Holiday Promotions

Health Pointe Jacksonville, LLC
3840 Belfort Road #305

Jacksonville, FL 32216

(904) 448-0046/www.hpjax.com

Happy Holidays!!!

Give the Gift of Health this holiday season!
For the month of December HPJAX is offering Buy One Get One Gift Certificates! That's 2 Hours of Services for just $80!

We treat: Muscular Pain, Fertility & Female Health, Headaches/Migraines, Stress, Autism, Common Cold and Flu symptoms, Digestive Problems, Autoimmune Diseases, Pregnancy challenges, Addictions, and many other Health Challenges!

We offer: Acupuncture, Rehabilitative Massage Therapies, Wellness Counseling, Infrared Sauna sessions, and EFT sessions!

We accept Cash, Checks, MC, and Visa

This offer good thru December only! Call now!
(904) 448-0046



Have A Healthy and Happy Holiday Season!!

Staying Healthy this Winter with Acupuncture

Qi Mail™The Acupuncture Newsletter
December 2009

Julee Miller AP, DOM, BS, LMT

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



Recharge Your Battery this Winter with Acupuncture

If you feel tired and drained, you are not alone. "Lack of energy" is one of the top five complaints that doctors hear in their offices. According to Oriental medicine, the cold months of winter are the perfect time to recharge your battery and generate vital energy or Qi - in order to live, look, and feel your best.The ancient Chinese believed that human beings should live in harmony with the natural cycles of their environment. The cold and darkness of winter urges us to slow down. This is the time of year to reflect on health, replenish energy and conserve strength.
Winter is ruled by the Water element, which is associated with the Kidneys, Bladder and Adrenal Glands. The Kidneys are considered the source of all energy or Qi within the body. They store all of the reserve Qi in the body so that it can be used in times of stress and change, or to heal, prevent illness, and age gracefully. During the winter months it is important to nurture and nourish our Kidney Qi. It is the time where this energy can be most easily depleted.
Our bodies are instinctively expressing the fundamental principles of winter: rest, reflection, conservation and storage. The Nei Ching, an ancient Chinese classic, advises people to go to sleep early and rise late, after the sun's rays have warmed the atmosphere a bit. This preserves your own Yang Qi for the task of warming in the face of cold.Eating warm hearty soups, whole grains, and roasted nuts help to warm the body’s core and to keep us nourished. Sleep early, rest well, stay warm, and expend a minimum quantity of energy.Seasonal acupuncture treatments in winter serve to nurture and nourish kidney Qi which can greatly enhance the body's ability to thrive in times of stress, aid in healing, prevent illness and increase vitality.
Call now for more information or to schedule your seasonal tune-up.

Here are some dietary suggestions that can lead to an increase in vitality and radiant health:

• Water - The Kidneys are associated with the Water element. Drink ample water, at room temperature, throughout the day.
• Kidney Shaped Foods - Black beans and kidney beans are excellent examples of kidney shaped foods that nourish and benefit Kidney Qi.
• Blue and Black Foods - The colors blue and black correspond to the Water element of the Kidneys and are thought to strengthen the Water element. Include blueberries, blackberries, mulberry and black beans in your diet.
• Seeds - Flax, pumpkin, sunflower and black sesame seeds relate to fertility and growth which is governed by Kidney Qi.
  Nuts - Walnuts and chestnuts have been found to be especially effective for increasing Kidney Qi.
• Vegetables - Dark, leafy green vegetables are the best choice for Kidney Qi. Other Kidney Qi boosting veggies include asparagus, cucumbers and celery.

Natural Options for the Flu

Did you know that tamiflu, a drug used to treat flu symptoms, is derived from star anise, an anti-viral plant that has been used by Oriental medicine herbalists for centuries? When it comes to staying healthy during the flu season, Oriental medicine has a lot to offer.

Acupuncture for Prevention - Acupuncture and Oriental medicine can prevent colds and flus by building up the immune system with just a few needles inserted into key points along the body's energy pathways. These points are known for strengthening the circulation of blood and energy and for consolidating the outer defense layers of the skin and muscle (Wei Qi) so that germs and viruses cannot enter through them. Acupuncture to Get Better Faster - If you've already happened to catch that cold, acupuncture and herbal medicine can also help with the chills, sniffles, sore throat or fever in a safe, non-toxic way that doesn't 't bombard your body with harmful antibiotics.

Acupuncture does not interfere with Western medical treatment. On the contrary, it provides a welcome complement to it in most cases, and with its emphasis on treating the whole person, recovery time for illness is often shortened.Herbal Medicine - There is a one thousand year old Chinese herbal formula that forms a handy complement to these immune-boosting treatments and it is elegantly entitled The Jade Windscreen Formula. It is made up of just three herbs: Radix Astragalus, Atractylodis Macrocephalae, and Radix Ledebouriellae. These three powerful herbs combine together to tonify the immune system and fortify the exterior of the body so that you can fight off wind-borne viruses and bacteria.


From an Eastern perspective, black beans are warming in nature. They are thought to tonify the Kidney Qi and nourish Yin and Blood.From a Western perspective, black beans are rich in antioxidants and an excellent source of protein, folate, iron and fiber.

Kidney Qi Boosting Black Bean SoupIngredients: 1 pound black beans1 bay leaf1 large onion, slicedSalt to tasteA few cloves of chopped garlic1 teaspoon dry mustard powder1 cup dry sherry (not cooking sherry)

Instructions:

• 1. Pick over beans to remove any dirt, stones or foreign objects. Wash well, then soak for 8 hours in ample cold water.
• 2. Drain beans and cover with a generous amount of fresh water. Bring to a boil over high heat in a large saucepan with the bay leaf. Skim off foam, lower heat, and simmer, partially covered, until beans are just tender, about 1 hour.
• 3. Add onion and continue to cook until onion becomes extremely soft, about 1 more hour.
• 4. Add salt to taste and garlic. Continue to cook, adding a little boiling water if necessary, until beans are very soft, about 1-2 hours more.
• 5. Remove bay leaf and turn off heat. Ladle beans in batches into a blender or food processor and puree, or use an immersion blender and puree soup directly in the saucepan.
• 6. Add dry mustard powder and dry sherry. Correct seasoning. Reheat and serve, adding any garnishes you wish, such as slices of lemon or freshly chopped herbs.

Call now for your tune up!

Stress Management

Are You SAD?

Stress... we all deal with it in some form or fashion. At it’s best it can make us tired, grumpy, and feeling as if we’ve “had it up to here.”
At it’s worst, it can cause lack of motivation, life-altering anxiety and nervousness, and serious sadness and depression. The best way to banish stress is to take proactive measures.
Here are a few things you can do to decrease the the stress in your life, and restore inner peace and wellbeing.

• Play!
Too often we get caught up with work and obligations, and forget to do the things that truly bring us joy. Schedule one thing you truly enjoy doing at least two times per week.

• Laugh.
Research has shown that laughter has immense stress relieving benefits. Read a funny book, watch a comedian on television, or hang out with some funny friends.

• Embrace silence.
Most of us are unaware of the constant noise in our lives, which can be stressful. Allocate 30 minutes per day as noise-free. This may sound difficult, but it’s as easy as turning off the television or radio while you get ready for the day.

• Meditate.
When you practice mediation your heart rate and breathing slow down, your blood pressure normalizes, and you produce less of the stress hormone cortisol. There are several different kinds of meditation, and many books and tapes available to help guide you through this process.

• Exercise.
When we exercise our bodies, we strengthen the stress-fighting systems. Make a point of exercising every day, for at least 30 minutes.

• Eat a balanced diet.
You can help your body avoid increased stress by eating certain foods. Avoid caffeine and alcohol, and be sure to eat a good balance of grains, fruits and vegetables, protein, and dairy.

• Get your regular massage therapy.
Massage helps to increase circulation and rid your body of toxins. Both of these are very important when it comes to fighting stress!

Acupuncture for Autoimmune Disease

Qi Mail™The Acupuncture Newsletter
November 2009
Julee Miller AP, DOM, BS, LMT

Health Pointe Jacksonville, LLC3840 Belfort Road, Suite 305Jacksonville, FL 32216

904-448-0046/www.hpjax.com

Treating Autoimmune Disease with Acupuncture

Over 50 million Americans suffer from autoimmune disease; an autoimmune disease occurs when the body’s immune system attacks healthy tissue. Autoimmune disorders include Rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, thyroid disease, Addison's disease, pernicious anemia, celiac disease, multiple sclerosis, myasthenia gravis and Guillain–Barré syndrome. Due to the complexity of treating autoimmune disorders, integrative medicine solutions including acupuncture and Oriental medicine have received much attention as successful therapies in their treatment. Acupuncture is specifically noted for its use in pain relief, regulating the immune system, managing symptoms and improving quality of life.What Causes Autoimmune Disease?Under normal conditions, an immune response cannot be triggered against the cells of one's own body. In certain cases, however, immune cells make a mistake and attack the very cells that they are meant to protect. This can lead to a variety of autoimmune diseases. They encompass a broad category of over 100 diseases in which the person's immune system attacks his or her own tissue.The exact mechanisms causing these changes are not completely understood, but bacteria, viruses, toxins, and some drugs may play a role in triggering an autoimmune process in someone who already has a genetic (inherited) predisposition to develop such a disorder. It is theorized that the inflammation initiated by these agents, toxic or infectious, somehow provokes in the body a "sensitization" (autoimmune reaction) in the involved tissues.As the disease develops vague symptoms start to appear, such as joint and muscle pain, general muscle weakness, possible rashes or low-grade fever, trouble concentrating, or weight loss. The following symptoms may point toward something being wrong: numbness and tingling in hands and feet, dry eyes, hair loss, shortness of breath, heart palpitations, or repeated miscarriages can also be caused by an autoimmune response.

How Acupuncture Treats Autoimmune Disorders

According to Oriental medicine, autoimmune disorders occur when there is imbalance within the body. Imbalance can come from an excess or deficiency of yin and yang that disrupts the flow of qi, or vital energy, through the body. Acupuncture is used to help the body restore balance, treating the root of the disorder, while specifically addressing the symptoms that are unique to each individual.Clinical research has shown that acupuncture causes physical responses in nerve cells, the pituitary gland, and parts of the brain. These responses can cause the body to release proteins, hormones, and brain chemicals that control a number of body functions. It is proposed that, by these actions, acupuncture affects blood pressure, body temperature and the immune system.In addition to acupuncture, your treatment program to manage your autoimmune disorder may involve a combination of therapies including stress reducing exercises, moderate physical activity, herbal medicine, nutritional support and bodywork.To learn more about how acupuncture can safely and effectively be incorporated into care for people with an autoimmune disorder, please call for a consultation today.

Acupuncture Effective for Crohn's Disease

In a study published in the journal, Digestion, acupuncture was found effective for treating Crohn's disease.Crohn's disease is an autoimmune disease which involves chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. The main symptoms of Crohn's disease are abdominal pain, fever, fatigue and persistent, watery diarrhea. Symptoms range from mild to severe, and can come and go with periods of flare-ups.In this German study, 51 patients with mild to moderately active Crohn's disease had a decrease in disease activity after receiving 10 sessions of acupuncture. Study members also showed an improvement in general well-being and reported an improvement in quality of life.

Source: Joos S, Brinkhaus B, Maluche C, Maupai N, Kohnen R, Kraehmer N, Hahn EG, Schuppan D. Acupuncture and moxibustion in the treatment of active Crohn's disease: a randomized controlled study. Digestion. 2004;69(3):131-9.

Acupuncture for Athletes

Acupuncture for Athletes
This Great Article was taken from Acufinder.com and was written by Diane Joswick, L.Ac., MSOM

All athletes and coaches are involved in a constant search for ways to improve performance and gain a competitive edge over their rivals. Many are finding that acupuncture can often provide that edge.By following the principles of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), an acupuncture treatment can strengthen body function and restore internal harmony and balance. Professional sports teams and top athletes regularly have an acupuncturist on staff to treat injuries and to keep them performing at their peak.Some of the best Olympic athletes are incorporating acupuncture into their wellness programs. China's most popular sportsman, the 7 foot 6 inch China basketball center, Yao Ming, used acupuncture and Oriental medicine to help him recover after undergoing surgery on his ankle in April, 2007.Chinese swimmer, Wang Qun, was photographed doing some last minute training in Beijing with round marks on her back from an acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine treatment. The marks on the swimmers back were caused by cupping. Cupping is a technique in which a glass cup or bamboo jar is suctioned onto the body. It is used to relieve muscle pain, especially back pain from stiffness or injury; and to clear congestion in the chest, which can occur with common colds and influenza.

Studies on Acupuncture to Enhance Athletic PerformanceStudies have shown that acupuncture has measurable effects on the flow of blood to certain areas of the body, which could in turn boost athletic performance. One such study conducted at the Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine involved athletes running 5,000 meters, and afterwards sitting for acupuncture treatments before they had a chance to catch their breath. The heart rates of the athletes who received the treatments recovered more quickly than those in the control group.

Another study published in the American Journal of Acupuncture measured the effects of acupuncture on anaerobic threshold and work capacity during exercise in healthy young males. Researchers found that individuals in the acupuncture treatment group had higher maximal exercise capacity and were able to perform higher workloads at the onset of blood lactate accumulation (OBLA) than individuals in the placebo group. The individuals that received acupuncture also had lower heart rates.Acupuncture is well known for its effectiveness in reducing most types of pain, including sports-related injuries.Acupuncture can be used to help decrease swelling, spasms and inflammation. Additionally, it can be used to control pain, increase range of motion and help promote healing. Because of its broad range of applications, acupuncture can be used during any of the phases of injury. The focus is not only to treat the injury but also to treat any underlying conditions that may predispose an individual to injuries. This is especially important when treating chronic or recurrent injuries that interfere with life activities or athletic performance.

Injuries occurring from sports are mostly due to trauma or overuse syndromes involving the musculoskeletal system and its soft tissues. Trauma to these soft tissues, including ligaments, tendons and muscles are generally the result from falls, blows, sprains/strains, collisions, compressions crushing and disruptions of the healing processes due to inflammation.

Some Commonly Treated Sports Injuries:

• Muscle PullNeck Pain


• Shoulder Impingement


• Tennis Elbow


• Lower Back Strain


• Groin Pull


• Hamstring Strain


• Runner's Knee


• Shin Splints


• Ankle Sprain


• Achilles Tendonitis


• Arch Pain

If you have suffered an injury, want to avoid surgery, or would like to speed your post surgical recovery, acupuncture can help.

Flex Spending and Health Savings Accounts cover Alternative Medicine

Use Your Health Savings, Flexible Spending or Medical Savings Account forAcupuncture, Massage and More



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

The year is almost over and now is the time to look into getting a
flexible spending account (FSA), health savings account (HSA), or medical savings account (MSA).

Did you know that you can use these accounts for a variety of things…including Acupuncture, Therapeutic Massage, Natural Healing and Hydrotherapy?

Based on the federal tax code, a qualified expense “must be to alleviate or prevent a physical or mental defect or illness.”

If you’re like the majority of our clients, you deal with a host of conditions that cause/contribute to chronic pain, stress, and other issues affecting your quality of life. In order for Acupuncture, or Therapeutic Massage to be covered, there are a few steps you’ll need to take:

1.) Get a prescription for manual therapies and/or hydrotherapy. You’ll need a prescription for these for it to count as a qualified medical expense. Talk to your medical practitioner (any healthcare provider who can write a prescription). The prescription makes it medically necessary and should be covered.
Make sure the prescription contains the proper information. The prescription should contain three pieces of information: Length of treatment, duration, reason for prescribing therapies.

2.) Schedule your appointment. You won’t need to bring your prescription with you.

3.) Get a “medical receipt” for your session. When you check in, let us know that you’ll need the receipt to submit. We’ll give you a receipt that has the documentation you need (such as insurance classification code and description of the therapeutic service). We can either print the receipt or e-mail it to you. And remember that even though an expense is approved, you could still get audited by the IRS. So keep your written prescription and your FSA debit or credit card statement.


If you don’t have an FSA or an HSA and are wondering what they are, here are some broad definitions:

A flexible spending account (FSA) is a tax-advantaged financial account that allows an employee to set aside a portion of his or her earnings to pay for qualified expenses, most commonly for medical expenses, and is offered through an employer’s cafeteria plan. Money deducted from an employee’s pay into an FSA is not subject to payroll taxes, resulting in a substantial payroll tax savings. The medical expense FSA (also medical FSA or health FSA), is similar to a health savings account (HSA), but medical FSAs are commonly offered with more traditional health plans. With most FSA, you must use up your funds each year.

An HSA is a tax-advantaged medical savings account available to people who are enrolled in a high deductible health plan. The funds contributed to the account are not subject to federal income tax at the time of deposit. HSAs are owned by the individual, and funds may be used to pay for qualified medical expenses at any time without federal tax liability. Unlike an FSA, funds roll over to the next year if not spent.If you don’t have one of these accounts, look into them now and reap the benefits!Health Savings of AmericaUS Govt GSA info

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.