Monday, December 29, 2014

AHHH CEDAR!!!!!

We are headed into full blown cedar season!! 
Don't let that scare you!! I can help!! Come in for treatment to keep your immune system strong & your reactions to a minimum. 
Also:
- neti pot your nose
- get your Omega 3 & vitamin D 3, take your herbs
- keep windows & doors closed
- wipe down your & your pets hair when coming in from outside
- when doing yard work, wear a dust mask
- avoid dairy in excess as it creates mucous

Thursday, December 11, 2014

How safe is acupuncture?

It is extremely safe!! It is an all natural, drug free therapy, yielding no negative side effects, just feelings of relaxation and well-being. There is little danger of infection from acupuncture needles because they are sterile, used once and then disposed of. 

Acupuncturists (including myself) undertake 3-4 years of extensive and comprehensive graduate training at nationally certified schools. All acupuncturists must pass national exams & meet strict guidelines to practice in every state.

Holiday's a Pain in the Neck? I have needles for that!!

Photo: Holiday's & holiday planning becoming a pain in the neck!? I have needles for that!!!!

Wednesday, December 3, 2014

NOTE

WHA is now accepting insurance!!!!!!!!!!! 

Call to see if your insurance covers acupuncture, if it doesn't, we'll be able to make arrangements so that you can get the care you need!! Especially, as we go into the stressful holidays!!

Tuesday, December 2, 2014

Holiday Humor

Photo: Is your timer now "popping up" when your heated through? I can fix that!!

Having trouble getting your timer to pop-up? 
I can help with that!!
Acupuncture is very effective for all different
types of Erectile Dysfunction.

Tuesday, October 28, 2014

Male Hormone Health

Guys, are you feeling moody, experiencing changes in your sexual function, tired or low on energy &/or is your body composition changing as you age? Well your hormones are changing, specifically your androgens (testosterone, estrogen, progesterone, DHEA & cortisol). Just like women (sorry but it's true) your hormones decrease as you age. Other symptoms you may experience as this happens are:
- decreased erectile function
- decreased mental ability
- insulin resistance
- loss of muscle strength
- loss of muscle mass
- less energy
- weight gain
- trouble urinating/incontinence
- prostate issues
- bone loss
This is common!! All the above hormones levels need to be in balance for your body's  endocrine & androgen systems to function optimally. If any of these are out of balance, you can experience the above symptoms or even problems with your nervous, immune & metabolic systems. These imbalances if not tended to can lead to cardiovascular health problems. 
So what do you do?
There's a LOT you can do!! Stress management, regular exercise, maintaining a healthy diet, adding alternative therapies like acupuncture, herbal supplementation and essential oils can all return your hormones to healthy levels. What you'll physically gain is muscle mass & strength, a healthy libido & sexual performance, & increased energy & weight loss to name a few. Don't keep ignoring these common issues. I can help you with all of the above & help refer you if we decide your hormones need to be tested to get a deeper look. Take control of your health today!!

Tuesday, October 14, 2014

Why People Don't Take Their Prescriptions

People don't take their prescription drugs. Why don't they?

50% of prescription drugs are taken incorrectly or not at all. 75% of people admit to not taking their drugs at all. People who have very severe health conditions or who have even flirted with death, still don't take their drugs!!

The #1 reason that people don't take their prescription drugs is that there are side-effects that they don't like/make them feel worse. Mind you, acupuncture has NO side-effects & herbs little to none.
Other reasons given for drug non-compliance are:
- They make people feel miserable
- They don't work
- Drugs cause other diseases/problems
- Prescription directions are too complicated
- Insurance issues with coverage of drugs
- Their on too many prescriptions to keep straight
- Proper or thorough directions were not given
- Doctors don't explain the drugs
- Job Loss
- Divorce
- Depression
- They don't like/trust their doctor
- Forgetfulness
- Prescription drugs are too expensive

This is a huge list!!
So what helps people be compliant with not just prescription drugs but herbs & supplements too?
Remarkably, its the information/education people are given regarding what they are taking. The more people understand what their taking, why & how it works for them, the more apt they are to take it & take it correctly.

WHA promises to always walk you through your treatments & any prescriptions you are given or are already taking.Your going to hear all kinds of different things from your friends, family & the internet about medication & supplements. I'm here to help you sort through that mess & dispel myths. I'm always available for questions by phone or email too.
Certain prescriptions & other herbs & supplements can be very important to your overall health. Together we can be sure your getting what you need safely, to be healthy!!

Tuesday, August 26, 2014

Good Gut Health, Again!!

Research is bringing to light more & more every day the connection between the state of your gut health & your physical & mental health.

Your gut contains 5 lbs of microbes called microbiota which produce hundreds of essential chemicals, they are critical in fighting disease, & they have a major affect on the way your metabolism, nervous system (including conditions like depression, anxiety & autism) & heart works. 90% of the genes in your body are not human genes but microbes in your gut!!

Your microbiota can predict such health conditions as obesity, diabetes, depression, high cholesterol, if your prone to heart disease, autoimmune diseases & even more!! Your gut IS intrinsically involved with you brain function. This means, if your not healthy in the head or in the tummy, you will develop disease. One will be worsening the other.  

Good gut health begins in the mouth & carries through the whole enteric system (stomach, liver, gallbladder, pancreas, intestines, rectum, etc.). You can further encourage good gut bacteria by taking a good probiotic (something we can discuss together) & eating a good diet. 

Drink lots of water & eat plenty of veggies, fruits & lean meats. Fermented foods give you an extra boost!! Sauerkraut, kimchi & kombucha are common ones. Avoid such things as fast food, processed foods, sugary or starchy foods. 

Mental health in another big component of total well-being. Exercise, a good diet, water, meditation/relaxation, sleep & reduced stress are key.

Don't forget, I have needles to help with your head & your tummy as well as an arsenal of herbal & whole food supplements that can keep you feeling great!!

Tuesday, July 22, 2014

Don't Obsess Over Lower LDL?

The American College of Cardiology, the American Heart Association & the Nation Heart, Lung, & Blood Institute have made a new cholesterol recommendation:
Quit trying to lower your LDL (low-density lipoprotein or "bad" cholesterol) number to a target of 100 mg/dL or less.

Why, after years of hearing that you must? These experts agree there is no evidence to support that lowering your LDL to 100 mg/dL or lower will have any affect in keeping you from having a heart attack. In other words, this symptom alone will not cause you to have a heart attack.

The main cause of heart disease and heart attacks is the terrible, toxic American Diet!! It has so many nutritional deficiencies, its high in fat, cholesterol, salt & sugar, very imbalanced.

Treating just your cholesterol levels is treating a symptom. To effectively treat any disease/condition, you must treat the underlying cause(s). That my friends, is what Acupuncture does.

While no one is telling you not to pay any attention to your cholesterol levels, understand it is a piece of the healthy puzzle that is you. Pay attention to all factors of your health, especially when your heart is involved. But there's no need to obsess about reducing your LDL.

As I've said before, Acupuncture, Herbs, Reiki, Massage, Stress Reduction, Diet & Exercise are the BEST medicine!! Most of which you can do for free!!

Monday, July 14, 2014

Integration Matters!!

Acupuncture & modern medicine, when used together, have the potential to support, strengthen & nurture the body towards health & well-being. Practitioners of this ancient medical practice have experienced clinical success with a variety of health issues. There's never one way to optimal health. Integration of medicines & home healthcare (taking care of yourself through good nutrition, exercise & rest) all combines to keep you your healthiest!! Don't leave anything out!!

Wednesday, June 25, 2014

BP Meds, Over Prescribed.

How many people do you know who are on medication for High Blood Pressure/Hypertension? I know too many!!

I believe BP meds are over prescribed. Out of 1,000 people who have high BP but don't take meds 2 will have a stroke at some point. If the same 1,000 people took BP meds, 1 of them would have a stroke. 

This means that 998 of the people would get NO benefit from taking their meds since they weren't going to have a stroke anyway!! Their just living with the nasty side-effects. Some of which include; erectile dysfunction, leg cramps, leg weakness, asthma, depression, insomnia, dry hacking cough, skin rash, even possible loss of taste. & who knows what else that we don't even know about!!

130/40 is the low end of "high". You can easily reduce it!! "Normal" is 120/80. There's a lot of controversy over these #'s. Are they a product of drug companies to get you to take meds? I won't answer that here. Me, you & your physician can discuss whats right for you. I can tell you most true hypertension will come with symptoms such as feeling or being flushed, headaches, irritability or dizziness.

High BP is a generally Curable condition!! Good nutrition, exercise, acupuncture, herbs, meditation, massage, sleep & reducing stress are all affordable (in comparison to the cost of BP drugs) or free solutions!!

Wednesday, June 18, 2014

Yay Gut Bacteria!!

So we've been hearing a lot now for a few years about probiotics & gut bacteria. & YES gut bacteria is good!! 

It helps you digest your food, utilize minerals & nutrients which produces a variety of chemicals & chemical reactions in your body that are needed to keep it functioning optimally. They help maintain optimal hormone levels & brain & heart levels. & keep your gut healthy!! They flourish in an Acidic NOT an Alkaline environment!!

Too much of an alkalinity to your gut can lead to allergies, other health problems, gas, bloating, cramps, constipation or diarrhea & it Will exacerbate acid reflux/gerd. 

How do we get or stay acidic? Eat whole foods with lots of fiber, fermented foods & get your protein!! Protein is acid promoting more so than other foods. 

Still having problems with the above symptoms? Lets Talk!!!!

Thursday, June 12, 2014

Acetaminophen Can Be Deadly!!

Did you know this?

Acetaminophen (Tylenol) can literally poison your liver, especially if taken with 3 alcoholic drinks. If more than the recommended dosage is taken it can cause liver failure. That means your going to need a transplant or it can mean possible death!! Liver failure due to overdose of acetaminophen is actually common!!

The FDA knows all this & has warned docs & yet acetaminophen is still considered safe & prescribed often!!

It can be safe to take but you must stick within the recommended dosage on the bottle or recommended by your knowledgeable physician. & please DO NOT drink if your taking it!!

So what do you do if your in pain or have a fever? Call me!! Acupuncture & herbs are a wonderfully effective means of managing or eliminating pain & reducing fever. If the fever is high, again the recommended dosage is ok but after that has been taken, lets go the natural route to ensure your best health & most importantly your safety!!

Wednesday, May 14, 2014

The Differences Between Easter & Western Medicine

Here's a great article outlining some of the differences. My favorite part is chart comparing treatment lengths!!

http://intentblog.com/the-differences-between-eastern-western-medicine-infographic/

Monday, April 28, 2014

ED Article

Here is a link to a short & simple article to reinforce the importance of NOT jumping straight to aggressive medical treatment when facing Erectile Dysfunction. Call me instead!!

 http://www.adelaide.edu.au/news/news69602.html

Thursday, January 30, 2014

Great Article from the Memorial Sloan Ketting Cancer Center.

Acupuncture, an important component of traditional Chinese medicine, involves the stimulation of one or more predetermined points on the body with sterile, disposable needles. Originally the procedure was believed to relieve blockage from meridians thought to connect the body's various organs, thus permitting the normal flow of energy and return to health. Modern research shows that some effects of acupuncture have a neurological basis. 

The ability of acupuncture to control chronic headaches, osteoarthritis, and chronic pain associated with the back, neck, and shoulders, is well established. Studies also show that it can reduce procedural anxiety and improve allergic rhinitis. Findings from a recent study indicate that acupuncture is as effective as counseling in controlling symptoms of depression. 

Current evidence also supports the role of acupuncture in alleviating post-operative and chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting, xerostomia (extreme dry mouth), and hot flashes. Preliminary studies also suggest that acupuncture can help relieve lymphedema in breast cancer patients. A large randomized, controlled trial is currently underway to confirm this effect.

Friday, January 24, 2014

Recent research is showing that early radical treatment of prostate cancer is harmful to men. More & more its being found that in men that have died at an elder age of different causes did have prostate cancer & didn't even know it. Weren't bothered by it.

It now seems trying alternative therapies to manage the cancer is more beneficial. Radical treatment can damage nerves & cause ED. Therapies such as acupuncture, herbs, hormone replacement, transurethral hyperthermia & a healthy diet & exercise may be the way to go!!

Don't do nothing but you don't have to go to extremes either!! Stay in touch with your health care providers & use common sense & your best judgement.

I'm always available to talk if you have questions.


Wednesday, January 22, 2014

Acupuncture stimulates the release of norepinephrine, acetylcholine and several other types of opioids, affecting changes in their turnover rate, normalizing the autonomic nervous system (involuntary), and reducing pain.

Explanation - these are feel good substances!! Stimulation & increase/balancing of them is something we all want!! Pain reduction, reduced anxiety/irritability & elevated mood!!
Acupuncture brings it!!!!!!