Editor´s Note from Julia Sanfilippo: I use electric acupuncture a lot in my private practice. It works great for muscle pain, tendonitis, and arthritis among many conditions. Many patients ask to see what it looks like when the leads are attached to the needles. Here is a quick demonstration of a typical treatment.

Acupuncture/TCM

by Mika Ono, Yuan Wang, & Warren Sheir

Congees (rice porridges) are a staple in East Asia. This congee features perilla seeds (a.k.a. Beefsteak plant seeds or "zi su zi" in Chinese), which are used in traditional Chinese medicine to ease coughs and asthma...

Editor’s Note: This rice-based meal is easy to digest and is recommended when a person is feeling sick or experiencing chronic conditions. By adding your herbs, spices, or other foods, you can tailor your congee to fit your specific needs. More articles about food therapy, nutrition, and diet can be found on our Holistic Nutrition page.

Acupuncture/TCM

by Sara Calabro

Frozen shoulder, also known as adhesive capsulitis, isn’t as official as it sounds. Frozen shoulder just refers to shoulder pain that leads to restricted range of motion. It is a catch-all diagnosis for shoulder pain and immobility for which the underlying cause is unknown...

Editor´s Note from Julia Sanfilippo: This is very informative article for both practitioners and patients for treatment of adhesive capsulitis, more commonly known as frozen shoulder. It artfully explains the anatomy of the shoulder, causes of injuries, and ways to recover. Acupuncture and a few at-home tips will get you back in the pool, gym, or baseball field in no time at all!

Acupuncture/TCM

Editor´s Note from Julia Sanfilippo: This is a great news segment explaining how Chinese Medicine can help with infertility. Dr. Tanya Smith explains how stress, environmental factors, and age can affect the reproductive system. She offers food and lifestyle recommendations to help balance and nourish the body.

Acupuncture/TCM

by Steve Alpern

Modern Chinese medical theory is based on the zangfu (vital and hollow organs), especially as they generate, distribute, and manage the physical humors that conduct life (qi, blood, fluids).Practitioners learn to differentiate excesses and deficiencies of those humors relative to one or more of the zangfu, and formulate treatment strategies that counter those manifest imbalances.Most diagnostic patterns reference zang which contain influences, rather than fu which conveythem through the individual. The primary channels function as extensions of the zangfu, and are treated with acupuncture or moxa to address their imbalances...

Acupuncture/TCM

by Erin Piccola, LAc

How many people do you know who suffer from occasional (or frequent) sleeplessness? How many colleagues have you overheard in the break room, pouring that third cup of coffee, and recounting the way they just lay there, staring at the ceiling...

Editor’s Note: Acupuncture is highly effective for stress relief. This may be one of the major reasons why it is so versatile. So many conditions, including insomnia are caused or aggravated by unmanaged stress.

Acupuncture/TCM

Editor´s Note from Julia Sanfilippo: I absolutely love this! Pets are showcased getting alternative treatments such as physical therapy, hydrotherapy, and acupuncture. Pet owners give great testimonials of how effective acupuncture is for their pet's ailments. The proof is definitely in the pudding!

Acupuncture/TCM

by Ziki Dekel, LAc

Acupuncture is one of the oldest systems of medicine still practiced today. It has its roots in ancient East Asia and its practice can be dated as far back as the Stone Age in China. The basic precept of acupuncture is that illness and pain are the result of blockages and imbalances that can be corrected through the insertion of hair-thin needles into specific points on the body. When inserted, the needles access the body's reserve of vital energy, called Qi. To fully understand acupuncture we have to consider some of the philosophical traditions behind Chinese medicine...

Acupuncture/TCM

Editor´s Note from Julia Sanfilippo: A news reporter gets acupuncture for the first time with licensed acupuncturist Kylie Roach. He puts the fear of needles at bay when he discusses the painless and relaxing experience of a typical  treatment. Kylie explains how acupuncture helps not only with chronic pain, but with stress, relaxation, and overall health

Acupuncture/TCM

Qigong breathing is basically breathing with your belly. Learn how to practice Qigong breathing in the above video with Dr. Robert Linde.

Acupuncture/TCM

by Monica Robbins

Licensed for more than 20 years, Bower sees both children and adults with ADHD, and says for them acupuncture is a complimentary form of medicine.

It works well in addition to other treatments, such as behavioral therapy and nutritional plans. Acupuncture is based on the theory that the body's energy or "qi" flows freely when you are well. But, it can become blocked or weakened...

Editor's Note from Julia Sanfilippo: This is a great article explaining ADHD, which is a very common condition affecting many children and adults. Acupuncture treatments are used to balance the person's organ systems and internal energy, which in turn alleviates the symptoms of hyperactivity, impulsivity, and anxiety among other things. A patient's own experience is highlighted as to how well the treatments have worked for her. Acupuncture is a great alternative or adjunct to medication and other therapies. 

Acupuncture/TCM

by Sara Calabro

Acupuncturists have a name for the time when their patients are resting with needles. They call it “cooking.” Some people call it “torture.”

A recent article on common excuses for not getting acupuncture listed fear of needles as the number-one excuse. In response to this article, a popular sentiment arose, highlighting a type of needle fear that often flies under the radar...

Editor´s Note from Julia Sanfilippo: I see many first-time acupuncture patients and fear of being 'stuck' is definitely one of the top reasons they've confessed to staying away from acupuncture in general. Even when they they've read and heard so many great things about it, fear often overwhelms action. Sara explains two simple steps to overcome this fear, which will allow you to sink into that deep euphoric state of relaxation. Which many, including Sara, call 'nap time.'

Acupuncture/TCM