5 Ways That Acupuncture And Natural Medicine Can Reduce Your Allergies

February 19th, 2012
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  1. Acupuncture reduces allergies by calming and regulating the immune system and opening the respiratory tract.  The precisely placed needles dilate and expand the lungs allowing you to breath more fully.  Acupuncture also calms the immune system making you less reactive to allergen in the air.
  2. Chinese Herbal Medicines work by reducing mucus production and calming the mucosal linings in the respiratory tract.  These herbs are both safe and effective when prescribed by a licensed acupuncturist certified to provide herbs.
  3. Probiotics help protect and vitalize the digestive tract.  Maintaining a healthy digestive tract is essential to a healthy immune system.  Probiotics supply the digestive tract with healthy bacteria that aid in proper digestion and absorption.
  4. Nasal Irrigation is a somewhat awkward but simple and inexpensive way to reduce sinus congestion and exposure to allergens.  Washing the nasal membranes flushes away the substances that cause your allergies and diminishes their effects.  There are many easy ways to learn this technique and with a bit of courage you can be cleaner in just a few minutes.  If you need help getting started we are happy to teach you how to irrigate.
  5. Allergy Elimination Diets are short-term diets prescribed to reduce inflammation in the digestive tract and detoxify and soothe the immune system.  These diets impact the entire immune system and down regulate your reaction to allergens.

These techniques can be effective on their own but when combined offer a powerful alternative to pharmaceutical treatments.  These techniques not only resolve the symptoms but also treat the entire immune system.

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IVF Fertility Success with Acupuncture – New Research

February 16th, 2012
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HealthCare Medicine Institute
18 January 2012

New research concludes that acupuncture improves clinical pregnancy rates and live birth rates for women receiving IVF (in vitro fertilization).1 Twenty-four randomized controlled trials of 5,807 women examined the effects of acupuncture, electroacupuncture and laser acupuncture on IVF success rates. Control groups consisted of placebo acupuncture, sham acupuncture and no acupuncture. Researchers also discovered that live birth rates significantly increased when acupuncture was administered near the time of either oocyte aspiration or controlled ovarian hyper-stimulation. In yet another recent study published in the American Journal of Reproductive Immunology, it was concluded that acupuncture helps to prevent egg implantation failure.2 This study focused on the acupuncture points St36 and Sp6.

Reference:

1 Effects of acupuncture on pregnancy rates in women undergoing in vitro fertilization: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Cui Hong Zheng, M.D.; Ph.D.a, Guang Ying Huang, M.D., Ph.D.a; Ming Min Zhang, M.D., Ph.D.b; Wei Wang, M.D., Ph.D.c.. Fertility and Sterility. 1-11-2012.

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THE TAO OF WELLNESS: Learning about the ancient art of acupuncture

February 13th, 2012
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Written By:
Jasmine Sufi
Jan 19, 2012

Who would have thought tiny hair-fine needles could help to heal the body? As far back as 5,000 years ago, China records detail the use of acupuncture to cure wounded soldiers and manage pain.

Forms of acupuncture have also been found in many other cultures and civilizations prior to the use by the Chinese. South African tribesman were found to scratch parts of their body to help cure disease and Egyptian hieroglyphics have recorded similar findings to meridians used in Chinese medicine, known as energy pathways through the body.

So why has something that has been used for so long and lasted through time not become mainstream in North America?

The theory of Chinese medicine is based on balance and harmony within the body instead of something that can be seen, touched and felt.

Western medicine, based on anatomy and physiology, has a hard time explaining how acupuncture actually works.

Coming from a background with little exposure to Chinese medicine or without knowing much about it before attending school, I too was curious but critical of the theory of balance and harmony to cure disease.

It was years into school, seeing patients return for their acupuncture sessions, feeling better and being discharged with little to no symptoms, that finally convinced me there is in fact something to this medicine and yes, it is capable of improving disease and even eliminating it.

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3 Ways that Acupuncture Can Help with Endometriosis

February 9th, 2012
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Endometriosis is a women’s health condition where uterine cells grow outside of the uterus, commonly in the ovaries and fallopian tubes.  Because endometrial tissue is regulated by hormones, women will experience pain close to their menses.  While Western medicine focuses on hormonal therapy and laparoscopic surgery, Chinese medicine works to regulate the menstrual bleeding and reduce the severity of pain.

1. Acupuncture reduces pain
A research study in 2010 showed that a course of 10 acupuncture treatments changed pain levels significantly.  It is over the course of 2 cycles that patients will notice a change in their pain.  Women receiving acupuncture should be aware that it takes time for treatment results to last, so it’s best to give at least 2 full menstrual cycles before reassessing acupuncture’s benefits.

2. Acupuncture reduces inflammation
Researchers say inflammation is the main cause of endometriosis pain.  The insertion of needles can greatly alleviate the inflammation that occurs during a period, as well as afterwards.  Research on acupuncture has shown that it both reduces inflammation and reduces pain.  The most common symptom of endometriosis is cramping pain.  As part of the treatment plan, women should come in for acupuncture treatment just before their period or on the first day to deal with the inflammation.

3. Chinese herbal therapy can reduce endometriosis symptoms
Chinese herbal medicine has a long and extensive history of working with women’s health concerns, including endometriosis.  A research study comparing herbal formulas to western pharmaceuticals for endometriosis showed that patients taking herbs recovered faster from laparoscopic surgery and the pain from endometriosis was reduced.  If patients take herbal formulas in conjunction with acupuncture, they will notice faster and longer-lasting results.  Because Chinese herbal formulas are based on each individual’s specific constitution, the herbs used will vary.  It is best to consult with a licensed acupuncturist who has experience with herbs.

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4 Ways to Avoid Ingesting Carcinogenic BPA from Plastics

January 31st, 2012
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BPA has been linked to cancer growth, reproductive health issues, and heart disease.

Bisphenol A, or BPA, is a type of chemical found in plastic products. It became a buzzword for health and safety concerns when a report in 2010 from the FDA linked BPA to child and infant toxicity.

1. Identify the type of plastic you’re using. Every plastic container carries with it a number for recycling purposes.  If the number is 1, 2, 4, 5, or 6, then it is unlikely that there is BPA in the container.  If the number is 3 or 7, then the plastic probably contains BPA.  If you are unsure of the number, best to be safe and take precautions listed below.

2. BPA is heat sensitive, which means it can leach out once the plastic is heated.  So the next time you heat something in the microwave, use a ceramic or glass container, and make sure not to use the plastic lid as a cover.  Also, avoid putting plastics in dishwashers; the high temperature of the water and harsh detergents can cause BPA contamination.

3. BPA is found in many food products. BPA is not always obvious in the products you use. A lot of containers have plastic linings that contain BPA.  Avoid canned foods because they carry the plastic lining.  Drink cartons (such as juice boxes) will contain BPA.  Also, some metal water bottles will contain a plastic lining.  Instead, look for stainless steel water bottles that don’t have the lining.  Best thing to do is to buy products that are in glass containers or specifically label themselves as free of BPA.

4. BPA is in many other everyday products.  It is found in carbonless copy paper, such as the receipt you get at the store.  It is used in household electronics, in sports equipment, medical devices, dental fillings, the list goes on and on.  The main thing to remember, in terms of your health, is how it enters your body.  As long as BPA is not in your food or drink, nor constant contact with skin, then you will not be in danger of BPA toxicity.

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SF College Launches Letter Campaign to Have Acupuncture Added to Affordable Health Care Act Essential Services

January 29th, 2012
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At Inner Gate Acupuncture we are also showing our support for the inclusion of acupuncture in the affordable care act.  We have printed letters that only require a signature and to be mailed at our front desk area.  Please stop by if you’d like to support this important bill.

The American College of Traditional Chinese Medicine (ACTCM) in San Francisco is asking the public to write to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and ask that acupuncture be added to the list of essential health benefits covered under the Affordable Health Care Act immediately-as the deadline for public comment is January 31, 2012.

San Francisco, CA (PRWEB) January 27, 2012

Until the end of January, 2012, the United States Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is accepting public comment regarding its approach to establishing essential health benefits (EHB) that will be covered under the new health care system being developed as a result of the Affordable Health Care Act. The American College of Traditional Chinese Medicine (ACTCM) is asking members of the public to show their support for making acupuncture an EHB by sending an email to HHS.

A strong public show of public support for acupuncture as an essential health benefit will draw the attention of policymakers and set the stage for further federal acupuncture initiatives. Alissa Cohan, Director of Communications at ACTCM says the easiest way to voice support is by sending email to EssentialHealthBenefits@cms.hhs.gov-and be sure to include name and address.

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The Power of Acupuncture for Sports Medicine

January 23rd, 2012
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Inner Gate Acupuncture has begun to focus more of our time and energy attending seminars and building our skills to excel in the treatment of athletes and sports medicine injuries in Portland.  We have been working with a senior a acupuncturist in San Diego who specializes in Sports medicine and also treats N.F.L. players.  I don’t know If I want this woman’s travel schedule but it is certainly an interesting article.

Acupuncturist Treats 40 N.F.L. Players in 4 Cities

By GREG BISHOP

Published in the NY Times: November 29, 2010

Stretched out on a massage table in his Long Island City condominium, Jets fullback Tony Richardson closed his eyes. Over the next hour, he groaned and grimaced and eventually fell asleep, as Lisa Ripi, the traveling N.F.L. acupuncturist, went to work.

Ripi poked and prodded Richardson on a recent Tuesday, using blue and pink needles, until his body resembled a road map marked with 120 destinations. “SportsCenter” provided mood music. Afterward, Richardson said his soreness had mostly vanished.
“They always tell me I’m their little secret,” Ripi said. “I feel like the little mouse who takes the thorns out of their feet.”
Professional football players partake in a violent game, and as the season progresses, they spend more time in training rooms than on practice fields. They visit chiropractors and massage therapists, practice yoga, undergo electronic stimulation and nap in hyperbaric chambers.
Yet relatively few receive acupuncture, which brings smiles to the faces of Ripi’s clients. They remain fiercely territorial. They fight over Fridays because it is closest to their games. They accuse one another of hogging, or trying to steal her.
All swear by Ripi’s technique, which she described as closer to Japanese-style acupuncture than to traditional Chinese methods. She focuses less on established points and more on sore areas, using needles to increase blood flow, relaxing muscles tightened in the weight room.
Players say her sessions are their most important treatment. They feel more loose, more flexible. Richardson finds acupuncture uncomfortable but said it made an immediate 10 percent difference. For sculptured bodies tuned like racecars, 10 percent constitutes a significant improvement.
As Pittsburgh linebacker James Farrior said: “I’m not the same if I don’t have it. It’s like getting the game plan. You can’t go into the week without either one.”

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Acupuncture Relieves Migraine Pain

January 21st, 2012
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Link to the article


In our clinical experience, we have found that may people who suffer from regular migraines can achieve a reduction in both the frequency and the intensity of these headaches with the use of acupuncture.  This recent research validates what we have seen.

A new study conducted on 480 migraine patients showed that the traditional Chinese therapy is slightly effective in the painful condition.

After receiving 20 treatment sessions in one month, all study participants experienced fewer days with migraines but there was a small difference in improvement between those who received real and simulated acupuncture.

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Inner Gate Acupuncture Gift Certificates

January 14th, 2012
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Gift Certificates are a great way to show your friends and family how much their health and well being mean to you.

  • Gift Certificates can be given in any dollar amount
  • Gift Certificates can be used to cover insurance co-pays
  • Gift Certificates are a great way to introduce reluctant people to acupuncture
  • You can Print one right now!  Then call to activate it.

Click Here for Printable Version

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Huffington Post: 11 Big Integrative Medicine Breakthroughs of 2011

January 14th, 2012
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Huffington Post: 11 Big Integrative Medicine Breakthroughs Of 2011
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/12/27/

Inner Gate Acupuncture is excited that the Huffington post created an article based solely on all the great advances that have been made in the field of integrative medicine.

It’s been a year of big breakthroughs in integrative medicine, the approach that combines Western or allopathic medicine with complementary practices. So much so that Prevention magazine recently declared us to be in the midst of a “health care revolution” as ever more doctors work elements like yoga, acupuncture and mindfulness into more, quote, traditional care.

So we rounded up 11 of the moments we think stood out most in 2011 — moments that thrust the spotlight on the potential benefits of adopting a more integrative approach when it comes to your health.

And of course, here’s to many more of them in a safe, happy 2012!.

#2 Acupuncture Shown To Help Chronic Stress

In December, researchers with the Georgetown University Medical Center released a study showing how — at a molecular level — acupuncture can help reduce stress. The research, published in the journal Experimental Biology and Medicine showed that in rats, acupuncture reduced levels of a peptide secreted by the system in our body during the whole flight-or-fight response.

“It has long been thought that acupuncture can reduce stress, but this is the first study to show molecular proof of this benefit,” the study’s lead author, Ladan Eshkevari, Ph.D., an assistant professor at Georgetown’s School of Nursing & Health Studies said in a statement.

#3 Tai Chi Found To Aid Heart Failure Patients

An April study in the Archives of Internal Medicine found that tai chi, which the Mayo Clinic describes as “meditation in motion,” may help improve the quality of life and mood in patients with heart failure.

Another benefit? The research also suggested that it may help improve exercise self-efficacy, or belief in one’s personal abilities.

#5 Acupuncture Deemed Safe For Kids

This year, acupuncture was found to be safe for kids, according to a sweeping review of the existing literature published in November in the journal Pediatrics. It found that the incidence of adverse events was around 11 percent and most were mild — like crying and bruising.

“Based on [the] available data, we are comfortable saying that in trained hands, pediatric acupuncture is safe,” Dr. Sunita Vohra one of the review’s authors told Huffington Post last fall.

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