In the beginning......

In the beginning of old,
All is yet formless,no up or down.
Dark and light are a blur,
The only image is a whir.
Bight gets brighter,dark gets darker,
The yin mingles with the yang-
Then was the round pattern manifold.
What an achievement that was!
Around turn the cords on the pivot of Heaven;
Eight pillars are the buttresses;
Spread out are the nine fields of Heaven
With their numerous edges and angles.
The heaven mesh with the twelve;
Sun and Moon bond,and the asterisms line up.

Huai Nan Zi

Feed your good bacteria

Did you know that by supporting your probiotics ie. yogurt,miso,and tempeh with "prebiotics" you promote better gut health. Prebiotics are the carbohydrates that feed the beneficial bacteria in your body.

Try these foods noted to be beneficial:
*Slightly green or under-ripe bananas
*Durum pasta or egg noodles
*Sourdough bread
*Boiled rice(esp. arborio)
*Onions,leeks,and garlic(cooked or raw)
*Jerusalem artichokes
*Raw chicory root
*Cooked oats
*Blueberries
*Cooked dried beans(pinto,black)

Relax in 5 minutes or less

Listen to your favorite song, Dance, Laugh,Cuddle with a furry friend. These are just a few
ways to help relax in 5 minutes or less. You can find more ways at:http://greatist.com/happiness/40-ways-relax-5-minutes-or-less.

Happy Holidays,
Jeannette

Questions & Answers about Acupuncture

What can I expect if treated with acupuncture?

Acupuncture and herbs may alleviate many conditions very rapidly;however,some conditions that have arisen over a course of years will be relieved only with slow,steady progress. As in many forms of healing, the patient's attitude,diet,determination, and lifestyle will affect the outcome of a course of treatment.

Traditional Chinese medicines is also an educational process in which the patient becomes more aware, and responsible for his or her own body's vitality and wellness. Advise may be given to help the patient establish a more balanced lifestyle and thus maintain a deeper sense of well-being.

Oriental Medicine is a complete system itself, and is complementary to Western Medicine. Your acupuncturist may,depending on your condition,recommend that you seek further advice or treatment from your primary care healthcare practitioner.

Is Acupuncture Safe?

Under the care and supervision of a Licensed Acupuncturist, your safety is assured. The needles for treatments are sterile,disposed of after each use by following safety protocol.

Is Acupuncture Painful?

Acupuncture needles are very fine,flexible,and are about the diameter of a strand of human hair. Acupuncture bears no resemblance to the feeling of receiving an injection,since the main source of pain from injections is the larger diameter,hollow needle and the medication being pushed into the tissue by pressure. In most cases, insertion by a skilled practitioner is performed with minimum of discomfort. Most patients find the treatments very relaxing and many fall asleep during the treatments.

Does medical insurance cover Acupuncture?

A number of medical insurance companies cover acupuncture under their policies. Please contact your employer or health insurance company to inquire about your coverage.

What does it treat?

The World Health Organization recognizes acupuncture and Oriental medicine's ability to treat more then 43 commonly encountered clinical disorders including:
*Gastrointestinal disorders:
Peptic ulcer,constipation,chronic diarrhea,indigestion and gastritis
*Urogenital disorders:
Stress incontinence and urinary tract infections
*Gynecological disorders:
Irregular,heavy or painful menstruation,PMS,infertility in women & men
*Respiratory disorders:
Sinusitis,Asthma,allergies, and bronchitis
*Bones,Muscles,Joints:
Arthritis,neuralgia,migraine headaches,insomnia,dizziness and low back,neck and shoulder pain
*Circulatory disorders:
Hypertension,High cholesterol,and anemia
*Emotional and psychological disorders:
Depression,including Seasonal Affective Disorder, anxiety and stress
*General Medicine:
Eye,ear,nose and throat disorders,including cold & flu symptom relief.

Coping with Stress

Stress can create a vicious cycle of emotional and physical discomfort,especially when an individual is experiencing chronic pain,loss of functionality, separation from loved ones,and loss of control.The cycle can be prolonged and intense and can engender feelings of depression,hopelessness,and despair that further reinforce the stress,pain,exhaustion and sense of loss of control.
Knowing that the brain and the body work together in determining the degree of stress perceived and the degree of discomfort felt is essential to forming any sort of effective stress management plan.Research shows that relaxation is a key element to limiting the effect of stress in ones life.

Here are some approaches towards coping with stress:
Take breaks
Exercise regularly
Learn relaxation techniques: rhythmic breathing,imagery,meditation,massage
Share your worries with spouse, a friend or counselor
Live today and for today
Seek more information
Go easy on yourself
Try acupuncture: research shows that acupuncture works in the emotional or limbic system of the brain and interfaces over into the stress control circuits.

SKIN:Your protective barrier

Here's a great article on what you can do for overall health to protect your skin (Huffpost Healthy Living)
In summary:
Decrease inflammation helps protect skin fibers.
Increase Circulation brings in nutrients,aids detoxification,and decreases inflammation.
Improve Digestion to facilitate absorption of nutrients.
Antioxidants to reduce fine lines and wrinkles
Nourish with medicinal mushrooms and healthy fats.
Detox and hydrate  for better skin appearance
 

Acupuncture and chemo-induced neuropathy

Acupuncture: helpful for chemo-induced Neuropathy.

A pilot study using neurography shows Acupuncture being effective for chemo-induced peripheral neuropathy. The study also showed a reduction in analgesic use and improved sleep patterns.

To read the full disclosure, please click on the following link: (Journal of Chinese Medicine)