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Friday, October 28, 2011
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Thursday, October 13, 2011
October 2011 - IBS
In This Issue:
**Irritable Bowel Syndrome
*The Spleen-Stress Connection
*Allergy Related IBS
**Thanks for Tuning In! Book On-line Anytime!
---------------------
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Irritable Bowel Syndrome has become an epidemic in our country. In the US alone it is estimated that 10-15% of people suffer from IBS making it the most common gastrointestinal disorder. It was a battle with IBS that brought me to acupuncture. It is an illness I feel especially strong about treating and one that is close to my heart.
The causes of IBS can be varied, and not always clearly understood by western medicine. Stress related IBS and food allergy related IBS are the most common recognized triggers though IBS can "hit" with no noticeable trigger at all. IBS itself is a functional problem - the large intestine will spasm and tighten which disrupts peristalsis (the normal motility of the intestines) causing pain, bloating, discomfort, bowel irregularities and even malnutrition in extreme cases.
There are western medicines available, but if you can identify and treat the cause - such as stress or allergies - you can go a long way to alleviating or even eliminating symptoms. In some cases, Chinese medicine can be completely curative using a combination of herbs and acupuncture. After suffering daily for 5 years with no help from western medicine myelf (pharmaceuticals had not yet been developed for IBS at that time), I went to see an acupuncturist and after 3 months of weekly acupuncture and daily bulk herbal treatments, my symptoms completely abated.
In Chinese medicine there can be many different causes for IBS - internal dampness, damp heat in the large intestine, a spleen qi deficiency or weakness, liver qi stagnation - the list goes on and on, but there is always an identifiable energetic cause. The energetic cause determines your course of treatment
The Spleen-Stress Connection
The most common energetic cause for IBS in the US is a very straighforward syndrome called Liver Overacting Spleen. The Liver is energetically responsible for smoothing the digestion, smoothing the emotions and moving or coursing Qi through the body. As the Wood element, it thrives on constant movement, change and growth. The Spleen governs digestion and is responsible for taking the water that you drink and the food that you eat and turning it into energy for your body to use. It represents the Earth element. The Liver is especially sensitive to stress - when you become stressed out your Qi can't move and course as well, the Liver becomes constrained or congested by the "traffic jam" and it begins to back up and generate heat. Due to a specific relationship between the Spleen and the Liver, when the Liver gets backed up, it dumps the excess on the Spleen - attacking or overacting upon it - which impairs the Spleen's function and can cause IBS symptoms. Ever get really stressed and have bowel changes before a test or big event? THAT is the classic Liver Overacting Spleen scenario.
Coursing the Liver Qi and tonifying the Spleen with acupuncture and Chinese herbs is highly effective for this type of IBS syndrome.
Allergy Related IBS
Food allergies are the other major identified cause of irritable bowel syndrome. Most common allergenic offenders are Wheat (gluten), Soy, Eggs, Dairy and Corn. These can cause much more than just IBS type symptoms including everything from general malaise and fatigue to body aches and pains, congestion and seasonal allergy type symptoms and more. The best way to identify if one of these foods is a trigger is to pursue an Elimination Diet which is a two month course of eating simple foods and then testing yourself by eating the possible offenders one by one and seeing what happens. If and or when you identify an allergen, you cut it out of your diet for at least 6 months to give your body time to recover and then you can try it again and see how you do. Food allergies and sensitivities can change over time if you give your body enough of a break so even thought it is tough, it is worth it to try.
In Chinese medicine food allergies are most commonly caused by a Spleen Qi Deficiency. Sometimes we can tonify the Spleen Qi enough to eliminate the allergy, though you still need to avoid the allergen during tonification to give your Spleen a chance to heal. There are also a number of accessory Acupuncture treatments such as AAT and NAET that are said to completely cure allergies with acupuncture or acupressure alone. While I am not certified in these therapies, I can tell you more and direct you to practitioners who are.
Thanks for Tuning In!
As usual thanks again for tuning in! If you are interested in more information please don't hesitate to call or book on-line. Free 15 minute consultations in person or over the phone are always available which you can book via phone at (503)445-8888 or on-line as well if you have more specific questions.
Looking forward to seeing you!
~Rebecca
**Irritable Bowel Syndrome
*The Spleen-Stress Connection
*Allergy Related IBS
**Thanks for Tuning In! Book On-line Anytime!
---------------------
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Irritable Bowel Syndrome has become an epidemic in our country. In the US alone it is estimated that 10-15% of people suffer from IBS making it the most common gastrointestinal disorder. It was a battle with IBS that brought me to acupuncture. It is an illness I feel especially strong about treating and one that is close to my heart.
The causes of IBS can be varied, and not always clearly understood by western medicine. Stress related IBS and food allergy related IBS are the most common recognized triggers though IBS can "hit" with no noticeable trigger at all. IBS itself is a functional problem - the large intestine will spasm and tighten which disrupts peristalsis (the normal motility of the intestines) causing pain, bloating, discomfort, bowel irregularities and even malnutrition in extreme cases.
There are western medicines available, but if you can identify and treat the cause - such as stress or allergies - you can go a long way to alleviating or even eliminating symptoms. In some cases, Chinese medicine can be completely curative using a combination of herbs and acupuncture. After suffering daily for 5 years with no help from western medicine myelf (pharmaceuticals had not yet been developed for IBS at that time), I went to see an acupuncturist and after 3 months of weekly acupuncture and daily bulk herbal treatments, my symptoms completely abated.
In Chinese medicine there can be many different causes for IBS - internal dampness, damp heat in the large intestine, a spleen qi deficiency or weakness, liver qi stagnation - the list goes on and on, but there is always an identifiable energetic cause. The energetic cause determines your course of treatment
The Spleen-Stress Connection
The most common energetic cause for IBS in the US is a very straighforward syndrome called Liver Overacting Spleen. The Liver is energetically responsible for smoothing the digestion, smoothing the emotions and moving or coursing Qi through the body. As the Wood element, it thrives on constant movement, change and growth. The Spleen governs digestion and is responsible for taking the water that you drink and the food that you eat and turning it into energy for your body to use. It represents the Earth element. The Liver is especially sensitive to stress - when you become stressed out your Qi can't move and course as well, the Liver becomes constrained or congested by the "traffic jam" and it begins to back up and generate heat. Due to a specific relationship between the Spleen and the Liver, when the Liver gets backed up, it dumps the excess on the Spleen - attacking or overacting upon it - which impairs the Spleen's function and can cause IBS symptoms. Ever get really stressed and have bowel changes before a test or big event? THAT is the classic Liver Overacting Spleen scenario.
Coursing the Liver Qi and tonifying the Spleen with acupuncture and Chinese herbs is highly effective for this type of IBS syndrome.
Allergy Related IBS
Food allergies are the other major identified cause of irritable bowel syndrome. Most common allergenic offenders are Wheat (gluten), Soy, Eggs, Dairy and Corn. These can cause much more than just IBS type symptoms including everything from general malaise and fatigue to body aches and pains, congestion and seasonal allergy type symptoms and more. The best way to identify if one of these foods is a trigger is to pursue an Elimination Diet which is a two month course of eating simple foods and then testing yourself by eating the possible offenders one by one and seeing what happens. If and or when you identify an allergen, you cut it out of your diet for at least 6 months to give your body time to recover and then you can try it again and see how you do. Food allergies and sensitivities can change over time if you give your body enough of a break so even thought it is tough, it is worth it to try.
In Chinese medicine food allergies are most commonly caused by a Spleen Qi Deficiency. Sometimes we can tonify the Spleen Qi enough to eliminate the allergy, though you still need to avoid the allergen during tonification to give your Spleen a chance to heal. There are also a number of accessory Acupuncture treatments such as AAT and NAET that are said to completely cure allergies with acupuncture or acupressure alone. While I am not certified in these therapies, I can tell you more and direct you to practitioners who are.
Thanks for Tuning In!
As usual thanks again for tuning in! If you are interested in more information please don't hesitate to call or book on-line. Free 15 minute consultations in person or over the phone are always available which you can book via phone at (503)445-8888 or on-line as well if you have more specific questions.
Looking forward to seeing you!
~Rebecca
September 2011 - Tonify Digestion
In This Issue:
**Three Treatment Special is Back!
*expires 9/30, purchase on-line!
**Fall - Time to Tonify Digestion
**Thanks for Tuning In! Book On-line Anytime!
---------------------
Three Treatment Special is Back!
That's right! September is upon us once again which means it is time to honor the Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival with my semi-annual three treatment special. Available through the end of the month, you can purchase as many three treatment packages as you want and they will stay on account for you. They also make great gifts. The special goes as follows:
3 one hour Acupuncture sessions for $165 ($195 value)
3 one hour Foot Reflexology sessions of $195 ($225 value)
Purchase on-line or in office any time this month and book appointments when ready.
Fall - Time to Tonify Digestion
As I know I've belaboured before, Chinese Medicing is a seasonal medicine and Fall is the season of the Earth Element. Dominated by the Spleen and Stomach, the Earth element governs your digestion. Whent this element is in balance, your digestion is smooth, your energy feels great, and you feel grounded, strong and at peace. When the Earth element is out of balance, you can experience increased worry and fatigue, a running mind, poor digestion and food sensitivities. Since Fall is governed by this element, Fall is the best time to strengthen and tonify the Spleen and Stomach to facilitate strong Qi and good digestive health through the coming holiday season.
How do we accomplish this? In a variety of ways. An individualized Acupuncture treatment is the best start with specific dietary recommendations for your energetic picture. In general, warm foods are tonifying to the Spleen and Stomach (so go easy on the iced drinks if you can!) and herbs found in cooking such as ginger and cardamom are also helpful. A quick pick me up for the Spleen and Stomach therefore is a lovely Chai tea! But try to go without the milk and sugar or try a dairy alternative such as almond or coconut, since dairy can be cloying to the digestion, along with a natural sweetener such as honey or stevia.
You can also pick up a package of Chinese Herbal Tonic Soup Mix the next time you are in the office - a wonderful remedy for the digestion. Filled with herbal edibles, this mix can be cooked into a vegetarian or chicken soup, or a rice congee, and is a great way to strengthen your Qi. Especially good for fatigue and recovery from a stressful time of life or a difficult cold or flu, it is both good for you and delicious! Add to your favorite soup recipe and see what you think of the results.
Thanks for Tuning In!
As usual thanks again for tuning in! If you are interested in more information about my 3 treatment special or about tonifying the Spleen and Stomach this fall, please don't hesitate to call or book on-line. Free 15 minute consultations in person or over the phone are always available which you can book via phone at (503)445-8888 or on-line as well if you have more specific questions.
Looking forward to seeing you!
~Rebecca
**Three Treatment Special is Back!
*expires 9/30, purchase on-line!
**Fall - Time to Tonify Digestion
**Thanks for Tuning In! Book On-line Anytime!
---------------------
Three Treatment Special is Back!
That's right! September is upon us once again which means it is time to honor the Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival with my semi-annual three treatment special. Available through the end of the month, you can purchase as many three treatment packages as you want and they will stay on account for you. They also make great gifts. The special goes as follows:
3 one hour Acupuncture sessions for $165 ($195 value)
3 one hour Foot Reflexology sessions of $195 ($225 value)
Purchase on-line or in office any time this month and book appointments when ready.
Fall - Time to Tonify Digestion
As I know I've belaboured before, Chinese Medicing is a seasonal medicine and Fall is the season of the Earth Element. Dominated by the Spleen and Stomach, the Earth element governs your digestion. Whent this element is in balance, your digestion is smooth, your energy feels great, and you feel grounded, strong and at peace. When the Earth element is out of balance, you can experience increased worry and fatigue, a running mind, poor digestion and food sensitivities. Since Fall is governed by this element, Fall is the best time to strengthen and tonify the Spleen and Stomach to facilitate strong Qi and good digestive health through the coming holiday season.
How do we accomplish this? In a variety of ways. An individualized Acupuncture treatment is the best start with specific dietary recommendations for your energetic picture. In general, warm foods are tonifying to the Spleen and Stomach (so go easy on the iced drinks if you can!) and herbs found in cooking such as ginger and cardamom are also helpful. A quick pick me up for the Spleen and Stomach therefore is a lovely Chai tea! But try to go without the milk and sugar or try a dairy alternative such as almond or coconut, since dairy can be cloying to the digestion, along with a natural sweetener such as honey or stevia.
You can also pick up a package of Chinese Herbal Tonic Soup Mix the next time you are in the office - a wonderful remedy for the digestion. Filled with herbal edibles, this mix can be cooked into a vegetarian or chicken soup, or a rice congee, and is a great way to strengthen your Qi. Especially good for fatigue and recovery from a stressful time of life or a difficult cold or flu, it is both good for you and delicious! Add to your favorite soup recipe and see what you think of the results.
Thanks for Tuning In!
As usual thanks again for tuning in! If you are interested in more information about my 3 treatment special or about tonifying the Spleen and Stomach this fall, please don't hesitate to call or book on-line. Free 15 minute consultations in person or over the phone are always available which you can book via phone at (503)445-8888 or on-line as well if you have more specific questions.
Looking forward to seeing you!
~Rebecca
August 2011 - Headache Be Gone!
In This Issue:
**Headache Be Gone!
*Stress Related (physical or emotional)
*Sinus Related
*Hormone Related
**Thanks for Tuning In! Book On-line Anytime!
---------------------
Headache Be Gone!
Headaches can be one of the WORST things to experience, especially if your headaches are severe, recurrent and keep you from sleeping which just makes everything that much more severe. They can become a background noise to your life and daily activities that feels like a constant struggle; a continuous effort to forceably put the pain in the background and carry on.
Luckily, Acupuncture is a wonderful treatment for headaches of every sort and can be very effective, especially in the acute phase. I have had many patients walk in with a headache and walk out feeling fine. Add some herbs to the mix and perhaps some Acupressure and you have a winning combination. Here is some more information about specific types of headaches as well as some recommendations for self care.
Stress Related
Stress related headaches are extremely common, and can be due to purely emotional upset, due to physical tension in the neck and shoulders or a combination of both. Either course is primarily due to Liver Qi Stagnation affecting the Bladder (back of the neck headache) and Gall Bladder (temporal headache) channels that traverse the head.
Using a combination of Acupuncture and Tuina massage, these blocked channels can be opened up, Qi flow restored and headaches diminished.
At home or at work, regular neck and shoulder stretching should be emphasized along with massaging the point He Gu or Large Intestine 4. Located in the center of the web between the thumb and index finger, massaging this point several times a day will help to open your Qi gates and move Qi in your whole body.
Sinus Related
Sinus related headaches can be due to a combination of energetic excesses and deficiencies causing frequent colds, flus or allergies combined with Qi stagnation in the face and sinuses. Acupuncture treatments generally focus on moving Qi in the localized areas of pain (frontal sinuses, forehead) while treating the underlying energetic deficiencies for long term resolution. Combine this with herbal remedies like Chuan Xiong Wan, one of my favorite herbal formulas, and you'll be feeling better in no time. One of the primary ingredients in Chuan Xiong Wan is actually green tea and regular consumption of a good loose leaf green tea can do a lot for clearing the head and sinuses.
Hormone Related
Nagging headaches a part of your menstrual cycle or transition to menopause? Acupuncture can help. Using a combination of Acupuncture and Chinese herbal therapies focused around your cycle (or lack therof...) we can moderate the energetic interplay between Liver and Kidney Yin and Yang, clear the deficient heat that is rising to create headaches, irritability and anxiousness and help you find yourself again.
Acupuncture treatments every two weeks for 2-3 months are recommended to start. Dietary therapies can also be helpful but vary based on your menstrual cycle. Next time you have a hormone related headache, try a cup of mint tea to start, perhaps with a touch of orange peel. Both of these herbs enter the Liver channel.
Thanks for Tuning In!
As usual thanks again for tuning in! If you are interested in more information about Chinese Medicine to treat insomnia this summer, please don't hesitate to call or book on-line. Free 15 minute consultations in person or over the phone are always available which you can book via phone at (503)445-8888 or on-line as well if you have more specific questions.
Looking forward to seeing you!
~Rebecca
**Headache Be Gone!
*Stress Related (physical or emotional)
*Sinus Related
*Hormone Related
**Thanks for Tuning In! Book On-line Anytime!
---------------------
Headache Be Gone!
Headaches can be one of the WORST things to experience, especially if your headaches are severe, recurrent and keep you from sleeping which just makes everything that much more severe. They can become a background noise to your life and daily activities that feels like a constant struggle; a continuous effort to forceably put the pain in the background and carry on.
Luckily, Acupuncture is a wonderful treatment for headaches of every sort and can be very effective, especially in the acute phase. I have had many patients walk in with a headache and walk out feeling fine. Add some herbs to the mix and perhaps some Acupressure and you have a winning combination. Here is some more information about specific types of headaches as well as some recommendations for self care.
Stress Related
Stress related headaches are extremely common, and can be due to purely emotional upset, due to physical tension in the neck and shoulders or a combination of both. Either course is primarily due to Liver Qi Stagnation affecting the Bladder (back of the neck headache) and Gall Bladder (temporal headache) channels that traverse the head.
Using a combination of Acupuncture and Tuina massage, these blocked channels can be opened up, Qi flow restored and headaches diminished.
At home or at work, regular neck and shoulder stretching should be emphasized along with massaging the point He Gu or Large Intestine 4. Located in the center of the web between the thumb and index finger, massaging this point several times a day will help to open your Qi gates and move Qi in your whole body.
Sinus Related
Sinus related headaches can be due to a combination of energetic excesses and deficiencies causing frequent colds, flus or allergies combined with Qi stagnation in the face and sinuses. Acupuncture treatments generally focus on moving Qi in the localized areas of pain (frontal sinuses, forehead) while treating the underlying energetic deficiencies for long term resolution. Combine this with herbal remedies like Chuan Xiong Wan, one of my favorite herbal formulas, and you'll be feeling better in no time. One of the primary ingredients in Chuan Xiong Wan is actually green tea and regular consumption of a good loose leaf green tea can do a lot for clearing the head and sinuses.
Hormone Related
Nagging headaches a part of your menstrual cycle or transition to menopause? Acupuncture can help. Using a combination of Acupuncture and Chinese herbal therapies focused around your cycle (or lack therof...) we can moderate the energetic interplay between Liver and Kidney Yin and Yang, clear the deficient heat that is rising to create headaches, irritability and anxiousness and help you find yourself again.
Acupuncture treatments every two weeks for 2-3 months are recommended to start. Dietary therapies can also be helpful but vary based on your menstrual cycle. Next time you have a hormone related headache, try a cup of mint tea to start, perhaps with a touch of orange peel. Both of these herbs enter the Liver channel.
Thanks for Tuning In!
As usual thanks again for tuning in! If you are interested in more information about Chinese Medicine to treat insomnia this summer, please don't hesitate to call or book on-line. Free 15 minute consultations in person or over the phone are always available which you can book via phone at (503)445-8888 or on-line as well if you have more specific questions.
Looking forward to seeing you!
~Rebecca
July 2011 - Summer Heat Insomnia
In This Issue:
**Summer Heat Insomnia; Acupuncture Can Help!
**Pregnancy Related Insomnia
**Thanks for Tuning In! Book On-line Anytime!
---------------------
Summer Heat Insomnia; Acupuncture Can Help!
Ever notice that as the summer months come, it becomes harder to sleep? Some of it is just the longer days and excitement of warm weather, but sometimes it feels like something more - an itching eye opening inability to get to sleep or to stay asleep that just can't be defined or seemingly conquered. The cause? Summer Heat and Acupuncture is here to help.
There are many energetic factors involved in sleep according to Chinese Medicine, but one of the most central is the comfort of the Shen or spirit in the Heart. The Shen is essential to your wake sleep cycle, emerging upon waking to make you alert and present, and retreating to the heart at night to lull you to sleep. The Heart is the central Fire organ making it a warm and cozy place, but too warm and the Shen is not comfortable there. If the Shen won't sleep, neither will you!
Acupuncture is a great way to calm the Shen and clear heat from the Heart in order to re establish a proper wake sleep cycle. There can be other energetic causes for insomnia, but during the summer months when the environmental heat can amplify an underlying heat syndrome lurking in the body, this is one of the most common. Proper assessment by a Licensed Acupuncturist can determine if this is the cause of your insomnia or not, and treat accordingly.
Pregnancy Related Insomnia
Insomnia is also a very common side effect of pregnancy that often has few resolutions from an allopathic perspective. Western sleep aids are generally not recommended during this time, and chamomile tea - while recommended and quite helpful - can only go so far at times. Acupuncture is a safe treatment during pregnancy that can help rebalance your yin, yang, qi and blood during the growth and change experienced during pregnancy that can affect your wake sleep cycle.
Thanks for Tuning In!
As usual thanks again for tuning in! If you are interested in more information about Chinese Medicine to treat insomnia this summer, please don't hesitate to call or book on-line. Free 15 minute consultations in person or over the phone are always available which you can book via phone at (503)445-8888 or on-line as well if you have more specific questions. Looking forward to seeing you! ~Rebecca
**Summer Heat Insomnia; Acupuncture Can Help!
**Pregnancy Related Insomnia
**Thanks for Tuning In! Book On-line Anytime!
---------------------
Summer Heat Insomnia; Acupuncture Can Help!
Ever notice that as the summer months come, it becomes harder to sleep? Some of it is just the longer days and excitement of warm weather, but sometimes it feels like something more - an itching eye opening inability to get to sleep or to stay asleep that just can't be defined or seemingly conquered. The cause? Summer Heat and Acupuncture is here to help.
There are many energetic factors involved in sleep according to Chinese Medicine, but one of the most central is the comfort of the Shen or spirit in the Heart. The Shen is essential to your wake sleep cycle, emerging upon waking to make you alert and present, and retreating to the heart at night to lull you to sleep. The Heart is the central Fire organ making it a warm and cozy place, but too warm and the Shen is not comfortable there. If the Shen won't sleep, neither will you!
Acupuncture is a great way to calm the Shen and clear heat from the Heart in order to re establish a proper wake sleep cycle. There can be other energetic causes for insomnia, but during the summer months when the environmental heat can amplify an underlying heat syndrome lurking in the body, this is one of the most common. Proper assessment by a Licensed Acupuncturist can determine if this is the cause of your insomnia or not, and treat accordingly.
Pregnancy Related Insomnia
Insomnia is also a very common side effect of pregnancy that often has few resolutions from an allopathic perspective. Western sleep aids are generally not recommended during this time, and chamomile tea - while recommended and quite helpful - can only go so far at times. Acupuncture is a safe treatment during pregnancy that can help rebalance your yin, yang, qi and blood during the growth and change experienced during pregnancy that can affect your wake sleep cycle.
Thanks for Tuning In!
As usual thanks again for tuning in! If you are interested in more information about Chinese Medicine to treat insomnia this summer, please don't hesitate to call or book on-line. Free 15 minute consultations in person or over the phone are always available which you can book via phone at (503)445-8888 or on-line as well if you have more specific questions. Looking forward to seeing you! ~Rebecca
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