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Integrative Health Centers Acupuncture Blog
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Recently while shopping in Whole Foods, I came across a wonderful tea (from Traditional Medicinals) for congestion, allergies and overall respiratory health aptly named “Breathe Easy”. I was happy to experience congestive relief from this tea but even more delighted to discover that the ingredient list included a commonly used Chinese herbal granule formula called Bi Yan Pian. This is a great formula for opening up the nasal passages and can be helpful for allergies, hay fever and other sinus issues. If you suffer from seasonal allergies, this tea is a great adjunct to other therapies like acupuncture. However, if you are currently taking a Chinese herbal formula (or other herbs), check with your acupuncturist or herbalist to ensure that it is appropriate to use.
Dang Gui is an herb which is commonly known outside Chinese medicine circles as being effective for menstrual irregularities. In fact, it’s name literally means “state of return”, implying an ablitiy to bring the menstrual flow back to normal. This herb is in the family of blood tonics, meaning it builds the blood in cases of pale complexion, blurred vision or palpitations. It also has the ability to move blood, and thus is effective for painful periods (in Chinese medicine pain is due to lack of movement of qi and blood). It also has the property of moistening the intestines and thus eases constipation.
An interesting aspect of this herb, along with many other herbs which utilizt the root of the plant, is that different parts of the root have different properties. The upper part of the root, the “head”, has a more tonifying nature. The tail and the fine lateral roots are less tonifying and are more effective at moving blood. The whole root is typically used. When I cook carrots I like to use the tail and any fine roots, as I suspect these parts of the plant, as in dang gui, have different beneficial properties from the thicker part of the carrot.
For centuries, acupuncture has been used to treat a multitude of physical and emotional disorders. Nowadays, people most often recognize the benefits that acupuncture can provide for pain relief. However, much research has been conducted in the field of infertility. One recent study conducted in Germany compared 2 groups of women receiving IVF treatment. The control group received only IVF treatment while the experimental group received 2 acupuncture treatments on the day of IVF transfer (one before and one immediately after). The results showed pregnancy rates of 42.5% in the experimental group compared to 26.3% in the control group. Another study published in 2005, looked at male factor infertility. With acupuncture, there was a marked improvement in sperm motility and quality.
The great thing about acupuncture and TCM is that it can be performed alone or in conjunction with medicated fertility cycles. The basic concept is that with the insertion of fine needles, blood flow increases locally to the uterus and ovaries (or testes in males). By nourishing these organs locally, it is theorized that there will be improvement in egg quality and thickness of the uterine lining. For more information on acupuncture studies for fertility, check out the link below:
http://www.acufinder.com/Acupuncture+Information/Detail/Acupuncture,+Fertility+Research+Delivers+Healthy+Results
I will be speaking at a Dizziness Support Group on Thursday May 6, 5pm, at Good Samaritan Hospital. Any interested parties are encouraged to join. Topics to be discussed will include acupuncture and herbal formulas used in the treatment of dizziness.
Hope to see you all there.
Here is a helpful information on insomnia by Dr. Maoshing Ni, L.Ac., D.O.M., Ph.D.
Nearly two out of three Americans are affected by insomnia and other sleep disorders. With that many people resting poorly, it is a wonder anyone gets through the workweek—let alone their whole life! While there are many pharmaceuticals available to induce sleep, there are centuries-old traditional techniques that can get you your zzz’s naturally.
Acupressure for sleep enhancement
Acupressure is an ancient healing technique, in which you use your fingertips to press key points on your body to stimulate natural healing. Here are two acupressure points you can press to induce restorative sleep:
• Inner Gate, known technically as Pericardium-6 is three finger-widths above your wrist crease, between the two tendons on the inside of your left forearm. Apply moderate pressure with your right thumb, holding for 5 minutes and breathing deeply. Repeat on the other arm.
• Bubbling Spring, also known as Kidney-1, is on the bottom of your foot, at the center of the indentation below the ball of your foot. Press down with your thumb, hold for 30 seconds, relax for five, and again continue for five minutes.
For a deep, calming sleep, try to do 10 minutes of acupressure each night.
For more information please visit the following:
http://acupuncture.com/newsletters/m_apr10/sleep%20solutions.htm
Many Chinese “herbs” are actually animal products. The Chinese as a rule are not disposed to vegetarianism, and medicinals derived from animals are thought to be extremely potent, as they are closer to us that plants. E Jiao is one such “herb”. It is basically donkey-hide gelatin, and is used for deficiency patterns such as dizziness, weakness, and any kind of bleeding disorders such as nosebleed, blood in urine, and irregular menstruation.
We are offering a discount on a 30 minute massage for all new and existing acupuncture patients through the end of May. We would like everyone to have an opportunity to experience the therapeutic benefits of massage. We are offering a rate of $25 for a 30 minute massage. You must be a current or previous acupuncture patient to qualify for the discount. We now have a massage therapist at all three of our locations.
Bel Air: 443.371.6413
Parkville: 410.882.4852
Towson: 410.296.5160
Appointments are available, Call Now!
April 24, 2010 – 12:20 pm
Minimize allergy symptoms naturally by including the following foods in your diet:
• Whole fresh foods: Eating healthy foods in general helps keep your body strong and able to fight off invaders like allergens and rid the body of toxins.
• Honey: Reduce pollen allergies by eating honey from locally grown wildflowers. Of course, honey contains quite a bit of sugar, even though it is a natural source, so a little moderation is in order.
• Fruits: Fruits are rich in antioxidants that improve lung function and many also contain natural antihistamines. Choose apples, berries, citrus, pineapple, papaya, bananas.
• Essential fatty acids: Best sources include coldwater fish (no more than 2-3 servings a week), olive oil, flaxseed oil, soybean oil, nut oils, raw walnuts and wheat germ—all contain allergy-fighting properties.
• Magnesium: Eat foods like spinach, artichokes, tofu, sunflower seeds, cashews, navy and pinto beans to reduce respiratory problems.
• Spices: Anti-inflammatory spices include ginger, turmeric, garlic, onions and pepper.
• Zinc: Choose pumpkin seeds, yogurt, beef, tofu, oysters, crab, dark turkey or chicken to strengthen your immune system.
• Minimize dairy consumption since it can add to mucous production.
• Get enough sleep (7-9 hours)—the body needs adequate rest to fend off that which inflames us.
The weather is lovely outside and that means that lots of us are trying to burn off some of that extra adipose tissue that we have collected over the colder months. So we all need workouts that are both healthy and smart. I recommend something that is low impact and not too stressful on the body. Rebounding exercises are a great way to start. If you don’t have a trampoline try putting on your thickest socks and do some jumping jacks on your thickest carpet. For those of us with joint problems of the knees, hips, or lower back something low impact like a stair-climber, elliptical machine, stationary bike, or rowing machine is always a better option. Walking is also a simple and effective way of dropping a few extra pounds, but if you must run then choose a surface with a little more give like a rubberized track or simply grass. A great way to increase oxygen exchange during your workout is to apply a small amount of Castor oil over the lungs, kidney, and liver areas of the chest and abdomen. For an explanation of all of Castor oil’s benefits and an introduction to Castor-cising visit Dr. Ali’s site http://www.majidali.com/castor_oil_a_premium_dysox_remedy.htm.
For any muscle or joint pains that will not resolve on their own why not come in and enjoy some acupuncture or tuina. It is the perfect answer for achy muscles and joints, and we will have back out there enjoying your workout in no time.
Orthopedic massage may be defined as therapeutic assessment, manipulation, and movement of the body’s soft tissues (muscles, tendons, ligaments, fascia, and joint capsules) to reduce or eliminate chornic pain or injuries.
A broad spectrum of techniques and approaches are used to treat soft tissue dysfunction. As a comprehensive system, orthopedic massage is capable of integrating a wide variety of techniques in the treatment of soft tissue dysfunctional pain and injuries. It includes:
deep transverse friction
trigger point therapy
myofasccial release
cross fiber and muti-directional strokes
neuromuscular therapy (muscle energy techniques)
scar tissue mobilization
stretching
and neuromuscular re-education
The nature of each condition is considered by the practitioner to determine the most effective treatment. An example would be treating upper back and neck pain. Instead of immediately using deep tissue techniques on the trigger pain spots in the upper back, particularly the rhomboids, I will treat the anterior (front) neck and shoulders of the body. Why? So many clients are rotated forwarded in the shoulders due to poor posture and repetitive motions that make the muscles in the front of the body tight and contracted. These include: the pectoralis major/minor, subclavius, and subscapularius, while the opposing mucles, (such as rhomboids in the mid back area) become weakened and over stretched. This imbalance often causes the head to thwart forward, and wreaking havoc on the front (anterior) and back (posterior) neck muscles.
Very good results often occur when the therapist first addresses the treatment of the neck and front shoulders first, using myofascial, cross-fiber, and multi-directional techniques, allowing the cause factors of pain to improve and start releasing.
And when there is pain relief and range of motion improves, it makes retraining poor posture habits more effective.
Next time I’ll write how orthopedic massage can help with carpal tunnel syndrome, and how this technique has often improved that condition and thus saving people from needless surgery.
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Integrative Health Centers
Parkville
9403 Harford Road,
Suite #7
Baltimore, MD 21234
Phone (410) 882-4852
Fax (410) 882-4853 |
Integrative Health Centers
Towson
1300 York Road,
Suite #149, Building B
Lutherville, MD 21093
Phone (410) 296-5160
Fax (410) 296-5161 |
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