Acupuncture and Menopause

Qi Mail™The Acupuncture Newsletter
October 2009

Julee Miller AP, DOM, LMT
Health Pointe Jacksonville, LLC3840 Belfort Road, Suite 305
Jacksonville, FL 32216
904-448-0046 /www.hpjax.com


Acupuncture and Menopause: Creating Physical and Emotional Health with Acupuncture

With its close understanding of the female body, Oriental medicine has always addressed the special needs of women throughout their lives. Menopause, in particular, is an area in which Oriental Medicine shines. Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine have the ability to detect energetic changes that occur in the body and quickly relieve uncomfortable symptoms that accompany the onset of menopause.

What is Menopause?
Menopause is a transitional period marking the cessation of ovulation in a woman’s body. Most women stop menstruating between the ages of 48 and 52, but symptoms can begin as early as 35. Symptoms vary from mild to severe, and are brought on as our bodies try to adapt to decreasing amounts of estrogen. Symptoms include hot flashes, night sweats, insomnia, fatigue, mood swings, memory loss, vaginal dryness, headaches, joint pain, and weight gain.


From an Eastern Perspective
According to Oriental Medical theory, menopause occurs when a woman’s body begins to preserve blood and energy in order to sustain her. The kidney is the organ system in Oriental Medicine that is viewed as the root of reproduction, vitality and longevity. Menopause signifies the depletion of the fertility essence stored within the kidneys. Blood and essence from the kidneys are conserved and cycled through the body to nourish the woman’s spirit and extend her longevity. Thus, in Oriental Medicine, menopause is seen as true change in life from mother to enlightened and wise being.


Treating Menopause with Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine
Few areas of women’s health stir up as much confusion and debate as Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT), which is normally started when the first symptoms of menopause appear. While HRT may alleviate hot flashes and prevent osteoporosis, they may also increase the risk of breast, ovarian and uterine cancer, and have a number of significant side-effects. But HRT isn’t the only solution, Oriental medicine has long recognized that health and vitality can be sustained over a woman’s lifetime by restoring balance within the body and supporting the natural production of essential hormones.


Lifestyle and Dietary Instructions
Menopause patients are encouraged to maintain a healthy weight and to follow a diet with a high content of raw foods, fruits and vegetables to stabilize blood sugar. Some foods may exacerbate hot flashes or increase mood swings; steer clear of dairy products, red meats, alcohol, sugar, spicy foods, caffeine, and don’t smoke. Lastly, try to eliminate stress, tension and anxiety or learn techniques to cope with stress so that you can diminish the effects that it has on your body and mind. With support from Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine along with small changes in lifestyle and diet, menopause can be a time of a revival of vital energy and an opportunity for personal growth. Please call with any questions or to schedule a consultation.

Study on Acupuncture for Hot Flashes

Acupuncture reduces nighttime hot flashes caused by menopause, according to a study published in the journal, Fertility and Sterility. Researchers found that seven weeks of acupuncture treatment reduced the severity of nighttime hot flashes by twenty-eight percent among menopausal women compared with a six percent decrease among women who had a sham acupuncture treatment.

The effects of acupuncture vs. a sham acupuncture treatment on the severity and frequency of nighttime hot flashes were compared. Taking part in the study were twenty-nine menopausal women experiencing at least seven moderate to severe hot flashes per day.

All of the women underwent nine treatments from trained acupuncturists in sessions over seven weeks. Twelve of the women received real acupuncture using points selected to target hot flashes and sleepiness. The rest of the women received a sham acupuncture treatment using non-penetrating needles at random acupuncture channel points.

Throughout the study, the women reported the number and severity of their hot flashes. The results showed that nighttime hot flash severity decreased significantly (twenty-eight percent) among the women who received acupuncture vs. a six percent drop among the women who got the sham treatment. However, they did not see a similar finding in the frequency of nighttime hot flashes between the two groups.

Researcher Mary Huang, M.S., of Stanford University, and colleagues say the results suggest acupuncture deserves further study as an alternative treatment for menopausal hot flashes. Source:Huang, M. Fertility and Sterility, September 2006; Vol. 86: pp. 700-710. News release, American Society of Reproductive Medicine.

Cold and Flu Season: Boost your Vit. D levels now

In light of the upcoming Cold and Flu Season, I've come across some valuable information on the importance of Vitamin D in prevention and treatment of the cold and flu as well as numerous other chronic diseases. Please take a look at what Dr. Joseph Mercola, D.O. and board certified Family Practioner has to say on the subject (for more information please go to www.mercola.com).

Have a Happy and Healthy Season,

Dr. Julee Miller AP, DOM,LMT


Dr. Mercola's Comments:

As the advent of the experimental swine flu vaccine program draws near, I want to highlight the information coming out that confirms the importance of having sufficient vitamin D levels in order to limit your chances of contracting the swine flu, or any other influenza for that matter.
Dr. Cannell, who is a leader in the field of vitamin D research and education, points out that the CDC unwittingly supports the theory that your vitamin D levels likely play an equally important role in the swine flu as in other types of seasonal flu.
According to the CDC’s statistics, the H1N1 flu has killed 36 children in U.S., and of those, almost two-thirds had either epilepsy, cerebral palsy, or some other neurodevelopmental condition like mental retardation.
All of these neurological conditions are associated with childhood vitamin D deficiency, Dr. Cannell observed, which could also have made them far more susceptible to flu complications.

The Connection Between Your Vitamin D Levels and Contracting the Flu
Previously, Dr. Cannell has published a very credible hypothesis that explains the seasonal nature of the flu.
His findings were first published in the journal Epidemiology and Infection two years ago, followed up with another study published in the Virology Journal last year.
His hypothesis was then confirmed by another study -- the largest and most nationally representative of its kind to date -- that involved about 19,000 Americans. It too found that people with the lowest blood vitamin D levels reported having significantly more recent colds or cases of the flu.
The positive correlation between lower vitamin D levels and increased risk of upper respiratory tract infections was even more pronounced in individuals with asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
Part of the explanation is that vitamin D creates over 200 antimicrobial peptides in your body that serve as natural broad-spectrum antibiotics, so when your vitamin D levels fall, you also reduce your natural capacity to ward off colds, influenza and other respiratory infections.
During flu seasons, vitamin D levels in your blood are typically at their lowest point due to lack of exposure to sunshine.

At least four other recent studies show this inverse association between lower respiratory tract infections and 25(OH)D levels. That is, the higher your vitamin D level, the lower your risk of contracting colds, flu, and other respiratory tract infections:
A 2007 study suggests higher vitamin D status enhances your immunity to microbial infections. They found that subjects with vitamin D deficiency had significantly more days of absence from work due to respiratory infection than did control subjects.
A 2009 study on vitamin D deficiency in newborns with acute lower respiratory infection confirmed a strong, positive correlation between newborns' and mothers' vitamin D levels. Over 87 percent of all newborns and over 67 percent of all mothers had vitamin D levels lower than 20 ng/ml, which is a severe deficiency state. Newborns with vitamin D deficiency appear to have an increased risk of developing ALRI, and since the child’s vitamin D level strongly correlates with its mother’s, the researchers recommend that all mothers optimize their vitamin D levels during pregnancy, especially in the winter months, to safeguard their babies' health.
A similar Indian study published in 2004 also reported that vitamin D deficiency in infants significantly raised their odds ratio for having severe ALRI.
Another 2009 report in the journal Pediatric Research stated that infants and children appear more susceptible to viral rather than bacterial infections when deficient in vitamin D. And that, based on the available evidence showing a strong connection between vitamin D, infections, and immune function in children, vitamin D supplementation may be a valuable therapy in pediatric medicine.
Most American Children and Teenagers are Vitamin D Deficient
It’s been shown that vitamin D deficiency in American teens is very common. According to one recent study, only 25 percent of more than 3,500 teenagers, aged 12 to 19, had levels higher than 26 ng/ml, and 25 percent had levels lower than 15 ng/ml, which is a severe deficiency state.
And in another study that included 6,000 American kids between the ages of one to 21, 9 percent had vitamin D levels less than 15 ng/mL, and 70 percent had less than 30 ng/mL.
As you may recall, the optimal level of vitamin D is far higher than the conventionally recommended level of 30 ng/ml.
Ranges calculated based on the values of healthy people in tropical or subtropical parts of the world, where they are receiving healthy sun exposures, shows that your optimal vitamin D level is likely to be in the 50-65 ng/ml range.
Canada Leads the Pack, Studying Vitamin D’s Impact on Swine Flu
After studying the role of vitamin D in severe seasonal influenza, Canada’s Public Health Agency (PHAC) has confirmed that it will now adapt their research to investigate the role of vitamin D in protection against swine flu.
Unfortunately, it may take years before we see the results of their findings, and in the meantime, little or nothing will be done to promote vitamin D by conventional medicine.
I strongly suggest you don’t wait for their results to come in, as there is already abundant evidence showing that your vitamin D levels play a role in your likelihood of getting the flu.
Also, let’s not forget the fact that there is also abundant evidence showing that flu vaccines do NOT protect you from the flu, and one recent study found it had no impact on pediatric flu-related hospitalizations or doctor visits during the flu seasons studied. In fact, the researchers concluded that "significant influenza vaccine effectiveness could not be demonstrated for any season, age, or setting."
In addition, a systematic review of 51 studies involving 260,000 children age 6 to 23 months also found no evidence that the flu vaccine is any more effective than a placebo.
So if hedging bets, I would bet that optimizing your vitamin D levels will offer far greater advantages and protection than getting a flu shot – whether it’s a seasonal flu vaccine or a swine flu vaccine.
You Can Use Vitamin D to Treat the Flu, Too
If you were to maintain your vitamin D levels within the optimal range of 50-65 ng/ml, you would likely avoid being affected during the cold and flu season entirely.
That said, if you are coming down with flu-like symptoms and have not been on vitamin D you can take doses of 50,000 units a day for three days to treat the acute infection. Some researchers like Dr. Cannell believe the dose could even be as high as 1,000 units per pound of body weight for three days.
Ultimately, your best bet – not just for cold and flu prevention, but for the prevention of an astounding number of common and often chronic diseases – is to maintain healthy levels of vitamin D year-round.
To find out even more important information about vitamin D, I strongly recommend you watch my one-hour free vitamin D lecture along with my video on vitamin D’s role in flu prevention.


PLEASE REALIZE THAT VITAMIN D IS A FAT SOLUBLE VITAMIN SO YOU NEED TO TAKE IT WITH FOOD THAT CONTAINS FAT!
IT IS NOT WATER SOLUBLE. THAT MEANS IF THERE IS NO FAT BEING DIGESTED WITH IT IT WILL NOT BE ABSORBED.

Stretching for Golfer's Elbow

Stretching for Golfers
By: Julee Miller, AP, DOM, LMT, BS
(904) 448-0046/ http://www.hpjax.com/

Stretching is one of the most under-utilized techniques for improving athletic performance and getting rid of those annoying sports injuries. Don't make the mistake of thinking that something as simple as stretching won't be effective. Golf swing flexibility is critical to making a full turn with minimal effort, and keeping the stress on your lower back to a minimum. Simple stretches performed regularly will keep you on the golf course all year-round.

Golfer’s Elbow: By far the most common cause of golfers elbow is overuse. Any action which places a repetitive and prolonged strain on the forearm muscles, coupled with inadequate rest, will tend to strain and overwork those muscles.
There are also many other causes, like a direct injury, such as a bump or fall onto the elbow. Poor technique will contribute to the condition, such as using ill-fitted equipment, like golf clubs, tennis racquets, work tools, etc. While poor levels of general fitness and conditioning will also contribute.
Symptoms:Pain is the most common and obvious symptom associated with golfers elbow. Pain is most often experienced on the inside of the upper forearm, but can also be experienced anywhere from the elbow joint to the wrist.
Weakness, stiffness and a general restriction of movement are also quite common in sufferers of golfers elbow. Even tingling and numbness can be experienced.
Prevention:There are a number of preventative techniques which will help to prevent golfers elbow, including bracing and strapping, modifying equipment, taking extended rests and even learning new routines for repetitive activities. The following preventative steps will help you avoid this sport-limiting injury and allow you to remain on the golf course painfree:
Before any activity be sure to thoroughly warm up all the muscles and tendons which will be used during your sport or activity.
Flexible muscles and tendons are extremely important in the prevention of most strain or sprain injuries. When muscles and tendons are flexible and supple, they are able to move and perform without being over stretched. If however, your muscles and tendons are tight and stiff, it is quite easy for those muscles and tendons to be pushed beyond their natural range of movement. When this happens, strains, sprains, and pulled muscles occur. To keep your muscles and tendons flexible and supple, it is important to undertake a structured stretching routine.









How to Stretch
Based on the research, the best time to stretch is either after a workout, when the soft tissues are warm and pliable, or as a stand-alone workout that won’t be followed by anything powerful or intense. For best results warm up lightly in a way that gently introduces your muscles to the upcoming activity, and save your stretching for after the activity is over. On “off” days, or “stretch only” days begin with a warm up walk of about 5 minutes. Then you may begin 5-10 minutes of stretching before you perform your bike/swim/run workout. All stretches are done SLOWLY, without bouncing. Hold each stretch 10-30 seconds. Go to the point you feel mild tension, relax as you hold the stretch. The feeling of tension should subside as you hold the position. If it does not subside, ease off slightly and find a degree of tension that is comfortable.



Breathing
Should be slow, rhythmical and under control. Exhale as you perform the stretch, then breath slowly as you hold each stretch. DO NOT hold your breath- your muscles require oxygen in order to allow them to elongate. If a stretch prevents you from breathing- ease off and reduce the stretch.

Why Stretch?
WStretching, because it relaxes your mind and tunes up your body, and should be a part of your daily life. You will find that regular stretching will reduce muscle tension, increase range of motion, prevent injuries, prepare you for activity, develop body awareness, promotes circulation, and just feel good. Proper stretching means stretching within your own limits, relaxed, and without comparisons.


By making the most of each training session, listening to your body, stretching, and utilizing your Health Care Team (Physician, PT, Acupuncturist, Massage Therapist) effectively, you can recover at infinitely quicker rates to remain in, or return to, the sport you love.
For further information please contact: Julee Miller AP, DOM, LMT (904) 448-0046/ jmacupunture@hpjax.com



Good Health. Good Sports. Good Life.

Acupuncture for Headaches

Qi Mail™The Acupuncture Newsletter
September 2009

Julee Miller AP, DOM, BS, LMT

Health Pointe Jacksonville, LLC
3840 Belfort Road, Suite 305Jacksonville, FL 32216
904-448-0046

Acupuncture for Headaches

Headaches are extremely common. While everyone experiences an occasional headache, statistics show that 1 out of 6 people suffer from chronic headaches. Acupuncture can effectively relieve headaches, as well as treat their underlying causes. In fact, headaches are one of the conditions most commonly seen in acupuncture clinics today. It can offer powerful relief without the side effects that prescription and over-the-counter drugs can cause. Headaches that can be treated with acupuncture include migraines, tension headaches, headaches occurring around the menstrual cycle, sinus headaches and stress-related headaches.

How Acupuncture Treats Headaches: Many variables are looked at in order to properly diagnose and successfully treat headaches. Each individual is treated differently depending on their unique symptoms. Some of the factors that will determine what acupuncture points and other treatment techniques are used include: what triggers the headaches; the location, frequency and intensity of the headaches; the quality of the pain; the time of day that they occur; what helps the headaches and what makes them worse.

Types of Headaches: When treating with acupuncture, headaches are often classified by their location. This is only a broad guideline which needs to be further refined and integrated into the treatment for each individual, but this shows meridians and patterns that affect each area of the head.Top of Head: Liver Meridian (Liver Blood Deficiency, Liver Yang Rising)Sides of Head: Gall-Bladder Meridian (Liver-Yang, Liver-Fire or Liver-Wind Rising)One Side Only: Gall-Bladder Meridian (Liver-Yang or Liver-Fire Rising)Temples: Gall-Bladder Meridian (Liver-Yang, Liver-Fire or Liver-Wind Rising)Behind the Eyes: Liver Meridian (Liver Blood Deficiency, Liver Yang Rising)Forehead: Stomach Meridian (Stomach Deficiency or Stomach-Heat)Back of Head (Occipital): Bladder Meridian (Kidney Deficiency or Damp-Heat in the Bladder) or External WindWhole Head: Kidney-Essence Deficiency or External WindAcupuncture can significantly relieve headaches and is an important component to managing recurring headaches and migraines. If you have any questions, please call for a consultation.

Studies Show that Acupuncture Stops Headaches

Two separate systematic reviews by Cochrane Researchers show that acupuncture is an effective treatment for prevention of headaches and migraines. In each study, the researchers tried to establish whether acupuncture could reduce the occurrence of headaches. One study focused on mild to moderate but frequent "tension-type" headaches, whilst the other focused on more severe but less frequent headaches usually termed migraines. Together the two studies included 33 trials, involving a total of 6,736 patients.Overall, following a course of at least eight weeks, patients treated with acupuncture suffered fewer headaches compared to those who were given only pain killers. In the migraine study, acupuncture was superior to proven prophylactic drug treatments.In one specific study involving 270 patients, acupuncture cut tension headache rates almost in half. Researchers divided the patients who reported similarly severe tension headaches into three groups for the study. Over the project’s eight-week period, one group received traditional acupuncture, one received only minimal acupuncture (needles inserted at non-acupuncture points, and at only shallow levels), and the third group received no treatment.Those receiving the traditional acupuncture reported headache rates of nearly half that of those who received no treatments, suffering 7 fewer days of headaches. The minimal acupuncture group suffered 6.6 fewer days, and the non-acupuncture group suffered 1.5 fewer days. When they received acupuncture after the main study period, the “no treatment” group also reported significantly fewer headache days. The improvements continued for months after the treatments were concluded, rising slightly as time went on.Sources: British Medical Journal, July 2005Acupuncture for tension-type headache. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Issue 1. Art. No.: CD007587 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD007587Acupuncture for migraine prophylaxis. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2009, Issue 1. Art.No.: CD001218 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD001218.pub2

7 Healthy Habits for Headache Sufferers
Diet- Eat regular meals at regular times to avoid your blood sugar from falling too quickly. Also, avoid foods and drinks that are known to trigger headache attacks including processed meats, aged cheese, alcohol, and foods and beverages that contain aspartame.

1. Sleep- Maintain a regular sleeping schedule, including weekends and vacations.
2. Stress- Stress is one of the most common headache and migraine triggers. Implement stress reduction techniques into your daily life.
3. Exercise- Exercise stimulates the body to release endorphins, which are brain chemicals that improve mood and relieve stress, which are known headache triggers.
4. Headache Diary- Keep a diary of when your headaches occur, along with any triggers, and share the information with your healthcare provider.
5. See Your Healthcare Provider- Make an appointment with your healthcare provider to specifically discuss your headache.

Be a Partner in Your Headache Care- Be informed, be a participant in your treatment and be an advocate for your headache care.


5 Ways to Relieve Headaches Naturally

Want some natural alternatives to ease your aching head? The Headache PointLarge Intestine 4 is such a powerful acupuncture point for headaches that 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: Peppermint oil 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, help reduce muscle tension and relieve a headache.

Cayenne PepperResearch suggests that capsaicin can help relieve cluster headaches. In one study, people with cluster headaches rubbed a capsaicin preparation inside and outside their noses on the same side of the head as the headache pain. Within five days, 75 percent reported less pain and fewer headaches.

Feverfew: Feverfew is a medicinal herb that has been used since ancient Greece for swelling and inflammation. Studies have shown that feverfew limits inflammation of blood vessels in the head and can reduce headaches. Feverfew generally takes up to four to six weeks to take effect. Sip tea or take a feverfew supplement daily.

Ginger Tea: Numerous clinical studies have shown that ginger can be used to relieve headaches. Researchers believe it does so by relaxing the blood vessels in the head and diminishing swelling in the brain. It also activates natural opiates in the brain that relieve pain, and it reduces prostaglandins, which are responsible for causing inflammation.

Meet Tamara L Luffy LMT, CNHP

As I was driving to the clinic this morning, I began thinking of all of the possible topics that I wanted to share in this blog (I mean I was focusing on the road)! I realized that I hadn't really put much information out there about myself! So for anyone interested, here it is!

I grew up about an hour south of Pittsburgh Pennsylvania in a little town called Washington. My older brother and I were afforded the benefits of growing up in the 'country' where we could be gone all day playing in acres of woods, riding motorcycles through the fields, etc.

At the age of 13 I started odd jobs to be able to afford whatever it is that 13 year olds 'need'. Over the years I babysat, tutored, cut grass, worked concession stands, did some remodeling, and made crafts to sell at fairs for extra money.

When I turned 16 I was able to get my first job and find out what my dad had been complaining about all of my life come tax time! I got a job in retail selling clothes and before two years were up I was promoted to an assistant manager position.

I stayed with that position until I went to college and studied Anatomy and Physiology, Psychology, Biology and all of the other fun subjects until I found The World of Natural Medicine in an herbology book. Thus began the journey that I continue on today!

After I completed massage school, I landed a job in Pittsburgh with a new company: Back For Life Inc. I became the Director of Operations for the company which is where I really learned a lot about business. I was responsible for a full time staff of 3 and at any given time 26 independent contractors to provide massage services to the area companies, salons, chiropractors, hospitals, home clients and the Pittsburgh Steelers. On top of that I was also performing the accounting, sales meetings, administrative duties, and providing massage. It was a great learning experience that continued until I felt it was time to work for myself!

At the end of 1999 I began working on my own clients and providing services for The University of Pittsburgh Medical Center in their Center for Complementary Medicine Clinic. I continued some of my most rewarding work there until I moved to Jacksonville in 2007 to be with my boyfriend that I had been dating long distance for a year and a half (my husband as of 6/13/09).

After acquiring my florida massage license, my best friend of 10 years moved here from Houston and we began plans to open our Integrative Health Clinic. Health Pointe Jacksonville, LLC was born over many late nights with many glasses of wine!

It has taken a lot of work, the help of many wonderful friends and family, and dedication to get to where we are right now....which is with a very fruitful, successful Health clinic where I get to come to work and do my favorite thing: help people!!

Posted by Tamara L Luffy LMT, CNHP

Acupuncture for Fibromyalgia Syndrome by Julee Miller, AP, DOM, LMT

Qi Mail™The Acupuncture Newsletter
August 2009
Julee Miller AP, DOM, BS, LMT
Health Pointe Jacksonville, LLC
3840 Belfort Road, Suite 305Jacksonville, FL 32216
904-448-0046/www.hpjax.com



Acupuncture for Fibromyalgia Syndrome

Fibromyalgia Syndrome (FMS) affects an estimated 2 percent of the population. Conventional therapies are limited in the success of treating this complex and unexplained condition. Current treatment is largely comprised of prescribing different medications for the varying symptoms in a trial and error approach. Research shows that as many as 90 percent of people with fibromyalgia have turned to complimentary and alternative medicine to manage their symptoms. Acupuncture, in particular, has become a popular treatment choice and has shown to be an effective treatment for FMS.What is Fibromyalgia Syndrome?Fibromyalgia is a medically unexplained syndrome characterized by chronic widespread pain, a heightened and painful response to pressure, insomnia, fatigue, and depression. While not all affected persons experience all associated symptoms, the following symptoms commonly occur together:• chronic pain• debilitating fatigue• difficulty sleeping• anxiety and depression• joint stiffness• chronic headaches and jaw pain• difficulty swallowing• dryness in mouth, nose, and eyes• hypersensitivity to odors, bright lights, and loud noises • inability to concentrate (called "fibro fog")• incontinence• irritable bowel syndrome• numbness or tingling in the fingers and feet• painful menstrual cramps• poor circulation in hands and feet (called Raynaud's phenomenon)• restless legs syndromeFibromyalgia is diagnosed when there is a history of widespread pain in all four quadrants of the body for a minimum duration of three months and pain when pressure is applied to at least 11 of 18 designated tender points on the body. This condition does not result in any physical damage to the body or its tissues and there are no laboratory tests which can confirm this diagnosis. Symptoms often begin after a physical or emotional trauma, but in many cases there appears to be no triggering event. Women are more prone to develop the disorder than are men, and the risk of fibromyalgia increases with age. From an Eastern PerspectiveThe Oriental medicine theory of pain is expressed in this famous Chinese saying: "Bu tong ze tong, tong ze bu tong" which means "free flow: no pain, no free flow: pain."Pain is seen as a disruption of the flow of Qi within the body. The disruption of Qi that results in fibromyalgia is usually associated with disharmonies of the Liver, Spleen, Kidney and Heart Systems.The Acupuncture TreatmentOriental Medicine does not recognize fibromyalgia as one particular disease pattern. Instead, it aims to treat the specific symptoms that are unique to each individual depending on their constitution, emotional state, intensity and location of their pain, digestive health, sleeping patterns and an array of other signs and symptoms. Therefore, if 10 people are treated with Oriental medicine for fibromyalgia, each of these 10 people will receive a unique, customized treatment with different acupuncture points, different herbs and different lifestyle and dietary recommendations.Because the symptoms of fibromyalgia are highly variable form one person to another, a wide array of traditional and alternative treatments has been shown to be the most effective way of treating this difficult syndrome. A treatment program may include a combination of psychological or behavioral therapies, medications, exercise, acupuncture, herbal medicine and bodywork.If you have fibromyalgia, acupuncture and Oriental medicine may be what you’ve been looking for to ease your symptoms and reclaim your health and vitality. Please call for a consultation today.

Study on Acupuncture and Fibromyalgia
A recent study from the Mayo Clinic found acupuncture helpful in treating the fatigue and anxiety commonly experienced by fibromyalgia patients. In the trial, patients who received acupuncture to counter their fibromyalgia symptoms reported improvement in fatigue and anxiety, among other symptoms. Acupuncture was well tolerated, with minimal side effects.In the double-blind study, Mayo Clinic doctors gave 25 fibromyalgia patients acupuncture, and 25 “sham” acupuncture treatments. Patients received six treatments during the two- to three-week study. Those who received acupuncture treatments reported less fatigue and anxiety one month following after treatment than did the “sham” group."The results of the study convince me there is something more than the placebo effect to acupuncture," says David Martin, M.D., Ph.D., lead author of the acupuncture article and a Mayo Clinic anesthesiologist. "It affirms a lot of clinical impressions that this complementary medical technique is helpful for patients."Dr. Martin says the study demonstrates that acupuncture is helpful, and also proves physicians can conduct a rigorous, controlled acupuncture study. Future research could help physicians understand which medical conditions respond best to acupuncture, how to apply it to best relieve symptoms, and how long patients can expect to their symptoms to decrease after each treatment.Dr. Martin performed the study at Mayo Clinic Rochester with co-authors Ines Berger, M.D.; Christopher Sletten, Ph.D.; and Brent Williams. The study used only two acupuncturists and examined only patients who reported more severe symptoms, offering better experimental control. Still, the Mayo Clinic doctors urged more study to see how acupuncture can best be used in treating fibromyalgia patients.Source: Mayo Clinic (2006, June 13). Acupuncture Relieves Symptoms Of Fibromyalgia, Mayo Clinic Study Finds.


You can help cut your risk significantly by incorporating a few simple lifestyle changes into your daily routines and habits, according to Bob Flaws, author of Curing Fibromyalgia Naturally with Chinese Medicine:

1. Eliminate processed foods from your diet, especially white sugar and white flour products. These products give our bodies little nutrition and over time can damage our digestion as well as cause obesity, one of the common problems related to fibromyalgia.
2. Include all unprocessed foods in your diet, such as proteins, complex and unrefined carbohydrates, vegetables, whole grains and legumes.
3. Eat foods that support the functions of the spleen and stomach. In other words, avoid overly greasy foods, ice cold drinks, alcohol, raw and uncooked foods, hot, peppery foods, coffee, and too much fruit. Avoid daily juice drinks since these are the same as eating a candy bar in the amount of sugar introduced into the body.
4. Stop drinking sodas. Sodas are acidic in nature and loaded with sugar and chemicals. Sodas are detrimental to both the spleen and the kidneys.
5. Find some type of exercise that you really enjoy and just do it! Pumping iron is not for everyone. You would probably benefit most from some kind of cardiovascular exercise to keep to blood moving, like swimming, yoga, stretching, and bicycling.
6. Take a walk every day. If you live with a dog or cat, play with them daily. Animals live in the moment and love to play. This is a great way to break stressful daily routines.
7. Practice Chinese self massage every morning by stimulating the acupuncture points on the body and limbs to help promote the flow of Qi and blood in the channels.
8. Buy some relaxation tapes with guided imaging. Learn how to really relax. This means bodily relaxation as well as mental repose. Use these tapes daily for the best results.
9. Take a look at the old habits and patterns of your life and ask yourself what you can do to make your life better. Take up tasks and hobbies that are interesting to you and break the normal routine of your day.
10. If you know that you have too much stress in your life, find a solution. This may be finding a new job or new, more supportive relationships. Understand that stress alone can kill you, and if you smoke and consume alcohol to escape stressful situations, you are only fooling yourself.

Recent write up in the Southside Business Men's Club Newsletter

This post is written by Dr. Julee Miller AP, Dipl of OM, LMT and co-owner of Health Pointe Jacksonville, LLC

GETTING TO KNOW YOU
This week we will get to "know" our new member, Julee Miller. Julee joined SBMC January 14, 2009. Her sponsors are Ray Cooney and Jim Cox. She is a Florida native from the St. Petersburg area, has two brothers, one sister, a niece and nephew. She has a Bachelor of Arts (Athletic Training/Sports Medicine) degree from Maryville College in Tennessee, a License in Massage Therapy with certifications in Sports Massage, Neuromuscular Therapy, Myofascial Release Technique, Deep Tissue Modalities, Reflexology and Reiki. Has a post graduate degree in Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine from the American College of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine in Houston, Texas with subspecialties in pain management and women's health. Julee has 15 years experience in the treatment of musculoskeletal injuries and pain management and has worked with professional athletes such as the Pittsburg Steelers and Pirates and Penguins. She traveled to Greece as a member of the 2004 Olympic Massage Therapy team treating all competing athletes. Julee moved to Jacksonville to "take a bite out of the American Pie and open my own wellness clinic with my friend and associate Tamara Luffy offering Acupuncture and Chinese Herbs, Massage Therapy, Wellness Counseling and infrared Sauna Treatments." We concentrate on sports injury treatment, women's health: fertility, menopausal syndrome, hormone imbalances as well as treatment of ADD/ADHD. One of Julee's favorite local restaurants is Caps on the intercoastal and highly recommends their seared Tuna. She also enjoys fresh made sandwiched, Goat cheese, tomatoes and olives. Her favorite weekend activity is boating. When asked what person has had the most influence on her life, Julee replied "I am constantly inspired by those with so little but gives so much. I love it when a person can stop me in my tracks and remind me that it isn't "things", but people that matter and to stop worrying and whining and just open my eyes."