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Acupressure to help adjust to daylight savings time

daylight savings time

The challenges of daylight savings time

Daylight savings time can be a challenging time for people who live in the majority of the United States (Arizona and Hawaii do not observe daylight savings time). The effects of daylight savings time disrupt the body’s circadian rhythm, just like jet lag. This can affect key bodily functions like sleep, mood, and appetite. As a result of daylight savings time, many people are waking up in the darkness, and are having trouble getting going in the morning.

 

Research shows that shifting from standard time to daylight savings time is associated with an increased risk of heart attack, stroke, and hospital admissions, as discussed in the article Daylight saving time: an American Academy of Sleep Medicine position statement in the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine. In fact, Harvard Medical School’s Health Publishing Journal’s article The dark side of daylight saving time shares that daylight savings time has been found to exacerbate depression and anxiety as well as result in an increase in car accidents.

 

Ways to help ease into daylight savings time

In addition to keeping with your normal schedule, practicing good sleep hygiene, and getting bright light exposure in the morning, acupressure can be a great support. Acupressure is the application of gentle pressure to acupuncture points. You can do this treatment at home simply and easily using just your fingers. In this blog, I’ll provide instructions for how to perform acupressure and share information on some points you can try at home.

 

How to perform acupressure

  • Use your index and / or middle fingers to apply a downward pressure with small circular motions (about a quarter of an inch) to the acupuncture point.
  • Feel for painful areas or areas of tightness or emptiness.
  • Massage for at least ten seconds, and up to a few minutes.
  • You can also gently tap the point with one or more fingers.
  • Stimulate points at least two times per day, for example, once in the morning and once at night.

 

Try acupressure on these acupuncture points to help your body adjust to daylight savings time

Yintang

Yintang means “Hall of Impression”. It is located between the eyebrows and is in the area referred to as the “third eye” in many cultures. This is a wonderfully calming point and helps promote sleep.

  • Location: Place a finger at the glabella, which is the skin above the nose between the eyebrows.
  • Uses: anxiety, insomnia, and also nasal congestion, runny nose, and headaches in the forehead region.

 

Bladder 1

The Chinese name of this point is Jingming. It means “Bright Eyes”. This point is the first point on the Bladder channel. When light hits this point in the morning, this starts the waking cycle of the circadian rhythm and causes us to wake up.  In other words, this is important because circadian rhythms depend on light exposure. Stimulating this point can help encourage waking.

  • Location: Just above the inner canthus (corner) of the eye where the eye meets the nose.  Be very gentle with this point and don’t poke yourself in the eye! Place your finger on the eyelid just above the caruncle (the small, pink, fleshy nodule in the inner corner of the eye).
  • Uses: In addition to starting the wake cycle of the circadian rhythm, this point can also help with eye issues like redness, swelling, and pain of the eyes.

 

Pineal point on the ear

There is a great auriculotherapy point on the ear that affects the pineal gland in the brain. It is called the Pineal point. The pineal gland helps regulate the body’s circadian rhythm. Additionally, you can read about auriculotherapy in my blog All about ear seeds and auriculortherapy.

  • Location: The lower part of the tragus on the ear. The tragus is the small cartilage projection found where the ear connects to the side of the head. It looks like a small flap and is right outside of the opening of the ear canal. You can gently hold the tragus between your index finger and thumb and squeeze the bottom portion to activate the pineal point.
  • Uses: In addition to regulating circadian rhythm, the pineal gland is responsible for regulating hormones, supporting cardiovascular health, and stabilizing mood.

 

Questions?

Want to talk about how acupuncture and Chinese medicine can help you? We’d love to hear from you. Please click this link to schedule a free 10-minute call with our senior scheduling receptionist. She will be happy to answer any questions you have and advise you on the best services and practitioner to meet your unique needs.

 

Any further questions? Please reach out and email us through our website or call or text 910-622-4269.

 

About the Author

Ericca Burke is the owner of HAVEN Acupuncture & Chinese Medicine where she provides acupuncture and Chinese medicine treatments in Wilmington, NC. Click this link to read more about Ericca. 

 

About HAVEN Acupuncture & Chinese Medicine in Wilmington, NC

HAVEN Acupuncture & Chinese Medicine is an acupuncture and Chinese medicine practice located in Wilmington, NC just minutes from beautiful Wrightsville Beach. Click this link for contact information and directions. Click this link for a listing and description of services offered.

New Year’s Resolutions: How acupuncture and Chinese medicine can help

new year's resolutions

A new approach to help your New Year’s resolutions

Acupuncture and Chinese medicine are a great option to support your New Year’s resolutions. When our energy is not flowing smoothly, then physical, mental, or emotional pain, discomfort, and illness can result.  Acupuncture and Chinese medicine help restore the optimal flow of energy so the body can heal itself. Therefore, it is effective in helping with a multitude of challenges people face. This includes supporting New Year’s resolutions.

 

Top New Year’s Resolutions

Below are some of the top New Year’s resolutions for 2025 and how acupuncture and Chinese medicine can help.

 

Lose weight

This is usually the #1 New Year’s resolution, especially after all of the holiday eating and drinking. People gain weight over the holidays, realize they don’t feel well, and want to shed the extra weight. Check out my blog How acupuncture and ear seeds can help you lose weight for help with this resolution. Not surprisingly, the weight loss ear seed kit is the #1 most popular ear seed kit sold.

 

Quit smoking

Many smokers want to quit, and find that they don’t have the support and resources they need. Acupuncture and Chinese medicine can help with the cravings and withdrawal symptoms, and even the motivation to quit. Read more in my blog How acupuncture and ear seeds can help you stop smoking.

 

Drink less alcohol

Acupuncture and Chinese medicine are great for helping with addictive behaviors, including excessive alcohol consumption. There is a proven ear acupuncture protocol that is very helpful for addiction. As with smoking and weight loss, treatment can also help reduce cravings.

 

Eat healthier

This is a particularly interesting resolution because not all healthy foods are beneficial for everyone. For example, eating cold raw salads for dinner every night in the winter can actually cause loose stools and low energy in some people. In acupuncture and Chinese medicine, we look at the patient’s overall constitution and energetic balance to understand what is going on specifically with their body. From there, we can make recommendations for what foods would best support their health.

 

Reduce stress

The Mayo Clinic’s article on stress management shares that stress can have a negative effect on the body, mood, and behavior. It can lead to a variety of health issues including obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke. Reducing stress can have a huge effect on overall health and well-being, and is an excellent choice for a New Year’s resolution. See more in my blog Acupuncture for stress and anxiety.

 

Get better sleep

Quality sleep is so important to our health. A lack of sufficient sleep has been linked to weight gain, cognitive decline, and an increased risk for heart disease, diabetes, and stroke. We do our best healing when we sleep. Learn how to create healthy sleep habits in my blog: Improve your sleep with acupuncture

 

Can’t decide? Acupuncture & Chinese medicine can help with that too

Having trouble deciding what you want to focus on in 2025? There are so many exciting and important things to learn and focus on that it can be difficult to narrow it down and prioritize. That’s where gall bladder energy comes in. In Chinese medicine, gall bladder energy is responsible for decision making. Strengthening gall bladder energy can make decisions much easier.

 

Do you have a resolution or health concern you’d like support with that you don’t see here? Have a look at my blog What acupuncture can treat- it may surprise you! to learn more about common conditions treated.

 

Want to talk about how acupuncture and Chinese medicine can help you? We’d love to hear from you. Please click this link to schedule a free 10-minute call with our senior scheduling receptionist who will be happy to answer any questions you have and advise you on the best services and practitioner to meet your unique needs.

 

Any further questions? Please reach out and email us through our website or call or text 910-622-4269.

 

About the Author

Ericca Burke is the owner of HAVEN Acupuncture & Chinese Medicine where she provides acupuncture and Chinese medicine treatments in Wilmington, NC. Click this link to read more about Ericca. 

Acupuncture for stress

acupuncture for stress

Acupuncture for stress

Stress reduction is key to maintaining well-being and preventing disease, and acupuncture can be a great support for managing stress. Stress is widely recognized as a major cause of disease.  In fact, the research paper Inflammation: The Common Pathway of Stress-Related Diseases in the Frontiers in Human Neuroscience Journal states that “Stress is the common risk factor of 75%–90% diseases”. The paper lists the most common overall stress-related diseases as follows:

  • Cardiovascular diseases
  • Metabolic diseases like diabetes
  • Cancer
  • Psychological and neurodegenerative disorders like depression, Alzheimer’s disease, and Parkinson’s disease

 

Additionally, a report shared in the National Library of Medicine states that the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) estimates that 75% of doctor visits are stress-related with complaints including:

  • Headache
  • Back pain
  • Heart problems
  • Upset stomach
  • Stomach ulcer
  • Sleep problems
  • Tiredness and accidents

 

Furthermore, the Occupational Health and Safety news and the National Council on compensation of insurance have an even higher estimate, stating that up to 90% of all doctor visits are for stress-related complaints.

 

Stress from a Chinese medicine perspective

Every person is unique, and no two people will experience stress for the same reason in the exact same way. Each of the primary acupuncture channels in the body is associated with an organ system and has associated emotions and physical sensations. A disruption to any of these energetic systems can result in stress. Here are some ways we might look at stress from a Chinese medicine perspective:

  • Anxiety with heart palpitations? There may be too much nervous excessive energy around the heart, and supporting the Heart energetic pathways will be helpful in this case.
  • Obsessive thinking and trouble sleeping because thoughts won’t turn off? In this situation, the energy associated with the Spleen organ system likely needs support.
  • Scared and shaky? Cold? Sore low back? In this case, it’s likely that Kidney energy needs support.
  • Holding emotions in and getting headaches or migraines? In this instance, supporting the Liver energy can be helpful.
  • Overwhelmed with grief from loss? In this case, supporting the Lung energy can make a world of difference.

 

Additional support from ear seeds

Ear seeds are a wonderful addition to an acupuncture treatment. Ear seeds are great because they are something tangible that people can take home with them to continue the treatment. It also gives people comfort to have something to do if they feel stress. By gently giving the ear seeds a squeeze, the body gets a subtle message to relax. We have Stress and Anxiety ear seed kits for people who want to apply their own treatments at home.

 

What else can you do at home?

If an acupuncture treatment is not available to you, there are still things you can do at home to help manage your stress. Here are some ideas:

 

How about rewarding yourself?

Since you’re reading this blog, you’re already well on your way to taking charge of managing your stress. How about giving yourself a reward for choosing self-care?

Do one thing EVERY day that brings you joy.

If you can do this, you will at least have that time that is stress-free. The thing you choose needs to be something that brings you delight and a smile to your face. What’s important is that it is meaningful to you. It doesn’t matter what anyone else thinks. It doesn’t have to be anything big or something that takes a lot of time. Here are some ideas to give you food for thought: snuggle with your pet, drink a delicious cup of hot tea, giggle with a friend, move to music, sing your favorite song as loudly as you can, walk outside and crunch through crisp leaves on the ground, or take a soothing essential-oil scented bubble bath. Involve the senses – sight, smell, sound, taste, and touch. What would FEEL good to you and bring you JOY?

 

Want to know more?

Want to talk about how acupuncture and Chinese medicine can help you? We’d love to hear from you. Please click this link to schedule a free 10-minute call with our senior scheduling receptionist who will be happy to answer any questions you have and advise you on the best services and practitioner to meet your unique needs.

 

Any further questions? Please reach out and email us through our website or call or text 910-622-4269.

 

About the Author

Ericca Burke is the owner of HAVEN Acupuncture & Chinese Medicine where she provides acupuncture and Chinese medicine treatments in Wilmington, NC. Click this link to read more about Ericca. 

 

About HAVEN Acupuncture & Chinese Medicine in Wilmington, NC

HAVEN Acupuncture & Chinese Medicine is an acupuncture and Chinese medicine practice located in Wilmington, NC just minutes from beautiful Wrightsville Beach. Click this link for contact information and directions. Click this link for a listing and description of services offered.

The importance of seasonal acupuncture treatments

seasonal acupuncture treatments

What are seasonal acupuncture treatments?

Seasonal acupuncture treatments are treatments tailored to support people during the change of seasons when the energy in our environment is shifting. Our bodies experience shifts just like the outdoor landscapes transform with the changing seasons. For example, we often feel more energetic in the springtime as flowers are blooming outside. In the winter, there is a tendency to want to stay indoors more and be still.

Some people consider a seasonal acupuncture treatment to be a “tune up”, just like when we take our cars in for maintenance tune ups. I love it when patients arrive and announce, “I’m here for my tune up!”. Changing seasons can exacerbate any energetic imbalances we may be experiencing. Seasonal treatments help our bodies adjust to the changes and potential challenges that each season brings. They help promote wellbeing and prevent illness that often accompanies the changing seasons.

 

Seasons, solstices, and equinoxes

It can be helpful to understand the difference between seasons, solstices, and equinoxes. The dates shared in this blog are specific to the Northern Hemisphere. Meteorologists divide each of the seasons into three months, and according to National Geographic, meteorologists identify the start of the meteorological seasons as follows: spring on March 1st, summer on June 1st, fall on September 1st, and winter on December 1st.

 

Additionally, the National Weather Service outlines the dates for solstices and equinoxes. A solstice occurs twice a year and designates the day with either the most or least amount of daylight in a single day. The summer solstice, when there is the most daylight, occurs between June 20th-22nd. The winter solstice, when there is the least daylight, occurs between December 21st-22nd. The summer solstice marks the start of summer, and the winter solstice marks the start of winter.

 

According to dictionary.com, an equinox occurs when the amount of daylight and nighttime hours is equal. The vernal equinox occurs between March 21st-22nd. The autumnal equinox occurs between September 22nd-23rd. The vernal equinox marks the start of spring, and the autumnal equinox marks the start of fall.

 

When is a good time to schedule a seasonal acupuncture treatment?

While any time during a particular season can be beneficial, many patients see the most benefit as the seasons start to shift and at the beginning of a new season. That is often when people might start to feel off or out of balance. Sometimes, our bodies can struggle to adapt to climactic changes, which can result in depleted energy and make us more susceptible to illness. Some patients schedule regular appointments at the start of each season, where others wait until the equinox or solstice when they notice a greater shift.

 

Benefits of seasonal acupuncture treatments

While technology continues to evolve and allow us to do many things that our ancestors could not do, it can also result in people being disconnected from the rhythms of nature. Air conditioning can keep us cool in the summer, and electric lights can allow us to work during the dark nights of winter. Even so, our bodies do still respond to nature and the seasonal shifts that occur. Being in harmony with our environment has a positive effect on our health and wellbeing.

 

Regular treatments contribute to long-term health and wellness. Additionally, regular treatments often inspire additional positive lifestyle changes that enhance vitality and wellness. This might include eating seasonal foods, engaging in physical activity that is aligned with the season, and even practicing stress and mindfulness techniques. You can read more about the benefits of regular acupuncture treatments as an investment in long-term health in my blog The value of regular acupuncture treatments.

 

Want to talk about how acupuncture and Chinese medicine can help you? We’d love to hear from you. Please click this link to schedule a free 10-minute call with our senior scheduling receptionist who will be happy to answer any questions you have and advise you on the best services and practitioner to meet your unique needs.

 

Any other questions? Please reach out and email us through our website or call or text 910-622-4269.

 

About the Author

Ericca Burke is the owner of HAVEN Acupuncture & Chinese Medicine where she provides acupuncture and Chinese medicine treatments in Wilmington, NC. Click this link to read more about Ericca. 

 

About HAVEN Acupuncture & Chinese Medicine in Wilmington, NC

HAVEN Acupuncture & Chinese Medicine is an acupuncture and Chinese medicine practice located in Wilmington, NC just minutes from beautiful Wrightsville Beach. Click this link for contact information and directions. Click this link for a listing and description of services offered.

The value of regular acupuncture treatments

regular acupuncture treatments

An early case for preventative medicine

Regular acupuncture treatments are a great form of preventative medicine. This is the way medicine was practiced in ancient times as documented in the classics, which are ancient Chinese medical texts. “The sage does not treat those who are ill but those who are well.” This is a quote from the Huang Di Nei Jing Su Wen, the oldest surviving book on Chinese medicine. Legend has it that ancient Chinese doctors were paid to keep patients well, and they would not be paid if patients became sick.

 

Routine acupuncture treatments help manage stress

Stress is a major cause of disease. The research paper Inflammation: The Common Pathway of Stress-Related Diseases in the Frontiers in Human Neuroscience Journal states that “Stress is the common risk factor of 75%–90% diseases”. The paper lists the most common overall stress-related diseases as follows:

  • Cardiovascular diseases
  • Metabolic diseases like diabetes
  • Cancer
  • Psychological and neurodegenerative disorders like depression, Alzheimer’s disease, and Parkinson’s disease

 

Additionally, a report shared in the National Library of Medicine states that the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) estimates that 75% of doctor visits are stress-related with complaints including:

  • Headache
  • Back pain
  • Heart problems
  • Upset stomach
  • Stomach ulcer
  • Sleep problems
  • Tiredness and accidents

 

Furthermore, the Occupational Health and Safety news and the National Council on compensation of insurance have an even higher estimate, stating that up to 90% of all doctor visits are for stress-related complaints. Stress reduction is key to maintaining well-being and preventing disease. Acupuncture treatments promote the relaxation response and are very effective in managing stress. Please see my blog Healing yourself with the relaxation response for details about the relaxation response.

 

Maintenance

Regular acupuncture treatments promote wellness and help reduce stress. By comparison, it is well understood that regular exercise maintains muscle tone and cardiovascular fitness. We can start an exercise program where we go to the gym for eight weeks and achieve the results we want. If we stop going to the gym completely, over time our bodies will return to the way they were before. We know that we need to shift into a maintenance exercise routine to maintain our overall muscle tone and cardiovascular health.

 

Similarly, patients find it beneficial to continue with maintenance acupuncture treatments on a regular basis to maintain their results and prevent symptom recurrence. I typically recommend monthly treatments for maintenance, but even every two or three months can be beneficial.

 

Additional benefits of regular acupuncture treatments

Please consider regular acupuncture treatments as investment in your well-being. I share personalized lifestyle recommendations with my patients.  They are often inspired to create positive changes that enhance their longevity and health. This might include nutritional considerations, mindfulness, and even qigong exercise. The better we feel, the more motivated we are to choose healthy habits.  When we balance our body, mind, and spirit, we feel wonderful and fulfilled.

 

Want to talk about how acupuncture and Chinese medicine can help you? We’d love to hear from you. Please click this link to schedule a free 10-minute call with our senior scheduling receptionist who will be happy to answer any questions you have and advise you on the best services and practitioner to meet your unique needs.

 

Any further questions? Please reach out and email us through our website or call or text 910-622-4269.

 

About the Author

Ericca Burke is the owner of HAVEN Acupuncture & Chinese Medicine where she provides acupuncture and Chinese medicine treatments in Wilmington, NC. Click this link to read more about Ericca. 

 

About HAVEN Acupuncture & Chinese Medicine in Wilmington, NC

HAVEN Acupuncture & Chinese Medicine is an acupuncture and Chinese medicine practice located in Wilmington, NC just minutes from beautiful Wrightsville Beach. Click this link for contact information and directions. Click this link for a listing and description of services offered.