Blog Archives - Acu Doula BC

Superfoods that will knock out fatigue in a single punch

7/29/2016

Do you ever find yourself feeling unmotivated, tired and lazy for seemingly no reason at all? For me, this has become a very common thing, particularly on those days when I don’t get in my morning workout. As a result, I end up guzzling down multiple cups of coffee throughout the day, which gets me going for a while, but ends up messing up my sleep schedule at night, leading to another unproductive day.
I knew there had to be a better way to keep up my energy without gorging on the sugar and caffeine. So lots of research and many grocery store trips later, I’ve managed to find some of the best superfoods that will knock out fatigue in a single punch.

Oats

There’s a reason why oats are such a beloved breakfast cereal. Filled with nutrients such as magnesium, potassium, iron and fibers, just one bowlful is enough to keep you charged for the entire day without causing a sudden crash in energy levels.

Walnuts

If at any time during the day you start feeling lethargic (particularly the post lunch work hours), grab a handful of walnuts and munch on them like a snack. The high content of omega-3 fatty acids helps to instantly boost your mood and kick back the fatigue.

Bananas

An apple may keep you away from the doctor, but a banana will keep you from nodding off at work. Bite into this fleshy fruit and you’ll get enough vitamins, fibers and carbs that will instantly get rid of dehydration and drowsiness.

Yogurt

A cup of thick, chilled, sweet yogurt in the middle of the day is a great option to keep your energy flowing in the right direction. The soft consistency makes it easy for the body to process and probiotics in yogurt help to curb feelings of fatigue giving you a quick burst of vigor to carry on with the day.

Green Tea

For those who need a quick-fix for their fatigue, a steaming cup of green tea works very well. It helps to reduce stress, improve focus and boost energy levels and is a lot healthier and wholesome than your average cup of coffee.
Just a few changes and substitutions to your daily diet could go a long way in keeping up your energy levels every day. Trust me, I speak from experience.

Spleen Meridian

7/28/2016

Sanyinjiao Acupoint for Moxibustion

The acupoint Sanyinjiao(SP6), a very important point on the spleen meridian, is where three Yin meridians meet. Heat and dampness from the spleen meridian, dampness from the liver meridian and cold from kidney meridian gather here on Sanyinjiao. So, performing moxibustion here is very helpful to solve or ease many problems such as a weak spleen and stomach, dysperpsia, diarrhea, leulorrhagia, hysteroptosis, etc.

Location: On the medial aspect of the lower leg, 3 cun (4 fingers)above the prominence of medial malleolus

Application:
1) Irregular menstruation, prolapse of uterus, dystocia, postpartum faintness, spermatorrhea, impotence, premature ejaculation, pain in the penis, hernia, testicular atrophy, etc.
2) Insomnia, headache, dizziness, bilateral hypochondriac pain, etc.
3) Enuresis, anuria, edema, dysuria, spleen and stomach deficiency, etc.

Performing moxibustion on Sanyinjiao is effective to strengthen spleen and stomach, dispel cold and dampness, harmonizes the Liver, strengthen the Kidneys and balance Yin and Yang.

Use Salt Water To Remove Negative Energy: Best Natural Remedy

7/26/2016

The Science of Vibrations & Salt Water Therapy For Negative EnergyWe are fully dependent on our vibrations – we each emit a different vibration, and our energy is influencing us as well as the others around us. It is simply how we function. And the fact that we, as a society, nowadays, are unhappy, reflects the way that we pick up low vibrations and continue to emit them. We are not used to paying attention to how much we let stressful factors harm us, so we become spiritually, and ultimately physically damaged. We must learn that it is of utmost important to heal ourselves internally.

Because we cannot isolate ourselves from the people around us, we must learn how to be a source of positive vibrations. When we interact with others, we can feel their energy and they can feel ours. You can help yourself reduce the negative effects of negative vibrations – you can rid yourself of the clouds in your mind, your fatigue, your worries and illness and all the other harmful effects that continue to bring misery to your life by salt water therapy. The salt water therapy is a simple yet powerful remedy to overcome unseen negative energy and drain it out of your system. It is easily available and you can use salt water to remove negative energies affecting you and causing distress in your life.

Undergo Salt Water Therapy For Negative EnergyWe can benefit greatly from getting used to some ancient spiritual practices. There are many such practices that exist only for our benefit, but because we are always busy taking care of our comfort in our existence, that we forget to let ourselves live. Such practices have gone under the name of alternative medicine or such – only because the science behind it is not as tangible as the science behind traditional medication. We don’t have to be so skeptical when it comes to natural remedies. They can’t harm us. So, you can be sure of using salt water therapy to remove negative energies from your body as it is completely harmless.

One such natural remedy is Salt water treatment. It is a cleansing method for our spiritual healing. It sounds so simple that we tend to judge it as ineffective, but if you think about it, it makes perfect sense. It contains water – which is such a big component in our body, which we use for cleansing, and salt – a mineral which is known for its capability to extract. These two, combined, create a tool that is capable of removing the black, negative energy that is so harmful.
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ACUPUNCTURE THERAPY FOR QUITTING SMOKING ADDICTION

7/11/2016

Acupuncture NYC Search
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ACUPUNCTURE FOR SMOKING
ACUPUNCTURE THERAPY FOR QUITTING SMOKING ADDICTIONJULY 7, 2016 ACU11 LEAVE A COMMENT

Acupuncture therapy is already a well-accepted practice used in treating of quitting the smoking addiction. An alternative medicine believed to have originated as far as 3000 BC in ancient China, this treatment is now being widely utilized for various medicinal and therapeutic purposes. It has been found furthermore to successfully treat drug dependence and chronic smoking addiction.
There are several smoking cessation medications and therapies available presently. However, acupuncture is a recommended alternative procedure, especially where conventional therapies have already failed. The strategic insertion of needles in various parts of the body aims to treat the condition in a more profound and emotional level. A smoker needs to free himself from the physiological and psychological addiction of smoking, thus necessitating a more holistic treatment.
How does the acupuncture kill the smoking addiction?The placement of needles is usually located behind the ear, or on the ear cartilage. This is where the calming effect takes place, curbing the patient’s cravings for more cigarettes. People who have a smoking habit are bound to take up the nicotine stick more often whenever they feel stressed, bored, or depressed. Needles are also often inserted on the hand and wrists to promote a steadier flow of bodily energy. The feeling of relaxation will help an individual think twice about lighting a cigarette again.
Furthermore, this treatment has been found to help an individual deal with the withdrawal symptoms better. This alternative medicine promotes better tolerance to pain and discomfort during smoking cessation. Withdrawal symptoms can range from mild to severe and may involve nausea, palpitations, and dizziness. Oftentimes, these same conditions will propel an individual back to his smoking tendencies sooner than later.
Nicotine is the addictive and toxic substance present in a cigarette. This is the same substance that makes quitting a big challenge for most smokers. The nicotine that you get from smoking will attach itself to the pleasure areas in the brain, making it hard for you to stop. Without a steady stream of this substance, a smoker will tend to feel depressed and uncomfortable.
People who have undergone acupuncture treatment reported that they no longer find cigarettes as tempting or as satisfying. Oftentimes, smoking would leave an awful taste in their mouths prompting them to stop their habit for once. Some patients would even resort to eating mints or lozenges to clear to get rid of the terrible aftertaste.
According to skilled practitioners, approximately 7 out of 10 smokers will successfully extricate themselves from their smoking habit after 2 or 3 weeks. While the others are unable to quit totally, these smokers will be able to cut down on their cigarette consumption quite significantly.
Advice & experience from Acupuncture ExpertsIt is advised for a patient to consult with a skilled acupuncturist. A more personalized service will be provided by an expert, as well as added counseling for the patient. Moreover, an acupuncturist may prescribe herbal supplements to aid the patient in quitting efforts.
During treatment, filiform needles are inserted into specific points on the ear cartilage, as well as the hands and wrists. Normal procedures last for about 30 minutes. Body acupuncture can be used in combination with the ear and wrist needle placements. An acupuncturist may also utilize a mild electric current, to enhance the effect of the needles through the body.
The greatest advantage of this ancient Oriental procedure is the absence of side-effects during and after treatment. Unlike smoking cessation medications and nicotine replacement therapy products, acupuncture does not employ chemically manufactured substances. There is also no risk of weight gain during therapy. In conjunction with helping a patient quit smoking, it can also curb appetite, thus reducing food cravings.
If you have tried several methods in smoking cessation to no avail, perhaps it is high time you consider the alternative method that is acupuncture. With the right practitioner and the right frame of mind, there is no reason why you won’t be nicotine-free before long.

Epsom Salt

7/10/2016

Epsom salts have been used to treat a variety of health ailments by numerous cultures for centuries. Epsom salt baths have astounding health benefits and are an excellent way to destress and detoxify the whole body. However, these salts are not just beneficial for healing the human body. They are are useful as household cleaners and can even nourish the garden. You can find bulk Epsom salts at gardening stores almost everywhere, making them a real health bargain.
The name Epsom salts comes from its origination of a bitter saline spring found at Epsom in Surrey, England. Unlike other naturally occurring salts, Epsom salts are formed from a pure mineral compound containing magnesium and sulfate. Both magnesium and sulfate stimulate detoxification pathways in the body.
Epsom Salt Baths Help Prevent Magnesium DeficiencyMore than 325 enzymes in our bodies require magnesium to properly function. Magnesium stimulates nerve and muscle function, limits inflammation, and improves oxygenation and blood flow through the body. Deficiencies in magnesium can cause significant damage to nerves which manifest in symptoms associated with depression.
Magnesium and sulfate are both fine consistency minerals that can be absorbed through our skin and taken up into the bloodstream. Just as your skin perspires to remove toxins through your pores, these same pores also allow minerals in.
Recall the process of reverse osmosis to understand the process which moves toxins out of the body and pulls magnesium and sulfate inward. When you soak in bathwater containing epsom salts, reverse osmosis occurs to help cleanse your body.
How Epsom Salt Baths Help Cancer PatientsMagnesium can also improve cancer patients overall wellbeing. Both the struggles of being a cancer patient as well as a lack of magnesium in the body are associated with symptoms of depression. Taking Epsom salt baths daily can help relieve symptoms of the illness and also reduce anxiety and irritability and improve sleep patterns.
Other symptoms such as constipation (a common side effect of chemotherapeutic drugs) can also be relieved by taking Epsom salt baths. Magnesium salt promotes gastric activity in the intestines which provides a laxative effect. The stimulation of movement in the gut and colon further promotes detoxification processes.
Sulfates are essential for the optimal health of joints, skin, and nervous tissue. When absorbed through the skin, sulfates can promote the health of these tissues. Sulfates also bind toxic impurities in the liver to render them less hazardous. Specifically, the sulfur component of sulfate salts is what binds to toxins, ensuring their elimination from the body.
The once fat-soluble toxin stored in the liver tissue is metabolized, becoming water soluble. It can then be effectively excreted as waste in urine. This detoxification pathway is referred to as Phase 2 liver detoxification, also known as the conjugation pathway. It is especially critical in cancer patients who have been overloaded with toxic chemotherapy drugs.
Phase 2 liver detoxification is dependent on co-factors such as sulfur to be absorbed by the body. In other words, without sulfur or other substances which bind to impurities, toxins from drugs and the environment accumulate and remain stored in the liver, causing dysfunction. When Phase 2 detoxification pathways are impaired, individuals may have symptoms of nausea, headaches and migraines, chronic fatigue, infections, chemical sensitivities, and bloating.
Cancer patients are particularly susceptible to these health concerns because of the high dose chemotherapeutic drugs used in treatment. Phase 2 detoxification pathways are involved in breaking down drugs and removing them from the body.
Epsom Salt Baths Reduce InflammationEpsom salts have been shown to improve many conditions associated with inflammation. Daily Epsom salt baths can treat gout, athlete’s foot, toenail fungus, bruises, sprains, and relax sore muscles. Individuals struggling with a chronic illness can also find pain relief from Epsom salt baths. This is due to the natural ability of the salts to pull out harmful toxins, improving both mineral and sulfur balance in the body.
However, you should not take Epsom salt baths if you are pregnant, have exposed cuts or burns on your skin, or are severely dehydrated. People who suffer from cardiovascular disease should first consult your doctor to see if it is safe to begin an Epsom salt bath regimen.

10 food that you must eat everyday

7/10/2016

Foods like Green tea, almonds, blueberries, bell peppers, yogurt, eggs, spinach, apples, quinoa, avocado are packed with nutrients like vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, phytochemicals that are powerful in terms of creating optimal health. These foods will help you to live a vibrant life, full of energy with a lack of illness and disease

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Sciatica pain

7/3/2016

10 ways to Outsmart Sciatica
1. Strengthen your core, abs, and torso muscles
In order to support the rest of your body, you need a strong and stable core. Doing simple exercises, stretches, and even yoga can greatly impact the strength of your core.
2. Change Up Your Routines
Repetitive movements can actually weaken our muscles putting more strain on our lower back and cause more sciatic pain. Go for a walk, use pillows differently, carry your bag on a different shoulder or sit in a different position.
Try new things and keep changing up your routine in order to keep yourself young and active both physically and mentally. This one is especially hard because we are creatures of habit. We have the exact way we like to do things and often keep repeating those things year after year.
Breaking up the old patterns and trying something new, like yoga, can make a huge difference.
3. Commit to Better Posture
This one can be another of those bad habits that can add up over time. When we are tired after a long day it is hard to sit up straight, keep our feet on the floor, and make sure our computers and cell phones are at the proper height.
Looking down at our phones causes all kinds of back, neck, and core issues that we need to avoid at all costs. Next time you catch yourself slumping forward take a deep breath and open up your chest. Point the top of your head toward the sky and visualize a rod going down your spine. Also, make sure your shoulders and hips are balanced and equal.
Just remember that sometimes it takes time to build up the muscles for good posture and you may be sore in the beginning.
The best trick I got was from Dr. Sean Roden who recommended that I use one of those exercise balls. When I sit on that ball I have to use good posture in order to stay balanced. It is a quick way to build up the core muscles and the posture muscles all at once.
4. Stretching
Stretching is incredibly important for keeping everything loose and prevent over-straining. I have long struggled with lower back issues and another tip that Dr. Sean Roden gave me was to stretch and roll out the hamstring muscles.
When we bend forward our waist can only bend around 60%, so if we need to bend more than that our hips will have to pivot forward in order to compensate for it. If our hamstring muscles on the back of the thigh are tight then we risk overstraining our back. Try massaging, stretching, and use a roller to really take care of your legs so that they can support your back and reduce sciatica.
5. Lift correctly
When we life objects, be it a gallon of water or a large box we have to make sure we are caring for our back. Just by being at the wrong angle when we lift can cause years of damage and can even leave behind scar tissue that is painful and hard to overcome.
Prevention is the key when it comes to lifting. If you are lifting something heavy use a tool or dolly. Make sure you have a solid stance and lift with your legs instead of your back. Do not bend forward at the waist and then pick something up. Even if the object is light it will all add up by the time it gets to your back and you could strain something.
6. Take time to Relax
One of the biggest things that helped me deal with my constant sciatica pain was de-stressing. I know this sounds unrelated at first but stress causes acidity in the body which leads to inflammation and then more pain.
So one of the best things you can do for your pain is to take a deep breath, practice some meditation, take a nice bubble bath, read a book, learn some tools for managing time and stress, and take care of yourself.
Sometimes we feel like we are carrying the weight of the world on our back and it can actually make our bodies hurt. Take some extra time for yourself and ask for help if you need a break.
7. Lighten your load
If you have to carry a bag or backpack then take some time to lighten your load. Do you need to lug around all of these things?
If you find that you have a lot to carry then try getting a more back friendly bag or backpack. Switch shoulders frequently and even take breaks if you need to in order to give your back a break.
8. Wear the right shoes and use orthotics
When it comes to supporting your back you have got to make sure you are wearing the right shoes. Getting some arch supports or another shoe insert can also make a huge difference on your back and posture.
Every time you take a step the impact from your foot travels up your leg and right into the base of your spine. When you take the time to get a slightly better quality orthopedic shoe you will notice a big difference in how you feel.
This is also why we need to minimize wearing shoes that do not support our back such as high heels and flip flops. Save those shoes for special occasions and pamper your feet a bit.
9. Wear an abdominal binder
Wearing a back brace or abdominal binder can be a good idea especially if you are going to be doing anything physical such as working out in the yard. It can help prevent injury and lend support to your back and joints.
It is important to not wear one of these all the time as it can weaken the muscles. Use it for short periods of time while you work on strengthening your core muscles and then keep it only for big projects such as moving or intense physical labor.
10. Pay attention to your exercise routine
When you are exercising, doing yoga, stretching, or cleaning your house pay attention to your body and listen for pain. Though some amount of muscle soreness is typical after exercise it should go away within a few days.
If there are certain moves that hurt then you may need to do some less intense exercise or adaptation moves in order to support and strengthen your body. There is a reason we feel pain and it is to help us from making a situation worse.
Also, remember that things such as air pressure changes in the weather can also cause joint and nerve flare-ups. During these time periods use extreme caution and go easy on your body so that you don’t accidentally make the issue worse.

ginger and acupuncture 'best for morning sickness'

7/2/2016

Some women find ginger helps settle the stomach

"Hundreds of thousands of pregnant women with morning sickness should be given drugs to ease their symptoms," the Daily Mirror reports.
The recommendation comes from a set of new guidelines that also say ginger and acupuncture can play a useful role in treating nausea and vomiting in pregnancy, better known as morning sickness.
Health professionals prefer to call it nausea and vomiting in pregnancy as it can occur at any time, not just in the morning.
The new guidelines (PDF, 545kb) were produced by the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, a UK professional body of clinicians that seeks to improve healthcare for women.
Nausea and vomiting in pregnancyNausea and vomiting in pregnancy is very common in early pregnancy, affecting the majority of women in their first trimester.
It's unpleasant, but doesn't place the pregnancy at any increased risk and usually clears up by weeks 16 to 20 of pregnancy.
Hyperemesis gravidarumThe guidelines also discuss hyperemesis gravidarum, where women experience excessive nausea and vomiting.
They might be sick many times a day – some women report being sick up to 50 times a day – and be unable to keep food or drink down.
This is far less common than nausea and vomiting in pregnancy, affecting around 1 in every 100 women.
The Duchess of Cambridge, née Kate Middleton, reportedly suffered from hyperemesis gravidarum during her first pregnancy.
What are the main recommendations?The main recommendations of the guidelines are outlined below.
Self careMost women with nausea and vomiting in pregnancy can manage their symptoms themselves using self care techniques.
These include:

eating small amounts of food often, rather than having several large meals – but don't stop eating
eating cold meals, rather than hot ones, as they don't give off the smell that hot meals often do, which may make you feel sick
avoiding foods or smells that make you feel sick

Complementary therapiesThe guidelines mention there is some evidence that ginger supplements may help reduce nausea and vomiting.
To date, there have not been any reports of adverse effects being caused by taking ginger during pregnancy.
However, ginger products are unlicensed in the UK, so buy them from a reputable source, such as a pharmacy or supermarket. Check with your pharmacist before you use ginger supplements.
Similarly, acupressure on the wrist may also be effective in reducing symptoms of nausea in pregnancy.
Acupressure, similar to acupuncture, involves wearing a special band or bracelet on your forearm.
The guidelines do not recommend the use of hypnotherapy, as there is no evidence it is effective.
MedicationIf symptoms fail to respond to these approaches, medication is recommended, which can be prescribed by your GP.
Anti-sickness medications (antiemetics) known to be safe during pregnancy, such as cyclizine, are usually recommended.
Some antihistamines, often used to treat allergies such as hay fever, also work as antiemetics.
Admission to hospitalAdmission to hospital may be recommended if you:

are dehydrated
have severe vomiting and are unable to tolerate any fluids
have abnormal blood tests
have lost weight
have a medical condition, such as a heart or kidney problem, or diabetes

What happens in hospital?You will be given the fluids you need though a drip in your arm. This will be continued until you are able to drink fluids without vomiting.
You should be offered anti-sickness medication and a B vitamin called thiamine. Both of these can be given through the drip in your arm if you are unable to keep tablets down.
Compression stockings and medications may be used to help prevent blood clots. Being dehydrated and not being mobile increases blood clot risks.
You should be discharged from hospital once your symptoms improve.