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2012 is here and most of us look ahead with great intentions for a new year of positive change.  For many this includes a commitment to having a healthier body.  We’ve all made those resolutions to “eat better” and “work out more,” but what if I told that you a healthy, vital body has less to do with what you eat and how many times you visit the gym, but is much more dependant on healthy relationships, spiritual connection, a good sex life, professional satisfaction, and creative expression? The body is really a mirror for how we live our life. For me personally, this past year was not an easy one– emotional endings, new beginnings, and a healthy dose of fear and anxiety thrown in to keep me on my toes.  I experienced intimately what stressful situations can do when they disrupt your flow of energy (called Qi) through your body, causing sleep disturbances, digestive issues and other health symptoms.  I also know over time these stressors– if ignored or numbed by drugs and alcohol– can wear out the body’s reserves, leading to pain, fatigue, depression, a weakened immune system, and a host of serious physical and psychological ailments. During … Continue reading →

The weather changes in autumn, cold temperatures set in, and runny noses and sniffles start to seem like an epidemic.  Then add the sugar rush of Halloweeen to set most up for a of series of colds and flu throughout the winter. There are a number of simple ways to boost your immune system so you can increase your ability to stay healthy through the dreaded cold and flu season and keep your health and happiness alive through the darkest months of the year. Try even a few in your household on a regular basis and you will see positive results in your family’s well-being. 1. Drink your lemons.  Lemon is the ideal food for restoring acid-alkali balance. Drinking freshly squeezed lemon juice in water, or adding it to tea, salad dressings (in place of vinegar), baking or cooking, helps maintain the body’s internal climate at a pH which supports healthy bacteria instead of the viruses and harmful bacteria which thrive in more acidic environments. Apple cider vinegar is another great way to improve your body’s alkalinity. 2. Give your body an herbal boost. Hundreds of herbal supplements and tinctures exist to give the immune system additional support during the … Continue reading →

Proven methods of reducing stress in modern day living Continue reading →

Most people have heard about acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine for adults, but few are aware these health therapies are also effective in treating children–from babies to teenagers. Pediatric acupuncture is somewhat of a misnomer, as acupuncture with needles is not the usual, or only treatment option for children.  For example, the Chinese have developed a medical massage for children called pediatric Tui Na– a series of acupressure and other manipulations that support healthy functioning of the immune, circulatory, digestive, and neurological body systems in children. The Japanese have also developed a needle-less pediatric system for treatment of children called Shoni Shin, which utilizes small metal tools that are rubbed or tapped along meridians and acu-points with essentially the same effect as needles. It is helpful for parents to know that nearly all children 4 years and older can withstand a few needles.  Often, even younger children do well with them and are fascinated by the entire process.  Acupuncture needles are considerably thinner than the hypodermic needles that tend to scare most kids-and adults.  The specialized pediatric needles I use on my youngest patients are even thinner than normal and I use them regularly on my 8 and 4 year … Continue reading →

Acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine is one of the few natural treatment options that can be profoundly helpful for women suffering from endometriosis. This condition occurs when the tissue that lines the endometrium is found to be growing outside the uterus.  Typical symptoms are severe menstrual cramping, irregular menstrual bleeding, lower back pain, pain after intercourse, fatigue, and occasionally infertility. Endometriosis is seen as a sign of blood stagnation in Chinese medicine. This can be due to blood deficiency, kidney deficiency, or excessive internal cold and each specific pattern tends to respond very well to treatment. There are some cases of endometrial growth, however, which are so pronounced that surgical intervention is necessary. Most mild to moderate cases can be treated with Chinese medicine. Certain dietary changes are also important, including avoiding refined sugar, minimizing refined carbs and coffee and eating plenty of organic fruits and vegetables. It is also important to exercise 3-4 times a week to maintain the proper circulation of Qi and blood throughout the body.   Using acupuncture and herbal treatment for endometriosis can be a life-changing decision for many women. When combined with proper diet and exercise, the root cause of this condition can often be … Continue reading →

Asthma affects approximately 20 million Americans every year. Conventional treatment options are limited to steroid inhalers and bronchodilators. While these medications are effective in relieving the symptoms of asthma, the side effects of continuous long-term treatment can be severe and debilitating. There are numerous natural strategies to consider for chronic asthma that can offer effective treatment without side effects. Many nutritional supplements and herbal formulas are used to help control asthma, including Quercetin, Grape Seed extract, Cod liver oil  and MSM.   Chinese herbs are also beneficial, as well as regular acupuncture treatments. Acupuncture can be very effective in the treatment of asthma because it helps to reduce inflammation and balance the major organs that are contributing to one’s symptoms. In Chinese medicine, asthma can be caused by a variety of factors including stress, diet, allergies, candida infection and constitutional weakness.  All of these factors are related to different internal organs that are causing the lungs to constrict. Acupoints are used on the corresponding meridians that will balance any energetic or functional disharmonies in the respiratory system. Adjunctive therapies are also very helpful for asthma, such as cupping and gua sha. The main strategy asthmas sufferers need to employ is to … Continue reading →

Over 44 million Americans have been diagnosed with arthritis and any of these people are being treated with Western medications such as steroids and anti-inflamatories to manage their symptoms.  While these medications may work for short term pain relief, they can weaken the body over time and cause even more debility. In my clinical practice, I have worked with people with all forms of arthritis and helped many get off of their painkillers and steroids by using a combination of acupuncture, herbs, nutritional supplements, and techniques such as yoga or meditation. These natural therapies for pain management do not have any side effects, unlike most of the Western medications for pain relief that can cause a host of complications. Several natural herbal and nutritional supplements that have proven effective in overcoming the pain and inflammation of arthritis include fish oils, SAMe, MSM, and vitamins and minerals.   There are also many Chinese Herbal formulas effective in treating arthritis as well, which a licensed acupuncturist can help you find one suited for your specific symptoms.  As with most health conditions, basic dietary tips are also helpful for managing the symptoms of arthritis: Eat an organic whole foods diet that is rich in … Continue reading →