Battlefield Acupuncture was developed by Dr. Richard Niemtzow in 2001 for quick relief of pain. Dr. Niemtzow came up with the term Battlefield Acupuncture because it could be easily used on the military battlefield. The method involves the insertion of five needles into each ear in situations when narcotics could not be used.
This technique delivers significant pain reduction in just a few minutes. The amount of time a person experiences pain relief can be anywhere from a few hours to days or weeks. More complex pain patterns generally require more frequent treatments. For these cases, it is best to treat twice per week for one or two weeks. Battlefield Acupuncture works by changing the brain’s pain response via the hypothalamus, thalamus, cingulate gyrus, and cerebral cortex structures. I have successfully used this technique work for many different types of pain, such as fibromyalgia, neuropathic pain, residual pain from past injuries, digestive pains, and headaches. Call to see if Battlefield Acupuncture could help you get out of pain for good!
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Chronic pain and depression are symptoms of inflammation in the brain. Inflammation is a result of cumulative assaults on the brain. These assaults may physical trauma, constricted or obstructed blood vessels reducing blood flow, obesity, psychological trauma, autoimmune disease, toxins, medications, or infections. Despite a high dependence on oxidative metabolism (when the cell breaks down molecules into energy), the brain has low levels of antioxidants and is vulnerable to oxidative stress.
Providing support from the following supplements can increase the efficacy of acupuncture treatments and herbal prescriptions. Glutathione (GSH): This is the most abundant antioxidant in the CNS and has a crucial role in cellular signaling and antioxidant defenses. Its levels decrease with age. GSH depletion or dysfunction plays an important role during the onset and progression of neuropsychiatric and neurodegenerative diseases, such as depression, Parkinson’s, chronic fatigue syndrome, or fibromyalgia. Sublingual is the most bioavailable method of ingestion. N-acetylcysteine (NAC): Another antioxidant and a precursor for GSH. NAC can minimize oxidative stress through preventing GSH depletion. Cysteine has the lowest intracellular concentration and therefore is the rate limiting factor in glutathione production. And unlike GSH, NAC does contribute cysteine across the blood brain barrier. It is applicable for major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, addiction, or neurodegenerative diseases. Note: at very high doses there is potential for toxicity reaction. Melatonin: This is a hormone secreted from the pineal gland. It is an antioxidant, regulates circadian rhythms, and has anti-inflammatory and pain reducing properties. It is appropriate for circadian sleep disorders, psychiatric diseases, migraines, fibromyalgia, neuropathic pain, or neurodegenerative diseases. Other important supplements to consider are CoQ10 (ubiquinol), Ginko Biloba, Phenolic compounds such as quercetin, curcumin, and resveratrol, omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin D3. Talk to your acupuncturist or herbalist to see if adding any of these supplements can improve your treatment effects. *This was inspired by a talk by Dr. Kaplan at the American Academy of Pain Management’s Integrative Conference The use of traditional Chinese herbs is increasing due to their effectiveness and limited side effects. Published literature suggests a correlation with the efficacy of herbs and their impact on probiotic bacteria, especially for digestive and immune conditions. The most common probiotic bacteria in the gut are Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus.
The following is a list of common Chinese herbs and their impact on intestinal bacteria. Schisandra, astragalus, and goji are tonic herbs that are excellent at building the immune system. Honeysuckle flower and coptis root are cooling herbs that are better suited for active colds or flus. 1. Schisandra Berry Schisandra berry has been shown to promote the growth of Bifidobacterium infantis by 50%. In cirrhotic rats, schisandra significantly increased Bifidobacteria and Lactobacilli as well as increasing Escheria coli and Enterococcus. 2. Astragalus Root The in vitro effect of astragalus on Bifidobacteria promoted bacterial growth by 12.5%. This study showed an exponential effect on concentration of astragalus and Bifidobacteria growth. 3. Goji Berry In the same study as schisandra, goji berries were shown to promote B. infantis growth by 40.5%. 4. Honeysuckle Flower In allergic mice, a water extract of honeysuckle flower extremely significantly increased both Bifidobacteria and Lactobaccilli. It also extremely significantly reduced E. coli, significantly reduced Staphylococcus, and had no effect on Enterococcus. 5. Coptis Root A water decoction of coptis root given to antibiotic interference mice extremely significantly increased growth of Bifidobacteria and Lactobacilli, as well as E. coli and Enterococcus. It was observed that at a low dose, coptis root competitively inhibited the growth of pathogenic intestinal bacteria, but at a higher dose for a long period of time coptis root had an antibiotic effect. This is an exciting intersection of biomedicine with TCM that points to one mechanism of effectiveness of traditional Chinese herbs. Sources: Effects of traditional Chinese medicine on bacteria: a review and Probiotic remedies: 6 ways live active bacteria can boost your health. Here are some traditional Chinese medicine inspired tips to be happy and healthy all summer long. The driving principles are awareness and balance. Happy Summer!
1. Be active By being active in the summer, you are complementing the extra Yang energy that is available this time of year. Exercise keeps blood and oxygen circulating so that nutrients are more able to nourish the body. Since summer is associated with the heart and the fire element, this is a perfect time to pay attention to start or boost your exercise. 2. Be social Characteristics of the fire element include joy, communication, and connection. Hanging out with friends or engaging with strangers is an excellent way to tap into these characteristics. Nurturing these qualities not only makes summer more fun, but also eases the transition to introspective autumn and winter. 3. Laugh Every element has an emotion and its expression. Fire’s emotion is joy and its expression is laughter. So tell the jokes, laugh at other’s jokes, and fuel your fire. 4. Enjoy “cool” foods Summer is the one time of year where it is OK to cool down foods. It’s not a license to chug ice cold water all day or eat raw salad at every meal, but cooler foods, such as raw fruits and veggies, are better tolerated in the summer. 5. Hang out near water All elements in TCM keep each other in balance, and none so apparent than water balancing fire. Being physically near water in the summer is grounding and reminds us of the interconnectedness of life. 6. Sleep With more daylight and social events, sometimes sleep is not a priority in the summer. But sleep is a function of the heart (the organ system of summer), and keeping a regular sleep schedule helps prevent imbalance in the heart. Many people throughout Asia consume goji berries for their unique flavor and health benefits. In China’s first herbal encyclopedia, goji berries were classified as “superior herbs.” This means that they can be taken every day to preserve youth and maintain general well-being. Evidence supports the traditional notion that consuming goji berries regularly can help support cardiovascular health, support the pancreas and liver functions, support the immune system, aid eye health, elevate mood, and help increase and sustain libido. Goji’s function on the eyes is related to a prominent carotenoid called zeaxanthin dipalmitate. Zeaxanthin is a potent antioxidant essential for vision. Goji berries are also a good source of ascorbic acid (vitamin C). They contain a unique precursor (ascorbic acid 2-beta-G) to vitamin C that is stable in the digestive tract, easily assimilated, and highly bioavailable. Benefits of vitamin C include protection of immune system deficiencies, cardiovascular disease, prenatal problems, eye disease, and skin wrinkling. In addition, gojis are a good provider of 5 Lycium polysaccharides (LBP), 18 amino acids, 6 essential fatty acids, vitamins B1, B2, nicotinic acid, B6, E (not common in fruit), and more than 20 trace minerals including calcium, germanium, selenium, zinc, phosphorus and iron. There are many different ways to incorporate the goodness of goji berries into your diet. They can be eaten raw or soaked and they can brighten trail mixes, oatmeal, yogurts, or salads. Goji berries are also a great addition to baked goods. For increased health and well-being, consider consuming a handful of goji berries daily. Spring has arrived, which means many of us will begin a seasonal spring cleanse. A gentle and thorough spring cleanse is an important part of traditional Chinese medicine. The goal is to remove any stagnation left over from the conservation of winter, lighten our systems in preparation for the high activity of summer, and become more vibrant and focused. Additionally, a spring cleanse helps us to decide what is important and what to let go of in pursuit of greater wellbeing.
Spring is characterized by expansive energy that promotes growth and change. It is important to exercise, be in nature, and practice deep breathing exercises to align with this energy and gain its benefits. For more information, read this article on how to spring forward into health. What I want to discuss is how your body works during the cleansing process. First, metabolic waste is pushed into the circulation system. This process is led by the liver where the blood, which carries metabolic waste, is stored and filtered. From the liver, blood flows into the right atrium of the heart, also where the lymph system empties. With contraction, the blood and lymph enters the lungs to become oxygenated. Initial cleansing side effects at this stage include symptoms of cold/flu, congestion, or coughing. The blood then flows back to the left heart. There is a strong connection between the heart and mind in traditional Chinese medicine. This connection correlates to emotional release, insights, or insomnia as waste is removed from the heart. Waste is then circulated through the digestive system. A functioning digestive system is able to eliminate some waste with defecation. If the digestive system is weak or stagnant, the waste can become stuck and common side effects are bloating, constipation, diarrhea, or flatulence. As the blood continues to circulate, it reaches our kidneys which eliminate some waste via urine. Waste that is not able to be excreted travels back to the liver. On one hand, this cycle can be quite fast- your heart circulates blood approximately 1400 times per day. But we can also become stuck at one part of this cycle for weeks or months, making this process much longer. It is valuable to note what symptoms you experience during a detox, as this can help you understand where health issues originate and where they progress to. To recap: waste is drained into the circulation system, which is eventually excreted via sweat, breath, urine, bowel movements, and emotional release. With any cleanse, it is important to move gradually so the body can efficiently manage the discharge of waste. By clearing waste and preventing reabsorption, we make room for the body’s natural process of regeneration and rejuvenation. To make your spring cleanse as beneficial as possible, consider incorporating some acupuncture or herbs to harmonize your body’s energy and expedite the rejuvenating process. Why do I always wake around 3:00 am? Why is it so difficult to get up in the mornings? Why is it harder to fall asleep after a large dinner? While googling these questions yields interesting reasons, such as stress, supernatural powers, or demonic possession, they can also be answered with the traditional Chinese medicine body clock.
The TCM body clock reflects the cyclical ebb and flow of energy in your body over a 24 hour period. Energy moves in two hour intervals through each organ system. From 3:00 am until 3:00 pm, the energy is focused in the outward moving organs whose functions reflect movement, digestion, and elimination. From 3:00pm until 3:00 am, the energy moves inward to support the internal organs associated with rejuvenating and maintaining your body, such as filtering waste and cleansing. Best time to... Best time to... 3:00-5:00am Lung Sleep deeply 3:00-5:00pm Bladder Drink tea and work 5:00-7:00am L. Intestine Wake and drink H2O 5:00-7:00pm Kidney Eat dinner 7:00-9:00am Stomach Eat breakfast 7:00-9:00pm Pericardium Go on a date 9:00-11:00am Spleen Work and workout 9:00-11:00pm Triple Warmer Get ready for bed 11:00-1:00pm Heart Eat lunch with friends 11:00-1:00am Gallbladder Be asleep 1:00-3:00pm S. Intestine Organize and problem solve 1:00-3:00am Liver Sleep deep and dream Tips based on the TCM body clock: The chart shows the optimal time of each organ system. Also, when one organ system is at its peak energy, the organ system 12 hours away is at its weakest. The goal is to plan your daily activities to maximize an organ system’s energy while avoiding actions that strain the organ system on the opposite side of the spectrum. Here are some lifestyle habits to help harmonize your energy: · Liver: During the night, the liver stores and detoxes the blood. Too much alcohol, prescription drugs, or poor diet habits can overwhelm the Liver energy and cause you to wake during these hours. The weakest organ at this time is the Small Intestine, which is responsible for the assimilation of key nutrients from food and drink. Eating a heavy meal late at night means that food is not digested well and the Liver is less efficient at filtering the blood. Therefore, the more time that passes between the last meal of the day and 1:00am, the better the Liver will be at accomplishing its functions. · Large Intestine: Make sure to give yourself enough time in the morning to allow for the normal elimination of the large intestine. Going on a brisk walk and drinking lots of warm water help facilitate the process. · Stomach / Small Intestine: Try to eat heavier meals at breakfast and lunch to utilize the expanding and warming energy as it peaks at 12:00pm. These earlier, larger meals help to deliver nutrients to the Small Intestine when it is strongest, aiding in digestion and absorption. · Kidney: The Kidney energy is aligned with the adrenal glands. The adrenal glands secrete hormones that help us wake with energy in the mornings. The Kidney energy is weakest from 5:00-7:00am, which can explain why people with depleted Kidney energy have a difficult time waking in the mornings. Another way to maximize this energy is to incorporate acupuncture and Chinese herbs into your lifestyle. Acupuncture and herbs can help to balance your energy, creating a smooth transition of energy within your day. The new year is well underway, so it’s time to get serious about any commitments you have made to improve yourself this year. How are you going to be healthier? In what ways will you be different this year?
Here are 15 specific ways acupuncture can help change your life in 2015: 1. Less stress. Acupuncture helps shift your brain from “fight-or-flight” to “rest-and-digest.” By mellowing the nervous system, acupuncture helps you feel better equipped to manage stressful times. 2. Less pain. Acupuncture’s ability to reduce pain goes far beyond the physical benefits, such as increased circulation and reducing inflammation. There is a strong emotional component to pain, especially chronic pain. Acupuncture effectively ameliorates pain by addressing both its root and the effects. 3. Stronger immune system. The acupuncture needles’ insertion builds up white blood cells to better prepare your body to fight off pathogens. Acupuncture strengthens the immune system to help you avoid illness, rather than dealing with it after it happens. 4. A more youthful appearance. Acupuncture strengthens five of your essential organ systems: kidneys, liver, heart, stomach and intestines, and lungs. When these systems are nourished and in balance, your body will look and feel younger. 5. Radiant skin. If your battle mainly has to do with dull, sagging, or acne prone skin, you might consider cosmetic acupuncture. Cosmetic acupuncture is a safe and effective way to reduce the signs of aging, improve skin tone and texture, and reduce the appearance of acne or scarring. 6. Better digestion. Acupuncture is excellent to help you digest foods and thoughts. Signs you are not digesting well include: bloating, constipation, heartburn, cravings, overeating, or overthinking. 7. Quality sleep. Insomnia is a common complaint seen by acupuncturists, and acupuncture is highly effective at resolving it. But even those who do not suffer with sleep problems report having more restful nights since beginning acupuncture. 8. Sustained energy. Though it’s common to feel blissfully relaxed during and after an acupuncture treatment, the after effect is usually increased energy. Many patients report having more energy for hours, or days, after a treatment. 9. Improved mental clarity. In addition to an increase in energy after a treatment, many people notice they are able to make decisions faster and with greater confidence. They feel more motivated to cross off lingering items on a to-do list. 10. Open mindedness. Acupuncture requires us to think about health in new ways because it challenges the traditional method of treating disease. It reminds us that there are multiple ways of seeing the world. 11. Increased self-awareness. Acupuncturists looks for patterns of disease, rather than a single cause and effect. This means that when one part is out of balance, it can affect your health in multiple ways. Acupuncture broadens your awareness of things that are potentially damaging to your physical or emotional health. 12. Remember the seasons. In acupuncture theory, humans are viewed as microcosms of their environment. In this fast paced society, it is easy to transition from season to season without much thought. Seasons factor significantly into our physical health, energy levels, sleep, and moods. Acupuncture can help you live harmoniously within the seasons. 13. More patience. Our on-the-go society and the technology we rely on perpetuates our need for instant gratification. This creates impatience. Since acupuncture rarely works overnight, it requires an investment of time and willingness to let go of an “I-want-it-now” mentality. 14. Embracing change. Conventional medicine thinks in absolutes and labels, i.e., sick or healthy, numbers too high or too low, happy or depressed. Acupuncture works in the gray area between these extremes and teaches us to reflect on the subtle changes happening within us. 15. Believe in yourself. An interesting concept to acupuncture is that your body already has what it needs to heal itself. Acupuncture neither subtracts nor adds but rearranges. It prompts the body to do what it knows, and it reminds us that we can be well. Happy 2015! It’s that time of year again where we put on our cozy sweaters, huddle indoors, and indulge in the festive flavors of the season. But what should we eat to nourish the body for the coming spring? The colder months are perfect for slowing down, resting, and becoming introspective. And the foods we eat also play a critical role in the conservation and rebuilding of energy this time of year. When you think of autumn and winter, think of warm foods. Soups, roasted vegetables, and slow cooker meals are excellent ways to nourish and rebuild the body’s energy and immune system. Foods also contain different energetic properties. For that reason, in addition to warming food through preparation, it is important to eat foods that are warm in quality as well. Here are some guidelines for choosing foods, based in the principles of traditional Chinese medicine. · The slower it grows, the warmer it is. This includes root vegetables, fennel, spring onion, cabbage, and winter squash. · Choose reds, oranges, and yellows. Foods that are warm in color also warm the body. Examples are red apples (rather than green), cherries, corn, pumpkin, and red meat. But don’t be fooled by bell peppers, tomatoes, and bananas. These are actually cold in nature. · Keep it spicy. Ginger, garlic, nutmeg, cinnamon, onion, turmeric, and cloves are some of the wonderful spices available for the colder months. Any spices that taste warm are warming to the body. · No to raw foods. While smoothies and salads are packed with nutrients, these cold foods are too hard on the body this time of year if consumed consistently. A general rule is to have 75% of foods be cooked and warm. Bonus: Ginger-Carrot SoupOne of the most delicious flavor combinations I know of is carrot and ginger. Ginger is a wonderful digestive aid that strengthens the upper GI lining, reduces nausea and vomiting, and has strong anti-inflammatory effects, The carotenes in carrots strengthen the immune system and help maintain healthy skin and hair. Ingredients:
Preparation: Autumn is a time when nature rids itself of what is no longer needed. Leaves fall from the trees to compost and enrich the soil, ensuring that the upcoming spring will have the nutrients needed to flourish. It is also a time to harvest the abundance that grew during the summer to store up for the winter. According to traditional Chinese medicine, the season of autumn is a time to organize, work hard, and finish the projects you began in the spring and summer. This is because autumn is associated with the metal energy, governing the mind, organization, setting and protecting boundaries, and order. While the summer was spent in more external activities, the autumn is a time where we tend to be more introspective. It is a time to contemplate our lives and prepare for the winter season ahead. Emotionally, autumn is associated with grief and sadness. Therefore, it is important to let go of lingering negative emotions, which can impact health more strongly during this time. Physically, autumn corresponds to the lungs, skin, and large intestine. These organs are responsible for respiration, digestion, and elimination. Common imbalances manifest as frequent colds and sinus infections, shortness of breath, dryness, skin issues, and constipation. A beautiful aspect of traditional Chinese medicine is as a tool to live harmoniously with the seasons. To fully enjoy and benefit from the energy of autumn, consider a traditional Chinese medicine treatment. |
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Thoughts and practical tips to help you look and feel your best based in the wisdom of Chinese medicine.
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