Acupuncture Stimulates:

* Endorphins and other neurotransmitters to control pain

* Leukocytes to fight infection and boost immune response

* Prostaglandins to reduce inflammation and swelling to prevent tissue damage

* Nerve conduction to regenerate healthy tissue and restore muscle tone

* Quicker recovery from soft tissue injury, surgery, or fracture

* Homeostatic normalization and regulation of all body functions

Other Benefits

* Regulates hypo or hyper conditions

* Reduces allergic reactions and helps decongest sinuses

* Relieves most types of headache

* Reduces TMJ pain and toothache

* Normalizes bowel function

* Benefits eyes, ears and brain function

* Reduces stress and promotes a sense of comfort and well being

* Helps relieve depression

* Promotes restful sleep

* Balances female hormones to normalize the menstrual
cycle and reduce PMS, perimenopause or menopausal symptoms.

Learn how you can optimize your health with this amazing health care system.
Call our Minneapolis Acupuncture clinic at 612-866-4000 to set up your appointment for optimal health. You’ll be glad you did.

The two classes of DM are Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes.  DM Type 1 is characterized by total or near-total insulin deficiency and Type 2 DM are a heterogeneous group of disorders that all have defining features based on:

• degree of insulin resistance
• impaired insulin secretion
• increased production of glucose

The etiology of DM Type2 are numerous and include genetic defects of insulin or beta cell function, exocrine pancreatic diseases, endocrine disorders such as hyperthyroidism and Cushing’s syndrome, drug induced DM, pregnancy induced DM, and increased prevalence of obesity and reduced activity levels worldwide.  In the United States, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reported that between 1980-2005, the number of Americans with DM increased from 5.6 to 15.8 million and that people aged 65 years or older accounted for approximately 38% of that total. 

Acupuncture for Diabetic Neuropathy

There are a number of diabetic neuropathies and a few acupuncture studies that are beginning to look at how acupuncture may provide symptom relief for the DM patient with neuropathy.
Types of diabetic neuropathies

Generalized neuropathy
• hyperglycaemic neuropathy
• symmetric distal polyneuropathy with/without autonomic neuropathy
• acute painful sensory neuropathy variants

Focal and multifocal neuropathy
• cranial neuropathies
• focal limb neuropathies
• thoracolumbar radiculoneuropathy
• lumbosacral radiculoplexus neuropathy (Bruns-Garland syndrome)

In general, the most common symptoms reported for leg and foot neuropathy include complaints “of tingling, buzzing or prickling sensations affecting the feet, which may also feel tight or hot or cold. The symptoms are often, but not exclusively, symmetric in distribution. The patient may complain of numbness or “as if my feet are wrapped up in cotton wool.” 15

A recent pilot study in humans tested TCM and Japanese style acupuncture for the treatment of painful diabetic neuropathy. Out of seven patients enrolled, three received Traditional Chinese acupuncture (TCA) while four received Japanese-style acupuncture (JA).  Of six evaluable subjects, JA subjects noted a greater decrease in pain, but the decrease was less durable than the TCA subjects.  The TCA subjects also noted greater sensation improvement in cooling and warming.

Conclusions
In conclusion, there is considerable research being done on…acupuncture for symptom management in the patient with DM.  The outcomes of  these studies will help to inform how herbs, lifestyle interventions and acupucnture are imperative in the comprehensive approach to diabetes care.

About the author: Jillian Capodice is the Director of Acupuncture and Integrative Service at the Center for Holistic Urology, Department of Urology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York. She is an active lecturer and has extensive publications on myriad topics such as acupuncture, complementary and alternative medicine and integrative urology.

If you suffer from diabetes call our Minneapolis Acupuncture Clinic at 612-866-4000 for relief from your symptoms and to improve the quality of your life. Or visit us at www.orientalmedcare.com

“The Red Cross gave me water, food and blankets. Acupuncture gave me peace and relief of the stress of all this chaos.”

AWB is assisting with the tragic Haiti emergency. Take a look at this video:

The Tiger is the proverbial King of the Jungle, admired for his vivid stripes that symbolize the balanced forces of Yin and Yang. According the Chinese zodiac, the year of the Tiger is traditionally associated with massive changes. One thing you do not want to leave to chance in such times is your health. At Complete Oriental Medical Care you get effective, affordable and reliable health care. Ask about our acupuncture package rates.

Some Famous Tigers are: Natalie Wood, Agatha Christie, H.G. Wells, Tom Cruise, Leonardo DiCaprio, Emily Dickinson, Isadora Duncan, Roberta Flack, Jodie Foster, Stevie Wonder, William Hurt, Dylan Thomas, Marilyn Monroe, Demi Moore, Beatrix Potter and Lionel Ritchie.

Tigers are truly a force of nature. They are known to be dependable, unpredictable, fearless, stout hearted, tender and loving. Tigers have the ability to think on their feet and have a primal desire for adventure and first hand experience of life.

Tiger people are aware that the best way to thrive in unpredictable times is to rely on known protection. Our Minneapolis Acupuncture Clinic has been known for improving people’s health for over 16 years. May the Year of the Tiger bring you prosperity, happiness and health!

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.

——————————————————————————–

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.

Back problems can be caused by an inordinately wide range of problems. It can exist alone, or it can be caused by a condition that occurs elsewhere in the body, with the pain being transmitted (referred) to areas of the back by the nervous system. The majority of backache sufferers complain of pain in the lower back; the second most common site of discomfort is the base of the neck.

Who Suffers From Back Pain?

Half of all adults will experience some form of low back pain during their lifetime. The fact that humans walk upright puts great pressure on the spine and the muscles that support it. Over time, factors such as disease, accidents, poor posture and overexertion can lead to immediate and/or long-term back problems.

Most back pain is muscular in nature. Muscle pain perpetuates what is known as the pain cycle, a phenomenon of which the back is particularly susceptible. In the pain cycle, pain causes a muscle to spasm, which may distort the discs, joints and nerves of the spine. This spasm leads to further pain, leading to further spasm, which compounds the original problem. If the nerves are irritated enough, it may cause pain to radiate down into the leg, similar to pain experienced via a herniated disc.

In most cases, people who experience an episode of acute back pain will recover in 3-12 weeks. For those who don’t recover, however, chronic back pain can be a significant source of inconvenience and suffering.

What Can Acupuncture Do For You?

Acupuncture plays a vital role in the reduction or elimination of back pain by reducing recovery time and preventing a chronic condition from developing.

Research has shown that acupuncture causes the body to produce natural steroids and promote the production of natural endorphins. Steroids decrease inflammation, while endorphins are produced by the body to kill pain. Both substances can play an integral part in the breaking up of the pain cycle.

By reducing acute back pain, acupuncture can also reduce the chances of chronic back pain from occurring. It can help avoid the need for costlier and more invasive surgical procedures. And if back pain can be significantly reduced with acupuncture, it also lowers the need for painkillers or other medications that can either cause unwanted side-effects or prolong a patient’s condition. To schedule your appointment for a pain free back call our Minneapolis Acupuncture Clinic at 612-866-4000 TODAY or visit http://www.orientalmedcare.com/ .

Source : AMERICAN HOLISTIC HEALTH ASSOCIATION
http://ahha.org

Reprint from January 2010 edition of John Weeks’ Integrator Round-up http://integrativepractitioner.com .

Studies have shown that Qigong can lower blood pressure, help balance (prevent falls for seniors), reduce incidence of stroke, increase bone density and increase longevity.

Learn to:
• maintain your health
• improve circulation (good for cold feet & hands)
• regain balance and flexibility
• quiet your mind
• decrease stress
• prevent illness (improve immune system)

You will learn Longevity Qigong, Treasured Vase Qigong, Arm Swinging Qigong and more!

No experience is necessary because the exercises are fun and easy to learn.

Date/Time: Fridays, 10:30-11:30am, January 15th – February 19th
Cost: Only $100 for all 6 sessions. Or pay drop in rate of $19 per session. Over age 65 is only $10 per session.
Location: Richfield Lutheran Church, 8 W 60th St., Minneapolis, MN 55419
To register: call 612-866-4000 or go to http://www.orientalmedcare.com/qigong_class.html

About the Instructor: Naijin Sonmore has dedicated her life to bringing true Chinese culture and health practices to the US. Originally from China, she has studied from several famous Qigong and Tai Chi masters. Naijin started learning Qigong as a teenager. In 1987 she began studying Chen Style Tai Chi from a disciple of Chen Wanting. In 1995, she obtained her Qigong teacher certificate. She teaches Qigong as a way of self empowerment to easily enhance your own health. She will teach you how to cultivate a joyful, relaxed, optimistic and energized state of mind.

“If you want to be healthy and live to 100, do Qigong.”
- Dr. Oz

Have you noticed?

And 2009 is losing its grip a little bit more every day. I’m ready, are you?

2009 was a great and transformative year. Moving productively from 2009 into 2010 – and having someone you can count on to support you to do it makes it easier. That’s why we at Complete Oriental Medical Care are here to assist you in creating a whole new possibility in your health.

It is no surprise that many of the top ten New Year’s resolutions are related to better health. Number 1 is to “lose weight,” number 2 to “quit smoking,” with “exercise more” and “eat healthier” also among the top ten.

But no matter how committed you may be to your new health resolution, it is much too easy to become sidetracked. We are all constantly bombarded with commercials that make the least healthy foods look and sound irresistible. Smoking is promoted as something that makes you look “cool” and calms you down. This is where your vision comes in:

1. Define what you want to change – lose weight, quit smoking, etc.

2. How will this change fit into the health vision for your life? Will you feel better, have more energy, worry less about your long-term health?

3. Give your new health vision power. Write it down, share it with others, find images from magazines to make a collage that represents your new vision. Hold images of yourself in your mind achieving your goal, feeling better, and having more energy. Imagine exactly how it will feel to take excellent care of yourself. Picture yourself walking through your life feeling confident about your health. Write all of this down to review whenever you feel tempted to quit.

4. Activate your new health vision. Take the first action toward your goal. Don’t fall into the trap of needing immediate gratification. Think of each step that you take as one step closer to your ultimate goal. Whenever you feel tempted to give up, go within and connect with your vision.

Your Plan for Better Health

In order to stick with your New Year’s resolution and see it through, you need to have a plan, and you need to have ways to deal with temptation when it hits – because it will! Here are some tips to get you through the rough spots:

1. Create a detailed plan to reach your goal. If you’re not sure how to reach it, do some reading, or find someone who can help you. There are numerous diets and recipes available for healthier eating, as well as many strategies to help you stop smoking.

2. Find a great exercise professional to help you with your health vision. Exercise helps detoxify the body and makes you feel more alive. This can be a yoga teacher, Qi Gong instructor, and/or personal trainer. Do whatever you need to nurture your body and mind through the process.

3. Remind yourself that YOU are in control of your life and your health. Your cravings are not in control. If eating better is your resolution, keep a log of everything you eat. This will not only prevent you from cheating, but it will help you discover which foods make you feel best.

4. Find one great person who completely supports your new health vision. This will be someone you can call if you are struggling to stay with your resolution. Make sure it’s someone who will hear you without judgment and offer gentle but firm encouragement to keep going. In other words, find positive influences to counteract the negative influences that come from the media.

5. Work with affirmations and images. Write positive affirmations to keep you focused on the goal and to saturate your subconscious mind with your intention. “Every day, in every way, I am getting better and better” is a simple and classic affirmation. Another possibility is “I draw people to me who support my smoke-free lifestyle.”

6. Find an experienced, licensed acupuncturist to help you quit smoking, lose weight, and reduce cravings. This time proven system of Oriental medicine has worked for thousands of years.

Don’t forget that healthy living is an ongoing process. It’s a lifestyle that is evolutionary, not fixed. So, make this the year that you devote yourself to greater health. Live longer, increase your energy, and enjoy your life more!

In Better Health,
Steven Sonmore, L.Ac.
612-866-4000
www.orientalmedcare.com

About the Author: For more than 20 years, Steven Sonmore has helped people transform 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, nutritional counseling, Oriental massage, and facial rejuvenation. 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 or call 612-866-4000,.
Copyright by Steven Sonmore. All rights reserved.