Another new year starts January 25th, according to the Chinese astrological calendar. Lillian Bridges, who has been making predictions for 20 years, according to TCM 5 element system, did it again last night. Here are some of the highlights:

First know the color is white and the element is Water & Metal. Metal feeds Water, so it should be harmonious…but, this will also be a Yang year. And Yang is about action, so it might not all be smooth sailing.

The good news: Values of good character will be awarded. People will be fed up with bad behavior. Hypocrisy will no longer be tolerated. Health overall will improve, including stabilization of chronic illnesses. Even insomnia should be less! Creativity and inspiration will be enhanced. This is great year for dating, flirting and sex. Because of the Water element, it is a good year for deep personal process work, including old traumas.

Challenges: During autumn & winter there will likely be flooding, rogue waves, atmospheric rivers, blizzards, avalanches & wind storms. Because of weather problems food crops will be lost and famine in some parts of the world will be a challenge. Not a good year for sailing and ocean shipping because of the unpredictable ocean. And because the Fire element is hidden underground earthquakes and volcanic eruptions are likely.

Worldwide: climate scientists will actually be heard, new ideas will spread, long-term politicians will be out because youth will be empowered, past deceptions will continue to rise and be seen and the desire to be with like minded social advocates will be here.

To counteract bad rat energy, ox charms of metal or jade are advised.

Gong Hei Fat Choy!

I would love to bill insurance for acupuncture and every other modality I use for every patient and every treatment. The sad truth is: private insurance companies, Medicare and MediCal make this very difficult or impossible. For years I was in-network with several insurance companies. But, like so many large systems the problems of getting paid became another full-time job.

Private insurance companies have fee schedules which all in-network practitioners agree to accept as payment in full, with the patient’s co-pay. Fee schedules (contracted amount insurance pays per treatment or procedure) has remained the same for over 10 years! Yes, what in your life costs the same now as it did 10 years ago? Insurance companies raise our rates yearly telling us, the consumer (member), costs have increased. Their payment to acupuncturists has not. One of the lowest rates in California is Anthem Blue Cross – the insurer for CalPers and many other large employers in California. Their maximum fee for an acupuncture treatment is $40. It is impossible for private office acupuncturists to keep their doors open with that fee, unless they are seeing multiple patients simultaneously.

MediCare and MediCal do not pay for acupuncture. Medicare is currently conducting studies on the effective use of acupuncture for low back pain. Some Medicare supplemental coverage says they cover acupuncture, however when I have called for verification of this, I have been told if Medicare does not pay for it, they will not either. I thought supplemental insurance is to pay for what Medicare doesn’t. This situation has been most prevalent with United Healthcare – yes, that enormous corporation which is connected to AARP.

What to do? If you have an HMO or EPO insurance plan, you must see only in-network practitioners to not pay out of pocket for services. If you have a PPO plan it is possible your insurance company will pay most of the bill. Each insurance company and plan has its own peculiarities.

The Superbill is a receipt with the practitioner’s name, NPI (national provider identification), diagnosis and procedure codes. In the situations where the practitioner can not bill for services, because the chance of getting paid is slim or nil,

patients can use this receipt. First submit it to your insurance company – they might reimburse you. Keep it for your tax records – it’s possible you can use it as a deduction.

*This information is to answer the many queries I hear on this topic.

It’s midsummer and who doesn’t want some sweet, juicy, thirst quenching wonderful watermelon?

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), all foods consist of energetic properties and effect certain organs more than others; medicinal properties! Watermelon is cold and sweet, enters (effects) the Bladder, Heart and Stomach.

Because the Bladder is effected, cold watermelon helps our bodies clear heat via urination. The cooling effect on the Heart calms our Spirit, eases frustration and helps us to feel joy.

If your digestive system is challenged, pay attention. If constipated, which may occur in summer due the heat, watermelon will help you have a bowel movement. But, if you experience a general loss of appetite, diarrhea, bloating, cramping – it is important to limit watermelon and other cold foods. Although you might experience warm sensations from the outdoor temperature, it is likely you have internal cold in your digestive organs. Your body doesn’t need you adding more cold.

If you really want watermelon, and know it is best if you don’t, there is a compromise: watermelon & arugula salad. The warming properties of arugula will help balance the cold. Add some olive oil and black pepper, maybe even fresh lime juice and you have a balanced salad.

P.S. Don’t throw out all the seeds. Boil them in water and drink the fluid as a tea. I’ve read this will aid the Kidneys.

If you are female between 45 and 60 years, you, or someone you know experiences hot flashes. Severity and frequency vary but, the basics include overwhelming heat from diaphragm or chest area raging upwards to your head. Your face often becomes red from the surge and upper body especially feels and is HOT. Daytime hot flashes are uncomfortable &/or embarrassing. At night they disturb sleep, and sometimes soak bed linens or nightclothes in perspiration. After the flash, one often feels chilled.

In Chinese Medicine the cause is imbalance of Yin & Yang; basically Yin is depleted and is unable to control the Yang (heat). Along with acupuncture and herbal therapies to nourish the Yin and balance the Yang, the best ways to help yourself is through food choices and gentle consistent exercises of Yin yoga, Qigong, Taichi and walking.

Eat foods which nourish Yin:

• avocado
• sweet potato
• black sesame seeds
• mung beans & sprouts
• lemon and lime
• kelp

Eat meals at room temperature or warmer. Cooked foods are more digestible than raw. For all you salad lovers: keep the lettuce and cucumbers raw and add roasted or sauteed carrots, broccoli, cauliflower, etc.

Do NOT consume food & drink which can trigger hot flashes or challenge your Yin. This list includes hot & spicy foods, icy drinks, alcohol and fried foods for a start.

The above recommendations are not complete but an excellent start. To learn more specifics for your individual constitution and considerations, schedule a consultation with your local Chinese Medicine practitioner.

I have acquired knowledge from numerous sources and people in 25+ years of studying holistic medicine. Below are some books which have great information, are understandable (I hope) and stretch your brain a bit. I keep all of them in the office. Take a look next time you are in!

The Spark in the Machine by Dr. Daniel Keown, a British doctor and acupuncturist, offers wonderful analogies and connects-the-dots of Western and Chinese Medicine.

Fire Child Water Child, written by Stephen Scott Cowan, MD, a NY holistic pediatrician gears his book to parents of children with ADHD diagnosis. It is insightful for much more. The 5 elements of nature in Asian Medicine is the basis: wood, fire, earth, metal and water.

Ancient Wisdom, Modern Kitchen has 3 authors; Yuan, Wang, Warren Sheir and Mika Ono. It is filled with simple recipes, but the great bonus is the explanations of what food does to a body and the energetics of food. I have given the recipe of “Sticky sesame and walnut balls” to those with insomnia on page 215.

Fascia, a sort of connective tissue, exists throughout our bodies and is what I often address with acupuncture for pain. Thomas Myers has 40 years experience of working with and teaching others how to address fascia has written, and co-written several books and articles. Anatomy Trains is probably his best known.