Let It Go

Breathe in and picture the word "LET " Breathe out and see "GO " These are the words my yoga teacher spoke as she began class a few weeks ago. All I could think was I soooo need to be here! “Let it go” I say it often. What about you? Are you good at letting things go? It is wise advice but hard to follow. “When I let go of what I am, I become what I might be” - Lao Tzu Everyday I remind myself

Happy Passover

Passover is the 8 day observance commemorating the freedom and exodus of the Israelites (Jewish slaves) from Egypt during the reign of the Pharaoh Ramses II.

Acupuncture Relieves Pain For Breast Cancer Patients

Breast cancer hormone therapy can cause side effects such as joint pain and stiffness. Sometimes these symptoms can become so severe that treatment must be discontinued. The Journal of Clinical Oncology recently published the results of a new study, that showed acupuncture helped relieve pain and stiffness in breast cancer patients being treated with hormone therapies.This randomized,

Are You Standing In Your Own Sunshine?

"Most of the shadows of this life are caused by our standing in our own sunshine"~Ralph Waldo Emerson

Acupuncture Provides Proven Relief For Migraines

Acupuncture often provides lasting relief from the pain of chronic headaches, such as migraines. This study was written about on WebMD and is from 2004. I hadn’t read it before and it is too important to pass up."Researchers found that compared with standard medical care, acupuncture offers substantial benefits in preventing headaches and improving the quality of life for people who suffer from

Acupuncture and public safety

I'm surprised to see so many reports in the news about a research paper that came out in Hong Kong that says bacterial infections, hepatitis and possibly HIV infections are being transmitted by contaminated acupuncture needles. They say tougher regulations and infection control measures such as disposable needles and disinfection techniques are needed.

While that may be true in Hong Kong, licensed acupuncturists in the US are trained and legally required to use clean needle techniques which include single use of sterilized needles. 

I've never heard of an infection from an acupuncture needle by a licensed practitioner here in the US. While it is important to keep informed about health care issues and possible risks, it is also important not to jump to conclusions from news items that don't clearly state where and under what circumstances the problem occurs. I guess the researchers were referring to acupuncture as it is practiced in Hong Kong where perhaps people practice using the same standards as they have for generations.  I don't know anything about the training or regulation of acupuncture there, but modern practitioners are aware of how to prevent infections. 

In any case, you can rest assured that licensed practitioners here in the US have been educated and trained to prevent infections and you can therefore enjoy your totally safe acupuncture sessions with a peaceful mind.

Facelift Acupuncture : Before & After (8)

Why use Cosmetic Acupuncture?

There is an increasing awareness of the perils of a toxic environment. People are paying more attention to the things they eat and the drugs they take. Your skin is one of the primary organs used to excrete toxins. The skin also has the ability to absorb. The traditional way to moisturize the skin utilizes petroleum based products that act as a barrier (plastic wrap) to keep moisture in. The problem is the toxins can’t get out. The skin needs to “breath”.

Botulism Toxin Type A (BOTOX) is an effective facial paralytic that shows real results for the reduction of wrinkles, however, it has no anti-aging effect. Currently the trend in med-spas is to use chemical peels which increase cellular turnover that actually ages the skin, Botox injections, and chemically altered vitamins like Retin A which increases the skin’s sensitivity to damage. There are even chemical treatments like hydroquinone for bleaching and translucency which require routine liver enzyme checks to assess the damage done internally. There is a better solution.

“A 1996 article in the International Journal of Clinical Acupuncture reported that among 300 cases treated with cosmetic acupuncture, 90% had marked effects with one course of treatment. The effects include: skin becomes delicate, improvement of elasticity of the facial muscles, ruddier complexion, and overall rejuvenation.”

Facelift Acupuncture : Before & After (7)

Before and after treatment

Facelift Acupuncture : Before & After (6)

Before treatment


After treatment

Facelift Acupuncture : Before & After (5)

Before treatment





















After Treatment


When if comes to aging: you can let it happen how mother nature intended, or you can do it gracefully with a little help. There are a number of procedures out there that can help you do this in a less invasive way. And cosmetic acupuncture is one of them; it’s a great alternative to botox and facial fillers. Have a look at these before and after photos.  In addition to taking away fine lines, and softening deep expression lines, acupuncture can also help you feel more balanced and energized due to the increased flow of chi in your body.
After treatment

Facelift Acupuncture : Before & After (4)

Before treatment


After treatment

Facelift Acupuncture : Before & After (3)

Before treatment

After treatment

Facelift Acupuncture : Before & After (2)

Before treatment

After treatment

Facelift Acupuncture : Before & After (1)

Before treatment

After treatment

What are the results from Facelift acupuncture?

Benefits of the Acupuncture Face Lift include:

1.   Improves muscle tone and tightens skin.
2.   Increases collagen production.
3.   Eliminates or reduces bags under the eyes.
4.   Eliminates or reduces puffiness
5.   Eliminates fine lines of the face and reduces larger wrinkles
6.   Improves acne
7.   Reduces and smoothes acne scars
8.   Moisturizes the skin by the increasing circulation of blood and lymph to the face
9.   Improves facial color by increasing peripheral circulation
10. Reduces or eliminates double chins and jowls
11. Helps to lift drooping eyelids
12. Relaxes the entire face, body and mind
13. Promotes overall health and well being
14. Slows the aging process from within
15. Benefits the eyes, ears, sinuses, hormones, brain and other body systems
16. Improves self esteem

The Journal of Clinical Acupuncture reported that 90% of clients have marked improvement in their faces and experience an overall rejuvenation that is not confined to the face.

Facelift acupuncture : Look younger and feel better!

Alexander, founder of  Ho's Acupuncture Center has developed a personalized cosmetic system to help people to look younger and feel better.

His program providing a combination of  face and body acupuncture, herbal mask and herbal supplements to reduces fine lines and wrinkles, tightens the skin, and restores skin elasticity. This treatment not only lifts but rejuvenates the face and reverses the effects of aging, but also your overall health at the same time. One reason this method is so effective is because it not only treats the face but also the patient’s underlying health issues and imbalances.

This treatment is very safe when compare to plastic surgery, Botox injections, collagen injections, and laser/chemical peels. Your face will retain its character and it will never look frozen, stretched or swollen. The results are natural looking because they are natural. A Surgical face lift only tightens the skin. The acupuncture face lift increases blood circulation to the face, promotes collagen production, and increases muscle tone and elasticity.

This treatment is appropriate for men and women alike.

Dr. Oz Recommends Acupuncture!

The Houston Chronicle recently published The You Docs: Why we still like ancient acupuncture By Michael Riizen, M.D.and Mehmet OZ, M.D.. Here are a few excerpts from the article."What do Cher, Miami Dolphins running back Ricky Williams and Titan, the world's tallest dog, have in common? Like more than 20 million Americans and Canadians, they're on pins and needles. It's been around

A Chinese Herb For Weight-Loss?

Licorice for Weight-Loss? I’m skepticalby Cathy MargolinWho really needs another article about weight loss plans and products? We’re inundated with advertising on weight loss supplements and the last thing we need is more of the same. Alas, I’m asked all the time, “Don’t you have herbs for weight loss?” People who know me, know I would never suggest Chinese herbs for quick fix weight loss. I’m

Happy St. Patrick's Day

Fibromyalgia

The number of Fibromyalgia cases I've seen has grown over the past couple of years. Flare ups appear to be connected with incidents of toxicity, infections such as Parvo, or lack of proper nutritional care as newborns. In any case, with acupuncture, herbs and dietary regiment my patients are experiencing greater periods of comfort and energy.

There is a good article about Fibromyalgia in Natural News.com Fibromyalgia Remedies . It recommends people suffering from Fibromyalgia to try acupuncture, citing, "The National Institutes of Health has deemed acupuncture to be an acceptable alternative, or part of a comprehensive treatment program, for several types of pain."

If you have questions, most acupuncturists offer free consultations and would be happy to talk to you about their experience with patients with Fibromyalgia.

Alternative Medicine Provides Relief From Post-Surgical Pain

Patients are becoming increasingly sophisticated about their treatments and many are looking for non-invasive, non-prescriptive pain relief. Hospitals are slowly catching on. The Journal of Patient Safety published a study in which physicians used non-traditional therapies to relieve post-surgical pain and found relief for as many of 50 percent of their patients. 

"Roughly 80 percent of

Is it necessary to have maintained treatment?

Once you are completely cured or feeling much better, we suggest that you continue acupuncture treatment at least 3-4 times per month to keep you body and immunity system stronger, and prevent your disease from coming back or getting a new disease.

Can acupuncture help me prevent sick?

Acupuncture is wonderful for general well-being, stress-reduction and boosting immunity. Acupuncture and herbs can help strengthen you again. Some people, once their problem has resolved, come monthly or seasonally to prevent allergy flare-ups, for example.

Can acupuncture treatment help with non-physical problems?

Of course it can. We believe that the body is both spiritual and physical. Acupuncture treats both sides of the issue, whereas traditional western medicine only treats one.

Are the needles sterile?

Absolutely. Only the highest quality stainless steel disposable needles are used. These come in pre-sterilized sealed packets and are discarded after use.

Why some of my favorite food is forbidden by my TCM doctor or my acupuncturist?

In TCM, the food are divided into different natures: cold, cool, warm, hot, generate sputum, generate dryness, generate stagnation (obstruction), etc. So if you are a cold type person or your problem is cold by nature, the TCM doctor will suggest you avoid the cold or cool food but encourage you eat warm or hot food etc. Generally, spicy food is warm or hot by nature, many vegetables are cold or cool, some fruits are warm or hot etc. That is why.

What do we do in a consultation session

(1) I will comprehend your health condition through a series of Traditional Chinese Medicine diagnostic system, such as tongue inspection, palmistry reading, taking the pulse & meridian checking)


(2) I will ask your companion about the date and cause of onset, course of the disease, symptoms and other conditions necessary for differentiating the disease.


(3) I will analise the Ying & Yang balance and 5 elements status in your body.
 
(4) Based on the conclusion we collected from the above diagnostic methods, I will develop treatment plan  Acupuncture and Chinese herbs recommendation for you. 

(5) I will also giving you some suggestion for diet, exercise and stress reduction.
 
(6) I will advise you to visit me again for the second consultation, this is important for me to follow up with your progress.

Morning Sickness and Chinese Medicine

During pregnancy many women experience aches, pains, digestive problems and allergies. Acupuncture is very effective for all of these ailments and is a wonderful alternative to drugs, which is important as many pregnant patients are hesitant to take anything. In this post, from the Portland Acupuncture Blog, Amy writes about one of the most common ailments of pregnancy - morning sickness.Why oh

What health conditions can acupuncture treats.

Pain management
Irregular menstruation
Neck back pain
Menopause
Sciatica
Infertility
Arthritis
Fertility Treatment
Prostate Enlargement
Uterine fibroid
Allergies
Tinnitus
Diabetes
Acne
Fatigue
Urticaria
Depression
Wrinkle reduction
Insomnia
Beauty & Rejuvenation
Gastritis
Strengthening the immune system for cancer
TMJ

Do You Have The Courage To Try Something New?

"You can never cross the ocean unless you have the courage to lose sight of the shore." Christopher Columbus.

Western medicine often masks symptoms

There is an interesting article on PR Online:

Western medicine masks the symptoms of disease

It starts:
"Alternative medicine has been popular in the United States for decades, but until recently many traditional physicians preferred to use medications as treatment for disease, illness, depression and other common ailments. As many of the world’s most popular physicians, including Dr. Oz, begin to announce their belief in alternative treatments such as herbs and acupuncture (http://www.orangecountyacupuncture.com), many of the nations leading alternative medicine physicians are seeing an increase in patient demand for more holistic care. "

Acupuncture for Menstrual Cramps

Researchers from the Oriental Hospital at Kyung Hee University Medical Center in South Korea reviewed 27 studies (nearly 3,000 women), and found that acupuncture may be more effective than drugs or herbal medicines for severe menstrual period painReuters in Hong Kong recently reported the study that found acupuncture to be helpful in alleviating menstrual cramps, a problem afflicting up to half

New Study for use of Acupuncture in Pain Management

For the first time a study has been done about inpatient integrative medicine program in a hospital setting. The study, "The Impact of Integrative Medicine on Pain Management in a Tertiary Care Hospital" was published March 5 in the Journal of Patient Safety.

The study included 1,837 cardiovascular, medical, surgical, orthopedics, spine, rehabilitation, oncology, and women's health patients at Abbott Northwestern between January 1, 2008, and June 30, 2009. These patients were given treatments included non-pharmaceutical services: mind body therapies to elicit the relaxation response, acupuncture, acupressure, massage therapy, healing touch, music therapy, aromatherapy, and reflexology.

Jeffery A. Dusek, Ph.D., research director for the Penny George Institute for Health said, "Our real-world study broadly shows that these therapies effectively reduce pain by over 50 percent across numerous patient populations. Furthermore, they can be clinically implemented in real time, across, and under the operational and financial constraints within an acute care hospital."


"I think we will find that integrative approaches to pain management during the hospital stay will improve patient satisfaction and outcomes, and we will see cost savings from patients using fewer drugs and experiencing fewer adverse events," said Lori Knutson, RN, BSN, HN-BC, executive director of the George Institute.


Hopefully the other hospitals will follow the lead of Penny George Institute for Health and consider using  non-pharmaceutical methods for pain relief.

The Health Benefits of Dandelion

Dandelion: A Medicinal Recognized by Chinese Herbal and Western Medicine By: Cathy MargolinAlthough Westerners commonly view dandelions as a type of weed, this plant has several beneficial effects on human health which western medicine has only begun exploring. Dandelion has been used for centuries both internally and externally by Asian cultures as a medicinal used for digestive

Supermodel Elle MacPherson Uses Chinese Medicine To Stay Healthy

Celebrity Health and Fitness recently interviewed Elle MacPherson about her secrets to staying so fit over 45. Here is an excerpt of the Supermodel discussing how she regularly uses Chinese Medicine to stay healthy."Supermodel Elle MacPherson , who made the Sports Illustrated swimsuit issue into an annual institution, is now 45, but she hasn’t lost any of the curves that made her famous. She

Whole Foods

The general condition of many people I encounter at the clinic seeking relief from degenerative diseases are conditions of nutritional deficiency. How can that be in this land of plenty? No one I see appears to be starving. In fact, most are rich in calorie intake yet deficient in minerals and nutrients, despite taking multivitamins and other supplements. 

The problem is that they eat refined food. Refined is nice in a human being, but horrible in food. White flour, white sugar, refined oils - you can find these robbers of health even in organic products. Common canola and other oils, like vegetable, sunflower, and corn, are some of the worst substances you can put in your body. Try to find "convenient" foods without those ingredients and your shopping cart is likely to be pretty empty.

What to do?  Rules of  thumbs, or a large notecard:

1.  Read the label. If you see words like refined white flour or sugar, evaporated cane sugar or syrup, or any oil besides olive or grape seed, put the product back quick. 
2. Read the label. If you can't pronounce any of the ingredients or have to take a breath to get through the entire name, then those ingredients are likely not to be whole food, so don't put it into your body. Put the product back. Your body needs real to goodness food.
3. The safest place to shop are the 2 ends of the store: the produce and the freezer section. Be careful of foods in the middle aisles. 
4. Organic is better, but not if it has refined ingredients mentioned in rules 1 through 3. White organic bread is still refined flour and all the benefits have been beaten out of it. Cane products (evaporated, juiced or powder) cause inflammation and spikes in your sugar level, leaving you tired and puffy. Even if it is organic. Put it back. 

I know you are busy, but you need to learn to cook, even if simply. Those packaged foods are fast and you might find them tasty, but if you change your diet now to whole foods, you are less likely to be seeking the help of a health practitioner later. Please believe me on that one.

To good health!

Forgiveness and Your Future

"Forgiveness does not change the past, but it does enlarge the future."Paul Boose