Acupuncture and Prostate Health
Whether you are looking to reduce your risk of prostate disease or treat an existing condition, acupuncture may be able to help. Because of its holistic approach, acupuncture can help relieve symptoms associated with prostate problems like frequent and painful urination.

A report titled Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Prostate Health published by Pacific College found TCM to be effective in the treatment of prostatitis, urinary tract infections, and symptoms associated with prostate cancer supportive care. 
There have been multiple studies that have proven acupuncture helpful. A Chinese study published in 2008 found that electroacupuncture, a form of acupuncture, had a 96.4 percent rate of effectiveness for treatment.

In modern practice of acupuncture, each patient is assessed and given a treatment plan to reduce their symptoms. Acupuncture accomplishes this by addressing the body as a whole and using acupuncture points to stimulate meridians that then return the body to balance and natural flow. 

The principle behind this practice is that our bodies have a natural energy flowing through them at all times. When our body’s energies become stuck or stagnant, our bodies are susceptible to disease and illness, including prostate cancer and prostatitis.

3 Tips for Prostate Health 
Prostate cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer among men in the United States with around 290,000 new cases diagnosed each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. If you are at risk or currently dealing with prostate cancer or prostatitis, you are not alone. 

Consider acupuncture as an alternative, safe treatment to reduce symptoms associated with prostate problems and restore your body to better health. 
Give me a call today to give your body the treatment it deserves.

Prostate cancer is considered the most common form of cancer in U.S. men. It is important to know if prostate cancer runs in your family and if you are at risk, especially if you are a man over 40. Below are three tips for a healthy prostate and for better health.

1   Diet and Exercise
Certain foods are known to help prostate health and prevent cancer. These include nuts, seeds, pumpkin, mushrooms and berries. Foods that contain a powerful antioxidant called lycopene can be very effective. Some of foods high in lycopene include: watermelon, pink grapefruit, guava, papaya, apricot and tomatoes. 

Focusing on a diet rich in fruits and vegetables and avoiding processed foods and meat high in fat is a part of a healthy diet for maintenance and preventive care. Reducing stress and regular exercise can also decrease your risk of cancer.

2   Traditional Chinese Medicine 
Prostate cancer and decreased prostate health are associated with a heat and kidney deficiency in TCM. Acupuncture has been used for centuries to treat and improve prostate function as well as energy flow in this area and throughout the body. As you get older, the kidney function starts to decrease, which can lead to other issues including decreased prostate health. Acupuncture focuses on the kidney meridian to help improve the body’s circulation. 

3   Stop Smoking
According to the American Cancer Society, smokers are more likely to have a more severe form of prostate cancer. A patient who smokes also has a higher rate of recurrence. Consider quitting smoking to better your overall health and reduce your risk of prostate cancer. Patients who quit smoking for over 10 years reduced their mortality risk by an amount comparable to those who had never smoked. 

Contact me if you think you are at risk or are currently managing prostate cancer and are looking for an alternative, safe treatment option.

Sources:
http://bit.ly/1M9Og7U
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Acupuncture to Quit Smoking
Acupuncture has been used to treat addiction for many years. Curbing addiction, specifically when it comes to smoking, is not something that can be done overnight. There will be times when you think you won’t be able to stay smoke-free and want to give up. Considering acupuncture treatment when you are trying to quit can have great effects on helping you back on the road to better health. Acupuncture works by addressing the body as a whole. Illness arises when there is a blockage or stagnation in our natural energy flow. By using acupuncture points, this treatment helps to release these blockages and return the body back to its natural flow.
The acupuncture point specifically used to help curb smoking urges is called “Tim Mee” and is located on the inside of the arm. This point helps change the body’s perception of nicotine. This point combined with others can help reduce cravings. 
Not only can acupuncture help curb addiction, but aid in symptoms of withdrawal from nicotine once you quit. Symptoms like jitters, mood swings and restlessness are common when quitting smoking. When you feel anxious from these feelings, it is even easier to feel the need for a cigarette. Specific acupuncture points can help relax and detoxify the body to lower withdrawal symptoms. 
A study done at the University of Oslo, Norway, found that those who were trying to quit smoking and received acupuncture treatment reported a reduced craving for smoking and a greater distaste for tobacco. 
Acupuncture can not completely eliminate addiction, but it a great aid in the recovery process after quitting. The first and hardest step is to decide to quit, there are many treatments including acupuncture that can help you on the way therein after.
Contact an acupuncturist and learn how acupuncture can help you stay smoke free for a healthier body, mind and spirit.

Alternative treatments to Quit Smoking
Cayenne Pepper
Cayenne pepper can lower cravings for cigarettes by lowering the respiratory response to tobacco and other chemicals found in cigarettes. Adding the pepper to a glass of water every day can help decrease your desire for a smoke. 

Lime
Lime has been known to be a natural alternative to nicotine gum for quitting smoking. Squeeze lime into water throughout the day to help lower cravings. Lime also has an anti-infective agent to help the body’s immune defense.
 
Fava beans
Because fava beans contains I-dopa, which your body converts dopamine, these beans have been known to reduce nicotine cravings. Nicotine has addictive properties because it also releases dopamine in the brain, by finding alternatives that have the same effects, your nicotine cravings will be reduced. There are many recipes that can be made with fava beans and are easily available at the grocery store. 

Acupuncture
Research has shown that acupuncture not only reduces cravings, but can also reduce symptoms of withdrawal such as irritability and jitters. Acupuncture works by targeting specific acupuncture points on the body that help return the body back to its natural energy flow, resulting in better overall health. 

Massage
Many people who are trying to quit smoking experience anxiety. For smokers who have smoked regularly for years, massage may be an effective option in reducing anxiety associating with quitting.

Sources: http://bit.ly/1L7YWRM

Suffering from depression can make you feel hopeless, frustrated and like your quality of life will never get better. Many feel that prescription medications don’t help, and simply mask the problem instead of helping solve it. If you are dealing with depression, it is easy to get discouraged about your treatment options. Below are ways that you can naturally reduce your depression and get you back on a road to a healthier mind and body. 

Acupuncture
It is believed that acupuncture can be just as effective as antidepressants in helping depression. Acupuncture works by focusing on different points of the body to bring the body back to its natural energy flow and balance. Acupuncture points can help stimulate the body’s production of endorphins and aid the release of serotonin and dopamine, which can increase one’s mood. 

Omega-3s
Taking a daily fish oil supplement can do more good than you think. It is believed that being deficient in omega-3s can cause mood swings and depression. Omega-3s are found in fish like salmon, tuna and herring and are not only good for your overall physical health but your mental health as well. 

Meditation
Meditation has been proven to have many benefits. Not only does it bring the heart rate down, calm the mind and reduce stress, but it can also bring the mind to a healthier place. Two studies have found that those who practice meditation have a lower rate of relapsing than those who take medication alone. 

Get outside
Spending time outdoors and in the sun can have great effects on your mood. When one doesn’t get enough sunlight, it can strongly affect how you feel and is one of the main causes of seasonal affective disorder. Try spending even just 15 to 30 minutes outside every day whether it is walking, gardening or just simply sitting outside. 

Exercise
There is nothing better than the natural high you get after a good workout. Exercise, whether it is running, swimming or yoga, releases endorphins that can give you a mood boost. Try spending 30 minutes a day doing some sort of exercise. One study found that patients who worked out regularly saw a decrease in their symptoms of depression by half in 12 weeks. Not only does exercise improve your body physically, but mentally as well. 

Avoid alcohol and drugs
People suffering with depression often consume damaging substances like alcohol and drugs to help mask their symptoms. It is recommended that those with depression should not have more than a drink on occasion. Alcohol and drugs affect brain chemistry and can later intensify your mood for the worse.

Take a break
Depression can often worsen when you are feeling stressed and overworked. Try to take some time off to relax. If it isn’t possible to take vacation time, try to fit in at least an hour a day of relaxation time. Whether it’s meditating, reading or closing your eyes for a bit, take some time for deep breaths and a way to shut off from the rest of the world.

Simple but Effective, Try it!
I know these sound like simple tips, but when you're truly down, getting to the other side of that deep dark place starts with one little step, and then another and another. Taking a series of simple steps can go a long way towards getting you out of the dark and into the light. Keeping a simple list like this handy when you're having a hard time and don't know what to do can help by giving you a direction and an action to occupy yourself until you get out of the worst of the funk. Emotions are temporary and fleeting, they ebb, flow and pass. Try one of the actions above until you get out of the worst of it and can think more clearly about what to do next. Engaging in any of the activities above regularly and on a schedule can help give you structure, feel more confident and supported towards changing your situation, your attitude, your view or whatever may be blocking your path to happiness.  Acupuncture and Exercise in particular can even help with Seasonal Affect Disorder (SAD) during those dark winter months here in the Pacific NW!

If you want to try Acupuncture in particular in the Portland area, book in using the button below - free consults always available! As are a warm smile, a hug and a willing ear.

Yours in Health,
​~Rebecca

 For people with psoriasis, suffering from painful symptoms like inflamed, flaking and red skin is not pleasant. The chronic skin condition is due to an overactive immune system that can be triggered by a number of internal and external factors. Many Western treatments include steroid creams and oral medications that come with a slew of unwanted side effects. 

Below are alternative treatments that are safe and natural and can help reduce symptoms of psoriasis, leading you back to better health. 

1. Herbal Remedies

• Aloe Vera: The gel from this cactus plant can be used generously on your skin to reduce redness and scaling caused by psoriasis. Aloe vera can be found in almost any grocery or health store. 
• Tea Tree Oil: Tea tree oil is thought to have antiseptic properties. It can sooth irritated skin or scalp and can be applied daily. 
• Turmeric: Turmeric has strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Because of this, turmeric has been found to reduce psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis flares. Turmeric can be found in pill form as well as powder form to be added to food. 
• Dead Sea Salts: Soaking in a bath with Dead Sea salts or Epsom salts can remove scaly skin and reduce itching. It is recommended that you use warm water and stay in the tub for 15 minutes. 

2. Mindfulness/Meditation 

Mindfulness and meditation practices have been found to be effective in people suffering with chronic pain like psoriasis. 

Meditation is the practice of focusing your attention on the moment and ridding yourself of all external thoughts you may be having. This can lead to a state of relaxation and calmness, bringing balance to your body and mind.  

Mindfulness, which is practiced in meditation, includes becoming completely aware of your body, externally and internally. This can be a seated meditation that is focused on awareness of mind, body and senses. 

3. Exercise 

Not only is exercise important to maintain overall health and wellness, it is especially beneficial for people with psoriasis.

Because people with psoriasis have an increased risk of heart disease and type 2 diabetes, regular exercise can prove very helpful.  

Many find it hard to exercise because of the chronic pain associated with psoriasis. Exercise programs in the water prove to be an effective alternative that is easier on the body and still allows you to build endurance and strength. 

Other simple ways to fit more exercise into your day include short walks, taking the stairs and stretching. 

4. Massage 

Seeing a licensed massage therapist can help reduce symptoms and pain. Massage promotes the function of muscle and connective tissue and can increase relaxation and circulation in the body. 

5. Acupuncture

Acupuncture has been proven to be effective in minimizing chronic pain in patients. Acupuncture takes a holistic approach with the body and symptoms you may be experiencing. By returning the body to its natural flow, acupuncture can help reduce the intensity of symptoms of psoriasis. 

Home Remedies:

• Soak a towel in cold milk and apply to affected area to relieve itching.
• Add ½ cup ground oatmeal into a warm bath.
• Rub the affected area with the inner side of a banana peel.
• Apply aloe vera gel to affected area.
• Cut several fresh willow branches into 3-inch stems and place in a pot with plenty of water. Bring to a boil, then simmer until water becomes black. Wash affected areas with the water three times daily.
• Slice 15 water chestnuts and soak in 3 oz. of rice vinegar crush and store in a sealed jar. Apply the paste to affected area and cover with gauze. Change daily. 

Sources: 
https://www.psoriasis.org/about-psoriasis

Acupuncture and Ovarian Health
Acupuncture has proven helpful in strengthening the body’s immune system, as well as reducing symptoms of cancer treatment. Because acupuncture treats the whole body, it can help increase immune strength that can fight against disease like ovarian cancer and polycystic ovary syndrome. By using acupuncture points, acupuncture is able to release blockages that may be preventing the body from its natural flow.

For those going through cancer treatment for ovarian cancer, acupuncture can act as an important alternative to help with symptoms of treatment. Acupuncture has been known to help nausea caused by chemotherapy and reduce overall pain. Cancer treatment involving chemotherapy and other drugs can have many side effects; acupuncture works to counterbalance these symptoms with almost no side effects or pain.

Although ovarian cysts can sometimes go away on their own, other times they require extra treatment to be resolved. Ovarian cysts can be caused by a number of factors including an imbalance of hormones. Acupuncture works by bringing the body back to balance, regulating blood supply and hormone levels.

If you are battling with ovarian complications or looking for preventative care, consider acupuncture as an alternative safe treatment option.
3 Tips for Ovary Health

There are a number of complications that can happen to a woman’s ovaries over her lifetime. Ovarian cysts commonly occur and can go away without treatment, while more serious problems like ovarian cancer require extensive treatment. The best way to treat these conditions is with preventative care. Below are tips to fit into your daily routine for better ovary health. 

1) Healthy Foods

Women with polycystic ovary syndrome, a condition involving the imbalance of sex hormones, have a higher risk of ovarian cancer and obesity. Because of this, it is even more important that those with PCOS have a healthy diet.

Foods to consider into your diet:

Lean Proteins: Limiting saturated fats can help decrease the body’s inflammation and lower the chance of ovarian cancer.  Good sources of lean proteins include fish, chicken, lentils, beans and eggs. 

Fruits and Vegetables: Fruits and vegetables are never a bad choice to include more of into your diet. They are packed with vitamins and antioxidants to help strengthen your body’s immune system and fight disease. Tomatoes and onions can especially help prevent ovarian cancer.

Nuts and Seeds: Healthy fats are important for ovary health. The unsaturated fats in nuts and seeds can provide omega-3 fats that can reduce inflammation and help decrease your cancer risk. 

2) Exercise 

Women who are overweight or obese have a higher risk of developing ovarian cancer. Along with a healthy diet, it is important to have regular exercise to maintain health. Exercise is thought to help the body’s immune system, which in turn can help prevent obesity and ovarian cancer. Starting off with moderate exercise that includes taking a walk most days or light jogging can even be impactful on lowering your risk. 

3) Herbs

Chinese Herbs:
Cinnamon and rehmannia is a common combination of herbs that has been used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat ovarian cysts.  These herbs can be found out at health stores as well as be ordered online.

Brassica vegetable extract:
Brassica vegetable extract is a natural antioxidant that can help prevent disease such as cancer, diabetes and other chronic diseases. Brassica vegetables include kale, broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage and Brussels sprouts. These vegetables contain glucosinolates, which work as an anti-carcinogen, helping to decrease the risk of cancer. You can find brassica vegetable extract in your local health food store. 

Along with these lifestyle guidelines, consider acupuncture for preventative treatment as well as managing an existing problem to help get you back on the road to better health.