All Ways Well - Acupuncture & Wellness in La Center
  • Home
  • Book Now!
  • Blog
  • About
    • Covid19 Information for Patients
    • About Rebecca
    • Traditional Chinese Medicine - Ancient Methods for Modern Times
    • Testimonials
    • FAQ
    • Pricing
    • Medicare Chronic Low Back Pain Acupuncture Benefit at All Ways Well
  • Services
    • Acupuncture
    • Facial Rejuvenation Acupuncture
    • Chinese Herbal Treatment
    • Virtual Fullscript Dispensary
    • DAO Labs - Order online!
    • Rasa Adaptogen Tea - order now!
    • Auto Accident Acupuncture
    • Gift Certificates
  • Resources For Patients
    • Food Allergies & Elimination Diets
    • Irritable Bowel Syndrome
    • Amazon Store
  • Contact

Chinese Medicine Uses Facial Diagnosis - "The Face of Good Health"

1/28/2015

Comments

 
Picture
 They say the eyes are the windows to the soul. Did you know that the face can be the window to your health?

According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), your face’s appearance can offer valuable information about issues that could be affecting your overall health. The shape of your face, the color of your complexion, and marks such as lines or lesions can all help us determine a diagnosis and treatment plan.

To get an idea of what we sometimes look for, take a look at yourself in a mirror under natural light. There are five colors that appear in the face: red, black, yellow, green, and white.

Everyone’s skin tone is different, and usually one color is dominant, though several other colors can be visible. What colors do you see? Do you have visible veins, and if so, what color and where are they? Is your skin moist or dry?

A healthy, lustrous complexion and normal color indicate a good balance and flow of Qi (“life energy”) within your body. If the complexion is off-color, looks lifeless or “withered,” or is too moist or too dry, it may indicate an imbalance of Qi.

Each color is associated with specific conditions, syndromes, and organ and meridian networks. White, for example, is associated with the Lungs, so a pale appearance could indicate a Lung Qi deficiency and breathing problems.

Another important factor in facial diagnosis is that different regions of the face, such as the nose, the eyebrows, and the mouth, correspond with specific organ and meridian networks. For example, the nose correlates with the Spleen, the brows with the Liver, and the lower lip to the Large Intestine.

Since the face and your overall health are so closely related, you may discover positive changes in your complexion as your body regains balance and harmony through acupuncture and TCM.

Comments

Longevity and Anti Aging Class at New Seasons

1/24/2015

Comments

 
Join Rebecca for these FREE classes at New Seasons in February!  Email class@newseasonsmarket.com to sign up.  

If you've attended the class and you're looking for class notes, please scroll down to the bottom and the click the button to download.
Picture
Download Class Notes Here
Comments

8 Ways Acupuncture Works for Anti Aging - An Acupuncture Facelift is More Than Skin Deep

1/21/2015

Comments

 
Picture
Look younger, feel better. Isn’t that what we’re all hoping for as we age? We may not be able to truly bottle Youth and Vigor, but the universe (internet) continuously tells us that we can regain our youth if we only do X, Y & Z.

Everyone’s version of X, Y & Z is different and their reasoning is different too and you know what - many of them are good.  There’s no denying that healthy living will slow the hands of time and improve appearance, and I heartily believe in making healthy lifestyle changes.  But sometimes, you just want something that WORKS.

I personally believe that Acupuncture is that “thing.”  Yes, if you want the best benefits from an anti aging perspective, you need to take care of yourself.  Yes, you will get better results from Acupuncture if you are eating well and exercising (but that is kind of true of everything natural-health related). And YES - with 3,000 years behind it, Acupuncture has a proven track record of success in many areas, anti aging and longevity “science” if you will, included.

General Acupuncture for health, energetic balancing and stress reducing will help you slow the hands of time.  Facial Rejuvenation Acupuncture - a specific system of Acupuncture for the face - can turn back the clock and take years off your appearance.  Facial Rejuvenation Acupuncture always includes treating the whole body - you can’t energetically divorce the face from the rest of you - but it pays special systemic attention to the energetic channels of the face and to the muscular structure of the face to reshape patterns of aging, reduce lines and wrinkles, improve complexion and provide a natural acupuncture facelift for lack of a better term.

The bottom line - Acupuncture works. And here is why:

8 Ways Acupuncture Works for Anti Aging

  • Collagen Production = Skin Tightening - Acupuncture actually stimulates collagen production in the skin according to numerous rat studies. This is in line with the microtrauma theory of how acupuncture works and collagen can both plump and tighten the skin.

  • Reshape Expression Lines - you know the deep lines in the face? Your “11’s” for instance? Those are expression lines - muscular breakdown over time due to frowning. Botox freezes (relaxes/paralyzes) the muscles flattening most of the crease for a time.  Acupuncture relaxes the muscles and retrains muscle pattern to get rid of them naturally.

  • Improve Skin Texture - Skin texture is a function of nourishment and of efficiency.  Your skin is actually the largest detox organ in the body, meaning that the more “toxic” you are, the poorer your nourishment is, the poorer your circulation is and the poorer your skin will look.  Acupuncture improves circulation in the local area including increased nourishment and improved detoxification function which improves skin texture.

  • Decrease Stress - We all know that stress shows on our faces. Acupuncture has been proven to decrease stress hormones in the blood stream immediately! And Acupuncture has a cumulative effect over time to reduce stress and improve health.

  • Hormone Balancing - Hormones determine much of the way our skin acts. Hormonal breakouts, dry skin in menopause for some, combination skin and oily skin that gets worse during menstrual cycles.  Acupuncture can balance your hormones to decrease these unwanted side effects (as well as many others!)

  • Improve Sleep - If you can’t sleep, your skin can’t repair because night time is regeneration time.  Acupuncture can improve sleep in general and treat insomnia which will show in your skin.

  • Improve Detoxification - Remember when I said the skin is the largest detox organ? It is, but you have more - the Liver and Kidneys in particular have detox jobs as well.  If they aren’t functioning optimally, the skin has to do more work to compensate.  Acupuncture can improve Qi flow in the Liver and Kidney making them more efficient to take the load off your skin and improve your skin appearance.

  • Improve Happiness! - I know this is a bold statement, but Acupuncture decreases anxiety and depression which can help you feel happier. Happiness shows as a bright, light beautiful smile and a glow which makes you feel (and therefore look) more beautiful.  Positive emotions elicit a positive response in your body, on your face and in those around you. For some people and at some times in our lives, Happiness must be learned while Anxiety and Depression are dispelled and Acupuncture can help you feel and practice a state of quiet meditative pervasive happiness.

Contact Rebecca for More Information - See Her at New Seasons Next Month!

If you want to more, please peruse my website, facebook page or pinterest page. Better yet - contact me!  You can contact me via email anytime or schedule an appointment or free consultation (phone or in person) online 24/7.

You can also catch me in person at New Seasons in February for a lecture on Chinese Medicine Facial Rejuvenation and Anti Aging - see dates below.  Email class@newseasonsmarket.com to sign up for these **FREE** classes or call the wellness class hotline at 503-280-5177.  I hope to see you there!

Until next time,

~Rebecca
Picture
Comments

Immunity Boosting Guide

1/14/2015

Comments

 
this guest post from Fix.com (thanks Lauren!) gets right to the point - simple things you can do right now to improve immunity and stay well.  Check it out, put it into practice and if you add a little #acupuncture to the list you'll be as assured as you can be of a happy healthy winter season!

The common cold is the leading cause of missed time at work or school, and it is estimated that between 5 and 20 percent of Americans will experience flu-like symptoms this coming year. But have no fear, there are many ways you can boost your immune system and decrease the risk of falling victim to the 200-plus viruses that can cause colds.

The first thing you need to do to boost your immune system is to reduce your sugar intake. Drinking as little as two, 12-ounce cans of soda can reduce your white blood cells’ ability to destroy harmful bacteria in your body! This winter, skip the soda and hydrate on water, tea, and natural fruit juices.

Remember how your mom always used to tell you to eat your veggies? Well, she was actually giving you great immunity-boosting advice! Vegetables like broccoli, cabbage, kale, and chard help to boost your liver’s ability to flush out toxins! Try tossing an avocado into your next salad. Avocadoes contain amino acids and antioxidants, which help to balance hormones, support your immune system, and balance your adrenals!

In order to stay fit as a fiddle this winter, you may also need to change your lifestyle habits and boost your activity levels. Exercise for at least 30 minutes a day. Movement stimulates the lymphatic system, which helps regulate your bathroom visits. Skip the late night talk show. Fatigue increases susceptibility to illness, so make sure you get your seven to nine hours!

Fix has even more immunity-boosting tips within this infographic! So read up and stay healthy this winter!


Source: Fix.com
Comments

Acupuncture for Smoking Cessation

1/5/2015

Comments

 
Picture
If you are one of the 7% of Americans who have vowed to quit smoking in 2015, I have some great news for you - Acupuncture for smoking cessation is a proven method for success!

Indeed, studies show that patients who participate in frequent Acupuncture as part of an addiction plan or program are 50% more successful than their counterparts who do not.   1.2.3.

With 3,000 years behind it, an array of studies from 1989-2011 confirming its value in treatment, and the ease of finding a provider these days (especially in Portland!) there are few barriers to utilizing acupuncture for smoking cessation, acupuncture for cravings, or acupuncture for withdrawal aside from picking up the phone or going online to book an appointment!

If you aren’t quite convinced, however, let me share some more about the nuts and bolts of this treatment to help ease your mind (or help convince someone you love) that Acupuncture for smoking cessation is one of the best things you can do to help reach this worthwhile goal.


When I was in school, learning addiction protocols and completing an internship in a detox program or facility were mandatory, and I remember my experience working at Hooper very fondly.  It was an incredible experience because the change in my patients during group treatment was visible, immediate and powerful - in a mere 25 minutes I would see 40-45 patients at varying stages of drug and alcohol withdrawal go from twitching, itching and having a hard time just sitting period in their (hard plastic institutional and unforgiving) chairs to almost falling asleep from nothing more than 10 tiny needles in their ears.

In private practice, my patient’s have a very different - yet equally powerful - experience.  After a detailed intake, patients lie down on a heated massage table face up and fully clothed to receive Acupuncture treatment in a private room.  As with most Acupuncturists who treat smoking cessation, drug and alcohol withdrawl, and even food cravings for sugar addiction, I focus primarily on 5NP or 5 Needle Protocol.

The 5 Needle Protocol is a simple 10 point treatment - 5 acupoints in each ear - which, depending on the sensitivity of the patient, can be needled or stimulated using ear seeds or ear beads which provide acupressure.  Usually, I prefer a combination of both - needles during treatment, and ear beads (tiny pin-head sized beads on a clear plastic sticker backing) as a take home therapy to enhance and prolongue the effects of treatment afterward.

Acupuncture for Addiction

Picture
The 5 points used are:
  • Ear Shenmen (spirit gate) - used for any type of physical or emotional distress
  • Ear Sympathetic - regulate the sympathetic nervous system, in this case to reduce “fight or flight” response
  • Ear Kidney - increase Will, decrease Fear, enhance the water element to calm and balance, enhance Kidney function for detox
  • Ear Liver - increase creativity and benevolence, decrease anger and frustration, smooth Qi flow, support Liver function for detox
  • Ear Heart or Lung (Lung for smoking/inhalent addiction, Heart for higher agitation/trouble sleeping) - enhance organ function, improve sleep  & calm extreme emotions (Heart) or improve presence/focus in physical body (Lung)

These 5 points are a powerful combination.  The NADA organization - a not for profit advocacy and training organization - even trains physicians and nurses in this protocol to support their work in detox settings because the research into the success of this method is so powerful.  Other organizations train Acupuncturists to use this, or a slightly modified version, in acute trauma situations including Battlefield Acupuncture and after major disasters like Hurricane Katrina.

A few other points depending on personal constitution or additional health concerns are added, usually in the hands and feet though sometimes forearm and lower leg areas as well.  After resting with the needles in for about 20 minutes, the needles are removed, ear beads placed, and gentle foot reflexology or neck massage is used to help integrate the physical and energetic together to end treatment.

How Much Treatment is Needed for Detox Acupuncture?

I personally find that most patients suffer the most acute withdrawal symptoms over the first two weeks after they quit smoking in particular.  Research shows that 2-3 sessions per week provide the best results, but making it to sessions 3x/week is very difficult for most working adults to achieve.  

I typically see patients 2x/week for the first 2-3 weeks (depending on the severity of their withdrawal) and then 1x/week thereafter for another month at which time we reassess frequency.  Some people continue coming once a week for about 3 months, while others back off treatment to 1-2x/month at this point depending on withdrawal symptoms experienced (if any), how anxious about or how solid they feel with their control.  

Does Acupuncture Interfere with other Smoking Cessation Methods such as Wellbutrin?

No.  Acupuncture will not negatively interact with any other treatment for smoking cessation or withdrawal that you pursue - it can only enhance the effects!

Can Acupuncture Make Me Quit Smoking?

No. Acupuncture cannot make you quit.  You have to come with the Will to do so, and preferrably a plan.  If you do not have a plan, your Acupuncturist can help you devise one - but ultimately, you need both to be successful.  Acupuncture can decrease the symptoms of withdrawal, decrease or eliminate cravings in some cases, and support the body in optimal function towards helping you be successful.  It also provides accountability - sometimes just the knowledge that someone is going to ask you about it helps you stay on track with your goals!

Ready to Get Started?

Quitting smoking is widely regarded as one of the best things you can do for your health.  From reducing stroke and heart attack risk to improving sex drive and energy, the list of benefits is quite long and compelling - and Acupuncture can help you get there successfully and long term.

If you want to know more, please read through my website and blog or contact me via email anytime. You can also book appointments 24/7 online - I hope to hear from you soon!

Yours in Health,
~Rebecca
1. Christina S. Meade. "A randomized trial of transcutaneous electric acupoint stimulation as adjunctive treatment for opioid detoxification." Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment 38, no. 1 (2010)

2. Milton L. Bullock “A large randomized placebo controlled study of auricular acupuncture for alcohol dependence” Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment 22, no. 2 (2002)

3. Michael Shwartz, PhD “The Value of Acupuncture Detoxification Programs in a Substance Abuse Treatment System” Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment 17, no.4 (1999)

Comments
    Book Now!

    RSS Feed

    Authors

    Rebecca M H Kitzerow is a Licensed Acupuncturist practicing in La Center, Washington. With over a decade of experience she has won 10 Nattie consumer choice awards from Natural Awakenings Magazine since 2014.

    Rebecca practices a variety of Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine techniques including Tan Acupuncture, Kiiko style Japanese Acupuncture, Traditional Chinese Herbal Remedies, Cosmetic Acupuncture, Foot Reflexology, Cupping and Gua Sha. Rebecca strives to help people Be Well and Stay Well in every way.

    Archives

    April 2023
    March 2023
    January 2023
    December 2022
    November 2022
    October 2022
    September 2022
    August 2022
    July 2022
    June 2022
    May 2022
    April 2022
    March 2022
    February 2022
    January 2022
    December 2021
    November 2021
    October 2021
    September 2021
    August 2021
    July 2021
    June 2021
    May 2021
    April 2021
    March 2021
    February 2021
    January 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015
    July 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015
    December 2014
    November 2014
    October 2014
    September 2014
    August 2014
    July 2014
    June 2014
    May 2014
    April 2014
    March 2014
    February 2014
    January 2014
    December 2013
    November 2013
    October 2013
    September 2013
    August 2013
    July 2013
    June 2013

    Categories

    All
    Acupuncture
    Affordable Care Act/Obamacare
    All Ways Wellness
    All-ways-wellness
    All Ways Well News And Updates
    Antiaging
    Anti Aging
    Archive
    Arthritis
    Car Accident
    Chinese-herbs
    Chinese-herbs
    Diet And Nutrition
    Diet-and-nutrition
    Digestive
    Electro Acupuncture
    Facial-rejuvenation
    Fertility
    Find Your Well
    Find-your-well
    Foot-reflexology
    Goodell Pt
    Healthcare
    Healthy Living
    Healthy-living
    Heart Health
    Herbs
    Infertility
    Intermittent Fasting
    Japanese-acupuncture
    Menstrual Irregularity
    Motor Vehicle Accident Treatment
    Mthfr
    Mva
    Newsupdates06fb9f432f
    Pain
    Physical Therapy
    Postpartum Recovery
    Preventative Medicine
    Preventative-medicine
    Psoriasis
    Psoriatic Arthritis
    Seasonal
    Stress
    Wellness

Powered by Create your own unique website with customizable templates.
Photos used under Creative Commons from Hey Paul Studios, BeGreen_Studio, Pawel Pacholec, 1950sUnlimited, toulupaliaqaz, Joelk75, OnTask, Robert Gourley, cnu_sports, Mitya Ku, FootMassagez, 401(K) 2013, Mariana Heinz, @EdwardTerry, fishhawk, liverpoolhls, torbakhopper, Boemski, dolomitibl, Driscolltheque, Dave n Laura, Vaping360, MVWorks, Life Mental Health, MVWorks, mikefats, Scot Nelson, jfl1066, wZa HK, ruurmo, Guadalupe Cervilla, Army Medicine, GViciano, torbakhopper, adrigu, Saulo Cruz, Ben Cumming, marniejoyce, kcxd, JasonCorey, kanenas.net, Live to Create Photography, gm.esthermax, Unique Hotels Group, Zenspa1, mysiana, Tobias Lindman, Leader Nancy Pelosi, Kristoffer Trolle, swanksalot, Bill Selak, Parker Knight, stimpsonjake, Gedankensprudler, SuperFantastic, tonynetone, marniejoyce, JeepersMedia, Illusive Photography, 'Ajnagraphy', Iban Torras, scotted400, gtall1, dvanzuijlekom, BPPrice, Skley, torbakhopper, Renato Ganoza, anka.albrecht, QUOI Media, Public Domain Photos, Instant Vantage, Victor Tongdee, Free Grunge Textures - www.freestock.ca, sportEX journals, Nadja Tatar, angela n., marniejoyce, MVWorks, Karolina Kabat, Thomas Fisher Rare Book Library, UofT, ginnerobot, tracilawson, haven't the slightest, My Photo Journeys, Pierre Willemin, Florena_Presse, SuperFantastic, colindunn, zzkt, TraumaAndDissociation, ER24 EMS (Pty) Ltd., marniejoyce, Tomás Fano, freestock.ca ♡ dare to share beauty, Archives New Zealand
  • Home
  • Book Now!
  • Blog
  • About
    • Covid19 Information for Patients
    • About Rebecca
    • Traditional Chinese Medicine - Ancient Methods for Modern Times
    • Testimonials
    • FAQ
    • Pricing
    • Medicare Chronic Low Back Pain Acupuncture Benefit at All Ways Well
  • Services
    • Acupuncture
    • Facial Rejuvenation Acupuncture
    • Chinese Herbal Treatment
    • Virtual Fullscript Dispensary
    • DAO Labs - Order online!
    • Rasa Adaptogen Tea - order now!
    • Auto Accident Acupuncture
    • Gift Certificates
  • Resources For Patients
    • Food Allergies & Elimination Diets
    • Irritable Bowel Syndrome
    • Amazon Store
  • Contact