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 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 […]
Mar 31st, 2008 posted by karen in acupuncture, oriental medicine, physical therapy
There are two objectives when treating this (or any other) type of injury: decrease pain and inflammation of the injured area, and prevent further injuries. The proper use of acupuncture and physical therapy modalities can aid in healing the injury by increasing the local microcirculation and attracting white blood cells to the area. […]
Mar 24th, 2008 posted by karen in acupuncture, oriental medicine
Rates of asthma in children are increasing every year, and doctors have been unable to explain why. But according to a study done at the University of British Columbia in Canada, the cause may be over-prescription of antibiotics. Researchers compiled data from several studies including 12,000 children and found that infants who received […]
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 24th, 2007 posted by karen in acupuncture, oriental medicine
A new study out has found that 25% of people taking antidepressants were misdiagnosed and would recover without medical help. The study tracked 8,000 cases in America and found that one in four “depressed” patients were suffering a normal response to an emotional trauma, such as the loss of a loved one or a […]
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 […]
Aug 6th, 2007 posted by karen in acupuncture, oriental medicine
Traditional treatment of eczema in babies and children is to apply hydrocortisone cream to the affected area. This very effectively suppresses the itching and skin rash. However, there is often a price to be paid. Topical medications can be absorbed through the skin and into internal organs. From an oriental medical perspective, […]
Jul 23rd, 2007 posted by karen in acupuncture, oriental medicine
Sleep disturbances can result from many different causes, such as hormonal imbalances, blood sugar problems, physical pain, and stress, to name a few. If this problem occurs only occasionally, it is not of great concern. However, continued sleep loss and the resulting fatigue lead to imbalances throughout the body’s systems and significantly damage […]