Acupuncture & Chinese Herbs in Carrollton TX

In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), watermelon is used for 'summer heat' -- a condition characterized by feeling hot, irritable, thirsty, and maybe even a bit feverish.  Even if you don't have all these symptoms, but just feel hotter than usual, watermelon cools very effectively.  Watermelon also helps to reduce increased or intensified hot flashes in the summer.
Eat about a cup twice a day for best results. 

Other cooling foods to increase consumption of this summer: lettuce, cucumbers, citrus fruits;  raw or cooked broccoli and spinach. Reduce 'hot' foods such as fried foods, alcohol, red meat, butter and hot spices.

And don't forget to drink plenty of purifed water, even when exercising indoors.  Remind children to drink fluids when they're playing outdoors, as children often forget to drink.

Studies have shown the benefits of acupuncture in relieving side effects of chemotherapy.  One study concluded that chemo-related nasea and vomiting were better controlled when acupuncture was used as a complementary therapy with anti-nausea drugs as opposed to drugs alone.  (www.webmd.com)

Another study done in the UK showed that acupuncture was helpful in reducing post-chemo fatigue.  Those in the study had a 36% reduction in fatigue after receiving two 20-minute acupuncture treatments per week for six weeks. (www.newscientist.com)

Yet another study showed the beneficial effects of acupuncture for hot flashes experienced as a result of breast cancer treatment.  Again, acupuncture significantly reduced hot flashes and resulted in a higher level of overall well-being in the study participants.  In fact, it was as effective and longer-lasting than medication used to reduce post-breast cancer treatment-related hot flashes. (www.henryford.com)

You may have heard about 'ear stapling' for weight loss and smoking cessation.  Ear stapling refers to the placement of a surgical staple in the ear to provide continuous stimulation of particular acupoints known to supress the appetite or reduce cravings, for example.

Auricular (referring to the ear) acupuncture has been used for over 25 years to curb addictive behaviors such as drug use and smoking.  Small needles are placed in the ear to reduce cravings, calm the mind and bring balance to the body. 

Ear stapling is a modern 'take' on auricular acupuncture and has been found to be very helpful for weight loss. Most people find they feel full more quickly, feel less hungry, and/or have fewer cravings for certain foods such as sweets.   For smoking cessation, nicotine cravings are reduced. 

The staples stay in place for 12-16 weeks.  For weight loss, the results are gradual --- 2-4 pounds per week on average for women, more for men.  

Success rates are high; however, ear stapling doesn't work for everyone.  Nor does it work if you're overweight due to metabolism problems such as low thyroid function.  But if you are an emotional eater, or have late night cravings, or eat too much at meals, ear stapling may be able to help you.

The biggest risk associated with ear stapling is infection.  However, if the ears are properly and regularly cleaned, risk of infection is low.  Be cautious when choosing who will do your staples.  Your safest bet is a health care practitioner such as a licensed acupuncturist or R.N., both of whom are trained in 'clean needle' technique and infection prevention.  You also want someone who will still be around when it's time to remove your staples, as you can't take them out yourself without the proper tool.

If you would like more information, feel free to email me at eastwestacup@sbcglobal.net and request "Ear stapling FAQ". 

Did you know that acupuncture and Chinese herbs can help you stay healthy? 

Seasonal acupuncture treatments just four times a year can strengthen the inner organ systems and correct any minor annoyances, such as digestive problems, before they become serious problems. 

Chinese medicine can also help boost your immune system to prevent or reduce recurring upper respiratory problems such as frequent colds, sinus infections and asthma.

A few things you can do to help prevent colds and flu this season:

• Wash hands often with soap and water.  Carry hand sanitizer with you if you don't have access to running water.
• Drink water, exercise and eat plenty of green, yellow and red vegetables to build immunity
• Get enough sleep.  Recent studies indicate adequate sleep - 7-8 hours per night - helps build immunity to the common cold.
• Take a probiotic, such as acidophilus.  There is evidence that these healthy bacteria, which populate the intestines, help the body fight disease.  Things that destroy these friendly bacteria: antibiotics, acid blockers, oral contraceptives, pain medications, corticosteroids and chemotherapy.

Ginger tea can help relieve a stuffy nose and common cold symptoms.  Cut 2 quarter-size pieces, about 1/4 inch thick, of fresh gingeroot, remove peel and bring to a boil in 2 cups of water; lower heat and simmer for 4 minutes.  Add 1/2 teas of cayenne pepper and simmer another minute.  Remove from heat; add 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice and one or two cloves of garlic, peeled and mashed.  Add honey to taste.  Strain and drink warm throughout the day.   Children's (under 13 years old) dosage: 1/2 cup.

Ginger can also help relieve arthritis.  Take 1-2 grams of pure powdered ginger daily.  You can purchase it in capsule form.  For nausea, make a tea (as above) with the ginger only.  You can also eat crystallized ginger or take ginger in capsule form.

The Pentagon is investigating alternative therapies for soldiers suffering from post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other injuries.

 

Acupuncture was one of the modalities recently tested.

 

Initial trials this summer with combat veterans showed that acupuncture relieved PTSD symptoms and eased pain and depression, army psychiatrist Engel said. "Improvements were relatively rapid and clinically significant", he said.

 

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