Herbs to Try: Gou Qi Zi

Photo By * Beezy *Gou Qi Zi (Wolfberry)

Gou Qi Zi, also known as Chinese wolfberry, goji berry, or lycium fruit, is easily available in Portland at Asian food stores, New Seasons, and even Trader Joe's has a goji berry trail mix. While there seems to be some controversy over the "best" kind of Gou Qi Zi, in my opinion (as with any herb), organic is the way to go until we are able to grow them locally. Which isn't too far away - check out what groups such as High Falls Garden are doing (more on the subject of local, organic, and sustainable Chinese herbs in a later post)!

According to the Materia Medica Gou Qi Zi is a sweet fruit that is often used in herbal formulas to nourish and warm the body, and also assist the yin in the Kidney and Lungs. This means that it's a great mild herb to help with fatigue, low sex drive, eye problems as well as a general all around nourishing herb. It's often referred to as the "longevity herb," and is thought to help those who consume it on a regular basis live a longer life.

A combination of this tasty herb with chrysanthemum flowers is a great way to clear excess heat out of the body and help your vision. So whenever those promised hot days start making their way here, put a small handful of gou qi zi and a few dried chrysanthemum flowers (Ju Hua) into a glass and let it steep in hot water for a few minutes. You can even add some ice cubes to make a refreshing iced  tea. Eat the berries when you're done- they're surprisingly sweet!

Chinese Medicine in Cooking

With summer finally coming to Portland, and all of the amazing Farmer's markets springing up everywhere (my neighborhood just got another one!), it's time to stop eating so much of the warm and cozy "comfort food", and starting digging in to the fresh and wonderful produce the northwest has to offer.

I wanted to share a few great books that I've recently discovered (although the secrets of eating within these books have been used and loved by generations before us!).

Healing with Whole Foods by Paul Pitchford is a classic, and has so much information about eating for your health, using healthier cooking methods when preparing foods, and some fun and amazing recipes.

Chinese Natural Cures by Henry C. Lu is a book my husband found for me, and although it's a pretty massive book, it's full of a lot (and I mean a LOT) of information about foods that you didn't even know existed! It's fun to sit down and read about a few of your favorites, then put it down before you get to overwhelmed by all of the information!

Another book I recently discovered on my aunt's bookshelf is The Natural Gourmet by Annemarie Colbin. The reason I dig this one is that there is a section in the front that gives you the elements (of the 5 elements- find site) of several foods. The author feels that if you able to combine the elements of each food into your day, possibly at each meal, it maintains balance. It can also help you avoid certain foods that may not be so good for your constitution. Read more about this interesting food therapy theory here.

These are just a few that I like- please feel free to comment and add other books you like to this post!

Interview with a Practitioner: Lisa Pool L.Ac, Reiki Master, LMT

Lisa Pool L.Ac, Reiki Master, LMT of Blue Sky Acupuncture, LLC

1. What brought you to Portland?

I actually came here to be with the love of my life in 2001. We have been married for almost 3 years and just had our first baby - Lucas - in October of last year. We ended up staying in Portland because of OCOM, which I didn't realize was here until after I moved here. Funny how life is sometimes! I have decided to stay because it is a great area and most of our family lives in the area.

2. Why did you decide to become an LAc?

In 1996 I had suffered a repetitive motion injury that left me unable to move my neck and was in chronic debilitating pain. I come from a Western medicine family background and so when I finally decided to seek medical attention, I went to my MD first. The pain pills prescribed either make me violently ill or just did not work at all - usually both. So at the encouragement of my then co-workers, I sought out a chiropractor. My first visit with her reduced my pain from a 9/10 to a 3/10 and I could move my head from side to side. This first visit to an alternative care practitioner changed my view of health care for the rest of my life. She took the time to talk with me, to assess my work and life habits contributing to my injury and to educate me on how to do self-care at home. As part of my healing process she encouraged me to understand what was happening in my body and to connect to it.

Part of this healing journey included her encouragement/insistence that I finally try that "crazy" thing called Acupuncture. I had always wanted to experience Acupuncture, but I was very nervous. The Acupuncturist also took the time to explain to me what she was doing and why. She was patient and kind and really listened to my story. On one of my visits with her, she told me that while she is not in the practice of telling people what to do with their lives - she felt I wasn't entirely on the right path. She told me that she felt that I wasn't allowing myself to follow in the path I was meant to be on - which was why I was experiencing so many health problems. (I was very ill at the time with many health issues, not just my neck injury). She suggested I consider becoming a health practitioner, not just a health educator (which is what I was doing at the time).

To say this conversation changed my life, is an understatement. When she suggested that some of my illness could be a result of my limiting my own potential, I cried because in my heart I knew it was true. I had never had a conversation like this in my life and I really felt that for the first time someone finally believed in my potential to help others. It took another 2-3 years of having conversations with myself before I believed that I was smart enough to become a healer. In that time I had moved to Portland and then decided to start looking at various medical school options and lo and behold - there was OCOM! I let my instincts guide my decisions and followed the flow of what I now think of as Qi and applied to OCOM without any knowledge of Chinese Medicine, other than from the perspective of a patient. In fact, it didn't really hit home that we were going to learn about Chinese herbology until say, the second week of class - bit of a shock to the system when my Shen (mind/soul) finally realized where the Qi had taken me. I think it is rather funny that Chinese herbology has become my primary love and focus in my private practice. Ultimately, when I came to OCOM and started to learn this medicine, I found an inner peace and understanding that I had been craving my entire life and I continue to be inspired by this medicine everyday.

3. Tell me about your practice

I am located in the community of Milwaukie, Oregon and I love this area and the community! I have been working with a wide variety of health issues to date and while I don't feel that I have a specialty, most of my patients are dealing with pain, endocrine system issues (PCOS, Diabetes, etc), cardiovascular health (high blood pressure, high cholesterol), sexual function/infertility, immunity, weight management and mental/emotional issues. Generally speaking I tend to have a gentle and quick acupuncture technique and incorporate different styles of acupuncture like Tan, TCM and Japanese. While 90% of my patients take Chinese herbs, it is certainly not a requirement to have a treatment with me. What I love about my physical space is that it is comfortable and relaxing and best of all, my patients don't have to climb any stairs!

4. Where does your passion for the medicine come from?

I have always been curious about the health of our bodies and minds since I was a child. I was also inspired by my mother who studied to become a RN in my teens and is now an Oncology nurse. Yet, when it came time to decide what to do with my life I was greatly confused. I wanted to help people, but something about the Western medical philosophy and medical model just didn't work for me. As I mentioned above, I didn't know there were other options and so I ended up having a triple major in Environmental Studies, Music and Sociology and started a peer sexual health education program on my college campus. When I received my undergraduate degree, I still had no idea what I wanted to do with my life, so I followed my heart and began a career in sexual health education. I love working with people from varying backgrounds and experiences and this career allowed me to do just that. While this was a very rewarding time in my life, I still felt like I was missing something. When my injury led me to my first chiropractor and acupuncturist, I knew my life would never be the same. And it hasn't been - which is a really good thing! I am a happier, healthier and more full-filled person as a result! Now my passion comes from wanting to help other people along their healing journey (as I have been helped) and I feel like I have the experience, knowledge and know-how to do just that.

5. Any advice for patients? There is rarely one finite answer to health related concerns. While it will take work on the part of the practitioner to find the proper diagnosis and treatment, it is ultimately up to you to follow-through on the treatment plan given to you and the lifestyle changes that may be recommended. It is important to ask questions, trust your instincts and utilize all the different medical modalities that our community has to offer, which includes, but is not limited to: Acupuncturists (LAC); Chiropractors (DC); Naturopaths (ND); Medical Doctors (MD); Massage Therapists (LMT); and more. Believe in your ability to improve your quality of life and to live a happier and more full-filled life!

6. What is your favorite Portland restaurant and why?

I have a few dietary restrictions, so this is a hard one. When I want to eat something good and play by the food sensitivity rules - I love the New Seasons Wok bar. If I am going to break the rules a bit I love Beau Thai in NW Portland, Pastini on Division, Schvonne's on Division. Good food, locally owned businesses and great people!

What Can TCM Treat? Insomnia

by leojmelsrub (My dog, Maggie, who easily sleeps at least 12-14 hours per day...)

A good night's sleep is a coveted time of rest and restoration. Often times you don't know how much you missed it until you start to lose it. I'm one of those people who can function on a few hours, but not very well or for very long! Sleep is the essential time where your body repairs itself and prepares you for the next day. It is vital for normal body and brain function, and just can't be replaced by caffeine, no matter how much we try.

Waking easily, not being able to fall asleep, or being a "very light sleeper" can all constitute insomnia, and Traditional Chinese Medicine has so many great remedies for it. There are several acupoints to help sleep quality and also some great herbal formulas.

The two most common formulas we use in the OCOM clinic are An Mian Pian and Suan Zao Ren Wan. While they both help with sleep problems, they are used for different diagnoses, so check in with a practitioner before trying them.

Here are a few other informative sites to check out: *Chinese Medicine News discusses research on the use of elecro-acupuncture and it's effect on insomnia. Don't worry- electroacupuncture on the scalp is actually quite comfortable!

*Eric Grey from Deepest Health has also handed down three simple tips one dealing with insomnia, not to mention a really nice herbal formula.

*Kevin Doherty, LAc, MS, wrote a good article about TCM and insomnia and suggests some great single herbs and naturopathic remedies to try.

*tcmpages.com is a site I recently stumbled across, and they also have a nice TCM breakdown of the different types of insomnia.

Hope this post finds you all sleeping well :)

Interview with a practitioner: Alysia Anderson, L.Ac, MAcOM, of An Sen Clinic

Alysia Anderson, L.Ac, MAcOM, of An Sen Clinic

1. What brought you to Portland?

School brought me to Portland. In 2002, The Oregon College of Oriental Medicine was listed nationally in the top 3, for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine schools.

2. Why did you decide to become an LAc?

I was working prior to school in Pittsburgh PA, at the Center for Complementary Medicine as a research associate. There, I was able to take a closer look at Acupuncture research as well as many other alternative healing practices/supplements such as EMDR, SAM-e, etc. I also grew up with parents that were very open minded so I was exposed to alternative medicine from a very young age. I was raised vegetarian, and surrounded by the teachings of Prem Rawat, which had a deep rooted effect on the evolution of my soul, and the beauty of life and its importance.

3. Tell me about your practice.

I operate a small business in the B & O building called An Sen Clinic (SE Industrial District). The name means peaceful heart in Chinese. I developed a space which I think helps contribute to the healing sessions we offer. It is cozy and relaxing, with a modern yet traditional oriental flare. An Sen Clinic offers a variety of healing modalities, including Acupuncture, Herbal Medicine, Diet and Nutrition, Full Body-Massage, Reflexology and Facial Rejuvenation. I feel that my practice and practice style is ever changing, evolving, and simplifying. I like to work on many types of issues, and I sort of see myself as a GP of Chinese Medicine. I also focus heavily on mind, body connection, and mesh together TCM with 5 Element, and musculoskeletal techniques. I have a great explanation of the services we offer @http://www.portlandacupuncture.net.

Where does your passion for the medicine come from?

The passion comes from it’s connection with nature and energy, which we are apart of and flowing with. I love that is offers something else, something deeper on a healing level than your average medicine. I like to listen.

4. Any advice for patients?

Think of yourself as training for a difficult race. Your body and mind have to be in peak shape, which isn’t always easy. Take it step by step, be firm in what you want to accomplish, but don’t beat yourself up. Get the support you need with the medicine we offer.

5. What is your favorite Portland restaurant and why?

Boy that’s tough. I guess I will mention my local fav “The Blue Monk” in the Belmont District, for the times I just need to simply walk up the street, sit down, and have their “cilantrotini”. I really like and jive with the east coast owners. It’s a great chill out spot.

You can contact Alysia at:

Portland Acupuncture at An Sen Clinic 107 SE Washington St. Suite #134 Portland, Oregon 97214

Clinic: 503-236-6633 Cell: 503-473-2914 Fax: 503-234-2185

www.portlandacupuncture.net info@portlandacupuncture.net

Diabetes Day...

Available at: www.iheartguts.com

One year ago, my best friend's daughter (let's just call her my niece) was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes (insulin dependent). She was 5. There is no history of diabetes in the family, and very little warning with the symptoms.

'Annie' has always been very active and VERY smart (not that I'm biased). In May of last year, she began drinking a lot of water, and continuously went to the bathroom almost hourly for several days in a row. One night, she wet the bed (which she hadn't done in a long time) three times, and when her mom became concerned. They immediately rushed Annie to the emergency room, where they discovered her blood glucose level was over 700. A good level for a kid her age and size is under 300, and her levels were pretty close to her going into a coma. She is very lucky kid.

After several days in the hospital and a crash course in how to test blood glucose levels, calculate carbs, know the signs when her blood sugar is dropping, and completely revamp her diet, they went back to getting on with their lives. The family has made a lot of changes this past year, and have really pulled through for each other.

There are 4 types of diabetes: Type 1, Type 2, gestational diabetes(developed during pregnancy), and late onset diabetes (comes on later in life- around 30).

According to the American Diabetes Association, Type 1 and Type two are the most common:

*Type 1 diabetes Results from the body's failure to produce insulin, the hormone that "unlocks" the cells of the body, allowing glucose to enter and fuel them. It is estimated that 5-10% of Americans who are diagnosed with diabetes have type 1 diabetes.

*Type 2 diabetes Results from insulin resistance (a condition in which the body fails to properly use insulin), combined with relative insulin deficiency. Most Americans who are diagnosed with diabetes have type 2 diabetes.

Although Type 1 is more prevalent among kids, type 2 is more common among Americans in general. However, the number of Type II children is skyrocketing, and I can't emphasize enough how important it is to be aware of how we are feeding our children! Eating and exercise habits start at a very young age. Especially if it runs in the family.

TCM has a lot of great points and herbs for diabetics. It's always important to discuss options with an endocrinologist, but there are a lot of great complementary and alternative therapies that may help manage blood sugar a little better. Check this ITM article for more exploration of TCM and diabetes, and here for a research study.

My little niece has taught me so much about diabetes-more that I may ever learn in the classroom. She celebrated her "Diabetes Day" (the day she was diagnosed, last week. With cake, of course!

Here's to the continuous search for a cure....

Veterans Assistance in Portland

Memorial Day is an important holiday that seems to be often overlooked. It's often seen as the time for relaxing or a possible camping trip, but today was meant to remember those who have lost their lives in war. Driving past the cemeteries decorated with US flags today reminded me again what this day is truly about.

Everyone I know has had a family member, a friend, or someone close to use who has served in the military. Some didn't return from the wars they served in, and we remember them this day. However, I feel that today is also an important time to remember those were able to return home. I thought I'd give a list of a few places where those veterans who have safely returned home might find some assistance. Returning Veterans Resource Project NW is another free source of assistance for veterans. They have a list of providers who offer free services to veterans and their families.

Acupuncturists Without Borders is a program in place throughout various cities and states, and you can check their site for more information about where to find them. They have a great listing of where clinics are already open, and where new ones are soon starting up.

Portland Veterans Acupuncture Project (PVAP) was initiated by Rick DeTroye, LAC, and Diane Miller, MD, who have set up weekly free treatments in southeast Portland with the intention of helping returning veterans. You can check out their brochure for more information, and read an article from the OHSU site about the project.

Today is an important day for many of us. Remembrance of people who are no longer with us is an important part of helping to heal, but also keeping their memories close to us with each passing year.

SPARC recap (part 2)

Still Life Acupuncture by Rodrigo Suarez

(My apologies for the late post!)

The SPARC symposium this year was all about "Highlighting Complementary and Alternative Medicine Research from Bench to Bedside." The meaning of this is that research begins at the "bench" or where it's planned, and the results end up at the "bedside," where the patients are treated with the results that were discovered. The focus of this conference was to share with those interested how much great research is being done right here in Portland.

Although there was so much great information at the conference (some of which I missed), here are the very basic points I'd like to share with you.

-The term "translational research," which is translates what is being researched into how we would actually practice in our clinics, leads to the improvement of patient care, and inspires the use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) for the treatment of chronic disease.

-The ultimate goal of improving public health is the driving force behind many of these trials.

- Acupuncture is not a "one size fits all" kind of treatment. We cannot follow the same structure as western medical when creating randomized controlled trials using acupuncture as a method. A placebo (fake) pill and placebo acupuncture (needling the wrong acupoint or a non-acupoint) are not the same thing. A large part of giving acupuncture to patients is the attention and intention the practitioner has been trained with. It's pretty difficult to fake it

Vinjar Fonnebo, MD, PhD, gave a very good presentation regarding the need to find 'common ground' of CAM practitioners and research results due to the kind of research that is being performed (such as real acupuncture vs sham acupuncture) he likened the battlefield. Check his brief statement on the Helfgott Blog for a better idea of what he discussed.

It was inspiring to see so many people excited about research, as I feel that it's something the CAM field needs to continue building on for the sake of the future of our practice. If you have specific questions about the SPARC conference, feel free to contact me here. If I can't find the answer you are looking for, I'm sure I can find someone who can!

SPARC conference recap (part 1)

Photo by: dan_photoman I'm sure this was the view from OHSU!

The 2008 SPARC conference was a great success this year! Even though the day was bright and beautiful here in Portland, the symposium was very captivating, and the presentations went off without a hitch. There were about ten OCOM students there, and everyone seemed to enjoy it, especially Dr. Vinjar Fonnebo, the keynote speaker.

Although I had to leave before the presentations were finished, I'll share tomorrow what was presented and the fantastic research that is coming out of Portland.

Stay tuned!

Cordyceps: Herbal fungi

Photo from:http://www.chinese-herbs.org/cordyceps/

Cordyceps sinensis, or Dong Chong Xia Cao is yet another fantastic herb frequently used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) formulas. It is known for strengthening the immune system, and can assist in controlling symptoms of allergic asthma. It also nourishes the Kidneys and Lungs, making it the ideal asthma supplement in a constitutional formula (which I have definitely found to be true).  It can also enhance stamina and improve energy, and even help with sexual dysfunction for both men and women.

Did I mention that it's something of a parasite? Or that it's also called the Chinese caterpillar fungus?

It's somewhat disturbing, but if you really want to see how it grows (out in nature- not in the controlled environments that are now used for our consumption), you can check out the Planet Earth cordyceps video. But keep in mind what an amazing herb this is while the ant is dying!

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Guk-x0BTDTM[/youtube] 

Here in Portland, ITM and Peoples Herbs have more information about how to buy this fantastic fungus. I've tried a few different capsules of the single herb, theirs is the best.

For more cordyceps and other medicinal fungi information, check out chineseherbs.org or pharmaceutical mushrooms.

The Society for Acupuncture Research

The SAR logo: The Chinese characters depicted in the Society for Acupuncture Research logo represent the concepts of "Research"and "Clinical Practice."

The Society for Acupuncture Research is a non-profit organization whose mission statement is:

"To promote, advance and disseminate scientific inquiry into Oriental medicine systems, which include acupuncture, herbal therapy and other modalities. We value quantitative and qualitative research addressing clinical efficacy, physiological mechanisms, patterns of use and theoretical foundations. "

SAR first began in 1991 as in informal group that discussed methodological concerns in acupuncture research. This eventually became the Society for Acupuncture Research which now sponsors annual symposia on research methodologies, and is affiliated with the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine. Check the site for more information about the history of SAR as well as the impressive list of the board members.

SAR is also affiliated with the SPARC conference that will be at OHSU this Sunday (see SPARC Conference). The John Weeks at the Integrator Blog wrote a short synopsis of the conference here (scroll down to #3).

SPARC Conference

The 3rd annual Symposium for Portland Area Research on Complementary and Alternative Medicine (SPARC) is this Sunday, May 18. The focus of the conference this year is "Highlighting CAM research in Portland from Bench to Bedside." SPARC is a research symposium and poster session that highlights current CAM research in Portland.

Participating institutions in the conference include: Kaiser Permanente Center for Health Research, National College of Natural Medicine (NCNM), Oregon College of Oriental Medicine (OCOM), Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU), Portland State University, University of Portland, and Western States Chiropractic College. It should prove to be a very informative and interesting day, as there will be a great keynote speaker, Vinjar Fonnebo, MD, PhD as well as several Portland area research associates (such as my co-worker at the OCOM research department Ryan Milley, MAcOM, LAc). You can find more SPARC information on the Helfgott Blog.

The traveling poster sessions will be at these schools this week:

Monday, May 12 University of Portland

Tuesday, May 13 Oregon College of Oriental Medicine

Wednesday, May 14 Western States Chiropractic College

Thursday, May 15 Portland State University

Friday, May 16 Oregon Health & Science University

This will be my first year attending, and I plan to write up a synopsis next Monday. Be sure to check in next week!

Dandelion (Pu Gong Ying): The Useful Weed

Photo By Powi...(ponanwi)

Common dandelion, known in TCM herbal medicine as Pu Gong Ying, is a wonderful herb that deserves more appreciation in our society. It helps clear toxic heat from the body (red, painful eyes, cysts and benign masses), helps detoxify the liver, and promotes lactation in nursing mothers.

Use them in a salad- you can chop leaves and stems, flowers to decorate (wash them first, and find flowers that grow away from pesticides or sprays and from traffic). I found an interesting site that has several dandelion recipes, and Allrecipies.com also has some fun dandelion recipes.

Most of this information is available online at Herbasin and Natural Herbs guide, but hurry before they all go to seed

dandelion leaves : Photo by jerrycat

Women's Health (Part 2): TCM books

Kannon statue in Daienin, Japan Photo from: Wikipedia

I thought I'd share a few books that I've found to be very helpful when diagnosing women who come to the clinic with specific issues. While I don't expect anyone to rush out and buy these, it's often helpful to check out where practitioners are getting their information from!

Obstetrics and Gynecology in Chinese Medicine is the text used in the OCOM Traditional Chinese Medicine and Gynecology class, and it continues to be a great resource.

I know, it's a textbook.

However, the explanation Giovanni Maciocia gives each condition really helps us to see the most effective treatment for the presenting problem.

Another book that was recommended to me for is A Handbook of Obstetrics and Gynecology in Chinese Medicine: An Integrated Approach. This book is a little more specific, and also a lot easier to read. There are a lot of interesting formulas and approaches.

Again, I don't expect anyone to purchase these, but I think an amazon.com perusal might make help make more sense of TCM and gynecology. :)

What Can TCM Treat? Womens Health: Menses

Kuan Yin Photo by: colorcritical This is a subject that many women don't like to discuss, or if they do, it's often in a negative manner for a lot of valid reasons. The menstrual cycle is different for every female, and TCM treatment with acupuncture, moxibustion, and especially herbal formulas is a great way to relieve some of the symptoms women may experience with their cycles. TCM can help with irregular cycles, heavy bleeding, and many other symptoms.TCM herbal therapies are excellent for alleviating PMS symptoms, such as mood swings, uterine cramping, and breast tenderness. In TCM theory, Liver Qi stagnation is the reason for these symptoms, and a modification of the formula Xiao Yao Wan (Free and Easy Wanderer) can help relieve these symptoms. (Click here for a great summary of the formula by ITM's (Institute of Traditional Medicine) Subhuti Dharmananda).

Ba Zhen Wan (Women's Precious Pills) is another formula that is often given to women after they finish the cycle. It is meant to nourish and rebuild the blood that was lost during menses. Keep in mind that herbal formulas are often meant to be taken before the symptoms even start- they aren't like Advil where you take them after you feel the pain. Ask your practitioner about taking TCM formulas for PMS before you try them.

The herbs, in conjunction with acupuncture (usually points located on the limbs and head will be used, and sometimes on the lower abdomen) are a great way to keep the symptoms away. Women often feel more sensitive when nearing or at the beginning of the cycle, so the needles, while they shouldn't hurt, may feel stronger than usual.

There are a lot of amazing practitioners who specialize in women's health, so check out acufinder.com to find a practitioner near you.

Portland Acupuncture Blog featured on Wellsphere!

Check out the featured acupuncture site on wellsphere.com, readers!! Portland Acupuncture Blog was chosen as the featured Wellsite.

Wellsphere.com is a great online community out to help people be healthy. They have a lot of information on all manners of staying well. There is an excellent "360 degree" view of acupuncture sites and a lot of great acupuncture information

Click HERE for the link! And thanks for reading!

What Can Acupuncture Treat? Skin conditions

Flower at the gates Photo by: leojmelsrub

Spring in the northwest is really very beautiful. There are so many different flowers and trees in bloom at different times, it's hard (for me) to keep track. Spring is the time of waking up, and the earth opens up in beauty after a reasonably cold winter here.

This season, while full of life and new beginnings, also signals the blossoming of certain plants which can cause those with sensitive skin a lot of discomfort. Rashes and reactions to the flowers, pollen, and pollution in the air can really wreak havoc on those with "thin skin." There are a lot of great techniques and herbal formulas that acupuncture and oriental medicine use to relive pain. There are several protocols for severe skin rashes that are effective, but they do take time.

The seven-star needle (also called plum-blossom) technique (check out this link for a quick video demonstration) sounds horrible, but is really very effective for relieving the itching sensation caused by rashes. The idea behind it is to release the heat that builds up from the histamine reaction, and it is done by tapping the tool over the area the rash covers.

My personal experience has been that while herbal TCM formulas are not as quick to treat the itching as a topical steroid cream, they are more effective in the long run. Treating the root of the problem is how skin diseases need to be treated- your body is reacting for a reason! Only treating the manifestation, which is the rash, doesn't stop it from  recurring.

Talk to your practitioner about your dermatological needs- acupuncture is also great for eczema, acne, and many other skin conditions, but each case needs to be individually assessed.

Enjoy the sunshine this week!

Acupuncture sites to see

"Ceiling tiles" Photo by leojmelsrub

While in the throes of finals and my first acupuncture board (of four boards) at the end of the month, I may not be posting much for a few weeks.

However, I plan to put up a lot of great posts in April, and I'll leave some interesting sites related to acupuncture and the practice thereof.

1. Check out the NCCAOM website to see what they have to offer- it's an interesting site that tells you a lot about the organization. We students will be checking into this site frequently in the next several months to schedule our tests.

2. An interesting marketing site that discusses how to advance your practice, no matter what field you're in. Check out the Advance My Practice site to see how you can advance!

Research and CAM Blogs

I've had a few posts about research in the past (almost) year, and have rounded up a few great blogs that discuss research in the CAM (Complemetary and Alternative Medicine) field. -The Integrator blog is managed by John Weeks, and is one of the most well-respected blogs for CAM research and integrative medicine. The Integrator Blog informs about "news, reports, opinion and networking for the business, education, policy and practice of integrative medicine CAM, and integrative health care." If you are interested in research happenings, or simply about integrative medicine, I recommend checking this site daily.

- The Helfgott Blog is managed by the Helfgott Istitute, which is based here in Portland at NCNM, is "aimed at increasing awareness about integrative medicine on a world-wide scale." There is a lot going on in the integrative medicine communities in Portland, and the Helfgott blog is most likely to be up to date on what's happening next.

- A local LAc and OCOM graduate is Sarah Hayes, who manages acupuncturenwpdx.com and her own practice in North Portland. She has some great posts regarding research, not to mention a detailed FAQ section.

Acupuncture and IVF in the news

The BBC came out with an article reporting how acupuncture greatly increases the chance of pregnancy with in vitro fertilization. Click HERE for BBC article

However, the Chicago Tribune also came out with a study that discussed the use of acupuncture with IVF, but wasn't quite as positive about the results.

Click HERE for Chicago Tribune article

Hmm.....an interesting view of how different Europe and America are in views of health care options......

Technorati Tags: BBC, Chicago Tribune, acupuncture, fertility, IVF