The exact origin of Chinese New Year is too old to be traced, but many explanations still exist. One idea is that the holiday originated when a beast named Nian (which means year in Chinese) came out the night before the new year and started to prey on the people in the villages. Of course, the people were very frightened by this monster and so a brave old man went up to the beast and Read more…
What systems aid in internal cleansing? The body has at least five channels of detoxification– the bowel, liver, kidney, lung and skin. Each of these systems works synergistically to remove chemicals and toxins from the body. Certain herbs and fibers stimulate and support the body’s natural detoxification process. How do I know I need to internally cleanse? Episodes of bloating, brain fog, sluggishness or low vitality are all signs that you may benefit from a Read more…
The concept of Summer Heat is well known here in the Midwest, especially when it includes humidity. Those long, hot, humid summer days- often after a few days of rain and slightly cooler temps- leave one feeling sweaty, tired, thirsty and out of sorts. In Chinese Medicine, “Summer Heat” is actually a defined condition including the above symptoms, but also includes feelings of a fever, very profuse sweating, possible wheezing or shortness of breath. It Read more…
Recently, we’ve had more questions around the difference between Acupuncture and Dry Needling, a procedure performed by Physical Therapists. Let’s address a few basics about the two modalities. Definitions: Acupuncture the insertion of fine needles into sites on the body known as Acupuncture Points. Each of these sites have known effects on the function of various body systems. A number points are combined to increase circulation to an area of the body to stimulate healing. The area Read more…
This guest post comes from one of our patients, Maretes. She wanted us to share her experience with acupuncture. “I have known about acupuncture for many years, but never believed it can truly work…until now. I started see AHHA in February of this year to see if acupuncture could help alleviate some health issues. After my 2nd treatment, I stopped snoring, which I thought was always going to be a part of my life. And Read more…
Did you know that there are actually four branches of Oriental medicine in addition to Acupuncture? Ancient physicians of Oriental Medicine theorized that the human body is designed to last 120 years and developed ways to actually heal the body and improve it’s function. Branch 1: “Right Thinking” The first branch included what is known as “right-thinking” and was considered crucial for a longer life. Right thinking involves using things to have you focused on what is Read more…
There has been much debate about pH levels in the human body. The general consensus of any holistic-minded individual is that you want your body to be alkaline. The theory being that disease cannot survive in a alkaline state. Many scientists and chemists will tell you that it doesn’t matter what you eat, your blood will always remain the same pH (between 7.35 and 7.45). So does what you eat affect your body’s pH level? Can Read more…
Spring in Wisconsin is, at best, a time of sometimes turbulent change. Warm and sunny one day, and 10 inches of snow the next. That’s how the seasons change from winter to spring in this part of the world. In Oriental Medicine, we are reminded to transform our eating patterns to prepare our bodies to stay strong and balanced through the spring time. Spring Time and Your Organs The Liver is traditionally the organ associated with spring. Read more…
If you have had your gallbladder removed, there are some things to consider: Digestive Function: The liver produces bile and sends it to the gallbladder. Normally, when one consumes a fat of any kind, the gallbladder automatically releases the bile to break down the fat in the large intestines. Your body cannot use this fat until it is emulsified (broken down into smaller droplets and mixed) with everything else you are digesting (an example of Read more…
Although Quinoa has risen in popularity over the past few years, the seed is actually nothing new…in fact, its quite ancient. It is believed that quinoa was first cultivated in the Andes Mountains in Peru, Chile, and Bolivia around 4000 years ago. The Incas called it “gold of the Incas” and it was one of the main food sources for the Inca Empire. Quinoa may look like a grain, but it actually isn’t a grain Read more…