Spring health, allergies and energy

Are you on a path to better health this spring? 

How is your energy these days? As I mentioned in my March newsletter, spring is a big time for change and can feel exciting.  It can disrupt many of our body systems though, which can stop our best intentions right in our tracks.
Respiratory, digestive, and energy levels to name a few.  Those allergens can make us feel pretty bad, as if we have a cold that drags on too long, slow digestion making us feel lethargic, sleep issues, skin problems, etc.  Allergens invade our body and depending on how we have been eating, sleeping, and managing stress, these invaders can make it difficult to function well.  

How can we address these health issues?  

1. Seasonal acupuncture stimulates the immune system to withstand allergens and helps the body to heal itself. 
2. Dietary changes to remove foods that slow us down and clog up our digestive system will help our body function more efficiently and improve our other systems, especially the respiratory system. 
3. An overall health assessment is a great maintenance check up to see what changes can tune up the body and mind and bring it back to balance.
4. Qigong, a relaxing exercise in mindfulness, moving ones energy, and focusing on the breath  helps to relieve stress, stay limber, and be present in the moment.  I teach on zoom weekly and will be teaching in person this summer.  

I am available for in office appointments ( I will be in this week and weekly going forward ) and for remote consultations so please reach out even to just discuss if your body could use a jump start before summer is upon us.  

Feel free to email me to discuss any of these options.  Health@donnabunte.com


Remember to smile.  :)



Donna 


 Donna Bunte Whole Health
 Donna Bunte MSOM, L.Ac. 
 www.donnabunte.com
 health@donnabunte.com
 203 253 9885
 
 

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Donna Bunte Whole Health · 2001 West Main st · Stamford, CT 06902 · USA 

Summer Newsletter

 Welcome to our Whole Health for Life Summer Newsletter, inspired by the principles of Chinese Medicine! In this edition, we'll explore various aspects of summer health and provide tips on how to stay balanced and harmonious during this vibrant season.

1. Embracing the Fire Element: According to Chinese Medicine, summer corresponds to the Fire element, which governs the Heart and Small Intestine. It is a time of abundant energy, expansion, and joy. To nourish your Fire element, engage in activities that bring you happiness, such as spending time outdoors, cultivating relationships, and expressing creativity.

2. Balancing Heat and Hydration: Summer is characterized by heat, and it's essential to balance it by keeping cool and staying hydrated. Opt for cooling foods like watermelon, cucumber, mint, and leafy greens. Drink plenty of fluids, including water, herbal teas, and electrolyte-rich beverages to replenish your body's fluids and maintain a healthy internal environment.

3. Protecting Yin Energy: The summer season can be energetically draining, and it's important to protect your Yin energy, which represents the body's cooling and nourishing aspects. Avoid excessive heat exposure, overexertion, and late nights. Rest and recharge during the cooler parts of the day, prioritize quality sleep, and create a calming environment for relaxation.

4. Acupressure or acupuncture for Summer Ailments: Chinese Medicine utilizes acupressure to alleviate common summer ailments. Use pressure points like Hegu (LI4) for relieving heat-related headaches and Xinshu (BL15) for balancing heart energy. Consult an acupuncturist to learn more about specific acupressure points for your unique needs.

5. Harmonizing with Nature: Chinese Medicine emphasizes living in harmony with nature's rhythms. During summer, embrace the Yang energy by waking up early, taking walks in the morning or evening, and practicing gentle exercises like Qi Gong or Tai Chi outdoors. Appreciate the natural world and immerse yourself in its beauty.

6. Mindful Eating: Incorporate seasonal, locally grown foods into your diet during summer. Include a variety of colors and flavors, and favor lighter, easily digestible meals. Avoid excessive consumption of greasy, heavy, or overly spicy foods that can burden digestion. Practice mindful eating, savoring each bite, and paying attention to your body's signals of hunger and fullness.

7. Cultivating Emotional Well-being: Summer is a time of joy and expansive energy. Embrace positive emotions, cultivate gratitude, and express yourself creatively. However, be mindful of excessive excitement or overstimulation, which can lead to scattered energy. Engage in activities that promote emotional balance, such as meditation, journaling, or spending quality time with loved ones. 

I also want to mention some new updates.  Over the last few years I have been teaching qigong in person and online and have been incorporating meditation as part of my class.   I am now certified as a mindfulness meditation teacher through Dharma Moon and Tibet House and will be offering meditation classes as well as one on one sessions.  Mindfulness meditation can help people dealing with anxiety, feeling scattered, reactive, and overwhelmed.  Qigong, which, is itself a mindfulness practice is an easy moving meditation for centering the mind and body.

Please reach out if you or someone you know might benefit from a qigong or meditation class.

Remember, these suggestions are general guidelines. Please reach out for personalized advice tailored to your specific constitution and health needs.

Wishing you a harmonious and vibrant summer filled with joy, wellness, and connection!

🌻 Stay Balanced and Thrive in the Summer! 🌻

warm regards,

Donna

Donna Bunte Whole Health

Health@donnabunte.com

203-253-9885

www.donnabunte.com

Https://www.instagram.com/donnabuntewholehealth/

Turning within in winter

The days are shorter, the sun is lower, and there is less time to get out and absorb some of those rays into our skin and eyes.  Today I spent the afternoon out in the garden just to get those rays.  I pulled up my dahlia bulbs, raked some leaves and turned my face to the sun.  Dark by 44:30 is tough.  Many of us feel the lack of light viscerally in our body and may feel sad or tired.  It is good to get out and get some sun throughout the winter if possible, to prevent seasonal affective disorder. There is something about the “hugge” side of winter that is appealing to me, though.  Cozy, blankets, holiday lights, book reading, movies, and fires in the fireplace, (if there is one). 

 From a Chinese medicine perspective Winter is the time to rest, restore, and turn within so we can recharge our body, mind, and spirit for the energetic time of spring.  With regard to the theory of yin and yang, winter has the yin energy of cold, dark, damp, and inactivity.  Getting extra sleep and expending minimal energy is key to restoring our whole being.

The organ system associated with the winter are the kidneys and bladder which represent the water element.  In Traditional Chinese Medicine, or TCM, the kidneys are the source of all the energy in the body, also known as “Qi”. The kidneys store this vital essence as a reserve so that it can be used in times of stress and illness. It is best not to “burn the candle at both ends” in general, especially in the winter.

Acupuncture is a great way to support your kidney energy.  It unblocks stuck Qi in the pathways that can be caused by stress, bad diet, injury, or environmental factors, etc. A loose, western translation would be to support our adrenal glands which can be drained from overwork, stress and being always on the go. 

Nourish your qi and stay healthy this winter by following these guidelines and tuning into nature.

Exercising during the winter is best with slow movements like those in yoga, Tai Chi, and Qi Gong which balance our physical, mental and spiritual aspects.

 In winter it is important to focus on warming soups and stews and other cooked foods as opposed to salads and other raw foods.  People who have weak immune systems could benefit from herbal formulas that protect the body from pathogens by boosting the immune system or “protective qi”. 

 Pay extra attention to keeping your back and feet warm.  The low back is tied to the strength of the kidney Qi.  Cold enters the body from the feet and low back, and wind enters the body from the neck, ( our wind gates) so keep these areas warm.  Sleep like one of the best ways to heal and restore so think of it as medicine.  Go with the flow of nature. 

 For those of you who are local, I am in the office this month but less available through the winter in person. I will be available for coaching by phone.  I will also be teaching qigong and meditation on Zoom regularly.

Thing about your health this season.  Acupuncture to nourish the body and strengthen your immune system as well as a some health coaching sessions to make sure you are preparing properly for your individual health concerns.  How is your diet?  Are you missing some vitamins or minerals?  Could you use an herbal formula to support you and give you more energy?  Please feel free to reach out to discuss and I always appreciate referrals if you know anyone who could use my help. 

 Donna Bunte Whole Health
www.donnabunte.com
health@donnabunte.com
203 253 9885


Here is a link to my online dispensary at Wellevate.com where you can order what vitamins and herbs you want from a huge inventory.  I can also make suggestions for you if it is overwhelming!

 https://wellevate.me/donna-bunte
 

 Donna Bunte MSOM L.Ac. has been helping people reach their health goals since 1995 when she started her practice in Chinese and natural medicine. She is a certified Chinese medical practitioner and licensed acupuncturist which includes herbal medicine, dietary counseling and qigong teaching as well as being an integrative nutrition health coach. Donna’s focus is on finding the root of her patients’s issues and helping them to find the most natural way to get healthy and find balance in their lives. She focuses on healthy diet, stress reduction, acupuncture and acupressure, as well as herbal medicine and supplements if needed.
Call her if you have any questions.

How I Discovered Chinese Medicine: My Personal Journey

How I Came to Chinese Medicine: My Personal Journey

First off, I am not Chinese. I, like many other Americans, was raised in the Western medicine tradition. Chinese medical practices were, for me, quite strange and alien, esoteric and exotic… until they changed my life. Here’s my story.

Years ago I was traveling in China, and had my first acupuncture treatment while staying at a small Beijing hotel. I have never forgotten that treatment because it was so different than anything I had ever experienced. The doctor took my pulse on both wrists with 3 fingers, looked at my tongue and palpated my abdomen, and then pressed some points at different places on my body. He then used very long, non-disposable needles ( which i hoped were sterilized) and basically sent me into a dream state. I woke up 30 minutes later feeling so relaxed like i had been on vacation for a week.  

Several years later, when I was ready to start a family but was having trouble conceiving, I heard that acupuncture and Chinese medicine could help. After trying various other treatments for infertility, I decided to go for a series of acupuncture sessions. After two months of weekly treatments everything changed. My menstrual cycles became more regular, and, soon after, I became pregnant.

This was a real eye-opener for me! I had never before considered any approach to treating illness or achieving good health than the Western ways of medicine. I started researching, then studying and getting my masters degree, then practicing Chinese medicine, and since then, applying that knowledge to help others has been my life’s work.

In my practice I have helped women with their issues of infertility, hormonal imbalance, menopausal discomfort, painful menstrual cycles, migraines, and PMS. I have found combining Chinese herbs with acupuncture, one of the most common ways of treating women’s health issues in China, to be highly effective.

One quick example: An older client, well into menopause, came to my office concerned that she hadn’t had her period for months. After only her second treatment she found her period had resumed.

Of course, acupuncture can’t stop menopause, but it does re-balance the body so the changes of menopause progress more smoothly; acupuncture calms the symptoms. 

One final piece of my own story about acupuncture and pregnancy: When I was ready to deliver, I used acupuncture to induce my own labor. Our son was born later that same day!

Acupuncture, a safe and effective choice.

What are the benefits of acupuncture ? 

 Acupuncture is a part of a system of medicine called Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) that has been in use for at least 2 thousand years in China as well as in Japan, Korea and Vietnam.   It is based on the theory that we have energy or Qi that flows through pathways called meridians which run throughout the body.  There are over 2000 acupuncture points located on the meridians which are each associated with an organ system. 

 How does it work? 

 According to TCM , When these meridians become blocked we have disruptions in the flow of qi putting the body out of balance.  These blockages can be caused by injury, poor diet, emotions, stress, lack of sleep, and external factors such as the weather, environment and pathogens such as viruses and bacteria.   By restoring the smooth flow of Qi the body can be brought back into balance and harmony. 

 Western science is still trying explain what happens but we do know that during acupuncture endorphins are released which are the body’s natural opioid hormones that relieve pain, induce sleep, and create a state of wellbeing. 

 It has been show to turn off pro-inflammatory cells known as M1 macrophages and it activates anit-inflammatory M2 macrophages at the same time.  These create an immune response which in turn reduce pain and swelling. 

 It may also work by stimulating the pituitary and hypothalamus glands which control many functions in the body as well as affect the neurotransmitters and neurohormes thereby changing the chemistry of the brain. 

 A Sept 2017 article in The Gardian reported on a study done at Massachussettes General Hospital in conjunction with Harvard Medical school where brain scans were used during clinical trials with acupuncture and fake treatments.  The patients receiving true acupuncture showed more opioid receptors activated in the brain and had lasting results three months later.  

 Acupuncture has been approved by the National Institute of Health for treating a wide variety of ailments including pain,  ( joint, back, sciatic, tennis elbow, dental, neck), injuries, arthritis, asthma, digestive issues, smoking cessation, headaches,  infertility, hormonal issues, depression, anxiety,  labor pains, stroke, nausea, and opioid addiction just to name a few. Millions of Americans use acupuncture to help resolve these health issues since it is often covered by insurance now and has no side effects.

 Acupuncture’s benefits include many other health conditions including mental health issues such as anxiety and depression in as little as 8 weeks. 

How many treatments of acupuncture are needed? 

 Depending on whether a condition is acute or chronic the length of treatment varies.  Often if a patient comes for an acute back spasm only 3 to 6 treatments are required. For long term issues due to stress or more constitutional imbalances such as digestive or menstrual issues treatments are needed for a few weeks or even months in order to bring the body back to balance and keep it there.  If the underlying stressor or cause is not removed then maintenance treatments are needed to keep things in balance.  

 Why is acupuncture a good choice?

There are no side effects from acupuncture and there are countless studies which show its efficacy, making it an excellent choice for many health issues and as part of a preventive maintenance program.  

Tools to Optimize Brain Function and Enhance Memory

As we age, brain health and memory become a major concern for many of us. The good news is, there are many things we can do to help keep our brain vital. Practicing certain exercises, using herbs and supplements, getting quality sleep, and eating a healthy diet are some of the most important things we can do to enhance the memory and optimize the brain.

Qigong

Qigong is an ancient form of exercise encompassing slow movement, massage of acupuncture pathways, and breathing exercises. We have energy pathways throughout our whole body, including on our scalp. By stimulating the pathways that connect to the brain, we can remove energetic blockages and increase blood flow and oxygen to the brain. The following are a few brain-stimulating exercises to do on your own. These exercises are excellent for memory, cognition, and preventing dementia and Alzheimer’s, as well as to treat post-stroke symptoms.

1.      Comb through your hair from front to back with your fingertips to stimulate the scalp and cranial acupuncture points.

2.      Tap with all ten fingers on the front of the forehead to simulate the frontal lobe.

3.      Place both thumbs at the back of your head, feeling for tight and tender spots. Press and massage these points along the ligaments next to the cervical spine. Keeping these points as well as muscles and ligaments open increases blood flow and thus oxygen to the brain.

4.      Bring the arms up over head, tap your fingers at the crown of your head, then slowly bring your hands down in front of your face a few inches away, visualizing all the stress leaving your brain and body and sending it to the earth.

5.      Pinch and squeeze your earlobes. The ears are a microcosm of the whole body, especially the brain. The acupuncture/acupressure points on the earlobes are used for trauma, stress, and addiction and are used in hospitals and trauma centers around the country.

6.      Rotate your body to the left and right, tapping your sides as you swing your arms. By opening up the spine, we are unblocking the energy and sending blood flow up and down the spine and to the brain.

7.      Deep breathing from the chest to the lower abdomen stimulates the vagus nerve, which connects the brain to the heart, stomach, colon, and other organs. This can help calm the brain in times of excess stress and over-production of cortisol.

Herbs and Supplements for Brain Health

1. Ginkgo Biloba

Ginkgo biloba is one of the best brain herbal supplements available. It has been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for hundreds, perhaps even thousands, of years. Gingko has been shown to lower the stress hormone cortisol which helps create a relaxed and focused state of mind.

2. Bacopa

Bacopa monnieri is an herb that has been used for centuries in Ayurvedic medicine. It helps with memory and brain function and works by increasing the connections between neurons.

3. Panax Ginseng and Rhodiola Rosea

Panax ginseng and Rhodiola rosea are adaptogenic herbs that are often found together in herbal formulas. They have both been shown to relieve stress, increase energy, reduce brain fog, improve sleep, and bring a calming effect to the mind. Our brains function best when we are calm and focused, which allows us to access our memory functions and cognition optimally.

4. Omega-3 Fish Oil with EPA/DHA

These ingredients in fish oil have been shown to improve brain function. EPA is known for improving mood and reducing inflammation, while DHA is the fatty acid that helps improve brain development and cognitive function.

5. Lion’s Mane Mushroom

This powerful mushroom, Hericium erinaceus, may protect against dementia, reduce mild symptoms of anxiety and depression, and help repair nerve damage. In studies, lion’s mane mushrooms have also been shown to have strong anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and immune-boosting qualities among other beneficial properties.

Other Ways to Take Care of Your Mind

Getting regular, quality sleep and eating a healthy diet are the most important things we can do on a daily basis to keep our memory and brain function at optimal levels. Getting enough regular sleep allows our brain and body to restore and heal overnight. And feeding our body with the cleanest, healthiest food possible is vital, since food is our energy and turns into our very cells. Avoiding processed foods, sugar, additives, preservatives, excess alcohol, chemicals, and pesticides is key to allowing our body to function optimally. The more we include a variety of organic vegetables in a balanced diet of healthy fish, legumes, and healthy fats and protein, the healthier our body and brain will be, so we can live to a vibrant old age.

Donna Bunte Whole Health
www.donnabunte.com
health@donnabunte.com
203 253 9885

Winter and the element of water in Chinese medicine

Although the season of winter started 2 weeks ago we are now fully in the season and the new year. In Chinese medicine winter corresponds to the element of water which is connected to the organs of the kidneys and bladder, to the cold and dark, the color dark blue, the salty taste, and to the emotion of fear. Water is an essential substance for sustaining life, flowing smoothly in nature and our body. If the body’s water element is in balance it creates strength and willpower.

Winter is the ultimate yin time of year, a time to slow down, turn inward and reflect. How did you treat yourself in 2021? What does your body need? Taking time to nourish the body and soul are important now in order to nourish and restore during this time of hibernation and reflection. The body’s Qi is retracting inward to a deeper level. Some people experience this as depression, loneliness, and seasonal affective disorder but this may be a sign of an imbalance that can be addressed. Others may find a welcome relief from the busy life with time to look inward.

It is a time to look at where we have been in the past year and to start fresh in the new. Take the time to write down your thoughts and goals, to pay attention to how you feel, to allow your body to rest and sleep, and to give your body a break from intense work outs, over eating and eating foods that slow you down. This inward attention will prepare our body to reemerge in the spring time like the green sprouts of nature.

Supporting the body’s ability to come back to balance, to boost immunity, and to restore is vital. One of the best ways to do this is with a seasonal acupuncture series. Winter sessions will focus on the kidneys and bladder, nourishing and restoring the energy of the body and strengthening the kidney qi and immune system.

January is often a time that people give up certain foods or alcohol, for instance. This is a wonderful tradition since it is the best time to give the body a break. A winter cleanse is perfect for helping the body to slow down and detox. The best foods for a winter cleanse are warming and light like soups and light cooked foods.

If you are interested in finding out about my cleanse starting on January 17th and about acupuncture sessions please feel free to reach out with any questions.

Yours in health,

Donna

donna bunte whole health
donna bunte msom, l.ac.
Office 203 698-0793
cell 203 253 9885

health@donnabunte.com
www.donnabunte.com
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Treating women's health issues with Chinese medicine

More and more people are turning to Chinese medicine to find relief from symptoms and for healing in the long term for many health concerns.  Treating women’s issues is one of the areas that Chinese medicine has been used effectively for thousands of years.  This subject covers countless issues from puberty through menopause.  Most people in the US know about acupuncture for pain but that is really the tip of the iceberg with regard to what Chinese medicine can treat.  

Chinese medicine includes Chinese medical diagnosis, acupuncture, herbal medicine, nutrition, and mind body exercises such as qigong and tai chi and meditation which are used in combination depending on the condition of the patient. 

Women’s health issues can begin during adolescence and might include weight fluxuations, skin problems, PMS,  depression and anxiety, menstrual irregularities and contraception. 

 When a woman reaches child bearing age there can be concerns with ovulation, PCOS, fibroids, endometriosis, and of course infertility, pregnancy and postpartum issues.  

During the midlife years women can become concerned with perimenopause and menopausal issues such as hot flashes, irritablility and depression, anxiety, and insomnia.   

After menopause issues such as vaginal dryness, osteoporosis, loss of skin firmness and vitality can become major concerns.  

Many women turn to western medicine to treat these issues but there are sometimes side effects and health repercussions to consider.  

From a Chinese medicine perspective Women’s health and fertility is based on healthy reproductive function.  Anything that disrupts that function, brings hormones to an unbalanced state,  or slows down or clogs blood flow will disrupt the delicate balance in the reproductive system and cause any of the problems mentioned above.  Birth control in effect, does this by suppressing hormones and blocking blood flow.  For women who have been on birth control for many years it can take a long time to bring the body back to a balanced state. 

Traditional Chinese medicine identifies a few differentiations to be the main causes of womens reproductive issues.  The first is kidney deficiency with possible symptoms of extreme fatigue, scanty periods, low back pain, and heat or cold. The others are blood deficiency with scanty periods, pale skin, and chilliness:  liver stagnation with painful menstruation, tender breasts, irritability and heavy flow: dampness and blood stagnation can present with pain, and other various symptoms,.  Each can have western medical correlations with relation to hormones, thyroid and other issues. But one must remember that these are ways that Chinese medicine diagnoses and are treated with Chinese herbal formulas, acupuncture, diet and lifestyle changes that address all the presenting signs and symptoms.  

So how do women attempt to prevent these issues from occurring and maintain a healthy reproductive system?  A balanced lifestyle is key.   Eating a balanced healthy diet that is right for each individual and for the season is very important.  For instance, if a woman tends to get cold easily she should avoid cold, damp foods, icy drinks, and submerging in cold water.  Foods that throw off the balance of gut health can easily change ones chemistry causing imbalances in the reproductive system.   Not eating too late in the evening is also beneficial for digestion as well as for sleep.  Going to bed before midnight and sleeping at least 8 hours is vital for the body, its organs and immune system in order to restore itself. 

Exercise incorporated into ones lifestyle will keep many systems of the body healthy whether it is running, walking, yoga, tai chi, or any other form of movement.  Besides the physical benefits, exercise increases endorphins which are mood enhancing hormones and help to create a state of wellbeing.  

Lastly, stress reduction techniques or mind body exercises like meditation, breathing exercises, qigong and tai chi are not to be forgotten.  We all have hectic lifestyles these days so it is more important than ever to stop the constant overstimulation and calm the mind and the nervous system.

A Chinese medical practitioner can help a woman find out where her imbalances are in any phase of her life.  They will develop a treatment and maintenance plan incorporating acupuncture, herbal medicine, dietary guidelines with food and necessary supplements, mind body exercises as well as suggestions for selfcare allowing the woman to take part in her own healing and to reach her desired heath goals.  

Please contact me if you have any questions about how to treat women’s issues or any of your health concerns.

email me at health@donnabunte.com

Staying healthy in stressful times.

Hello friends!

It has taken me a while to collect my thoughts and adapt to life in this new normal.   I hope you are well and keeping yourself and your mind engaged.   As surreal as these times are I think it is important to stay positive and use our time wisely. I don’t know about you, but there are so many projects that I have been trying to get to but never seem to have the time.  Take those classes,  read those books, organize those photos, learn that language!  Let’s hope I don’t look back and say “ what did I do all those months?” When will we ever get this amount of uninterrupted time again?  Hopefully, not anytime soon but at least we can make the best of it. 

While adjusting to the ever changing status quo I am grappling with what I can do to help in these stressful times.   Although I am not seeing patients in person right now and I am seeing them virtually, there are many other ways that Chinese medicine can help. 

One is to help with stress and anxiety by teaching qigong and meditation.  For the past year I have been teaching qigong here in Greenwich.  This ancient slow moving exercise, using breathing techniques and mediation has been used for thousands of years in Asia.  As a matter of fact they have been using qigong in hospitals to help patients who are recovering from the coronavirus deal with anxiety and fear.  So now I am offering virtual classes in qigong.  By focusing on being present in our body and breath we can calm the nervous system, lower the heart rate and strengthen the immune system.  

In China the medical system has always used the time tested system of herbal medicine in conjunction with western treatments but now they have been using it aggressively to help people have better outcomes with the covid-19.   Many formulas boost the immune system and others help to relieve symptoms, like clearing the lungs of mucus or lowering fever, for example.  They found that patients recovered faster and were less ill during their active phase.   in Chinese medicine we diagnose by patterns of differentiation. For instance, one pattern may be damp heat in the lungs with respiratory illness so a formulas that addresses this pattern is used. We are not treating a person with a disease.

Some herbs that boost the immune system are echinacea, ashwaganda, and astragalus, for instance.   Examples of herbs found in formulas against viruses and symptoms of infection are Isatis, andrographis,and scutellaria to name a few but are formulated to deal with specific presentations such as fever, mucus, cough, chills etc.  Not all herbs are created equal however, so it's best to ask someone who is a trained herbalist. 

So what can you do?  Relieve stress with some sort of mindfulness activity, exercise, stimulate your mind, get enough sleep, and eat nourishing foods that don’t tax the body so it can do its job well to ward off illness and heal.  Writing in a journal would be a very therapeutic exercise to take up now.  Sometimes just putting fears and worries down on paper make them seem less scary.   We are starting to get used to this new normal but we will be so amazed to look back on how surreal this is!

As for diet,  I would avoid sugar, refined carbohydrates, and processed foods and limit dairy, alcohol and heavy meats.   Cleansing is not a bad idea at this time especially since spring is traditionally the best time to cleanse.  When I say cleanse, I don't necessarily mean fasting but rather a lighter, healthy diet and some detoxifying herbs to detox the liver, kidneys and intestines.   In Chinese medicine spring is the time of the liver.  Bitter greens are available in the spring and they can help the liver get rid of toxins which slow down all of our systems.  They inhibit our immune system, slow down the digestion, and make us tired. Our immune system is 70% in our gut, after all, .   By eating a healthy diet with plenty of greens you will give your body a break and help it to fight off any infection that may come along.  Not in all cases, but in many, it seems people who need to be hospitalized for the coronavirus are those with underlying health issues.  If we can stay healthy and strong I believe we can beat this one.  

Join me in a qigong class Friday mornings at 10.  Email me for more information.
Hope to see you (virtually) soon! 

 Donna Bunte Whole Health
 Donna Bunte MSOM, L.Ac. 
 www.donnabunte.com
health@donnabunte.com
 203 253 9885
 
 
 
 
 

Chinese Medicine and the Season of Spring

Chinese Medicine and the Season of Spring 

Is Chinese medicine we place great importance on living in tune with nature and the seasons, our environment, and our diet in order to stay healthy and prevent disease. 

The season of spring is finally upon us and is a very exciting time of year.  In Chinese medicine this season is connected to change, increase of energy , cleansing, and the organ network of the liver, which deals with the smooth flow of qi, or life force in our body in both a physical and emotional way.   In the world around us we see and feel a sense of excitement as the trees are about to burst forth with buds after a long hibernation during winter. 

Liver Imbalance can manifest in many ways. Here are a few symptoms that you may recognize.  

Menstrual disorders like PMS, irregularity, or pain

Digestive issues

Headaches

Shoulder and neck pain or tightness

Allergies

Depression

Anger or short temper

Restlessness

But don’t despair.  We can address these issues and prepare ourselves.  

Diet is a big part of being in tune with the seasons. In the spring it can help to balance the liver by eating all those new spring greens, especially bitter ones like baby arugula, and dandelion as well as kale, watercress, and sprouted greens. Sour is associated with the liver. By adding a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar or the juice of a half of a lemon to a glass of water we can soothe the liver as well as help to balance the PH of the body.  This is the best time to do a dietary cleanse by eliminating heavy foods such as dairy, sugar, meat and refined carbohydrates.  The impulsive aspect of the liver can push us to crave sugar and eat without thinking.  Take 2 minutes to do some deep breathing and realize that it will pass.  

It is important to not let the liver get the best of us by over scheduling our days. Practicing calming techniques as often as possible is extremely important to keep that energy from spinning out of control. Whether it’s meditation, yoga, tai chi, qigong or just sitting by a pond to calm the mind and the physical body. 

Having a regular exercise routine in the spring is very important for diffusing the excess energy as well.  Since emotional issues tend to flare in the spring it is critical to have an outlet that you are comfortable with so trying something new and risky is not a great idea.  Walking in nature a few times per week will actually calm the emotions and the liver. It is easy to be enthusiastic and over do it in the spring, risking getting injured.  Gradually building energy for the summer will keep that green energy in check!

Timing is everything in the spring.  

Getting up early, especially by 7 am is more in keeping with liver time and nature now that the light is up earlier.   In the evening, although it is tempting to eat dinner later since it is still light, it is actually important to eat by 7 pm. After that the liver starts to work doing its job of cleansing the blood for the night.

Getting acupuncture in the spring is a perfect way to soothe the liver and balance the body.  Regular treatments will give you a head start on those Spring symptoms like allergies and help to keep you healthy and in balance for the rest of the season.  A series of 4-6 treatments will get you right on track to spring forward and enjoy the energy of the season.  

Contact me for information on my spring qigong classes or to find our more about acupuncture.

health@donnabunte.com 203 253 9885

The benefits of qigong

When I moved to NY City in my 20’s I went to the now famous Open Center for many different classes.  Two that really made an impression on me were tai chi and qigong, both ancient Chinese systems of moving ones energy through slow moving exercises, breath work, meditation, and mindfulness.  For a few years I did qigong regularly, but then slowly lost touch with my practice and forgot about it. 

Little did I know then that 10 years later I would become a Chinese medical practitioner using acupuncture, herbs and energy work to heal my patients.   Qigong resurfaced for me over the years but it wasn’t until I attended a 5 day course at Omega Institute with Master Robert Peng that I remembered the power these energy systems can have on the body and mind.  

 Similar to tai chi, Qigong is a system of energy circulation that has been in use by millions of people for at least 2000 years.    It incorporates slow moving exercises that help to move energy throughout the body along with breath work, meditation, and mindfulness.  It is accessible to virtually everyone including the very young and very old with no prior experience needed to participate. 

 What I have found over the years treating clients is that stress is the number 1 cause of illness and pain in our modern fast passed life.  The western medical practice of giving people medication to cover up symptoms is really just a bandaid.  Stress reduction techniques can truly cure many of the manifestations of stress and qigong, a great stress reliever, is becoming more and more popular at wellness centers, yoga studios and community centers across the US.

  Here are a few of its benefits: 

• Helps prevent disease and cancer by boosting the immune system

• Lowers blood pressure

• Reduces stress and anxiety

• Reduces inflammation

• Increases balance and strength

• Improves digestive, circulatory and nervous systems

• Reduces chronic pain

• Improves sleep