Recent news about acupuncture, healing, and medicine:


April 9th, 2012

Here’s a nice article by Gregory Lee who invited people to share it on our sites:

Seven Steps for Relieving Your Worries About Cancer
For People Who Want to Reduce Their Risk of Getting Cancer
By Gregory Lee, Co-founder of the Two Frogs Healing Center

Perhaps you know someone who has gotten cancer. A person who gets this diagnosis often has a lot of fear and worry about their health, quality of life, and time left. Many clients with this diagnosis begin to research everything they can find about what will help them. They want effective treatment and are willing to change their lifestyle to improve their health.

Understanding what happens with cancer gives you a foundation to make positive change. Cancer as seen from from Chinese Medicine is seen as an illness that is translated as your body “eating itself out of control.”

When you look at the blood of a cancer patient’s under a microscope, you see lots of microorganisms floating around. These are yeast, organisms, and viruses that are “eating you” from the inside. This is called Gu Syndrome in Chinese Medicine.

These micro-organisms often look like little snakes swimming amongst your blood cells. With this condition there is a greater amount of toxins that accumulate in the blood than in a normally healthy person. These factors place a greater strain on your immune system’s ability to effectively combat illness.

The snake, in Chinese Medicine, represents the ability to transform. The snake is also a metaphor for the ability of the spleen to transform food into nutrients and waste products.

Nutrients, which would normally feed healthy cells, become the food for invading organisms that are multiplying in the blood stream. As a result, healthy cells do not receive the nourishment that they would normally get. They get exposed to more and more toxins and waste products of the invading organisms.

At some point, these toxins interrupt how cells divide. Cancer is the condition where the DNA in a cell is not splitting normally. Instead of one cell dividing into two cells, you rapidly multiplying abnormal cells from one cell. The spleen helps to reduce the build up of toxins.

One of the basic strategies for treating cancer in Chinese Medicine is to help to restore the spleen’s healthy governing of how cells divide normally. The spleen in Chinese Medicine is also seen as what helps cells to divide normally.

Restoring the spleen’s normal ability has many components. One component is to diagnose and treat the dysfunction of the spleen. Since the spleen affects how we transform food, significant improvements in cancer patients can be seen by modifying their diet. These diets help to reduce the load that is placed on the spleen.

One of the most important changes you can make is to reduce the amount of carbohydrates and most types of sugars that the spleen has to process. This includes refined cane sugars especially.

Many patients have an increase in healthy spleen functioning when increasing mushrooms in their diet. Mushroom sources currently under clinical research include reishi, shiitake, cordyceps, and almond portabello to name a few.

Another resource is The Cancer Prevention Diet, by Michio Kushi, which explains how a macrobiotic diet helps to cleanse the toxins from the body and supports the normal functioning of the spleen.

There are many diets that are available. If you are considering dramatic changes in your diet, please consult the advice of a health care practitioner that understands the effect of dietary changes on the immune system.

Another important factor is the influence that hormones play in regulating this process. Some of the more obscure Chinese herbs help to regulate and balance hormones in the body. Many of these herbs have been researched for their benefits to the immune system, contraindications, and safe dosage levels.

Another component is to reduce the masses that have grown in the body. There are certain foods like pearl barley and certain types of seaweed that are used in current cancer hospitals in China for reducing tumors.

Soft masses are seen in Chinese Medicine as accumulations of dampness in the body. Reducing your intake of dairy, wheat, and refined sugars also helps to reduce the amount of dampness in your system.

A third component is to eliminate toxins that have accumulated in your blood and your body. There are many ways to detoxify. Fasting is a highly effective way to give your spleen a rest. There are many kinds and varieties.

Another way to detoxify is by cleansing. Colonics and other cleanses help to eliminate toxins through the stool. A third way to eliminate toxins is through sweating using saunas, steam baths, or sweat lodges. Consult with a qualified health care practitioner for safe guidelines for any kind of fast, cleanse, or sweating method.

A fourth component is to increase the anti-cancer foods and herbs that you are taking. These foods and herbs kill the “snakes” or microorganisms that you can see with a microscope in a cancer patient’s blood sample.

Dandelion, tumeric, and rhubarb are some of the more well known Chinese herbs that have these properties. Other foods that also help are raw garlic and raw onion. Please consult a trained Chinese herbalist to see which foods or herbs would work best for your system.

A fifth component is using herbs that open up your microcirculation to deliver anti-toxins where they are needed. Cinnamon is one example of a Chinese herb that improves circulation. This also helps the blood to flush out toxins that may be stored in areas of the body which have poor circulation. Exercise and massage also help to increase circulation.

A sixth component is using herbs that act to guide herbal medicine to areas of the body that need healing. Depending upon your condition, specific herbs are used to affect particular areas of the body. These herbs act as carriers for delivering the active herbal components to where they are needed in your system.

A seventh component is working on your struggle with changing your lifestyle habits. With treatment, you can discover and transform your unhealthy behaviors and beliefs into natural lifestyle changes that feel good and nourishing.

Life long patterns can be changed through tapping your Highest Source of Healing. Through learning to receive from this Source, you can build a healthy system that is able to withstand many health challenges. Most traditional cancer treatment strategies focus on killing cancer cells. The willingness to learn, grow, and change through a difficult circumstance is one of the most valuable components in maintaining a healthy immune system.

Many of these components are dietary and lifestyle changes that you can easily apply now. In summary, you can take these steps to improve your immune system and sense of well-being:

Reduce your carbohydrate intake, especially of refined sugars.

Increase your intake of mushrooms, especially those under clinical study.

Increase your intake of foods that help to eliminate “dampness” like pearl barley.

Reduce foods made with dairy, wheat, and sugar to reduce internal “dampness.”

With the guidance of a qualified health care practitioner, use safe methods for detoxifying your system.

Increase your intake of foods and herbs that have anti-cancer properties.

Increase your activities and intake of foods that improve circulation.

I would like to thank my friend and colleague Dr. Heiner Fruehauf who is a professor at the National College of Naturopathic Medicine in Portland, Oregon. This article came from his lecture and our discussion around clients diagnosed with cancer, MS, and other serious illnesses.

He shared with me his discoveries in Chinese herbal medicine that have greatly helped his patients to enter remission. From our discussions and clinical experience, I am offering these recommendations for helping to reduce your worry and fear of being diagnosed with cancer. These recommendations are based on what has helped our patients to improve their condition and that you can easily apply to your lifestyle now.

I have compiled a report of specific foods and herbs that strengthen your immune system against cancer. Click here to get your copy of the report:

http://www.twofrogscenter.com/cancerimmunity.html

If you haven’t done so already: subscribe (That’s a clue!)

P.S. If you like this article, feel free to share it with your own list, post it on your site, post it on your blog, or add it to your autoresponder. As long as you leave it intact and do not alter it in anyway. All links must remain in the article.
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And include this at the end of the article.
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©Two Frogs Healing Center. All Rights Reserved.
Wouldn’t you love to stumble upon a secret library of powerful healing tools and ideas? Find simple, yet electrifying ideas on self-healing, powerful herbs, spiritual healing, and acupuncture for resolving difficult illnesses. Head down to http://www.TwoFrogsCenter.com today and judge for yourself.

greg

Gregory Lee is a licensed acupuncturist, Chinese herbalist, and Master Sufi Healer in Maryland. He is co-founder of the Two Frogs Healing Center in Frederick, Maryland. He has helped clients to strengthen their immune system against cancer. He also helps people to recover from the difficult side-effects of chemotherapy and radiation treatment naturally and safely.

Note: This information has not been evaluated by the FDA. It is generic and for general information purposes only, and is not meant to prevent, diagnose, treat or cure any condition, illness, or disease. It is very important that you make no change in your healthcare plan or regimen without researching and discussing it in collaboration with your professional healthcare team.

Click here to see our other Free Articles.

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udated list of offerings

December 27th, 2011

About My Practice

Classical Acupuncture is my primary focus for health maintenance and correction of chronic illness. We also offer a very potent and synergistic blend of therapies that can get you back on track in your life. This multi-layered approach is often what it takes to make real change in our modern world, and nurture optimal health and wellness.

What we offer:

•    Classical Acupuncture / Moxabustion
•    Herbal Medicine
•    Nambudripad’s Allergy Elimination Technique (N.A.E.T.)
•    Energy Medicine- Non-needle techniques
•    Infra-red Sauna Treatments and Detox Programs
•    Magnetic Resonance Stimulation using the MRS2000 and SLRS
•    Facial Enhance Cosmetic Acupuncture


Acupuncture / Moxabustion:

Classical acupuncture is used for the majority of patients. Treatment in the lineage of Professor J.R.Worsley, called Five Element Acupuncture is one of the most powerful treatment options for working on the level of the mind and spirit as well as the body. It is truly holistic and offers profound experience of wellness.
The reason that I hold Five Element Acupuncture in such high regard is that so many people in our modern world are struggling to gain clarity about their life purpose. Because of this, many people suffer from stagnation. Even though they are functioning, they feel alienated, stressed, and overwhelmed.

Acupuncture works by harmonizing and correcting the circulation of the flow of Qi ( energy with a bit of substance ) through the main energetic pathways of the body. Quantum physics has verified that our entire material world is comprised of energy, as is the human body.  In acupuncture theory, until chronic health conditions are addressed on the energetic level, the root cause or problem will often be neglected. Correction of energy imbalances or blocks can also prevent illness and encourage healthy living and longevity.

Moxabustion, the burning of carefully dried herb mugwort or moxa, on or near the energy points of the body, can give energy to the system and is especially great for people who need building or nourishment. It  reaches the emotional and spirit level functions of the points, and the more substantive aspect of ourselves. Moxabustion is an integral part of Classical Acupuncture technique.

As an intuitive healer with a background in many forms of treatment I bring in acupuncture methods of many great teachers and healing techniques from various disciplines for patients who need immediate relief from pain or other symptoms. I’ve been dedicated to the art of providing treatment for immediate relief and clearance of pathological imbalance while addressing underlying constitutional issues that bring a sense of profound well-being and remind you of being fully you.

Herbal Medicine:

Chinese herbal medicine is an ancient, highly elaborate system of natural healing that has been used by billions of people for all kinds of health conditions. I offer mostly Chinese herbal formulas but do use a number of Western herbs and targeted nutritional supplements and homeopathic medicine as well.

Chinese herbal medicine is a wonderful complement to acupuncture treatment, as it works on different substrates in the body and maintains continuity in therapeutic intervention.
Chinese herbs work more on the level of manifest physiology. The herbs contain macro and micro-nutrients that can have specific therapeutic effects on certain organs of the body, such as the liver or kidneys.


Nambudripad’s Allergy Elimination Technique (N.A.E.T.):

I have seen great results with this technique. We are located in Sonoma County, California, which is a place where many people develop pollen and mold allergies. N.A.E.T. strengthens the body when it is in contact with a substance that formally caused a weakness. N.A.E.T. also helps identify whether certain essential nutrients are causing weakness in the body and therefore are not likely being well absorbed. By strengthening the body in the presence of the nutrient it can be better assimilated. For example, one patient described drinking a milkshake after being treated for calcium. She could never understand why people enjoyed them, but now felt like she was really taking it in.

We treat for nutrients before we treat for allergens such as pollen and mold, because being unable to receive nutrients may be the reason for the allergy. For instance, a person with a weakening sensitivity to Vitamin C, may have a tendency to get colds and allergies, and a person with a weakness in response to the B vitamins may develop Parkinson’s.


Energy Medicine- Non-needle techniques:

Non-insertion needling ( the acupuncture points are actually orbs that reside above and below the skin ), Acupressure, Jin shin jyutsu, foot reflexology, cupping, Swedish-Esalen and Hawaiian lymphatic massage, use of tuning forks and sound, auricular point stimulation, Reiki, Matrix energetics, and other forms of intuitive energy and somatic healing of various disciplines gathered from 30 years of work and study may be offered alone or in conjunction with the acupuncture treatment.

I offer and teach techniques that utilize acupuncture points and guided imagery to help resolve and clear thoughts or emotions that have become stuck.

Qi Gung or Qi Cultivation techniques are breathing and movement exercises which may be given as part of the treatment homework and lifestyle coaching.


Infra-red Sauna Treatments and Detox Programs:

We offer state-of-the-art personal Infra-red Sauna sessions. Infra-red saunas have many health benefits including:
•    Detoxification
•    Relaxation
•    Weight loss
•    Pain relief
•    Lower blood pressure
•    Better circulation
•    Skin purification
•    Wound healing
•    Cell health

Magnetic Resonance Stimulation: MRS2000 and SLRS Energy Medicine:

“Research has proven that low energy pulsating fields within the frequency range of ‘the biological window’ (3-25 Hz), as well as the inner and outer wave patterns of the Earth’s magnetic field (7.83-11.79 Hz) can produce remarkable positive changes within the body…The term ‘magnetic resonance stimulation’ simply indicates that by applying a pulsating electromagnetic field that matches the Earth’s magnetic field, nearly all 75 trillion cells of the body can be stimulated into harmonic resonance.  As a result, the powerful capacity within the cell membrane increases and enables the cells to produce more energy. This energy enhances the the self-healing powers of the body…
Mechanisms of Action as Presented in the Scientific Literature
•    Improvement of energy balance
•    More efficient blood circulation
•    Enhanced oxygen transport
•    Accelerated regeneration of sick tissues
•    Faster, more complete bone healing
•    Stimulation of neural cells and faster nerve cell healing
•    Improved regeneration of ulcers, wounds and other tissues
•    Relaxation of muscle
•    Better fluid exchange through the cell membrane for complete cellular detoxification

Therefore, potential therapeutic applications of magnetic resonance stimulation include:

•    Pain reduction
•    Restoring balance to functional disorders caused by toxic environmental electro-smog
•    Rehabilitation and mobilization after accidents or serious illness
•    Prevention and wellness with improved heart rate variability
•    Improved circulation, oxygen utilization and detoxification’
•    Enhancement of mental well-being: lower stress, anxiety and depression
•    Improved immune system function

Magnetic resonance stimulation offers a broad spectrum of benefits to human health with essentially no adverse reactions and very few contraindications.
Contraindications include epilepsy, pregnancy, and the presence of certain electronic implants.” 1.
1. Source:  North American Academy of Energy Medicine

The SLRS uses sound and light to help the two hemispheres of the brain communicate subconsciously. It works with the MRS 2000 unit.
I’ve noticed gentle but profound changes in musical ability and coordination as well as emotional healing and evenness of emotion during difficult circumstances.

Facial Enhance Cosmetic Acupuncture:
Facial Enhance is a style of cosmetic acupuncture that uses many very fine tiny needles inserted directly into the imperfections of the face and other points to lift and relax. It was developed by a Five Element style acupuncturist and takes into account  the important principles of that tradition. Experiencing your authenticity does bring out your natural beauty. Five Element Acupuncture alone can bring the sparkle to your eyes, match your eyes to your mouth when you smile, improve your complexion and overall  help you look and feel relaxed. Facial Enhance adds direct treatment of the face so that collagen production can be stimulated in areas that could use that support.

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updated photos with my new iphoto ability, and both of my cats

December 24th, 2011

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satisfaction guaranteed policy

December 23rd, 2011

For our patients without acupuncture coverage in their insurance plans or settlements to help pay for costs of care, we offer this guarantee:

“Our office is based on the simple truth that if we satisfy and delight our patients they will get well faster and be more likely to tell others about our office. This avoids costly advertising and helps keep our fees reasonable.

“Since patient results vary, we can’t guarantee results, but we can guarantee your satisfaction. If at anytime within your first 3 office visits you’re not completely delighted with your decision to consult our office, we’ll happily refund the money you’ve paid us and make other care recommendations.

“While many more visits will usually be necessary, during this introductory period most patients enjoy enough progress to know that consulting our office was a wise decision.”1.

People sometimes wonder if acupuncture can help them with a particular condition. The World Health Organization lists many conditions that have been helped by acupuncture and state that 80 % of people are helped by acupuncture. I have personally helped many people with many conditions;  stress, anxiety, migraines, back pain, smoking cessation, helping to bring an overdue baby into the world,  PMS, allergies, and more. But at it’s best Chinese Medicine is holistic and individual. Sometimes the greatest benefit you experience is one you didn’t originally come in for. There are benefits that are hard to describe but tell you that you are on the right track. You may feel more “alive”, you get back your “zing”, you feel “put together again”, your “mind feels spacious,”and patients have even said that they have felt “reborn”, or that they feel they now “belong in their surroundings, as weird as that sounds” to them. My work aims to go beyond symptomatic relief-to encourage your authenticity, and offer experience of true health and encouragement on your life’s path. But symptoms are important markers, letting us know how you are faring. Sometimes it a symptom that gets you in the door. Because this can sound mysterious and is better understood by experience, and since people most often are paying for acupuncture care out of their own pockets, I’ve decided to make public my guarantee and share the financial risk you are taking that acupuncture will be of benefit to you.

Sydney Annette Walker, L..Ac.

Sonoma Mountain Healing Arts

707-217-5777

( 1. Assuming the risk, by William D. Esteb )

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Posted in Journal, News



New Office Location Mondays and Wednesdays in Petaluma

December 20th, 2011

Sonoma Mountain Healing Arts is now located in two Sonoma County Towns. I’m still in Sebastopol on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Friday afternoons and Saturday mornings by appointment. I’m at my new office in Petaluma on Mondays and Wednesdays.

The address of the new office is : 1580 East Washington Street, Suite 102A, Petaluma California, 94954. We are just East of the East Washington, Petaluma Freeway exit on 101.

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Pulsating Electromagnetic Field Therapy

December 20th, 2011
I have greatly enjoyed the last year of working with many wonderful people and I want to offer you a gift in the spirit of the season of giving. I also want to get the word out about my newest treatment addition. it’s the imrs or MRS2000 and SLRS. Feel free to pass this on, I want to offer it as a gift to the community and I am lacking many email addresses of friends who might otherwise receive this note.  For those who aren’t interested in pulsed magnetic therapy, you are welcome come in for a classical constitutional acupuncture consultation, an allergy desensitization session, a “facial enhance” cosmetic acupuncture session or a personal infra-red sauna detox session. I will be happy to see you.

I have always sought the most effective treatments for healing all levels of trauma-body, mind, spirit. The MRS 2000 has been a great help in treatment of pain. More than that, there’s been help with the brain and emotional levels. My Mom had a stroke this year and while searching for what would help her the most, I experienced pulsed magnetic field therapy. A session on my head woke up my brain cells that had been stressed and I noticed a great improvement in my memory! I’ve been working with the system for several months now and I like the results.
I previously experienced an erasure of past trauma working with my office mate Patrick Haggard who has a sound and light therapy practice-I highly recommend his work. He created goggles and earphones which pulse light and sound back and forth in the left and right sides, some call it brain entrainment. The SLRS has some of these features as well.
The sensations going to right and left sides of the brain allow for subconscious communication between the left and right sides of the brain. Trauma is healed without the focus or awareness of the trauma being called up to consciousness.
Experiences with this aspect of the system include feeling less emotionally reactive or easily triggered. A person could experience a sense of being “normal” or “like other people” for those who’ve lived with trauma or post traumatic stress. Or a person may simply experience a feeling of relaxation and a quieting of the “monkey” mind as in meditation practices.

Below you will find a clip from the Dr. Oz show. ( some people find him a bit much, and of course you don’t have to watch it, but for those who like his presentations, I included it as further explanation ).

( If you get real enthusiastic, and would like your own MRS 2000, I can help you purchase one in a cost effective way.)

Also below is a gift certificate you can print out for yourself and a friend who might benefit from a  session. You can print it out or email it back to me and we can set up a session.

“This is how we are going to change the practice of medicine together.” Dr. Oz
iMRS! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tRXLKQth71Y

Pulsating Electromagnetic Field Therapy on Dr. OZ

www.youtube.com

Dr. OZ introduces a breakthrough way to heal pain using Pulsating Electromagnetic Fields.

——————————

———————————————————————————————————————————-
Gift certificate Peace on Earth

for: _______________________________

You are invited to experience
a session of pulsed electromagnetic therapy
with Sydney Walker, L.AC.
707-217-5777 smharts.com

expires 2/12/12
————————————————————————————————————————————————————–
Gift certificate Peace on Earth

for: _______________________________

You are invited to experience
a session of pulsed electromagnetic therapy
with Sydney Walker, L.AC.
707-217-5777 smharts.com

expires 2/12/12

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Posted in Journal, Medical Articles, News



Cold and Flu Remedies for the whole Family

November 26th, 2011

The Chinese over time have developed systems of looking at colds and flu’s ( “external illness-caused by wind-cold, or wind-heat”) that take into account the way the symptoms change and how to treat each stage of the illness. There is the 6 stages of cold disease and the 4 stages of hot disease. In clinic, I take this into account as well. As you get to know yourself and family, there are certain formulas that seem to work well for certain people. Illnesses are different as well. There is a theory about the strength of the person’s constitution and the strength of the invasion. A strong pathogen will even reach a  person with a strong constitution and defensive energy. A weaker person may not even be able to put up a good fight against a weak or strong pathogenic factor, and seem to not get sick compared to a strong person who is showing all kinds of symptoms of fighting a cold. It’s good to take all these factors into account.

the formulas I like include:

Yin Chao Junior-from Health Concerns: a “gentle yet effective remedy for addressing children’s colds. It is a well rounded combination that has a multipronged approach: to clear heat, harmonize the digestion, moisten the throat and lung, and to invigorate the blood and tonify the Qi.”
It’s a tincture so you can add to boiled water to partially evaporate the alcohol. or add to juice. This one is good to have on hand for the earliest stage of a cold and beyond. Not as cold as regular Yin Chao.

Yin Chao ( Yin Qiao) is great for early stage colds with burning sore throat and other signs of heat.

Isatis Gold
-from Health Concerns: “treats bacterial and Viral infections that cause inflammation and fever, especially upper respiratory, colds, flu, and bronchitis.” This one you take every few hours and should notice results within a day. If you don’t have a fever, you can combine it with ginger tea because it can be too cooling.

Platycodon and Frittellaria formula in a freeze dried form is great for colds with coughs. It’s a safe formula regardless of the type of cough. good for kids and fine for people with asthma.

Belamcanda from Seven Forests is great for that deep barking cough that isn’t resolving.

Astra C is a prevention formula from Health Concerns: “combines Eastern and Western therapies to prevent the common cold. Vitamin C and Zinc Citrate have been added to the traditional formula, Jade Screen Powder, used to enhance the body’s protective power or Wei Qi”  …
Clinical Research in China has shown this to be effective in preventing recurring respiratory infections in children. The formula raises the the mean value of serum IGA, the main antibody protecting the mucous membrane of the lungs.” Jade Screen is also available from Seven Forests without the Vitamin C and Zinc.

Gegen Tang freeze dried formula is for when the cold is in the muscles, nose and ears.

Cold Away from Health Concerns or Gan Mao Ling is a great general formula that is good for either a hot or cold type of cold and also for prevention, when you think you may be getting a cold.

Quiet Digestion from Health Concerns- is great to have on hand for stomach flu and to prevent the stomach flu if others in the family have it.
It’s also good for overeating and other digestive disorders including diarrhea and abdominal cramping and bloating and difficulty digesting food.

Another good idea is to boil water with vinegar and let the steam fill the house when a family member is sick so that others are less likely to get the illness.

There are also homeopathic remedies I like for colds/flu especially “oscillococcinum”. This formula is great when you are just getting sick, especially if you have chills and fever or to prevent if you have been exposed to the flu.

Feel free to call me at 707-217-5777 or email me at Sydney@smharts.com if you would like help with remedies or to put together a medicine cabinet.

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MORE FAQ’s from the State Acupuncture Board

November 24th, 2011

Consumers Frequently Asked Questions

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Q. WHO CAN PERFORM ACUPUNCTURE?
A. Acupuncturists who maintain a valid license issued by the Acupuncture Board and physicians licensed by the Medical Board of California. A dentist or podiatrist licensed in California may also practice acupuncture, only within the scope of their respective licenses and if they have completed the necessary training required by their respective licensing board.

Q. WHAT IS AN ACUPUNCTURIST ALLOWED TO DO?
A. An acupuncturist is allowed to engage in the practice of acupuncture, electroacupuncture, perform or prescribe the use of oriental massage, acupressure, moxibustion, cupping, breathing techniques, exercise, heat, cold, magnets, nutrition, diet, herbs, plant, animal, and mineral products, and dietary supplements to promote, maintain, and restore health pursuant to Business & Professions Code Section 4937.

Q. WHAT CAN I EXPECT?
A. Needles are sterile, generally cause no bleeding upon entry or removal, with little or no pain being felt; however, slight bruising may be experienced on occasion. The number of treatments necessary will depend upon your condition, if your symptoms are chronic or acute and your health in general. The needles may vary in size, depending upon your condition and the course of treatment prescribed. In addition to needling your treatment may also include a variety of non-needling techniques such as moxibustion (heat), acupressure, herbal formulas, etc. One advantage of acupuncture treatment is the absence of serious side effects which may result from the use of prescription drugs.

Q. WHAT DO THE INITIALS “O.M.D.” STAND FOR?
A. The initials O.M.D. stand for “Oriental Medical Doctor”, this is an academic title (similar to Ph.D.). This title may only be used by those licensed acupuncturists who possess an earned doctorate degree, from a California accredited, approved and/or authorized educational institute as set forth in Section 94760 of the California Education Code. These initials must be used in conjunction with the representation that the individual is a licensed acupuncturist as set forth in Business & Professions Code, Section 4927 and 4937, the California Code of Regulations, Title 16, Section 1399.456, and Attorney General Opinion No. 87-103 .

Q. DO I NEED A REFERRAL FROM MY REGULAR DOCTOR TO SEE AN ACUPUNCTURIST AND WILL MY INSURANCE COVER ACUPUNCTURE TREATMENT?
A. An acupuncturist is considered a primary care provider and a referral may or may not be required for insurance purposes. Many insurance companies do cover acupuncture treatment. For more information on insurance, please contact either your insurance company or an acupuncture association.

Q. ARE ACUPUNCTURISTS REQUIRED TO USE DISPOSABLE NEEDLES?
A. Yes. It is unprofessional conduct for an acupuncturist to use a needle more than once. California Code of Regulations, Title 16, Section 1399.454.

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Acupuncture as the Anesthetic

October 30th, 2011

Description of a Documented Procedure Using Acupuncture as the Anesthetic.                       Sydney Walker, L.AC. 10/30/11

I found a useful, very readable description of a procedure on the website http://www.gancao.net
http://www.gancao.net/acupuncture/acupuncture-anesthesia-209.  The author of the description appears to be Al Stone, as he is shown in the photo on the page without he descriptions. He tells of his experience studying with Dr. Wen, the hospital anesthesiologist at the Yunnan  Province Hospital of TCM, Kunming, China. Dr. Wen is trained in Western methods of anesthesia as well as acupuncture anesthesia. The hospital uses western and traditional Chinese medicine. There are two descriptions of the procedures and points used. This was written prior to 1988.
The description of the first is below:

“A woman in her 60′s presented with a fractured ulnar olecranon. The surgery would include the placing of some nails and other hardware into her olecranon to fasten it more securely to the shaft of the ulna.
Due to her advanced years, it was decided that acupuncture anesthesia would be used instead of Western drugs to avoid any possible adverse reactions.
One half hour before the surgery, while the prep was taking place, we inserted two needles into the patient. One, at Heart 1, and the other at Large Intestine 17. The reasoning for this was to over stimulate the brachial nerve. These two locations are on either side of this nerve and with the additional of electro-stim, we could stimulate the nerve into submission.
Neither needle was inserted too deeply. Just enough to tape down to the patient and get the electro-stim leads securely fastened. Heart one, was taped down along the anterior cubital crease since there would be a certain amount of movement in the arm during the prep for the surgery. Large Intestine 17 was also taped down, though its placement was really designed for the patient’s comfort rather than any other consideration.
The electro-stim began at 100 Hz at a somewhat low setting of amplitude (or “strength”). The patient could feel the tapping of her muscles, but we didn’t really go much further than that. Immediately, there was an anesthesia reaction in her arm. This being tested with a neurological testing needle. This setting didn’t change for the half hour prior to the surgery. The idea being at this point to simply stimulate the body into secreting endorphins. We’re really not yet trying to over accommodate the nerve, even though that is exactly what happened.
Once the surgery began, the patient complained of some discomfort and we turned the strength of the electro-stim up from “1″ to “2″. The idea isn’t to double the amplitude, but to simply turn it up to induce the anesthetic response of the nerve being effected.
We also turned down the frequency form 100 Hz to 50 Hz. The reasoning being that altering the frequency would prevent the nerve from getting used to the stimulation and thus ignoring it.
The controls didn’t once change after the surgery began. The surgery lasted about 45 minutes and went off without a hitch. After the cut was sutured and the nurses were cleaning up the patient, we removed the needles. The patient was in good spirits.” ( http://www.gancao.net/acupuncture/acupuncture-anesthesia-209 )
The second description was similar to the first only involving the patellar ligament. but I found this part interesting:

“A man in his thirties was to have his knee cap repositioned. One of the tendons holding the knee cap in place had been damaged and so the knee cap had descended to below where it should normally be due to the other muscles pulling it out of position. Acupuncture anesthesia was chosen for this surgery. No drugs were employed.
One half hour prior to the surgery, Spleen 11 and Liver 10 were needled on the leg in question. These two points were attached to an electro-stim machine and we slowly turned up the voltage until there was muscle contraction. Then we rolled back the voltage to just below that point. The stimulation was constant at 100hz.
The needles’ handles were bent to be taped down with surgical tape.
Other points used, also on the same side as the surgery, were Pericardium 6 and Large intestine 4. Again, they were taped down and attached to an electro-stim machine.
The two points on the leg were used mostly to stimulate the tibial nerve, which is the one that would be most effected by the surgery. The two points on the arm had a dual purpose of adding additional endorphin release, as well as calming the Shen (spirit, anxiety), which means calming the patient’s emotional experience of the surgery.”

In acupuncture school, I had learned of acupuncture anesthesia and the use of electric stimulation, but we hadn’t used it in practice. I have used Lgi 4 myself to assist in reducing pain in my own and my children’s dental procedures.  It was interesting to see that points in the above cases were chosen because of their location to the nerves involved and to overstimulate them. In the second case he describes using P6 and Lgi 4 for the larger reasons relating to the person’s experience of endorphin release and calming the Shen.  It was interesting to me that they are using same side local and distal treatments.

It was interesting that in these two cases, electro-stimulation acupuncture alone was used as the anesthetic.
Another interesting point I found by Narda G. Robinson, DO, DVM, MS, 2007 was that ” acupuncture must begin at least twenty to thirty minutes before surgery, in order to provide enough time for analgesia to become maximally effective.” That may be useful knowledge for us in using points for analgesic effect in facial acupuncture.
This article also had an interesting account of ” a 1999 study reported in Human Reproduction demonstrated that, when either electroacupuncture or alfentanil were combined with a paracervical block, electroacupuncture was as good an anesthetic method as intravenous alfentanil (a narcotic analgesic) during oocyte aspiration in in-vitro fertilization procedures. Dr. Robindon assert that most anesthesiologists are using acupuncture in combination with western medications, but that there is still a useful role for acupuncture.

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What’s new at Sonoma Mountain Healing Arts

May 30th, 2011

Classes
Five Phase Diagnosis

We will have fun getting to know ourselves and maybe getting some insight into being an instrument of healing for others as we experience the five elements.

Herbal Remedies for your Medicine Cabinet

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