Tips From Your Acupuncturist: Sacred Space Acupuncture Chelsea/Union Square NYC

Thursday, September 6, 2007

Essential Oil Highlight for Fall Allergies / Sinus Congestion



R.C., which stands for "Respiratory Conditions" is the NUMBER ONE Essential Oil used during this time of year for nasal and bronchial congestion. It is a blend created by Young Living (http://www.youngliving.com/) to give relief from colds, bronchitis, coughs and respiratory congestion.

The ingredients are as follows:

Eucalyptus globulis - a powerful antimicrobial and germ killer. It also acts as an expectorant, antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral and antiseptic.

Eucalyptus radiata - antibacterial, antiviral, anti-inflammatory.

Eucalyptus australiana - antiviral, antibacterial and antifungal

Eucalyptus australiana - antiviral, antibacterial and antifungal

Myrtle - supports the respiratory system

Pine - opens and disinfects the bronchial tract. Supports respiratory function and fights infection

Spruce - anti-infectious, antiseptic and anti-inflammatory

Marjoram - supports the respiratory system and reduces spasms

Lavender - antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory and antiseptic

Cypress - promotes blood circulation and lymph flow. Anti-infectious, antibacterial, antimicrobial, antiseptic

Peppermint - a powerful nasal and lung decongestant with antiseptic properties. Improves airflow to the lungs by opening the nasal passages, kills airborne bacteria, fungi and viruses.

How to Use R.C.

  • You can diffuse the EO into the air by way of an atomizer or diffuser. (Remember: EO's should not be heated...they will make the oils become volatile and non effective!)
  • Directly inhale (place a few drops into the palm of one hand, rub palms together, bring your hands to your nose and mouth and inhale deeply for a few breaths...make sure you do NOT touch your eyes or they will BURN!)
  • Rub a few drops over your chest, neck, throat, sinuses throughout the day
  • Add a few drops into a steaming hot bowl of water...place a towel over your head and inhale the steam

How to Purchase R.C.

http://www.youngliving.com/ If you become a new customer, you must sign in under customer and use the sponsor number 893450. You can find R.C. by way of the Essential Oil link. It will be found under the subtitle Essential Oil Blends.

Wednesday, September 5, 2007

Flush those Sinuses!



Fall allergy season is about to creep up on us and with this comes the onset of rhinitis, sinusitis, post nasal drip, runny nose, watery eyes, dry mouth, sinus and chest congestion, scratchy throat.....







This blog is dedicated to understanding the importance of clearing environmental pollutants from our nasal passages.







There are tiny hairs that line the inside of the nose. These hairs help to trap polluted debris from the environment before they enter into the sinus cavities above the bridge of the nose and skull. Unfortunately, those of us that live in the New York metropolitan area (a.k.a. the concrete jungle) are being bombarded by exhaust fumes, dirt and city grime. These particles can irritate the nasal cavity. The irritation will then cause an inflammatory reaction and the body's immune system will kick into gear and create more mucous. This mucous will coat the tiny hairs and the lining of the nose in order to defend against any more invading pathogens.







Environmental allergens including pollen, dust, animal dander, weeds, etc. will also cause the body to react with an immune response that will result in sinus congestion and mucous production.





I was introduced to using a Neti Pot 5 years ago and I have been a daily fan ever since. The learning curve takes up to two weeks, so be patient! Even if you feel like you are drowning yourself, keep up! It will be worth it in the long run!





So, here goes the instruction:





1. Purchase a porcelain Neti pot (often found in Whole Foods Bath and Body Dept., any Organic Food Store., online you can find a travel pot that is made from durable, dishwasher safe plastic at http://www.omsmedical.com/ )


2. Use organic sea salt (I prefer the finer grade salt). You will use 1/4 tsp in the pot.





Procedure:



  • Place the 1/4 tsp of salt into the pot

  • Fill the pot with warm water

  • Place the tip of the spout up to one nostril (e.g...if you are rinsing the right nostril, you will place the tip of the spout up to the right nostril while tilting your head slightly backwards and slightly to the left)...this head position will allow the water to pour more easily into the right nostril, make its way over the top of the septum and drain down and out of the opposite nostril

  • Alternate left and right nostrils until you have a bit of the saline water left in the pot

  • Use this remaining water to gargle (this allows any mucous that filtered from the sinus to the back of your throat to be expelled)

Happy snorting!