http://www.whitepineacupuncture.com/index.htmlWhite Pine acupuncture of Asheville, NC.enev_land@mac.comCopyright 2011 Pixel Ink Design2012-05-14T14:17:56-04:00 hourly 1 2000-01-01T12:00+00:00 Mon, 14 May 2012 14:18:28 -0400ev_land@mac.comBlog2012-05-14T14:17:56-04:00http://www.whitepineacupuncture.com/blog_files/white-pine-acupuncture-hot-springs.html#unique-entry-id-32http://www.whitepineacupuncture.com/blog_files/white-pine-acupuncture-hot-springs.html#unique-entry-id-32As of recently, White Pine Acupuncture has another office location in the small town of Hot Springs! There is a new healing retreat center in process of making its debut in the quaint little town of Hot Springs. It is the Laughing Heart Lodge, and White Pine is absolutely thrilled to be a part of this amazing endeavor.  It is currently undergoing some substantial improvements and changes as it transforms into the amazing healing retreat center that it is becoming.  

The historic building was built in 1892 and sits on seven acres of beautiful land looking out at the beautiful Appalachians.  The Appalachian Trail runs right through the property, and accordingly there is a great hiker hostel also on the property!

Look for us at the Laughing Heart Lodge! We are there every Thursday.
]]>ev_land@mac.comAsheville Acupuncture2012-04-19T14:10:05-04:00http://www.whitepineacupuncture.com/blog_files/emergence-of-spring.html#unique-entry-id-31http://www.whitepineacupuncture.com/blog_files/emergence-of-spring.html#unique-entry-id-31Welcome this fresh verdant season of Spring! Spring is the season associated with the Wood element and the Liver and the Gall Bladder organs. The Liver is considered the General as well as the Architect within ourselves. It is this vital energy of the Liver that guides us in finding our way in the world, shaping what it is we want to do with our lives. The Liver energy fuels our sense of vision to create a plan.  Our creativity, imagination, and our dreaming are all reflective of the Liver energy. The Gall Bladder is the paired organ with the Liver.  The Gall Bladder is considered the general contractor or builder whose job it is to carry out our Liver’s plan.  The Wood Yin energy needs to be anchored deeply and securely within the core of our being so that the expansive, outreaching, flexible Yang aspect of the Wood can be effective and far reaching in its power. 

There are many ways we can cultivate healthy thriving Wood energy in our bodies, minds, and souls.  Within the framework of acupuncture, it is very empowering to have the Wood points on the Wood channels needled in the time of Wood (spring time!) This allows us to honor and acknowledge the rhythms of nature, in terms of Spring’s arrival both without and within us. These points are Liver 1 and Gall Bladder 41.  It is also beneficial to needle the last point on the Liver channel, Liver 14, whose name is Gate of Hope, Qi Men.  The Liver is the last of the 12 channel pathways in terms of Qi flow, rendering the last point on the last channel a very powerful one.  Being named Gate of Hope, it is fitting that as our Qi (energy) completes the cycle, we do so with a sense of hope as we let go of all that has transpired in the previous cycle of time, and begin our renewal of Qi/ life energy with fresh hope.
We also nourish and honor our Wood energy by getting enough sleep and reveling in the magical world of dreams.  The Hun is the spirit of the Liver and it is the Hun that rules our dreamtime.  This is the aspect of the Liver that needs to be deeply rooted in our core so that we can go forth boldly.  We can honor the Hun’s amazing dream capacity by welcoming our dreams, writing them down, and gathering gems of inspiration from the symbolic dream world.
A nice way to gently invigorate the Liver Qi is with the flavor/essence of bergamot. Bergamot smoothes Liver qi, keeping the Qi moving, preventing any stagnation. Healthy Wood is flexible and pliant, and bergamot promotes that flexibility.  Bergamot is found in Earl Grey tea, which is black tea with essence of bergamot. Bergamot essential oil can also be applied to the previously mentioned Liver points instead of acupuncture needles.

A haiku for Spring:

green hope emerging
from the gate of hope, renewed
once again, born free
]]>ev_land@mac.comAsheville Acupuncture2012-02-10T10:31:59-05:00http://www.whitepineacupuncture.com/blog_files/food-energetics.html#unique-entry-id-30http://www.whitepineacupuncture.com/blog_files/food-energetics.html#unique-entry-id-30This is a brief and potent summary of some of the amazing health benefits of food, from a Chinese Medicine perspective.

Each organ has Yin and Yang components. Yin is the fluid aspect, the moistening ability, the sustenance; whereas Yang is the capacity to move, to activate, to transport and excrete.

Seeds generally nourish Kidney Yin.
Nuts nourish Lung and Stomach Yin.
Legumes nourish Liver Yin and Liver Blood.
Grains nourish Stomach Yin.

Looking more closely at seeds,
Sesame seeds nourish Kidney Yin.
Flax seeds nourish Liver Yin and clear Liver Heat.
Pumpkin seeds nourish Stomach Yin.
Sunflower seeds nourish Lung Yin.

Enjoy delicious and extremely delicious nuts and seeds, and know that the Yin is grateful!

P.S. The focus on the Yin tonics is because we tend to overexert, overdo, i.e.....be so busy, that it is often at the taxation of our Yin which is the fuel behind all of our Yang activities!]]>ev_land@mac.comBlog2012-01-22T17:00:17-05:00http://www.whitepineacupuncture.com/blog_files/happy-new-year-2012.html#unique-entry-id-29http://www.whitepineacupuncture.com/blog_files/happy-new-year-2012.html#unique-entry-id-29HAPPY CHINESE NEW YEAR 2012!

Welcome the Year of the Water Dragon. According to Chinese astrology, this year is a transformational life-changing year. It is a good year to focus on self improvement, to take calculated risks, and to build wealth.  This year holds much promise as well as major transition.

The Chinese New Year, on the new moon January 23rd, is an opportune time to begin new strides in our dedication, whether that be toward our health, wealth, love, happiness, surrender, flexibility, inspiration, or whatever is at the forefront of our awareness.  There are infinite ways to receive and celebrate the arrival of the New Year.  Qi gong, tai qi, meditation, a lit candle, eating mooncake (the traditional Chinese food to celebrate the New Year), reflecting on our intentions, saying a prayer, a moment of silence, creating music, writing a poem, simply experiencing......the sky is the limit.

May we respect the wisdom, power, and infinite potential and transformation of Water and the magical mystique of the Dragon.  Wishing you all a most glorious year.]]>ev_land@mac.comAsheville AcupunctureChinese MedicineHerbal Remedies2012-01-03T10:40:39-05:00http://www.whitepineacupuncture.com/blog_files/winter-herbal-healing.html#unique-entry-id-28http://www.whitepineacupuncture.com/blog_files/winter-herbal-healing.html#unique-entry-id-28Greetings!

Winter officially began with the Winter Solstice on December 22nd.

In Chinese medicine, the Winter season is associated with:
 the element Water
 the yin yang paired organs and meridians of the Kidneys and Urinary Bladder
 the salty flavor
 the colors dark blue and black
 the low back, knees, bones, teeth, and thickness and luster of hair on the head
 the emotion of fear
 the virtue of wisdom
 and the spirit of the Will

     Some foods that are particularly nourishing for the Kidneys and the Water element within us are black beans, sesame seeds, walnuts, and seaweed.  Sesame seeds specifically tonify the Kidney Yin, while walnuts tonify the Kidney Yang. An excellent kitchen medicine Kidney tonic is a walnut-sesame-honey paste. It is simple to make and is delicious!

     Blend together equal parts of walnuts and sesame seeds (i.e. - one cup of each)
     Add enough honey to make into a paste consistency (in a separate bowl to avoid the blender getting very sticky!) Eat one Tablespoon daily. Keep refrigerated.

     Seaweed is a Kidney tonic because it is salty, and the salty flavor has a natural affinity for the Kidneys and Urinary Bladder.    Seaweed is an excellent source of iodine and vitamin B6, and it's a good source of potassium and iron. An excellent company for quality seaweed is Maine Coast Sea Vegetables. Their products are certified organic, and they are tested for chemicals, heavy metals, fuel oil, radiation, and bacteriological pollution.  The website iswww.seaveg.com.

     Essential oils that are great for affecting the Kidneys are black spruce and vetiver. Putting a drop on the bottom of the foot, in the center of the ball of the foot, is a direct way of nourishing the Kidney Qi. This part of the foot is where the Kidney meridian begins.

     There are stones that influence the Kidneys and the Urinary Bladder.  For disease in these two Water organs, the following stones are helpful: cuprite, prehnite, jade, and smoky quartz. 

Stones that help with fear are: angelite, golden yellow calcite, orange calcite, jet, kunzite, lepidolite, sunstone, and tiger's eye.  The stones can be carried, worn, or kept in one's vicinity to be effective.

     In acupuncture, there is a Yuan Source point on every meridian.  It is where the Yuan (Original/Primordial) Qi is activated, accessed, and accumulated.  These points connect to the internal organ for which the meridian is named.  Empirically, they are powerful points for directly communicating with the deepest aspect of our Qi.  On the Water meridians, the Yuan Source points are Kidney 3/ Tai Xi/ Great Ravine, and Urinary Bladder 64/ Jing Gu/ Capital Bone.  Kidney 3 is the Earth point on the Water meridian, and it tonifies Kidney Yin and Yang, strengthens the low back, and relieves heel and ankle pain.  Urinary Bladder 64 dispels wind, clears the brain, and calms the heart and the Shen(the spirit of the Heart.)

     The famous classical Chinese herbal formula for supporting the Kidneys and Urinary Bladder is called Six Gentlemen/ Liu Wei Di Huang Wan.  It is so named because of its elegant(gentleman-like) composition of six herbs that are perfectly balanced.  The treatment principle of the formula is to enrich Yin and nourish the Liver and the Kidneys. 

The six herbs are:
     Shu Di Huang, prepared rehmannia root
     Shan Zhu Yu, dogwood fruit
     Shan Yao, wild yam root
     Ze Xie, alismatis root/ great water plantain
     Mu Dan Pi, peony root bark
     Fu Ling, poria mushroom/hoelen

The functions of the herbs are as follows:
     Shu Di Huang- nourishes Blood and Essence, tonifies Kidneys
     Shan Zhu Yu-  nourishes Liver, restrains leakage of Yin and Essence
     Shan Yao- tonifies Spleen and Kidneys; astringes Essence
     Ze Xie- clears heat, promotes urination, clears turbidity from Kidneys
     Mu Dan Pi- clears Liver Fire, cools Blood
     Fu Ling- strengthens Spleen, expels damp, promotes urination

     The elegance of the formula is understood in realizing that the first three herbs are tonics being counterbalanced by the gentle draining action of the latter three herbs.  While Six Gentlemen is a Kidney tonic, it is thus by having mild draining as part of the tonification strategy.  The  principle of Yang within Yin is demonstrated by this dualistic approach.  Symptoms addressed with Six Gentlemen include: sore and weak low back, vertigo and dizziness, tinnitus, diminished hearing, and night sweats.

     The Chinese New Year will be here  on January 23. Look for a blog entry on the White Pine website commemorating this event in a few weeks!

Wishing you happy, healthy, thriving Water energy in this time of Winter.

]]>ev_land@mac.comAsheville AcupunctureChinese MedicineHerbal Remedies2011-11-29T13:31:56-05:00http://www.whitepineacupuncture.com/blog_files/acupuncture-singing.html#unique-entry-id-27http://www.whitepineacupuncture.com/blog_files/acupuncture-singing.html#unique-entry-id-27How singers cope with sore throats and raspy voices
(with help from honey, herbs, and acupuncture)

In Chinese Medicine, when studying herbal medicine, we learn that Pang Da Hai, sterculia seed, is the secret pocket remedy of many an opera singer. It clears heat, which manifests as irritation or even hoarseness, and also moistens the yin, thereby coating the throat. The way it is used is to pour hot water over the dry seeds which are about the size of a large almond. Once the Pang Da Hai has been submerged, an amazing phenomenon occurs...which is this amorphous gelatinous glob spreading out throughout the cup.  While it looks strange, it is extremely effective. The tea, which is very mild in flavor, is sipped and enjoyed as the voice is preserved for both performance and just talking!

Honey is also an excellent remedy and preventative for singers and actors. It is so lubricating and is loaded with B vitamins, so that it is also an immune boost.

As far as acupuncture goes, there are several empirical points that work extremely well at both preventing and treating a sore throat.  Some of these points are:
Lung 7 and Kidney 6
Large Intestine 4
Stomach 44
Stomach 42
San Jiao 6
Auricular point for the throat (ear acupuncture)

So, sing away, and feel assured by these simple yet effective preventions and remedies!]]>ev_land@mac.comChinese MedicineHerbal Remedies2011-11-09T15:38:41-05:00http://www.whitepineacupuncture.com/blog_files/celebrating%20Lavender.html#unique-entry-id-26http://www.whitepineacupuncture.com/blog_files/celebrating%20Lavender.html#unique-entry-id-26Happy Autumn!

Autumn is a contemplative time as we transition out of Late Summer and move toward Winter.  In Chinese Medicine,  each season is associated with one of the Five Elements. Autumn is the time of Metal. Metal is associated with the Lungs and Large Intestine, the breath, the ability to let go, grief, and our connection to Spirit.

Having recently returned from an amazing visit to Europe, I  have been contemplating how significant herbal medicine is (and has been for many centuries) in European culture. Many apothecaries that carry herbs and now also pharmaceuticals have been operating since the 13th century, often in the same location. It was so wonderful to be able to visit the apothecaries and consult with the trained professionals and procure herbs, homeopathics, and/or pharmaceuticals depending on the presenting condition.

Lavender, Lavandula angustifolia, is an herbaceous plant native to the Mediterranean.  It is grown abundantly in the Provence region of France. Being among the lavender fields was an incredibly delightful sensory experience, as the concentration of lavender perfuming the air was so stimulating.  It has a very uplifting, mind opening quality, and to smell it in such mass quantities was incredible.

Lavender is a highly medicinal herb. The part of the plant distilled for medicinal essential oil is the flowers.  The flowers themselves are great to enjoy in baths and sachets.  The essential oil is considered to me a middle note with a balancing influence, meaning it stimulates or relaxes according to individual needs, as in, it is adaptagenic.

From a western perspective, lavender essential oil  regulates the central nervous system. It is helpful for abscesses, acne, anxiety, athlete’s foot, boils, burns, colds, coughs, cuts, cystitis, dandruff, depression, earache, eczema, fainting, flatulence, fluctuating moods, head lice, high blood pressure, infectious illness, insect bites and stings, insomnia, laryngitis, menstrual irregularities, migraine, muscular aches and pains, nervous tension, and skin care. 

From a Chinese Medicine perspective, lavender’s nature is  cooling, its taste is spicy and sweet, and its channel affinities are the Lungs, Liver, and Pericardium. 

It has four main functions:
1-Release Wind Heat: chills and fever, sinus infections, sore throat
2-Promote smooth flow of Liver Qi: headaches, muscle spasms and tightness, dysmenorrheal, scanty menses
3-Calm the shen (spirit): palpitations, irritability, insomnia, restlessness, high blood pressure
4-Diffuse Lung Qi: chest tightness

Topical applications:
1-Apply directly for insect bites, burns/sun-damaged skin
2-Reduce scarring
3-Diffuse for calming effect, or place on pillows

Additionally, lavender can normalize blood sugar levels.

Lavender is clearly a very versatile herb with a lot of healing properties.  It is nice to incorporate the essential oil of lavender into our preventive health care at this time because of its direct relationship with the Lungs whose time is  Autumn, and specifically its ability to diffuse Lung Qi is relevant. This helps us to engage with our breath and transform our emotions so that we can let go.
]]>ev_land@mac.comAcupunctureChinese MedicineHerbal Remedies2011-08-22T17:02:28-04:00http://www.whitepineacupuncture.com/blog_files/best-of-asheville-acupuncture.html#unique-entry-id-25http://www.whitepineacupuncture.com/blog_files/best-of-asheville-acupuncture.html#unique-entry-id-25Hello!

Oh the beauty of Late Summer......of course it a season unto itself within Chinese medicine, culture, and philosophy. We are still in the fullness of Summer, yet we feel, smell, and sense the approach of Fall. The winds of change bring the pivotal shift out of the full heat of summer and  and into the more moderately warm and less humid days of Late Summer.  This season is under the domain of the Spleen. One of the roles of the Spleen is that of transitioning between the seasons. Healthy Spleen Qi fuels this smooth progression, helping us to stay centered and calm.  When the Spleen Qi is flourishing, the mind is clear.  The glorious color association of Late Summer is that of yellow.

I would like to suggest an ode to yellow......both poetically and metaphorically within ourselves.
 Yellow is in abundance around us in many of the blooming wildflowers right now, such as: St. John's Wort, Goldenrod, Jerusalem Artichoke, Sneezeweed(really it is named that!), and Mullein. It is so bright and beautiful.

Yellow is the color associated with the area of the body just beneath the heart, above the navel. This area is actually called The Yellow Court. It is our center, our sacred place that protects our heart, harboring all the positive, infinite possibilities of who we are. It is essentially the holding place or residence of unconditional love within us. It is helpful to visualize yellow incubating and expanding outward from this area.

Haiku for Late Summer:

open to yellow
while swallowing bright flowers
tranquility smiles]]>ev_land@mac.comAsheville AcupunctureChinese MedicineHerbal Remedies2011-08-02T16:35:27-04:00http://www.whitepineacupuncture.com/blog_files/asheville%20-acupuncture-roller-girls.html#unique-entry-id-24http://www.whitepineacupuncture.com/blog_files/asheville%20-acupuncture-roller-girls.html#unique-entry-id-24In Asheville, North Carolina, there is a phenomenal roller derby team
called The Blue Ridge Roller Girls. They have a huge following and a
tremendously varied fan base. They perform regularly at the Civic
Center, often drawing crowds of more then 5000 people per evening bout!

Roller derby originated in Austin, Texas in the 1970's. It consists of a
 team of strong, bold women on roller skates, competing to quickly
circle the track, while holding back their opponents via hip blocks. It
is a very athletic endeavor, and these women are protected by helmets
and knee and elbow pads.

The Blue Ridge Roller Girls have the fortunate opportunity to have a
team of two acupuncturists as their sponsors. The way these
acupuncturists sponsor the players is to administer acupuncture to the
players before the bouts.

Several hours before the doors open and the crowds begin to descend on
the arena, the acupuncturists set up shop in the locker room. The
players carefully request what exactly they need to get from their
acupuncture treatments. The players' requests vary widely, but one
consistent theme is the request of endurance and speed!

The acupuncturists listen intently to each request and formulate a treatment
 plan specific to each player. Often the treatment strategy includes
energy boosting, determination and focus, calming of nerves, and, of
course, tending to old injuries.  The treatments usually last about
20-30 minutes and often include auricular acupuncture, in addition to
body points.

The derby ladies are thrilled to get such comprehensive sports medicine
care, and the acupuncturists take great pride in directly supporting
their local legends!! ]]>ev_land@mac.comAsheville AcupunctureChinese MedicineHerbal Remedies2011-06-27T11:03:19-04:00http://www.whitepineacupuncture.com/blog_files/summer-2011.html#unique-entry-id-23http://www.whitepineacupuncture.com/blog_files/summer-2011.html#unique-entry-id-23Summer

Welcome, Summer! In Chinese Medicine, each season has many associations within the
body as well as the world in which we live. There are the organs and their respective
channels or meridians(pathways of energy), one of the five elements, color, emotion,
and sound. Summer is the season of the Heart, and Fire, the color red, joy, and laughter.
Summer is officially upon us, as Summer Solstice was June 21.

The word solstice comes from the Latin words sol, meaning sun, and sistere, meaning to
stand still. This is because when this astronomical event takes place, the Sun stands still
in declination, that is, the apparent movement of the Sun’ s path North or South comes to
a stop before reversing direction. In this vein, may we take a moment to contemplate the
fullness of fiery Summer as we delve into it.

And now a haiku for Summer:

feathery cohosh rising
above plump red fallen fruits
as mourning doves coo

The spirit of the Heart is called Shen. It is considered to be the most heavenly of the five
spirits. A teacher of mine, named Lorie Dechar, writes about Shen as follows,” It is the
starlight and sunlight that stream down from the sky and illuminate the mountaintop. It
inhabits the realm of the divine fire of the sun and the initiatory energies of dawn.”

The Heart is revered as the Emperor or Empress within the body. All of the other
components of the body and mind rely on the Emperor to live and reign from a place of
wisdom, love, and purity. From an acupuncture perspective, a significant way to affect
and honor the Heart is through the Source point on the Heart channel. Source points are
the most direct way to connect with our Yuan Qi or Original Qi, our deepest and most
precious Life Force Energy. This point is named Shen Men, which translates as Spirit
Gate. It serves as a gateway to the Emperor.

Now that we are in the time of the Empress, Summer, it is a great time to receive
acupuncture on the Source points on all the Fire channels. The Heart is paired with
the Small Intestine; and together they are the Imperial Fire. The Pericardium (Heart
Protector) and Triple Burner are also of the Fire element and are known as the Ministerial
Fire. Needling these Source points is a reverent way of honoring the Fire within and
around us.

This is seasonal acclimation via acupuncture.

The Source points on the Fire meridians are:
Heart 7, Shen Men, Spirit Gate
Small Intestine 4, Wan Gu, Wrist bone
Pericardium 7, Da Ling, Great Mound
Triple Burner 4, Yang Chi, Yang Pool

Look forward to seeing you in this Yang time of fiery Summer,]]>ev_land@mac.comAsheville AcupunctureChinese MedicineHerbal Remedies2011-06-24T13:18:35-04:00http://www.whitepineacupuncture.com/blog_files/goji-berries.html#unique-entry-id-22http://www.whitepineacupuncture.com/blog_files/goji-berries.html#unique-entry-id-22The Lycium fruit, Goji berry, is very popular now in the health food movement, as it has been for thousands of years to the Chinese.  It is also known as Wolfberry fruit and Gou Qi Zi (in pinyin, the English written version of phonetic Chinese, pronounced "go chee zuh".) It is also known as Matrimony Vine.  It has long been revered as a health tonic.

The part of the plant that is used is the fruit. It resembles a raisin, though it is light red in color.  The taste is also somewhat like a raisin.  It is sweet. 
 
Some of the many health benefits include:
longevity
healthy vision
relieves dizziness and vertigo
reduces blood sugar
prevents anemia(iron deficient anemia)
helps low back pain
relieves tinnitus

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Gou Qi Zi is classified as a Yin and Blood Tonic.  Yin is generally the fluid aspect of the body. Specifically it is associated with the Liver and the Kidneys, and that is why it nourishes the eyes, because the eyes are associated with the Liver. The Goji berries nourish the Liver Yin and therefore keep the eyes moist and support healthy vision. The Kidneys are associated with the ears and the low back.   Because the Goji berries nourish the Kidney Yin, they help with tinnitus (ear ringing) and low back pain. Also because of their affiliation with the Kidneys, they play a significant role in longevity. The Kidneys and their role in the body are very highly revered in TCM.  They are thought to be the foundation of our energy and life force.  Gou Qi Zi nourishes the Kidney Yin and therefore enhances longevity;for when the Kidney Yin dries up, there is no more life.

It is best to eat a small handful of the Goji berries daily. They are great as a snack. They are also great in oatmeal, or added to rice, or tossed in a salad.
They can be found at most health food stores as well as from your local Acupuncturist and Herbalist!
]]>ev_land@mac.comAcupuncture2011-05-17T10:39:51-04:00http://www.whitepineacupuncture.com/blog_files/prevention-of-allergies.html#unique-entry-id-20http://www.whitepineacupuncture.com/blog_files/prevention-of-allergies.html#unique-entry-id-20This article explores the use of a popular Chinese herbal formula for the treatment and
prevention of allergies. It also touches on simple, effective household kitchen remedies.

With springtime in full bloom, many people experience the frustration of allergies. There
is a classic Chinese herbal formula called Jade Screen that is quite effective at both
preventing and treating allergies. It is called Jade Screen because it creates a protective
barrier, as if one is seated behind a wind screen of jade. Jade is a special stone, especially
in Chinese culture, where it is revered for its purifying and cleansing effects. To be
protected from the wind is to ward off unpleasant irritants in the air, such as pollen.
At this point, it is worthwhile to examine the role of wind in Chinese culture and
medicine. The wind is thought to be "the bringer of 100 diseases." This alludes to both
the atmospheric conditions as well as other pathogenic factors. For instance, often when
a person has been out in windy weather, or extreme hot or cold, damp or dry conditions,
he or she is prone to a wind invasion which often leads to allergies or a common cold.
Being exposed to wind could also mean being around someone who is sick, as in being
around germs.

If one must be out in the wind, taking Jade Screen is the ultimate protective preventative.
The formula consists of three herbs which secure the exterior, meaning enhancing the
immune system in order to ward off the wind and keep it from penetrating though the
body's outer layers of immune defense.

The herbs that do this are Astragalus root (Huang Qi), Atractylodes rhizome (Bai Zhu),
and Siler root (Fang Feng.) While a small, simple formula, it is quite effective at keeping
allergies at bay, as well as taking at the earliest onset of common cold symptoms to
prevent a further progression.

For a person who is prone to allergies or catching colds easily, it is great to
preventatively take Jade Screen during the spring (or whatever season proves to be most
challenging.) If the allergies develop into an infection or if the beginnings of a cold get
more severe, then it is no longer appropriate to take Jade Screen.

In addition to Jade Screen, eating a bit of local honey on a regular basis is an excellent
way to build the body's resistance to pollen. Also, making a tea of fresh ginger and fresh
mint is a simple form of kitchen medicine to help with early signs of allergies. Drinking
a strongly brewed cup of green tea with lemon and honey is also an effective way of
delivering a significant immune boost at the initial sign of allergies or a common cold.
The green tea is packed with antioxidants, while the lemon is chocked full of Vitamin
C, and the local honey carries the pollen from the local wildflowers, altogether making a
kitchen medicine version of Jade Screen!

Look for Jade Screen at your acupuncturist's office or possibly at the health food store.]]>ev_land@mac.comAsheville Acupuncture2011-04-21T07:43:05-04:00http://www.whitepineacupuncture.com/blog_files/Acupuncturists-Without-Borders.html#unique-entry-id-19http://www.whitepineacupuncture.com/blog_files/Acupuncturists-Without-Borders.html#unique-entry-id-19By Mindy Gates

Last month I was able to attend the Acupuncturists Without Borders (AWB) training program in Phoenix, Arizona. AWB is a nonprofit organization with a mission of promoting world peace through the medicine of peace: acupuncture. Trained volunteers, organized by AWB, travel to disaster areas nationally and internationally to provide acupuncture in a community setting for those suffering the repercussions of disastrous situations. Using a system of ear acupuncture developed by the National Acupuncture Detoxification Association (NADA), acupuncturists working with AWB treat a multitude of traumas; including physical pain, post traumatic stress, acute traumatic stress, as well as secondary trauma (frequently suffered by the disaster relief workers, as the suffering of others can become imprinted on our psyches).

We spent the training weekend learning and practicing the system of acupuncture, discussing different types of trauma and how to recognize each, and how to set up a mobile clinic in a disaster area which includes interfacing with government, media, military and other health care and disaster relief workers. The training also included information about and practice with group dynamics and cultural sensitivities.

After the training, I was fortunate enough to be able to travel to Tucson, Arizona and volunteer with AWB at a temporary clinic specifically focused on healing community trauma in the aftermath of the Tucson shooting in January. In one afternoon,
AWB volunteers and other local acupuncturists treated nearly 100 people living in the Tucson area and suffering from the trauma of the recent events. I feel impassioned and empowered by this work. For me, working with Acupuncturists Without Borders is the perfect combination of altruism and activism.]]>ev_land@mac.comBlog2011-03-21T10:12:13-04:00http://www.whitepineacupuncture.com/blog_files/spring-2011.html#unique-entry-id-18http://www.whitepineacupuncture.com/blog_files/spring-2011.html#unique-entry-id-18Welcome the arrival of Spring!

First, some haiku to honor this time as we shift gears out of Winter(Water) and into Spring (Wood.)

ethereal soul
surrenders
to deep abyss of yin

swimming and spiraling
anchoring
at the turning point

where water transforms
into sprouting wood
yang within yin

The spirit of the Wood element is the Hun, the ethereal soul. It is what allows us to be deeply at rest while sleeping yet travel astrally in our dreamtime. When our Liver Qi is healthy and flowing, free of obstruction, our Hun is rooted within us, and we are able to thrive and grow and expand.  With healthy Wood, we are able to carry through with our plans, goals, and intentions gathered in the depths of Winter. We are now able to move out of this period of incubation and into the expressive, expansive nature of Spring. 

 The grass and bulbs are rising up, the leaves on the trees are unfurling, the blossoms are opening; as our own Liver Qi is experiencing this same kind of growth and upsurgence. The organs associated with Spring are the Liver and Gall Bladder.  Because of this synchronistic timing, Spring is the most ideal time to cleanse or detoxify. Our bodies' rhythms are naturally inclined to be releasing and pushing things out. Moderation is always important though.  We recommend a mild cleanse, one in which there is no fasting, but rather adding in some very healthy, detoxifying foods to an already balanced diet. Some of the stellar detoxifying foods are lemons, mung bean sprouts, lemon balm, and dandelion greens.

If our Liver Qi is impeded, there can be frustration, irritability, anger, and depression.  A spring seasonal tune up with acupuncture ensures the smooth flow of Liver Qi.

Wishing you a happy,healthy, productive Spring!

]]>ev_land@mac.comBlog2011-02-01T11:14:12-05:00http://www.whitepineacupuncture.com/blog_files/asheville-radio-days.html#unique-entry-id-17http://www.whitepineacupuncture.com/blog_files/asheville-radio-days.html#unique-entry-id-17White Pine Acupuncture is a proud day sponsor on Asheville's local public radio station WCQS on Thursday, February 3rd......be sure to tune into 88.1 throughout the day! We love to be able to support local public radio and simultaneously wish the community a Happy New Year.

Chinese New Year begins on February 3rd, ushering in 2011, the Year of the Rabbit.

A brief summary of the forecast for 2011:
This Rabbit year is expected to be quiet, positive, and inspiring.  Family, diplomacy, and personal development will all be highlighted this year.  Alternative energy and green living will be under the spotlight.  Artistic expression and endeavors will flourish with new creativity.  Love, romance, and family are well-starred with a renewed appreciation of loved ones and friends. Overall, it is to be a fun and relatively peaceful year. The year of the Rabbit favors peaceful solutions and diplomacy, so there will be a feeling that all is not lost and that hope is still very much alive!

Wishing you all a happy, healthy, and prosperous New Year!]]>ev_land@mac.comAsheville Acupuncture2011-01-24T09:29:39-05:00http://www.whitepineacupuncture.com/blog_files/winter.html#unique-entry-id-16http://www.whitepineacupuncture.com/blog_files/winter.html#unique-entry-id-16Hello!
 Here we are in the midst of Winter, the season of Water.

      The highest form of goodness is like water.
      Water knows how to benefit all things without striving with them.
      It stays in places loathed by all men.
      Therefore, it comes near the Tao.
                       -Lao Tzu, Tao Teh Ching

 It is the time of year of the Kidneys (yin) and Urinary Bladder (yang.)  The spirit of the Kidneys and Water element is called the Zhi which translates as the Will. This is the time to cultivate our Will by spending more time resting, being quiet and still, renewing ourselves and rededicating our intentions.   Energetically, we tend to pull in, as we feel more introspective. It is in this deep, slower way of introspective being where we find our strength and inspiration to sustain our endeavors and good work.

The virtue of Water is wisdom.

May we acknowledge and honor the beauty, wisdom, power, and grace of all the many forms of Water around and within us, as it sustains and inspires us in its numerous forms......rain, snow, ice, creeks, streams, rivers, oceans, springs, lakes,swamps, marshes, clouds, waves, tides and tears.

The emotion associated with Water is fear.  Healthy Water within us manifests as instinctual power, aligned will, and courage.

Martin Luther King,Jr., whose birthday we celebrate this month,  said,
 "We must build dikes of courage to hold back the flood of fear"
King seems to be the perfect illustration of a person whose Water was obviously healthy and thriving, as his strong Zhi allowed him to profoundly better humanity.

This Water time facilitates the facing of our fears and finding our healing energy within to transform fear into courage.  It is the Zhi that provides this pivotal foundation.
]]>ev_land@mac.comAsheville2010-09-20T20:16:39-04:00http://www.whitepineacupuncture.com/blog_files/autumn-asheville.html#unique-entry-id-14http://www.whitepineacupuncture.com/blog_files/autumn-asheville.html#unique-entry-id-14   Much of Asian literature and poetry revolves around the spectacular beauty and significance of Autumn.  Perhaps no one else better exemplifies the inspiration, love, and sadness experienced in Fall than the Japanese poet Basho, 1644 to 1694. His birth has become a matter of legend, giving him the birthday of the Autumn Full Moon September 15.  In this year 2010, the Autumn Full Moon is one week later on September 22nd, also the Autumnal Equinox. 
   Following are a few haiku by Basho:

From a treetop
Emptiness dropped down
In a cicada shell



Autumn has come
Visiting my ear on 
A pillow of wind



Along with Autumn                                                     
I would like to go to                                                         
Little Pine River                                                             



Under a crescent moon
The ground is hazy
With buckwheat flowers



On a bare branch
A crow settled down
Autumn evening



Autumn has come               
Loving a wife with stars
On buckskin

Here are a few more Autumnal Poems from The Tale of Genji by Murasaki Shikibu:

From Lady Murasaki,
By the wide ocean, roasting salt,
The fisherwoman's heart burns as
She piles up her grief like firewood.



Think of me in the forgotten sadness of Autumn,
Even though your heart be captured by the moon.


Winds of Autumn,
Saddest season of all,
Scattered the remaining leaves from the trees.



Lying awake,
I heard the cry of the little night owl
As chill moonlight poured through
Bare branches in an ancient image of Autumnal sadness.



Nothing awakens old
Memories
Like the Moon.]]>ev_land@mac.comAsheville2010-08-09T11:03:46-04:00http://www.whitepineacupuncture.com/blog_files/best-of-asheville.html#unique-entry-id-13http://www.whitepineacupuncture.com/blog_files/best-of-asheville.html#unique-entry-id-13


]]>ev_land@mac.comAsheville Acupuncture2010-06-19T16:16:08-04:00http://www.whitepineacupuncture.com/blog_files/arrival-of-summer.html#unique-entry-id-12http://www.whitepineacupuncture.com/blog_files/arrival-of-summer.html#unique-entry-id-12
 With all of this outward, expansive energy, we must take care to keep the Fire balanced within us. Water balances Fire.  Physically, it is crucial that we stay hydrated, drinking plenty of water, especially as we are likely losing more fluids through sweating.  Energetically, it is also important to embrace the yin nature of Water during the ultimate yang stage of Fire (Summer.) We do this by seeking out stillness, choosing to rest, and being in and around water. 

 Acupuncture is an excellent means of clearing any excessive heat that may likely be generated in this time of Fire. Some common symptoms of Summer Heat are sore throat, headache, dizziness, phlegm, skin rashes, fever, and chills.  The sooner one can get in for an acupuncture treatment with onset of any of these symptoms, the better as far as a quick resolution.  Treatments also provide the much needed respite from our activities, and enhance our bodies' ability to restore the Yin (loosely perceived as bodily fluids, which tend to get scorched in the blazing heat of summer) and the Qi (energy, life force.)

Welcome, Summer and Fire, as our hearts open to receive the abundance...]]>ev_land@mac.comAsheville Acupuncture2010-03-29T20:03:31-04:00http://www.whitepineacupuncture.com/blog_files/asheville-acupuncture-clinic.html#unique-entry-id-11http://www.whitepineacupuncture.com/blog_files/asheville-acupuncture-clinic.html#unique-entry-id-11
Our practice is also expanding at this time of growth and change. In addition to the acupuncturists Sally Robinson and Mindy Gates, we have a wonderful massage therapist, Tara Nichols, and more recently a Rolfer named Ann Marie Cockrell. We are happy to be able to offer this thorough in-depth body work at White Pine. We are finding that these services are a nice complement to Chinese Medicine.]]>ev_land@mac.comAshevilleChinese MedicineHerbal Remedies2010-02-05T17:16:00-05:00http://www.whitepineacupuncture.com/blog_files/china-2.html#unique-entry-id-10http://www.whitepineacupuncture.com/blog_files/china-2.html#unique-entry-id-10
First deal with the bike lane......find a pause in the constant flow of bicycles, mopeds, carts, etc. and find safety on the line separating the bike lane from the car lane. From here, look into the traffic and discern an opening not readily visible to the eyes.
Secondly walk across one car lane, to again temporarily seek safety on the dotted line between car lanes. If possible, proceed to the middle of the street.
Thirdly, once here in the middle, begin to observe traffic coming from the opposite direction, and use the same technique, making your way across one lane at a time.
Finally, the bike lane again......find your chance across in the non-stop flowing assortment of bicycles.

Ok, so that is a basic approach of how to do it. What is really interesting is that after a few days of trying this, which tends to be a pretty intense phenomenon, I noticed something. I started looking at not just the cars, buses, taxis, bicycles, but also the people operating them. Consistently, every person was calm and serene. I realized they were not nervous or uptight about the scenario. There was an obvious sense of trust that they were not going to be run into by another vehicle, nor were they concerned that they might run over a pedestrian! Ok, this was a big breakthrough for me. From then on, I got into the practice of doing a breathing meditation while crossing the streets. I sought and cultivated the calm mind, as it seemed everyone else was also doing.
I did not see any accidents or road rage......in a system of seemingly no rules, there was order.

]]>ev_land@mac.comAshevilleChinese MedicineHerbal Remedies2010-01-20T18:41:41-05:00http://www.whitepineacupuncture.com/blog_files/china.html#unique-entry-id-9http://www.whitepineacupuncture.com/blog_files/china.html#unique-entry-id-9
It was such an amazing experience to be in Tianjin in northern China for 3 weeks. The bulk of our time was spent in the Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital in Tianjin. There, our patient and friend was staying for an extensive acupuncture treatment of 3 months' duration.  She received acupuncture twice a day, Tui Na (TCM massage), cupping, and physical therapy (also twice a day.)  The hospital provided her herbal medicines which she took four times a day, and they served her nutritious meals, designed for her constitutional health.  Needless to say, the patient made many significant improvements in her health!

The hospital is huge....15 stories. There are four buildings that make up the hospital. It is a TCM teaching hospital. Often there were many students observing the doctors. We were fortunate enough to befriend some of the students....very kind and dedicated.  There is a huge herbal pharmacy, actually there are two. There is a building devoted entirely to the cooking for the patients.  And...interestingly, the food was excellent! Lots of fresh vegetables, tofu, pumpkin cakes, fresh squeezed juices of kiwi, carrot, pineapple, and watermelon......very tasty!

I learned a lot as the doctors were aware of my being an acupuncturist in the U.S., and they were happy to show me what they were doing as far as treatment principles and needling techniques. They knew that I would be continuing her treatments once we were home, which I am! Generally, I found that I was reminded of my  Chinese teachers from Five Branches and their approach to medicine and humanity as I watched the Chinese doctors in Tianjin.

I have arrived home feeling inspired.

Will write more soon!]]>ev_land@mac.comAsheville Acupuncture2009-11-27T12:04:11-05:00http://www.whitepineacupuncture.com/blog_files/going-to-china.html#unique-entry-id-8http://www.whitepineacupuncture.com/blog_files/going-to-china.html#unique-entry-id-8Sally Robinson, L.Ac., founder of White Pine Acupuncture, Inc. is travelling to China! She will be in Tianjin, south of Beijing. Mindy Gates, R.N.,L.Ac., will be running things here in Asheville while Ms. Robinson is pursuing studies in China. There is a program called China Connection in which a friend is involved. This friend is there, through China Connection, for a three month acupuncture intensive program in a hospital in Tianjin. There, she is receiving acupuncture several times a day as well as doing other TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) modalities, such as cupping and Tui Na (TCM massage) and herbal medicine. She has a team of acupuncturists and physical therapists. Fortunately, this dynamic team of acupuncturists has made it clear that they are willing and eager to share their treatment strategies with Ms. Robinson, so that she can continue the treatment protocol upon returning to the Asheville area.

We are so grateful for this amazing learning opportunity! We look forward to sharing with you the richness of this experience.

]]>ev_land@mac.comHerbal Remedies2009-11-12T12:31:45-05:00http://www.whitepineacupuncture.com/blog_files/essential-oils-flu.html#unique-entry-id-7http://www.whitepineacupuncture.com/blog_files/essential-oils-flu.html#unique-entry-id-7White Pine Acupuncture is now offering two very specific herbal remedies to help boost immunity and treat the symptoms of cold and flu! These products are based on the herbal remedy thieves used during the Black Plague to prevent contraction of the disease. Our essential oil blend consists of 5 essential oils designed to support the immune system during the flu season. The five oils are cinnamon, rosemary, eucalyptus, clove, and lemon (all in equal parts). Cinnamon is warming and causes sweating and can resolve heat, as well as help prevent colds and flu. The essential oil of cinnamon also contains very strong natural anti-bacterial agents. Rosemary is used to warm and promote sweating. It also promotes expectoration and resolves phlegm. Eucalyptus also resolves phlegm and promotes expectoration, as well as reduces fever and stimulates immunity. It is also well known for relieving cough. Clove oil is very strong and is used in this blend to prevent and stop infection. Lemon oil reduces infection and fever, stimulates immunity and stops mucous discharge.

The essential oil blend can be used topically when diluted in a carrier oil such as almond or jojoba. When applied to the nape of the neck, armpits and the soles of the feet, it is very powerful to prevent and resolve cold and flu. The blend can also be diffused into the air in an oil diffuser. A few drops can be added to a bath, or added to water and used as a cleaning product.

While researching the herbs for our essential oil blend, we found the original recipe used by the thieves during the Black Plague and have created our own infusion, which consists of meadowsweet, rosemary, sage, cinnamon, clove, camphor, and juniper soaked in vinegar. The thieves would saturate their handkerchiefs in the infusion and cover their face with it to prevent inhaling the Plague germs. The infusion could be used in this way today to prevent cold and flu. It can also be diluted with some water and poured into a spritzer bottle and used as a sanitizer. We also suggest sanitizing countertops with it.


We are well stocked on these essential oil blends and have been using them as an adjunct remedy with our acupuncture treatments.

]]>ev_land@mac.comAsheville AcupunctureChinese MedicineHerbal Remedies2009-10-27T12:02:37-04:00http://www.whitepineacupuncture.com/blog_files/mission-hospital.html#unique-entry-id-6http://www.whitepineacupuncture.com/blog_files/mission-hospital.html#unique-entry-id-6We are so happy to be providing insurance-covered acupuncture services for Asheville Mission Hospital employees. Through the Alternative Healthcare Option(AHO) plan, Mission employees can come see us, as the official acupuncture providers on their insurance/benefits plan. This makes our services widely available and very affordable to many hospital employees. Mission employees who are on the AHO plan simply bring their AHO member card to their treatment, and we take care of all the billing and processing. We look forward to working with many more nurses, educators, and administrators through this great integrative opportunity.

And we want to give a big THANK YOU to all of our patients at Mission who continually asked for us to be covered on the AHO plan!! It is a great honor once again to be so actively integrating Western and Eastern Medicines in the Asheville community.
]]>ev_land@mac.comAsheville AcupunctureChinese MedicineHerbal Remedies2009-09-25T12:29:48-04:00http://www.whitepineacupuncture.com/blog_files/acupuncture-meets-roller-derby.html#unique-entry-id-5http://www.whitepineacupuncture.com/blog_files/acupuncture-meets-roller-derby.html#unique-entry-id-5We are the official acupuncturists for Asheville's Blue Ridge Roller Girls! This means that we provide acupuncture to the team members before the bout, to boost their dynamic athletic performance. We address whatever aches and pains may need attention, treat muscular strain, as well as preventing strains by keeping the channels open and free of obstruction. During half-time, we offer tune-ups for any pain conditions, energy boosts, or whatever the Roller Girls desire! We also focus on mental acuity so that the ladies are able to optimize their athletic endurance and finesse.

This is a really fun and exciting event.....oh the many faces of Chinese Medicine in today's modern world!

We have an informational booth set up....so come say hi! Learn all about our Asheville acupuncture clinic. The last bout of this year's season is this coming Saturday evening, September 26 at the Asheville Civic Center.]]>ev_land@mac.comAsheville Acupuncture2009-09-08T15:04:49-04:00http://www.whitepineacupuncture.com/blog_files/holistic-healthcare.html#unique-entry-id-4http://www.whitepineacupuncture.com/blog_files/holistic-healthcare.html#unique-entry-id-4White Pine Acupuncture of Asheville, NC, consisting of Sally Robinson, L.Ac. and Mindy Gates, R.N., L.Ac., is very supportive of the integration of Eastern and Western Medicines. We regularly refer patients to doctors, and likewise receive many referrals from physicians. We readily welcome patients' use of pharmaceuticals, as deemed appropriate by their physicians. We have been trained to bridge these two fields of medicine, as this is what society is calling for in the here and now.

This month and next month we will be providing acupuncture at The Mission Hospital Holistic Nursing Conference. This is our second year being participants in this wonderful event put on by the Integrative Health Care Department of Mission Hospital. This is a great opportunity to introduce nurses to acupuncture and the field of Chinese Medicine. We are are so grateful to be a part of this integrated effort. This is the second year that Mission Hospital has put on this event, educating their staff on holistic health options in our community so that they can better refer and suggest these services to their patients.

We are also in process of becoming providers for Mission Hospital employees, as part of their Alternative Health Care Options program!!!

We are so happy to actively embrace integration of Eastern and Western medicines right here in Asheville.
]]>ev_land@mac.comChinese Medicine2009-09-01T12:06:17-04:00http://www.whitepineacupuncture.com/blog_files/asheville-chinese-medicine.html#unique-entry-id-2http://www.whitepineacupuncture.com/blog_files/asheville-chinese-medicine.html#unique-entry-id-2As we all know, we have been blessed with abundant rains this summer. While the early mornings bring the freshness and coolness of the coming autumn, the afternoons are definitely hot and steamy. This is the time of late summer, a season unto itself in Chinese Medicine theory. Humidity (aka dampness in Chinese Medicine) is prevalent in the environment and therefore also affecting us within our bodies. We are seeing a lot of these effects of late summer in our clinic. Strategically,we are boosting the Spleen Qi, so that it may "do its job" of transforming and transporting fluids in the body. The Spleen is the organ associated with late summer, as well as being the organ responsible for the transition from one season to the next. When the Spleen Qi is healthy, we stay healthy and well......hence our boosting and supporting the Spleen Qi especially now, preventive medicine at work. By the way, when we speak of the Spleen, we are not referring to the actual organ, but rather what we refer to as organ energetics, a group of signs, symptoms, functions and attributes associated with the Spleen. Qi (pronounced chee) is loosely translated as energy, or life force.]]>ev_land@mac.comAsheville Acupuncture2009-08-31T14:58:19-04:00http://www.whitepineacupuncture.com/blog_files/asheville-acupuncture-2.html#unique-entry-id-1http://www.whitepineacupuncture.com/blog_files/asheville-acupuncture-2.html#unique-entry-id-1Looking for Acupuncture specialist in Asheville, NC? Our office is a comfortable, soothing environment, located in one of Asheville's most beautiful and historic parts of town. There is ample, free parking to be found, and a relaxing and private setting within which to receive your acupuncture treatment.]]>ev_land@mac.comAsheville Acupuncture2009-08-31T14:09:13-04:00http://www.whitepineacupuncture.com/blog_files/asheville-acupuncture-1.html#unique-entry-id-0http://www.whitepineacupuncture.com/blog_files/asheville-acupuncture-1.html#unique-entry-id-0