Following the Heart: Chinese Medicine, Mind, and Spirit during the Summer Months

This article was published in the Summer 2024 Issue of Conscious Design Institute Magazine.

by Angela Barbara, LAc

The ancient Chinese traditional wisdom of Five Phase (also known as Five Element) Theory, which involves the engendering and relational cycle of movements and seasons from Wood (Spring), Fire (Summer), Earth (Late Summer), Metal (Autumn), and Water (Winter)—is fundamental in understanding how the body’s systems are interconnected with nature and the cosmos, and how we can optimize our own health and emotional well-being through simple and practical means. 

The Five Phases are symbolic and archetypical yet are also composed of both energy and physical matter.  Through the Five Phase Theory framework we can explore the relationship of natural states of being that we all can perceive and experience and how they affect one another.  They can provide an understanding of the human experience that has the potential for universal applications.

In the Five Phase system, we look at all the components and layers of a phase, such as its season, associated organ, temporal qualities, taste and temperature, emotional state, and energetic and directional movement.  We can examine which qualities are out of balance for that element, such as too much or little of a certain color, flavor, temperature, or inappropriate activity for the season related to that element.  There are many more layers and correspondences that can be considered, but we can start to see where there is potential to influence and make simple adjustments to get things moving in the right direction. 

After examining a single phase, we can then look at the relationships to the other phases and ask questions.  How is one phase nourishing or depleting the other?  How can we adjust the quality of one phase to affect the other?  What is the most dominant part of this cycle that is out of balance and should be addressed first?  The Five Phase system can be layered with as much complexity as the imagination and thought processes allow, and then refined using its elegant simplicity to find the best ways to heal and maintain balance.

Summer, associated with the Fire phase, and the transition period of Late Summer, connected to the Earth phase, offer an opportunity to discuss how relationships between the different phases can affect our mind, body, and spirit.

Fire governs the Heart, which in Traditional Chinese Medicine is more than just a physical organ. It includes what is known as the Heart system, which encompasses our mental and emotional states, and corresponding parts of the body like blood vessels and anatomical areas of the arms and hands. The Heart is considered the “sovereign organ”, providing a hierarchy that must be examined when working with diagnosis and treatment.  

In the spiritual tradition of Daoism, the Heart is the seat of the mind and consciousness and is known as xin (心),translated as “heart-mind”. Unlike the Western distinction between mind and heart as separate entities, we may instead view the heart as an integrated center of emotion, thought, and spirit.  It influences mental clarity and spiritual tranquility, making its balance critical for overall well-being.  The concept of xin plays a crucial role in understanding the interconnectedness of human being, nature and the universe.

Because the nature of Fire/Summer is bright, hot, and energetic, we must take special care to protect this system and keep it in balance.  The joyful emotion related to Fire can become mania if things move too fast or get too hot.  Fire blazing out of control has the power to burn and even destroy things very quickly.  The nature of Fire is simple for us to grasp, and we can take common sense measures to keep things cool during the Fire season, like drinking more water or slowing down when necessary.

Caring for your heart and your heart-mind in summer is easy and practical.  Though the nature of Fire encourages us to be more active than we would during the opposite season of Winter/Water, it is important to listen to your heart and know when to slow down and take your time.  If you want to sweat and get your heart rate up with exercise right now, doing it in the cooler morning time will help avoid excessive fluid loss and taxation of the heart organ.  Spend a small part of the most energetic time of day (noon is associated with Heart/Fire) napping or meditating to connect with your spirit and nourish the heart-mind, so that Fire doesn’t become too strong in its own season or associated time.  The bright nature of Fire (campfire anyone?) promotes social interaction, so be sure to nurture your heart by meeting up with loved ones to share cool drinks and smiles. 

Considering our social relationships, the flavor related to the Fire phase is bitter.  A little bitter flavor in our food, like dark chocolate or kale, can nourish the heart.  But when we have too much bitterness in our heart-mind, when we are holding grudges and resentment toward others, it is considered damaging to our heart.  Meditation and reflection on the sources of our bitter feelings and finding peace through forgiveness and kindness are very healing methods for our hearts.

The elegance of the Five Phase Theory helps us to look at the relationships between the elements and use also other tools to tend to our physical and emotional health.  Because the Five Phases have both an eternal and relational cycle, we can look beyond the element of our focus at the other elements for ideas on how to balance and even heal ourselves.

For example, the Wood/Spring phase is considered the “mother” of the Fire/Summer phase.  Wood feeds Fire, and Wood’s related emotion is anger.  When we choose anger as our mood or mindset and don’t take care to soften this, the increase of Wood can cause the Fire to “burn too fast”.  This heat can lead to anxiety, restlessness, and insomnia, all conditions related to the heart, and heart-mind (xin) in Chinese medicine.  Because the tree-like nature of Wood needs to expand to grow, movement is very good for calming anger.  When we are sedentary and the anger can’t go anywhere, it can “harass” the heart and other organs and cause health and emotional issues. There are also Chinese herbal remedies available, like chrysanthemum tea, which is very popular in Asia during the hot season, and its properties soothe the Wood phase directly and can be used to keep the Heart mind and spirit calm and cool.

Another way to look at the relationship to Summer/Fire is through its following season, starting around July 20th each year.  This is the Earth or Late Summer phase and is the “child” of the Fire Phase (ashes from fire nourish the soil).  Its associated climatic environmental influence is dampness.  If the Fire phase is moving into a Late Summer phase with too much heat, we get a combination of dampness and heat.  On days that are hot, heavy and sticky, people may feel unwell with digestion issues, fatigue, and joint pain, aliments related dampness in the body.  If there is too much dampness in the body, the “child can drain the mother” and damage the Heart.  One way to prepare for this time of year is to cut down foods that are sticky and heavy, such as sweet and sugary treats, excessive amounts of dairy, and fried foods which can proliferate dampness in the body.  

Eating more of the seasonal foods of July and August, things that are red, yellow, and orange in color (which happen to be our famous red tomatoes, yellow corn, and orange peaches here in New Jersey!), in addition to all the delicious varieties of fresh seasonal food that are available during these months is very supportive of moving from the Fire phase into the Earth phase.  If we can find simple ways like food and movement to keep the heat from combining with the dampness, these dog days of summer can feel much more tolerable.

The Late Summer/Earth phase of late July and early August is a time to take things a little slower than the fast and bright energy of the Summer/Fire Phase.  Things are nearing the end of their growth cycle and moving toward harvest, and there is a feeling of things beginning to contract.  The Earth phase is related to the digestion.  If you are feeling fatigue upon waking in the morning or after eating a meal, this is often a sign that the Earth phase is affected.  Eating lighter meals and doing slower exercise like qigong and tai chi reduce stress and calm the mind.  These practices also stimulate and regulate the digestion through gentle movements and breathing, promoting better blood sugar regulation and energy and resource management in the body. 

The emotion associated with the Earth phase is worry and overthinking.  When we are obsessing and creating excessive attachments to ideas, people, and things, we are burdening our Earth phase and its associated organs and functions, as well as the relationships to the other phases and their optimal functioning.  Standing meditation practices, which draw on the stabilizing and grounding Earth energy, and meditation practices which involve cultivating a detached observational quality and curiosity around our thoughts and feelings can help to resolve over-attachment and worry.

If you are new to these concepts, or already know about them and would like a boost to your body and mind using some of these incredibly effective and elegant tools, visit a natural healer, or meditation or martial arts teacher who focuses on East Asian practices.  There is a wealth of simple and easy to follow practices involving acupuncture, breathing, meditation, diet, nutrition, and exercise that are parts of a complete system with centuries of proven results.

Have a healthy, joyful and worry-free summer!

Interview with Russell Barbara, Licensed Massage Therapist and Martial Arts Teacher by Angela Barbara, LAc

Angela: Hi Russell, can you tell us a little bit about how you got started doing massage therapy?

Russell:  I was practicing martial arts and injured myself.  I went for treatment from a man named Tom Bisio and I was really impressed with what he did.  He used acupuncture and herbs, but also massage.  You [speaking to Angela] were already beginning your study of Chinese medicine, so I knew a little about acupuncture, and I asked him what I needed to do to start doing what he does.  He said the first thing you need to do is get your massage license. So, I did, and that’s what I’ve been doing ever since. 

Angela:  What were some of the things that you liked when you got treatment from Tom that influenced you in such a big way?   

Russell:  I only saw Tom a couple of times.  He had a policy that he sees his patients twice – these are long appointments, like an hour and a half, and they include acupuncture, massage, and herbs.  Then he gives you exercises to do on your own.   Obviously, the results were exciting, but what really drew me to him other than just the short time it took to heal was I didn’t have to stop training and become inactive at all.  I did have to slow down to rehabilitate myself, but I didn’t have to take a year off which is what they were telling me at the doctor.

Angela: Just to let everyone know - this injury that you had was a partial tear of your ACL, Meniscus, and MCL of your knee and you were candidate for surgery. 

Russell:  Yeah, they were trying to get me to get surgery, but I was a bartender at the time, so there’s no taking six months off from my job - I couldn’t even take a week off from my job.  Since my treatments with Tom and my own rehab work, I’ve never had surgery on my knee, and I’ve never stopped working or my martial arts training.

Angela:  It sounds like one of the big things that you liked about working with Tom besides the great results was that you were able to continue your activities, and you were able to continue to work while you were healing.  

Russell:  I was very impressed.  Through martial arts I heard things about bone setting and Chinese medical massage (Tui Na) and these kinds of things, but I had never really experienced it fully until I saw him.  My martial arts teacher also knows some of these methods and he would fix training injuries for me, and I was very impressed with that. At my martial arts studio people would jam their fingers and stuff. Before becoming a massage therapist, I always liked to help them out and put medicine on and do sort of amateur massage.  

Angela:  You went to massage school at Pacific College in New York City and one of the reasons why you chose the school is that they had a strong focus on Eastern disciplines.

Russell:  Yeah, one of their core massage curriculums was based on Tom Bisio’s work with his partner at the time, Frank Butler (Zheng Gu Tui Na).

Angela:  You were able to get training and practice from him and his direct students through your school, right?

Russell:  Yes, I was able to really focus on the Chinese style from different types of teachers, but I also learned other types of massage. We studied Swedish and Western sports massage.  We studied anatomy, physiology, and kinesiology. We learned some of the Chinese medicine, but also other Asian concepts and styles like Thai massage and Japanese Shiatsu. 

Angela:  When you were in school did you continue to feel like the Chinese massage (tui na) was your main focus and that was the way you wanted to go, or did you like some of the other styles?

Russell:  Yes, I believe tui na is one of the most effective styles, but I also felt like learning about rehabilitative stretching was also very good.  I also took a lot from western and biomedical practices regarding treatment and recovery.

Angela:  You did postgraduate study and earned certifications in prenatal massage as well as myofascial release.  Could you tell us a little about the myofascial work?

Russell:  With myofascial release you work a lot not on the muscles themselves but the tissue that surrounds them.  Fascia is a very plastic tissue which once it’s mobilized, you can literally reshape the muscle. 

Angela:  Yes, I love working with fascia!  Just in the last year I’ve had a big focus on fascial acupuncture and really seeing how you can modulate the structure because not only does it surround everything but it’s in between the structures as well.  You can get a lot of like you said, plasticity, which allows that tissue to be less restricted and muscles don’t stick to each other. 

Russell:  Yes, there’s a lot to it, including resistance and more western stretching techniques.  I’ve always incorporated it into my work. 

Angela:  The idea of massage therapy means different things to different people, so if someone were looking to work with you, what can they expect from a treatment from you and how is working with you different from other types of massage therapies?   

Russell:  I will find out their goals and I’ll try to find a realistic path towards their goals. You know if someone comes to me and they say my back hurts after working an 8 hour or 10-hour shift or playing a sport, the solution is not quit your job or stop being active.   People need to work - people need to do the things that caused the problem, so what we need to do is develop better habits of doing things.  Are there little habits that are unnecessarily causing pain? Then when we treat the problems that are caused by these bad habits and move toward physically correcting these issues. Different clients are different ages, sizes, and have different diets, etc.  Everybody can be healthy if they want to participate at least in some way with their recovery and with their treatment.   

Angela: To clarify and break it down, if someone makes an appointment with you for the first time, could you just walk me through that first appointment? 

Russell:  They’ll fill out a form and go through a short intake process. I’m going to make sure that they are good candidate for massage.  We’ll do the treatment, which usually involves working on the whole body.  With my technique I go over the whole body mostly every treatment.  

Angela: What you’re saying is that if somebody comes in and says, “my knee hurts”, you’re not just going to work on that.

Russell:  Right, we want to get the whole body involved in the healing process.

Angela:  We’ll get back to that in a minute, but what else can clients expect?

Russell:  Definitely a treatment plan.  This is not a place where you come to have me give you maximum pressure and pain, so you feel like it’s working but nothing ever changes.  I am focused on your goals, so we are going to have a plan.  

Angela:  I hear you, I see people who pretty much only come in for trigger point acupuncture releases and they don’t really want to go further into the medicine or they are not ready to begin correcting troublesome habits.  Trigger point acupuncture can feel satisfying when you get that big muscle release, but it’s only “released” until whatever caused it to be in knots happens again.  This can go on for years until someone is ready to do things a little differently and the body gets a chance to heal itself in a sustainable way.  I'm flexible - I can meet them where they are in their process, and when they're ready for a shift, I'm there to help.

Russell:  And it’s usually small stuff.  My suggestions can be as simple as how you are sitting when you are working or relaxing.  What makes my type of massage therapy different is that everyone is not getting this one-size-fits-all type of treatment for these conditions.  I’ll give a treatment plan - three or five treatments depending on the issue.  Clients get some relief, and some homework.  They go back to work or go back to their life and maybe those things will slowly start cause issues again.  Then we can come back, and we will move the needle again until we get the results we want.

Angela:  It sounds like your way of practicing is goal-focused, so tell me a little bit more about like what makes you different than other types of massage places?

Russell:  I have a commitment to working with the individual person and not just using protocols. I will develop a custom treatment plan for each individual client, and we go through it together. My techniques include focused techniques drawn from a pool of different styles from all over the world.  My martial arts training makes me uniquely qualified to work on both new and old injuries and monitor the body for changes in real time.  We can also work with you [speaking to Angela], in tandem.  We have in the past worked together on clients, which works well attacking the issue from two perspectives.

Angela:  Yes, it’s great to be able to work together to consult on the best way to help people.   I feel like when I’m working with a patient with acupuncture and they’re also getting some kind of physical modality, whether it's massage, physical therapy, or chiropractic, it accelerates their recovery.  Let’s shift gears a little bit and talk about a big topic with massage - which is the amount of pressure you use!

Russell:  Right. I don’t believe in the idea that pain is necessarily a good thing during treatment. I try to provide a relaxing experience- getting the body into a parasympathetic state, resting and digesting.  That’s what the body needs to heal.  Deep pressure causing pain - there are a lot of people available out there that will provide that for you. I think sometimes it comes from the idea that you know, you want more bang for your buck and the idea that more pressure is better.  I don’t find that to be the case.  I am also not saying that all my techniques are gentle and without discomfort.  But I will not make things more painful needlessly. I don’t find it to be very healing or constructive. There are some times when we’re releasing muscles or when we’re moving fascia or getting in between things or you know, addressing deep issues that there will be a little bit of pain.  But I do not believe that putting people in pain does anything but spike cortisol and cause a reaction of the body which is not conducive to healing. I try to minimize that as much as possible, and just physically get in and make the changes that need to be made while providing a relaxing experience that causes the body to bring nutrients to the site, bring waste away away from the site and, causes an increase in optimal blood flow that accelerates healing, 

Angela: I’m reminded of one of our teachers who I know you learned a lot from in school. I had treatment from him many years ago.  [His name is Hal Asbury, a New York City-based practitioner who is an acupuncturist, herbalist, massage therapist and martial artist. He’s also a musician, Chinese classical text translator, and an all-around wonderful person].  I was in a rear end collision while we were still in school, and the diagnosis at the ER was “whiplash”.  They said the only damage was to the soft tissue in my neck and there was no damage to the spine, however, they said I could look forward to some arthritis later in life.  Did not refer me for any treatment and I was on my own.  I went to see Hal for treatment a few weeks after the accident after things had healed a little bit on their own, but I was still having neck pain.  What amazed me was how he did some like - really gentle - massage and kind of lightly moved my neck into place- the bones of the spine and all.  I felt completely relaxed the whole time, and I was better after that.  He didn’t have to mash away at my neck muscles to get them to loosen up.  There was no pain during the treatment, and that had a huge influence on me and the way I wanted to practice medicine.  To me that just goes to show the power of the appropriate approach and what you’re saying about people feeling like things need to hurt to work. 

Russell:  I am going to use my experience and my knowledge to create a solution.  If I am only going by what clients think is best for them -of course you can communicate and feedback is great, and I want to interact with my clients and have them participate- but I know what’s not going to work, and I won’t do the deep and painful pressure just because the client wants me to.  I love to listen to feedback and really get the client to participate in a dialogue.  But if I’m just doing hard pressure because someone wants me to, then I fail as a practitioner. Though I do think it’s good to work with people and get them to push their limits what they can tolerate sometimes, but that’s a different subject.

Angela:  On the flip side, can people come and see you just to relax?  Or do they have to have a medical issue?  

Russell:  Yes of course, taking a break from life and relaxing to deal with stress is a medical issue so I’m all for it. 

Angela: All right, so this has been great.  Let’s just summarize this and we’ll see if there’s anything we left out. 

• You got into massage through your martial arts training and through your own personal experience with injury, by seeing a great practitioner who really inspired you and then things just kind of grew from there. 

• Your focus as far as your professional life has been informed by your own personal development with Chinese martial arts, culture, and healing modalities but also you really like to incorporate more of the conventional or western modalities regarding anatomy, kinesiology, and physiology.  

• You do a combination of these things, so kind of a modern and an old school approach.  You’re focused on achieving a goal and working with someone as an individual to help them achieve that goal.  

• What people can expect from you when they come in is a thorough intake, thorough assessment, treatment plan, active treatment as well as some homework for them to do in between treatments to help improve their condition. 

• The best candidate for someone to come and see you for massage would be focused on their recovery and focused on achieving their goals.  

• What makes you different is your attention to the individual, your customized treatment plan, your skill in working with the body and encouraging healing as opposed to forcing changes that the body may not adapt or respond too well.  

Did I leave anything out? 

Russell:  I want to stress that small changes can be incremental.  It can be easy to get discouraged when you feel overwhelmed by your pain or health condition and then still must function every day in the real world.  There is no healing without motivation, but you won’t start out with anything from me that is unrealistic and it’s not going to be anything that is discouraging to the point of giving it up immediately.  As your good habits increase your bad habits decrease and you sort of get that momentum going, which I really find the most important thing to achieve is the momentum keep things moving in a positive direction.  

Angela: Before we finish up, I just want to talk about the different massages you offer. You offer a 45-, 60- and 90-minute massage, so talk to me about who would be the best candidate for which type of massage.

Russell:  45-minute massage would be for someone with a very specific issue - that’s not to say that I wouldn’t work on the entire body. I work on the entire body with every treatment, but this would be something acute like a stiff neck or tennis elbow or maintenance on a resolved issue.  With the 60 minutes we are in an active treatment plan, working on a couple of issues, working on chronic issues, or maintenance on more than one issue.  90 minutes is best for multiple issues, and larger people may need 90 minutes because there is more physical tissue to work with.  For relaxation, 60 or 90 minutes is the best choice.

Angela: Thank you so much Russell!  

Russell:  Thank you!

Exploring Distal Acupuncture By Angela Barbara, LAc

In our last newsletter, we discussed Orthopedic Acupuncture, a very direct approach for pain and musculoskeletal injury and recovery.  In this article, we’ll explore the technique of distal acupuncture and how its immediate and lasting effects offer life-changing relief for our patients.  Distal acupuncture involves placing needles at locations far from the area of concern but connected through the acupuncture channel system and a holographic correspondence model of the body. 

What is the Holographic Correspondence Model of the Human Body?

The holographic correspondence model is a conceptual framework that posits that each part of the body is a microcosm of the whole. In other words, each smaller area can represent the body as a whole.  An example of this concept can be seen in a well-known modality like reflexology where each part of the foot corresponds to a part of the body.  This principle allows practitioners to treat distant parts of the body to address problems in another, more targeted area. This is a unique feature of distal acupuncture that makes it a powerful modality for treatment, often resulting in immediate relief.

Additionally, similar body parts can be used to treat one another.  For example, using this model we can treat the elbow with acupuncture to provide pain relief in the knee.  Because these 2 body structures are similar (both are “hinge” joints, both are located halfway between the trunk and the extremities, and both have similar anatomical structures), we can use the brain’s powerful processing to start the body’s innate healing process.  

This type of body mapping and correspondence is not an idea exclusive to acupuncture. The development of the human body from different embryonic stages is where many of our cells and organs came from the same cell or groups of cells which replicated and divided during our development.  For example, our kidneys and the cartilage of our ears came from the same group of cells, hence their similar shape.  Distal acupuncture uses the innate organizing and creating ability of our own body and brain to generate pain relief and healing.

Tung's Acupuncture Method

Tung's Acupuncture is a family lineage system that became available for study in the mid-20th century by Master Tung Ching-Chang. It utilizes a different set of acupuncture points than the well-known 12 Channel System, many of which are distal, to treat various ailments effectively. Tung's method focuses on the "mirroring" and "imaging" concepts, where one part of the body can correspond to another part, creating a mapping system that allows for potent distal treatments.

Tan's Acupuncture Method

Dr. Richard Tan also refined the practice of distal acupuncture by developing the Balance Method. Tan's approach seeks to establish harmony within the body's energy systems by selecting points along the meridians that are opposite to the diseased or painful area. This balancing act often leads to immediate symptom relief, making it popular for conditions like acute pain.

I’ve been studying and using these both of these distal acupuncture methods for over 10 years and the results never stop amazing me and more importantly, my patients!  Most recently, a patient had a weeklong headache that nothing was helping.  He came for one treatment, and we used distal acupuncture on his hands and feet (both areas have correspondence to the head and face) and reported a 100% relief of his headache that same day and 2 weeks later, the pain still hasn’t returned.

We see results like this all the time in the clinic, but it’s important to understand that each patient is unique, with a lifetime of acquired physical and emotional adaptations and injuries, and it may require multiple treatments to achieve our goals.

Why Choose Distal Acupuncture?

• Less Intrusive

Distal acupuncture is generally less intrusive, meaning needles don't have to be inserted near sensitive or painful areas, making the treatment potentially more comfortable for the patient.

• Immediate Relief

Both Tung and Tan methods are known for providing immediate symptom relief, making them preferred choices for conditions like acute pain or migraines.  We may also observe immediate improved range of motion on a structure like the neck or shoulder because the patient is able to move the injured area during treatment.

• Versatility

Distal acupuncture can be applied to a wide range of conditions, from physical pain to emotional disorders, offering a versatile treatment approach. 

• Other Benefits of Distal Acupuncture

1. Pain Management: Effective for both acute and chronic pain.

2. Flexibility: Suitable for treating multiple conditions simultaneously.

3. Speed: Faster symptom relief compared to other acupuncture methods.

4. Minimal Side Effects:  Less potential for soreness post-treatment than trigger point acupuncture or strong local acupuncture.

5. Convenience: Allows patients to remain clothed during the treatment, making it more accessible and comfortable.

I will very often use both Distal and Orthopedic Acupuncture styles and other acupuncture techniques in the same treatment plan for my patients.  My education and training allow me to customize my patients’ treatments to their unique needs.  Reach out with any questions and I’m wishing you good health and happiness!  -Angela

Unlocking Wellness: You Will See Profound Benefits from Learning Qi Gong in Our New 30-Minute, Twice-a-Week Class

Finding ways to alleviate stress, improve mental clarity, and promote overall well-being is more crucial than ever.  The Chinese practice of Qi Gong (chee gong) combines movement, breath, and meditation to cultivate the body's vital life force, known as "qi".   Working with qi is an essential part of what we are working with in our acupuncture sessions, and now you can learn how to cultivate your own qi to heal yourself!

We are starting up a new 12-week class at the end of September.  In just 30 minutes of easy flowing movement, you can start to build a foundational health practice that will have benefits in all areas of your life.

1. Stress Reduction and Relaxation: Qi Gong's gentle and flowing movements, synchronized with deep breathing techniques, create a sense of tranquility and relaxation. Practicing for just 30 minutes twice a week can significantly lower stress levels, reducing the impact of daily challenges on both the body and mind.

2. Improved Flexibility and Balance: The slow and deliberate movements in Qi Gong enhance flexibility and balance by gently stretching muscles and promoting joint mobility. Regular practice can lead to improved posture, coordination, and overall physical stability.

3. Enhanced Energy Flow: Qi Gong is rooted in the belief that Qi flows through the body's channels, sometimes called meridians. By practicing the art, individuals can unblock energy pathways, promoting the smooth circulation of qi. This heightened qi flow results in increased vitality and a strengthened immune system.

4. Mental Clarity and Focus: The combination of movement and mindfulness in Qi Gong helps calm the mind and enhance mental clarity. Practitioners report improved concentration, heightened awareness, and a greater ability to manage their thoughts and emotions.

5. Stress-Related Ailment Prevention: Chronic stress can lead to a range of health issues, from insomnia to digestive problems. Learning Qi Gong in short, regular sessions can be a preventive measure against these stress-related ailments, leading to better overall health.

6. Pain Management: Qi Gong's gentle movements can alleviate tension and discomfort in the body. Regular practice has been shown to provide relief from chronic pain conditions, such as back pain, arthritis, and migraines.

7. Mind-Body Connection: Qi Gong fosters a deep connection between the mind and body. By focusing on the breath and the movements, individuals learn to become more attuned to their physical sensations, emotions, and inner states. This heightened awareness can lead to improved self-regulation and emotional well-being.

8. Social Interaction and Community: Participating in a Qi Gong class provides an opportunity for social interaction and community engagement. Sharing the practice with others who are also on a wellness journey can create a supportive environment and foster a sense of belonging.

9. Time-Efficient Practice: The convenience of 30-minute sessions twice a week makes Qi Gong accessible to people with busy schedules. This manageable commitment ensures that individuals can reap the benefits of Qi Gong without overwhelming their calendars.

Class times:

10am-10:30am every Sunday morning beginning September 24th

6pm-6:30 on Wednesday evenings starting September 27th.   

The class will be 12 weeks and will finish up right before the holidays.  

Pre-registration and payment is required.  Instructor: Angela Barbara

Join us for this powerful learning experience!

Orthopedic Acupuncture: An Effective Approach for Pain Relief and Rehabilitation, by Angela Barbara, LAc

Orthopedic acupuncture is a subspecialty of acupuncture therapy which is used for addressing musculoskeletal pain and promoting rehabilitation. It uses special needling techniques, including the use of trigger and motor points, manual and electric stimulation techniques, and adjunctive manual and herbal therapies to alleviate pain and optimize the body’s healing processes. Orthopedic acupuncture offers unique benefits that set it apart from other needle treatment modalities, such as dry needling and injection therapy.  We incorporate orthopedic acupuncture into our treatments here at the clinic every day. Read on to learn about how it works to improve the lives of our patients.

Terms to Learn:  Some of the Key Components of Orthopedic Acupuncture 

Orthopedic Assessment:  an orthopedic acupuncturist is educated in the medical anatomy, physiology, and kinesiology of the human musculoskeletal system.  Using palpation, physical exam, joint and muscle testing, and visual analysis of how the patient moves, the practitioner can discern the area requiring treatment and establishes a baseline from which to measure improvement.

Segmental Approach:  By treating the corresponding spinal nerve roots which relate to the area to be treated, acupuncturists can elicit a natural pain-relieving effect, increase blood flow to the nerve and soft tissues, and restore the proper functioning of the nerve.  For example, one of the most common areas of a “pinched nerve” in the lumbar spine occurs at the L4/L5 lumbar segment.  

There are several different ways to use a segmental approach using acupuncture. One method is to use a gentle, shallow needling technique about .5 inches away from the center line of the back at the level of the involved spinal vertebrae. This can treat symptoms such as pain which radiates into the leg, weakness or numbness in the legs, and local pain in the low back. In fact, this is actually a technique that is hundreds of years old, but we build upon our ancestors’ knowledge and skill by combining it with our contemporary understanding of human anatomy. 

Trigger points are highly irritable knots and adhesions found in tight bands of muscle fibers that can cause localized or referred pain. In orthopedic acupuncture, these trigger points are meticulously identified and treated through precise needling techniques. By targeting these trigger points, orthopedic acupuncturists aim to release muscle tension, promote blood circulation, and restore the body’s natural balance.  Often the release of a trigger point can result in an instantaneous relief of pain and tension, restored mobility, and a palpable feeling of release and blood flow to the affected area.  This style of acupuncture is often referred to as “dry needling”.

Motor Points are specific points within muscles that directly affect their function. Orthopedic acupuncture incorporates motor points into treatment to enhance muscular performance and stimulate neuromuscular pathways. By precisely needling motor points, we can help activate weakened muscles, improve range of motion, and enhance overall functionality.

Electric Stimulation is a core feature of orthopedic acupuncture. By adding a mild electrical current to the inserted needles, acupuncturists can intensify the therapeutic effect. Electric stimulation helps stimulate nerve endings, increase blood flow, and promote tissue regeneration. This technique can be particularly beneficial for chronic pain management, muscle rehabilitation, and accelerating the healing process.

Adjunctive Therapies are additional modalities used in treatment which may include the use of traditional herbal medicine both topical and ingested, manual soft tissue massage, stretching and muscle balance techniques, and therapeutic healing exercises like tai chi, qi gong, and yoga.

A Discussion on the Comparison of Dry Needling with Acupuncture by Medical Professionals

So far, a lot of this seems like a very modern medical approach!  It is, and lately it seems like everyone is getting in on the needling action. You may have heard about “dry needling” (meaning there is no substance actually injected) by chiropractors, physical therapists, and even athletic trainers.  Why have these medical professionals started using needles in treatment?  Because they work.  

The training programs for medical professionals to use dry needling are increasing and we are seeing dry needling happening everywhere from the medical clinic setting to the athletic training department. There is a lot of debate around scope of practice for medical professionals and skill and safety for using filiform (acupuncture/dry) needles and the purpose for other professions in adding needling into their treatment methods. This is an important topic for both patients and professionals, and I believe healthcare practitioners should be operating ethically and with integrity in their practice and getting the proper training to safely help patients with a purpose and with respect to other practitioners in the field with more clinical needling experience.

I think most acupuncturists don’t necessarily have an issue with others using needles, but more with the marketing techniques that are used to discredit the practice of acupuncture while promoting dry needling.

Using fine filiform needles effectively to target specific anatomical structures requires refinement of skills that can only happen over time and with experience. After over 14 years of needling, I am as comfortable using a needle in the clinic as I am using a pen or a spoon in my daily life.  My patients also benefit from the fact that I am basically a nerd who spends a lot of my time, several training seminars per year, and hundreds of treatments per month learning about and perfecting both ancient and modern healing methods for the best patient outcomes.  

Orthopedic acupuncture is a specialty track, meaning not all acupuncturists use this style, and it most often takes additional training by licensed acupuncturists beyond their initial Masters or Doctorate degree in acupuncture.  

It is important to mention that even if an acupuncturist only treats patients using the highly effective traditional points and channels in the body (a complete medical system within itself), no acupuncturist in New Jersey may get a license to practice without a formal degree in acupuncture as well as the passing of the state board licensing exam.  Both include study and competency in human anatomy and physiology from a Western medical model.  New Jersey Acupuncturists know their anatomy!

Please don’t be fooled by misinformation that describes acupuncturists loosely as energy workers who use some kind of magic or deception with no basis in a scientific or medical approach to the human body.  This is a marketing technique that mischaracterizes this ancient and proven natural medicine as primitive and ineffective. To some, it may seem like magic because it works so well, or perhaps because of a cultural bias and misunderstanding of natural medicine. The ancestors knew how to restore health by following the patterns of the natural world. Their techniques were elegant and highly refined for their time, and still prove effective time and time again in the treatment room. Our “modern” approach simply adds to the wisdom of how the body works that has been passed down through the centuries to determine the most appropriate and effective method for treatment.

There are many of us out here, like me, who see the value in both ancient and modern medicine, who have spent years training in anatomy, physiology, kinesiology, orthopedic assessment and therapeutic modalities COMBINED with proven ancient healing techniques. This is a total plus in my book!

We have many referrals from orthopedic and pain management doctors, neurologists, and physical therapists who also see the positive impact that a combined approach gives to their patients.

What Happens in a Typical Orthopedic Acupuncture Session?

A typical orthopedic-style treatment at our clinic involves an active assessment and needling phase, with direct needle and manual treatment where appropriate.  We then incorporate movement or repeat a test for the patient to determine changes in pain and mobility in real time.  This is followed by a resting period with systemic, more traditional style acupuncture points supporting the body’s natural healing process and bringing the mind into a more balanced and calm state.  Adjunctive therapies are applied where required.

Every patient receives a prescribed treatment plan with defined goals in place. This means we won't ask you to come for months of treatment with no end in sight (although many of our patients come for regular maintenance and relaxation long after their condition has improved). No two patients are treated in exactly the same way for the same condition, there are no specific protocols that we use for everyone, and not all of the above modalities are appropriate for all patients and conditions. Our treatments are customized and adjusted at every step in the process to ensure success for each patient’s unique presentation.

Why is this Style so Unique and Effective?

Acupuncture is special because it includes an emphasis on healing both the mind and the body. It is a good thing that we have modern medical science to save lives, perform surgeries, and physically rehabilitate us through our injuries and illnesses. But what about the emotional trauma that dealing with physical pain can bring? What happens after the surgery? What happens when life doesn’t stop and the pain has impacted one’s ability to work, function, and relax? Injury, physical pain, and limitation of movement affect us at our deep emotional levels, causing stress, anxiety, sleep disturbances, relationship conflicts, and reliance on substances to get though the day.  Mind/body support through acupuncture and adjunctive therapies is used to access a very important aspect of the human healing process – emotional peace and wellness. 

Acupuncture is well known for its analgesic and calming effects on the nervous system. Activation on the pathways that allow us to feel less pain and feel calm during the recovery process without side effects is an important part of helping patients find hope and progress along the way in their healing.

Orthopedic acupuncture stands as a valuable therapeutic option for individuals seeking pain relief, injury recovery, and improved musculoskeletal function.  Our clinic uses the best techniques from proven ancient methods, specific traditional acupuncture styles passed down from family lineages, and modern methods and technology to work through a goal-oriented treatment plan for our patients.  This healing system is an excellent support for those who are in treatment with a physical therapist, under the care of an orthopedist or pain management specialist, and chiropractic patients.  It is also wonderful for athletes and hobbyists who want to improve performance and recover from injuries quickly.

Let’s talk about how Orthopedic Acupuncture can help you!  Schedule a free 15 minute consultation or book an appointment for acupuncture today.  

Why You Should Try Acupuncture to Help with Anxiety

by Angela Barbara, LAc

Anxiety disorders affect nearly 30% of adults at some point in their lives.1  Many of the patients seen in the clinic every day describe challenges related to anxiety.  Some patients come for acupuncture treatment primarily for their anxiety issues, and others ask for help with anxiety in addition to their other health concerns.  In this practitioner’s experience, most people can benefit from acupuncture’s calming and balancing effects.

How can Acupuncture work for anxiety?  Through the lens of traditional acupuncture theory, there is no separation between mind and body.  Emotions may be the result or the cause of physical disease.  Each person has a unique background of physical, chemical, and emotional experiences that bring them to their current state of health.  Most practitioners of acupuncture will perform a comprehensive intake and diagnosis on the first visit, carefully choosing the appropriate prescription of acupuncture treatment.  

Patients are often surprised at the level of detail which is discussed for a seemingly straightforward condition, such as knee pain for example.  Why would we need to know your level of stress or how well you are sleeping in order to treat your knee pain?  Stress hormones, neurotransmitters, and clear signaling of these chemicals in the body can affect the level of pain someone is experiencing, as well as recovery time.  A good acupuncturist works not just to relieve your pain, but to help with any anxiety or stress that may be interfering with your progress.

What does Acupuncture do for Anxiety?  Your customized point prescription influences the body’s innate communication system to activate your body’s self-healing process.  Chronic inflammation, stress, poor diet, and lack of activity can cause disruptions in signaling so that the body and mind become stuck in a loop and healing is delayed as conditions worsen over time.

Specific acupuncture points have been used for centuries to calm the mind and assist in entering a lighter, less stressed, and more centered state of being. When the body and mind know what to do and you are feeling more relaxed and rested, wonderful progress can be made.  Repeat treatments "train" your mind to more readily accept and focus on feeling more naturally calm and centered.

Does this mean that my acupuncture sessions will become “therapy” sessions?  No.  If there is an event or a state of emotional strain that you are working through, it can certainly be helpful for you to share this information in order to have a compassionate and active listener on your side during your treatment.  

However, it is not necessary to share your personal story in order to get help with your anxiety through acupuncture.  A skilled practitioner can help you personally with anxiety and stress using keen observation and accurate diagnosis in order to get the best result, without having to know all of your most personal emotional challenges. 

There is scientific research into this method of treating anxiety. Acupuncture has been clinically shown to have a calming effect on the body. In a recent study in Japan, male adults given acupuncture showed “Decreased heart rate and increased parasympathetic nervous system activity dominance”2.  The parasympathetic nervous system is opposite to the “fight or flight” activity of the sympathetic nervous system, and its activity is necessary for proper sleep, digestion, and even sexual function.  

In a 2017 study of college students, subjects reported stress reduction for up to three months after acupuncture treatment3.  In a 2005 study of patients with fibromyalgia, “Patients who received acupuncture experienced minimal side effects. Following treatments, symptoms of pain, fatigue, and anxiety were most significantly improved in patients who received acupuncture."4  And in a study from 2021, acupuncture was shown to help improve the effects of anti-anxiety medications5.

How Do I Know if Acupuncture is the Right Treatment for My Anxiety?  Any prospective patient with any health concern is eligible for a free 15 minute, in-person consultation.  This is an informal chat to discuss your issue, answer your questions, and get information on what acupuncture treatment would look like for your unique situation.

How Many Treatments Do I Need?  For chronic, long-term anxiety, up to 12 weekly sessions will be prescribed.  For anxiety with a recent onset, up to 6 weekly sessions will be prescribed.  As progress is measured, patients will step down into twice or once monthly treatment, and eventually come for maintenance as needed.  Many patients find ongoing treatment helpful and look forward to their restful acupuncture sessions. 

Can I Work on Anxiety Combined with other Issues?  Absolutely. In fact, many of the acupuncture points used for emotional wellness have multiple indications for pain and other health conditions.  A calm, relaxed feeling is one of the “side effects” of acupuncture, no matter what we are treating. 

It is a wonderful privilege to be able to assist people in getting relief from their physical and emotional pain.  When it is time to remove needles after an acupuncture treatment, I often hear my patients say, "That was so relaxing!" and I am so grateful to be a part of this wonderful healing process.

If you or a loved one could benefit from this type of care, I invite you to reach out and schedule your free consultation today.

1   https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/anxiety-disorders/what-are-anxiety-disorders

2   Uchida C, Waki H, Minakawa Y, Tamai H, Miyazaki S, Hisajima T, Imai K. Effects of Acupuncture Sensations on Transient Heart Rate Reduction and Autonomic Nervous System Function During Acupuncture Stimulation. Med Acupunct. 2019 Jun 1;31(3):176-184. doi: 10.1089/acu.2019.1350. Epub 2019 Jun 17. PMID: 31297171; PMCID: PMC6604907.

3  Schroeder S, Burnis J, Denton A, Krasnow A, Raghu TS, Mathis K. Effectiveness of Acupuncture Therapy on Stress in a Large Urban College Population. J Acupunct Meridian Stud. 2017 Jun;10(3):165-170. doi: 10.1016/j.jams.2017.01.002. Epub 2017 Jan 16. PMID: 28712475.

4 Acupuncture relieves anxiety, fatigue in fibromyalgia patients: [1]. (2005). Journal of Psychosocial Nursing & Mental Health Services, 43(10), 13. Retrieved from https://www.proquest.com/scholarly-journals/acupuncture-relieves-anxiety-fatigue-fibromyalgia/docview/1023368425/se-2?accountid=142078

5  Gol, A. S., Ardani, A. R., Farahmand, S. K., Dadgarmoghaddam, M., Ghorani, V., Rezaei, S., & Khorsand, A. (2021). Additive effects of acupuncture in alleviating anxiety: A double-blind, three-arm, randomized clinical trial. Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice, 45, 1. doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ctcp.2021.101466