Holistic Care

Someone came to see me in late January when he was beginning to feel the effects of the winter blues, or Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).  In years past he has suffered from SAD and he was determined to find some relief without prescription medication.  He had tried acupuncture in the past for an unrelated issue was pleased with his results. After finding some information online about acupuncture and SAD he contacted our clinic. At his first visit we talked about his condition as well as his overall health.  He considered himself a pretty healthy person. He was relatively active; he ate well and did not have trouble sleeping.  His energy was low, he often felt fatigued.  He related that to his SAD and perhaps his busy schedule.  He was juggling two demanding jobs as well as trying to sell his house. A few weekly treatments later he noticed considerable improvement in his depression and fatigue.   Along with acupuncture treatments we talked about ways he can help improve his condition.  He continued to improve and I saw him less frequently.  He was doing very well, until mid-march when he confessed his spring allergies were really bothering him.  He was suffering from Read More

We have changed our clocks, and it is official, spring is on its way.

As the little snow we have melts and the temperature rises we are reminded that allergy season is just around the corner. Common allergens are molds and pollen which are abundant in our damp spring weather.  These allergens can be successfully treated with Chinese Medicine.  For best results, acupuncture for allergies should start 4-6 weeks before your particular allergen emerges.  If your allergen surprises you without warning you can still find relief with acupuncture.  In some instances combining acupuncture with Chinese herbs can also help abate the itchy eyes and runny nose.  Formulas like Pe Min Gan Wan, Yu Peng Feng Wan and  can regulate the immune system, benefit the eyes, and open sinuses.

If you are feeling the change of seasons in your bones, consider acupuncture to help ease your body into spring. For some, the damp, cool weather of spring increases the pain and swelling of arthritis. Arthritis is an inflammatory condition of the joints that is characterized by pain, swelling, heat, redness and limitation of movement.  In Chinese medicine arthritis can flare when the body is exposed to damp, cold or windy weather Read More

Herbal Formula Highlights:  Yin Qiao San and Gan Mao Ling Jie Du Tang

You Should Know These Formulas!  Yin Qiao Wan and Gan Mao Ling Jie Du Wan

When you walk into any Chinese medical herbal pharmacy it can be overwhelming. There are so many bottles, with names that are not recognizable.  We often get asked, what do those herbs do?  Today’s post is to introduce you to two formulas everyone should know, and have on hand;  Yin Qiao San and Gan Mao Ling Jie Du Wan, amazing formulas that can treat your cold and help you to feel much better!

Have you ever heard you can’t treat the common cold?  Well, now you can. Chinese medicine has been successfully treating colds and flus for hundreds of years.  In our practice, we generally use around 5 different formulas to treat colds and flu, depending on how they present, but there are two that I think could benefit every home; Yin Qiao San and Gan Mao Ling Jie Du Wan.

Yin Qiao San is widely available.  It is a combination of — number of herbs, all aimed at treating the early stages of a cold, especially if it is combined with Read More