Al Ladesic

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May 21 2024

Chinese Body Clock

Understanding the Chinese Body Clock:
A Guide to Optimal Health and Well-being

The Chinese Body Clock, also known as the Meridian Clock or Organ Clock, is a fascinating concept rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) that offers insights into the body’s natural rhythms and optimal times for various activities. According to TCM theory, each organ in the body has its peak energy flow and function at specific times of the day, creating a 24-hour cycle that influences our physical, mental, and emotional well-being.

The Basics of the Chinese Body Clock:

The Chinese Body Clock divides the 24-hour day into 12 two-hour intervals, with each interval corresponding to a specific organ and its associated meridian. These intervals are believed to represent the peak times when each organ system is most active and functions optimally.

Understanding the Organ Systems:

Liver (1 AM – 3 AM): The liver is associated with detoxification and renewal during this time. Waking up during these hours may indicate liver imbalances or emotional stress.

Lungs (3 AM – 5 AM): The lungs are at their peak energy flow, making this an optimal time for deep breathing exercises and meditation to support respiratory health.

Large Intestine (5 AM – 7 AM): This time is associated with elimination and cleansing. Drinking warm water or herbal tea can aid in the body’s detoxification process.

Stomach (7 AM – 9 AM): Breakfast is considered the most important meal of the day in TCM, as the stomach is at its peak function and ready to receive nourishment.

Spleen/Pancreas (9 AM – 11 AM): The spleen and pancreas govern digestion and energy metabolism. Eating a balanced breakfast and avoiding heavy, greasy foods during this time can support digestive health.

Heart (11 AM – 1 PM): The heart is associated with joy and vitality. Lunchtime is ideal for nourishing meals and connecting with loved ones.

Small Intestine (1 PM – 3 PM): The small intestine separates nutrients from waste. This is a good time to enjoy a light, nutritious lunch and avoid overeating.

Bladder (3 PM – 5 PM): The bladder is linked to the body’s fluid balance and elimination. Staying hydrated and taking short breaks to stretch can support bladder health.

Kidneys (5 PM – 7 PM): The kidneys govern water metabolism and vitality. This time is ideal for moderate exercise and relaxation techniques to support kidney function.

Pericardium (7 PM – 9 PM): The pericardium protects the heart and governs emotional balance. Relaxation and unwinding activities can help promote emotional well-being during this time.

Triple Burner (9 PM – 11 PM): The triple burner regulates metabolism and temperature. This is a good time to wind down and prepare for restful sleep.

Gallbladder (11 PM – 1 AM): The gallbladder is associated with decision-making and detoxification. Going to bed during these hours can support gallbladder health and aid in detoxification processes.

Applying the Chinese Body Clock:

Understanding the Chinese Body Clock can help us optimize our daily routines to align with our body’s natural rhythms. By paying attention to the activities and behaviors associated with each organ system’s peak time, we can support our overall health and well-being.

Final Thoughts:

The Chinese Body Clock offers valuable insights into the interconnectedness of our body, mind, and spirit. By honoring the natural rhythms of our body and making conscious choices to support each organ’s function, we can cultivate a greater sense of balance, vitality, and harmony in our lives.

Incorporating TCM principles into our daily routines can help us achieve optimal health and well-being, allowing us to live life to the fullest and thrive in body, mind, and spirit.

March 6 2024

Finding Balance: The Role of Acupuncture in Treating Vertigo

Al Ladesic Acupuncture

Introduction:

Vertigo, characterized by a sensation of dizziness or spinning, can significantly disrupt daily life and affect one’s sense of balance and stability. Whether it’s caused by inner ear problems, vestibular disorders, or other underlying conditions, finding effective relief from vertigo is crucial for restoring well-being. In this blog post, we’ll explore how acupuncture, an ancient healing art rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), can offer a natural and holistic approach to managing vertigo and promoting inner equilibrium.

Understanding Vertigo:

Vertigo is not merely feeling dizzy; it’s a specific type of dizziness that involves a false sense of motion, often described as spinning or tilting. This sensation can be triggered by changes in head position, sudden movements, or certain underlying health conditions. Common symptoms of vertigo include nausea, vomiting, imbalance, and difficulty focusing or walking.

Treating Vertigo with Acupuncture:

Acupuncture offers a gentle and non-invasive approach to managing vertigo, addressing both the symptoms and underlying imbalances contributing to the condition.

Regulating Vestibular Function:

The vestibular system, located in the inner ear, plays a crucial role in maintaining balance and spatial orientation. Disruptions in vestibular function can result in vertigo. Acupuncture can help regulate vestibular function by stimulating acupuncture points associated with the inner ear and balance mechanisms. By enhancing circulation and nerve signaling in the vestibular system, acupuncture can alleviate vertigo symptoms and restore equilibrium.

Calming the Nervous System:

Vertigo often triggers anxiety and stress, exacerbating symptoms and further disrupting balance. Acupuncture has been shown to have calming effects on the nervous system, reducing stress hormones like cortisol and promoting relaxation. By targeting acupuncture points associated with stress relief and emotional balance, acupuncture can help alleviate anxiety and tension, leading to fewer vertigo episodes and improved overall well-being.

Conclusion:

Acupuncture offers a gentle and effective approach to managing vertigo, addressing both the symptoms and underlying imbalances contributing to the condition. By promoting inner equilibrium, regulating vestibular function, and calming the nervous system, acupuncture can help individuals find relief from vertigo and regain their sense of balance and well-being. If you’re struggling with vertigo, consider exploring acupuncture as part of your comprehensive treatment plan and take the first step towards finding balance and harmony in your life.

Consider this recent review from one of our patients . . .

“Thanks to Restorative Acupuncture I am able to do things that my vertigo had kept me from for years. Al’s treatments have been life changing! With acupuncture and herbs, I sleep better, I’m able to exercise, and stay involved in my family and work life without having to miss a thing. Vertigo had prevented me from travel, from sleep, and from doing things I’d loved to do. Al has brought all those things back, with acupuncture and herbs. I don’t know how it works, but it works! I am forever grateful!”

Jennifer K.

November 29 2023

Sarcopenia – what it is and how to prevent it, including using acupuncture

Al Ladesic Acupuncture

Sarcopenia is a progressive loss of muscle mass, strength, and function that occurs with aging. It affects millions of people worldwide, and its prevalence increases with age. The causes of sarcopenia are multifactorial, including decreased physical activity, hormonal changes, inflammation, and oxidative stress.

Preventing sarcopenia requires a comprehensive approach that includes a healthy diet, regular exercise, and the avoidance of risk factors such as smoking and excessive alcohol consumption. Resistance training, in particular, has been shown to be effective in preventing and reversing sarcopenia by increasing muscle mass and strength.

In addition to these lifestyle interventions, new research shows that acupuncture can help to mitigate age-related muscle loss. The research test group was treated with nutritional supplements and electroacupuncture over a 12-week period that resulted in increased skeletal muscle mass index and grip strength, and reduction in six-meter walking time. The study demonstrated that acupuncture can improve the biological response to exercise and also produces an anti-inflammatory response, while increasing muscle blood flow.

It is important to recognize the impact of sarcopenia on an individual’s quality of life, as it can lead to physical disability, increased risk of falls, and decreased independence. By taking preventative measures and seeking appropriate treatment, individuals can maintain their muscle mass, strength, and function as they age, ultimately leading to a longer and healthier life.

October 21 2023

The Mental Health Benefits of Exercise

Al Ladesic Wellness

Studies have shown that exercise is a highly effective way to alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety, with results comparable to or better than medication in some cases. Regular physical activity can boost mood, reduce stress, increase energy levels, and improve sleep quality, among other benefits. Furthermore, exercise has no side effects and can be easily incorporated into daily routines. Whether you prefer a brisk walk, a yoga class, or a weightlifting session, there are many ways to make exercise a part of your mental health regimen.

A new study discovered that exercise is 1.5 times more effective at reducing mild-to-moderate symptoms of depression, psychological stress, and anxiety than medication or cognitive behavior therapy. The study suggests that by increasing our body temperature through physical activity we can reduce muscular tension, illicit endorphins, alter cellular function and reduce inflammation.

Thirty minutes of exercise, five days a week, was determined to provide a desired result, but for people over 45 years, many studies showed that walking 20 to 40 minutes per day was notably effective for improving depression and anxiety.

Research

August 7 2023

Earthing Benefits

Al Ladesic Wellness

Earthing . . . What is it and how does it help us heal?

Earthing, also known as grounding, is a practice that involves connecting the body to the earth’s surface to balance electrical charge and neutralize free radicals. When we walk barefoot on the ground, or touch a conductive surface that is in contact with the earth, our bodies absorb negatively charged electrons that are abundant in the earth’s surface. These electrons neutralize positively charged free radicals in our bodies, which are thought to cause oxidative stress and chronic inflammation.

The benefits of earthing are numerous and include improved sleep, reduced inflammation, pain relief, and stress reduction. Studies have shown that earthing can improve heart rate variability, decrease cortisol levels, and improve the immune response. Earthing has also been linked to improved mood and a sense of well-being.

Earthing works by creating a connection between the body and the earth’s surface, allowing for a flow of electrons between the two. This flow of electrons neutralizes positive charges in the body and helps restore balance. Earthing can be done by walking barefoot on the ground, using earthing mats or sheets, or sleeping on a conductive mattress.

In today’s world, we are often disconnected from the earth’s surface, spending most of our time indoors and wearing shoes with rubber soles that insulate us from the ground. Earthing is a simple and natural way to reconnect with the earth and reap its many health benefits.

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