Holistic Care

Lung 7,  列缺, (Lieque)

Since we are in the season of fall, and the fall season is associated with the lungs in Traditional Chinese Medicine, we thought you may like to learn a little more about one of the more important points on the lung meridian.

Lung 7  is located above the wrist on the inside of the arm.  Find it by interlocking your thumb and index finger of one hand with the other.   The point is located at the end of the index finger in a depression.

This is a great and powerful point, used to strengthen the lung, stop coughing, and treat the first signs of a cold. It strengthens your bodies ‘defensive’ qi, which could loosely be related to your immune system.  In addition, Lung 7 is the ‘command point’ for the head and neck, able to treat conditions related to the head and neck such as headache, stiff neck, facial paralysis, or toothache.

We use this point all the time.  The next time you feel a cough, go ahead and practice a little ‘acupressure’ on yourself! Read More

A current patient of mine has recently reminded me about the power Chinese medicine can have on our emotional underpinning.  I have been seeing this particular person about once a month for the last year.  Originally she came in seeking care for chronic neck pain and in talking with her about her overall health she mentioned a problem with anxiety and history of debilitating panic attacks.  She was surprised to learn I wanted to help manage her anxiety as well as treat the chronic pain. I am happy to report that at the anniversary of her first visit she describes her anxiety as manageable and she has not had a panic attack since beginning acupuncture treatments.  By the way, her neck feels great too!

Acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine are very effective at treating problems of emotional health. Many of our patients are using acupuncture and herbal medicine to help combat stress, ease anxiety and help restore a sense of joy in their lives. It can help resolve not only emotional discomfort, but the physical symptoms surrounding it, such as insomnia, digestive upset, fatigue and chronic pain.

Sara Read More

Can acupuncture help to relieve morning sickness? Some type of morning sickness affects between 50-80% of all women during pregnancy. Generally the symptoms, which include nausea, vomiting, or a loss of appetite subside within 12 to 14 weeks of pregnancy. The symptoms can range from a mild sense of discomfort to forms that are so severe women experience weight loss, dehydration, and even the need for hospitalization. 

Can Acupuncture Help with Morning Sickness?

Several studies have documented the effectiveness of acupuncture to relieve symptoms of morning sickness.  In fact studies have shown stimulating one point in particular, PC6, (which is located on the inside of the forearm between the tendons about 2” up from the wrist) has remarkable effect in easing nausea.  Many are familiar with this point as popular ‘motion sickness wristbands’ have been sold over the counter for years.  You can try pushing hard on the point yourself (ask an acupuncturist to help you find the exact location), or you may need stronger treatment with acupuncture needles.  The frequent stimulation of this with other points in combination can decrease and even eliminate the common discomfort associated with early pregnancy.

Other tips you can do at home include Read More