Could Acupuncture be the Key to Aging Gracefully?

September 28th, 2011 Sharon
acupuncture can help with many age related issues

acupuncture for joint pain

Growing older – we all do it. Some of us more begrudgingly than others. As time marches on, joints begin to ache, energy can fade and the face looking back at us in the mirror every morning can look…well…older.

As we age, everyone wants to stay healthy and with September being Healthy Aging Month, I thought I’d share with you a few of the acupuncture treatments that have been long-used and successfully proven to help keep us healthy longer.

Aches & Pains

As we get older, our joints and muscles get older, too. They remind us of this with sharp pains or dull aches. Numerous studies have shown that acupuncture treatments can help alleviate chronic pain like joint aches, arthritis and muscle strain. In fact, one of my specializations is in treating patients with chronic pain – there are so many people suffering from it and acupuncture has been shown to be so effective.

Energy

Recent studies of acupuncture have shown that it can be very effective in treating some of the side effects associated with cancer and traditional cancer treatments, including fatigue. Acupuncture treatments are widely used in these patients, as well as those suffering from depression, chronic fatigue or just a diminishing energy level to increase blood flow and boost energy.

Wrinkles & Appearance

Wrinkles, sagging skin, under eye circles – no one likes these hallmarks of getting older. But, as it increases blood circulation and helps to balance the body’s internal systems, many people have found that acupuncture can help reduce the look of lines, increase skin’s firmness and improve skin tone and texture.

So, go, enjoy the adventures, memories and wisdom that come with getting older…just feel better while doing it!

 

 

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Oriental Medicine & Prostate Cancer

September 26th, 2011 Sharon
Acupuncture and Prostate Cancer

Acupuncture and Oriental medicine can help side effects of prostate cancer treatment

With more than 2 million survivors of prostate cancer in the U.S., it’s important to recognize that September is Prostate Cancer Awareness month. It’s even more important when you realize that 1 out of every 6 American men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime.

Thankfully, prostate cancer can be successfully treated for many patients with care ranging from “watchful waiting” to surgery and chemotherapy to hormone therapy. In addition to these approaches, many doctors are increasingly seeing the benefits of Oriental Medicine, including acupuncture, to help patients manage their overall health and treat some of the common side effects associated with their treatments.

For example, acupuncture has been shown to help alleviate cancer pain and the nausea associated with chemotherapy treatments. Also, a recent study published in International Journal of Radiation Oncology Biology Physics showed that acupuncture helped relieve the hot flashes that can be associated with prostate cancer surgery or hormone treatment.

In addition to acupuncture, the University of Maryland Medical Center outlines on its website select herbal medicine treatments that have shown promise for prostate cancer patients. These include:

Green tea – green tea extract has been shown to provide a slight benefit in certain types of prostate cancer

Milk Thistle – in a lab test, milk thistle was shown to stop prostate cancer cells from growing; these results have not yet been confirmed in human patients

Garlic – taking garlic extract has been shown to help fight cancer cells

Remember, a licensed practitioner of Oriental Medicine will help develop a custom and comprehensive treatment regimen for each patient, including acupuncture and herbal remedies.

Please also remember those battling prostate cancer this month…

 

 

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Understanding Celiac Disease…More than a Pain in the Gut.

September 13th, 2011 Sharon
gluten intolerance

celiac sprue disease

Did you know that today – September 13 – is National Celiac Disease Awareness Day?

Celiac disease is an autoimmune digestive disease that damages the small intestine and blocks the body’s ability to absorb nutrients from food. This reaction is triggered in a person with Celiac disease each time they eat gluten – a protein found in wheat, barley and rye.

According to the National Foundation for Celiac Awareness, it is estimated that 1 in 133 Americans – or 3 million people – suffer from Celiac disease. However, because of how difficult it can be to diagnose and a lack of understanding of the condition, up to 95% of Celiacs may be undiagnosed or misdiagnosed with other conditions. Importantly, there is no cure for Celiac disease – instead, people suffering from the condition must adhere to a 100% gluten free diet.

Bloating, pain and digestive upset are regular symptoms for Celiacs, and conditions for which Oriental Medicine can offer palliative treatments. While these approaches have not been shown to cure Celiac disease, there are several herbal remedies that have shown promise in helping Celiacs find relief. These include: fennel, nutmeg, Echinacea, goldenseal, slippery elm, burdock, sheep sorrel, dandelion and saffron.

Finally, while also not a cure for Celiac disease, acupuncture has been long used to help patients with a wide variety of digestive disorders and can bring some relief by calming nausea, reducing bloating and maintaining better digestive function.

Hopefully, you are now more aware of what our gluten-intolerant friends and family members are battling – think of them today!

 

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Acupuncture for Man’s Best Friend(s)

August 22nd, 2011 Sharon
acupuncture for animals

acupuncture helps older pets

Each year, it seems that more doctors are providing complementary and alternative medicine and are using it to help patients ease chronic pain, reduce the inflammation of arthritis or even lose weight.

Of course, in this case, the patients have four legs and cold noses – they are our pets and the practice of offering complementary and alternative medicine, especially acupuncture, to treat what ails them is growing by leaps and bounds.

The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), which represents more than 78,000 vets in the U.S., has issued guidelines for Complementary and Alternative Veterinary Medicine and while it is difficult to track how many vets are offering the services, it is easy to see how it’s growing by doing some quick online searches or even talking to neighbors at the dog park.

I often get asked about pet acupuncture and while, as a licensed acupuncturist here in Pennsylvania for my two-legged human peers, I can’t offer that treatment (this varies state-to-state, so be sure to do your local research), I do find it very interesting how effective people find acupuncture for pets and how an increasing number of veterinarians are certain that it can help with mobility, joint pain, arthritis and other common ailments seen as pets age.

Here are some articles and resources that I find most interesting and helpful:

First, here in Philadelphia, if I am asked for a recommendation for a vet practice that offers acupuncture, I’ve had great experiences with St. George Hunt Memorial Veterinary Hospital.

Dr. Karen Becker talks about how acupuncture treatments can make “a world of difference in the mobility” of your pet as he or she ages on the Huffington Post.

An early adopter, Jon Katz wrote about the wonders worked by acupuncture on his Border Collie, Orson, on Slate back in 2005.

In 2009, Michelle Slatalla chronicled how veterinary acupuncture was growing and how it helped bring the spring back to her Lab Otto’s step for the New York Times.

Along those same lines, U.S. News and World Report covered the trend of holistic veterinary medicine and how many vets “swear by it” in 2009.

Finally, while you might not go as far as to practice “doga” (yes, that’s yoga for dogs) with your pet, this piece in the New York Post tells you how you can.

So, the next time you see Rex or Fluffy limp a bit after some strenuous play (or even just getting up after a nap, if they are older), think of how much acupuncture has helped you…it may do the same for your furry friend.

 

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Infertility & Acupuncture

August 4th, 2011 Sharon

acupuncture may help conception

acupuncture helps increase fertility

A common and devastating condition that many people are coping with today is infertility – for couples trying to start or expand a family, the stress and frustration of dealing with infertility can be devastating and can make conceiving even more difficult. While by no means a “cure all” for infertility, acupuncture has been clinically shown to help increase the chances of success for some fertility treatments and can help treat conditions associated with fertility issues like hypo- or hyperthyroidism.

I am often asked about information regarding infertility and acupuncture – and there’s a LOT out there. My recommendation and opinion is that people closely review the literature and studies to really understand the facts. Here are a few resources and studies that I find helpful:

The American Pregnancy Association cites acupuncture, along with Chinese herbal medicine treatments as a centuries-old treatment for infertility. The Association offers some tips and information about acupuncture treatments to increase fertility here.

WebMD discusses acupuncture’s role in treating infertility and how it has been shown to increase the chances of success for in vitro fertilization here. WebMD also cites a recent medical study, illustrating the beneficial results of acupuncture for women undergoing IVF:

Indeed, in a study of 160 women, published April 2002 in the reproductive journal Fertility and Sterility, a group of German researchers found that adding acupuncture to the traditional IVF treatment protocols substantially increased pregnancy success.

Also, it’s important to note that not only women benefit from acupuncture when trying to increase fertility. In fact, a 1999 study published in Systems Biology in Reproductive Medicine showed that men struggling with low fertility due to reduced sperm activity that received acupuncture treatments showed a significantly higher and improved fertility index (total functional sperm fraction, percentage of viability, total motile spermatozoa and integrity of axonema) than men who did not receive acupuncture treatment.

So, if you are trying to conceive, acupuncture can be a beneficial treatment, but please take the time to learn more about exactly HOW it can help and to determine if it’s a fit for you. It will be important to discuss your expectations and timelines with a licensed acupuncturist or Chinese Medicine practitioner to be certain that their treatment recommendations and protocols match up with your time and budget.

 

 

 

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10 Healthy Summer Activities in Chestnut Hill

July 20th, 2011 Sharon
Chestnut Hill is fun in the summer

The Philadelphia neighborhood of Chestnut Hill

1. Take a hike – The lush green of Chestnut Hill and its many trails, parks and neighborhoods beckons this time of year. Just step out your door and a scenic and healthy walk await you.

2. Stroll the avenue – Chestnut Hill businesses are open for summer strollers and guests. Grab a coffee (iced!) and engage in some retail therapy. By walking up and down the hill, you’ll burn off the calories.

3. Enjoy the arts – housed in a 19th century stone Victorian mansion, Woodmere Art Museum is home to more than 2,500 works of art. Just browsing through the six acres of grounds will give you a great walk and workout.

4.  Smell the flowers – Morris Arboretum is in full bloom and its trees provide lovely shade on hot days. Get your heart rate up (and your gardening fix) with a walk around its 92 acres.

5.  Experience the theater – watching a play can help engage and exercise your mind. Check out Stagecrafters Theater, a local theatrical organization based in Chestnut Hill that’s running several shows this summer.

6.  Hit the ice – on hot days, nothing sounds better than a workout on ice, right? Head to the Wissahickon Skating Club for some rink time.

7.  Read a book – the Chestnut Hill Free Library continues its kids’ story hour on Thursday mornings at 10:30am and there’s a full summer calendar of events for more mature readers, as well. There are plenty of books about healthy eating and exercise to check out.

8.  Bike the trails – Forbidden Drive beckons! A bike ride along the Wissahickon Creek is both gorgeous and great for your health. Just don’t forget your helmet and some water.

9.  Slow down – Take a moment to relax, breathe and maybe even meditate. The summer is flying by us, so be sure to enjoy it with a few moments of centered reflection.

10.  Get some ice cream – It’s hard to be healthy ALL the time, so be sure to enjoy a cold cone of ice cream at Bredenbeck’s or the Trolley Car Diner. Tell them Sharon sent you!

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How to Beat the Summer Heat – the Chinese Herbal Medicine Way

July 7th, 2011 Sharon
ju hua is used as an herb in Chinese medicine

ju hua is chrysanthemum flowers

Now that summer is officially here, we’re getting to enjoy more sun and warmer days. Generally, the summer heat is a welcome change from the chill of fall and winter (remember how much snow we had?), but if the warmth is excessive, it can be uncomfortable and even a health hazard.

It’s important to stay hydrated and cool when the mercury rises, but there are also Chinese herbal remedies that can help you beat the heat – in fact, you may have them in your refrigerator and your garden!

First, ju hua – commonly known here in the U.S. as chrysanthemum – is a pom-pom like flower that can also be used as a tea or herbal treatment for a wide range of ailments. Ju hua is made into a tea by steeping the flowers in hot water for about 10 minutes. This tea has been shown to be effective in helping the body clear heat and cool itself down naturally. It also is used to treat everything from fever to high blood pressure.

Ju hua’s beneficial effects have been long-known and celebrated. Ever since the earliest Daoist herbal medicine texts, the long-term consumption of ju hua was revered as a preventative against aging and a regimen that would bring you closer to immortality. Modern usage and proven effects are more modest, but ju hua still remains a very popular medicinal in Chinese herbal medicine, particularly in the specialty of ophthalmology in dealing with dry and irritated eyes.

Another favorite summer treat that is also an effective Chinese herbal medicine treatment is the watermelon! Known in Chinese herbal medicine as xi gua, watermelon also helps the body naturally cool itself down. Chinese herbal medicine practitioners will use everything from the hard green rind to the sweet pink melon to the black seeds to make remedies for patients. In addition to its cooling properties, xi gua is used to treat urinary tract infections and high blood pressure.

So, have fun this summer, but stay cool…and, if you need help clearing your body’s heat, think about the natural way to do it with ju hua and xi gua.

 

Enjoy!

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Warmer Weather Means Outdoor Activities…It Also Means Strained Muscles, Stiff Necks and Sore Backs — How Acupuncture & Chinese Medicine Tackles the Pain

June 23rd, 2011 Sharon
studies show that acupuncture and chinese medicine can be helpful for outdoor overuse injuries.

acupuncture for sports injuries

Ahhh…glorious weather. Jogs in the park. Strolls through the neighborhood. Gardening in the yard. Summer means outdoor activities. It also means the strained muscles, stiff necks and sore backs that accompany all that moving around. While many people will take two painkillers and call their doctor in the morning if pain persists, studies show that acupuncture can be just as, if not more, effective at easing the pain.

The University of Maryland Medical Center cites a recent study that found that acupuncture is an alternative treatment that helped improve feelings of soreness. Additionally, herbs like Turmeric, White Willow and Horse Chestnut have been shown to help lessen the pain of common strains and sprains.

Another study showed that electroacupuncture had an analgesic effect in rats with ankle sprains. Livestrong.com offers up some advice for easing the pain of pulled muscles in the legs, including acupuncture treatments.

The important thing is to understand the cause of the strain and the pain and to protect yourself by stretching and not straining your muscles. By working closely with patients, a Chinese Medicine expert can help customize herbal treatments and acupuncture regimens to ensure that they are strong and well-conditioned, lessening the chances of strains and sprains.

So, go, conquer the outdoors and enjoy the glorious weather…just stretch first!

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Headaches & Migraines — How Chinese Medicine Can Help

June 9th, 2011 Sharon

Chinese medicine can relieve headaches

acupuncture and Chinese medicine relieve migraines

Summer is almost here and the bright sunshine and longer days are a welcome treat. For some people, though, that bright light can trigger headaches or, worse, a migraine.

For those people that suffer regular headaches or chronic migraines, the pain and discomfort can be debilitating. But, acupuncture has been shown to be an effective treatment that can offer relief. In fact, there is a wealth of information available that outlines the effect acupuncture can have on reducing headaches and migraines. One study in the British Medical Journal followed a group of 400 patients suffering from headaches – half of the patients received acupuncture treatments. A year later, researchers found that the patients that received acupuncture treatments experienced 22 fewer days with headaches, used 15% less medication, made 25% fewer visits to their doctor and took 15% fewer days off sick from work than the patients that did NOT receive acupuncture.

Migraines can be particularly painful and can render a patient unable to participate in daily activities or go to school or work. Acupuncture treatments and herbal medicine regimens that are customized to each patient’s needs can make a huge difference. Working with individual patients to determine their headache profile, migraine triggers, optimal diet and the most effective treatment approach is one way Chinese Medicine experts can help minimize the strain and pain this condition can have. Here’s an interesting online resource from the University of Maryland Medical Center with more useful information about foods, triggers and treatments.

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Summer is Almost Here…Time to Break out Those Strappy Sandals (and to Take Care of Foot and Heel Pain with Acupuncture)

May 18th, 2011 Sharon
Plantar fascitis pain and acupuncture

acupuncture helps foot pain

One of the painful ailments that many of my patients deal with this time of year is foot and heel problems. It seems that as the weather warms up and people are more active, wearing less sturdy footwear (like flip-flops, strappy high heels or summery sandals) or even opting to go barefoot once spring arrives, foot and heel pain follows. In an effort to focus my practice – and this blog – on the health questions and conditions that are most pressing for my patients, I’ve taken a closer look.

Millions of Americans complain of painful foot and heel problems. Plantar fascitis, a strain of the ligament that connects your heel bone to your toes, is the most common foot problem and affects 2 million Americans and an estimated 10% of people over their lifetime. Heel spurs are also common and it’s estimated that one out of every 10 Americans has them. If you are one of the lucky people that have not experienced this type of pain, it might be difficult to imagine just how debilitating it can be for every step to be painful or even to hurt while standing still.

For those people that are battling common foot ailments, Chinese Medicine and acupuncture have been shown to be effective in treating the pain, aches and lack of mobility. In fact, a study of 18 patients with painful plantar fascitis in the UK showed that acupuncture was effective in reducing their pain. Some of these patients had suffered from foot pain for more than 2 years and saw a significant and dramatic improvement in only 4-6 weeks.

At my practice, it’s always important to listen, to observe and to work collaboratively with each patient – to “walk a mile in his or her shoes” so to speak! – to really understand the cause of their pain or discomfort and to customize a treatment regimen including acupuncture and/or Chinese herbs that will best get to the root cause. If you are loving that spring and warmer weather is here, but already feeling the achy effects that summer activities and footwear are having on your feet, think about talking about it with your doctor or a licensed practitioner of Oriental Medicine. Your feet will thank you!

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