Technorati Profile Navigating Natural Health for Women: 2011

Monday, July 25, 2011

Just Lie There

Just Lie There:


Here is a great weight loss tip that shockingly all that it require you to do is lie there and relax: Acupuncture.



The International Journal of Obesity published a review of 31 studies on the efficacy of acupuncture in the treatment of obesity. The enormous systematic review was comprised of 3,013 cases where acupuncture was used to reduce body weight.



Acupuncture significantly reduced a body weight of 1.56 kg (0.74–2.38 kg), on average, compared to placebo or sham treatments. Acupuncture also showed more improved outcomes for body weight (mean difference=1.90 kg; 1.66–2.13 kg), as well as for obesity (relative risk=1.13; 1.04–1.22), than conventional medication.



Source: International Journal of Obesity, January 2009; Acupuncture for obesity: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

doi:10.1038/ijo.2008.269



Don't worry Acupuncture doesn't really hurt just go to someone who has experience and uses a gentle needle technique.



Please let me know how I can help you.

Sincerely,

Kristen Burris

www.EagleAcupuncture.com Kristen Lohman Burris, L.Ac., M.S.T.O.M., Dip. Ac. Voted “Top Doc 2010” and is a nationally recognized Acupuncturist and Herbalist who has been featured in USA Today, MSNBC, AOL Health, Woman’s Day, Parenting Magazine, Parents Magazine Natural Health Magazine, San Diego Union Tribune, The Idaho Statesman, Miami Herald, Yahoo News, National Public Radio (NPR) and KUSI TV News. Ms. Burris' expertise includes: women’s health, fertility, miscarriage, pregnancy, difficult menstrual cycles, menopause, digestive problems, and pain. . She and her husband Tony Burris, L.Ac., M.S.T.O.M treat patients with acupuncture, herbal medicine and nutrition as natural medicine in their family-owned, private practice, Eagle Acupuncture in Eagle, Idaho. Ms. Burris has treated patients at Top Fertility Centers Nationwide, San Diego Hospice, University of California in San Diego (UCSD) Integrative Clinic, and for UCSD Dental Study. Ms Burris was the creator of fertility retreats for couples and served on the board of RESOLVE, the non-profit organization supporting couples with infertility.

Friday, July 22, 2011

Heartburn Solutions

Kristen Burris, L.Ac., M.S.T.O.M., Dip. Ac. was voted Top Doc 2010 in Eagle. . She is the founder and medical director of Eagle Acupuncture. She is a nationally-recognized practitioner in the field of women’s health: menopause, irregular menstrual cycles, migraines, digestive problems, pain and fertility enhancement. Ms. Burris combines her skills of acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, and nutrition with her compassionate approach to promote health in her patients. Kristen Burris has been featured in USA Today, Woman’s Day, MSNBC, Yahoo News, Parents, Parenting, Natural Health, & Better Nutrition magazines, The San Diego Union Tribune, The Miami Herald, NPR radio, KBOI TV and KUSI TV. Ms. Burris taught graduate school at Pacific College of Oriental Medicine in San Diego, California, one of the most respected colleges in the field of integrative medicine. Throughout her career she has also treated patients at: San Diego Hospice, UC-San Diego Free Clinic, UC-San Diego Dental Acupuncture Study and at the leading fertility centers in California.






Marshmallow Root :(not the kind used in s’mores) (Althaea officinalis) contains mucilage, soothe the lining of the esophagus and throat coating it with its thick essence reducing pain and inflammation caused by heartburn. The easiest way to ingest Marshmallow is to brew the tea using 8oz. of water for each Tablespoon and a half of the dried root. Drink 3-4 cups daily. Health Food Stores have the tea prepared in tea bags as well. Warning: Use caution if you have diabetes and are on medication to reduce blood sugar as marshmallow root tea reduces blood sugars effectively too.





Licorice (Not the candy):

DGL (deglycyrrhizinated licorice) has been used for heartburn for thousands of years. It is derived from the herb licorice that has had the glycyrrhizin component removed. This reduces the risk of glycyrrhizin-related side-effects including edema (water retention) and high blood pressure.



Scientific research has proven that licorice decreases inflammation, inhibits the growth of potentially harmful bacteria in the stomach thereby reducing ulcers. Health food stores often carry chewable DGL.



Aloe:

The juice from the aloe vera plant is used to soothe an irritated esophagus. An adult dosage is approximately 1/4 cup of aloe vera juice 20 minutes before eating. Do not ingest aloe directly from the plant as it must first be prepared appropriately for consumption.



Note: Check the ingredients as your aloe vera should not contain any aloe latex, aloin, or aloe-emoin compounds, substances in the aloe plant that are very effective laxatives. Look in the pharmacy section of your grocery store.



Slippery elm bark :(Ulmus rubra muhl) The inner bark contains mucilage, a gel-like substance that swells when it is mixed with water. The mucilage soothes and coats the throat and esophagus reduces irritation and inflammation caused by heartburn. Prepared Teas can be found in health food stores.

Monday, July 11, 2011

Citrus Secrets

Benefits of Lemon- What is it best for? Your Respiratory System. Lemons destroy putrefactive bacteria in the mouth and intestines. Lemons have antiseptic, anti-microbial and mucus resolving components making it therapeutic for: colds, flu, coughs, and parasitic infections. Astringing in nature the benefits include treatment of throat infections, indigestion, constipation, dental problems, fever skin care, internal bleeding, high blood pressure, obesity, and respiratory infections.




Benefits of Orange- What is it best for? Your Mood. The health benefits of Orange can be attributed to its properties like anti inflammatory and can benefit some types of arthritis, general tonic for weak digestion, enhancing your mood and the whites of the peel can resolve eye cysts when applied topically . (Choose tangerines are often sprayed less with chemicals than oranges)



Benefits of Lime- What is it best for? Your Digestion. The health benefits of lime include weight loss, skin care- for astringing your pores and generating fluids to create moisture, improved digestion, regulating constipation, enhanced vision, and treatment for scurvy, respiratory disorders and urinary disorders.



Benefits of Grapefruit- What is it best for? Your Heart. Researchers found that grapefruit contain powerful antioxidants that may help reduce the risk of heart disease. Published in the February 2006 issue of the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, scientists found heart by-pass patients who ate the equivalent of one grapefruit a day significantly reduced cholesterol levels. The study included 57 patients who recently had coronary bypass surgery and failed to respond to cholesterol-lowering medication. Red grapefruit was particularly effective, reducing cholesterol by whopping 15 per cent and reducing triglycerides, which is a type of fat that increases the risk of heart disease by lowering it 17 per cent.

Tuesday, May 31, 2011

Acupuncture for Cancer Care

Many women unnecessarily suffer during treatment of ovarian cancer with chemotherapy and or radiation. Side effects from these intense but often life saving medicines includes but are not limited to: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, exhaustion, hot flashes, insomnia, low white blood cell count, neutropenia increasing potential infection, dry mouth and mouth sores. Acupuncture can treat all of these side-effects extremely well which is not only important for quality of life but also enables patients to complete their recommended treatments by their doctors.




More and more studies are proving the efficacy of Acupuncture in ameliorating side-effects from cancer treatment. Here are several profound findings proving Acupuncture’s effectiveness and necessity for all cancer patients. Acupuncture is as effective and longer-lasting in alleviating the common debilitating side-effects from breast cancer treatments including: hot flashes, night sweats, and excessive sweating. Another benefit with Acupuncture: no treatment side effects as compared to conventional drug therapy, according to a first-of-its-kind study presented September 24, 2008, at the American Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology’s 50th Annual Meeting in Boston, MA.


A study published in the July, 2008 issue of BMC Complementary Alternative Medicine proved that the acupuncture point on the hands, Large Intestine 2, increased saliva production and brain activity that stimulates saliva production in the mouth.

Source: BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine 2008, 8:37




Acupuncture significantly reduced pain, dry mouth,  and shoulder immobility for patients after head and/or neck cancer surgery, according to a clinical study shared at the 2008 meeting of the American Society for Clinical Oncology.

Source: American Society for Clinical Oncology, June 2008

If you or someone you love is diagnosed with cancer and choose conventional medicine for treatment consider Acupuncture to improve your quality of life and sail through the intenses treatments of chemotherapy, surgery and radiation enabling you to return to your daily life healthier, happier and stronger. 


www.AmericanAcu.com Kristen Lohman Burris, L.Ac., M.S.T.O.M., Dip. Ac. Voted “Top Doc 2010” and is a nationally recognized Acupuncturist and Herbalist who has been featured in: USA Today, Woman’s Day, MSNBC, Parenting Magazine, Parents Magazine, Natural Health Magazine, National Public Radio (NPR), KBOI Channel 2, and KUSI TV News. Ms. Burris' expertise includes: women’s health, fertility, pregnancy, difficult menstrual cycles, menopausal symptoms, digestive problems, cancer support, and pain. Ms. Burris has also taught acupuncture to graduate students at Pacific College of Oriental Medicine. She and her husband Tony Burris, L.Ac., M.S.T.O.M treat patients with acupuncture, herbal medicine and nutrition as natural medicine in their family-owned, private practice, American Acupuncture Center in Eagle, Idaho. Ms. Burris has treated patients at Top Fertility Centers Nationwide, Cancer patients at San Diego Hospice, University of California in San Diego (UCSD) Integrative Clinic, and for UCSD Dental Study. Ms Burris was the creator of fertility retreats for couples and served on the board of RESOLVE, the non-profit organization supporting couples with infertility.

Tuesday, April 26, 2011

Household Products Improving Your Health

Every day household products can actually benefit your health in surprising ways.


Most people use vinegar in their salad dressings or to brighten their wash; however, drinking vinegar can quickly reverse a bad mood, stop nose bleeds and neutralizes poisons in the body from food poisoning. Drink 1/4 of a tsp. every 15 minutes until your symptoms are relieved.



Benzol peroxide is famous for healing cuts but what most people don't know is it's amazing ability to clear all types of acne including the painful, cystic type. Apply lightly to offending areas twice a day for this natural cleansing agent to clear up even the most challenging cases.



Baking soda is known for being an essential ingredient in cookies and cakes however using it topically can heal skin rashes, abrasions and bee stings. It's great to keep on hand during Spring and Summer when we play outside and garden more often. Combine 2 TBS. baking soda to 2 Tbs. water and create a paste (use more for larger areas) apply a thin paste, allow it to dry and leave it on all day. It reduces itching, pain and helps facilitate healing.

Monday, February 14, 2011

Heart in Hands: reflecting our inner health

I believe that fingers and toes are a window into who we are and how our bodies are functioning. As far as who we are: the care of filing, moistening. pampering and even painting our hands and feet are a reflection of self love. Abandon our outward extension of our selves, particularly our hands, and we show the world we care little of ourselves or dedicate too much time to others. The feet are hidden from the world and is visual reflection of how we feel about ourselves when no one is looking.




As far as how our bodies are functioning: Our hands and feet are miniature road maps to the health of the inner functioning of our organs. If our hands are dappled with liver spots then our liver is overburdened with environmental toxins, pesticides, drugs, smoking or even anger issues. If our hands and feet show bulging purple veins or possibly delicate spider veins, our heart health and circulation is at risk often expressing depression or stagnated emotions. If our hands and feet are puffy and swollen then our lungs are not functioning properly and we may be suffering from repressed grief. With the proper expert in Chinese medicine these outward reflections of dysfunction in the body can be resolved and health restored.

Friday, February 11, 2011

Menopause on Channel 2 KBOI Valentine's Day

Tune in Valentine's Day 10pm Channel 2 KBOI Boise, to watch a report on menopause striking early and how it affects women physically and emotionally.

Natalie Hurst from KBOI Channel 2 interviewed me and three of my patients to discuss the emotional and physical changes during menopause. Most women aren't aware of their natural but incredibly effective options when it comes to healthcare and hormonal imbalances. Peri-menopause can dramatically disrupt a womans life causing emotional outbursts, decreased sex drive, fuzzy headedness, short term memory problems, crying episodes, fatigue, low back pain, abdominal fat, weight gain, insomnia and frustrating hot flashes and night sweats. It was wonderful to witness the interview first hand hearing the remarakable changes my patients experienced with acupuncture and herbal medicine. They felt their lives were significantly improved with no scary side-effects. A woman wants to age gracefully and not be fearful of her medical choices. Acupuncture and herbal medicine can do that for women suffering from peri-menopausal symptoms.


During the interview there was a portion where the women sat and shared their experiences and it was beautiful to watch. You could feel the passion they felt for natural medicine and how significanlty it changed their lives. There was a sense of comaraderie and compassion shared between these women who had just met that evening for the first time.

Monday, February 7, 2011

Battle of Sexes

It's true! I have the answer to your age old question. I wasn't sure if you were looking for one couple in Florida or both a couple and an explanation. I have your answer to the old truth about why women are so much colder than men and what you can actually do to balance the temperature variation of the sexes.




We all know the idea of Yin and Yang. It has become so popular we hear it in commercials and in common language banter and conversations.



I will break it down so it actually makes sense.



Yin represents everything that is female: Cold, Soft, Quiet, Demur, Supple, Receiving



Yang represents everything that is male: Hot, Hard, Loud, Aggressive, Firm, Penetrating



We all have some Yin (our Mother's DNA) in us and we all have some Yang (our Father's DNA) in us. Women who are too cold have too much Yin or too many female qualities in their body and must be warmed to have balance ( a simple tip: Drink Ginger and Cinnamon Tea it's warming) . Men who are too hot have too much Yang or too many male qualities in their body and must be cooled down ( A simple Tip Drink Mint Tea it's cooling).



Acupuncture and individualized herbal medicine can restore balance in your body and harmony in your thermostat.

Skin Solutions During Pregnancy

PUPS, eczema and psoriasis are common and frustrating skin disorders that occur during pregnancy where traditional medicine has nothing to offer the suffering patient other than ineffective topical creams.


Acupuncture is a safe and effective treatment for any skin disorder that is itchy, red, pus filled and aggravating. We are able to clear inflammation, itchiness and exudation much to the pregnant woman's relief. Skin conditions can be so horrible the pregnant Mother can hardly sleep and she scratches so deeply she causes bleeding and scabbing all over her body.



An easy salve to use at home is Calendula balm that often can soothe the itch temporarily. Always, use organic, non-toxic products like the ones available from Sierra Sage Herbs made by a local midwife and sold in my practice or on her website.



Kristen Burris, L.Ac., M.S.T.O.M. is a nationally known and sought after fertility expert in the U.S. Patients have travelled as far as London, England for her fertility and pregnancy expertise. She has been featured in national health magazine such as: USA Today, Woman’s Day, Parenting Magazine, Natural Health, Better Nutrition, Achieving Families, Resolve Newsletter and Parents Magazine. She has also been the subject of newspaper feature stories in the San Diego Union Tribune and the Idaho Statesman, radio spots on NPR, K-POP and Pregtastic and television news magazine segments including: KUSI TV News in San Diego.

She served on the board of Resolve, the non-profit organization helping couples struggling with infertility. She has given treatment to hundreds of couples during the embryo transfers of their IVF cycles at the most prestigious fertility centers in the United States. Ms. Burris was the founder of Fertility Retreats for couples where 75% of the participants are now parents.

Monday, January 31, 2011

Traveling with Fibromyalgia

As an Acupuncturist I know how to treat pain and my fibromyalgia patients can attest to that. Unfortunately they can't take me on the road with them so here are my top 3 tips to help my patients cope with travel and pain.




1. Buy ThermaCare Heat Wraps- These are a saving grace and can be applied topically to any area on your body. Better than homemade rice packs because they deliver heat for up to 8 hours



2. Sip Ginger Tea all day- Buy organic ginger tea to warm your muscles, joints and soothe an upset tummy for those who must take NSAIDS.



3. Rub clove oil all over your sensitive areas. Clove oil is so potent at relieving pain that dentist still use it to pack your dental work. Clove oil is warming and naturally pain relieving.