May 19th, 2008 posted by karen in acupuncture, oriental medicine, nutritional medicine
The drug Botox, created from botulism toxin, has become a popular treatment for wrinkles. It works by paralyzing muscles under the skin, thus smoothing the facial wrinkles. The medication is also used for patients experiencing severe muscle spasms, such as with cerebral palsy or torticollis. However, in rare cases, the toxin can […]
Apr 28th, 2008 posted by karen in nutritional medicine
A small study in Sweden of 30 patients with rheumatoid arthritis found that a vegan, gluten-free (no animal products or wheat) diet offered some relief from the pain and restricted joint movement. Although the researchers could not explain why the diet helped, they found the patients experienced less inflammation and swelling in their joints, […]
Apr 25th, 2008 posted by karen in acupuncture, oriental medicine, physical therapy, nutritional medicine
Studies of patients suffering from Fibromyalgia used brain scans to demonstrate that these individuals’ brains process pain differently than most brains. As a result, these patients do not respond to conventional painkillers like aspirin, anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen, or prescription opiates such as Vicodin. In June of 2007, the FDA approved a […]
Nov 5th, 2007 posted by karen in acupuncture, oriental medicine, physical therapy, nutritional medicine
Osteoarthritis is the wearing away of the cartilage coating the bones at a joint. As the cartilage deteriorates, bone rubs on bone, causing inflammation and pain. Many individuals tend to respond by moving the joint less, avoiding stress to the area. This often causes muscular weakness and imbalances which pull the joint […]
Oct 8th, 2007 posted by karen in acupuncture, oriental medicine, physical therapy, nutritional medicine
Jumpy and aching legs can be very aggravating, and at night, disruptive to sleep, preventing a restful and recuperative sleep cycle. This syndrome has been receiving a lot of publicity recently, with television commercials touting the latest medications available. Unfortunately, the drugs are usually central nervous system depressants, anticonvulsants, or opioids (compounds created […]
Aug 20th, 2007 posted by karen in acupuncture, oriental medicine, physical therapy, nutritional medicine
A common question I am often asked is whether acupuncture can help with weight loss. The answer is a qualified “maybe”. The qualifier is the source of the weight. If an individual is overweight due to over-eating, acupuncture can help to relieve the cravings for specific foods, but there are no magic […]
Jul 23rd, 2007 posted by karen in acupuncture, nutritional medicine
With the ever-increasing levels of stress in our daily lives, it is not surprising that many more Americans are beginning to experience high levels of anxiety and even sharp, debilitating episodes called panic attacks. Western medicine’s treatment approach is to prescribe anti-anxiety medications to suppress the emotion. Unfortunately, suppression is not the same […]