Often irritability and moodiness are the consequence of chronic stress in your life. Over time these emotions can progress into more serious emotional conditions such as anxiety and depression as well as other health conditions such as digestive problems, trouble sleeping and the tendency to get sick more frequently.

Within Oriental medicine emotional disorders can be associated with a number of different patterns of disharmony; however, anger, irritability, and frustration are all signs that our qi is not flowing smoothly. The liver is responsible for the smooth flow of qi (life force) throughout the body and for smoothing our emotions. When the liver’s function of moving qi is disrupted, qi can become stuck. This is referred to as liver qi stagnation.

Liver qi stagnation is one of the most common patterns of disharmony seen in today’s patients. In addition to irritability and moodiness, signs and symptoms may include distending pain in the area below the ribs, stuffiness of the chest, sighing, abdominal distention, nausea, sour regurgitation, belching, diarrhea or constipation, feeling of a lump in the throat, irregular periods, painful periods and distention of the breasts prior to periods.  Liver qi stagnation is commonly associated with PMS.

Acupuncture is excellent at relieving liver qi stagnation. Treatment for irritability and moodiness associated with liver qi stagnation focuses on moving qi and supporting the liver and spleen organ systems with acupuncture, lifestyle and dietary recommendations and perhaps an herbal formula.

The liver is responsible for the smooth flowing of Qi (life force) throughout the body. When the liver functions smoothly, physical and emotional activity throughout the body also runs smoothly. So, for optimum health, move your Qi.

• Stretch – The liver controls the tendons. According to Oriental medicine, the liver stores blood during periods of rest and then releases it to the tendons in times of activity, maintaining tendon health and flexibility. Incorporate a morning stretch into your routine. Try yoga or Tai Chi.
• Eye Exercises – The liver opens into the eyes. Although all the organs have some connection to the health of the eyes, the liver is connected to proper eye function. Remember to take breaks when looking at a computer monitor for extended periods of time and do eye exercises.
• Eat Green – Green is the color of the liver. Eating young plants – fresh, leafy greens, sprouts, and immature cereal grasses – can improve the liver’s overall functions and aid in the movement of qi.
• Try Something Sour – Foods and drinks with sour tastes are thought to stimulate the liver’s qi. Put lemon slices in your drinking water, use vinegar and olive oil for your salad dressing and garnish your sandwich with a slice of dill pickle.
• Do More Outdoor Activities – Outside air helps liver qi flow. If you have been feeling irritable, find an outdoor activity to smooth out that liver qi stagnation. Try hiking or take up golf.
• Enjoy Milk Thistle Tea - Milk thistle helps protect liver cells from incoming toxins and encourages the liver to cleanse itself of damaging substances, such as alcohol, medications, pesticides, environmental toxins, and even heavy metals such as mercury.
• Get Acupuncture Treatments – Acupuncture and Oriental medicine can help improve the overall health of your liver as well as treat stress, anger and frustration, which are often associated with liver qi disharmony.

Periodic acupuncture treatments can serve to tonify the inner organ systems and can correct minor annoyances before they become serious problems.

Ah Shi points were first mentioned during the Tang Dynasty (founded in 618 AD) classic Thousand Ducat Prescriptions.  These points become spontaneously tender when disease or injury occurs, or in locations where Qi has become congested but which are not among the regular acupuncture points on a specific meridian or pathway.

Their locations are not fixed; they are the points that, upon palpation, are the most sensitive.  In many cases a small knot or pea sized nodule can be felt under the skin at these points of tenderness.

Ah Shi points are especially effective in the treatment of pain and are often used in conjunction with local and distal meridian acupuncture points, as seen in the study cited in my last blog.

What is Fibromyalgia Syndrome?

Fibromyalgia is a medically unexplained syndrome characterized by chronic widespread pain, a heightened and painful response to pressure, insomnia, fatigue, and depression. While not all affected persons experience all associated symptoms, the following symptoms commonly occur together:

• chronic pain
• debilitating fatigue
• difficulty sleeping
• anxiety and depression
• joint stiffness
• chronic headaches and jaw pain
• difficulty swallowing
• dryness in mouth, nose, and eyes
• hypersensitivity to odors, bright lights, and loud noises
• inability to concentrate (called “fibro fog”)
• incontinence
• irritable bowel syndrome
• numbness or tingling in the fingers and feet
• painful menstrual cramps
• poor circulation in hands and feet (called Raynaud’s phenomenon)
• restless legs syndrome

Fibromyalgia is diagnosed when there is a history of widespread pain in all four quadrants of the body for a minimum duration of three months and pain when pressure is applied to at least 11 of 18 designated tender points on the body, This condition does not result in any physical damage to the body or its tissues and there are no laboratory tests which can confirm this diagnosis.

Symptoms often begin after a physical or emotional trauma, but in many cases there appears to be no triggering event. Women account for a disproportionate number of FMS cases although some researchers believe this is due to the willingness of women to seek treatment.  The risk of fibromyalgia increases with age.

Oriental Medicine does not recognize fibromyalgia as one particular disease pattern. Instead, it aims to treat the specific symptoms that are unique to each individual depending on their constitution, emotional state, intensity and location of their pain, digestive health, sleeping patterns and an array of other signs and symptoms. Therefore, if 10 people are treated with Oriental medicine for fibromyalgia, each of these 10 people will receive a unique, customized treatment with different acupuncture points, different herbs and different lifestyle and dietary recommendations.

Because the symptoms of fibromyalgia are highly variable form one person to another, a wide array of traditional and alternative treatments has been shown to be the most effective way of treating this difficult     syndrome.  A treatment program may include a combination of psychological or behavioral therapies, medications, exercise, acupuncture, herbal medicine and bodywork.

Research

A recent study from the Mayo Clinic found acupuncture helpful in treating the fatigue and anxiety commonly experienced by fibromyalgia patients. In the trial, patients who received acupuncture to counter their fibromyalgia symptoms reported improvement in fatigue and anxiety, among other symptoms. Acupuncture was well tolerated, with minimal side effects.

In the double-blind study, Mayo Clinic doctors gave 25 fibromyalgia patients acupuncture, and 25 “sham” acupuncture treatments. Patients received six treatments during the two- to three-week study. Those who received acupuncture treatments reported less fatigue and anxiety one month following after treatment than did “sham” group.

“The results of the study convince me there is something more than the placebo effect to acupuncture,” says and David Martin. M.D., Ph.D., lead author of the acupuncture article and a Mayo Clinic anesthesiologist. “It affirms a lot of clinical impressions that this complementary medical technique is helpful for patients.”

Dr. Martin performed the study at Mayo Clinic Rochester with co-authors Ines Berger, M.D.; Christopher Sletten, Ph.D.; and Brent Williams. The study used only two acupuncturists and examined only patients who reported more severe symptoms, offering better experimental control. Still, the Mayo Clinic doctors urged more study to see how acupuncture can best be used in treating fibromyalgia patients.

Source: Mayo Clinic (2006, June 13). Acupuncture Relieves Symptoms Of Fibromyalgia, Mayo Clinic Study Finds.

Acupuncture provides a total approach to health care for people with cancer. It can be used to address many of the concerns that come up during and after chemotherapy, radiation, biological therapy and surgery.

According to the National Cancer Institute, acupuncture may cause physical responses in nerve cells, the pituitary gland, and parts of the brain. These responses can cause the body to release proteins, hormones, and brain chemicals that control a number of body functions. It is proposed that, by these actions, acupuncture affects blood pressure and body temperature, boosts immune system activity, and causes the body’s natural painkillers, such as endorphins, to be released.

Areas that acupuncture has shown the most promise include:

• Nausea and Vomiting
• Dry Mouth, Night Sweats and Hot Flashes
• Stress, Anxiety and Fatigue
• Pain Management
• Increasing White Blood Cell Count

The strongest evidence of the effect of acupuncture has come from clinical trials on the use of acupuncture to relieve nausea and vomiting. Several types of clinical trials using different acupuncture methods showed acupuncture reduced nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy, surgery, and morning sickness. It appears to be more effective in preventing vomiting than in reducing nausea.

Other symptoms caused by cancer treatment

Clinical trials are studying the effects of acupuncture on cancer and symptoms caused by cancer treatment, including weight loss, cough, chest pain, fever, anxiety, depression, night sweats, hot flashes, dry mouth, speech problems, and fluid in the arms or legs. Studies have shown that, for many patients, treatment with acupuncture either relieves symptoms or keeps them from getting worse.

Boosting the Immune System

Human studies on the effect of acupuncture on the immune system of cancer patients showed that it improved immune system response, including increasing the number of white blood cells.

Pain Management

In clinical studies, acupuncture reduced the amount of pain in some cancer patients. In one study, most of the patients treated with acupuncture were able to stop taking drugs for pain relief or to take smaller doses.

Acupuncture is also very useful for support if you are undergoing chemotherapy, radiation, or hormonal therapy. Because chemotherapy and radiation therapy weaken the body’s immune system, a strict clean needle method must be used when acupuncture treatment is given to cancer patients.

New Lung Cancer Guidelines Include Acupuncture

Acupuncture is now officially recommended for lung cancer patients experiencing fatigue, dyspnea, chemotherapy-Induced neuropathy, pain, nausea and vomiting.

The new edition of these standard guidelines represents the first time complementary and integrative medicine has been addressed in the prevention and treatment of lung cancer. Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in the United States, causing more fatalities than the next four most common types of cancer combined.

The new guidelines were developed and reviewed by 100 multidisciplinary panel members and have been endorsed by the American Association for Bronchology. American Association for Thoracic Surgery, American College of Surgeons Oncology Group, American Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology, Asian Pacific Society of Respirology, Oncology Nurses Society, Society of Thoracic Surgeons, and the World Association of Bronchology.

Great-West Healthcare
Health Allies
Medical Resource LLC
Secure Horizons
PacifiCare Health Systems
United Healthcare
Premera Blue Cross
Spring Hill School
Easy Choice Health Plan

I remain an in-network provider for Blue Shield of California.

If your health care coverage is with any of these plans, or any other, I encourage you to make 2010 the year you take control of your health.  Call to make an appointment and let acupuncture/traditional oriental medicine assist you toward radiant good health.

Investigation Update: Outbreak of Human Salmonella Typhimurium Infections Associated with Contact with Water Frogs

CDC is collaborating with public health officials in many states to investigate a multistate outbreak of human Salmonella serotype Typhimurium infections due to contact with water frogs including African Dwarf Frogs. Water frogs commonly live in aquariums or fish tanks. Amphibians such as frogs and reptiles such as turtles, are recognized as a source of human Salmonella infections.  In the course of routine assessment, a number of cases with the same strain have been identified over many months. As of 11:59pm EST on December 9, 2009, 50 individuals infected with the outbreak strain of Salmonella Typhimurium have been reported from 25 states.

ADVICE TO CONSUMERS

• Always wash hands thoroughly with soap and water after touching any amphibian (e.g., frog) or reptile (e.g, turtle), their housing, or anything (for example, food) that comes in contact with them or their housing.   Adults should assist young children with hand washing.  
• Watch for symptoms of Salmonella infection, such as diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps.  Call your health care provider if you or a family member have any of these symptoms.

Persons who should avoid contact with amphibians and reptiles and their habitats (e.g., aquarium, fish tank, or terrarium)

• Persons at increased risk for serious infection from salmonellosis are children < 5 years old, elderly persons, and persons with weakened immune systems.
• These persons should avoid contact with amphibians (e.g., frogs) and reptiles (e.g., turtles) and anything that comes in contact with them (e.g., aquarium, habitat, and water).
• Keep amphibians and reptiles out of homes with children < 5 years old or people with weakened immune systems.

Placement and maintenance of habitats

• Amphibians (e.g., frogs) and reptiles (e.g., turtles) should not be kept in child-care centers.
• Habitats containing amphibians or reptiles should not be kept in a child’s bedroom, especially children aged < 5 years.
• Do not allow amphibians or reptiles to roam freely through the house, especially in food preparation areas.
• Keep amphibians and reptiles out of kitchens and other areas where food and drink is prepared or served to prevent contamination.
• Habitats and their contents should be carefully cleaned outside of the home. Use disposable gloves when cleaning and do not dispose of water in sinks used for food preparation or for obtaining drinking water.
• Do not bathe animals or their habitats in your kitchen sink. If bathtubs are used for these purposes, they should be thoroughly cleaned afterward. Use bleach to disinfect a tub or other place where reptile or amphibian habitats are cleaned.
• Children aged <5 years should not clean habitats.

• Always wash hands thoroughly with soap and water after cleaning habitats.

LEARN MORE

To learn more about the outbreak, read the complete update on the CDC Salmonella website. To learn about other recent outbreaks and incidents, visit the CDC Recent Outbreaks and Incidents page.

 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) · 1600 Clifton Rd · Atlanta GA 30333 · 800-CDC-INFO (800-232-4636)

Acupuncture and Oriental medicine can provide a safe, effective alternative for many of the health complications that may arise before, during and after pregnancy. A growing number of women are choosing acupuncture to use throughout their pregnancy.

Said it before, will say it again, healthy parents produce healthy babies. With acupuncture and Oriental medicine, parents can improve their health to create the most optimal environment for their unborn child. In addition to their ability to strengthen, support, and balance overall health and well-being, acupuncture and Oriental medicine are an effective treatment for regulating menstruation and hormone levels, reducing stress and addressing any pre-existing medical conditions or concerns that a woman may have.

Acupuncture during Pregnancy

Acupuncture and Oriental medicine can play a vital role in the comfort of a pregnant woman. There is strong evidence to support that acupuncture is highly effective at treating some of the most common problems experienced during pregnancy including morning sickness, heartburn, insomnia, water retention and sciatica.

Problems commonly treated during pregnancy:

• Nausea and Vomiting
• Heartburn
• Constipation
• Hemorrhoids
• Edema and Swelling
• Urinary Tract Infection
• Pelvic Pain
• Neck and Back Pain
• Sciatica
• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
• Leg Cramps
• Fatigue and Exhaustion
• Insomnia
• Anxiety and Depression

Acupuncture Postpartum

Many women feel depleted after the birth experience.  Acupuncture and Oriental medicine can help the transition of those first few months after birth to ensure a quick recovery. Postpartum care focuses on the physical, emotional and psychological recovery of the mother from the effects of pregnancy and labor, as well as encouraging breast feeding.

Problems commonly treated postpartum:

• Fatigue
• Postpartum Depression
• Mastitis
• Insufficient or Excessive Lactation
• Post Operative Healing
• Night Sweats

This year has seen a lot of deaths as well as a lot of serious illnesses.  And grief can begin long before the actually death of a friend or loved one, human or animal.  Grief can also come from the death of someone famous, if the connection is strong enough.

But grief doesn’t only come from a death of a person or companion animal.  The loss of a job can cause a level of grieving similar to the loss of a person.  This year has seen a lot of folks losing jobs, or having family members lose a job.  The problem comes when a person is not aware that a life change like that can cause severe, real, palpable grief.  They wonder if there’s something wrong with them, feel like they’re losers – after all, they only lost a job and here they are feeling this great sadness.  Are they cracking up?  A total waste of a human life?  Totally weak?

The answer, of course, if none of the above.  They’re experiencing a very understandable shock/grief reaction and they need some support.  So if you know someone who has lost their job be kind to them and maybe even suggest they look for some support to help them through this time.

Ironically, other major life changes can cause grief.  Graduations, weddings, births, even a new house or apartment can be a situation where grief arises.  Our self-image is changing dramatically during these events.  Once we graduate we lose our identity as a student.  We come into a wedding as two individuals and leave with new identities, we are now married – a part of a team and the single individual we were no longer exists.  Women’s bodies dramatically change when they become pregnant, and over the course of their pregnancy, they begin to identify themselves with those changes.  Then suddenly, they give birth and they lose that pregnant woman to become a new mother.  And moving into a new house or apartment means that Mr. X of 1234 Green Apple Circle no longer exists and has become, instead, Mr. X of 5678 Calle Grande.  These are wonderful changes, but they can bring up grieving as well as celebration.

In acupuncture and Traditional Oriental Medicine (T.O.M.), the Metal element is strongly affected by grief.  The organ systems associated with Metal are the Lungs and the Large Intestine.  Practitioners will often treat Lung or Large Intestine points to help patients appropriately grieve by breathing in life and releasing the “crap” they’re holding on to.  Acupuncture and T.O.M. can help with grief, both new grief and long-standing deep-rooted grief.

Of course, just like everything else that acupuncture and T.O.M. can treat, various practitioners are more or less trained and able to treat grief, so if you or someone you love decides to try acupuncture and T.O.M. treatments, talk to a variety of practitioners before making your final decision.

As we move along the year, from the Autumn/Metal season to the Winter/Water season, grief can become solidified.  The basic nature of Winter is cold, hardening things and keeping things unchanged – frozen even.  By using appropriate warming techniques, herbal formulae and needle techniques; acupuncturists can help their patients avoid freezing into a pattern of long-term grief.

It’s not easy to talk about loss or the fear of loss but it is vitally important to reach out to someone.  If acupuncture and T.O.M. aren’t your thing, there are plenty of highly trained psychologists and psychiatrists who can help.  If you are of a more spiritual bent, there are clergy members of all faiths and denominations trained to help.  There are even special grief counselors.

So if you or someone you love is facing the terminal illness or death of a loved one, please remember there are a variety of avenues available to help you and that, unlike some of life’s experiences, it really IS best to share this experience with someone who has the knowledge, tools and compassion to help you through.

In Loving Memory –
J’hana
Michael
Robbie
Miriam
Baby Caleb

Acupuncture is extremely effective at treating carpal tunnel syndrome; eliminating the need for surgery or the use of anti-inflammatory drugs or corticosteroids.  In fact, one of the most common reasons that people get acupuncture is for repetitive stress injuries, including carpal tunnel syndrome. Recent studies even suggest that acupuncture may be more effective than corticosteroids when it come, to treating CTS.

What is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

The carpal tunnel is a narrow passageway in the wrist made up of ligaments and bones. The median nerve and the tendons that connect the fingers to the muscles of the forearm pass through this tightly spaced tunnel. Carpal tunnel syndrome, also known as median nerve entrapment, occurs when swelling or irritation of the nerve or tendons in the carpal tunnel results in pressure on the median nerve. The median nerve controls sensations to the palm side of the thumb and fingers, as well as impulses to some small muscles in the hand that allow the fingers and thumb to move.

Symptoms usually start gradually, with frequent burning, tingling, or numbness in the palm of the hand and the fingers, especially the thumb, index and middle fingers. The symptoms often first appear during the night. As symptoms worsen, people might feel pain, weakness, or numbness in the hand and wrist, radiating up the arm during the day. Decreased grip strength may make it difficult to form a fist, grasp small objects, or perform other manual tasks. If not properly treated, CTS can cause irreversible nerve damage and permanent deterioration of muscle tissue.

Diagnosis and Treatment of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome with Acupuncture

From an Oriental medicine perspective, CTS is seen as a disruption of the flow of Qi and Blood within the area and associated with Cold, Dampness or Wind penetrating the muscles and sinews of the wrist. Acupuncture points, stretching exercises, herbal remedies and nutritional supplements are chosen to treat accordingly.

As well as reducing the swelling, inflammation and pain in the wrist, acupuncture addresses any headaches. neck pain, shoulder stiffness and sleeping problems that often accompany this condition.

Your treatment may also take into account any underlying conditions that contribute to the development of CTS including obesity, rheumatoid arthritis, thyroid problems, diabetes, hormonal changes of pregnancy and menopause.

New Study on Acupuncture &Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Acupuncture is as effective as the corticosteroid, prednisone, for the treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), according to a new study.

The randomized, controlled study that was published in the May 2009 issue of The Clinical Journal of Pain, investigated the efficacy of Acupuncture compared with steroid treatment in patients with mild-to-moderate carpal tunnel syndrome as measured by both nerve conduction studies and symptom assessment surveys.

Seventy-seven patients were randomly divided into 2 groups. One group received eight acupuncture treatments over four weeks, and the other group received oral doses of prednisone, daily, for four weeks. The results showed that acupuncture was just as effective as the corticosteroid for pain, numbness, tingling and weakness. For the symptoms of night time awakening and motor function, the acupuncture group had better results.

The researchers concluded that acupuncture is a safe and effective treatment option for CTS for those who experience side effects to oral steroids or for those who do not opt for early surgery.

The Anti-Flu Diet

Looking for ways to reduce your chance of getting flu this season?  A study, published by The American Physiological Society found that mice were significantly less likely to contract flu when given quercetin, a powerful antioxidant found in a variety of fruits and vegetables.  According to the study’s authors, the research also indicated that high consumption of quercetin resulted in catching fewer colds.

So, what are the best quercetin rich foods that you can load up on? Quercetin is found in red onions, grapes, blueberries, tea, broccoli and red wine. Red onions are one of the best quercetin rich foods as they have approximately four times the quercetin of most other produce. Eat them raw or cooked.

Foods for Fertility

Black Beans:  According to Oriental medicine, the energy of the Kidney system is important for reproduction and fertility enhancement often starts with the Kidneys. A good example of a food that nourishes the Kidneys and promotes fertility is black beans.

From an Eastern perspective, black beans are warming in nature.  They are thought to tonify the Kidney Qi and nourish Yin and Blood. From a Western perspective, black beans are an excellent source of protein, folate, iron and fiber and are rich in antioxidants. Research published in the November 2003 issue of Journal of Agriculture and Food Chemistry indicates that black beans are as rich in antioxidant compounds called anthocyanins as grapes and cranberries, fruits long considered antioxidant superstars.

When researchers analyzed different types of beans, they found that, the darker the bean’s seed coat, the higher its level of antioxidant activity. Gram for gram, black beans were found to have the most antioxidant activity, followed in descending order by red, brown, yellow, and white beans.

Overall, the level of antioxidants found in black beans in this study is approximately 10 times that found in an equivalent amount of oranges, and comparable to that found in an equivalent amount of grapes or cranberries.

Foods for Seasonal Allergies

Ginger: Ginger is a natural antihistamine and decongestant. It may provide some relief from IUergy symptoms by dilating constricted bronchial tubes.

Apples: Some foods, including apples, contain the f1avanoid, quercetin that can cross-react with tree pollen. Quercetin can reduce allergic reactions by having an antihistamine effect. It also decreases inflammation. Quercetin occurs naturally in certain foods, such as apples (with the skin on), berries, red grapes, red onions, capers, and black tea.

Carrots: Carotenoids are a family of plant pigments that include beta carotene. A lack of carotenoids in the diet is thought to promote inflammation in your airways. Good Sources of carotenoids include apricots, carrots, pumpkin, sweet potato, spinach, kale, butternut squash, and collard greens.

Omega·3: Omega-3 essential fatty acids can counter the formation of chemicals that cause inflammation of the air passages. Good natural sources include flaxseed oil and salmon.

Yogurt: Food sensitivities seem to be connected with seasonal allergies. In a study conducted at the University of California, patients who were fed 18 to 24 ounces of yogurt a day experienced a decline in their environmental allergic symptoms by 90 percent.

Fiber: A healthy and active colon can decrease food sensitivity, which, in turn, can lighten the burden on your immune system and may reduce the impact of seasonal allergies. For maximum colon health, increase the fiber in your diet.

Cancer Fighting Veggies

Widely considered to be one of the healthier food choices are the cruciferous vegetables. Included in this family of vegetables are broccoli, cauliflower, radishes, Brussels sprouts, kale, cabbage, and bok choy. Cruciferous vegetables are high in vitamins, fiber, and potent anticancer phytochemicals.

According to the American Institute for Cancer, there is solid evidence that links cruciferous vegetables and protection against cancer.  Studies have shown that this vegetable group has the ability to stop the growth of cancer cells for tumors in the breast, uterine lining, lung, colon, liver and cervix. And studies that track the diets of people over time have found that diets high in cruciferous vegetables are linked to lower rates of prostate cancer.

It is recommended that we eat 3-5 servings of cruciferous vegetables per week. It’s best to eat these veggies raw or only lightly steamed so they retain their cancer fighting phytochemicals.

Cruciferous Vegetables

• Beet greens
• Bok choy
• Broccoli
• Brussels sprouts
• Cabbage
• Cauliflower
• Chinese cabbage
• Collard greens
• Daikon
• Horseradish
• Kale
• Kohlrabi
• Mustard greens
• Radishes
• Rutabaga
• Swiss chard
• Turnips
• Watercress