Traditional Chinese Medicine
What Japanese Acupuncture Can Do for You
If acupuncture is new to you, you might not know that there are different forms of acupuncture. While Chinese acupuncture is a bit more mainstream here in the West, Japanese acupuncture is becoming renowned for its effectiveness. Traditional Japanese acupuncture (which includes Meridian Therapy) is defined as “an imbalance in qi and blood flowing in the meridians which is considered to be the cause of disease.” The aim is to regulate the flow of both qi and blood.
Its roots are in Chinese acupuncture but there are some differences. Read on to learn what those are so you can see if Japanese acupuncture is right for you. continue reading
Does Acupuncture Treat Heart Disease?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, heart disease is the leading cause of death for men and women in the United States. And ethnicity doesn’t matter, as people of all racial and ethnic groups are impacted. With such serious statistics, many might wonder what treatment options are available. Did you know that acupuncture can help with treating heart disease, as well as many of its contributing factors? Read on to learn how. continue reading
Benefits of Adding Acupuncture to Your Wellness Routine
This is the time of year when many are looking to start (or restart) their wellness routines. Self-care Saturdays may have fallen by the wayside during the holiday season and now is the time to get back on track. As you examine your health goals and wellness priorities this year, have you considered adding acupuncture to your wellness routine? If not, here’s why you should and some things to consider to set yourself up for success.
Acupuncture provides numerous health benefits from a holistic approach to wellness. It’s a non-pharmacological approach to health and wellness and addresses a variety of health concerns you might be struggling with. continue reading
Acupuncture for Treating Leaky Gut Syndrome
There are a variety of gastrointestinal and autoimmune diseases that can contribute to what is known as leaky gut syndrome. So, what exactly is leaky gut syndrome? It’s close to exactly what it sounds like. Each one of us has semi-permeable guts. What that means is the mucous lining of our intestines is designed to absorb water and nutrients from our food. Your intestinal lining is responsible for acting as a barrier to bacteria. With leaky gut syndrome, your intestinal lining “leaks” allowing more water and nutrients through, but also potentially allowing toxic molecules to come through as well. continue reading
The 12 Meridians of the Body Explained
The meridian system is a phrase that comes up often during acupuncture treatment. Traditional Chinese medicine believes that energy (also referred to as qi) flows throughout the body much like blood does. When this flow of energy becomes disrupted, symptoms and disease can occur. Acupuncture and other forms of Eastern medicine work to restore the flow of energy throughout the body using the meridian system. continue reading
LED Light Therapy & Acupuncture: A Perfect Pairing
Acupuncture is a proven treatment option when it comes to dealing with a host of health problems, from allergies to depression to chronic pain. Acupuncture is the key to restoring the body’s energy flow and achieving balance. Acupuncturists also may use herbal remedies, acupressure massage, and other modalities like LED light therapy to enhance their treatment and get improved outcomes for their patients. continue reading
Winning Combination: Cupping & Acupuncture
While you might be familiar with acupuncture or Traditional Chinese Medicine, cupping might be a new concept. It’s become more popular in recent years as celebrities and professional athletes have touted its benefits and proudly showcased the sometimes giant red welts on their bodies. But what is cupping and how does it work with a traditional acupuncture treatment? continue reading
What is Electroacupuncture?
While you might be familiar with what acupuncture is, have you ever heard of electroacupuncture? Just like traditional acupuncture, electroacupuncture uses needles on various acupuncture points. The difference comes in that with electroacupuncture, a small electrode is attached to the needles which allows a small amount of electricity to pass through, giving a slight vibration or low hum during treatment.
Three Reasons to Add Deep Breathing to Your Daily Routine
You might think breathing is second nature, right? You’re doing it right now as you are reading this. But did you know that there are different kinds of breathing and that what is called deep breathing can have important health benefits? Read on to learn just three of the most important reasons you should add deep breathing to your daily routine. continue reading
Acupuncture for Healthy Weight Management
Different weight loss drugs and diets are always coming into and out of fashion as different celebrities endorse different programs and plans. If you are looking for a long-term, drug-free solution, acupuncture just might be the perfect fit for you. continue reading
Acupuncture and Peripheral Neuropathy Relief
According to the National Institutes of Health, approximately 20 million people in the United States suffer from peripheral neuropathy. The NIH also notes that it is particularly common among those suffering from diabetes. So, what is peripheral neuropathy and can acupuncture help to relieve its symptoms? continue reading
Chinese Medicine Can Help Prevent Miscarriage
Do you know someone who suffers from miscarriage? Well, Chinese herbal medicine can help.
As a Chinese Herbalist and Acupuncturist who helped many women achieve the goal of motherhood, I know how devastating for a woman to experience a miscarriage, especially the same woman who may also struggle to conceive to start off, and already experienced many months or years of different fertility treatments. Miscarriage is absolutely a traumatic experience for the woman physically and mentally, some women even develop depression and anxiety afterward. What makes it even worse is some women experience repeated miscarriages.
What are the common reasons for miscarriage?
- embryo chromosome abnormality
- uterus or cervix problems: thin lining, fibroids, polyps, septate uterus, weak cervical tissues
- hormonal problems
- other conditions: uncontrolled diabetes, thyroid disease, autoimmune conditions,
Regardless of the above reasons, most of the repeated miscarriages are still unknown.
What is the available treatment out there for miscarriage?
For women, if the cause can be identified, then correct treatment will help them. For others, they will just continuously try until one of the pregnancies will stay. Traditional Chinese Medicine doctors normally suggest the patient stop trying for a few months and get the body stronger first, then try again.
Traditional Chinese medicine believes there is a life force (Chi) existing in our body from the moment you are an embryo in your mother’s womb until the end of your life. This life force is taking part in all the life stages of growth, development, maturity, etc. If the Chi of the embryo or fetus is weak or the Chi of the mother is weak, then miscarriage can easily occur. A qualified Chinese herbalist will assess the woman’s Chi condition and conclude a specific pattern diagnosis, then prescribe a mix of an herbal formula to strengthen the body Chi level which will assist the body to create a better egg, better fetus, and successful full-term pregnancy.
Chinese Medicine are natural herbs, you can think of them as the life force of mother nature which will help the human body to recover naturally and holistically.
Treatment of sinusitis
Sinusitis is an inflammation of the paranasal sinuses (air-filled cavities inside the bones of the skull) that increases the production of mucus.
Sinusitis is a common health problem especially during the seasonal changes in Gauteng, due to excessive amounts of dust and pollen in the dry air. Sinusitis affects the person’s quality of life due to the often painful symptoms of constant nasal congestion and runny nose. Common illnesses related to sinusitis are infection, allergy, and structural problems of the nasal passage.
The surgical operation would be the first choice for structural nasal problems, and oral antibiotics, antihistamines, and local cortisol spray would be prescribed for sinusitis by doctors. There are many chronic sinusitis sufferers that have experienced only temporal relief from antibiotics and nasal spray, the reason being that the long-term use of antibiotics weakens a person’s immunity, cortisol sprays thin the membrane of nasal passages, and the body then becomes vulnerable to allergens and germs.
Chinese practitioners use Chinese herbal medicine and acupuncture treatments to open the nasal passage, drain the mucus and strengthen immunity, which will prevent re-infection and assist in the long-term healing of sinusitis.
The environment of the sinusitis person is also a large factor as well, which is why avoiding certain foods such as dairy products and keeping the living areas dust free are recommended. Articles
Headache Disorders
Headache disorders are among the most common disorders of the nervous system. Globally, it has been estimated that 47% of the adult population have experience headaches at least once within the last year in general. Headache disorders include migraine, tension/stress headache, cluster headache, etc.
The pain that headache and migraine sufferers endure can impact every aspect of their lives. Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine have been used to relieve Headaches and Migraines, as well as their underlying causes without any side effects associated. This form of treatment for headaches due to its efficiency and high success rate has become widely accepted in modern society.
Traditional Chinese Medicine believes that there is a life energy flowing through the body which is termed Qi. This energy flows through the body channels known as meridians that connect to all of our major organs. According to Chinese medical theory, illness arises when the cyclical flow of Qi in the meridians becomes blocked or weakened due to causes such as excess blood stasis, Qi/blood deficiency, and excess cold/dampness in the body.
Acupuncture is the stimulation of specific points located near or on the surface of the skin which has the ability to unblock the energy channels, thus relieving the pain. Modern science research shows that by inserting acupuncture needles on the specific energy points of the body, can stimulate the body to release natural pain-killer, anti-inflammation and anti-stress hormone (endorphins).
Chinese herbal medicine uses mainly plant based ingredients to restore the balance of the body by nourishing Qi/blood, regulating the flow of the Qi, and expelling the cold/dampness in the body.
For some people who are afraid of acupuncture treatment, the option of only Chinese herbal medicine will be prescribed.
5 Alternative Treatments and Home Remedies for Psoriasis
For people with psoriasis, suffering from painful symptoms like inflamed, flaking, and red skin is not pleasant. The chronic skin condition is due to an overactive immune system that can be triggered by a number of internal and external factors. Many Western treatments include steroid creams and oral medications that come with a slew of unwanted side effects.
Below are alternative treatments that are safe and natural and can help reduce symptoms of psoriasis, leading you back to better health.
- Herbal Remedies
- Aloe Vera: The gel from this cactus plant can be used generously on your skin to reduce redness and scaling caused by psoriasis. Aloe vera can be found in almost any grocery or health store.
- Tea Tree Oil: Tea tree oil is thought to have antiseptic properties. It can soothe irritated skin or scalp and can be applied daily.
- Turmeric: Turmeric has strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Because of this, turmeric has been found to reduce psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis flares. Turmeric can be found in pill form as well as powder form to be added to food.
- Dead Sea Salts: Soaking in a bath with Dead Sea salts or Epsom salts can remove scaly skin and reduce itching. It is recommended that you use warm water and stay in the tub for 15 minutes.
- Mindfulness/Meditation
Mindfulness and meditation practices have been found to be effective in people suffering from chronic pain like psoriasis.
Meditation is the practice of focusing your attention on the moment and ridding yourself of all external thoughts you may be having. This can lead to a state of relaxation and calmness, bringing balance to your body and mind.
Mindfulness, which is practiced in meditation, includes becoming completely aware of your body, externally and internally. This can be a seated meditation that is focused on awareness of mind, body, and senses.
- Exercise
Not only is exercise important to maintain overall health and wellness, it is especially beneficial for people with psoriasis.
Because people with psoriasis have an increased risk of heart disease and type 2 diabetes, regular exercise can prove very helpful.
Many find it hard to exercise because of the chronic pain associated with psoriasis. Exercise programs in the water prove to be an effective alternative that is easier on the body and still allows you to build endurance and strength.
Other simple ways to fit more exercise into your day include short walks, taking the stairs, and stretching.
- Massage
Seeing a licensed massage therapist can help reduce symptoms and pain. Massage promotes the function of muscle and connective tissue and can increase relaxation and circulation in the body.
- Acupuncture
Acupuncture has been proven to be effective in minimizing chronic pain in patients. Acupuncture takes a holistic approach with the body and symptoms you may be experiencing. By returning the body to its natural flow, acupuncture can help reduce the intensity of symptoms of psoriasis.
Home Remedies:
- Soak a towel in cold milk and apply to the affected area to relieve itching.
- Add ½ cup ground oatmeal into a warm bath.
- Rub the affected area with the inner side of a banana peel.
- Apply aloe vera gel to the affected area.
- Cut several fresh willow branches into 3-inch stems and place them in a pot with plenty of water. Bring to a boil, then simmer until the water becomes black. Wash affected areas with the water three times daily.
- Slice 15 water chestnuts and soak in 3 oz. of rice vinegar crush and store in a sealed jar. Apply the paste to the affected area and cover it with gauze. Change daily.
Sources:
https://www.psoriasis.org/about-psoriasis
