Thursday, October 14, 2010

October 2010 All Ways Well Newsletter

In This Issue:
**Relieving Fibromyalgia Pain with Chinese Medicine

**10/9/10 on Maternity but Treatments Continue!
**Thanks for Tuning In!  Book On-line Anytime!---------------------
Relieving Fibromyalgia Pain with Chinese Medicine
Fibromyalgia Syndrome affects approximately 2% of the population.  Conventional therapies have limited success and generally consistent of a combination pain and sleep medications based on presenting symptoms in the patient.  Acupuncture in particular has become a popular treatment and shown to be effectivefor Fibromyalgia Syndrome.

Fibromyalgia Syndrome is still not completely understood.  It affects more women than men and sometimes is precipitated by a specific physical or emotional trauma, but in many cases there is no triggering event.  There is no measurable physical or tissue damage to the body, and fibromyalgia is diagnosed when there is a combination of presenting symptoms including but not limited to:

  • chronic pain
  • debilitating fatigue
  • difficulty sleeping
  • anxiety and depression
  • joint stiffness
  • inability to concentrate
  • irritable bowel syndrome
In Chinese medicine, pain is seen to be a problem of restricted flow - Qi and Blood that are not able to flow freely and keep you feeling fit, mobile and healthy.  In Fibromyalgia specifically, pain is usually associated with a combination of Liver, Spleen, Kidney and Heart Qi flow disharmonies.

Acupuncture treatment therefore consists of individualized treatment plans based on the underlying energetic disharmonies discovered and the specific symptoms of each patient.  Dietary and lifestyle advice are generally an important part of treatment as well.

In my experience treating Fibromyalgia patients, I have found that combining exercise with Acupuncture in particular is often key to success.  Gentle water aerobics, swimming and Taiji seem to be particularly effective.

Rebecca on Maternity Leave starting 10/9/10 but Treatments will Continue with Noreen Drake
Yes, that time is finally upon me and this will be my last newsletter before I take off for Maternity Leave in one short week!  Rest assured that monthly newsletters will STILL be winging their way to your inbox in my absence, however, AND that my trusted colleague Noreen Drake, LAc will be on hand to continue your treatments while I am away.

The details of my maternity leave and an FAQ are listed below, but here is a quick recap of a few summary points just in case:

  • Rebecca will be gone 10/9/10-late January/early February 2011
  • Rebecca's online schedule for 2011 will be open for booking starting November 2010!
  • Noreen Drake, LAc will continue treatment for Rebecca's patients - a new signed consent form will be necessary but you will NOT have to fill out new intake forms!
  • Noreen is on the online schedule and can be reached by phone on the same office line you currently use.
  • see list at right for additional questions
Thanks for tuning in!
As usual thanks again for tuning in!  If you are interested in more information about treating pain with the help of acupuncture and Chinese Medicine, please don't hesitate to call, email or book online.  Free 15 minute consultations in person or over the phone are always available with both Noreen and myself which you can book via email, phone at (503)445-8888 or on-line if you have more specific questions.

Yours in health and wellness,
~Rebecca



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 strongly 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.

Noreen also offers free consultations anytime.

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 checkingemail and voicemail so feel free to contact her, but she may not be checking regularly.  Please do not expect a swift reply.

When does Rebecca's 2011 schedule become available online?
It should be available for booking online starting November 2010, so check back often!

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