Acupuncture & Exercise for PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome)
The following excerpt is taken from EveryDayHealth.com
Acupuncture and exercise may bring some relief to the one in 10 women of childbearing age who suffer from a common endocrine disease called polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS).
Women with the condition have elevated levels of androgen hormones — including testosterone — and often develop ovarian cysts, irregular menstrual cycles and infertility. A key feature of the disease is an increase in the high muscle sympathetic nerve activity. This regular constricting of blood vessels, which normally occurs during the body’s fight or flight response to danger, can increase a woman’s chances of developing diabetes and high blood pressure or having a heart attack or stroke.
The study, appearing online in a recent issue of the American Journal of Physiology-Regulatory, Integrative and Comparative Physiology, looked at 20 women who received either regular low-frequency electro-acupuncture on body parts commonly thought to be linked to the ovaries, took part in thrice-weekly moderate exercise or received no treatment at all over a 16-week period.
When comparing the sympathetic nerve activity before and after the study, researchers found noticeably decreased activity in the acupuncture and exercise groups compared with the control group. In the acupuncture group, the team also found significantly lower testosterone levels. High levels of this “male” hormone predict and have been thought to trigger chronic sympathetic nerve activity in women.
Those who received acupuncture also had regular menstrual cycles, while the exercise and control groups showed no change.
“The findings that low-frequency electro-acupuncture and exercise decrease sympathetic nerve activity in women with PCOS indicates a possible alternative non-pharmacologic approach to reduce cardiovascular risk in these patients,” researcher Elisabet Stener-Victorin of the University of Gothenburg, Sweden, said in a news release.
The authors noted that the study’s small sample size was one of several limitations, and it may require more research into the issue before a definite conclusion could be drawn.
The finding is important because women with PCOS often have elevated sympathetic nerve activity, which plays a role in hyperinsulinemia, insulin resistance, obesity and cardiovascular disease. The study also found that the electro-acupuncture treatments led to more regular menstrual cycles, reduced testosterone levels and reduced waist circumference. Exercise alone had no effect on the irregular or non-existent menstrual cycles that are common among women with PCOS, nor did it reduce waist circumference. However, exercise did lead to reductions in weight and body mass index.
Sunday, September 6, 2009
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Acupuncture & KetYoga: The Perfect Combination
Acupuncture and Exercise Special:
Acupuncture, Yoga and Kettlebells are an excellent combination for total body reform. Acupuncture can open the meridians, increase blood flow and oxygenate tissues, organs and the mind. Yoga and Kettlebells can do the same while strengthening the muscles and ridding the body of unwanted impurities through breathing and sweating.
Our Team:
Laurel Axen Carroll is a licensed acupuncturist, board certified herbalist and CD(DONA) labor support doula.
Stewart J. Carroll is an advanced level Russian Kettlebell instructor, Mahaprana Yoga instructor and a certified strength and conditioning specialist. Under the guidance of his teacher, Dr. Yogi Agnivesh of India, Stewart Carroll created a complete form of strengthening and lengthening called KetYoga.
Introductory Package for new clients:
Package Includes:
*Three Acupuncture treatments in the Ditmas Park office from Laurel A. Carroll
*Three Individualized training sessions in KetYoga in the Flatiron district in Manhattan
$520.00 ($50 discount), Existing clients $495.00
*Package best completed in 4 weeks for optimal results.
Advanced Training Package for new clients:
Package Includes:
*Four Acupuncture, nutritional therapy sessions
*Six Individualized training sessions
$825 ($120 discount)
*package best completed in 6-8 weeks
Sunday, July 12, 2009
Fertility Enhancement
Supporting Proper Hormonal Balance for Women and Men
Anovulation is one of the largest causes of infertility today. I see this time and time again in my clinic. Many women are anovulatory after coming off of the birth control pill-especially if they have taken the pill for mulitple years. Although the pill may be helpful is saving eggs for the future the down side is increased estrogen in the body and a drying out of the blood stores.
Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is another condition that causes anovulation. Diet, exercise, herbs and acupuncture treatments can help regulate the menses.
Regulating the cycle takes approximately three months of consistent acupuncture and herbs.
Some supplements have been indicated for lowering FSH levels such as:
* Reishi mushroom
* Cordyceps
Other fertilty enhancing supplements:
* 300mg of R Lipoic Acid 2 times daily (total = 600 mg)
* 200mg of Co Q10 2 times daily (total = 400mg)
* B vitamins
* Folic acid
* Zinc
* Omega Oils
* DHEA 25 mg 3x day for 4 months for improved ovarian reserve
Dr. Weston A Price discusses diet, fertility awareness and night lighting on his website:click here
Male Factor Infertility:
"Human fertility has been decreasing since the birth of intensive agriculture over 50 years ago. Average sperm counts among healthy American men dropped 58 percent between 1938 and 1988. In Europe, sperm counts dropped by 3.1 percent each year between 1971 and 1990. Studies from Belgium, France and Scotland have also shown losses in sperm quality, motility, development and the number of normally shaped sperm."
Acupuncture and herbal therapy can help increase sperm count and improve motility, morphology and mobility.
-Sea cucumber
-Maca Root
-Decreasing estrogenic properties such as plastics, hormones in meat, dairy
Warming the Center
Traditional Chinese Medicine is pretty much against eating energetically cold foods unless it is spring or summer. The theory is that cold foods require a lot more energy to break down which, can lead to bloating, gassiness and fatigue.
Energetically speaking the lower abdomen or dan tian should also be kept warm for enhancing female fertility. A typical American diet is loaded with cold, sweet drinks, raw salads and coffee. This can create a sluggish, bloated digestive system, excessive mucus, poor circulation and coldness in the uterus.
Traditional foods that support the uterus are:
* Sesame oil
* Orange foods: pumpkin, sweet potato, yams
* Red foods: strawberries, pomegranate
* Black foods: molasses, black beans, seaweeds, miso
* Eggplant
Fertility Enhancement Special: Acupuncture, Herbs, Nutritional Therapy
Save $75 on a package of 10 treatments. Can be shared with a partner.
Anovulation is one of the largest causes of infertility today. I see this time and time again in my clinic. Many women are anovulatory after coming off of the birth control pill-especially if they have taken the pill for mulitple years. Although the pill may be helpful is saving eggs for the future the down side is increased estrogen in the body and a drying out of the blood stores.
Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is another condition that causes anovulation. Diet, exercise, herbs and acupuncture treatments can help regulate the menses.
Regulating the cycle takes approximately three months of consistent acupuncture and herbs.
Some supplements have been indicated for lowering FSH levels such as:
* Reishi mushroom
* Cordyceps
Other fertilty enhancing supplements:
* 300mg of R Lipoic Acid 2 times daily (total = 600 mg)
* 200mg of Co Q10 2 times daily (total = 400mg)
* B vitamins
* Folic acid
* Zinc
* Omega Oils
* DHEA 25 mg 3x day for 4 months for improved ovarian reserve
Dr. Weston A Price discusses diet, fertility awareness and night lighting on his website:click here
Male Factor Infertility:
"Human fertility has been decreasing since the birth of intensive agriculture over 50 years ago. Average sperm counts among healthy American men dropped 58 percent between 1938 and 1988. In Europe, sperm counts dropped by 3.1 percent each year between 1971 and 1990. Studies from Belgium, France and Scotland have also shown losses in sperm quality, motility, development and the number of normally shaped sperm."
Acupuncture and herbal therapy can help increase sperm count and improve motility, morphology and mobility.
-Sea cucumber
-Maca Root
-Decreasing estrogenic properties such as plastics, hormones in meat, dairy
Warming the Center
Traditional Chinese Medicine is pretty much against eating energetically cold foods unless it is spring or summer. The theory is that cold foods require a lot more energy to break down which, can lead to bloating, gassiness and fatigue.
Energetically speaking the lower abdomen or dan tian should also be kept warm for enhancing female fertility. A typical American diet is loaded with cold, sweet drinks, raw salads and coffee. This can create a sluggish, bloated digestive system, excessive mucus, poor circulation and coldness in the uterus.
Traditional foods that support the uterus are:
* Sesame oil
* Orange foods: pumpkin, sweet potato, yams
* Red foods: strawberries, pomegranate
* Black foods: molasses, black beans, seaweeds, miso
* Eggplant
Fertility Enhancement Special: Acupuncture, Herbs, Nutritional Therapy
Save $75 on a package of 10 treatments. Can be shared with a partner.
Saturday, June 20, 2009
Acupuncture for Labor & Delivery
I had the fortune of taking an excellent class with Claudia Citkovitz, the leading American researcher on the benefits of using acupuncture to expedite labor and delivery. She currently heads a large, ongoing study at Lutheran Hospital in Brooklyn and is starting another one at Beth Israel in Manhattan.
The study at Lutheran Medical center entitled Effects of Acupuncture during labor and delivery in a U.S. hospital setting: a case-control pilot study, concluded that acupuncture can greatly reduce the number of cesarean sections (7% versus 20%) and 87% of the patients being treated with acupuncture reported improvement with treatment.
Acupuncture can be a greatly effective tool when labor has stalled or is failing to progress.
There are many reasons why this can be happening:
-the baby is in a less than optimal position (possibly posterior)
-mom is laboring on her back
-mom is shutting down due to feelings of stress, fear, etc.
There can also be constitutional issues that are affecting the way mom is laboring. In Traditional Chinese medicine these patterns could be:
-yin vacuity
-phlegm/dampness
-yang vacuity and/or
-liver qi stagnation
Specific acupuncture points can be used to help create a smooth labor pattern that has either failed to start or failed to progress. Points are also used to treat pain, headache, edema as well as constitutional issues that may be contributing to a stalled labor.
If a labor is moving smoothly than acupressure can be just as effective to help mom feel better through the contractions.
Debra Betts, a leading acupuncturist and midwife from New Zealand, has an excellent website that helps illustrate acupressure points for labor and delivery. Check it out.
The study at Lutheran Medical center entitled Effects of Acupuncture during labor and delivery in a U.S. hospital setting: a case-control pilot study, concluded that acupuncture can greatly reduce the number of cesarean sections (7% versus 20%) and 87% of the patients being treated with acupuncture reported improvement with treatment.
Acupuncture can be a greatly effective tool when labor has stalled or is failing to progress.
There are many reasons why this can be happening:
-the baby is in a less than optimal position (possibly posterior)
-mom is laboring on her back
-mom is shutting down due to feelings of stress, fear, etc.
There can also be constitutional issues that are affecting the way mom is laboring. In Traditional Chinese medicine these patterns could be:
-yin vacuity
-phlegm/dampness
-yang vacuity and/or
-liver qi stagnation
Specific acupuncture points can be used to help create a smooth labor pattern that has either failed to start or failed to progress. Points are also used to treat pain, headache, edema as well as constitutional issues that may be contributing to a stalled labor.
If a labor is moving smoothly than acupressure can be just as effective to help mom feel better through the contractions.
Debra Betts, a leading acupuncturist and midwife from New Zealand, has an excellent website that helps illustrate acupressure points for labor and delivery. Check it out.
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Celebrating Mom
" The mother is the first guru."
-The Upanishads
Whether you are planning to be a mom, have kids of your own or can just appreciate the sacrifices made by your own mother, May is a great month to celebrate the spirit of generosity.
Generosity comes in many flavors: a nice meal for a loved one, complimenting a stranger, giving up your seat on the subway or just listening. Being generous to yourself is also an important aspect of life-one that too often goes overlooked while busy taking care of others needs.
To celebrate Mother's Day Ancient Current® is offering specials for the whole month of May.
Fertility Enhancement:
Save 15% on 10 treatments, a $115 value.
For those of you who are thinking about getting pregnant in the near future or have been trying, Traditional Chinese Medicine is a great way to enhance your fertility. Acupuncture and herbs have been shown to:
* Regulate the menstrual cycle.
* Increase cervical fluids.
* Increase blood flow to the reproductive organs.
* Regulate hormones.
* Thicken and improve the quality of endometrial lining.
* Boost ovarian function.
* Increase the number of follicles.
* Reduce uterine contractions that may interfere with implantation.
* Reduce stress.
* Reduce the rate of miscarriage.
* Manage the side-effects of IVF medications.
* Improve sperm count, motility & morphology.
Acupuncture during pregnancy:
Save 15% on 5 treatments, a $65 value.
Acupuncture is great during pregnancy to treat nausea, musculoskeletal pain such as sciatica, round ligament pain, insomnia, anxiety, congestion, breech presentation.
Acupuncture for routine pre-Labor treatments:
Save 15% on 5 Treatments, a $65 value.
Acupuncture has been shown to help shorten labor and reduce medical interventions when women receive regular pre-labor treatments beginning at 36 weeks.
A recent study showed a 35% reduction in the number of inductions, (for first-time mothers this was a 43% reduction) and a 31% reduction in the epidural rate. When compared to a local midwifery practice (with no acupuncture) there was 32 % reduction in emergency Caesarean Sections and a 9% increase in normal vaginal births.
Acupuncture Facial Rejuvenation:
Save 15% on 12 treatments, $180 value.
"Facial Rejuvenation Acupuncture may erase as many as five to fifteen years from the face, with results apparent after just a few treatments. Fine lines may be entirely eliminated and deeper wrinkles diminished. Other likely results include: moisturizing of the skin with increased local circulation of blood and lymph to the face; increased collagen production, muscle tone, and dermal contraction; tightening of the pores; brightening of the eyes; improving of hormonal balance to help acne; reduction of stress evident in the face - bringing out the innate Beauty and Radiance of an individual. "
Package includes 12 full-body treatments, facial treatments, dietary therapy & facial massage.
-The Upanishads
Whether you are planning to be a mom, have kids of your own or can just appreciate the sacrifices made by your own mother, May is a great month to celebrate the spirit of generosity.
Generosity comes in many flavors: a nice meal for a loved one, complimenting a stranger, giving up your seat on the subway or just listening. Being generous to yourself is also an important aspect of life-one that too often goes overlooked while busy taking care of others needs.
To celebrate Mother's Day Ancient Current® is offering specials for the whole month of May.
Fertility Enhancement:
Save 15% on 10 treatments, a $115 value.
For those of you who are thinking about getting pregnant in the near future or have been trying, Traditional Chinese Medicine is a great way to enhance your fertility. Acupuncture and herbs have been shown to:
* Regulate the menstrual cycle.
* Increase cervical fluids.
* Increase blood flow to the reproductive organs.
* Regulate hormones.
* Thicken and improve the quality of endometrial lining.
* Boost ovarian function.
* Increase the number of follicles.
* Reduce uterine contractions that may interfere with implantation.
* Reduce stress.
* Reduce the rate of miscarriage.
* Manage the side-effects of IVF medications.
* Improve sperm count, motility & morphology.
Acupuncture during pregnancy:
Save 15% on 5 treatments, a $65 value.
Acupuncture is great during pregnancy to treat nausea, musculoskeletal pain such as sciatica, round ligament pain, insomnia, anxiety, congestion, breech presentation.
Acupuncture for routine pre-Labor treatments:
Save 15% on 5 Treatments, a $65 value.
Acupuncture has been shown to help shorten labor and reduce medical interventions when women receive regular pre-labor treatments beginning at 36 weeks.
A recent study showed a 35% reduction in the number of inductions, (for first-time mothers this was a 43% reduction) and a 31% reduction in the epidural rate. When compared to a local midwifery practice (with no acupuncture) there was 32 % reduction in emergency Caesarean Sections and a 9% increase in normal vaginal births.
Acupuncture Facial Rejuvenation:
Save 15% on 12 treatments, $180 value.
"Facial Rejuvenation Acupuncture may erase as many as five to fifteen years from the face, with results apparent after just a few treatments. Fine lines may be entirely eliminated and deeper wrinkles diminished. Other likely results include: moisturizing of the skin with increased local circulation of blood and lymph to the face; increased collagen production, muscle tone, and dermal contraction; tightening of the pores; brightening of the eyes; improving of hormonal balance to help acne; reduction of stress evident in the face - bringing out the innate Beauty and Radiance of an individual. "
Package includes 12 full-body treatments, facial treatments, dietary therapy & facial massage.
Friday, April 10, 2009
Hay Fever Hell
Hay Fever season is upon us and if you are one of the 26 million people suffering from seasonal allergies, Chinese medicine may be your salvation.
Hay Fever from a Traditional Chinese Medicine Point of View
Lung Qi:
The lungs are responsible for transmitting oxygen and Qi throughout the body like a tree emits oxygen into the atmosphere. You can even think of the lungs as a microcosm of a tree canopy needing ample moisture, fresh air and avoiding drying pollutants such as smoke. A famous Doctor in China described the lungs as the "rhythm maker" of the body as they are responsible for the circulation of Qi.
The Lungs are associated with the color white, metal, easily damaged by dryness and grief, and related to autumn. Considered the 'tender" organ in Chinese Medicine because of their proximity to the outside world, it is very important to eat foods that nourish the lungs.
Foods to alleviate congestion:
· Onion
· Mustard
· Mustard greens
· Grapefruit peel
For Heat:
· Apple
· Fig
· Kelp
· Pear
· Persimmon
Other possible issues that are related to hay fever are:
Spleen Qi Vacuity type of hay fever:
Digestive issues that create a build up of phlegm and dampness in the body. Phlegm and dampness are primarily related to diet. People who suffer from dampness usually feel headaches during damp weather, are unable to loose weight even though they don't seem to eat as much as others. These people often feel bloated and gassy after eating and have sputum that can be expectorated especially in the morning.
Kidney Yin Vacuity hay fever:
People suffering from kidney yin vacuity type of allergies usually suffer from night sweats, have a lot of energy but crash in the mid afternoon, may have trouble sleeping usually waking between the hours of 4am-6am. This hay fever usually manifests as itchy eyes and throat.
Western information:
Hay fever is an allergic response to pollen that affects the mucus membranes of the nose, eyes and air passages.
Symptoms include: itchy eyes, watery discharge from the nose, eyes, sneezing and nervous irritability.
Many of the symptoms of hay fever are like the common cold except that the discharge from hay fever is clear, while secretions from colds can be yellow or greenish. Colds usually resolve in a week or two while allergy sufferers can be affected for weeks on end.
There are three hay fever seasons:
* Tree pollens appear first usually from Feb through May
* Late spring through summer: tree and grass pollens
* Fall: ragweed pollen season
Nutrients for boosting the immune system:
all info comes from Phyllis Balch: Prescription for Nutritional Healing
* CoQ10: improves oxygenation
* Quercetin: stabilizes the membranes of the cells that release histamine
* Vitamin B complex
* Vitamin A
* Vitamin C: also an anti-inflammatory
* Zinc
* Alfalfa: supplies chlorophyll and vitamin K. use liquid form. 1 tablespoon in juice or water 2x a day
* Vitamin E
* Goldenseal for an itchy throat. Hold a dropperful in your mouth for a few seconds and then swallow. Do not take for more than one week at a time. Do not take if you are pregnant.
Also:
* Local honey
* Bee pollen
Western Herbs:
* Horehound: decreases thickness and increases fluidity of mucus and bronchial tubes and lungs.
* Mullein Leaf
* Stinging nettle
* Wild cherry bark
Dietary Suggestions:
Eat more fruits (especially bananas), vegetables, grains, and raw nuts and seeds.
Eat yogurt or soured products 3x a week.
Avoid sugary cakes, coffee, chocolate, dairy products other than yogurt, packaged or canned foods, soft drinks, sugar, tobacco, white flour products and junk food.
Shower and change your clothes after coming indoors as pollen can stick to your hair and clothing.
Try an air purifier
Hay Fever from a Traditional Chinese Medicine Point of View
Lung Qi:
The lungs are responsible for transmitting oxygen and Qi throughout the body like a tree emits oxygen into the atmosphere. You can even think of the lungs as a microcosm of a tree canopy needing ample moisture, fresh air and avoiding drying pollutants such as smoke. A famous Doctor in China described the lungs as the "rhythm maker" of the body as they are responsible for the circulation of Qi.
The Lungs are associated with the color white, metal, easily damaged by dryness and grief, and related to autumn. Considered the 'tender" organ in Chinese Medicine because of their proximity to the outside world, it is very important to eat foods that nourish the lungs.
Foods to alleviate congestion:
· Onion
· Mustard
· Mustard greens
· Grapefruit peel
For Heat:
· Apple
· Fig
· Kelp
· Pear
· Persimmon
Other possible issues that are related to hay fever are:
Spleen Qi Vacuity type of hay fever:
Digestive issues that create a build up of phlegm and dampness in the body. Phlegm and dampness are primarily related to diet. People who suffer from dampness usually feel headaches during damp weather, are unable to loose weight even though they don't seem to eat as much as others. These people often feel bloated and gassy after eating and have sputum that can be expectorated especially in the morning.
Kidney Yin Vacuity hay fever:
People suffering from kidney yin vacuity type of allergies usually suffer from night sweats, have a lot of energy but crash in the mid afternoon, may have trouble sleeping usually waking between the hours of 4am-6am. This hay fever usually manifests as itchy eyes and throat.
Western information:
Hay fever is an allergic response to pollen that affects the mucus membranes of the nose, eyes and air passages.
Symptoms include: itchy eyes, watery discharge from the nose, eyes, sneezing and nervous irritability.
Many of the symptoms of hay fever are like the common cold except that the discharge from hay fever is clear, while secretions from colds can be yellow or greenish. Colds usually resolve in a week or two while allergy sufferers can be affected for weeks on end.
There are three hay fever seasons:
* Tree pollens appear first usually from Feb through May
* Late spring through summer: tree and grass pollens
* Fall: ragweed pollen season
Nutrients for boosting the immune system:
all info comes from Phyllis Balch: Prescription for Nutritional Healing
* CoQ10: improves oxygenation
* Quercetin: stabilizes the membranes of the cells that release histamine
* Vitamin B complex
* Vitamin A
* Vitamin C: also an anti-inflammatory
* Zinc
* Alfalfa: supplies chlorophyll and vitamin K. use liquid form. 1 tablespoon in juice or water 2x a day
* Vitamin E
* Goldenseal for an itchy throat. Hold a dropperful in your mouth for a few seconds and then swallow. Do not take for more than one week at a time. Do not take if you are pregnant.
Also:
* Local honey
* Bee pollen
Western Herbs:
* Horehound: decreases thickness and increases fluidity of mucus and bronchial tubes and lungs.
* Mullein Leaf
* Stinging nettle
* Wild cherry bark
Dietary Suggestions:
Eat more fruits (especially bananas), vegetables, grains, and raw nuts and seeds.
Eat yogurt or soured products 3x a week.
Avoid sugary cakes, coffee, chocolate, dairy products other than yogurt, packaged or canned foods, soft drinks, sugar, tobacco, white flour products and junk food.
Shower and change your clothes after coming indoors as pollen can stick to your hair and clothing.
Try an air purifier
Friday, March 13, 2009
Earaches, Tinnitus and Home Remedies
Hearing loss can be sudden or gradual and can be caused by infection, trauma, changes in atmospheric pressure, earwax buildup or impaction.
Two types of hearing loss:
Conductive hearing loss: passage of sound waves in impeded in the external or middle ear. This can be due to:
a. Earwax buildup
b. Middle ear infection
c. Inflammation
d. Excessive rigidity of the tiny bones in the middle ear that convey information to the inner ear
Sensorineural Hearing loss: damage to the structures of the middle ear
a. damage to the 8th cranial nerve or the acoustic nerve
b. can be present from birth or can be caused by certain drugs, illnesses, exposure to loud noises, smoking or trauma
Causes:
Infection or inflammation after a respiratory tract infection
Trauma (often from cotton swabs)
Microorganisms from swimming or bathing
Hearing loss with ear pain may be associated with:
1. Eardrum damage
2. strain or perforation
3. an infected cyst in the eardrum or middle ear
4. Mastoiditis
Tinnitus is the continuous buzzing or ringing in the ears with no obvious cause. It may occur by itself or as a symptom of another issue/
Otitis media or middle ear infection is the most common cause for hearing loss for children. Otitis media is usually a temporary issue but chronic ear infections can cause permanent damage.
Hearing loss in babies can be detected by:
A failure to startle or blink at loud noises
Failure to babble, coo, squeel, monotonal babbling
Ability to sleep through loud noises consistently
Toddlers: failure to speak clearly by age two
Showing no interest in being read to
Habitual yelling & shrieking when playing or communicating
Suggestions for helping ear issues:
Coenzyme Q10: 30 mg. daily. Powerful antioxidant that boosts immunity and increases circulation to the ears.
Manganese: 10 mg. daily
Essential fatty acids to reduce earwax buildup
Vit E: 600 IU daily, antioxodant, increase circulation
Vit D: 400 IU daily
Zinc lozenges 50mg daily: quickens immune response
Herbs:
Echinacea helps poor equilibrium and reduces congestion as well as helping the body to fight infection.
Eucalyptus, hyssop, mullein and thyme have decongestant properties, which may alleviate ringing in the ears.
Gingko biloba helps reduce dizziness and increase blood flow to the head.
Mullein oil can be used as ear drops to help soothe infection.
Eat fresh pineapple to reduce inflammation. Include garlic, kelp and sea vegetables to your diet.
For ear wax buildup:
Use 1 part vinegar and one part warm water, place a dropper full in the ear and let it settle then drain. You can also use hydrogen peroxide. Repeat in the other ear and do 2-3x a day. If the wax is hard apply warm garlic oil to the ears instead for a few days. Make sure to flush out the ear with warm water.
For ear infection use a few drops of warm garlic oil to the ear.
Any hearing loss that does not resolve on its own in two weeks should be evaluated by an ENT.
Two types of hearing loss:
Conductive hearing loss: passage of sound waves in impeded in the external or middle ear. This can be due to:
a. Earwax buildup
b. Middle ear infection
c. Inflammation
d. Excessive rigidity of the tiny bones in the middle ear that convey information to the inner ear
Sensorineural Hearing loss: damage to the structures of the middle ear
a. damage to the 8th cranial nerve or the acoustic nerve
b. can be present from birth or can be caused by certain drugs, illnesses, exposure to loud noises, smoking or trauma
Causes:
Infection or inflammation after a respiratory tract infection
Trauma (often from cotton swabs)
Microorganisms from swimming or bathing
Hearing loss with ear pain may be associated with:
1. Eardrum damage
2. strain or perforation
3. an infected cyst in the eardrum or middle ear
4. Mastoiditis
Tinnitus is the continuous buzzing or ringing in the ears with no obvious cause. It may occur by itself or as a symptom of another issue/
Otitis media or middle ear infection is the most common cause for hearing loss for children. Otitis media is usually a temporary issue but chronic ear infections can cause permanent damage.
Hearing loss in babies can be detected by:
A failure to startle or blink at loud noises
Failure to babble, coo, squeel, monotonal babbling
Ability to sleep through loud noises consistently
Toddlers: failure to speak clearly by age two
Showing no interest in being read to
Habitual yelling & shrieking when playing or communicating
Suggestions for helping ear issues:
Coenzyme Q10: 30 mg. daily. Powerful antioxidant that boosts immunity and increases circulation to the ears.
Manganese: 10 mg. daily
Essential fatty acids to reduce earwax buildup
Vit E: 600 IU daily, antioxodant, increase circulation
Vit D: 400 IU daily
Zinc lozenges 50mg daily: quickens immune response
Herbs:
Echinacea helps poor equilibrium and reduces congestion as well as helping the body to fight infection.
Eucalyptus, hyssop, mullein and thyme have decongestant properties, which may alleviate ringing in the ears.
Gingko biloba helps reduce dizziness and increase blood flow to the head.
Mullein oil can be used as ear drops to help soothe infection.
Eat fresh pineapple to reduce inflammation. Include garlic, kelp and sea vegetables to your diet.
For ear wax buildup:
Use 1 part vinegar and one part warm water, place a dropper full in the ear and let it settle then drain. You can also use hydrogen peroxide. Repeat in the other ear and do 2-3x a day. If the wax is hard apply warm garlic oil to the ears instead for a few days. Make sure to flush out the ear with warm water.
For ear infection use a few drops of warm garlic oil to the ear.
Any hearing loss that does not resolve on its own in two weeks should be evaluated by an ENT.
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Sleep for Restoration
Sleep is one of the most important aspects of life and it is something that the average person spends about a third of their life doing. Just as every person differs, sleep is a highly individualized affair as well. Everyone can agree however that one feels awful if they do not get enough of it. Even if for some people 5 hours is sufficient and for others 10 hours is required to feel "normal".
The perfect sleep:
In traditional Chinese medicine the perfect sleep is likened to a mini death. One should enter sleep easily and wake 7-8 hours later completely rested and refreshed having absolutely no recollection of any dreams.
Insomnia in Chinese medicine:
When a person suffers from insomnia, the two organs most often out of balance are the Heart and the Liver. Each of these two organs houses a specific aspect of the spirit. If these organs are out of balance, they will not be able to house the spirit properly, and the spirit will wander.
Blood stores and sleep:
Sleep is dependent upon the amount of blood in the body. Blood is needed to help ground the spirit at night so that a deep sleep will come naturally. Pregnant women often remark that they feel calmer and I think that the increased blood volume has something to do with that.
Dreaming in Chinese medicine:
Dreams are considered to be a continuation of over-thinking.
Highly fantastical dreams like flying, slaying dragons, nightmares, etc relate to the HEART. Rote, life-like dreams are usually related to the SPLEEN. I've had people tell me that they dream about alphabetizing things from work or just going about their day as usual busily performing tasks in their sleep as if the day never ended. Usually dreaming leaves people feeling tired in the morning.
Patterns:
In Chinese medicine all disorders are broken down into clusters of symptoms or patterns that help differentiate each case. Usually people exhibit a few symptoms from one or more pattern. The language is from traditional Chinese medicine and as you can tell may seem a little different than average American vernacular.
1) Liver depression transforming into fire: (people under long term stress)
Insomnia, irritability, bitter taste, headache, blood shot eyes, constipation.
2) Phlegm harassing the heart:
(more common in overweight individuals)
Insomnia, heaviness of the head, copious phlegm, distending pain, aversion to eating, belching, acid regurgitation, nausea, irritability, bitter taste in the mouth.
3) Yin vacuity with effulgent fire:(common in postpartum women, students, people who work late hours or have had a history of drug use)
Insomnia, irritability, dizziness, vertigo, tinnitus, aching of the lower back, dry mouth, usually wakes in the middle of the night, heat in the palms or soles of the feet, forgetfulness.
4) Heart and Spleen vacuity:
(students, postpartum women, worry warts)
Frequent dreaming, light sleep, difficulty falling asleep, ruminating before bedtime, dizzy spells, tiredness, listlessness, vertigo.
5) Heart and Gallbladder insufficiency: (menopausal women, people under stress)
Insomnia, frequent dreaming, tendency to wake startled, palpitations, prone to fright, shortness of breath, timidity, copious, clear urine.
Acupuncture and herbs can help target your specific pattern and restore rest. I always recommend eating some foods to help boost the blood.
Some foods are:
* red colored foods such as berries, cherries, pomegranate
* red meat in moderation
* floradix (vegetarian iron supplement)
* beets
The perfect sleep:
In traditional Chinese medicine the perfect sleep is likened to a mini death. One should enter sleep easily and wake 7-8 hours later completely rested and refreshed having absolutely no recollection of any dreams.
Insomnia in Chinese medicine:
When a person suffers from insomnia, the two organs most often out of balance are the Heart and the Liver. Each of these two organs houses a specific aspect of the spirit. If these organs are out of balance, they will not be able to house the spirit properly, and the spirit will wander.
Blood stores and sleep:
Sleep is dependent upon the amount of blood in the body. Blood is needed to help ground the spirit at night so that a deep sleep will come naturally. Pregnant women often remark that they feel calmer and I think that the increased blood volume has something to do with that.
Dreaming in Chinese medicine:
Dreams are considered to be a continuation of over-thinking.
Highly fantastical dreams like flying, slaying dragons, nightmares, etc relate to the HEART. Rote, life-like dreams are usually related to the SPLEEN. I've had people tell me that they dream about alphabetizing things from work or just going about their day as usual busily performing tasks in their sleep as if the day never ended. Usually dreaming leaves people feeling tired in the morning.
Patterns:
In Chinese medicine all disorders are broken down into clusters of symptoms or patterns that help differentiate each case. Usually people exhibit a few symptoms from one or more pattern. The language is from traditional Chinese medicine and as you can tell may seem a little different than average American vernacular.
1) Liver depression transforming into fire: (people under long term stress)
Insomnia, irritability, bitter taste, headache, blood shot eyes, constipation.
2) Phlegm harassing the heart:
(more common in overweight individuals)
Insomnia, heaviness of the head, copious phlegm, distending pain, aversion to eating, belching, acid regurgitation, nausea, irritability, bitter taste in the mouth.
3) Yin vacuity with effulgent fire:(common in postpartum women, students, people who work late hours or have had a history of drug use)
Insomnia, irritability, dizziness, vertigo, tinnitus, aching of the lower back, dry mouth, usually wakes in the middle of the night, heat in the palms or soles of the feet, forgetfulness.
4) Heart and Spleen vacuity:
(students, postpartum women, worry warts)
Frequent dreaming, light sleep, difficulty falling asleep, ruminating before bedtime, dizzy spells, tiredness, listlessness, vertigo.
5) Heart and Gallbladder insufficiency: (menopausal women, people under stress)
Insomnia, frequent dreaming, tendency to wake startled, palpitations, prone to fright, shortness of breath, timidity, copious, clear urine.
Acupuncture and herbs can help target your specific pattern and restore rest. I always recommend eating some foods to help boost the blood.
Some foods are:
* red colored foods such as berries, cherries, pomegranate
* red meat in moderation
* floradix (vegetarian iron supplement)
* beets
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Winter & The Kidneys
The ancients understood that winter is a time of
contraction and introspection, a time to evaluate your actions from the previous year and meditate on changes that you would like to institute for the future. We still embrace this concept with new years resolutions.
Traditional Chinese dietary therapy is a great way to incorporate the enormous effects of the season into our personal lives and, like our lives, always keep evolving.
In Chinese Medicine, the winter is associated with:
* The KIDNEYS
* The OCEAN
* SALTY foods
* REPRODUCTION
When the KIDNEYS become out of balance people suffer from: Joint problems, Knee pain, Teeth problems, Back pain, Pre-mature graying, Reproductive imbalances, Pre-mature aging, Excessive fear or worry.
The following list of foods (from Paul Pitchford's book, Healing with Whole Foods) help address any KIDNEY weakness and should be eaten by everyone in the winter.
Foods should be cooked longer with less water and less heat. The theory is that concentrated foods will provide longer lasting energy on those cold and dark days.
* Soups (avoid raw foods)
* Molasses (source of iron, calcium, potassium and magnesium)
* Black Beans, Kidney Beans
* Seaweeds: kelp, wakame, hijiki
* Tuna, Sardines, Crab
* Root vegetables: turnips, sweet potato, parsnips, beets
* Ox Tail soup, Chicken soup-anything with marrow for the bones.
* Wheat germ
* Spirulina
* Pork
* Miso
* Soy sauce
* Black sesame seeds
* Millet, Buckwheat, Kasha, Barley
* Walnuts
* Asparagus
contraction and introspection, a time to evaluate your actions from the previous year and meditate on changes that you would like to institute for the future. We still embrace this concept with new years resolutions.
Traditional Chinese dietary therapy is a great way to incorporate the enormous effects of the season into our personal lives and, like our lives, always keep evolving.
In Chinese Medicine, the winter is associated with:
* The KIDNEYS
* The OCEAN
* SALTY foods
* REPRODUCTION
When the KIDNEYS become out of balance people suffer from: Joint problems, Knee pain, Teeth problems, Back pain, Pre-mature graying, Reproductive imbalances, Pre-mature aging, Excessive fear or worry.
The following list of foods (from Paul Pitchford's book, Healing with Whole Foods) help address any KIDNEY weakness and should be eaten by everyone in the winter.
Foods should be cooked longer with less water and less heat. The theory is that concentrated foods will provide longer lasting energy on those cold and dark days.
* Soups (avoid raw foods)
* Molasses (source of iron, calcium, potassium and magnesium)
* Black Beans, Kidney Beans
* Seaweeds: kelp, wakame, hijiki
* Tuna, Sardines, Crab
* Root vegetables: turnips, sweet potato, parsnips, beets
* Ox Tail soup, Chicken soup-anything with marrow for the bones.
* Wheat germ
* Spirulina
* Pork
* Miso
* Soy sauce
* Black sesame seeds
* Millet, Buckwheat, Kasha, Barley
* Walnuts
* Asparagus
Acupuncture during labor
Acupuncture can be an excellent tool for inducing labor as well as facilitating labor once it commences. I once attended a birth that was a VBAC, meaning the mother was attempting to have a vaginal birth after a previous C-section. This particular woman got pregnant with her second baby three months after giving birth to her first via C-section.
After 12 hours of a somewhat erratic labor she took the epidural to get some rest. She slept for about 4 hours and pretty much got stuck at 7cm. The midwife felt like a vaginal birth was probably not going to be an option. Obviously disheartened and discouraged, I felt that she needed a change of energy. I began to needle the bottom of her foot at a point called Yong Quan, or Gushing Spring along with a point on her hand called He Gu, Union Valley.
I used Yong Quan, a point on the kidney meridian because I felt that she was experiencing a lot of fear about the possibility of another section and also because of the close proximity of her second birth to her first. In Chinese medicine, the Kidneys are responsible for sexual maturation, childbirth, the aging process and they are gravely affected by the emotion fear. (see my post on the Kidneys)
I needled this point along with the point in the hand and i watched as she began to experience contractions again. She was wondering if the epidural was wearing off? I continued for about a half and hour until i realized that she was progressing rapidly. I called the midwife in and low and behold she was at 9 1/2 cm. Pushing came naturally to the woman and a beautiful baby boy was delivered 20 minutes later.
I often recommend acupuncture when labor is stalled and I always recommend acupuncture for the weeks preceding birth (see pre-labor treatment). Acupuncture can help with pain relief but I find that women prefer to move about during contraction making acupressure a bit more realistic.
Other methods for stimulating labor are:
-nipple stimulation
-sexual stimulation
-physical exercise
-an enema
After 12 hours of a somewhat erratic labor she took the epidural to get some rest. She slept for about 4 hours and pretty much got stuck at 7cm. The midwife felt like a vaginal birth was probably not going to be an option. Obviously disheartened and discouraged, I felt that she needed a change of energy. I began to needle the bottom of her foot at a point called Yong Quan, or Gushing Spring along with a point on her hand called He Gu, Union Valley.
I used Yong Quan, a point on the kidney meridian because I felt that she was experiencing a lot of fear about the possibility of another section and also because of the close proximity of her second birth to her first. In Chinese medicine, the Kidneys are responsible for sexual maturation, childbirth, the aging process and they are gravely affected by the emotion fear. (see my post on the Kidneys)
I needled this point along with the point in the hand and i watched as she began to experience contractions again. She was wondering if the epidural was wearing off? I continued for about a half and hour until i realized that she was progressing rapidly. I called the midwife in and low and behold she was at 9 1/2 cm. Pushing came naturally to the woman and a beautiful baby boy was delivered 20 minutes later.
I often recommend acupuncture when labor is stalled and I always recommend acupuncture for the weeks preceding birth (see pre-labor treatment). Acupuncture can help with pain relief but I find that women prefer to move about during contraction making acupressure a bit more realistic.
Other methods for stimulating labor are:
-nipple stimulation
-sexual stimulation
-physical exercise
-an enema
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