Past Spotlights

Other conditions treatable with Medical Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Herbal medicine

Allergies, hay fever, and sinusitis
Tonification for the change of seasons
Colds and flu
Sports injuries
Headaches
Gastrointestinal Disease

Allergies, hay fever, and sinusitis

Allergies, hay fever, and sinusitis are relatively benign conditions but can adversely affect our daily lives. Treatment with antihistamines can be effective but are accompanied by side effects such as drowsiness and unfavorable medication interactions.

Acupuncture is often helpful in stimulating the immune system and reducing the sinus inflammation. Traditional Chinese Herbal Medicine views the allergy response as an "invasion of wind" and "accumulation of dampness". Treatment is directed at both the Root, and the Manifestation. Root pathology may involve deficiency of the Lung and Kidney energetic sphere of influence. The Manifestation may involve "wind-cold" (white watery discharge) and "wind heat" (redness, itchiness, and possibly yellow sputum).

ACUPUNCTURE TONIFICATION FOR THE CHANGE OF SEASONS

Traditional Chinese Medicine recognizes five elements: Fire, Earth, Metal, Water, and Wood. Each season of the year is associated with an element. Summer with Fire, Fall with Metal, Winter with Water, and Spring with Wood. The Earth element is the neutral pivot along which the seasonal cycle unfolds.

At the end of each season the energy of the elements goes back to Earth, the center, for regeneration. Therefore, tonification of the Spleen and Stomach (the organs associated with Earth) is important at the change of seasons, particularly at the end of Winter, to facilitate regeneration of energy consumed during the dark cold months.

Medical acupuncture and tradition chinese herbal medicine for the treament of colds and flu

The common cold and influenza are viral infections of the upper respiratory tract. Pharyngitis (sore throat) and some forms of bronchitis may be caused by bacteria. Medical treatment with antiviral and antibiotic medication may only partially treat the condition. After a course of medication one may continue to have a variety of lingering symptoms.

In Chinese Medicine these upper respiratory infections are seen as "invasions of exterior Wind". "Wind" refers to a complex of signs and symptoms manifesting as "Wind-Cold" or "Wind Heat". Wind-Cold often presents with light fever, aversion to cold, white nasal discharge and severe body aches, whereas Wind-Heat may present with a high fever and light body aches, yellow nasal discharge, and slight sweating.

Medical Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Herbal Medicine can be quite effective in the treatment of these conditions. If the treatment is initiated during the first 24-48 hours, the illness may be prevented. For lingering symptoms after treatment with antibiotic or antiviral medication, often one or two treatments are sufficient to resolve the condition.

ACUPUNCTURE treatment of summer sports injuries

The summer season allows us a substantial opportunity to be out doors and increase our level of activity. Medical acupuncture can be extremely useful in treating the minor injuries that may occur during this period. Joint sprains, muscle strains, tendonitis and bursitis, and even sunburn and insect bites are within the list of conditions that are treatable with acupuncture. Traditional Chinese Herbal medications, both oral and topical, are also useful in this setting.

In some cases it may be important to follow-up Medical Acupuncture treatment with a physical therapy program. Feldenkrais Method®, Body-Mind Centering®, and Trager Technique® are powerful and sophisticated methods of body therapy and movement re-education. Our office is proud to have a staff of Physical and Occupational Therapists who are certified to practice these techniques.

MEDICAL ACUPUNCTURE AND TRADITIONAL CHINESE HERBAL MEDICINE FOR THE TREATMENT OF HEADACHES

Sinus problems, migraines, tension, arthritis of the neck, and post-concussion syndrome are well known types of headache. Studies in the medical literature suggest that acupuncture can help to relieve headaches. Acupuncture is useful in clearing the sinuses, regulating blood flow, decreasing muscle tension, regulating sleep, and calming the spirit.

Traditional Chinese Herbal medicine explains the source of headaches using terms such as "Liver Yang Rising" and "Qi stagnation". Initially this is difficult to conceptualize. These concepts help tie together the symptoms that are often associated with headaches such as dizziness, ringing in the ears, insomnia, irritability, indigestion with gas and bloating.

MEDICAL ACUPUNCTURE AND TRADITIONAL CHINESE HERBAL MEDICINE FOR THE TREATMENT OF GASTOINTESTINAL DISEASE

Patients seeking treatment for digestive disorders are often relieved to find that the results of the medical evaluation do not reveal any serious underlying condition. Frustration follows when effective treatment is not offered for the symptoms that led to the visit to the doctor. These conditions may include constipation, diarrhea, irritable bowel syndrome, globus sensation ("lump in the throat"), gastroesophageal reflux or "GERD", acute and chronic hemorrhoids, and acute and chronic gastritis.

Other diagnoses such as chronic hepatitis and inflammatory bowel disease, are more serious and require active medical management, which may effectively control the disease but not the accompanying symptoms.

Medical Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Herbal Medicine can be useful in these conditions.