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.

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!

• 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.

This vicious cycle is called the “terrible triad” of suffering, sleeplessness and sadness. The urge to stop the pain can make some people drug dependent, and may drive others to have repeated surgeries, or resort to questionable treatments.

In the treatment of pain, the primary difference between Traditional Chinese Medicine and western medicine is that TCM methods such as acupuncture and herbal treatments have virtually no side effects.

The winter months will soon be upon us. There won’t be much daylight for us to enjoy. Unfortunately, our bodies won’t be getting enough vitamin D from sun exposure.

Why do we need vitamin D? Vitamin D-rich foods can help maintain strong bones and teeth as well as help regulate the activity and growth of your cells and can help prevent excessive inflammation in the body.

How can you tell if you’re low in Vitamin D? Your doctor can check the major circulating form of vitamin D in your blood, your 25(OH)D3. There should be no less than 30 nanograms per milliliter in order to have a good supply of vitamin D.

Recently, the Institutes of Health recommended that people up to age 70 require 600 international units of Vitamin D. People age 71 and over may need as much as 800 international units a day.

So how can get vitamin D naturally from foods we eat? Nine of the top ten sources of vitamin D come from fish and other kinds of seafood.  Fish like herring, catfish, trout and salmon are very high in vitamin D. Oysters and mollusks are also rich in D. Soymilk and tofu can also be a good source of D.  But the one thing that’s richest in vitamin D is grandma’s old favorite: cod liver oil!

1. 
   Ginger Cinnamon Tea Put 3-4 quarter sized slices into a teapot of boiling water. Add a cinnamon stick, lemon and some brown sugar to taste.  Drink it twice a day. If you can, drink it in bed and stay under the covers.
2. Peppermint Chrysanthemum Tea
   Use 1 part dried peppermint to two parts dried chrysanthemum. Boil a teapot of water and add the chrysanthemum. Pour the tea into a cup and add the peppermint. Steep for 5 minutes and add brown sugar to taste.