tag:typepad.com,2003:weblog-1250480 %ISSUE_DATE%T09:25:32-07:00 How to's, tips and opinion on raising healthy lifestyle awareness. TypePad tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-32395 2011-05-01T12:00:32-07:00 2011-05-01T12:00:07-07:00

Have you ever had a case that felt so big you weren't sure how to wrap your brain around it? The challenge may have been diagnosis oriented: a progressed and debilitating autoimmune disorder, a degenerative neurological disease or metastatic cancer.

By Felice Dunas, PhD Have you ever had a case that felt so big you weren't sure how to wrap your brain around it? The challenge may have been diagnosis oriented: a progressed and debilitating autoimmune disorder, a degenerative neurological disease or metastatic cancer. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-32390 2011-04-01T12:00:32-07:00 2011-04-01T12:00:07-07:00

I once visited an acupuncturist friend of mine in the South. His family and I went out for Southern food night after night - twice it was "fried this" and "gravy covered" that. I learned that in the South, macaroni and cheese is considered a vegetable and green beans often are not deemed edible until cooked so soft anyone without teeth can easily manage them. The food was good, but my Southern California digestive system could not manage all the fat and lack of fresh vegetables.

By Constance Scharff, PhD I once visited an acupuncturist friend of mine in the South. His family and I went out for Southern food night after night - twice it was "fried this" and "gravy covered" that. I learned that in the South, macaroni and cheese is considered a vegetable and green beans often are not deemed edible until cooked so soft anyone without teeth can easily manage them. The food was good, but my Southern California digestive system could not manage all the fat and lack of fresh vegetables. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-32383 2011-04-01T12:00:32-07:00 2011-04-01T12:00:07-07:00

In the latest film version of Alice in Wonderland, director Tim Burton captivated author Lewis Carroll's hallucinatory imagery believed to reflect Carroll's migraine experiences. The Cheshire cat, described by Alice as "a grin without a cat" looms both large and small and can only be seen by her, in a way that resonates with migraine sufferers who have seen the movie.

By Pamela Ellen Ferguson, Dipl. ABT (NCCAOM), AOBTA(R) and GSD-CI, LMT (TX) In the latest film version of Alice in Wonderland, director Tim Burton captivated author Lewis Carroll's hallucinatory imagery believed to reflect Carroll's migraine experiences. The Cheshire cat, described by Alice as "a grin without a cat" looms both large and small and can only be seen by her, in a way that resonates with migraine sufferers who have seen the movie. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-32365 2011-03-01T12:00:32-07:00 2011-03-01T12:00:07-07:00

In my previous column, I examined several factors contributing to situations in which a patient's symptoms/issues seem to resist our best efforts at treatment. Among the factors discussed were realistic expectations; length of time the patient has had the symptom(s); focusing on a single symptom; energetic blocks to successful treatment; reaching the cause; and frequency of treatment. Now I would like to examine four additional factors, any of which can also be of major impact in turning the tide on conditions that resist treatment.

By Neil Gumenick, MAc (UK), LAc, Dipl. Ac In my previous column, I examined several factors contributing to situations in which a patient's symptoms/issues seem to resist our best efforts at treatment. Among the factors discussed were realistic expectations; length of time the patient has had the symptom(s); focusing on a single symptom; energetic blocks to successful treatment; reaching the cause; and frequency of treatment. Now I would like to examine four additional factors, any of which can also be of major impact in turning the tide on conditions that resist treatment. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-32343 2011-02-01T12:00:32-07:00 2011-02-01T12:00:07-07:00

9000 Needles is bringing acupuncture to the masses. The documentary follows Devin Dearth, a 40-year-old former bodybuilder, to China, where he is treated with acupuncture after suffering a massive stroke. The film made a splash at several of last year's film festivals, including the Gotham Independent Film Awards, where it was a finalist. It was directed by Devin's brother, Doug Dearth, whose frustrations with the U.S. health insurance industry during his brother's recovery inspired him to research international options. He spent three-and-a-half months filming in Tianjian, China, where Devin participated in an affordable, comprehensive stroke rehabilitation program that included frequent acupuncture treatments. 9000 Needles tells a unifying story of how Devin's family and local community put aside preconceived notions about medicine to embrace the solution that offered their loved one the most benefit.

By Sara Calabro, LAc 9000 Needles is bringing acupuncture to the masses. The documentary follows Devin Dearth, a 40-year-old former bodybuilder, to China, where he is treated with acupuncture after suffering a massive stroke. The film made a splash at several of last year's film festivals, including the Gotham Independent Film Awards, where it was a finalist. It was directed by Devin's brother, Doug Dearth, whose frustrations with the U.S. health insurance industry during his brother's recovery inspired him to research international options. He spent three-and-a-half months filming in Tianjian, China, where Devin participated in an affordable, comprehensive stroke rehabilitation program that included frequent acupuncture treatments. 9000 Needles tells a unifying story of how Devin's family and local community put aside preconceived notions about medicine to embrace the solution that offered their loved one the most benefit. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-32341 2011-02-01T12:00:32-07:00 2011-02-01T12:00:07-07:00

Recently, I caught up with a friend of mine who shared a story with me about his practice, in particular about a patient who had been suicidal. The situation with this patient had caused him great distress. Suicidal patients are never easy to treat. Not only must the practitioner be concerned for the physical well-being of the patient, but also for his/her professional safety.

By Constance Scharff, PhD Recently, I caught up with a friend of mine who shared a story with me about his practice, in particular about a patient who had been suicidal. The situation with this patient had caused him great distress. Suicidal patients are never easy to treat. Not only must the practitioner be concerned for the physical well-being of the patient, but also for his/her professional safety. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-32328 2011-01-01T12:00:32-07:00 2011-01-01T12:00:07-07:00

As a licensed clinical social worker who worked as a psychotherapist for 18 years before I decided to study Chinese medicine, I spent years listening to people talk about the emotional challenges in their lives. Over the years I've been practicing Chinese medicine, I've treated a good number of people suffering from depression, panic attacks, anxiety, and people wanting relief from stressful crises in their lives.

By Will Fudeman, LAc, LCSW As a licensed clinical social worker who worked as a psychotherapist for 18 years before I decided to study Chinese medicine, I spent years listening to people talk about the emotional challenges in their lives. Over the years I've been practicing Chinese medicine, I've treated a good number of people suffering from depression, panic attacks, anxiety, and people wanting relief from stressful crises in their lives. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-32321 2010-12-01T12:00:32-07:00 2010-12-01T12:00:07-07:00

One of the most important aspects about being a good practitioner/citizen/general person is to not believe everything you read or hear. It's not so much being skeptical as questioning the source of your information, wondering about the agenda behind the information, and just generally checking up on the facts. And one of the biggest lies perpetrated on people today is the paradigm of low fat -- that eating low fat is healthy for you and will prevent heart attacks and lengthen your life. Nothing could be further from the truth.

By Marlene Merritt, DOM, LAc, ACN One of the most important aspects about being a good practitioner/citizen/general person is to not believe everything you read or hear. It's not so much being skeptical as questioning the source of your information, wondering about the agenda behind the information, and just generally checking up on the facts. And one of the biggest lies perpetrated on people today is the paradigm of low fat -- that eating low fat is healthy for you and will prevent heart attacks and lengthen your life. Nothing could be further from the truth. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-32318 2010-12-01T12:00:32-07:00 2010-12-01T12:00:07-07:00

After a patient has been "needled" they might say, "I feel a tingle." The acupuncturist likely will respond by saying, "It's normal," and then exit the treatment room. However, this is an opportunity for the acupuncturist to further their understanding of Oriental Medicine beyond the textbooks.

By Lawrence Howard, LAc, MSAc After a patient has been "needled" they might say, "I feel a tingle." The acupuncturist likely will respond by saying, "It's normal," and then exit the treatment room. However, this is an opportunity for the acupuncturist to further their understanding of Oriental Medicine beyond the textbooks. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-32219 2010-06-01T12:00:32-07:00 2010-06-01T12:00:07-07:00

The Internet is a wonderful source of information. It is also a fantastic source of misinformation. I would say that at least half of the patients that come to see me have already researched their symptoms online and self-diagnosed with some of the most horrible rare syndromes yet to be defined. It is important to listen to what they say, but sometimes you have to go beyond and listen "between the lines." If you must talk, ask leading questions about their symptoms. Let them give you as much information as they can.

By Douglas R. Briggs, DC, Dipl. Ac. (IAMA), DAAPM The Internet is a wonderful source of information. It is also a fantastic source of misinformation. I would say that at least half of the patients that come to see me have already researched their symptoms online and self-diagnosed with some of the most horrible rare syndromes yet to be defined. It is important to listen to what they say, but sometimes you have to go beyond and listen "between the lines." If you must talk, ask leading questions about their symptoms. Let them give you as much information as they can. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-32190 2010-06-01T12:00:32-07:00 2010-06-01T12:00:07-07:00

A recent article in the British Medical Journal by Woo et al. argues that infection from acupuncture needles is a serious problem. Pointing at 50 cases worldwide since 1970, the author implies that acupuncture is dangerous because the risk of infection is high and that acupuncturists are not using sufficient care to prevent infections. Both assertions are patently false, the risks greatly exaggerated and, if anything, has clarified for the public how safe trained practitioners of acupuncture are. Every medical treatment from aspirin to brain surgery carries some risk and acupuncture is no exception. According to one study, "Although the incidence of minor adverse events associated with acupuncture may be considerable, serious adverse events are rare."

By Michael Jabbour, MS, LAc, William Morris, DAOM, PhD, LAc and Steven Schram, PhD, DC, LAc A recent article in the British Medical Journal by Woo et al. argues that infection from acupuncture needles is a serious problem. Pointing at 50 cases worldwide since 1970, the author implies that acupuncture is dangerous because the risk of infection is high and that acupuncturists are not using sufficient care to prevent infections. Both assertions are patently false, the risks greatly exaggerated and, if anything, has clarified for the public how safe trained practitioners of acupuncture are. Every medical treatment from aspirin to brain surgery carries some risk and acupuncture is no exception. According to one study, "Although the incidence of minor adverse events associated with acupuncture may be considerable, serious adverse events are rare." tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-32189 2010-04-01T12:00:32-07:00 2010-04-01T12:00:07-07:00

Sometimes patients don't listen to or comply with a single thing the acupuncturist says. I expect my acupuncturist to improve my health despite my noncompliance; I believe most patients do. Last week, I felt some cramping in my lower abdomen. It started out like menstrual cramps, but it was the wrong time in my cycle for that. As the week progressed, the pain intensified. It shifted from slight cramping to more intense cramping and then to a sharp pain just above the pubic bone. I began to have difficulty walking, sitting or standing. Sitting was the most painful, as a stitch would develop that would hurt so much when I moved, I'd lose my breath. The pain migrated slightly to the left and intensified. I could not stand to my full height and shuffled when I walked. The pain became unrelenting after a few days.

By Constance Scharff, PhD Sometimes patients don't listen to or comply with a single thing the acupuncturist says. I expect my acupuncturist to improve my health despite my noncompliance; I believe most patients do. Last week, I felt some cramping in my lower abdomen. It started out like menstrual cramps, but it was the wrong time in my cycle for that. As the week progressed, the pain intensified. It shifted from slight cramping to more intense cramping and then to a sharp pain just above the pubic bone. I began to have difficulty walking, sitting or standing. Sitting was the most painful, as a stitch would develop that would hurt so much when I moved, I'd lose my breath. The pain migrated slightly to the left and intensified. I could not stand to my full height and shuffled when I walked. The pain became unrelenting after a few days. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-32140 2010-02-01T12:00:32-07:00 2010-02-01T12:00:07-07:00

I have long been uncomfortable with the use of the word cure, and have never used it in my practice, for fear of not being able to live up to that ideal. A friend recently reminded me that the word cure is often associated with quackery. That was what I sensed.

By Laura Christensen, MA, LAc, MAc I have long been uncomfortable with the use of the word cure, and have never used it in my practice, for fear of not being able to live up to that ideal. A friend recently reminded me that the word cure is often associated with quackery. That was what I sensed. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-32116 2010-01-01T12:00:32-07:00 2010-01-01T12:00:07-07:00

I am rather attached to my acupuncturist. I think this is part of the nature of the relationship that can develop between a practitioner and patient. My acupuncturist has helped me through some tremendous difficulties, doing so with compassion and respect. This shared experience built a bond and loyalty that is quite strong. Because of this bond, I prefer to be treated only by my regular practitioner. I'm sure other patients can relate.

By Constance Scharff, PhD I am rather attached to my acupuncturist. I think this is part of the nature of the relationship that can develop between a practitioner and patient. My acupuncturist has helped me through some tremendous difficulties, doing so with compassion and respect. This shared experience built a bond and loyalty that is quite strong. Because of this bond, I prefer to be treated only by my regular practitioner. I'm sure other patients can relate. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-32070 2009-10-01T12:00:32-07:00 2009-10-01T12:00:07-07:00

I recently attended an acupuncture symposium in the southern United States. There were hundreds of acupuncturists present. Some practiced TCM, and others practiced the Five-Element style. There were practitioners who were primarily herbalists, those who specialized in fertility, and others who practiced using techniques I'd never heard of. The variety of specialties and medical philosophies was fascinating.

By Constance Scharff, PhD I recently attended an acupuncture symposium in the southern United States. There were hundreds of acupuncturists present. Some practiced TCM, and others practiced the Five-Element style. There were practitioners who were primarily herbalists, those who specialized in fertility, and others who practiced using techniques I'd never heard of. The variety of specialties and medical philosophies was fascinating. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-32068 2009-10-01T12:00:32-07:00 2009-10-01T12:00:07-07:00

When new or returning clients come into the program they are usually "all tore up," physically and emotionally. Even if they haven't bottomed out to the streets, they may have a court case hanging over their heads. They may be living in a shelter or shuffling from relative to relative. They may owe drug dealers money. Generally, their life is chaos. Into this chaos I have to introduce, what for many, is new and unusual information. As part of a client's intake, my job is to impart information about the benefits of acupuncture, especially the detox aspect. I must make sure they understand all the risks, no matter how small, to satisfy Informed Consent, although I always leave that part until the end. Given the chaos that so much of their lives can be, I try my best to be consistent with the information I give.

By Gregory Ross, LAc When new or returning clients come into the program they are usually "all tore up," physically and emotionally. Even if they haven't bottomed out to the streets, they may have a court case hanging over their heads. They may be living in a shelter or shuffling from relative to relative. They may owe drug dealers money. Generally, their life is chaos. Into this chaos I have to introduce, what for many, is new and unusual information. As part of a client's intake, my job is to impart information about the benefits of acupuncture, especially the detox aspect. I must make sure they understand all the risks, no matter how small, to satisfy Informed Consent, although I always leave that part until the end. Given the chaos that so much of their lives can be, I try my best to be consistent with the information I give. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-32066 2009-10-01T12:00:32-07:00 2009-10-01T12:00:07-07:00

Since my last article generated such interest, I am going to drill down on the subject of old patterns, particularly unhealthy habits. There is something unique about our time and place in human history that makes this subject so much more critical than ever before. With unprecedented amounts of fake foods, drugs, low-quality calories, cigarettes, sedentary lifestyles and a host of other modern traps that look and feel good but aren't, we've gotten fooled.

By Andrew Rader, LAc, MS Since my last article generated such interest, I am going to drill down on the subject of old patterns, particularly unhealthy habits. There is something unique about our time and place in human history that makes this subject so much more critical than ever before. With unprecedented amounts of fake foods, drugs, low-quality calories, cigarettes, sedentary lifestyles and a host of other modern traps that look and feel good but aren't, we've gotten fooled. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-32064 2009-10-01T12:00:32-07:00 2009-10-01T12:00:07-07:00

It hardly seems possible that another year has come and gone and the celebration of National Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine Day on Oct. 24 is just around the corner once again. How and why should this day be celebrated? Each one of us has some great ideas, so share them with others in your area. This special day presents many unique opportunities to share the healing benefits of Oriental medicine.

By Marilyn Allen, Editor-at-Large It hardly seems possible that another year has come and gone and the celebration of National Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine Day on Oct. 24 is just around the corner once again. How and why should this day be celebrated? Each one of us has some great ideas, so share them with others in your area. This special day presents many unique opportunities to share the healing benefits of Oriental medicine. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-32050 2009-09-01T12:00:32-07:00 2009-09-01T12:00:07-07:00

Desperate times call for drastic measures. Anticipating a 20 percent reduction in revenue, the nonprofit CEO asked me, "We are already as lean as we can be! We have cut services, prioritized our work and eliminated non-essential areas. Our leadership will forego bonuses and raises this year. We have installed a hiring freeze and won't replace employees who retire or resign. Starting next month, our employees will pay more for their own health insurance. In addition, nobody will receive contributions to retirement funds this year. We even closed the company day care. What else can we do?"

By Nancy Post, MAc, PhD Desperate times call for drastic measures. Anticipating a 20 percent reduction in revenue, the nonprofit CEO asked me, "We are already as lean as we can be! We have cut services, prioritized our work and eliminated non-essential areas. Our leadership will forego bonuses and raises this year. We have installed a hiring freeze and won't replace employees who retire or resign. Starting next month, our employees will pay more for their own health insurance. In addition, nobody will receive contributions to retirement funds this year. We even closed the company day care. What else can we do?" tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-32046 2009-09-01T12:00:32-07:00 2009-09-01T12:00:07-07:00

Patients don't always disclose the whole truth. Sometimes, we tell outright lies. I was sitting with a friend of mine who is an acupuncturist. We were at Starbucks discussing a project we were working on together. I wasn't feeling particularly well. My friend asked if he could take my pulse. As he felt my wrist, he asked me a few questions, which I answered truthfully. He spoke quietly, cognizant of the fact that we were in a public place. I'm sure no one around could hear. Then he asked, almost half to himself, "And your bowels? You've had loose stools recently?" Of course I said, "No."

By Constance Scharff, PhD Patients don't always disclose the whole truth. Sometimes, we tell outright lies. I was sitting with a friend of mine who is an acupuncturist. We were at Starbucks discussing a project we were working on together. I wasn't feeling particularly well. My friend asked if he could take my pulse. As he felt my wrist, he asked me a few questions, which I answered truthfully. He spoke quietly, cognizant of the fact that we were in a public place. I'm sure no one around could hear. Then he asked, almost half to himself, "And your bowels? You've had loose stools recently?" Of course I said, "No." tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-32026 2009-08-01T12:00:32-07:00 2009-08-01T12:00:07-07:00

Both my parents smoked when I was growing up and I hated it. Abhorred would be a better word. No matter how I ranted and raved, nothing changed. In the car, at the dinner table, in bowling alleys and restaurants, and at birthday parties. Cigarette smoking was pervasive. It wasn't just my parents either; aunts, uncles, friends and strangers all smoked around me. I've inhaled more than 20 years of second-hand smoke, and my mom, of course, smoked when she was pregnant.

By Gregg St. Clair, BA, MSTOM, LAc Both my parents smoked when I was growing up and I hated it. Abhorred would be a better word. No matter how I ranted and raved, nothing changed. In the car, at the dinner table, in bowling alleys and restaurants, and at birthday parties. Cigarette smoking was pervasive. It wasn't just my parents either; aunts, uncles, friends and strangers all smoked around me. I've inhaled more than 20 years of second-hand smoke, and my mom, of course, smoked when she was pregnant. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-32015 2009-08-01T12:00:32-07:00 2009-08-01T12:00:07-07:00

When my calendar has a notation for an acupuncture appointment, I am elated. I've never felt like that about visiting any other type of medical practice. I don't smile at the thought of going to the gynecologist or the dentist. But acupuncture makes me happy. I think my enthusiasm for acupuncture comes not so much from its effects, which have been tremendously positive, but from the fact that my acupuncturist seems to truly understand and care for me.

By Constance Scharff, PhD When my calendar has a notation for an acupuncture appointment, I am elated. I've never felt like that about visiting any other type of medical practice. I don't smile at the thought of going to the gynecologist or the dentist. But acupuncture makes me happy. I think my enthusiasm for acupuncture comes not so much from its effects, which have been tremendously positive, but from the fact that my acupuncturist seems to truly understand and care for me. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-32008 2009-08-01T12:00:32-07:00 2009-08-01T12:00:07-07:00

My understanding of Chinese medical philosophy begins with the rather optimistic belief that, in general, we begin our life in a state of health or harmony. Although this constitutional starting point is relative for each individual, it is our bodies natural inclination to work to sustain this grounded state of well-being. It is primarily due to the effects of lifestyle and emotions, and interactions with environmental forces that patterns of disharmony begin to arise.

By Matthew J. Robinson, MAc My understanding of Chinese medical philosophy begins with the rather optimistic belief that, in general, we begin our life in a state of health or harmony. Although this constitutional starting point is relative for each individual, it is our bodies natural inclination to work to sustain this grounded state of well-being. It is primarily due to the effects of lifestyle and emotions, and interactions with environmental forces that patterns of disharmony begin to arise. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-31986 2009-07-01T12:00:32-07:00 2009-07-01T12:00:07-07:00

As a consistent reader of Acupuncture Today, I noted that most of the articles in the publication are written by acupuncturists. Because I am a reader who is not an acupuncturist, I found the emphasis on the practitioners' perspective insufficient, as the acupuncturist is only half of the equation in the patient/clinician relationship.

By Constance Scharff, PhD As a consistent reader of Acupuncture Today, I noted that most of the articles in the publication are written by acupuncturists. Because I am a reader who is not an acupuncturist, I found the emphasis on the practitioners' perspective insufficient, as the acupuncturist is only half of the equation in the patient/clinician relationship. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-31975 2009-05-07T12:00:32-07:00 2009-05-07T12:00:07-07:00

Oregon College of Oriental Medicine (OCOM) will be hosting "An Evening with OCOM: Bringing Healing to the Heart of the City" at the Portland Classical Chinese Garden on Thurs., June 11 from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM. The event is free and open to the public. OCOM's trustees, alumni, community advocates, corporate supporters, faculty and staff, as well as prominent business and civic leaders will be invited to attend.

Editorial Staff Oregon College of Oriental Medicine (OCOM) will be hosting "An Evening with OCOM: Bringing Healing to the Heart of the City" at the Portland Classical Chinese Garden on Thurs., June 11 from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM. The event is free and open to the public. OCOM's trustees, alumni, community advocates, corporate supporters, faculty and staff, as well as prominent business and civic leaders will be invited to attend. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-31966 2009-06-01T12:00:32-07:00 2009-06-01T12:00:07-07:00

Classical Chinese medicine has, within its vast breadth, the tools to reach any level of suffering. It is up to us to perceive which tools (points) are being called for us to use.

By Neil Gumenick, MAc (UK), LAc, Dipl. Ac Classical Chinese medicine has, within its vast breadth, the tools to reach any level of suffering. It is up to us to perceive which tools (points) are being called for us to use. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-31964 2009-06-01T12:00:32-07:00 2009-06-01T12:00:07-07:00

Hospital visits can be, and often are, unsafe in the U.S. So much so that a private and extraordinarily reputable group was formed, the Institute for Health Improvement (IHI), to campaign for greater safety and quality.

By Nancy Post, MAc, PhD Hospital visits can be, and often are, unsafe in the U.S. So much so that a private and extraordinarily reputable group was formed, the Institute for Health Improvement (IHI), to campaign for greater safety and quality. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-31962 2009-06-01T12:00:32-07:00 2009-06-01T12:00:07-07:00

In my last article, I mentioned that I find it interesting when patients stop coming for treatment when they start getting better. I want to clarify and explore this more.

By Kaleb Montgomery, DTCM In my last article, I mentioned that I find it interesting when patients stop coming for treatment when they start getting better. I want to clarify and explore this more.