tag:typepad.com,2003:weblog-1250480 %ISSUE_DATE%T09:25:32-07:00 How-to's and explanations of techniques in traditional Chinese medicine. TypePad tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-32547 2012-03-01T12:00:32-07:00 2012-03-01T12:00:07-07:00

In the Merriam-Webster dictionary, I found this definition of the word magic: an extraordinary power or influence seemingly from a supernatural source.

By Darren Starwynn, OMD, LAc In the Merriam-Webster dictionary, I found this definition of the word magic: an extraordinary power or influence seemingly from a supernatural source. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-32539 2012-03-01T12:00:32-07:00 2012-03-01T12:00:07-07:00

To the acupuncture community, Dr. Shi Xue-Min is known as a distinguished acupuncturist and academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering and a supervisor of doctoral candidates in China. Dr. Shi Xue-Min is particularly known for his creation of the stroke acupuncture technique Xing Nao Kai Qiao (XNKQ), which is translated as "activating the brain and opening the orifices." During the Chinese Revolution, he was among a few who survived in his position. After establishing The First Teaching Hospital University of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Tianjin, China, Dr. Shi's leadership allowed the hospital to grow to an astounding degree, from 200 beds to 2,000 beds.

By Jing Liu, OMD, LAc, PhD and Kun Liu, LAc To the acupuncture community, Dr. Shi Xue-Min is known as a distinguished acupuncturist and academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering and a supervisor of doctoral candidates in China. Dr. Shi Xue-Min is particularly known for his creation of the stroke acupuncture technique Xing Nao Kai Qiao (XNKQ), which is translated as "activating the brain and opening the orifices." During the Chinese Revolution, he was among a few who survived in his position. After establishing The First Teaching Hospital University of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Tianjin, China, Dr. Shi's leadership allowed the hospital to grow to an astounding degree, from 200 beds to 2,000 beds. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-32524 2012-02-01T12:00:32-07:00 2012-02-01T12:00:07-07:00

Hemorrhoids are characterized by inflammation and edema of the vessels surrounding the anus and rectum. It is a common condition effecting millions of people all around the world. Hemorrhoids typically are caused by the effort to evacuate stool, pregnancy, chronic constipation or a low fiber diet. We can classify the hemorrhoid by its localization: Internal (inside the anus) and external (outside of the anus). Main symptoms include: pain upon evacuation, anal burning, anal itching and anal bleeding or any combination of these.

By Ana-Carolina Beth, LAc Hemorrhoids are characterized by inflammation and edema of the vessels surrounding the anus and rectum. It is a common condition effecting millions of people all around the world. Hemorrhoids typically are caused by the effort to evacuate stool, pregnancy, chronic constipation or a low fiber diet. We can classify the hemorrhoid by its localization: Internal (inside the anus) and external (outside of the anus). Main symptoms include: pain upon evacuation, anal burning, anal itching and anal bleeding or any combination of these. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-32523 2012-02-01T12:00:32-07:00 2012-02-01T12:00:07-07:00

Yogis, writers, tailors, hair cutters, software engineers, carpenters, baristas... For many of these people, wrist pain is the bane of their existence. Ask, and most will tell you they have carpal tunnel. However, in a high percentage of cases, this ubiquitous diagnosis for workplace-induced wrist pain is false.

By Sara Calabro, LAc Yogis, writers, tailors, hair cutters, software engineers, carpenters, baristas... For many of these people, wrist pain is the bane of their existence. Ask, and most will tell you they have carpal tunnel. However, in a high percentage of cases, this ubiquitous diagnosis for workplace-induced wrist pain is false. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-32519 2012-01-01T12:00:32-07:00 2012-01-01T12:00:07-07:00

Americans spend billions of dollars each year on cosmetic products and procedures. Most of these provide only superficial results and in many cases cause harsh or irritating effects to the skin.

By Darren Starwynn, OMD, LAc Americans spend billions of dollars each year on cosmetic products and procedures. Most of these provide only superficial results and in many cases cause harsh or irritating effects to the skin. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-32511 2012-01-01T12:00:32-07:00 2012-01-01T12:00:07-07:00

Earlier this year, researchers who reviewed reports of acupuncture in kids concluded that treatments were safe for the under-18 crowd.

By Robin Green, MTCM, LAc Earlier this year, researchers who reviewed reports of acupuncture in kids concluded that treatments were safe for the under-18 crowd. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-32490 2011-12-01T12:00:32-07:00 2011-12-01T12:00:07-07:00

For thousands of years the Chinese have used therapeutic cupping for asthma, fever, congestion and chronic or acute pain. Due to its ability to drain toxins and regulate the skin and muscles, facial cupping can be transformative to your appearance as well. Used either as a stand alone treatment, or as an addition to acupuncture facial treatment, facial cupping has benefits far beyond reducing fine lines and sagging jowls.

By Michelle Gellis, LAc, MAc, DiplAc For thousands of years the Chinese have used therapeutic cupping for asthma, fever, congestion and chronic or acute pain. Due to its ability to drain toxins and regulate the skin and muscles, facial cupping can be transformative to your appearance as well. Used either as a stand alone treatment, or as an addition to acupuncture facial treatment, facial cupping has benefits far beyond reducing fine lines and sagging jowls. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-32489 2011-12-01T12:00:32-07:00 2011-12-01T12:00:07-07:00

As a practicing acupuncturist of 20 years, I am always looking for ways to better understand and treat my clients. One of those ways is the training I received in German auricular medicine, a relatively new therapy in North America.

By Dee Brown, LAc As a practicing acupuncturist of 20 years, I am always looking for ways to better understand and treat my clients. One of those ways is the training I received in German auricular medicine, a relatively new therapy in North America. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-32482 2011-11-01T12:00:32-07:00 2011-11-01T12:00:07-07:00

In our acupuncture or other medical training we learn to carefully observe a patient's signs and symptoms, use hands-on examination skills and then attempt to understand the correct diagnosis for the complaints he/she is coming to us for help with. In an ideal world we would gather all the data, understand the pattern, make a correct diagnosis, select appropriate treatment, deliver the treatment and voila - the patient gets better. Fortunately this, or something close to it, often happens. What do you do when it does not work out so conveniently? Many of us continue to seek new methods to get further into the inner workings of our patients to give us a better chance of "cracking the code" of their blockages and issues.

By Darren Starwynn, OMD, LAc In our acupuncture or other medical training we learn to carefully observe a patient's signs and symptoms, use hands-on examination skills and then attempt to understand the correct diagnosis for the complaints he/she is coming to us for help with. In an ideal world we would gather all the data, understand the pattern, make a correct diagnosis, select appropriate treatment, deliver the treatment and voila - the patient gets better. Fortunately this, or something close to it, often happens. What do you do when it does not work out so conveniently? Many of us continue to seek new methods to get further into the inner workings of our patients to give us a better chance of "cracking the code" of their blockages and issues. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-32481 2011-11-01T12:00:32-07:00 2011-11-01T12:00:07-07:00

Acupuncturists and other volunteers responded to the recent natural disasters around the country and helped create a safety net for thousands of citizens in Joplin, Miss., Minneapolis, Minn., and Springfield, Mass. Tornados affected each of these areas in late May and early June of this year, causing loss of lives, destruction of homes, and challenges to the livelihood and well-being of residents.

By Beth Sommers, PhD, MPH, LAc and Kristen Porter, MAc, LAc Acupuncturists and other volunteers responded to the recent natural disasters around the country and helped create a safety net for thousands of citizens in Joplin, Miss., Minneapolis, Minn., and Springfield, Mass. Tornados affected each of these areas in late May and early June of this year, causing loss of lives, destruction of homes, and challenges to the livelihood and well-being of residents. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-32474 2011-11-01T12:00:32-07:00 2011-11-01T12:00:07-07:00

Recent research from the Netherlands suggested that coffee, nose blowing, and sex can potentially trigger strokes in people with untreated brain aneurysms. The findings, while a little nerve wracking--apparently, one in 15 people develop brain aneurysms at some point in their life--are far from definitive. Just a few months ago, another study said coffee may decrease stroke risk.

By Sara Calabro, LAc Recent research from the Netherlands suggested that coffee, nose blowing, and sex can potentially trigger strokes in people with untreated brain aneurysms. The findings, while a little nerve wracking--apparently, one in 15 people develop brain aneurysms at some point in their life--are far from definitive. Just a few months ago, another study said coffee may decrease stroke risk. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-32466 2011-10-01T12:00:32-07:00 2011-10-01T12:00:07-07:00

Each acupuncture point has a name, translated from classical Chinese calligraphy, which indicates the unique spiritual qualities of that point and the gift it is capable of delivering to the patient in need. In Classical Five-Element Acupuncture, points are mostly chosen for their spiritual connotation from the patient's causative factor meridians.

By Neil Gumenick, MAc (UK), LAc, Dipl. Ac Each acupuncture point has a name, translated from classical Chinese calligraphy, which indicates the unique spiritual qualities of that point and the gift it is capable of delivering to the patient in need. In Classical Five-Element Acupuncture, points are mostly chosen for their spiritual connotation from the patient's causative factor meridians. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-32463 2011-10-01T12:00:32-07:00 2011-10-01T12:00:07-07:00

A lot of acupuncturists were enthusiastic about the release of 9000 Needles, but perhaps none more than Atsuki Maeda. The documentary follows an American stroke victim to China, where he receives acupuncture from a team of doctors led by Shi Xue Min--Maeda's teacher.

By Sara Calabro, LAc A lot of acupuncturists were enthusiastic about the release of 9000 Needles, but perhaps none more than Atsuki Maeda. The documentary follows an American stroke victim to China, where he receives acupuncture from a team of doctors led by Shi Xue Min--Maeda's teacher. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-32452 2011-09-01T12:00:32-07:00 2011-09-01T12:00:07-07:00

As a rookie acupuncturist in dire need of cheap CEU's, I grudgingly showed up for a seminar on digital meridian imaging that offered 16 credits. As a recent graduate, I was full of myself and "the way" of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Traditional Chinese Medicine stresses one must do a full intake, delve into every possible symptom to ascertain the correct diagnosis for proper treatment protocols that address the root cause of disease. Anything less was a detriment to the patient and to the profession, I thought with my puffed-up ego.

By Monique Smith, LAc, MSOM As a rookie acupuncturist in dire need of cheap CEU's, I grudgingly showed up for a seminar on digital meridian imaging that offered 16 credits. As a recent graduate, I was full of myself and "the way" of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Traditional Chinese Medicine stresses one must do a full intake, delve into every possible symptom to ascertain the correct diagnosis for proper treatment protocols that address the root cause of disease. Anything less was a detriment to the patient and to the profession, I thought with my puffed-up ego. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-32416 2011-06-01T12:00:32-07:00 2011-06-01T12:00:07-07:00

This past February, Acupuncturists Without Borders led a group of 11 acupuncturists from around the world to Oaxaca, Mexico on a World Healing Exchange (WHE) trip.

By Diana Fried, MAc, LAc, Dipl. Ac. This past February, Acupuncturists Without Borders led a group of 11 acupuncturists from around the world to Oaxaca, Mexico on a World Healing Exchange (WHE) trip. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-32413 2011-06-01T12:00:32-07:00 2011-06-01T12:00:07-07:00

Science and clinical experience have shown that low intensity lasers, LEDs and bio-electromagnetic therapy can significantly improve quality of life and alleviate pain even in many chronic conditions.

By David Rindge, DOM, LAc, RN Science and clinical experience have shown that low intensity lasers, LEDs and bio-electromagnetic therapy can significantly improve quality of life and alleviate pain even in many chronic conditions. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-32401 2011-05-01T12:00:32-07:00 2011-05-01T12:00:07-07:00

The lymphatic system is the defense network and waterway of the body, and is a primary route for cleansing and detoxifying our blood, kidneys and liver. The lymphatic system defends the body from foreign invasion by disease causing agents such as viruses, bacteria, or fungi. The lymphatic system consists macroscopically of: the bone marrow, spleen, thymus gland, lymph nodes, tonsils, appendix, and a few other organs.

By Darren Starwynn, OMD, LAc The lymphatic system is the defense network and waterway of the body, and is a primary route for cleansing and detoxifying our blood, kidneys and liver. The lymphatic system defends the body from foreign invasion by disease causing agents such as viruses, bacteria, or fungi. The lymphatic system consists macroscopically of: the bone marrow, spleen, thymus gland, lymph nodes, tonsils, appendix, and a few other organs. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-32399 2011-05-01T12:00:32-07:00 2011-05-01T12:00:07-07:00

Legislative scope and standards of practice are major elements that define a profession. Clarifying these two areas for the field of acupuncture and Oriental medicine is important because of emerging legislative arguments that are mixing the logics of scope and standards - to the possible detriment of society. Let me explain.

By William Morris, DAOM, PhD, LAc Legislative scope and standards of practice are major elements that define a profession. Clarifying these two areas for the field of acupuncture and Oriental medicine is important because of emerging legislative arguments that are mixing the logics of scope and standards - to the possible detriment of society. Let me explain. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-32394 2011-05-01T12:00:32-07:00 2011-05-01T12:00:07-07:00

The practice of acupuncture offers a variety of scenarios, which make it different from other types of medicine. One strikingly unique setting is in the veterinary clinic.

By Gordon Cohen, LAc The practice of acupuncture offers a variety of scenarios, which make it different from other types of medicine. One strikingly unique setting is in the veterinary clinic. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-32386 2011-04-01T12:00:32-07:00 2011-04-01T12:00:07-07:00

Acupuncture combined with frequent physical activity is key to reducing hormonal imbalances in women suffering from polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), according to a recent report from the University of Gothenberg, Sweden.

By Editorial Staff Acupuncture combined with frequent physical activity is key to reducing hormonal imbalances in women suffering from polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), according to a recent report from the University of Gothenberg, Sweden. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-32377 2011-03-01T12:00:32-07:00 2011-03-01T12:00:07-07:00

A recent trend in the expansion in the scopes of practice of western trained health professionals to include "dry needling" has resulted in redefining acupuncture and re-framing acupuncture techniques in western biomedical language. Advancement and integration of medical technique across professions is a recognized progression. However, the aspirations of one profession should not be used to redefine another established profession.

Editorial Staff A recent trend in the expansion in the scopes of practice of western trained health professionals to include "dry needling" has resulted in redefining acupuncture and re-framing acupuncture techniques in western biomedical language. Advancement and integration of medical technique across professions is a recognized progression. However, the aspirations of one profession should not be used to redefine another established profession. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-32356 2011-02-01T12:00:32-07:00 2011-02-01T12:00:07-07:00

The treatment of life-threatening diseases is the distinguishing feature of modern scientific medicine. Pinpoint accuracy of a diagnosis using laboratory testing has led to significant advances. In order for treatment to be successful a diagnosis must be correct. Scientific differential diagnosis as well as fundamental TCM principles are critical in approaching difficult cases.

By Gordon Cohen, LAc The treatment of life-threatening diseases is the distinguishing feature of modern scientific medicine. Pinpoint accuracy of a diagnosis using laboratory testing has led to significant advances. In order for treatment to be successful a diagnosis must be correct. Scientific differential diagnosis as well as fundamental TCM principles are critical in approaching difficult cases. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-32355 2011-02-01T12:00:32-07:00 2011-02-01T12:00:07-07:00

Activation of brain areas involved in pain perception are significantly reduced under acupuncture, a study recently found. The Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) presented the results of a pain processing study at an annual meeting held Nov. 30 for radiologists, radiation oncologists, medical physicists and related scientists.

By Editorial Staff Activation of brain areas involved in pain perception are significantly reduced under acupuncture, a study recently found. The Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) presented the results of a pain processing study at an annual meeting held Nov. 30 for radiologists, radiation oncologists, medical physicists and related scientists. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-32353 2011-02-01T12:00:32-07:00 2011-02-01T12:00:07-07:00

The ancient practice of qi gong is a treasure of Chinese culture focused on creating health and vitality. It has a long history and was found among the oldest Chinese medical texts in the Ma Wangdui tombs, which dates to the Warring States period of the Zhou Dynasty.

By David Twicken, DOM, LAc The ancient practice of qi gong is a treasure of Chinese culture focused on creating health and vitality. It has a long history and was found among the oldest Chinese medical texts in the Ma Wangdui tombs, which dates to the Warring States period of the Zhou Dynasty. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-32346 2011-02-01T12:00:32-07:00 2011-02-01T12:00:07-07:00

Ulcerative colitis is a chronic, non-specific, idiopathic, inflammatory and ulcerative disease of the colon and the rectum that has no known etiology. Many factors have been suggested, but none are proven. Possible risk factors include immunologic factors, infectious agents (such as bacteria, virus or ameba), dietary factors (including chemicals and drugs), and psychosomatic factors. Ulcerative colitis usually occurs between the ages of 15 to 30, or 50 to 70. (1) When diagnosing, doctors look for chronic history of bloody diarrhea with pus and mucus in the stool that indicate possible ulcerative colitis. Definitive diagnosis is made by sigmoidoscopy, which provides a direct visualization of the rectal mucosa. A colonoscopy is sometimes helpful to differentiate ulcerative colitis from Crohn's disease. A biopsy is performed if cancer is suspected. (2)

By John Chen, PhD, PharmD, OMD, LAc Ulcerative colitis is a chronic, non-specific, idiopathic, inflammatory and ulcerative disease of the colon and the rectum that has no known etiology. Many factors have been suggested, but none are proven. Possible risk factors include immunologic factors, infectious agents (such as bacteria, virus or ameba), dietary factors (including chemicals and drugs), and psychosomatic factors. Ulcerative colitis usually occurs between the ages of 15 to 30, or 50 to 70. (1) When diagnosing, doctors look for chronic history of bloody diarrhea with pus and mucus in the stool that indicate possible ulcerative colitis. Definitive diagnosis is made by sigmoidoscopy, which provides a direct visualization of the rectal mucosa. A colonoscopy is sometimes helpful to differentiate ulcerative colitis from Crohn's disease. A biopsy is performed if cancer is suspected. (2) tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-32322 2010-12-01T12:00:32-07:00 2010-12-01T12:00:07-07:00

Returning veterans are being diagnosed with traumatic brain injury in alarming numbers secondary to post-traumatic stress disorder and chronic pain. The movie, "The Hurt Locker," which received best picture of the year, helps to portray what our veterans are being exposed to during war time. It is easy to see through the lens of a camera why we see traumatic brain injury occurring at such high rates.

By Lynne Morgan, RN, LAc, OMD Returning veterans are being diagnosed with traumatic brain injury in alarming numbers secondary to post-traumatic stress disorder and chronic pain. The movie, "The Hurt Locker," which received best picture of the year, helps to portray what our veterans are being exposed to during war time. It is easy to see through the lens of a camera why we see traumatic brain injury occurring at such high rates. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-32314 2010-12-01T12:00:32-07:00 2010-12-01T12:00:07-07:00

There was something wonderfully warm about this year's "Five Element Acupuncture Symposium: Continuing the Journey," and it wasn't just the perfect California weather. I think what moved me was the sense of camaraderie that the group created almost immediately upon entering the room.

By Alan Chang, LAc There was something wonderfully warm about this year's "Five Element Acupuncture Symposium: Continuing the Journey," and it wasn't just the perfect California weather. I think what moved me was the sense of camaraderie that the group created almost immediately upon entering the room. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-32310 2010-11-01T12:00:32-07:00 2010-11-01T12:00:07-07:00

The art of effective chronic pain relief is similar to peeling an onion. This is because the body tends to "unwind" trauma and pain in layers. Just doing one microcurrent or acupuncture technique is rarely as effective as performing a sequence of brief techniques that disperse blockage (resistance), balance body polarities, activate microsystems and accelerate rehabilitation and tissue regeneration. The best way to use this sequence approach is to select one or more tests that measures improvement in the patient. These can include: range of motion or muscle-strength testing; subjective pain perception upon movement; and kinesiology on ah-shi or meridian test points. Once baseline is determined, the following techniques can be used and the baseline retested after each technique. You will quickly see which technique, or combination of techniques, produces the greatest improvement. Do not overtreat.

By Darren Starwynn, OMD, LAc The art of effective chronic pain relief is similar to peeling an onion. This is because the body tends to "unwind" trauma and pain in layers. Just doing one microcurrent or acupuncture technique is rarely as effective as performing a sequence of brief techniques that disperse blockage (resistance), balance body polarities, activate microsystems and accelerate rehabilitation and tissue regeneration. The best way to use this sequence approach is to select one or more tests that measures improvement in the patient. These can include: range of motion or muscle-strength testing; subjective pain perception upon movement; and kinesiology on ah-shi or meridian test points. Once baseline is determined, the following techniques can be used and the baseline retested after each technique. You will quickly see which technique, or combination of techniques, produces the greatest improvement. Do not overtreat. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-32297 2010-11-01T12:00:32-07:00 2010-11-01T12:00:07-07:00

Acupuncture has shown an incalculable number of developments, styles, and approaches. There are estimated to be in excess of 300 styles of acupuncture practiced around the world today.

By John Amaro, LAc, DC, Dipl. Ac.(NCCAOM), Dipl.Med.Ac.(IAMA) Acupuncture has shown an incalculable number of developments, styles, and approaches. There are estimated to be in excess of 300 styles of acupuncture practiced around the world today. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-32295 2010-11-01T12:00:32-07:00 2010-11-01T12:00:07-07:00

I have been a practitioner of acupuncture and TCM for more than 22 years and have needled thousands of patients during this time. In addition to being a practitioner, I also design, import and distribute acupuncture needles throughout North America. I make it my business to know everything there is to know about needles, their manufacturing standards and quality.

By John Stan, DrTCM I have been a practitioner of acupuncture and TCM for more than 22 years and have needled thousands of patients during this time. In addition to being a practitioner, I also design, import and distribute acupuncture needles throughout North America. I make it my business to know everything there is to know about needles, their manufacturing standards and quality.