Allendale Acupuncture & Nutrition Clinic

acupuncture, nutrition, clinic, allendale

Category: Arthritis

Self Acupressure Points for Arthritis

Posted by on in Uncategorized

Wherever the pain and inflammation is, gently hold the area and focus on deep breathing for a few minutes. Heat, generated by heating pad or other infra-red lights are extremely helpful. Magnets are also extremely useful in relieving tension, inflammation, and pain on the joints.

Two important points for all arthritic and joint pains, both on the Gallbladder meridian.

GB 34  — Yang Ling Quian

GB 34 Yang Ling Quian

Location: Four finger widths below the kneecap, one finger width to the outside of the leg. Benefits: Strengthens the body, benefits the joints, and relieves the fatigue that often results from the drain of dealing with arthritic pain.

GB 20 – Feng Chi (Wind Pool, Gates of Consciousness)

GB 20 – Feng Chi Wind Pool, Gates of Consciousness

Location: Below the base of the skull, in the hollow between the two large, vertical neck muscles, two to three inches apart depending on the size of the head.

Benefits: Relieves arthritis, as well as the following common complaints that often accompany arthritic pain: headaches, insomnia, stiff neck, neck pain, fatigue, and general irritability.

Nutrition and Diet for Arthritis

Posted by on in Uncategorized

Like all other autoimmune diseases, the exact cause of arthritis, especially Rheumatoid arthritis is unknown to medical world.

Major culprits of autoimmune conditions are believed to be: poor nutrition and/or food allergies; exposure to the pollutants and heavy metals that contaminate our air, soil and water; overgrowth of pathogens such as bacteria, virus, mold-fungus-yeast and parasites; and toxic vaccinations and medical drugs.

Any of these can cause certain parts of your body, like your joints, to be unrecognizable to your body’s own immune system so that the body’s immune system attacks them as “invaders”. The sad part is that once one autoimmune condition sets in, another autoimmune disease almost always show up.

Nutrition response testing offers a systematic and extremely precise protocol in determining the deepest cause of a body’s autoimmune state.

Having said that, let me introduce several tips to avoid and/or minimize arthritic conditions.

  • Avoid Wheat, Sugar, and Dairies as they cause INFLAMMATION throughout the body. Actually, we avoid these three food groups, most of diseases will get better quite dramatically, in a short period of time.
  • Avoid greasy or spicy foods as they tend to create “dampness and heat” in the body that negatively affect the joints and cartilages.
  • Bone Broth, made of either organic chicken or organic beef (with marrow) as these are filled with collagen, numerous minerals and vitamins, and amino acids.
  • Ginger – A natural anti-inflammatory, available as powdered extracts in capsules as well as alcohol-based extracts. Follow the dosing directions on the label. Or make tea by combining one-half teaspoon of grated ginger root with eight ounces of boiling water. Cover and steep for 10 to 15 minutes, then strain and add honey to taste.
  • Fresh pineapple – Bromelain, an enzyme in pineapple, reduces inflammation. Be sure the pineapple is fresh, not canned or frozen.
  • Cherries – Recent research has shown that tart cherries are an excellent source of nutrients that may help to reduce joint pain and inflammation related to arthritis.
  • Fish – Cold-water fish such as salmon and mackerel contain omega-3 fatty acids, which help keep joints healthy as well as reduce pain and swelling. If you don’t care for fish, consider supplementing your diet with fish oil capsules.
  • Turmeric – Another natural anti-inflammatory. Look for an extract of whole turmeric, in health-food stores; follow the dosage directions on the label.

Arthritis From the Chinese Medical Point of View

Posted by on in Uncategorized

Acupuncture and Chinese medicine have been found to be extremely effective at treating the pain and inflammation associated with all types of arthritis. According to Chinese medical theory, arthritis is caused by the blockage of Qi along the meridians of the body. This type of blockage is called “bi” syndrome, and has been widely studied and treated with acupuncture and/or Chinese herbs.

The Acupuncture Treatment

Acupuncture points to treat Arthritis are located all over the body, not just directly over the affected area. During the acupuncture treatment, tiny needles could be placed along your legs, arms, shoulders, and perhaps even your little toe!

There seems to be little sensitivity to the insertion of acupuncture needles. A brief moment of discomfort is typically followed by deep relaxation throughout the body. The length, number and frequency of treatments will vary. Typical treatments last from five to 30 minutes, with the patient being treated one or two times a week. Some symptoms are relieved after the first treatment, while more severe or chronic ailments often require multiple treatments.

Acupuncture is a clinically safe, effective, and well-proven therapy for both Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid arthritis. Many people can avoid unnecessary and painful surgeries with acupuncture, while enjoying added benefits such as improved digestive functions and/or better sleep patterns.

What is Arthritis?

Posted by on in Uncategorized

As one of the most pervasive diseases in the United States, arthritis affects  one out of every three Americans, or roughly 70 million people. For most people, arthritis pain and inflammation cannot be avoided as the body ages. In fact, most people over the age of 50 show some signs of arthritis. Joints naturally degenerate over time. Fortunately, arthritis can often be managed Acupuncture, Nutrition, and sensible exercise programs.

Arthritis isn’t just one disease; it’s a complex disorder that comprises more than 100 distinct conditions and can affect people at any stage of life. Two of the most common forms are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. While these two forms of arthritis have very different causes, risk factors, and effects on the body, they often share a common symptom—persistent joint pain.

Arthritis, Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid Arthritis

Osteoarthritis ~

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of arthritis. OA begins with the breakdown of joint cartilage, resulting in pain and stiffness. OA commonly affects the joints of the fingers, knees, hips, and spine. Other joints affected less frequently include the wrists, elbows, shoulders, and ankles. When OA is found in a less frequently affected joint, there is usually a history of injury or unusual stress to that joint. Work-related repetitive injury and physical trauma may contribute to the development of OA. If you have a strenuous job that requires repetitive bending, kneeling, or squatting, for example, you may be at high risk for OA of the knee.

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) ~

The other arthritis is Adult and Juvenile Rheumatoid arthritis (RA). They are a type of autoimmune disease that causes inflammation in the synovial fluid membranes surrounding the lubricating fluid in the joints (there are at least another 100 lesser known subtype autoimmune arthritic diseases such as ankylosing spondylitis AS).

RA can affect many different joints and, in some people, other parts of the body as well, including the blood, the lungs, and the heart. Inflammation of the joint lining, called the synovium, can cause pain, stiffness, swelling, warmth, and redness. The affected joint may also lose its shape, resulting in loss of normal movement. RA can last a long time and can fluctuate between flares (active symptoms) and remissions (few to no symptoms).

Self Acupressure Points to Relieve Pain from Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Posted by on in Uncategorized

LU9 (Tai Yuan, Great Abyss)

Lung 9 is a crucial point for relieving pain associated with carpal tunnel syndrome. This point is located on the wrist crease, on a line with the thumb. Circling around this point with a substantial strength may provide a huge relief for any arm pain and wrist pain. This point is also effective in aiding in treating asthma, cough, palpitations and breathing problems.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

PC 7 (Da Ling, Great Mound)

Located in the center of the inner side of the wrist crease, this point is highly effective in relieving all types of wrist and thumb pain caused by tendonitis, arthritis, and carpal tunnel syndrome. This point is also excellent in lessening hot flashes associated with menopause.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

TH 5 (Waiguan, OuterPass)

Located on the outer side of the forearm, midway between the two bones, two and a half finger widths above the wrist joint, stimulating this point on both arms using fingertips is useful in relieving wrist pain. This point is especially effective in boosting immunity so that the body can fight better against colds and allergies.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

 

What Causes Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

Posted by on in Uncategorized

Symptoms of Carpal Tunnel such as numbness, tingling, pain, burning, and weakness in the arms and hands often, but not always, result from inflammation due to frequent, repetitive physical movements.

There are a number of things that can cause or put you at risk for developing CTS. These include:

  • Genetic predisposition: Small bones or a small carpal canal increases the risk.
  • Hormonal changes: For women, hormonal fluctuations increase the chances of the syndrome; pregnancy and menopause can be particularly problematic.
  • Diseases: Conditions like arthritis, lupus, diabetes and obesity can lead to narrowing of the canal.
  • Repetitive motions: Excessively doing activities like typing, using hand tools, gardening, golfing, sewing and massaging can repeatedly strain the area, causing localized inflammation and trauma.

The onset of symptoms may start gradually and become worse over time, especially if the same motions are repeated on a near daily basis. Even though some repetitive motions such as typing on the computer or using the phone are not strenuous activities in and of themselves, if performed often enough, the cumulative effect builds up. If left untreated, carpal tunnel syndrome can lead to what is known as nocturnal awakenings, which refers to waking up in the middle of the night from pain and discomfort.

Ulcerative Colitis Signs and Symptoms

Posted by on in Uncategorized

The signs and symptoms of ulcerative colitis vary depending on the severity of inflammation, and where it is located. The most common symptoms include abdominal pain and bloody diarrhea, ranging from mild to severe. They may come on either very suddenly or more gradually.

Other common symptoms include:

  • Frequent, even continuous diarrhea
  • Rectal bleeding
  • Bloody stool
  • Urgent need to defecate
  • Abdominal cramps and pain
  • Weight loss
  • Anemia
  • Joint aches
  • Fever
  • Dehydration

People with ulcerative colitis are at increased risk for malnutrition. The condition is also associated with other health problems, including arthritis, eye infections, liver disease, skin rashes, blood clots, or gallstones. Although western medical doctors cannot figure out why such problems occur outside the colon, if we take a look at this disease from a Chinese medical perspective, cross-functional aspects of different organs will make sense.

Alleviate Arthritis Pain with Acupuncture

Posted by on in Uncategorized

Arthritis isn’t just one disease, but a complex disorder comprised of more than 100 distinct conditions that can affect people at any stage of life. Two of the most common forms are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. While these two types of arthritis have very different causes,  they often share a common symptom: persistent joint pain.

For many people, arthritis pain and  inflammation cannot be avoided as the body ages. In fact, most people over the age of 50 show some signs of arthritis as joints naturally degenerate over time. Fortunately, arthritis can frequently be managed with acupuncture and nutrition programs.

Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis, affecting an estimated 21 million adults in the United States. Beginning with the breakdown of joint cartilage that results in pain and stiffness, osteoarthritis usually affects the joints of the fingers, knees, hips and spine. The wrists, elbows, shoulders and ankles are less frequently affected and when osteoarthritis is found in these joints, there is typically a history of injury or unusual stress to the joints. This may include and be attributed to work-related repetitive injury and physical trauma. For example, if you have a strenuous job that requires repetitive bending, kneeling or squatting, you may be at high risk for osteoarthritis of the knee.

arthritis 3

Rheumatoid arthritis can affect many different joints and, in some people, other parts of the body as well, including the blood vessels, lungs and heart. With this kind of arthritis, inflammation of the joint lining (called the synovium) can cause pain, stiffness, swelling, warmth and redness. The impacted joint may also lose its shape, resulting in loss of normal movement. Rheumatoid arthritis can last a long time and is a disease characterized by flares (active symptoms) and remissions (few to no symptoms).

arthritis 2

Diagnosis and Treatment of Arthritis with Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine

According to Oriental medical theory, arthritis arises when the cyclical flow of Qi (energy) in the meridians becomes blocked resulting in pain, soreness, numbness and stiffness. This blockage is called “bi syndrome” and is widely studied and successfully treated using a combination of treatment modalities. The acupuncture points and herbs that are used depend on whether the underlying cause of the blockage of Qi(arthritis) is caused by wind, cold, damp or damp-heat.

Acupuncture and Oriental medicine aim to treat the specific symptoms that are unique to each individual using a variety of techniques such as acupuncture, bodywork, lifestyle/dietary recommendations and energetic exercises to restore imbalances found in the body. Therefore, if 10 patients are treated with Oriental medicine for joint pain, each of these 10 patients will receive a unique, customized treatment with different acupuncture points, different herbs/supplements, and different lifestyle and diet recommendations.

Your acupuncturist will examine you, take a look at the onset of your condition and learn your signs and symptoms to determine your diagnosis and choose the appropriate acupuncture points and treatment plan.

Arthritis and Nutrition

Posted by on in Uncategorized

Just like all other damages in the body, arthritis can be effectively addressed with good nutrition programs. Since everyone’s body is different, it is important to determine the deepest cause of arthritis. Applied kinesiology can accurately determine the most important issue of any arthritic conditions.

arthrisits and nutrition

In my practice, I have witnessed that “heavy metal toxicity,” particularly “mercury toxins” shows up as the most prominent cause of arthritis. This is not surprising considering that metal toxicity can penetrate into cellular level, disrupt the body’s pH level, and wreak havoc on the body’s immune responses. Natural supplements derived from real food and /or homeopathic medicines can dramatically reduce mercury toxins.

A balanced, varied diet can help ease the pain of arthritis by providing vitamins and minerals that keep your joints healthy. Avoiding “damp” foods, such as dairy products and greasy or spicy foods.

arthritis nutrition

Here are some healthy and delicious  anti-inflammatory choices to include in your diet:

Ginger – Ginger is a natural anti-inflammatory. A fresh ginger tea can be made by combining a half teaspoon of grated ginger with 8 ounces of boiling water. Cover and steep for 10 to 15 minutes, then strain and add honey to taste.

Fresh Pineapple – Bromelain, an enzyme in pineapple, reduces inflammation. Be sure the pineapple is fresh, not canned or frozen.

Cherries – Recent research has shown that tart cherries are an excellent source of nutrients that may help to reduce joint pain and inflammation related to arthritis.

Fish – Cold-water fish, such as salmon and mackerel, contain omega-3 fatty acids, which help keep joints healthy as well as reduce pain and swelling.

Turmeric – A natural anti-inflammatory, it can be used in many food preparations including soups, sauces and salad dressings.

Call today to learn how acupuncture and nutrition program can be incorporated into your treatment plan for arthritis!

Reduce the Impact of Arthritis

Posted by on in Uncategorized

The Arthritis Foundation recommends the following to reduce the impact of arthritis:

Get Active – Regular physical activity helps build and maintain healthy bones, muscles and joints. Tai Chi is a Chinese exercise that strengthens muscles, improves balance and flexibility, promotes relaxation, and has been shown to relieve chronic joint pain.

arthritis 1

Control Weight – Maintaining an appropriate weight or reducing weight to a recommended level reduces the risk of osteoarthritis. Losing just 10 pounds relieves 40 pounds of pressure on knees. For those living with symptoms, losing 15 pounds can cut knee pain in half.

Modify Job Tasks – Try to modify your movements, since repeated use of joints in jobs that require bending and lifting is associated with an increased risk of developing osteoarthritis.

Speak with a health care professional about ways to reduce strain on your joints.