Acupuncture

Chinese herbal medicine and acupuncture are complimentary therapeutic modalities that are often used together in the treatment of a variety of medical conditions. Over the past 5,000 years, Chinese herbology has evolved into an art form of its own. Ancient herbal information was gathered, compiled, formulated, tested and handed down from generation to generation. Today, practitioners of Chinese medicine continue to prescribe herbal formulas because they are a powerful therapeutic method.

In order to create the most effective formula, the herbs are used in different quantities and for different purposes. This allows the herbalist to create a formula aimed at addressing individual needs.

Chinese herbal medicine can be used to expedite the healing process, and strenghten, support or tonify the body. These formulas have the capacity to address the underlying root cause of various medical conditions, whether acute or chronic. When prescribed and used correctly, Chinese herbal formulas rarely cause unwarranted side effects.

Chinese herbal medicine is a safe, effective and drug free way to become well and stay healthy, naturally!

Dr. Steven Sadlon is a NCCAOM Diplomate Oriental Medicine, certified by the NCCAOM^®. It is a considerable professional achievement to earn the designation Diplomate of Chinese Herbology (NCCAOM^®). NCCAOM certification indicates that one has met national standards for the safe and competent practice of Chinese herbology as defined by the acupuncture and Oriental medicine (AOM) profession. National board certification in Chinese herbology has been the mark of excellence in AOM since the Chinese Herbology Certification Program was introduced in 1996.

Taken from http://acupuncture.com/newsletters

Have you read the service menu at your favorite spa lately? If so, you may have noticed a new and intriguing addition: cosmetic acupuncture. Cosmetic acupuncture – also known as acupuncture facial rejuvenation or acupuncture facelift – is finding its way into an increasing number of full-service spas, and for good reason. This new modality can enhance not only your physical appearance but also your overall health, giving you a glow that radiates from deep within. While cosmetic acupuncture as a spa feature is a somewhat new phenomenon, there are nevertheless centuries-old records of it being used in the service of beauty. What’s more, acupuncture’s ability to improve a variety of skin conditions has now been documented in legitimate clinical studies. Its effectiveness is no longer a question of hearsay or testimonials. Before signing up for a course of facial acupuncture treatments, however, there are a few things you should consider.

Is it really a facelift? The answer is an unequivocal no. Nor is it intended to replace a facelift. Cosmetic acupuncture entails no incisions, sutures or acid peels and it will not produce sudden, drastic changes in underlying structures. In fact, the American Cosmetic Acupuncture Association discourages the use of the term, “facelift” in connection with acupuncture, as this creates unrealistic expectations and, ultimately, disappointment. Remember, it took decades of stress, sun damage and exposure to environmental toxins for your skin to reach a state of crisis, and the damage will not be instantly undone. The remedy cosmetic acupuncture may offer is the reduction or erasure of fine lines and the softening of deeper ones. Additionally, patients may experience the firming of jowls and a reduction in the size of under-eye bags. It is not unusual for clients to report enhanced skin tone, increased energy and eyes that sparkle.

But it doesn’t stop there. Since facial acupuncture is based on time-tested principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine, a person’s overall health may also benefit. Insomnia may be corrected and weight gain may be controlled. Cosmetic acupuncture is, after all, a whole-body treatment. In the Traditional Chinese Medicine view, a person’s face is affected selectively by his or her internal organs. Facial features reflect organic strengths, and as internal organs are fortified, one’s face reflects the improvement. Besides addressing a patient’s condition holistically, the practitioner will probably work locally, inserting painless, ultra-fine needles into–and around–specific wrinkles, acu-points or muscle points, depending on the technique employed. Techniques can be Spartan or luxuriant, and practitioners will often incorporate herbal poultices, moisturizers, pulsed light or essential oils into a treatment. An imperceptible electrical current may also be passed among the needles.

Finding a Practitioner

Finding certified practitioners may be easier than you think. They are listed by region at the website of The American Cosmetic Acupuncture Association (www.AmericanCosmeticAcupuncture.com). Membership in the ACAA assures you the acupuncturist is licensed and has studied facial cosmetic technique with a qualified teacher (not all of them have). You might want to avoid cosmetic acupuncture practitioners and teachers who claim their technique is better than all others (they may offer testimonials). There are simply too many talented practitioners in the field for anyone to make such a claim ethically.

The practitioner you choose should be willing to provide you with a free fifteen-minute consultation as well as an estimate of the cost and the number of treatments required. A course of ten treatments is standard, with periodic follow-up visits as needed. These sessions are labor intensive and will be priced differently than customary acupuncture treatments. Not surprisingly, if you are a smoker or sun-worshipper, you will need to make a longer commitment in order to achieve results. Depending on the technique used, there is a slight chance of minor temporary bruising, although your practitioner may lessen the possibility by starting your session with a homeopathic remedy.

If your features are tired, your eyes are baggy and your skin is without luster, yet you do not feel the need for cosmetic surgery, then facial acupuncture may be for you. The freedom from post-treatment downtime and the experience of enhanced vitality contribute to the ever-increasing popularity of this Asian art. If you are willing to try something different and new, you may find that facial acupuncture is the perfect partner in your quest for rejuvenation and renewal.

Charles Yarborough, L.Ac. is director of the American Cosmetic Acupuncture Association (www.AmericanCosmeticAcupuncture.com) and of Hamptons Health Circle in Pasadena, CA.

According to Chinese medical theory, the symptoms and signs that indicate a Western diagnosis of allergies relate to an imbalance in the meridian and Organ Systems of the body. These imbalances may stem from a variety of causes, including stress, poor diet,constitutional weakness, pollutants, and environmental toxins.
Over time, if imbalances remain within the body, they will affect the functions of the Organ Systems. Some of these Organ Systems are involved in the production of Wei Qi (pronounced “way chee”). According to the theories of acupuncture and Chinese medicine, it is important to have the correct quality and quantity of Wei Qi circulating around your body in order to stay healthy.

What is Wei Qi?

The Chinese concept of Wei Qi is similar to the Western concept if the immune system. Wei Qi functions to protect and defend the body against foreign substances, that if not caught can lead to allergies. When Wei Qi is strong and abundant, we remain healthy. When the supply of Wei Qi becomes inadequate, health is compromised and we become vulnerable to foreign invaders such as dust, mold, animal dander, bacteria, viruses, and pollen.

Acupuncture and Chinese medicine support and strengthen the systems of the body that are involved in the production of Wei Qi. By building up the supply of Wei Qi, and facilitating the smooth and free flow of it through the body, symptoms and signs related to allergies could be greatly reduced or eliminated.

What will an acupuncturist do?

An acupuncturist will conduct a thorough exam, taking a complete health history. They will then develop a unique treatment plan that will address your specific concerns. The goals of the treatment plan will be to eliminate visible symptoms and signs, while addressing the root causes and underlying imbalances affecting the quality and quantity of Wei Qi. Acupuncture treatments may be combined with herbs, dietary changes, massage (tuina) or exercise. These therapies accelerate the healing process in order to balance, build, and support the body’s Wei Qi. Acupuncture and Chinese medicine
is a Drug-free, safe, natural, and effective way to eliminate hay fever, allergies or the common cold.

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Fibromyalgia is the second most common rheumatic disorder in the United States behind arthritis, according to the American College of Rheumatology. People diagnosed with fibromyalgia experience a wide range of symptoms, including fatigue, pain, stiffness, aches and muscle tenderness, along with sleep disorders and intestinal and bowel troubles.
The diagnosis of fibromyalgia can be confirmed when 11 out of 18 specific points on the body are tender to pressure. Interestingly, some of these tender points closely correspond to the location of ancient acupuncture points.

How can Acupuncture Help?
According to the theories of acupuncture and Chinese medicine, an imbalance in the flow of Qi can create symptoms and signs that reflect a Western diagnosis of fibromyalgia. Qi (pronounced “chee”) is the energy or the power that animates and sup-ports the functions of the body. It flows through specific pathways, called meridians, and provides nourishment for the entire body.  When Qi is abundant and freely circulating throughout the body, there is health and pain-free living. When Qi becomes “blocked,” or the supply is inadequate, pain, stiffness and other symptoms related to fibromyalgia can appear.

An acupuncturist will take a complete health history in order to find out where Qi has become blocked, and/or why the amount of Qi within the body has changed. He or she will then develop a treatment plan tailored to address the meridian pathways that are out of balance. The goal of such a plan will be to eliminate visible symptoms, while addressing the root cause(s) and underlying imbalances.

What will Acupuncturist Do?
The body constantly strives to maintain a healthy balance of Qi traveling through the meridian pathways. When the flow of Qi has been disrupted, or the supply of Qi has changed, the body becomes unbal-anced and the meridians cannot properly nourish the body. This is when signs and symptoms appear. Most cases of fibromyalgia fit into the Chinese diagnosis of a Liver, Spleen, and/or Heart disharmony. This doesn’t mean that these organs have a “problem,” it means that the “functions” of these organ/meridian pathways according to Chinese medical diagnosis are out of balance.

The functions related to the Liver organ, according to Chinese medicine, are to control the smooth flow of blood, Qi, and emotions and to nourish the tendons. When the Liver meridian becomes “blocked” there will be an inadequate supply of blood and Qi flowing throughout the body. The tendons and muscles will not be properly nourished, leading to stiffness and pain. Other symptoms of a “blocked” Liver are depression, anger, anxiety, and insomnia, A Liver imbalance may be caused by improper diet, stress, deep, unexpressed anger, drugs, and alcohol.

The Chinese function of the Spleen is to transform the food that we ingest into Qi and blood. The health of the Spleen is affected by diet, over concentration, and worry. An unbalanced Spleen can result in fatigue, digestive troubles, muscle stiffness, and pain.

>When there is an insufficient amount of Qi and blood produced by the Spleen, the Heart organ will be affected. The role of the Heart is to pump blood throughout the body. It is also considered to be the home of the Spirit. If the Spleen cannot generate enough blood to nourish the Heart, the Heart Qi does not have enough control to properly house the Spirit. Symptoms can include anxiety. palpitations, insomnia, and emotional unrest.

Acupuncture and Chinese medicine can provide a safe alternative in the effective treatment of fibromyalgia. Along with acupuncture, natural herbal formulas, dietary recommendations and calming exercises can also help promote balance and health.

In November 1997, the National Institutes of Health (NIH), stated that acupuncture could be effective in treating fibromyalgia. Not only can it treat the pain and discomfort, but it can also address the underlying problems that have caused the imbalance.

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Tip #1 Set up a stop date a few weeks in advance. This will give you enough time to prepare yourself for the upcoming changes. Moreover, this will allow you to start some medical treatment.

Tip #2 On your stop smoking day, throw away all your cigarettes. This will not only prevent easy access to cigarettes but also will have a huge psychological impact on you.

Tip #3 Avoid places and situations that would prompt you to lighting up a cigarette. For example if you light up your first cigarette with your morning coffee, replace it with herbal tea; avoid going to pubs or night clubs during your first ex-smoker weeks.

Tip #4  Manage your cravings. They will actually fade within a few minutes. When cravings arise, distract yourself. Before you know it, the craving will have passed. .

Tip #5  Start saving the money that you used to spend on cigarettes. You will soon discover that you have put aside enough to buy something nice for yourself.

Tip #6  Increase regular exercise. Start with long walks, buy a bike and cycle to your work or just for fun, rollerblade, or go swimming. Any physical activity is good and it is up to you to pick up the ones that most suit your personality. Exercise will not only help improve your appearance but it will help your body detox and reduce both the cravings and the cessation symptoms.

Tip #7  Change your eating habits, eat more fresh fruits and vegetables, and drink a lot of liquids. A healthy diet will: a) prevent you from gaining weight and b) reduce the withdrawal symptoms.

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