Aging is unavoidable, however healthy aging enhances our quality of life and ensures good health longer with more vim and vigor. The immune system can stay strong and resilient. Our energy levels both physically and mentally remain high, our sleep is both adequate and rejuvenating, our mind is well focused and remains strong are just a few of the tell-tell signs of healthy aging. Eastern Medicine can greatly benefit how we endeavor the journey of aging by assisting with all these and more. Early signs of weakness, forgetfulness, fatigue, or even dizziness can show signs of kidney yin, yang, and jing deficiencies. Even early signs of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease from neurodegeneration can be helped with both acupuncture and herbs. Many issues with poor memory, forgetfulness, and even chronic fatigue can be addressed by nourishing the heart, kidney, and lung acupoints of the body. Kidney and liver yin deficiencies reveal soft tissue degeneration. These signs show up in the muscles, tendons, cartilage, and ligaments resulting in chronic arthritis or pain. A decrease in bone density is looked upon as kidney jing deficiency which can also be helped by slowing the progress of the osteo breakdown and aiding in production of osteoblast proliferation to prevent and treat osteoporosis. There are many classic formulas and acupoints that do just this very thing. Other common ailments often seen with the aging process include diminished hearing, vaginal dryness, low libido, and visual problems. These are all issues which can be improved by simply nourishing the kidney energy of the body through both herbs and acupuncture specific selected points.
Eastern Medicine food therapy for the aging process utilizes the use of a variety of mushrooms dating back to ancient China as a superior medicine to give eternal youth and longevity. These may include shitake, maitake, and reishi. Their key duties of these power foods consist of preventing high blood pressure and heart disease, lowering cholesterol, and also a major super food for keeping the immune system strong and can ward off many diseases and viruses. The diet as we get older especially, should include garlic, onions, pearl barley, and a variety of these mushrooms. Reishi extract which is revered in Chinese medicine is made from the mushroom of immortality is known for its major liver and immune system functions. Avoiding processed foods is key and eating mostly vegetables, fruits, grains, quality protein, nuts, and seeds. Some of the best vegetables to use in a daily regimen include cabbage, broccoli, spinach, and kale. The bioflavonoids in many berries and vegetables protect the brain and may help prevent neurodegenerative disorders. It is healthy to eat four or five small meals a day and try to incorporate about 80 to 100 grams of protein daily. This, along with adequate walking or light exercise will ensure our muscles stay strong and ward off atrophy. Brisk walking, tai chi, stretching, and swimming are all safe and adequate ways to stay healthy and prevent muscle atrophy.
Certain screenings are important as we get older especially when there is a family history. These include checking your blood pressure, blood cholesterol, PSA test and rectal examination, complete physical with CBC, colonoscopy, and breast self-exams. These are the most recommended tests for good preventative care. Many supplements and foods which play a big role with staying healthy as we age include fish oil, green teas, resveratrol which we can get from dark chocolate, grapes, and berries, DHEA and CoQ10. Other wonderful supplements include a super green food such as spirulina and a high-potency multi-vitamin. Cordyceps sinensis is a much revered fungus which helps slow the aging process and improves energy.
Longevity acupuncture points are specific points on the body that are known to promote long life and a healthy immune system. These points, such as ST 36 play a big role in regulating the immune system and supporting digestion. Other points are found on the spleen, liver, and kidney meridians which help the body ward off the aging process by supplementing the deficiencies allowing healthy aging and to further enhance the immune system. These are points that can safely be stimulated daily to ensure health and wellness benefits. The practice of good stress reduction with prayer, exercise, tai chi, and positive mental imagery also help reduce the overall effects of growing old. Lastly, both breathing exercises and staying active both mentally and physically keep us strong and help us manage external stressors more effectively. Please call today to take charge of your health and enjoy the benefits of healthy aging! 772-626-6419
