by Claudine S. Amirian, LAc, MSTOM
Here’s to the New Year and another chance for us to get it right. Being that it’s the beginning of a new year, it’s an especially opportune time to reflect on what changes we can make to improve our lives. We should start fresh, with a positive attitude and open our arms to possibilities of new beginnings. Here’s how Chinese medicine and acupuncture can assist you in getting on track to optimum health this year.
1. Lose and manage weight
Losing weight is the most popular New Year’s resolution, which shows that it is often a difficult commitment. Acupuncture and Chinese medicine can strengthen your commitment and assist in achieving your goal by promoting better digestion, balancing and calming the emotions, reducing appetite, improving metabolism and eliminating food cravings. Furthermore, if there are hormonal imbalances (i.e., diabetes, thyroid, menopause), then herbs and acupuncture rebalance these.
2. Achieve balance and well-being
Everyone is constantly trying to achieve a healthy balance. very often people know what they want, but they do not have the willpower to stick to their plan. Studies show that by March, most people forget their New Year’s resolutions. Acupuncture and herbs are great for strengthening will-power by strengthening the kidney channel. Exhaustion can also weaken and imbalance a person’s will. Running around preparing for the festive season can leave you exhausted and run down. Acupuncture works in harmony with the body to create more energy and willpower, and achieve a physical and mental balance—the body’s natural state of well-being.
3. Stay happy and stress-free
There is a reason stress reduction is always one of the top 10 New Year’s resolutions. Chronic stress can be the cause of illness and deterioration of health. Studies prove the substantial benefits of acupuncture in the treatment of stress, anxiety, depression and lowering blood pressure. Acupuncture and acupressure release natural “feel good” endorphins, which are antidepressants and balancing hormones.
4. Sharpen your mind
Whether your resolution is to take an Internet course or learn a new hobby, such things involve your memory, which can often be deteriorating. Acupuncture can help your memory and brain work more efficiently. Numerous studies suggest that acupuncture can help improve memory, mental clarity, concentration and cognitive function. (Also foods like walnuts, omega-3 fish oils and more can assist with memory.)
5. Return to exercise
Just as acupuncture improves general health, it can also give you a great boost if your New Year’s resolution is to return to exercise or active sports. Many people fall out of the routine of regular exercise due to previous sporting injuries or falls. Acupuncture or tui-na massage, hot stone or cupping modalities help the body to heal injuries and make your exercise routine more enjoyable. Acupuncture has no side effects and can be helpful for all types of pain, including arthritis, regardless of what is causing the pain or where the pain is located.
Acupuncture treats the symptoms of a wide range of conditions and injuries, such as musculoskeletal injuries, women’s health, digestive disorders, cardio respiratory conditions, skin conditions and infections.
Acupuncture, acupressure and herbal consult for all conditions listed above can be treated by Claudine S. Amirian, LAc, MSTOM, by appointment. Call 917-309-2758. Learn more about acupuncture at the next upcoming seminar, January 13, at 11 a.m., at the Great Neck House, 14 Arrandale Ave., Great Neck.
