Acupuncture Helps Chronic Headaches According to Largest Study

 QiMail
Julee Miller AP, DOM,LMT
Health Point Jacksonville
3840 Belfort Road #305
Jacksonville, Fl 32216
(904) 448-0046/www.hpjax.com




Acupuncture Helps Chronic Headaches According to Largest Study

By: Diane Joswick, L.Ac., MSOM
A German study published in the September, 2008 issue of Cephalalgia shows that people who suffer from chronic migraines may benefit from acupuncture to reduce the severity and frequency of their headaches.

The study is one of the largest to date on using acupuncture to ease headaches.  Researchers from Charité University Medical Centre in Berlin followed more than 15,000 adults who had been suffering from either migraine or tension-type headaches at least twice a month for a year or more.

Of these patients, 1613 were assigned to receive acupuncture in 15 sessions over 3 months in addition to usual care, while 1569 continued with usual care alone.

After 6 months, acupuncture patients reported significantly greater reductions in headache pain than those who continued with usual care.

Headache frequency fell significantly in patients assigned to acupuncture, from 8.4 headache days over 3 months at the start of the study to 4.7 headache days over 3 months at the end.

In contrast, headache frequency remained almost constant, at nearly 8 headache days every 3 months, in patients assigned to usual care alone.

"Our study has shown that treating patients with headache in routine primary care in Germany with additional acupuncture resulted in a clinically relevant and persistent benefit." Lead researcher, Dr. Stefan Willich concluded. "Therefore, acupuncture should be considered a viable option for patients with headache."

Source: Cephalalgia, Volume 28 Issue 9, Pages 911 - 913

Relieve Pain Naturally with Acupuncture

Qi Mail™

The Acupuncture Newsletter May 2012
Dr. Julee Miller AP, DOM, LMT
Health Pointe Jacksonville
3840 Belfort Road #305
Jacksonville, FL 32216
(904) 448-004/ http://www.hpjax.com/

 

 

 

 

Relieve Pain Naturally with Acupuncture

 

Increasingly, people are looking for more natural approaches to help relieve painful conditions instead of relying on medications. Acupuncture has no side effects and can be helpful for all types of pain, regardless of what is causing the pain or where the pain is located. Some studies have shown the pain relief it provides can last for months.

 

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain before and after acupuncture treatment for pain shows dramatic decreases in brain activity -- up to 70 percent. This decrease in brain activity in certain areas of the brain is thought to be the reason for the reduction of pain caused by the acupuncture treatments.

 

In addition to reducing pain, acupuncture also hastens the healing process by increasing circulation and attracting white blood cells to an injured area.

 

The basis of acupuncture 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."

 

In other words, any kind of pain or illness represents an obstruction in the normal flow of Qi or life force. Simply put, acupuncture moves Qi, restoring free flow.

 

 

 

Studies on Acupuncture and Pain

 

Acupuncture has become readily accepted in mainstream modern medicine as a viable option for pain management and studies support its therapeutic effects.

 

In a German study, published in the Archives of Internal Medicine, 1,162 adults with chronic, lower back pain were divided into groups treated with either the standard pharmaceutical and exercise therapy commonly used in conventional medicine or acupuncture. The researchers reported that acupuncture provided relief and lasting benefit to nearly twice as many lower back pain patients as drugs and exercise. Forty-eight percent of the acupuncture patients reported at least a one-third decrease in pain along with improvement in their ability to function, versus 27 percent of the patients treated with conventional methods reporting such benefits.

 

In another recent study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine, researchers from the University of Maryland School of Medicine analyzed 33 studies covering more than 2,100 patients from around the world on acupuncture for low back pain.

 

They found acupuncture provided definite pain relief in the short-term (defined as relief sustained for three weeks after the end of the acupuncture sessions).

 

If you or someone you love suffers from acute and chronic pain, please call to find out more about how acupuncture and Oriental medicine can help you.

 

Acupuncture for Low Back Pain

Low back pain is an extremely common concern, affecting anywhere from 75 to 90 percent of people at some point in their lives. Low back pain is second only to the common cold as a cause of lost days at work and is one of the most common reasons to seek medical care, including acupuncture. In fact, one of the top reasons that people get acupuncture treatments is for low back pain.

In spite of the large number of pathological conditions that can give rise to low back pain, up to 85 percent of the cases are classified by physicians as 'non-specific'. When low back pain is examined from an Oriental medicine perspective, it is seen as a disruption to the flow of Qi within the area and associated with a specific disharmony and is treated accordingly.

 

The disruption of Qi that results in low back pain is usually associated with the following three disharmonies:

 1. Weak Kidney Qi
In Oriental medicine, the lower back is referred to as the �dwelling of the Kidneys�. The majority of chronic low back pain conditions are associated with Kidney deficiency. Pain related to Kidney deficiency is typically dull and erratic. It is usually aggravated by fatigue and improves with rest
  2. Stagnation of Qi and Blood
When the flow of Qi along the meridians that traverse the lumbar region becomes congested, it is referred to as the stagnation of Qi and blood. This presents with a severe stabbing pain that is worse with rest and better with movement, tender to touch and can be accompanied by stiffness and tightness.
  3.  Invasion of Cold and Dampness
Cold, damp type pain is generally worse in the morning and when the weather is cold and damp. This type of pain improves with movement and the application of heat. Stiffness and contraction of back muscles that is aggravated by immobility indicates cold predominance. Swelling, numbness and a heavy sensation are indicative of dampness.

 

 

 Acupuncture for Post Operative Pain

 Research from Duke University Medical Center has shown that acupuncture can significantly reduce surgical patients� post-operative pain, and their need for powerful opioids to treat pain.

 

Duke University anesthesiologists combined data from 15 randomized clinical trials to reach their conclusion. Using acupuncture both before and after surgery produced the best results for patients, who reported lower levels of post-operative pain and a significantly reduced need for painkillers. In addition, acupuncture mitigated the negative side effects of opioids when they were used.

 

"The most important outcome for the patient is the reduction of the side effects associated with opioids," said T.J. Gan, M.D., the Duke anesthesiologist who presented the study at the annual scientific conference of the American Society for Anesthesiology in San Francisco in October 2007. Gan pointed out that acupuncture is a relatively inexpensive therapy that has virtually no side effects when practiced by trained professionals.

 

 

 Many other studies have shown acupuncture effective in reducing post-operative nausea and vomiting compared with other medications.

 

 According to a meta-analysis presented at the American Society of Anesthesiologists' meeting, acupuncture reduced rates of post-operative nausea by 32 percent, pruritus (itchiness at the surgical site) by 25 percent, dizziness by 38 percent, and urinary retention by 71 percent compared with control groups.

 

Acupuncture is excellent for managing post-surgical side effects such as surgical pain, loss of appetite, an upset stomach or nausea. In addition to strengthening the immune system and increasing energy, acupuncture is also a great way to reduce swelling, decrease stiffness and pain, reduce scarring and scar tissue and assist with a quick recovery.

 

If you, or a loved one, will be undergoing surgery, please call us to see if acupuncture can improve your recovery.

 

 

 Ah Shi Points

 Not all acupuncture points have a specific name and specific location. Some of the most effective points to use in acupuncture are local points of tenderness. These points are referred to as Ah Shi points which in Chinese literally means, "That's the point!"

Ah Shi points were first mentioned during the Tang Dynasty (founded in 618 AD) classic bookThousand Ducat Prescriptions. These points become spontaneously tender when disease or injury occurs, or in locations where Qi has become congested. They are not among the regular acupuncture points on a specific meridian or pathway.

Their locations are not fixed; they are the points that, upon palpation, are the most sensitive. In many cases a small knot or pea sized nodule can be felt under the skin at these points of tenderness.

The Ah Shi points are especially effective in the treatment of pain and are often used in conjunction with local and distal acupuncture points.

If you have pain, palpate around the area of pain to see if you can find the Ah Shi points. This is a great way to self treat the problem.

 

 

Acupuncture for Fibromyalgia Syndrome

 Fibromyalgia Syndrome (FMS) affects an estimated two percent of the population. It 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.

 

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.

 

Oriental 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, the intensity and location of their pain, digestive health, sleeping patterns and an array of other signs and symptoms.

 

A treatment program may include a combination of psychological or behavioral therapies, medications, exercise, acupuncture, herbal medicine and bodywork.

 

 

 

If you have fibromyalgia call (904) 448-0046 today to see how acupuncture can ease your symptoms!

 

 

 

 

 

UNF Small Business Blog: An Interview With Dr. Julee Miller AP, DOM, LMT

From the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at the University of North Florida. Business topics entrepreneurs care about.

Dr. Julee Miller, Health Pointe Jacksonville, Small Business Blog, UNF, UNF SBDC, UNF SBDC Blog 5/03/2012

UNF Small Business Blog: An Interview With Dr. Julee Miller AP, DOM, LMT





UNF SBDC: Tell us how you first got started in alternative medicine.
My healthcare venture began back in 1981 when I was a youth volunteer at Bay Pines VA Medical Center for five years in the rehabilitation department. This incredible experience afforded me to witness first-hand how to help restore function from “dysfunction”. The human body has since become a marvel to me and continually amazes me how powerful it really is.


UNF SBDC: Why did you choose this profession and what is your educational background?
Since my days at the VA Medical Center, I’ve become an Acupuncture Physician, graduating from one of the top three Oriental Medicine programs in the nation. I am an Acupuncture Physician in the state of Florida and a Board Certified in Acupuncture and Chinese Herbology by the NCCAOM. My Continuing Education includes Master Tung’s Acupuncture for Neuromuscular Disorders and Internal Medicine with a level I certification in ITARA (International Tung’s Acupuncture Research Association). I also have a Bachelors degree in Athletic Training and License in Massage Therapy with certifications in Sports Massage I & II, Prenatal Massage, Neuromuscular Massage, Reflexology, and Reiki I. During my extensive career I have worked in several clinical and hospital settings with Physicians, Physical Therapists, Chiropractors, other Athletic Trainers, and have even been selected to be a member of the 2004 AHSSMT Olympic Sports Massage Team where I provided treatment to competing athletes in Athens.It truly excites me on a daily basis to be able to combine my certifications and education in order to provide such an integrated and highly individualized treatment that not only reduces pain and suffering, but also restores health.


UNF SBDC: How does acupuncture work?
Very basically, Acupuncture is the insertion of very fine needles on the body's surface, in order to influence physiological functioning of the body. The purpose of these needles is to stimulate specific acupuncture points to promote self healing of imbalanced areas. In some cases, acupuncture may be accompanied by electrical stimulation, cupping, or the burning of moxa, a form of heat therapy.
The modern scientific explanation is that needling the acupuncture points stimulates the nervous system to release chemicals in the muscles, spinal cord, and brain. These chemicals will either change the experience of pain, or they will trigger the release of other chemicals and hormones which influence the body's own internal regulating system.

UNF SBEC: Do you have a specialty and what modalities do you use?
I specialize in acute and chronic pain and have concentrated on Sports Rehabilitation for about 18 years. It really is my first love. I also sub-specialize in Women’s Health including menopause, fertility issues, gynecological disorders, PMS and uterine fibroids. Other areas I focus on are allergies, insomnia, depression, tinnitus, Bells Palsy, and migraine headaches.
My latest discovery is Facial Rejuvenation which combines the use of acupuncture, facial massage, collagen mask application and jade rolling to produce a youthful glow, greatly minimizing facial lines, under eye puffiness/circles, and brighten the skin tone naturally without injecting harmful materials under the skin surface. It’s really a very relaxing and enjoyable experience!
In addition to acupuncture, I use herbal plasters, cupping, infrared therapy, moxabustion, herbal steam packs, and all forms of Chinese herbs (pills, and powder). And finally I am one of just 3 locations in Jacksonville providing supervised Infrared Sauna treatments, which benefits not only weightloss, and general bodily detoxification, but also enhances the immune system to recover from a common cold or flu much quicker and in a safe manner.

UNF SBDC: Would you share with us three short case histories to show the broad range of conditions that Chinese medicine can treat?

I have treated a man experiencing post surgical scar tissue build up in his neck from throat cancer. With just a handful of visits I was able to reduce the scar tissue and pain to the point he was able to open his mouth wide enough to eat solid foods. He has such an incredibly positive attitude that continually amazes me!

It is always such a pleasure to receive pictures of the fertility babies of patients I have been able to help conceive! These couples so desperately want to be able to conceive and add to their family and give these babies so much love. It certainly is one of my favorite days at work to either open an email or listen to a voice mail of such gratitude!

I have also been able to restore thinning hair on a mid-40 year old female. After 20 visits of acupuncture and taking herbal tinctures her hair is no longer thin, or falling out by the clumps. She feels rejuvenated and her self esteem has sky rocketed!

Contact information:
Dr. Julee Miller AP, DOM, LMT
Health Pointe Jacksonville
3840 Belfort Road, #305
Jacksonville, FL 32216
(904) 448-0046
Email: info@hpjax.com-
Website: http://www.hpjax.com/- Mother's Day Facial Rejuvenation Special!
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HealthPointeJacksonville
Twitter: AcuDocMed

Nurture Your Cardiovascular Health

Qi Mail™
The Acupuncture Newsletter February 2012

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



Nurture Your Cardiovascular Health

The cardiovascular system consists of the heart and blood vessels and is responsible for carrying nutrients and oxygen to the tissues and removing carbon dioxide and other waste from them. Diseases affecting the cardiovascular system include arteriosclerosis, coronary artery disease, heart valve disease, arrhythmia, heart failure, hypertension, orthostatic hypotension, shock, endocarditis, diseases of the aorta and its branches, disorders of the peripheral vascular system, and congenital heart disease. February is the American Heart Association's Heart Health Awareness Month, emphasizing the importance of cardiovascular health and the dangers of cardiovascular disease.

Cardiovascular disease is the leading health threat with heart disease and stroke topping the list of the first and second leading causes of death worldwide. One out of every two men and one out of every three women will develop heart disease sometime in their life. Despite dramatic medical advances over the past fifty years, heart disease remains a leading cause of death globally and the number one cause of death in the United States. Cardiovascular disease is not just a man's disease, in women, the condition is responsible for about 29% of deaths, reports the CDC. Although more men die of heart disease than women, females tend to be under diagnosed, often to the point that it's too late to help them once the condition is discovered.

By integrating acupuncture and Oriental medicine into your heart healthy lifestyle, you can reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease by as much as 80%. Steps to prevention include managing high blood pressure and cholesterol, quitting smoking, eating healthy, maintaining a healthy weight, physical activity, reducing stress and improved sleep - all of which can be helped with acupuncture and Oriental medicine.

5 Steps to a Healthy Heart with Acupuncture

1. Manage High Blood Pressure

High blood pressure makes the heart work harder, increasing its oxygen demands and contributing to angina. This excessive pressure can lead to an enlarged heart (cardiomegaly), as well as damage to blood vessels in the kidneys and brain. It increases the risk of heart attacks, stroke and kidney disease.

Acupuncture has been found to be particularly helpful in lowering blood pressure. By applying acupuncture needles at specific sites along the wrist, inside the forearm or in the leg, researchers at the Susan Samueli Center for Integrative Medicine at the University of California, Irvine, were able to stimulate the release of opioids, which decreases the heart's activity and thus its need for oxygen. This, in turn, lowers blood pressure.

2. Quit Smoking

Most people associate cigarette smoking with breathing problems and lung cancer. But did you know that smoking is also a major cause of coronary artery disease? In fact, about 20% of all deaths from heart disease are directly related to cigarette smoking.

Acupuncture has shown to be an effective treatment for smoking. Acupuncture treatments for smoking cessation focus on jitters, cravings, irritability, and restlessness - symptoms that people commonly complain about when they quit. It also aids in relaxation and detoxification.

3. Maintain a Healthy Weight

Obesity is associated with diabetes, high blood pressure and coronary artery disease, all of which increase the risk of developing heart disease, but studies have shown that excess body weight itself (and not just the associated medical conditions) can also lead to heart failure. Even if you are entirely healthy otherwise, being overweight still places you at a greater risk of developing heart failure.

Acupuncture and Oriental medicine are an excellent adjunctive tool when it comes to losing weight. They can help to energize the body, maximize the absorption of nutrients, regulate elimination, control overeating, suppress the appetite, and reduce anxiety.

4. Reduce Stress

Stress is a normal part of life, but if left unmanaged, stress can lead to emotional, psychological, and even physical problems, including heart disease, high blood pressure, chest pains, or irregular heart beats. Medical researchers aren't exactly sure how stress increases the risk of heart disease. Stress itself might be a risk factor, or it could be that high levels of stress make other risk factors worse. For example, if you are under stress, your blood pressure goes up, you may overeat, you may exercise less, and you may be more likely to smoke.

Numerous studies have demonstrated the substantial benefits of acupuncture in the treatment of stress, anxiety and mental health. In addition to acupuncture, Oriental medicine offers a whole gamut of tools and techniques that can be integrated into your life to keep stress in check. These tools include Tui Na, Qi Gong exercises, herbal medicine, dietary therapy, meditations and acupressure that you can administer at home.

5. Improve Sleep

Poor sleep has been linked with high blood pressure, atherosclerosis, heart failure, heart attacks, stroke, diabetes, and obesity. Researchers have shown that getting at least eight hours of sleep is needed for good heart health and getting less than eight hours of sleep can put you at a greater risk for developing heart disease.

Acupuncture has shown great success treating a wide array of sleep problems without any of the side effects of prescription or over-the-counter sleep aids. The acupuncture treatments for problems sleeping focus on the root disharmony within the body that is causing the insomnia. Therefore, those who use acupuncture for insomnia achieve not only better sleep, but also an overall improvement of physical and mental health.

Come in for a consultation during Heart Health Awareness Month to see how acupuncture and Oriental medicine can assist you with your heart health and help you to live a long, healthy life.



Acupuncture for Cholesterol Management
It's important to have your blood cholesterol levels checked since you can have high cholesterol and not realize it. Most of the 65 million Americans with high cholesterol have no symptoms. All adults age 20 and older should have their cholesterol levels checked at least once every five years. If you have elevated cholesterol, you'll need to have it tested more often.

Research has clearly shown that lowering cholesterol can reduce the risk of developing heart disease. Whether you have heart disease already or want to prevent it, you can reduce your risk for having a heart attack by lowering your cholesterol level.

According to the American Heart Association, exercise and a healthy balanced diet low in cholesterol and saturated fats is important to lowering risk and improving your cardiovascular health. Speak to your health care providers to make sure your cholesterol is being monitored and find out how acupuncture and Oriental medicine can help you stay healthy.

Acupuncture and Oriental medicine can be used to treat many of the health conditions known to drastically increase the risk of heart disease and high cholesterol including smoking, high blood pressure, excess weight, and diabetes.

Excess weight tends to increase your low density lipoprotein (LDL) levels, raise triglycerides, a fatty substance in the blood and in food, and lowers your high density lipoprotein (HDL) levels. Regular physical activity can help you lose weight and raise HDL, lower triglycerides, and lower LDL.

Call (904) 448-0046 today to see how Acupuncture and Oriental medicine can help you with your cholesterol management goals!




In This Issue
•Nurture Your Cardiovascular Health
•Acupuncture for Cholesterol Management
•Heart Healthy Foods
Heart Healthy Foods



Having a healthy diet is one of the best ways to support your cardiovascular health and prevent heart disease.

Here are some suggested foods which will support your heart healthy lifestyle:

Cruciferous Vegetables
Cruciferous vegetables such as kale, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, radish, turnips, and cabbages are a gold mine of antioxidants and other heart-saving phytochemicals. Make sure that cruciferous vegetables are part of your heart health diet every day.

Fish
Fatty fish such as salmon and anchovies are loaded with the omega-3 fatty acids that will help your heart maintain a steady rhythm. Having a serving of fish a week could reduce your risk of death from a heart attack by 52%.

Flaxseed
Flaxseed is one of the most potent sources of heart health-promoting omega-3 fats. Studies indicate that adding flaxseed to your diet can reduce the development of heart disease by 46% while helping keep red blood cells from clumping together and forming clots that can block arteries. Sprinkle 2 Tbsp of flax-seed a day on your cereal or salad.

Fruit
Oranges contain folic acid that helps lower levels of homocysteine, a heart attack risk factor.

Grapes are loaded with flavonoids and resveratrol, both potent antioxidants that may discourage red blood cells from clumping together and forming an artery-blocking clot.

Pomegranates are chock-full of potassium and polyphenols, which promote heart health and have been shown to help lower cholesterol. The latest studies are showing that the juice limits the genetic tendency toward hardening of the arteries.

Garlic
Just one clove a day, or 300 mg three times daily, reduces the risk of heart attack at least three ways: It discourages red blood cells from sticking together and blocking your arteries, it reduces arterial damage, and it discourages cholesterol from lining the arteries and making them so narrow that blockages are likely.

Green Tea
Green tea contains several powerful antioxidants that reduce bad cholesterol and boost good cholesterol, improving an individuals overall cholesterol profile. Drinking green tea also seems to enhance cardiovascular health by improving the consistency of platelets in the blood and may even lower blood pressure.

Nuts
Studies have found that those who eat more than 5 oz of nuts a week are one-third less likely to have either heart disease or a heart attack. Just don't overdo it as nuts can pile on the pounds.

Red Wine
Scientific studies overwhelmingly show that a daily glass of wine can reduce your risk of a heart attack. Both plant compounds called saponins and antioxidants in the "fruit of the vine" work to protect arteries. Researchers have found that red is much more effective than white for improving heart health.


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Predicting a Healthy 2012

January 2012
Qi Mail

Julee Miller AP, DOM,LMT
Health Pointe Jacksonville
3840 Belfort Road
Jacksonville, FL 32216
(904) 448-0046/www.hpjax.com



In the midst of all the new year resolutions, a very important decision to make is determining to live a healthy life. Healthy habits will protect you and help you live a longer and better life. Being healthy is not just about absence of a disease, its also about wholeness mentally and socially. Here are a few tips to help you stay healthy this year.

1. Sleep.
Studies have shown that chronic sleep loss increases the risk for many diseases and affects immunity,thus reducing the ability of the body to fight infections. Through hectic work schedules and the busy city life,its important to find time for rest. Most people need a solid 7 hours for their internal clock to reset, function properly and feel rested. If you're getting to bed after 11pm, it's too late.  And remove all extra "stimuli" from the bedroom: books, laptops, phones and TVs. Unplug and unwind for a good night sleep.
2. Have fun:
Whatever it is you do that makes you happy and relaxed,spend some quality time doing them this year; whether its hanging out with friends, listening to music, reading or praying. Christopher Morley said 'cherish all your happy moments, they make a fine cushion for old age'
Scientifically, happiness releases endorphins which is your body's natural pain killers and laughter reduces stress hormones, reduces blood pressure, tightens abdominal muscles and improves memory.  So get laughing- go to a Comedy Club or yuck it up with friends. Often.

3: Taste the Rainbow
Eat a lot of fruits and vegetables daily. The daily goal should be 5 vegetables and 2 fruits- each and every day. Having a balanced diet provides the body with energy and nutrients to function and also boosts the body's immune system. Spruce up your kitchen with colorful produce that is packed with disease-fighting plant compounds. It’s pretty AND good for you, too.

4. Sit Less, Move More

· Groundbreaking research shows that for every hour a day you spend sitting, your risk of death increases by 11%.

· Even small movements throughout the day, such as fidgeting, can add up to major health benefits.

· Dr. Oz recommends getting 10,000 steps a daily=5miles. BUY a pedometer so you can keep track of each step you make toward optimal health.

· Exercise has benefits both physically, mentally and socially. Paul Dudley White an American Cardiologist once said 'A vigorous five-mile walk will do more good for an unhappy but otherwise healthy adult than all the medicine and psychology in the world'

· JUST MOVE: 30 minutes a day most days. Enjoy a group exercise class, go for a walk, give the car a good scrub. Whatever gets the blood pumping- Get up and GO!


5: East Sensibly
Look for healthy eating options rather than fad diets. All fad diets may offer quick weightloss, but few offer instructions on how to change your eating habits and lifestyle. Once these diets end, there is an inevitable weight GAIN because habits haven't changed. Try resolving to get more fiber in your diet this year like more fish or fresh fruit. Any diet change is easier if you take slow, small steps. For example:

· Vow to add a veggies or fruits to your brown bag lunch daily.

· Cook at home at least once per week.

· Package up a single serving of your favorite whole-grain cereal, then treat it as your mid-morning snack.

• Most importantly: Avoid fast food restaurants!! The food is full of sodium, fat and unnecessary calories. For example: an average McDonalds meal consisting of: 1 Big and Tasty, 1 french fry order, 1 large coke, and 1 McFlurry has a whopping 1842 calories!!! So for the suggested daily caloric intake of just 2500 calories for men and 2000 for women- that's almost the ENTIRE day caloric intake in just 1 meal. Not to mention the sodium and fat content....

6: Cleanse yourself

With WATER. It's the best beverage to drink and it’s cheap. 8 cups a day can be daunting, so think small.

· Drink one glass first thing in the morning, before you brush your teeth.

· Keep a glass or bottle at your desk and when it is empty, get a refill.

· Resolve to drink one more cup of water today than you had yesterday.

· Not drinking enough water deprives your cells of the fluid they need, in turn causing fatigue. Coffee, soda and energy drinks dehydrate your body and actually lead to lower energy levels. Water is the original energy drink.

· Kick diabetes with this drink
Staying hydrated with 34 ounces of water a day made people in a 9-year French study 36 percent less likely to develop high blood sugar or diabetes.

7: Resist the Munchies

Eating of junk food should be minimized as they increase the risk of developing chronic illnesses like diabetes and hypertension


8. Stop Smoking. It’s just not sexy. Just ask the Marlboro Man



9. Keep in touch
Go for at least one medical check up this year, many diseases are better managed when detected early.
This also means keeping up with your cancer screenings: mammograms, prostate and colorectal.

· Having regular bone density screenings after the age of 40 is also suggested. Annually measuring hormone levels and keeping them balanced by an expertly trained hormone doctor can also help prevent disease and even some cancers.

10. Have Sex

 A healthy sex life with your partner helps you stay bonded and also provides a good workout.  Now a new study shows that sex is also good for your brain, leading to improved interconnections in the brain and
significant stress reduction.

11. Get a massage or Acupuncture 1x/month
  The health benefits of Acupuncture and Massage are endless. From improved circulation, decreased stress, improved sleep, to boosting the immune system.
Chinese Medicine is one of the most widely used Health Care Systems today. Acupuncture has been practiced for over 2,500 years and is currently sanctioned by the W.H.O and the NIH to effectively treat over 47 conditions including:


· Low back pain

· Sciatica

· Tennis Elbow

· Frozen Shoulder Syndrome

· Insomnia

· Depression

· Chemotherapy induced nausea and vomiting

· Neck pain

· Anxiety

· Insomnia

· Headaches

· Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

· Allergic Rhinitis/ Sinusitis

· Tennis and Golfers Elbow

· Smoking Cessation

· Infertiltiy

· Osteoarthritis

· Stress

· Common Cold

· Addictions

The benefits of Acupuncture are:

· It is a natural health care system

· Very few side-effects

· Calming

· Immediate stress reliever

· Promotes relaxation

· Promotes natural healing and good health

· Improves immune system function

· Improves sleep

· Improves overall state of wellness

· Decreases pain

· Balances hormones

Call today to make an appointment and achieve those Health and Wellness Goals!

Be Healthy. Stay Healthy.

New Year Goal Setting with Acupuncture

Qi Mail™
The Acupuncture NewsletterJanuary 2012

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



Create Lasting Resolve to Reach Your Goals with Acupuncture


The start of the new year is a time of looking back at what we have achieved in the past year and looking forward to the future. This period of remembrance and resolution may be challenging but it is both productive and rewarding. Acupuncture and Oriental medicine can help achieve the change you seek as it assists in illness prevention, stress relief, minimizes aches and pains, improves energy and nurtures balance. This calm and clarity strengthens your resolve as you take the next step in achieving your goals.

Here are a few ways that Acupuncture can help you achieve your goals:

Lose Weight
Losing weight is the most common New Year's resolution. Acupuncture and Oriental medicine can help you reach your goal weight and maintain it by promoting better digestion, smoothing emotions, reducing appetite, improving metabolism, and eliminating food cravings--all of which can help energize the body, maximize absorption of nutrients, regulate elimination, control overeating, suppress the appetite and reduce anxiety.

Get in Shape
Renewed enthusiasm to exercise in order to enhance fitness levels, train for a competition, or lose weight can come at a painful price for those who try to do too much too quickly. Recent studies show that acupuncture effectively treats sports injuries such as strains, sprains, musculoskeletal pain, swollen muscles and shin splints.

Eliminate Stress
Stress reduction is always on the top ten list for New Year's resolutions and for a good reason; it is often the cause of illness and deterioration of health. Numerous studies have demonstrated the substantial benefits of acupuncture in the treatment of stress, anxiety and lowering blood pressure. In addition to acupuncture, Oriental medicine offers a whole range of tools that can be integrated into your life to keep stress in check.

Improved Quality of Life
If pain is keeping you from living life to the fullest, acupuncture can help as it has no side effects and can be helpful for all types of pain, regardless of the cause or where it is located. Increasingly, people are looking for more natural approaches to help relieve painful conditions instead of relying on medication. In addition to reducing pain, acupuncture also hastens the healing process by increasing circulation and attracting white blood cells to an injured area.

Call today to see how Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine can help you keep your resolutions and prepare for the year ahead @ (904) 448-0046!

Healthy Brain Habits
Keeping the goals we have set for ourselves in addition to outlining and completing the tasks needed to accomplish those goals can be overwhelming. Here are a few steps you can take to help optimize brain health and sharpen your memory:

Eat More Produce - Studies that focus on food and memory show that the more produce you eat, the better. One 25-year Harvard Medical School study of more than 13,000 women showed that the participants who ate relatively high amounts of vegetables over the years had less age-related decline in memory. Cruciferous vegetables, such as broccoli, and leafy green vegetables had the biggest effect on helping women retain their memory during the course of the study. In another study, the phytochemicals, anthocyanin (found in berries of all colors and cherries) and quercetin (found in onions, kale and apples), actually reversed some of the age-related memory deficits in laboratory animals.

Take Care of Your Heart - A healthy heart makes for a healthy brain. Because oxygen and nutrients are carried in the blood stream, anything that impedes blood flow will starve those all-important brain cells. Review your blood pressure and cholesterol level. Know your numbers and if they are elevated, take immediate measures to bring them down.

Get a Good Night's Sleep -When we sleep, the brain has time to recharge. Studies show that 7-8 hours of sleep a night helps to strengthen memory. Practicing good sleep habits helps keep the brain and the rest of the body functioning at its best.

Exercise - Regular physical activity has been shown to decrease the risk of dementia and Alzheimer's disease by about half. Exercise increases blood flow to the brain and helps regulate blood sugar levels, both of which improve brain function and memory. Aim for 30 minutes a day.

Challenge Your Brain - Keep your mind active and challenged. Brain function decreases with age. Studies show that cognitive exercise can improve blood flow to the brain. Spend at least 15 minutes each day on a mental exercise such as a crossword puzzle, journaling or learning a new language in order to slow memory loss.
Feeling a little foggy? Having trouble concentrating?

Massage acupuncture point Du 20 for some mental clarity: this is located on top of the head, midway between the ears. It is used to clear the mind and improve focus.

Stimulate the point with your index finger 35-40 seconds for a quick "brain boost."

The Will Power Connection

Is there a body/mind connection to will power?

According to the principles of Acupuncture and Oriental medicine there is. Will power, or "Zhi," is said to reside in the kidneys and the state of the Kidney Qi directly correlates to the fortitude of our will power.

In Oriental medicine, disease prevention begins with a protective layer around the exterior of the body called wei qi, or defensive energy. If you catch colds easily, have low energy and require a long time recuperating from an illness, your wei qi may be deficient.

Nourishing Qi can help greatly enhance the body's ability to thrive in times of stress, aid in healing, prevent illness and increase vitality. According to Oriental medicine, recharging your battery and regeneration of vital energy, Qi, will help you live, look and feel your best!


This email was sent to: healthpointejax@gmail.com

Alleviate Your Stress with Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine

Qi Mail™
The Acupuncture NewsletterDecember 2011

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 Stress with Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine


As a normal part of life, stress enables us to get things done. If left unmanaged, stress can lead to emotional, psychological, and even physical problems. Stress causes a disruption in the flow of vital energy, or Qi, through the body. These energetic imbalances can throw off the immune system or cause symptoms of pain, sleep disturbances, abnormal digestion, headaches, menstrual irregularities, aggravation of already troublesome health conditions and, over time, more serious illnesses can develop.

Stressful situations that last over a long period of time can create an ongoing low-level stress that puts continual pressure on the nervous system, increasing activity, and can cause the overproduction of hormones. The extra stress hormones over an extended period of time may wear out the body's reserves, lead to fatigue, depression, a weakened immune system, and a host of serious physical and psychological ailments.

Some signs of stress overload include:

- anxiety or panic attacks
- feelings of constant pressure, hassled and hurried
- irritability and moodiness
- physical symptoms such as stomach problems, headaches, or even chest pain
- allergic reactions, such as eczema or asthma
- problems sleeping
- overindulgence in food, alcohol, smoking, or drugs
- sadness or depression

Stress is often the cause of illness and the deterioration of health. Finding a release valve for your stress can help you stay healthy. According to Oriental medicine, stress, frustration, and unresolved anger can play an important part in throwing the immune system off and allowing pathogens to affect the body. Through acupuncture, these energy blockages can be addressed. Acupuncture points can help energy flow smoothly, and alleviate not only the symptoms of stress and anxiety, but the stress and anxiety itself.

Numerous studies have demonstrated the substantial benefits of acupuncture in the treatment of stress. Acupuncture improves circulation of blood throughout the body, which oxygenates the tissues and cycles out cortisol and other waste chemicals. The calming nature of acupuncture also decreases heart rate, lowers blood pressure and relaxes the muscles.

In addition to acupuncture, Oriental medicine offers a wide range of tools and techniques that can be integrated into your wellness plan to keep stress in check. These tools include Tui Na, Qi Gong exercises, dietary therapy, meditations and acupressure that you can administer at home.

While it isn't always possible to remove the external forces causing stress, the ability to effectively deal with stress is a choice. Take time for yourself to cultivate the energy you need to handle your stress more skillfully and effectively.

If you or someone you know is experiencing stress or a stress related disorder, contact us for more information about how acupuncture and Oriental medicine can help you regain peace of mind, regulate your immune system and stay healthy and schedule an appointment today @ (904) 448-0046!

Acupuncture Gives Hope to Patients with PTSD
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a severe type of anxiety disorder. PTSD results from a person witnessing or being involved in a traumatic event that causes intense fear, helplessness or horror, such as, a natural disaster, rape, childhood abuse, a tragic accident, or war. Signs and symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder typically begin within three months of a traumatic event but can, in some instances, occur years after the event.

Symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder include:

1. Intrusive memories - flashbacks and nightmares of events

2. Avoidance and numbing - feeling emotionally numb, hopelessness about the future, avoiding anything that is a reminder of the precipitating event.

3. Hyperarousal - increased anxiety, irritability or anger, self-destructive behavior (e.g., excessive drinking), and an exaggerated startle response (jumping at sounds)

Acupuncture as Treatment for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
In the last couple of years, acupuncture, has been getting more attention as a treatment for PTSD, particularly from military and veterans since soldiers post combat are at a high risk for suffering from PTSD. The results from acupuncture are hopeful. Time and again, acupuncture has proven to be an effective modality for treating the symptoms of PTSD.

Acupuncturists Without Borders (AWB), a group that previously provided relief to the survivors of the earthquake in Haiti and hurricane in New Orleans, launched The Military Stress Recovery Project. This organization provides free acupuncture treatments for veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan, as well as their families. Treated military personnel have reported improved mental clarity, less anxiety, and a reduction in stress.

There are good precedents for the use of acupuncture to treat post-traumatic stress disorder. Walter Reed Medical Center, a military hospital, has begun to investigate acupuncture as a viable treatment for returning veterans.

Researchers at the University of Louisville School of Medicine conducted a clinical trial examining the effects of acupuncture on the symptoms of PTSD. They analyzed depression, anxiety, and impairment in 73 people who had been diagnosed with PTSD and found that acupuncture provided treatment effects similar to group cognitive-behavioral therapy. Both acupuncture and cognitive-behavioral therapy were superior to the control group. Additionally, treatment effects of acupuncture and group therapy were maintained for 3 months after the end of treatment.

Why does acupuncture help the symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder? Correctly placed needles help the body re-regulate itself from the effects of stress, PTSD, depression and anxiety. In turn, this allows the individual to focus on their activities and enable them to deal with daily events.

Source: Hollifield, M., Sinclair-Lian, N., Warner, T., and Hammerschlag, R. "Acupuncture for Post-traumatic Stress Disorder: A Randomized Controlled Pilot Trial." The Journal of Nervous and Mental Disease, June, 2007 V195(6):504-13.

Coping With Holiday Stress
The holiday season can be filled with a dizzying array of demands, visitors, travel and frantic shopping trips. For many people, it is also a time filled with sadness, self-reflection, loneliness and anxiety. Compound the usual seasonal pressures with economic strain and you many find this to be one of the most emotionally trying times of the year.

Boost your overall ability to handle seasonal stress by replenishing the nutrients that stress hormones deplete by including the following foods in your meals:

Blackberries - Blackberries are jam packed with vitamin C, calcium and magnesium. Vitamin C has shown to be a powerful stress reducer that can lower blood pressure and return cortisol levels to normal faster when taken during periods of stress.

Cruciferous Vegetables – Cauliflower, broccoli, cabbage, and kale are full of stress-relieving B vitamins. Cauliflower is also one of the very best sources of vitamin B5, or pantothenic acid. Pantothenic acid helps turn carbohydrates and fats into usable energy and improves your ability to respond to stress by supporting your adrenal glands.

Salmon – Salmon is a healthy and delicious way to get your dose of B vitamins and omega-3 fatty acids. Among the many benefits of omega-3 fatty acids, a 2003 study published in Diabetes & Metabolism found that a diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids significantly reduced the stress response and kept the stress hormones cortisol and epinephrine in check.
Tools to Effectively Manage Stress
Increase your ability to effectively manage stress by including these five tools in your wellness plan!

Eat Healthily - More than 1400 chemical changes occur as stress hormones, such as cortisone, deplete important nutrients such as B vitamins, vitamin C and magnesium from the body. A balanced, varied diet provides your body with the nutrients it needs to handle stress.

Exercise - Exercise stimulates the body to release endorphins, which are brain chemicals that improve mood and relieve stress.

Outlook - Your outlook influences the way you see things. Change is a healthy, normal part of life. Think of challenges as opportunities.

Relax - Relaxing is a release valve for stress. Relaxation methods vary by individual and can include meditation, yoga and exercise.

Restorative Sleep - Practicing good sleep hygiene will give your body an opportunity to recover from everyday stress.