Tuesday, December 29, 2009

What is Acupuncture? by Billy Singh, L. Ac.



Hello everyone, my name is Billy Shonez Singh and I am a licensed acupuncturist and board certified herbalist practicing in Commack, NY. I am presenting to you what is acupuncture, what its used for and how a needle is inserted into the body.

If you want more information just go to my website at Billy Singh, L. Ac. at Zenohs Acupuncture in Commack, NY Take care and we'll see each other next time.

About Billy Singh & Zenohs Acupuncture

Zenohs Acupuncture's lead Practitioner and founder of the Center is Billy "Shonez" Singh. From a young age, Billy had always revered ancient Chinese wisdom. He began firstly practicing martial arts. Years later, Billy's interest in Acupuncture and ancient Chinese healing grew organically from there.

Billy has received training from the New York College of Health Professions in Syosset, New York, where he was a student in the Massage Therapy program.

Moving forward from this knowledge base, Billy obtained his Masters Degree in Acupuncture, and is board certified as "Diplomate of Acupuncture" and “Diplomate of Chinese herbology by the NCCAOM (National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine).

Billy has also been fortunate enough to train under noted acupuncturist and author, Virginia Doran, LMT, M.Ac., L.Ac., from whom he obtained certification in Facial Rejuvenation Acupuncture.

Billy Singh also attended the New York College of Traditional Chinese Medicine. It is there that he did his certification in Chinese herbology and trained with highly esteemed herbologists, Dr. Libang Zhang and Dr. Yongshun Bei.

Billy is an active member of the Huntington Chamber of Commerce and the Long Island Association.

He has learned Zheng Gu Tui Na from noted authors and acupuncturists, Tom Bisio and Frank Butler.

Saturday, November 28, 2009

Bonny Williams on training in Traditional Chinese Medicine.mov

She is head of an acupuncture school in the UK

Monday, November 23, 2009

NYCTCM Acupuncture Clinic


IMG_3277
Originally uploaded by NYCTCM
Senior Intern at NYCTCM Teaching Clinic in Manhattan, NY treats patient for painful shoulder with limited range of motion.

Sunday, November 22, 2009

Acupuncture & 9-11 Health Benefit

Dear Friends,

Please cut and paste this and send this petition around. Any NYC
resident needs to check off YES in the second column "Ground Zero
Worker, Volunteer, NYC Resident"

Please add your comments if you feel acupuncture has helped you or if
you know it has helped people deal with stress, anxiety...and
increased sense of well-being! If you have already signed, please
pass it on.

Hope you are all well,

Wendy Z. Henry, LAc
Acupuncture Mobile Services

http://www.petitiononline.com/acu123/petition.html

To: the NYC Dept. of Health and Mental Hygiene

Commissioner Thomas R. Frieden, MD, MPH
NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene
125 Worth St., 3rd Floor, room 331 cn38
New York, NY 10013

Dear Dr. Thomas Frieden,

We the undersigned implore you to include acupuncture as a covered benefit as part of the
�9-11 Mental Health and Substance Abuse Benefit�.

The �9/11 Mental Health and Substance Abuse Benefit� that was funded through Red Cross resources included auricular acupuncture as a covered benefit. Unfortunately this benefit ended Dec. 31, 2007. In addition other programs, which offered the auricular acupuncture in New York City, have been discontinued as funding has run out.

Acupuncture has been an important part of the healing process of many people directly impacted by the events of �9-11�. Many of us have discovered that acupuncture has been highly effective in helping us with improved sleep, reduction in anxiety, reduction in cravings for alcohol and other substances and has helped us feel calmer. Acupuncture has a long history in helping people with anxiety, depression, insomnia and substance abuse problems. It is being used internationally to address symptoms associated with PTSD. Many significant benefits have been noted. We have also noticed the positive changes in others who have received this treatment.

Having this benefit extended to include acupuncture coverage would enable us to utilize acupuncture as a treatment modality when we experience the need. Experiencing acupuncture, a non-verbal treatment method, has often prepared us to have more productive counseling sessions for those of us who have also chosen a more traditional counseling approach.

Please reconsider your decision and do include acupuncture as a covered benefit in the �9-11 Mental Health and Substance Abuse Benefit.� You will be helping many people and New York City!

Sincerely,

The Undersigned

Saturday, November 14, 2009

NYCTCM Open House November 2009


Join us to hear about the exceptional programs at New York College of Traditional Chinese Medicine that prepare you for a career in Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine. Prospective students are invited to attend an NYCTCM Open House for an overview of the Acupuncture school & Traditional Chinese Medicine school programs, a tour of the facility, open discussion, and information on the application process.

Location:
NYCTCM, 155 First St., Mineola, NY 11501
  • Saturday, Nov. 21, 2009 from 11:00am to 1:00pm

For more information about NYCTCM Open Houses

Friday, November 13, 2009

Sarah Michelle Gellar takes her dog for acupuncture

Moving along in her pregnancy, Sarah Michelle Gellar was spotted out running errands in Toluca Lake, California on Thursday August 6.

Joined by a few friends, the expecting “Buffy” actress was out to take her pet pooch to a veterinarian’s office for an acupuncture appointment.

Thursday, November 12, 2009

Acupuncture Anesthesia



Cesarean section operation performed by Prof Anton Jayasurya 1978. Documented by Dr Gabriel Stux, www.akupunktur-aktuell.de

Thanks to Billy Singh of Zenohs Acupuncture for telling me about this amazing video of a Cesarean section done using acupuncture anesthesia.

Monday, November 9, 2009

Green tea Extracts & Cancer

"Extracts from green tea may prevent the formation of mouth cancers in people with risk signs of the disease, according to a new study from Texas.

Over 50 per cent of participants in the University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center study experienced a clinical response to the green tea extracts, according to findings published in Cancer Prevention Research. "

read more at NutraIngredients-usa.com and Cancer Prevention Research

Wednesday, August 19, 2009

Duke Surgery Patients Benefit From Acupuncture During Anesthesia - Durham County - MyNC.com

Duke Surgery Patients Benefit From Acupuncture During Anesthesia - Durham County - MyNC.com



Surgery patients at Duke University Medical Center are finding that more needles may actually relieve pain after surgery. Doctors say using the centuries-old practice of acupuncture along with anesthesia speeds recovery and reduces discomfort in patients.

Friday, August 14, 2009

Tai Chi at NYCTCM

New York College of Traditional Chinese Medicine is pleased to announce the opening of a Tai Chi Course to the public. The course will be starting September 18, 2009, once a week, on Fridays, from 10 am to 11 am, for 10 sessions in total. We will only charge $100 as an administration fee for this 10-session class.

Tai Chi, or Tiaji, was originally developed in China a few hundred years ago. It is a type of martial art that is primarily known for its health benefits, including means for dealing with tension and stress.

World Tai Chi Champion, Mr. Sitan Chen will be the instructor for this Community Tai Chi Course. You will have a chance to learn Tai Chi from a Master.

This is a great opportunity. Don't miss it. Limited to 20 participants for each course. The class will take place at New York College of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Mineola.

Please send a check for $100 payable to NYCTCM by September 11, 2009. For more information call 516-739-1545 or

email:

Tai Chi course

Wednesday, July 8, 2009

What is ACAOM?


The Accreditation Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (ACAOM), (formerly the National Accreditation Commission for Schools and Colleges of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine - NACSCAOM) was established in June 1982 by the Council of Colleges of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (CCAOM). Its mission is to foster excellence in acupuncture and Oriental medicine education. The Commission acts as an independent body to evaluate first professional master’s degree and professional master’s level certificate and diploma programs in acupuncture and first professional master’s degree and professional master’s level certificate and diploma programs in Oriental medicine with a concentration in both acupuncture and herbal therapies for a level of performance, integrity and quality that entitles them to the confidence of the educational community and the public they serve.

The Commission establishes accreditation criteria, arranges site visits, evaluates programs that desire accredited status, and publicly designates those that meet the criteria. The accrediting process requires programs to examine their goals, activities and outcomes; to consider the criticism and suggestions of a visiting team; to determine internal procedures for action on recommendations from the Commission; and to maintain continuous self study and improvement mechanisms. The Commission is the sole accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education to accredit professional master’s degree and master’s level programs in the field. ACAOM is also a charter member of the Association of Specialized and Professional Accreditors.

ACAOM provides a list of accredited acupuncture programs in the U.S.

Dr. Richard Tan Seminar CE program at NYCTCM

Seminar 4-1: Clinical Wonders with Acupuncture 1, 2, 3

Time: 10 AM - 6 PM, Saturday, 10/03

Fee: $180; fee for NYCTCM alumni or other school students, $162. fee for NYCTCM students: $135

Seminar 4-2: Advance Balance Method - Dr. Tan’s Strategy of 12 Magical Points

Time: 10 AM - 6 PM, Sunday, 10/04

Location: 155 First Street, Mineola, NY 11501

Fee: $180; fee for NYCTCM alumni or other school students, $162. fee for NYCTCM students: $135

Hotel information:

Holiday Inn - Westbury
369 Old Country Road
Carle Place, NY 11514
Tel: 516-997-5000
Fax: 516-997-3623
Reservation through (516)997-5000 or 1-800-HOLIDAY
Special rate for "NYCTCM Richard Tan Seminar Traditional" at $159.00 per room per night plus tax. The cut-off date is September 1, 2009. Any guest that calls after the September 1, 2009, cut-off date will be subject to availability and standard rate of the hotel. There will be a complimentary continental breakfast served from 7:00 AM to 9:00 AM for up to two people per room.

Day 1: This course provides the basic training on the Five Systems of the Balance Method, based on Ba Gua relationships, as well as the Chinese Clock, which contain logical processes for determination of the meridians to needle and an easy-to-use dynamic format to outline the treatment. Students will be able to apply the concepts immediately in practice and develop effective treatments. Then, a detailed explanation of the Mirroring and Imaging Formats will be explained to assist participants in effective point selection.


Day 2: The strategy of 12 Magical Points is perfect for treating difficult internal disorders. Designed especially for cases with no pain, moving pain, or pain in several channels, this unique pattern covers the 12 meridians in one treatment using only twelve needles. This course includes a step-by-step guide to use the 12 Magical Points and the patterns of the points. Twenty-four studies based on real cases are included to demonstrate the extraordinary results!

To reserve your spot please go to http://www.nyctcm.edu/alumni/ceu.htm to download the registration form, and mail it in with your payment to

CEU program
New York College of Traditional Chinese Medicine
155 First St
Mineola, NY 11501

Dr. Tan's website




Free Acupuncture Treatments NYC & Long Island


New York College of Traditional Chinese Medicine Teaching Clinic offers low-cost affordable Acupuncture and Chinese Healing Arts to the community. Our senior students are mentored by licensed Master acupuncture instructors about your diagnosis and treatment.

Coupon for One Free Acupuncture Treatment for new patients; Mineola or Manhattan clinics. The coupon is on Google maps.

Call for appointment.

Call NYCTCM Teaching Clinic in Manhattan at 212-685-0888

Call NYCTCM Teaching Clinic in Mineola at 516-739-1545


Sunday, July 5, 2009

Ban Is Advised on 2 Top Pills for Pain Relief - NYTimes.com

Ban Is Advised on 2 Top Pills for Pain Relief - NYTimes.com: "By GARDINER HARRIS
Published: June 30, 2009

ADELPHI, Md. — A federal advisory panel voted narrowly on Tuesday to recommend a ban on Percocet and Vicodin, two of the most popular prescription painkillers in the world, because of their effects on the liver."

The two drugs combine a narcotic with acetaminophen, the ingredient found in popular over-the-counter products like Tylenol and Excedrin. High doses of acetaminophen are a leading cause of liver damage, and the panel noted that patients who take Percocet and Vicodin for long periods often need higher and higher doses to achieve the same effect.

Acetaminophen is combined with different narcotics in at least seven other prescription drugs, and all of these combination pills will be banned if the Food and Drug Administration heeds the advice of its experts. Vicodin and its generic equivalents alone are prescribed more than 100 million times a year in the United States.

Saturday, July 4, 2009

How to Give Chinese Tui Na Massage: Asian Massage Techniques : Neck and Shoulders Technique: How to Give Chinese Tui Na Massage

Encounters with Qi: exploring ... - Google Books

Encounters with Qi: exploring ... - Google Books

Amazing stories of Qi in this book by David Eisenberg, M.D. He went to China with Bill Moyers for the PBS TV series 'Healing and the Mind'.

Healing And The Mind

Meditation and Stress

Chi demonstration from HatM #1

A clip from "Healing and the Mind with Bill Moyers" Vol.1 Featuring David Eisenberg and a demonstrations of Chi by Shi Ming.

Thursday, April 9, 2009

Chinese Medicine Adventures: Scalp Acupuncture

Chinese Medicine Adventures: Scalp Acupuncture


Chinese Medicine Adventures posted about doing scalp acupuncture at the University of Technology, Sydney

"We are doing this is to help people who, for example, need better and improved muscle response in the their legs. Below is a patient named Josh. He very kindly allowed me to take this photo in clinic ... Josh came to the UTS acupuncture clinic to try treatment out to help with his recovery from a car accident in October 2008. He sustained major injuries to his spine and now is working to regain the use of his legs. He also has reduced mobility and strength in his arms. He is a determined man and his ability for walking or aided walk is looking fantastic. This is because of all the physiotherapy work he does, determined attitude and therapies such as acupuncture and Chinese Medicine herbs."

Lecture by Shunfa Jiao, Father of Head (Scalp) Acupuncture

Professor Shunfa Jiao, known as the father of head (scalp) acupuncture, will give a lecture at New York College of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Mineola, Long Island, NY on May 29th, and at Mount Sinai School of Medicine in NY on May 31, 2009. The lectures are sponsored by NYCTCM. The lecture offers continuing education credits to acupuncturists.

See the NYCTCM CEU page for more information and registration form.

Monday, March 23, 2009

Acupuncture for Depression


TCM Directory posted an article on about recent research on Acupuncture for Depression. Many people with depression start conventional treatment but stop it too early because of side effects, expense, lack of insurance coverage, or they recover, then relapse later. People then start looking for alternative medical treatments using Traditional Chinese Medicine.

TCM focuses on 'treating specific symptoms based on each unique patient with the use of a variety of methods such as acupuncture. Studies are now suggesting that acupuncture can be very helpful to those who suffer from depression, offering effective, long-standing results.

A research study funded by the U.S. Office of Alternative Health showed that acupuncture produced similar results when compared to Western bio-medicine. 33 female participants suffering from serious depression, and screened to rule-out psychotic or suicidal symptoms, were split into 3 separate groups, each receiving different forms of treatment. The end results showed that over half of the women who were specifically treated with acupuncture for signs of depression, using the methods and principles of Chinese medicine, experienced complete remission of their symptoms.

The Office of Alternative Health has given high regard to the study, and it is notably found to offer unique treatment for each patient.'

Sunday, March 22, 2009

Acupuncture Treatment of Senile Dementia


Excerpt from an article by Yemeng Chen, President of New York College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, on acupuncture treatment for senile dementia, which was treated by Traditional Chinese Medicine in the 18th century if not before.

"In traditional Chinese medicine, the terms "Jian Wang (amnesia)" and "Dian Zheng (depressive psychosis syndrome)" have appeared in different volumes wherein the symptoms described are similar to those of dementia cases. The records of Emperor's Cannon of Medicine indicated that the brain is a sea of marrow and deficiency of the brain leads to vertigo and dizziness. Li Shizhen (1518- 1593)of the Ming Dynasty clearly explained that the human brain is the place of the mind. In the Qing Dynasty, Wang Qingren (1768- 1831)in the book Revision of Medical Classics advanced the theory that memory impairment in the aged is due to deficiency of brain marrow.

According to traditional Chinese medicine, the etiology of the disease is attributed to deficiency of kidney-essence in the aged, as a result of which the kidney-essence and kidney Qi cannot go upward to nourish the brain. In the mean time, owing to the phlegm stagnation and blood stasis, blocks in the brain are formed and in due course, spiritual disturbance and other pathological symptoms will follow.

According to the traditional meridian theory, the Governor Vessel goes upward to vertex and enters the brain. So the acupoints of Baihui (GV 20) and Shuigou (GV 26) should be selected. According to traditional etiology, Ganshu (BL 18), Shenshu (BL 23) and Zusanli (ST 36) should be selected to invigorate the liver, kidney and to tonify the vital energy. Omura reported that acupuncture improves not only local circulation but also brain circulation. (7, 8) Another experiment shows that acupuncture on certain specific acupoints in the head region of the Governor Vessel may activate the cerebral cortex function. Acegulutamidi solution injected into such acupoints can go through the blood-brain barrier, improve the cerebral tissue metabolism as well as brain function, and maintain its good excitable function."

To read full article: Acupuncture Treatment of Senile Dementia

Yemeng Chen, L. Ac., FICAE,
President, New York College of Traditional Chinese Medicine

Saturday, March 21, 2009

Monday, March 9, 2009

TCM Advisory

Traditional Chinese Medicine-Nature therapy Medicine Health - TCM discovery Net is an authoritative website which is about Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nature therapy, Oriental medicine, Medicine, Health for researching and communicating.

Tuesday, February 3, 2009

Diabetic Neuopathy & Acupuncture

Billy Shonez Singh of Red Rooster Acupuncture in Commack, NY wrote a comprehensive article in his newsletter on treating diabetic complications with acupuncture, particularly diabetic neuropathy. I am posting it all here.

"It is a disease that is defined as a metabolic disorder that is characterized by either abnormally low or high blood sugar levels that lead to a variety of metabolic derangements. It is commonly characterized by fatigue, excessive urination, excessive thirst, and excessive hunger. In this country, it is the biggest cause of death or disability. In developed countries, the incidence of diabetes has doubled in the last 15 years and its going to double in the next 15 years.

The worst part of this situation is that one out of three people do not know they have diabetes. For those that are diagnosed have had it for much longer amount of time and wind up with complications such as neuropathies. According to Clinton J. Choate's article "Diabetes Mellitus (Part One)", it is estimated that 60% to 70% of diabetics have mild to severe forms of nervous system damage.

The symptoms range from:
  • Pain in the feet and legs.
  • Cramping, tenderness, and muscle weakness. They can occur in the legs and feet along with the arms and hands.
  • Paraesthesias- pricking, tingling, or numbness along the skin.
  • Blurred vision.
  • Impotence

In allopathic medicine, the treatment for diabetic neuropathies involve physical therapy, medications and in severe circumstances, surgical intervention. Some of the medications used to treat paraesthetic pain and other neuropathies are tricyclic antidepressants and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. Even though these specific medications are used in the treatment of depression, they are also used in treating peripheral neuropathies. However the side-effects are numerous and seem counterintuitive when one looks at them. For example, the antidepressant Imiprine (Tofronil) treats peripheral neuropathies by releasing norepinephrine in the central pain modulating pathways located in the brainstem and spinal cord. However a side-effect of Imiprine is impairment of mental or physical abilities and cardiovascular disease. When you look at those side-effects and compare them to the risk that diabetics have with cardiovascular disease, it seems rather counterproductive.

According to Subhuti Dharmanada, "Acupuncture therapy is a common approach to treating diabetes in China. Many Americans assume that acupuncture is only suitable for treating pain, perhaps because the initial introduction of acupuncture was mainly for this application. Increasingly, people with pain and other health problems for which acupuncture is selected also have diabetes." Acupuncture can treat neuropathies by bringing blood flow and nerve conduction to the skin to treat numbness and tingling in the extremities. Another point to mention is that blood flow and nerve restoration can also be accomplished in regards to the treatment of blurred vision and impotence. Unlike the medications mentioned, acupuncture has no side-effects.

Bibliography
Dharmanda Ph.D., Subhuti "Treatment of Diabetes with Chinese Herbs and Acupuncture" web posting date: January 2005 www.it monline.org pg.14

Choate, Clinton J. "Modern Medicine and Traditional Chinese Medicine: Diabetes Mellitus (Part One)" Journal of Chinese Medicine Number 58 September 1998 pg.4

Echeverry, MD, MPH, Diana M. "Diabetic Neuropathy: Treatment and Medication" updated April 4th, 2007 http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/315434-treatment

Wednesday, January 28, 2009

NYCTCM Open House events - 2009


Join us to hear about the exceptional programs at New York College of Traditional Chinese Medicine that prepare you for a career in Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine.

Prospective students are invited to attend an NYCTCM Open House for an overview of the Acupuncture school & Traditional Chinese Medicine school programs, a tour of the facility, open discussion, and information on the application process.

Spring Trimester dates: May 4, 2009 to August 20, 2009. Please call NYCTCM or

email: NYCTCM Admissions

Mineola Open House events

Location: NYCTCM, 155 First St., Mineola, NY 11501

Saturday, April 4 - 10:30 am to 12 noon with an option to be a guest student after the Open House. Appointments with the Financial Aid office are available.

Contact: Please call (516) 739-1545 to reserve your spot or email

NYCTCM Admissions

Prospective students are welcome to call ahead to schedule an appointment with admissions and financial aid before or after an Open House they plan to attend.

Free first Acupuncture Treatment - NYCTCM Manhattan

When my chi begins to stagnate I head right to the New York College of Traditional Chinese Medicine where, for a mere $25 per session, supervised students of acupuncture and herbal remedies will evaluate, advise, and acupuncturate me. It’s a no-frills experience—the furnishings are minimal, the walls are stark white, and there’s nothing remotely cushy about the place, but there’s a whole fleet of interns, students, and a doctor who will tend enthusiastically to my pulse, tongue color, and symptoms. The last time I was in I lay on the acupuncture table surrounded by six people; I felt like I had an entourage. “You’re VIP!” one of the interns joked as he stuck a needle in my scalp. Left for twenty minutes to let my channels unblock, I closed my eyes and fell asleep, comforted in knowing that soon I would be feeling a lot better without feeling like I’ve been needled out of my bank account.

Notfortourists.com

Coupon for Free first acupuncture treatment at NYCTCM Teaching Clinic for new patients

Monday, January 26, 2009

Chinese herbs for weight loss

Treating Weight Loss With Chinese Herbs

Dampness is caused by the failure to burn off moisture in the body. Dampness primarily affects the middle and lower part of the body...hence putting on weight in these areas. We use herbs as well as foods that drain the dampness. Usually a formula is prescribed using many herbs together in a synergistic manner.

By Steven Sonmore

Being overweight can become a matter of life and death. People who are overweight or obese are more likely to develop a number of potentially serious health problems. Also, the overall risk of death increases with obesity. If you are obese or overweight your health is at risk. It is important that you loose that weight and develop a healthy lifestyle. There are many weight loss programs out there and it is important to find a program that is fits your needs.

Nine dangers of being overweight:

— High Blood Pressure - 26% of obese people have hypertension.

— Diabetes - 80% of type II is related to obesity. Excess fat makes your body resistant to insulin. When your body is resistant to insulin, your

cells can’t get the energy they need.

— Abnormal blood fats - A diet high in saturated fats increases the level of LDL (bad) cholesterol.

— Stroke - the American Stroke Foundation listed obesity as one of the risks to stroke that can be controlled with medical treatment and

lifestyle changes.

— Osteoarthritis - Excessive body weight adds pressure to joints and wears away at the cartilage that protects them.

— Sleep apnea - The more overweight a person is, the greater more severe the sleep apnea will be.

— Cancer - Men and women who are overweight have a higher risk of developing many different kinds of cancer.

— Gallstones - Gallstones are more common in people who are overweight. According to Chinese medicine gallstones are caused by “damp

heat.”

— Physical Discomfort - If fat accumulates, it crowds space occupied by your internal organs. People who are overweight may have difficulty

breathing, walking or sitting.

Most weight loss programs in the US focus strictly on diet. Some medical statistics show that nearly 95% of dieters who use conventional weight loss programs either gain some or all of the weight they had lost back. However, with Chinese medicine we look at the root cause of being overweight. Excess weight is considered to be just one symptom of an underlying health problem. It is the outcome of a series of chain reactions in your body that usually begins with a Qi (pronounced chee) or energy deficiency or imbalance. Unless the root cause is addressed, the weight loss won’t be permanent. According to Chinese medicine, to have good health you must have sufficient Qi (energy) and your organs must work together in harmony. If there isn’t enough Qi, one or more of your organs can be out of balance and will develop an energetic dysfunction. When this happens, your organs cannot perform their responsibilities, like promoting healthy metabolism and ridding your body of excess fat and water.

Perhaps you have experienced problems like headaches, emotional problems, depression and/or allergies prior to a weight gain? Ever wondered why? Chinese medicine considers these as signs that your body is having functional difficulties. Often the problem is an imbalance in the relationship between your liver and your spleen. Both are crucial to proper digestion. Chinese medicine teaches that when your body is in balance, you won’t have weight issues. When your Qi is strong and balanced, weight will be lost naturally and normal weight will be maintained.

Chinese medicine generally views being overweight as “dampness.” Dampness is the body is not properly transforming and transporting fluids.

Dampness is caused by the failure to burn off moisture in the body. Dampness primarily affects the middle and lower part of the body...hence putting on weight in these areas. We use herbs as well as foods that drain the dampness. Usually a formula is prescribed using many herbs together in a synergistic manner. It is important to get a proper diagnosis by a Chinese medicine professional. Diagnosis includes pulse reading, tongue diagnosis, and health history. Chinese medicine uses very individualized care. The fundamental prescriptive methodology is to treat the patient’s personal pattern of disharmony. This kind of treatment is both safe and effective because it addresses that person’s own metabolic reasons for being overweight. Using this method, each patient receives their own individually tailored treatment plan, using Chinese herbs, diet and lifestyle modifications. If you want to make your weight loss program even MORE powerful add acupuncture to your treatment regime. Chinese medicine tailors your treatment to your unique energetic disharmony instead of just treating symptoms.

Chinese medicine emphasizes building up your digestive energy. For weight loss, the importance of your digestive system cannot be over emphasized. You depend on your digestive system to absorb and assimilate the nutrients that you require in order to support and sustain your body’s normal function. If your digestive system isn’t working efficiently you will still gain weight. Frequently we use herbal formulas to help strengthen the energy of your stomach and digestive system. This helps speed up the process of digestion before the food has a chance to change into excess fat. Dieting without sufficient digestive energy results in lose of energy, dehydration and undernourishment of the body. This can eventually lead to further weakening and impairment of the digestive system. Once that happens permanent and natural weight control will become quite difficult.

It is also important to maintain regular bowel movements. For weight loss with Chinese medicine, we sometimes use herbs and formulas to help facilitate regular bowel movements. Irregular bowel movements over a long period of time will cause stagnant/undigested food, toxins and other impurities to accumulate in the colon. Excess accumulation of waste material will ultimately overheat and weaken the digestive system, preventing the absorption of essential nutrients. This will gradually lead to symptoms of undernourishment as the body develops a craving for sweets and a constant urge to eat as well as gain weight.

Some herbs help suppress the appetite. Taking Chinese herbal formulas can aid weight loss. They help by increasing the body’s metabolism as well as suppressing the appetite. Sometimes we can treat other problems at the same time in conjunction with weight loss. Several examples are acid reflux, insomnia or depression.

Here we may use 2 formulas together. When treating weight loss we also look at a person’s emotional health, something Chinese medicine excels at.

Saturday, January 10, 2009

Acupuncture helps high blood pressure

Older people often have acute incidents of high blood pressure. Acupuncturist Chan Hur of Answers with Acupuncture in Queens, NY tells how an 81 year old woman called him; her blood pressure was 190. He gave two acupuncture needles to calm her heart, and in 30 minutes her blood pressure came down and her chest pain disappeared.