Acupuncture Clinic - Bethel

09/15/2025

“In the three months of autumn all things in nature reach their full maturity. The grains ripen and harvesting occurs. The heavenly energy cools, as does the weather. The wind begins to stir. This is the changing or pivoting point when the yang, or active, phase turns into its opposite, the yin, or passive, phase. One should retire with the sunset and arise with the dawn. Just as the weather in autumn turns harsh, so does the emotional climate. It is therefore important to remain calm and peaceful, refraining from depression so that one can make the transition to winter smoothly. This is the time to gather one’s spirit and energy, be more focused, and not allow desires to run wild. One must keep the lung energy free full, clean, and quiet. This means practicing breathing exercises to enhance lung Qi. Also, one should refrain from smoking and grief, the emotion of lung. This will prevent the kidney or digestive problems in the winter. If this natural order is violated, damage will occur to the lungs, resulting in diarrhea with undigested food in the winter. This compromises the body’s ability to store in winter.”
- Huangdi Neijing Suwen

There is a slight nip in the air. The days are starting to get shorter. The leaves are turning vivid hues of red, orange and yellow. And just as the squirrels have gotten down to the business of storing nuts for the winter, we find ourselves a little more serious and less carefree than in summer.

One of the most beautiful aspects of traditional Chinese medicine is as a tool to live harmoniously with the seasons. Ancient Chinese physicians observed the natural cycles of the seasons and recorded the best everyday practices for staying healthy and harmonizing our own energy with that of our environment.

According to Oriental medicine, the season of autumn is associated with the element of Metal, which governs organization, order, communication, the mind, setting limits, and protecting boundaries. It’s a good time to finish projects that you began in spring and summer – harvesting the bounty of your hard work. Of course, it’s also the perfect time to begin more introspective, indoor projects.

During the summer, which is ruled by the Fire element, we deal more with the external – traveling and playing outdoors. Fall, on the other hand, is a time of organizing your life for the winter season ahead and coming more inside your body and mind to reflect on your life.

Lungs and Large Intestine

Fall corresponds to the lungs, skin, and large intestine. The lung is considered by Oriental medicine to be the “tender organ.” This is because the lung is the uppermost organ in the body and especially susceptible to wind and cold. The lungs and large intestine are in charge of respiration, digestion, and elimination. The lungs control the circulation of the Wei-Qi, which is the defensive Qi that protects you from the invasion of flu and colds.
Common symptoms associated with lung and large intestine imbalances are respiratory problems, such as asthma, shortness of breath, frequent colds, and sinus infections, as well as constipation and skin problems. The nose is the opening to the lungs, and you can prevent colds by keeping your nose and sinuses clean and clear. Using a neti pot with some sea salt and water helps rid the nose of excess mucus. If you suffer from a runny nose or sinus infections, acupuncture and Chinese herbs are wonderful for alleviating that problem.

The body is particularly susceptible to wind and cold during the fall. Dryness can cause symptoms of coughing, dry nose, sore throat, dry skin, dry hair and scalp, dry mouth and cracked lips, and hard and dry stools. Adding more nourishing yin foods to your diet can promote body fluid, soothe the lungs and protect you from dryness.

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09/15/2025

For fall and winter colds:

Aster (zi wan)
What is aster? What is it used for?
Aster is an average-sized perennial plant native to east Asia. It blooms in September in October, and flourishes in sunny areas with moist, wet soils. In China, aster is produced predominantly in the Hebei and Anhui provinces. It is usually harvested in the spring or autumn, with the root used for medicinal purposes.

Aster root is purple and stringy, and resembles a pile of spaghetti in appearance. The roots are braided after being plucked, and allowed to dry in the sun. After being dried, they are usually cut into thick slices. Raw aster root is sometimes fried with honey before use. Aster root contains many chemicals that act as expectorants, along with a volatile oil.

Aster root is considered bitter and warm according to traditional Chinese medicine principles, and is associated with the Lung meridian. Its strongest functions are to relieve cough and expel phlegm, although it is also used to moisten the lungs and redirect qi. Today, aster root is used to treat violent, phlegmy coughs and other respiratory conditions, and to relieve pulmonary abscesses. Aster root is typically used in combination with platycodon and fritillaria to help stop coughs and get rid of phlegmy obstructions.

How much aster should I take?
The typical dosage of aster root is 3-9 grams per day, decocted in water for oral use. Some practitioners may recommend a slightly higher dose (5-10 grams).

What forms of aster are available?
Raw aster root (fried with honey) can be found at many Asian markets and herbal shops. Dried, sliced aster root is available at some specialty stores, as are aster tablets, powders and decoctions.

What can happen if I take too much aster? Are there any interactions I should be aware of? What precautions should I take?
While there are no accounts of any adverse effects associated with taking too much aster root, it should be used with caution by patients experiencing excessive heat syndrome. As of this writing, there are no known drug interactions with aster root. As always, make sure to consult with a licensed health care provide before taking aster root or any other herbal remedy or dietary supplement.

References

Lu YH, et al. The chemical composition of zi wan. Journal of Pharmacy University of China 1998;29(2):97-99.
Zhang JM, et al. The chemical composition of huizhi zi wan (aster poliothamnus Diels). Journal of Chinese Medicine 1997;22(2):103-104.
He L, et al. The chemical composition of xiaoshe zi wan (aster albescens). Journal of Chinese Medicine 1996;21(8):483-484.
Zhao XG, et al. Zi wan (III): A comparison of the herb's expectorant and antitussive effects among different origins. Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 1999;30(1):353-7.
Li Y, et al. The effect of zi wan and gan cao on the trachea in guinea pigs. Chinese Medicine Information 1999;16(4):47.

- Source: https://acupuncturetoday.com/herbs-and-botanicals/aster-zi-wan

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09/02/2025

“In the three months of autumn all things in nature reach their full maturity. The grains ripen and harvesting occurs. The heavenly energy cools, as does the weather. The wind begins to stir. This is the changing or pivoting point when the yang, or active, phase turns into its opposite, the yin, or passive, phase. One should retire with the sunset and arise with the dawn. Just as the weather in autumn turns harsh, so does the emotional climate. It is therefore important to remain calm and peaceful, refraining from depression so that one can make the transition to winter smoothly. This is the time to gather one’s spirit and energy, be more focused, and not allow desires to run wild. One must keep the lung energy free full, clean, and quiet. This means practicing breathing exercises to enhance lung Qi. Also, one should refrain from smoking and grief, the emotion of lung. This will prevent the kidney or digestive problems in the winter. If this natural order is violated, damage will occur to the lungs, resulting in diarrhea with undigested food in the winter. This compromises the body’s ability to store in winter.”
- Huangdi Neijing Suwen

There is a slight nip in the air. The days are starting to get shorter. The leaves are turning vivid hues of red, orange and yellow. And just as the squirrels have gotten down to the business of storing nuts for the winter, we find ourselves a little more serious and less carefree than in summer.

One of the most beautiful aspects of traditional Chinese medicine is as a tool to live harmoniously with the seasons. Ancient Chinese physicians observed the natural cycles of the seasons and recorded the best everyday practices for staying healthy and harmonizing our own energy with that of our environment.
According to Oriental medicine, the season of autumn is associated with the element of Metal, which governs organization, order, communication, the mind, setting limits, and protecting boundaries. It’s a good time to finish projects that you began in spring and summer – harvesting the bounty of your hard work. Of course, it’s also the perfect time to begin more introspective, indoor projects.

During the summer, which is ruled by the Fire element, we deal more with the external – traveling and playing outdoors. Fall, on the other hand, is a time of organizing your life for the winter season ahead and coming more inside your body and mind to reflect on your life.

Lungs and Large Intestine

Fall corresponds to the lungs, skin, and large intestine. The lung is considered by Oriental medicine to be the “tender organ.” This is because the lung is the uppermost organ in the body and especially susceptible to wind and cold. The lungs and large intestine are in charge of respiration, digestion, and elimination. The lungs control the circulation of the Wei-Qi, which is the defensive Qi that protects you from the invasion of flu and colds.
Common symptoms associated with lung and large intestine imbalances are respiratory problems, such as asthma, shortness of breath, frequent colds, and sinus infections, as well as constipation and skin problems. The nose is the opening to the lungs, and you can prevent colds by keeping your nose and sinuses clean and clear. Using a netti pot with some sea salt and water helps rid the nose of excess mucus. If you suffer from a runny nose or sinus infections, acupuncture and Chinese herbs are wonderful for alleviating that problem.

The body is particularly susceptible to wind and cold during the fall. Dryness can cause symptoms of coughing, dry nose, sore throat, dry skin, dry hair and scalp, dry mouth and cracked lips, and hard and dry stools. Adding more nourishing yin foods to your diet can promote body fluid, soothe the lungs and protect you from dryness.

A Time of Reflection

Emotionally, this is the season associated with grief and sadness. It is important to keep the mind clear and “let go” of negative emotions, which can impact health more strongly during the fall.

Autumn is the season of grief and the end of things. For this reason, the correct methods of ending matters must be attended to for good health. In a culture like our own, in which the expression of loss is rarely condoned, let alone encouraged, its no surprise that cancers arise so frequently in the organs in which the energy of contraction and decay is expressed. The grief that remains restricts our ability to connect with the divine.

Seeing your acupuncturist/ Chinese herbalist now can shore up your protective qi and lessen or eradicate head colds during the winter.

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05/14/2025

According to Huang Di, the Yellow Emperor, who lived about 4000 years ago:
"The three months of spring bring about the revitalization of all things in nature. This is when heaven and earth are reborn. One should attempt to be open and unsuppressed, both physically and emtionally. Exercise more frequently and do stretching exercises to loosen the tendons and muscles. Emotionally, it is good to develop equanimity. This is because spring is the season of the liver, and indulgence in an excess of anger, sadness, depression or frustration can cause injury."

01/29/2025

Gong Hei Fat Choi!
Happy Chinese New Year!