Group Acupuncture at Portland's Spice Road Market

The Portland Spice Road Market is a wonderful space in north Portland who offer high quality spices, medicinal herbs, and teas. They also have an incredible website filled with recipes, meal ideas, and online shopping for the amazing spices.

But the real reason for this post is to let you know that they are opening up a community acupuncture clinic inside the Spice Road Market as well!  The grand opening "The Oasis" is this Saturday, October 11th from 10AM until 7PM with Free Acupuncture Treatments All Day! The Oasis is located inside the Spice Road Market. I can't make it on Saturday, but I definitely plan on stopping by very soon to sample their fresh-spiced Chai.

For more information on the acupuncture, check out www.oasisacupuncture.vpweb.com.

For their great recipes, check out this page!

Spice Road Market

4936 NE 16th Ave

Portland, OR 97211

info@spiceroadmarket.com

TCM school

Photo by seventeenstars

It's all over!

I just finished my last NCCAOM (National Certificatoin Comission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine) board exam (finally!), and now I wait for my license. It's a really great feeling to know that I don't have to study for school any more! Any learning I do now is on my own, and I find myself surrounded by amazing books I've collected these past three years, and instead of wanting to get rid of them, I can't wait to start using them in my own practice! It usually takes about 2-3 months for a license to come through (so I've been told). In the meantime, I have a lot of small business "stuff" to figure out.

OCOM has a great resource in Jason Stein, LAc, who is the head of the Professional Development Center at OCOM. He recommened that we graduates check out SCORE to get some assistance in starting up a new business, which I recently did. They were incredibly helpful, and gave me everything I needed to start an LLC, as well as answered all of my questions (no matter how strange!). I recommend them to anyone starting a new business. Oh- did I mention it's free and that you can use their library of resources?

I also wanted to share a fantastic Australian TCM site! Chinese Medicine Adventures has been up since January, but I didn't discover until today (thanks, Yael!). There are photo essays, a few videos of life in a TCM school in Sydney. For those of you who have graduated, it will be a trip down memory lane. For those of you who are still in, it's definitely something you will be able to relate to. Check it out when you have time (not in class, of course....)

Acupuncture in the news: Cancer and hot flashes

Photo by:gomesmam

On Monday, ABC news showed a video regarding the use of acupuncture, and praised the benefits!  Watch the video here- there is an interview with a patient who tried it an liked it :)

Another news organization, Breaking News, posted an article on the study of acupuncture helping to relieve hot flushes caused by breast cancer treatment. Read it here.

The National Cancer Institute also posted several abstracts regarding acupuncture studies and the treatment of cancer -read them all here.

Update on the Nepal Acupuncture Relief Project

My friends at the Acupuncture Relief Project begin working their way to Nepal next month, and open their clinic in November! They are now in partnership with the Rangjung Yeshe Shenpen health care project, which is a:

"..volunteer-based, non-profit organisation established to alleviate poverty and address social challenges principally in Nepal. Founded in 2004 by Chökyi Nyima Rinpoche and working under his direction, Shenpen focuses on helping the poor and disadvantaged gain access to healthcare facilities, education, shelter and employment opportunities and to improve the care and treatment of animals."

They are still taking donations on the website (don't worry- there is a tax ID number!), and plan to post frequent blogs about the clinc and what's happening in Nepal while they are there. They are also hoping to set up the clinic so that other acupuncturists will be able to volunteer their time in coming years. I can't wait to hear how it goes!

TCM Blog Findings

Study of Acupuncture by raindog61

Finding spare time is something that has been so precious to me these past three years of school, and now it seems that there is so much of it! Which is great, as I've been able to search around for new "happenings" and blog posts that caught my eye. There are so many great things happening out in the world of TCM bloggers!

Kim Knight, LAc, who was the first practitioner interviewed on Portland Acupuncture Blog, has a blog on her beautiful site, Tensegrity Health. She has some great information about different TCM applications, as well as a delicious recipe :)

Eric Grey at Deepest Health put out a great podcast interview with Heiner Fruehauf that I really enjoyed. I haven't met Heiner yet, but have heard so many amazing things about him from both Deepest Health and Yael at Chinese Medicine Notes. His company, Classic Pearls, is well known to a lot of practitioners in Portland and around the world, and several of my supervisors at OCOM have taken his herbal medicine classes.

Andrea Asti started a blog at the New York College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, and there are some great articles, including one on acupuncture helping with pain relief after neck surgery.

Enjoy!

Clinic Survival Guide

My friend and recent OCOM graduate Andrew Schlabach, LAc, just finished printing an amazing acupuncture reference book called the "Clinic Survival Guide."  It's a complete book full of amazing acupuncture diagrams, and the information is compliled in a way that it's easy to find and carry around with you. Andrew did an amazing job of putting the information together, and I recommend you check it out (www.alloneplanet.com)- click on "What's Inside" for a peek at the graphic design talent. Andrew is also one of the founders of the Acupuncture Relief Project, which is getting underway very soon!

My apologies about the delay in postings! Apparently graduating, applying for licensing, and re-connecting with friends and family (long ignored due to the intense masters program!) took a little longer than planned. Look back for more postings this week! I'm hoping to connect with my classmates in China (who leave Friday!) who are planning to blog about what's going on in the hospitals there, an eventually with the grads in Nepal in the fall.

Class of 2008

Photo by clevercupcakes

OCOM's class of 2008 graduates tomorrow!

My classmates and I will officially graduate at 2pm on August 29th (which explains why I haven't been writing...).

It's been a long journey, and I wish every one of them well. I believe we are coming into this world of TCM at a time when the western world is looking for more than the standard care, but a combination of old and new therapies.

Thanks so much to all of you for being a part of the TCM online community - I will certainly continue writing along the journey to becoming an official LAc!

TCM helping with Oregon weather

Photo by leojmelsrub

A lot can be said about Oregon's weather. It sure seems to be the topic of a lot of conversations in the clinic, especially with the sun and pouring rain combination these past few days!

One thing I've noticed in the clinic is that  lot of people are having similar experiences with weather changes- I know it seems like a strange topic, but I have noticed several patterns in the clinic (and within my community) that I'd like to share:

-People with arthritis are better with the extreme heat, and worse in that next day of dampness. The quick weather changes can be hard on the joints- it's important to come in for treatment at least once a week when this is occurring. - Allergies (sinus congestion, itchy eyes, wheezing) can also be affected by the extreme rain followed by blazing sun ten minutes later. The heat and steam seem to create dampness and a lot of phlegm in the body. It's interesting to see the different reactions in different body constitutions, because others report feeling better with the "steam room" effect! -Headaches with the rain: the drop in barometric pressure seems to really affect patients who are more on the deficient side that the excess. It's as if their energy can't quite handle the sudden change.

There are also a lot of great formulas to help with the symptoms. Personally, I chose to seek treatment from a practitioner who gave me a fantastic herbal granual formula from the OCOM dispensary. It was created with a diagnosis of all of my symptoms, and has truly worked wonders in dealing with these past few weeks of wacky weather :)

TCM and athletics

Photo by Omsel

A friend of mine found this article about athletes and Traditional Chinese Medicine - seemed appropriate with the Olympics happening right now. The use of acupuncture and other TCM treatments to enhance physical performance and recover from injuries at a faster rate are becoming more widely used. There are no drugs involved, just better performance times and less time off the bench.

Check out this sports medicine article from the Pacific College of Oriental Medicine website for more information.

Herbal Medicine: Rosemary (mi die xiang)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rosemary

In our external herbs class this week, taught by Bob Quinn, DAOM, we were re-introduced to a wonderful herb that's in most of our kitchens. Rosemary, known as Mi Die Xiang, is a pungent herb that has more uses than I knew. Besides drinking a tea to clear the head (check out teacuppa.com), you can also use the rosemary tea to soak your feet and hands in to clear the mind.

Rosemary has cleansing properties that help heal wounds, and can be used to treat asthma. Since we haven't learned too much about this herb in our program, and we don't have the herb in our dispensary, I found a great site that has good information on the nutritional values and more benefits of rosemary called whfoods.org.

In searching for information on rosemary, I came across a really great site called copperwiki.com, which is a wiki for "an alternative resource that brings about awareness and focuses on the individual." There are a lot of food and health posts, and their section on rosemary had a lot of good information on the plant.

As we left class, we were told that rosemary can help us to remember our dreams if we set an intention to remember the dream, eat a small amount of fresh rosemary (a few leaves off of a fresh sprig), then place the sprig under our pillow. I plan on trying it tonight :)

Group Acupuncture for PTSD in Veterans

Photo by timely rains

Over the course of this past year (and then some), three of my classmates and myself completed a unique senior research project (OCOM's equivalent to a Master's thesis). Our project was pursuing the feasibility of treating veterans with PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder) symptoms by using the group acupuncture model (everyone is treated in the same room using chairs instead of tables).

Our project began with the intent to open a free group clinic for veterans, where we would be able to needle them and change the world with the help of NIH (National Institute of Health) funds, endless supplies, and eventual support from the VA.  However.....we are students, and both insurance and liability are very limited. The idea of us actually needling on a non-intern site is a pretty difficult hoop to jump through, and can take longer than one year, which is all we had. After several changes, we decided to do a qualitative study instead. We interviewed several practitioners about their experience in treating veterans, and if they had any advice for us, what points they would use, etc. We learned a lot about treating those with PTSD, and realized that it could be done the way we thought it could.

This project spiked a lot of interest both within ourselves and at our school, and it looks like we have a new group of students who are going to carry on with the project next year. The next phase of the project will be interviewing veterans in a group acupuncture setting, hopefully at a site that is already treating veterans with group acupuncture.

I posted some information a few months ago on Veterans Day about veterans assistance (outside of the VA) in the Portland area. Our interest was peaked after the first phase partly because of the Portland Veterans Acupuncture Project (PVAP), which offers free acupuncture to veterans and their families on Thursday evenings in Southeast Portland.

There is a real need for more research on PTSD in returning veterans, and I'm very happy that our group was able to take this project as far as we have, and we're really looking forward to see what the next group will do with it. I'm hoping it's a small start to something big.

Acupuncture Adventures: China and Nepal

With graduation around the corner, a lot of classmates, including myself, are in a state of happiness (3 years of school are over!) and excitement (a lot of well-deserved vacations), combined with a small amount of fear (mostly due to student loans) and apprehension (what's next?).

However, it seems that most of us have a good idea of what we will be doing for at least a year, and there are thankfully a lot of great opportunities out there (whew!).

*Around 22 of my classmates are heading over to China for six weeks to study at the Nanjing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine. It's going to be such a great trip for them- I'm hoping to go next year!

*Three of my classmates are opening a free clinic in Nepal this fall under the Acupuncture Relief Project- check out their beautiful site! I've worked with all three of these acupuncturists, and truly believe they will make a big difference in the clinic.

I'm hoping to get a few people to send me weekly posts about their travels and what they are seeing over in Asia. If I can, I'll definitely be posting starting in September.

National Acupuncture Detox Association (NADA)

From the NADA site

NADA (National Acupuncture Detoxification Association) is:

"a nonprofit association that conducts training and provides public education about the use

of acupuncture as an adjunct treatment for addictions and mental disorders."

This protocol is always used in the detoxification process as well as helping with addictions. There has been a lot of research with the 5-acupoint protocol for helping with detox from any addiction in conjuction with other therapies. While just one therapy isn't always as useful, the combination is the best.

Photo: ear acupuncture by amona

The five point protocol is the Heart/Lung, Shen Men, Liver, Kidney, and Sympathetic. There are several publications sold on the NADA website that discuss the use of these points and why in more detail. At OCOM, we are required to take an auricular class, and one term in a detoxification clinics, such as Old Town Clinic, Hooper, or Quest. All have differnt and amazing programs for addiction and recovery needs.

NADA also has a blog! Check here to read the news. There is a yearly conference, usually in April, which is recommended if you would like to become certified.

Photo: auricular by arajane

AIDS Awareness- UNAIDS

Today is the beginning of a week long conference in Mexico for UNAIDS.

UNAIDS is: "...the Joint United Nations Program on HIV/AIDS, is an innovative joint venture of the United Nations family, bringing together the efforts and resources of ten UN system organizations in the AIDS response to help the world prevent new HIV infections, care for people living with HIV, and mitigate the impact of the epidemic."

Let's see how this year goes- keep your eyes on the media to see what the outcomes are, and how well healthcare, education, and the world are doing in the fight against HIV/AIDS.

Cascade AIDS Project is an organization to prevent HIV transmission, care and advocate for those infected, and to educate all. And don't forget about the AIDS walk on October 12!

Working Class Acupuncture in the news again!

The Portland Mercury ran an article on finding inexpensive health care services in Portland, and intern Sarah Mirk wrote a section about Working Class Acupuncture. You can find it here- just scroll down to the "Acupuncture" section. Portland Monthly also ran an article on WCA! While the magazine usually draws a different crowd that the Mercury, it's great to see community acupuncture spreading all over Portland. It's not available online yet, but keep checking back and I'll post it as soon as I can.

And fianlly, Lisa Rohleder, LAc will be interviewed on NPR next week (though I'm not exactly sure when it will air), in "Marketplace." Keep an ear out for her!

Interview with Anita Tadavarthy, MAcOM of Metis Clinics

Anita Tadavarthy, MAcOM, of Metis Clinics

1. What brought you to Portland? My Nike job brought me to Portland. Previously, I had a career in finance & accounting.

2. Why did you decide to become an LAc? I wanted to be able to help people. 3. Tell me about your practice I really enjoy it! I feel that I get to do what I love for a living. I started my Metis Clinics in late April 2007 in Tigard, Oregon, and I already know that I have helped quite a number of people. 4. Where does your passion for the medicine come from? My passion for medicine comes from my desire to help others. 4. Any advice for patients? Take care of any medical issues or concerns early! 5. What is your favorite Portland restaurant and why? La Sarenita, on Alberta. It's affordable, tasty Mexican food

You can contact Anita at:

Metis Clinics Fir Loop Plaza, Suite 205 7110 SW Fir Loop Portland, OR 97223

Phone: 503.819.2904 Fax: 503.746.7432

Email: anita@metisclinics.com

Free acupuncture clinic in India

Anita Tadavarthy, MAcOM, a recent OCOM graduate, sponsored a free clinic (Metis Acupuncture) in Repalle, India this past year, and treated over 5,000 people in just a few months. Check out the video below- it's amazing! This kind of group acupuncture is so effective and very affordable (see previous group acupuncture posts....), and Anita has now opened Metis Acupuncture here in Portland.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=39lsbDSSvRQ[/youtube]

PanAfrican Acupuncture Project

I recently found out that my classmate Malaika Lumen is working with a great organization called the Pan African Acupuncture Project (PAAP). The Project is similar to the Barefoot Doctor program in China, and a large portion of the focus is on HIV/AIDS care.

"The PanAfrican Acupuncture Project (PAAP) is a non-profit organization that was established in 2003 to empower the people of Uganda with acupuncture techniques. Since 2003 they have conducted several training programs, expanded into Kenya and are currently expanding into Malawi."

On July 31st Academy Theater on Stark street (7818 SE Stark St) has will donate 10% of all concession sales from open until close to PAAP Malawi. So come down, check out a great movie at a classic 1940's building, and be sure to grab something from concessions to help out a great organization!

For more information, you can contact the PAAP:

The PanAfrican Acupuncture Project 113 Summit Avenue Brookline, MA 02446 USA info@panafricanacupuncture.org Tel/fax: 617-277-7444

Facial Acupuncture

REUTERS/Mike Cassese

A classmate of mine just informed me about a recent online article about facial acupuncture. Check it out here!

Cosmetic acupuncture can be very helpful in treating wrinkles, sagging skin and fine lines. Small, thin needles (even smaller than the usual needles used for body acupuncture) are inserted shallowly into the skin to increase blood flow and energy of the skin. There are no side effects, the needles are smaller than those used with Botox, and it's very effective. Acupuncture.com also has a newsletter that discusses cosmetic acupunture.

If you are interested in learning more about cosmetic acupuncture, the Mei Zen System is one I have heard a lot of good press about. A lot of spas in Portland are also interested in acupuncture, and the cosmetic industry may be opening up a whole new world for L.Ac's.

What Can TCM treat? Insect Bites

Photo by da100fotos

Now that the sun has been out for at least a few weeks, flowers and fruits are at their full potential for natures cycle and our own enjoyment. Part of this flowering and producing process involves insects that many of us love to hate (hate is a bit strong- more like "dislike" or even "fear"). Bees and spiders do so much for our gardens and flowers, but their potential bites or stings, though often accidental, can be painful or even life-threatening.

Traditional Chinese Medicine has a lot of treatment plans for insect bites, and since I'm currently taking a dermatology class from Dr. Hong Jin, DAOM, I thought I'd share a few formulas from the class and a few that I have used myself.

Jin Huang Wan, or Golden Yellow Powder is a powder that you can mix with honey or water to make a externally- applied paste. It draws out the toxins and helps stop itching. It's also inexpensive and works better than baking soda for be stings. I can't seem to find any sites online, but the OCOM clinic carries it, as well as other herbal stores. Keep in mind that it may stain skin a nice deep yellow temporarily...

Another favorite of mine is Dan Shen Hou Xue Yin or Quell the Surface Teapills. I took these after my last bee sting, which was pretty nasty, and the swelling reduced within 6 hours of the second dose. This can also be used in cases of poison oak or ivy rashes, or even eczema flare-ups. In the text for the class, a formula is Wu Wei Xiao Du Yin, or 5-Ingredient to Eliminate Toxin formula.

Remember to check with your practitioner if you have any questions about what herbs are in these formulas. Also, if you have a severe allergic reaction to insect bites or stings, go the emrgency room immediately!

Enjoy the sun!