Unlocking Natural Allergy Solutions from Ancient Wisdom

TCM: A Natural Path to Allergy Relief



Allergies, a prevalent health concern affecting millions worldwide, are often triggered by various environmental factors, from pollen and pet dander to specific foods and airborne particles. While conventional treatments like antihistamines and allergy shots have their merits, exploring alternative remedies from the realm of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) can offer unique insights and solutions for allergy sufferers. TCM takes a holistic approach, addressing the body’s imbalances and enhancing its natural defenses to alleviate allergic reactions. In this post, we delve into the wisdom of TCM to uncover dietary adjustments, lifestyle practices, and ancient exercises like Tai Chi and Qi Gong that can play a pivotal role in providing long-lasting relief from allergies.

TCM Dietary Suggestions

Diet is also an important healing strategy. Diet can help alleviate any condition caused by internal cold or wind, which can drain your energy and unbalance your body. Add warming ginger or cinnamon to food, avoid cold and raw foods, and limit cold water or sodas. Instead, add healing foods that are harvested in season. In spring, eat foods that support the Liver like salmon, scallions, eggplant, broccoli, and dandelion greens. In the fall, support the Lung with pears, almonds, and chickpeas. In the winter, eat a lot of cooked root veggies such as parsnip, onions, and sweet potatoes.



Another way to improve allergies is to get rid of phlegm by improving your diet. Phlegm in TCM causes runny nose, mucous, dried mucus blocking your nasal passages, sputum in your lungs, clogged ears, swollen tonsils and post nasal drip. By removing dairy, sugar, refined foods, and greasy foods, you can drastically eliminate phlegm.

TCM also suggests replacing coffee with catechin rich green tea, which provides anti-allergy actions. Chrysanthemum tea is shown to reduce excess allergy symptoms. Some TCM herbalists may recommend quercetin, a bioflavonoid, which has been shown to stabilize mast cells. This slows down the body’s release of histamine and other chemicals related to allergic symptoms. Furthermore, radishes cool and moisten, which makes them ideal for treating dry, itchy allergy eyes. Radishes help clear the sinuses by draining phlegm and helping with sore throats.



To function efficiently, your liver needs specific vitamins and nutrients from your diet. According to TCM, eating liver is one of the best foods to help this. It can be beef or chicken livers; and eating them once to twice a month is a good start.

TCM Lifestyle Suggestions

Combat Stress

According to TCM, the liver is highly affected by tension and stress. Use techniques such as meditation and yoga on a regular basis to help keep your stress levels down.

Practice Tai Chi or Qi Gong

Qigong is an ancient Chinese movement using mental concentration to help calm the mind and the body. Research has found that Qigong training significantly increases levels of monocytes and lymphocytes, types of white blood cells involved in the immune response. Studies like these indicate some of the potential physiological benefits of tai chi and Qi gong.



Conclusion

By following these dietary and lifestyle strategies on a daily basis, you can help your body conserve your Qi throughout the year. This can help address the root cause of your allergies. Allergies don’t have to be a common condition for everyone. They are more a flag or warning from your body that other imbalances are happening that may cause even worse, possibly life threatening, problems in the future. Everyone knows that if you don’t fill up your car’s gas when the tank is low, you will surely run into car trouble or issues later. People should pay the same special attention to themselves. It is easy to take small steps to not just to feel better today, but to stop suffering from allergies in the future. You can also improve your body’s health and prevent serious diseases from striking in the future.

Mar Acupuncture St Petersburg, Florida: Top Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine Therapist

Welcome to MAR Acupuncture St Petersburg, Florida

We are pleased to introduce you to MAR Acupuncture where we offer comprehensive care through traditional Chinese Maritime Acupuncture. As specialists in both preventative and remedial health, our primary focus is to facilitate a positive transformation and promulgate a sense of well-being in our patients.

Dr. Mara Kevan, DACM, L.Ac., Dipl.Ac.Our qualified and experienced team

Our skilled and dedicated team of medical experts ensures that you receive quality care tailored uniquely for you. Headed by the internationally renowned Dr. Mara Kevan, DACM, L.Ac., Dipl.Ac., she acts as a skilled healthcare provider and a healthcare gatekeeper in the medical journey of her patients. Her expertise in acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine makes her a skilled clinician in an array of both allopathic and alternative medical practices. This collaboration ensures a comprehensive spectrum of knowledge that spans both Eastern and Western medical modalities. Not only does our team understand Western diagnoses and medications, but they also enjoy the ability to seamlessly communicate with your primary healthcare provider, working together as healthcare gatekeepers to guarantee a well-rounded, synergistic treatment process.

About MAR Acupuncture St Petersburg, Florida, Our Services

Dive into Our Thriving History

Explore the rich history of our establishment, which began more than a decade ago. Our founder, Dr. Mara Kevan, was inspired by the healing power of acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine. Her enthusiasm drove her to study extensively and achieve accreditation from renowned institutions both at home and abroad. Seeking to provide a holistic approach to healthcare in St Petersburg, Florida, she established MAR Acupuncture bringing along a strong team of dedicated practitioners who share her devotion to health and wellbeing. Today, MAR Acupuncture provides care for hundreds of residents in St Petersburg, giving them the chance to experience the healing powers of acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine.

Exploring our acupuncture and Chinese medicine services

From traditional needle-based acupuncture therapy to modern adaptations like Acupuncture Injection Therapy (APIT), our services encompass a wide variety of healthcare solutions. -Acupuncture: A 3,000-year-old practice wherein thin needles are inserted into the body, occasionally uplifted with moxa or electro-stimulation. The inclusion of moxibustion, also tagged as “moxa”, enriches the process. Moxa enhances circulation and achieves optimal system functioning, according to pertinent data, allowing you to relax comfortably for 20 to 30 minutes.

  • Chinese Herbal Medicine: This 3,000-year practice uses more than 400 individual herbs and over 300 classical herbal formulas, customized to individual variations, often integrating the advantages of moxa. An integral part of this practice is qi gong, aiding in both breathing and corrective exercises.
  • Bodywork: Techniques like Gua Sha, Fire cupping, Tui Na Massage, and occasionally, Moxa treatments, are designed to enhance circulation to muscles, offering tension and pain relief.
  • Wellness Coaching: Provides tools such as nutritional supplements to manage your physical health and feelings, helping you thrive in modern times. Moxa can sometimes be part of the tools selected.
  • Other services include Nutritional Counseling, Lifestyle Counseling, Kinesiology, Electroacupuncture, Homeopathy, Guided Meditation, and more. These services aim at holistically promoting your well-being and maintaining a healthy life.

The MAR Effect – Unlocking the Power of Acupuncture for St Petersburg

Known treatments for a variety of conditions

MAR Acupuncture offers treatment options for a vast array of conditions. These include more common ailments such as arthritis, sciatica, migraines, and muscle spasms – a condition significantly alleviated by acupuncture. Our methods also shine in the path of allergy elimination, offering relief to many sufferers. Issues we’ve successfully tackled extend to:

  • Chronic and Acute Pain
  • Hepatitis A
  • Endometriosis
  • Rheumatoid Arthritis
  • Diarrhea
  • Depression
  • Infertility
  • Vitiligo
  • Bacterial vaginosis
  • HPV infection
  • Trigeminal Neuralgia

Our holistic approach, which takes into account both physical and mental health, allows us to provide effective treatments for these conditions and many others. By integrating traditional Chinese treatments with modern medical concepts and techniques, we professionally handle even the most difficult cases. We bring together traditional Chinese treatments and modern medical concepts and techniques, working to handle complex cases with professional expertise.

Unique Techniques for Pain Management

At MAR Acupuncture, we employ unique and advanced techniques for pain management, ensuring comfort and mobility for our patients. Here are some approaches we follow:

  • Acupuncture: Harnessing a history of success in treating any type of pain, we administer gentle and precise needling techniques. Our acupuncture service includes thoroughly exploring the patient’s history before the procedure.
  • Herbal Apothecary: We offer custom herbal formulations for those seeking a natural method for pain relief.
  • Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Modalities: Our services include cupping, moxibustion, tui’na massage, gua-sha manipulation, e-stimulation, and others, all tailored to the specific needs of each patient. Part of our process involves imaging the body’s meridians to guide treatment strategies.
  • Non-invasive Medical Solutions: Combining the wisdom of acupuncture and other non-pharmaceutical solutions, we provide a complete treatment program aimed at eliminating neuropathic pain and numbness and increasing mobility.

In addition, we offer strategies and methodologies to help manage pain that stems from trigger points, myofascial pain, and joint range. All our techniques have been carefully developed through years of research and experience, including laboratory tests and imaging findings, to address and alleviate a variety of pain conditions.

An Insider’s Look at MAR Acupuncture

Dr. Mara Kevan, DACM, L.Ac., Dipl.Ac.

Experiencing is believing, and we would like you to get a glimpse of MAR Acupuncture’s high-quality service through our rich photo and video collection. You can view photos of our clinic creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Photos of our clinicians at work capture the dedication and care they put into each treatment. We also offer detailed videos outlining our various treatment procedures, showing you exactly what to expect when you step into our clinic. We believe that these media elements will provide a more in-depth understanding of our practice and demonstrate the quality of care we’re committed to providing.

What our clients say – Reviews

We pride ourselves on leaving a lasting impact on our patient’s lives. Endorsed by both the California Acupuncture Board and the Florida Acupuncture Board, it’s a pleasure making the acquaintance of new patients and investors in their health. Recognized for our professionalism in the field of MAR acupuncture, our true joy comes from the testimonials of our satisfied patients. According to our latest survey, 73% of patients reported they would definitely recommend our clinic to a friend or family member.

Here’s what our clients have to say:

  • “Dr. Mara Kevan and her team are top-notch professionals. They’ve helped me manage my chronic back pain. As an authority in her field specifically endorsed by the Florida Acupuncture Board, I do not hesitate to recommend MAR Acupuncture! Our acquaintance proved vital to managing my health.” – Jessica M.
  • “Just a few treatments gave me relief from persistent migraines. The knowledgeable staff, all actively licensed by the California Acupuncture Board, were understanding and dedicated throughout the process. I wholeheartedly recommend making the acquaintance of MAR Acupuncture to anyone dealing with health issues.” – Mark T.
  • “Making the acquaintance of MAR Acupuncture has been a game-changer for me. Their personalized treatment plan, harmonizing the flow of Qi, has greatly improved my quality of life. I’m grateful for their services coming from a dedicated team well-recognized by acupuncture boards in California, Florida, and nationwide.” – Karen G.
  • “Amazing clinic with thoughtful and dedicated staff. I’ve been attending their wellness coaching, and it’s made a massive difference in my life. Decide to make their acquaintance; you’ll be glad you did! Don’t just take my word for it, check them out yourself!” – Robert S.

 

Location & Hours

Our accessible location in St Petersburg, Florida

Our clinic is conveniently located at 111 2nd Ave NE St Petersburg FL 33701, enabling easy access for everyone in the city and from the surrounding areas. We’re more than just a healthcare facility, but a hub where we actively engage in community outreach, making our presence a vital part of the St. Petersburg community. Not only do we offer in-person support, but we’ve also embraced the digital age. Keeping pace with the needs of the residents of St.Pete & Tampa area, rest assured: we extend our healthcare and community outreach support to the digital platform. Reach out to us at [email protected] whenever you need. Situated in the heart of St Petersburg, our location is easily accessible by both public and private transportation. Whether you’re coming for a consultation or to join our community outreach initiative, coming from the north, south, east, or west, accessing our clinic or getting support via email shouldn’t be a problem. Check our location on Google Maps

Business hours that cater to your busy schedule

At MAR Acupuncture, we understand that our patients are dealing with a range of schedules. Hence, we have set our operating hours to cater to varying needs:

  • Monday 8:00am – 4:00pm
  • Tuesday: 8:00am – 12:00pm
  • Wednesday: 8:00am – 12:00pm
  • Thursday: 8:00am – 4:00pm
  • Friday: 8:00am – 4:00pm
  • Weekends: Closed

We recommend making an appointment to ensure your preferred slot is available. You can do so by calling us at (727) 677-8006.

FAQs- Clearing all doubts

Is Chinese Medicine safe?

Absolutely! Chinese Medicine, incorporating treatments like acupuncture and herbal medicine, with elements such as Qi Gong therapeutic exercises and the concept of breathing in its practices, has a long-standing reputation for safety and effectiveness. Notably, breathing, an integral part of these exercises, is celebrated for its contribution. Acupuncture, in particular, is recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) as a safe and effective treatment for various health issues when performed by a well-trained practitioner.

Our team at MAR Acupuncture is led by Dr. Mara Kevan, who is an experienced professional who ensures treatments are performed correctly and safely. They have undergone rigorous training to meet the strict safety standards and are authorized to administer acupuncture, and Chinese Medicine treatments, and guide patients in whole food purification programs to boost their immune systems.

How often should I get acupuncture treatments?

The frequency of acupuncture treatments can vary widely from person to person, depending on their overall health condition, the nature and intensity of their symptoms, and their individual response to acupuncture. We may suggest more frequent acupuncture sessions — perhaps two to three times a week until the condition improves. These regular sessions are akin to a ‘purification’ for the body, similar to the way athletes cleanse their system through organic living or whole food purification programs to enhance their performance.

Chronic conditions may require regular weekly treatments over an extended time period, emulating the discipline and consistency seen in athletics. However, precisely determining the right frequency will require a detailed discussion with our acupuncturist, just as an athlete’s training program would differ based on individual needs.

During your first visit, our practitioner will conduct a thorough assessment of your health and discuss a personalized treatment plan, not unlike an athlete having a personal coach, tailored to your specific needs and goals. The role that athletics play in maintaining optimal health is undeniable, and it’s a philosophy we incorporate into our treatment approach.

HAPPY FALL, HEALTH ASPIRANTS!

HAPPY FALL, HEALTH ASPIRANTS!

We can feel like our true selves when we balance modern day living with nature’s grounding principles.  We don’t feel vibrant and content when we’re bogged down by inflammation due to the foods we eat, the water we drink, the air we breathe, day-day life’s emotional stressors, and gravity pulling on our musculo-skeletal system.  A great way to obtain optimal wellness, especially through a seasonal transition, is through customized treatment plans that offer food-is-medicine guidance to:

 

  • Boost your immune system!
  • Prevent winter weight gain!
  • Avoid seasonal depression!
  • Relieve pain & reduce inflammation!

 

A whole food, purification program and lifestyle that are in-tune with nature, are ideal ways to support your immune system, over-all body wellness, healthy weight, and an emotionally smooth transition through the coming months.

 

Schedule a complimentary purification program consultation ASAP: 727-677-8006. 

Together, we can obtain optimal wellness this fall and into 2020!

 

I personally decided to “press the reset button” on Labor Day…. I’d love for you to join me in feeling fantastic!

 

Always yours in health,

Dr. Mära Kevan

Doctor of Acupuncture + Chinese Medicine (DACM)

Licensed Acupuncturist + Chinese herbalist (L.Ac., Dipl. Ac.)

 

The Nautilus Shell

Like a nautilus shell, our wellness goal is to obtain proportional perfection through cleansing, purifying, healing, expansion, and renewal.

 

The chambered nautilus is an ancient creature related to squids and octopuses and appeared in the seas long before the first dinosaurs. It is known as a “living fossil” because it has remained relatively unchanged in the past 450 million years.

The nautilus lives in a beautiful spiraled shell divided into increasingly larger chambers. When it first hatches from the egg, it has 4 chambers already formed. As it grows, it moves into the next largest space in the shell and builds a wall to seal off the old chamber.

Nautiluses are known to outgrow and build up to 30 chambers in the course of their adult lives. It’s interesting to note that these chambers do not go to waste, the nautilus keeps these inner chambers filled with gas to help control its buoyancy. When it wants to dive, it adds water to the chambers.

Seeing the cross-section of a chambered nautilus in real life is a sight to behold. It is shaped like an elegant spiral and lined with bright mother-of-pearl. It is a symbol of order amidst chaos, as reflected in its spiral precision.

Cutaway of a Nautilus shell showing the chambers arranged in an approximately logarithmic spiral.

Nautilus Shell Sacred Geometry

The spiral of the nautilus is not just any spiral. Measuring it reveals that it conforms to the shape of the Golden Ratio spiral, what is known as a “sacred geometry”.

It is considered sacred because it can be found in a wide variety of things in nature, such as the shape of our galaxy, of hurricanes, in the arrangements of sunflower seeds in the flower, in cauliflower, and pine-cones.

It is also sacred because it is based on the Golden Ratio, which is one of life’s great mysteries because it can be found in all living things.

We tend to think that things in the natural world are all different and grow in a free-form way.  The idea that the Golden Ratio can be found in all living things is fascinating and mysterious because it seems to suggest that our natural world is not as random or irregular as it seems, but instead can be explained in the logic of numbers and mathematical equations.

And furthermore, it is intriguing that all living things have this ratio in common and are therefore inherently linked or somehow parts of a greater whole.

To understand this a little better, let me take you a little into the world of mathematics.

What is the Golden Ratio?

The Golden Ratio is based on the Fibonacci series, which is a series of numbers where the first two numbers add up to the succeeding number, like this: 0, 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, 21, 34, 55, 89, 144, 233, etc.

You can arrive at the Golden Ratio by dividing each number by the one before it and the further you go along the progression of numbers, the closer you get to the Golden Ratio number, which is 1.61803398…

Like this: 5/3 = 1.6666, 13/8 = 1.6250, 233/144 = 1.6180.

This ratio (1.61803398…) can be found in every life form, from our DNA, to many plants, the human skeleton, shells, and the proportions in animals.

Plato called this number “the key for the universe physics” and mysteriously, studies have shown that when this ratio is incorporated into artwork and architecture, humans seem to find it more beautiful and elegant.

That the ratio is found in all living things implies that it is part of a “blueprint” of the universe, something that underlies the foundation of all living things and which serves to connect them to each other and to a greater whole.

Nautilus Shell Symbolism

As a symbol, the chambered nautilus is a powerful metaphor for one’s spiritual evolution.

From the moment we are born and begin to crawl, we continuously discover, learn and outgrow our previous thoughts and views of the world. To learn and grow requires us to think in a new or different way, essentially, to think “outside the box.”

Like the nautilus, once we’ve expanded our minds beyond the old box, we simply find ourselves in a new, bigger box, in which we continue to learn and grow.

We also find that once we have mentally moved into this new box, we can never go back to the smaller ones; they simply no longer fit us.

The nautilus can never stay in the same chamber because it continues to get bigger; it must build ever larger and larger chambers until the end of its life. And the spiral suggests that it can grow forever – there is never a design for a final chamber.

Similarly, we also must never stop growing, learning, and expanding, for to stay in the same place would lead to a kind of spiritual death.

 

Other meanings

Because of its elegant and alluring shape, the nautilus is a symbol of perfection and beauty. It is sought after by so many collectors that it is now considered an endangered species. To protect the nautilus from extinction, simply do not purchase any shells. To learn more, https://www.biologicaldiversity.org/news/press_releases/2018/chambered-nautilus-09-27-2018.php

 

The nautilus is also a symbol of strength because it can also withstand very high pressures in the ocean. It is thought that the shell can dive up to 2,600 feet or 800 meters before its shell will implode.

In conclusion, the nautilus is a reminder to us never to stop learning, growing and expanding our view of the world. And because it is in the shape of a Golden Ratio spiral, it reminds us that our own bodies contain the Golden Ratio and that we are all part of a greater whole.

Holistic Properties of the Nautilus

The Nautilus Shell embodies the element of water and intern enhances these living qualities such as cleansing, purification, and healing. Known for deflecting negative energies, the Nautilus also purifies the surrounding space and attracts loving energies. The shell may be used to assist in meditation and invokes calmness, provides strength, balance and renews the physical energy.

Meditation Exercise

Turn the Nautilus up so you have the cross section of the shell facing you. Quiet your thoughts and focus on the beginning point of the spiral. With eyes open follow the spiral round and round, like a staircase as it opens to larger and larger chambers. Close your eyes and continue the exercise imagining you are very small at the beginning of the spiral climbing the stairs to the chambers. When you feel you have experienced the upward turning of the spiral look back to the center and reflect how far you have climbed.

Now relax, reflect and write down any knowledge you have received from the Nautilus and its accumulated 500 million years of growth and wisdom.

Why So Many ‘Healthy’ Women Can’t Lose Weight

Dr. Mära S Kevan, DACM is a licensed acupuncturist & Chinese herbalist. The focus of her practice: Food Is Medicine.

Women who are “healthy” but still carrying those last 5-10 pounds: this post is for you!  In contrast to gimmicky, quick-fix methods, this post examines the root of your problems.

 

  1. You have low Progesterone:

Levels of this important steroid hormone peak in the second half of a woman’s cycle after ovulation (the reason for progesterone’s name, which literally means “promoting gestation”).  When estrogen and progesterone are in balance, they work like yin and yang in the body. But hormonal imbalance in women is such a common modern world problem, that many women are getting by on the minimal amount of progesterone. And because of this, they are struggling emotionally and physically.

 

Many women, especially those of childbearing age, have an estrogen dominance problem.  Shocking but true: strenuous, all-out exercise may not be your friend!  If you exercise daily but still have excess weight around the hips, cellulite, and saggy skin, it’s likely that you’re using up your progesterone, and estrogen is dominating. Other causes of estrogen dominance include xenoestrogens found in environmental factors such as pesticides, plastics, industrial waste products, car exhaust, meat, topical beauty products, detergents, furniture and carpet.

 

We can order a hormone lab (Dutch Urine Test) to check your levels and then discuss which foods, supplements, and exercise regimens can bolster your progesterone (and decrease estrogen dominance).

 

  1. You’re not getting enough vitamin D:

Possibly due to our awareness of skin cancer and the use of sunscreen, our levels of vitamin D are lower than they were decades ago. Vitamin D acts like a hormone in our bodies, and deficiency has been linked to allergies, asthma, weight gain, fatigue, food allergies, and even cancer.  We can test your Vitamin D level and then the appropriate dosage of vitamin D3 can be prescribed.

 

  1. You have high cortisol:

A high level of cortisol, our stress hormone, is a big reason we tend to keep weight on the abdominal area.  Are you the kind of woman who wakes up very early to do an intense workout…then races home to get ready for work…then deals with family and home commitments?  Well, this hectic, on the go lifestyle increases your cortisol levels and works against your goals of having a lean body.  Think about our ancestors running from a saber tooth tiger: the body was only focused on survival (finding safety) and not focused on metabolism (because it didn’t know when the next meal would come, so held onto reserves).  We haven’t evolved that much from our ancestors, we’ve just translated modern day running around to running from a predator!  In time, we then experience adrenal fatigue.  So that’s an awesome combo: overweight & dragging ass.

 

If you feel like you need to be on a caffeine drip at all times, it means you’re having too many highs and lows with cortisol as a big culprit. Cortisol is associated with increased appetite, cravings for sugar, and weight gain.  You need to unwind everyday with whatever it is that shuts off your hypervigilance — even if it’s for 10 minutes per day.  Take a nap, get acupuncture, meditate, melt into a yin-yoga class for true restoration, and always enjoy quiet time in nature.

 

  1. You’re eating processed “healthy”:

Excess sodium, GMOs, sugar, inflammatory & carcinogenic ingredients are all hidden in modern day processed foods, which causes weight gain. Just because it’s at a health food store and it’s “gluten free” or “natural” DOES NOT mean it’s good for you.  It’s misleading and may be confusing because packaging with the words “natural” and “healthy” are very enticing.  If you have to read a label, it’s now how Mother Nature intended it.  Be vigilant!  Buy the whole orange, not orange juice in a container.

 

  1. You’re eating too much (bad) fat:

Our bodies do well with a minimal source of whole fat from organic foods.  My favs are: avocado, coconut oil, olive oil, butter, ghee, and nuts – especially when added to greens!  Our gallbladder needs fat in order to release bile, to aid our digestion.  We assimilate protein more efficiently when it’s consumed with a little healthy fat (I.E. 1 egg + ½ small avocado).  But a small amount is best, be careful not to over-do it.  Quality over quantity!

 

Fat also tastes good!  Avoid “low fat” and “no fat” foods because if the fat is removed, something has to be added in order to make it palatable.  Typically the fat is substituted with sugar.  Eck!  This is NOT what Mother Nature intended.

  1. You’re skimping on quality sleep:

Quality sleep provides time for the body to truly restore & heal.  Your hormones need it to stay in balance, your muscles need it for repair, and your brain needs it to work optimally.

 

Do you find yourself waking in the middle of the night with anxiety, racing thoughts, and can’t fall back asleep?  According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, the Liver correlates to the hours of 1-3AM and the organ is responsible for the smooth flow of emotions, Qi and blood.  It is the organ that is most affected by excess stress or emotions. A simple remedy is to not drink alcohol at night; this will lessen the detoxification roll of the Liver and not spike the blood sugar.  Letting the organ rest = you have a restful nights sleep, wake feeling fantastic, and look radiant!  Healthy nighttime habits: herbal teas, meditation, hot baths, reading a book, and going to sleep by 10pm.

 

The two hormones that are key in the relationship between sleep and weight loss are ghrelin and leptin. Put very simply, leptin tells us when to stop eating and when you’re sleep deprived. Ghrelin is the hormone that tells you when to eat. When you’re sleep-deprived, you have more ghrelin so you want to eat unnecessarily…thus leading to excess weight.  So go to bed early and keep a regular, relaxing nighttime routine!

 

  1. You’re not eating your cruciferous vegetables:

Cruciferous vegetables from the vegetable family Brassicaceae include cabbage, kale, cauliflower, bok choy, broccoli and other similar green vegetables. Not only are they good for you because of the feeling of fullness you get from the fiber, but also they’re good for estrogen metabolism through a compound called indole-3-carbinol (I3C). It is a natural source of DIM (3,3-Diindolylmethane) that helps promote estrogen balance. This is the cheapest, easiest way to get your hormones — and your weight — in balance.

VITAMIN B3

If you’re not feeling optimal, you may have a Vitamin B3 deficiency as EVERY part of your body needs it to function. Here’s how VIT B3 can support your wellbeing…

 

VIT B3 In The Body: B3 converts in the body to NADH, in different forms…

 

NIACIN NIACINAMIDE
NICOTINIC ACID NICOTINAMIDE
INOSITOL  

 

LIVER: VIT B3 transports fats through the body by synthesizing fats from carbs and turning carbs into glucose, to supply energy to the cells. This means you get increased energy and weight loss support!

 

BRAIN: VIT B3 increases serotonin activity that improves mood, decreases stress and lessens insomnia. Yeah to feeling happier and sleeping better!

 

HEART: Nicotinic Acid supports cardiovascular health and cholesterol by normalizing lipid blood levels; removes the bad, LDL & triglycerides and increases the good, HDL. From our heart to yours

 

INSULIN: Inositol (longer release of B3) improves insulin levels/sensitivity for diabetes support, aids in weight loss, supports fertility for women diagnosed with PCOS, and helps sex hormone production to relieve ED in men.

 

SKIN: Niacinamide is converted in the body from extra Niacin. It’s beneficial for skin health by reducing the sensitivity, redness and hyperpigmentation caused by acne, age and sun spots. It minimizes the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines and strengthens the skin’s natural barrier for healthy, defended skin.

 

Food Rx: Your diet is likely to have the recommended daily amount of B3 if you have multiple daily servings of whole, natural foods across a wide variety of food groups.

 

*I highly recommend Nutritional Flakes (dried yeast): a delicious, vegetarian protein to use as a daily food complement: mix into soups, vegetables, smoothies, salads, etc.  1 TBSP = 4g protein.  That’s almost as much protein as one egg (6g protein) but without any cholesterol!!!  It’s also an ideal source of essential and non-essential amino acids.

 

*More excellent food sources of niacin: tuna, chicken, turkey, peanuts, and crimini mushrooms.

 

Supplement Rx: Dr. Kevan offers comprehensive health consults and the MAR acupuncture apothecary includes only the most efficacious and safe nutraceuticals. Together, we will discuss the appropriate Vit B3 dose and form of administration to relieve your unique symptoms. You will have the option of taking Vitamin B3 in the form of an oral tablet, liquid, or injection therapy.

 

To learn more about receiving vitamins via Acupuncture Injection Therapy (APIT), please go to MAR Acupuncture’s website at: https://maracupuncture.com/services/acupuncture-injection-therapy/