FREE Stress Relief Acupuncture When: Thursdays in Feburary, 5-7pm Where:MIdwest Herbs & Healing 2919 Pentagon Dr NE, St. Anthony, MN 55418 20-minute sessions include herbal tea, acupuncture, aromatherapy, and hand massage. Seating is Limited. Please call ahead to reserve your spot, 612-781-3006. 50% Off Acupuncture for Job-Seekers! Discount applies to those currently seeking employment, and can be used for all acupuncture services booked at Midwest Herbs & Healing by February 29, 2012. Call 612-781-3006 to make your appointment today! Lift Your Spirits Naturally – Get that Qi
Flowing! By Serenity Walker,
LAc. Dipl. OM The holidays are over and now we
have 3-4 months of winter to look
forward to. During this time, most of us will be hit by Seasonal Affective
Disorder in one way or another. We all know that with the shorter days and
colder weather, we can get cooped up and start to feel stuck. Literally our
bodies start to stagnate and when this happens, our life energy (or what we
refer to as Qi) often gets stagnated as well. Symptoms of Qi stagnation are
depression, anxiety, frustration, and anger. One of the most beautiful things
about Chinese medicine is that is great for moving Qi. Even if we are literally
stuck inside, it is important to keep your energy moving to boost up your
spirits. Here are some simple steps you can take to help avoid those winter
blues: 1) Breathing and Meditation– Breath is probably the easiest and most
effective way to get your energy moving. Simply taking the time to sit in a
quiet room while you take 5 to 10 slow, deep breaths can do wonders for your
mood. It can clear your mind, break up negative thought patterns, and give your
cells the extra oxygen they need to rebuild and rejuvenate. If you want to add
meditation to your breathing practice, even better. There are many styles of
meditation you can experiment with, but if you are a beginner, keep it simple.
Close your eyes, take a deep breath and picture your lungs expanding to their
full capacity. Once you are in a nice rhythm, set an intention or thought with
your breath. I often use the idea of compassion or peace. Hold that thought.
And when you are ready, envision and literally push out the breath and release
any negativity that isn’t serving you. Repeat as often as needed. 2)Acupuncture– It is great for moving energy, boosting your immunity
and revitalizing your system. It specifically helps with mood disorders by
increasing the level of endorphins in the brain, like serotonin, which are
pleasure-inducing chemicals. Acupuncture also naturally lowers cortisol levels,
the primary chemical that causes your body to tense up during times of stress.
Lastly, acupuncture slows down your brain wave activity, to make you more calm
and rhythmic, as if you were floating in the ocean. It’s a natural
anti-depressant without any side effects. 3)Exercise– When the body moves, the Qi will follow. Regular exercise
is an excellent way to lift your spirits. It is also an endorphin booster, so
you get the feeling of pleasure during and after an activity. But you don’t
have to run a marathon to feel the benefits. A walk around the block, a yoga
class, or simple stretching can be enough if you are stuck indoors or in a
pinch for time. A little bit every day goes a long way, and keeps you healthier
in the long run. If you can, get involved in a group activity. The social
environment can make you feel more connected to the outside world and gives you
a reason to get out and about. 4)Nutrition– Yes, even certain foods can help move Qi. Below is a
list of energy and mood-boosting foods: • Basil
• Cardamom
• Carrots
• Cayenne
• Chives
• Dill Seeds
• Fennel
• Garlic
• Grapefruit
• Orange Peels ( you can make a tea from zest )
• Peaches
• Peppermint
• Plum radish
• Squash
• Tangerine Peels
• Turmeric
• Vinegar
• Watercress
• Onions
• Mint
• Asparagus
• Black pepper
• Leafy greens, sprouts, beets And
don’t forget the water! Your body needs plenty of it during the winter too, to
flush out toxins and stay hydrated, especially when you are less-physically
active. 5)Supplements and Herbs- There are lots
of good recommendations for mood support. Please
check with your practitioner to come up a regimen that is specific for your
needs . Some of my favorites include: Omega 3 Fish Oils– Keeps the brain cells happy and healthy and has other health benefits 5-HTP, Vitamin C,
Vitamin B Complex, St. John’s Wort– All help boost
serotonin levels and other neurotransmitters Holy Basil, Ginseng,
Lemon Balm, Ashwaghanda– All good for boosting energy and
revitalization 6)Lifestyle– I will focus on a few
suggestions in this area that I feel have the most impact on good emotional
health. A)Outdoor Activity– Sunshine is a natural source of Vitamin D that boosts immunity and improves
serotonin levels. Plus the fresh oxygen rejuvenates the body and gives your
cells fresh food to work with. B)Sleep–
Establish a regular routine for sleep so your body knows when it is time to
wind down and rest. Stick to it, even on weekends. The body needs an average of
8 hours of sleep each day to rest, recover and recharge for a new day. Quality
and quantity of sleep has a major impact on moods. Seek advice from a
practitioner if you need help in this area. B)Relationships– Make time to connect with friends and loved ones. A change of perspective can
be just the thing to get you out of a funk. C)Healthy Emotional
Processing– Many people find that the winter slowness is a good time to
clean out unwanted emotional baggage. If that is your goal, be sure to reach
out and connect to your support system, whether it is loved ones, a spiritual
community, or a professional counselor. You don’t have to do it alone. And
remember to balance the bad with the good. Find a reason to laugh and be joyful
every day (watch a funny movie, call a friend, do a good deed.) And there you have it,
self-care solutions for beating the winter blues. I wish you all a wonderful
winter, full of health, happiness, and vitality. Be sure to visit us here at
Midwest Herbs and Healing if you need any further assistance. Spring will be
here before you know it! About
Serenity Walker, Lac., Dipl. OM. Serenity holds a master’s
degree in acupuncture and Oriental medicine (MSOM) from Southwest Acupuncture
College in Santa Fe, NM, one of the oldest institutions in the country. She is
nationally certified by NCCAOM as a Diplomate of Oriental Medicine, and she is
a licensed acupuncturist in Minnesota with the Minnesota Board of Medical
Practice. She has more than five years of practical
experience in acupuncture, Chinese herbs, Western herbs, nutrition, Asian body
therapy, homeopathy, aromatherapy, yoga and meditation. She has experience
working in a variety of health care settings including hospitals,
rehabilitation centers, chiropractic offices, pediatric clinics, mental health
settings, and HIV clinics. She has completed over 500 hours of additional training
in Japanese acupuncture, and she recently completed the Integrative Health
Practitioner training program at Abbott Northwestern’s Penny George Institute
for Health and Healing. Serenity’s passion is educating the public
about the benefits of integrative medicine and the role of the mind-body-spirit
connection in the health care setting. She offers workshops, public talks, and
personal consultations with health care providers and the community at large. |
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