Every Step I Take...
Acupuncture can help, but as we all know, there's no magic pill for weight loss ... it's all about consistently eating less and moving more. My personal program involves a lot of walking. I've spent so much time in a gym (I used to be a bodybuilder and personal trainer) that it's hard for me to go back in there.
One of the tricks I'm using to motivate myself is a pedometer. It appeals to my competitive side, and it's fun to see how many steps I've racked up over a day. You can buy a decent quality unit for $15-20 at any drugstore. I bought one for $1 at Target, but it reset to 0 at the slightest provocation. Now I have a good one that can tell the difference between highway potholes and legitimate steps.
The guideline for weight loss is 10,000 steps per day. It can be hard to get there, but remember that any extra you do is better than nothing. Start small if you have to and build up slowly. Soon you'll be counting up huge numbers and celebrating your looser clothes like me!
Is There a Fungus Among Us?
Thanks to the warm weather, more people are letting their feet breathe by wearing comfortable sandals and flip-flips. And with all these toes out for a walk, I’m seeing a lot of nail fungus. Some sources claim as many as 12% of us are affected. You might have it, too! Are your nails thick? Yellowed? What starts as a mild case on one big toe can spread to all ten digits, and eventually deform your nails.
To prevent infection, thoroughly wash and dry your feet daily. Use only clean cotton socks, and don’t wear the same pair of shoes each day (this lets the insoles dry completely). In wet common-use areas like a sauna or gym shower, use shower shoes to prevent exposure. Definitely treat your feet to an extra scrub after your dip in a public pool or hot tub. If you go for professional pedicures, you should bring your own tools (running them in the dishwasher before and after to keep them clean) to prevent picking up an infection from another client. If you are prone to fungus, you should forgo nail polish. Fungus actually lives off the dye of the polish, according to a podiatrist friend, so use a clear coat as a base.
If you are already infected, don’t worry. Just follow the above hygiene rules, and add in a twice-daily anti-fungal treatment. Lamisil is a popular over-the-counter topical product. Vicks Vap-O-Rub or Listerine work, too, because fungus dislikes an acid environment. People who prefer the “natural” route can use tea-tree oil or vinegar, but be aware that the treatment can take months. Severe cases should ask their doctor for prescription medication.
Point of the Month: LI-4
This is the first of a series. In each newsletter, I'll discuss a new acupuncture point that you can use at home on yourself and others. Send me an email if there's a particular point you want to know about!
Large Intestine 4 is the acupoint most well-known by the general public. I first had it taught to me by a riding instructor when I was a kid living in rural Virginia.
The name for this point is Hegu, "Joining Valley," which is a reference to its anatomical location on the back of your hand, in that fleshy area between the thumb and forefinger. Press the two digits together: The highest point of the muscle is the spot. If you need it, LI-4 will be tender or tight - you'll know it when you find it!
It's good for moving stagnant energy in the upper body, which means you can use it to clear pain and stiffness. Hegu will be particularly effective along the LI channel, which runs from the nail of the forefinger, along the forearm to the outside of the elbow, up the arm and across the shoulder, eventually crossing the upper lip to end at the nose.
LI-4 is also the Ruler of the Face and Mouth, so it can address any facial pain.
Frontal headaches, TMJ, sinus pressure, toothaches, and shoulder soreness are great examples of complaints that you can treat by pressing on this point. It also releases heat and is part of a point combination for fighting viral infection.
Simply press with a fingertip for a few minutes. Repeat as necessary.
WARNING: Do NOT use this point if the patient is pregnant. It can induce miscarriage. On the other hand, if you are overdue and want to evict your baby, this is a great way to do so, along with some other points. It will also increase menstrual flow if the patient is having her period.
Thanks for reading, and stay tuned... Next month: St-36 for energy!
|
