What Can I Expect from My Acupuncture Treatment?
Although it is been done for thousands of years in Asia, some people are still very nervous about going to an acupuncturist for treatment. As the practice becomes more accepted, however, and the use of acupuncture is becoming more prevalent, many individuals will find themselves getting this treatment for the first time. If you are a little bit nervous about your acupuncture treatment, you are in good company but that doesn't mean that you have a need for alarm. Here is what you can expect from your visit to the acupuncturist.
The first visit will actually be a question-and-answer session and may or may not include acupuncture at all. Your doctor will want to know almost everything about your medical condition, and the underlying issues and anything else that may help him in his treatment of your condition. Once the proper treatment is discerned, however, your treatments will start, perhaps even on the first visit.
This is where most people get nervous because they are unsure about the dangers that may exist from acupuncture. Let me put your mind at ease. It is very rare for there to be any problems from acupuncture treatment and, as long as you're acupuncturist is using clean needles and knows what they are doing, you have little to worry about at all. It is possible for infection to set in or for an organ to be punctured but this is very rare if you're acupuncturist is qualified.
Each session will last about one half hour and your doctor will insert very tiny needles into the acupuncture points and may manipulate them somewhat with his hands, induce a very light electrical pulse or even warm them with moxa. The needles will remain in your body for anywhere from five to 20 minutes. Most people do not feel any discomfort at all from having these needles inserted and actually may feel invigorated in some cases or perhaps very relaxed.
After your first time of receiving acupuncture, you will find that it is not an unpleasant situation at all. As a matter of fact, you may leave the acupuncturist feeling very good, relaxed and with an overall sense of well-being. In fact, once you begin with your acupuncture treatments you will probably wonder why you waited so long to begin them in the first place. It's an ancient medical practice but it can still take care of many things for us today.
Friday, April 30, 2010
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Erasing Lines with Acupuncture
Getting older is something that none of us really enjoy. Not only does it make it more difficult for us to live life in general, it also begins to show, such as in the wrinkles on our face. Far too many people try to remove these wrinkles by use of dangerous medical treatments that include injecting chemicals under our skin or using them to actually peel part of our face away. Many people have turned to natural medicine in an effort to turn back the hands of time. One of the ways that they use is that of acupuncture. Is acupuncture actually able to give you a face lift?
As acupuncture becomes more common in Western society, many people have turned to this natural practice in order to help with their healing and their overall health. Although this practice is able to bring a balance back to our body, it cannot be considered as a facelift, regardless of what it can do for us individually. This is because acupuncture does not do anything to us medically that could be considered a facelift such as make incisions or use chemicals. That doesn't mean, however, that I cannot give us a more youthful appearance.
Maintaining our health from the inside out is one sure way for us to look younger and to feel younger. Acupuncture is simply one way for us to maintain this style of health. When used in conjunction with other natural methods such as supplementing with vitamins and eating a proper diet, you would be surprised at what it can do for your overall appearance. It can also help to stimulate areas of the face that will assist in removing some of the wrinkles hopefully but it will really do its wonders when it comes to improving our health from the inside.
Whenever we are healthy and in balance we sleep better, eat better and are overall more relaxed. This will do a lot for the way that we look on the outside because we are feeling good on the inside. Acupuncture can bring your body back into a naturally balanced condition that will give you this glow and make you feel and look younger. Of course, your acupuncturist may also ask you to maintain your help in other ways, but this Chinese practice can point you in the direction of a more youthful look.
Getting older is something that none of us really enjoy. Not only does it make it more difficult for us to live life in general, it also begins to show, such as in the wrinkles on our face. Far too many people try to remove these wrinkles by use of dangerous medical treatments that include injecting chemicals under our skin or using them to actually peel part of our face away. Many people have turned to natural medicine in an effort to turn back the hands of time. One of the ways that they use is that of acupuncture. Is acupuncture actually able to give you a face lift?
As acupuncture becomes more common in Western society, many people have turned to this natural practice in order to help with their healing and their overall health. Although this practice is able to bring a balance back to our body, it cannot be considered as a facelift, regardless of what it can do for us individually. This is because acupuncture does not do anything to us medically that could be considered a facelift such as make incisions or use chemicals. That doesn't mean, however, that I cannot give us a more youthful appearance.
Maintaining our health from the inside out is one sure way for us to look younger and to feel younger. Acupuncture is simply one way for us to maintain this style of health. When used in conjunction with other natural methods such as supplementing with vitamins and eating a proper diet, you would be surprised at what it can do for your overall appearance. It can also help to stimulate areas of the face that will assist in removing some of the wrinkles hopefully but it will really do its wonders when it comes to improving our health from the inside.
Whenever we are healthy and in balance we sleep better, eat better and are overall more relaxed. This will do a lot for the way that we look on the outside because we are feeling good on the inside. Acupuncture can bring your body back into a naturally balanced condition that will give you this glow and make you feel and look younger. Of course, your acupuncturist may also ask you to maintain your help in other ways, but this Chinese practice can point you in the direction of a more youthful look.
Sunday, April 25, 2010
Acupuncture As a Facelift Alternative
Something that all of us struggle against is time. As a matter of fact, all of us are aging from the time we are born and as we get older, that age begins to display itself in one way or another. For some, it comes as a decreased metabolism and an inability to keep off excess weight. For others, it comes in the form of facial wrinkles and noticeable signs that point to the fact that we are getting older. Some people spend countless dollars on all kinds of treatments in order to get rid of these wrinkles, some of which are very unhealthy. A new way of looking at an old medicine, however, may give us some hope in order to turn back the hands of time. Is acupuncture actually being used as a facelift alternative?
First of all, you need to know that acupuncture itself is not a facelift at all. There is no surgery, chemical injections or any other alterations that are done through acupuncture that would classify it as such. That doesn't mean, however, that you're not able to enjoy a healthier complexion and more youthful look as a result of acupuncture treatments. The fact of the matter is, acupuncture is known to help with your general health and this can offer you a lot in the way of reduced aging.
According to traditional Chinese medicine, acupuncture is a way of bringing the body back into a naturally balanced state. Two opposing forces that govern our body in general often get pushed toward one extreme or the other. By maintaining a balance between these two extremes, we allow our life energy, or Chi to flow naturally throughout our body and to give us balance. This can help us in many different ways but for the most part, it helps us to enjoy natural health and all of the benefits that it gives to us.
So, can acupuncture remove your wrinkles? No, it can't remove the wrinkles from your face but it can give you a health that will radiate from within. It can help to remove a lot of the negative effects of aging that show up as a wrinkles on your face. If you maintain a healthier balance in your body, you will give off a more youthful appearance that will be plain for everyone to see.
Something that all of us struggle against is time. As a matter of fact, all of us are aging from the time we are born and as we get older, that age begins to display itself in one way or another. For some, it comes as a decreased metabolism and an inability to keep off excess weight. For others, it comes in the form of facial wrinkles and noticeable signs that point to the fact that we are getting older. Some people spend countless dollars on all kinds of treatments in order to get rid of these wrinkles, some of which are very unhealthy. A new way of looking at an old medicine, however, may give us some hope in order to turn back the hands of time. Is acupuncture actually being used as a facelift alternative?
First of all, you need to know that acupuncture itself is not a facelift at all. There is no surgery, chemical injections or any other alterations that are done through acupuncture that would classify it as such. That doesn't mean, however, that you're not able to enjoy a healthier complexion and more youthful look as a result of acupuncture treatments. The fact of the matter is, acupuncture is known to help with your general health and this can offer you a lot in the way of reduced aging.
According to traditional Chinese medicine, acupuncture is a way of bringing the body back into a naturally balanced state. Two opposing forces that govern our body in general often get pushed toward one extreme or the other. By maintaining a balance between these two extremes, we allow our life energy, or Chi to flow naturally throughout our body and to give us balance. This can help us in many different ways but for the most part, it helps us to enjoy natural health and all of the benefits that it gives to us.
So, can acupuncture remove your wrinkles? No, it can't remove the wrinkles from your face but it can give you a health that will radiate from within. It can help to remove a lot of the negative effects of aging that show up as a wrinkles on your face. If you maintain a healthier balance in your body, you will give off a more youthful appearance that will be plain for everyone to see.
Friday, April 23, 2010
Do Acupuncture Treatments Hurt?
There are so many different ways that we can maintain or restore our health. For most of us, we understand that it is often a matter of restoring a balance in our body in order to enjoy the most helpful response. Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese medical treatment that was developed in order to help maintain the balance between positive and negative charges in our body. Although these had specific terms attached to them that were used in Chinese philosophy and religion, the basic principles behind acupuncture are not generally brought into question, even my medical science. In fact, some studies that have been taken on acupuncture actually show that it does promote a flow of energy in the body.
One thing that many people are concerned about is the pain that is associated with acupuncture. One thing that many people do not like, even into their adulthood, are the needles that are typically associated with doctors' offices. Many of these needles are rather large and capable of producing quite a bit of pain in the human body. Most people just assume that the needles that are inserted during acupuncture also produce this kind of pain in on us as individuals.
The fact of the matter is, the needles that are used for acupuncture are much smaller than the needles typically found in many doctors offices. Whenever they are inserted into the body, many people do not feel any discomfort at all and, in fact, many actually find the experience pleasurable. As a result of their acupuncture treatment, it is also possible for individuals to feel relaxed or even accelerated.
A little more good news about the practice of acupuncture is that it is almost always safe to undergo. The only problems that may occur typically come as a result of the acupuncturist being inexperienced. As long as they are well practiced and are sure to use clean, one use needles then there is rarely ever a problem. The worst thing that can happen is that an organ can be punctured during a treatment but this is extremely rare.
All in all, acupuncture is a safe and effective way for you to maintain your natural health. Although you may be nervous about undergoing this treatment, there really is nothing to be nervous about. Once you take the plunge and go through with the treatment yourself, you will wonder why you waited so long to do it.
There are so many different ways that we can maintain or restore our health. For most of us, we understand that it is often a matter of restoring a balance in our body in order to enjoy the most helpful response. Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese medical treatment that was developed in order to help maintain the balance between positive and negative charges in our body. Although these had specific terms attached to them that were used in Chinese philosophy and religion, the basic principles behind acupuncture are not generally brought into question, even my medical science. In fact, some studies that have been taken on acupuncture actually show that it does promote a flow of energy in the body.
One thing that many people are concerned about is the pain that is associated with acupuncture. One thing that many people do not like, even into their adulthood, are the needles that are typically associated with doctors' offices. Many of these needles are rather large and capable of producing quite a bit of pain in the human body. Most people just assume that the needles that are inserted during acupuncture also produce this kind of pain in on us as individuals.
The fact of the matter is, the needles that are used for acupuncture are much smaller than the needles typically found in many doctors offices. Whenever they are inserted into the body, many people do not feel any discomfort at all and, in fact, many actually find the experience pleasurable. As a result of their acupuncture treatment, it is also possible for individuals to feel relaxed or even accelerated.
A little more good news about the practice of acupuncture is that it is almost always safe to undergo. The only problems that may occur typically come as a result of the acupuncturist being inexperienced. As long as they are well practiced and are sure to use clean, one use needles then there is rarely ever a problem. The worst thing that can happen is that an organ can be punctured during a treatment but this is extremely rare.
All in all, acupuncture is a safe and effective way for you to maintain your natural health. Although you may be nervous about undergoing this treatment, there really is nothing to be nervous about. Once you take the plunge and go through with the treatment yourself, you will wonder why you waited so long to do it.
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Does Acupuncture Interfere with My Regular Medical Treatment?
In an effort to restore and maintain their health, many people have turned to the ancient practice of acupuncture. Acupuncture was actually conceived and tested in China thousands of years ago before it spread through other areas of Asia. It is a way of manipulating the energy in our body through the use of acupuncture points in order to bring it back into a natural balance. This balance which is found between the cold and hot forces that regulate our body is often the key to better health and an overall sense of well-being.
Unfortunately, many of us are riddled with illnesses and we may have already come under the care of a medical doctor. Although doctors are able to do some good things for us and to take care of our maladies to a certain extent, it may also interfere with our ability to be healed in a natural method. Acupuncture does not use any kind of medicine and is a totally natural way to bring our body back into balance. Many people are concerned, however, that by using acupuncture they are actually interfering with their regular medical treatments. Where does one strike a balance in this particular regard?
The best thing that you can do is to discuss the possibility of using acupuncture with both your acupuncturist and with your medical doctor. Whenever you go in for your first acupuncture visit, you will be asked a series of questions which will help the doctor to understand your particular situation and any surrounding circumstances in regards to your situation. This would include, of course, any current medical treatments that you're undergoing. It is very important that you let your acupuncturist now of any of these treatments as they may have a bearing on what kind of acupuncture treatment you will be able to receive.
Of course, in most cases acupuncture is perfectly fine even if a person is undergoing some other form of medical treatment or is taking a prescription medication. There may be some instances, however, that acupuncture is not a good idea such as when a person is wearing a pacemaker or is currently pregnant. As long as you don't hold back any information from either your doctor or your acupuncturist, you should be able to find out if you are able to take this kind of a treatment and seek a natural cure for your maladies.
In an effort to restore and maintain their health, many people have turned to the ancient practice of acupuncture. Acupuncture was actually conceived and tested in China thousands of years ago before it spread through other areas of Asia. It is a way of manipulating the energy in our body through the use of acupuncture points in order to bring it back into a natural balance. This balance which is found between the cold and hot forces that regulate our body is often the key to better health and an overall sense of well-being.
Unfortunately, many of us are riddled with illnesses and we may have already come under the care of a medical doctor. Although doctors are able to do some good things for us and to take care of our maladies to a certain extent, it may also interfere with our ability to be healed in a natural method. Acupuncture does not use any kind of medicine and is a totally natural way to bring our body back into balance. Many people are concerned, however, that by using acupuncture they are actually interfering with their regular medical treatments. Where does one strike a balance in this particular regard?
The best thing that you can do is to discuss the possibility of using acupuncture with both your acupuncturist and with your medical doctor. Whenever you go in for your first acupuncture visit, you will be asked a series of questions which will help the doctor to understand your particular situation and any surrounding circumstances in regards to your situation. This would include, of course, any current medical treatments that you're undergoing. It is very important that you let your acupuncturist now of any of these treatments as they may have a bearing on what kind of acupuncture treatment you will be able to receive.
Of course, in most cases acupuncture is perfectly fine even if a person is undergoing some other form of medical treatment or is taking a prescription medication. There may be some instances, however, that acupuncture is not a good idea such as when a person is wearing a pacemaker or is currently pregnant. As long as you don't hold back any information from either your doctor or your acupuncturist, you should be able to find out if you are able to take this kind of a treatment and seek a natural cure for your maladies.
Sunday, April 18, 2010
Acupuncture - the First Step to Natural Health
In recent years, there has been an increased interest in natural health. People are trying a variety of different things in order to bring their bodies into a balance state and to enjoy health that does not involve pharmaceutical solutions. They do this for a number of different reasons but for the most part, it is because they realize that not all medical treatments are actually making them 100% better. In fact, some people are actually becoming sicker as a result of taking pharmaceutical medication because of the side effects or because it does not agree with them in one way or another.
Although there are many different ways to bring your body into a balanced state, acupuncture is one way that should not be overlooked. It is an ancient Chinese procedure in which small needles are placed throughout the body at particular acupuncture points in order to manipulate the flow of energy in an individual. According to traditional Chinese medicine, this energy, otherwise known as Chi, is what controls everything in regard to our health. If that energy should be blocked to a certain extent or if it should lose its natural balance, a number of different problems could occur in our bodies that range from depression the whole way through to terminal illnesses.
The actual practice of acupuncture has been taking place in China for thousands of years but it has only recently come to the attention of those in the Western world to a large extent. Since that time, some different methods have been administered such as producing prepackaged, one time use needles and in different ways of manipulating the acupuncture needles electronically. Some of the more traditional methods of using acupuncture are still included within the new treatment, such as the use of moxa in order to heat the needles.
As we continue to learn more about this particular type of treatment, more individuals will look to acupuncture as a way to bring the body back into balance. As a result of coming into this balance, these individuals will be able to lead a more normal life, one that is free of pain and living with an overall sense of well-being. Although there are many different ways in which we can bring our body back into this balance, acupuncture as a part that cannot be overlooked. It is the first step to improved natural health.
In recent years, there has been an increased interest in natural health. People are trying a variety of different things in order to bring their bodies into a balance state and to enjoy health that does not involve pharmaceutical solutions. They do this for a number of different reasons but for the most part, it is because they realize that not all medical treatments are actually making them 100% better. In fact, some people are actually becoming sicker as a result of taking pharmaceutical medication because of the side effects or because it does not agree with them in one way or another.
Although there are many different ways to bring your body into a balanced state, acupuncture is one way that should not be overlooked. It is an ancient Chinese procedure in which small needles are placed throughout the body at particular acupuncture points in order to manipulate the flow of energy in an individual. According to traditional Chinese medicine, this energy, otherwise known as Chi, is what controls everything in regard to our health. If that energy should be blocked to a certain extent or if it should lose its natural balance, a number of different problems could occur in our bodies that range from depression the whole way through to terminal illnesses.
The actual practice of acupuncture has been taking place in China for thousands of years but it has only recently come to the attention of those in the Western world to a large extent. Since that time, some different methods have been administered such as producing prepackaged, one time use needles and in different ways of manipulating the acupuncture needles electronically. Some of the more traditional methods of using acupuncture are still included within the new treatment, such as the use of moxa in order to heat the needles.
As we continue to learn more about this particular type of treatment, more individuals will look to acupuncture as a way to bring the body back into balance. As a result of coming into this balance, these individuals will be able to lead a more normal life, one that is free of pain and living with an overall sense of well-being. Although there are many different ways in which we can bring our body back into this balance, acupuncture as a part that cannot be overlooked. It is the first step to improved natural health.
Friday, April 16, 2010
Can Acupuncture Help Me Quit Smoking?
Several thousand years ago, traditional Chinese medicine came up with a way of manipulating the channels that went through our body and distributed our life force. This life force, known as Chi is one of the basic parts of all Chinese medicine. As long as that energy is balanced between the positive and negative forces in our body, our health will be good as well. Since that time of its ancient beginning, however, many things have changed as far as acupuncture is concerned but the principle still remain the same.
People go through acupuncture treatment for a wide variety of reasons. Some of them go through this because of pain that they are experiencing or perhaps they are trying to get pregnant and want to bring their body into a natural balanced state. Still others go through acupuncture in order to get over a habit, such as smoking. Since smoking did not really take place in Chinese culture, at least to the point where it would be given up, can it really have a positive effect on our trying to quit?
Having a balanced environment within our bodies is very important for a number of different reasons. First of all, it promotes good health whenever our energy in our body is flowing freely. Another reason why acupuncture is great is because it gives us an overall sense of well-being. This can help us whenever we are trying to quit smoking because one of the problems with addiction withdrawal is that we lose our sense of well-being and are driven by our craving for another cigarette.
Another reason why acupuncture may be helpful with quitting smoking is because it has to do with our life force. This force, which is present in all of us needs to have a free flow in order for us to be balanced and healthy. If we are doing things that are harming our body, such as smoking cigarettes, we are interrupting the flow and causing a pattern which is sending us into a free fall. By using acupuncture in order to bypass the bad that the cigarettes are producing in us, we are giving ourselves the ability to quit without some of the negative side effects.
The fact of the matter is, people will try almost anything in order to kick the habit. By using something such as acupuncture, you may be up to give yourself the boost that you need and you will be doing it through natural means.
Several thousand years ago, traditional Chinese medicine came up with a way of manipulating the channels that went through our body and distributed our life force. This life force, known as Chi is one of the basic parts of all Chinese medicine. As long as that energy is balanced between the positive and negative forces in our body, our health will be good as well. Since that time of its ancient beginning, however, many things have changed as far as acupuncture is concerned but the principle still remain the same.
People go through acupuncture treatment for a wide variety of reasons. Some of them go through this because of pain that they are experiencing or perhaps they are trying to get pregnant and want to bring their body into a natural balanced state. Still others go through acupuncture in order to get over a habit, such as smoking. Since smoking did not really take place in Chinese culture, at least to the point where it would be given up, can it really have a positive effect on our trying to quit?
Having a balanced environment within our bodies is very important for a number of different reasons. First of all, it promotes good health whenever our energy in our body is flowing freely. Another reason why acupuncture is great is because it gives us an overall sense of well-being. This can help us whenever we are trying to quit smoking because one of the problems with addiction withdrawal is that we lose our sense of well-being and are driven by our craving for another cigarette.
Another reason why acupuncture may be helpful with quitting smoking is because it has to do with our life force. This force, which is present in all of us needs to have a free flow in order for us to be balanced and healthy. If we are doing things that are harming our body, such as smoking cigarettes, we are interrupting the flow and causing a pattern which is sending us into a free fall. By using acupuncture in order to bypass the bad that the cigarettes are producing in us, we are giving ourselves the ability to quit without some of the negative side effects.
The fact of the matter is, people will try almost anything in order to kick the habit. By using something such as acupuncture, you may be up to give yourself the boost that you need and you will be doing it through natural means.
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Acupuncture Effective for Severe Menstrual Cramps
Severe menstrual cramps, otherwise known as primary dysmenorrhea, is one of the most common gynecological complaints. It can affect as many as half of young women.
A recent study in the British Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology might have an answer for this painful disorder in the form of acupuncture treatments. A group of Korean researchers looked at 27 studies done on acupuncture for dysmenorrhea, which involved a total of 3,000 women.
By comparing findings, they determined "promising evidence" for the use of acupuncture to treat dysmenorrhea, as compared to either herbal or pharmacological medicine.
For more information on the many benefits of Oriental medicine, visit http://www.acupuncturetoday.com
Reference: Cho S-H, Hwang E-W. Acupuncture for primary dysmenorrhoea: a systematic review. BJOG 2010 Feb 17 [Epub ahead of print].
Herb of the Month - Lepidium Seed (ting li zi)
Also known as pepperweed and tansy mustard, lepidium is an annual plant, which grows to a height of 18 inches and bears feather-like leaves and white flowers. The plant grows in the Hebei and Liaoning provinces of China. The entire plant is harvested in the summer and dried in the sun. After drying out, the seeds are collected for use in herbal remedies.
In traditional Chinese medicine, lepidium seed has bitter, pungent and cold properties, and is associated with the Lung and Urinary Bladder meridians. Among the conditions lepidium seed is used to treat are asthma, edema and pleurisy. It can also be used to treat abdominal distention and dry mouth. Lepidium seed is often used with zizyphus and rhubarb.
The typical dose of lepidium seed is between 3 and 9 grams, boiled in water and taken as a decoction. It is often mixed with honey. Whole, dried lepidium seeds can be found at most Asian markets and specialty stores. Some herbal shops also sell lepidium seed powder, which can be mixed into herbal decoctions.
Some side effects have been noted in patients taking large amounts of lepidium seed, including nausea, vomiting, increased heart rate and lowered blood pressure. As a result, it should not be taken before consulting with a licensed health care provider. As always, make sure to speak with a qualified health care practitioner before taking lepidium seed or any other herbal remedy or dietary supplement.
Ask an Acupuncturist
Question: Could acupuncture help shin splints? I am a 70-year-old woman who exercises nearly every day on the treadmill and stationary bike. For the last 5 months, I have been having pain with exercising, which appears to be shin splints. I have had x-rays, etc, and nothing shows up. I have also had treatments with a chiropractor. It will seem to be better and then get worse. I really miss exercising.
Answer: It is quite likely acupuncture treatment can help to relieve your pain. There are questions about it the acupuncturist will ask you to know more about it. In general, you would have ten or twelve treatments to find out how you are able to respond.
Severe menstrual cramps, otherwise known as primary dysmenorrhea, is one of the most common gynecological complaints. It can affect as many as half of young women.
A recent study in the British Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology might have an answer for this painful disorder in the form of acupuncture treatments. A group of Korean researchers looked at 27 studies done on acupuncture for dysmenorrhea, which involved a total of 3,000 women.
By comparing findings, they determined "promising evidence" for the use of acupuncture to treat dysmenorrhea, as compared to either herbal or pharmacological medicine.
For more information on the many benefits of Oriental medicine, visit http://www.acupuncturetoday.com
Reference: Cho S-H, Hwang E-W. Acupuncture for primary dysmenorrhoea: a systematic review. BJOG 2010 Feb 17 [Epub ahead of print].
Herb of the Month - Lepidium Seed (ting li zi)
Also known as pepperweed and tansy mustard, lepidium is an annual plant, which grows to a height of 18 inches and bears feather-like leaves and white flowers. The plant grows in the Hebei and Liaoning provinces of China. The entire plant is harvested in the summer and dried in the sun. After drying out, the seeds are collected for use in herbal remedies.
In traditional Chinese medicine, lepidium seed has bitter, pungent and cold properties, and is associated with the Lung and Urinary Bladder meridians. Among the conditions lepidium seed is used to treat are asthma, edema and pleurisy. It can also be used to treat abdominal distention and dry mouth. Lepidium seed is often used with zizyphus and rhubarb.
The typical dose of lepidium seed is between 3 and 9 grams, boiled in water and taken as a decoction. It is often mixed with honey. Whole, dried lepidium seeds can be found at most Asian markets and specialty stores. Some herbal shops also sell lepidium seed powder, which can be mixed into herbal decoctions.
Some side effects have been noted in patients taking large amounts of lepidium seed, including nausea, vomiting, increased heart rate and lowered blood pressure. As a result, it should not be taken before consulting with a licensed health care provider. As always, make sure to speak with a qualified health care practitioner before taking lepidium seed or any other herbal remedy or dietary supplement.
Ask an Acupuncturist
Question: Could acupuncture help shin splints? I am a 70-year-old woman who exercises nearly every day on the treadmill and stationary bike. For the last 5 months, I have been having pain with exercising, which appears to be shin splints. I have had x-rays, etc, and nothing shows up. I have also had treatments with a chiropractor. It will seem to be better and then get worse. I really miss exercising.
Answer: It is quite likely acupuncture treatment can help to relieve your pain. There are questions about it the acupuncturist will ask you to know more about it. In general, you would have ten or twelve treatments to find out how you are able to respond.
Is Acupuncture Safe for My Child?
Many people are aware of the benefits of acupuncture and what it can do to increase the balance inside our body and to give us an overall sense of well-being. What many people are unsure of, however, is if acupuncture treatments are safe for children or not. It would stand to reason that the same things that are of benefit to us as adults will be of benefit to our children. The fact of the matter is, acupuncture is used in children for a variety of different reasons and has been shown to give some benefits to them. What are some of these benefits?
Children tend to experience a lot of things that we no longer experience whenever we reach adulthood. The hormonal changes that are going through our body, especially during adolescence tend to throw it into a turmoil. By taking us out of our natural state which should be balanced, it throws us into an area of imbalance that can affect us in a number of different ways. Problems such as acne, mood swings and the difficulty in concentrating are only some of the signs that our body is no longer in balance. Acupuncture treatments may be able to help to restore this balance to your children.
Many people are concerned about acupuncture, not out of something that they know but out of something that they do not know. Even though this process is becoming more and more accepted in the Western world, there is still a lot of mystery that surrounds it. What can you do as a parent in order to help your child to go through the procedure without being nervous over the procedure itself? Even as adults, some of us are concerned and have a natural fear of needles because of the pain that they tend to inflict.
The best thing that you can do for your child is to inform them about acupuncture and let them know that it actually does not hurt at all. Of course, on their initial visit they will speak to the doctor and he will inform them about what is going to happen during the treatment. Typically, the fear that they are experiencing soon disappears whenever the initial treatment takes place.
Acupuncture can help your child in a number of different ways. By bringing their young bodies back into balance, it can improve their health and get rid of a lot of the problems that are indicative of youth.
Many people are aware of the benefits of acupuncture and what it can do to increase the balance inside our body and to give us an overall sense of well-being. What many people are unsure of, however, is if acupuncture treatments are safe for children or not. It would stand to reason that the same things that are of benefit to us as adults will be of benefit to our children. The fact of the matter is, acupuncture is used in children for a variety of different reasons and has been shown to give some benefits to them. What are some of these benefits?
Children tend to experience a lot of things that we no longer experience whenever we reach adulthood. The hormonal changes that are going through our body, especially during adolescence tend to throw it into a turmoil. By taking us out of our natural state which should be balanced, it throws us into an area of imbalance that can affect us in a number of different ways. Problems such as acne, mood swings and the difficulty in concentrating are only some of the signs that our body is no longer in balance. Acupuncture treatments may be able to help to restore this balance to your children.
Many people are concerned about acupuncture, not out of something that they know but out of something that they do not know. Even though this process is becoming more and more accepted in the Western world, there is still a lot of mystery that surrounds it. What can you do as a parent in order to help your child to go through the procedure without being nervous over the procedure itself? Even as adults, some of us are concerned and have a natural fear of needles because of the pain that they tend to inflict.
The best thing that you can do for your child is to inform them about acupuncture and let them know that it actually does not hurt at all. Of course, on their initial visit they will speak to the doctor and he will inform them about what is going to happen during the treatment. Typically, the fear that they are experiencing soon disappears whenever the initial treatment takes place.
Acupuncture can help your child in a number of different ways. By bringing their young bodies back into balance, it can improve their health and get rid of a lot of the problems that are indicative of youth.
Monday, April 12, 2010
What Is Acupuncture, Anyway?
It doesn't matter how popular a natural medical technique becomes, there will always be some mystery that surrounds it. This is especially true in cases such as with acupuncture where the treatment itself is steeped in ancient medical customs. If you're apprehensive about going through acupuncture treatments because you're unaware of what is involved, you may actually be surprised to find out exactly how westernized the practice has become. Let's take a look at acupuncture and find out what you can expect whenever you go in for your visit to the acupuncturist.
Acupuncture has been around for about 5000 years but it really has only become popular in the United States in the past couple of decades. It is increasing in popularity, however, and millions of people are introducing themselves to this natural way of healing on a yearly basis. The process of acupuncture has more to do with the energy that resides in all of us than with the actual inserting of needles. If the energy that is within our bodies is out of balance, it can be readjusted and put back into a balanced state through acupuncture.
According to traditional Chinese medicine, this energy, known as Chi, flows through all of us through about 14 different channels. If one of these channels should distribute this energy improperly, it can cause physical maladies that we experience such as pain or depression. The needles that are used by an acupuncturist stimulate these different channels and cause a free flow of energy to the area that is being affected.
Most people are nervous over the needles that are used, mainly because they are accustomed to being hurt by needles at the doctor's office. The fact of the matter is, the needles that are used during an acupuncture treatment are much smaller than those that can deliver vaccines to us. Whenever they are inserted into the skin, more often than not, nothing is felt at all. If there is some pain, it is very slight and goes away quickly.
The best thing that you can do for yourself if you're apprehensive about visiting an acupuncturist is to go in for an initial consultation. You will see that they are not some kind of weird doctor but they are actually in the medical profession and willing to help you medically. By talking to them face to face, you will no doubt find the confidence that you need in order to go ahead with the treatment.
It doesn't matter how popular a natural medical technique becomes, there will always be some mystery that surrounds it. This is especially true in cases such as with acupuncture where the treatment itself is steeped in ancient medical customs. If you're apprehensive about going through acupuncture treatments because you're unaware of what is involved, you may actually be surprised to find out exactly how westernized the practice has become. Let's take a look at acupuncture and find out what you can expect whenever you go in for your visit to the acupuncturist.
Acupuncture has been around for about 5000 years but it really has only become popular in the United States in the past couple of decades. It is increasing in popularity, however, and millions of people are introducing themselves to this natural way of healing on a yearly basis. The process of acupuncture has more to do with the energy that resides in all of us than with the actual inserting of needles. If the energy that is within our bodies is out of balance, it can be readjusted and put back into a balanced state through acupuncture.
According to traditional Chinese medicine, this energy, known as Chi, flows through all of us through about 14 different channels. If one of these channels should distribute this energy improperly, it can cause physical maladies that we experience such as pain or depression. The needles that are used by an acupuncturist stimulate these different channels and cause a free flow of energy to the area that is being affected.
Most people are nervous over the needles that are used, mainly because they are accustomed to being hurt by needles at the doctor's office. The fact of the matter is, the needles that are used during an acupuncture treatment are much smaller than those that can deliver vaccines to us. Whenever they are inserted into the skin, more often than not, nothing is felt at all. If there is some pain, it is very slight and goes away quickly.
The best thing that you can do for yourself if you're apprehensive about visiting an acupuncturist is to go in for an initial consultation. You will see that they are not some kind of weird doctor but they are actually in the medical profession and willing to help you medically. By talking to them face to face, you will no doubt find the confidence that you need in order to go ahead with the treatment.
Friday, April 09, 2010
Boosting Your Fertility through Acupuncture
It can be a very difficult thing when you're having trouble conceiving a child. Many married couples have experienced a lot of stress in their marriage over the disappointment of months going by without conception taking place. Perhaps you have gone to a fertility clinic and have found out that one if you is not producing the way that they should in order to have a child. Many different medical techniques may have been brought to your attention but something that you may have not considered is going through acupuncture in order to boost your fertility. How can he do this?
According to traditional Chinese medicine, the entire body is innerlinked through an energy source that is known as Chi. This energy flows through all of us and when it is in a balanced state, we enjoy good health and an overall sense of well-being. If this energy should get out of balance in some way, it can affect us in a number of different ways. Through the use of acupuncture, an acupuncturist is able to bring the body back into a balance condition where this energy can flow freely through us. Not only can this help us with various physical maladies, it may also be able to boost our fertility.
The reason why this is the case is because whenever our body is in balance, everything is in balance with it. From the way that we think to the way that we react all the way down to the amount of sperm or eggs that are produced in us as individuals. If we allow the free flow of energy to go through our body and put ourselves in a balance condition, we may find that our odds of conceiving a child increased greatly. As a matter of fact, in some studies done with those going through in vitro fertilization, a 10% increase in the rate of conception was realized through the use of acupuncture.
Before you try a medical treatment that may be costly and harm your body in some way, you might want to give acupuncture a try. It is a relatively safe and natural way for you to increase your fertility and the possibility of you conceiving a child naturally. Not only that, but it can help you to deal with any disappointment by giving you peace of mind.
It can be a very difficult thing when you're having trouble conceiving a child. Many married couples have experienced a lot of stress in their marriage over the disappointment of months going by without conception taking place. Perhaps you have gone to a fertility clinic and have found out that one if you is not producing the way that they should in order to have a child. Many different medical techniques may have been brought to your attention but something that you may have not considered is going through acupuncture in order to boost your fertility. How can he do this?
According to traditional Chinese medicine, the entire body is innerlinked through an energy source that is known as Chi. This energy flows through all of us and when it is in a balanced state, we enjoy good health and an overall sense of well-being. If this energy should get out of balance in some way, it can affect us in a number of different ways. Through the use of acupuncture, an acupuncturist is able to bring the body back into a balance condition where this energy can flow freely through us. Not only can this help us with various physical maladies, it may also be able to boost our fertility.
The reason why this is the case is because whenever our body is in balance, everything is in balance with it. From the way that we think to the way that we react all the way down to the amount of sperm or eggs that are produced in us as individuals. If we allow the free flow of energy to go through our body and put ourselves in a balance condition, we may find that our odds of conceiving a child increased greatly. As a matter of fact, in some studies done with those going through in vitro fertilization, a 10% increase in the rate of conception was realized through the use of acupuncture.
Before you try a medical treatment that may be costly and harm your body in some way, you might want to give acupuncture a try. It is a relatively safe and natural way for you to increase your fertility and the possibility of you conceiving a child naturally. Not only that, but it can help you to deal with any disappointment by giving you peace of mind.
Wednesday, April 07, 2010
Can Acupuncture Improve the Outcome of IVF?
After several months of not being able to conceive a child, John and Linda became discouraged and ended up finding themselves arguing over small things because of their disappointment. After going to a fertility clinic, and they realized that because of infertility problems, one of the only options for them ever to conceive is by using in vitro fertilization. Although very costly and somewhat painful, this particular treatment did hold out hope for them to have a child of their own that they would bring into the world. Not wanting to lose any possibility of actually conceiving the child through in vitro fertilization, they also look to the possibility of adding acupuncture to their treatment process.
Acupuncture has been used for many thousands of years and has its roots in traditional Chinese medicine. Since coming to the United States, however, and gaining in popularity, this process has helped people to do a number of different things in regards to their health. It is used for those who are undergoing surgery and sometimes is administered even during the surgery itself. Many other problems that we face as humans can also be controlled with use of acupuncture to one degree or another.
One thing that acupuncture has been used for and has actually gone through testing is for increasing a person's fertility rate. As a matter of fact, in a controlled study those that went through in vitro fertilization along with acupuncture had a 10% greater chance of conceiving a child than those that did not have acupuncture. Those are amazing results and according to those, you may be able to increase your odds as well. This can be especially comforting considering what you have to go through in order to have an IVF in the first place.
Acupuncture has even been shown to increase the natural fertility that people have and may increase their odds of conceiving a child even without the use of in vitro fertilization. If you are already dealing with IVF, however, using acupuncture may help you to bring about the natural balance state within your body and to conceive a child with the help of medical science. Although it is not a 100% guaranteed cure, even a 10% increase in the success rate is well worth the effort considering all that you get out of treatments through acupuncture.
After several months of not being able to conceive a child, John and Linda became discouraged and ended up finding themselves arguing over small things because of their disappointment. After going to a fertility clinic, and they realized that because of infertility problems, one of the only options for them ever to conceive is by using in vitro fertilization. Although very costly and somewhat painful, this particular treatment did hold out hope for them to have a child of their own that they would bring into the world. Not wanting to lose any possibility of actually conceiving the child through in vitro fertilization, they also look to the possibility of adding acupuncture to their treatment process.
Acupuncture has been used for many thousands of years and has its roots in traditional Chinese medicine. Since coming to the United States, however, and gaining in popularity, this process has helped people to do a number of different things in regards to their health. It is used for those who are undergoing surgery and sometimes is administered even during the surgery itself. Many other problems that we face as humans can also be controlled with use of acupuncture to one degree or another.
One thing that acupuncture has been used for and has actually gone through testing is for increasing a person's fertility rate. As a matter of fact, in a controlled study those that went through in vitro fertilization along with acupuncture had a 10% greater chance of conceiving a child than those that did not have acupuncture. Those are amazing results and according to those, you may be able to increase your odds as well. This can be especially comforting considering what you have to go through in order to have an IVF in the first place.
Acupuncture has even been shown to increase the natural fertility that people have and may increase their odds of conceiving a child even without the use of in vitro fertilization. If you are already dealing with IVF, however, using acupuncture may help you to bring about the natural balance state within your body and to conceive a child with the help of medical science. Although it is not a 100% guaranteed cure, even a 10% increase in the success rate is well worth the effort considering all that you get out of treatments through acupuncture.
Monday, April 05, 2010
Acupuncture at the Dentist
Acupuncture has been used for thousands of years as a way to both restore and maintain our health and a balance within our bodies. According to Chinese medicine, we all have an energy that flows through our body which is generally referred to as Chi. as long as this energy is flowing freely, we enjoy a balanced life and good health along with an overall sense of well-being. If it should happen to get out of balance, however, we can experience all kinds of troubles that range from headaches and depression to life changing diseases.
One interesting way in which acupuncture has been used is for pain control at the dentist. It has also been shown to reduce our nervousness whenever we are sitting in the dentist chair. At times, acupuncture is provided for us in advance in order to prepare our bodies for dental surgery and at other times it is given to us while we are actually sitting in the chair so that we are relaxed and not feeling the nervousness that we may be feeling otherwise.
It's not only in going to the dentist where we feel the benefits of acupuncture; many procedures involve acupuncture either before, during or after the surgery actually takes place. Not only does it help in managing the pain and reducing the amount of pain medication that the person typically needs to take but it also helps with side effects of the surgery such as nausea and may even reduce the recovery time necessary from a surgical procedure.
Dental surgery can be very invasive and most of us are nervous about going to the dentist anyway. That is why many have turned to acupuncture and keep an acupuncturist on staff in order to administer treatments whenever we go in for any dental work at all. Even though not all dentists have embraced acupuncture as a way of treating their patients, many do so and it is not difficult to find a combination of the two.
Not only can it help us to overcome surgery and problems in the dentist chair, it also can help us in all areas of our life. By returning us to the balance that we are to have naturally, we enjoy a healthier life that emanates from within. If you use acupuncture along with other natural treatments, you would be surprised at how far these natural methods can take you.
Acupuncture has been used for thousands of years as a way to both restore and maintain our health and a balance within our bodies. According to Chinese medicine, we all have an energy that flows through our body which is generally referred to as Chi. as long as this energy is flowing freely, we enjoy a balanced life and good health along with an overall sense of well-being. If it should happen to get out of balance, however, we can experience all kinds of troubles that range from headaches and depression to life changing diseases.
One interesting way in which acupuncture has been used is for pain control at the dentist. It has also been shown to reduce our nervousness whenever we are sitting in the dentist chair. At times, acupuncture is provided for us in advance in order to prepare our bodies for dental surgery and at other times it is given to us while we are actually sitting in the chair so that we are relaxed and not feeling the nervousness that we may be feeling otherwise.
It's not only in going to the dentist where we feel the benefits of acupuncture; many procedures involve acupuncture either before, during or after the surgery actually takes place. Not only does it help in managing the pain and reducing the amount of pain medication that the person typically needs to take but it also helps with side effects of the surgery such as nausea and may even reduce the recovery time necessary from a surgical procedure.
Dental surgery can be very invasive and most of us are nervous about going to the dentist anyway. That is why many have turned to acupuncture and keep an acupuncturist on staff in order to administer treatments whenever we go in for any dental work at all. Even though not all dentists have embraced acupuncture as a way of treating their patients, many do so and it is not difficult to find a combination of the two.
Not only can it help us to overcome surgery and problems in the dentist chair, it also can help us in all areas of our life. By returning us to the balance that we are to have naturally, we enjoy a healthier life that emanates from within. If you use acupuncture along with other natural treatments, you would be surprised at how far these natural methods can take you.
Friday, April 02, 2010
Will Acupuncture Cure Me?
With any kind of natural medicine, there is always some question as to whether it will be effective in your case. Of course, it all depends on how well founded your particular treatment is and what you're trying to cure. Although very little has been studied scientifically about natural cures, there are some that have been shown to work from a medical standpoint. One of these is the use of acupuncture, an ancient Chinese medical treatment that manipulates the energy in our body to our benefit.
Many people are concerned about going for acupuncture for one reason or another. One of the main causes of concern is because some consider it just to be a passing fad or something that is done and only helps those that are actually weak in mind. Let me put your mind at ease about something, acupuncture has been around for thousands of years even though it has only been popular in the United States for a few decades. Because of its growing popularity, some studies have been performed which help to show exactly what is behind acupuncture and whether or not it works.
It is difficult to actually test something like acupuncture because of the difficulty of putting in a control group. Administering acupuncture poorly can be damaging and is often difficult to do. Therefore, having a control group is somewhat out of the question as far as acupuncture is concerned. What scientists have been able to do, however, is to measure the amount of energy and blood flow that are going to particular areas of our body. Whenever acupuncture is administered, the areas of the body that are to be affected actually do show an increase in blood flow and energy levels. This goes to show you that there is actually something behind the practice itself.
Of course, any good acupuncturist will be quick to tell you that it is only part of the full equation. If you really want to bring your body into a naturally balance state, you will need to do several things that include supplementation, getting some exercise and acupuncture. Once your body is balance, it will be in a better position to be able to fight off the disease or problem that you are experiencing as a result of the imbalance. So can acupuncture cure you? If used properly, it can be part of the equation.
With any kind of natural medicine, there is always some question as to whether it will be effective in your case. Of course, it all depends on how well founded your particular treatment is and what you're trying to cure. Although very little has been studied scientifically about natural cures, there are some that have been shown to work from a medical standpoint. One of these is the use of acupuncture, an ancient Chinese medical treatment that manipulates the energy in our body to our benefit.
Many people are concerned about going for acupuncture for one reason or another. One of the main causes of concern is because some consider it just to be a passing fad or something that is done and only helps those that are actually weak in mind. Let me put your mind at ease about something, acupuncture has been around for thousands of years even though it has only been popular in the United States for a few decades. Because of its growing popularity, some studies have been performed which help to show exactly what is behind acupuncture and whether or not it works.
It is difficult to actually test something like acupuncture because of the difficulty of putting in a control group. Administering acupuncture poorly can be damaging and is often difficult to do. Therefore, having a control group is somewhat out of the question as far as acupuncture is concerned. What scientists have been able to do, however, is to measure the amount of energy and blood flow that are going to particular areas of our body. Whenever acupuncture is administered, the areas of the body that are to be affected actually do show an increase in blood flow and energy levels. This goes to show you that there is actually something behind the practice itself.
Of course, any good acupuncturist will be quick to tell you that it is only part of the full equation. If you really want to bring your body into a naturally balance state, you will need to do several things that include supplementation, getting some exercise and acupuncture. Once your body is balance, it will be in a better position to be able to fight off the disease or problem that you are experiencing as a result of the imbalance. So can acupuncture cure you? If used properly, it can be part of the equation.
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