Some of you had asked me to let you know when I got the schedule up for May and it’s all ready for you here:

Book for May

As always, if you are having acute pain and not finding anything on the schedule, please send me a text and I’ll do what I can to get you in as soon as possible.

Enjoy this beautiful spring and I look forward to seeing you soon!

With love, bex

I was able to open up two last-minute appointments for this coming Thursday, October 16th.

• 10:30 am

• 11:30 am

If you’d like to grab one of these appointments and come in for an Autumn treatment in the yurt, you can do that on the scheduler:

Book Some Acupuncture

Just a reminder that if your health insurance plan is written in Oregon, acupuncture is an essential benefit. That means you have 12 visits to use each year. The majority of insurance plans restart on January 1.

Medicaid (OHP) has stipulations on what you can use acupuncture for: spinal pain (like low back or neck), headaches, smoking cessation and nausea of pregnancy.

Let me know if you have any questions and I hope to see you soon!

With love, bex

Hi there! I’m glad you’re here.

If you’ve been on my mailing list before, I’ve moved everything over to Substack so I can keep sharing seasonal notes, clinic updates, and reflections on Classical Chinese medicine more easily AND here, I don’t have to pay to send out the newsletter. If you’re new here, welcome! I’m so happy to have you join in.

There are some things here about the Autumn and then a few clinic updates below. If you have Providence Insurance, you may want to scroll down because that’s the biggest thing happening right now.

Autumn and the Lungs

The last couple of weeks I’ve been noticing themes in the treatment room: sluggish digestion, lighter sleep, and a desire to pare down schedules. All of these fit with autumn’s gesture of contraction and release.

In Chinese medicine, autumn belongs to the Lungs. This is the organ system that gathers breath and food into energy, and that teaches us about letting go. Grief often rises this time of year, like clouds heavy with moisture. When we release, clarity returns.

I’ve written a post to dive deeper into this idea for you and give you some tips and tricks to experiment with if you’re also finding that your digestion, sleep or energy are a little “off.” Check it out here:

Autumn Balancing: The Lungs and the Cycle of Release.

Recipe: Steamed Asian Pears with Ginger and Dates

This simple dish moistens the lungs, supports digestion, and brings a little sweetness to the season. You can make it with Asian pears or regular Bosc/Anjou, and adapt it with dates, dried fruits, or gentle herbs.

👉 Read the full recipe here

Clinic Updates

Providence insurance:

As I wrote earlier this year, I’m now out-of-network with Providence because they decided to start using a third-party to manage their acupuncture benefits.

I know this is frustrating, especially since many of you signed contracts with Providence for the year. If you’d like to understand your rights or file a complaint with the Insurance Division of the Oregon Department of Financial Regulation1, please email me. I spoke with my contact there and can get you his direct email and phone.

Schedule:

October–December appointments are up online. In December I’ll be away for an extended trip: part research (neolithic temples for a book project) and part time with my kids because I want to get all the time I can with them. January’s schedule will be posted at the end of October and I promise to make it up to you. <3

Community acupuncture:

While I’m away in December, I always recommend Working Class Acupuncture. They have four Portland locations, sliding-scale pricing, and no insurance hassles. If that’s not your thing, there’s always the list of providers on my acupuncture referral page.

That’s it for now! I hope you all have a beautiful October and I hope to see you soon!
With love, bex

bex@thelocalhealer.com

At the Yurt Clinic, we’ve been getting more cancellations due to COVID-19 and so I wanted to address where we’re at with COVID-19 in our local area and what we can do to prevent the spread and manage the illness when we know we’ve got it.

COVID-19 rates in Oregon, based on wastewater testing, have indicated that the virus is more widespread than case numbers alone suggest. As of mid-August 2024, data from sewage samples across the state shows elevated concentrations of the virus, suggesting significant community transmission, even though the exact number of cases might be underreported due to reliance on at-home testing and less clinical testing. 

Indoor environments with poor ventilation, close contact with others, and crowded situations where people are not wearing masks are the primary settings where COVID-19 transmission is occurring.

Current COVID-19 Trends

While COVID-19 is still prevalent, the symptoms many people are experiencing appear to be milder than in previous years. This aligns with broader reports that the virus, though still serious, might be causing less severe illness in many cases compared to earlier in the pandemic. It is essential to take appropriate precautions, especially since the long-term effects of the virus—commonly referred to as “Post-Covid Syndrome,” or “Long COVID”—are still a concern for many.

According to the CDC’s Household Pulse Survey:

• 25.6% of U.S. adults who have had COVID-19 have experienced post-COVID conditions (Long COVID) at some point.

• 6.4% of all U.S. adults are currently experiencing Long COVID symptoms.

• 18.3% of U.S. adults who have had COVID-19 are currently dealing with Long COVID.

These statistics highlight the importance of using appropriate precautions around COVID-19 as well as the need to rest and take good care of yourself if you contract the virus or experience lingering symptoms. 

What If You Test Positive for COVID-19?

If you test positive for COVID-19, it’s important to follow the recommended guidelines to prevent spreading the virus:

1. Quarantine: Stay home and isolate for at least five days following a positive test.

   • The CDC says that you can return to work after 5 days of isolation if you are fever-free for 24 hours without medication and your symptoms are improving, but continue wearing a mask around others for an additional 5 days.

   • If you had severe illness or a weakened immune system, the CDC recommends isolating for at least 10 days and consulting a healthcare provider before returning to work.

2. Masking: After your initial quarantine, wearing a mask helps protect others, especially if you are still experiencing mild symptoms or are concerned about lingering virus particles.

3. Clinic Safety: 

   Please contact me if you are unsure about whether or not you should cancel your appointment. In general: 

   • If you are within the quarantine window (5 days of a positive test or 10 days of a positive test if you have severe illness/weakened immune system), you need to cancel and/or reschedule your appointment for the Yurt Clinic

   • If you have finished your quarantine window and have been fever-free for 24 hours without medication AND your symptoms are improving, you can come for your appointment and wear a mask for the duration of your appointment.

Just a reminder that I have been masking for all appointments and will continue to do so. I run HEPA air filtration systems (and frequently open the dome window and door) to air the yurt out. All surfaces are cleaned between patients with environmentally friendly (or at least, friendlier) substances approved by the EPA to kill bacteria and viruses, including the SARS CoV-2 virus.

Understanding Post-COVID Syndrome (Long COVID)

Post-COVID syndrome, also known as Long COVID, refers to a range of symptoms that persist for weeks or months after the acute phase of a COVID-19 infection has resolved. According to the CDC, common symptoms include fatigue, shortness of breath, brain fog, chest pain, and joint pain. Long COVID can affect various body systems and significantly impact daily functioning, and it can occur in anyone who has had COVID-19, regardless of the severity of the initial infection.

In my practice, I often see these symptoms manifest as dysregulation in the autonomic nervous system (ANS). The ANS controls vital functions like heart rate, digestion, and respiratory rate, and is made up of two primary components:

1. Sympathetic Nervous System (SNS): Often referred to as the "fight-or-flight" system, it prepares the body for stressful or emergency situations by mobilizing energy.

2. Parasympathetic Nervous System (PNS): Known as the "rest-and-digest" system, it conserves energy and helps the body relax and recuperate.

When the ANS becomes dysregulated, patients may experience symptoms such as a racing heart rate without exertion, dizziness (especially when moving around or standing up), and a general sense of unwellness.

Treating Post-COVID Syndrome with Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, the treatment approach for illnesses, including post-COVID syndrome, focuses on integrating the physical, emotional, and mental aspects of the body to achieve a state of balance, known as homeostasis. The goal is to help the nervous system switch smoothly between the sympathetic and parasympathetic states as needed.

With post-COVID syndrome, I often observe additional issues related to how the body maintains balance in terms of blood vessel contraction and dilation, as well as blood clotting. In Chinese medicine, these functions are associated with the heart and liver. To address these imbalances, I may use a combination of:

• Acupuncture: To stimulate specific points on the body, improving energy flow and reducing symptoms.

• Herbs: Tailored herbal formulas to nourish and balance the body.

• Moxibustion: The application of heat to acupuncture points to enhance healing.

• Scraping (Gua Sha): A technique used to improve circulation and release muscle tension.

• Cupping Therapy: This technique involves placing cups on the skin to create suction. The suction helps increase blood flow, loosen tight muscles, and promote overall healing. By enhancing circulation and stimulating the flow of Qi (energy) and blood, cupping can aid in the relief of symptoms associated with post-COVID syndrome, such as muscle pain, fatigue, and circulation issues.

• Essential oils: These can be used to complement other therapies by providing additional support for balancing the autonomic nervous system.

• Sound therapy: The resonant sounds of singing bowls create vibrations that penetrate deeply into tissues, promoting relaxation and reducing stress. The harmonic tones can also help to balance the body's energy systems and support emotional and physical healing.

Post-COVID syndrome can feel very debilitating, but in every case so far, I’ve seen good recovery, though it may take months to years to start feeling like ourselves again.

In addition to my clinical experience, there is emerging research suggesting that acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine may be beneficial in managing symptoms of post-COVID syndrome (Long COVID). While this area of study is still developing, some preliminary findings and clinical experiences have been documented.

Acupuncture for Post-COVID Syndrome

1. Acupuncture and Dysautonomia: Some studies suggest that acupuncture may help regulate the autonomic nervous system, which could be beneficial for patients experiencing dysautonomia as part of Long COVID. Acupuncture has been found to modulate the autonomic nervous system, potentially improving symptoms like dizziness, fatigue, and heart palpitations that are common in Long COVID patients .

2. Acupuncture for Fatigue and Pain: Acupuncture is widely recognized for its effectiveness in treating chronic fatigue and pain, both of which are common symptoms of Long COVID. Some case reports and small studies have noted improvements in these symptoms in post-COVID patients who received acupuncture .

Chinese Herbal Medicine for Post-COVID Syndrome

1. Herbal Formulas: Traditional Chinese herbal formulas like Buzhong Yiqi Tang and Shenling Baizhu San have been used to address fatigue, digestive issues, and general weakness in Long COVID patients. A few studies have reported that these formulas, which are designed to tonify the spleen and qi, have helped reduce symptoms of fatigue and improve overall energy levels .

2. Immune Modulation: Some Chinese herbs, such as Huangqi (Astragalus) and Gancao (Licorice root), are known for their immune-modulating effects, which might help in managing the immune dysregulation observed in Long COVID. Preliminary research has shown that these herbs can support immune function and reduce inflammation, which could be beneficial for Long COVID patients .

References

1. Oregon Public Broadcasting. COVID-19 in Oregon: Wastewater Data Reveals Rising Levels of the Virus Despite Fewer Reported Cases. OPB. Published August 17, 2024. Accessed August 19, 2024. https://www.opb.org/article/2024/08/17/covid-19-in-oregon-wastewater-data-reveals-rising-levels-of-the-virus-despite-fewer-reported-cases/

2. Huang Y, Yang Y, Zhou M, Zheng L. Acupuncture regulates the autonomic nervous system: a systematic review. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine. 2021;2021:8889160.

3. Yang LL, Zhang XC, Zhang ZQ, Li M. Acupuncture for chronic fatigue syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC Complement Altern Med. 2017;17(1):163.

4. Xia X, Jiang C, Li B, et al. Acupuncture for chronic pain-related insomnia: a meta-analysis. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2020;2020:7120170.

5. Wei Y, Meng F, Yang X, Wu C. The efficacy and safety of Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang and Shen Ling Bai Zhu San in treating fatigue syndrome: a systematic review. Front Pharmacol. 2022;13:793014.

6. Li XY, Liang Q, Song T, et al. The role of Chinese herbal medicine in the management of immune dysfunction in COVID-19 and "Long COVID": a review. Pharmacol Res. 2021;170:105739.

7. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Long COVID. National Center for Health Statistics. https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/covid19/pulse/long-covid.htm. Accessed August 19, 2024.

8. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Long COVID. National Center for Health Statistics. https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/covid19/pulse/long-covid.htm. Accessed August 19, 2024.

9. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. List N: Disinfectants for Coronavirus (COVID-19). https://www.epa.gov/pesticide-registration/list-n-disinfectants-coronavirus-covid-19. Accessed August 19, 2024.