Does Stress Cause Digestive Problems?

DigestionIf stress is causing you digestive problems, you must address the stress, otherwise no matter how hard you try to resolved your digestive issues, you will never feel totally well.

A 30 minute auricular stress buster is one of the best ways to relieve stress. More about our 30 minute auricular stress buster.

Does Stress Cause Digestive Problems?   by Kelsey Marksteiner, RD

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Alternative Treatment for IBS

IBS2015Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a common disease suffered by an estimated 25-45 million people in the United States. Symptoms include chronic abdominal pain, bloating, excess gas and irregular bowel movements. Symptoms can be brought on by a number of triggers including anxiety, insomnia and stress. Although there is no known cure to IBS, there are numerous alternative treatments to prescription medication that can help relieve symptoms.

Herbal Therapies

Peppermint has been studied and used to help treat IBS discomfort. Because it is a natural antispasmodic, peppermint can help decrease muscle spasms in the gastrointestinal tract. Common ways to use peppermint include peppermint tea or peppermint oil, both can be found at your local health store.

Ginger can also be used to help IBS symptoms. Ginger works as an anti-inflammatory and is thought to strengthen the gastric lining and decrease nausea. You can buy ginger tea as well as make your own by boiling water with ginger root.

Fennel can immensely help bloating and gas due to IBS. Fennel is considered a carminative, meaning it has properties that prevent the formation of excess gas in the gastrointestinal tract. Fennel can also help heartburn, indigestion and common stomach pain. You can find fennel seeds in your local health food store and can be used to make tea.

Probiotics

Probiotics are a healthy bacteria that normally live in your gut. It has been thought that those with IBS do not have enough probiotics in their intestinal tract. You can easily add probiotics to your diet by eating foods such as yogurt and sourdough bread. Kombucha and kefir are drinks that also include probiotics. Probiotic supplements can be found at your local health store.

Exercise and Meditation

Exercise is excellent stress relievers and in turn can relieve IBS symptoms that are commonly caused by stress and anxiety. Not only do exercise release endorphins that help fight stress, but regular physical activity can help regulate your gastrointestinal system.

Research done at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill on meditation and IBS found that women who practiced mediation had around a 38 percent reduction in symptoms, according to U.S. News.

Acupuncture

A recent study conducted by researchers in the U.K. found acupuncture to offer relief of IBS symptoms. For the study, researchers split 233 IBS patients into two groups, one of which receive acupuncture plus the usual care, while the second group strictly received the usual care.

Acupuncture for irritable bowel syndrome provided an additional benefit over usual care alone. The magnitude of the effect was sustained over the longer term. Acupuncture should be considered as a treatment option to be offered in primary care alongside other evidenced based treatments,” wrote researchers in the study’s conclusion.

Will acupuncture cure your IBS? There’s not enough evidence to definitively say that it’s a cure for IBS. However, numerous studies, including the one cited above attest that Acupuncture can largely decrease your IBS symptoms and help you live a more pain-free life. Call today (253-252-7195) to schedule your appointment or send us email and start living a pain free life.

Sources:

http://health.usnews.com/health-news/diet-fitness/digestive-disorders/articles/2011/05/09/mindful-meditation-might-ease-irritable-bowel-syndrome

http://www.helpforibs.com/footer/acupunct.asp#studies

http://www.aboutibs.org/site/treatment/complementary-or-alternative-treatments/

http://www.biomedcentral.com/1471-230X/12/150

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The Year of the Goat

GoatThe Chinese Lunar year begins on Thursday, February 19th. In the Chinese Zodiac, those born in the lunar years of 1931, 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, and 2015 are born in the sign of the Goat.

Those born in the year of the Goat are artists in spirit and likely also in practice. Goats are changeable free spirits, who love social gatherings, stimulating conversation and a beautiful environment. Polite, decent and gentle, Goats desire a peaceful spot to exist undisturbed and unhurried. Goats are very creative, sensitive and kind, with the downside of being disorganized and extremely vulnerable. Working when least expected, the capricious Goat is never reached by being pressured from others. Goats are generous to a fault, and have a soft heart towards those less fortunate. Finding it difficult to adapt to change, Goats can be slow to make decisions. The inner circle of the Goat is sacred, and they are very selective about who they let in. Befriending a Goat is an honor, and those who do will be richly rewarded. Family is also a priority, and Goats tend to do well in marriage. Never power crazy or starving for the spotlight, they love the company of others, but prefer to gently mix into the background.

2015 Predictions For Each Chinese Zodiac Sign

Goat. Born in 1931, 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015.
Goats typically have very good luck in their own years, and this year is no exception. Goats should excel in their careers, and promotions are possible. Naturally shy, Goats have the chance to gain more confidence this year. New energy will be injected into existing relationships, and bonds will be strengthened. Those in romantic relationships should see their unions thrive, and new love is just around the corner for single Goats. This year, 2015 is also a harmonious year for friends and familial relationships, and the goat’s inner circle will offer tremendous support. The place where Goats are most vulnerable this year in is the health realm. They will be wise to not ignore any signs or symptoms of health problems this year, and should pay special attention to creating and maintaining a healthy lifestyle and listening to their body. Getting plenty of rest, and caring for one’s self should be top priority this year to avoid burnout.

Horse. Born in 1930, 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014.
For 2015 it will be an overall good year for the Horse, big changes are also on the horizon, bringing with them some challenges and uncertainties. Horses will chose to face realities head on and can discover new dimensions to their personalities, and engage in deep, passionate relationships. This Goat year, along with its challenges, will bring big rewards for Horses in the career realm, as Horses can use their natural patience and attention to detail at work to gain knowledge and perhaps even a promotion. Horses will have many options available to them this year, the difficult part will be deciding which path is the right one. Finances should be very good this year for the horse. Focusing on saving more than spending, and even investing, can be very helpful this year. The key this year, financially, for Horses is to keep risk to a minimum, and avoid making any big purchases. With the abundance of opportunities this year, horses may feel burdened by responsibilities, and this could affect their mental and emotional well being. Making sure to have variety and stimulation will be helpful this year, as Horses are susceptible to boredom, and get restless if life becomes too mundane. Horses must use their naturally strong intuition to notice when pressures or stress gets too much to cope with.

Rat. Born in 1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008
Rat people can expect a year of transformation where they may want to redefine themselves and lifestyles. Prospects for financial security and a better job are excellent this year. Rats and Goats are complementary Chinese zodiac signs, and this means that 2015 will be a time of great promise and high rewards for the people born under the sign of the Rat. They may want to end relationships they feel are no longer working for them this year. There is much luck for new relationships for Rats this year, particularly romantic ones. Rats have a wonderful ability to analyze complex situations, and, in the career realm this year, they will need to do just that. Hard work is the name of the game this year for Rat people, and they must carefully watch their stress levels, and rest as much as possible to prevent burnout and fatigue. Financially, minding their savings, and watching spending will be important, and, if they are disciplined in doing so, they can reap big rewards for their diligence. The natural adaptability of the Rat will be their advantage this year.

Ox. Born in 1925, 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009.
Big change is the theme of this year for the Ox. They will be required to adapt and embrace these changes, which can be challenging for the stubborn Ox. The lesson of being flexible will be what 2015 has in store. This Goat year brings with it many opportunities for self-improvement, which the hard-working Ox can welcome with anticipation. The Goat year is a good year for new relationships, and the Ox may find his or herself in a new, serious one this year. In 2015, relationships of all kinds will be deeper, and Ox people will find themselves impatient with any superficiality. There will be notable improvement for finances this year, with money flow more stable than last year. Using this time to pay off debts and consolidate finances will be a wise move for the Ox. Health wise, Ox people will see a positive turn for the better. This is a good year to take a serious look at your diet and overall health, and get your house in order. The self-discipline and determination of the Ox will prove to be a rich asset this year, and Ox people will reap the rewards.

Tiger. Born in 1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010.
For Tiger people, the Year of the Goat will bring lots of challenges, stresses, worries and frustrations, but also great and lasting success in new ventures. These men and women will crave a new creative outlet, and will strive to make huge changes in their working environment. Many of them will be driven to work for themselves, either full-time or part-time. Either way, there will be some sacrifices needed to make their dreams become reality. Tigers thrive when they have something to achieve, for which great focus and effort is required, and this year will provide them with just that. Tigers will need to tread carefully when it comes to finances this year. Tigers always dream big, and taking a few risks later in the year, in order to turn dreams into reality. Tigers should consider a much needed vacation in the Spring. Tigers are advised to ‘go with the flow’ in affairs of the heart. There will be many demands placed on the Tiger’s time this year with work, which may make getting new relationships off the ground difficult. If it feels like it’s too much work, it probably is. Because of this busy time in the Goat year, Tigers, who are known to be very independent and aloof, will be wise to learn to open up, and graciously accept the support of family and friends.

Rabbit. Born in 1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011.
Year of the Goat will be very productive for Rabbits, with lots of changes. Sensitive Rabbits can easily be pulled into too many directions this year, so being proactive and mindful of priorities is the name of the game. Rabbits may be working very hard this year, but should take some time to re-assess their career, and make sure it is in line with their true desires. Year 2015 is an excellent year to switch to self-employment. The Goat year is a tempting one for Rabbits to make financial decisions on impulse, but it is wise to ignore this temptation. Relationships have the potential to be challenging for Rabbits this year, so they should take care to nurture current relationships, and cut ties with ones who have become stagnant or negative. This may seem a little out of character for the gentle Rabbit, but it is ultimately best. Rabbits in long term relationships will find great comfort in their partners this year, as all the changes can be physically and emotionally exhausting. Taking plenty of time to rest is a great idea, and Rabbits, normally very sociable creatures, may find this year better spent with a chosen few versus the social masses.

Dragon. Born in 1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012.
For Dragon people, the Year of the Goat will be dominated by a career focus. Being meticulous, and forging ahead with new ideas will bring them much success. This year will be fast and furious, and that’s just how Dragons like it. During the busyness of this year, Dragons should be careful not to neglect family and friends. Stress may be higher this year due to the fast pace, so the passionate Dragon should be mindful of self-care as not to lose their tempers with loved ones. Health for Dragons looks to be excellent in 2015. Dragons tend to deal with the stress and strain of fast-paced life fairly well, but would be wise to take occasional time-outs to unwind and recharge.

Snake. Born in 1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013.
For Snake people, the Year of the Goat will be a journey of self-discovery, as the events of this year will make Snakes turn inward to reflect on the big changes happening around them. Although most all other signs should be averse to taking any chances with money this year, financially, Snakes stand to gain the most by taking calculated risks. This is typically out of the Snake’s comfort zone, but, if they do manage to overcome this fear, the rewards can be great. Embracing change, and not fearing it, is the key to being in a strong financial position this year. Though new relationships are certainly possible, the likelihood is high for single Snakes this year to prefer their own company, and enjoy peace, quiet and serenity. That inward turning of the Snake this year will provide those in long term relationships a deeper level of meaning and emotional engagement. Health looks good for Snakes in 2015, but they should be mindful of diet, and drink plenty of water to maintain their good health.

Monkey. Born in 1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016.
Like all signs for this year of the Goat, change is the theme for Monkeys in 2015. The hard working Monkey may be more focused on personal growth this year, and may be less inclined to work as hard as they have in the past. Many Monkeys may start or extend their family this year and not take on any new projects. Highly intelligent and inventive, Monkeys will be using their skills to solve problems that arise in a creative way. 2015 is all about setting goals in preparation for the future, setting themselves up for success later down the road. Travel this year would be good to soothe the wander-lust of the restless Monkey. With all the changes abounding this year, Monkeys are wise to restructure finances to ensure long-term stability, especially for those Monkeys having children. This is the time to keep careful watch over spending. In relationships, the Monkey’s inner circle will be very close and meaningful, with most of the Monkey’s focus turning here. As Monkeys tend towards restlessness and fidgeting, they should take extra care this year to keep their nervous systems calm and balanced.

Rooster. Born in 1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017.
A natural worrier, the Rooster will have his or her work cut out for them in this year of changes. Extra demands and responsibilities (or even a change of job) could be placed on Roosters that could lead to unwanted stress. The good news is that, in 2015, Roosters will have many people around them who are more than willing and happy to help and support them, the lesson here is for Roosters to learn to accept help. Leadership positions are possible this year, but Roosters should be mindful of any additional stress this creates. The Rooster’s incredible communication skills will shine this year, with lots of opportunities for them to speak and share their views, which can be a major stress relief. There will be a lot of enjoyable socializing this year. The ever hard-working Rooster will be rewarded well this year for their efforts, and finances look to be more stable than they’ve ever been. Communication rules the roost (pun intended) in the area of relationships as well this year. Single Roosters will find many like-minded people gravitating towards them within social settings, and partnered Roosters will find this year good for deepening their communication. Friendships made in the year of the Goat could be significant, lasting for many years to come. Roosters are one of the most health-conscious signs and, as such, will have no major problems, but, in 2015, stress-related issues will be on the forefront, health wise. Roosters will be wise to remember to not take themselves (or others) too seriously, and that laughter sometimes really is the best medicine.

Dog. Born in 1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018.
A joyful and pleasurable year is in store for Dogs in 2015, with many opportunities to spend happily with family and friends. This is a year of abundance for Dogs in many ways. Like Roosters, communication and social interaction is the key this year for personal development. The year of the Goat is also an excellent year for Dog women to conceive. Career opportunities will abound, and creative Dogs will need to show their artistic abilities and use their diplomacy and tact at work. By remaining calm and dealing with any challenges head-on, Dogs will be fortunate career-wise. If there are any travel options, in regards to work, Dogs are encouraged to take every opportunity that arises, which will build their self-confidence. Finances should be reasonably stable this year for Dogs, but, as for almost all signs, they should be careful with their spending. Dogs can reap big rewards in future cycles if they invest wisely this year. Relationships will flourish with mutual happiness for Dogs, their partners and loved ones this Goat year. There will be many opportunities on the social front to get out and meet new people. Health is expected to be excellent for Dogs this year, however, with all the opportunities and social engagements Dogs may find themselves in, they should be mindful of overindulging in food and drink.

Pig. Born in 1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007, 2019.
The year of the Goat promises significant change and opportunity for the Pig. As such, Pigs may find themselves extremely busy. It is wise for Pigs to delegate more in 2015, and conserve their energy. Relationships can be difficult this year, with Pigs realizing it may be time to move on or change the nature of the relationship significantly. Having the courage to address a situation that is not working, regardless of the outcome, will be monumental for Pigs this year. Money and finances, Pigs will be happy to find they can relax a little. All the hard work Pigs have put in the last few years is coming to fruition. Freedom from some financial constraints is on the horizon, which will make Pigs more positive and optimistic about the future. Health looks smooth for Pigs in 2015, with their new found positivity bringing with it well-being, but they should take care to nurture their digestive systems this year.

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Your Vote Counts!! Vote for Jade River Acupuncture in Best of Federal Way

BestOf2015Jade River Acupuncture is in the running for Best of Federal Way 2015 Healthcare Professional.

Year after year you have vote us as the Best of Federal Way Healthcare Professional.  Did we make the grade again?   Did we meet your healthcare needs? Did we meet your expectations?

If you think we make the grade then we would greatly appreciate if you would vote for Jade River Acupuncture in Best of Federal Way 2015 for best Healthcare Professional.

See official voting rules at Best of Federal Way Rules. You can vote until the end of January 2015.

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We’re Moving !!!

JRAisMoving01

 

Jade River Acupuncture is excited to announce that we are joining forces in a new location in order to provide our patients with more options for their healthcare needs.

 

As of December 9th our new office is located at:

33710 9th Avenue. South, Suite 1
Federal Way, Washington 98003
253-252-7195

This new collaborative healthcare environment brings together Jade River Acupuncture with Healthful Solutions Massage and AGLA Chiropractic. With our three specialties combined under one roof, we can to help you address your health needs in one location. This multi-practice, multi-specialty facility, will offer an ease of a single point of contact for all your wellness and health services.

You can learn more about the other practitioners via their websites:

Healthful Solutions Massage
www.hsmclinic.com
253-661-8685

AGLA Chiropractic
www.aglachiro.com
253-632-5320

We look forward to seeing you in our new office!

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Can acupuncture help digestive disorders?

Digestion

I noticed an increase of patients in my practice suffering from a variety of digestive disorders. They are not effectively process their food. They have diarrhea, heartburn, and acid reflux. They’re nauseated, bloated and have poor bowl movements.

In our fast-paced, high-technology culture, we’re overrun with time constraints and stressors of all kinds. People are relying on processed foods and are consuming more and more processed foods. We are eating at our desk, eating and driving, eating and watching television, eating and surfing the internet.   We are over-prescribed antibiotics and other medications.  We regularly take anti-inflammatories for the slightest ache. It’s no wonder so many we are experiencing myriad of digestion disorders.

People don’t change from century to century, but their circumstances do. The environment, food, medications, and stressors affecting us are very different today.  Our digestion is not build to handle process foods or meat packed with hormones and antibiotics or GMO foods.

Can acupuncture help digestive disorders? In a word, yes!  Acupuncture can be a tremendous resource for feeling better and maintaining a healthy digestive system over the long term. Acupuncture improves the body functions of digestion, absorption and metabolism. Acupuncture reduces ulcers and neutralizes excessive stomach acid. Acupuncture calms abdominal distention and helps maintain the digestion delicate balance as to reduce or completely resolve digestive disorders.

Our digestive systems not only process foods, the digestive system is a mirror to how we process our external world. Stress, work, family or other emotional stress can trigger digestive disorders. Without the foundation of a healthy, properly nourished body, we can’t find the strength to process and release our emotions.  If there are undigested emotions, any digestive symptom can manifest.

At the beginning of November our attention turns to the Holiday Season. The holiday eating and stress can trigger a host digestive disorder. The key is not to wait until you have symptoms, but to start strengthen digestion today.   Call today (206-455-4172) to schedule your appointment or schedule appointment online.

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Acupuncture Fall Season Tune Up

FallFall season is the hinge between Summer and Winter. From September to November there is rapid give and take – one day it’ sunny and hot, the next day it’s raining and cold.  This weather push and pull is a dangerous time for your body.  Your body must continually adapt to change, from opening the pores to allow sweating to closing them to protect from cold.

The Fall climate change is dryness. This dryness impacts our Lungs, thus the “change of season cough”.  Protecting the Lungs from external dryness is a first line of defense against the change of season cough and catching colds. The Lungs are like giant tissue paper of fine mucosa and small balloon-like structures called alveoli. The lungs, like the nasal musosa, need to stay moist but not damp, and cool but not cold. During illness the lungs often become hot, which in turn dries them out. That is why people recovering from bronchitis often end up with a lingering dry cough. Adequate moisture in the mucosa makes them slippery. When the nasal mucosa is dry, it is much easier for the Rhino viruses that cause colds to attach and get into the blood stream.

Not only do our bodies need to adapt to the Fall season change, our emotions need to adapt too. The changes in seasons always require some adjustment, but when they are abrupt – 90ties and sunny one day, 70ties and raining the next day, it’s no surprise that some people are left feeling a little “blah”. There is a natural sadness that many people experience with the loss of sunlight, as the days becomes shorter and the night time lengthens. We now even have a proper name for a psychological illness caused by this: seasonal affective disorder.

When I asked each patient, “How are you doing with the season change?” This may appear a polite question asked in a social situation, but the patient’s response aids in helping assess how they are adjusting to the season change both -physically and emotionally.  How you respond through the transition from Summer to Fall lets me know what is best acupuncture treatment for you to transition from the Summer hot, humid, long days to the Fall cool, crisp, shorter days.

Last, but not least, make sure to spend at least a few extra minutes outside each day. Inhaling the crisp fall air is an excellent way to invigorate not only your Lung, but your entire body and mind.  And call today schedule your acupuncture fall season tune up or schedule appointment online.

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Seasonal Change and Depression & Anxiety

In the PaciDepression01fic Northwest we have had a wonderful Summer full of warm, bright  and sunny days. Then suddenly we had dramatic weather change, in a 24 hour period we went from mid-90ties to low-70ties and rain.

And have you noticed our daylight is getting shorter, we are losing 3 minutes of daylight every day. The sudden weather change, increasing darkness and rain is an indication the seasonal change is occurring.

Seasonal changes can trigger lethargy, difficulty concentrating, depression, negative thoughts, elevated cravings for carbohydrates with corresponding overeating and weight gain, hypersomnia (excessive sleepiness), tiredness in the morning, and decreased social interaction. People typically become more depress and anxious by the end of the summer as we anticipate the coming months of dark grey cloudy days and the never-ending rain.

Here’s are few tips to help decrease your depression and your anxiety.

Stress: Stress spikes the hormone cortisol that keep us in an emergency ready state, the fight or flight state. Being in a constant state of readiness taxes your body and immune system making you more susceptible to colds and flu.

The 5 R’s of stress reduction.

  1. Reorganize: Develop a healthy routine.  Include “me” time, make a date with yourself to do something just for you. Work with lots of light by the windows to allow exposure to natural light.
  1. Rethink: What your mind tells you about a potential stressor determines whether it becomes an actual stressor.  Notice how many times a day your say “No”, “I can’t” or “I knew that was going to happen”.  Change your thinking  to “Yes” or  “I can” or  “I’ll try”.
  1. Reduce: When you’re overwhelmed, even fun things lose their appeal and become stressors. The key is to find optimal balance of activity, so you aren’t under stimulated (i.e., bored) with your activities or over stimulated (i.e., overwhelmed).
  1. Relax: A lot of people are so stressed they don’t know what the absence of stress or a calm mind feels like.  A hot bath or shower, walking, mediating, or exercising for 20 just minutes a day can help reduce stress tremendously
  1. Release: Physical activity whether it be mild, moderate or vigorous can release your tension. Mild activity can be walking your dog. Moderate activity such as yard work. Vigorous activate can be a brisk walk or lifting weights. Any type of activity can release your tension.

Sleep: People with depression and anxiety tend to have disrupted sleep. People who have insomnia seem to be more susceptible to depressive symptoms. Too little or too much sleep can aggravate depression. Wake up and go to bed the same time every day, including weekends. Avoid naps during the day, which can interfere with sleep in the evening.

Food: Food and depression is a complex relationship. With depression and anxiety one may crave carbohydrates in the form of starches and sweets. If needed, consume breads, pastas and pastries made of whole grains instead of white flour. Add more protein to the diet such as nuts, lean meat, fish and small amounts of fat from cheeses or other sources; some fresh fruit; and plenty of cooked leafy vegetables, whole grains and baked vegetables such as yams or baked. potatoes. Avoid overeating or gaining weight. Both will make you more tired and more sensitive and depressed.

Negativism: Negative people can exacerbate depression and anxiety.  People tend to get caught up in the other person’s negativism.  Well-meaning friends and family may try to cheer you up and tell you that you will “snap out it”.  As well-meaning as they are, they don’t grasp how depression actually affects your life. Avoid or limit your interactions with negative (toxic) people.

News Media. Upsetting and disturbing news and stories can exacerbate depression, for example the death of Robin Williams. Limit your exposure to negative news. Watch one nightly newscast to keep you updated with the world. But don’t watch CNN endlessly.

Whether a person is on medications or not, acupuncture treatments help provide a balance when life feels unbalanced, overwhelming, or scary. Acupuncture is very effective at treating the insomnia, physical pain, food cravings or aversions, and fatigue that go along with depression and anxiety. For these people, acupuncture has become a part a tool in their toolbox to combat depression and anxiety.

Let me help you combat your depression and anxiety. Call today (206-455-4172) to schedule your appointment or schedule appointment online.

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When Acupuncture Does Not Work

AcuSignMany people believe acupuncture does not work.  This incorrect assumption is often the belief held by those who have tried acupuncture and received little or no relief.  So, why did acupuncture not work for these people?

In today’s society, instant gratification is in high demand. People who are new to acupuncture often expect immediate results and stop coming if they do not get it. Acupuncture works cumulatively, meaning one treatment builds on the next.  Similar to how medications are ineffective unless you take the prescribed dosage. If you don’t get acupuncture frequently enough or consistently, and within an appropriate time frame, you will unlikely get the desired result.

For acute conditions, I recommend 6 to 8 treatments, received twice a week, depending on the severity of your condition. Acute conditions such as back pain, neck pain, hip pain, pain in general, typically can be resolve in six to eight treatments.

For chronic conditions (3 months or more), I recommend 6 to 12 treatments received twice a week. For chronic diseases, Fibromyalgia, allergies, digestion, fatigue, immune disorders, etc., usually can be resolved within 12 treatments, depending on the severity of your condition and the nature of your condition.

After resolving your condition, whether it be acute or chronic, you may need a monthly follow up treatment to prevent the condition from reoccurring.

Another key factor in the success of acupuncture has to do with your overall health. Your body needs strength to heal. If you begin your acupuncture treatments physically or emotionally depleted, or suffering from a debilitating disease, it will take longer than usual to see results.  And I may need to work on restoring your strength first, before working on your condition.  Sometimes by restoring your strength, your condition and pain may lessen as well.

Diet and lifestyle contribute significantly to your likelihood of success with acupuncture. Stress can increase your pain.  Lack of sleep can increase your pain. Certain food can cause inflammation, which can adversely impact your condition, including pain conditions.

All of these factors gives me an overall picture of your health and helps me to determine the correct starting point for your treatments and get you on road to recovery.  Schedule your appointment today – (206-455-4172) or schedule online  to start your road to recovery.

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5 Things You Should Know About Acupuncture

Are you curious about acupuncture? You’re not the only one. If you’re one of the many people who are considering acupuncture, here are 5 things you should know.

NeedleIt does not hurt.
When people hear the word “needle”, they automatically think of injection or blood draw needles. Acupuncture needles bear no resemblance to injections or blood draw needles. Acupuncture needles are the width of a strand of hair and are flexible, they bend when you touch them

It is not just for pain.
It is true that acupuncture can relieve back pain, headaches, neck pain, shoulder pain, leg pain, and any other pain you can think of. Acupuncture can also alleviate digestive problems, allergies, insomnia, stress and anxiety, asthma, and many other conditions.

It is not a one-shot deal.
Acupuncture works cumulatively, each treatment builds on the next treatment. If your condition is acute, you will need approximately 6-8 treatments. If your condition is chronic (3 months or more), you will need approximately 8 to 12 treatments.

It has great side effects.
Acupuncture does have side effects. Many people who seek acupuncture for one condition, may experience additional benefits. The five most common side effects of acupuncture are: better sleep, more energy, mental clarity, better digestion, and feeling less stress.

It works.
Many believe for healthcare to be effective, it must be validated by clinical trials, this is not necessarily true. However, there are numerous acupuncture clinical trials results available on the internet. Some clinical trail say acupuncture works, some say it’s no better than placebo, some say it’s worse. This does not mean acupuncture doesn’t work. If acupuncture does not work, millions of people  (at least 1 in 10) would not be receiving acupuncture today.

Acupuncture is usually not the first form for healthcare you think of. Most doctors, as well as some family, and friends regard mainstream medicine as the only acceptable form of healthcare. Acupuncture, although becoming more popular, is still not yet considered the norm. Many have stepped out of the norm and found acupuncture to be effective in relieving their condition. For more information on acupuncture click here

Are you ready to step out of the norm? Are you ready to stop the pain? Call today to schedule your appointment  (206-455-4172) or schedule online.

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