I just read an interesting article on treatment of Acne
in the latest issue of Consumer Reports. They tested
Proactiv and found after 8 weeks Acne was never wiped out. The best results were 40% better. It was
also found that it can irrtiate sensative skin.
Zappers were also tested, Zeno Hot Spot & No!No1
Skin both shrank lesions but only eliminated 13%
of acne. The article concluded that Acne suffers need to be patient.
Did you know that Acupuncture & Chinese Medicine
can treat Acne and other skin diseases? Yes, it can
take time but Chinese Herbs can cure Acne.
Acne Treatment Chinese Herbs & Acupuncture vs Western Medical Treatment
January 12th, 2012
Ten Foods to Avoid
December 10th, 2011
Healthy Eating involves reading labels and if you
are dinning out, asking where something came
from.
Interestingly, Ice Cream from a standpoint of
Chinese Medicine is cold and phlegm producing.
Generally, I tell patients to eat warm slightly cooked foods, especially in the winter and to avoid iced drinks as the digestive system needs warmth.
Here is the article:
http://www.hivehealthmedia.com/top-ten-foods-avoid/
Acupuncture for Low Back Pain
November 29th, 2011
While watching a segment on Surgery for Low Back Pain, I was surprised when Acupuncture
was put up on the screen as a Treatment for Low Back Pain. As there are numerous studies
pointing to the effectiveness of Acupuncture, all I can say is “It’s about time!”
Advice from a Pro on sugar
October 13th, 2011
We all know that complementing your Acupuncture treatments with a good Diet is important. Here is an article from Men’s Journal from Steve Nash (Pro-Basketball Player) on the benefits of giving up sugar
http://www.mensjournal.com/living-sugar-free
Treatment Plan
August 4th, 2011
Lots of folks ask me how often or how long do I have to come in? Well,
Treatment Plan is a crucial part of getting better. Normally, Acupuncture
works in multiple sessions, building on each other till we get well. However,
now & then we can knock out something in 1 or 2 sessions. The longer you
have had something, the more severe it is and how strong your body is will
help determine the length of treatment plan. Generally pain problems
are better treated by treatments bunched closer together and things like
digestive problems or gynecological issues are treated weekly or even
every other week as we generally have the patient take herbs in between.
As a person gets better they will come in less frequently. A general rule
is that if you have had something for 1 year, you should have 1 month of
treatment. I generally tell people with anything chronic to give acupuncture
6-8 treatments & if the patient feels better, we know we’re on the right
track.
Summer Time & the Heart
June 30th, 2011
We finally had a nice sunny weekend; I went hiking in the Gorge!
Summer is the season of the Fire Element, which is associated
with the Heart. In Chinese Medicine the Heart
not only pumps the blood but also houses the mind (Shen). Dr
Dean Ornish MD, a heart specialist says “I think the mind is where
Heart disease begins for many people.” The Heart is associated
with the emotion Joy or lack of Joy as in the old phrase a broken
Heart. Some general symptoms of a Heart-Mind Imbalance include
depression, loss of memory, speech problems, poor circulation,
weak spirit and aversion to heat. Things we can do to Heal the Heart
are diet (whole foods have a calming effect), exercise (aerobic &
anaerobic), relaxation/meditation (being not always doing), a
positive attitude on life and the power of laughter and good relation-
ships.
Some dietary suggestions for calming the mind are to reduce or
eliminate alcohol, tobacco, coffee (all create heat), refined sugar
and eating large late meals. The following substances can reduce
nervousness, and help mental focus and insomnia. Oyster shell
good for insomnia and can be eaten in the form of oyster-shell
Calcium. Whole grains, wheat, brown rice and oats help calm the
mind. Try to buy organic and avoid pesticides. Mushrooms like
Ganoderma or Poria. Mulberries, lemons and Schisandra berries calm
the mind. Jujube seeds (Ziziphus) helps with insomnia. Ziziphus and
Schisandra can be found at Oriental grocery stores. Interestingly,
The color of the fire element is red and herbs that have an effect on
the Heart have a tendency to be red in color. Lastly, in the
Summer we can eat more fruit and water but remember to try not
to drink iced water as it can cause digestive problems. So, have fun
Get outside and enjoy, till next time
Steve
