Veteran Uses Acupuncture To Get Healthy

A hopeful story recently appeared in The journal Times.com from Wisconsin. It described a veteran who became addicted to drugs after his duty in Viet Nam. Finally, 25 years ago, he entered a Veteran’s Hospital Stress Unit where he was treated for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. It was somewhat helpful.Recently, he turned to acupuncture after seeing a flier at the veterans center. Two local

Cupping Massage

A few months ago I ran across this massage technique while looking over the menu of services at Canyon Ranch Spa Club in Las Vegas. After a bit of googling, I came across the website and decided to pick up the DVD from Lhasa OMS along with a few new cupping sets.

The technique is adapted for body workers and uses much lighter suction than TCM cupping. The theory is that the lighter suction stimulates the lymph system to loosen adhesions and pull stuck fluid into the lymph system where it is easier to eliminate. I started utilizing massage cupping in my practice and found it is great to help loosen up the body before doing traditional cupping techniques. It is not as effective for those with significant stagnation, but it is great for those with mild blockages who also need a little detoxification and TLC.

I just had this done last week and found it wonderfully relaxing on areas of mild tension, but in the parts that need a lot of work, I was yearning a bit for some strong stationary cupping. If I could have followed it up with some acupuncture, it would have been perfect - I even fell asleep a bit during the treatment.

I contacted the founder and encouraged her to get certified as an NCCAOM CEU provider. The system is easy to learn and a great addition to practices that focus on the individual patient.

Happy Thanksgiving!

I hope you have much to be thankful for.Happy Holidays!

Chinese Medicine May Provide Help Against The H1N1 Virus

By: Cathy Margolin L.A.c.Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is used by more than 3 billion people in the world.As temperatures begin to drop and winter approaches the seasonal flu and H1N1 cases begin to spread. There may be another alternative to Tamiflu & flu vaccines to battle the virus. Hong Kong based Rorric Bio-Technology Ltd. believes it may be able to offer a less invasive cure to H1N1

Why we use concentrated herbal extracts?

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Ginkgo May Offer Protection Against Radiation

More good news about the positive effects of Chinese Herbs! In this article from The Chinese Medicine Times Attilio reports on a new study which shows that an Antioxidant in Ginkgo may protect cells from radiation damage."According to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM), the Ginkgo biloba (G. biloba) is one of the oldest types of trees in the world. Ginkgo

I Love This Quote, What Do You Think?

"Never interrupt your enemy when he is making a mistake" Napoleon Bonaparte 1769-1821I love this quote because it has a Taoist philosophy behind it. Though I doubt Napoleon knew that. This saying is the perfect example of how inaction and stillness often work in our favor. What do you think?

严重忧郁症病患的掌纹研究 (the palm studies of depression patient)

Please click these pictures to view the enlarged version.

掌纹的生成和手部的神经、微循环及经络、穴位的分佈有密切关系。身斥个各部份的病理讯息都有可能反映在手掌上。这次，我将以一幅严重忧郁症病患的掌纹例图供大家参考。

我认为精神疾病不只是脑部的问题，其他的考虑因素可涉及內脏功能失调的问题，这也是我们中医千年以来强调治病的整体观念。

为了让大家更容易分析掌纹，我会拷贝同样的掌纹例图，并且以线条及形状显示特定掌的病理讯息。如果双手都出现一样纹理，右手将不会标上线条及形状，以供大家观察左右手的掌纹，起对比的参考作用。

1. 心理学研究发现，伴有短细杂线穿过的过长智慧线显示神经官能症、多虑症。这一些特征可以从这幅严重忧郁症病患的掌纹例图发现。

2.过长的智慧线尾部出现分叉，提示神经性头痛或神经衰弱等问题。

3. 后天八卦的〝兑区〞有〝米〞字状纹揭示病患的肠道吸收与排泄功能异常，同时也容易引起头痛、头昏、腹胀或腹疼。

4. 感情线在中指下流入食指与中指缝内，多显示病人自幼就患有胃病。

5. 指头及部份手掌呈瘀红色，提示气血运行不畅，多见于疲劳过度。

6. 〝内关〞穴位处有青筋，提示心脏方面的疾病，多出现心烦、心闷、心悸、失眠、多梦症状。

7. 右手智慧线起始处有分叉、分支纹状，反映食道、胃黏膜曾受损、有胃发炎的问题。

8. 后天八卦的〝艮区〞有网格纹，显示病患有严重的胃肠道功能紊乱综合症。

综合以上的掌纹分析，精神方面的疾病不只涉及脑、社会及个人心理因素，还可包括心脏、血管及消化系统的因素。唯有在治疗此病的同时也着手改善上述症状才能事半功倍。中医在运用〝全方位治疗法〞(Comprehensive Medicine)的原则上，可以在没有药物〝相冲〞及药物副作用的顾虑下，以一种特定调配的中药方剂同时治疗多个脏腑。再说，针灸在治疗精神方面的疾病可刺激病患的大脑分泌足够的血清素，安全及快速地穩定病情。

然而，世上并沒有十全十美的医生，如果病人不和医生充分合作，病人的精神问题不可能有痊愈的一天，特别是心病有赖于病人是否有康复的意愿。

By Master Ho

“Why Do I Have To Get Acupuncture Treatment So Often?”

New patients sometimes ask me, “Why do I have to come to acupuncture so often?” It is a particularly relevant question in a society like ours where doctors are visited to ‘fix’ a broken part but play very little role in keeping us healthy. Traditional Chinese Medicine has a different philosophy as well as a different practice.Acupuncture, Chinese Herbs and Cupping are healing and they do a

An Oatmeal Recipe To Keep You Warm And Healthy

Hey Folks, here is a wonderful winter recipe from from South Loop Acupuncture.OATMEAL TERI STYLEGood quality oatmeal (I usually use rolled oats or a combination of rolled w/ flax seeds)Rice milkWalnutsDried cranberries or goji berriesHoneyWalnuts are good for the brain. They are high in omega3 and contain good fats. They can improve brain function as well. The honey is a nice moistening agent for

Facelifts acupuncture - How it works

I am afraid of needles, does acupuncture hurt?

You can request Japanese acupuncture techniques, they are extremely gentle and comfortable and in fact, it is quite common for people to become so relaxed that they actually fall asleep during the treatment. The needles used for acupuncture are much thinner than the typical medical needles that one may have experienced in a doctor's office.

Should I tell my doctor if I receive acupuncture treatment?

If you are receiving treatment from your doctor then it is sensible to mention that you plan to have acupuncture. The acupuncture treatment may enable you to reduce or even stop taking some forms of medication, but you should always consult your doctor regarding any change of prescription. I need to know about any medication you are taking as this may affect your response to the acupuncture treatment.

Should I continue with my prescribed medication while undergoing a course of acupuncture treatment?

Yes, at least until you have discussed this with your doctor or the practitioner who prescribed the medication. Many people seek the help of an acupuncturist because of dissatisfaction with drug treatment, because it does not seem to be working or because the side effects are unacceptable. DO NOT stop taking any medication without professional guidance.

Is acupuncture right for me?

Our treatments are highly personalized and thus address your unique health concerns of our patients. We will work to bring you back to your optimal health both physically, mentally, and spiritually.

What should I do before treatment?

You should try not to have a large meal within 2 hours of your appointment as the process of digestion will alter the pattern of your pulse. You should also avoid alcohol and food or drinks which colour your tongue, such as coffee, immediately prior to treatment.

What can I expect for results?

A course of treatments is recommended and will vary depending on the severity of the condition, length of time with the condition, and your overall health, energy and commitment to healing. A minimum of 8 treatments is recommended; 20 treatments is an average course. Many people begin to see results in just a few treatments. Treatments may be scheduled weekly, monthly, or less if the problem is acute. The treatments will be less often as the conditions improve. Some people choose to include acupuncture treatments as a regular part of their regular healthcare coming weekly, monthly, or seasonally.

What is the feeling of being acupunctured?

The insertion of the needle might feel like a small pinch. After insertion sensations such as warmth, tingling, or fullness may be felt at the site of the needle or along its pathway. Most people feel a deep sense of relaxation; some even fall asleep during the treatment. Most people feel calm, relaxed, centered, and sometimes energized.

What is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is a 5,000 years old Chinese Medical System that helps to treat the body as a whole and to help with pain and a wide number of complaints. The goals of acupuncture and Chinese Medicine are to restore the body back to health.

The acupuncturist will insert hair thin stainless steel sterile needles (single-use) to the skin, this will affects the body’s vital energy called Qi (Chi). The Qi travels along various pathways called meridians. They are rivers flowing bringing blood, oxygen, and nutrients to the different organs.

Acupuncture research has found that it boost the immune system, increases blood circulation, influences the central and peripheral nervous system, and releases pain-mediating chemicals such as endorphins in the brain to help relieve pain and to give one a nice sense of wellbeing.

Are There Risks Associated With Acupuncture?

People often ask me if there are risks or side effects associated with Acupuncture and I am happy to tell them that problems are rare. It's a good question and I understand why people ask. It might be counter-intuitive to voluntarily allow someone to stick needles in your body. But, Acupuncture is very safe and I went to graduate school for four years to learn how to to stick you with needles.

New Study Reveals Ginseng is Anti-Inflammatory and Boosts The Immune System

Ginseng is a very commonly known and used herb in Chinese Medicine. Here is an interesting article on some new research that has shown even more benefits to this ancient wonder herb.Ginseng: Nature's Anti-inflammatory?From ScienceDaily (May 14, 2009) — Laboratory experiments have demonstrated the immunological effects of ginseng. Researchers have now shown that the herb, much used in traditional

H1N1 Updates

I found this snippet about Chinese Medicine and H1N1 prevention/treatment, but the article also has some good stuff about other CAM therapies. I have been doing monthly acupuncture "flu shot" treatments on a lot of my patients using a blend of acupuncture and herbal therapies and so far, no flu!

Holistic treatments boost defense against H1N1
By Laura LaDue, LAc
from WillametteLive, Section Wellness
Posted on Sat Oct 31, 2009 at 10:17:14 PM PDT

This flu season, H1N1 is particularly prevalent. In addition to being a nasty virus, it carries with it a lot of cultural baggage in the form of fears and misconceptions.

Like seasonal flu, H1N1 is spread mainly person-to-person through coughing or sneezing of infected people. Symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Some people may have vomiting and diarrhea. It is possible to be infected and have respiratory symptoms without a fever.

Most people who have been sick with 2009 H1N1 virus have recovered without needing medical treatment. However, hospitalizations and deaths from infection with this virus have occurred. You should seek urgent medical care if you experience severe symptoms, such as difficulty breathing, chest pain, or persistent vomiting.

How does Chinese medicine prevent and treat the H1N1 virus?

From the perspective of Chinese medicine, swine flu is not so different from other types of flu and can most certainly be prevented and treated by means of Chinese medicine. Traditional Chinese medicines for H1N1 do not attack the virus. Rather, they try to remove those internal conditions in the body that enable the virus to take hold and multiply. "There is no medicine to directly kill the virus. A virus is like a seed: it needs things like temperature and water to grow," Dr. Xu Wenbing, Chairman of the Hope Institute of Chinese Medicine in Beijing, said. "When you take away these conditions, the body will cure itself."

Acupuncture helps by bringing the body back into balance, making it more resistant to potential invading viruses. There are specific acupuncture points for boosting the immune system, including points for increasing your white blood cell count. If one is already ill, acupuncture can speed recovery and lessen the symptoms of illness.

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Born To Be Wild?

"Born to be wild - live to outgrow it."Lao TzuA Chinese philosopher from the sixth century. Author of the “Tao-Te Ching and known as the father of Taoism

What Does It Mean To Forgive?

Here is another thoughtful post from one of my favorite writers (and mother) Dr. Linda Edelstein.

In preparation for leading a Yom Kippur discussion at the synagogue, I spent several months reading about the topic – How to Forgive. I started with the Buddhists, read some biblical material I received from an Orthodox Rabbi, and wound up with the folks who are most comfortable for me, the

What Foods Can Help You Beat The Flu?

Concern over getting the flu has been rampant since H1N1 came out. This information, from acufinder.com, gives some great food suggestions that can reduce your chances of catching the flu. Check it out...The Anti-Flu DietBy: Diane Joswick, L.Ac., MSOM A study, published by The American Physiological Society found that mice were significantly less likely to contract flu when given quercetin, a