Thursday, May 21, 2009

Quit Smoking with Acupuncture


Congratulations!
If you're reading this, you are on your way to kicking the habit and becoming smoke-free and healthier. Every year. more than 3 million Americans try to quit smoking, but only half of them succeed. with the help of acupuncture you have a greater chance of success!
Most experts agree that quit smoking is the single most important thing you can do for your health. More than 25 diseases are associated with tobacco use, including cancer of the lungs, bladder, mouth, larynx, pharynx, esophagus, pancreas, kidney, uterus and cervix. smoking also raises the chances of developing emphysema and increases the risk of having a stroke by 30%.
There is plenty of incentive to quit, but it isn't necessarily easy. The good news is that acupuncture has helped millions of people to kick the smoking habit.
How acupuncture can help.
Some of the largest stumbling blocks to becoming smoke-free are the stress, anxiety, and depression associated with quitting. fortunately, acupuncture treatment is quite successful at calming and relaxing the mind, reducing anxiety, an alleviating depressive feelings. Specific acupoints may be included that help suppress your appetite, stimulate repair and healing of organ systems, and reduce food and nicotine cravings.
More than just kicking the habit.
Using acupuncture to quit smoking yields enormous benefits. Aside from taking care of the stumbling blocks that cause you to resume the habit, acupuncture can help restore your body to a healthy state of balance and well-being. if you are ready to become smoke-free, acupuncture can provide you with the support you need.
* drink plenty of filtered water during the process
* Eat balanced, healthy meals with a variety of vegetables and fruits.
* Refrain from sugar, which can cause further sugar cravings
* Manage your cravings. they will actually fade within a few minutes. when cravings arise, distract yourself. Before you know it, the craving will have passed.
* Scrub your skin with a dry brush or loofa to facilitate the cleansing process and help blood circulation. Take daily bath and showers.
* avoid spending time with smokers, so that you are less tempted to smoke.
* Take a walk outside and take deep breaths. Upon exhale, gently place your teeth together and exhale with the sound of "sssss". this sound stimulates the lungs, for healing.
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Acupuncture and Depression


Depression can be debilitating for those who experience it.
Prolonged feelings of sadness, discouragement and hopelessness greatly affect the quality of life.
at on time or another, most of us have experienced some form of depression. it's healthy response to events in our lives that seems overwhelming. when we are balanced, physically and emotionally, we can easily bounce back from a depressed, sad state and move on with our lives. but, when negative feelings and emotions become persistent and consistent, depression ma set in.
today, more than 28 million Americans are taking antidepressant and anti-anxiety drugs, In 1998, doctors wrote more that 130 million prescriptions for antidepressant. according to the Physicians desk Reference, the top antidepressants drugs only address signs and symptoms associated with depression, and can cause a variety of side effects, including, and not limited to, insomnia, anxiety, listlessness, fatigue, body rash, tremors, facial tics, diarrhea, loss of appetite and sexual dysfunction. Depression alone is stressful enough on the body-and while medications may provide temporary relief, they can further compromise our health.
How can acupuncture help?
Acupuncture has thousands of years experience in treating depression. not only can they help to alleviate the signs and symptoms accompanying depression, they can address the root causes and underlying imbalances that have contributed to the problem, safely and naturally.
acupuncturists are aware of the powerful interplay between our body and emotions-the two are inseparable. When we experience emotional upset, our internal environment becomes disrupted. Likewise, when we experience physical problems, our emotions can become greatly affected.
Over time, this disruption leads to what an acupuncturist calls "stagnant or depressed Qi" This diagnosis is unique to acupuncture. Eventually, it can cause a disharmony within our body, affecting our physical and emotional well-being. if not properly treated, this imbalance may lead to depression.
What will an acupuncturist do?
an acupuncture doctor will take a complete health history in order to find out where, why, and how Qi got stagnant or depressed. They will develop a unique treatment plan tailored to specific symptoms and signs of each individual.
The goals of such a plan will be to activate the movement of Qi throughout the entire body, s well as to address the root causes and underlying imbalances. by treating the body as a whole and unique organism, acupuncture care can support recovery from illness and disease toward health and wholeness.
* acupuncture is not a magical bullet. you may need to receive weeks or months of treatment in order to see lasting results. Give yourself the time required so that you can experience the maximum benefits acupuncture have to offer.
surround yourself with people whom you trust to provide objective and unbiased input and insight. develop a support group of friends, loved ones, family and co-workers who can lend an ear and listen to you.
Breath, go slowly, and think things through. don't make too many life changes all at once. a few at a time will support you and not overwhelm your emotions.
Try to get at least 20 minutes of simple exercise at least 3 days per week, if not more. take a daily walk, breathe deeply and let it all go.
Remember, you are not alone. others are having similar experiences,
Smile:)

Acupuncture and Allergies


According to ancient theory, the symptoms and signs that indicate a diagnosis of allergies relate to imbalances in the meridian and organ system of the body. These imbalances may stem from a variety of causes, including stress, poor diet, constitutional weakness, pollutants and environmental toxins.
Over time, if imbalances remain within the body, they will affect the functions of the organ systems. some of these Organ systems are involved in the production of wei qi. according to the theories of acupuncture , it is important to have the correct quality and quantity of wei qi circulating around the body in order to stay healthy.
What is wei Qi?
The concept of wei Qi is similar to the immune system. wei Qi functions to protect and defend the body against foreign substances that if not caught can lead to allergies. when Wei Qi is strong and abundant, we remain healthy. When the supply of Wei Qi becomes inadequate, health is compromised and we become vulnerable to foreign invaders such as dust, mold, animal dander, bacteria, viruses and pollen.
Acupuncture support and strengthen the immune system of the body that are involved in the production of Wei Qi. By building up the supply of wei Qi, and facilitating the smooth and free flow of qi through the body, symptoms and signs related to allergies could be greatly reduced or eliminated.
What will acupuncture do?
An acupuncturist will conduct a through exam, taking a complete health history. They will then develop a unique treatment plan that will address your specific needs and concerns. the goals of the treatment plan will be to eliminate visible symptoms and signs, while addressing the root causes and underlying imbalances affecting the quality and quantity of Wei Qi.
acupuncture may be combined with herbals, homeopathy, dietary enhanges, massage (tiuna) or exercises. These therapies accelerate the healing process in order to balance, build and support the body's wei Qi. acupuncture is drug-free, safe and non-invasive, very effective way to eliminate hay-fever, allergies or common cold.

Acupuncture and Stress

Stress is natural nonspecific response of the body to the various demands we place upon it. However, stress is not necessarily negative. There is a distinction between healthy and unhealthy stress includes appropriate physical exercise, good eating habits, positive thinking, adequate rest, and a natural response to emergency situations. These stresses keep us alert and motivated, and support our body's strength and vitality. Unhealthy stress, such as negative emotions and thinking, overexertion, poor eating habits, lack of sleep, and chemical and environmental pollutants and toxins, challenge our health and can trigger physical and mental problems, particularly if they are experience over prolonged period of time.
In ancient times, our stress response, also known as our fight or flight response, provided is with energy to preserve life during difficult situations, such as an attack or threat by a wild animal. Today, we don't have to look much further than our windows, or computer screens, to view various forms of stressors-everything from prime time news and road rage, to the 40 hour work week, terrorism talk, and cell phones. all of these combine to send even the most serene people into a stressful frenzy.

Unfortunately, modern day stress frequently consist more of what we predecessors experienced. Over time this excess stress can actually be detrimental to our health. our body's natural response to stressful situations is to activate all available resources for survival, and to get us out of scary situations fast. However, with the increase in physical, emotional and mental stresses, our stress response gets 'locked in" resulting in the depletion of the body's resources.

even if the stresses are no longer present, the body continues to keep the stress response active. This result in the depletion of our nervous system, lymphatic organs (spleen, thymus, and lymph nodes), kidneys and adrenal glands, and can pave the way for a wide variety of symptoms and signs. Medical studies have shown that with increased and consistent stress, our white blood cells, which defend our body against viruses,, decrease. This decrease result in lower immune resistance, ultimately leading to physical disease and emotional instability.

There is Hope Practitioners of acupuncture have been helping people cope with stress for thousands of years. Along with treating symptoms and signs, physical and emotional symptoms are also treated with acupuncture One way that stress affects the body is by causing a depletion or blockage of qi, especially that of the Kidneys and adrenals.

Qi ("pronounced chee") is vital energy or power that animates and supports the functions of the body. it flows through specific pathways, called meridians, and provides nourishment for the entire body. When qi becomes "blocked" or the supply is inadequate, the body and organ systems become "stressed out" and our health is then compromised.
With acupuncture, herbals and homeopathy, the practitioner's job is to support and restore the integrity of the various organs affected and depleted by the stress response, along with evaluating the quality and quantity of qi.

Your acupuncturist may also suggest adjunct therapies to enhance treatment, and speed healing. Proper eating habits, as well as the use of exercises stretching, movement and meditation practices, support and promote a balanced and healthy body, mind and spirit.
acupuncture is safe, effective and provide a drug-free alternative for treatment of stress.
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Acupuncture and Fertility



The treatment of infertility with acupuncture and Chinese medicine dates back 2,000 years. These ancient time-tested techniques improve fertility rates and support a woman's whole body, unlocking unlimited potential for health, healing and childbearing.

A landmark study published in the medical journal Fertility & Sterility, found that acupuncture dramatically improves the chances of becoming pregnant when used in conjunction with other assisted reproductive techniques. researchers from Weill Cornell Medical Center, in New York, reviewed studies and concluded that acupuncture helps to:

1, Increase blood flow to the uterus, which improves the chances of an ovum implanting on the uterine wall.

2, Reduce anxiety, stress, and the hormones that are secreted during stressful situations that can significantly decrease fertility.


3, Normalize hormone and endocrine systems that regulate ovulation, especially in woman with polycystic ovarian syndrome.


4, Positively affect the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis, which plays a key role in fertility.


5, Regulate the menstrual cycle.


In a study published in Human Reproduction Journal, an ultrasound was used to evaluate blood flow to the uterus during acupuncture treatments. the study found blood flow increases during treatments. according to Dr. Nancy Snyderman, "When acupuncture needles are placed correctly, it affect the nervous system. The idea is that if you stimulate the nervous system, you can make the uterus quiet and allow blood flow" Relaxing the uterus and increasing blood flow allows for the successful implant of an embryo within the uterine lining.



Acupuncture and Chinese medicine can raise the fertility potential for women by affecting the quality, quantity, balance and flow of qi and blood. When qi (also called Life force/Energy) and blood are circulations freely throughout the body, every cell, tissue and organ is properly nourished and functioning well. when this occurs, a woman's health and fertility are increased.


According to the theories of acupuncture and Chinese medicine, infertility is caused by an imbalance of qi and blood affecting one or more organs systems;


Kidney Organ System, The release of an ovum is controlled by the Kidneys. The Kidneys also create a substance called Jing qi, which is required in order to have a healthy body, mind and pregnancy. if an imbalance exists within the Kidneys, Jing qi may be inadequate in supply and infertility may be a result. Chinese herbals and Homeopathy are used in concert with acupuncture, to support Jing qi and overall Kidney health.

Spleen Organ System, An adequate supply of blood is required by a woman's body to sustain a normal menstrual cycle, a growing fetus, and a healthy pregnancy. A disharmony within the Spleen can result in an inadequate supply and imbalance of blood. Acupuncture and Chinese herbals and Homeopathy can build and nourish blood, in order to promote a healthy flow of blood to the uterus.

Liver organ System, In order to conceive and have a healthy pregnancy, it is important to have a free flowing of qi and blood throughout the body. The Liver is in charge of facilitating the smooth flow of qi and blood. When it is out of balance, areas of the body will not receive the required supply of qi and blood. This imbalance can led to depression, anxiety, stress and increase infertility.

Acupuncture and Herbals & Homeopathy provide a safe, effective, drug-free, and natural approach to treating infertility and enjoying a healthy pregnancy. Here are a few reasons to try acupuncture:

1) Acupuncture does not treat just symptoms and signs, but instead activates the body's natural potential by treating the root causes that have lead to the problem or disease.

2) Acupuncture are completely natural, No drugs are ever used. In the Alliopathic healing, treatments of infertility, undesired side effects and accumulated toxicity from invasive procedures and drug therapies may occur.

3) Acupuncture can be used to strengthen, support and balance overall health and well-being, so other fertility procedure are more effective .

4) The practice of acupuncture is over 3,000years old, and has helped millions of people all over the world, to become healthy and stay well, it really works!

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