Common very good questions people of literally any age ask as they suffer with maladies include: “Why do I have this particular symptom?” “Why won’t this symptom just go away on its own?” “How long will it take for the symptom to go away on it’s own?” “What should I do if the symptom in the end does not go away?” Let’s answer those questions here! But….before answering those questions, let’s discuss the definitions of Read more…
Clinically we find that most, if not all, conditions people arrive with are related to stress of some kind. One wonders what “stress” means exactly. This a word that has many definitions but we could start with its root meaning, which the Oxford English dictionary indicates is from the Latin strictus which means ‘drawn tight’….one can most certainly see how that might apply! Also from that same dictionary, one of many definitions given denotes HOW those outside stressors Read more…
Patients are often surprised when we discuss the need for adequate sleep to maintain the immune system. We are all used to thinking about our diet, computer/screen habits, and supplements or herbs as having a lot to do with building a strong immune response, but – sleep? Yep! Sleep (and often the lack thereof) has a huge impact on the strength of the immune response our bodies can mount against outside invaders. Are you or Read more…
As the current pandemic continues to unfold worldwide, more and more people are becoming concerned with strengthening their immune systems. The web is awash with nifty supplements or special practices that promise immediate immune boosting powers. The truth is that your body—when given vibrant, healthy foods, adequate water and sleep and simultaneously protected from harmful chemicals and overwhelming foods—is capable of maintaining a strong immune response. There are really no magic pills or potions that Read more…
In recent days reports of the COVID-19 virus (commonly referred to as the coronavirus) spreading around the globe and into the U.S. has a lot of people worried about preventing and treating such an illness. The last pandemic–type virus seen in the U.S. was the H1N1 virus outbreak in 2009. A lot of the same precautions and treatments hold true for patients now that worked back then. These include behaviors like hand washing, avoiding large Read more…
The winter and spring months are notorious for waves of influenza cases around the country. While many cases are mild, the flu is easily spread and can, for some patients, be life threatening. It is worthwhile, therefore, to know a little bit about it; how it spreads, how you can prevent it, and what to do if you are infected. What is Influenza? Influenza is a group of viruses in humans (and other animals) that Read more…
This a question we get very often from folks who have not had treatment previously and it is indeed a very good one to ask! Here is a brief overview of various sensations that may occur during an acupuncture treatment, related to the points used. As the point is placed, one may experience a “pinch” of insertion. Many people experience no sensation during point insertion, given the unique method of insertion used in this particular Read more…
Just about everyone has experienced a sleepless night at one time or another. Usually it’s because of nervousness or excitement over an upcoming event, or emotional upset due to some recent stressor. For most of us it is an isolated incident and we return to our usual, restful sleep pattern pretty quickly. There are those however, who suffer from lack of or poor quality sleep more often; sometimes for extended periods of time. The National Read more…
Peripheral Neuropathy (Neuropathy) occurs when one or more nerves in the extremities (arms or legs) are damaged in some way. This can cause a variety of symptoms depending on the type of nerve and location of damage. What does peripheral neuropathy feel like? Basically there are three types of nerves running out through the body: Sensory – these nerves let us “feel” things, sensations, pain, touch, location Motor – these nerves let us “do” things Read more…
Celiac disease is an autoimmune condition that causes a genetically pre-disposed person’s small intestine to become damaged when ingesting gluten (a form of protein found in wheat and related grains). The Celiac Disease Foundation estimates that 1 in 100 people worldwide have this condition and that it is likely undiagnosed in 2.5 million Americans. In this condition the gluten from wheat, rye or barley cause the body to have an immune response that attacks the Read more…