Monday, February 20, 2012
Reach Your New Year Resolutions Goals With Acupuncture
Lose Weight
Losing weight is the most common New Year's resolution. Acupuncture and Oriental medicine can help you reach your goal weight and maintain it by promoting better digestion, smoothing emotions, reducing appetite, improving metabolism, and eliminating food cravings--all of which can help energize the body, maximize absorption of nutrients, regulate elimination, control overeating, suppress the appetite and reduce anxiety.
Get in Shape
Renewed enthusiasm to exercise in order to enhance fitness levels, train for a competition, or lose weight can come at a painful price for those who try to do too much too quickly. Recent studies show that acupuncture effectively treats sports injuries such as strains, sprains, musculoskeletal pain, swollen muscles and shin splints.
Eliminate Stress
Stress reduction is always on the top ten list for New Year's resolutions and for a good reason; it is often the cause of illness and deterioration of health. Numerous studies have demonstrated the substantial benefits of acupuncture in the treatment of stress, anxiety and lowering blood pressure. In addition to acupuncture, Oriental medicine offers a whole range of tools that can be integrated into your life to keep stress in check.
Improved Quality of Life
If pain is keeping you from living life to the fullest, acupuncture can help as it has no side effects and can be helpful for all types of pain, regardless of the cause or where it is located. Increasingly, people are looking for more natural approaches to help relieve painful conditions instead of relying on medication. In addition to reducing pain, acupuncture also hastens the healing process by increasing circulation and attracting white blood cells to an injured area.
Quit Smoking
Some of the largest stumbling blocks to becoming smoke-free are the stress, anxiety, and depression associated with quitting. Acupuncture treatment is quite successful at calming and relaxing the mind, reducing anxiety, and alleviating depressive feelings. Specific acupoints in the ear and wrist are used to accomplish this. Additional acupoints may be included to help suppress your appetite, stimulate repair and healing of the organ systems, and reduce food and nicotine cravings.
Call today to see how Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine can help you keep your resolutions and prepare for the year ahead! Health For Life, 321-259-0555
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
Treatment of Neurological Disorders
A neurological disorder refers to a problem with the nervous system, which is a complex, sophisticated system that regulates and coordinates the body's activities. Nerve pain can arise from trauma, inflammation, stroke, disease, infection, nerve degeneration, exposure to toxic chemicals, and nutrient deficiencies.
Nerve pain is usually a sharp shooting pain or a constant burning sensation. Typically occurring in the same location with each episode, it can often be traced along the nerve pathway. Sometimes weakness or impaired function in the affected area occurs and the skin may be either overly sensitive or numb.
Some common neurological disorders acupuncture treats include:
Peripheral Neuropathy - damage to the peripheral nervous system, which transmits information from the brain and spinal cord to every other part of the body. Neuropathy caused by diabetes often affects the feet. Trigeminal Neuralgia - facial pain, sometimes called Tic Douloureux, affects the trigeminal nerve which is responsible for impulses of touch, pain, pressure and temperature sent to the brain from the face, jaw, and gums. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome - also known as median nerve entrapment, it occurs when swelling or irritation of the nerve or tendons in the carpal tunnel results in pressure on the median nerve. Headaches - Headaches that can be treated with acupuncture include migraines, tension headaches, headaches occurring around the menstrual cycle, sinus headaches and stress-related headaches. Acupuncture and Oriental medicine have been found effective as a conjunctive therapy for several neurological disorders and in treating pain and inflammation. If you or someone you know is suffering from a neurological disorder or nerve pain please contact us for more information or to schedule an appointment! |
Acupuncture Treats Peripheral Neuropathy
Peripheral neuropathy describes damage to the peripheral nervous system, which transmits information from the brain and spinal cord to every other part of the body. In most cases, peripheral neuropathy is secondary to conditions such as diabetes, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, scleroderma, alcoholism, nutritional deficiencies, AIDS, or poisoning from heavy metals, chemotherapy, or various drugs.
Other causes include direct physical injury to a nerve (trauma), penetrated injuries, fractures or dislocated bones, pressure involving superficial nerves (ulna or radial) which can result from prolonged use of crutches or staying in same position, tumor, intraneural hemorrhage, exposure to cold, compression or entrapment (i.e. carpal tunnel syndrome), radiation or atherosclerosis.
Symptoms of peripheral neuropathy may include:
- numbness or insensitivity to pain or temperature - burning, tingling, or prickling sensation - sharp or burning pain - cramps - extreme sensitivity to touch - loss of balance and coordination, - muscle weakness - muscle wasting - paralysis Oriental medicine teaches that peripheral neuropathy is due to dampness moving to the limbs, where it obstructs the flow of Qi (energy) and blood within them. The treatment is twofold, to treat the underlying factor that is causing this dampness to accumulate and to directly facilitate the circulation of Qi and blood in the affected area. By improving circulation, the nerve tissues of the affected area can be nourished to repair function and reduce pain. Peripheral neuropathy is a symptom for many different patterns of disharmony within the body. Acupuncture and Oriental medicine aims to treat each individual uniquely depending on what caused the neuropathy and how it manifests.
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Monday, October 31, 2011
What Is Acupuncture Good For?: Depression
What Is Acupuncture Good For?: Depression: Five Natural Remedies To Reduce Depression: The Role of Vitamins, Hormones, Toxicity and Acupuncture Hormonal Imbalance...
Depression
Five Natural Remedies To Reduce Depression:
The Role of Vitamins, Hormones, Toxicity and Acupuncture
Hormonal Imbalances
Two primary hormonal imbalances that precipitate depression involve the Thyroid and Adrenal glands. Depression is a common symptom of poor thyroid function. To test your thyroid: upon awakening and before arising and moving around, put the thermometer snugly in your armpit for 10 minutes by the clock. If the temperature is below 97.8, you likely have a thyroid problem and if you already are on medication you may need more. Thyroid dysfunction can be caused by a block in the flow of blood to the thyroid. Acupuncture can improve thyroid function by increasing or unblocking blood flow to this gland.
Adrenal glands are considered to be the stress glands of the body because they are activated when you are under stress. These glands are injured by caffeine, nicotine, stress and sugar. The 3 main symptoms of weak adrenal glands are fatigue, problems with sleep, and mood swings including depression. There are 2 tests to determine that how your adrenal glands are functioning; the Ragland’s Test and the Paradoxical Pupilary Reaction. These glands can be strengthened with Vitamin C , Vitamin B-complex and Acupuncture treatments.
Nutritional Deficiency
According to the Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine: “A deficiency of any single nutrient can alter brain function and lead to depression, anxiety and other mental disorders.”
Vitamin B is commonly low in depressed people especially for women taking estrogen or birth control pills since they deplete B6. Vitamin B9, also known as Folic Acid, is the vitamin most commonly deficient. Numerous studies have shown that 31-35% of depressed patients have Folic Acid deficiencies. The most common symptom of Folic Acid deficiency is depression. Vitamin B12 often produces dramatic results in people who are depressed due to Vitamin B deficiencies. Magnesium is a critical mineral used in sending messages along your nerves. An estimated nearly 75% of Americans do not take enough to meet minimum requirements. Magnesium deficiencies can result in muscle weakness and irritability.
Two other nutritional areas should be considered with depression. First is L-tryptophan, an amino acid which acts to increase serotonin. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that affects mood and sleep.
The second important nutrient is Omega 3 oils. A study done in the Oct. 2002 issue of the Archives of General Psychiatry found that depression was reduced significantly when volunteers took fish oil supplements containing a gram of ethyl-EPA. Antarctic rill oil is the superior source of Omega-3. Krill is part of the LifePak Nano product for sale at Health For Life. Health For Life uses science based evidence with the BioPhotonic Scanner to monitor its efficacy & absorption.
Other Causes & Solutions
The build up of toxins in the body can also cause depression. A toxic liver can cause fatigue, depression and even suicidal thoughts. Since there are many toxic chemicals that contribute to depression, it is important to consider a cleanse as part of a natural solution.
Another cause of depression is drug use, including prescription or over the counter medications. According to the British Medical Journal: Depression can be caused by an adverse reaction to any of more than 130 drugs as common as: Ibuprofen, Xanax, Lipitor, Zyban, Cortisone, Valium, Pepcid, Dexatrim and Zantac. Source: http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/; http://bmj.bmjjournals.com/cgi/content/full/331/7509/0 Xanax®, Lipitor®, Zyban®, Valium®, Pepcid®, Dexatrim® and Zantac® are trademarks of their respective manufacturers.
Physical stress and pain can also be a major condition that can lead to depression. A Duke University study pointed out the remarkable connection between depression and one’s physical condition. A group of 156 elderly patients diagnosed with major depression were divided into 3 groups including one whose treatment was only a 30 minute brisk walk or jog 3 times a week to reduce stress and improve their general health condition. After 16 weeks, 60.4% of those who walked regularly no longer met the criteria for the diagnosis of depression. Source: Duke University, Oct. 25, 1999 issue of The Archives of Internal Medicine. The research is supported by a number of grants from the National Institutes of Health.
A California State University study found that a 10 minute walk is enough to increase energy, alter mood, and effect a positive outlook for up to 2 hours.
One of the reasons Acupuncture helps with depression is its effect on the brain. According to the National Institute of Health, “Studies have shown that Acupuncture may alter brain chemistry by changing the release of neurotransmitters and neuro-hormones in a good way.”
A study that was conducted by the University of Arizona consisting of 38 adult women diagnosed with mild to moderate depression. They were treated with Acupuncture according to the principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine, each for her own specific pattern of symptoms. They were treated twice per week for one month and once per week for a second month, for a total of 12 sessions. After completion of their Acupuncture treatment for depression, 70% of the women experienced at least a 50% reduction of symptoms, results comparable to the success rate of psychotherapy and medication, without the dangers or side effects of drugs.Source: National Institutes of Health (NIH) Office of Alternative Medicine, published September 1998 issue of Psychological Science, American Psychological Society, “The Efficacy of Acupuncture in the Treatment of Major Depression in Women,” John J.B. Allen, Rosa N. Schnyer, and Sabrina K. Hitt.
According to the National Institute of Health, Oriental Medicine has provided solutions for such diverse problems as: Hormone problems, stress, anxiety, headaches, migraines, paralysis, drug & nicotine addiction, allergy & sinus/breathing problems, digestive problems, pain, fibromyalgia, carpal tunnel syndrome, sports injuries & many more. All of which can contribute to depression.
To Schedule a FREE Consultation,
Please Call 321.259.0555
Friday, September 30, 2011
How to Improve Your Golf Game and Reduce Injuries
Golf strains the hands, wrists, elbows, knees & back.
No matter what condition you are in, or the way you swing when you play, you will be straining and causing trauma to your hands, wrists, elbows, knees and back.
60 percent of all golfers will suffer at least one serious golf-related back injury over their playing years. Most of those injuries will occur to golfers over 50. The most common injury location is the lower back. Even without severe injury, 4 out of 5 golfers report low back pain after playing.
Injury Potential:
· 18 holes, with an average of 5 strokes per hole = 90 strokes.
· Add 2 practice swings per strike = 270 swings per round!
· That’s 270 possible traumas or strains each round!
Golf, being a unilateral sport, increases the chances of injury significantly. There are 3 basic types of injuries that occur while playing golf:
1. Sprains
2. Strains
3. Blockages
Tips To Reduce Injuries
Pre-Game Warm Up Only half of all golfers surveyed do any warm-up at all. None of the golfers surveyed did any aerobics before playing. Most do only a few “practice swings.” Only 1 in 10 do stretches
Aerobic Warm Up
5 minutes of aerobic exercise:
Running in place
Brisk walk around the parking lot
Jumping jacks
Stretching Warm Up
10 minutes of stretches
Neck range of motion
Upper chest & back
Side to side back
Toe touch
Lunges
To prevent injury, do 20 minutes of practice swings:
Wedge to woods
Half swing to full
Think smooth contact, not distance
Your Golf Swing
There are two types of swings:
The Modern & The Classic
The Modern swing has you address the ball with the ball more towards the middle of your stance. You swing the club using the torso to turn over your hips. This creates the X-Factor: The coiling of the torso over the hips causing a strong torque in the lumbar spine! In the Modern swing, your finish is in a reversed letter C posture. Most pros use this method. However, because of the torque forces, it is the most destructive to the joints of the body.
The other swing is called the Classic swing. In this swing the hips and shoulders turn equally in the backswing and the follow-through. The finish position is much straighter, not as twisted as in the Modern swing, and you end in a more upright or straight posture with less torque!
For the amateur golfer, I recommend the Classic swing. Remember: without proper warm up – even with this swing – you can still get injured.
It is estimated that over 30 million Americans suffer from some sort of chronic pain due to back and neck problems, headaches, arthritis and other medical conditions.
Acupuncture is a relatively low cost method of treating chronic pain that is gaining popularity in the United States.
It’s a natural healing process that improves body function. Acupuncture is based on the fact that the body needs the proper flow of blood to the organs and the tissues to be well.
If you tried to water a garden with a hose that had a kink or blockage that prevented water from getting through, then the plants in that garden would die. That vital flow of water could not reach the plants. In the same way, if there is a block in the flow of blood to areas of injury in your body, removing the block would allow the blood to return and help healing to occur.
Acupuncturist Sylvie Morin , Doctor of Oriental Medicine is trained to determine where the blood stagnation or blockages can occur. Acupuncture is a method of encouraging the body to promote natural healing and improve function. This is done by inserting sterilized, stainless-steel needles (that are as fine as a human hair) into specific points located near or on the surface of the skin which have the ability to remove the blocks and allow healing and pain relief to occur.
To Schedule your FREE Consultation,
Please Call 321.259.0555
Monday, August 29, 2011
Autism: The Spectrum Disorder
What Is Autism?
Autism is the term given to a set of developmental abnormalities characterized by an inability to construct sentences, pay attention, engage in conversation and demonstrate normal social skills. Autism has been labeled as a “Spectrum Disorder” meaning it has many different manifestations and symptoms that, although different, fall under the same category – Autism. It is such a broad diagnosis that it can include people with high IQs and mental retardation. People with autism can be chatty or silent, affectionate or cold, methodical or disorganized. According to the CDC, autism has reached epidemic proportions in the U.S. while other countries seem to have been able to avoid this health crisis. Autism is now diagnosed in 1 out of 110 American children and this number is increasing.
Why does it happen?A vital fact for you to know is that we live in a highly toxic world. There are 82,000 chemicals in our water, food and air. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has only tested 22,000 of them as to their harmful effects.
A recent study in 2006 found the placenta of newborn children contained 280 chemicals; 180 that cause cancer, 217 that cause neurological damage, and 208 that cause birth defects. These infants received these chemicals through their mother’s blood.
Growing research indicates toxic chemicals could be one of the triggers of autism.
A new study published May 15, 2007 in the Journal of Toxicology and Environmental Health by Drs. Mark and David Geier, both leading advocates for mercury-free vaccines, clearly suggests that there is a direct causal link between mercury exposure from Thimerosal-preserved vaccines and autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Thimerosal (49.55% mercury by weight) is a highly toxic mercury compound used as a preservative in some over-the-counter and prescription drugs, including most flu shots given to pregnant women, infants, children, adults, and the elderly.
Another cause of autism and other health problems involves the blockage of proper blood flow due to trauma.
How can it be cured?
There are two solutions available, not only regarding autism, but to improve your overall general health. The first is detoxifying the body of toxic heavy metals and the second is improving neurological function.
There are two ways to remove toxic chemicals from your body. The first method is to do a nutritional cleansing program designed to replace harmful chemicals with the trace minerals your body needs. The second method is to use what is called a chelating agent to eliminate harmful chemicals. Chelation is a process used to extract heavy metals from the body using a chelating agent. Chelating agents are substances that, by their structure, attach to heavy metals, combine with them, and are then removed from the body in your urine and feces.
The Chinese discovered that cuts, physical or mental trauma and even things as common as dental work can cause blocks in the flow of blood to organs, glands and tissues of the body causing them to malfunction. Acupuncture is a system of healing designed to remove blockages in the flow of blood. An Acupuncturist works to restore the proper flow of blood necessary to improve bodily functions.
The FREE Gift is the opportunity to receive, free of charge, a wellness consultation for you and your child.
The consultation will help us find what has potentially lead to the autistic symptoms in your child and any other health problems you or they may have.
Bodies break down because of injury or abuse from chemical toxins. If we can find out from you and your child’s history why your health has been lost, we can plan a way to recover it.
To Schedule your FREE Consultation,
Please Call 321.259.0555
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
Restless Leg Syndrome
Are you experiencing tingling sensations in the legs and
arms while sitting or lying down, especially at bedtime?
What is RLS?
RLS is a condition distinguished by tingling sensations in the legs, and sometimes the arms, while sitting or lying still, especially at bedtime. The person with RLS needs to constantly stretch or move the legs to try to relieve these uncomfortable or painful symptoms. As a result, he or she has difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep and usually feels extremely sleepy and unable to function fully during the day.
People who have RLS describe the unpleasant feelings in their legs as creeping, crawling, or pulling sensations, as well as itching, tingling, burning, aching, or similar to an electric shock sensation. RLS sufferers further report that the urge to move and other unpleasant feelings mostly occur when they are resting or are inactive. Consequently, symptoms tend to be worse in the evening and are temporarily relieved in the morning. RLS can make it hard to fall asleep and stay asleep, and, therefore, may make you feel tired and sleepy during the day. This can make it hard to learn, work, and to even do your normal routine. Furthermore, not getting enough sleep can also cause depression, mood swings, and other health problems.
Causes of RLS
One type of RLS usually starts early in life (before age 45) and tends to run in families. Once this type of RLS starts, it usually lasts for the rest of your life. Over time, symptoms slowly get worse and occur more often. Another type of RLS usually starts later in life (after age 45) and generally doesn’t run in families. This type tends to have a more abrupt onset, with the symptoms usually not getting worse with age.
Natural conditions such as pregnancy, due to a common problem of a simple iron deficiency, may also trigger RLS. Additionally, some diseases and the medications you may be taking for them may also result in RLS symptoms. For example, RLS has been associated with kidney failure, Parkinson’s disease, diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis.
Research presented at the Association of Professional Sleep Societies conference has linked iron deficiency to causing the onset of RLS. Another factor related to RLS is stress. Stress is not simply a mental problem. It directly affects hormones released by the adrenal glands. The adrenal gland secrete hormones that affect the heart, digestion, weight, the balance of women’s hormones, and also your sleep.
How can it be cured?
Research points to 3 specific solutions to Restless Leg Syndrome:
1. Handling the nutritional deficiencies
2. Resolving any physical stress-related factors affecting your health
3. Removing any blockages for proper circulation of blood to organs & tissue.
Also, when a condition, disease or medicine triggers RLS, the symptoms usually start suddenly. The disorder may go away if the trigger is relieved or stopped. Although considered incurable through medication, this problem has responded favorably to the following methods:
First, check any medications you may be taking for other health problems, as these may actually be causing this condition.
Drugs found to cause RLS include: Anti-nausea medicines, Antidepressants, Antipsychotics (used to treat certain mental health disorders), Cold and allergy medicines that contain antihistamines, and, Calcium channel blockers (used to treat heart problems and high blood pressure). Warning: Do not stop taking any medications without consulting your medical doctor first.
Research has found that there is a connection in RLS patients with low back pain, spinal cord injury & nerve problems. Acupuncture treatment has proved effective in treating this condition.
To Schedule your FREE Consultation,
Please Call 321.259.0555
402 N. Babcock St. Suite 101
Melbourne, FL 32935
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