Alleviate Your Migraine and Headache Pain

Qi Mail™ The Acupuncture Newsletter

Julee Miller AP, DOM, BS, LMT Health Pointe Jacksonville, LLC 3840 Belfort Road, Suite 305 Jacksonville, FL 32216 904-448-0046/www.hpjax.com

Alleviate Your Migraine and Headache Pain Are you plagued by chronic headaches? More than 45 million Americans                        (one in six) suffer from chronic headaches, and 20 million of them are women.                                                  Scientific research shows that acupuncture can be more effective than                                                       medication in reducing the severity and frequency of chronic headaches. The pain that headache and migraine sufferers endure can impact every aspect                                                     of their lives. Acupuncture is a widely accepted form of treatment for headaches,                                                    and can offer powerful relief without the side effects that prescription and over-                                           the-counter drugs can cause. Headaches and migraines, as well as their under-                                                   lying causes, have been treated successfully with acupuncture and Oriental                                                   medicine for thousands of years. They can be used alone in the management                                                        and treatment of headaches, or as part of a comprehensive treatment program. Acupuncture and Oriental medicine do not recognize migraines and chronic                                                     headaches as one particular syndrome. Instead, these approaches aim to                                                            treat the specific symptoms that are unique to each individual using a variety                                                           of of techniques including acupuncture, tui-na massage, and energetic                                                              exercises to restore balance in the body. Therefore, your diagnosis and                                                           treatment will depend on a number of variables. In diagnosing your individual                                                          issues, you may be asked a series of questions, including: Is the headache behind your eyes and temples, or is it located more                                                             on the top of your head? When do your headaches occur (i.e. night, morning, after eating)? Do you find that a cold compress or a darkened room can alleviate                                                            some of the pain? Is the pain dull and throbbing, or sharp and piercing? Your answers to these questions will help your practitioner create a                                                                  treatment plan specifically for you. The basic foundation of Oriental                                                                            medicine is that there is a life energy flowing through the body which is                                                                    termed Qi (pronounced chee). This energy flows through the body on channels                                                   known as meridians that connect all of our major organs. According to Oriental                                                       medical theory, illness or pain arises when the cyclical flow of Qi in the meridians                                         becomes unbalanced. Acupuncture stimulates specific points located on or near the surface of the skin                                                   to alter various biochemical and physiological conditions that cause aches and                                                   pains or illness. The length, number and frequency of treatments will vary. Some                     headaches,migraines and related symptoms are relieved after the first treatment,                                           while more severe  or chronic ailments often require multiple treatments. Do you or someone you know suffer from headaches or migraines? Call                                           (904)448-0046 today to find out how acupuncture and Oriental medicine can                                                       help you! Relief, Naturally! Here are some natural alternatives to ease your aching head: The Headache Point - Large Intestine 4 is such a powerful acupuncture point                                                      for headaches that it is often referred to as "the headache point." It is located                                                         on the padded area of your hand between the thumb and index finger, between                                                       the first and second metacarpal bones. Massage this point with your thumb on                                                     both hands for approximately 30 seconds. Peppermint Oil - It has a calming and soothing effect on the body, and is                                                                 often used to treat headaches. Rub peppermint essential oil across your                                                         forehead and temples to relieve a tension headache or inhale a peppermint                                                            steam treatment to treat a sinus headache. Adding 10-15 drops of peppermint                                                        oil to a warm bath is another great way to relax, reduce muscle tension                                                                     and relieve a headache. Ginger - Numerous clinical studies have shown that ginger can be used to re-                                                       lieve headaches. Researchers believe it does so by relaxing the blood vessels                                                      in the head and diminishing swelling in the brain. Ginger also activates natural                                                opiates in the brain that relieve pain, and reduce prostaglandins, which are                                                responsible for causing inflammation.  Acupuncture- for headaches and migraine prevention: Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has a very consistent and philosophically-                                                 based framework for headache etiology, physiology, diagnosis and treatment                                                  strategy. Acupuncture, as an effective treatment modality, has been applied                                                              to headaches from the earliest beginnings of TCM. Acupuncture is not only effective for migraine headaches, but also works very                                                          well with tension headaches, cluster headaches, post-traumatic headaches,                                                       and disease-related headaches that might be due to sinus problems, high                                                           blood pressure or sleeping disorders. The greatest advantage of acupuncture                                                       over Western medicine is that it does virtually no harm. Some medications can                                                       have serious side effects and can (in some instances) actually lead to patients                                        experiencing a "rebound" headache. Unlike synthetic drugs, acupuncture has                                                    virtually no side effects, and the procedures for treating headaches are much                                                         less invasive with acupuncture than with surgery. Healthy Habits Headache sufferers can reduce the intensity and frequency of their headaches                                                      or migraine episodes by following these healthy habits: Nutrition Eat regular meals, and avoid foods and drinks that are known to trigger your                                                    headache attacks. Sleep Practice good sleep habits. Maintain a regular sleeping schedule, including                                                 weekends and vacations. If you have insomnia or have difficulties getting a                                                           restful sleep ask how acupuncture can help. Stress Implement stress reduction techniques into your daily life. If you are having                                                          difficulties managing your stress, acupuncture provides a number of tools to                                                          help keep it in check. Be a Partner in Your Care Stay informed, so you can be a participant in your treatment and an advocate                                                          for improving your own headache treatment. Headache Journal Keep a journal of when your headaches occur, along with any triggers, and                                                              share the information with your healthcare provider. Education Stay apprised of the latest treatment options and headache relief news. See Your Healthcare Provider Call now (904) 448-0046 take an appointment  to specifically discuss your                                                   headaches and available treatment for them!

Fertility Connection and Chinese Medicine

Qi Mail

Julee MillerAP,DOM,LMT

Health Pointe Jacksonville

3840 Belfort Road

Jacksonville, FL, 32216

9040448-0046

www.hpjax.com

 

Fertility Connection and Chinese Medicine

 Are you ready for baby? In order to increase your chances of getting pregnant, it is important to create an inviting environment for an embryo to implant and develop.  By being proactive you can greatly increase your chances- from acupuncture to, to exercise and just plain rest here are some of the best things you can do. For example, when trying to conceive, a woman’s body needs a host of plentiful vitamins and minerals. This will help prepare her body to carry a baby for nine months. Traditional Chinese Medicine has long since been utilized to help prepare for a healthy conception by employing both internal and external health habits. The ability to conceive is greatly influenced by our environment, what we eat, our sleep patterns and our stress levels.

Fertility rates can be greatly affected by adjusting lifestyle patterns and dietary intake. Sadly, most of the staple “all American” foods can actually be inhibiting fertility rates.  For example, the Chinese believe that the consumption of dairy products in particular milk can inhibit fertility.  Several studies show a negative correlation between milk consumption and fertility.  According to a 1994 study done at Harvard Medical School and cited in the American Journal of Epidemiology, in countries where milk consumption is highest, women experience the sharpest age-related drop off in fertility.

Traditional Chinese medicine also strongly advises individuals struggling with their fertility to avoid cold raw foods such as ice cream, salads, ice drinks, raw vegetables and foods straight out of the refrigerator.  The cold properties of these foods deplete and weaken the digestive energy slowing down digestion and causing cold to enter the uterus.  It is also recommended to consume fluids at room temperature, steam or grill vegetables, and avoid ice cream all together.
Having a healthy understanding of the fertility, menstruation, nutrition and stress relief techniques will all play vital roles in your Baby Quest.

A Healthy Menstrual Cycle

The female menstrual period represents a very physical external expression of female reproductive health. According to Chinese Medicine, obtaining a healthy menstruation is the primary key to fertility, whether attempting a natural conception or using ART (Artificial Reproduction Techniques including IVF and IUI).  Just what is a “healthy menstruation”, you ask?  An ideal cycle is regular; It usually occurs every 28 or 30 (a good range is anywhere from 25-35) days and lasts anywhere from 3 to 7 days; it contains little PMS; most blood is bright red; has no blood clots, and there is little to no pain.  That being said, every woman’s menstruation is just a little bit different. Here are some other parts of menstruation

·         Follicular phase- Days 1-12 (approximately) of your menstrual cycle before ovulation is called the follicular phase. During this time the follicles continue to mature and grow, and at the time of ovulation, the dominant follicle will release an egg. The follicular phase is considered the yin part of the cycle in Traditional Chinese Medicine. Or the “growing phase”. Foods that nourish Yin include: fruits such as raspberries, pineapples and grapes; vegetables such as asparagus and beans; adequate proteins, especially tofu and fish; and organ meats such as kidneys, brains and hearts. Avoid spicy, pungent foods.

·         Note cervical mucus or discharge. All women have cervical discharge throughout the month. The discharge is healthiest when it is clear to white, not any other color. The discharge that indicates fertility is called S-type and is that which begins approximately 6 days before ovulation with the rise of estrogen. This discharge will be clear, stretchy and have the consistency of raw egg white. A substantive discharge means increased fertility because it facilitates pathways for sperm to enter the uterus. This discharge is considered yin in nature. If you are lacking this type of cervical discharge, you might be yin deficient, take note of the Yin foods to increase above.  There are also some medications that will dry up or interfere with cervical fluid which are antihistamines, atropine, N-SAIDS, and antidepressants.

·         Ovulation is the release of the egg. This time varies generally between Days 12-15 of the menstrual cycle. Once released at ovulation, the egg lives for 6-12 hours. By contrast, the sperm lives for up to 5 days. Note: the prime time to start engaging in intercourse would be 4-5 days prior to ovulation, 48 hours being the optimal time

·         Luteal phase is the phase after ovulation. This phase is more yang in nature. Many fertility quests can be sidelined by a “luteal phase defect” which can signal a progesterone deficiency. The following food and dietary changes will help strengthen this phase promoting a healthy and prolonged ovulation necessary for implantation.

Foods that nourish Yang include warming foods: ginger; ginger tea; beans; grains; and vegetables such as mustard greens, winter squash, cabbage and kale. Avoid ice cold drinks, ice cream and foods that are very cold. In general, it is a good idea to avoid ice water and ice cream during pregnancy attempts.

·         Menstruation: The start of the menstrual cycle is calculated from Day 1 with the commencement of the period, which is the first day of blood flow. Traditional Chinese Medicine says that you are most deficient and are more vulnerable. To avoid depletion while you are bleeding, it is best to keep your feet warm, don't walk around the house barefoot, and don't swim in cold water. While you are bleeding and right after, it is important to nourish, or build up, your blood.

Foods that nourish blood include: fruits such as blackberries, raspberries and grapes; organic meats and poultry; soup stock made from the bones of the meat and poultry; and vegetables such as turnips, spinach and dark, leafy greens.

*Note: the addition of acupuncture treatments can greatly improve each of these phases naturally thus promoting increased fertility rates and conceptions. Please find a qualified practitioner with a 4 year degree in Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine, a Licensed Acupuncturist with a Fertility Specialty for the best outcome.
 

The perils of age

Delayed marriage and child birth are an unmistakable trend all over the world, particularly so in the United States. More and more couples are actively choosing to delay conception for many reasons: maturity, stability, and an established career path. In order to do this, many women will choose to take oral contraceptives (BCPs), and some even take them for decades.

Unlike men who produce fresh semen daily, women are born with all the eggs that they will need for their entire lifetime.  Yikes. And, as women age so do their eggs.  From late 30’s women’s fertility is in natural decline.  For older women who have decided to have children later in life (generally considered over the age of 37), the combination of reproductive aging and the undesirable side effects of BCPs can have a severe and profound impact on fertility.

If women are looking to give themselves the greatest opportunity of becoming pregnant it is advisable that they start trying sooner rather than later and either avoid using the BCP or cease it as soon as possible.

Diet

 
 

There is a Chinese medicine saying that goes, ‘a woman’s reproductive organs hangs off her digestion like a bell’. This statement an indication of the degree of importance placed on maintaining optimal digestive function when treating any gynecological condition at any age. For the fertility quest, it is advisable for both partners to follow an organic, wholefood diet, avoiding additives, preservatives and chemicals such as artificial sweeteners and avoiding meats that have been treated with hormones or fish that contains mercury. The most important thing to remember is that food is medicine, and it is important to eat as purely as possible.  Take time to eat meals, relax and focus on which foods make you feel good.

Here is a more concise list of foods to eat to increase fertility:

• A diet high in calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, and vitamins B and E is recommended. These nutrients are easily depleted by stress
•  Encourage the consumption of fruits and vegetables such as apricots, wintermelon, asparagus, kale, spinach, romaine lettuce, avocados, bananas and broccoli in addition to brown rice, dried fruit, figs, salmon, garlic, green leafy vegetables, non-synthetic soy products, and yogurt.
•  Eat plenty of foods rich in anti-oxidants: tea (of the hot variety: black, green and white), blueberries, cherries, black plums, prunes, and apples, peppers, and parsley.
• Avoid caffeine (coffee, tea, sodas, chocolate).  A Yale University School of Medicine study found that the risk of infertility was 55% higher for women drinking 1 cup of coffee per day, 100% higher for women drinking 1 and 1 - 3 cups, and 176% higher for those drinking more than 3 cups of coffee per day.  
• Avoid alcohol, and sugar whenever possible
•  Reduce exposure to environmental estrogens in foods
• Eat foods rich in B6 including; chicken, fish, liver, pork, egg, soy which can help balance key hormones in fertility
• Women need to eat food with essential fatty acids, e.g., soy products and wild caught salmon. Essential fatty acids are also found in non-hydrogenated cold pressed oils like flaxseed, winter vegetables, such as broccoli, cauliflower, and carrots, and all dark green vegetables.
•  For men and women, foods that nourish their kidney essence include: chicken or duck and eggs from both; seeds and nuts; oysters; seaweed and algae.

Lifestyle Tips

Difficulties with fertility sends stress levels skyrocketing. Stress can cause chemical changes in the uterine and vaginal secretions which normally help sperm achieve fertilization. Therefore, finding ways to relieve stress becomes paramount. Some stress relievers include:  meditation, yoga, relaxing with friends, massage, acupuncture, and any other calming activities that work for you are highly encouraged at this time. Other tips include:

•  Get away from the daily routine to do something different and enjoyable to relieve stress whenever possible
•  Regular exercise, adequate rest and normal sleep patterns are beneficial for stress reduction
• Practice meditation exercises at least twice daily
• Shift outlook on life and look at changes in a positive way and as challenges, rather than threats
•  Avoid environmental hazards such as pesticides, lead, heavy metals, and radiation.
• Abstain from sex for short periods. Abstaining can increase the volume and potency of sperm, but abstaining for too long can leave too many older less motile sperm. Do not abstain for more than 3 to 6 days.
•  Avoid certain medications such as anabolic steroids, some antibiotics (nitrofurans and macrolides), sulfasalazine (anti-diarrheal), and ketoconazole (anti-fungal), which are known to cause fertility issues
• Have sex every other day throughout your fertile period. While having sex at the right time is one of the MOST important things you can do, some couples overlook this. Reminder: a woman’s egg is viable for just under 24 hours. Most sperm live 2-3days, with some living up to 5 days. This means your fertile period begins approximately five days before ovulation and ends one day after.
•  For men: skip saunas, hot tubs and tight clothes, all of which heat up sperm.
•  For women: enjoy the foods noted above, exercise as a stress reliever and to maintain health but don't overdo it. Excessive exercise depletes Yin (as noted above). Now is not the time to take up Cross Fit or to start training for a marathon. You are preparing your body for conception and a healthy place for your baby to live, not to become the next Iron Wo-Man.

Supplements and Support

Focusing on diet and lifestyle can make a difference for couples trying to conceive. Additionally there are some herbs and supplements that may very well aid fertility. Nutritional supplements can be used to help support the body's reproductive health in many ways.

•   High potency multivitamins and minerals  for daily nutrients
•  Vitamin C, a powerful anti-oxidant, 500-1,000 mg TID helps remove toxic metals that can interfere with pregnancy and is essential for healthy placenta
•  Vitamin E, 400-800 IU daily may increase egg quality
• B6, 100-300 mg daily can help adjust progesterone and estrogen levels
•  EFA capsules, 250mg 1-3 daily, can help the health of your reproductive system, insulin levels, heart and brain
•  Iron, 10-15mg daily can benefit women who bleed profusely due to anemia
•  Magnesium, 250-500 mg daily soothes the nervous system and reduces irritability
•   Co-Q10, 30-100 mg daily may improve egg quality
•  Folate or folic acid, 400-800 mg daily may prevent neural tube defects and other birth defects and protects the heart
•  L-Arginine, 10g daily has shown to increase fertility in women who had previously failed in-vitro fertilization-IVF procedures
•  Borage oil has been shown to be effective in regulating estrogen and progesterone
• Vitex agnus-castus, or chasteberry, 150-200 mg daily, helps ovaries to ovulate and normalizes progesterone levels

Final Words

Having a baby can be the one of the most exciting times in a couple's life. From conception to birth, pregnancy is usually a happy and joyful journey. For couples, struggles with infertility can be agonizing. Proper diet and nutrition can greatly aid the body in conceiving and carrying a healthy baby, and are beneficial in overall health.

Chinese New Year- Year of the Horse

What is Chinese New Year?
New Year is one of China's oldest festivals. It marks the beginning of a new year and a new agricultural season, and is considered a time for loved ones to reunite and take part in traditions designed to bring good fortune for the next 12 months.

Chinese New Year is held each year between 21 January and 20 February. The main celebration will be held this year on 31 January, although the festival will begin a day earlier. Each year the exact date of Chinese New Year changes because it is actually determined by the lunisolar cycle.

This year brings the year of the Horse.

The Horse is one of Chinese favorite animals: in centuries past they provided quick transportation to destinations for people before the invention of automobiles. Horses are legendary for their ability to run long distances on great journeys, therefore, the Horse is not only a symbol of traveling, but also a sign of speedy success. They like to compete with others, constantly in pursuit for their freedom, passion and leadership. Astrologers predict 2014 will most likely provide very busy schedules for goal reaching, prosperity, success, and a great time to travel!

According to Astrologists, there might not be a bigger shift in energy over the entire 60 year wheel of Chinese Astrology than this one coming up. They say this will be a promethean year, "the Beginning of all beginnings". Full of optimism, uplift and inspiration guiding us into purposeful action. Where light, hope and clarity of vision come galloping in! Coupling the year of the Horse with it's element this year of Wood further activates the year of vibrant energy clearing out from years of inward introspection from Water elements. The time has come to break out of those cocoons (planning and thinking and worrying) and start DOING. With gusto.

This will be a promethean year, the Beginning of all beginnings, arriving around January 31st to February 4th, 2014.  Full of uplift, optimism and compelling inspiration, we will be guided into purposeful action of the most elegantly simple and powerfully fruitful kind.  After two years of feeling every revelation of corruption in the dark as if it was scouring our subconscious insides and wringing us dry of watery emotion, we are READY for this change!  Light, hope and clarity of vision gallop in. Emerge from your cocoons, everybody, here we goooooo! - See more at: http://westernschooloffengshui.com/2014/01/2014woodhorse/#sthash.R0wy9pSx.AGFrbTDk.dpuf

There might not be a bigger shift of energies in the entire 60 year wheel of Chinese astrology than this one coming up–the shift from two Water years of deep introspection to the fast-paced spurt of extroverted forward propulsion that the Wood Horse brings.  Hold on to your hats, folks, and realize that you won’t be able to, nor will you want to, slow your horses in the New Year ahead! - See more at: http://westernschooloffengshui.com/2014/01/2014woodhorse/#sthash.R0wy9pSx.AGFrbTDk.dpufb

There might not be a bigger shift of energies in the entire 60 year wheel of Chinese astrology than this one coming up–the shift from two Water years of deep introspection to the fast-paced spurt of extroverted forward propulsion that the Wood Horse brings.  Hold on to your hats, folks, and realize that you won’t be able to, nor will you want to, slow your horses in the New Year ahead! - See more at: http://westernschooloffengshui.com/2014/01/2014woodhorse/#sthash.R0wy9pSx.AGFrbTDk.dpuf

There might not be a bigger shift of energies in the entire 60 year wheel of Chinese astrology than this one coming up–the shift from two Water years of deep introspection to the fast-paced spurt of extroverted forward propulsion that the Wood Horse brings.  Hold on to your hats, folks, and realize that you won’t be able to, nor will you want to, slow your horses in the New Year ahead! - See more at: http://westernschooloffengshui.com/2014/01/2014woodhorse/#sthash.R0wy9pSx.AGFrbTDk.dpuf

What will the year of the horse bring?
For those born on the year of the horse, they will encounter their Year of Birth. It is believed they will offend Taisui, the god in charge of fortune, so their finances may fluctuate. In terms of career, it is advised to keep the peace between colleagues.
For those not born on a horse year, the year ahead will bring health and prosperity. It is said to be an excellent time to travel, as the next 12 months will bring good luck. You are advised to mingle with the locals, savour authentic cuisine and discover somewhere you have never been before.

How is it celebrated?
In China, New Year traditions vary depending on the region, although there are a number of customs that remain at the heart of all Chinese New Year celebrations:

• Cleaning 

  Out with the old and in with the new. In the run up to New Year, houses are cleaned top to bottom. Some Chinese people take a bath with pomelo leaves (a citrus fruit native to South East Asia) as it's believed to enhance prosperity for the coming year. It is also traditional not to wash your hair during the initial days of New Year as it risks washing out any newly acquired prosperity.

• Decoration 

  Doorways, windows and various other parts of houses are decorated with red ribbons and banners to ward off evil. It is also customary to put on brand new red clothes – red being a color associated with good luck - in the early hours of New Year's Day as it is thought to ward off evil and symbolizes a new start.

• New Year's Eve meal

  Chinese New Year is a time for families to reunite and the New Year's Eve meal is the most important of the year. Dumplings and fish are served as symbols of prosperity and children receive gifts, including envelopes filled with money.

• Fireworks

  It wouldn't be Chinese New Year without fireworks and fire-crackers. Traditionally they are set off on New Year's Eve in order to bid farewell to the old year and usher in the new.

• Festival of the Lanterns

  The 15th day of the festival is known as the Festival of the Lanterns. It marks the last day of the lunar year and the end of all Chinese New Year celebrations. Red paper lanterns of all shapes and sizes are hung in streets and from almost all houses. Children often make their own lanterns in order to light the way as they stroll through the streets with friends and family. Many people write poems on the lanterns, while others inscribe riddles for others to solve in exchange for small gifts.

  Wishing you continued Health and Prosperity!