Memorial Sloan Kettering Hospital-Archives Of Internal Medicine-National Institute Of Health

NY Times Cites New Comprehensive Study on Efficacy of Acupuncture

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..

Gastrointestinal Pain-Research Psychologist-Acupuncture Research

Research demonstrates that Acupuncture works!

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.
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Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease-Acupuncture Successful-Acupuncture Treatments-Functional Dyspepsia

Acupuncture successful in treating digestive issues

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..

Baby Boomer Generation-Interesting Story-Food Choices-Weight Loss-Eatthis

Focus on what you can eat

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..

source:http://albanacupuncture.com

Weight Loss Success Story-Chinese Herbs-Acupuncture

Another weight loss success story for 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
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Omega 3 Fatty Acids-Gluten Sensitivity-Food Processor-Staple Food-Chia Seeds

Vegan Chia Pudding: Delicious Super Healthy Treat!

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

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..