Health and Knowledge

Chronic Pain: Lupus, Arthritis, RA

2010-12-06T08:58:00.000-08:00

Researched on WebMD.com, mayoclinic.com, and medicinenet.com, Say Goodbye To Illness by: Dr. Nambudripad

What differentiates Lupus, Arthritis, Rheumatoid Arthritis?
There are many different types of chronic pain. Autoimmune diseases tend to be some of the hardest to cope with. Lupus and rheumatoid arthritis are two different types of autoimmune diseases that cause chronic pain.
An autoimmune disease can be viewed as the body attacking itself. There is very little understanding as to why this happens to some people and not to others. However, it is believed that there is a genetic pattern to them. Dr. Devi Nambudripad, developer of NAET Allergy Elimination, believes that autoimmune diseases are due to multiple sensitivities that allow the body to become weak. When you re-define an allergen “as anything that causes an adverse reaction in the body that wouldn’t ordinarily cause an adverse reaction in a healthy individual”, you can understand how anything can lead to disease. In terms of Traditional Chinese Medicine autoimmune diseases are referred to as “knotty diseases” because they are so complex. Often times they are associated with varying types of “bi syndromes” or damp congestions. However, the part that tends to makes these diseases complicated is that there are multiple underlying disharmonies in the body to begin with, and they need to be addressed. This can make recovery take a little bit longer. One thing I tell my patients is that “It took you a long time to get to where you are. It won’t take a life time to go away, but it will take time.” When people are in pain 24/7 having a couple of hours or a day pain-free is a vast improvement. You can expect to see baby steps in the beginning, and then maybe a big improvement. One thing is for sure, you will see not only changes in the pain but also sleep, mood, digestion, and other symptoms you were not attributing to the chief issue.

By using acupuncture, Traditional Chinese Medicine, and NAET Allergy Elimination in combination with your doctor prescribed medications you are working to not only decrease the pain, but also treat the reasons why you are having the pain in the first place. Can we change the joint deformities from RA? No, but we can help to decrease the swelling, pain, and prevent flare-ups.

Lupus
Lupus is a chronic relapsing autoimmune disease that attacks the connective tissues of various organs, including skin, joints, kidneys, and serosal membranes. It is sometimes thought of as a form of arthritis because it attacks the joints. The cause of lupus is unknown, but it is believed to be a caused by a possible failure of the regulatory mechanism of the autoimmune system.
Symptoms often include: swollen joints, extreme fatigue, skin rash, and sensitivity to light
Common ways of treating lupus include: Medications given to you by your primary care doctor or rheumatologist, Acupuncture and Chinese Herbs, and NAET Allergy Elimination.

Arthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis
Arthritis is defined as chronic inflammation of one or more joints. The causes of Arthritis depends on what type you have. Often times injury can lead to osteoarthritis, you can have metabolic or hereditary factors, abnormalities (gout, pseudogout), direct and indirect effect of infections (bacterial and viral), or an autoimmune disease like rheumatoid arthritis or lupus).

Symptoms of Arthritis often include: pain and limited function of joints, inflammation, joint stiffness, swelling, redness and warmth

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory disorder that affects the joints in the hands and feet. However, on rare occasions it can attacks the body’s own tissues like the organs (lungs or eyes). Unlike the wear-and-tear damage of osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis affects the lining of your joints, causing a painful swelling that can eventually result in bone erosion and joint deformity. It is two to three times more common in women than in men and generally occurs between the ages of 40-60 years old. You can have periods of time where there are no symptoms (remission), or have a flare up (relapse).
Common symptoms of RA: fatigue, loss of energy, lack of appetite, low grade fever, muscle and joint aches, stiffness. Most pain is generally in the morning or after extended periods of inactivity. Joints become swollen, painful, red and tender because the lining tissue of the joint (synovium) becomes inflamed.

Jaw Pain- TMD

2010-11-26T07:32:00.000-08:00

Jaw Pain: Temporomandibular Dysfunction (TMD)How often do you chew during the day?

The temporomandibular joint (the joint that allows you to open and close your jaw) is probably one of the most used joints in the body. Think about it, you use it when you are eating, chew gum, and sometimes even when you sleep if you grind your teeth. The temporomandibular joints are comprised of fibrocartilginous surfaces and a number of muscles that allow for easy movement. So,what happens if the muscles that act on the movement of the jaw become overworked or there is disc degeneration? The short answer is you experience pain. Your doctor or dentist should diagnose TMD. The causes of TMD are unclear, but appear to be related to problems with the muscles of the jaw or with the joint itself. Injury to the jaw or muscles of the head and neck, teeth grinding/clenching, hard to chew foods, stress, or arthritis are other possible causes of temporomandibular joint pain.
Common signs and symptoms
* Pain or tenderness in the face, jaw joint area, neck and shoulders, and in or
around the ear when you chew, speak, or open your mouth wide.
* Limited ability to open the mouth very wide
* Jaws that get "stuck" or "lock" in the open- or closed-mouth position
* Clicking, popping, or grating sounds in the jaw joint when opening or closing the
mouth (which may or may not be accompanied by pain)
* A tired feeling in the face
* Difficulty chewing or a sudden uncomfortable bite – as if the upper and lower
teeth are not fitting together properly
* Swelling on the side of the face
Common treatments include acupuncture, massage, applying moist heat or cold packs,
medication, wearing a splint or night guard, and corrective dental treatments. Some life adjustments that can be incorporated are eating soft foods, avoiding extreme jaw
movements, not resting your chin on your hand, keeping your teeth slightly apart, and
learning different relaxation techniques.
Never underestimate the power of stress. How many times do you find yourself
clenching your jaw when you are having a bad day? Acupuncture is a great way
decrease stress, pain, and relax muscles. Points in the ear can be activated using “ear seeds” as a way to continue the treatment at home. Such techniques can also help
decrease tension and pain during a dental visit.

Chronic Low Back Pain

2010-10-19T10:05:00.000-07:00

Whether it’s caused by a weekend of playing touch football or something as simple as
picking a piece of paper off the floor, most of us have experienced some form of lower back pain in our lives. If you’ve been to your primary care physician for your pain, you may have heard it referred to as sciatica, herniated discs, or even spasming lower back muscles. Generally, a few days of rest and maybe an Advil are enough to soothe those stressed and cramped muscles, but for some, it can lead to chronic, long-term back
pain.
Chronic pain is pain that occurs frequently or is constant for an extended period of
time. In terms of Traditional Chinese Medicine, it’s often diagnosed as cold damp
congestion or hot damp congestion. These are just another way of describing the stiff, achy feeling that comes when it’s cold and damp outside or hot burning sensations that occur with arthritis pain. The specific affected areas of the lower back are called the lumbar and sacral regions. The lumbar vertebrae are larger than the other vertebrae in the spine to support the weight of the rest of the body. Between each vertebrae are intravetrebral discs that consist of a jelly-like substance. These discs act as a soft cushion and shock absorber for the stresses the body encounters in daily life. There are many bone and disc degeneration disorders, such as spinal stenosis (degredation of the bone in the vertebrae) or herniated discs (rupturing of the disc causing leakage or bulging). Herniated discs can cause pain, as can the muscles themselves within the lower back. The muscles commonly affected in the lower back are the erector spinae group, quadratus lumborum, iliopsoas, the gluteals in the buttocks, and the abdominal muscles. The abdominal muscles are opposing muscle groups for balance. Weakness of these stomach muscles can cause an increased curvature of the spine that can lead to pain in the lower back. Some things you can do in addition to the care suggested by your primary care provider are:
Acupuncture
Chiropractic
Massage
Physical Therapy
Stretches
Yoga
Acupuncture works well alone or in conjunction with other therapies to decrease flareups of chronic low back pain. Not only can it treat the pain and other symptoms you may be experiencing (e.g. decreased mobility and flexibility), but it can also treat the underlying cause of the pain.

Summer Time and Chinese Medicine

2010-07-20T11:23:00.000-07:00

In order to help you to understand fundamental Chinese medicine you can look to Mother Nature. The five basic elements are Wood, Fire, Metal, Earth, and Water. Each element is related to both a season and an organ system. Summer corresponds to Fire, and is related to the heart and small intestine. The heart in Chinese Medicine is the” Shen” or the mind, and is considered to be the Monarch of the organ systems. It governs the blood and controls the blood vessels, it manifests in the complexion (or affect). Its primary emotion is joy, its channel opens onto the tongue (think of it as it gives you joy to eat chocolate), and it controls sweat.
Summer is considered to be a yang season; the Inner Classic suggests that we express the yang principle- expansion, growth, lightness, outward activity, brightness, and creativity. Summer is a period of luxurious growth. To be in harmony with the atmosphere of summer, awaken early in the morning and reach to the sun for nourishment to flourish as the gardens do. Work, play, travel, be joyful, and grow into selfless service. The bounty of the outside world enters and enlivens us.[i]

To achieve greater health and longevity there are certain foods and food preparations that are and are not recommended during summer. I am going to provide both the traditional information, and my personal suggestions. Generally speaking, eat what is in season, and eat everything in moderation.

What does this all mean?
Since fire corresponds to the heart and summer is hot it means that the hot weather could cause disease if you over heat. It is recommended that you eat predominately cooling, damp-providing (yin foods) to disperse heat and build up body fluids. The bitter taste is associated with the heart and fire. Bitter cool foods should be consumed. Examples of bitter foods are spinach, lettuce, and rye.
There is a theory that by eating spicy foods (red and green hot peppers, cayenne red pepper, fresh ginger, horseradish, and black pepper) you are able to increase warmth, but ultimately bring the body heat out to the surface to be dispersed through sweat. Spicy foods in warm climate are commonly seen in parts of Asia, India, Mexico, and many other countries that are primarily hot. Be careful, there is such a thing as to much of a good thing. By causing increased sweating during the summer it can cause the body to deplete its natural yang (warmth), and will result in the inability to stay warm in the colder seasons. For some people who are naturally hot, spicy foods are never a good thing. You are only adding more fuel to the fire. Naturally hot people should stick to cooler to warm foods.
Heavy foods on hot days can cause sluggishness. Such foods include meats, eggs, nuts, seeds and grains. These foods are better suited in larger consumption during the winter. A perfect example of body sluggishness would be what you experience after a cook out where you chow down on a huge burger. It is a better idea to eat less and lightly on hot days, and to eat multiple small meals. Remember your body is burning more calories because you are being more active. Split up your meals so you can enjoy the longer hours of sunlight!

Fruit
Apple
Banana
Pear
Persimmon
Cantaloupe
Watermelon
Especially the rind
Tomato
All citrus
All berries
Lemon
Kiwi
Pineapple

Vegetable
Lettuce
Radish
Cucumber
Celery
Button mushroom
Asparagus
Swiss chard
Eggplant
Spinach
Summer Squash
Cabbage (green, purple, or Napa)
Bok Choy
Broccoli
Cauliflower
Sweet corn
Zucchini

Legumes & Grains
Soy milk
Soy sprouts
Tofu
Tempeh
Mung beans and sprouts
Alfalfa sprouts
Millet
Barley
Wheat
Amaranth

Other Products
Kelp ( &seaweeds)
Spirulina; wild blue green
Oyster-shell calcium
Wheat & barley grass
Kudzu
Yogurt
Crab
Clam
Black/green tea
Mineral water
Mussels
Rabbit

Spices
Peppermint
Dandelion greens & root
Honeysuckle flowers
Nettles
Red clover blossoms
Lemon balm
White peppercorn
Cilantro
Marjoram

Diseases of summer
Summer is the time of year children are out of school, college students are flooding the pool side bars, and the sun worshipers are scattered across the beach. Whether you are young or old, there is the chance of heat stroke if you do not maintain proper hydration. Many of the foods listed below will help to enhance body hydration. However, you must keep drinking your water!

The Chinese have recommended green tea during summer for centuries because it disperses summer heat, can expel toxins, cool the heart fire, and calm the mind.
Avoid
· Hot foods like coffee, and spicy foods
· Chinese medicine also recommends avoiding ice cold beverages and ice-cream, because they abruptly block the stomach’s digestive energy. However, my personal opinion of this is that I would prefer a patient to eat ice cold foods and ice cream during the summer rather than them eating/drinking them during the winter.

Traveller’s Tip
If you find yourself on vacation in a tropical destination do not forget your garlic. Yep, garlic or at very least garlic pills. Garlic is antiviral, antibacterial, and antifungal. So although you may smell a little funny, at first onset ingest larger amounts of garlic, and you may be able to fight off the impending doom of a ruined vacation. It is also useful for Montezuma’s revenge (traveler’s diarrhea) if you accidentally consume some questionable food or drink the water. It works the best as preventative or at initial onset.

[i] Healing with Whole Foods, P. Pitchford, North Atlantic Books; 2002, p. 331
2 Healing with Whole Foods, P. Pitchford, North Atlantic Books; 2002, p.62

Summer Recipes to Keep You Cool

2010-07-20T11:18:00.000-07:00

Pressed Cucumber Salad
Cucumbers sliced paper thin
½ tsp. salt in 1 cup water
Pinch of dill
· Soak cucumbers in brine 30 min
· Drain and dry slightly by pressing slices between paper towels
· Sprinkle with dill and serve.

Cucumber Salad
3 large cucumbers, thinly sliced
3 teaspoons salt
3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon Olive oil (kosher for Passover)
1 tablespoon sugar ±
2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill
1/2 cup thinly sliced red onion

· Toss cucumber with salt in large bowl. Cover with plate that rests directly on cucumbers; weight down with 1-pound can. Let stand 1 to 2 hours.
· Drain in colander; rinse well.
· Combine lemon juice, oil, sugar, and dill in serving bowl.
· Mix in onion and cucumber.
· Refrigerate overnight. Serve cold or at room temperature.

Tomato Salad
Vine ripe tomatoes
Sweet onion
Olive oil
Salt
Pepper
Oregano
Water
Feta or fresh mozzarella

· In a bowl combine tomatoes, onion, and fresh mozzarella.
· Add olive oil, salt to taste, pepper, oregano, and a tiny bit of water.
· Mix
· Can add in cucumber

Pain Management and Acupuncture

2010-06-01T10:29:00.000-07:00

There is one thing that almost everyone has experienced at least once in their life. No.. I am not talking about taxes. I am talking about pain. Whether it was chronic pain or acute pain chances are you have experienced at least one.
Chronic pain that frequently occurs or is constant. Acute pain is sudden and generally due to traumas or excessive use. So the question is, once you have pain how do you get rid of it?

Chronic pain in terms of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is often related to cold damp congestion , or heat damp congestion. Essentially, these are the Chinese Medical Diagnosis' for the stiff heavy aching feeling you have when it is cold and damp outside, and for arthritis type pain.

Acute pain in terms of TCM is often related to congested blood and qi which can lead to muscle spasms, knots, tension, and other types of pain. This is most commonly seen in injuries due to excessive use, accidents, or sports injury type traumas. However, if left untreated acute pain can sometimes turn into chronic pain. Hence the reason why the ankle that you sprained multiple times as a child can feel tight/stiff and probably crack more than it used to especially during certain times of year.

How does acupuncture help me to manage my pain? TCM has many different modalities in which to treat both chronic and acute pain. Some of the tools of our trade include: Cupping, moxibustion, gua sha, Tui Na (Chinese Medical Massage), lineaments/ ointments, herbal formulas, and the use of acupuncture.

Cupping The use of suction to release adhesions deep within the muscle and facial tissue. It is commonly used as a facial release. It feels a like a deep massage.

Moxibustion A technique used to bring warmth into a specific point or area of the body. To nourish and decrease pain in the affected area. Great for chronic conditions.

Gua Sha A scrapping technique similar in function to cupping. Gua Sha affects the superficial muscle layers.

Acupuncture Acupuncture can increase energy and fresh blood flow to the affected area. It can also decreases muscle spasms, and decreases recovery time.

Springtime Liver Cleanse

2010-03-23T10:08:00.000-07:00

Liver Cleanse/Flush
• Either: Drink the juice of a fresh lemon (1/2) in luke-warm water on an empty stomach first thing in the morning,
• Or, (add to the above lemon juice) the juice from half an orange, and 1 TBS of olive oil
• Or, (more elaborately) to the above lemon/ olive oil (cold pressed)/ orange juice mixture, add two cloves of minced garlic and then ground together in a blender- every morning for a week

Recipe for Greens
During this liver flush and all through the spring try to incorporate dark leafy greens. Not only are they high in iron and fiber they help to flush out the toxins from the body. Try this recipe three times a week during your liver flush. DON’T BE AFRAID OF YOUR GREEN VEGGIES! They are easy and quick to make.
• Pick a leafy green: kale, collards, turnip greens, mustard greens, dandelions (or a combo).
• Clean greens and break off the stem (you can just pull the leafy parts off of the thick stem).
• Bring approx gallon of water to boil.
• Once water is at a rolling boil, throw greens in water.
• Cook 5-7 min/ fast boil until leaves turn dark green and start to sink.
• Scoop out of water (keep water boiling on stove) and place on chopping board. Chop into pieces.
• In the same boiling water put in udon noodles or pasta
• Do not overcook! Read the package for cook time, it generally only takes a couple of minutes.
• In separate pan sauté some garlic and crushed red peppers in olive oil. Make sure you have enough oil to cover the pasta and greens. Once cooked add to greens. Add salt, pepper, and lemon to taste. Mix and serve.

Springtime and Chinese Medicine

2010-03-23T10:05:00.000-07:00

Spring is the ideal time for cleansing and rejuvenation for overall health and well-being. As spring is represented by the wood element and includes the liver and its complementary organ, the gallbladder, these two organs are usually the primary targets for springtime cleansing and health regimens.
• Element: Wood
• Season: Spring
• Color: Green
• Nature: Yang
• Organs: Liver, Gallbladder
• Emotion: Anger (can also manifest as frustration, irritability, stress)
• Governs/ controls: Sinews and Tendons

The Liver Function in Chinese Medicine

According to the philosophy of Chinese medicine, the Liver (the energetic not the physiological organ) is responsible for the smooth flowing of Qi (energy) throughout the body. When the Liver functions smoothly, physical and emotional activity throughout the body also runs smoothly. When there is dysfunction of the Liver it can manifest as anger/frustration/ irritability, headaches, dry eyes, and frequent sprains/strains. It can also manifest as menstrual disorders including painful periods and PMS.
Helpful Spring Time Hints
Stretch - The liver controls the tendons. According to Chinese medicine, the liver stores blood during periods of rest and then releases it to the tendons in times of activity, maintaining tendon health and flexibility. Incorporate a morning stretch into your routine. Try yoga or Tai Qi.

Eat Green - Green is the color of the Liver and of springtime. Eating young plants - fresh, leafy greens, sprouts, and immature cereal grasses - can improve the Liver’s overall functions and aid in the movement of Qi.

Taste Sour - Foods and drinks with sour tastes are thought to stimulate the Liver's Qi. Put lemon slices in your drinking water, use vinegar and olive oil for your salad dressing. Garnish your sandwich with a slice of dill pickle.

Get Out and Move - Exercise moves Liver Qi flow. If you have been feeling irritable, find an outdoor activity to smooth out that Liver Qi stagnation. Go for a walk or take up bike riding

Do a Liver Cleanse
Clean out all the stuff your body accumulated during your winter hibernation mode. Liver cleanses are for detoxing the liver and kidneys, especially allowing the liver to regenerate and rejuvenate. Here is a nice one that I personally use every year. It was recommended to me by a dear friend and teacher Justin Pomeroy. Justin owns Life Gate Center in Chicago, IL and was one of the first people to start practicing acupuncture in Illinois. http://justinpomeroy.com/bio

SEE NEXT BLOG ARTICLE FOR A GREAT LIVER CLEANSE AND RECIPE FOR YUMMY GREENS!

Chinese Herbs

2010-02-10T14:02:00.000-08:00

China has been using herbs to treat diseases for thousands of years. While there are many current studies that show the benefits of using Chinese herbs and acupuncture, it is hard to argue with thousands of years of trial and error. Many of the formulas that we turn to today are still the original ones that were used in ancient times. The use of multiple herbs comprise a formula. The formulas are developed to treat diseases by treating the whole pattern. It is very rare that a single herb is recommended by itself. The reason for this is to prevent any single herb from "over doing it". For example: you are phlegmy and you want the phlegm to go away, but you do not want to become dried out. There may be three herbs in a formula that focus on phlegm but one or two that are going to prevent you from becoming too dried out as a balance to the primary function of the formula.

Chinese herbs are all natural and are essentially berries, roots, twigs, nuts, and seeds. The herbs help to enhance the effects of the acupuncture treatment. They also treat the presentation on a deeper level, and often help a person to heal faster. Herbs/ formulas can be taken in the form of raw (which have to be cooked then the strained liquid drank), granules (powdered herbs dissolved in warm water and drank), pills, or tinctures (herbs steeped in wine or alcohol).

Many patients often ask why they must take so many pills. In order to receive the highest therapeutic effect from the pills you must take the equivalent amount to that of a raw formula. So, that means that you are often taking 12+ pills a day in order to achieve an effective dosage. The reason for this is because raw herbs are the most potent followed by granules and tinctures, then pills. The pills that we carry are 10:1 or 5:1 in ratio, which equates to a higher dose of pills. Recently, people began to believe that all ingestable therapeutics are supposed to taste pleasant. However, this just isn't the case. Depending on the formula, raw herbs and granules can taste somewhat bitter. Pills are often less expensive and don't taste nearly as bad. The down side to taking pills (besides taking so many) is that there are just some things that only a raw or granule formula can have an effect on. We will soon be carrying granules in our pharmacy for better efficacy and to eliminate high pill doses.

Another common question is, "Are herbs safe to be taking with my already prescribed medications?". Chinese herbs have been around for a long time. When a practitioner of Chinese Medicine, that has been well taught in Chinese Herbs, recommends a formula to someone we generally know what kind of reaction to look for and are already three steps ahead on how to prevent it if it does happen. We are trained in what reactions to look for with each individual formula, as well as education on conventional medications. You should not have adverse reactions on any formula. If you do, it means that it is not the right formula for you, or that it needs to be adjusted to your needs. When taking formulas in combination with your other medications be sure to take them two hours prior or two hours after your medication dose in order to avoid potential herb-drug reactions. This is done for precautionary measures. Unfortunately, there are not many studies out there that show herb vs. drug interactions. However, because we know what our formulas do, and because we are treating underlying conditions, we can take into account what your medications do and build a formula around your current medications. The benefits of taking formulas while on medications is that often times the patient is able to eliminate or decrease the medications that they are taking. (All dose changes of drugs are decided by you and your primary physician. NOT YOUR ACUPUNCTURIST) For those on multiple prescriptions, we will work with you and your medical practitioner to ensure the highest quality of health care.

What is Acupuncture?

2010-01-19T10:02:00.000-08:00

Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine are thousands of years old and are still the primary medicines of China. Traditional Chinese Medicine is a complete medical system for diagnosis and treatment. The individual is seen as an integrated whole. Every part, process, thought, and emotion within the individual is considered in terms of its contribution to the healthy functioning of the whole person. Each disease and disorder is not seen as an isolated event but as an outward manifestation of the whole person being out of balance.

As the weather turns cold and Chicagoans battle the fluctuating temperatures and wind, it is important to protect yourself. Stress can also have an effect on the immune system and general health.

Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine have been shown to boost the immune system and decrease stress levels. Acupuncture is able to influence health and sickness by stimulating certain meridians or, “energy pathways” along the body. These “energy pathways” are activated using single use needles that are as thin as a hair. The goal of acupuncture is to put your body into a state that allows it to heal itself.

The fall and winter seasons are the perfect time to start treatments for your spring and summer allergies!

Direct From The Centers for Disease Control

2009-11-30T12:00:00.000-08:00

With seasonal flu, we know that seasons vary in terms of timing, duration and severity. Seasonal influenza can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death. Each year in the United States, on average 36,000 people die from flu-related complications and more than 200,000 people are hospitalized from flu-related causes. Of those hospitalized, 20,000 are children younger than 5 years old. Over 90% of deaths and about 60 percent of hospitalizations occur in people older than 65.
The 2009 H1N1 flu has caused greater disease burden in people younger than 25 years of age than in older people. At this time, there are relatively fewer cases and deaths reported in people 65 years and older, which is unusual when compared with seasonal flu. However, pregnancy and other previously recognized high risk medical conditions from seasonal influenza appear to be associated with increased risk of complications from 2009 H1N1. These underlying conditions include asthma, diabetes, suppressed immune systems, heart disease, kidney disease, neurocognitive and neuromuscular disorders and pregnancy cough.
People infected with seasonal flu or the 2009 H1N1 flu shed virus may be able to infect others between1 day before getting sick and 5 to 7 days after. This can be longer in some people, especially children and people with weakened immune systems and in people infected with the new H1N1 virus.
Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
Wash your hands often with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Try to avoid close contact with sick people. If you are sick with flu-like illness, CDC recommends that you stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone except to get medical care or for other necessities. (Your fever should be gone without the use of a fever-reducing medicine.) Keep away from others as much as possible to keep from getting others sick.
The best prevention of spreading the virus is to cover your mouth when sneezing/coughing, throw out tissues, and wash your hands!
All information has been provided by http://www.cdc.gov.
Their site is constantly being updated, and includes further information on how to stay healthy.

Why Stay Sick Longer Than You Have To?

2009-11-30T11:57:00.000-08:00

During these financially hard times, many people are worried about using their sick days. With such concerns as losing your job if you are sick too often or not getting paid because you haven’t put the time in, who can blame you for going to work sick even though you realize that you could make yourself worse, and are putting your associates at risk. So what can you do?
Acupuncture and Chinese herbs can help you to stay healthy, and to combat most illness that you may encounter this cold/flu season.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) does not treat the viruses that cause the common cold or the flu. TCM takes each symptom and categorizes it into different patterns. We are able to treat your symptoms effectively and efficiently. Since we are able to treat the pattern and not the disease (common cold) no two patients will be treated exactly the same.
For example, if you find that before you are sick you are constantly tired, you get sick easily, and take a long time to recover, we would treat you differently than someone that is generally healthy and suddenly comes down with fever and chills, and a phlegmy wet cough.
Both are caused by what we call an “external invasion”. Each one has an underlying pattern that needs to be treated on an individual basis. External invasions can be caused due to deficiencies, wind, cold, heat, damp, or any combination of these factors. This can make living in the “Windy City”, which can have all four seasons in one day, difficult.
By taking each symptom into consideration and treating the individual and not the disease, acupuncture and Chinese Herbs can be very effective at boosting the immune system and helping you to get better faster.

In Vitro Fertilization and Acupuncture

2009-10-22T09:24:00.000-07:00

In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) and Acupuncture

By: Teri Calandra, L.Ac & Kristine Ward, L.Ac

South Loop Acupuncture: Chicago, IL

Acupuncture has been the primary medical system in China for thousands of years. Many people are aware of the benefits of acupuncture for stress reduction, addictions, and pain management. However, most people are still in the dark about Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) as an adjunct to woman’s health and infertility.

Traditional Chinese Medicine includes acupuncture, Chinese herbs, and Tui Na (a type of Chinese medical massage). For the purposes of IVF and TCM the most beneficial combination is acupuncture and Chinese herbs. In addition, diet and lifestyle changes may also be recommended by the TCM practitioner.

Infertility and Traditional Chinese Medicine

It is important to mention that the diagnoses of conventional pathologies (such as infertility and polycystic ovarian syndrome) are not within the scope of practice for a licensed acupuncturist. Chinese Medicine views the inability to become pregnant and sustain pregnancy as a symptom of a number of different patterns that can be treated.

The accepted statistic of infertility according to the World Health Organization is that one in seven couples has difficulty in getting pregnant. Acupuncture and Chinese herbs can be conducive for increasing your IVF success rates, sustaining pregnancy, decreasing aches and pains, decreasing stress, and easing labor and delivery.

Chinese Medicine is also able to help with male infertility. It is recommended to combine acupuncture and Chinese herbs to increase sex drive, and increase the quantity and viability of seminal fluid.

What is Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture?

Traditional Chinese Medicine is a complete medical system for diagnosis and treatment. The individual is seen as an integrated whole. Every part, process, thought, and emotion within the individual is considered in terms of its contribution to the healthy functioning of the whole person. Each disease and disorder is not seen as an isolated event but as an outward manifestation of the whole person being out of balance.

Acupuncture is able to influence health and sickness by stimulating certain meridians or, “energy pathways” along the body. These “energy pathways” are stimulated using single use needles that are as thin as a hair. The goal of acupuncture is to put your body into a state that allows it to heal itself.

TCM (acupuncture & Chinese herbs) can also utilize stress reduction techniques that can have an effect on subtle and non-mechanical reasons for infertility. Irregular ovulation, low sperm counts, or undiagnosed causes respond the best to a combination of TCM and IVF treatments. IVF is the best means to obtain pregnancy in cases of tube blockage. However, acupuncture is able to keep the body in a homeostatic state to maintain the body as nurturing environment for the embryo. (Lyttleton 379)

The following are just a few of the many articles and books that support acupuncture and IVF.

- W. Paulus, M.D., M. Zhang, M.D., I. El-Danasouri, Ph.D., E. Strehler , M.D., and K. Sterzik,M.D, “Influence of acupuncture on pregnancy rate in patients who undergo assisted reproduction therapy”, Fertility and Sterility, Vol. 77, No. 4, Apr. 2002

o “The analysis shows that the pregnancy rate for acupuncture group is considerably higher than for the control group (42.5% versus 26.3%”

- Johnson, D “Acupuncture prior to and at the embryo transfer in an assisted conception unit-a case series”, Acupuncture in Medicine: Journal of the British Medical Acupuncture Society, Vol. 24, No. 1, pp 23-8, Mar. 2006

o “This was a success rate of 57.7% compared with 45.3% for patients in the IVF unit not treated with acupuncture”

- Liang L. O.M.D., Ph.D, L.Ac. 2003 “Acupuncture and IVF” Blue Poppy Press, Boulder , CO

- Lyttleton J. 2004 “Treatment of Infertility with Chinese Medicine” Churchill Livingstone, Edinburgh, UK

- Zhi-Qiang C, Li-Yun L. 2008 “Male and Female Infertility” People’s Medical Publishing House, Beijing, China