Christina Leigh Acupuncture

12/20/2025

"Not a cure...but a meaningful step forward"

Hydralazine & Glioblastoma: A Step Forward in Research

A recent peer-reviewed study published in Science Advances by researchers at the University of Pennsylvania found that hydralazine, a long-standing blood pressure medication, was able to halt glioblastoma cell growth in laboratory studies by forcing the cells into senescence, a non-dividing state.

This research is PRECLINCAL and hydralazine is not a cure for glioblastoma. The duration and real-world effectiveness of this response in patients remain unknown. Clinical trials would be required before this approach could be used in treatment.

For an aggressive cancer with limited options, research that identifies new ways to slow tumor growth represents meaningful progress and progress matters.

Not a cure...but a meaningful step forward.
Hydralazine shows promise in laboratory studies by halting glioblastoma cell growth through senescence. Science moves forward one step at a time.

12/14/2025

Acupressure can be a very effective tool when you need something in a pinch. With continual practice, it can transform your selfcare into deep healing and help with increased awareness of your body's imbalances.

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Did you know a stiff neck can be an early sign a cold is coming on?

In Chinese medicine, that neck "crick" can show up before other symptoms hit.

Large Intestine 10 is a classic, go-to point acupuncturists use to treat crick-in-the-neck or as we call it: Luo Zhen (7 t) - which is when you have acute neck stiffness, pain, and limited rotation, often when you wake up.

When this happens, it's often due to stuck energy in your Large Intestine Energy channel, and this point is like "drano" to that clog. It restores good energy (Qi) and blood circulation to the channel, helping you feel better.

When you catch Luo Zhen, this is a good time to shore up your immune system energy - which could stop a potential cold before it turns into something much worse. I've used these methods many times and avoided nasty colds.

Here's I would do right away

1️⃣Try this point
This can help release the neck and move things before they settle in.

2️⃣Hydrate with warm fluids
I like warm water with lemon and a pinch of sea salt.
Sip often throughout the day.

3️⃣Rest and protect your warmth
This is a great time for a hot bath or sauna, extra rest (permission to nap!), and honestly canceling plans if you can. DO NOT go out in the cold with wet hair, and keep your neck covered so you hold onto your warmth.
Cold and flu cases are everywhere right now, especially here in NYC, and Chinese medicine has so many simple tools to help you prevent illness or recover faster once you're struck with a nasty cold or flu.

Do you have a crick in your neck rn?
Let us know!

PS Not medical advice, education only.

12/11/2025

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You need to hear this statistic about cancer patients from one of Dr. Dawn Mussallem's studies at the Mayo Clinic.
This is the first-ever episode of The Mel Robbins Podcast with a cancer doctor, and what 's shares will change how you think about food, energy, and your health.
You'll learn exactly what to eat (and what to avoid) to protect your body and live a longer, more vibrant life.
In just over a month, this episode has become one of the most beloved and popular episodes of of all time.
"Mayo Clinic Cancer Doctor: 5 Foods That Heal the
Body, Starve Cancer, & Prevent Disease."
Listen now or watch on YouTube - search "The Mel Robbins Podcast Dr. Dawn Mussallem."

12/09/2025

・・・
And that’s the western medicine processes, In Chinese medicine, the Kidneys are my favourite organ system.

The Kidneys are your battery pack.

They store your Jing, your core life force, genetics, vitality, longevity.

They rule:
• Growth + Development
• Sexual energy + fertility
• Bones, teeth, brain, marrow
• Hearing + hair health
• Water metabolism
• Fear + willpower

When the Kidneys are strong:
You feel grounded, powerful, clear, focused, resilient, and energized.

When they’re weak:
Low back pain, knee pain, low libido, hair loss, ringing ears, fatigue, fear, anxiety, cold hands/feet, weak willpower.

How to nourish them:
• Warm foods
• Early sleep
• Deep breathing
• Rest
• Gentle qigong
• Minerals
• Adrenal support
• Foot soaks + Kidney 1 stimulation

Keep your Kidneys full.
Keep your life force strong.
You’ll live longer and stronger

Awesome video by

12/05/2025

・・・
Recent research shows that music is not just an auditory art, but one of the most powerful tools for reshaping and strengthening the brain. When someone begins learning music, their brain undergoes profound changes: neural connections between different regions increase, white matter pathways grow thicker, and an unprecedented coordination emerges between the auditory, motor, and cognitive centers. That is why scientists call music a “full workout for the brain.”

From a scientific perspective, the reason behind these wide-ranging effects lies in neuroplasticity. Studies reveal that musical training increases the levels of proteins such as BDNF (Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor)—a key molecule that enhances growth, survival, and the formation of synaptic connections. This means every music practice session not only strengthens existing neural connections but also lays the foundation for new pathways. This very process prepares the brain for faster learning, greater flexibility in problem-solving, and stronger resistance to neurological disorders.

The fascinating point is that these changes are not limited to musical performance alone. The neural networks strengthened through music practice extend to other abilities as well: from learning new languages to improving working memory, sharpening focus and attention, and even enhancing emotional regulation. It is just like a mental gym, where every session of playing an instrument makes the brain stronger in multiple dimensions.

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0149763425002192

12/01/2025

Diffusing essential oils shown to reduce sore throat and fatigue during viral infection.

A randomized controlled trial found that inhaling essential oils reduced sore throat and fatigue during a viral infection. Participants inhaled a blend of eucalyptus, lemon, lavender, peppermint and tea tree mixed at the ratio of 3:3:2:2:1 from a diffuser necklace during the daytime for one minute three times daily (morning, early afternoon, and evening) and three drops of a blend of lavender and ylang ylang (8:2 ratio) were placed on an aroma stone during the night.

Reference: "Effects of aromatherapy on sore throat, nasal symptoms and sleep quality in adults infected with [a viral infection]: A randomized controlled trial."

11/05/2025

Fall back in full effect
Check out these ways to help you recalibrate from the end of daylight savings time.

10/31/2025

Happy Halloween!
Candy swapping! It's a thing.

There’s nothing wrong with enjoying something sweet, but what’s hiding in most candy isn’t sweetness, it’s science.

Conventional treats are filled with artificial dyes, high fructose corn syrup, preservatives like TBHQ, and inflammatory seed oils. These ingredients fuel hyperactivity, mood swings, gut imbalances, and chronic inflammation.

The fun part is you can absolutely enjoy sweet treats without the junk! There are now incredible brands making candy with minimal, real-food ingredients that won’t send your blood sugar soaring or disrupt your hormones.

Food is information. What you eat sends powerful signals to your body every single day.

Even on Halloween, you can enjoy sweets that nourish rather than deplete. Will you try one of these swaps?

10/16/2025

Magnesium is essential for health.

08/07/2025

Be aware and take action

🖤 Ever wondered if the plastic in your kitchen is doing more harm than good?

From black spatulas to plastic cutting boards, everyday kitchen items may be exposing us to microplastics and toxic chemicals linked to cancer, hormone disruption, infertility, and immune issues.

A new article from URMC breaks it down backed by science,
not fear and offers simple ways to make your home safer.

🧠 It’s not just about food… it’s about long-term health.

Read the full article here 👇🏻

https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/news/publications/health-matters/is-the-plastic-in-your-kitchen-harmful

07/27/2025

My alma mater turns 50 this year. I'm grateful to have experienced this program as a foundation for my education and clinical experience in acupuncture and Chinese Herbal medicine.

This year, NESA marks a half-century of innovation in acupuncture education and practice. From its founding by Dr. James Tin Yau So to its impact on healthca...