Agape Acupuncture in Seattle

Since I’ll be out of town for a couple of weeks, I thought I’d let you know other options for care while I’m gone. If you’re one of my patients, you should have received an email with summer health tips, including the status of the Heaven’s Soul Fragrance Decoction I mentioned in the last newsletter.

If you’d like acupuncture while I’m gone, you can consider my friend David Harmon: https://www.harmonhealing.com/. For Chinese herbs, there’s international expert Jonathan Schell, you can text him at (503) 314-8686. For physical training in modalities like Pilates and Gyrotonics, consider my friends at studio-evolve.com. For a unique approach to achieving more freedom in your body and mind (by transforming tension through bodywork and dialogue) consider SPRE: http://Sprebodywork.com. For talk therapy, consider Jay or Terry Jaworski at http://www.maitricounseling.com, or Sherry Thomas at https://herenowpsychotherapycounseling.com.

As always, remember this Disclaimer: nothing anywhere on this blog, or that I’ve written here in this post, is intended as medical advice, or to substitute for medical advice, or intended to treat, cure or prevent any disease. It’s intended for educational, informational, or entertainment purposes only. Before making any changes to your health care regimen always consult your physician, the CDC, the World Health Organization, and any other qualified licensed health care professionals you come across. It is not safe to read this post. Proceed with the utmost caution, and at your own risk. This post is dangerous to read and, because of its offensive content, should not be read or viewed by anyone.

TLDR: based on the latest research, before I next travel I will do the following things: (1) one week before the trip, take the Chinese herbal formula Yu Ping Feng Tang (Jade Screen Decoction) every day; (2) the day before, during, and continuing a couple of days after, take tincture of honeysuckle, as well as dandelion.

I was taking a continuing education class on herbal medicine today when I came across this amazing new information: it turns out that honeysuckle flowers (jin yin hua in Chinese) have the ability to interfere with a certain spike protein’s ability to bind to ACE2 receptors. This means that it can most likely prevent infection of that particular virus (you know the one we’re tired of hearing about), from the get-go. So if I am going to fly, or be in another context around many people where I’m concerned about infection, I will start taking this the day before the event, 4 squirts of the tincture three times a day, and continue for a couple of days afterwards.

One study showing this effect is here:

https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fphar.2021.765553/full

I’m editing this post because I just became aware of this study:

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34681279/

This shows that an extract of the common dandelion is also effective at stopping the viral spike protein from binding to the relevant ACE receptors. That’s great news! So I would add dandelion tincture to the protocol as well.

In addition, I’d start taking yu ping feng san (the Jade Screen formula) a week in advance.

Here’s to hoping for a healthy spring for us all!

I thought I’d mention some more simple tips that can keep you healthy this winter season.

As always, remember this Disclaimer: nothing anywhere on this blog, or that I’ve written here in this post, is intended as medical advice, or to substitute for medical advice, or intended to treat, cure or prevent any disease. It’s intended for educational, informational, or entertainment purposes only. Before making any changes to your health care regimen always consult your physician, the CDC, the World Health Organization, and any other qualified licensed health care professionals you come across. It is not safe to read this post. Proceed with the utmost caution, and at your own risk. This post is dangerous to read and, because of its offensive content, should not be read or viewed by anyone.

The first tip is my version of what some call “fire cider”. Patients who have had lingering respiratory illnesses, or often get sick, are reporting great results with this recipe. This is also a good first line of defense when you feel like you’re coming down with something, in my experience. It’s not that expensive to make and lasts a while, and is a great remedy to have in your cabinet. Why not give it a try?

The name, Manavastra, roughly translates to “Manu’s Divine Weapon” 🙂

Manavastra

Ingredients (per cup)

2 Tbsp. fresh crushed garlic

2 Tbsp. fresh chopped onion

2 Tbsp. fresh grated or chopped ginger root

2 Tbsp. fresh grated or chopped horseradish root

2 Tbsp. fresh chopped hot peppers, preferably cayenne

2 Tbsp. fresh chopped turmeric root

1 Tbsp. fresh chopped basil

1 Tbsp. fresh chopped oregano

2 Tbsp. fresh chopped mint leaves

2 Tbsp. of black pepper

Zest of an organic lemon

Zest of 4 limes

1/2 cup of Unflitered organic Apple cider vinegar, such as Bragg’s

1/2 cup of 100 proof vodka, or stronger

1 mason jar, 16 oz size

Instructions

Crush the garlic, grate the ginger, and chop up the other botanical ingredients. Put them into the mason jar, add the vodka or other drinkable alcohol, and then add the apple cider vinegar. Make sure everything is completely covered by liquid, if it isn’t, add more alcohol. Screw the lid on tightly, and shake.

Place the jar in a cupboard or other cool, dark place. Shake it well once a day for at least two weeks (but you can let it soak for two months or longer if you wish). Don’t forget this step! The shaking is very important. It doesn’t have to be very vigorous, but it needs to move things about noticeably.

After the botanicals have soaked for some weeks, strain out the herbs using a cheesecloth or other filter, and squeeze tight to get all the liquid out of them that you can. Place the liquid tincture in an airtight jar, label it, and store in a cool dry place.

If you have a chronic issue you’re dealing with of a respiratory nature (like lingering cold symptoms), or for the prevention of an illness when you’ve been around sick people, I’d take 2 teaspoons of this tincture with one-half teaspoon of raw honey (but never for children under one-year of age), twice a day.

If you’re experiencing more acute symptoms, like the initial stages of a cold or flu, I’d take 1 Tbsp of the tincture with one teaspoon of raw honey (again, not for children under a year of age), 3-4 times a day.

That’s just a starting recommendation – feel free to experiment. If you take too much, you’ll probably vomit or may get diarrhea.

Wellness Meditation

This is a simple meditation that helps keep you healthy, or if you’re starting to get sick or are already sick, can help you recover more quickly.

To do this meditation, lie on your right side. Place the center of your right palm on your right temple, and your left palm on your left hip. Become aware of your breathing. Breathe from your lower belly, feeling that expand before your chest does. As you do, notice that there’s naturally a pause in your breathing, after you breathe out and before you breathe in again. You don’t have to do anything to create that pause, it’s just there of its own accord. Place your awareness into that pause. When distractions come, simply go back to being aware of that pause. Keep it up for 20 minutes or so. That’s really it.

It sounds too simple to do much, but it’s actually very powerful. Try it and see!

If you’re trying to stay healthy and feel like you’re coming down with something, I would do this meditation three times a day or more. If you’re already sick, then do it as much as you can. For chronic, lingering symptoms, I would do this at least twice a day.

PS. Thanks, Jen 😉

My new location is in the FarWest Building, 610 NW 44th Street. I look forward to serving you there!

As always, remember this Disclaimer: nothing anywhere on this blog, or that I’ve written here in this post, is intended as medical advice, or to substitute for medical advice, or intended to treat, cure or prevent any disease. It’s intended for educational, informational, or entertainment purposes only. Before making any changes to your health care regimen always consult your physician, the CDC, the World Health Organization, and any other qualified licensed health care professionals you come across. It is not safe to read this post. Proceed with the utmost caution, and at your own risk. This post is dangerous to read and, because of its offensive content, should not be read or viewed by anyone.

Because a certain virus is trying to make a strong comeback, I thought I’d post the latest and best information I have on how to prevent and treat it. This information is drawn from published scientific articles as well as personal clinical experience, and some best guesses.

If I have no signs or symptoms of a cold or flu:

Continue to use the preventative measures outlined by the CDC, such as hand-washing, using hand sanitizer liberally, avoiding unnecessary close contact with others, wearing a mask, and so on. Wear a mask whenever around people in an enclosed space, or when around large groups of people. Please wear a mask properly; if your mask gets contaminated by, for example, putting it down on a restaurant table, don’t put it back on. Some people find it helpful to have a spare clean ziploc bag handy to put their mask in, and to carry a spare mask or two.

In addition, get a good amount of exercise, especially Qi Gong. Eat a nutritious diet. In particular, the following foods have been shown in research to prevent a particular virus you may have heard of from replicating: Pomegranate juice, Green tea, Cranberries. Why not make a habit of partaking of these regularly? Licorice root tea has also been shown to be helpful (assuming you have no high blood pressure; if your blood pressure is high or you’re on any medications for it or your heart, skip the licorice). Recently I’ve learned that Cistus Incanus, or Rock Rose, tea has been found to be clinically useful by some skilled practitioners I admire; 2-3 cups of the tea daily. To make the tea, steep one teaspoon of the leaves in one cup boiled water for 30 minutes or more.

Many people find supplements such as Host Defense’s MyCommunity, Cordyceps, and Turkey Tail extracts to be helpful in this context.

Specific herbs: if you’d like to make a preventative herbal tea for yourself, these herbs have been shown to be helpful for today’s viral concerns:

Ginger (fresh), lime or tangerine peel, and He shou wu

I (or you) can make a mix that tastes and feels good to you, and drink regularly. I like to add lime zest (of 1/4 to 1/2 of a lime) to a thumb-sized piece of ginger, and steep in boiled water for 10 minutes. Once the temperature has cooled to below 120 degrees, I add 1-2 tsp of raw honey (note: never give raw honey to children under 1 year of age), stir, and drink. Delicious, refreshing, and fights a certain virus.

Here’s another recipe you or I might enjoy in this context:

Good Qi Tea

Ingredients

1 tbsp fresh ginger

1 tbsp goji berries (if you have a problem digesting nightshades, use jujube – Chinese red dates – instead, or regular dates if you can’t find those)

1 tbsp dried astragalus (usually you’ll have to find this at an herb store, such as Dandelion Botanicals, or online).

Directions

Boil 2 cups of water, steep the herbs for 10 minutes, then strain out the herbs. You can boil another 2 cups of water, and steep the same herbs again, for another 9-10 minutes. Drink throughout the day.

If I start noticing a sign of a cold or flu, such as a scratchy throat or sore throat, fever, fatigue, sinus pressure, etc., as soon as I sense any of that, I do all of the following:

Take licorice root tincture, 1/2 tsp of the liquid, 3-6 times per day, but avoid if I have hypertension or are pregnant. I take 2 hours away from any medications. I do not take for more than two weeks at a time.

I drink some cinnamon-ginger-date tea:

Cinnamon-Ginger Tea

Ingredients

Grated or finely chopped fresh ginger, an amount about four times the size of your thumb (note: it must be fresh to be effective for this purpose)

Whole cinnamon, the same volume as the ginger, or about 1/10th the volume ground cinnamon

A handful of dates

A teaspoon of dried licorice root (omit if you have high blood pressure)

6 cups of water

Warning: do not drink strong ginger tea if you are pregnant, as it can cause a miscarriage.

Directions

Boil the water, and add the cinnamon and licorice. Simmer for 20 minutes, covered.

Take it off the heat, and add the ginger and the dates. Steep the mixture for 2-3 hours in a covered container (it must be covered to keep the essential oils of the ginger in the tea).

If you like, at the end of the 2-3 hours you can add one tablespoon honey, the juice of one-quarter of a lime, and 1/8 teaspoon of cayenne pepper.

Here’s the critical part: while drinking the tea and for some time afterwards, I wrap myself up in blankets and try to bring on a sweat. If I sweat for a good 20-30 minutes, I will feel much better quite quickly. Once I’ve sweated, I don’t need this particular tea anymore.

If after a half-hour of being wrapped up I haven’t brought on a sweat, I give up and just drink some water or some of the various drinks I’ve mentioned. After 90 minutes or so, I wrap myself up, and try again with another cup of the cinnamon-ginger tea. Repeat until a good sweat comes. After the sweat, this tea is no longer needed, and I move on to other methods such as the shotgun formula below.

I may try the shotgun flu formula, 3-6 times a day (I do not take if I’m pregnant, and take 2 hours away from any medications).

Rock rose tea is reported to be good at this stage as well, I would drink at least 3 cups a day.

Shotgun Herb Formula

Ingredients

This recipe expels wind, heat, and cold from the surface of the body. Many of my patients report that when they take it at the first sign of a cold or flu, they avoid getting sick.

1 teaspoon fresh oregano

1 tablespoon fresh basil

1 tablespoon fresh ginger, chopped

2 cloves fresh garlic, crushed (not chopped)

2 teaspoons fresh peppermint

Juice of 1/2 lemon, or of 1 lime

1/2 teaspoon of lemon or lime zest

Half of a small cayenne pepper, seeds removed, chopped (or 1/4 teaspoon dry powder)

1/2 to 1 cup water

Directions

Put everything in the blender and mix well.

Drink carefully, as it’s quite strong. Best results are obtained taking several doses, 2-4 hours apart, preferably after a meal or snack.

Those remedies, along with the product Airborne, are often good at the first stage of the illness. I personally would also take:

(1) Quercetin, 2 capsules every 4 hours

(2) If blood pressure is ok, 1 ml licorice root tincture 2-3x/day

(3) Pomegranate juice, 1/2 cup 2x/day

(4) Green tea, 1 cup 3x/day

(5) Cranberry juice, 1/2 cup 2x/day

I also try to massage my chest and back, or at least gently move them around, to keep fluids moving and keep them from getting stuck.

If the illness progresses further to a nausea or productive cough stage (where you’re coughing up phlegm), other herbs are required. This gets complicated, and where consulting a knowledgeable practitioner is necessary.

Please ask if you have questions.

Best of luck to us all this summer! As always, let’s take care of each other.

Hi Friends,

So we’re going to see dangerously high temperatures in the next few days if the forecasts are correct. In addition to the official guidance below, I’d like to add a couple of additional tips to help keep yourself and your loved ones safe. First, although hydration is critical, avoid drinking ice water or iced drinks on such hot days: this can cause cramping, arterial constriction, fainting, and other problems, and is considered bad for the heart in Chinese medicine. Cool hibiscus tea with lemon and mint is something I often enjoy. Second, if you don’t have air conditioning but do have a box fan or something similar, consider putting one or more pitchers, bottles, or other containers filled with ice behind the fan, and point it in your direction. Third, the most important thing is to keep your head cool and insides hydrated; I drink something cool every hour whether I’m thirsty or not, and splash my head with cool water.

Here are a few selections from official sources (visit the links for more complete information):

From https://kingcounty.gov/depts/health/emergency-preparedness/preparing-yourself/hot-weather.aspx

“…In severe instances, people can suffer heat stroke, which can cause death or permanent disability if emergency treatment is not provided. Older adults, young children, and people with mental illness and chronic diseases are at highest risk for heat-related illness. But even young and healthy individuals can suffer in heat if they participate in strenuous physical activities during hot weather.

“Stay cool…

• Spend more time in air conditioned places. If you don’t have air conditioning, consider visiting a mall, movie theater or other cool public places.

• Cover windows that receive morning or afternoon sun.

• Dress in lightweight clothing.

• Take a cool shower or bath, or place cool washcloths on your skin.

• Check up on your elderly neighbors and relatives to take these precautions too.

“Drink liquids

• Drink plenty of water. Avoid drinks with caffeine, alcohol and large amounts of sugar because they can actually de-hydrate your body.

• Have a beverage with you at all times, and sip or drink frequently. Don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink.

“If you go outside

• Limit the time you’re in direct sunlight.

• Do not leave infants, children, people with mobility challenges and pets in a parked car, even with the window rolled down.

• Avoid or reduce doing activities that are tiring, or take a lot of energy.

• Do outdoor activities in the cooler morning and evening hours.

• Avoid sunburn. Use a sunscreen lotion with a high SPF (sun protection factor) rating.

“Recognizing heat exhaustion and heat stroke

Certain medications may increase sensitivity to the heat. If you are concerned about the heat and the medications you are taking, check with your doctor. Do not take salt tablets unless your doctor tells you to.

When people’s bodies can’t cool themselves quickly enough it can cause heat exhaustion. Symptoms of heat exhaustion include muscle cramps, weakness, dizziness, headache, nausea and vomiting. If you see someone with signs of overheating, move the person to a cooler location, have them rest for a few minutes and then slowly drink a cool beverage. Get medical attention for them immediately if they do not feel better.

Heat exhaustion can lead to heat stroke, which can cause death or permanent disability unless treated immediately. Symptoms of heat stroke include:

• An extremely high body temperature (above 103°F)

• Red, hot, and dry skin

• Rapid, strong pulse

• Nausea, confusion and unconsciousness”

From https://durkan.seattle.gov/2021/06/city-of-seattle-issues-guidance-for-staying-cool-in-warm-weather/

“Keep Kids Safe

Never leave infants or children in vehicles unattended – even with the windows rolled down. Temperatures rise quickly in vehicles, even when the outside temperature is 60 degrees a vehicles interior can easily heat up to 110 degrees.

“Protect Pets

Pets are especially vulnerable in high heat and the Seattle Animal Shelter recommends the following:

• Never leave your animal unattended in direct sunlight. Provide a shady area for retreat and remember shaded areas move with the sun. Provide access to cool water at all times.

• If you leave animals indoors, open secured screened windows, keep a fan running, provide plenty of water, and, if possible, leave them in a cool location.

• Never leave animals unattended in a vehicle. Temperatures rise quickly leaving them trapped and unable to escape the heat. Under Washington state law an animal control officer or law enforcement officer has the authority to remove an animal from a vehicle by any means necessary if the animal is suffering or is likely to suffer from exposure to excessive heat and the owner may be charged with animal cruelty.

• Avoid overexerting your animal in hot weather. Exercise is fine when taken in moderation, but extreme heat conditions, obesity, old age, breed and underlying disease can predispose an animal to the risk of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Hot pavement can quickly burn sensitive paws.

• For birds, take caution and place the bird’s cage away from direct sunlight during the intense heat of the afternoon. Provide water and fruits and vegetables with high moisture content.

• Smaller furred pets, such as rabbits and guinea pigs, can overheat easily. Snacks such as cucumber, melon or any watery vegetable can help keep them hydrated. Frozen water bottles can give them something cool to lie next to or near.”

Best of luck and stay safe this summer!

Ok the time has come to slowly reopen. I am starting with only a few appointments a day. Before making an appointment, please read my COVID-19 rules and procedures page, to make sure you understand everything involved. Text me (at 206 area code, 437 dash 2968) that you read, understand, and agree to follow the rules before coming in for your session. I look forward to seeing you!

I’m excited to say that my book is now available in print! You can order it here:

Manu’s Book

I hope it helps you understand Chinese medicine and your body a little better – all while enjoying some delicious recipes!

Disclaimer: nothing anywhere on this blog, or that I’ve written here, is intended as medical advice, or to substitute for medical advice, or intended to treat, cure or prevent any disease. It’s intended for educational, informational, entertainment, spiritual, or comedic purposes only. Some may use it as a form of self-flagellation. Before making any changes to your health care regimen always consult your physician and appropriate qualified licensed health care professional. Do this everyday before getting out of bed in the morning, or you may very well suffer a horrible, slow, and painful death and dismemberment, not necessarily in that order. Proceed to read at your own risk. In fact, what’s written here is so dangerous, disturbing, and/or just plain weird that it should not be read or viewed by anyone. Hide all small children’s eyes when they pass by, whether they can read or not. You have been warned.

I’ve compiled my current online services into the form below. Contact me if you have any questions.

If for some reason that form doesn’t work for you, try this link: Order Form

Or this one: Order Form

Here are a couple of brief comments on these services.

Herbal medicine you probably already know about, so I won’t go into any great depth here. Chinese herbs can be used for both internal and external conditions of all kinds.

Qi Gong means Qi exercise, or exercise to develop your Qi. I’m currently teaching a series of Qi Gong exercises, a version of what’s known as Ba Tuan Chin, or the Eight Brocades. Each exercise focuses on one organ or one organ system; overall the series is a great way to build Qi, including your defensive Qi, to help enhance and prolong your life. I’m currently offering individual half-hour sessions at a reduced rate. One session is enough to learn one of the eight exercises. The exercises involve standing, breathing, and light stretching, so should be suitable for most people. For more detail, see the Qi Gong page I just added to the site (see the list of pages above).

For an AcuTherapy session, we might use acupressure, or the hot air therapy, or magnet tapping, or a combination of all three, depending on what it is you’d like work on. The hot air method has an effect similar to moxa, and while not quite as strong it can have wonderfully beneficial results. Acupressure utilizes the same points and medical theory used in acupuncture; you use your hands and fingers to press specific points on the body in certain ways, instead of using an acupuncture needle. The pressure stimulates the flow of Qi and blood, which in turn helps the body’s biomechanics to function properly, and allows the body to heal itself. Along with your symptoms subsiding, you will feel a peaceful, nourishing relaxation similar to when you receive acupuncture. Once you learn point locations appropriate for your symptoms, you can then use them yourself throughout the day. An AcuTherapy session does require active participation from you, unlike Reiki.

For the science-minded, here’s a great study that affirms the benefit of acupressure in a variety of medical cases: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3154967/?fbclid=IwAR2bRa5UlnK0N4agfP1K0nD0eQHVl9i2Ri0Ml6brFpCEgbNGOAAPzhuM8ag

Thanks for reading, and I look forward to being of service to you soon!