Money doesn't grow on trees!

Any acupuncture treatment you receive initiates a detoxification process. In my experience, especially when the back "shu" points are used in the treatment, patients can expect a detoxification reaction in their bodies as a secondary (or primary) benefit to treatment. It's the main reason patients are encouraged to drink plenty of water and eat a simple diet for a period of time after.

When the body is needled, it signals the brain to send circulation to the area to investigate. The needles are considered 'foreign bodies' by the body and triggers an immune response that's indicated by redness around the needle site. Generally speaking, the degree of redness is a good indicator of the amount of toxins trapped in the local tissues and organs related to that specific point.

Along the length of the spine there are 'acupoints' that correspond to the all of the organs, body fluids and energetic ('qi') pathways of the body. When needled, these points activate the nerve root and energetic pathways associated to send fresh blood and 'qi' to the area, invigorating the organs along route. The increase in blood circulation cleans the organs and the increase in energetic circulation stimulates and regulates the organ's function, regulating hormone production and distribution. It makes sense that when the organs are clean and able to function properly, the body is 'happy' and performs better.

It's always a good idea to keep in mind when receiving treatment that a 'healing reaction' triggered by acupuncture is sometimes mildly to moderately uncomfortable but is always beneficial. The toxins flushed out of the organs and tissues during acupuncture treatment are carried into the lungs, skin and digestive tract to be carried out of the body. The degree of discomfort experienced by patients varies greatly depending on the individual's health circumstances, sensitivity and willingness to follow dietary suggestions given by their practitioner.

Some signs of detoxification in the body are fatigue, mental fogginess, low energy, poor appetite, changes in bowel movements and darkening of the urine and should pass quickly. The degree of detoxification symptoms will decrease with repeated treatments provided the patient isn't being regularly exposed to toxins or battling with allergies, which is considered a separate health issue and is addressed as such.

Victoria Spaurel, R.Ac.
Registered Acupuncturist 

Mango, Peach and Apricot Fizz

1 ripe mango
1 ripe peach
2 large ripe apricots
500 ml (17 fl oz) sparkling water
fresh mint or lemon balm leaves to decorate (optional)   

1. Peel the mango and cut the flesh away from the central stone. Roughly chop the flesh and put it into a blender or food processor. Alternatively, if you are using a hand blender, put the mango in a large tall jug.
2. Cover the peach and apricots with boiling water and leave for about 30 seconds, then drain and cool under cold running water. Slip off the skins. Roughly chop the flesh, discarding the stones, and add to the mango in the blender or food processor.
3. Pour over enough of the sparkling water  just to cover the fruit, then process until completely smooth. Pour in the remaining water and process again.
4. Quickly pour into tall glasses, preferably over crushed ice. Decorate with fresh mint or lemon balm leaves, if you like. Serve immediately with wide straws or swizzle sticks.

RED ALERT

 

Coconut milk is full of potassium and other electrolytes, and makes this a great refreshment after a summer run.  

 

60 mL tart cherry juice

120 mL coconut water

60 mL club soda or sparkling water

 

Pour ingredients into one 240 mL glass. Stir to combine and serve.  

 

 

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