Hypertension
Hypertension, or high blood pressure, affects at least one out of three Americans. It is called the “silent killer” because there are often no symptoms until a person has a heart attack, stroke, kidney disease, blindness, metabolic disorders, heart failure or even dementia and cognitive impairment. Blood pressure is the actual force of blood flowing against your artery walls. The normal range is 120/80 mm.Hg. (systolic/diastolic.) If a person’s blood pressure is above 140 systolic or above 90 diastolic, they are considered to have hypertension.
Most cases of hypertension are known as “essential hypertension” which has no identifiable cause. “Secondary hypertension” is caused by underlying conditions such as kidney disease. The risk factors for essential hypertension include age ( over 35 years old), race ( African Americans are at a higher risk ), and a family history of the condition. These factors cannot be controlled; however, factors that can be controlled are:
Overweight, stress, salt, heavy consumption of alcohol and tobacco, and a sedentary lifestyle.
The Western Medical approach usually entails medication and lifestyle changes. The Chinese Medicine approach involves treating the Liver, Kidney, Heart, and Spleen energy systems plus self care:
Get daily aerobic exercise plus regular Tai Chi or Qi Gong
Lower stress through meditation and time alone
Practice slow deep breathing
Adequate rest and sleep
Reduce the amount of dietary salt and fat and increase intake of fresh fruits and vegetables
Avoid smoking, alcohol, coffee, and spicy foods
Colds and Flu
Flu symptoms- fever, sore throat, congestion, fatigue, muscle and body aches, runny nose, dry cough, sneezing, and watery eyes.
Cold symptoms- less severe- nasal congestion, sneezing, coughing, sore throat, light headaches
Acupuncturists believe that using acupuncture as a preventive approach to colds and flu can reduce the incidence of upper respiratory tract infection and shorten the length of the illness. Studies have shown that there are specific acupuncture points that can enhance the functioning of the immune system. We are always surrounded by germs. They are not what cause illness. Illness occurs when certain organ systems are weak and out of balance. When our bodies are in a weakened and unbalanced state, a hospitable environment is created for bacteria and viruses to thrive, leading to colds and flu.
Wei Qi is a concept in Chinese Medicine that is similar to the immune system we recognize in the West. Wei Qi functions as a barrier that protects and defends the body against foreign substances which can cause illness and disease. When Wei Qi is strong and abundant, we remain healthy. When it is weak and inadequate, we become vulnerable to invading micro-organisms.
Acupuncture and Chinese Herbs can support, strengthen, and stimulate the Wei Qi. By building up and supporting the Wei Qi, the body’s organs and meridians become strong, improving their ability to effectively fight off illness and disease.
Tips for Staying Healthy:
Drink at least 8 oz. Filtered water a day
Exercise regularly
Eat healthy organic foods, with foods containing anti-oxidants, eg. beta carotene & Vit C
Limit sugar which creates an acid environment and taxes the immune system
Take Vit. C and immune stimulating herbs
Get plenty of rest and sleep
Enjoy relaxing and fun activities
Get preventive acupuncture treatments esp. during flu season & at the change of seasons
Women's Health
Most women face a wide variety of health challenges throughout their lives;
PMS, fertility and childbirth issues, and menopause. In TCM a woman's gynecological health is related to to specific meridian and organ systems, mainly the spleen, kidney and liver systems
Acupuncture and herbal medicine plus dietary changes and exercise can help rebalance a woman's hormonal system and alleviate symptoms of PMS such as bloating, mood swings, breast tenderness, and increased appetite as well as cramping during periods.
Symptoms such as intense pain during sex or intense pain or heavy bleeding, nausea and bloating and low back pain during a period can be symptoms of a more serious issue such as endometriosis.
Symptoms of long heavy periods, pain during sex and a feeling of fullness or pressure in the abdomen can indicate uterine fibroids.
Both of these situations should be reported to a woman's gynecologist. Western treatments for both of the conditions may include medication and surgery.
Acupuncture can be very helpful with some of these symptoms and can be given in conjunction with Western medical treatment.
Acupuncture has been shown to be able to increase the chance of getting pregnant, especially when used in conjunction with Western medical intervention such as IVF.
It can be very effective in softening the emotional aspects of infertility. It can also address some symptoms that may arise during pregnancy, such as morning sickness, anxiety and stress, and back pain.
Menopause is a natural physiological cycle that occurs in all women at the end of their reproductive cycle. Many of the symptoms of menopause, such as hot flashes, insomnia, mood swings, memory problems, vaginal dryness, and changes in libido, can be relieved through acupuncture and herbal medicine.
Fertility
The treatment of infertility with Chinese Medicine dates back as far as 2,000 years. According to theories of Chinese medicine infertility is caused by an imbalance of qi and blood affecting one or more of organ systems related to fertility. In Chinese medicine these are the spleen ( this includes the pancreas ) , liver, and kidney. Acupuncture and Chinese medicine can increase the potential for fertility by affecting the quality, quantity, balance and flow of qi and blood. When they are circulating freely throughout the body, every cell, tissue, and organ is properly nourished and functioning well.There has been been quite a bit of research on acupuncture and Chinese Medicine for infertility. One study conducted at Weill Cornell Medical Center in New York concluded that acupuncture helps to: relax and increase blood flow to the uterus, which improves the chances of an embryo implanting on the uterine wall; reduce anxiety, stress, and the hormones that are secreted during stressful situations that can decrease fertility; normalize the endocrine system which helps regulate the menstrual cycle and ovulation
Men's Health
An imbalance of qi ( life force ) can result in the following symptoms in men: prostate problems ( prostatitis and benign prostatic hyperplasia ), infertility, and male menopause and depression. Acupuncture and Chinese herbs have been shown to be helpful for these problems.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome ( IBS )
IBS is a complex disorder of the intestines in which they lose their ability to function properly. The main symptoms are abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea, and/or constipation. Some people also get headaches, fatigue, depression, and anxiety. Things such as diet, stress and emotional factors, hormone levels, and medications may trigger IBS attacks. In Chinese Medicine the spleen ( this includes the pancreas in TCM ), liver, and kidney are all balanced. Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine plus lifestyle changes such as dietary changes, exercise, and stress reduction methods
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome ( CTS )
The carpel tunnel is a narrow passageway in the wrist that protects the median nerve which innervates the hand and the the tendons that control the fingers. The usual cause is Repetitive Stress Injury ( RSI ), repetitive flexion and extension of the tendons in the hands and wrists. Symptoms usually start with dull wrist pain that gradually gets worse. Eventually one may experience numbness, tingling, or burning sensations in the fingers or hand, pain extending from the wrist up the arm to the shoulder or down into the palm or fingers, and weakness int he hands and difficulty holding objects. The standard treatment for CTS may include immobilizing the wrist and hand, the use of anti-inflammatory drugs or steroids to decrease swelling, and even surgery. Acupuncture and Chinese herbs may be able to reduce swelling of soft tissue. Studies have shown that they can stimulate the production of cortisol. Supplements that may be helpful include Vit. B2, and B6, and Omega-3 fatty acids
Asthma
Asthma is an inflammatory disease in which the airways become narrowed or even blocked. This causes symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, and tightness in the chest. Asthma attacks occur when something triggers the inflammation of the respiratory system. These triggers may be: respiratory infections such as colds, flu, bronchitis, or sinus infections; environmental allergens such as dust and dust mites, pollen, mold, and animals; food allergens; irritants such as cigarette smoke, strong smells, and air pollution; strenuous exercise, weather changes, and emotions. An acute asthma attack can be life-threatening and may require a visit to the emergency room. Western medicine approaches to prevention include anti-inflammatory medications and inhalants. In Chinese Medicine asthma is known as "Xiao Chuan", which means "wheezing" and "shortness of breath." It is caused by a number of things that involve an imbalance with "Wei Qi" ( defensive qi ) and an imbalance with Lung, Spleen, or Kidney.
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