Acupuncture Blog Minneapolis / Steven Sonmore, L.Ac. » TCM

Free Chinese Pulse Diagnosis at Minneapolis Health Fair Oct. 16th

Steven Sonmore L. Ac. — Sat, 09 Oct 2010 14:35:20 +0000

Here’s your chance to receive a free Chinese pulse diagnosis. Stop by Richfield Lutheran Church Health Fair on the corner of Nicollet Avenue and 60th Street in Minneapolis, MN 55419 on Saturday, October 16th from 10am to 3pm.

The most respected method of diagnosis in Chinese Medicine is “Pulse Diagnosis.” This method is a lost art with very few practitioners competent in its immense subtlety. Steven Sonmore, L.Ac. is personally trained in this lost art. Used correctly, the pulse can reveal anatomical problems such as soft tissue damage, allergies, urinary tract infections, kidney stones, ovarian cysts, bone spurs, gall stones, sinus infections, gastric ulcers and a host of other physical aliments. At the Complete Oriental Medical Care, LLC this method of pulse diagnosis is used daily in our treatment protocol.

P.S. Don’t miss this one!

We are also here to help you STAY feeling better and looking younger! Don’t be a stranger. Call us at 612-866-4000 and we will assist you in putting together a customized preventative maintenance plan. It’s not an expensive luxury anymore! With our affordable fees, it’s less expensive than you think! You really can afford Acupuncture care!

Journey To China

Steven Sonmore L. Ac. — Mon, 20 Sep 2010 13:55:40 +0000

It’s been 5 years since I’ve been in China and things have changed. The cost of food and clothing is increased. You used to be able to buy a men’s suit at a great price…now it costs more than in the US. Construction of high rises is booming to accommodate all the people moving into major cities trying to find work.

If you think everyone in China rides bicycles you’re thinking of the Chairman Mao era. The previous time I was in China they were considering outlawing bicycle riding altogether in Shanghai. They didn’t. Now it’s 2010 and everyone wants a car. There are more automobiles complete with crazy driving. But most people cannot afford a car so the most popular mode of transportation is electric motor scooter. These are great because they don’t pollute the air or sound. Unlike the states where the upper middle class rides motorcycles/motor scooters for weekend recreation, in China you’ll frequently see dad, mom and kid all riding together on one motor scooter because that’s their main transportation.

I landed in Shanghai and the weather was sweltering…in the 90’s with high humidity. Shanghai is the New York City of China…very crowded with a fast pace of life. This was not my luxury tour. I have stayed in some fine hotels in previous trips to China but on this trip I chose to stay in apartments. Chinese either own or rent apartments. With so many people there is simply not enough room in major cities for everyone to have their own house. Apartments vary greatly from a cubicle with a “bathroom” the size of a closet that has only a shower and toilet to modern luxury apartments remodeled with ample space that would make a New Yorker envious. I had the distinction of sleeping on the hardest bed I ever slept on. (Oh course some Chinese complain about beds being too soft in the U.S.)

First stop was the World Expo. This was a great economic boom to Shanghai. Thousands thronged in everyday. The subway was packed everyday with Chinese from different parts of the country to see the Expo. The most popular exhibitions were China, US, India and Saudi Arabia with lines that took anywhere from 3-5 hours in the hot sun.

One of the best things about visiting China is some of the dining experiences. Some restaurants are the size of a department store with several floors and private dining rooms. The service is usually wonderful with 2- 3 people waiting on you.

Next I took a train to Changzhou. This used to take over 2 hours. Now with a new high speed train it takes less than an hour. The train was clean with very comfortable seats and a wide aisle much unlike the American Airlines flight from US to China. I wish they had one of these in Minneapolis.

The weather in Changzhou was cooler which was a welcome relief. The pace of life here is slower than in Shanghai. There is a lot of construction here too…more high end high rises. And they’re trying to make downtown Changzhou look more like Shanghai with very modern looking shopping centers and name brand stores.

They built a brand new modern TCM (Traditional Chinese medicine) Hospital in Changzhou. This was good to see because the previous building was rather drafty in the winter. In the hospital they offer acupuncture, Chinese herbs and western medicine. You can get treated for everything from insomnia to weight loss.

Yunnan Baiyao Co. came out with some great band aids. These have Chinese herbs that help stop the bleeding and help heal cuts faster. Smart!

China has a great reality show called “Wushu Master.” They have real Shaoyin monks fight for a kung fu championship in front of a live audience. Between the matches they also have their senior instructor demonstrate kung fu moves in slow motion on one of the monks so you can see how they do it. One of the monks was only 17 years old. You really have to admire the skill and balance of these guys. It was all conducted with good sportsmanship. Zài jiàn!

For more than 24 years Steven Sonmore helped people transform health problems into solutions for attaining better health. Steven is a licensed acupuncturist, herbalist and a certified instructor by Health Preservation Association. He is licensed by the Minnesota Board of Medical Practice and certified by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine. Be sure to sign up for our newsletter at http://www.orientalmedcare.com.

Chinese Medicine & Self-Care

Staff writer — Wed, 16 Jun 2010 23:00:01 +0000

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is a complete health care system that includes acupuncture, Chinese herbs, nutrition, massage, exercise and meditation. The beauty of Chinese medicine is that it is a participatory medicine. The patient is just as responsible for their health as is the practitioner. So when you go to see a licensed acupuncturist, they might give you some homework to do such as stretches, acupressure massage to relieve your pain, diet (foods to use, foods to avoid), breathing exercises or meditation.

What is unique about Chinese medicine is that it is tailored to the individual based upon your specific diagnosis. We can prescribe foods as well as Chinese herbal formulas that will not only assist you with your health problems but also improve your general well being…more energy, a better disposition, and just feeling good!

Recently Twin Cities’ Edge Magazine interviewed Steven Sonmore on the subject of self care and Chinese medicine. Read it in full at http://soulofthecities.net/2010/06/chinese-medicine-self-care/

What You’ve Always Wanted To Know About Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine But Were Afraid To Ask

Steven Sonmore L. Ac. — Mon, 24 May 2010 14:06:46 +0000

If You’ve Been Curious About How Acupuncture And Chinese Medicine Works, This Video Is For You.

Perhaps you’ve been thinking about getting acupuncture for a chronic health problem like hot flashes, migraines, low back pain or depression but you weren’t sure what you were getting into. Or you might be getting acupuncture now and you’d love to better understand how this amazing therapy is helping you.

Learn More About:
• How Acupuncture works
• The benefits of Acupuncture
• Chinese medicine treatments – how you will receive individualized treatment and diagnosis instead of “one size fits all.”
• Chinese pulse diagnosis – the many details that can be learned about your health.
• Chinese tongue diagnosis – learn more details about your health
• What is Qi?
• What is Yin & Yang?
• Dietary recommendations – What TCM suggests and why fast food is not good for you
• The importance of adopting a healthy life style

This is a very informative video by Beverly Burns, Licensed Acupuncturist of the Osher Center for Integrative Medicine explaining Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese medicine in easy to understand terms.

About the author:
If you are seeking better health, would like to be pain free and live in the greater Minneapolis/St. Paul, Twin Cities area be sure to click this link to learn more and sign up for our newsletter.
Minneapolis Acupuncture Clinic
For more than 24 years Steven Sonmore helped people transform health problems into solutions for attaining better health. Steven is a licensed acupuncturist, herbalist and a certified instructor by Health Preservation Association. He maintains an active alternative medicine practice in Minneapolis, MN. To schedule an appointment call 612-866-4000 or visit www.orientalmedcare.com

FREE Chinese Pulse Diagnosis May 26th

Steven Sonmore L. Ac. — Sat, 15 May 2010 13:46:34 +0000

Here’s your chance to receive a free Chinese pulse diagnosis. Stop by the YMCA – Southwest Area Health Fair at 550 Opperman Drive in Eagan, MN 55123 on Wednesday, May 26th from 2 to 5pm.

P.S. Don’t miss this one!

The Energetics of Foods for Health and Healing

Susan Krieger — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 14:43:38 +0000

In the Nei Jing Classic of Internal Medicine, compiled over 2000 years ago, may be the first known Chinese writings of the dynamic relationship between health and the energies of foods, or Chinese dietary therapy. The traditional medicines of the human world are intricately connected with and are fundamentally part of nature. The care with which we nourish our own health is reflected in that which we give to our environment, to others, our earth and planet – an expanding spiral.

As we explore the relationships between food and health, let’s acknowledge the nourishment that we have already manifested and presently experience in our lives. Let’s remember, too, that the appreciation and joy with which we eat and nourish post-natal Qi are major factors in determining the quality of digestion and transformation of our food into Blood, empowerment and Qi.

We are studying traditional theories, brought to light and expanded upon from personal and clinical experiences and intuitive practice. There will be special exploration of medicinal plant and food remedies for tonifying Heart, Lung and Spleen Qi and more.

We are looking at the dynamic relationship between food energetics and Classical Chinese Medicine thought, that Jing-Essence, Qi-Energy and Shen-Spirit are integrated and operate together dynamically as a whole.

Through our personal and working experiences we see that we are rarely dealing with pure textbook patterns of imbalance that fit into one neat package. Therefore our filters need to be grounded, yet broad enough in scope to be applied effectively for ourselves and others.

Individual Needs

When selecting and preparing our foods there are individual needs to be considered: Our base constitution; our present physical, mental, emotional and spiritual health/issues; the current season and the upcoming season; the Qi energy we need for our daily work and activities; our present dietary practice; our social environment; personal desires; what we wish to accomplish from changing or transitioning our eating habits and lifestyle. Important too is being practical with making changes that we can actually apply realistically in our day-to-day lives.

Location and Season

Chinese-Asian and Macrobiotic dietary philosophies suggest that we embrace, as much as is possible, native foods that are organic and locally grown and those in season or those foods that are produced in areas with climates similar to our own. When we over consume food imported from very different climates or regions, we may begin to lose adaptability to the immediate surroundings. This is especially true in cases where tropical or semitropical foods are over consumed in temperate or cold climates.

The appearance, development and changes in the pattern of many illnesses may show up seasonally, such as Wind invasions in spring, sun and heat stroke in summer, Damp- and Phlegm-related symptoms in late summer, Dryness-related symptoms in autumn and Cold syndromes in winter.

As the seasons change and transform, the balance of Yin and Yang will be strengthened by the following fundamental principles. In spring and summer, nourish Yang along with cool Yin. In autumn and winter, nourish Yin along with Yang warmth and protection.

This all depends on the season and foods eaten. For example Yang Qi tends to flow outwards to the body’s surface in spring and summer while internal Yang Qi may become depleted, thus requiring replenishment in the warm weather.
In the colder and dryer climates of fall and winter it is important to keep warmer and prevent Dryness as we strengthen the interior-Yin. We can use the powers of food-energetics for nourishing Yang and warmth, building Yin, nourishing Dryness, dispelling mucus and Phlegm, and building Qi, Blood and Body Fluids for the present and coming seasons.

Also, health imbalances can result from the over-consumption of heavy animal food by those in a warmer or temperate climate, since this quality of food is more suited to the colder regions.

In colder seasons we would apply longer cooking times and more salt; in warmer weather, we would use lighter cooking methods and less salt. We would cook food lightly and serve it warm to make digestion easier. Steaming, poaching and blanching-boiling help alter the nature of the food for more Yin-cooling; deep frying, stir frying and roasting help alter the nature of the food for more Yang-heating and body insulation.

Until modern times, unrefined, naturally produced whole cereal grains; locally grown seasonal vegetables and some animal foods comprised humanity’s primary diet throughout the world.

We should try to base our diet on such foods as grains, beans, sea and land vegetables and other staples which are naturally available and storable.

Taste and Variety

Mastering food selection in today’s fast-paced world is a challenge. We need therefore to keep balance in mind. This is achieved by eating in moderation and being aware of taste and variety. Taste is very important because the primary taste sends nutrition via the acupuncture-acupressure meridians to the corresponding organ.
If we eat a balanced meal with many tastes, we can feel satisfied and use this energy for health, productivity and enjoying our lives.

Here is a look at tastes and some nourishing foods and cooking styles:

Sweet nourishes Spleen and Stomach—grains, millet, squashes, onions, sweet fruits, bananas, blueberries, oranges, figs, dates, honey, molasses, barley malt, etc. Preparation: steaming, nishimi [A macrobiotic style of cooking done over a low heat for a long time. Veggies are usually cut large.], boiling.

Sour nourishes Liver and Gallbladder—tomatoes, barley, vinegar, chicken, turkey, green apples, lemons, grapefruit, etc. Preparation: pickling, steaming, pressing.

Pungent nourishes Lung and Large Intestines—onions, garlic, ginger, daikon, peppers, cayenne etc. Cooking methods include kinpira [A type of macrobiotic preparation, where you sauté first and then add water to boil – similar to braising.], pressure cooking.

Bitter nourishes Heart and Small Intestine—kale, lettuce, dandelion, broccoli, arugula, endive, collard greens, etc. Preparation: raw, pressed, stir fry, blanch.

Salty nourishes the Kidneys and Bladder—tofu, fish, miso, eggs, burdock root, sea vegetables (wakame, arame, hiziki, kombu, kelp) etc. Preparation: stewing, frying, nabe [ceramic pot cooking, prepared at the table].

Color and Signature

The Color of a food plays a role in food energies, as does the doctrine of signatures, which will be discussed at my seminar. For example-a bitter green like kale will nourish the Heart because of its bitter taste; will nourish the Liver because of its green color, and the Kidney, especially the bones, because of its rich minerals.

Red foods like apples and red peppers nourish the Heart and Small Intestine. The apple also nourishes the Spleen because of its sweet taste and the Kidneys when it is baked and lightly salted.

White foods like white onions, tofu and radishes nourish the Lungs and Large Intestine, while the radish nourishes the Liver because of its sharp taste. It can assist in moving stagnant Qi of the liver.

As we continue our journey of study, exploration and application of food healing may we go forward with health, vitality and wonderful eating. I look forward to continuing writing, teaching and sharing with your audiences.

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Susan Krieger, L.Ac., MS, Diplomate of the NCCAOM in Acupuncture, Oriental Medicine and Shiatsu-Asian Bodywork Therapy, MEA in Health and Nutritional Counseling and Teaching. Founding Member and Certified Senior Shiatsu Instructor of the AOBTA. Susan has been treating and guiding thousands of people throughout her 30+ years in practice. She is an internationally recognized practitioner, teacher and counselor of Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture, Asian Healing Arts, The Energetics of Foods, Medicinal Remedies, Contemporary-Integrative Macrobiotics, Whole Health Nutrition, Women’s Health, Qi-Gong Yoga, Ki-Shiatsu-Acupressure, and Meridian-Self Shiatsu of over 33 years. and teaches in the US and Canada and Europe. She produced The Ki-Shiatsu Instructional DVD and lectures for the UN, universities, acupuncture, cooking and bodywork schools, hospitals, women’s organizations, corporations and health and healing centers. Susan has an active private practice in New York City.

For queries and to invite Susan to present for your events she can be contacted at susankriegerki@aol.com, 212-242-4217, www.susankriegerhealth.com.

November is National Healthy Skin Month

Steven Sonmore L. Ac. — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 16:25:27 +0000

While modern technology has enabled us to use surgery and Botox (injecting botulinum toxin into facial muscles) to look younger, you might ask what are these people going to do 5 years down the road? Before you schedule an appointment for Botox, you might want to know a little more about it.

Botox uses the substance that causes botulism, a sometimes fatal form of food poisoning. Botox interrupts nerve impulses to muscles in the face. The crow’s feet that appear when you squint, the lines that furrow your brow when you raise your eyebrows and the creases between the eyebrows when you frown can be caused by tension in underlying muscles, which contract the skin. Botox keeps this from happening temporarily.

If your doctor makes a mistake you can lose the ability to raise your eyelids all the way. If you’re getting shots around the mouth, a mistake could leave you drooling. Or you may not be able to raise your eyebrows, squint or frown.

Although muscles can cause some wrinkles, many result simply from the loss of elasticity that comes naturally with the aging process, causing the skin to sag and droop. Botox will NOT help wrinkles caused by aging and may make these kinds of winkles look even worse.

So what is the natural cure to looking younger? Many are now using the Facial Rejuvenation Acupuncture also known as cosmetic acupuncture. I prefer the former name because this treatment works on not just the cosmetic level. Procedures like Botox or surgery are only band-aid solutions. Facial Rejuvenation Acupuncture addresses reasons that we look old. While adjusting internal organ functioning, Facial Rejuvenation Acupuncture will increase collagen production, tone facial muscles, make your skin look tighter, reduce fine lines AND you’ll feel more energy and vitality. That’s right – there is no recovery time like you experience with plastic surgery.

Research by the International Journal of Clinical Acupuncture revealed that 90% of participants got better (i.e. better complexion, leveling of wrinkles, general rejuvenation not just confined to the face) using Cosmetic Acupuncture. But don’t take our word for it. Listen to this video of one patient’s testimony. The focus of Chinese medicine has always been for thousands of years to help people live longer and healthier naturally.

What are the benefits of Facial Rejuvenation Acupuncture?

Facial Rejuvenation Acupuncture can take years off your face. It helps to eliminate fine lines and makes the deeper lines look softer. It can also help to minimize dark circles, puffy eyes, sagging skin, and dropping eyelids. Other benefits include:

• Increases circulation, oxygenates the skin
• Tightens the pores
• Nourishes the skin, giving you a healthy complexion
• Moisturizes the skin from the inside
• Helps lift sagging skin, puffy or droopy eyelids
• Increases collagen production
• Brightens the eyes
• Improves muscle tone and dermal contraction
• Improves hormonal balance to reduce acne
• Improves facial color and tone
• Softens scars
• Increases blood, energy and lymph circulation
• Leaves you feeling refreshed, relaxed and rejuvenated

Q: Can I do Cosmetic Acupuncture if I already had botox?

A: Yes, Facial Rejuvenation Acupuncture will maintain the effects of botox naturally.

Schedule Your Facial Rejuvenation Acupuncture Series for a Younger Looking You Today! Call 612-866-4000.

For more than 20 years Steven Sonmore helped people transform health problems into solutions for attaining better health. Steven is a licensed acupuncturist and herbalist. He is licensed by the Minnesota Board of Medical Practice and certified by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine. Visit his clinic web site at http://www.orientalmedcare.com.

Free Chinese Pulse Diagnosis at Richfield Health Fair – October 17th

Steven Sonmore L. Ac. — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 16:38:23 +0000

Here’s your chance to receive a free Chinese pulse diagnosis. Stop by Richfield Lutheran Church on the corner of Nicollet Avenue S. and 60th Street, Saturday, October 17, 2009 from 10am to 3pm in Minneapolis, MN.

P.S. Don’t miss this one!

For more than 20 years Steven Sonmore helped people transform health problems into solutions for attaining better health. Steven is a licensed acupuncturist, herbalist and certified Health Preservation Association instructor. He is licensed by the Minnesota Board of Medical Practice.

Read new articles at www.orientalmedcare.com about how Acupuncture and Chinese medicine will enhance your life. We love helping our patients and their friends and relatives through their tough times by getting them feeling better fast! We are also here to help you STAY feeling better and looking younger! Don’t be a stranger. Call us at 612-866-4000 and we will assist you in putting together a customized preventative maintenance plan. It’s not an expensive luxury anymore! With our affordable fees, it’s less expensive than you think! You really can afford Acupuncture care!

Enjoy the Energy of Fall

Steven Sonmore L. Ac. — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 03:03:36 +0000

“In ancient times those people who understood Tao (the way of self cultivation) patterned themselves upon the Yin and the Yang (the two principles in nature) and they lived in harmony…” The Yellow Emperor’s Classic of Internal Medicine

There is a slight nip in the air. The days are starting to get shorter. And just as the squirrels have gotten down to the business of storing nuts for the winter, we find ourselves a little more serious and less carefree than in summer. Whether you’re preparing for school or preparing for a new business venture, you know that Fall has arrived.

Fall is the beginning of the yin cycle when the daylight lasts less than twelve hours. It’s a time of harvest when we gather the colorful fruits and vegetables for winter storage. Pumpkins and squashes are our symbols of bounty. We also store wood for the fire and get out our warm clothes for the colder, darker days of winter.

According to Chinese medicine, the season of autumn is associated with the element of Metal, which governs organization, order, communication, the mind, setting limits, and protecting boundaries. It’s a good time to finish projects that you began in spring and summer – harvesting the bounty of your hard work. Of course, it’s also the perfect time to begin more introspective, indoor projects.

During the summer, which is ruled by the Fire element, we deal more with the external – traveling and playing outdoors. Fall, on the other hand, is a time of organizing your life for the winter season ahead and coming more inside your body and mind to reflect on your life.

The lung and large intestine are the internal organs related to Fall and the Metal element. Lung is associated with the emotion of “letting go.” This process is difficult for those who love the summer. They find it hard to give up the long days of sunlight, warm temperatures, and open windows. Others feel differently and love autumn, from the crisper air to the vivid red, orange, and yellow leaves on the trees. If letting go of summer is hard for you, extra support from your licensed acupuncturist may be in order to help you make the transition. That’s right…acupuncture works on releasing emotional issues as well as physical ones.

Various systems of self-mastery teach that by controlling your breath, you can achieve and maintain physical vigor, mental clarity and emotional tranquility. The ancient Taoists developed a practical discipline of breathing called Qi Gong to increase vitality, extend lifespan, and prevent disease. This is a wonderful skill to learn as the Summer gives way to Fall.

Sleep is another important aspect of staying healthy in the Fall. The ancients advised that people should retire early at night and rise with the crowing of the rooster during the autumn. “Soul and spirit should be tranquil and to keep their lung pure they should not give vent to their desires.”

Lung is considered by Chinese medicine to be the “tender organ.” This is because the lung is the uppermost organ in the body and especially susceptible to wind and cold. During the change in temperature, be sure to dress for the weather! I see too many people still dressed for summer at the beginning of autumn, which is an open invitation for coughs, sore throats, and the common cold.

The lungs control the circulation of the Wei-Qi, which is the defensive Qi that protects you from the invasion of flu and colds. The Wei-Qi circulates on the surface between the skin and muscles and works to warm the body. If the Wei-Qi is weak, the skin and muscles will not be warmed properly. This is why people tend to feel cold when they’re sick. A weakness in the lungs can lead to a weakness in the Wei-Qi, making a person prone to frequent colds.

The nose is the opening to the lungs, and you can prevent colds by keeping your nose and sinuses clean and clear. Using a netti pot with some sea salt and water helps rid the nose of excess mucus. If you suffer from a runny nose or sinus infections, acupuncture and Chinese herbs are wonderful for alleviating that problem.

What you eat also greatly affects the health of your lungs. Eating excess cold and raw foods creates dampness or phlegm which is produced by the spleen and stored by the lungs. Dairy products, such as milk, cheese, cream, and butter also create phlegm, while moderate amounts of pungent foods like garlic, onions, ginger, horseradish, and mustard are beneficial to the lungs.

The transition from Summer to Fall is a time when the Qi is instable. The Qi from healthy lungs should descend. If the Lung Qi goes upward, it is “rebellious,” and the person experiences a cough. The Lungs inhale the Heavenly Qi (air) and exhale the “dirty “Qi (carbon dioxide). Now is the time to strengthen your Qi to prepare for winter and get a “tune-up” from your licensed acupuncturist to strengthen your immune system.

“There was temperance in eating and drinking. Their hours of rising and retiring were regular and not disorderly and wild. By these means the ancients kept their bodies united with their souls, so as to fulfill their allotted span completely, measuring unto a hundred years before they passed away.” Huang Ti Nei Jing Su Wen

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For more than 24 years Steven Sonmore helped people transform their health problems into solutions for attaining better health. Steven is a licensed acupuncturist, Oriental bodywork therapist and herbalist. He offers complete health care with acupuncture, Chinese herbs, and nutritional counseling. He is licensed by the Minnesota Board of Medical Practice and certified by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine
For more information visit www.orientalmedcare.com

Are We A Drug Nation?

Steven Sonmore L. Ac. — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 21:27:03 +0000

There are so many people out there that need help with their health. And there are way too many people on too many prescription drugs. Check out this hilarious Bill Maher video below. I’m just trying to transform the world, one person, one patient at a time.

If you are looking for a drug free, proven solution to optimal, pain free health call our clinic today at 612-866-4000.