Point - A Place of Wellness

Happy Chinese New Year - The Year of the Water Dragon

2012-01-22T23:36:00.000-08:00

Of the 12 signs of the Chinese zodiac, the dragon is the most special and is sometimes called a karmic sign. Bigger than life is very much a dragon thing and in this context we can expect grand things to happen this year. There may be flames and failures, but there will also be spectacular achievements. For those born in the Year of the Dragon, this year is the time to pursue and act on the impossible dream, change the world or at least your life. And for the other signs, it is the best chance to make your dreams come true. The dragon sign is associated with spring and the dragon water sign is likely to become a flowing river rather than a stagnant lake, which means that you need to begin 2012 off to a fast start as things are expected to happen early in the year.

Spring Doesn't Have To Mean Allergy Season

2010-04-09T12:51:00.000-07:00

Spring is in full swing. The flowers are blooming, creating carpets of bright colors and releasing their wonderful scents.

Spring flowers also release a lot of pollen.

For those of us who are sensitive to pollen because of seasonal allergies, I have some Chinese herbal formulas that are good to use as substitutes for over-the-counter (OTC) drugs.

Traditional Bi Yan Pian treats acute symptoms of nasal disorders (runny nose, sneezing, itchy eyes/ears/throat) WITHOUT the undesirable side effects common to OTC drugs. Bi Yan Pian reduces inflammation of the mucus membrane to treat (and prevent further outbreaks of) sinusitis, rhinitis, hay fever, allergies and sinus infections without causing drowsiness, dry nose, or dry mouth.

Head Clear is a combination of 6 traditional formulas that treats lingering symptoms of skin rashes, inflammation of the glands/eyes/throat, and muscle soreness. It also alleviates headaches, neck soreness and joint soreness caused by allergies.

EnviroShield is a combination formula that supplements Qi and Blood. It is a good formula for patients with year-round allergy symptoms. It treats cold-allergy syndrome (chronic or recurring rhinitis, sinusitis, coughs, wheezing) caused by viral infections, allergies, environmental sensitivities or all three, simultaneously and in alternation. EnviroShield also treats IBS-food allergy/sensitivity syndrome (indigestion, reflux, bloating, and diarrhea).

These formulas can be taken together or separately and can provide fast relief if taken at the onset of symptoms. If you would like to know if any of these formulas are right for you, please call for a consultation.

Case Study - High Risk Pregnancy

2010-04-01T13:07:00.000-07:00

OBSERVATIONS

A 37 years old 20 weeks pregnant women walked into my office with the main problem of severe pain in the low abdomen which increase at night. The combination of the pain and the baby’s rapid movement at night time caused anxiety attacks for her. These anxiety attacks were characterized by a fast heart beat and chest pain. She also experience throbbing headaches. Her other concern is her daily nausea, vomiting and watery diarrhea that didn’t stopped since the beginning of the pregnancy. She is now eating only white rice and chicken.

DIAGNOSIS: Kidney Yang Deficiency and Qi and Blood Deficiency
(Restless Fetus or Threatened Miscarriage)

“Threatened Miscarriage” is the western medical term for my patient’s condition. In Chinese Medicine, it has three corresponding conditions, Vaginal Bleeding During Pregnancy (Tai Lou), Restless Fetus (Tai Dong Bu An), and Miscarriage (Duo Tai, Xiao Chan/Ban Chan, or Hua Tai). These reflect different stages of the same process.

The Chinese term Restless Fetus literally means the fetus is not at peace because it doesn’t get the nourishment it needs to grow properly and miscarriage can result. Some movement of the baby is normal but excessive movement or a change from quiet baby to rapid movement is pathology.

The blood vessels that supply the uterus fall under the Directing (Ren Mai) and Penetrating Vessel (Chong Mai) and a weakness there is associated with a deficiency of the Kidneys.

TREATMENT

Treatment included acupuncture, soft tissue manipulation and Chinese herbs.

Acupuncture was prescribed twice a week to tonify the Kidneys, strengthen the Governing (Du Mai), Directing and Penetrating Vessels and calm the fetus. The points that were used:

Du 20 to raise Qi to counteract the downward movement of the fetus.
UB20 and St36 to tonify the Spleen and raise Qi.
UB23 and KI3 to tonify the Kidneys.
Qimen with Moxa to strengthen the uterus and prevent miscarriage.
UB17 with Moxa to tonify Blood.
LIV8 to nourish liver blood.
PC6 to relieve nausea and anxiety.

Moxa was used in combination with other points as well.

The patient was instructed to breathe into her low abdomen allowing the pain and contraction to ease and to reduce her anxiety. Chinese herbal supplements were prescribed.

OUTCOME

The patient was under my care for the rest of her pregnancy. With treatment, she could get through the night’s contractions with more ease. The intensity reduced and her headache and diarrhea were alleviated. She was able to introduce different food into her diet, which helped nourish her and the baby. The baby’s rapid moments also reduced.

At 41 weeks, she gave birth to a healthy boy.

GOING FORWARD

I recommended continued care while nursing because her kidneys still need the support. Spleen and Kidney Yang Deficiency is a chronic condition characterized by diarrhea and a weak digestive system and can worsen during pregnancy (as seen with this patient). While nursing, she is still trying to produce enough nourishment for herself and the baby which further weakens the mother.

It is highly recommended that she continue regular acupuncture treatments and take Chinese herbs. There are Chinese Herbal formulas that help with normalization of the uterus. Safe to take while nursing, they are given for four to six weeks following childbirth or even twelve weeks in cases of hard or prolonged labor. These formulas treat combinations of Qi/Blood Deficiency and Blood Stasis. This patient needs a postpartum formula combined with a Kidney Tonic to replenish Jing lost during labor.

“Postpartum fatigue is a common presentation after childbirth. For many women, it may be the underlying cause of Qi and Blood Deficiency that lasts throughout the rest of their life.”

Pregnancy creates powerful changes in the body. How you balance and support your body during the pregnancy and afterward can lay the foundation for your baby’s and your health going forward.

Wellness is an active commitment to live a fulfilled life. I am happy I could alleviate my patient’s anxiety and pain so she could deliver a full-term, healthy baby.

Happy Passover

2010-03-29T12:54:00.000-07:00

Passover to me is about remembering to be free, to release yourself from (not be a slave to) old patterns and habits.
It is about the spring: new creation and rejuvenation.

Enjoy the season and enjoy your family and friends.

During Passover, Point-A Place of Wellness will be closed Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday (4/5-4/7) and will resume regular clinic hours on Thursday.

I hope you have a happy and healthy Passover.

Acupuncture Effectively Treats Hot Flashes

2010-03-17T15:37:00.000-07:00

Patients frequently come to my clinic for help when they have trouble sleeping, reduced sex drive, heart arrhythmia, and/or general anxiety. For the men, the issue is usually stress-related. For the women, though, it may actually be menopause related.

Acupuncture is as effective as drug therapy and has the added benefit of potentially increasing a woman's sex drive and improving her sense of well-being according to a 2009 Henry Ford Hospital study published in the Journal of Oncology.

The study was a randomly controlled trial and the results show acupuncture has a longer-lasting effect on the reduction of hot flashes and night sweats for women receiving hormone therapy for breast cancer treatment when compared to drug therapy. Women also report that acupuncture improves their energy and clarity of thought.[1]

"Acupuncture offers patients a safe, effective and durable treatment option for hot flashes, something that affects the majority of breast cancer survivors. Compared to drug therapy, acupuncture actually has benefits, as opposed to more side effects."

Lead Author Eleanor Walker, M.D.,
Division Director, Breast Services
Radiation Oncology, Henry Ford Hospital

Another study at The National Research Center in Complementary and Alternative Medicine in Norway compared the effectiveness of individualized acupuncture plus self-care versus self-care alone on hot flashes and health-related quality of life in postmenopausal women. There were statistically significant (P <0.001) improvements in vasomotor (hot flashes), sleep, and somatic symptoms in the acupuncture group.

“Acupuncture plus self-care can contribute to a clinically relevant reduction in hot flashes and increased health-related quality of life in postmenopausal women.”[2]

Though menopausal signs and symptoms are disturbing, they are self-limiting and not life-threatening. Such signs and symptoms may be prominent for a few years, but they will gradually lessen in severity and eventually disappear.
Fatigue during menopause, for example, is related to Spleen Qi Deficiency. “Shi Quan Da Bu Wan” is a traditional formula that has been used for hundreds of years to nourish the Spleen and its meridian. Hot flashes and night sweats are associated with Kidney Deficiency and are treated with the formula “Mai Wei Di Huang Wan” which is related to the Kidney Yin Tonic. Chinese herbal formulas can also treat other menopause-related discomforts such as headache, insomnia, depression, vaginal dryness, lowered libido and Osteoporosis.

Menopause Conditions and Treatments[3]
Diagnosis	Clinical Manifestation	Herbal Rx
Kidney Yin Deficiency	Delayed menstruation (scanty in amount or ceased completely); hair loss; scanty vaginal discharge; dryness of vagina; dizziness; tinnitus; hot flashes; night sweats; five heart irritable heat (heat and irritable sensation in the chest, palms and soles); hot flashes; insomnia; increased dreams; itchy skin or formication (tactile hallucination with feeling of insects crawling on skin); soreness and weakness of lower back and knees	Anemarrhena phellodendron & rehmannia formula (zhi bai di huang wan) and artemisia & turtle shell decoction (qing hao bie jia tang)
Liver Qi Stagnation	Irritability; nervousness; hypochondriac distention; constipation; palpitations; insomnia; emotional instability; generalized weakness.	Bupleurum & dragonbone combination (chai hu jia long mu tang) and bupleurum & peony formula (jia wei ziao yao san)
Blood Deficiency	Dizziness; hot flushes; sweating; insomnia; dryness of skin; sallow complexion; emotional instability; myalgia.	Tang kuei four combination (si wu tang) and ginseng & longan combination (gui pi tang)
Uprising Deficiency Heat	Hot flushes; bone-steaming sensation; irritability; dizziness; nervousness; emaciation.	Artemisia & turtle shell decoction (qing hao bie jia tang)
Kidney Yang Deficiency	Heavy menstrual bleeding; metrorrhagia or complete ceasing of menstruation; soreness and weakness of the lower back and knees; edema of the face and limbs; cold limbs; cold appearance; loose stools; polyuria; urinary incontinence.	Eucommia & rehmannia formula (you gui wan) and ginseng & ginger combination (li zhong tang)
Kidney Essence (Jing) Deficiency	Weakness and soreness of the lower back and legs; inability to stand for a prolonged period of time; decreased bone mass density (Osteoporosis).	Testudinis & cervi formula (gui lu er xian jiao)

For women experiencing the distress of hot flashes, night sweats, headaches and insomnia, acupuncture and Chinese herbal formulas can provide a safe and effective way to achieve a trouble-free menopause. There are several herbal formulas which are widely used for relieving menopausal symptoms, and which are extremely effective.
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References:

Inflammation

2010-03-03T12:30:00.000-08:00

Inflammation (Latin, inflamatio, to set on fire) is the complex biological response of vascular tissues to harmful stimuli, such as pathogens, damaged cells, or irritants.[1] It is a protective attempt by the organism to remove the injurious stimuli as well as initiate the healing process for the tissue.

In the absence of inflammation, wounds and infections would never heal and progressive destruction of the tissue would compromise the survival of the organism. However, an inflammation that runs unchecked can also lead to a host of diseases, such as hay fever, atherosclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, ulcerative colitis, liver cirrhosis are just to name few. It is for that reason that inflammation is normally closely regulated by the body.

Inflammation can be classified as either acute or chronic. Acute inflammation is the initial response of the body to harmful stimuli and is achieved by the increased movement of plasma and leukocytes from the blood into the injured tissues. A cascade of biochemical events propagates and matures the inflammatory response, involving the local vascular system, the immune system, and various cells within the injured tissue. Prolonged inflammation, known as chronic inflammation, leads to a progressive shift in the type of cells which are present at the site of inflammation and is characterized by simultaneous destruction and healing of the tissue from the inflammatory process.

Acupuncture is incredibly effective at reducing inflammation in the body at any age. Inflammation becomes more common as we age so Chronic Systemic Inflammation is an underlying cause of many seemingly unrelated, age-related diseases[2]. Systemic inflammation can inflict devastating degenerative effects throughout the body ranging from arteriosclerosis to osteo-arthritis (Ward 1995; McCarty 1999; Brod 2000). This fact is often overlooked by the medical establishment, yet persuasive scientific evidence exists that correcting a chronic inflammatory disorder will enable many of the infirmities of aging to be prevented or reversed.

Scientists have identified dietary supplements and prescription drugs that can reduce levels of the pro-inflammatory cytokines . Fish oil is the best documented supplement to suppress tumor necrosis factor-alpha[3] (TNF-a), IL-6, IL-1(b), and IL-8 (Jeyarajah et al. 1999; James et al. 2000; Watanabe et al. 2000; Yano et al. 2000). A study on healthy humans and those with rheumatoid disease shows that fish oil suppresses these dangerous cytokines by up to 90% (James et al. 2000).

In Traditional Chinese Medicine the herbs that reduce inflammation fall under the category of herbs that “clear Heat”. “Heat” refers not only to fever but to any conditions that manifest with redness, swelling, or a sensation of heat. Other signs that may occur (not only locally) are: red tongue with yellow coating, thirst, rapid pulse, irritability and, depending in which organ is inflamed; the urine can be scanty and dark, or the patient may have constipation or diarrhea.

Different Chinese Herbs will target inflammation in different areas of the body like the joints in the case of arthritis or in the muscles and soft tissue with injuries or surgeries. Other herbs will target the digestion system or skin condition.

Acute inflammation in the respiratory track caused by virus or bacteria is a cold. When the inflammation is caused by allergens it is an allergy. Not everyone develops an allergy even when they are exposed to the same environment. The mucus cells become inflamed and their membranes become thin and red and secrete more mucus. Taking Chinese formula that contain “clearing heat” herbs restore the cell membrane to normal and the person will have less mucus discharge. The overreaction of the immune system subsides. Taking Chinese herbal formulas is treating not only the symptoms (runny nose) but the underlying cause (inflammation), restoring the normal body function.

Restoring the normal body function by enhancing blood circulation, boosting the immune system, helping to eliminate toxins from the body by urination and defecation or by sweating are some of the function that the body is doing on its own and stimulated by Chinese Herbs. In case of inflammation different herbs will go to different parts of the body and will address different stages of the disease. The formulas have a combination of herbs that will support digestion and combine some of those ideas at the same time. There are no side affect. The body has enormous ability to heal itself and taping into it own mechanism and enhancing them in time of disease can reverse and restore the normal function again.

From a modern biomedical perspective, these herbs have anti-inflammatory, antipyretic and antimicrobial functions.

Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine can treat Chronic Systemic Inflammation in the body. No matter how the inflammation manifests (ulcers, arthritis, skin conditions, etc), Acupuncture and TCM restore normal function to help the body heal itself. Please feel free to contact me at the clinic if you have questions or wish to make an appointment.

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[1] Ferrero-Miliani L, Nielsen OH, Andersen PS, Girardin SE (February 2007). "Chronic inflammation: importance of NOD2 and NALP3 in interleukin-1beta generation". Clin. Exp. Immunol. 147 (2): 227–35. doi:10.1111/j.1365-2249.2006.03261.x. PMID 17223962.

[2] Cotran; Kumar, Collins (1998). Robbins Pathologic Basis of Disease. Philadelphia: W.B Saunders Company. ISBN 0-7216-7335-X.

[3] "The ability of fish oil to suppress tumor necrosis factor alpha production by peripheral blood mononuclear cells in healthy men is associated with polymorphisms in genes that influence tumor necrosis factor alpha production." Grimble RF, Howell WM, O'Reilly G, Turner SJ, Markovic O, Hirrell S, East JM, Calder PC. American Journal Clinical Nutrition. 2002 Aug;76(2):454-9.PMID: 12145022

New Year's Resolve Fading? How Acupuncture can help you reach your goals (part 5 of 5)

2010-02-17T11:33:00.000-08:00

This week was the start of the Chinese New Year and is my last post in a series about keeping New Year's Resolutions throughout the year.

Resolution 5: Eliminate Stress

Stress reduction is always on the top ten list for New Year’s resolutions and for a good reason. Each day we juggle challenges and opportunities (from work, family, friends) or different stressors; how we manage them determines if "stress" has a positive or negative effect. An inability to manage stress is often the cause of illness and the deterioration of health. Numerous studies have demonstrated the substantial benefits of acupuncture in the treatment of stress, anxiety [1] and lowering blood pressure [2].

In addition to acupuncture, Traditional Chinese Medicine offers a whole gamut of tools and techniques that can be integrated into your life to reduce stress and keep it in check. These tools include Tui Na, Qi Gong exercises, herbal medicine, dietary therapy, meditations and acupressure that you can administer at home or your office. You can click the links or search this blog for more articles about these practices.

If the stress in your life is throwing you off balance, consider coming in for a treatment to regain peace of mind and stay healthy. Wellness is an active commitment to live a balanced and fulfilled life.

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[1] "Auricular Acupressure as a Treatment for Anxiety in Prehospital Transport Settings," ANESTHESIOLOGY; June 2003, V 98, Issue 6, Pg 1328-1332; Alexander Kober MD, Thomas Scheck MD, Barbara Schubert BS, Helmut Strasser BS, Burkhard Gustorff MD, Petra Bertalanffy MD, Shu-Ming Wang MD, Zeev N. Kain MD, Klaus Hoerauf MD

[2] "Randomized Trial of Acupuncture to Lower Blood Pressure," CIRCULATION; June 4, 2007; Frank A. Flachskampf MD*, Joachim Gallasch MD, Olaf Gefeller PhD, Junxue Gan MD, Juntong Mao MD, Annette B. Pfahlberg PhD, Alois Wortmann MD, Lutz Klinghammer MD, Wolfgang Pflederer MD, and Werner G. Daniel MD
doi: 10.1161/CIRCULATIONAHA.106.661140
http://circ.ahajournals.org/cgi/content/abstract/CIRCULATIONAHA.106.661140v1

New Year's Resolve Fading? Acupuncture Can Help... (Part 4 of 5)

2010-02-11T08:00:00.000-08:00

As we approach the Chinese New Year (Feb 15), it’s not “too late” to make your New Year’s Resolution. Keeping this week’s resolution will lower your blood pressure, increase lung function, and decrease to half your excess risk of coronary heart disease.[1]

Resolution 4: Quit Smoking

Acupuncture has turned a growing number of cigarette cravers into permanent ex-smokers. Some researchers say that acupuncture is a promising treatment for all types of addiction from cigarettes to heroin because of its ability to curb withdrawal symptoms and manage cravings.

In one study, a team from Yale University successfully used auricular (ear) acupuncture to treat cocaine addiction[2]. Results showed that 54.8% of participants tested free of cocaine during the last week of treatment, compared to 23.5% and 9.1% in the two control groups. Those who completed acupuncture treatment also had longer periods of sustained abstinence compared to participants in the control groups.

Acupuncture treatment for smoking cessation is a two-fold program. The first step focuses on acute withdrawal symptoms (jitters, cravings, irritability, and restlessness) commonly complained about trying to quit. The second step addresses the more chronic conditions by correcting the damage caused by smoking[3]. A combination of Traditional Chinese herbs and acupuncture points on the body and ear (auricular acupuncture) are used to stimulate the Lungs and Liver.

The length, number and frequency of treatments will vary. When treating any condition in the acute stage, multiple treatments are required – 6 to 8 treatments within the first 2 weeks. As the acute symptoms reduce, the number of treatments needed each week reduces also. Chronic conditions can be alleviated in 4 to 6 months.

The Rule of Thumb for treating chronic conditions is: For every year you’ve had a condition, it will take a month of treatments to clear it.

Acupuncture is not a panacea or a magic cure-all in the treatment of any addiction, including smoking. But, acupuncture is effective in making it easier to quit and remain smoke-free. If you are highly motivated and ready to quit, acupuncture can empower you to take control and begin a healthy and smoke-free life!

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[1]“After The Last Cigarette: The Benefits of Quitting Smoking Begin,” ABOUT.COM (Health); May 13, 2009; Martin, Terry
http://quitsmoking.about.com/cs/afterquitting/a/after_quitting.htm

[2]“A Randomized Controlled Trial of Auricular Acupuncture for Cocaine Dependence,” ARCHIVES OF INTERNAL MEDICINE; August 2000; Vol 160 No 15 Pg 2305-2312; S. Kelly Avants; Arthur Margolin; Theodore R. Holford; Thomas R. Kosten
http://opa.yale.edu/news/article.aspx?id=3397
http://archinte.ama-assn.org/cgi/content/full/160/15/2305

[3]“Electro-acupuncture promotes survival, differentiation of the bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells as well as functional recovery in the spinal cord-transected rats,” BMC NEUROSCIENCE; April 20 2009, Vol 10:35
doi:10.1186/1471-2202-10-35
http://www.biomedcentral.com/1471-2202/10/35

New Year's Resolve Fading? Acupuncture can help you reach your goals (Part 3 of 5)

2010-02-04T11:00:00.000-08:00

My previous posts in this series have discussed how acupuncture can help you lose weight and improve your memory. This week, I will explain why acupuncture can help with another strategy to improve your health:

Resolution 3: Relieve Pain Naturally

If pain is keeping you from living your life to the fullest, acupuncture can help. Pain is a symptom. It is our body’s way of “getting our attention” so we can take corrective action. This is true of emotional and physical pain, whether chronic or acute.

Corrective action can range from reflexes (flinching, limping, crying), to semi-conscious decisions (adjust your posture, rub a sore muscle, change sleep pattern), to conscious decisions (stop what you are doing, take medication, ask for help).

Different medications have side effects. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are the largest class of medications used for pain and headache and can cause idiosyncratic liver toxicity.[1] NSAIDs, like ibuprofen, can cause serious upper gastrointestinal disorders.[2] Acupuncture is a very safe method of encouraging the body to promote natural healing and improve function that rarely causes serious side effects. Many people feel a brief stinging sensation, like a pinprick, during insertion of the needles. It is also common with the first one or two treatments to have a sensation of deep relaxation or even mild disorientation immediately following the treatment.

Acupuncture can be helpful for all types of pain, regardless of what is causing the pain or where the pain is located. Some studies have shown the pain relief it provides can last for months.

Medication can reduce pain and provide some relief but this only masks (or hides) the problem, it does not cure it and, as we saw in the ibuprofen example, can create new problems. Acupuncture treats pain without causing more problems. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain before and after acupuncture treatment for pain shows dramatic decreases in activity in the pain centers of the brain - up to 70%.

Acupuncture treats the root (cause), while pain medication only treats the branch (symptom/manifestation)

The pain reducing effects of acupuncture can last months because acupuncture hastens the healing process by increasing circulation and attracting white blood cells to an injured area. It relieves the bruising, stiffness; puffiness and tenderness from the injury and can help in forming new bones in case of fractures. Acupuncture shortens the healing time of surgeries[3] and sports injuries, putting you back on track faster.[4]

Acupuncture helps correct the underlying cause for the pain. For PMS, acupuncture balances the hormones; for headaches, acupuncture releases stress and increases blood circulation to the head. Other chronic pain-causing conditions, like arthritis or stomach ulcers, involve chronic inflammation and can benefit form acupuncture as well. When the body function is restored to normal or “wellness” - there is no pain.

Wellness is an active commitment to live a balanced and fulfilled life. Acupuncture and TCM are powerful tools, by themselves or as a supportive treatment in conjunction with western medicine. At Point I coach both children and adults on how to create their own Place of Wellness. Most people focus on their immediate pain, failing to see the underlying issues. My main goal is to guide you through clear and simple steps that will improve your physical, mental and spiritual well being.

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[1] “Preventive Care In Chronic Liver Disease”; JOURNAL OF GENERAL INTERNAL MEDICINE; November 1999, 14(11): 699–704; Thomas R Riley, MD and Jill P Smith, MD;
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1496761/
doi: 10.1046/j.1525-1497.1999.11188.x.
PMCID: PMC1496761

[2] “Toxicity Of Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs. An Overview Of The Epidemiological Evidence”; DRUGS; 1993; 46 Suppl 1:243-8, Carson JL, Willett LR.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/7506183
PMID: 7506183 (PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE)

[3] “Case Study – Wisdom Teeth Extraction”; APLACEOFWELLNESS.BLOGSPOT.COM; July 28, 2008; Meyuhas, S.

[4] "Depression", "Low Back Pain Remedy", "Swollen Glands"; APLACEOFWELLNESS.BLOGSPOT.COM; Meyuhas, S.

New Year's Resolve Fading? How Acupuncture can help you reach your goals (Part 2 of 5)

2010-01-28T11:09:00.000-08:00

Last week I blogged about the number one resolution Americans make each New Year's, losing weight. This week I can share with you how acupuncture can maintain or improve your cognitive skills and memory.

Resolution 2: Stay Sharp

Maybe you want (or need) to learn a new language or take a class at your local college. However you choose to exercise your brain, acupuncture can help. Numerous studies [1, 2, 3] suggest that acupuncture can help improve memory, mental clarity, concentration and cognitive function.

Studies show how acupuncture can be used to treat memory impairment induced by chronic pain [4], diabetes, and cerebral ischemia [5]. Other studies have looked at how acupuncture affects the performance of students during an exam, women experiencing post-menopausal "brain fog", patients with Alzheimer's disease and the effects of vascular dementia. The results, thus far, show acupuncture has a positive effect on memory and cognitive function.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, memory and cognitive function is associated with Kidney function. Over the years the energy of the body declines, resulting in reduced circulation. By tonifying the Kidneys, the "body essence" is balanced. In this context, "body essence" refers to hormones and neurotransmitters which regulate body function.

Acupuncture and TCM are powerful tools, by themselves or as a supportive treatment in conjunction with western medicine. At Point-A Place Of Wellness, we offer herbal consultations as well as acupuncture treatment.

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Resources
[1] "Repeated 2 Hz peripheral electrical stimulations suppress morphine-induced CPP and improve spatial memory ability in rats"; EXPERIMENTAL NEUROLOGY, Vol 194, Issue 2, August 2005, Pages 550-556; Ji-huan Chena, Jing Lianga, Gui-bin Wanga, Ji-sheng Hana and Cai-lian Cui

[2] "The role of the endogenous opioid system in the effects of acupuncture on mood, behavior, learning, and memory"; MEDICAL HYPOTHESIS, Volume 50, Issue 6, June 1998, Pages 475-478; Sher, L.

[3] "Acupuncture prevents cognitive deficits and oxidative stress in cerebral multi-infarction rats" NEUROSCIENCE LETTERS, Volume 393, Issue 1, 23 January 2006, Pages 45-50; Cun-Zhi Liua, Jian-Chun Yua, Xue-Zhu Zhanga, Wei-Wei Fub, Tong Wanga and Jing-Xian Han

[4] "Cognitive impairment in patients with chronic pain: the significance of stress"; CURRENT PAIN HEADACHE REPORT, Vol 2, 7 April 2003, Pages 116-26; Hart RP, Wade JB, Martelli MF

[5] "Electroacupuncture restores learning and memory impairment induced by both diabetes mellitus and cerebral ischemia in rats"; NEUROSCIENCE LETTERS, Vol 443, Issue 3, 10 October 2008, Pages 193-198; Xiang-Hong Jinga, Shu-Li Chena, Hong Shia, Hong Caia and Zhi-Gao Jina

Photo Credit: http://flashfree.wordpress.com

New Year's Resolve Fading? How Acupuncture can help you reach your goals (part 1 of 5)

2010-01-21T10:19:00.000-08:00

With each new year, we once again reflect on what changes can improve our lives. By the end of January, many of us have already "slipped" or even given up our resolutions as "too difficult" or postponed them to "next year."

If your intention is to improve your health, acupuncture and Chinese medicine can help you "stick" to those resolutions.

Over the next five Thursdays, I will give you an example of how acupuncture can help you keep your New Year's resolutions and achieve your goals.

Resolution 1: Reach Target Weight and Stay There

Losing weight is the #1 most common New Year's resolution. Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine can help you reach your goal level of fitness and maintain it by promoting better digestion, smoothing emotions, reducing appetite, improving metabolism, and eliminating food cravings.

From an Oriental medicine perspective, the acupuncture points, foods, and herbs that assist with weight loss directly influence the Qi of the Spleen and Liver systems to treat the root imbalances that are causing the weight gain.

From a Western perspective, acupuncture and Oriental medicine have been shown to have an effect on the function of the nervous system, endocrine system, digestive system, food cravings, and metabolism. All of which can help to energize the body, maximize the absorption of nutrients, regulate elimination, control overeating, suppress the appetite, and reduce anxiety.

Each treatment is catered to the needs of the individual patient. Acupuncture points on the body are chosen for overall wellness to increase circulation of the blood and Qi (stimulating the metabolism) and calming the nervous system.

Acupuncture and TCM are powerful tools for healthy weight loss, by themselves or as a supportive treatment in conjunction with other weight management programs.

At Point-A Place Of Wellness, we offer herbal consultations as well as acupuncture treatment and have had great success with weight loss patients.

Miso Healthy (Soup Is Good Food)

2010-01-11T11:11:00.000-08:00

According to the ancient Chinese medical text, the Huangdi Neujung (or Yellow Emperor’s Inner Canon), we should live in harmony with the natural cycles of our environment. The cold and darkness of winter urges us to slow down, reflect on our health, and conserve strength. My last blog post gave you some moves to maintain flexibility and this post advises what foods will best support you in winter.
Winter is Yin in nature; inactive, cold, and damp compared to other times of the year. Remain introspective, restful, and consolidate your Qi through the season to prepare for spring’s burst of new life and energy.
Winter is ruled by the Water element, which is associated with the kidneys, bladder and adrenal glands. The kidneys are the source of all energy (Qi) within the body. They store all of the body’s reserve Qi so it can be used to heal, prevent illness, in times of stress and change, and to age gracefully.

During winter months it is important to nurture and nourish our kidney Qi. Winter is when energy is most easily depleted. Our bodies instinctively express the fundamental principles of winter – rest, reflection, conservation and storage. The Nei Ching, another ancient Chinese classic, advises us to go to sleep early and rise late, after the sun's rays have warmed the atmosphere a bit. This preserves Yang Qi for the task of warming in the face of cold.

To keep nourished and help warm the body’s core, eat the following:

warm hearty soups,
whole grains,
and roasted nuts.

Fortify the kidneys with:

dried foods,
small dark beans,
seaweeds,
and steamed winter greens.

Cook foods longer, at lower temperatures and with less water.

Small, regular amounts of salty and bitter foods are needed in the winter to promote a sinking, centering quality which heightens the capacity for storage. Such foods also cool the exterior of the body and bring body heat deeper and lower (with a cooler surface, one notices the cold less). However, use salt with care. An excess salt will cause over consumption of water which creates too much coldness weakening the kidneys and adrenal function and the heart.

Salty foods include miso, soy sauce, seaweeds, salt, millet and barley.
Bitter foods include lettuce, watercress, celery, asparagus, alfalfa, rye, oats, quinoa and amaranth.

To summarize: Sleep early, rest well, stay warm, eat small and regular amounts of bitter and salty food and cook the food longer at low temperature.

===

Here is a recipe of for Miso Soup with Scallions, which not only supports the kidney during winter; it is also an ancient Chinese herbal remedy for colds.

In 300 AD famous herbalist, Ge Hong, writes about Miso Soup with Scallions in a book called, Bei ji zhou hou fang or Emergency Formulas to Keep Up One’s Sleeve. The soup is indicated for the onset of a cold when a person is just beginning to feel a headache, stuffy nose and a slight fever.

So, the next time you feel a cold coming on, be sure to have your miso!

Miso Soup
Serves 4

Ingredients:

6 cups water
3-4 Tablespoons red soy bean paste
(a.k.a. miso, usually sold in the refrigerated section)
3-5 green onions stalks, chopped

Directions:

Dissolve the miso in a little bit of boiling water
(about 2 tsp.)
Bring water to a boil in a saucepan and add the miso & scallions.
Simmer for 5-10 minutes.
Remove from heat top with green onions and serve.

Variations:
You can add various other ingredients to make a more substantial soup, such as tofu, fresh mushrooms, cooked shrimp, snow pea sprouts, cooked rice noodles, or paper-thin slices of fresh ginger.

Quick Start for the Slow Season

2010-01-06T09:26:00.000-08:00

Winter is time to rest, to meditate deeply, and refine the spiritual essence. This is the season to sit with a cup of hot tea and write down our inner thoughts, desires, and life goals. Winter is also when we store physical energy in the form of a little added weight. This is not an excuse to overindulge, just a natural change with the season.

Even though the slow processes predominate, animals hibernate and the land is mostly dormant, we must stay active enough to keep the spine and joints flexible. Wellness is an active commitment to live a balanced and fulfilled life. Here is a way to reinvigorate your body and jumpstart your immune system in 30 seconds.

When you get up in the morning, touch your toes and roll up vertebrae by vertebrae to open your spine.
Rotate your ankles and hands to loosen them up.
To open your hips, rotate your legs and hips. (Think “Elvis” and you’re moving in the right direction!)
Remember to BREATHE!

Now you’re energized and ready to start the day.

Happy Holidays!

2009-12-17T11:13:00.000-08:00

I appreciate the trust you place in me and am happy I can share my knowledge and experience. Giving you the tools to create your own wellness is very satisfying.

Just a reminder, I am here during the holidays. My clinic hours are:

Monday Dec 21 thru Wednesday Dec 23
8:30 am - 3:00 pm

Monday Dec 28 and Tuesday Dec 29
8:30 am - 3:00 pm

We resume normal clinic hours on Monday January 4 2010.

Enjoy a safe, healthy, happy holiday!

Case Study - Depression

2009-11-20T13:53:00.000-08:00

OBSERVATIONS

A 14 year old boy comes with his mother to my office. His mother is concerned because her son has been depressed for 3 months. They visited her family before his depression became noticeable. Sometime after returning home, she found her son crying. He started seeing a psychologist which helped until he took Sudafed™ to relieve cold symptoms.1 The depression became worse than before.

During the family visit, the boy was to undergo a fat-reduction procedure on his chest. He and his mother were going to stay with her family while he recovered. While there, he witnessed a family fight. The result of the fight was his mother had to find friends to stay with at once.

Another stressor for the boy is he just moved to a new, bigger school after going to the same school for 8 years.

The boy complained of daily headaches centered at the occipital area. He was fatigued and would vomit clear fluids every morning since the surgery. For the past year, he has been getting shots for his allergies which reduced his asthma. He also has a tendency to develop sore throats.
He was quiet and his mother did most of the talking for him.

His tongue was red, no coating, and his pulse was rapid and superficial. Palpation of his neck, shoulders and chest reveal tenderness and spasm of his muscles.

DIAGNOSIS: Wind Heat Attacking The Lung/Sinus

His Lung function was already compromised, as evidenced by his asthma, allergies, and sore throat. This was compounded by the sense of loss created by the situation with his mother’s family and leaving his old school. Any unresolved or suppressed anger will also turn into sadness and reduce immune (TCM: Lung) function.

His headaches resulted from sinus inflammation. Autumn weather is dry and increases mucus membrane sensitivity resulting in increased mucus secretion. Post nasal drip during the night caused the vomiting in the morning. Allergies (inflammation of the mucus membranes) overwork the immune system leaving him tired and unable to deal with his emotions.

The surgery created more inflammation in the muscles of the chest. The physical and emotional stressors manifest as a heavy sensation and constriction of his chest. Crying is the natural release.

TREATMENT

Treatment included acupuncture, soft tissue manipulation and Chinese herbs.

I needled his chest (R17) and he felt immediate relief. I also massaged his neck, face, scalp, upper back and his arms and hands along the Lung and Large Intestine meridians. This reduced the inflammation, improved lymph flow/drainage and relaxed the chest, neck and back. While treating, I emphasized deep breathing. Even breathing helps him to let go of the emotions he is holding. Deep breathing creates an “internal massage” allowing the intercostals (rib muscles) to fully relax. This improves lung function.

I demonstrated how he can improve his own Lung function with Qi Gong tapping along his Lung and Large Intestine meridians. I instructed him to do this every day; it would enhance his immune system. I am empowering him to take part in his healing and learn to deal with his emotions instead of holding them in.

I also prescribed an herbal formula to alleviate his allergies and reduce the post nasal drip.

OUTCOME
He came back a week later and said he is not vomiting since the visit. He feels less depressed and his chest and upper back are less sore. He didn’t have any headaches this week.

He manages to take the herbal formula only once a day instead of the recommended three times daily.

GOING FORWARD

My objective is to give the boy tools to deal with his depression and any other health issues.

Two percent of preteens and 5% of adolescents suffer from depression.2

The first step is to make him aware of his physical sensations and how he can change them. I encouraged him to use breathing and Qi Gong tapping to create more space in his chest to change his physical and emotional patterns.

Wellness is an active commitment to live a fulfilled life. I am happy I could initiate the healing process for him.

===
1 In TCM sadness resides in the lungs (each emotion manifests in different areas of the body). He needed to strengthen his lungs to relieve his symptoms instead of using Sudafed which suppresses his natural lung function.
2 www.about-teen-depression.com/

Upset Stomach and Turkey Comas

2009-11-04T18:30:00.000-08:00

Are you planning a fun and festive Thanksgiving? Gathering friends and/or family for turkey (or tofurky) and the big game? Celebration is fun, but sometimes the turkey isn’t the only one that gets “stuffed.” Add jet lag (Thanksgiving is the busiest travel day of the year) and maybe a drink or two and this is a good time to stock up on the Chinese remedy called “Curing Formula”.

Curing Formula is a traditional herbal remedy for indigestion. It works well for post-celebratory discomfort because, it has herbs for upset stomach, dehydration, fatigue, bloating, body aches and classic post-meal lethargy a.k.a “Turkey coma”.

The unpleasant physiological effects of eating too much or eating new/different foods (nausea, heartburn, indigestion, upset stomach, bloating, thirst, difficulty concentrating, irritability, diarrhea) can last days but are reduced by taking Curing Formula both BEFORE AND AFTER the celebration.

Gentle but effective Curing Formula is used as a remedy for many acute digestive disorders (food poisoning, stomach flu, jet lag, food allergies, etc.) and works as an excellent hangover remedy, so it is a great addition to your medicine cabinet and travel kit.

Have a Safe, Healthy, and Happy Holiday season!

Autumn Foods: Warm and Nourishing

2009-10-29T11:11:00.000-07:00

During autumn, all things in nature reach their full maturity. Grains ripen and harvesting occurs.1

It is “time to gather together on all levels, a time to store up fuel, food, and warm clothing… time to study and plan for the approaching stillness of winter. Everything in nature contracts and moves its essence inward and downward. Leaves and fruit fall, seeds dry, the sap of trees goes into the roots. The earth’s grasses start to lose their deep green color, turning lighter and drier.”2

Metal is the element traditionally associated with Fall. According to Chinese medicine, metal governs the mind, organization and stability. We tend towards self-reflection, with our work and our families during this time. We organize and prepare for the winter.

“This is the changing point when the yang (active) phase turns into its opposite, yin (passive). …Just as the weather in autumn turns harsh, so does the emotional climate. …This is the time to gather one’s spirit and energy, be more focused, and not allow desires to run wild.”3

In TCM, metal is associated with grief or sadness and the lungs, skin, and large intestine. The lungs and large intestine control respiration, digestion, and elimination. Imbalances of the lung and large intestine manifest as respiratory problems, frequent colds and sinusitis, as well as constipation and skin problems.

“The body is particularly susceptible to wind and cold during the fall. Dryness can cause symptoms of coughing, dry nose, sore throat, dry skin, dry hair and scalp, dry mouth and cracked lips, and hard and dry stools. Adding more nourishing yin foods to your diet can promote body fluid, soothe the lungs and protect you from dryness. ”4

To maintain health, eat foods that are in season and reflect the qualities of autumn.

Choose heartier flavors and foods and use more focused preparation methods. Foods that are baked or sautéed supply the greater energy required by the cooling season and their warm fragrance stimulates the appetite. Switch from salads to soups and steamed vegetables and add more yellow and red foods into your meals. Hot oatmeal with apples and cinnamon is a good way to start the day.

Try to incorporate some of the following foods into your diet:

Apple Beets Bell Pepper
Bok Choy Broccoli Figs
Cauliflower Cranberry Brussel Sprouts
Grapes Leeks Pears
Plums Pumpkin Pomegranate
Persimmons Red Cabbage Spinach
Sweet Potatoes Whole Grains Wild Rice
Winter Squash Yams Carrot

Cinnamon, Garlic, Ginger, Horseradish, Rosemary, Sage, and Thyme are good spices to cook with as the weather cools.

To stay healthy, harmonize your energy with the season. Get plenty of rest in the evening and choose activities and companions who enhance your state of mind.

___________
References:
1) Huangdi Neijing Suwen
2) Paul Pitchford “Healing With Whole Foods: Oriental Traditions and Modern Nutrition” 1993 ISBN 0-938190-64-4
3) Huangdi Neijing Suwen
4) Diane Joswick, L.Ac., MSOM “Autumn, Acupuncture and TCM” Fall 2007 AcuFinder.com

Create Wellness Qigong Workshop is Thurs. Sept. 24 @ 7p

2009-09-23T09:23:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow (Thursday, 9/24/09) at 7 pm, Point-A Place of Wellness will host guest instructor, Antoinette Rohner for an informative and relaxing workshop and invites you to join us.

Antoinette is a Qigong Master, teaching since 1999. In her classes she blends different forms of Qigong such as Element/Organ Meridian Qigong, Golden Marrow Qigong (for the joints), Chi-Lel Qigong and Zhineng Qigong to improve mental and physical well being of all practitioners.

Qigong [chee ghung] is a 5000 year old Chinese tradition using specific, easy, slow flowing movements and poses, both sitting or standing, and visualizations to stimulate blood circulation, fortify immunity, quicken healing, release stress. Completely non-impact, Qigong can be practiced by anyone, regardless of age or physical fitness.

Wellness is an active commitment to live a balanced and fulfilled life. To help you get the most out of the workshop session, wear loose, comfortable clothing.

This workshop is $10.

Please share the gift of wellness with others; INVITE A FRIEND.

Combat Colds and Flu with Chinese Herbs

2009-09-17T11:40:00.000-07:00

WHAT ARE COLD AND FLU?
The common cold is an acute viral infection that generally causes inflammation of the upper respiratory tract. It is the most common infectious disease in humans and accounts for more time lost from work or school than any other disease. Flu is an acute and contagious infection of the respiratory tract caused by various strains of the influenza virus. Cold and Flu symptoms include runny nose, cough, chills, headache, fever, and severe aching in the muscles and joints. Although flu affects all age groups, schoolchildren have the highest incidence. Although colds and flu are generally of brief duration, they can lead to complications in the very young, the elderly, and those with chronic diseases or compromised immune systems.

ARE YOU TREATING SYMPTOMS OR THE CAUSE?
Because both cold and flu are viral infections, conventional medicine has no cure for them. Antibiotics do NOT cure colds or flu. Aspirin, decongestants and other medications are prescribed to make patients more comfortable and vaccinations are manufactured to prevent some strains of flu.

“In years when the vaccine strains are not well matched to circulating strains, vaccine effectiveness is generally lower.” If your immune system is already compromised, vaccine effectiveness is generally lower. If you have an influenza-like-illness, vaccine effectiveness is generally lower.[1]

Whether you use any of the above remedies or not, bed rest and increased fluid intake are necessary for your body to recover.

Use of herbal formulas to prevent and treat colds and flu is the most successful aspect of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). Chinese herbs boost immune response to eliminate viruses faster. Some herbs inhibit viral reproduction and/or relieve symptoms, making a serious infection less debilitating and less disruptive to your lifestyle.

At my clinic, Point-A Place Of Wellness, I see demand for cold and flu formulas, especially among school teachers and parents of young children because of constant exposure to viruses and risk of infection. My patients are pleased by the effectiveness of Chinese herbal formulas and referring their friends.

NOT ONE-SIZE FITS ALL
In TCM, patterns are differentiated according to the imbalances of the body and the causes and stages of the disease. The same virus can manifest differently depending on the patient’s general health. Herbal formulas are recommended by practitioners based on not only the illness type but patient type. This article lists some basic formulas to keep on hand for a well-stocked medicine cabinet but if your symptoms change or increase in severity, contact your local Chinese medicine practitioner.

Wind-Cold Pattern symptoms include: aversion to cold; mild fever; absence of sweat; chest congestion; sneezing; runny nose (clear mucus); itching throat or cough (clear mucus); thin, white tongue coating; and a tight pulse.

Dispel Invasion is for cold or flu manifested as Wind-Cold Pattern. It can also benefit air-conditioning induced cold symptoms.
Blue Green Lung Clearing Formula also known as Xiao Qing Long Tang is for when the mucus is more excessive and there is tightness in the chest. It can relieve asthma, pneumonia and allergy symptoms.

Wind-Heat Pattern symptoms include: fever; headache; sweating; runny nose (yellow mucus); dry mouth; thirst; sore throat; productive cough (thick yellowish phlegm); thin, yellow tongue coating; and a floating and rapid pulse. Swine flu is a Wind-Heat condition.

Initial Defense is the most popular herbal formula to treat the Wind-Heat pattern. It combines two traditional formulas: Yin Qiao San and Sang Ju Yin.
Gan Mao Ling and Zhong Gan Ling are similar in function to Initial Defense but are indicated for more severe conditions such as sudden high fever, swollen lymph nodes, and aching limbs.

According to Beijing health authorities, TCM has been more effective (and less expensive) than the antiviral drug Tamiflu in curing human infections of swine flu.

“Wang Yuguang , Deputy Dean of the Centre of Integrated Traditional and Western Medicine at Beijing's Ditan Hospital, which specializes in the treatment of infectious diseases, said swine flu patients treated with traditional Chinese medicine improved faster and tended to stay in hospital for a shorter time than patients using Tamiflu… Traditional medicine considers such factors as the level of virus infection, the condition of the body, age, season and climate. Treatment can be adjusted in the dose and types of herbs. Such personalised treatment seldom caused drug resistance, as Tamiflu could, Dr Wang said.”[2]

PREVENTION IS THE KEY
While there are many ways to reduce risk of infection[3] like washing your hands and getting plenty of rest and taking nutritional supplements like Vitamin D[4], here are three additional formulas that can be used as preventatives or treatment if you are concerned about high susceptibility to influenza because of past experience or other risk factors.

Immunity refers to the harmonic interaction of the body's processes, substances, and structural components to create strength, stamina, and adaptability. To bolster immunity is ultimately to strengthen your body as a whole.

If you are prone to “head colds” or congestion, Head Clear formula supports immune function to efficiently eliminate congestion from the head, sinus, eyes and ears. Chronic congestion can escalate infection of the respiratory system.
If you have a compromised immune system because of chemo, radiation, or an autoimmune disorder (Lupus, MS, HIV), Resilience has different Fungi which contain polysaccharides that exert an activating, corrective influence upon both cellular (macrophages and T-cells) and humoral (antibodies) aspects of the immune system.
Another formula for compromised immune systems, Jade Windscreen, functions much the way Resilience does except it is formulated with herbs instead of mushrooms.

Acupuncture and Chinese herbs restore and maintain optimal health. If you have any imbalance in the body, the various systems will not function properly. Chinese herbs are used to correct the imbalance and restore energy, promote digestion, heal injuries, and enhance general wellness. Consult your local Chinese medicine practitioner to determine the best formulas for your lifestyle.

----
Resources:

http://www.cdc.gov/FLU/PROFESSIONALS/VACCINATION/effectivenessqa.htm. “Flu Vaccine Effectiveness: Questions and Answers for Health Professionals” Centers for Disease Control
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2009-05/03/content_11302597.htm “Beijing Ditan Hospital on service to treat influenza A/H1NI” China View (Xinhua News Agency)
http://aplaceofwellness.blogspot.com/2009/04/flu-prevention-treatment-swine-or.html
http://www.achs.edu/news/news-detail.aspx?nid=189 “American College of Healthcare Sciences “News and Events” Scott Stuart, ACHS Faculty

Fall Hours

2009-09-10T13:45:00.000-07:00

I hope everyone enjoyed their summer vacations and students are settling into their new routines at school. Here at Point-A Place Of Wellness, we have changed our hours to better serve our patients.

MONDAY:	8:30a - 3:00p
TUESDAY:	8:30a - 4:00p
WEDNESDAY:	7:30a - 3:00p
THURSDAY:	8:30a - 3:00p
FRIDAY:	8:30a - 2:30p

Our first evening meditation will be a Qigong Workshop on Thursday, September 24 at 7:00p here in the clinic. The Workshop is $10 and you can reserve your spot by emailing sigalacu@hotmail.com.

Some Book Recommendations

2009-07-16T11:44:00.000-07:00

My patients sometimes ask for more information to study at home. Here are some books I recommend.

The Coconut Oil Miracle (4th ed.) by Bruce Fife, C.N., N.D.
“If you were to travel the world looking for a people who enjoy a degree of health far above that found in most nations, a..."

Dao of Chinese Medicine: Understanding an Ancient Healing Art by Donald Edward Kendall
"The history of Chinese medicine, from its early beginnings five thousand years ago to the present, reveals a truly fascinating story..."

Molecules Of Emotion: The Science Behind Mind-Body Medicine by Candace B. Pert
"SCIENTISTS, by nature, are not creatures who commonly seek out or enjoy the public spotlight..."

Nonviolent Communication: A Language of Life 2nd Ed Create Your Life, Your Relationships and Your World in Harmony with Your Values by Marshall B. Rosenberg, Ph.D.
“Most of us are hungry for skills to improve the quality of our relationships, to deepen our sense of personal empowerment or to simply communicate more effectively...”

The Tibetan Book Of Living And Dying by Sogyal Rinpoche
“In this major and comprehensive work, Buddhist meditation master and international speaker Sogyal Rinpoche brings together the ancient wisdom of Tibet with modern research on death and dying and the nature of the universe...”

Mind Matters: Psychological Medicine in Holistic Practice by J.R. Millenson
"A textbook of mind-body medicine written for students and practitioners of alternative medicine. It brings together in one coherent volume practical techniques in psychological medicine-what Plato called "healing with words"-for those wishing to work more deeply with the emotional and mental aspects of illness. ...balances a scientific approach towards health psychology with humanistic conceptions of medicine as an art. It presents a rigorous exposition of the theory and practice of health psychology from the standpoint of natural medicine, ..."

Summer Hours

2009-07-01T10:58:00.000-07:00

Open Earlier, Stay Later!

Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday
8:00a-4:00p

Wednesday
7:30a-5:00p

Call 818-508-8955 to schedule an appointment.

Eliminate Corn Syrup From Your Diet

2009-06-15T10:45:00.000-07:00

In 1970, zero pounds of high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS) existed in the United States food chain. By 2008, about 68 pounds of HFCS were consumed per American per year. The cheapest ingredients in the American food chain (profit sector) are air, water, salt and HFCS. HFCS is cheaper due to a combination of corn subsidies and sugar tariffs. Corn, and usually highly processed corn, has become a staple ingredient of the American diet.

In 2006, America imported 80% less sugar than thirty years earlier. The government guarantees producers a fixed price for domestic sugar and sets strict quotas and tariffs for foreign sugar keeping sugar prices in the U.S. at least twice as high as the world average.

HFCS, which is made from cornstarch, is now used to sweeten: Soft drinks (including some sports drinks), fruit juices, baked goods, canned fruits, dairy products, cookies, gum, jams, and jellies.

So what makes corn syrup such an unhealthy fat-promoting product?

Fructose is Metabolized to Fat
Fructose converts to fat more than any other sugar. Research shows that fructose caused a general increase in both total serum cholesterol and in low density lipoproteins (LDL a.k.a "Bad cholesterol"), putting a person at risk for heart disease. Fructos raises serum triglycerides significantly.

Increases Diabetes and Obesity
Fructose is metabolized by the liver so it does not cause the pancreas to release insulin the way it normally does with glucose. Fructose reduces the affinity of insulin for it receptor, the principle characteristic of Type 2 Diabetes.

Contrary to popular belief, corn is a grain, not a vegetable, and is definitely not fit as a dietary staple and mainstay, primarily because of its high sugar content.

If you eat a diet that is high in sugar and grains, the sugar gets metabolized to fat (and is stored as fat). This releases surges in leptin, a hormone involved in appetite regulation. Over time, your body becomes resistant to leptin much the way it can become resistant to insulin.

When you become leptin-resistant, your body can no longer "hear" the messages telling it to stop eating, burn fat, or maintain sensitivity to sweet tastes in your taste buds. When you lose this ability, you remain hungry, crave sweets, and your body stores MORE fat.

Fructose has NO Enzymes, Vitamins, or Minerals
In fact, fructose leeches micronutrients from the body. Unbound fructose, found in large quantities in HFCS, can interfere with the heart's use of minerals. Fructose may alter the magnesium balance in the body, accelerating bone loss. Natural fructose in fresh fruit is not a problem because fresh fruit contain enzymes, vitamins, and minerals needed to assimilate/metabolize the fructose.

Why use Poison to Process Food?
Mercury is a known carcinogen, yet mercury cell chlor-alkali products are used to produce food ingredients such as citric acid, sodium benzoate, and HFCS. A recent study recommended

"...with 45% of the HFCS samples containing mercury... it would be prudent and perhaps essential for public health that additional research be conducted by the FDA or some other public health agency... In 2004, several member states of the European Union reported finding mercury concentrations in beverages, cereals and bakery ware, and sweeteners... FDA does not currently have a mercury surveillance program for food ingredients such as added sugars or preservatives manufactured with mercury grade chlor-alkali products."

Is Your Food Grown or Engineered?
Nearly all corn used to make HFCS is genetically modified (to speed growth, resist pests, increase yield, etc.), a process with its own health concerns and documented side-effects like increasing one's risk of developing a food allergy to corn.

What You Can Do
The simplest way to reduce you HFCS intake is to eliminate sodas, sweetened drinks and bottled fruit juices, as they can easily have 8 teaspoons per serving. Switch to tap water as your beverage of choice and you will be on your way to better health.

The next step is reducing how much processed food you eat. Incorporate more whole (fresh) foods in your diet and if you must eat packaged foods, read the label. Ingredients are listed from highest concentration to lowest and if HFCS is one of the first three ingredients, you can probably find a better option just down the aisle.

Even though corn and corn-based product seem to be used in everything, Los Angeles has many farmer's markets and well stocked grocery stores to help you plan healthy meals and have nutritious snacks.

Do Your Kids Have Healthy Appetites?

2009-05-12T13:06:00.000-07:00

As a parent of two young kids who are still growing, I expose them to different foods and healthy choices so they develop good eating habits. Being surrounded by so many artificial colors and additives can make this a challenge.

BusinessWeek writer Cathy Arnst recently posted a story, called "How Mac 'n' Chees Is Like a Cigarette" about hypereating, as explained in The End of Overeating, by Dr. David Kessler, a renowned scientist and former FDA director who set out to figure out the reasons behind the obesity crisis besetting the nation. Arnst writes:

"Two thirds of adults are considered overweight or obese, as is one out of every three children under age 18. Those numbers have been rising steadily since the 1980s, when the average weight took a dramatic spike upwards for all races, age groups and genders. For example, in 1960 women aged 20 to 29 weighed an average of 128 pounds. By 2000 the average weight had jumped to 157.

"Our national weight gain is not, as many people assume, because we are far less active; studies have found little difference in energy expended now than in the 1950s. It is because we are eating far, far more calories than ever before, in the form of soda, junk food, sweets, fat and salt laden meals, and huge portions. We have become addicted to food, and that addiction starts in very early childhood.

"Kessler lays out how sugar, fat and salt stimulates the reward centers of the brain in much the same way as cigarettes, alcohol and illicit drugs. By eating food that is extremely palatable, we keep wanting more, whether or not we are hungry. Since highly palatable junk food is socially acceptable, and often cheaper than the healthy stuff, we keep going back for more. The food industry knows this better than anyone. Kessler quotes an industry consultant who says that food manufacturers try to hit the “three points of the compass”:

Sugar, fat and salt make a food compelling, said the consultant. They make it indulgent. They make it high in hedonic value, which gives us pleasure. “Do you design food specifically to be highly hedonic,” I asked. “Oh, absolutely,” he replied without a moment’s hesitation. “We try to bring as much of that into the equation as possible.

"... Kessler, who is a pediatrician, says reward-driven eating begins in early childhood, and seems to be starting younger and younger... [and] attributes this breakdown in part to the larger and larger portions served children."

Eating habits are learned and as parents we are our children's first teachers. While buying processed or fast food may seem convenient, the effects can last their lifetime.

There is good news about eating in Los Angeles.

We have many Farmer's Markets, Organic grocers, and health-conscious restaurants to choose from. Websites like Yelp.com show reviews for Health Food stores and organic restaurants in your neighborhood from your neighbors. Your efforts as a parent benefits your child's health and future.

Qi Gong Workshop - Thank You

2009-05-07T14:00:00.000-07:00

Thank you so much to those of you who attended my Qi Gong workshop with guest instructor Julieta Ortiz. Creating Wellness is an active commitment to live a healthy and fulfilled life.

I enjoyed Juliana Ortiz's class. Not only did she explain the background for how you move, she made it easy by giving visualizations and demonstrating the moves. There was a big difference in my body and my mood coming to the class and leaving it. The tension left my body and I felt happier. The great thing is that every one can practice Qi Gong and get the benefit.

I invite you to join us for the next Qi Gong class with Julieta on June 17, 2009.


Apple	Beets	Bell Pepper
Bok Choy	Broccoli	Figs
Cauliflower	Cranberry	Brussel Sprouts
Grapes	Leeks	Pears
Plums	Pumpkin	Pomegranate
Persimmons	Red Cabbage	Spinach
Sweet Potatoes	Whole Grains	Wild Rice
Winter Squash	Yams	Carrot