Recently, physical therapists (PTs) have added acupuncture to their repertoire in order to help treat musculoskeletal problems. PTs call their style of acupuncture “dry needling” and the law allows them to use it to release “trigger points”. A few PTs will use this acupuncture technique for other reasons, but they are operating illegally, outside their […]
Dizziness is a very disturbing, but extremely common problem. Officially termed vertigo, it is distinguished from being light headed and syncope, by a feeling that the room is spinning and a loss of balance. Frequently, vertigo is accompanied by: nausea, vomiting, nystagmus (eyes ticking back and forth), and an inability to walk or even move […]
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), as well as many cultures around the world, view menopause as a sacred right of passage for women, denoting a shift in a woman’s role in the community from that of mothers and professionals, to that of the matriarch and sage femme. It is believed that the cessation of menses creates […]
Depression is a sometimes hidden, but very common mood disorder. It is estimated that 16 million Americans suffer with chronic depression. Depression casts a dark cloud over all aspects of living, robbing a person of experiencing daily joy. It can impact all aspects of life including relationships to self and others. Similar to anxiety, most […]
Anxiety is a mood disorder that plagues a great many people in the U.S. It is estimated that as much as 18% of the population have been diagnosed with anxiety disorder and that there is additional 10-15% who might be undiagnosed. Like stress or blue moods, all of us are likely to experience some anxiety […]
There are multiple adjunctive treatments of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) that an acupuncturist might utilize. The most well known modalities used alongside acupuncture would be massage, moxabustion, cupping, and gua sha. Gua sha, which translates to “red marks”, in Chinese is a highly descriptive name. Typically it is performed with a specific tool made for […]
Many people eagerly await the arrival of summer for the hot temps, vacations and fun social activities. According to Chinese Medicine each season will have its attributes and challenges. Summer is about expansion, growth, activity and creativity, moving outwards in nature and in our lives. Here in Colorado, the challenges of summer are heat and […]
Drug withdrawal can be one of the most difficult experiences a person can go through. Whether quitting cocaine, narcotics, cigarettes, alcohol, or foods, it can be a dark period filled with emotional and physical pain that makes it hard to see the light beaming from the end of the tunnel. Often people keep their addictions quiet to begin with and thus, go through the drug withdrawal process alone and unsupported. They may erroneously believe that the strength of their intention alone is the determinant of success.
Undoubtedly, in the initial stages of letting go of the addiction, will power is important. However, to ensure success one should also have the support of alternative healthcare professionals. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) practitioners have much to offer here. They can be a part of their client’s support team by providing acupuncture and Chinese herbs to ameliorate the physical symptoms of drug withdrawal, as well as offering suggestions and strategies to help avoid relapse. To round out the healthcare team, the client should consider having access to a good counselor and a support group of people who have struggled with the same addiction. Because those in support groups have had similar experiences, they can provide emotional, mental, and spiritual support in a way that friends and families may not be able to do.
Now more than ever, Integrative Healthcare is becoming more viable as a potential remedy for what is ailing America’s healthcare system. Currently, we are facing a national crisis on just how we are going provide healthcare to Americans and keep it affordable and fair for everyone. Unfortunately, if we don’t change our underlying philosophies, I […]
As flu season gets under way we are faced with a more potent strain of flu bug this year known as “swine flu” or the H1N1 virus. A lot of people are naturally concerned and are asking their healthcare providers if they should get vaccinated against the virus. What makes this virus more worrisome than […]