Happiness Promotes Health

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Healing Fibroids Naturally

Uterine fibroids are an increasingly common complaint among women in their reproductive years. These benign tumors of the uterus can be asymptomatic, but some women experience symptoms such as pelvic pain, dysfunctional uterine bleeding, painful intercourse, and frequent urination. It is important to have an evaluation with your gynecologist to get a proper diagnosis and to determine what western treatments may be good options for you.

Allopathic treatments may by complemented by alternative therapies to manage fibroid symptoms. The book, Healing Fibroids, A Doctor's Guide to a Natural Cure by Allan Warshowsky, MD outlines a holistic program that can bring hope to women with fibroids. I found the book informative with easy to follow guidelines on such topics as diet and exercise to help decrease the symptoms from fibroids.

Acupuncture is one of the suggested therapies in the book. Acupuncture works to promote the flow of Qi, or life energy that works to free blockages and to promote health. Acupuncture also has a calming effect on the nervous system and can diminish pain. Along with western medical treatment, acupuncture can be a vital part of your healing program for overall health and well being.

New Research on Acupuncture & Allergies

New research published in the Annals of Internal Medicine reveals that acupuncture improves allergy symptoms for patients. Participants of the study were divided into three groups. Group one received 12 acupuncture sessions in eight weeks. The second group received placebo or sham acupuncture and the third group was treated with antihistamines only. Patients who received acupuncture and sham acupuncture were told that they could use medication as needed to manage their allergy symptoms. 

The results showed that the patients who received genuine acupuncture not only had the greatest improvement in their symptoms, but they also reported the least use of medication. Researchers also noted that bout 18% of patients suffering from allergies in the U.S. are already receiving acupuncture treatment.

In our practice we regularly assist clients with the nagging, bothersome symptoms of seasonal allergies. This allergy season was a particularly uncomfortable one for allergy sufferers. From our experience we are not surprised at the conclusion that this study came to. For each client we craft a specific combination of acupuncture points to address their unique symptoms to help them get back to feeling their best. Herbs and nutrition may also provide some benefits.

If you would like more information about how acupuncture may help you please give our office a call.

A Healthy Face Lift

http://www.drweil.com/drw/u/TIP04774/A-Safe-Face-Lift.html

Smiling, Stress and Anxiety

http://health.yahoo.net/news/s/hsn/smile-it-might-lower-your-stress-level-study-shows

Walk for 20 Minutes to Improve Your Health

This informative story aired on NPR. Learn how walking for a little as 20 minutes can improve your health.

http://www.npr.org/2012/05/09/152336802/stand-up-walk-around-even-just-for-20-minutes

Chnonic Neck & Shoulder Pain

Neck and shoulder tension are common complaints from our clients. Prolonged sitting at the computer, driving, and stress are some of the many causes of neck and shoulder pain. The rushed lifestyle of our culture also greatly contributes to pain in this area of the body. Tension arises as the neck muscles attempt to pull the head backwards to keep it in its proper place on the shoulders. Hunching the shoulders from stress also tenses this meridian.  Jobs that require us to keep our heads in a fixed position for a prolonged period of time may also cause neck pain.

From a Chinese medicine perspective, this area of the body is traversed by the gallbladder meridian. A region of this meridian travels from the base of the skull on either side of the head and across the top of the shoulders. Smooth movement of Qi throughout the gallbladder meridian is essential for the neck and shoulders to be pain free. Movement of Qi brings healing energy to the region to relax the muscles. When there is free flow of Qi, there is no pain.

So the next time you are in pain and ask someone to rub your shoulders, tell them that you need help moving the Qi in your gallbladder meridian!