May Self-Healing Tips

Chinese Nutritional Spotlight: Raw Honey.

The energy of the Wood element in the body, which is at its peak during the Spring, is ascending and active. Raw foods encourage quickness, rapid movement, and outward activity in general, when eaten in moderation as a part of a well-rounded diet. They are also cleansing. Raw honey in particular harmonizes the liver, neutralizes toxins, and relieves pain. In Chinese medicine raw honey is called Feng Mi. Its properties are sweet and neutral, and it enters the Spleen, Lung, and Large Intestine channels. It can be used to treat stomach ulcers, canker sores, high blood pressure, and constipation. It can be applied directly to minor burns, or given by the spoonful to help curb the cravings of alcoholism. It is also beneficial when the body is overworked, when there are menstrual difficulties, or during times of fatigue caused by overeating salty, rich foods. Raw honey is also excellent for drying mucus in the body, and can assist in conditions of edema or weight gain.

Try this: Eating sweet and pungent flavored foods together is a way of creating a personal spring within. Raw honey has a sweet quality, while mint tea has a pungent quality. Therefore, drinking mint tea with honey is a soothing and invigorating way to awaken the spring energy inside the body. By awakening the energy within, we experience the most well-being and freedom in life without. This is the ancient Chinese secret to magnificent health - harmonizing with the seasons and elements.

Chinese Acupressure Spotlight: Gall Bladder 6, Xuanli (Suspended Hair)

As we have seen in the above description of the energies associated with Spring, there is an ascending and rising quality. It is easy for this rising energy to become overwhelming to the body, however - especially as we tend to be overworked and not as restful as we were in the Winter. With an overabundance of ascending energy and a less than optimal state of yin in the body, headaches around the eyes and temples are a common companion to a heavily-loaded May workday (ever heard this one? - "May day! May day! Where's the Excedrin? I'm going down fast and I need some assistance!!). Or maybe you haven't. You might have been finally done with your long work week, ready to have some fun and wind down when suddenly you start to realize Oh no, not this again. Not now. Why? Why me? Why now? Some people tend to experience headaches on the weekends, during vacations, or on their only day off when they actually get the chance to rest. Well, now you have an alternative to the Excedrin and the doomed feeling that accompanies the heartbreak of the weekend headache.

To locate Gall Bladder 6 look in the mirror and turn your head to the side. Find the part of your hairline along the temple that curves into your face more than the rest. About one half inch into the hairline here and slightly below the part that protrudes onto your face is the point GB 6. You will know it because of its remarkable tenderness.

Try this: Massage gently GB 6 on both sides in circles very slowly. Notice different parts of your head, neck and face relaxing as you do. Is your jaw releasing? Does the bridge of your nose feel any different? Is there a general feeling of freedom or a release of pressure? Be sure to breathe softly but deeply while you do this. This action can be repeated several times a day, as often as you like to prevent or treat headaches and tension -- including migraines, to ease stress or soothe fatigue, and to harmonize lack of motivation or an imbalance of willpower. It can also be used for pain around the eyes, tinnitus, and frequent sneezing. You can also trade turns massaging this point on your friends and loved ones, especially beneficial if your headache is accompanied by rampant shoulder tension.

Julie Festa, L.Ac., MTOM, is a licensed acupuncturist and Chinese herbalist. Julie is now accepting new patients in her Chinese medical practice at Shakti's Elements. To book an appointment or learn more about it email her at juliefestalac@msn.com or call 310-917-2720. She is also teaching the Meridians Workshop with Paige Olsen, L.Ac. ongoing, once a month. Call or write if you are interested - everyone is welcome!