How to Not Get The Flu..The Chinese Medicine Way By Lance Isakov

Psychology and Health | by Lance David Isakov, M.Ac.

HOW TO NOT GET THE FLU

...THE CHINESE MEDICINE WAY

AH! AH!...AH! CHOO! Oh, the all too common exclamation resulting from our winter virus foe. Some people catch the Flu or the Common Cold and some do not. The truth is that these viruses are around us all the time, but not all of us get sick...Why?

Lets go back oh...3000 years or so to China. At this time there are no microscopes or labs that can isolate and identify little bacteria or viruses in the body. Because the culture lives so closely with the elements, they look at things through the scope of nature and learn about the ebb and flow of life through the seasons.

Words like Cold, Heat, Wind, Fire, Dryness and Dampness are used to name diseases. Let’s say someone notices that they actually feel cold or have a dry, sore throat, headache, body ache, tiredness, sneezing, cough, chills or a high fever. A Chinese doctor would call that a Wind-Cold Invasion. Since temperature is carried by the wind, the doctor believes that the Wind has carried the Cold into us. There is something else that is uniquely different about this society - here the doctor is seen year round in order to prevent disease. It is the doctor’s job to keep her or his patients feeling well and if they do get sick, to treat them. In fact when patients in China got sick, it was the only time that they did not have to pay the doctor! This type of relationship is a proactive approach to wellness – very different from the one we have in the future, don’t you think?

One might ask how exactly did the Chinese doctors keep their patients well? By strengthening the protective layer of energy. Today we call it the immune system, in Chinese Medicine it’s called Wei Chi (Way Chee). Wei means ‘defensive’ and Chi means the ‘vital energetic force that animates us’. Imagine the Wei Chi like a protective layer of insulation around our bodies.

If a person is healthy and strong both mentally and physically their Wei Chi is fat and solid. When the Wind blows some Cold in their direction, it bounces right off. If they are unwell and/or weak, their Wei Chi looks more like a thin slice of Swiss cheese. When the Wind-Cold hits them, it will invade through those holes, usually in the posterior neck area, and they will immediately start feeling, tired, achy and have a sore throat.

By using Acupuncture and Chinese medicine Wei Chi can be strengthened and any Wind-Cold invasion can be cleared from the system. This especially works well if it can be identified early, so going see your Acupuncturist at the first cold symptoms is highly recommended.

7 Ways to Keeping Wei Chi Strong and Prevent the Flu:

· Regular Gentle Exercise: Move your body to the point of warming you up but not sweating profusely. If you are exercising outside make sure to dress appropriately and cover your neck with a scarf, as Wind usually enters through the back of the neck.

· Reduce your Stress Level: Practices like Yoga and Tai Chi or breathing exercises can help you reduce both emotional and physical stress. Be aware of stressful moments in your day and try to use your breath in the moments you need them most!

· Eat Well: Eat a full, balanced diet that is abundant in vitamins, minerals, colors and tastes. Eat simple, non-processed foods. Foods that are local, in-season and fresh have the most vibrant chi and can help strengthen rather than weaken. In winter, eat carrots, broccoli, sweet potatoes, garlic, beets and other root veggies.

· Drink Lots of Temperate Clean Water/Tea: Staying hydrated is key to keeping a strong Wei Chi. I recommend drinking half your body-weight in ounces of room temperature or warm well-filtered water daily. So if you weight 200 lbs, drink 100 oz of water per day. Avoid drinking very cold water as this hinders digestion and weakens your Chi. Sugary or caffeinated drinks deplete your immune system as well.

· Get enough Rest: Though it goes against our cultural norm, rest is actually good for you. In the winter, in particular, go to bed earlier and sleep in later if you are able to. Along with strengthening your Wei Chi, good rest also rejuvenates and strengthens you. You will feel more vibrant and your mind will work more efficiently.

· Add some spice: Herbs like Ginger and Cinnamon will warm you from the inside. Make teas out of freshly cut or dried ginger and/or cinnamon bark. You can also add more of these spices to your foods. v

36 YOGA LIVING January/February 2010

American Cancer Society Article on Acupuncture

What Acupuncture School should i go to?

I have been asked this question recently and thought i would share it with you too =)
Well, there are 3 schools that i know of within 2 hrs from Philly.

if you go to one of these schools, please feel free to leave a comment about your experience.

1. The closest school is:
the Won Institute
137 S Easton Rd
Glenside, PA 19038-4535
(215) 884-8942


They offer a 3 year M.Ac. (Masters in Acupuncture) degree. Students that i have talked with seem to really love the program. The only negative review i have heard is that they teach multiple traditions at the same time; TCM (traditional Chinese Medicine), 5  element acupuncture and Traditional Korean Medicine, which can get confusing. At the same time learning many styles can give you a good base to jump off into your preferred tradition. 


2. in Maryland.
Tai Sophia Institute (my alma mater)
7750 Montpelier Road
Laurel, MD 20723
800-735-2968


I know more about this program because i went through it. Tai Sophia also offers a 3 year M.Ac. Degree. The Focus is in J. R. Worsley  Five Element Acupuncture, a particular style of acupuncture that uses the natural flow of seasons to bring deep balance to the underlying causes of disease. One way Five Element Acupuncture differs from TCM is that it is a complete form of medicine without the use of Chinese Herbs. The Program at Tai Sophia is focused not only on studying acupuncture but also in transforming yourself into a healer. in otherwords you go through healing transformations with embodied learning. I had a wonderful experience with this school and it is definitely transformative. The negative about studying five element is that i have found is that if you want to practice in California or New Mexico you will need a TCM degree (Chinese Herbs). 


3. In New York
Tri-State College
80 Eighth Avenue, Suite 400,
New York, NY 10011 
212.242.2255 


Go here if you want to learn pure TCM, including Acupuncture and Chinese Herbs. I have not personally talked with any students, however i have heard good things. 


Well those are my 3 recommendations for closest schools to Philadelphia. Good Luck and if you have questions or want to chat feel free to give me a call (610) 203-3747 or Lance@lanceisakov.com

Lance's New Acupuncture Article

Acupuncture...How can it add value to my life?

Published in Yoga Living Magazine

by Lance David Isakov, M.Ac., L.Ac.

MANY OF US ARE OUT OF WORK OR WORKING EXTREMELY HARD TO STAY AFLOAT IN THE PREVAILING ECONOMIC CURRENT. In these challenging times, not only do we tend to feel more stress and upsets but we often neglect the part of us that can actually manage those upsets. As a result we miss out on the fruits of our labor - the joy in our life. I’ve got good news: Acupuncture can help!

Acupuncture has received a great reputation for getting rid of pain. News reports and medical studies are proving this fact more and more. However, if you allow it, acupuncture can be much more than a quick fix for pain relief, it can initiate a total shift in your consciousness, allowing you to move with ease through this sea of challenging times. Let me start at the beginning of our ideas about what healthcare is.

We typically have a very compartmentalized way of looking at our health and wellness. Our dis-ease is usually broken down into symptoms, named, and diagnosed. When we are unwell, we often go to the doctor and receive a very particular medicine, or surgery to take care of very particular symptoms. Five-Element Acupuncture is a complete system of medicine, that looks at the symptom in the context of the whole person and instead of muting the symptom, it finds the source.

Let me explain:

You’re driving along in your brand new solar powered, wind charged, hybrid convertible sports car (I wish) and that darn “maintenance” light comes on. Now, you have a few ways of handling it. One way is to cover that annoying light with masking tape and voila! Problem solved. Well at least until the car breaks down because the solar flux capacitor fails. In the long run this would be a quite expensive solution. Another possibility is to take the car into the shop and have them find the cause of the maintenance signal.

Luckily, it turns out that you just need to add some solar flux capacitor fluid and you are on your way! Both choices make the light go out, which one would you choose?

In us, the maintenance light represents a symptom. It might be a headache, back pain, depression, stress, anxiety, being overweight or any other in a multitude of signals we humans get to experience. We again have choice about how to fix these warning lights. One option is to take an Advil for that headache, numbing the alarm. Another possibility it to learn about the underlying imbalance the headache is trying to tell us about. You may be simply dehydrated! Both choices turn off the headache. Only one action actually corrects the problem.

All of our upsets, pains, or irritations, physically or emotionally, are trying to let us know that something in our lives is not on target. You may be depressed because you are not fulfilled by your job. Not to say it’s a bad job, it’s just not YOUR job. You’re suited for something else. Something in your life is missing.

Like clearing away tree limbs and boulders from a turbulent or stagnant stream assists in the smooth flow of water, clearing blocks or imbalances in the energy channels (meridians) assists in the smooth flow of Chi (life force) in the body.

Acupuncture works by creating movement, through inserting sterile, solid, hair-fine needles into particular points along the meridians. Chi flows through us just below the surface of the skin much like water flows in rivers on Earth. When Chi is teeming, we experience balance, harmony and lush abundance in our body, mind and spirit. When it’s not, we may feel pains, stresses, or upsets; like we’re just not getting what we need to thrive.

Once we know what it feels like to be centered in ourselves and truly well, we can begin to recognize our symptoms as the signals they are. When you know the cause of the signals, your long-term health is back in your control!

There are different styles of acupuncture and different kinds of acupuncturists. If you are interested, I recommend calling a few practitioners in your area to chat. Trust yourself, you will know who is right for you. In the Philadelphia area, treatments range from $50-$200. Your first session may involve a physical exam and an interview used to create a personalized treatment plan. Treatments are done weekly in the beginning, then they are spaced out as balance begins to hold. Eventually treatments are needed just once a season to help you stay in tune. Naturally this depends on your particular needs.

Acupuncture is a wonderful instrument to enhance your life. It can not only help bring relief from your symptoms but also give you the tools to take on your challenges in a new way. Acupuncture has been around for over 3000 years, take the next step, make an appointment and find it out why! 

38 YOGA LIVING November/December 2009

Quick Acupuncture Facts - What is Acupuncture?

by Lance David Isakov
Licensed Five Element Acupuncturist and Yoga Teacher
on the Philadelphia Mainline, Wayne PA 19087

What is Acupuncture?


The Short Answer...

Acupuncture is one of the oldest forms of medicine known, dating back more than 3000 years.

An amazing fact is that today, one third of the world's population use acupuncture as their primary source of healthcare.  I feel this is a strong testament to acupuncture's effectiveness.

Acupuncture is a complete healing art, including both diagnosis and treatment, based on laws and principles that come from nature. Acupuncture is becoming a popular alternative and complimentary medicine, Acupuncture in Philadelphia and on the philadelphia mainline, as people are experiencing the benefits.

Quick Acupuncture Facts - Conditions Treated by Acupuncture

Conditions treated by Acupuncture:

The National Institutes of Health and the World Health Organization recognize the benefits of acupuncture in a variety of condition, including:

 ; Acupuncture for Gynecological disorders including painful periods, irregular periods, menopause, PMS, endometriosis, infertility

 ; Acupuncture for Respiratory diseases including colds, flu, allergies, bronchitis, smoking cessation, asthma, sinusitis

 ; Acupuncture in treating Musculoskeletal injuries & pain including osteoarthritis, low back pain, knee pain, tennis elbow, neck pain, any joint pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, fibromyalgia, frozen shoulder, sciatica, muscle cramping

 acupuncturist Philadelphia ; Acupuncture in treating Gastrointestinal problems including diarrhea, constipation, IBS, reflux, nausea, vomiting, indigestion, gastritis

 ; Acupuncture in treating Neurological disorders including headaches, migraines, peripheral neuropathy, post-stroke rehabilitation, post-operative pain, facial paralysis

 ; Acupuncture for Dermatological problems including acne, eczema, psoriasis, itching

 ; Acupuncture in treating Other conditions including fatigue, anxiety, depression, insomnia, addiction control, smoking cessation, stress, tinnitus.

Weight control, acupuncture to quit smoking, acupuncture and infertility, acupuncture and ophthalmology, acupuncture and asthma, acupuncture for allergy, acupuncture for anxiety, acupuncture for acne and much more!

Area of Service for Lance's Philadelphia and Mainline Acupuncture Practice

Lance's Practice located at 124 Bloomingdale Ave in Wayne, Pennsylvania. Close to the blue route (476) and also the R5 Train Station. Acupuncture Patients come from the greater Philadelphia area including: Philadelphia City - Manayunk, Mount Airy, North Philadelphia, South Philadelphia, West Philadelphia; Mongomery County - Gladwynne, Penn Valley, Lower Merion, Merion, Penn Wynne, Wynnewood, Ardmore, Bryn Mawr, Haverford; Delaware County - Newtown Sqaure, Media, Wayne, Strafford, Berwyn, Paoli, Great Valley, King of Prussia, Swarthmore, Broomall; Chester County- Pheonixville, Kimberton, Bucks County and Beyond!

About your Philadelphia Mainline area Acupuncturist

Lance David Isakov, M.Ac., Dipl. Ac., CYT

Licensed Acupuncturist, Kundalini Yoga Teacher, Reiki Master

Plant Spirit Medicine Practitioner, Acupuncture Detox Specialist (NADA),

Magnified Healing Master, TaeUlju Practitioner, Meditation Teacher

Qi Gong (Mantak Chia) Practitioner, Guided Visualization Practitioner,

Yoga Nidra Practitioner, Zero Balancing Practitioner.

I was born in South Africa and moved, with my family, to the States in 1986. Healing has been a passion for as long as I remember. In my younger years I wished to be a Medicine Man, a Witch Doctor. This wish eventually led me to receive a bachelors degree in Anthropology, the study of human cultures, from the University of Pittsburgh.

While in Pittsburgh, I had the opportunity to study Meditation, Qi Gong and various forms of healing. I began teaching Reiki, a form of energetic healing, in 1996 and continue to teach it and other forms of healing to this day. Through the years I have had the privilege of being a practitioner to thousands of people.

I have a passion for experiencing new cultures, people and the intense diversity of our amazing world. This passion has led me around the globe. My travels and encounters with extraordinary people and diverse cultures have deepened, enriched, and colored my experience of life.

I enrolled in the Tai Sophia Institute's three year Masters of Acupuncture Program after coming to know the Beauty and Power of Five Element Acupuncture through my own treatments. Everyday, with each of my patients, I am in awe of the transformation that acupuncture brings. This has created a Passion for me in passing this healing possibility to as many people as I can!

When I read the book 'Plant Spirit Medicine' by Eliot Cowan, a Huichol Shaman, in 1999, I was immediately intrigued by the possibility of using plants to help restore balance at our deepest level. I went on to study this medicine with Eliot and feel honored to share it with my patients.

I began Kundalini Yoga in the winter of 2002 and it totally changed and enhanced my life. After some extraordinarily powerful experiences with this yoga, I decided to become a teacher so that I could share this amazing technology with those in my life. I joyfully extend my classes to all people regardless, of age, flexibility, shape, or size. My hope is that this ancient technology will enhance your life so that you can enhance the lives of those in your path. Sat Nam.

Along the way i have studied many further technologies and techniques for healing and wellness. I look forward to sharing them with you.

On a side note: In 2009 my wife, Amy and I had an opportunity to participate in a sustainable building internship with the Earthship Biotechture Company for four months. There we studied building techniques and philosophies for creating a fully sustainable, off-the-grid home constructed of recycled materies. My wife and I plan to use these skills to create an eco-friendly, off-grid home or community in the Philadelphia area.

My Promise in Life is that no matter what, wherever I am, life will show as a Spirited, Playful connection.

My Purpose in Life is to live right now to my fullest! To burst and overflow with spirit, joy, compassion, outrageousness, creativity, brightness, wisdom and strength! And to be an inspiration and do whatever it takes to help others come to life most fully!!!

These are my passions, this is who I am. Thank you for this opportunity to be with you! My hope is that our paths cross again. Enjoy this amazing journey, may you know the Ecstasy of Love, the Depth of Power, and the Tingling Vibrations of Life along your way!

quick Acupuncture Facts - Acupuncture FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions about Acupuncture

What happens during an acupuncture treatment? Your first acupuncture session can last up to two hours, during which time you have the opportunity to speak at length about your health concerns, questions and goals. I will talk with you about your medical and social history and perform a physical exam, and in some cases, an acupuncture treatment. This Traditional Chinese medical exam is to evaluate the balance of energy in your body and provides me with information necessary to treat you safely and appropriately. The exam is different from a physical done by a doctor. The first and subsequent acupuncture visits will involve the insertion of acupuncture needles often accompanied with the use of an herb called Moxa. Moxa is used on the skin to warm the acupuncture points and nourish the body's energy (known as qi). I will select an acupuncture treatment for the day based on your concerns, goals and pulse readings. Please allow approximately one hour for each of these treatments.

How often do I get acupuncture  treatments? Initially you will be seen weekly in order to establish a comfortable harmony, which can sustain itself between acupuncture  treatments. Once this happens, usually after six to eight weeks, acupuncture  treatments will be spaced out to every other week, once a month, or longer. All visits are strictly confidential.

How does billing work? Please pay at the time of your visit. I accept cash and personal checks.. Note: Please feel free to discuss any financial concerns with me prior to or during your first acupuncture visit. Regarding insurance - Upon your request I can provide acupuncture  receipts which you can send to your insurance company for reimbursement. Please ask me for the details.

quick Acupuncture Facts - Do Acupuncture Needles Hurt?

Acupuncture Needles

 This is probably the most frequently asked question! Does it hurt? Surprisingly the style of acupuncture we practice is very gentle.

The Acupuncture needles are extremely fine, approximately the thickness of two hairs. We use only sterilized, pre-packaged acupuncture needles that are disposed of after each use.

Every individual has a unique interpretation of what the movement of qi by the acupuncture needles feels like. Some common sensations are tingling, heat, electricity, or tickling. Most Acupuncture patients report little or no discomfort.

Generally only two to six acupuncture needles are used during each acupuncture treatment.

For those who decide that the acupuncture needles are not for them, I gladly offer Plant Spirit Medicine and Acupressure as an alternative.

Plant Spirit Medicine calls upon the power of plants to bring deep wholeness to our body mind and spirit.

Acupressure works by stimulating the accupunture points with finger pressure rather than with the acupuncture needle.

Quick Acupuncture Facts - The Benefits of Acupuncture?

The Benefits of Acupuncture

The World Health Organization and the National Institute of Health have declared acupuncture to be suitable for treating a wide range of health concerns.

The following are some of these concerns:

Digestive: Abdominal pain, Constipation, Diarrhea, Indigestion

Emotional: Anxiety, Depression, Insomnia, Nervousness, Neurosis

Eye, ear, nose & throat: Cataracts, Poor vision, Toothache, Gingivitis, Tinnitus

Gynacological: Premenstrual syndrome, Menopausal symptoms, Infertility

Musulo-Skelotal: Arthritis, Back pain, Neck pain, Muscle pain, Muscle weakness, Muscle cramping, Sciatica

Neurological: Headaches, Migraines, Neurogenic bladder dysfunction, Parkinson's disease, Post-operative pain, Stroke

Respiratory: Asthma Bronchitis, Common cold Sinusitis, Smoking cessation, Tonsillitis

Other: Addiction control, Athletic performance, Blood pressure regulation, Chronic fatigue, Immune system toning, Stress reduction

According to a nationwide survey of acupuncture users by Claire M. Cassidy, Ph.D. :

91.5% reported "disappearance" or "improvement" of symptoms after acupuncture treatment.

84% said they see their MDs less.

79% said they use fewer prescription drugs.

70% of those to whom surgery had been recommended said they avoided it.

Many people in Philadelphia also use acupuncture for health maintenance and preventative care, as well as a tool for personal and spiritual growth.

In my experience, acupuncture can bring a deep sense of peace and well being. It cultivates our innate healing capability that is our birth right. It awakens our senses and allows us to come to life more fully. It offers the possibility of a deep healing transformation on a mind, body and spirit level!

Quick Acupuncture Facts - How Does Acupuncture Work?

How Does Acupuncture Work?

Have you ever listened to your favorite kind of music on a static filled radio station? Acupuncture does to you, what fine tuning with the dial does to the reception on the radio. Acupuncture tunes in your signal, so that it comes in and goes out with a crystal clarity.

Acupuncture works by assisting you in creating harmony with the cycles and rhythms of nature through balancing Qi (Chee).

Qi or life force energy flows through channels or meridians in each of us, just as water flows through streams or rivers on earth.

Fine, solid, hair-thin needles are placed in the skin resulting in the movement of Qi along the meridians.

Like clearing away tree limbs and boulders from a turbulent or stagnant river assists in the smooth flow of water, clearing blocks or imbalances in the meridians assists in the smooth flow of Qi.

When Qi is abundant and flowing, you may experience balance, harmony and wellness in your body, mind and spirit.

When Qi is turbulent, or blocks are present, the natural cycles may be disrupted creating an imbalance which may eventually lead to pain or dis-ease.

Acupuncture treats the underlying imbalance which in turn may relieve the symptoms or signals of that imbalance.