Sabtu, 31 Desember 2011
It's 2012!
Happy New Year folks! Thank you for reading and supporting my blog. Got any big plans for the New Year? I do, so stay tuned to Acupuncture Blog Chicago in 2012!
New Acupuncture Research -> Rats Experience Stress Reduction
With more research on acupuncture, the evidence of it's ability to reduce stress grows. Scientists at Georgetown University Medical Center have concluded that "acupuncture reduces the levels of a protein-like substance in rats linked to chronic stress."
The implications are wonderful; it could mean advances in treating stress with acupuncture. As I learn more about this protein-like substance,
The implications are wonderful; it could mean advances in treating stress with acupuncture. As I learn more about this protein-like substance,
Jumat, 30 Desember 2011
Primer on Happiness
This photo came to me in a Facebook feed and I thought it would help set the appropriate tone as we reflect back on 2011 and create our mindset for 2012. Happy New Year!
Rabu, 28 Desember 2011
Acupuncture Blog Chicago: Top 5 Posts of 2011
1. Celine Dion Used Acupuncture To Improve Her Chances Of Getting Pregnant. I was happy to see that CNN reported she used acupuncture to improve her chances of getting pregnant. Not only a wonderful singer but also a smart lady!
2. Yin and Yang. The basic premise of yin and yang is the notion that the only constant factor in the universe is change. Nothing remains the same; no disease, no
2. Yin and Yang. The basic premise of yin and yang is the notion that the only constant factor in the universe is change. Nothing remains the same; no disease, no
Senin, 26 Desember 2011
Acupuncture Can Improve Your Mental Health
*This article is from acufinder.com
At some point in life everyone deals with major upheavals or emotional distress. These events can trigger a host of unexpected feelings and behaviors from depression and panic attacks to major disruptions in sleep and eating. Acupuncture and Oriental medicine can alleviate symptoms associated with mental health issues in treating the root cause of the problem
At some point in life everyone deals with major upheavals or emotional distress. These events can trigger a host of unexpected feelings and behaviors from depression and panic attacks to major disruptions in sleep and eating. Acupuncture and Oriental medicine can alleviate symptoms associated with mental health issues in treating the root cause of the problem
Sabtu, 24 Desember 2011
Jumat, 23 Desember 2011
Quick Coherence for Holiday Peace
We have been using a lot of Biofeedback for soldiers with PTSD to decrease anxiety and increase mindfulness. I am currently in the process of reviewing the emWave by HeartMath to determine if it is a good fit to use and recommend at Jing, and one of the initial practices suggested is a short heart meditation that does not require the aid of a device. Detailed information is available on their website along with a number of free tools and research. Try out this quick, proactive practice for your own centered presence before taking on holiday traffic or that pesky family drama!
Step 1: Focus
Bring awareness to the area around your heart in the center of your chest. Place your hand over your sternum to help maintain this focus.
Step 2: Breath
Begin by taking your normal breaths gradually deepening each inhale and elongating each exhale. Imagine each inhale and exhale originates and flows freely from your heart center. Continue this practice until the breath feels natural and relaxed.
Step 3: Feeling
As you maintain your heart focus and breath, recall a positive memory or pleasurable feeling. Try to re-experience that moment, taking in all of the enjoyable sensory and interpersonal aspects that bring joy and peace. Linger here, allowing yourself to rebalance and recharge before moving forward.
Step 1: Focus
Bring awareness to the area around your heart in the center of your chest. Place your hand over your sternum to help maintain this focus.
Step 2: Breath
Begin by taking your normal breaths gradually deepening each inhale and elongating each exhale. Imagine each inhale and exhale originates and flows freely from your heart center. Continue this practice until the breath feels natural and relaxed.
Step 3: Feeling
As you maintain your heart focus and breath, recall a positive memory or pleasurable feeling. Try to re-experience that moment, taking in all of the enjoyable sensory and interpersonal aspects that bring joy and peace. Linger here, allowing yourself to rebalance and recharge before moving forward.
Kamis, 22 Desember 2011
Acupuncture, Anxiety and Memory
Anyone who has ever experienced a situation of high anxiety (think public speaking, important test, new social situation) knows that memory slips away. The answers to the test disappear, people's names fade, and memorized speeches are forgotten. As anxiety goes up, memory goes down. A new study has reported that acupuncture can help memory in situations of stress. To read the report, click here.
Selasa, 20 Desember 2011
Minggu, 18 Desember 2011
Want To Get the Most Out Of Your Acupuncture Treatment? Follow These 9 Tips
A useful post with great suggestions from my fellow Chinese Medicine blogger Diane M. Lowry, L.Ac..
Interested in maximizing the benefit from your acupuncture and Oriental medicine sessions? Check out these 9 tips below. Feel free to let me know what you think and add more tips in the comments section!
1) Fill out intake forms. Completely.
Although some of the questions may
Interested in maximizing the benefit from your acupuncture and Oriental medicine sessions? Check out these 9 tips below. Feel free to let me know what you think and add more tips in the comments section!
1) Fill out intake forms. Completely.
Although some of the questions may
Kamis, 15 Desember 2011
Rabu, 14 Desember 2011
Chinese Medicine Relieves The Frustration Of Skin Conditions
I'm not sure if it's the weather, the indulgent diet during the holidays or the stress that comes along with all the merry making, but Hives and other skin disorders have been a popular complaint in my Chicago acupuncture office lately. So I'm re posting this article from Acufinder.com to give my readers some more information about how Chinese Medicine can be helpful for various skin concerns.
Minggu, 11 Desember 2011
Top 5 Self-Care Experiences of 2011
Many patients ask me what I do for my own self-care regimen - after all, if you are going to preach it, you need to practice it. One of my main sources of R&R are spa adventures both for my own personal enjoyment, but also as a way to research a variety of therapies to recommend as part of a total individual treatment plan for my patients. This year I had the opportunity to try several modalities in various locations across the country, and the following are my reflections on those experiences.
Maya Abdominal Massage - I have only had one "full body" massage in my life where abdominal work was part of the treatment. I have asked a number of massage therapists why, and answers range from "nobody likes it" to "we didn't learn that in school." I agree, it feels a little weird partially because it is natural to guard the area, but also because most of us are not used to being so aware of our liver, stomach, or ileocecal valve. Maya abdominal massage requires additional training and involves the entire core. This therapy addresses issues including pelvic discomfort (including hips and low back), sexual function, and gastrointestinal irregularity. My favorite place in Louisville is Balance in Motion.
Ashiatsu - I had this done while at a conference in Orlando at Rosen Shingle Creek Spa. This is an intense deep tissue massage where the therapist stands over holding parallel bars for balance and uses feet instead of finger pressure to target common trigger or acupuncture points. This is sometimes called Oriental Bar Therapy and has become more popular in recent years. Deeper does not mean better or more effective and is not an appropriate therapy for everyone. Folks who have a lot of scar tissue or adhesions may like this therapy, however those with fibromyalgia or myofacial syndrome may find it makes their condition worse.
Reflexology - Perhaps my favorite treatment when done by someone formally trained, I have yet to get through one of these without falling asleep! More than a foot, hand, or ear massage, this modality uses sustained finger-pressure techniques to find areas of the body in need of attention without having to touch them directly. This is a great alternative to full-body massage for those who have discomfort but prefer to remain clothed. Those who tend to do well with this therapy can often tell when the therapist is touching the neck area of the hands or sinus area of the foot. I have had this done at Mandara spas in Orlando and Anaheim, Rachel's Salon in Memphis, Gould's Salon at the Peabody Memphis, and locally at my favorite place, J.R.s Salon.
Hot Stone - This is the number-one patient favorite, even in the summer and for those experiencing hot flashes! It is fantastic for people who like light-medium pressure with the goal of increasing circulation and relaxation. The stones are usually warm but some therapists will incorporate cold stones if appropriate. The stones warm and relax the muscles to allow deeper but less intense work with hands with less post-treatment soreness than with other types of massage. I am lucky enough to have a very talented therapist at Jing who also brings aromatherapy and a foot scrub into the session. Genevieve's Healing Arts
Body Wraps - I get questions about these from folks who want to "detox" after surgery, as a seasonal cleanse, or to remove excess water weight. Those who like it enjoy the warm, cocoon feeling, improved circulation, and skin softening or tightening effects. Again, this is a good therapy for people who like to spa, but may be touch-sensative. To be honest though, I do not like the feeling of being swaddled in plastic wrap and wet towels saturated by algae powder and my own sweat. I have had about three of these in my whole life and all were a bit different, but nonetheless, not for me.
***Disclaimer: None of these companies listed provided compensation for reviewing their services
Maya Abdominal Massage - I have only had one "full body" massage in my life where abdominal work was part of the treatment. I have asked a number of massage therapists why, and answers range from "nobody likes it" to "we didn't learn that in school." I agree, it feels a little weird partially because it is natural to guard the area, but also because most of us are not used to being so aware of our liver, stomach, or ileocecal valve. Maya abdominal massage requires additional training and involves the entire core. This therapy addresses issues including pelvic discomfort (including hips and low back), sexual function, and gastrointestinal irregularity. My favorite place in Louisville is Balance in Motion.
Ashiatsu - I had this done while at a conference in Orlando at Rosen Shingle Creek Spa. This is an intense deep tissue massage where the therapist stands over holding parallel bars for balance and uses feet instead of finger pressure to target common trigger or acupuncture points. This is sometimes called Oriental Bar Therapy and has become more popular in recent years. Deeper does not mean better or more effective and is not an appropriate therapy for everyone. Folks who have a lot of scar tissue or adhesions may like this therapy, however those with fibromyalgia or myofacial syndrome may find it makes their condition worse.
Reflexology - Perhaps my favorite treatment when done by someone formally trained, I have yet to get through one of these without falling asleep! More than a foot, hand, or ear massage, this modality uses sustained finger-pressure techniques to find areas of the body in need of attention without having to touch them directly. This is a great alternative to full-body massage for those who have discomfort but prefer to remain clothed. Those who tend to do well with this therapy can often tell when the therapist is touching the neck area of the hands or sinus area of the foot. I have had this done at Mandara spas in Orlando and Anaheim, Rachel's Salon in Memphis, Gould's Salon at the Peabody Memphis, and locally at my favorite place, J.R.s Salon.
Hot Stone - This is the number-one patient favorite, even in the summer and for those experiencing hot flashes! It is fantastic for people who like light-medium pressure with the goal of increasing circulation and relaxation. The stones are usually warm but some therapists will incorporate cold stones if appropriate. The stones warm and relax the muscles to allow deeper but less intense work with hands with less post-treatment soreness than with other types of massage. I am lucky enough to have a very talented therapist at Jing who also brings aromatherapy and a foot scrub into the session. Genevieve's Healing Arts
Body Wraps - I get questions about these from folks who want to "detox" after surgery, as a seasonal cleanse, or to remove excess water weight. Those who like it enjoy the warm, cocoon feeling, improved circulation, and skin softening or tightening effects. Again, this is a good therapy for people who like to spa, but may be touch-sensative. To be honest though, I do not like the feeling of being swaddled in plastic wrap and wet towels saturated by algae powder and my own sweat. I have had about three of these in my whole life and all were a bit different, but nonetheless, not for me.
***Disclaimer: None of these companies listed provided compensation for reviewing their services
Oprah's Dog Gets Acupuncture
Well, now we know for sure that Oprah believes in acupuncture!! She took her beloved cocker spaniel Sadie in for an acupuncture treatment. Thank you for your vote of confidence, Oprah. Do you want to bring Steadman in next? Read the story in the Mail...
Jumat, 09 Desember 2011
Children and Acupuncture
One question that I am asked occasionally is, "Is acupuncture safe for children?" The simple answer is 'yes', but you certainly want to take your child (and yourself) to a well trained practitioner and someone who has experience working with children.
Here is a small study that examined acupuncture with children, investigated the cases in which the treatment did not work, and concluded that
Here is a small study that examined acupuncture with children, investigated the cases in which the treatment did not work, and concluded that
Rabu, 07 Desember 2011
Anger Lessons
Anger is just another emotion - sure... It is a very uncomfortable, sometimes unacceptable emotion, especially when the anger is directed at those we love (or ourselves). When we are angry, we not only have an emotional response, but there can be a strong physical response. Anger was hard wired into us a long, long time ago and has its beginnings in a primitive, reactive animal instinct that
Senin, 05 Desember 2011
Maggie Daley Helped Women With Breast Cancer Receive Treatment - Including Acupuncture
Chicago has been in mourning after the death of our former First Lady, Maggie Daley. The wife of our long-time Mayor had a good reputation in this city and made an effort to help others. Daley gave generously to help open the Maggie Daley Center for Women's Cancer Care at Northwestern Memorial Hospital last year. The center gives patients access to doctors, social workers, psychologists, massage,
Sabtu, 03 Desember 2011
Understanding The Yin Yang Symbol
The concept of yin and yang has been around for several thousand years and it lies at the heart of classic Chinese science and philosophy. It is also one of my favorite in Chinese Medicine.
This popular symbol (to the right) represents the ancient concept. It illustrates the ebb and flow of yin and yang, light and dark, activity and rest, creation and destruction, it reminds us that everything
This popular symbol (to the right) represents the ancient concept. It illustrates the ebb and flow of yin and yang, light and dark, activity and rest, creation and destruction, it reminds us that everything
Kamis, 01 Desember 2011
Langganan:
Postingan (Atom)