A recent study concludes that acupuncture affects the attention function of the brain. The study measured the effects of acupuncture points Ht7 (Shenmen) and Lu9 (Taiyuan). Researchers discovered that Ht7 had a “greater influence on the attention function of the brain.” The goal of the study was to investigate the effects of needling Ht7 and Lu9 on human attention brain function and also to explore methods to research brain function as it relates to acupuncture stimulation.The researches used EEG (electroencephalography) to measure ERP (event-related potentials). EEG measures electrical activity of the brain and ERP is a measure of brain responses related to thought and perception. ERP is an electrophysiological measurement of stimuli to the brain. Researchers looked for changes in P300, a brainwave reflecting cognitive function in decision making processes, after application of manual acupuncture at Ht7 and Lu9. A subset of P300 is P3a. This brainwave measures attention and orientation to changes in the environment. Researchers noted that acupuncture at these points affected P3a and another P300 brainwave known at P3b. P3b measures information processing and recognition of improbable events (things that defy ordinary expectations). The more unlikely an event, the greater the P3b brainwave.EEG brainwaves now measure what has been known to Chinese medicine for thousands of years. Ht7 (Shenmen, Spirits Gate) is an acupuncture point at the wrist crease known to be calming and restful to the heart and ‘spirit’. It is traditionally used for mental restlessness, mania, palpitations, disorientation, depression, and poor memory. Lu9 is known more for its affect on lung disorders so it is not surprising, from a Chinese medicine perspective, that EEG measurements more strongly connect Ht7 to changes in brainwave states associated with attention and cognition. (http://www.healthcmi.com)DrMLucas@AcupunctureWoman.comHost a Cosmetic Acupuncture party and receive a $200 discount on your own Mei Zen Cosmetic procedure.follow this blog at http://www.feedblitz.com/f/?Sub=777691 read more..
Sunday, 5 January 2014
Function Of The Brain-Brain Responses-Brain Function-Acupuncture
Saturday, 4 January 2014
Chronic Pain Conditions-Acupuncture Clinic-Profound Results-Shoulder Pain-Common Health
Acupuncture is famous for the treatment of chronic pain. Chronic pain is one of the most common health concerns I see in my NYC acupuncture clinic. Back pain, headaches, migraines, shoulder pain, knee pain, neuropathy, arthritis, and other chronic pain conditions. Patients can have profound results. In the clinic we know acupuncture is effective for [...] read more..
Wednesday, 3 October 2012
The Canadian Medical Association Journal-National Institute For Health-Chronic Headaches
For people receiving health care for low back pain, symptoms will improve significantly in the first six weeks, but pain may linger even after one year, according to a study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal. As a holistic therapy, acupuncture for low back pain offers short-term decrease … read more..
Too Many Painkillers Maybe Causing Your Headache
Many people with chronic headaches take pain killers almost daily. But a report from the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence in the United Kingdom asserts that taking too many pain killers is actually making your headaches worse. The guidelines define overuse of pain medication for more than 15 days out of the month. Types [...] read more..
If you have Federal BCBS group/enrollment 105 your acupuncture coverage is awesome!
That's right. Enrollment code or group 105 of the Blue Cross Blue Shield federal employee plan covers 24 acupuncture treatments a year. You could be the healthiest employee in your office! Very smart of the Fed to cover Chinese Medicine/acupuncture as it is one of the best preventive medicines out there so saves them money because employees aren't missing work. And, let's face it, Chinese Medicine is one of the places that people come who have tried everything else in modern medicine (expensive!!) and more or less given up on having good health. My work is so gratifying because I so often see people get well, have a much better quality of life, or bring new humans into the world through my work with couples who are experiencing fertility issues.
Acupuncture works!
Contact me to check your insurance coverage at DrMLucas@AcupunctureWoman.com. read more..
Friday, 28 September 2012
Memorial Sloan Kettering Hospital-Archives Of Internal Medicine-National Institute Of Health
Acupuncture is the use of tools on the superficial
aspect of the body to effect change of the life force
or Qi in the bodyA new study funded by the National Institute of Health and headed by researchers at Memorial Sloan Kettering Hospital, has been published in the The Archives of Internal Medicine. It is the most rigorous and comprehensive western study of acupuncture and its effects to date, involving data on over 18,000 patients.
The study involving over thirty researchers from around the world, using the raw data of the most sophisticated trials to date, took six years to complete.
The study showed that acupuncture outperformed sham (placebo acupuncture) and standard western care therapies in pain relief.
It showed that over 50% of acupuncture patients suffering from chronic pain issues such as arthritis, migraines, and back pain, received relief in comparison to 30% of patients receiving western standard care.
The authors of this study showed statistically that the positive therapeutic effects of acupuncture were more than placebo effects.
For those of us who understand the power of East Asian medicine, this comes as no surprise, but for many people unfamiliar with acupuncture, this study will help open their perspective and willingness to understand the wealth of healing strategies offered by East Asian medicine.
I encourage you to read the NY Times article at this link:
NY Times Cites Study on Efficacy of Acupuncture in New Groundbreaking Study. read more..
Monday, 24 September 2012
Gastrointestinal Pain-Research Psychologist-Acupuncture Research
As a Research Psychologist I appreciate that we are doing research to "prove" that acupuncture works. The latest report is that it works for pain. Really!? We have known that for thousands of years. People forget that the case study (individual patient) is a bona fide research tool that demonstrates results and we have tens of thousands of those. We have proven for years that acupuncture not only works for pain (migraines, sports injuries, PMS, gastrointestinal pain), works for fertility (PMS, seeming inability to conceive). I hope to present a case study at the Society for Acupuncture Research about a 29 yr old woman who was told she had little to no chance of getting pregnant. Just received a picture of her baby on ultrasound. It works for keeping yourself healthy, warding off the flu and other colds, anti-aging - it is the TRUE anti-aging medicine because it keeps your body working well.
For more information on how Chinese Medicine (acupuncture) can improve your life, call 303-94706224 or email me at DrMLucas@AcupunctureWoman.com.
I bill health insurance so let's see if you are covered.
To follow this blog go to http://www.feedblitz.com/f/?Sub=777691 read more..
Wednesday, 5 September 2012
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease-Acupuncture Successful-Acupuncture Treatments-Functional Dyspepsia
The research conclusion: “Acupuncture is effective in the treatment of functional dyspepsia, and is superior to non-acupoint puncture" -- which is one reason why it is important to see an Acupuncturist who is a Practitioner of Chinese Medicine rather than a professional w/ only 40 to 300 hours of training (vs 4 years of full time Chinese Medicine school). Ask me more about this at DrMLucas@AcupunctureWoman.com. You may notice that, in this study, the patients were treated 5 times in a week for 4 weeks -... this is why I have said for years that once a week acupuncture is not the most effective way to be treated. Frequent treatment >>>> cure >>>>>see you in a month or so for future prevention. You don't take your Nexium once a week do you? Or your anti-depressant? Why then rely on once a week treatment for relief or resolution of your symptoms/condition?Dyspepsia is indigestion and involves symptoms including abdominal pain, bloating, an uncomfortable sensation of heaviness or fullness after eating, nausea, belching and heartburn. Dyspepsia is often linked to GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease), gastritis and gastrointestinal ulcers. In many cases, dyspepsia is not linked to an underlying organic disease which makes it another perfect condition to be treated with Chinese Medicine. In allopathic/Western/modern medicine, dyspepsia is often treated with prescription drugs (proton pump inhibitors). However, **long term use of PPIs is linked to gastric cell atrophy, which may lead to cancer**.Researchers examined a total sample size of 712 patients. Patients received 5 acupuncture treatments per week for a period of 4 weeks. Follow-up was documented 12 weeks following the treatment period. All groups improved, however, Group 1 ("real" acupuncture points) had over a 70 percent success rate. Group 1 received specific acupuncture points on the stomach meridian. The group with the lowest success rate was the sham acupuncture group with only a 34.75 percent improvement. At The Colorado Center of Traditional Medicine we bill health insurance when acupuncture or manual therapy is covered. Follow this blog at http://www.feedblitz.com/f/?Sub=777691 read more..
Thursday, 30 August 2012
Baby Boomer Generation-Interesting Story-Food Choices-Weight Loss-Eatthis
This morning NPR ran an interesting story discussing weight loss and food choices for women of the Baby Boomer generation. The take home message is simple, focus on what you can eat. Rather than bemoaning all the desserts and rich foods you cannot indulge in, think about increasing the fruits and vegetables. This will help [...] read more..
Saturday, 25 August 2012
Weight Loss Success Story-Chinese Herbs-Acupuncture
Working on another weight loss success! Patient started treatment seeing for weight loss about 8 weeks ago and has lost 13 lbs! I was a bit worried too in the beginning because she wasn't really controlling her diet very well and doesn't get much exercise. It is my policy that acupuncture and Chinese herbs are an adjunct to your exercise and food plan but I also believe that acupuncture will make the digestion work better and improve the overall metabolism. So, she has been very faithful with her treatments and little by little she has been eating less because her appetite is well controlled. She is also very faithful with her acupuncture appointments.
DrMLucas@AcupunctureWoman.com
303-947-6224 - call me to see if your health insurance policy covers acupuncture
Follow this blog at http://www.feedblitz.com/f/?Sub=777691 read more..
Thursday, 23 August 2012
Omega 3 Fatty Acids-Gluten Sensitivity-Food Processor-Staple Food-Chia Seeds
Vegan Chia PuddingOK, remember the Chia Pet TV commericals?
Who would have thought that Chia seeds would be a superfood? Or so delicious!
Chia is a plant that is native to Mexico and Central America. It was cultivated by both the Aztecs and the Mayans who highly valued this food, and the word "Chia" actually means "strength" in Mayan.
Chia seeds are a source of complete proteins, they are loaded with omega 3 fatty acids, are rich in calcium, are a terrific source of anti-oxidants and have a low glycemic sugar index.
The seeds, when soaked in a liquid, swell up and become like little miniature pearls of gelatin. They remind me of tapioca.
They are high in both soluble and non-soluble fibers and hence aid digestion.
Since this food contains no gluten, they make a good staple food for those with celiac or who have gluten sensitivity.
My colleague Anca Marinescu, L.Ac., shared with me this delicious recipe for Vegan Chia Pudding.
From a Chinese dietary viewpoint, this pudding is a great Blood builder and will nourish Yin. It contains food that will help you support your circulatory system, strengthen your digestion, regulate your bowels, and support immunity. The spices warm and support the Spleen and will open and course the meridians while supporting the Kidneys.
Go ahead, try this delicious and healthy dessert!
Ingredients for Vegan Chia Pudding
Vegan Chia Pudding
3 Tbsp of Chia seeds
2 cups of almond milk (or soy or rice, cashew, hemp etc)
1 cup raw cashews soaked in water for 2 hours and liquid discarded
5 dates roughly chopped
2 tbsp virgin coconut oil
1 tbsp vanilla extract
2 tbsp dried coconut flakes (optional)
1 pinch of pumpkin pie spice
1 pinch of freshly grated nutmeg
Soak the Chia seeds in the almond milk for 2 hours or overnight.
Soak the raw cashews in water for 2 hours and discard liquid.
Combine all ingredients in a food processor and puree until smooth and creamy.
Serve garnished with more coconut flakes and a sprinkle of pumpkin spice or try a garnish of fresh fruits or nuts..
makes 6 servings. read more..
Chinese Watermelon Ice Drink for Hot, Humid Days
refreshing watermelon ice drinkIn the U.S. we are experiencing a drought summer. I'm sure this is due to the effects of global warming. It is reported that the polar ice caps are at their lowest in recorded history and that the melting of the ice caps will create ever warmer temperature patterns.
In this heat, there are dietary strategies to help the body cope with environmental heat and dampness (humidity).When the body is very hot we use foods in East Asian medicine to cool it down.Xi Gua (Watermelon) is a traditional food used in China during the summer to help people stay cool. It is served at the end of every meal as a sweet and delicious treat that helps clear both toxic heat and dampness out of the body, while replenishing the body with fluids.
In China, Hong Kong and Taiwan there is a favorite summer drink called "watermelon ice" that is really the most refreshing and delicious drink one could hope for in the midst of the worst hot and humid days of late summer which we refer to as summerheat damp season.
Here's the recipe:
Take 3 slices of watermelon and remove seeds and rind.Place in a blender along with 2 cups of ice.Add 1 tbsp of cane sugar and 1/4 cup of water
Blend ingredients together.garnish with mint leaves
This is a delicious, cooling and hydrating drink.
If you have a weak digestion do not over-indulge in this treat. Adding cold foods to a weak digestion will exacerbate your weak digestion. read more..
Saturday, 11 August 2012
Traditional Chinese Medicine-Perioral Dermatitis-Skin Conditions-Skin Disorder
Traditional Chinese Medicine has been used to treat skin conditions for thousands of years. While Perioral Dermatitis is a newly recognized disease, only about 35 years old, the Traditional Chinese Medicine treatments for similar skin conditions remain helpful in addressing the condition. Symptoms of Perioral Dermatitis Perioral Dermatitis is a skin disorder which causes an [...] read more..
Thursday, 9 August 2012
Acupuncture Treatment-Unexplained Syndrome-Connective Tissues-Adjunctive Therapy
Fibromyalgia is a medically unexplained syndrome affecting the muscles and connective tissues. Currently, the disease affects as many as 12 million Americans and has been reported two times as prevalent in deployed veterans. Acupuncture may be helpful as an adjunctive therapy for fibromyalgia.“Agonizing pain, debilitating fatigue, joint stiffness, and … read more..
Wednesday, 8 August 2012
Painful Injuries-Heart Failure-Acupuncture
I see a lot of patients in my practice that are battling serious diseases – cancer, heart failure, diabetes – or very painful injuries – torn ligaments, back pain. These patients have found that acupuncture can help relieve pain, ease symptoms and strengthen their body to better fight the disease or condition. But, it should [...] read more..
Acupuncturist-Acupuncture
The process of treating back pain with acupuncture, or any pain for that matter, is complex. As an acupuncturist, we have many factors to consider in the treatment. Important factors for the acupuncturist to decide are what acupuncture points to use, how long the needles stay in, what position the patient should lie, the use [...] read more..
Sunday, 5 August 2012
Important Developments in National Healthcare and Acupuncture
Dear Acupuncture Patients and Supporters,
The Department of Health and Human Services is accepting comments until January 31 about their plan to determine the list of services that will comprise the Essential Health Benefits package in future state insurance plans. The Acupuncture community is being advised that a strong show of support for the designation of acupuncture as an essential health benefit will demonstrate public demand and is critical for the inclusion of acupuncture into mainstream health care. Letters sent between now and January 31 will be counted by HHS, the time to act is now!
Please e-mail the Department of Health and Human Services as a patient at EssentialHealthBenefits@cms.hhs.gov and CC the American Association of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine at ehb@aaaomonline.org. Please include one or more of the following points:
1) you have received acupuncture care and found it effective and essential,
2) share your story if you are willing,
3) you would like acupuncture covered by federal and state insurance plans. read more..
Rheumatoid Arthritis-Gluten Intolerance-Roasted Barley Tea-Macrobiotic Diet-Humid Weather
Well, the hot, humid weather has returned here in NYC prompting me to come back and check my previous posting on "roasted barley tea". There were a few comments and questions regarding options for teas that do not contain gluten. So, I want to share some more thoughts on the roasted teas.
To Lady EZ: I'm so glad that you are having some benefits with the symptomology of your rheumatoid arthritis from eating macrobiotically. One thing to monitor is if you get too internally cold from the diet. It has a lot of energetically cooling foods (very good if you have an inflammatory condition. But you also want to monitor that you don't weaken your foundational yang/warming energy of the body that gives functional strength to the organs). Its best to do the macrobiotic diet with a practitioner trained in this dietary therapy. Each person has a unique constitution so there is not one diet that is good for everyone. Keep attuned to your body and I'm sure you'll find the path forward.I want to repeat, if you suspect you have any gluten intolerance (which can contribute to inflammatory conditions) do not eat Barley.
For those who wish to branch out and try another roasted Asian tea I want to suggest"Korean Roasted Corn Tea" also known as "Oksusu Cha". For my readers who were asking for gluten-free roasted teas. Here is a terrific option!
This is a large kernel corn grown in Southern Korea and it is traditionally roasted then brewed in hot water to make a lovely, mildly sweet tea. It is traditionally used to support kidney health, help lower blood pressure and help with diabetes. Its mild sweet flavor is one of the five phase therapeutic flavors that strengthens the Spleen (considered the chief organ of digestion).Corn tea will help with stomach bloating and pain from indigestion and is also helpful in relieving fatigue and malaise. This is because its tonification benefits to the Qi of the Spleen help with digestion, with fluid metabolism and with the Spleen's role in building Qi and Blood which fuel and nourish the body.This tea, like "Roasted Barley Tea", is good for hot and damp weather. It will help the body metabolize fluids in the heavy, damp and turbid weather of summer that can cause so many issues around digestion (soft stools, cramping, bloating), swelling of joints, headaches, and malaise.Sometimes people mix the "Roasted Corn Tea" with the "Roasted Barley Tea". The sweetness of the corn tea will offset the bitterness of the roasted Barley.
If you go to Korean food stores you will often find the Roasted Corn tea in bags. It is simply the roasted corn.Here is an easy recipe for the tea:
1/4 cup of roasted corn5 cups boiling water
Bring water to a boil in a pot and add the roasted corn. Turn the heat down to a simmer and let the corn steep in the water for 15 minutes or until a nice light golden brown color.Strain the tea to remove corn.You can drink this tea hot or cold. Its absolutely refreshing as a chilled drink in summertime! read more..
Active Ingredients-Detectable Levels-Chickens-Tylenol-Arsenic
In a recent NY Times article it was revealed that chickens tested in the U.S. contain detectable levels of arsenic, and the active ingredients found in Tylenol, Bendadryl, and Prozac. In addition, a class of antibiotics that includes the brand name "Cipro", called quinolones were found in chickens. These antibiotics are supposedly banned in poultry production.
If you are alarmed, you should be.
It seems that profit driven agri-business may not be telling the consumer what is in the foods that we consume.
The NY Times article went on to discuss how independent studies conducted on ground chicken feathers prove the presence of the substances since feathers will accumulate concentrations of chemicals in the food that chickens are fed.
Chickens are being purposely fed these substances to raise profit margins. Arsenic is used in low levels in the chicken food to lower infection rates and to cause the meat to take on a pink color which is considered more desirable by consumers. The Times article notes that chickens are fed caffeine to help them stay awake longer in order to eat more so that they will grow faster. They are fed the active ingredients of Prozac and Tylenol to keep them from being anxious which can affect the quality and size of the bird. Its ironic that they are being fed both stimulants and sedatives.All of this leads to increased profits for the producers.
What else are they not telling us?
Within one generation, sperm counts have begun to fall globally. Sometimes by as much as 50% in some populations. Nobody has yet determined the cause of this, but it is postulated that the increasing toxicity of food, water and the environment may be a contributing if not principal factor.
Cancer rates continue to increase.
I think this is a wake-up call. Until there is accountability for the products that we are consuming- it doesn't make sense to assume that the corporate foods that we are being fed are healthy.
I encourage you to eat lower on the food chain. Eat as many whole foods as possible and avoid processed foods. Consume less animal proteins. It is better for the environment, leaves a smaller carbon footprint and will ensure that you are eating healthier. Animal fats can have concentrations of toxic chemicals.Eat organic, local produce. Buy your food as close to the source of its growth as possible.Support local organic farmers.You can join local food cooperatives, go to farmer's markets and join community sponsoredagriculture groups which sell shares in a local organic farmer's harvest. read more..
Saturday, 4 August 2012
Stonewell Acu News selected in top 50 blog
I just got picked as one of the top 50 acupuncture blogs by a fellow blogger who runs a site called Sonography Technician. William Neeson the founder of the blog writes a wide range of helpful articles on different health topics. You might find his postings useful, as he does a fair amount of research on health blogs and then writes articles on particular topics with named resources. This week its acupuncture and yours truly was mentioned in his top 5.Thank you William. I'm honored. read more..
Please invite a friend and join the Wellness Celebration!
HAPPY YEAR OF THE YIN METAL RABBIT!!!
Stonewell AcupunctureMichael Ishii, L.Ac.
Start the new year by sharing the gift of health and wellness. I am hosting a special gathering for friends and family of my patients. Come join us to usher in the Year of the Rabbit and learn some great health and wellness strategies. I'll be demonstrating and sharing delicious and healthy Asian foods for the Year of the Rabbit. You are most welcome to bring guests. Its a great way to introduce people to East Asian Medicine!
Sunday February 13th, 20111pm-3pm
900 Broadway, Suite #404(on Broadway between 19th and 20th Streets)
ACTIVITIES TO INCLUDE:
MEDICAL QIGONG TO USHER OUT THE QI OF THE TIGER YEAR AND USHER IN THE QI OF THE RABBIT YEAR
NUTRITIONAL WELLNESS SUGGESTIONS FOR THE YEAR OF THE RABBIT
STRATEGIES TO PREPARE FOR THE SPRING SEASONAL TRANSITION FOR THOSE WHO SUFFER FROM ALLERGIES AND RESPIRATORY PROBLEMS THIS IS FOR YOU!(ITS TIME TO STRENGTHEN THE GALLBLADDER SYSTEM AND PREPARE FOR SPRING!)
NEW YEAR'S REFRESHMENTS AND TREATS FOR PROSPERITY AND LONGEVITY!
PLEASE RSVP stonewellacupuncture@gmail.com(646)729-7722 read more..