According to the American Psychological Association, chronic stress is
linked to the six leading causes of death: heart disease, cancer, lung
ailments, accidents, cirrhosis of the liver and suicide. And more than
75 percent of all physician office visits are for stress-related
ailments and complaints.
Chronic stress can affect your brain, suppress your thyroid, cause blood
sugar imbalances, decrease bone density and muscle tissue, raise blood
pressure, reduce your immunity and ability to heal, and increase fat
deposits around your abdomen that are associated with heart attacks,
strokes and elevated “bad” cholesterol.
Huffington Post Article explains how Acupuncture reduces stress and anxiety thereby reducing heart damage and brain shrinkage.
Pyschology Today too is emphasizing the piles of evidence and how Acupuncture reduces stress, anxiety and results in a feeling of Acubliss...a sensation most patients comment on during and after their acupuncture treatments at Eagle Acupuncture .
We all know that exercise and meditation can reduce stress, as well as petting calm animals. However, one of the really appealing things about acupuncture is you don't have to do anything, except show up. The treatment is effective just by you lying there. It doesn't take the effort that exercise and meditation take. All a patient has to do it click a button to book their appointment.
For patients who say "I don't know why I'd need acupuncture, I don't have any health problems", the truth is that they don't have any health problems they know of, yet. But the six top killers are directly related to stress and acupuncture far outweighs any other form of medicine for stress reduction. If you really want to be proactive towards your health: acupuncture is a must for preventing health problems and possibly even death.
Monday, June 12, 2017
Thursday, June 8, 2017
Pickles and Ice Cream Pregnancy Warning
Why do we have food cravings while we are pregnant? Is it hormonal, or is it a
sign we are lacking a certain nutrient, or both? At this stage in modern medicine,
no one has proof as to why exactly pregnant women have specific cravings during
pregnancy. Some believe it’s the high level of hormones that affect both an
increase in our sensory perception of taste and smell. Our heightened olfactory
response (ability to smell) and gustatory ability (taste) has the benefit of protecting
the pregnant woman and her growing child against harmful chemicals, poisons and
particular foods.
It’s likely that a pregnant woman and her growing child’s nutritional needs
perpetuate these cravings that are so intense there is no possible way of ignoring them. Craving
meat often indicates a need for iron or more protein. Whereas a craving for peaches
leads us to believe the growing baby needs for vitamin E, K, or niacin. If a
pregnant woman craves ice, clay or dirt this is cause for alarm and must be immediately
addressed with her Acupuncturist, Midwife or OBGYN. It’s a sign she has pica
with an iron deficiency. This further proves the theory that pregnant women
intuitively know what their bodies and babies need because once supplemented
with proper nutrition and iron supplements, most woman can curb or ignore their
cravings for these unusual non-food items.
From a Chinese Medical Perspective we know exactly why a woman craves a
certain food. This is evidenced in medical texts that date back 2,000 years and are
still applicable today. When a woman craves a certain food we can immediately
assess which organ is weaker internally and attempting to heal itself. Sweet
cravings (cake, ice cream, any sweet baked goods) point to a spleen deficiency and
will help heal fatigue, puffiness, edema, and poor digestion including bloating,.
Spicy foods (chili, jalapenos, garlic, hot sauce, anything spicy and hot) strengthen
her Lungs, helping fight infection and boosts her immunity. Salty cravings (potato
chips, salting food, french fries) indicates weakened Kidney and helps lack of
energy, urinating at night and low back, leg or heel pain. Sour cravings (pickles,
mustard, sour kraut or plain yogurt) belongs to the Liver and soothe mood swings,
incontinence, prolapse and hemorrhoids. Bitter foods goes to the heart reducing
anxiety and excessive sweating, excess heat and insomnia can be quelled through
eating bitter greens and mustard greens.
According to
Traditional Chinese Medical wisdom and proven theories from thousands of years
and billions of women, pregnant women crave spicy foods when their immune
system is weakened. Western science recently has proven that indeed, pregnant women's immune systems are compromised just by being pregnant.
This intuitive, natural desire for spicy foods first and
foremost nourishes the lungs which is the first defense against pathogens including
viruses, bacteria, and parasites that could infect the pregnant woman and
potentially harm her baby.
We encourage intuition during pregnancy and to follow cravings, especially of non-processed foods, to enhance your natural ability to have a healthy pregnancy. This is not a time to suppress your natural urges to heal yourself. If however, you are craving foods for which we all know are not good for you, try to limit the amount you eat and try substituting healthier options. For example: if you are craving potato chips, try making homemade baked potato crisps with avocado oil.
When women are craving spicy foods we suggest adding less offensive spicy foods to attempt to ameliorate your desire for intensively spicy foods like jalapenos or hot sauce which may
exacerbate heartburn, hemorrhoids, and upset stomach. Instead, include more garlic,
onions, cinnamon, ginger, dill, cloves, fennel and radishes into your cooking and
snacking.
There are no known harmful spicy foods, just some possible unpleasant side-effects especially
towards the end of pregnancy when heartburn is more likely due to the lack of
room in the mother’s abdominal cavity.
The theory that babies can shape their tastes in the womb is a theory that is popular
however, there are not studies to prove this theory. In my personal experience I
craved and consumed an extraordinary amount of blueberry juice with my first
child and peaches with my second. Subsequently, these foods are each of my
child’s favorite fruits and fascinatingly, my mother-in- law also craved peaches
while pregnant with my husband. It’s an anecdotal story that shows some proof of
cravings are coming from the child, influence their preference for foods and could
quite possibly inherited.
With spicy foods the number one side-effects is heartburn. This is an uncomfortable sensation that often does not respond well to treatment during pregnancy. Suggested treatments include
a tablespoon of raw apple cider vinegar as often as needed, tums (over the counter
antacid) that is consider safe during pregnancy but doesn’t come without it’s own
side-effects or potential risks and sitting up while sleeping.
If a woman consumes too much salt she may find she is overly thirsty and puffy all
over. Whereas cravings for sweet foods often simply result in more rapid weight
gain which for some pregnant women is advisable and others, they struggle to gain
what is considered healthy and normal.
The bottom line: eat what you crave and enjoy sharing the stories when your baby is old enough to relish the stories about when you were pregnant.
For a list of foods to avoid when pregnant read this from the American Pregnancy Association.
Kristen Burris, L.Ac. M.S.T.O.M. is Licensed Acupuncturist and Master Herbalist who has been an expert in women's natural medicine for 17 years. She is the owner and founder of American Acupuncture Center and Eagle Acupuncture Center. Her expertise is anything woman: pregnancy, infertility, menstrual challenges and menopause.
sign we are lacking a certain nutrient, or both? At this stage in modern medicine,
no one has proof as to why exactly pregnant women have specific cravings during
pregnancy. Some believe it’s the high level of hormones that affect both an
increase in our sensory perception of taste and smell. Our heightened olfactory
response (ability to smell) and gustatory ability (taste) has the benefit of protecting
the pregnant woman and her growing child against harmful chemicals, poisons and
particular foods.
It’s likely that a pregnant woman and her growing child’s nutritional needs
perpetuate these cravings that are so intense there is no possible way of ignoring them. Craving
meat often indicates a need for iron or more protein. Whereas a craving for peaches
leads us to believe the growing baby needs for vitamin E, K, or niacin. If a
pregnant woman craves ice, clay or dirt this is cause for alarm and must be immediately
addressed with her Acupuncturist, Midwife or OBGYN. It’s a sign she has pica
with an iron deficiency. This further proves the theory that pregnant women
intuitively know what their bodies and babies need because once supplemented
with proper nutrition and iron supplements, most woman can curb or ignore their
cravings for these unusual non-food items.
From a Chinese Medical Perspective we know exactly why a woman craves a
certain food. This is evidenced in medical texts that date back 2,000 years and are
still applicable today. When a woman craves a certain food we can immediately
assess which organ is weaker internally and attempting to heal itself. Sweet
cravings (cake, ice cream, any sweet baked goods) point to a spleen deficiency and
will help heal fatigue, puffiness, edema, and poor digestion including bloating,.
Spicy foods (chili, jalapenos, garlic, hot sauce, anything spicy and hot) strengthen
her Lungs, helping fight infection and boosts her immunity. Salty cravings (potato
chips, salting food, french fries) indicates weakened Kidney and helps lack of
energy, urinating at night and low back, leg or heel pain. Sour cravings (pickles,
mustard, sour kraut or plain yogurt) belongs to the Liver and soothe mood swings,
incontinence, prolapse and hemorrhoids. Bitter foods goes to the heart reducing
anxiety and excessive sweating, excess heat and insomnia can be quelled through
eating bitter greens and mustard greens.
According to
Traditional Chinese Medical wisdom and proven theories from thousands of years
and billions of women, pregnant women crave spicy foods when their immune
system is weakened. Western science recently has proven that indeed, pregnant women's immune systems are compromised just by being pregnant.
This intuitive, natural desire for spicy foods first and
foremost nourishes the lungs which is the first defense against pathogens including
viruses, bacteria, and parasites that could infect the pregnant woman and
potentially harm her baby.
We encourage intuition during pregnancy and to follow cravings, especially of non-processed foods, to enhance your natural ability to have a healthy pregnancy. This is not a time to suppress your natural urges to heal yourself. If however, you are craving foods for which we all know are not good for you, try to limit the amount you eat and try substituting healthier options. For example: if you are craving potato chips, try making homemade baked potato crisps with avocado oil.
When women are craving spicy foods we suggest adding less offensive spicy foods to attempt to ameliorate your desire for intensively spicy foods like jalapenos or hot sauce which may
exacerbate heartburn, hemorrhoids, and upset stomach. Instead, include more garlic,
onions, cinnamon, ginger, dill, cloves, fennel and radishes into your cooking and
snacking.
There are no known harmful spicy foods, just some possible unpleasant side-effects especially
towards the end of pregnancy when heartburn is more likely due to the lack of
room in the mother’s abdominal cavity.
The theory that babies can shape their tastes in the womb is a theory that is popular
however, there are not studies to prove this theory. In my personal experience I
craved and consumed an extraordinary amount of blueberry juice with my first
child and peaches with my second. Subsequently, these foods are each of my
child’s favorite fruits and fascinatingly, my mother-in- law also craved peaches
while pregnant with my husband. It’s an anecdotal story that shows some proof of
cravings are coming from the child, influence their preference for foods and could
quite possibly inherited.
With spicy foods the number one side-effects is heartburn. This is an uncomfortable sensation that often does not respond well to treatment during pregnancy. Suggested treatments include
a tablespoon of raw apple cider vinegar as often as needed, tums (over the counter
antacid) that is consider safe during pregnancy but doesn’t come without it’s own
side-effects or potential risks and sitting up while sleeping.
If a woman consumes too much salt she may find she is overly thirsty and puffy all
over. Whereas cravings for sweet foods often simply result in more rapid weight
gain which for some pregnant women is advisable and others, they struggle to gain
what is considered healthy and normal.
The bottom line: eat what you crave and enjoy sharing the stories when your baby is old enough to relish the stories about when you were pregnant.
For a list of foods to avoid when pregnant read this from the American Pregnancy Association.
Kristen Burris, L.Ac. M.S.T.O.M. is Licensed Acupuncturist and Master Herbalist who has been an expert in women's natural medicine for 17 years. She is the owner and founder of American Acupuncture Center and Eagle Acupuncture Center. Her expertise is anything woman: pregnancy, infertility, menstrual challenges and menopause.
Monday, June 5, 2017
Re-Evaluating Patients: A Hoax or Pivotal In Patient Care?
Patients with complex medical problems are used to their MD charging more money for their initial visit and for re-evaluations for complex medical problems that are chronic in nature. These clinics and doctors charge far more money (typical $350) when they spend no more than 20 minutes re-evaluating a patient; instead of their usual 6 minutes ($150-195) for a quick follow-up to re-fill a prescription when things are going well.
This is true too of established acupuncturists and herbalists whose specialties care for patients with complex medical histories, complicated diseases or disorders and ever-evolving changes during the improvement in treating such complex medical problems. We most often schedule re-evaluations for patients who suffer from chronic fatigue, Epstein Barr Virus, fibromyalgia, migraines, infertility and weight loss.
The critical nature of these re-evals isn't always apparent to the patient. They may notice we sit and chat for an additional half an hour to one hour if their case is complex enough. However, they are completely unaware how much actual time we spend on their re-evaluation case, as we meticulously review their newly filled out paperwork to precisely compare it to their initial paperwork. We are sifting through years of medical history to see what pattern has changed for the better and what areas in their body needs more assistance to find it's balance and ultimate health.Typically this entire process takes about 2 hours: 1/2 an hour while the patient is waiting in the treatment room while we compare notes from months or even years earlier. Then we sit in the room with the patient analyzing their shen, affect, mood, coloring, pulse, tongue and thorough questioning. We do this subtly, while we ask about improvements in sleep cycles, moods, digestion and even menstrual changes. This takes another 1/2 hour to one hour.
Then, while the patient is resting during their acupuncture we construct a new treatment protocol and adjust our acupuncture treatments and herbal prescriptions to reflect these changes. Albeit, the patient often doesn't notice that too much has changed or that too much time has passed nor are they aware of the time we take while they are not in front of us. While the patient rests we create a new treatment plan often researching new referrals or medicinal prescriptions we haven't tried yet. We research contraindications, old medical texts and newer herbal medicine formula recommendations.
Then, we assess and change their vitamin regimen if necessary. The entire time spent on a re-evaluation of a patient can be 1 1/2 hours to 3 hours of intensive concentration, creativity and medical knowledge culminating into their next potent plan of action and costs a typical 6 minute visit to the doctor.
In our practice, if your medical problem is complicated, as is the case with many people who suffer from chronic fatigue, migraines or infertility: we suggest re-evaluations anywhere from 2 months to every 6 months depending on age, severity of symptoms and urgency for a resolution or intensity of pain. We never demand these re-evaluations but strongly encourage our patients to take advantage of our expertise and time we put into these essential re-evaluations of our patients complex medical problems.
Next time your practitioner or doctor suggests a re-evaluation, it's most likely a critical and pivotal turning point in the tide that changes your health. They clearly take your case seriously and don't leave you randomly in the background doing the same old treatment for the same old problem. They are investigative, and invested in your health and future. This is someone who cares deeply about their work, your health and ultimately helping you achieve your life long dream of feeling well or having a baby. This is a gift in the medical field, not a burden. In our rush, rush society, gotta have it now mentality we should shush that inner voice that wants everything fast. Think of the quality of good you get at fast food restaurants. This is not how we want to start marginalizing our medical care, in a matter of minutes or seconds. We want them to think it through, evaluate and re-create our next strategy. If your practitioner offers re-evaluations, have confidence your are in a practice that is advanced and specialized and recognizes that all good things take time.
Author: Kristen Burris, L.Ac., M.S.T.O.M has been voted "Top Doc" twice, Business Person of the Year Chamber, Business Woman of the Year by National Association of Women Business Owners. She treats most medical problems from menstrual problems, to digestive ailments to pain syndromes and hormonal problems that causes heavy bleeding, irregular cycles and infertility. She can be found at her medical center: Eagle Acupuncture in Eagle, Idaho
This is true too of established acupuncturists and herbalists whose specialties care for patients with complex medical histories, complicated diseases or disorders and ever-evolving changes during the improvement in treating such complex medical problems. We most often schedule re-evaluations for patients who suffer from chronic fatigue, Epstein Barr Virus, fibromyalgia, migraines, infertility and weight loss.
The critical nature of these re-evals isn't always apparent to the patient. They may notice we sit and chat for an additional half an hour to one hour if their case is complex enough. However, they are completely unaware how much actual time we spend on their re-evaluation case, as we meticulously review their newly filled out paperwork to precisely compare it to their initial paperwork. We are sifting through years of medical history to see what pattern has changed for the better and what areas in their body needs more assistance to find it's balance and ultimate health.Typically this entire process takes about 2 hours: 1/2 an hour while the patient is waiting in the treatment room while we compare notes from months or even years earlier. Then we sit in the room with the patient analyzing their shen, affect, mood, coloring, pulse, tongue and thorough questioning. We do this subtly, while we ask about improvements in sleep cycles, moods, digestion and even menstrual changes. This takes another 1/2 hour to one hour.
Then, while the patient is resting during their acupuncture we construct a new treatment protocol and adjust our acupuncture treatments and herbal prescriptions to reflect these changes. Albeit, the patient often doesn't notice that too much has changed or that too much time has passed nor are they aware of the time we take while they are not in front of us. While the patient rests we create a new treatment plan often researching new referrals or medicinal prescriptions we haven't tried yet. We research contraindications, old medical texts and newer herbal medicine formula recommendations.
Then, we assess and change their vitamin regimen if necessary. The entire time spent on a re-evaluation of a patient can be 1 1/2 hours to 3 hours of intensive concentration, creativity and medical knowledge culminating into their next potent plan of action and costs a typical 6 minute visit to the doctor.
In our practice, if your medical problem is complicated, as is the case with many people who suffer from chronic fatigue, migraines or infertility: we suggest re-evaluations anywhere from 2 months to every 6 months depending on age, severity of symptoms and urgency for a resolution or intensity of pain. We never demand these re-evaluations but strongly encourage our patients to take advantage of our expertise and time we put into these essential re-evaluations of our patients complex medical problems.
Next time your practitioner or doctor suggests a re-evaluation, it's most likely a critical and pivotal turning point in the tide that changes your health. They clearly take your case seriously and don't leave you randomly in the background doing the same old treatment for the same old problem. They are investigative, and invested in your health and future. This is someone who cares deeply about their work, your health and ultimately helping you achieve your life long dream of feeling well or having a baby. This is a gift in the medical field, not a burden. In our rush, rush society, gotta have it now mentality we should shush that inner voice that wants everything fast. Think of the quality of good you get at fast food restaurants. This is not how we want to start marginalizing our medical care, in a matter of minutes or seconds. We want them to think it through, evaluate and re-create our next strategy. If your practitioner offers re-evaluations, have confidence your are in a practice that is advanced and specialized and recognizes that all good things take time.
Author: Kristen Burris, L.Ac., M.S.T.O.M has been voted "Top Doc" twice, Business Person of the Year Chamber, Business Woman of the Year by National Association of Women Business Owners. She treats most medical problems from menstrual problems, to digestive ailments to pain syndromes and hormonal problems that causes heavy bleeding, irregular cycles and infertility. She can be found at her medical center: Eagle Acupuncture in Eagle, Idaho
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
