Congestion – Vitality Clinic – Chiropractic and Sports Therapy

Kidney 27 Acupuncture Point

Thu, 18 Feb 2016 16:35:33 +0000

Kidney 27 Shu Fu (The point where kidney Qi infuses into the Fu organs)

This acupuncture point is found on the upper chest in a depression under the clavicle two inches from out from the little dip in the center of the throat.

The Kidney Qi is what grabs hold of the Lung Qi to help distribute the air (oxygen) into our bodies. When this process is dysfunctional, there can be onset of cough and or shortness of breath. It’s main function in acupuncture is to unbind the chest to alleviate cough and wheezing. It is also instrumental in harmonizing the stomach to reverse rebellious Qi (Reflux).

For self care between regular acupuncture appointments:

Try tapping with the ends of your fingers on this point (Emotional Freedom Technique Point). Tapping on each side will add more power.

Rubbing essential oils (such as lavender) on this acupuncture point helps calm the chest from coughing during the night and is a great way to get some much needed sleep when you have a cold.

For a congested nose, peppermint or eucalyptus essential oil applied to this acupuncture point will rise to the nasal passages to help open the chest and clear the nasal passages so you can breath in the much needed oxygen to help you get better sooner than later.

This is your acupuncture tip of the day!

Julianne Petersen
Vancouver Registered Acupuncturist

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Nasal Lavage

Wed, 17 Sep 2014 14:36:42 +0000

Many people suffer from chronically congested sinuses. Although there are many reasons for the congested sinuses such as food or airborne allergies, an effective technique for unblocking them is nasal lavage.

What is a nasal lavage?

It is a procedure of washing out the nostrils out with a salt-water solution.

Why do a nasal lavage?

The idea of a nasal lavage program is to reduce chronic infection so the body can heal itself. In many cases antibiotics are not able to reduce the infection however nasal lavage may prove to be effective and beneficial. It aids in sinus congestion and infections, stuffy nose, difficulty breathing through the nose, and for re-current sinus infections.

It is important to follow the instructions carefully. The lavage can be continued until the symptoms resolve. It should be done twice daily. There may be some discomfort or bleeding after a lavage. This might mean that there is still an infection present. However, if the pain and bleeding continues discontinue the treatment and be sure to consult with your physician.

What do you need?

– ½ teaspoon of sea salt
– 1 cup of distilled water or filtered water – it is best if the water is close to room temperature. (You want the water warm but not hot)
– a water container with a small spout (like a small watering can or neti pot (featured image)) or you can use a bulb syringe
– optional: a pinch of powdered acidophilus
– mix the water and salt (and acidophilus) together

How to do you do nasal lavage?

First do an alternating hot and cold compress to the nose/sinuses.

Apply a hot wet towel to the nose/sinus area for 3 minute. (The towel should be hot enough to tolerate but not too hot so that is burns). Then quickly switch to a cold wet towel for 1 minute. Repeat this two more times.

Proceed with the lavage:

When first doing this, it will feel strange or uncomfortable. With your head forward and tilted to the left into a sink insert the bulb syringe or spout in the right nostril. Gently pour some of the water solution into the right nostril making sure it comes out the left nostril. If it does not come out then tip your head more to allow the stream of water to come out the left nostril. Continue this for half of the solution.

Now reverse sides tilting the head to the right pouring the water in the left nostril and allowing the water to come out the right nostril.

NOTE: DO NOT sniff the water in, gently push it in

If you experience a lot of discomfort then reduce the amount of salt in the solution.

Have a great day,
The Vitality team

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Warming Socks

Fri, 12 Sep 2014 13:49:19 +0000

Warming socks should be used at the first indication of any inflammation or congestion in the ears, eyes, sinus, throat, or lungs. Use warming socks when you have a fever or you feel you are starting to ‘come down with something.’ It has also been used effectively for headaches, insomnia, fevers, and a variety of other conditions.

The warming socks treatment is best if repeated for as many nights as necessary to improve the condition. Children love the treatment. You can put the socks on after the child has gone to bed if you wish.

Materials
• 1 pair of cotton socks
• 1 pair of wool socks
• 1 bowl

Instructions
• Warm feet with hot water (you can also just use your bath tap)
• Soak cotton socks in ice cold water
• Wring out cotton socks so they are wet but not dripping
• Put on cold cotton socks
• Immediately put on dry wool socks over wet cotton socks
• Get into bed and wrap up

If you wake and have a chill, remove socks, and warm feet again with warm water.

Have a great day,
The Vitality Team

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