Nov 19 and Nov 20 FREE ACUPUNCTURE TO HELP YOU QUIT

The third Thursday of November marks the Annual Great American Smokeout. Acupuncture and Chinese Herbs can help you quit smoking – naturally. Acupuncture helps reduce cravings, assists with the stress of quitting and can sometimes even make those cigarettes taste awful.

In honor of the Great American Smokeout, Pure Health and Wellness is proud to offer two free days of Acupuncture for those that are determined to quit smoking. Free days will be Friday, Nov. 19^th and Saturday, Nov. 20^th.  I suggest you take advantage and come in both days.  Make appointments now, as time slots will fill quickly.

For most people trying to quit smoking, 5 to 10 treatments are required.  We are also offering a special package in November for smoking cessation consisting of 5 treatments and two bottles of Chinese Herbs for $320.  How much does your habit cost you per month or per year? This is a great investment in your health, not only for you, but for your loved ones.

Start preparing today to quit. If you have any questions, please contact me.

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Have you wanted to do something about those lines and wrinkles but are too afraid to try Botox or another surgical procedure? Perhaps you have read the recent articles in Oprah’s magazine, Harper’s Bazaar, or the New York Times on cosmetic acupuncture?

Karen M Stringer, LAc, Dipl. of OM, MAOM has just returned from a fabulous conference to bring you the Mei Zen Cosmetic Acupuncture procedure. While Mrs. Stringer has been practicing cosmetic acupuncture for several years, this protocol is rich with Traditional Chinese Medicine as its backbone.

Not only is this the only cosmetic procedure that will make you look better, but feel healthier from the inside out.

Cosmetic Acupuncture can:

·         Improve overall appearance of skin

·         Improve skin tone and elasticity

·         Reduce wrinkles and fine lines

·         Increase energy levels

·         Relatively painless and shallow needle insertion

·         No recovery time

·         Results last 3 – 5 years

Those patients that have had cosmetic acupuncture report improvements in their general health, including: lower stress, better mood, better sleep, fewer headaches, and improved        digestion.

Treatment Plan

Treatment consists of an initial balancing treatment, then minimum of 10 appointments (two treatments per week over five weeks). A maintenance program of one treatment every one to three months is strongly encouraged to sustain results.

Cosmetic acupuncture is contraindicated for individuals with the following conditions:

• migraine headaches*
• uncontrolled hypertension*
• bloodthinner medications
• smokers who do not wish to quit*
• diabetes* 
• pregnancy
• epilepsy or seizures 
              *If you have any of these conditions, we can work with you to resolves these
               issues, and then start the cosmetic procedure

Call for your free consultation today to not only look great but feel healthier!

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I am often asked how do I learn more about acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine? Of course, experiencing acupuncture, Chinese herbs, Tui Na, cupping and so on first hand is a great way to get in touch with the healing powers of your own body, many books are available to order online or rent through your local library to expand your knowledge.

Here is what I recommend so that you can get a better grasp on this 5,000 year old healing art:

Between Heaven and Earth by Harriet Beinfield

The Web that Has no Weaver by Ted Kaptchuk

Nutrition

Healing with Whole Foods: Asian Traditions and Modern Nutrition by Paul Pitchford

The Tao of Nutrition by Maoshing Ni

The Book of Jook: Chinese Medicinal Porridges--A Healthy Alternative to the Typical Western Breakfast by Bob Flaws

Fertility Issues

The Infertility Cure by Randine Lewis

Hope one of these books makes it on your reading list! Enjoy!

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Need some motivation to hit the trails or the treadmill? Why not try this mix to get your feet moving.  Remember 30 minutes a day of exercise can decrease stress, improve sleep and of course keep you fit. If you are trying to lose weight, start with what you can and increase your time each week until (aiming for 45 to 60 minutes of cardio).

1)    Let the Drummer Kick – Citizen Cope http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xAuQmJzt_q0

2)    Art of Revolution – Bassnectar  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jNnAwRS1cLw

3)    Pon De Floor – Major Lazer http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VxD_7S7bl8k

4)    Talib Kweli – Get By http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UVtpXvzzXiA

5)    Mundian to Bach ke – Panjabi MC http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KD9Bsjiw3CI

6)    Black and Gold – Sam Sparro http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eHuebHTD-lY

7)    Lisztomania –  Phoenix http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4BJDNw7o6so

8)    3^rd Eye Vision – Mishka http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=61HTXwsZBCA 

Enjoy your summer. It’s been beautiful weather lately.  Remember to drink lots of water and try exercising early to avoid the warmest part of the day.

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Chinese Herbs have been around for more than 5,000 years. While the Western route of pharmacology seeks to cover the symptoms, Chinese herbs aim at solving the issue at the root level. Chinese medicine provides many benefits including few or no side effects, treating the actual illness, and providing an affordable alternative to expensive prescription drugs.

If you are taking prescription medication, Oriental Medical practioners take into consideration the kind of medication you are on and have knowledge of herb to drug interaction. In some instances herbs are not recommended, for example those patients taking Coumadin and Warfarin; but acupuncture can be given. As always, never discontinue your prescription medication without consulting your medical doctor.

Herbs are fascinating, complex and can improve your condition tremendously.  Contact us today to learn how herbs can enhance your life.  Pure Health and Wellness 630.435.0100 www.purehw.com.

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Many people suffer from a bout of insomnia at one time or another. If your sleep is starting to affect your daily tasks or even health, acupuncture and Chinese herbs could be the solution.

Insomnia can occur for a number of reasons: stress, medications, menopause, chronic pain and so on. And with no sleep or continually feeling not well-rested in the morning can have a snowball effect on your overall health. You may notice not only lack of energy but decreased concentration, weight gain and increased irritability. Poor sleep has also been linked to high blood pressure, diabetes and obesity.

Acupuncture has a great track record of treating sleep problems without the side effects associated with prescription or over-the-counter sleep aids.  In fact, Oriental medicine aims to balance your body’s natural sleep cycle.

For example, if you find yourself waking at the same time nightly, let’s say 1:30 AM, that is the time in Chinese Medicine of your Liver. Your liver is in charge of your emotions. Therefore if you are stressed, your liver is not settling down as it should and you wake in the middle of the night. Acupuncture and Chinese Herbs can reduce your stress, help with the insomnia and make you feel like you have control over your situation – and you can take whatever problems arise head on.

Call today to get a good night’s sleep tonight!

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Do you often ask a friend if they hear that annoying high-pitch whistle or do you think you might be communicating with the dolphins? Unfortunately neither is true – and most likely you are a sufferer of tinnitus. Tinnitus is an annoying whistling sound. If constant, it can also be disturbing to your well-being – that is more stress on top of stress.

In the Western world, I find that tinnitus can occur for the following reasons:

• Hearing loss. Doctors and scientists have discovered that people with different kinds of hearing loss also have tinnitus.
• Trauma. Trauma from whiplash, loud noise and even dental surgeries are associated with  tinnitus
• Medicine. More than 200 medicines can cause tinnitus. If you have tinnitus and you take medicine, ask your doctor or pharmacist whether your medicine could be involved.

My suggestion is that you first get your hearing checked. This can rule out any underlying problems as well as check for hearing loss. I find that high blood pressure can sometimes also be associated with tinnitus. Then, schedule an appointment with your traditional Oriental medical practitioner.

In Chinese Medicine, the ear corresponds to the Kidney meridian and energy.  As we age, our kidney energy can become weaker or unbalanced.  (Refer to the first reason in Western diagnosis above.)

Tinnitus can also be associated with your Liver and how much stress your body is under.

Your acupuncturist will ask you if the sound is low or high pitched and whether it is constant or not, or seems to occur under stressful situations.

Check to see if you have any other associated symptoms:

·         Dizziness, vertigo, poor memory, insomnia, deafness, thirst, sore back, ache in the bones, constipation or dark-scanty urine.

·         Sensation of cold in the back, cold knees, cold limbs, edema of the legs, bright-white complexion, aversion to cold, loose stools, abundant clear urination, scanty urination, dizziness,; in men: impotence, premature ejaculation; in women: infertility.

·         Low-grade fever in afternoon, night sweats, dry red eyes, dry lips and throat, tinnitus, scanty menses, or blurred vision.

·         Irritability, propensity for outbursts of anger, deafness, distending pain in the head, temporal headache, dizziness, red face and eyes, pain in the eyes, swollen eyes, burning costal hypochondriac pain, thirst, bitter taste all day, dream-disturbed sleep, constipation with dry stools, dark yellow urine, or nose bleeds. 

After making a diagnosis, your Oriental Medical practitioner will select the appropriate points to not only treat the symptoms but get to the root of the problem. Chinese herbs also successfully treat tinnitus.

If you only want to hear the sweet sounds of music instead of an uncontrollable whistle, call today to schedule your free consultation.

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Do you suffer from endometriosis or have a loved one that does? Periods can be painful, bloating can be unfathomable, and the patient can just be feeling plain miserable.

Luckily acupuncture can help regulate the cycle, decrease painful periods, and in some cases even decrease the size of cysts. Acupuncture studies have also shown that women trying to conceive and diagnosed with endometriosis had higher rates of success when acupuncture and Chinese herbs were administered. Further studies have shown within 6 visits painful periods had significantly decreased. If you have already had laparoscopic surgery, acupuncture can help you recover from surgery and get your menstrual cycle on track. I've spoken with many women, who even after surgery still experience painful periods. I believe this is where acupuncture can help not only with the pain but the stress of always being in pain

·         In addition to acupuncture and Chinese herbs, here are several self help tips: 

·         Perform deep breathing exercises and meditative practices (look into Qi Gong at your local park district)

·         Take warm baths with essential oils such as frankincense, myrrh, clary sage, peppermint, lavender, rosemary, juniper and thyme are helpful.

·         Use a heating pad or hot water bottle on your abdomen

·         Take a high-quality Omega 3 supplement, which has shown to prevent abnormal blood clotting

Schedule your free consultation today to see how Chinese Medicine can help you!

Reference

The Treatment of 32 Cases of Endometriosis with the Methods of Supplementing the Kidneys &

Transforming Stasis by Huo Qing-ping, Xin Zhong Yi [New Chinese Medicine], #1, 1998, p. 29-30)

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Everyone at some point in their life will experience bodily pain.  Whether it’s from gardening, a sports injury or a serious health condition, your next plan of action can shorten your length of recovery and significantly reduce your pain.

For example, in the case of back pain, 80 to 85 percent of people will experience back pain at some point. Have you thought of acupuncture as a solution?

Many people learn to just deal with the pain or cover it up by taking over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofen, analgesics or opt for prescription pain killers.  Sometimes these medications can help for acute pain, but over time can have other harmful side effects or result in addiction.

People usually seek acupuncture as a last resort. They have had a MRI, physical therapy, abundance of drugs, cortisone shots, and even surgery – but are still living in pain.

Your first step in your plan of action is to realize you don’t have to live in pain.

Your next step of action is to seek help from medical professionals that can treat you. That means your local acupuncturist and/or chiropractor. These professionals can perform exams, determine if MRIs are needed and treat the root of the problem instead of placing a band-aid on it.

From your health professional, gather recommendations and make small dietary changes to help you live pain free. Did you know that a high intake of sugar suppresses your immune system and increases the inflammatory response in your body. More inflammation means more pain!

Furthermore, the pain your body experiences actually creates stress in your body. And stress creates pain. What a viscous cycle. Acupuncture can reduce stress, relieve inflammation, help with sleep – which all of these things help with pain reduction.

So in your plan of action to live pain free, think of acupuncture first.

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Do you have nutrition questions? Are you confused about what is good and bad nutrition? Did you know that 80 percent of diseases could be preventable by changing the way you eat? Are you struggling with weight, sugar cravings, allergies or allover body pain? Come learn how nutrition, acupuncture and small changes in your daily habits can make you feel better - naturally.

We will not only discuss Acupuncture and Chinese Nutrition, but have Dr. Justin Hunter, board certified in Clinical Nutrition as a guest speaker. Don't forget to bring all of your burning nutritional questions!

When: Wed. March 31

Time: 7pm

Where: Pure Health and Wellness at Seven Bridges

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