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.

The most respected method of diagnosis in Chinese Medicine is “Pulse Diagnosis.” This method is a lost art with very . . . → Read More: FREE Chinese Pulse Diagnosis May 26th]]>

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.

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!

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!

Diabetes mellitus (DM) refers to a group of common metabolic disorders related to hyperglycemia. While there are many different types of DM, DM is increasing in incidence worldwide and predisposes one to numerous other medical conditions including cardiovascular, renal disease, lower extremity amputations and adult blindness.

The two classes of DM are Type 1 and . . . → Read More: Integrative Medicine For Diabetes Mellitus]]>

Diabetes mellitus (DM) refers to a group of common metabolic disorders related to hyperglycemia. While there are many different types of DM, DM is increasing in incidence worldwide and predisposes one to numerous other medical conditions including cardiovascular, renal disease, lower extremity amputations and adult blindness.

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 Tiger symbolizes passion, power and daring. The Year of the Tiger is bound to be a big, bold year.” It’s coming up quickly! Are you ready? Drama, intensity, change and travel will be the keywords for The Year of The Tiger which begins on February 14th, 2010. It won’t be a dull 12 months . . . → Read More: Happy Chinese New Year!]]>

“The Tiger symbolizes passion, power and daring. The Year of the Tiger is bound to be a big, bold year.”

It’s coming up quickly! Are you ready? Drama, intensity, change and travel will be the keywords for The Year of The Tiger which begins on February 14th, 2010. It won’t be a dull 12 months for anyone. The Year of the Tiger will bring far reaching changes for everyone. New inventions and incredible technological advances have a good chance of occurring. For all of the Chinese horoscope signs, this year is the one to be active…seizing opportunities and making the most of our personal and individual talents. Everything happens quickly and dramatically in a Tiger year…blink and you could miss an important chance of a lifetime!

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!

Back pain is one of the most common reasons people seek medical attention. It is one of the most frequent causes of missed workdays and one of the most expensive conditions in the United States; according to a recent government report nearly one million people in the U.S. took time away from work to treat . . . → Read More: Can Acupuncture Help Your Back Pain?]]>

Back pain is one of the most common reasons people seek medical attention. It is one of the most frequent causes of missed workdays and one of the most expensive conditions in the United States; according to a recent government report nearly one million people in the U.S. took time away from work to treat and recover from some sort of back pain.

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/ .

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.

The most respected method of diagnosis in Chinese Medicine is “Pulse Diagnosis.” This method is a lost art with . . . → Read More: Free Chinese Pulse Diagnosis at Richfield Health Fair – October 17th]]>

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.

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!

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!

“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 . . . → Read More: Enjoy the Energy of Fall]]>

“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

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 . . . → Read More: Are We A Drug Nation?]]>

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.

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. Visit www.orientalmedcare.com .