Lyme disease is a bacterial infection spread through tick bites; specifically the tiny deer tick. It is becoming more common as tick population is increased in some areas and more people are outdoors in the long grass and brushy wooded areas where ticks live. It can also be brought in on pets with ticks that drop off and then get on the owners. Lyme Disease Symptoms Early symptoms are flu like things such as chills, Read more…
Spring in Chinese Medicine is the time when the world and our bodies are waking up out of the very cold, dark, Yin winter and become activated by new growth. It is a time of the reactivation of the Yang or warm and energetic nature of our being. The organ system of spring is the Liver, although Spleen also must be considered as the basis of digestion and energy production. In Chinese medicine the Liver Read more…
As practitioners, we are often asked about the use of colonic cleansing. Our recent blog on dietary cleansing has renewed that line of questioning for a lot of patients as well. This brief article will help to clarify where our medicine stands on the subject. What is a colon cleanse? Traditionally known as a “high colonic” this refers to the process of flushing out the colon (or large intestine) with large amounts of water or Read more…
What exactly is an allergy? An allergy is defined as an immune response to an outside substance that causes the body to create inflammation or change organ function. Allergic reactions can range from the mildly annoying (sniffles, stuffiness, itchy skin, eyes or throat) to the life threatening (anaphylaxis – inability to breathe, or severe throat swelling). There a number of immune chemicals (like histamines) that are released in the body and cause the allergic response. Read more…
It’s finally here! We’ve been waiting months and months for it, dealing with the frigid cold temperatures, ridiculous amounts of snow and a lack of sun. But the wait is over. Spring is here! It’s such a wonderful time of year. It’s the time of year where we have warmer temperatures and we start to see the leaves on trees and flowers start to bloom. It’s a time for renewal, movement, detoxing, creativity and cleansing. Read more…
Every year millions of Americans suffer from the family of viruses we call “the Common Cold”; more still, will contract some sort of Influenza. Both of these common viral illnesses cost us greatly in time lost at work or school, the monetary cost of symptom relief remedies and, for an unfortunate number of us, more serious complications that lead to hospital stays. It is true that the need for serious medical intervention is USUALLY restricted Read more…
Seasonal Affective Disorder, or SAD, affects many Americans each year; particularly affected are those living in the Northernmost states, where seasonal changes are the most pronounced. It is defined as a type of depression (or anxiety in rarer cases) directly related to the change of seasons, where symptoms begin and end at the same time of year each year. The most common type affects persons during the fall and winter months, but there is also Read more…
Chinese Medicine and Environmental Changes (The Six Environmental Evils) The wacky weather patterns we have experienced so far in the Midwest during this winter of 2018-2019 have led to some interesting observations in the clinic. Many patients have been experiencing changes in their bodies that are likely related to the swings in weather conditions, and we’ve had a lot of discussion with them (and amongst ourselves as Acupuncturists) about the subject. It therefore seemed like a Read more…
Soup or Salad: it really depends on the season! Let’s talk about why….. Soup and salad are the quintessential American lunch staples. There are so many varieties and options that you can eat them every day and not get bored. They are both quick and easy to transport and prepare at work. No wonder we love them so! The issue in Oriental Medicine regarding which one to choose and when, is a matter of understanding Read more…
The idea of fluid metabolism is a key one in the understanding of many health issues in Chinese Medicine. A person with healthy organ systems takes in fluids through food and drink, which are purified and dispersed to all the body in order to moisten, nourish and lubricate the tissues. When one or more of the organ systems become imbalanced the movement of fluids around the body can be affected, leading to improper distribution and Read more…