Just Say “NO” To the Cold & Flu With Acupuncture & Chinese Medicine

Just Say “NO” To the Cold & Flu With Acupuncture & Chinese Medicine

Say YES To Increased Immunity With My Five Easy Tips

We’re right in the middle of cold and flu season and people are dropping like flies—straight to bed with a box of tissues, NyQuil and well-deserved self-pity. Don’t be one of them! As an acupuncturist, I’m not immune to germs, BUT I have tricks up my sleeve for staying healthy.

But first, if you do get sick, keep in mind that acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is a powerhouse remedy for the common cold and flu, and the sooner you treat it, the better.  During this time of year I often get calls from patients who apologetically say that they can’t come in for their appointment because they’re sick. My immediate response is an emphatic, “COME IN!”. 

Acupuncture, gua sha, cupping, and moxibustion—combined with Chinese herbal formulas— can provide immediate relief from cold/flu symptoms and drastically reduce the length of the infection. Chinese herbs are used in much the same way as antibiotics, but are safer and don't have the nasty side effects.

While Western medicine only offers symptomatic treatment — decongestants, fluids and rest — Chinese medicine takes a proactive role in eliminating the pathogen and resolving the disease process. It also boosts overall immunity. In fact, acupuncture boosts the immune system's production of natural killer cells for up to 3 days after each treatment! This means you’ll be less likely to catch the next bug going around your office AND avoid longer-term issues.

Tips For Boosting Immunity and Avoiding Sickness:

1. Be like a bear and hibernate. 
   Winter is the time to rest and conserve our Qi— going inwards, just like nature around us. Get at least 7 hours per night of sleep. This is the single, most impactful action you can take to improve your immunity, energy level, mood, and overall health. Anything less than 7 hours basically zaps your health. According to a study by the Sleep Research Society, those who sleep only 5-6 hours per night are a whopping 4.5 more times susceptible to catching a cold.

2. Give your gut some love.
   A balanced immune system depends on a healthy and strong digestive system. This means our gut bacteria need to be in balance. Add in a daily probiotic (at least 15 billion per dose) and incorporate fermented foods (fermented veggie, kimchi, miso, non-dairy yogurt) into your diet.

3. Eat for warmth.
   When it comes to what you’re eating, 'warm and cooked' should be your mantra. This is NOT the time to add more cold to your already cold body with cold and raw foods. Hold off on salad, smoothies and the like until it’s warmer outside. Make roasted veggies, stews and soups your mainstay and incorporate warming herbs like cinnamon, ginger, garlic, rosemary, and black pepper. The right yummy foods will add heat to your body and stoke your digestive fire. 

4. Dress to boost body temp. 
   Research confirms that a higher body temperature can tremendously increase immunity, strengthen the endocrine system and boost the body’s basal metabolic rate. First, (and I know I sound like your Mom), dress warmly and cover the back of your neck and head. Colds tend to enter us through the nape of the neck, which is why many colds start as a stiff neck and shoulders. Second, keep your core (torso) warm. A warm core is able to readily release blood to the extremities. Do this by wearing a Japanese Haramaki (hara- center; maki - wrap) to keep it warm. You can find them on Amazon.

5. Get acupuncture.
   I’m obviously biased because I’m an acupuncturist, but it is a fact that acupuncture creates physiological changes that regulate immune function. For starters, it can cause a rise in levels of interferon, one of the immune system’s messenger hormones, and it boosts the immune system's production of natural killer cells for up to 3 days after each treatment. Now that’s what I call cold and flu protection!

Taking the Leap: Permanent Home for Prinz Acupuncture In the Works!

Change is in the air this Spring. I'm thrilled to share some exciting news that represents expansion and long-term stability for Prinz Acupuncture and ultimately creates more ease, vibrance and enjoyment for you, my valued clients and friends. 

While I'm sad to see the lease to my current office on W. 29th Street ending this month - as so much growth, healing and good vibes were here — the transition marks a major leap ahead.

New Permanent Home for Prinz Acupuncture

As of June 1st, I will be unveiling a brand new permanent home for Prinz Acupuncture. Located in the heart of NoMad on E. 28th St and Broadway, it will be a calm, comfortable and beautiful oasis for healing and rejuvenation. 

I'm working on this exciting (and sometimes daunting!) project in partnership with an acupuncturist colleague who shares the same vision and passion for the work we do. We secured a gorgeous, lofted and light-filled space that will offer six stylish and well-appointed treatment rooms, a large waiting area, private bathrooms and a practitioner office. Construction will be underway next week! 

In addition to housing our individual acupuncture practices, the center will include other established practitioners who offer complimentary modalities like massage, reiki, movement, psychotherapy, etc. This means you can enjoy complete wellness care from a team of practitioners whom we know and trust, in one location. 

Stay tuned for news on our launch party when we'll celebrate the grand opening in style. I'm counting down the days to welcome you there! 

Important - April 1st - Interim Office 

Please note that starting April 1st, Prinz Acupuncture will be operating from a temporary office, conveniently located near Union Square. It's a welcoming, well-designed, and peaceful space. All acupuncture sessions will take place in this office until the new center opens. Scroll down for a photo.

Office Address - April 1st to June 1st

39 West 14th Street, Suite 408, 4th Floor
Located between 5th and 6th Avenues

Gratitude.....

Many of you have been with me from the very start. You have patiently seen me through several offices around the city, and have experienced the evolution of my practice. Your understanding, flexibility and dedication is a true gift. It is because of YOU that I'm able to finally establish a long-term home for Prinz Acupuncture.

Here’s a view at our temporary location in Union Square. It’s calm, cozy and quiet, and couldn’t be easier to get to. I will offer the same office hours as before (Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday).

Here's a peek at a small section of the new permanent space in NoMad, pre-construction. Each of the 6 treatment rooms will have a full window and high loft ceilings.

Breathwork Healing at C24 Gallery

Thank you to everyone who joined me at C24 Gallery in Chelsea to share in a Breathwork Healing experience. We came together at the intersection of art and healing, as part of the internationally renowned artist, Katja Loher’s solo exhibition, “What is the Color of Scent.”

It was beautiful to see more than 30 guests (and a very well-behaved dog) gather under Katja’s glowing, muti-dimensional art, as I led them through the powerful meditative practice of Breathwork. My intentions for the experience were to introduce everyone to this powerful form of self-healing, and to help people deeply connect to their bodies, five senses, and the magical artwork surrounding them.

What is Breathwork?
Breathwork is an active meditation using a 3-part, fast-paced breathing pattern. It is a simple yet deep-seated form of self-healing that:
• Connects us to our bodies and five senses
• Moves stuck energy and emotions
• Deepens our intuition, memory, and creativity
• Opens our hearts

I now offer one-on-one private Breathwork sessions in my office, and will be offering more group events this Fall. Please reach out if you’d like to learn more or to experience Breathwork for yourself.

To learn more about Katja Loher and her work, visit http://www.katjaloher.com.

Just Say “NO” To the Cold & Flu With Acupuncture & Chinese Medicine

Just Say “NO” To the Cold & Flu With Acupuncture & Chinese Medicine

Say YES To Increased Immunity With My Five Easy Tips

We’re right in the middle of cold and flu season and people are dropping like flies—straight to bed with a box of tissues, NyQuil and well-deserved self-pity. Don’t be one of them! As an acupuncturist, I’m not immune to germs, BUT I have tricks up my sleeve for staying healthy.

But first, if you do get sick, keep in mind that acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is a powerhouse remedy for the common cold and flu, and the sooner you treat it, the better.  During this time of year I often get calls from patients who apologetically say that they can’t come in for their appointment because they’re sick. My immediate response is an emphatic, “COME IN!”. 

Acupuncture, gua sha, cupping, and moxibustion—combined with Chinese herbal formulas— can provide immediate relief from cold/flu symptoms and drastically reduce the length of the infection. Chinese herbs are used in much the same way as antibiotics, but are safer and don't have the nasty side effects.

While Western medicine only offers symptomatic treatment — decongestants, fluids and rest — Chinese medicine takes a proactive role in eliminating the pathogen and resolving the disease process. It also boosts overall immunity. In fact, acupuncture boosts the immune system's production of natural killer cells for up to 3 days after each treatment! This means you’ll be less likely to catch the next bug going around your office AND avoid longer-term issues.

Tips For Boosting Immunity and Avoiding Sickness:

1. Be like a bear and hibernate. 
   Winter is the time to rest and conserve our Qi— going inwards, just like nature around us. Get at least 7 hours per night of sleep. This is the single, most impactful action you can take to improve your immunity, energy level, mood, and overall health. Anything less than 7 hours basically zaps your health. According to a study by the Sleep Research Society, those who sleep only 5-6 hours per night are a whopping 4.5 more times susceptible to catching a cold.

2. Give your gut some love.
   A balanced immune system depends on a healthy and strong digestive system. This means our gut bacteria need to be in balance. Add in a daily probiotic (at least 15 billion per dose) and incorporate fermented foods (fermented veggie, kimchi, miso, non-dairy yogurt) into your diet.

3. Eat for warmth.
   When it comes to what you’re eating, 'warm and cooked' should be your mantra. This is NOT the time to add more cold to your already cold body with cold and raw foods. Hold off on salad, smoothies and the like until it’s warmer outside. Make roasted veggies, stews and soups your mainstay and incorporate warming herbs like cinnamon, ginger, garlic, rosemary, and black pepper. The right yummy foods will add heat to your body and stoke your digestive fire. 

4. Dress to boost body temp. 
   Research confirms that a higher body temperature can tremendously increase immunity, strengthen the endocrine system and boost the body’s basal metabolic rate. First, (and I know I sound like your Mom), dress warmly and cover the back of your neck and head. Colds tend to enter us through the nape of the neck, which is why many colds start as a stiff neck and shoulders. Second, keep your core (torso) warm. A warm core is able to readily release blood to the extremities. Do this by wearing a Japanese Haramaki (hara- center; maki - wrap) to keep it warm. You can find them on Amazon.

5. Get acupuncture.
   I’m obviously biased because I’m an acupuncturist, but it is a fact that acupuncture creates physiological changes that regulate immune function. For starters, it can cause a rise in levels of interferon, one of the immune system’s messenger hormones, and it boosts the immune system's production of natural killer cells for up to 3 days after each treatment. Now that’s what I call cold and flu protection!