by Setareh Moafi, Ph.D., L.Ac. & Salvador Cefalu, M.S., L.Ac.

Once you’ve listened, let us know in the comments below — What’s the greatest insight you took away from this episode?

In this episode, Salvador shares a recent traumatic but profound personal experience that demonstrates the true healing power of acupuncture and proper hydration. 

After finding his father unresponsive in the back of the car, Salvador performed emergency acupuncture, focusing on a few crucial acupuncture points that ultimately helped his father regain consciousness.

After being evaluated by medical doctors, it was also determined that his father was severely dehydrated. Through proper hydration, Salvador’s father has seen tremendous improvement in his overall health and energy— even engaging in activities he hasn’t for months!

Emergency Acupuncture Points to Know

Below you’ll find the emergency acupuncture points that Salvador used to treat his father. Listen to the episode for details and to learn more.

St-36 (Stomach 36, called "Zu San Li", meaning 'Leg Three Miles') - located four fingers width below the patella on the lateral side of the tibia. 

Du-26 (named 'Shui Gou' for Water Trough) - located above the midpoint of the philtrum below the nostrils. This point is also called 'Ren Zhong' meaning Human Center for it's association as a point that connects the central Yin and Yang channels.

Ki-1 (Kidney 1, "Yong Quan', meaning 'Bubbling Spring') - Ki-1 is the only Jing-Well point not located at the tip of a digit. It’s location is below the ball of the foot, between the 2nd and 3rd toes.

Jing-Well ('Jing' meaning 'Well' for it's correspondence to an area where Qi rises up to the surface of the Meridians). There are Jing-Well points at the tip of each toe and finger at the base of the nail bed. Look for the puffiest, reddest or darkest areas to apply pressure.

What is proper hydration?

After finding out his father’s condition was likely caused by dehydration, Dr. Setareh & Salvador emphasize the importance of proper hydration—which is more than drinking enough water. Proper hydration means drinking quality water that includes the vital trace minerals and electrolytes that our cells need to carry out important functions.

Certain water purification processes like reverse osmosis strips water of its minerals. One way to remedy the insufficiency that’s caused from stripping these minerals is to add the minerals back to your diet with sea salt, which naturally contains trace minerals that are needed for thyroid, adrenal and immune functions. 

Darker salts such as Celtic sea salt and pink Himalayan salt are especially rich in trace minerals. Standard white sea salt found in most grocery stores are also a good source of trace minerals, however, keep in mind that many are bleached and processed.

Table salt, on the other hand, is the most denatured and least nutritious salt available.

When consumed, your body tries to keep the toxic chemicals contained in table salt away from your heart—and this is primarily why doctors often recommend patients with hypertension to avoid salt. 

The minerals contained in healthy salts help hydrate and alkalize the body, balance potassium-sodium ratios and provide essential electrolytes. From a Chinese Medicine perspective, trace minerals help anchor Yang Qi, which supports the Liver and provides vital energy. 

Another way to effectively hydrate your body is to consume more soups. One example is Congee, which is a staple in Chinese cuisine and we’ve previously shared its benefits and recipe here.

Once you’ve listened, let us know in the comments below — What’s the greatest insight you took away from this episode?

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