Acupuncture for Weight Loss

In Oriental medicine the root of excess weight is an imbalance within the body caused by malfunctioning of the spleen and liver organ systems. Acupuncture points, foods and herbs selected to assist with weight loss directly influence the Qi of the spleen and liver systems to treat the imbalances causing the weight gain. The spleen is responsible for the proper functioning of the digestive system, ensuring that the food we eat is transformed into Qi, the vital substance of life. Disharmony of the spleen will have symptoms such as fatigue, slow metabolism, water retention, loose stool, and feeling of heaviness. The liver’s job is to keep the flow of your body’s Qi, blood and emotions running smoothly. Our modern, fast-paced lifestyle and chronic stress can negatively impact the liver’s ability to function properly and smoothly, which, in turn, can cause the spleen and the whole digestive system to function poorly and decrease your metabolism. Liver disharmony can also cause some of the “triggers” that lead to cravings and compulsive eating. Acupuncture and Oriental medicine has been shown to have an effect on the functioning of the nervous, endocrine and digestive systems, food cravings, and metabolism. These functions all help energize the body, maximize the absorption of nutrients, regulate elimination, control overeating, suppress the appetite, and reduce anxiety. A Total Health Program Acupuncture and Oriental medicine address the issues of over-eating and low metabolism with effective tools to control appetite and increase energy. Energetic imbalances are corrected and the digestive and elimination processes are improved so that there is a physical shift in the body to naturally have more energy and desire less food. By addressing both the physiological and psychological aspects of weight loss acupuncture and Oriental medicine provide a comprehensive therapy for weight issues that promotes better digestion, smooths emotions, reduces appetite, improves metabolism, and eliminates food cravings. Each treatment is catered to the needs of the individual patient. Acupuncture points on the body are chosen for overall well being with the objective of increasing circulation of the blood and Qi (stimulating the metabolism) and calming the nervous system. Treatments can include a combination of auricular (ear) and body acupuncture, ear tacks or pellets to leave on in-between treatments, herbs and supplements, abdominal massage, breathing exercises, and food and lifestyle recommendations. In addition to treating the root of the imbalance within the body, different acupuncture points may be chosen for each treatment as different symptoms arise. For instance, if you are experiencing a desire to overeat related to premenstrual syndrome (PMS) one week, then that can be addressed at that week’s appointment. The herbs and foods that are chosen during a weight loss treatment are for promoting healthy digestion, energizing the body, augmenting Qi, and improve elimination of water, toxins, and waste products. Most patients report a marked decline in appetite and cravings with acupuncture alone but herbs, healing foods, and exercises can definitely enhance the efficacy of the treatments.

Healthy Brain Habits

Here are some steps you can take to help optimize brain health and sharpen your memory: Eat balanced meal Studies that focus on food and memory show that the more produce you eat, the better. One 25-year Harvard Medical School study of more than 13,000 women showed that the participants who ate relatively high amounts of vegetables over the years had less age-related decline in memory. Cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, Brussels sprouts and cabbage) and leafy green vegetables had the biggest effect on helping women retain their memory during the course of the study. In another study, the phytochemicals, anthocyanin (found in berries of all colors and cherries) and quercetin (found in onions, kale and apples), actually reversed some of the age-related memory deficits in laboratory animals. Phosphatidylserine, found naturally in soy, beef, and seafood (primarily oysters) is thought to help promote cell-to-cell communication in the brain as part of the cell membrane. In addition to memory conditions, phosphatidylserine is also being studied for neurodegenerative conditions such as Parkinson’s disease. Based on the Chinese dietary theory, same shaped food tonifies same shaped organs. Walnut bears the shape of the brain, so eating walnuts has benefit of memory. Herbal supplements, such as Ginkgo biloba and American gingsen are also linked to better memory. Heart Health A healthy heart makes for a healthy brain. Because oxygen and nutrients are carried in the blood stream, anything that impedes blood flow will starve those all-important brain cells. Review your blood pressure and cholesterol level. Know your numbers and if they are elevated, take immediate measures to bring them down. Sleep When we sleep, the brain has time to recharge. Studies show that 7-8 hours of sleep a night helps to strengthen memory. Acupuncture is effective at treating sleep problems, so please let us know if you are having trouble sleeping. Exercise Regular physical activity has been shown to decrease the risk of dementia and Alzheimer�s disease by about half. Exercise increases blood flow to the brain and helps regulate blood sugar levels; both of which improve brain function and memory. Aim for 30 minutes a day. Challenge Your Brain Keep your mind active and challenged. Brain function decreases with age. Studies show that cognitive exercise can improve blood flow to the brain. Spend at least 15 minutes each day on a mental exercise such as a crossword puzzle, journaling or learning a new language to slow memory loss.

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Soothing Your Stress with acupuncture

Soothing Your Stress As a normal part of life, stress enables us to get things done. Left unmanaged, however, stress can lead to emotional, psychological, and even physical problems. Stress causes a disruption in the flow of vital energy, or Qi, through the body. This can throw off the immune system and cause new symptoms or aggravate already troublesome health conditions and, over time, more serious illnesses can develop. Stressful situations that last over a long period of time can create an ongoing low-level stress that puts continual pressure on the nervous system and can cause the overproduction of stress hormones (such as cortisol). The extra stress hormones sustained over an extended period of time may wear out the body's reserves, leading to fatigue, depression, a weakened immune system, and a host of serious physical and psychological ailments. Stress is often the cause of illness and the deterioration of health. Finding a release valve for your stress can help you stay healthy. According to Oriental medicine, stress, frustration, and unresolved anger can play an important part in throwing the immune system off and allowing pathogens to affect the body. Through acupuncture, these energy blockages can be addressed. Acupuncture points can help energy flow smoothly, and alleviate not only the symptoms of stress and anxiety, but the stress and anxiety itself. Numerous studies have demonstrated the substantial benefits of acupuncture in the treatment of stress. Acupuncture improves circulation of blood throughout the body, which oxygenates the tissues and cycles out stress hormones like cortisol and other waste chemicals. The calming nature of acupuncture also decreases heart rate, lowers blood pressure and relaxes the muscles. In addition to acupuncture, Oriental medicine offers a wide range of tools and techniques that can be integrated into your wellness plan to keep stress in check. These tools include Tui Na, Qi Gong exercises, dietary therapy, meditations and acupressure that you can administer at home. While it isn't always possible to remove the external forces causing stress, the ability to effectively deal with stress is a choice. Take time for yourself to cultivate the energy you need to handle your stress more skillfully and effectively. If you or someone you know is experiencing stress or a related disorder, contact us for more information about how acupuncture and Oriental medicine can help you regain peace of mind and stay healthy!

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Vitamin D deficiency is related to depression and over weight

According to several new studies, Vitamin D deficiencies—especially in African-Americans and people with darker skin tones—could raise the risk for developing conditions that include depression, weight gain, high blood pressure, cancer, diabetes, bone fracture, autoimmune disease and cardiovascular disease. 

 As many as 36 percent of Americans are vitamin D deficient, according to the National Center for Health Statistics. That number could be more than double for African-Americans. Vitamin D deficiency is called a “hidden epidemic” for darker-skinned people who have more melanin in the skin. High levels of melanin reduce the body’s ability to make vitamin D from sunlight exposure. In addition, African-Americans prone to develop lactose intolerance which further compromise Vitamin D absorption from foods. The regular multivitamin tablets only have 200 international units, which is not potent and is not enough. Some experts believe that adults should take between 800 and 1,000 international units Vitamin D3 a day to adequately prevent bone loss and protect against chronic disorders. Vitamin D is fat soluble vitamin, so it has to be in the capsule form and in the dark colored bottle to be more potent. In addition to supplements, fatty fish, egg yolks and fortified foods are good dietary sources. It is estimated that 10 minutes of daily sun exposure could provide adequate vitamin D. Over dosing of Vitamin D supplement can cause toxicity as Vitamin D is fat soluble vitamin, it can stock up in fatty cells and livers. Vitamin D is not regularly checked in the doctors’ office unless you request it. Vitamin D deficiency exists when the concentration of 25-hydroxy-vitamin D (25-OH-D) in the blood serum occurs at 12 ng/ml (nanograms/milliliter), or less. The normal concentration of 25-hydroxy-vitamin D in the blood serum is 25-50 ng/ml. It is suggested that all adults who are vitamin D deficient be treated with 50,000 IU of vitamin D3 once a week for eight weeks to achieve a blood level of 25(OH) D above 30 ng/ml, followed by maintenance therapy of 1,500-2,000 IU/day.

Cupping treatment help back pain and stress

Cupping treatment is under the scope of Chinese medical practices. It is used whenever a patient has pain and energy stagnation. It is common that there are cupping marks left on the skin when patients have blood stagnation (toxins) in the body. Gua Sha is one technique that intentionally raises a rash or petechiae on the skin. In Vietnam, the technique is called Cao Yio; in Indonesia : Kerik; in Laos : Khoud Lam. The color of the cupping mark (Sha) is both diagnostic and prognostic. Very light colored Sha can indicate deficiency of blood. If the Sha is purple or black, the blood stasis is long-standing. Dark red Sha can indicate heat. As the treatment progresses, when the patients have less blood stagnation (toxins), the petechiae will not form and the skin will only turn pink. The Sha petechiae should fade in 2-4 days. Please let it air dry. Cupping treatment has been practiced frequently by acupuncturists all over the world and is accepted by patients, including celebrities in the US. The following link shows actress Gwyneth Paltrow with cupping marks on her back. http://www.laineygossip.com/pics/gwynnie cupping marks.jpg There are lots of videos on YOUTUBE http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MIEakMcIQ8w&feature=fvst More videos about cupping treatment on YouTube. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t_Wu77FttBU&feature=related http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bMNMvOXhuwc&feature=related The cupping marks are dark when you have lots of energy stagnation. They will fade away in few days.What is Electrical Muscle Stimulation (EMS)?