Massage Away Sinus Congestion

Millions of Americans annually suffer from some form of nasal congestion. To put it in perspective, there are 31 million cases annually of one type known as Sinusitis, or inflammation of the paranasal sinuses. Numerous methods have been devised to treat nasal congestion, including costly solutions like surgery, oral decongestants, nasal sprays and nasal irrigation. However, a nasal massage on specific points on the face can also provide relief with far less difficulty.

Oral decongestants are products taken to shrink the blood vessels in the lining inside the nose. But like most medications they can cause side effects that may deter usage. These side effects may be irritability, increased blood pressure and sleeping difficulty. It is recommended that people with diabetes, heart disease or high blood pressure avoid these products.

While moderate usage of nasal sprays (less than 3 days) can be effective, over-usage can cause one to become more congested when the spray is stopped, leading to addiction.

The natural practice of nasal irrigation - the act of flushing out mucus from the nose and sinuses - works. However, excessive use can rid the nose of its protective blanket of mucus and worsen symptoms.

In TCM, self-massage on specific sinus points also achieves symptomatic relief.

To clear the nasal passage from stuffiness and watery running, four points or areas located on the face are employed. [See chart below]

1. Yintang (Extra 1)
Press the middle finger on Yintang (Extra 1) located on the forehead, midway between the medial ends of the eyebrows. Press down firmly and make circular movements 20-30 times.

2. Yingxiang (LI 20)
Rest the whorled section of the middle or index fingers on Yingxiang (LI 20) on both sides of the nostrils. Press-knead 20-30 times firmly to get the sensation of soreness.

3. The side of the nose
Rub both sides of the nose with the side of the index fingers, moving upward and downward 20-30 times to get the sensation of heat.

4. Juliao (S 3) -- The center of the cheek.
In the area located directly under the eyes and to the sides of the nostrils (between the cheekbone and the root of the upper teeth), press down firmly with the middle fingers and make circular movements 20-30 times.


Give the massage a try. It doesn’t cost you anything and you will immediately experience the result and the relief.

Food For Thought And Heart Health

A study found that 82% of people who keep to the plant-based diet recommended by The China Study experience huge improvements in cholesterol levels and arterial blockages. Convinced by this information, former President Bill Clinton switched to the diet and lost 24 pounds in about five months.

On January 7, 2011, Tara Parker-Pope of The New York Times published a long overdue book review of The China Study (BenBella Books, 2006), authored by father-son team of Dr. T. Colin Campbell, nutritionist, and Dr. Thomas M. Campbell, M.D. While both the publisher and the topic are seemingly obscure, the surprise best-seller sold 500,000 copies and caught public attention last fall when former President Bill Clinton praised the book. For better heart health, the president has reportedly given up dairy and meat, occasionally eats fish and lives primarily on beans, vegetables and fruit.

The China Study distills a 20-year lifestyle survey in China and Taiwan to conclude that a plant-based diet (devoid of beef, fish, milk and poultry) will promote long-term health. While the diet may not be familiar to most Americans, the health benefits far outweigh any initial inconvenience and uncertainties.

For anyone who wants to learn more, go see the upcoming film, Forks Over Knives, opening in March 2011. The research-based documentary tells Dr. T. Colin Campbell's story as well as Dr. Caldwell Esselstyn's heart disease reversal study.

(For the original New York Times book review of The China Study, follow this link: http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/01/07/nutrition-advice-from-the-china-study/)

Winter Thoughts

Stan Wright, a poet and a patient, gifted us with a collection of his poems. We are blessed to be in the company of this positive thinker.

We have chosen three of Stan's poems to share with you his cheerful spirit to ward away winter blues.

Our best wishes for the Holiday Season.

Dr. Wu and Teresa

POEM #1

POEM #2

POEM #3

Happy New Year from PCMC!

PCMC wishes everyone healthy and Happy New Year!