Skip to content

Call Now: 503-231-4101

Building Protective Qi with TCM

Everybody gets sick at some point in their life. For some, it’s just a quick weekend thing. For others, it can last for several days and even weeks. Why do some people always get sick whenever there is a bug going around and others don’t? It all comes down to immunity. People who have a stronger immune system, tend to be sick less often. Those with compromised or weak immune systems, seem to get sick at the drop of a hat. There are many things that can be done to strengthen the immune system though. And Traditional Chinese Medicine is probably one of the best and least invasive ways to boost the immune system, not just during the winter months, but all year long. continue reading »

Posted in Traditional Chinese Medicine | Tagged , | Comments Off on Building Protective Qi with TCM

Five Ways to Increase White Blood Cell Count with TCM

Leukopenia is a term used when there are less than adequate white blood cells in the bloodstream. This condition may make those suffering from it susceptible to infections. Leukopenia is often seen in diseases such as AIDS, cancer and lupus, as well as in common occurrences like the flu or a cold. Leukopenia can also be medically induced, as is often the case for cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy and radiation. While there are several prescription medications available to battle this condition, most of them also have multiple adverse side effects. But there are alternative natural methods that can increase white blood cell count without the side effects. One of these is Traditional Chinese Medicine. continue reading »

Posted in Traditional Chinese Medicine | Tagged , , , | Comments Off on Five Ways to Increase White Blood Cell Count with TCM

Acupuncture and Alcohol Detoxification

Alcoholism affects nearly 16 million adults in the United States, yet only approximately 1.5 million Americans actually seek and get help to deal with their addiction. According to the National Center for Statistics and Analysis, nearly 88,000 people die from alcohol-related deaths every year, which makes alcohol the fourth leading preventable cause of death in the United States. After all the research that has been done on alcohol, people in the United States are still dying from something completely legal. And ultimately, we are paying for it, not just with our lives, but also with our tax dollars. continue reading »

Posted in Acupuncture, detox | Tagged , , , | Comments Off on Acupuncture and Alcohol Detoxification

Acupuncture and Cervical Health

Women’s health is a big part of the healthcare industry. And acupuncture can be very beneficial in caring for the overall health of women. Acupuncture has been especially effective in helping with things like infertility, turning breech babies, inducing labor and clearing up infections. The cervix is just one small part of the uterus. Specifically it is the lower part of the uterus that opens to allow passage between the uterus and the vagina. The cervix widens during childbirth to allow the baby to pass, it also allows the passage of menstrual fluids from the uterus out of the body and it is vital for sperm to pass through the cervix to reach the uterus when trying to procreate.

The cervix is very vulnerable to several health conditions, such as chronic inflammation, polyps, dysplasia and even cancer. Cervical conditions rarely present symptoms in the early stages, which makes it extremely important for women to get regular pap smears. If an abnormality is detected, there are several ways to address it, depending on the severity. In the early stages of any of the aforementioned conditions, acupuncture can be a positive addition to Western medical treatments. Acupuncture is very good at decreasing inflammation and helping to dissolve polyps and tumors. Acupuncture can also balance hormones, which allows the body to correct any imbalances.

One of the most studied areas of acupuncture is in treating fertility issues. When invitro fertilization by itself does not get the job done, adding acupuncture may be the last piece of the puzzle. Acupuncture does much more than just balance the hormones. When a woman is trying to get pregnant and struggling with it due to fertility issues, the stress levels are extremely high. And high stress levels have been proven to disrupt the body’s ability to conceive. One of the things that acupuncture is really successful at is decreasing stress levels. This can make it easier for the fertility treatments to work. Acupuncture has also been shown to increase blood flow to areas of the body, including the uterus. This can help to make a very hospitable place for a baby to grow.

Acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine are also widely used for treating infections and sexually transmitted diseases. In traditional Chinese medicine, most infections have some sort of heat or discharge associated with them. This medicine uses principles, herbs and acupressure points that have specific properties that can drain heat and expel toxins from the body. This can lead to an overall improvement in both uterine and cervical health.

Another area where acupuncture can help with cervical health is at the time of birth. About four percent of babies are presented in the breech position prior to birth. An accessory modality known as moxibustion, has proven time and time again, that it can actually turn the baby to the proper birthing position. Moxibustion involves the burning of an herb, dried mugwort, very near the skin on a specific acupressure point that is located on the outer edge of the pinky toe. By performing moxibustion several times a day, the baby and the body somehow know that there needs to be a repositioning and the baby tends to turn during the night.

When it comes to women’s health, acupuncture is an amazing resource. Contact us to schedule your appointment today.

Posted in Acupuncture, Fertility, Women's Health | Tagged , , | Comments Off on Acupuncture and Cervical Health

Ssshhhh: Organ Sound Vibration

Did you know shushing someone might actually may be beneficial to your health? There are six healing sounds known to Taoist qi gong practice that vibrate specific organs and promote emotional and physical well-being.

It has been shown sound vibrations promote healing and provide a type of massage to the organs. Six main organs that benefit from this sound vibration include the liver, heart, spleen, lungs, kidneys and triple burner. These are known as yin organs in Traditional Chinese Medicine and are associated with wood, fire, earth, metal and water. The key to vibrational healing is a relaxed attention to the organ to release stuck energy and emotion. It is not even necessary to voice the sounds; a whisper will do or even a mental rendition of the sound. There are many methods of qi gong practice for sound healing. You can explore more on YouTube or seek a qi gong teacher for more specific practice. continue reading »

Posted in Traditional Chinese Medicine | Tagged , , | Comments Off on Ssshhhh: Organ Sound Vibration

Cool, Nutritious Summer Eats

Here’s a nutritious cooling summer salad that’s good for you & for all you recyclers out there we’re

using what would be food waste.

Watermelon Peel Salad

In Chinese Medicine we think of Watermelon as clearing summer heat & stomach heat. It generates

body fluids & relieves thirst.

Ingredients: 

500g (17 oz) watermelon peel (organic), 1 tsp salt, 20g (.71oz)

Dressing: 20g (.71oz) garlic minced, 1/2 tsp sugar, 1/4 salt, 2 Tbsp sesame oil, 3 tsp vinegar

Preparation: Take the white portion of the peel & cut into 2 inch by 1/2 inch strips,

combine the strips of watermelon peel & salt in a bowl, mix with hands for 5 minutes. Then rinse

under cold water to remove salt. Place peels on paper towels to dry. Finally combine garlic, salt, sugar

sesame oil & vinegar in a bowl. Mix with a whisk. Add the watermelon peel & toss until coated. Marinate

for an hour in the refrigerator before serving.

Thanks to our trusted herbal partner Evergreen Herbs

 

End of summer special: Get $10 off all Acupuncture Treatments till 8/31 (good only on Acupuncture Treatments)

 

Posted in Diet, Uncategorized | Comments Off on Cool, Nutritious Summer Eats

Easy Does It Meditation

There is a large variety of meditation to choose from. It isn’t all just sitting cross-legged with your eyes shut. Let’s explore types of meditation.

Types of meditation include Buddhist practices, transcendental, zen, mantra, chakra, sound, guided and active. How can someone choose where to start? Think about the type of person you are overall, the amount of time and dedication you have, and where your interests lie. What do you intend to get out of meditation? continue reading »

Posted in Meditation | Tagged , , , | Comments Off on Easy Does It Meditation

Fermented Foods and Intestinal Health

fermented food for digestive healthThe modern world is changing every single day. Because of this constant state of change, our bodies are frequently having to adjust. We have a food supply being degraded and depleted of nutritional content, which in turn, causes our bodies to become depleted. Our soil and water is contaminated with antibiotics and deadly fertilizers. All of which become part of the food chain we rely upon. Because of this, antibiotics are failing and superbugs like MRSA are on the rise. Lack of nutrition and the overuse of antibiotics are just a couple of the things wreaking havoc on our intestinal health. But there are ways to combat this and keep the gut healthy. continue reading »

Posted in Nutrition, Traditional Chinese Medicine | Tagged , , | Comments Off on Fermented Foods and Intestinal Health

Are Your Eyes Red or Inflamed?

Traditional Chinese Medicine for vision and eye healthIn the world of Traditional Chinese Medicine, the liver energy flows upward into the eyes. When this energy is flowing smoothly and working as it should, your vision is clear and sharp, you have efficient night vision and the eyes are bright and well-lubricated.

When out of balance, the liver can generate heat that rises upward. This heat can manifest in dry eyes, itchy eyes or eyes that are red and irritated. Think about how red one’s eyes can get after a night of drinking. Alcohol adds heat to the liver, which in turn rises upward and creates hot, red eyes. The facial flushing you see after a night of imbibing is also indicative of this heat. continue reading »

Posted in Traditional Chinese Medicine | Tagged , , | Comments Off on Are Your Eyes Red or Inflamed?

A Good Book

I recently read a wonderful book. This hit me right to the Heart. It’s called the

Book of Joy. It involves talks with the Dali Lama & Archbishop Desmond Tutu,

two humble & yet inspiring spiritual, moral leaders. We all want true happiness

or Joy but how do we get it? Read this book it will change your perspective.

I think this goes with the saying Healthy Body, Healthy Mind & Spirit

 

As the Archbishop would say ” You are a Masterpiece in the Making”

 

Posted in Uncategorized | Comments Off on A Good Book
5032314101