Friday, August 20, 2010
Friday, August 13, 2010
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Reflexology: Addressing Pain and Putting Cancer Patients at Ease
Guest article by Jack Bleeker
May 2010
With roots in ancient Egypt, China, and Japan, the art of reflexology is a healing and relaxation technique that has stood the test of time and is familiar to many today. Found on treatment menus in world-class spas and on the schedules of many hospital-based palliative care centers, reflexology is viewed by skeptics as just a foot massage, but those who have recognized the therapy’s benefits will loudly proclaim that it is much, much more.
For patients with cancer, such as those battling malignant mesothelioma, reflexology is said to have numerous benefits. Used as a complementary therapy along with conventional treatments like chemotherapy and radiation, proponents of reflexology note that the treatment goes a long way in addressing such issues as pain, anxiety, nausea, and vomiting. Especially upon the mesothelioma prognosis, these individuals are in dire need of therapeutic relief from the side effects mentioned.
So how does a foot rub help eliminate the unpleasant effects of cancer? Simply put, reflexology involves applying pressure to and stretching the hands and feet in order to trigger responses in other parts of the body. Experts theorize that the pressure sends a calming message from the peripheral nervous system to the central nervous system, where it signals the body to adjust its tension level, therefore creating a feeling of overall relaxation, increasing blood supply, and bringing organs to an optimal level of functioning. Others say the success of reflexology relates to the “gate control” theory of pain relief, which theorizes that pain is a subjective experience created by an individual’s brain. The notion that factors like mood or stress can also affect the experience of pain enters into play here. Hence, reflexology can reduce pain by relieving stress and anxiety.
Though there is no steadfast scientific evidence that reflexology offers an cure for cancers like mesothelioma or any other disease, numerous studies have shown that this complementary therapy improves quality of life for many cancer patients, even if just for a short time, hence, its inclusion in many complementary and palliative care programs at cancer hospitals nationwide.
A 2000 study at the School of Nursing at East Carolina University, for example, involved 23 breast and lung cancer patients who noted “a significant decrease” in anxiety with the use of reflexology treatment. This, wrote the professionals that authored the study, “has important implications for nursing practice as both professionals and lay people can be taught reflexology.
“Reflexology is a simple technique for human touch which can be performed anywhere, requires no special equipment, is non-invasive and does not interfere with patients' privacy," the study continues.
Indeed, many medical professionals have suggested that caregivers for cancer patients take time to learn reflexology so that they can use it when necessary to help those for whom they are caring find relief from the pain and stress associated with the disease. Furthermore, noted study leader Dr. Nancy Stephenson, in the case of those caring for spouses or other family members, “the therapy provides a way for partners to get involved in their loved one's care at a time when they may feel there is nothing they can do to help."
Sources:
University of Minnesota, http://www.takingcharge.csh.umn.edu/explore-healing-practices/reflexology/how-does-reflexology-work
American Cancer Society, http://www.cancer.org/docroot/ETO/content/ETO_5_3X_Reflexology.asp
Dosing, Cancer, and Reflexology (Kunz), http://www.reflexology-research.com/dosing.html
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Rebecca's Maternity Leave
MATERNITY LEAVE
Rebecca will be on a little journey from October 10th-January 2011 as she and her husband welcome a bouncing baby boy at the end of October. Rebecca encourages you to come in for treatment while she is away, however, so here are some details to keep you in tip top shape until she returns:
How do I get Acupuncture while Rebecca is away?
Rebecca's office mate, Noreen Drake, LAc, will be in the office Tues-Thurs seeing Rebecca's patients while she is gone. Rebecca and Noreen went through their acupuncture program together and Noreen comes highly recommended by Rebecca.
How do I book with Noreen?
You can book with Noreen on-line as you do with Rebecca through the same on-line scheduling system or you can call Noreen at (503)445-8888 x5.
What does Noreen charge?
Noreen's rates for Acupuncture are the same as Rebecca's.
Does Noreen bill insurance?
No. Noreen does not bill insurance at this time, HOWEVER, Noreen is able to provide you with a coded superbill and she can help you submit that to you insurance for your reimbursement.
How do I get massage and foot reflexology while Rebecca is away?
We have two wonderful massage therapists at Suite 103 who both do massage and foot reflexology. Visit the Suite 103 Website to learn more aboutSummer and Ashley and their services. You can book on-linewith them through the sameon-line scheduling site you currently use or call them at (503)445-8888.
How do I get herbs & supplements while Rebecca is away?
Some herbs will still be in stock in the office for pick up any time. Rebecca recommends you call the office and speak to Noreen at (503)445-8888 x5 to make sure the herbs and supplements you want are in stock prior to stopping by, however. You can also emailNoreen to check before you come in.
You can also order your herbs directly on-line using Rebecca's Virtual Dispensary service. To utilize this service you will need the following:
PIN# all888
Office Zip Code: 97201
Create an account with the dispensary service, log in and shop away! You can also visit Rebecca's website and go to the Virtual Dispensary service page for an FAQ and more details.
Some herbs and supplements - in particular Bioticssupplements and cold and flu formulas - are also available online via Rebecca's Amazon Store.
Can I get a hold of Rebecca while she is away?
Yes! Rebecca will be checking email and voicemail so feel free to contact her, but she may not be checking regularly. Please do not expect a swift reply.
Rebecca will be on a little journey from October 10th-January 2011 as she and her husband welcome a bouncing baby boy at the end of October. Rebecca encourages you to come in for treatment while she is away, however, so here are some details to keep you in tip top shape until she returns:
How do I get Acupuncture while Rebecca is away?
Rebecca's office mate, Noreen Drake, LAc, will be in the office Tues-Thurs seeing Rebecca's patients while she is gone. Rebecca and Noreen went through their acupuncture program together and Noreen comes highly recommended by Rebecca.
How do I book with Noreen?
You can book with Noreen on-line as you do with Rebecca through the same on-line scheduling system or you can call Noreen at (503)445-8888 x5.
What does Noreen charge?
Noreen's rates for Acupuncture are the same as Rebecca's.
Does Noreen bill insurance?
No. Noreen does not bill insurance at this time, HOWEVER, Noreen is able to provide you with a coded superbill and she can help you submit that to you insurance for your reimbursement.
How do I get massage and foot reflexology while Rebecca is away?
We have two wonderful massage therapists at Suite 103 who both do massage and foot reflexology. Visit the Suite 103 Website to learn more aboutSummer and Ashley and their services. You can book on-linewith them through the sameon-line scheduling site you currently use or call them at (503)445-8888.
How do I get herbs & supplements while Rebecca is away?
Some herbs will still be in stock in the office for pick up any time. Rebecca recommends you call the office and speak to Noreen at (503)445-8888 x5 to make sure the herbs and supplements you want are in stock prior to stopping by, however. You can also emailNoreen to check before you come in.
You can also order your herbs directly on-line using Rebecca's Virtual Dispensary service. To utilize this service you will need the following:
PIN# all888
Office Zip Code: 97201
Create an account with the dispensary service, log in and shop away! You can also visit Rebecca's website and go to the Virtual Dispensary service page for an FAQ and more details.
Some herbs and supplements - in particular Bioticssupplements and cold and flu formulas - are also available online via Rebecca's Amazon Store.
Can I get a hold of Rebecca while she is away?
Yes! Rebecca will be checking email and voicemail so feel free to contact her, but she may not be checking regularly. Please do not expect a swift reply.
August 2010 All Ways Well Newsletter
In This Issue:
**Semi-Annual 3 Treatment Special is back!
**Digestive Disorders - How Acupuncture can Help
**Thanks for Tuning In! Book On-lineAnytime!---------------------
Semi-Annual 3 Treatment Special
That's right! My semi-annual 3 treatment special is back, and coming around a month early no less! For those of you that don't know, I like to offer specials twice a year to mark the major Chinese holidays. In the fall, we celebrate Mid Autumn Festival or Zhongqiu Jie, also sometimes called the Moon Festival. On this day, Chinese families gather to admire the harvest moon, eat mooncakes, enjoy time together and send well wishes to loved ones far away. Everyone all around the world looks at the same moon, and through the moon therefore we are connected during this very special time. This year, Mid Autumn Festival actually falls on September 22nd, but I'm offering my 3 treatment special during the month of August to give people more time to redeem treatments before my maternity leave mid-October. Here are the details:
There is no limit to how many packages you purchase during the month of August, but the special price is only valid until August 31st. The pre-purchased treatments will be placed on account and you can use them at your leisure - they will not expire!
You can purchase the packages in office or on-line via my website using the Gift Certificate link at the top of the page (even if you are buying the package for yourself!). Don't miss out, this offer won't come around again until Chinese New Year.
* note - this offer cannot be combined with any other special offers or coupons and is not applicable to co-payments or treatments billed to insurance. Valid for treatment with Rebecca only.
Digestive Disorders - How Acupuncture can Help
Since it was a digestive disorder that first got me to try acupuncture, treating digestive disorders is a specialty of mine and something I find very rewarding. In Chinese Medicine, good digestion is central to overall health. The Spleen and Stomach, the central energetic organs of digestion according to Chinese Medicine, represent the Earth element - your grounding center - and are also responsible for you to generate the daily Qi you need to go about normal activities and live a full life.
Feeling tired and sluggish? Hard to concentrate? Like you want to nap in the late afternoon? Or that you are bloated for no reason? Your Spleen probably needs a little tonification and your Stomach function might need a boost too.
More intense digestive disorders - such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), gas, bloating, digestive pain, bowel irregularities and ulcerative colitis - have strong Spleen and Stomach Qi implications and almost all Chinese medicine treatments will address these channels as part of your overall treatment plan.
Acupuncture and Chinese medicine, through both the energetic treatments of acupuncture and foot reflexology as well as Chinese herbal remedies and food therapies, can create significant improvements in, if not complete abatement of, all of these syndromes. From a western perspective, acupuncture and Chinese herbs have been proven to regulate the peristalsis of the bowels, to decrease chronic digestive pain and decrease visceral hypersensitivity, among other things.
If you or anyone you know is suffering from digestive complaints or low energy, think about coming in or suggesting acupuncture and Chinese medicine as a venue for relief. I can say from experience that it works!
Thanks for tuning in!
As usual thanks again for tuning in! If you are interested in more information about treating digestive disorders or fatigue with the help of acupuncture and Chinese Medicine, please don't hesitate to call me or email me anytime. I also offer free 15 minute consultations in person or over the phone that you can book via email, phone at (503)445-8888 ext. 1 or on-line if you have more specific questions and want time to talk. I hope you will take advantage of my early 3 treatment special as well. Here's hoping to see you soon!
Yours in health and wellness,
~Rebecca
**Semi-Annual 3 Treatment Special is back!
**Digestive Disorders - How Acupuncture can Help
**Thanks for Tuning In! Book On-lineAnytime!---------------------
Semi-Annual 3 Treatment Special
That's right! My semi-annual 3 treatment special is back, and coming around a month early no less! For those of you that don't know, I like to offer specials twice a year to mark the major Chinese holidays. In the fall, we celebrate Mid Autumn Festival or Zhongqiu Jie, also sometimes called the Moon Festival. On this day, Chinese families gather to admire the harvest moon, eat mooncakes, enjoy time together and send well wishes to loved ones far away. Everyone all around the world looks at the same moon, and through the moon therefore we are connected during this very special time. This year, Mid Autumn Festival actually falls on September 22nd, but I'm offering my 3 treatment special during the month of August to give people more time to redeem treatments before my maternity leave mid-October. Here are the details:
3 one-hour Acupuncture treatments for $165 -
a $195 value!*
a $195 value!*
and/or
3 one-hour Foot Reflexology treatments for $195 -
a $225 value!*
a $225 value!*
There is no limit to how many packages you purchase during the month of August, but the special price is only valid until August 31st. The pre-purchased treatments will be placed on account and you can use them at your leisure - they will not expire!
You can purchase the packages in office or on-line via my website using the Gift Certificate link at the top of the page (even if you are buying the package for yourself!). Don't miss out, this offer won't come around again until Chinese New Year.
* note - this offer cannot be combined with any other special offers or coupons and is not applicable to co-payments or treatments billed to insurance. Valid for treatment with Rebecca only.
Digestive Disorders - How Acupuncture can Help
Since it was a digestive disorder that first got me to try acupuncture, treating digestive disorders is a specialty of mine and something I find very rewarding. In Chinese Medicine, good digestion is central to overall health. The Spleen and Stomach, the central energetic organs of digestion according to Chinese Medicine, represent the Earth element - your grounding center - and are also responsible for you to generate the daily Qi you need to go about normal activities and live a full life.
Feeling tired and sluggish? Hard to concentrate? Like you want to nap in the late afternoon? Or that you are bloated for no reason? Your Spleen probably needs a little tonification and your Stomach function might need a boost too.
More intense digestive disorders - such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), gas, bloating, digestive pain, bowel irregularities and ulcerative colitis - have strong Spleen and Stomach Qi implications and almost all Chinese medicine treatments will address these channels as part of your overall treatment plan.
Acupuncture and Chinese medicine, through both the energetic treatments of acupuncture and foot reflexology as well as Chinese herbal remedies and food therapies, can create significant improvements in, if not complete abatement of, all of these syndromes. From a western perspective, acupuncture and Chinese herbs have been proven to regulate the peristalsis of the bowels, to decrease chronic digestive pain and decrease visceral hypersensitivity, among other things.
If you or anyone you know is suffering from digestive complaints or low energy, think about coming in or suggesting acupuncture and Chinese medicine as a venue for relief. I can say from experience that it works!
Thanks for tuning in!
As usual thanks again for tuning in! If you are interested in more information about treating digestive disorders or fatigue with the help of acupuncture and Chinese Medicine, please don't hesitate to call me or email me anytime. I also offer free 15 minute consultations in person or over the phone that you can book via email, phone at (503)445-8888 ext. 1 or on-line if you have more specific questions and want time to talk. I hope you will take advantage of my early 3 treatment special as well. Here's hoping to see you soon!
Yours in health and wellness,
~Rebecca
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