Yintang: the Most Requested Acupuncture Point
Most acupuncture points have more than one indication and yintang is no exception. Like all acupuncture points, it is valuable for treating local conditions such as frontal headaches. It also benefits the nose so it can help with congestion, nasal discharge, sinus pain, and seasonal allergies. The main reason it is requested by so many of my patients, however, is because of its positive effect on the emotions. This point is located where we furrow our brow when we are angry, worried, scared, or anxious. Needling this point is an excellent way to release these emotions to help calm the shen (spirit). I also find that it can empty the mind, stopping the incessant chatter that comes with these emotions so we can think clearly once again. I use this point a lot in my practice, especially for stress, anxiety, and sinus issues.
This point has interesting indications in other systems of health as well, both ancient and modern. Its location corresponds to the third eye, a metaphoric sensory organ in Hinduism and Buddhism that opens as our consciousness expands and we approach enlightenment. It is also the location of the brow chakra, the 6th of 7 major energy vortexes that exist in our bodies, which specifically relates to inner guidance, mental clarity, and intuition. Even in western medicine, this is an anatomically important place where the pineal gland senses changes in natural light, since there is a hollow sinus cavity directly behind it, allowing light to come through. As light decreases in the evening, the pineal gland is stimulated to secrete the hormone melatonin, which makes us sleepy. As the sun comes up and light increases, the pineal gland stops producing this hormone and we wake up. I always find these types of intersections across systems to be so fascinating, don't you?
Spring Health: A Chinese Medicine Perspective
Here we are in Spring, nature's new year. The energy in this season rises up again from the earth after a winter of storage and rest: plants sprout up and out, buds force out leaves, sap rises up to nourish branches and twigs. The energy is moving, bright green, and tangible. And we are not immune to the effects of this energetic shift that makes us, too, want to get up and out. After a winter of hibernation and inactivity, we crave movement and sun. Internally our bodies are at work, processing all of the accumulations due to winter's inactivity and rich foods.
There are shifts like this with every seasonal change. As spring moves into summer the energy intensifies even more and the earth heats up. This is the season of the fire element and the energetic direction is up, like how flames rise up from a fire. The sun is high, the temperature is high, and daylight dominates the 24-hour cycle. As fall arrives the energy returns down into the earth once again. Leaves fall and mulch into earth. The leafy plants die back and retreat underground, concentrating their energy in their roots, tubers, and bulbs. The sun drops down earlier and earlier until the stillness and cold of winter descends. The energy is lowest in the winter with animals in hibernation and early nightfall. This is the natural time for rest, for sleeping more, and for introspection.
Heat or Cold for Pain?
People with pain often ask me whether they should be applying heat or cold. In Chinese medicine neither is universally appropriate and there are times when the incorrect treatment can even be detrimental. The basic idea is to choose whatever will neutralize your symptoms.
10 Reasons Why Your Neck and Shoulders Hurt
33 Amazing Facts About You
Simply put, you are amazing! Your body is unbelievably complex, yet operates as a cohesive, coordinated whole. It is incredibly resilient and strong and can perform thousands of tasks without you even having to think about it. Below are just some of the amazing medical facts about you!
