Do you suffer from poor posture? Whether you’re sitting down at a desk, standing, walking or running, you should focus on maintaining your body’s natural position. This means keeping your head and neck up while avoiding slouching or slumping. The good news is that you can reverse the effects of poor posture by following some simple steps.
Some of the physiological problems linked to poor posture include: continue reading
The Cleveland Clinic published a wonderful piece about the myths associated with acupuncture. It is fantastic to see “mainstream” medicine giving a much deserved nod to the community of alternative medicines.
Traditionally, Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture are not considered “alternative” care – it’s conjunctive care. Our clinic practices an Integrative approach to medicine, utilizing the compliment of care available.
What myths did you believe before you tried acupuncture?
Needles? Ouch! And 9 Other Acupuncture Myths
Test your knowledge about this ancient medical art
There are a lot of misconceptions about acupuncture, but the truth is that this practice has been around for more than 3,500 years and provides relief to people around the world.
Below, find ten of the most common myths about acupuncture:
Myth 1: Acupuncture hurts — after all, we’re talking needles
Fact: Although we use needles, they are very slender and fine (about the size of a cat whisker). You may or may not feel an initial prick, sometimes described as a mosquito bite. Any discomfort will either fade on its own or ease up as your acupuncturist adjusts the needles. You should experience a Qi (pronounced “chee”) sensation, often described as heaviness, throbbing or an electrical sensation. That’s your body’s healing energy doing its work
Myth 2: Acupuncture is ancient folk medicine; no legitimate healthcare professional would recommend it
Fact: Acupuncture is a treatment option that many medical institutions recommend. Even the United States military uses acupuncture. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) funds many clinical research trials on acupuncture. Both the NIH and the World Health Organization (WHO) recognize acupuncture as a valid treatment for a wide range of conditions.
Myth 3: Most people who use, or practice, acupuncture are into ‘New Age’ healing
Fact: On the contrary, you probably have a friend, coworker or neighbor who receives acupuncturetreatments.
Myth 4: Acupuncture may conflict with medication, physical therapy and other ‘mainstream’ conventional medical treatments
Fact: There is no conflict between acupuncture and conventional medicine; they complement one another. Acupuncture works nicely as an adjunct to your conventional treatment plan.
Myth 5: Acupuncture is only useful in treating pain
Fact: It’s true that acupuncture helps relieve joint pain, including knee pain; back pain; headache; stomach pain and menstrual cramps. However, acupuncture is also used to treat nausea/vomiting, chemotherapy side effects, morning sickness, hypertension (high blood pressure), allergies, depression, infertility and other conditions.
Myth 6: Acupuncture has a lot of side effects and you’ll need time off work
Fact: Acupuncture has few to no side effects. After your acupuncture session, you can usually carry on with your day without any restrictions.
Myth 7: Acupuncture’s effects are psychological. It doesn’t really do anything
Fact: Acupuncture and its effects are far from psychological. Studies show that during acupuncture, our brains begin to release chemicals such as endorphins (natural painkillers) Acupuncture also has an anti-inflammatory effect and helps people’s immune system.
Myth 8: Once you start acupuncture, you’ll always need acupuncture
Fact: For most conditions, acupuncturists strive to improve your main problem so you do not have to return for more treatment. For chronic conditions, some people stay on a maintenance schedule, however, such as returning once a month, because acupuncture continues to help.
Myth 9: If you do not see results in one or two treatments, then you’re unlikely to benefit from acupuncture
Fact: The response to acupuncture is always an individual one. Some people respond quickly — within one, two or three treatments. Others need a full course of eight to 10 treatments. Acupuncture’s effects are cumulative, building with each treatment, so the acupuncturist will assess its effects after you complete a full series of treatments. Acupuncturists use a variety of styles and techniques, so if you do not see results with one clinician, seek out another acupuncturist.
Myth 10: You’ll need a doctor’s referral or a prescription for acupuncture
Fact: Guidelines vary by state. In the state of Ohio, you do not need a doctor’s referral or prescription for acupuncture but a physician should perform a diagnostic exam for the condition you plan to treat. It is important you seek out a qualified and medically licensed acupuncturist before starting any course of treatment.
You are what you eat is an adage that holds more truth than you may realize. Unfortunately, many people today focus their diet around processed foods that are high in sugar, sodium and fat. Diets such as this can increase a person’s risk of developing diabetes, heart disease, obesity, and more. You can protect your body and health against such illnesses, however, by eating lean meats, fresh vegetables, and by adding the following “superfoods” to your diet.
This edible stalky plant of the cabbage family is loaded in potassium, vitamin B-6, vitamin C magnesium, and calcium. Scientists believes broccoli’s phytochemicals – organic chemical compounds which occur naturally – are able to aid in skin health, regulate blood sugar levels, strengthen the immune system, and ward off joint inflammation. continue reading
Acupuncture involves the placement of thin sterilized needles to stimulate various acupoints throughout the body. The stimulation of these areas is believed to correct imbalances and blockages in the body by promoting the healthy flow of energy (known as qi – pronounced CHEE).
The thought of having half a dozen or more tiny needles sticking into your skin when you’re pregnant, might sound frightening. However, it’s actually a safe, painless, straightforward procedure that can treat a number of adverse symptoms associated with pregnancy. continue reading
Food allergies shouldn’t prevent you from dining out with your friends and family. Unfortunately, though, many people with food allergies resort to cooking their own meals to reduce the risk of an adverse reaction. From dairy and nuts to gluten (wheat-based protein) and shellfish, there are certain foods that people must avoid to prevent adverse reactions. continue reading
The CDC lists the No. 1 killer of men in America as heart disease. Statistics show that 1 in 4 men over 40 will suffer from a cardiac event at some point in their life. Knowing how to prevent heart disease is just as important as knowing the signs of a cardiac event.
1. 
Routine Exams. Work with your physician to monitor your cholesterol, your blood pressure, and your inflammatory markers. I recommend working with Laboratory companies like Atherotech to check lipids. Basic lipid panels (BLPs) are inaccurate and inadequate at assessing residual risk in all patient
Diet. A heart healthy diet is something that we’ve been chasing for decades within our country. The truth in the research is that the best food is real, unprocessed, and natural. Eating grassed, organic meats, seasonal vegetables, and local fruits will keep your body healthy and balanced. The inflammation that comes from processed foods directly impacts coronary health
Exercise. We all know we need to exercise more. Changing little habits to make our sedentary lives more active will have a profound effect on your cardiac health. Try to incorporate 3-4 hours a week of walking, jogging, biking, and weight training into your routine. Walking for 15 minutes every lunch break will easily chip away at that goal of 4 hours of added exercise a week.
5. De-Stress.
Quality sleep goes a long way in disease prevention and rehabilitation. Shooting for 8 uninterrupted hours of sleep is great goal though there isn’t a magic number for everyone. Sleep requirements vary based on age, disease, stress, and activity levels. Paying attention to your body and having good sleep habits are important in health and wellness.
Stress from day-to-day life can have an extremely negative impact on our health, emotionally, mentally, and physically as well. Long-term or extreme stress can result in frequent or chronic headaches, muscle aches, sleeplessness, anxiety, fatigue, depression, etc. All of these problems only present even more problems to our health and overall well-being. How can we prevent stress from our everyday lives from becoming a much larger problem in our lives?
In the interest of being helpful, I have compiled my favorite 3 tips to easily alleviate your stress, hopefully to the benefit of many individuals suffering from stress-related ailments in their lives. continue reading
One of the vexing aspects of the approach of summer is how you can obtain your “swimsuit body.” While the winter months, especially around the holidays, are a time for putting on some weight, the summer months are reserved for strenuous activity, especially on the beach. continue reading
People who suffer from regular migraines know what it feels like to be in pain. Many people just look for any over-the-counter medication to help take the edge off. Others go to a neurologist for consultation and advice and prescription pills. What if a migraine could be effectively treated without the need for pills or costly specialist visits? The good news for migraine sufferers is that acupuncture has been found to treat migraines, and is an affordable and worthy alternative to medicines and other potential treatment plans. continue reading
The results of a recent study conducted at the University of Otago, in New Zealand, indicate that eating kiwifruit can make one feel better. This is accomplished in two ways: energy is increased and mood is improved. Over a period of six weeks, 54 young and healthy university students consumed kiwis on a daily basis. The study participants were split into two groups. The men in one group ate only half a kiwifruit each day, while everyone in the other group ate two kiwis per day. The researchers concluded that those who ate two kiwis per day experienced less fatigue (due to increased energy) and less depression than the other group. continue reading
