI STAGNATION
Tip of the tongue will be red, sometimes the sides too, with a thin, white coating.
Qi stagnation is evident in those who are easily stressed or emotionally upset; there is a tendency towards mood swings, muscle tension and pain patterns worse with emotional stress, pre-menstrual tension, etc.
BLOOD STASIS
Purple or mauve tongue with dark red or black spots “speckles.” Veins underneath the tongue are likely dark, enlarged, or distended.
Blood stasis is common in those who have varicose veins, leg pain, certain types of headaches, chest pain, liver spots, cold limbs, skin dryness or scaling (lacks moisture/luster), pain patterns will have a sharp or stabbing quality.
HEAT
Red tongue with a thin and yellow coating, can be red spots on tongue body too
Heat is often seen in those who subjectively feel or “run hot,” sweat easily, high thirst, constipated, short tempered, easily agitated, have skin issues (red-painful acne)
A WORD TO THE WISE
Of course, these are generalizations and very basic diagnostic patterns.
Everyone’s tongue is just as unique as their body’s constitution. Depending on the person, there can be a mixture of features on the tongue—and patterns in their diagnosis!
With that said, noticing variations on your tongue is normal and should not be a cause for alarm. These features alone do not definitively mean something is wrong or pathologically awry in those organ systems.
So please, a word to the wise: don’t panic looking at your tongue.
Accurate tongue diagnosis is a skill that Acupuncturists spend four years mastering in school and sharpening in practice.
So if you have questions or concerns, consult with a Licensed Acupuncturist (LAC) who is trained to decipher the nuances present on your tongue—but more importantly, detect the underlying root issues to the symptoms you are facing.
TO SCRAPE OR NOT TO SCRAPE…
Oh and one more thing! If you do decide to meet with an Acupuncturist—your first visit or a follow up—please do not brush or scrape your tongue beforehand! We need to be able to see the full picture—tongue coating and all.
It will help make our evaluation of what’s taking place internally more accurate.
Now find yourself some good lighting, a mirror, and go ahead—stick out your tongue.
How can Acupuncture can help you?
Sharyn Peavey Photography
BEHIND THE BLOG
HI, I’M LAUREN DYER.
I am the Co-Founder and Doctor of Acupuncture (DAC) here at Empower in New Gloucester, Maine.
I specialize in supporting those seeking holistic and integrative support for Chronic Pain, Emotional + Mental Wellness, and GI Health.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, these are all areas that not reflect one another—and the ways they show up are different for each person.
If you struggle with chronic pain, anxiety, depression, sleep issues, the effects of trauma, a difficult transition, or something else, I am here help you navigate your healing process. To learn more about my approach to care and see if our practice would be the right fit, click here.
Please note, the information presented in this article is for educational purposes only and is not meant to replace the diagnosis or treatment for ANY medical condition mentioned above. Please seek out appropriate care as needed.
Mood Swings and Blood Sugar Chaos: A Commonly Overlooked Connection
Did you know that behind a “bad case” of anxiety or depression, a blood sugar rollercoaster might be to blame? It’s true, yet this underlying cause is overlooked too often. Learn why it’s problematic, how it masquerades as psychiatric symptoms, plus how to take small steps to re-balance your blood sugar and reclaim your mental health.
It masquerades as a mood disorder but comes from your gut. Behind a “bad case” of anxiety or depression, a blood sugar rollercoaster might be to blame.
If you know that foggy “food coma” slump after a meal, you are probably familiar with the agitation and “hanger” that follows. If you haven’t felt these, chances are you have been on the receiving end of a family member or co-worker who really just needed to eat something. Am I right?
These are just some of the cues our body gives us when our blood sugar is too low.
BLOOD SUGAR CHAOS: WHAT IS IT?
Reactive hypoglycemia describes when your blood sugar crashes. It is more common in those who push through long hours without food, eat at irregular hours (like night shift work), are on a restrictive diet (all of them), have disordered eating cycles of starvation/binging, or whose diet is high in refined, processed carbs. Sound familiar? Given the nature of our food industry, this process affects Americans in epic proportions.
WHAT’S The BIG DEAL?
Although appetite signals wax and wane during the day, reactive hypoglycemia is not your average hunger pang. It is a more intense and often overlooked sign of chronically imbalanced blood sugar. When paired with prolonged insulin resistance (which develops as a result), it can lead to Type 2 Diabetes, heart disease, and even increase the likelihood of developing Alzheimer’s disease down the road since high-sugar diets have been found to damage the hippocampus, a small region of the brain which needs to makes new neurons for memory and learning.
However, it’s also the ongoing fluctuations leading-up to these conditions you want to pay attention to, especially if you consider yourself to be someone who struggles with their mental health. Here is why you want to be weary of making reactive hypoglycemia a habit:
Blood sugar chaos creates psychiatric-like symptoms including: mood swings, irritability, “hanger,” anxiety, depression, bipolar, and those associated with ADHD. It also masks itself as pain and cognitive symptoms like: headaches, chronic fatigue, brain fog, dizzy spells, and fainting.
“Blood sugar chaos creates psychiatric-like symptoms including:
mood swings, irritability, “hanger,” anxiety, depression, bipolar, and those associated with ADHD.”
This is why reactive hypoglycemia is more than just an annoying reminder to eat. Sugar crashes that become a pattern are problematic. They will puppeteer your mood, cravings, hormones, and behaviors in the background without you even realizing it. Understandably, you might become convinced that you have severe depression or anxiety when potentially, unchecked blood sugar might just be creating chaos for you.
“Sugar crashes that become a pattern are problematic.
They will puppeteer your mood, cravings, hormones, and behaviors in the background without you even realizing it.”
Because reactive hypoglycemia often goes under the radar as underlying cause and so many of its symptoms masquerade as mental health concerns, many people go on psychiatric medications without even considering how their diet or lifestyle contributed to their mood changes in the first place—or how changing them can make a world of difference chemical-free.
IF IMBALANCED BLOOD SUGAR IS AN ISSUE, you might have:
Major dips in energy during the day
Feel hungry all of the time
Need a steady stream of snacks to get through the day
Become shaky, lightheaded, or get headaches when you don’t eat
Problems falling asleep or waking in the middle of the night
Have health conditions linked to insulin resistance, like Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)
This is why when I work with patients coming in for the above symptoms (and more) I consider if imbalanced blood sugar needs to be ruled out.
But first, let’s look at how the body and brain responds to blood sugar crashes.
Here is a common scenario that sets the stage for reactive hypoglycemia:
Even in Chinese Medicine, the Spleen is the a key digestive organ who functions like the Pancreas. The Spleen is easily weakened by too many sweets, not eating enough, overeating, eating at irregular times—all factors in blood sugar chaos. It also rules the emotions of Thought and Worry, ie. anxiety. You see, the gut-brain connection is nothing new. It’s all connected.
No matter which medical lens you look through, moderating the highs and lows is key to regulating your body, brain, and mental health.
HOW TO STEP OFF THE ROLLER-COASTER
Here are some small tips I share with patients that can make a big impact:
Add more high-quality natural fats and proteins into each snack and meals, especially at breakfast.
Aim to add in more of these fat sources like avocados, olive oil, coconut oil, ghee, butter, nut butters, and coconut milk. If you are weary of fats, know that not all are created equal. Limit foods with inflammatory oils such as vegetable, canola, and safflower.
Eat more whole-food sources for carbs like rice, oats, grains, cruciferous and root vegetables, potatoes, etc.
If the bulk of your fuel during the day comes from processed foods made with refined (white) flours and sugar, try this: pick one meal to use a different whole-food fuel source from the list above. Find what works and if you feel called to, keep adding in more to other meals.
Tune into your hunger cues and aim to eat a little something every 2.5 to 3 hours.
What is your eating schedule like? Do you get hungry but push through long hours until you are starving? Do you have a low appetite to begin with so you don’t eat much? Do you struggle with disordered eating? Context is important which is why I ask a lot of questions when it comes to lifestyle, diet, and appetite to figure out how to best approach guiding patients on supporting their digestive + emotional health.
There you have it! If you made it to the end, thank you for reading. It is possible to start re-balancing your blood sugar while reclaiming your mood and sense of self. Just give yourself permission to start and ask for help if you need it.
Sources
This blog was inspired by Dr. Kelly Brogan, MD and information shared in her books:
…both of which I highly recommend!
Behind the Blog
SHARYN PEAVEY PHOTOGRAPHY
HI, I’M LAUREN DYER.
I am the Co-Founder and Doctor of Acupuncture here at Empower in New Gloucester, Maine.
I specialize in supporting those with Chronic Pain, Emotional + Mental Wellness, and GI health.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, these are areas that not only relate to and reflect one another, but are also close to my heart. I consider myself lucky because I truly love Acupuncture and what I do. Getting to connect with others while empowering them to live with a renewed sense of relief, inner peace, and vitality are some of my greatest joys.
So if you are struggling with chronic pain, anxiety, depression, sleep issues, the residual effects of trauma, a difficult transition, or other symptoms, I am here to help you navigate and own your healing process.
Please note, the information presented in this article is for educational purposes only and is not meant to replace the diagnosis or treatment for ANY medical condition mentioned above. Please seek out appropriate care as needed.
Acupuncture for Anxiety
Anxiety is a symptom. It’s a normal reaction to abnormally stressful situations yet it’s exploded as the diagnosis of our nation. Find out how Acupuncture treats the root causes to anxiety plus the science behind why this ancient medical practice is so naturally effective.
By DR. Lauren Dyer
DAC, LAC, DIPL. AC (NCCAOM)
It’s the diagnosis of a nation.
Anxiety eclipses depression as the most common mental health concern in the US, affecting 40 million adults. Given the current state of affairs, this number is without a doubt higher, affecting everyone in their own ways.
Even before these strange and uncertain times, anxiety has been on the rise.
The American Psychiatric Association ran a poll on 1,000 U.S. residents in 2017, and found that two thirds were “extremely or somewhat anxious about health and safety for themselves and their families and more than a third are more anxious overall than last year.” In 2018, poll was repeated and Anxiety had spiked by another 5 percent.
These findings are on par with Google Trends publishing how searches for anxiety doubled over the past five years.
Okay, so anxiety is more common than ever.
But what is it exactly?
Anxiety is an intense, excessive, and persistent worry and fear about everyday situations that interferes with daily life.
For some people, it’s more situation-based. For others, it’s an everyday struggle. Even if anxiety is common, that does not make it a disorder, or someone who has it mentally ill (more on that controversial topic and why I wholeheartedly disagree with that language here).
Anxiety is a symptom.
When not caused by nutrient deficiencies, imbalanced blood sugar, or a pharmaceutical side-effect, anxiety is a normal reaction to abnormally stressful and traumatic situations.
“Anxiety is a normal response to abnormally stressful or traumatic situations”
Like grief and anger, anxiety is part of the human experience that should not be deemed a disorder and stigmatized. Unfortunately there is still a lot of shame people feel around acknowledging they have anxiety, let alone choosing to seek help. If you are one of those people, I am writing this for you. You are not alone, nor can you expect yourself to “be positive” all of the time. Not only is that unrealistic, the pressure of trying to keep-up that facade just makes it worse. In my personal and professional opinion, what is realistic is reframing the way we as individuals, a culture, and healthcare system look at mental health.
Think about it…
What if instead of labeling anxiety a “mental disorder” that needs to be chemically managed, we considered it a symptom that can be healed?
If we did, treating it could be reframed too, with less emphasis on numbing your feelings, and mode on holistically addressing the root culprits and circumstances causing it in the first place.
“What if instead of labeling anxiety a mental disorder that needs to be chemically managed, we considered it a symptom that can be healed?”
Thankfully, there are branches of medicine doing just that: Functional Medicine, Naturopathic Medicine, Psychoneuroimmunology, and of course, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM).
The Mind-Body Connection in Eastern Medicine:
For centuries, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has known how interconnected the body, mind, and emotions are: how long-suppressed and intense can emotions can become trapped in the body, later showing up as physical health issues. Likewise, when an organ system is affected, its paired emotion will surface (think: alcohol’s effect on the liver, which for some drinkers leads to anger). You can learn more about the Emotion-Organ Relationship in a blog I wrote here.
Thousands of years ago, TCM practitioners may not have used the term “anxiety,” but they established that worry damages the Spleen and Stomach—what modern medicine now calls our Gut Microbiome. Or how fear weakens the Kidneys—which we today know how our adrenal glands (which rest on top of the Kidneys) release stress hormones when we feel threatened.
It’s no coincidence. TCM has always accepted how the mind affects the body, and vice versa.
So how does Acupuncture help with anxiety?
A Personalized Approach:
When supporting those with anxiety, my approach is personalized to you and your experience of it. Just as the reasons behind anxiety are different, the way it shows up in the body can be too—so why would I (let alone more conventional avenues) treat it as if they were the same?
As an Acupuncturist, one of the ways I identify the root causes comes from asking questions during your first appointment.
When you get anxious, do you experience:⠀⠀
a racing mind, especially at night?⠀⠀
night sweats or tossing/turning?⠀
palpitations worse when you’re tired?⠀⠀
chest tightness or pain? ⠀⠀
dizziness or trouble focusing?⠀⠀
full-on panic attacks? ⠀
a sensation of having a lump in your throat?⠀
easily frightened or indecisive?
a wave-like feeling in your gut? ⠀⠀
loose stools or stomach pain?⠀⠀
sadness or shortness of breath?⠀⠀
angry or irritable easily?
vivid or disturbing nightmares?⠀
I also make sure to ask:
If there is a history of trauma (if so, only share what you are comfortable with)
What your diet is like (to rule out any potential nutrient deficiencies)
What medications you are on (to rule out if there is a side-effect taking place)
Each answer tells me something different about how anxiety is impacting your internal health.
It also signals to me which Acupuncture points to select, foods or herbs to suggest, etc.
Let’s say 10 people have anxiety—but the ways it shows up in their body, the events that have shaped its emergence, their associated symptoms and triggers can be (and often are) vastly different. As a result, there will be 10 different diagnoses and they will each receive 10 totally different treatments, all tailored to their needs.
This is one of the reasons Acupuncture is as effective as it is at alleviating anxiety: it is far from a one-size fits all approach.
By understanding your unique constitution, Acupuncture addresses the root causes behind your anxiety while treating the unique physical symptoms that arise with it.
The Science Behind It:
If you are curious about the how Acupuncture improves anxiety, check out this research:
IT REGULATES YOUR STRESS RESPONSE Via HEart rate variability
One of the most sensitive measures of the body’s ability to cope with stress is something called your Heart Rate Variability (HRV). Unlike heart rate which is the number of beats per minute, HRV is the time in between each beat. HRV measures how well your nervous system adapts to stress.
HRV is measured in the heart, but it originates in the Autonomic branch of your Nervous System which controls your sympathetic (fight-or-flight) and parasympathetic (rest-and-digest) responses.
When HRV is high, it means your nervous system is balanced—your body can adapt to stress in your environment. A high HRV is desirable because it means your brain can switch between being on high-alert and calm at appropriate times. This can look like being able to fall asleep easily when it’s time for bed and having the energy to focus at work during the day. With anxiety these can be hard to come by.
When HRV is low, it means one branch is dominating (usually the sympathetic) and sending stronger signals to your heart/organs than the other. It means your body is working on overdrive to maintain its daily functions, which leaves fewer resources for exercising, caregiving, or whatever your daily activities require. A low HRV is common if you have chronic anxiety because your body is stuck in survival mode, even when a trigger is not immediately present.
The good news is, Acupuncture has been shown to improve the body’s ability to cope with stress and lower anxiety by improving HRV:
“In patients with mild depression or anxiety, verum acupuncture but not sham acupuncture was associated with significant reductions from baseline in mean resting heart rate at 5 and 15 min after needle application…These results suggest that verum acupuncture modulates autonomic activity in response to alterations of internal and external environments, and thus reduces overall anxiety in patients with depression or anxiety.” (MacDonald, 2019)
IT RELEASES ENDORPHINS
A summary of clinical findings on Acupuncture for anxiety details how:
“When the body is under stress, an area of the brain called the hypothalamus releases neurochemicals and research shows that acupuncture can calm this response. Acupuncture has also been shown to increase the release of endorphins, the body’s own ‘feel-good’ chemicals, which play an important role in the regulation of physical and emotional stress responses such as pain, heart rate, blood pressure and digestive function. All of these mechanisms have a direct effect on reducing anxiety.”
By releasing endogenous (self-made) pain-relieving opioids and feel-good endorphins, Acupuncture supports your body’s ability to restore, regulate, and heal itself in the ways it needs—drug-free.
IMPROVES SLEEP
Quality sleep is hard to maintain when your mind can never shut off.
A literature review on Acupuncture for psychiatric conditions reported that it significantly improved sleep quality in patients with anxiety related insomnia. One of the studies cited reported that after treatment, “urine 6-sulfatoxymelatonin (a metabolite of melatonin) levels were normalized and several polysomnographic measures, as well as self-reported fatigue, sleepiness, anxiety, and level of depression, were significantly improved. Combined with the evidence of treatment efficacy in depression-related insomnia, acupuncture may have broader utility in neuropsychiatric disorders with impaired quality of sleep.”
Whether you have trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, or wake at the same time every night (the reason why can be found by looking at the TCM Body Clock), an Acupuncturist can help determine what imbalances are present to give you a specific treatment geared towards your symptoms.
IT Supports gut health
It is estimated that your gut bacteria produce about 95 percent of your body's serotonin, the neurotransmitter that influences both mood and gastro-intestinal activity (American Psychological Association). 95 percent!
This discovery has prompted a new area of research in what is called the Gut-Brain Connection. As novel as it seems, it confirms what Traditional Chinese Medicine has known for centuries about the mind-body connection. Gut feelings are no longer just a saying, they’re real.
Given how rich the gut is in bacteria and nerve fibers, it has been called a second brain—the enteric nervous system. The current evidence reveals that contrary to popular belief, the brain is not solely responsible for dictating the body’s activities. Instead, the gut-brain communication goes both ways:
“While doctors have always known that mental conditions such as stress and anxiety can lead to gastrointestinal issues – butterflies in your stomach for example, or stress-induced loose stools or nausea – increasingly it seems that the cause-and-effect relationship between mental state and gastrointestinal state may work in reverse, as well. An upset gut (ie. inflammation) can trigger changes in our mental state, suggesting that an upset in the balance of gastrointestinal (bacteria and) function could conversely be sending signals to your brain that cause neurological and emotional symptoms such as depression, anxiety and mood swings.” (Lanyon 2019)
Digestive complaints such as poor appetite, abdominal pain, nausea, and irregular elimination are some of the most common symptoms I see in patients that come in for anxiety. Thankfully, Acupuncture has been shown to have positive effects on these symptoms, especially for Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) where a meta-analysis demonstrated Acupuncture’s effectiveness to be clinically and statistically significant.
SIGNALS OF SAFETY
In light of the many ways the scientific community can explain how Acupuncture helps anxiety, I have my own view that sums them up:
I like to think of Acupuncture as giving your body signals of safety.
By figuratively tapping into the nervous system, Acupuncture gives your mind and body the stillness to deliver the message that “I am safe, I am okay, I can re-balance now” so it can do just that. Along with mobilizing your body’s own resources, bloodflow, and neuro-endocrine signals, Acupuncture can help you reclaim a sense of calm and resilience to withstand future stress.
If you want to experience it for yourself and are someone who:
Has tried anti-anxiety medications in the past but found they didn’t work for you
Has tried anti-anxiety medications but didn’t like they way they made you feel or taking them lead to unwanted side-effects
Wants to taper-off your medication while having a natural therapy to support you during that process (Do not discontinue or adjust any medications without talking to your prescribing doctor first.)
Wants a dual physical and energetic medicine to compliment counseling sessions you attend, with the option to coordinate care with your therapist
Wants to avoid medications
Has “tried everything else”
Has been dismissed by practitioners and wants a more compassionate and holistic support system that ultimately puts you in the driver seat of reclaiming your health
Wants strategies and recommendations for anxiety that are meant to support long-term relief rather than a superficial quick-fix
I would be happy to support you.
Ready to get started?
Have questions?
Hi, I’m Lauren Dyer.
I am the Co-Founder and Doctor of Acupuncture here at Empower in New Gloucester, Maine.
I specialize in supporting those with Chronic Pain, Emotional + Mental Wellness, and GI health.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, these are areas that not only relate to and reflect one another, but are also close to my heart. I consider myself lucky because I truly love Acupuncture and what I do. Getting to connect with others while empowering them to live with a renewed sense of relief, inner peace, and vitality are some of my greatest joys.
So if you are struggling with chronic pain, anxiety, depression, sleep issues, the residual effects of trauma, a difficult transition, or other related symptoms, I am here to help you navigate and own your healing process.
SOURCES:
Amorim D; Amado J; Brito I; Fiuza SM. (2018, May). Acupuncture and Electroacupuncture for Anxiety Disorders: A Systematic Review of the Clinical Research. Retrieved from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29705474/
Campos, M. (2017, November 22). Harvard Health Blog, “Heart rate variability: A new way to track well-being.” Retrieved from https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/heart-rate-variability-new-way-track-well-2017112212789
Chao, G.-Q., & Zhang, S. (2014, February 21). Frontiers In Genetics, “Effectiveness of acupuncture to treat irritable bowel syndrome: A Meta-Analysis.” Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3930986/
Cheng-Hao, MacDonald, Chen, Yi-Hung, & Iona. (2019, January 10). Frontiers in Psychiatry, “The Effects of Acupuncture on Glutamatergic Neurotransmission in Depression, Anxiety, Schizophrenia, and Alzheimer's Disease: A Review of the Literature. Retrieved from https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyt.2019.00014/full
Lanyon, C. (2019, August 19). “What TCM has known for centuries: 'New' Brain-Gut Connection.” South China Morning Post. Retrieved from https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/health-wellness/article/3022925/brain-gut-connection-how-tcm-has-known-centuries-what
Russel, D., et al. (n.d.). Acupuncture as a Therapeutic Treatment for Anxiety. Retrieved from https://www.evidencebasedacupuncture.org/present-research/acupuncture-anxiety/
Can Beauty Hurt? How Chemicals in Skincare + Cosmetics Can Impact Your Health
Switching to cleaner beauty goes beyond skin deep. Learn how chemicals in your skincare items can be harming your hormones, mood, and physical health—plus what you can do about it with these easy-to-implement tips.
BY Dr. Lauren dyer
DAC, LAC, DIPL. AC (NCCAOM)
Spring cleaning isn’t just for your closets or yard anymore. Have you ever thought of updating your skincare routine? This blog is all about why…
According to the Environmental Working Group (EWG)—a non-profit, non-partisan organization— “on average, women use 12 personal care products a day, exposing themselves to 168 chemical ingredients.” Men use six, exposing themselves to 85 unique chemicals.”
Think about that for a second...
How many do you apply a day?
Looking at the safety of cosmetics + everyday products is something I talk about with patients, especially if they are coming in with:
depression
anger + irritability
food/chemical sensitivities
headaches/migraines
pms-related symptoms
hormonal acne, hives, etc
waking from 1-3am regularly
Why am I calling out these symptoms?
They point to a root imbalance in the Liver.
Why does this matter?
It’s all connected. The chemicals in cosmetics + related products get absorbed into your skin and therefore, your bloodstream. Eventually they make their way to other other organs to be processed including, yep—your Liver.
LIVER HEALTH
The Liver is a known key detox organ. It filters your blood, breaking-down chemicals from food, drinks, drugs, plus personal/household products. It also helps keep your sex, thyroid, and adrenal hormones in check.
In TCM, we refer to these roles more broadly in saying the Liver ensures the free flow of qi and blood〰️When bombarded by chronic chemical exposure, my patients notice their mood, energy, skin, and hormones suffer.
How clean are your cosmetics?
To determine how safe your products are, be weary of ingredients you cannot easily pronounce, including these known endocrine disruptors:
Formaldehyde and formalin (shampoos)
Synthetic “fragrance” and “parfum”
Parabens (methyl-, propyl-, isopropyl-)
Phthalates (DBP, DEHP, DEP and others)
Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) and others
Aluminum chlorohydrate (deodorants)
RESOURCES
Can’t remember this list? No problem.
There are mobile apps that let you look up your go-to products & their ingredients!
You can even scan items through your phone & compare safety ratings before you buy:
Here are some apps I recommend:
Think Dirty
GoodGuide
Healthy Living
For more information, visit the Environmental Working Group’s Skin-Deep Database.
My Top Clean Beauty Picks:
🌿 Beauty Counter
🌿 Neal’s Yard Remedies
🌿 Badger Balm
🌿 Primally Pure
Not affiliated, just love these brands.
Hope you found this blog helpful. If you are ready to start cleaning up your makeup routine, know that your liver, skin, and mood will thank you.
"Mental Illness" or A Slippery Slope to Disempowerment?
What if instead of labeling mental health conditions as “illnesses” that need to be managed, we viewed them as symptoms that can be healed? Learn how this new branch of science is reframing the narrative around mental health in a way that empowers you to heal on a deeper level.
THE PROBLEM WITH YOU
Modern medicine implies there’s a problem with you. The conventional model looks at our bodies as separate parts, almost machine-like, in that a series of inputs and outputs need to be manipulated and managed with synthetic chemicals to “fix” us. When applied to “mental illness,” this model distills our complexities and lived experiences into “disorders” and “diseases” with little-to-no options besides dependency on a one-pill-fits-most approach. ⠀
⠀
The culture of this model means that we blame our pain, shame our emotions, and disregard our lifestyle. Inevitably, when discomfort arises (as the human experience will have it) we fear it—and race to find the quickest ways to silence or numb its presence. ⠀
The disempowering and problematic message it implies, especially when it comes to symptoms related to mental illness, is that the problem is YOU: your brain chemistry, your genes. ⠀
⠀
It makes the human experience a disorder. It positions YOU as the victim of your life and leaves little room to learn from and grow through the root issues causing your pain. ⠀
⠀
Despite well-intentioned messages to “de-stigmatize mental illness,” it unintentionally reinforces the narrative that there is nothing you can do about it. YOU (and your chemical imbalance) is the problem and drugs are the answer. This ideology dismisses other factors that are often masquerading as the “illnesses” this model is so quick to define. Thankfully, there is a paradigm shift happening...⠀
YOU ARE THE SOLUTION
Psychoneuroimmunology (PNI) is an emerging branch of science that looks at mental health not as “disorders,” but as a multi-faceted relationship between the gut, endocrine, and the immune systems. It explores the effects of stress on the body in how it triggers these systems to react.
Similar to the study of Epigenetics, it sees “your symptoms [as] imbalances related to lifestyle exposures that are interacting with your genes—that is, your stress, food, sleep (or lack thereof), chemical exposures...” It also takes into account “your beliefs around the power you have to create your life.”
These variables and how your genes are expressed are far more in our control than the current model of “mental illness” allows us to believe.⠀
⠀
In the new PNI model, anxiety and depression (for example) are not diseases—they are symptoms of inflammation. As there are many roads to inflammation, this new model acknowledges the deeper entanglements between the body’s physical, emotional, hormonal, and environmental responses—and how these responses are as unique as the person experiencing them.⠀
⠀
Guess what this means? You are not the problem. YOU are the solution.⠀
⠀
This model argues that you were not born with bad genes or have too little serotonin. It is more likely that you are experiencing an unhealthy inflammatory response, driven by cortisol dysfunction, a leaky gut, chemical exposures, nutrient deficiencies—not to mention “psychospiritual baggage” from childhood wounding and conditioning, trauma responses, toxic relationships, and more.⠀
⠀
In order to start untangling these responses and identify the roots to our symptoms, we need to start demanding more than “a pill to match the ill.” We need to honor our lived experiences, understand our complexities, and have a desire to look beyond impersonal disease labels and into our day-to-day lives for the answers if we want to heal our minds and bodies, rather than numb them. ⠀
⠀
This means finding holistic practitioners who value this approach while advocating that our conventional doctors do the same.⠀
Here at Empower, we also value taking a nuanced, personalized, and holistic approach to mental and emotional well-being. Our practice would be the right fit for you if:
SHARYN PEAVEY PHOTOGRAPHY
You want to work with a Doctor of Acupuncture whose clinical focus and passion is supporting those seeking care for Mental + Emotional Health and/or Pain Management (especially since Chinese Medicine understands how emotions manifest physically in the body).
You value working with an Acupuncturist who combines a traditional approach with modern biomedical evidence + wellness insights to give you an integrative style of care adapted to your needs.
You are willing to discuss and learn how chronic stress, unprocessed emotions, difficult life experiences, lifestyle, and environmental factors can be affecting your mental health.
You are open to receiving guidance, tools, resources, and support to take your mental health and overall well-being into your own hands.
You value a collaborative approach with a clinician who will help you navigate your healing process with compassion.
To learn more about Acupuncture and our approach, we invite you to reach out with any questions.
SOURCES:
Inspiration From Own Yourself by Dr. Kelly Brogan, MD
Brogan, K., & Marriott, N. (2019). Own Yourself. Carlsbad, CA: Hay House, Inc.
Zombies, Liver Toxicity, and Leaky Gut: Why Painkillers Should Have New Warning Labels
As popular as Tylenol, Advil, and other common pain killers are, they are not as harmless as our culture has lead us to believe. Learn about the lesser-known, surprising, and severe ways these these tiny pills affect our bodies and brains.
By Dr. Lauren Dyer
(DAC, LAC, DIPL. AC - NCCAOM)
“Just take a Tylenol.”
You hear it in commercials, in conversation with co-workers, family, and friends—maybe you were told this since childhood so now you don’t even question it. But should you? Why be in pain if you don’t have to? Isn’t it harmless?
The short answer is no. Tylenol, Advil, and other common pain killers are not as benign as we have been culturally indoctrinated to believe. Just because they are available over-the-counter does not make them safe or safer than prescription opioids. Recent studies show that even the suggested dose can cause harm to our bodies and negatively affect our mental + emotional health.
Before we get into that, here are some things to keep in mind...
The main ingredient in Tylenol is acetaminophen. It is the most common drug compound in the United States, found in over 600 medicines. It is estimated that 23% of the population (about 52 million American adults) takes a medicine containing acetaminophen a week.
If it’s so popular, what’s the big deal, right?
For starters, acetominophen is the #1 cause of acute liver failure in America, with a little over 110,000 injuries and deaths linked to Tylenol (and its generic versions) annually. By impairing the liver’s ability to detoxify chemicals ingested, even the “safe” suggested dose poses a risk.
Tylenol’s toxicity is linked to depleting glutathione, an essential antioxidant responsible for managing free radicals and inflammation in the body. Given how vital glutathione is for brain health, it’s no wonder that ingesting Tylenol blunts our emotions—limiting our ability to feel pleasure or pain just one hour after use. This observation was so startling that researchers called it a “zombification” effect.
That’s right.
Zombies.
Tylenol figuratively turns us into the undead by diminishing our sentience.
A 2015 study from Ohio State University had half of its participants take 1,000mg of Tylenol while the rest took a placebo. After one hour each group was shown pleasant and disturbing photos. In both scenarios, those who took Tylenol had lower sensitivity and emotion ratings compared to those who took a placebo.
For reference, 1,000mg is two Extra-Strength Tylenol pills, with the “safe” upper limit being 3,000mg. So the fact that a “normal” dose can exert that much of a physiological and psychological change is pretty alarming, if not totally disturbing.
The implications for how such a seemingly harmless drug contributes to “psychiatric-like” side effects such as depression, irritability, and apathy should not be ignored.
What About Anti-Inflammatory Drugs?
Unfortunately, Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDS) like Motrin, Aleve, Advil, or Ibuprofen are not innocent either. In order to reduce aches and fevers, this class of drugs works by reducing the number of prostaglandins in the body—molecules that protect our gut lining, support inflammation needed for healing, and blood clotting. The result from habitual use? Increased gut permeability (aka “leaky gut” which sets-off an auto-immune response linked to chronic illness & psychiatric-like symptoms) ulcers, and intestinal bleeding.
Not everyone who takes NSAIDS will get side effects, but the odds are not in our favor. A 2005 study by Gastroenterologist Dr. David Graham used a small endoscopic camera to compare structural intestinal changes between NSAID users vs. non-users. He found that 71% of NSAID users had damage in the small intestine lining compared to 10% of non-users. The interesting but insidious fact was that nobody in the study reported GI symptoms, even though the damage was already done. For women it’s worth noting that NSAIDS interfere with hormone balance and fertility. Studies show they can inhibit ovulation and lower progesterone levels after just 10 days of use.
Now What?
On a personal and collective level, it’s time to re-consider our reflex to reach for Tylenol and other OTC pain-killers at the first sign of discomfort.
Instead of viewing our symptoms as inconveniences that need to be silenced, endured, or defeated, what if we appreciated them for how intelligent they are—that they communicate with us when something isn’t right. Slowing down and tuning inwards to listen to why they are appearing in the first place is the first step to healing them.
Understandably, you need to work, provide, and pain is incredibly inconvenient.
But is it worth the liver toxicity, numbing our humanity, while leaving us with an increased risk for chronic illnesses because the integrity of our intestinal lining has been compromised? Let’s not forget, once the drugs wear off, the pain inevitably returns.
What would you rather do?
A Better Way…
If you want pain relief that is safe, natural, and evidence-based, you can consider:
TUMERIC
For centuries tumeric has been known as a medicinal herb in Chinese Medicine and Ayurveda for its anti-inflammatory properties. I suggest patients add it to their cooking or supplement with it regularly for preventative measure.
CURCUMIN
Curcumin is tumeric extract, as its the active ingredient that rivals NSAIDS at decreasing inflammation. Studies show it can be used for general pain, osteoarthritis, menstrual cramping, post-operative pain and more.
Be sure to talk with your healthcare providers before taking any supplements.
CHIROPRACTIC
SHARYN PEAVEY PHOTOGRAPHY
Our Chiropractic care is comprehensive. Instead of just relying on joint manipulations, we look at the bigger picture of how your muscles, movement patterns, relate to your pain. When you collaborate with us, we will give you the tools and knowledge to understand these relationships, plus how to prevent and improve your pain beyond your appointments.
By helping you take your pain and healing process into your own hands, our patients see quicker results with longer-lasting relief.
These are some of the reasons why we are not your average Chiropractor.
ACUPUNCTURE
By mobilizing the body’s healing response, promoting the release of endorphins and endogenous opiates (your body’s own pain-killers), and regulating your brain’s stress response, Acupuncture works on both the body and mind to creates a solid foundation for sustainable relief.
Through our integrative and holistic approach, we can identify and treat the root causes to your pain—allowing for a complete healing process with lasting relief rather than masking it.
Learn more about Acupuncture for chronic pain, mental health, and related conditions in this overview of scientific research here.
So next time someone says “just take a Tylenol,” weigh its effects, do your own research, and talk to your healthcare provider so you can make the most informed decision for your well-being.
To learn more about how we can manage your pain safely and effectively, reach out with any questions.
SHARYN PEAVEY PHOTO
Hi, I’m Lauren Dyer, the Co-Founder and Doctor of Acupuncture here at Empower in New Gloucester, Maine.
I specialize in supporting those for Chronic Pain Management and Mental/Emotional Well-Being. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, these are areas that not only relate to and reflect one another, but are also close to my heart. I consider myself lucky because I truly love Acupuncture and what I do. Getting to connect with others while empowering them to live with a renewed sense of relief, inner peace, and vitality are some of my greatest joys. So if you are struggling with chronic pain, anxiety, depression, sleep issues, the residual effects of trauma, a difficult transition, or other related symptoms, I am here to help you navigate and own your healing process.
DISCLAIMER:
This article is for educational purposes only. We are not responsible or claiming to be responsible for any recommendations regarding the continuation or discontinuation of any of the pharmaceutical drugs mentioned. The information presented in this article is not meant to diagnose or replace the treatment for any medical condition. Please seek out professional care as needed.
SOURCES
A Mind of Your Own and Own Yourself by Dr. Kelly Brogan, MD
“Visible Small Intestine Mucosal Injury in Chronic NSAID Users” PMID: 15645405
“Curcumin” on Examine.com (Science-Based Nutrition & Supplement Information)
Acupuncture for Pain Relief: Research Summaries on Evidence-Based-Acupuncture
Why Do I Wake At the Same Time Every Night?
Trouble staying asleep? Ever wonder why you wake up like clockwork each night? It’s not random. Learn what The Chinese Medicine Body Clock has to say about what yours is trying to tell you.
BY DR. LAUREN DYER
“Not again…”
“Seriously?!…”
“Why this time?”
If your nocturnal alarm clock wakes you at the same time every night, the frustration is real. If you thought there’s a rhyme or reason behind it, you would be correct. It’s far from random and The Chinese Medicine Body Clock can explain why.
WHAT’s THE BODY CLOCK?
In Chinese Medicine our circadian rhythms are divided into 2-hour intervals across the 24-hour day. During each time frame, the concentration of qi (energy) and blood peak in a specific internal organ, giving it a chance to reset and regulate. This is important for sleep because:
Waking like clockwork means the organ governed by that time is imbalanced.
In other words, your body is basically working on overdrive to bring that organ back to a state of harmony. Likewise, chronically skimping on sleep from staying up too late can also disrupt that organ by not allowing it to process during its restorative time-frame. This can lead to a vicious cycle fairly quickly. So how do you break it? By listening to your body, to start.
When you are desperate to sleep, it’s common to try anything that seems like a quick fix or magic bullet. For many people I work with (before they tried Acupuncture) this meant taking heavy-duty medications or melatonin which lead to negative side effects, worsening sleep, or dependency in some cases (more on that later). But what if instead of fighting or suppressing your symptoms, you thought of them more like informative clues?
After all, your symptoms are how your body speaks to you when something isn’t right.
By paying attention to when they show up and reflecting on their root causes, you can begin to decipher what they mean.
This is why the Chinese Medicine Body Clock can be so useful: it highlights what organ systems are struggling and why.
Find the hours you are waking up to learn what your body might be trying to tell you…
WHAT’S BEHIND YOUR WAKE-UP CALL?
7PM - 9PM | PERICARDIUM
The Pericardium is the muscle that surrounds your heart. In TCM it is known as the “great wrapper.” It provides insulation for the heart, regulates circulation in the major vessels going to and from it, while also protecting the it from infection. Energetically the Pericardium is our heart’s protector. Like a body guard, it reads the room and decides what and who is safe be around. It guards the heart from everyday emotional fluctuations and shocking stimuli, making it the first to absorb emotional pain and stress. The Pericardium rules self-expression, boundaries, and vulnerability.
EMOTIONS
Balanced: Joy, Confidence, Openness, Self Acceptance
Imbalanced: Mania, Despair, Fear of Expression & Intimacy
Symptoms
Nervous laughter, Hypervigilance, Phobias, Nausea, Vomiting, Relationship Fears, Hopelessness, Vertigo.
Tips
This is a good time to start winding down for the night, ideal for reconnecting to loved ones and yourself. Eat a light dinner or snack; Enjoy meaningful conversation. Establish some nurturing rituals at this time: a skincare routine, gratitude journaling, mindful introspection, etc.
Reflection
What is your heart’s desire? What would bring you more joy in life? How can you create consistent space in your life to work towards or experience it? How can you safely express your fears so that they no longer have a hold on you?
9PM - 11PM | TRIPLE BURNER
The Triple Burner (also called Triple Energizer) is less of a single organ but a network that governs our body’s fluid metabolism. Related to our lymphatic and endocrine systems, the Triple Burner ensures free flow and communication between all of our organ systems in the thorax, abdomen, and pelvis (Upper, Middle, and Lower Burners, respectively). From a biomedical view, its physical form is our connective tissue (collagen and fascia) which is liquid-crystalline and semi-conductive in nature, allowing signals to be exchanged throughout the body. Energetically, the Triple Burner represents self-regulation, coordination, and harmony. It highlights your authentic self (identity) versus what you take-on as your sense of self from the world. It reflects your ability to take in (Upper), transform (Middle), and eliminate (Lower) what is yours vs. what is not.
Emotions
Balanced: Discernment, Friendliness, Cooperative
Imbalanced: Suspicion, Guilt, Stubbornness, Confusion, Dogmatic
Symptoms
Swollen lymph nodes, Edema, Sluggish Metabolism, Adrenal Fatigue, Burnout, Autoimmune-related Inflammation, Fibromyalgia, Thyroid disorders, Head + Earaches, Tinnitus (ear ringing), Nerve Pain, Alternating Chills + Fever
Like the Pericardium (which is closely related to the Triple Burner) feeling safe is needed to fall asleep here. This is a window of time where your mind can be racing making it hard to doze off—or if you fall asleep, you wake up shortly after feeling anxious. These scenarios can mean your adrenals are taxed keeping your nervous system stuck in a sympathetic (fight-or-flight) mode. You might be internalizing stress and other people’s energy from that day.
TIPS
If this sounds like you, try getting to bed earlier and using the tips from the Pericardium time (above) to self-soothe and calm your nervous system. This is definitely the time to avoid artificial light and media (including —or especially— the news and social media where there is a tendency to energetically internalize and ruminate on others people’s lives + global issues). If you are noise sensitive, try earplugs. If you are more anxious, a weighted blanket can help create a sense of comfort and safety to help you sleep more soundly.
Reflection
Are you internalizing other people’s perceptions, expectations, and emotions? Can you allow yourself to feel safe and rest so you can have the energy needed for tomorrow?
11PM - 1 AM | GALLBLADDER
The Gallbladder excretes bile to assist in digestion. In Chinese Medicine, it governs the sinews (muscles, tendons, ligaments) and their strength. Energetically, the Gallbladder is in charge of judgement and decision-making. It provides the courage and initiative to carry out tasks so our lives can run smoothly. It also rules dreams. This is why being sound asleep during this time is essential for healthy cognitive functioning and cellular repair.
Emotions
Balanced: Optimism, Initiative, Courage, Assertive, Committed
Imbalanced: Cynicism, Bitterness, Timidity, Indecisive, Procrastination
Symptoms
Tendonitis, High Cholesterol, Temporal Headaches, Gallstones, Indigestion (especially after rich, fatty-melas), Gas, Bloating, Cravings for greasy foods, Cholecystitis, Rib-side pain, Indecision, Poor Judgement, Anxiety, Impulsiveness, Shyness, Dream-Disturbed sleep, Brain Fog, Dizziness
If you are waking up here, it can mean you are struggling with decisions in your daily life. You might be harboring harsh judgements about others (like the expression “I cannot believe the gall of that person”). Physically, your Gallbladder might be overworked especially if you ate a large meal right before bed. Having a diet high in processed or fried foods can also contribute to waking at this time.
Tips
Try eating a smaller portioned dinner a few hours before bed so your Gallbladder is not trying to digest food during this time. Consider getting healthier oils your diet from avocados, coconut, olives, nuts, fish, quality meat, etc. Increase intake of bitter leafy vegetables (dandelion greens, broccoli rabe, kale, escarole, endive) and sour flavors like unfiltered apple-cider vinegar and lemon juice. Avoid trans-fats; limit fried + processed foods.
Reflection
Is there a decision you are struggling with? Are you overburdened by having too many responsibilities in your waking hours? If so, how (and where) can you minimize or delegate decisions to ease your mind? What judgments can you let go of? Where can you have more compassion?
1AM - 3AM | LIVER
The Liver is responsible for filtering blood and processing chemicals ingested from our food, environment, drugs, household cleaners, toiletries, cosmetics, etc. The Liver also regulates the balance of our sex, thyroid, and adrenal hormones. In Chinese Medicine, we refer to these roles more holistically in saying the Liver ensures the smooth circulation of qi and blood. It manifests in the eyes, hair, and nails. Energetically, the Liver is our body’s Commander (I endearingly compare it to the organ with a Type-A personality). It thrives on planning, organization, and structure to help us get things done from everyday demands to materializing our dreams. It is negatively affected by everyday stress. Because of the Liver’s role in “clearing,” when overworked it becomes stagnant leading to health issues characterized by poor processing and circulation.
Emotions
Balanced: Inspiration, Clear Vision, Faith, Diligence
Imbalanced: Anger, Frustration, Irritability, Resentment, Feeling Stuck
Symptoms
Moodiness, Depression, Emotional Outbursts, PMS, Endometriosis, High Blood Pressure, Migraines, Breast Tenderness, Frequent Sighing, Feeling of Lump in the Throat, Red Eyes + Face, Jaundice, Eye Floaters, Poor or Blurry Vision, Brittle Nails, Thinning Hair, Painful Periods, Ribside-pain, Shingles, Acne, Cold Hands + Feet, Resentful, Road Rage, Alcoholism.
Waking up at this time means your Liver is congested—it’s unable to cleanse your body fully of everything you take in. This can be from drinking too much alcohol (especially before bed). Side note: a lot of people think alcohol helps them fall asleep, but it will still wake you up from 1-3am because your Liver is working on overdrive to metabolize it. Same thing when you take too many medications or OTC painkillers (hence their warning labels for Liver toxicity). You can also be absorbing too many toxins from your environment (think air + water quality), household products (cleaners), and cosmetics which lack robust FDA regulation, enabling companies to use heavy metals, chemicals, and hormone-disrupting plastics that can lead to more Liver congestion.
Tips
Moderate alcohol consumption. Exercise regularly (lack of movement physically goes hand in hand with emotional stagnation). Take short breaks from desk work. Use blue-light blocking glasses to ease eye strain. Practice deep breathing during difficult moments. Find productive ways to express emotions instead of bottling them inside. Download the app Think Dirty to find cleaner home and personal products—you can look up the rating and ingredients on ones you already use plus scan store items before bringing them home (not affiliated, just highly recommend it).
Reflection
What is creating congestion in your life? Do you regularly drink alcohol during the week or before bed? Would you be willing to investigate and switch to cleaner household and personal items that safer for your health? Are you harboring frustrations and resentment? If so, how can you address them so they no longer keep you stuck?
3AM - 5AM | LUNGS
The Lungs regulate breathing, distribute oxygen to the blood, and govern our immune system by circulating the body’s Defensive Qi. In Chinese Medicine, the Lungs maintain boundaries between our internal and external environment by controlling the skin and sweat glands’ ability to detox. The Lungs also govern our voice and sense of smell. Energetically, they relate to communication, receiving, releasing, and protection.
Emotions
Balanced: Acceptance, Surrender, Clarity
Imbalanced: Grief, Sadness, Nostalgia
Symptoms
Prolonged Sadness and Grief, Asthma, Shortness of breath, Excessive Sweating (or lack of), Allergies, Low voice, Weak Immune System (gets sick easily), Crying, Chest Pain, Skin Conditions (dryness, acne, eczema), occipital headache, tiredness, smoking dependency.
Waking up here can happen if you struggle with allergies or are in the midst of a respiratory infection. There can also be a difficult transition, long-repressed sadness, and grief that has not been fully processed.
Tips
If you intentionally wake up at these hours to start your day, its a perfect time to practice some deep breathing or meditation. If not, consider adopting some light physical activity during the day to improve your lung capacity: walking, yoga, meditation. If you are having difficulty working through grief and loss, consider if talking to a counselor would be helpful for you.
Reflection
Are you fighting a cold or coming down with one? Are you struggling with loss or sadness? How can you give yourself the time and space to process it?
5AM - 7AM | LARGE INTESTINE
The Large Intestine is responsible for elimination. It works with the Lungs to cleanse the body of food waste, toxins, excess hormones, and even our emotions. It energetically represents the ability to “let go” and release the need to control. A lot of people normally wake up between these hours, but if that is abnormal for your sleep patterns, consider the Large Intestine’s meaning which might lend some insight.
Emotions
Balanced: Releasing, Ability to Express Emotions (including crying), Flexibility Imbalanced: Rigidity, Stubbornness, Controlling, Inability to Let Go
Symptoms
Constipation, IBS, Diarrhea, Colitis, Hemorrhoids, Diverticulitis, Bloating, Food Allergies, Chronic Fatigue
Because the Large Intestine is closely related to the Lungs in Chinese Medicine, waking at this time can also mean there are buried feelings of grief or sadness, or also a need for control. Look to your diet and hydration if there are bowel irregularities during these hours or in general.
Tips
Drink more water (general recommendation is half of you body weight in ounces a day), regular exercise, get natural fiber from vegetables and dark leafy greens, avoid many cold-raw foods and cold drinks which can constrict intestines + slow gastric motility, eat more warm + cooked foods
Reflection
What are you holding onto? Are you allowing yourself to let go and make room for the new in your life? What are your expectations of others? Can you allow people to be themselves or a situation to unfold without trying to control an outcome?
ACUPUNCTURE:
A NATURAL OPTION
“Since seeing Lauren for insomnia, my sleep has improved tremendously. I was specifically waking up several nights per week around 2-3 AM and having trouble getting back to sleep. Now, most nights I do not wake up at all, and if I do I am able to fall back asleep very quickly and easily! ”
Sharyn Peavey Photgraphy
Acupuncture effectively and holistically treats insomnia by addressing the stubborn symptoms keeping you up at night while treating the underlying reasons they are showing up in the first place—both mind and body.
From a biomedical perspective, Acupuncture boosts melatonin production without the dependency or side effects of other pharmaceutical options. Research has demonstrated that “compared to no treatment, sham acupuncture, or medications, acupuncture was significantly better on improving parameters in sleep quality and duration, and the combination of acupuncture and other interventions (pharmaceuticals) appears more effective than those interventions alone.” A main mechanism of Acupuncture is its ability to shift your mind out of overdrive. Put more scientifically, Acupuncture down-regulates the nervous system from a heightened sympathetic state (fight-or-flight) to a parasympathetic state that allows you to rest-and-digest. It improves your Heart Rate Variability (HRV) which measures your nervous system’s ability to switch between these two modes at appropriate times. The trouble with insomnia is that it oftentimes leads to—and is caused by—not being able to switch ‘survival’ mode off. This not only has negative effects on HRV, but overall health with evidence linking insomnia to depression and diminished recovery (injuries + illness) to cardiovascular disease and dementia.
It’s no surprise that your stress levels and emotional state directly affect your sleep. For centuries, Chinese Medicine has understood how emotions can manifest physically as symptoms and vice versa, how our physical well-being can determine our psychology. Whether stress, stuck emotions, unresolved trauma, difficult transitions, or something else is behind your insomnia, these are connections I see everyday and I am here to help you through it.
If you are ready to start sleeping through the night with personalized support, I think we would be a great fit.
A note on Melatonin
Melatonin is a hormone produced by your pituitary gland to help the body prepare for sleep. Any time it, or any hormone, is taken exogenously (meaning, from an external source such as pill, tablet, or liquid form), your brain thinks it no longer needs to produce that hormone on its own. After all, it’s getting it from somewhere else—so why would it need to make extra? This is how extended use can lead to dependency and side effects from worsening insomnia to nightmares. Once your body stops making its own Melatonin, many people begin to take it more frequently and at higher doses. Missing a night or quitting altogether can mean more sleepless nights before regaining your natural circadian rhythms.
Sources
Cao, H., Pan, X., Li, H., & Liu, J. (2009). Acupuncture for treatment of insomnia: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials. Journal of alternative and complementary medicine (New York, N.Y.), 15(11), 1171–1186. doi:10.1089/acm.2009.0041
Spence, D. W., Kayumov, L., Chen, A., Lowe, A., Jain, U., Katzman, M. A., … Shapiro, C. M. (2004). Acupuncture increases nocturnal melatonin secretion and reduces insomnia and anxiety: a preliminary report. Retrieved November 18, 2019, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/14990755
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Disclaimer: Information contained in this article is for educational purposes only. It is not meant to diagnose, treat, or replace the care for any medical condition. Please seek out professional advice from a licensed medical provider for any concerns you have.
Can Your Joints Predict The Weather?
Joint pain? Achey muscles? Arthritis? Learn what it means when your pain flares up with the specific weather patterns in Chinese Medicine and how Acupuncture can manage your pain naturally.
Dr. Lauren Dyer
You know when it’s coming…
The rain, the next cold-front, or maybe the hot and humid weather bother you more instead. When the aches and pains first started, you suspected the weather might have a role to play, but by this point the connection is clear—and it’s not enough to blame the barometric pressure. The good news is, Chinese Medicine has understood and validated the relationship between how the environment affects our bodies and health for centuries.
If your pain is worse with certain weather patterns, this is an important diagnostic clue. Understanding the types of weather that your pain worse is one of the many ways Traditional Chinese Medicine TCM) looks beyond your symptoms and conventional diagnosis to treat the root cause(s) to your pain.
So what can it mean when your pain flares up with windy, damp, cold, or hot weather?
This can point to a Painful Obstruction (Bi) Syndrome.
PAINFUL OBSTRUCTION SYNDROME
In TCM, there is a saying: “where there is free flow, there is no pain; where there is a lack of free flow, there is pain.” Painful Obstruction or Bi Syndrome refers to acute or chronic pain and stiffness in the musculo-skeletal system (bones, joints, tendons, ligaments, muscles) due to the obstructed flow (stagnation) of qi and blood. With Bi Syndrome, there can be varying qualities of pain, numbness, tingling, heaviness, swelling, sensations of heat or coolness, and decreased mobility. However, a defining quality is pain that is worse with the presence of natural elements: WIND, DAMP, COLD, and HEAT.
What Causes IT?
Our bodies are reflections of our external environment, and they are always adapting to keep up with day-to-day and seasonal changes. Just like how viruses, bacteria, and allergens are key culprits for externally-contracted illness conventional medicine, in TCM, our environment, and the elements that define it, can become pathogenic as well. These elements are more likely to “invade” and become generated internally from:
Prolonged exposure from living, working, or exercising in a certain climate
Acute exposure from dressing inadequately for the weather
Weak digestion, poor appetite, dietary influences
Overuse of antibiotics, anti-inflammatory (“pain-killers”), Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPI), etc.
Genetic predisposition; lowered immune resistance
Overwork (physically + mentally) as well as insufficient exercise; poor ergonomics
Direct Injury (creates blood stasis) or Post-Surgical Pain (build-up of scar tissue and/or use of metal internally)
In summary, Painful Obstruction can affect individuals who are both chronically stressed and suffer from Qi + Blood Stagnation as well as those with a Qi + Blood Deficiency, each of which creates an environment for pathogens to invade and become lodged in the body.
CONVENTIONAL CONDITIONS THAT ARE RELATED
From a biomedical perspective, Bi Syndrome can correspond with:
injury due to biomechanical strain
Osteoarthritis
Tendonitis
Bursitis
Fibromyalgia
Carpal Tunnel syndrome
Sciatica
degenerative joint disease
Gout
Scleroderma
Ankylosing Spondylitis
Rheumatoid + Psoriatic arthritis, and more
(Please note this is not an exhaustive list)
TYPES OF BI syndrome
Chinese Medicine requires careful differential diagnosis to specify the underlying causes and pathogens causing the painful obstruction in the first place. As mentioned above, there are both internal and external causes that can contribute to Bi Syndrome, as well as different patterns based on the location and nature of the painful obstruction. What follows is a generalized pattern differentiation according to the most common Bi Syndromes due to external pathogens in TCM.
WIND BI: Pain comes and goes, rapidly moving to different parts of the body; creates stiffness with limited range of motion. The location is not-fixed. Wind makes the pain worse. Because this type moves of Bi from area to area, it is also known as "Wandering Bi."
COLD BI: Pain is constant, severe, tight, or sharp in nature; it is fixed in location. Cold temperatures worsen the condition, and warmth improves it. You might have an aversion to cold. Because this type of Bi usually results in severe pain, it is also known as "Painful Bi."
DAMP BI: Pain is characterized as soreness, dull, achy, and throbbing. Dampness tends to linger and sink in nature: there might be swelling in the skin, muscles, and joints, especially in the knees and ankles. Pain can also be accompanied by sensations of heaviness or numbness. The pain tends to remain fixed. Dampness worsens the condition and you usually have an aversion to rainy, humid weather because of it.
HEAT BI: Heat predominates when a Wind-Cold-Damp pathogen becomes entrapped over time, creating a move severe form of qi stagnation—qi constraint. When constraint forms it festers, and unable to “vent” or be released, it generates heat internally. Heat Bi is characterized by inflamed, red, swollen joints. You might have an aversion to heat since that makes the pain worse.
Bi Syndromes can develop as combinations, such as Wind-Cold, Cold-Damp, Damp-Heat, Wind-Heat, etc. Only a Licensed Acupuncturist can accurately diagnose Painful Obstruction Syndrome and differentiate which type of Bi you have, if any shared above.
ACUPUNCTURE FOR HOLISTIC PAIN RELIEF
There is a dire need to manage pain more holistically in our healthcare system. Between the Opioid Crisis, emerging evidence on the dangers of steroid injections, and a culture where popping pills is a reflex at the first sign of discomfort, the status quo is problematic because it promotes superficial symptom support—not healing. I am grateful to be able to share this medicine with others, because it can be a transformative experience when you allow yourself to tune into what your body is telling you through our symptoms. It is with this awareness that we can begin to address the root of the issues you are experiencing instead of settling for “quick-fixes” with potentially harmful side effects. Whether you are considering Acupuncture as your first-choice or last-resort, at our practice we will help you navigate your health with personalized care—giving you the resources and tools to improve your pain beyond your treatments and time working together. That is how we strive to give you a foundation for long-term wellness and sustainable pain relief.
“I have had neck pain from arthritis that became excessive from a fall and now I can say I am pain free thanks to the treatments of Dr. Lauren Dyer. My everyday is more comfortable. I had some strong doubts of any improvement because arthritis is not curable but have been shown it can be improved. I will recommend her to evaluate any concerns. Very personal treatment plan for each need. I am very happy having gone to Empower!”
You are more than your pain.
You are more than your diagnosis.
Just because you have been told you have a condition does not mean you need to live with it, or in pain, for the rest of your life.
If you are ready to start feeling better, I would be happy to connect with you.
Burnout: How To Recover Naturally
Burnout isn’t something you “bounce back” from. Find out the toll it takes, what to watch out for, plus how Acupuncture can help you regain your balance and boundaries.
Dr. Lauren Dyer,
DAc, LAc, Dipl. Ac (NCCAOM)
On the Acupuncture-side of our practice, I work with a lot of people who are, let’s say, totally overwhelmed.
This is beyond stress. I am talking about taxation on a physical, mental, and emotional level.
My patients are givers, go-getters, parents, students, executives, care-takers, and self-proclaimed workaholics. But they are over-worked, over-tired, and all share how they are running on empty. They have all of the responsibilities, but hardly any of the rest and support outside of our time together. Many of them enjoy their jobs—they’re good at it and have high satisfaction—but they still feel overwhelmed and have a hard time turning "work-mode” off.
The more I hold space for and support those who experience burnout, the stronger I felt I had to share more about this condition.
My intention for this article is to create awareness of all of the ways burnout can affect you and how I approach it with Acupuncture + Chinese Medicine. At the end, I offer some things to consider to help you recover, re-establish healthy boundaries, and prioritize yourself for better health.
So, let’s get into it…
If it seems like “Burnout” is talked about as if it was a national epidemic, you would be correct. What makes this phenomena so unique is that even though it is not officially recognized as medical condition, it is as real as the people who experience it.
Burnout has become so pervasive that research can now measure the cost and toll this syndrome takes on individuals and our health care system:
“A 2018 Gallup study of nearly 7,500 full-time employees found that 23 percent of employees reported feeling burned out at work very often or always, while an additional 44 percent reported feeling burned out sometimes.”
Job burnout costs an estimated $125 billion to $190 billion in health-care spending each year.
Current research through the National Institute of Health “has attributed it to type 2 diabetes, coronary heart disease, gastrointestinal issues, high cholesterol and even death for those under the age of 45.”
(Statistics are from CNBC News with direct links to findings above)
“Never give from the depths of your well,
but from your overflow”
What is Burnout exactly?
Formally, the World Health Organization describes it as a syndrome that develops from chronic, poorly managed workplace stress resulting in exhaustion, apathy, pessimism, and decreased productivity.
From my experience in working with hundreds of patients who experience work-related stress, I agree that burnout include these symptoms—but there is so much more that happens. The toll burnout takes is often deeper and widespread, affecting a person’s nervous, circulatory, endocrine, digestive, and musculoskeletal systems. In other words: our bodies internalize stress in several uniquely different ways.
This is why, through Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Acupuncture, I consider each person’s experience of burnout individually. We discuss how it impacts their emotions, sleep, energy levels, relationships, self-esteem, digestion, and more. Symptoms are important, but treatments always address their root pattern(s) to recover holistically.
Re-Kindling The Kidneys
The Root of Burnout in Chinese Medicine:
In Chinese Medicine, there is a saying: “one disease, many roots; one root, many diseases.” Just like how burnout presents in slightly different ways depending on the person, there is still a common root that is typically to blame for burnout— it’s called a Kidney Deficiency.
My Kidneys are What?!
In TCM, our Kidneys (combined with our Adrenal Glands) are one of the most important organs systems. Together, they connect our brain to our instincts and intuition. The Kidneys influence our hormonal rhythms and response to stress, shock, fear, and trauma: think, the release of cortisol and your body’s Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) axis (the pathway responsible for regulating your body’s sympathetic “fight or flight” response) .
In TCM, the health of the Kidneys are expressed through the brain (cognitive functioning), bones (their integrity), ears (hearing) and hair (quality). After considering this, it makes sense why the more our Kidney Qi (energy) naturally declines with age that mild memory loss, osteoporosis, deafness, and hair thinning become more prominent. However, there are environmental and lifestyle factors that weaken the Kidney Qi prematurely: sleep deprivation, substance abuse, nutrient deficiencies (from poor appetite/diet), and long hours of physical/mental exertion without rest. Sound familiar? These are all side effects (or coping mechanisms) of burnout.
On an energetic level, the Kidneys are the sacral root of our body’s Life Gate, as they withhold our reserves of Inherited Qi and Vital Essence (Jing). In this way, I like to think of the Kidneys as our body’s deepest well...a reservoir that we too often take from but forget to replenish.
When your Kidney Qi is abundant, you’ll have a healthy sense of self, direction, and will-power to pursue your goals.
You can take on the demands of the day with ease while making deliberate choices in what (and who) you give your energy to.
How is your Kidney Qi?
Signs & Symptoms
What to pay attention to:
These are signals the body gives when the Kidneys/Adrenals are taxed…
MENTAL + EMOTIONAL symptoms
Feeling “burnt out” and exhausted
Feeling numb or apathetic, little motivation
Foggy-headed, trouble concentrating
Poor memory, trouble recalling words
Trouble falling and/or staying asleep
Chronic worry, overthinking
Increased irritability and anger
Substance dependency (caffeine, alcohol, recreational drugs)
If there is a history of trauma (which is stored in the Kidneys), there can also be uncontrollable fear and hyper-vigilance
PHYSICAL symptoms may/may not include:
Low Back & Knee Pain
Thyroid & Hormonal Imbalances
Premature Aging & Hair Loss
“If you do not set consistent times in your life for personal rejuvenation then you cannot expect to have mental and physical resilience during difficult moments.”
Now What?
Things to consider:
If you have read up to this point, first of all, thank you. Second, please know that your symptoms, any supposed Kidney Deficiency, and Burnout do NOT have to define you. As a clinician of Chinese Medicine, I am sensitive to how my patients may have been treated by other providers (many share how they have felt dismissed or discouraged) but are hopeful in coming to me for solutions. That is why I help them look at their TCM diagnosis not as a sentence, but a starting point. By identifying the imbalances, only then we can start to have a conversation about how to address them.
With that said, I think it is worth stating that just as burnout is not something that happens overnight, it’s not just something you bounce-back from. So how do you begin?
Here are my thoughts…
Recognizing the need to create space for your recovery and well-being takes a deep sense of self awareness. What is your body trying to tell you? What physical, emotional, even hormonal symptoms are showing up to say there’s an imbalance—that it’s time to make a change?
Creating space benefits you the most when done consistently: rather than trying to balance the endless to-do’s, establish the key priorities and build boundaries around when you will address each item. Actively maintaining your boundaries with your time and energy leads to balance.⠀
You have to WANT to create space so that you can give more to the jobs, relationships, and hobbies that matter most without sacrificing your health in the process.⠀
Creating space takes patience, practice, but you know what else? Permission. Give yourself the permission to start as well as permission to not be perfect. Maybe one day you have to cut your time short, or skip it altogether. It’s okay. Breathe, forgive, and look forward to the next time. ⠀
...How are you creating space for your recovery?
How Can Acupuncture Help?
Acupuncture is a gentle, safe, and effective therapy that promotes your body’s own physiological processes which become weakened or pathological from chronic stress, trapped emotions, as well as long-standing illnesses and injury.
In other words: Acupuncture reminds the body how to repair, regulate, and heal itself again.
From a TCM viewpoint, Acupuncture can help you recover from burnout by improving circulation of qi and blood to the Kidneys, Adrenals, and other affected organ systems based on your clinician’s findings. From a Western-scientific, it:
Down-regulates your body’s stress response by shifting it from a “fight or flight” state to one that can “rest and digest.” This is why patients fall asleep during treatments, feel a deeper sense of calm, and report having better quality sleep sometimes in as little as one treatment.
Increases body’s natural opiates, endorphins, and enkephalins (feel-good hormones) to reduce pain.
Reduce cortisol and increase serotonin to alleviate anxiety, depression, irritability, and stress.
Promotes bloodflow to the brain to improve cognitive functioning as well as the viscera to regulate autonomic functions (heart-rate: reduce palpitations, digestion: improve nutrient absorption, appetite, and energy levels; regulates bowel movements).
Increases circulation to relax tight muscles and reduces joint stiffness
Enhances the body’s the body’s immune system to decrease inflammation and quell inflammatory & auto-immune related conditions.
For those who see me during and in the aftermath of burnout, their Acupuncture appointments are their designated time to unwind, re-cultivate their energy reserves, and re-establish resilience to life’s stressors. It’s a time where you are not on high-alert so your body can heal in the ways it needs to.
I am grateful to offer a safe space as well as the time, attention, and compassionate presence where you can vent, cry, laugh, celebrate, and be heard. In addition to your Acupuncture treatments, we can discuss some mindset, lifestyle, and/or Eastern Dietary tweaks to start shifting your mind + body into a better place where “burnout” isn’t your new normal. In the meantime, start by creating space for yourself everyday, even in small ways to start.
If you know you need a little more guidance, significant relief, and deeper healing, Acupuncture with me is a wonderful place to start.
“Being resilient isn’t synonymous with
not needing support”
**Please note, the information presented in this article is not meant to diagnose or replace the treatment for any medical condition: it is meant to be educational only. Regarding Chinese Medicine diagnostics, only a Licensed Acupuncturist (LAc) can confirm if patterns discussed in this article (or others not discussed) are contributing for your health concerns. Please seek out professional care as needed. Feel free to reach out and direct any questions to hello@empowerchiroacu.com**
Sources:
Burn-out an "occupational phenomenon": International Classification of Diseases. (2019, May 28). Retrieved June 20, 2019, from World Health Organization: Mental Health, https://www.who.int/mental_health/evidence/burn-out/en/
Salvagioni, D. A., Melanda, F. N., Mesas, A. E., González, A. D., Gabani, F. L., & Andrade, S. M. (2017, October 04). Physical, psychological and occupational consequences of job burnout: A systematic review of prospective studies. Retrieved June 20, 2019, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5627926/
Sheryl Kraft, S. T. (2018, August 28). Companies are facing an employee burnout crisis. Retrieved June 20, 2019, from CNBC News: https://www.cnbc.com/2018/08/14/5-ways-workers-can-avoid-employee-burnout.html
Your First Acupuncture Treatment
Wondering what to expect? I’m sharing the ins-and-outs of what takes place during your initial visit, plus a look into my approach so you can see if we would be a good fit to work together.
Dr. Lauren Dyer
Hooray! You scheduled your first Acupuncture appointment! Now what?
Or maybe you haven’t yet. If you are reading this, you might be considering it because only you’re tired of not feeling like yourself—of being in pain, feeling anxious, depressed, unable to sleep, and the list goes on. Maybe you are tired of hopping from physician to physician and not getting any answers. Maybe the closest you’ve come to an “answer” is to take a pill, get that surgery, and hope for the best.
If you are done trying all of the “quick fixes” (or would rather avoid them altogether) and want to try something more natural that gives you lasting relief, Acupuncture would be a great fit for you. That is why I am writing this. In this article you’ll learn what to expect when you come in for your first Acupuncture appointment, but also, what to expect when you choose to work with me.
What To Expect:
The Treatment
TIME: 1.5 Hours
You read that right. Your first treatment will last about an hour and a half. Quite different than the average U.S. doctor’s visit of 20 minutes! This is because it includes our in-depth consultation as well as the treatment itself.
LET’S CHAT
The Consultation is one of my favorite things because it’s all about getting to know you! When you first come in, we will sit down in some comfy chairs and talk. I like to listen while you share what’s been bothering you and your experience around how it impacts your day to day life. I will also ask questions about your LIFESTYLE, HOBBIES, WORK, DIET, DIGESTION, SLEEP HABITS, MOOD, ENERGY LEVELS, and more. All of this information allows me to understand what imbalances are taking place, as well as how they are influencing your physical, mental, and emotional health. After all, symptoms rarely exist in isolation. No matter how big, small, or random they might seem, you will be surprised how connected they might be! That is where I come in. It’s through this essential, initial conversation that I can begin to piece everything together to address your concerns holistically—treating the root causes beyond the symptoms.
CAN I SEE YOUR TONGUE?
If you’re thinking “what?!” it’s okay. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) looking at the tongue is an important diagnostic evaluation. The tongue is considered a micro-map of the human body and our organ systems within. By analyzing the shape of the tongue, its color, the presence of cracks, tongue fur (color, thickness, distribution), and the sublingual veins underneath, I can tell a lot about your circulation, which organ systems are being affected, and more. Since this test is important, please refrain from using a tongue scraper before your first visit.
PULSE & BLOOD PRESSURE
After taking a look at the tongue, I will ask to “feel your pulse," meaning, the radial pulse on the inside of your wrists. In TCM, feeling the pulse is another essential diagnostic test that gives me the chance to assess your overall circulation and the strength/weakness of various organ systems. The pulse is divided into 6 sections (3 on each side) for this reason. After feeling the pulse I like to take note of your blood pressure with a wrist monitor.
LOGISTICS
Before I do any Acupuncture, I have to get your permission first! In all seriousness, this is the part of your appointment where we go over logistics including Informed Consent and what a tentative Treatment Plan might look like for you. I also give you the opportunity to ask any questions you have—but you can always ask me anytime. I just prefer to give you a specific space to do so beforehand.
TREATMENT
The moment you have been waiting for… At this point you get to lay down on a cozy table face-up or face-down (similar to massage if you have ever had one). Feel free to wear comfy clothes that are not too tight. You can also bring your own shorts since I commonly use points around the knees and lower legs. If you forget, that’s okay, I have plenty in-house. Before I begin, I use an alcohol swab over the Acupuncture points I plan on using. Next I will start to place the needles (hair-thin, sterile, single-use) into those points that I have selected just for you, based on the information you shared in your consult. If you are nervous, I can guide you in taking some deep breaths and incorporate essential oils if you prefer. I strive to ensure that each point is placed skillfully so the insertions remain sensation-free—and you feel nothing but relaxed.
TIME TO NAP
Once all of the needles are placed, I will make sure you are comfortable and warm enough (I often place a heat lamp over you—it feels amazing) before I leave the room to let you relax. I will also give you a wireless doorbell that you can use to ring me in case you need anything while you are resting. Speaking of, the needles will stay in for 25-30 minutes while you listen to music and shift into that healing “rest and digest” mode. Most people take a literal power-nap, and I encourage that if you can!
LEAVE FEELING REFRESHED
Once you have had enough time to rest, I’ll come back into the room and take the needles out. Once I confirm they are all out, I have you meet me back in the reception area when you’re ready. My goal is to always have you leave less stressed and feeling better than when you came in. Before you leave, I will give you personalized recommendations for you to begin implementing on your own between visits. This will allow us to get an even greater jump start on your progress. My hope is that you enjoy collaborating with me, and that together, we can remind your body what it is capable of doing on its own: to shift towards a balanced state that becomes more resilient to illness, pain, and other internal imbalances.
What To Expect:
My Approach
“ A mentor is someone who allows you to see the hope inside yourself. ”
—Oprah Winfrey
I love this quote because being a mentor to those I work with is one of the roles I cherish the most in my life. To me, this is what I love about being an Acupuncturist. I enjoy collaborating and helping others realize they have the ability to manage and overcome what’s bothering them.
It IS possible to live without physical pain all of the time. It IS possible to not let stress, anxiety, or depression run your life.
You CAN sleep through the night, eat without indigestion, have regular-painless cycles, and more.
When you come in for Acupuncture, you can expect to get more than Acupuncture itself. What I mean is, I also offer guidance on all of the ways you can participate in your care and independently improve your well being. For some people it’s making tweaks in their diet according to Chinese Medicine, For others, I recommend an herbal formula, mindfulness exercises, and movement—whatever that looks like to you. I am also a fan of sending articles and resources so you can have answers and understand your health concerns from an integrative TCM and Western perspective.
As a mentor, I am here to listen, celebrate, console, support, and facilitate.
But it’s you who gets to own your process and realize that feeling better was possible all along.
Thank you for the opportunity to support you.
Acupuncture for Depression
In Chinese Medicine, Depression is far more than a mental health condition: it’s an emotional and physical one too. Learn how Acupuncture can help plus what research has to say on its effectiveness.
Lauren Dyer, DAC
If you were to look up depression, the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorder (DSM-V) defines it as an “episode” that lasts at least two weeks where the person experiences a depressed mood or loss of interest or pleasure in almost all activities. This mood must be present along with at least five other symptoms, including:
Sleep issues on almost a daily basis (either difficulty sleeping or sleeping too much)
Changes in appetite and weight (change of more than 5 percent body weight in a month) or a decrease or increase in appetite nearly every day
Decreased energy or fatigue almost every day
Difficulty concentrating, making decisions, and thinking clearly
Psychomotor agitation or impairment that is observable by others (slow physical movements or unintentional or purposeless motions)
Recurrent thoughts of death or suicide, a suicide attempt, or plan
This definition is fine and formal, but in reality, depression is different for everyone. Yes, there are some shared experiences in the energy dips, low spirits, and diminished drive for those who have it. But there are others who are high-functioning and hide it well. Depression is unique in that it is irrational and unpredictable. Unlike anxiety that tends to worsen in a linear progression, depression can vacillate between numbness and hopelessness; one day you can wake up feeling nothing and lack motivation, while another day you are feeling everything too strongly and find yourself in a downward-spiral of self-loathing.
Although depression is considered a mental condition, in Chinese Medicine it is just as much of an emotional and physical one too.
If you read my previous blog on “The Physical Effects of Emotions,” bear with me as I reiterate one of the most important points that demonstrates this:
“In Chinese Medicine, each emotion is associated with an internal organ—and when one emotion is too intense, it impacts the ability of that organ to function properly. This is because each emotion impacts the circulation and direction of energy (Qi) in the body in distinct, but predictable ways.
As opposed to Western Medicine where mental and emotional processes are connected to the brain (reactions in the cerebral cortex, limbic system, and hypothalamus), in Chinese Medicine, these processes are driven by the internal organs themselves. If you’ve ever heard anyone say they had a “visceral reaction” to something, that’s why: when emotions are felt strongly, we feel them physically.
In other words, our psychology affects our physiology.
Of course, emotions are natural and healthy, but when one is experienced repeatedly, inappropriately (out-of-context), or repressed for too long, that emotion can manifest physically as symptoms associated with the internal organ it is paired with. The same is also true in reverse: if the functioning of a certain organ is impaired, its dysfunction can reveal itself through its paired emotion.
In this sense, Depression does not just describe an emotional affect, but the presence of poor circulation (stagnation). This is why emotional depression and the “depressed” movement of qi/blood are often seen hand-in-hand. This also explains why depression can manifest as physical ailments and behavioral patterns such as:
Chronic Pain
Fibromyalgia
Chronic Fatigue
IBS & GI Disorders
Auto-Immune Conditions
Substance Dependency
and more…
When it comes to treating it with Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine, my approach is different for each person I work with. This is because, as opposed to conventional medicine, not everyone’s depression expresses itself the same way. So why would I treat it the same? Any two (or even 10) people can have depression—but what activates it, the predominant emotion(s) and organ(s) involved, their symptoms, plus aggravating factors can be completely different.
Taking these nuances into account is the key to effectively diagnosing and treating the underlying imbalance.
What follows are some of the most frequently asked questions I get from those wondering if Acupuncture can help them with depression.
What should I expect?
As mentioned above, treating depression with Acupuncture is not a one-size-fits all (not even a one-size-fits most) approach. You can expect an individualized treatment plan to support your process because I tailor everything about your care to you—from the Acupuncture points I choose and additional modalities I incorporate, to the foods/herbs and lifestyle recommendations I offer. During our initial 1.5 hour long appointment together, we will talk at length about you, your medical history, and story—what brought you to where you are today?
I ask several questions not only about what your depression looks like to you and how it physically manifests, but about other areas of your life that might seem unrelated—like your digestion, what you eat (or what you can manage to eat) on a daily basis, what your home and work environments are like, your relationships, sleep patterns, whether you have tendencies for physical pains or get sick often. These are just some areas I like to touch on, but they are pretty important so I can make connections and look at the bigger picture of what imbalances are taking place internally.
After the intake process, I will look at your tongue (yes, really) and feel your radial pulse on the inside of your wrists. Both are important diagnostic tests that reveal another layer of what organ systems are implicated in your pattern of depression. I also like to create space before the Acupuncture itself so you can ask any questions you have. Once your treatment begins, you can relax and even nap if you want.
Do I have to do anything between my appointments or do I just show up?
Acupuncture is a powerful and transformative therapy all on it’s own, however, my goal is for you to not have to rely on it to solely relieve your depression and the symptoms you experience. In fact, you will most likely notice quicker results when you participate in your care.
I encourage patients to do this by engaging in their treatments anytime they are out of the treatment room itself, like at work or home. You can do this by following through on the lifestyle and/or dietary guidance I offer, which is given to help accumulating progress from treatment to treatment. Especially with depression, I ask my patients to pay attention to any changes (subtle or substantial) that you experience in between sessions. This awareness helps inform my decisions making when it comes to adapting treatments to meet where your body, mind, and emotions are on that given day. If you are rather record these changes on paper, I welcome you to do that too.
How does Acupuncture help relieve depression?
Science and allopathic medicine recognizes how Acupuncture is able to alleviate depression by:
Naturally promoting the body’s release of serotonin and endorphins—your “feel-good” hormones
Releasing vasodilators which relax the blood vessels to lower blood pressure and promote circulation (remember, when qi and blood are stuck, physical pain and depression are more likely to develop)
Relieving pain by blocking pain signals in the spinal cord and brain; given how common it is for chronic pain and depression to be seen together, this finding has encouraged the American College of Physicians (ACP) to recommend Acupuncture as a treatment before prescribing opioids.
Relaxing the sympathetic “fight or flight” nervous system which tells your body it’s in “crisis” mode; Acupuncture dials-down this response while allowing your nervous system to shift into a parasympathetic “rest and digest” state so it can repair and regulate itself. This is especially helpful when caught in that “downward spiral” with self-loathing thoughts.
What if I am taking an anti-depressant—how will that impact my treatments?
To many people’s surprise, Acupuncture is commonly used in conjunction with anti-depressants. Not only that, a 2015 meta-analysis and systematic review (which is the highest-quality level of research because they compile the results of every study done on the subject) has demonstrated that Acupuncture actually enhances the effectiveness of selective-serotonin reuptake inbihibitor (SSRI) medications. When comparing the use of Acupuncture-alone for depression vs. the use of Acupuncture combined with SSRIs, the combination was shown to be more fast acting, safe, and effective than SSRI use alone.
So if you are taking an anti-depressant, it will not negatively impact treatments—it can help! If getting off of medications is a goal of yours, which it is for some patients I work with, I ask that they have that conversation with their prescribing provider so the transition can be carefully managed.
I have had depression for (insert length of time here), how long will Acupuncture take to help?
I wish there was a predictable answer to this question, but the length of time to start noticing significant, sustainable changes depends on a couple of factors: how long you have had depression for, the severity of it, your willingness to collaborate on a treatment plan, your ability to engage in your treatments and embrace recommendations given outside of the office, etc. I will confidently share that almost everyone feels more relaxed after their first treatment, which is a good thing because it shows the body is already responding! Acupuncture is sometimes a quick-fix, but not usually when it comes to depression. Think about how many months or years you have felt stuck, numb, in pain, or overwhelmed emotionally—whether it’s due to life circumstances, trauma, loss, or reasons you can’t even pinpoint? It will take a little bit to shift that. A typical course of Acupuncture is 10 treatments, and most patients notice changes by their 4th-6th visit.
What are the benefits of Acupuncture for depression?
The benefits of Acupuncture for depression are well-known to include positive changes in your physical health as well as your mental/emotional outlook. I have had patients share that they experience:
More resilience: their ability to handle situations that would typically overwhelm or send them into a crisis improves
Feeling “lighter” emotionally: sometimes the weight of what depresses us—memories, experiences—does not get a chance to escape because we hold it in. I have patients report this sensation in a few different ways, but it all relates to a feeling of relief as circulation improves and things become “un-stuck.”
Better quality sleep: being able to fall asleep more easily or stay asleep longer without tossing and turning.
More energy: with depression, energy is your currency—you have to know how and when to spend it wisely or you run the risk of over-doing something which leaves you even more depleted, or you just don’t do anything, and feel paralyzed by daily activities. I have patients who could not gather the strength to clean their home, take a shower, etc. come back to say that they were able to accomplish more during the day than they were able to before.
Improved appetite and digestion: Acupuncture plus personalized herbal and dietary suggestions can do this by reducing stagnation in the digestive organs
Improved will-power and ability to make decisions: By influencing the nervous system and treating the organs that govern these mental processes, this is a benefit patients are sometimes surprised by—they report getting their “fire back” and can commit to things without second guessing themselves.
I hope you found this informative.
If you are struggling with depression and are ready to get support naturally, I would be happy to share this medicine with you.
“I have Bipolar and found it hard in the past to regulate my mood swings, even with proper care and regulation. Mentally after about 3 months of seeing Lauren, my family noticed my mood swings were less unpredictable. My bouts of every two week meltdowns evolved to an even keel. My psychiatrist was baffled, as he has tried for over 2 years to relieve any of my symptoms. Acupuncture ended up turning my life around. ”
— DL, AUBURN