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Pericardium 6, also known as Neiguan, is one of the most well-known and versatile acupuncture points in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Located on the inner forearm, about two finger-breadths above the wrist crease, this point is easy to access and has been used for centuries to calm the mind, balance the body, and support overall wellness. In TCM, Pericardium 6 belongs to the Pericardium meridian, which is closely tied to the Heart and emotional health. It is often used to treat conditions related to the chest, stomach, and mind. One of its most recognized benefits is relieving nausea and vomiting, whether caused by motion sickness, pregnancy, or even chemotherapy. Many patients find that gentle acupressure at this point brings quick relief when they are feeling unsettled. Beyond digestion, Pericardium 6 is renowned for its calming effects. Because of its connection to the Heart and Spirit (Shen), it is frequently used to reduce anxiety, stress, palpitations, and insomnia. Stimulating this point can help regulate the nervous system, promoting a sense of ease and emotional balance. It is also valuable in treating chest pain, shortness of breath, and circulation issues, reflecting its role in supporting cardiovascular health. What makes Pericardium 6 especially unique is its accessibility. Even without needles, simple acupressure can provide relief at home or while traveling. For example, many people wear wristbands designed to press on P6 to prevent seasickness or motion sickness naturally. At its core, Pericardium 6 is a powerful reminder of how interconnected our emotions, digestion, and circulation truly are. Whether used for calming the mind, soothing the stomach, or supporting the heart, P6 remains one of the most effective and versatile points in the acupuncture landscape. Dr. Ajay Purohit DTCM MPH spectrumwellcare@gmail.com 407-347-5038

San Ren Tang, often translated as the Three Seeds Decoction, is a classic formula in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) that has been used for centuries to address conditions caused by dampness and heat. Its name comes from the three key ingredients—apricot kernel (Xing Ren), coix seed (Yi Yi Ren), and amomum seed (Bai Dou Kou)—which work together to regulate Qi, promote the movement of fluids, and clear pathogenic dampness. In TCM theory, dampness can accumulate in the body due to poor digestion, a humid environment, or dietary imbalances. Symptoms of damp-heat often include feelings of heaviness, body aches, fever that worsens in the afternoon, chest congestion, nausea, diarrhea, and difficulty urinating. San Ren Tang was specifically designed to address these patterns by both transforming dampness and assisting the body in clearing heat. The three seeds form the foundation: apricot kernel helps the Lung Qi to descend, easing chest oppression; coix seed drains dampness through urination while strengthening the Spleen; and amomum seed awakens the Spleen, moves Qi, and protects against stagnation. Supporting herbs such as Hua Shi (talcum), Tong Cao, and Dan Zhu Ye further drain heat and dampness, while Hou Po and Ban Xia dry dampness and harmonize the middle burner. San Ren Tang is traditionally used for early-stage damp-warmth disorders, particularly when the dampness is predominant. It is not typically prescribed for severe heat or dryness, as the formula’s strength lies in promoting the smooth flow of Qi and fluids. For modern practitioners, San Ren Tang remains a valuable remedy, especially in humid climates where dampness easily lingers in the body. By restoring balance and easing stagnation, it exemplifies the holistic wisdom of Chinese herbal medicine.

Acupuncturists play a growing and essential role in the care and recovery of injured workers within the workers’ compensation system. As more employers and insurance providers recognize the value of integrative medicine, acupuncture is increasingly being incorporated into treatment plans for workplace injuries—especially those involving chronic pain, musculoskeletal disorders, and stress-related conditions. One of the primary benefits acupuncture offers to injured workers is pain relief without relying on pharmaceuticals. Conditions such as low back pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, neck strain, and joint injuries are commonly seen in workers’ comp cases. Acupuncture has been proven to reduce inflammation, improve circulation, and promote the body’s natural healing response, making it a highly effective modality for both acute and chronic injuries. In addition to physical recovery, acupuncture can help address the emotional toll of workplace injuries. Many injured workers experience stress, anxiety, and sleep disturbances related to their recovery or time away from work. Acupuncture’s calming effect on the nervous system can support emotional well-being and improve overall quality of life during the rehabilitation process. Acupuncturists often work as part of a multidisciplinary team alongside physicians, chiropractors, physical therapists, and case managers to create a comprehensive and personalized care plan. They also provide documentation, progress reports, and treatment plans to support claims and ensure compliance with insurance requirements. Ultimately, the acupuncturist’s role in workers’ compensation goes beyond symptom relief—it’s about helping injured employees heal faster, return to work sooner, and regain a sense of normalcy in their lives. As this field continues to evolve, acupuncture will remain a valuable tool in helping restore the health and productivity of the workforce. At Spectrum WellCare in Orlando, we proudly support injured workers with compassionate, effective care that aligns with Florida’s workers’ comp guidelines. Ajay Purohit DTCM MPH spectrumwellcare@gmail.com 407-347-5038

The combination of acupuncture with microcurrent point stimulation (MPS) is especially successful in treating pain and other ailments because it merges two complementary healing modalities: the energetic balancing of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) with the bioelectric influence of modern therapeutic technology. One reason this combination is so effective is that it results in enhanced stimulation without any discomfort to the patient. While traditional acupuncture stimulates specific points to regulate the body’s endorphins and blood flow, the ability of Microcurrent delivering a gentle, low-level electrical current, similar to the body's natural electrical activity, serves to amplify the therapeutic effect of the needle. The microcurrent stimulation is administered through a handheld device that is non-invasive. Thus, it is ideal for the most sensitive patients. This device can be used to stimulate acupuncture points or “trigger” points that have been proven to be effective in treating that particular affliction. It penetrates deeply without causing muscle contraction or irritation. On the cellular level, microcurrent point stimulation serves to improve circulation and cellular repair. Microcurrent point stimulation increases ATP production (cellular energy) which promotes faster tissue repair and reduces inflammation. The result is the acceleration of pain relief. Furthermore, it also helps to create the optimal environment for healing by rebalancing the Sympathetic and Parasympathetic aspects of the Autonomic Nervous System (ANS). When used together, the result often leads to faster and more sustainable outcomes, not only for acute pain but, also, for chronic or complex pain cases like: Sciatica, Neuropathy, Migraines and Post-surgical pain. This approach also can help emotional disorders such as depression, stress, and anxiety. I strongly feel that by employing this dual-action approach, I can help your patients find greater pain relief with a quicker recovery time. In addition, due to this approach being a non-pharmaceutical alternative, it is ideal for maintaining long-term health.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), health is a reflection of harmony between the body’s organ systems. One common imbalance is Liver/Spleen disharmony, a condition that can manifest with a variety of digestive and emotional symptoms. The Liver in TCM is responsible for the smooth flow of vital energy and emotions. It plays a crucial role in stress regulation and supports the body’s natural rhythm. The Spleen, on the other hand, governs digestion and is responsible for transforming food into energy and for nourishing blood. It is the foundation of postnatal energy, supplying the body with nourishment. When the Liver becomes overactive due to emotional stress—such as anger, frustration, or worry—it can “overact” on the Spleen. This dynamic, often called “Liver overacting on Spleen”, disrupts digestion and nutrient absorption. The Spleen becomes weakened, leading to symptoms like bloating, fatigue after eating, poor appetite, loose stools, and even nausea. Emotionally, individuals may feel irritable, anxious, or overwhelmed. From a holistic perspective, this disharmony is a reflection of a lifestyle imbalance—often linked to poor diet, overwork, or chronic stress. TCM treatment focuses on calming the Liver, strengthening the Spleen, and promoting the rebalance within the meridians. Acupuncture, herbal medicine, and dietary adjustments are common tools used to restore balance. For example, avoiding greasy, raw, or overly sweet foods can help support Spleen function, while stress-reducing practices like tai chi, qi gong, or mindful breathing benefit Liver Qi. By understanding Liver/Spleen disharmony, patients can begin to make meaningful lifestyle changes that support both emotional and digestive health—leading to a more balanced and resilient body and mind. TCM teaches that health is not just the absence of disease, but the presence of harmony. Liver/Spleen disharmony is a condition that I often treat in my clinic.

Microcurrent Point Stimulation (MPS) is a therapeutic technique that combines the principles of acupuncture with low-frequency electrical stimulation. It is often used to treat pain, reduce inflammation, and promote healing. What is the science behind it? MPS involves applying a very low-level electrical current (microcurrent) to specific acupuncture or trigger points on the body using a handheld device. Unlike traditional TENS units that use higher levels of current, microcurrent is much gentler and works on a cellular level. Microcurrent is thought to stimulate ATP (cellular energy) production, reduce inflammation, and accelerate tissue repair. It may also help balance the autonomic nervous system—especially when applied to cranial or auricular points. How does one apply the device? Electrodes or probes are applied to acupuncture or myofascial trigger points. The device sends a microcurrent (usually less than 600 microamps) into the tissue. This stimulates the nervous system, enhances circulation, and helps restore the body's natural electrical balance. Pretty simple!! I use MPS for: Chronic and acute pain (sciatica, back pain, neck pain, etc.), scar tissue release, post-surgical recovery, stress, and anxiety relief and for improving mobility and flexibility. There are many benefits, of MPS, that include: it being non-invasive and drug-free. I use it alongside other therapies such as Acupuncture in a treatment session. What I like most about MPS is that it is gentle enough for my most sensitive patients. I have had great success in utilizing MPS in my practice.

Luo vessels are an important concept in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), referring to the collateral or network vessels that branch off from the main meridians. They serve as a bridge between the larger primary channels and the body's tissues, organs, and extremities. A main function of the Luo Vessels is to distribute energetic properties (Qi) and blood. That is, Luo vessels help distribute Qi and Blood from the primary meridians into deeper or more superficial areas of the body. Another function they have is to help regulate excesses and deficiencies. They act as reservoirs, absorbing excesses (e.g., heat, stagnation) and replenishing deficiencies. They, also, help in emotional processing. Some Luo vessels, especially the Luo-Connecting points, relate to emotional trauma and psycho-emotional conditions. Additionally, they serve to assist in pathological conditions. When diseases affect the meridians, Luo vessels can become engorged (excess) or drained (deficiency), which can manifest as varicosities, discolorations, pain, or numbness. There are various “categories” of Luo vessels. The Transverse Luo (Connecting) Vessels. These vessels connect paired Yin-Yang meridians (e.g., LU-LI, SP-ST). The Longitudinal Luo Vessels extend further and travel along the course of a meridian. The Great Luo Vessels, such as the Great Luo of the Spleen, affects the whole body’s Qi and Blood circulation. Each primary meridian has a Luo-Connecting point where the Luo vessel branches off. Examples include: LU-7 (Lieque) – Treats exterior syndromes, grief-related lung issues. SP-4 (Gongsun) – Affects digestion, emotional stability, and blood stasis. PC-6 (Neiguan) – Regulates the heart and emotions, calms the mind. GB-37 (Guangming) – Benefits the eyes and treats Liver disharmonies. Luo vessels are often used in cases of chronic pain, emotional trauma, varicose veins, and Qi/Blood stagnation. Many Luo vessels store unresolved emotional trauma, making them useful in treatments related to sadness, anger, or fear. They are also tapped into to help resolve skin and circulatory disorders, such as, eczema, varicosities, and chronic inflammation.

As more of my patients are using herbal therapy to help with their ailments, I am realizing that certain questions continually arise. One such common inquiry concerns my reasoning behind prescribing a certain herbal formula or herb. Without getting too technical in my explanation, I simply tell my patients that I am prescribing herbs based on the “patterns” I currently see. The patient typically follows up with: what does that mean? To a TCM practitioner, a pattern is the fundamental aspect in diagnosing and then creating a subsequent treatment plan. This process is started during the initial intake. I have the patient fill out an intake form and then I perform a tongue and pulse diagnosis to gain additional insight. What insight? The most common patterns seen in TCM include: Blood Stasis, Damp, Heat, Excess, Deficiency, and disharmony between Meridians. Again, it is imperative a TCM practitioner diagnose the correct pattern(s) to treat the patient successfully. After I explain to the patient which pattern(s), I diagnosed, I explain the rational in prescribing the herbal formulas/herbs for him to take. Before continuing, it is important to realize that patterns may change during the treatment process. For instance, a patient maybe diagnosed with Damp Heat initially and thus, treatment, including herbal therapy, is focused on the Damp Heat. However, after a few weeks of treatment, the Damp Heat hopefully is minimized and an underlying pattern such as a deficiency comes to the forefront and, therefore, must be treated with Herbs etc. Again, the feedback from the patient is critical in continually diagnosing the correct pattern and is a point of emphasis I make in treating. Herbal therapy is similar to a Western doctor prescribing medications for a diagnosed condition. However, the primary objective in prescribing herbs is to treat the actual pattern, not just the accompanying symptoms. Unfortunately, m any western drugs are prescribed to just treat the symptoms.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), teas have long been used as a gentle yet powerful way to restore balance and support overall health. Unlike Western herbalism, which often focuses on isolated active compounds, TCM views teas as part of a holistic approach to healing, addressing the body’s energy and elemental balance and internal organ systems. As previously noted, teas in Chinese medicine are more than just soothing beverages—they serve as natural remedies to clear toxins, nourish the body, and harmonize internal imbalances. Each tea has unique properties based on its temperature (warming, cooling, neutral), flavor (bitter, sweet, pungent, etc.), and effect on specific organ systems. Lǜ Cha is a common tea that has properties that serve to clear heat, detoxify the body, and support liver function. It is often used to reduce inflammation, aid digestion, and provide gentle energy. Shēng Jiāng Chá) is a warming tea that strengthens digestion, boosts immunity, and dispels cold. It is commonly used for nausea, colds, and poor circulation. Jú Huā Chá is a cooling tea that is beneficial for eye health, headaches, and calming liver heat, which can cause irritability and stress. Pu-erh tea is a tea known for its rich, earthy flavor. Pu-erh tea supports digestion, reduces cholesterol, and warms the stomach. (Gǒu Qǐ Chá is a nourishing tea that benefits the liver and kidneys while improving vision and boosting overall vitality. Again, I must emphasize that in, TCM, these teas are used to actively address a specific ailment(s). Therefore, it is essential to discuss with your TCM practitioner which tea is best to treat your respective ailment.