Daniel N. Hsu, D.A.O.M., L.Ac.

In the winter the Chinese use a customizable special herbal formula paste made from 30-40 herbs called Gao Fang. Gao Fang is used to strengthen the immune system and to ward off infection. Ask your practitioner to make you a custom Gao Fang.

What if you already have a cold with a sinus infection or sinusitis? Acupuncture and herbs are an effective solution. Herbal formulas with anti-bacterial properties can work very well instead of penicillin. Herbs such as Baical Skullcap root (huang qin) have been shown to be effective against MRSA or Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus bacteria. Cocklebur fruit (cang er zi) can inhibit the growth of staphylococcus aureus.

Acupuncture is an excellent way to both stimulate the immune system while suppressing the signs and symptoms of a cold. You can also use acupressure on yourself if you can’t get to your practitioner. Here are a couple of acupressure points for you to press when you have a cold: Three Mile Leg point – This point is 3 or 4 inches below the knee cap on the muscle to the right of the shin. This point strengthens your immune system and improves digestion at the same time. Use your thumb or knuckle and press hard. Pool at the Bend – Bend your arm. This point is on the outside of the arm at the end of the crease. It relieves fevers and constipation and strengthens the immune system.

Acupuncture can help with your stress. It works by releasing your own natural feel-good chemicals! Watch it here on Sharecare.com where top experts answer your health-related questions: http://www.sharecare.com/question/how-can-acupuncture-help-stress#answer_PRD__4d80264f648b83_19512729

Autumn will soon be here and so will be the dry weather. Chinese foods and herbs can help you stay moisturized.

Autumn’s dry weather can severely dry out your skin, your nose and your throat. Try these delicious and useful foods and herbs to protect yourself from the ravages of dryness.

1. Lotus Root. Popular in Southeastern Asia and especially good for the elderly and children, lotus root is no only one of the best foods for moisturizing the body but also one that is rich in iron, antioxidants, polysaccharides, polyphenols and vitamin C. It is also believed to have powerful cancer fighting properties. They’re great in soups or stir fried. But be careful if you have IBS. The fiber in lotus root may be too much for you!
   
2. Black Sesame Seeds. 90% of a black sesame seed is made up of unsaturated fatty acids and linoleic acid, both of which promote heart health. The sesamin in the seeds can even help to lower bad cholesterol and prevent skin cancer. Just make sure the seeds are ground well before eating!

Summer is here and so is the heat. Did you know that Chinese herbs can keep you cool when it is hot? Here are just some of the drinks the Chinese have used for thousands of years to beat the heat. Ask your practitioner about their favorites!

• Bo He or peppermint is a universally popular addition to summer drinks. It can be added to teas, lemonade and juices.
• Da Mai or roasted barley tea widely used in China to cool and aid in digestion during the dog days.
• Lu Dou or Mung Bean soup are slightly sweet and a great cooling as well as nourishing snack enjoyed all over the Far East.
• Bai Ju Hua or White Chrysanthemum makes a great cooling tea that is also traditionally used for hypertension and headaches.
• Jin Yin Hua or Honeysuckle Flower Tea is great for cooling and detoxifying as well as reducing swelling, sore throats and headaches
• Suan Mei or Sour Plum Decoction has a mixture of herbs that by themselves are good for you but when put together create an ancient cooling drink. Ingredients: Sour plum, Chinese Osmanthus, hawthorn fruit and licorice root.

Introduced by Air Force Colonel Dr. Richard Niemtzow to the United States military in 2001 to the military, “Battlefield Acupuncture” has really taken off. Traditional Chinese acupuncture has been used for thousands of years to relieve pain among soldiers as well as civilians in China. Today, many of the 50 active United States military doctors who practice acupuncture are learning this very effective modality that helps reduce the amount of narcotics soldiers take. It is actually pretty simple. A few tiny semi-permanent ear studs are placed into the skin of the ear. Within minutes, the sensation of pain is greatly reduced. The good news is that this technique is not limited to military use. Anyone suffering from pain can have an acupuncturist perform this treatment.