tag:typepad.com,2003:weblog-1250480 %ISSUE_DATE%T09:25:32-07:00 Drug-free patient care, techniques and research. TypePad tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-32545 2012-03-01T12:00:32-07:00 2012-03-01T12:00:07-07:00

Wind is a philosophical representation of change in the Chinese classics. It is also acknowledged as the root of all physiological disturbance. It is stated in chapter 3 of the Su Wen that wind is "the cause of hundreds of diseases."

By Nicholas Sieben, LAc Wind is a philosophical representation of change in the Chinese classics. It is also acknowledged as the root of all physiological disturbance. It is stated in chapter 3 of the Su Wen that wind is "the cause of hundreds of diseases." tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-32542 2012-03-01T12:00:32-07:00 2012-03-01T12:00:07-07:00

It is the rare to meet a person these days that doesn't have a concern about cancer. Between the constant headlines, to pink ribbons on everything from planes to phones, to hearing that Aunt Stacy was just diagnosed, it is impossible to not be aware of cancer's presence. The question is, what are you doing to actually prevent getting a cancer diagnosis? Or if you were diagnosed in the past, that you don't get it again?

By Marlene Merritt, DOM, LAc, ACN It is the rare to meet a person these days that doesn't have a concern about cancer. Between the constant headlines, to pink ribbons on everything from planes to phones, to hearing that Aunt Stacy was just diagnosed, it is impossible to not be aware of cancer's presence. The question is, what are you doing to actually prevent getting a cancer diagnosis? Or if you were diagnosed in the past, that you don't get it again? tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-32503 2011-12-01T12:00:32-07:00 2011-12-01T12:00:07-07:00

Before we can differentiate eczema according to TCM, we must define exactly what we mean by "eczema." "Eczema" and "dermatitis" are two terms that are often used interchangeably, but this is inaccurate and misleading and causes much confusion for patients and practitioners alike. "Dermatitis" simply means "inflammation of the skin" and refers to many types of inflammatory skin diseases.

By Diana Hermann, LAc Before we can differentiate eczema according to TCM, we must define exactly what we mean by "eczema." "Eczema" and "dermatitis" are two terms that are often used interchangeably, but this is inaccurate and misleading and causes much confusion for patients and practitioners alike. "Dermatitis" simply means "inflammation of the skin" and refers to many types of inflammatory skin diseases. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-32502 2011-12-01T12:00:32-07:00 2011-12-01T12:00:07-07:00

I work in a Chinese medicine clinic where my primary medical procedures are acupuncture and the administration of herbal medicine. Often times, when speaking in front of a group of MDs, I'm given a look that suggests, "You're not an MD, you don't know what we're dealing with in our practices." This look disappears as the seminar gets moving, but I wanted to address it nonetheless and give some background on why I exist as a practitioner and trainer, and why I have a full practice if what I do isn't really medical. To do so requires some background and reframing on what we are trying to accomplish as medical practitioners. We must fundamentally change our understanding of what "health" really means.

By Jason Luban, MS, LAc I work in a Chinese medicine clinic where my primary medical procedures are acupuncture and the administration of herbal medicine. Often times, when speaking in front of a group of MDs, I'm given a look that suggests, "You're not an MD, you don't know what we're dealing with in our practices." This look disappears as the seminar gets moving, but I wanted to address it nonetheless and give some background on why I exist as a practitioner and trainer, and why I have a full practice if what I do isn't really medical. To do so requires some background and reframing on what we are trying to accomplish as medical practitioners. We must fundamentally change our understanding of what "health" really means. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-32499 2011-12-01T12:00:32-07:00 2011-12-01T12:00:07-07:00

People are quick to say that the reason we are so overweight in this country is because we eat too much and don't exercise enough. But if that was so, how do you explain the epidemic of obese 6-month old babies? Are they not spending enough time on the treadmill? Any theory that tries to explain the obesity and diabetes epidemic must also be to explain this as well, or it's not a fully accurate theory. Let's look at what actually does explain this.

By Marlene Merritt, DOM, LAc, ACN People are quick to say that the reason we are so overweight in this country is because we eat too much and don't exercise enough. But if that was so, how do you explain the epidemic of obese 6-month old babies? Are they not spending enough time on the treadmill? Any theory that tries to explain the obesity and diabetes epidemic must also be to explain this as well, or it's not a fully accurate theory. Let's look at what actually does explain this. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-32494 2011-12-01T12:00:32-07:00 2011-12-01T12:00:07-07:00

Hypertension is an issue affecting a growing number of people as life becomes more stressful. The problem of hypertension is significant in American society, as well as in primarily, but not exclusively, the "developed" world. According to Dr. W.F. Graettinger, in his article "Systemic Hypertension" found in Current Diagnosis and Treatment in Cardiology it is estimated that more than 62 million Americans have hypertension, and about half of that number may be aware of their problem. Half again of that group may be receiving some treatment, and only one-third of the group that is aware of their problem will have their blood pressure under control. Mainstream medicine considers hypertension to be a "gateway" disease to other, more serious, heart and/or kidney disease.

By Fritz Hudnut, DAOM, LAc Hypertension is an issue affecting a growing number of people as life becomes more stressful. The problem of hypertension is significant in American society, as well as in primarily, but not exclusively, the "developed" world. According to Dr. W.F. Graettinger, in his article "Systemic Hypertension" found in Current Diagnosis and Treatment in Cardiology it is estimated that more than 62 million Americans have hypertension, and about half of that number may be aware of their problem. Half again of that group may be receiving some treatment, and only one-third of the group that is aware of their problem will have their blood pressure under control. Mainstream medicine considers hypertension to be a "gateway" disease to other, more serious, heart and/or kidney disease. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-32492 2011-12-01T12:00:32-07:00 2011-12-01T12:00:07-07:00

While attending herbology classes in acupuncture school, I recall being presented with scenarios that seemed far-fetched. One example of this is the diagnosis of "running piglet syndrome," in which the patient experiences a sensation moving from the pubis to the sternum as if a small animal were running over the abdomen.

By Gordon Cohen, LAc While attending herbology classes in acupuncture school, I recall being presented with scenarios that seemed far-fetched. One example of this is the diagnosis of "running piglet syndrome," in which the patient experiences a sensation moving from the pubis to the sternum as if a small animal were running over the abdomen. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-32491 2011-12-01T12:00:32-07:00 2011-12-01T12:00:07-07:00

Waysun Liao, my Taiji master, introduced me to Dr. Wang, Fuda back in 1997 and encouraged me to learn his special style of acupuncture. While at his clinic in southern Taiwan, I witnessed him successfully treat many complicated diseases, and realized the power of acupuncture was far beyond a mere therapy for temporary pain relief.

By Steven Vasilakis, LAc Waysun Liao, my Taiji master, introduced me to Dr. Wang, Fuda back in 1997 and encouraged me to learn his special style of acupuncture. While at his clinic in southern Taiwan, I witnessed him successfully treat many complicated diseases, and realized the power of acupuncture was far beyond a mere therapy for temporary pain relief. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-32488 2011-12-01T12:00:32-07:00 2011-12-01T12:00:07-07:00

After the Haiti earthquake in January, Acupuncturists Without Borders raised funds and sent eight volunteer teams to provide approximately 4,500 trauma recovery treatments in Haiti under the supervision of AWB Haiti Operations Manager Julia Raneri and Volunteer Coordinator Diane Eggleston. When doctors, nurses, and other healthcare providers saw how beneficial these treatments were for their patients, they requested that AWB come and train them in this methodology.

By Diana Fried, MAc, LAc, Dipl. Ac. After the Haiti earthquake in January, Acupuncturists Without Borders raised funds and sent eight volunteer teams to provide approximately 4,500 trauma recovery treatments in Haiti under the supervision of AWB Haiti Operations Manager Julia Raneri and Volunteer Coordinator Diane Eggleston. When doctors, nurses, and other healthcare providers saw how beneficial these treatments were for their patients, they requested that AWB come and train them in this methodology. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-32484 2011-11-01T12:00:32-07:00 2011-11-01T12:00:07-07:00

One of the most important aspects of Traditional Chinese Medicine is its rich source of historic medical texts. Jin Gui Yao Lue (Essentials of the Golden Cabinet) is perhaps one of the most important of these texts. Far from being an antiquated resource, the following case studies reveal how an ancient formula from this important historic text is still able to provide powerful healing solutions to modern dilemmas.

By Craig Williams, LAc, AHG One of the most important aspects of Traditional Chinese Medicine is its rich source of historic medical texts. Jin Gui Yao Lue (Essentials of the Golden Cabinet) is perhaps one of the most important of these texts. Far from being an antiquated resource, the following case studies reveal how an ancient formula from this important historic text is still able to provide powerful healing solutions to modern dilemmas. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-32478 2011-11-01T12:00:32-07:00 2011-11-01T12:00:07-07:00

Hypertension is a relatively common condition that is in some ways associated with aging. But treating it using TCM, is in my opinion, a partnership rather than a series of treatments. The treatment plan does not only involve the practitioner, acupuncture, herbs, and other TCM therapies, it involves the behavior of the patient. It revolves around his or her willingness to participate in the journey to better health. One of my hypertensive (and worrying) patients recently asked me, after only three treatments, if she is a "hopeless case."

By Martha Lucas, PhD, LAc Hypertension is a relatively common condition that is in some ways associated with aging. But treating it using TCM, is in my opinion, a partnership rather than a series of treatments. The treatment plan does not only involve the practitioner, acupuncture, herbs, and other TCM therapies, it involves the behavior of the patient. It revolves around his or her willingness to participate in the journey to better health. One of my hypertensive (and worrying) patients recently asked me, after only three treatments, if she is a "hopeless case." tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-32460 2011-09-01T12:00:32-07:00 2011-09-01T12:00:07-07:00

It's easy to be deceived into thinking that we are getting all the nutrients we need. Never mind all the labels that say "fortified" with this and that, or the synthetic vitamins that make you think that 1,000 percent of an isolate is healthy. There are also many people, possibly including yourself, who are trying to make good food choices, and yet we all are struggling with malnutrition.

By Marlene Merritt, DOM, LAc, ACN It's easy to be deceived into thinking that we are getting all the nutrients we need. Never mind all the labels that say "fortified" with this and that, or the synthetic vitamins that make you think that 1,000 percent of an isolate is healthy. There are also many people, possibly including yourself, who are trying to make good food choices, and yet we all are struggling with malnutrition. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-32451 2011-09-01T12:00:32-07:00 2011-09-01T12:00:07-07:00

Stillness and tranquility set things in order in the universe. Yin-like principles of meditation can be used to help patients who struggle with Yang-like health concerns for example: stress, OCD, PTSD, and anxiety to regain balance. Fire (yang) is active and consumes, water (yin) is still and nourishes. Balancing ceaseless mental and emotional activity requires stillness. Sitting still in meditation for some can be difficult, but integrating meditative techniques throughout daily routines is a practical approach that can still be rewarding. I call this "taking it with you."

By Christopher Carlow, LAc, Dipl. OM, MAOM Stillness and tranquility set things in order in the universe. Yin-like principles of meditation can be used to help patients who struggle with Yang-like health concerns for example: stress, OCD, PTSD, and anxiety to regain balance. Fire (yang) is active and consumes, water (yin) is still and nourishes. Balancing ceaseless mental and emotional activity requires stillness. Sitting still in meditation for some can be difficult, but integrating meditative techniques throughout daily routines is a practical approach that can still be rewarding. I call this "taking it with you." tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-32439 2011-08-01T12:00:32-07:00 2011-08-01T12:00:07-07:00

When the body is in free flow, with no blockage, there can be no imbalance, disharmony, or pain. It is only when the flow of qi, blood and fluids is compromised that a pattern of disharmony results. Thus, the goal for all acupuncture treatment is to restore the body to the natural state of homeostasis.

By Abbey Fromkin, MS, LAc When the body is in free flow, with no blockage, there can be no imbalance, disharmony, or pain. It is only when the flow of qi, blood and fluids is compromised that a pattern of disharmony results. Thus, the goal for all acupuncture treatment is to restore the body to the natural state of homeostasis. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-32436 2011-08-01T12:00:32-07:00 2011-08-01T12:00:07-07:00

Symmetry in form and movement is one of many aspects of Tai Ji and qi gong to be aware of through observation and feeling to identify imbalances and benefit health.

By Christopher Carlow, LAc, Dipl. OM, MAOM Symmetry in form and movement is one of many aspects of Tai Ji and qi gong to be aware of through observation and feeling to identify imbalances and benefit health. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-32433 2011-08-01T12:00:32-07:00 2011-08-01T12:00:07-07:00

When Mary Tagliaferri, MD, L.Ac. and Isaac Cohen, OMD, L.Ac. co-founded the Complementary and Alternative Medicine Program at the University of California, San Francisco's Carol Franc Buck Breast Care Center and opened the first traditional Chinese medicine clinic at UCSF, their plan was straight forward: employ state of the art technology to rigorously identify and test the active ingredients in traditional Chinese medicine herbs and botanicals.

By Katherina Audley When Mary Tagliaferri, MD, L.Ac. and Isaac Cohen, OMD, L.Ac. co-founded the Complementary and Alternative Medicine Program at the University of California, San Francisco's Carol Franc Buck Breast Care Center and opened the first traditional Chinese medicine clinic at UCSF, their plan was straight forward: employ state of the art technology to rigorously identify and test the active ingredients in traditional Chinese medicine herbs and botanicals. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-32432 2011-08-01T12:00:32-07:00 2011-08-01T12:00:07-07:00

Within the last 30 years, new cases of Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, multiple sclerosis, depression, neurogenic syndrome, and fibromyalgia have been on the rise. Cases of children's cancer, breast cancer, prostate and testicular cancer have also skyrocketed. The unprecedented acceleration of these conditions has been cause of major concern within the medical field. Science has yet to explain the dramatic increase, yet the answer may be very obvious.

By John Amaro, LAc, DC, Dipl. Ac.(NCCAOM), Dipl.Med.Ac.(IAMA) Within the last 30 years, new cases of Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, multiple sclerosis, depression, neurogenic syndrome, and fibromyalgia have been on the rise. Cases of children's cancer, breast cancer, prostate and testicular cancer have also skyrocketed. The unprecedented acceleration of these conditions has been cause of major concern within the medical field. Science has yet to explain the dramatic increase, yet the answer may be very obvious. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-32426 2011-07-01T12:00:32-07:00 2011-07-01T12:00:07-07:00

For most people, science, economics and spirituality are separate areas of life and knowledge. All three of these vital pursuits, however, have roots in the same universal laws that govern everything in the universe.

By Darren Starwynn, OMD, LAc For most people, science, economics and spirituality are separate areas of life and knowledge. All three of these vital pursuits, however, have roots in the same universal laws that govern everything in the universe. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-32425 2011-07-01T12:00:32-07:00 2011-07-01T12:00:07-07:00

Recent healthcare reform often referred to as "Obamacare" or the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) was signed into law one year ago on March, 23 2010. The question today is does it have a future, or is it going to be repealed? What has the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) been doing to implement this law for the past year? How does the American public view the PPACA? How are we, as acupuncturists, affected by the legislation?

By Bill Reddy, LAc, Dipl. Ac. Recent healthcare reform often referred to as "Obamacare" or the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) was signed into law one year ago on March, 23 2010. The question today is does it have a future, or is it going to be repealed? What has the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) been doing to implement this law for the past year? How does the American public view the PPACA? How are we, as acupuncturists, affected by the legislation? tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-32421 2011-07-01T12:00:32-07:00 2011-07-01T12:00:07-07:00

The kidneys are said to be the root of life due to their relationship to prenatal essence and their control of birth, growth, development, reproduction as well as water and fluid metabolism.

By Martha Lucas, PhD, LAc The kidneys are said to be the root of life due to their relationship to prenatal essence and their control of birth, growth, development, reproduction as well as water and fluid metabolism. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-32420 2011-07-01T12:00:32-07:00 2011-07-01T12:00:07-07:00

Should herbalists be using lab tests? This question should actually be divided into several questions. First, what level of Western medical training is appropriate for the TCM herbalist? Second, if the patient does not come with important lab tests, should we be ordering them? And if so, which ones?

By Jake Paul Fratkin, OMD, LAc Should herbalists be using lab tests? This question should actually be divided into several questions. First, what level of Western medical training is appropriate for the TCM herbalist? Second, if the patient does not come with important lab tests, should we be ordering them? And if so, which ones? tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-32409 2011-06-01T12:00:32-07:00 2011-06-01T12:00:07-07:00

The ads are all over TV and magazines - if you have heartburn, you should take one of the acid-reducing medications that are out there, preferably for the rest of your life. It's true, acid reflux is dangerous and it is vital to stop it before it does permanent damage.

By Marlene Merritt, DOM, LAc, ACN The ads are all over TV and magazines - if you have heartburn, you should take one of the acid-reducing medications that are out there, preferably for the rest of your life. It's true, acid reflux is dangerous and it is vital to stop it before it does permanent damage. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-32402 2011-05-01T12:00:32-07:00 2011-05-01T12:00:07-07:00

In my last article I discussed important simple ways to help patients prevent acquiring cold and flu issues. In this article, I will present my favorite patent medicines for cold/flu presentations and discuss novel methods of administration to improve patient compliance.

By Craig Williams, LAc, AHG In my last article I discussed important simple ways to help patients prevent acquiring cold and flu issues. In this article, I will present my favorite patent medicines for cold/flu presentations and discuss novel methods of administration to improve patient compliance. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-32387 2011-04-01T12:00:32-07:00 2011-04-01T12:00:07-07:00

The massive epidemic of chronic disease, most notably diabetes, heart disease and hypertension which can be collectively referred to as metabolic disorder, parallels the rise in sugar availability over the past 150 years. On top of that there has also been an exponential rise in availability of cheap, poor quality calories of all types, including synthetic foods. While our evolutionary past compels us to eat whatever is in front of us, we now must temper that impulse and it is not our fault!

By Andrew Rader, LAc, MS The massive epidemic of chronic disease, most notably diabetes, heart disease and hypertension which can be collectively referred to as metabolic disorder, parallels the rise in sugar availability over the past 150 years. On top of that there has also been an exponential rise in availability of cheap, poor quality calories of all types, including synthetic foods. While our evolutionary past compels us to eat whatever is in front of us, we now must temper that impulse and it is not our fault! tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-32373 2011-03-01T12:00:32-07:00 2011-03-01T12:00:07-07:00

We live in a country that is learning to be sustainable. We now see the need for change after having overstretched almost all of our resources - fuel, money and people - to the point of near collapse.

By Nancy Post, MAc, PhD We live in a country that is learning to be sustainable. We now see the need for change after having overstretched almost all of our resources - fuel, money and people - to the point of near collapse. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-32369 2011-03-01T12:00:32-07:00 2011-03-01T12:00:07-07:00

Continuing with the theme of what we "think" we know about food and nutrition, I would like to deal with two sacred cows -- whole grains, and vegetarianism. Not in the way of right and wrong, but rather with the realization that without adequate information, most people are damaging their health completely inadvertently, and quite significantly.

By Marlene Merritt, DOM, LAc, ACN Continuing with the theme of what we "think" we know about food and nutrition, I would like to deal with two sacred cows -- whole grains, and vegetarianism. Not in the way of right and wrong, but rather with the realization that without adequate information, most people are damaging their health completely inadvertently, and quite significantly. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-32366 2011-03-01T12:00:32-07:00 2011-03-01T12:00:07-07:00

A year after a 7.0-magnitude earthquake devastated Haiti, Acupuncturists Without Borders (AWB) has coordinated efforts to return to the impoverished country to assist in the ongoing recovery and provide further training in trauma recovery treatment for 30-40 Haitian healthcare providers.

By Editorial Staff A year after a 7.0-magnitude earthquake devastated Haiti, Acupuncturists Without Borders (AWB) has coordinated efforts to return to the impoverished country to assist in the ongoing recovery and provide further training in trauma recovery treatment for 30-40 Haitian healthcare providers. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-32362 2011-03-01T12:00:32-07:00 2011-03-01T12:00:07-07:00

The tail end of 2010 was big for weight-loss news. Just after Thanksgiving, Weight Watchers announced a revamp of its famous Points system, which now accounts for quality of foods rather than just caloric value. In early December, an FDA advisory committee voted to expand the indication for the Lap-Band device so that people with body mass indices between 30 and 35 can be eligible. And just a few days later, another advisory committee recommended approval of a new prescription diet pill, Contrave.

By Sara Calabro, LAc The tail end of 2010 was big for weight-loss news. Just after Thanksgiving, Weight Watchers announced a revamp of its famous Points system, which now accounts for quality of foods rather than just caloric value. In early December, an FDA advisory committee voted to expand the indication for the Lap-Band device so that people with body mass indices between 30 and 35 can be eligible. And just a few days later, another advisory committee recommended approval of a new prescription diet pill, Contrave. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-32360 2011-03-01T12:00:32-07:00 2011-03-01T12:00:07-07:00

On a bulletin board in my office I have the following laws posted, which I have reviewed daily for nearly 40 years. I am asked by patients and visitors a minimum of three to four times per week if they can have a copy of what is to follow. To read and study the following rules of life on a daily and weekly basis will without question have an impact on your family, social life and practice.

By John Amaro, LAc, DC, Dipl. Ac.(NCCAOM), Dipl.Med.Ac.(IAMA) On a bulletin board in my office I have the following laws posted, which I have reviewed daily for nearly 40 years. I am asked by patients and visitors a minimum of three to four times per week if they can have a copy of what is to follow. To read and study the following rules of life on a daily and weekly basis will without question have an impact on your family, social life and practice. 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.