Peripheral neuropathy is described as damage that has been done to the peripheral nervous system.  It usually is caused by conditions such as diabetes, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, scleroderma, alcoholism, nutritional deficiencies, AIDS and various medications and drugs.

Other causes include direct physical injury to a nerve caused by fractures, dislocated bones, pressure from a prolonged use of crutches or prolonged position.  Tumors, hemorrhage, exposure to cold and compression (such as carpal tunnel syndrome) can also cause this.

Symptoms of peripheral neuropathy may include:

• numbness or insensitivity to pain or temperature
• 
burning, tingling, or prickling sensation
• sharp or burning pain
• 
cramps
• 
extreme sensitivity to touch
• loss of balance and coordination
• muscle weakness
• muscle wasting
• paralysis

Oriental medicine teaches that peripheral neuropathy is due to dampness moving to the limbs, where it obstructs the flow of Qi (energy) and blood within them. The treatment is twofold, to treat the underlying factor that is causing this dampness to accumulate and to directly facilitate the circulation of Qi and blood in the affected area. By improving circulation, the nerve tissues of the affected area can be nourished to repair function and reduce pain.

Peripheral neuropathy is a symptom for many different patterns of disharmony within the body. Acupuncture and Oriental medicine aims to treat each individual uniquely depending on what caused the neuropathy and how it manifests.

I’m here to help, contact me today and we can discuss the treatment options that are open to you with acupuncture and Chinese Medicine.

-Qi Mail by Acufinder

Many folks who come into my office are surprised at the number of ailments that Acupuncture can treat.  At the top of the list that people don’t know about are neurological disorders.

A neurological disorder refers to a problem with the nervous system, which is a complex, sophisticated system that regulates and coordinates the body’s activities. Nerve pain can arise from trauma, inflammation, stroke, disease, infection, nerve degeneration, exposure to toxic chemicals, and nutrient deficiencies.

Nerve pain is usually a sharp shooting pain or a constant burning sensation. Typically occurring in the same location with each episode, it can often be traced along the nerve pathway. Sometimes weakness or impaired function in the affected area occurs and the skin may be either overly sensitive or numb.

Some common neurological disorders acupuncture treats include:

Peripheral Neuropathy – damage to the peripheral nervous system, which transmits information from the brain and spinal cord to every other part of the body. Neuropathy caused by diabetes often affects the feet.

Trigeminal Neuralgia – facial pain, sometimes called Tic Douloureux, affects the trigeminal nerve which is responsible for impulses of touch, pain, pressure and temperature sent to the brain from the face, jaw, and gums.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome – also known as median nerve entrapment, it occurs when swelling or irritation of the nerve or tendons in the carpal tunnel results in pressure on the median nerve.

Headaches – Headaches that can be treated with acupuncture include migraines, tension headaches, headaches occurring around the menstrual cycle, sinus headaches and stress-related headaches.

Acupuncture and Oriental medicine have been found effective as a conjunctive therapy for several neurological disorders and in treating pain and inflammation.

Do you or someone you know have this type of pain?  Make an appointment today to talk about how I can help.

-Qi Mail by Acufinder

At some point in life everyone deals with major upheavals or emotional distress. These events can trigger a host of unexpected feelings and behaviors from depression and panic attacks to major disruptions in sleep and eating. Acupuncture and Oriental medicine can alleviate symptoms associated with mental health issues in treating the root cause of the problem by helping to rebalance the body’s internal environment.

Acupuncture can bring calm

Mental health disorders are medical conditions that disrupt a person’s thinking, feeling, mood, ability to relate to others, and daily functioning which result in a diminished capacity for coping with the ordinary demands of life. The good news about mental disorders is that recovery is often possible. Affecting persons of any age, race, religion, or income mental health disorders have been found to be common and experts estimate almost a third of the population report sufficient qualifying criteria at some point in their life. Serious mental illnesses include major depression, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), panic disorder, post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and borderline personality disorder.

From an Oriental medicine perspective mental health disorders can cause a disruption in the flow of vital energy, or qi, through the body. These energetic imbalances can throw off the immune system or cause symptoms of pain, sleep disturbances, abnormal digestion, headaches, and menstrual irregularities, and, over time, more serious illnesses can develop. Acupuncture treatments can correct these imbalances and directly affect the way your body manages your mental health.

Diagnosis and Treatment of Mental Disorders

Oriental Medicine does not recognize any mental disorder as one particular syndrome. Instead, it aims to treat the specific symptoms that are unique to each individual using a variety of techniques including acupuncture, lifestyle/dietary recommendations and exercises to restore imbalances found in the body. Therefore, if 100 patients are treated with acupuncture and Oriental medicine for anxiety, each of these 100 people will receive a unique, customized treatment with different acupuncture points, and different lifestyle and diet recommendations.

Acupuncture and Oriental medicine have the ability to detect energetic changes that occur in the body and relieve symptoms by restoring equilibrium. The physical and emotional symptoms that you are experiencing will help create a clear picture on which a treatment plan can be created specifically for you.

Here are just a few acupuncture and Oriental medicine can help with:

Depressive Disorders - Common symptoms of depressive disorders include: a decreased interest in most activities, insomnia, fatigue, and feeling empty and worthless. Even when depression is sub-clinical, the body’s immune system is compromised and the symptoms reduce functioning and impair work performance and social relationships. Acupuncture treatments can correct these imbalances, support the immune system, and directly affect the way your body manages stress and your mental health.

Attention Deficit/Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD) – a condition of the brain that makes it difficult to concentrate or control impulsive behavior ADD/ADHD does not just occur during childhood. Acupuncture can help enhance concentration, reduce fidgeting, augment mood management techniques, reduce hyperactivity and enhance concentration.

Anxiety and Stress Disorders - Anxiety comes in a wide range of manifestations, from mild worrying to more physical responses such as nausea, insomnia, shortness of breath and panic attacks. Some anxiety is a healthy response to the stress of daily life and new situations; however, anxiety that occurs randomly or excessively is a sign to take notice. Acupuncture and Chinese medicine can help balance both the mental and physical symptoms of anxiety and help to create harmony and spaciousness.

Mental health issues are best managed when health professionals work together to meet the unique needs of each individual. Acupuncture is an excellent addition to any treatment plan as it is used to help the body restore balance, treating the root of the disorder, while also diminishing symptoms.

If you or someone you know struggles with a mental health disorder or if you would like to know how to optimize your mental health, please call to find out more about how acupuncture and Oriental medicine can be integrated into your mental and emotional wellness plan today!

Acupuncture for Irritability and Moodiness

Everyone suffers from irritability and moodiness from time to time, but if you find that a short temper and frustration are becoming a constant issue for you, then acupuncture may be able to help.

Often irritability and moodiness are the consequence of chronic stress in your life. Over time these emotions can progress into more serious emotional conditions such as anxiety and depression as well as other health conditions such as digestive problems, trouble sleeping and the tendency to get sick more frequently.

Liver Qi Stagnation and Emotions

Emotional disorders can be associated with a number of different patterns of disharmony within Oriental medicine however, anger, irritability, and frustration are all signs that our qi (life force) is not flowing smoothly. The liver is responsible for the smooth flowing of qi (life force) throughout the body and for smoothing our emotions. When the liver’s function of moving qi is disrupted, qi can become stuck. This is referred to as liver qi stagnation.

Liver qi stagnation is one of the most common patterns of disharmony seen in today’s patients. In addition to irritability and moodiness, signs and symptoms may include: distending pain in the area below the ribs, stuffiness of the chest, sighing, abdominal distention, nausea, sour regurgitation, belching, diarrhea or constipation, feeling of a lump in the throat, irregular periods, painful periods and distention of the breasts prior to periods. Liver qi stagnation is commonly associated with PMS.

Acupuncture and Oriental medicine is excellent at relieving liver qi stagnation. Treatment for irritability and moodiness associated with liver qi stagnation focuses on moving qi and supporting the liver and spleen organ systems with acupuncture, lifestyle and dietary recommendations.

Soothe and Refresh yourself!

What You Can Do!

When your Qi (life force) functions smoothly, physical and emotional activity throughout the body also runs smoothly. So, for optimum health, move your Qi!

Stretch
According to Oriental 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.

Eye Exercises
Although all organs have some connection to eye health the liver is connected to proper eye function. Take breaks when looking at a monitor for extended periods of time and do eye exercises.

Eat Green
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.

Do More Outdoor Activities
Outside air helps liver qi flow. If you have been feeling irritable, find an outdoor activity to smooth out that liver qi stagnation.

Acupressure Points for Moving Qi.

Four Gates
A popular treatment for stress, anger, sadness, and frustration these four acupuncture points are thought to enhance the circulation of Qi and blood throughout the body and have a calming and analgesic effect.

LI 4 is located on the padded area of your hand between the thumb and index finger, between the first and second metacarpal bones. Massage this point with your thumb on both hands for approximately 30 seconds.

LV 3 is located in a hollow on the top of your foot below the gap between your big toe and the next toe, between the 1st and 2nd metatarsal bones. To stimulate this point, place your right heel in the juncture between the bones that attach to the large and second toes and gently knead the point for approximately thirty seconds. Then switch sides to stimulate the point on your other foot.

Baihui for Clarity
Massage acupuncture point, Baihui for mental clarity. Located on the top of the head midway between the ears Baihui is used to clear the mind, calm the spirit, and improve focus. Stimulate the point with your index finger for 30-45 seconds for a quick “brain boost”.

Yintang for Calmness
Yintang, a point located midway between the eyebrows is sometimes referred to as “the third eye”. Stimulation of Yintang is known to calm the mind, enhance one’s ability to focus, soothe emotions, promote sleep, and relieve depression.

If you are concerned that your emotions may be interfering with your health and wellness, please call today to see how acupuncture and Oriental medicine can help you!

- Qi Mail by Acufinder

I just finished reading a great post on Why Acupuncture Is a Form of Self Defense by Margarita Alcantara, M.S.Ac., L.Ac.

Over the weekend, while we were enjoying a nice cool glass of Rose` over at Enso Winery in Urban PDX, my best friend was noting that her favorite thing about acupuncture is that getting it regularly means she doesn’t get sick often.

Whether you get acupuncture weekly, a few times a month, once a month or just with the change of the seasons,  I firmly believe it helps your body build the necessary Qi and energy needed to fight off all of the Evil Pernicious Pathogens that our bodies are attacked by regularly.

Haven’t scheduled recently?  Fall is just weeks away, let’s get your body ready for winter!

Irregular periods, menstrual cramps, abdominal pain, breast tenderness, anxiety and irritability are all problems associated with having your period.

Menstrual cramps can be quite painful and along with bloating can be very disruptive to daily life.  Many advocate slowing down, taking it easy, resting.  If you can grab a hot cup of rosehip tea, a great book and snuggle down with your favorite pet, that is an excellent remedy, but often times life interferes and occasionally the pain is stronger than just slowing down can help.  OTC medications are plentiful, they can ease the pain but don’t actually treat the problem.

Menstrual cramps can be relieved by acupuncture

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) looks at menstrual cramps as a result of Qi and Blood not able to flow freely.  This energy, or Qi stagnates and this can cause pain.  Promoting movement of this Qi and Blood, as well as regulating your body so that bloating, breast tenderness and irritability are also relived is the main goal of these treatments.

In addition to regular acupuncture treatments, the following can be used to promote movement and relieve painful periods.

Tea: Rosehips, cinnamon, chamomile and ginger teas can all assist the body during this time.  Mixing some of the raw herbs with boiling water, letting them steep for 20 minute or so before drinking.

Wine: Wine is one of the medicines in the pharmacopea of Chinese Medicine.  It can promote and stimulate the movement of Qi and Blood and taken in moderation, can be used for cramps.  Moderation prior to your cycle with wine and alcohol is important, as prior to beginning bleeding, wine can actually cause stagnation and problems.

Fish Oil Capsules: Fish oils are an amazing source of essential fatty acids, which are show to reduce overall inflammation in the body and will help to reduce the blood clotting and vasoconstriction that can cause cramping.  Take fish oils daily, from 1,200 to 4,000 mg per day.

Diet: Chinese Nutrition is an important factor in every treatment plan.  Avoid excessively cold foods and dairy products during your period.  Ice in your water at this time, icecream, and other cold foods will only serve to make the problem worse.  Drinking plenty of room temperature water, or warm tea, green leafy vegetables and regular meals will help.  Regular exercise is essential, but when you are bleeding, don’t push yourself too hard.  Gentle movements such as dancing and yoga, walking and light swimming are great.

Chinese Herbal Therapy: Chinese herbs are foremost, the best choice for helping to reduce cramping.  A Traditional Chinese Medical formula at our office is made up of granuals and is highly individualized according to the underlying problems with the health of the patient.  We can use this individual formula to address everything from cramping and bloating to irritability and irregular menstruation.

Whatever your imbalance is with your reproductive health, Traditional Chinese Medicine, with acupuncture and herbal therapy can be a great tool to help you feel better.  When you come in, we will write up a full treatment plan and help you to make the best decisions for your health.

A great video on the benefits of acupuncture for low back pain and sciatica.   After pain killers and physical therapy aren’t helpful, acupuncture helps!

Acupuncture resolves low back pain and sciatica

Interested in buying my Groupon feature but want to know more?

Here’s some basic questions/answers for you:

I’m new to acupuncture and want to know more about how it works, what can you tell me?

Check out 10 Things about Acupuncture that Work.  It should give you a pretty good idea of what to expect and how Acupuncture can help you.  Also, you can check out Does Acupuncture Work? for more information.  When you decide, you can just click on the link above to go back and buy your Groupon.

Ok, I bought the Groupon, what’s next?

Make a New Patient appointment. You will get an email confirming that appointment with directions to the office, our office policies and other good information.   Please note that availability right after the Groupon may be very limited, so please be patient.  You are getting 1.5 hours of very personalized treatment and I look forward to your turn in the office with me.

I’m a bit nervous about acupuncture the first time and want to know more about you.  What’s your story?

You can read all about me and my pup Miss Pig, here. Also, I’m happy to correspond with you via my email: kim@acupuncturepdx.com or on the phone.  Due to high volume and the fact that I am likely with a patient, you might try emailing me first, as that is the quickest way for me to get back to you.  You can also read what my patients have to say about me here.   Also, there is some information about how I practice here.

What all do I get with the Groupon?

Your first appointment will include an extensive set of questions pertinent to Oriental medicine which may seem unusual if you have never had an acupuncture treatment.  In addition, I will look at the color, shape and coating of your tongue and check the characteristic feel of your pulse in six different locations.  Depending on your condition, vital signs and some screening tests may be performed.  All of these things help lead to an accurate TCM diagnosis which will dictate a treatment plan for your whole-body health and your specific symptoms.  We will then give you an acupuncture treatment tailored just for your specific concerns and constitution, follow up by one or more further modalities such as Tuina, Cupping or Moxabustion.  You can read more here.

Lynn Jaffee has a great article out today on keeping your Spleen healthy to help yourself keep your body, mind and space free of distractions and clutter.

You may be thinking what can clutter possibly have to do with Chinese medicine?  My answer is that it has everything to do with your Chinese Spleen and the process of digestion.  Your Spleen, which is paired with your Stomach, is the organ system of digestion according to Chinese medicine.  They take in food, convert it into energy and nutrients, and excrete what’s not needed.  This is a very physical explanation, but in Chinese medicine, organ systems also have energetic and symbolic components, too.

Check out her article here: The Nature of Clutter in Chinese Medicine

When looking to find an acupuncturist who is JUST right for you, you might check your insurance preferred provider list, ask your friends, Google, Bing and ask.com it.  It can be complicated and worrisome.

Acupuncturists are a varied lot.  We are everything from quiet, zen-like and loving to outgoing, gregarious and active. We do Five Element acupuncture, Tan Style, Traditional Chinese Medicine style… the list goes on and on.  Knowing what type of acupuncturist will best serve your needs isn’t always easy, and making decisions about a health care provider in the already somewhat foreign world of acupuncture can be daunting.

Acupuncture is an ancient tradition, its tools and principles have been around for thousands of years. You can trust that, but finding the right acupuncturist to fit your needs and build a relationship with can be difficult. Here’s a list of questions to ask providers that you contact for treatment:

Chinese Medicine

1 – What is your educational background?

This question can really help clarify what type of acupuncturist they are.  You want to make sure they are trained and certified to practice acupuncture.  The ancient art of Chinese Medical Diagnosis is one of the keys to practicing successful acupuncture and getting results.  Not everyone is trained in these methods and you will want to make sure that the person you choose has a clear understanding of this.

There are a few choices regarding who can practice acupuncture:

• Physicians: In the US, many physicians are allowed to practice needling (called “dry needling” by the medical community) after having only 100-200 hours of training.  This is often referred to as Medical Acupuncture.  More often than not, while these physicians are open to holistic and alternative methods of healing, they are not trained in Chinese Medical Diagnosis and these needling seminars are often focused only on trigger point therapy for relieving muscle pain.
• Chiropractors: Depending on the state in which they are licensed, chiropractors may also take 100-150 hour seminars to learn needling for pain syndromes.  Typically, they are typically required to only perform acupuncture treatments that relate to and improve upon chiropractic adjustments.  Again, they are not trained in diagnostic methods and often are reduced to only treating localized pain.
• Licensed Acupuncturist (LAc): A licensed acupuncturist will have a Masters Degree or doctoral degree in Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine.  They are required to have a minimum of 1800-2400 hours of instruction in acupuncture, point location, Chinese Medicine theory, including diagnostic methods of observation of tongue, pulses, face and body.  Acupuncturists in most states must also be certified by the NCCAOM, an agency that regulates acupuncturists nationally.  Most states also license acupuncturists via their Board of Medical Examiners.

2 – Do they specialize?

Some acupuncturists treat any and all conditions, but many will specialize in treating certain conditions.  Specialists may focus on:

• Musculo-skeletal disorders and pain syndromes
• Mental health, stress, anxiety
• Fertility, women’s health
• Pediatrics
• Oncology, cancer and other debilitating diseases

You will want to make sure the person you choose has the knowledge and capability to treat your particular condition and constitution.

3 – What style of acupuncture do they use?

There are many different styles of acupuncture such as:

• Traditional Chinese Acupuncture
• Ear Acupuncture
• Japanese Style
• Korean Style Hand Acupuncture
• Cosmetic Acupuncture
• Scalp Acupuncture
• Tan Style Acupuncture
• Five Element Acupuncture

Some of these styles are more effective for various conditions than others, for example, Five Element style often will treat mental – emotional problems, while Ear acupuncture treats addictions.

Some are more effective for internal medicine problems, such as Traditional Chinese Medicine.  You should find out which modalities your acupuncturist uses, many of us have been trained in and use more than one.

4 – How many treatments will the treatment plan consist of?

First and foremost, it is not really possible for anyone to be able to tell you over the phone how many treatments you may need or how often you will need to be seen.  General ranges can be talked about, but your acupuncturist should do a full intake of your health history with structural diagnosis and observation of tongue and pulse before they can tell you what your treatment will require.

How long healing takes will generally depend on how chronic your condition is and how severe your symptoms are.  Your acupuncturist will look at the underlying causes of your problems and seek to address those.

5 – Aside of acupuncture, what services do they offer?

Acupuncture is just one modality that practitioners of Chinese Medicine are trained in.  They can also offer prescriptions for Chinese Herbal formulas and offer body work such as Tuina and Shiatsu.  The supplementation of herbal formulas to your treatment plan can be very effective in helping to relieve your problematic symptoms.  Chinese herbs come in many forms, pills, teas, capsules and granule powders.

In addition to these modalities, other supplements may be talked about such as nutritional counseling to help you to incorporate foods into your daily diet that can assist in your healing.

Cupping and moxa therapies may also be used.  Cupping can be highly effective in the treatment of body pain and may be used to help resolve your problem.

6 – What type of payments do you take and how much will it cost me?

The price of your treatments will depend on the location, experience and style of the acupuncturist and many, if not most will require payment at time of service. Options for accepting payment should also be offered, cash, credit card, debit card and health savings account / flex spending payment cards are typical.

7 – Which health insurance do you accept, if any?

Today, many health care plans pay for acupuncture treatments. Your acupuncturist should be available to find out what your benefits are and work with you to get the treatments you need within the scope of benefits offered.  Occasionally benefits will not cover the entire treatment plan and you will want to find out what other options are offered, such as making arrangements for future cash based payments.   Some acupuncturists do not accept insurance but will be able to give you a receipt called a superbill that you can then submit to your insurance company for reimbursement.

8 – Find out about other details you will need to know such as:

• Location
• Parking
• Hours of operation
• Handicap accessible
• Do they offer early morning or late afternoon appointments?

All of the above details can go into picking just the right acupuncturist for you.  Over time, you will be building a strong relationship with your provider, telling your friends and family about them and supporting them in their endeavours as they will be supporting you.  To do this, you should be fully confident that your practitioner is on your side and offers you everything that you need to get better and feel great!

Common Causes of Back Pain Treated with Acupuncture

Back pain, whether it is acute pain caused by injury or a chronic state due to past trauma or surgery, can be completely debilitating.  Having your life affected by the necessary changes in lifestyle, movement and stature not only causes mental and spiritual unhappiness, but in the long term can also cause other structural problems within the body.

The main cause of acute back pain is the sprain.  During your day, workout, or play you may have overstretched one or more of the ligaments in the back and possibly caused a strain, which is tearing or damaging the muscles, generally caused by sudden movement and force.  Even seemingly innocent activities can cause these things, apparent mild injuries, poor posture and lifting over heavy items improperly.

Chronic pain comes from an early injury, and may be related to having a herniated or protruding disc bulging.  Another common form is sciatica.  Sciatica is pain that usually extends down from the buttocks into the legs.  This is generally caused by an irritation or inflammation of the sciatic nerve which extends out from the lumbar area of the back.

Although most episodes of low back pain last less than two weeks, research has shown that recurrence rates for low back pain can reach as high as 50% in the first few months following an initial episode.

推拿 - tuī ná

Traditional Chinese Medicine Patterns of Back Pain

How can Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) help you? TCM has a different view of diagnosing back pain than Western Medicine.  We differentiate the pain into various patterns based on the type of pain and the over all constitution of the patient.

Common TCM Patterns for Back Pain include:

• Deficiency type pain
• Qi and Blood stagnation
• Pain due to Cold Damp Obstruction

When the pain is resulting from deficiency, it feels dull, is usually chronic and improves with rest.  We see this more common in office workers, middle aged people and the elderly.

Stagnation is pain that is more severe and may feel stabbing in nature, with sensations of stiffness, tightness and when resting, it gets worse.  Typically, getting up and lightly stretching the area can alleviate the pain and often times when this type reoccurs, it is indicative of an underlying deficiency as well.

Cold damp pain is usually always made worse with cold and damp weather and generally with pressure changes.  Heat is useful to relieve the pain and there may be a sensation of numbness either in the back where the pain is, or along the legs or feet.  Sensations of heaviness and swellings may also occur.

Traditional Chinese Medicine as Treatment for Back Pain

Acupuncture can help to relieve all of these types of pain by restoring harmony and bringing balance to the body and thereby helping to stimulate natural healthy patterns of healing.

Treatment usually consists mainly of acupuncture, but other methods may be applied, such as moxa, a heating therapy, cupping, Tuina and possibly the use of a personalized herbal formula.  When using acupuncture, points in the local area as well as in the arms and hands, legs and feet may be used.  Quick relief follows the insertion of the needles.

Cupping consists of using glass cups to create suction on the body relieving the area of stagnation, dampness and pain.  Using cups on the body, one can find great relief from long term chronic pain, especially if caused by trauma.

Treatment should happen frequently at the beginning and then as pain relief is sustained, can be tapered off.

As we can see, acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine can greatly improve the quality of life for many who live with back pain.

Research and Sources:

• Acupuncture Eases Back Pain
• Acupuncture Effective for Treating Chronic Back Pain
• Acupuncture May Reduce Back Pain
• Acupuncture for Chronic Low Back Pain
• Acufinder
• Acupuncture Today