Ask Dr. Chu....Fibromyalgia
Tuesday, May 26, 2009, 02:35 PM - Health & HealingQuestion: I have been suffering with fibromyalgia for 15 years now. My body hurts in so many places that sometimes I can't image a life without pain. I used to be active, jog, garden... and now all I can do is small amounts, nothing vigorous. I heard from a friend that acupuncture might be able to help with this condition. Is this really true?
Answer: Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal therapy can certainly help! Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue are related sets of syndromes in Chinese Medicine. We look at it as problems related to the Defensive Energy deficiency, or lack of Spleen and Stomach channel energy, or even wind, cold and dampness affecting the body. If poor diet, lack of exercise, too much stress, unhealthy emotions, inadequate rest, too much stress, and even poor fashion happens, this can lead to what your experiencing. While I'm not the fashion police, what I mean is dressing appropriately for the weather, and not going around barefoot on cold surfaces and wet hair, which can weaken your body's immunity system. In general, you'd have to go for an initial consultation to see which system is overburdened and not in harmony. By doing some simple lifestyle changes, taking prescribed herbals for 2- 3 months and acupuncture treatments twice a week, we can have you back to your pain free and active self!
Robert Chu, PhD, L.Ac., QME
2502 East Washington Boulevard
Pasadena, CA 91104 U.S.A.
(626) 345-0441 Clinic
(626) 487-1815 Cell/VM
Saturday, October 24, 2009
Outwitting the 7 Enemies of Aging by Robert Chu, PhD, L.Ac, QME
We all know aging is difficult. Yes it happens naturally, but it is often painful and riddled with twists and turns to the straight line of health and well being. Mainstream medicine has developed some amazing life-saving techniques that were unheard of even as little as 20 years ago… but it has little clues as to how to prevent disease or combat the chronic health problems that we face every day.
But if we turn back the clock and look to traditional peoples, whose longevity and wellbeing were certainly better than ours, we may find some surprising answers. The ancient Daoists, for example, used herbs to treat impotence – herbs like Ashwagandha and Horny Goat Weed work as an aphrodisiac and can stimulate and strengthen the sexual organs. These herbs can help with ED to maintain good sexual health, without the use of Viagra or Cialis.
For those suffering from constipation, a diet of high fiber foods, fruits, vegetables, and nuts like walnuts, almonds, sesame seeds can keep you regular without the need for Metamucil or other fiber rich over the counter medication. Regular walking and keeping up the water intake moves things along.
Aging usually means your eyesight goes – Herbs and acupuncture can help with night blindness or red, swollen eyes. Regular intake of common herbs like chrysanthemum and Fructus lyciium (Gou Qi Zi) will help maintain visual clarity and health. Consult with your Chinese medicine practitioner for more extensive formulas that will aid the vision.
People often think as they age, cholesterol goes sky high – But, maintaining a proper diet with exercise, consuming a low LDL diet, drinking tea, maintaining your weight, avoiding alcohol, quitting smoking, and reducing stress can certainly lower your cholesterol.
People often take aging and stress hand in hand, but there are many ways to reduce stress. Talking a walk, doing gardening, chatting with good friends, going to a bookstore, working out in a gym are all ways to combat stress.
A common thought is aging has you to succumb to poor memory – If you don’t use it, you will lose it, as the old saying goes. Keep your mind sharp through reading, meditation, in analysis and mathematics. Staying home all alone, without social interaction, and simply watching television is a wonderful way to ruin the mind. Many Chinese herbs help with memory.
Getting old doesn’t mean you have to suffer from insomnia. Often, because of stress, and a weakened constitution, or insufficient blood you can’t fall asleep or stay asleep. For help in this area, a Chinese herbalist should be consulted for the proper prescription of herbals.
But if we turn back the clock and look to traditional peoples, whose longevity and wellbeing were certainly better than ours, we may find some surprising answers. The ancient Daoists, for example, used herbs to treat impotence – herbs like Ashwagandha and Horny Goat Weed work as an aphrodisiac and can stimulate and strengthen the sexual organs. These herbs can help with ED to maintain good sexual health, without the use of Viagra or Cialis.
For those suffering from constipation, a diet of high fiber foods, fruits, vegetables, and nuts like walnuts, almonds, sesame seeds can keep you regular without the need for Metamucil or other fiber rich over the counter medication. Regular walking and keeping up the water intake moves things along.
Aging usually means your eyesight goes – Herbs and acupuncture can help with night blindness or red, swollen eyes. Regular intake of common herbs like chrysanthemum and Fructus lyciium (Gou Qi Zi) will help maintain visual clarity and health. Consult with your Chinese medicine practitioner for more extensive formulas that will aid the vision.
People often think as they age, cholesterol goes sky high – But, maintaining a proper diet with exercise, consuming a low LDL diet, drinking tea, maintaining your weight, avoiding alcohol, quitting smoking, and reducing stress can certainly lower your cholesterol.
People often take aging and stress hand in hand, but there are many ways to reduce stress. Talking a walk, doing gardening, chatting with good friends, going to a bookstore, working out in a gym are all ways to combat stress.
A common thought is aging has you to succumb to poor memory – If you don’t use it, you will lose it, as the old saying goes. Keep your mind sharp through reading, meditation, in analysis and mathematics. Staying home all alone, without social interaction, and simply watching television is a wonderful way to ruin the mind. Many Chinese herbs help with memory.
Getting old doesn’t mean you have to suffer from insomnia. Often, because of stress, and a weakened constitution, or insufficient blood you can’t fall asleep or stay asleep. For help in this area, a Chinese herbalist should be consulted for the proper prescription of herbals.
Thursday, January 15, 2009
3 Simple Exercises for Back Pain
Perhaps you’ve had a hard day, you had to shovel the walk, dig your car out of the snow, mailed a few packages, and had to take your in-laws around town. You’re tired, and you feel your back is about to go out.
Or its been a cold day, or rainy and damp outside, and you got soaked – you’re tired and out of it and you feel you back is just about to give out.
Or you’re carrying a few extra pounds from all the holiday feasting, and putting strain on your back muscles, joints and ligaments।
What you need to do is immediately do a few exercises that will help loosen you up and restore your posture. You can do these before you’ve run to your pain relievers or muscles relaxants. You don’t even need a personal trainer or gym membership or visit to the doctor. A few relaxed sets of these exercises can immediately make you feel better.
These golden exercises include deep knee bends, waist twists and hip rolls।
Do these three treasures is a great way to get the blood moving, release endorphins, and help you detox.Since they deal with moving the major muscle groups and the core, you can do them anytime with varying degrees of difficulty to adjust as you get more accustomed to the exercises.
These exercises promote blood circulation and release muscle tightness and spasms। Done regularly, they will increase your health and fitness and help you tone your body। You will feel warmer and they will even help you in digestion, as the exercises help the moving action of the intestines, and help you move your bowels to further aid you in detoxing. Exercise one: Do some gentle, relaxed knee bends, but do them assisted with a chair or table or desk. Stand up in a relaxed shoulder width position and place your hands on the support. Tighten your stomach muscles and exhale, while going down as far as you can without falling, straining or straining your knees. Then inhale and stand up again. Do 10 of these, and then move onto the next exercise.
Exercise two: Stand back away from your support and stand in a shoulder width starting position. Stand up straight, tighten your ab muscles and put your hands on your hips. Imagine you have a hula hoop, or are doing the hula, and go clockwise 5 times, then go the other way 5 times. Relax and smile, and breathe naturally with the exercise.
Exercise three: With your hands relaxed at your sides, and standing about shoulder width, you simply start swinging your arms right then left and pat both hands on your lower back, preferably over the kidneys. Don’t swing or pat too hard, just a relaxed easy motion! Just breathe naturally and relax! This is an exercise Master Miyagi taught Daniel in Karate Kid 2 – swinging your arms back and forth like a toy drum. Simply do a count of 10, and then relax.
The complete series of these golden exercises takes about 2 minutes to complete. Initially, try to do the exercises 3 times a day. When you get better, you can try them once for every hour that you’re awake, which would be about 10 to 14 sets a day. Take an exercise break, rather than a coffee or cigarette break and you’ll be delighted on how good your low back feels.
Pasadena, CA Acupuncturist Robert Chu will help patients with pain issues, infertility, Cancer treatment related side effects, and cardiovascular problems, please call (626) 345-0441 to schedule an appointment for a free consultation।
10 Tips to Overcome Morning Stiffness
10 Tips to Overcome Morning Stiffness by Robert Chu, L.Ac. QME
Perhaps you’ve helped your friend move yesterday, or you have fibromyalgia, or arthritis, or just plain sore from gardening, you might find it hard to get about in the morning. According to the American College of Rheumatology, Fibromyalgia affects 3 to 6 million, or as many as one in 50 Americans, with seven times more the frequency in women than in men. According to the NHIS, by 2030, an estimated 67 million Americans ages 18 years or older are projected to have doctor-diagnosed arthritis. That’s certainly a lot!
It can take you hours to "warm up" or "move easily" so to speak, and generally, most people reach for muscle relaxants, pain relievers, or topical creams and sprays. And it’s doubly hard when you have to take care of the kids or get going to work.
The basic causes of morning stiffness are lack of exercise, being overweight, having a poor diet, not sleeping properly, a prevalence of coldness or dampness in the environment. Lack of exercise in general does not allow you to rid the body of toxins which can build up in the joints and cause gout. Being overweight is difficult because you are carrying unnecessary weight, which puts a strain on joints, muscles, tendons and ligaments. A poor diet, generally high in simple carbs and causes weak muscles, bad posture and lethargy. Poor sleep and poor sleeping posture can lock your body in a bad position for hours, causing reduced blood flow to the local muscles, and a buildup of lactic acid, causing stiffness. A cold or damp environment causes muscle stiffness because the coldness or dampness affects the blood flow to the area.
You can be happy to know you’re not the only one who is painfully stiff in the morning, and what is causing this can be avoided or corrected... here are 10 things you can do.
1) Take a hot shower. This serves as a means to induce sweating and release the muscles, as well as increase the blood circulation.
2) Do some easy stretches while lying in bed, then sitting up in bed. This will stretch and loosen the muscles and help flush them with more blood.
3) Promote good sleeping habits. This means that sleep time is not think time or time to think about relationships, work, the kids, etc. Get those out of the way first before you sleep.
4) Drink the best water you can get. Often the tap water in our cities is not the freshest or safest. Even cities like Los Angeles have traces of psychiatric medicines and estrogenic-like compounds. Drink either bottled water or reverse osmosis filtered water.
5) Force yourself to do some gentle deep knee bends. You don’t have to go all the way down, and the idea is to do these assisted with a chair or table, or counter. These exercise almost 90% of the skeletal muscles. Find a counter, table or chair and use your hands for support. Then exhale and squat as low as you can go, then inhale and stand up again. Do 10 of these and these will get the morning blood flowing.
6) Sleep with a portable heater in your room if your bedroom is particularly drafty or damp.
7) Eat better. Cut down on simple carbohydrates, and start reading labels. Simply eliminate the foods with artificial color, artificial flavors and artificial sweeteners (High fructose corn syrup, crystalline fructose, and aspartame) and enriched white flour. If you don’t know what it is, or have difficulty pronouncing it, avoid ingesting it.
8) Get some therapy for stress or emotional problems, so that you’re not lying awake all night thinking about your problems. Learn how to deal with toxic people in your life.
9) Get some regular exercise. The idea is to go out and do some regular exercise, as all exercise is cumulative. Even a simple routine of 10000 steps a day (buy a pedometer!) will improve your health greatly!
10) Be the fashion police! You want to dress appropriately for these cold months, and you might do well to sleep in flannel pajamas or sweats.
These simple tips followed with a little dedication, along with some minor lifestyle changes and changes to the living environment, can help you overcome morning stiffness in no time.
Perhaps you’ve helped your friend move yesterday, or you have fibromyalgia, or arthritis, or just plain sore from gardening, you might find it hard to get about in the morning. According to the American College of Rheumatology, Fibromyalgia affects 3 to 6 million, or as many as one in 50 Americans, with seven times more the frequency in women than in men. According to the NHIS, by 2030, an estimated 67 million Americans ages 18 years or older are projected to have doctor-diagnosed arthritis. That’s certainly a lot!
It can take you hours to "warm up" or "move easily" so to speak, and generally, most people reach for muscle relaxants, pain relievers, or topical creams and sprays. And it’s doubly hard when you have to take care of the kids or get going to work.
The basic causes of morning stiffness are lack of exercise, being overweight, having a poor diet, not sleeping properly, a prevalence of coldness or dampness in the environment. Lack of exercise in general does not allow you to rid the body of toxins which can build up in the joints and cause gout. Being overweight is difficult because you are carrying unnecessary weight, which puts a strain on joints, muscles, tendons and ligaments. A poor diet, generally high in simple carbs and causes weak muscles, bad posture and lethargy. Poor sleep and poor sleeping posture can lock your body in a bad position for hours, causing reduced blood flow to the local muscles, and a buildup of lactic acid, causing stiffness. A cold or damp environment causes muscle stiffness because the coldness or dampness affects the blood flow to the area.
You can be happy to know you’re not the only one who is painfully stiff in the morning, and what is causing this can be avoided or corrected... here are 10 things you can do.
1) Take a hot shower. This serves as a means to induce sweating and release the muscles, as well as increase the blood circulation.
2) Do some easy stretches while lying in bed, then sitting up in bed. This will stretch and loosen the muscles and help flush them with more blood.
3) Promote good sleeping habits. This means that sleep time is not think time or time to think about relationships, work, the kids, etc. Get those out of the way first before you sleep.
4) Drink the best water you can get. Often the tap water in our cities is not the freshest or safest. Even cities like Los Angeles have traces of psychiatric medicines and estrogenic-like compounds. Drink either bottled water or reverse osmosis filtered water.
5) Force yourself to do some gentle deep knee bends. You don’t have to go all the way down, and the idea is to do these assisted with a chair or table, or counter. These exercise almost 90% of the skeletal muscles. Find a counter, table or chair and use your hands for support. Then exhale and squat as low as you can go, then inhale and stand up again. Do 10 of these and these will get the morning blood flowing.
6) Sleep with a portable heater in your room if your bedroom is particularly drafty or damp.
7) Eat better. Cut down on simple carbohydrates, and start reading labels. Simply eliminate the foods with artificial color, artificial flavors and artificial sweeteners (High fructose corn syrup, crystalline fructose, and aspartame) and enriched white flour. If you don’t know what it is, or have difficulty pronouncing it, avoid ingesting it.
8) Get some therapy for stress or emotional problems, so that you’re not lying awake all night thinking about your problems. Learn how to deal with toxic people in your life.
9) Get some regular exercise. The idea is to go out and do some regular exercise, as all exercise is cumulative. Even a simple routine of 10000 steps a day (buy a pedometer!) will improve your health greatly!
10) Be the fashion police! You want to dress appropriately for these cold months, and you might do well to sleep in flannel pajamas or sweats.
These simple tips followed with a little dedication, along with some minor lifestyle changes and changes to the living environment, can help you overcome morning stiffness in no time.
Homeopathic Medicine for Pain Management
Homeopathic Medicine for Pain Management by Robert Chu, L.Ac., Certified Clinical Homeopath
Introduction
Homeopathic medicine is one of the overlooked treasures of self-help you can turn to when you're suffering from pain. Whether you're suffering from back pain, neck pain, shoulder pain, sprained ankle or sciatica, there is a homeopathic remedy for you. Often distributed in liquid tinctures or lactose sugar pellets, they are a safe and easy way to treat yourself with little to no side effects.
Theory
Homeopathy is the medical system discovered by a German allopathic physician, Dr. Samuel Hahnemann, in the 1800's. Dissatisfied with the medicine of his time, he experimented with medicines that produced specific symptoms, and discovered a principle in medicine that 'Similia Similbus Curantur' which means "Like Cures Like". It means that a medicine can create similar symptoms in a healthy patient, and can cure those illness in a diseased person. Also unique in Hahnemann's work was that every cure was given in minute doses to lead the body into healing, rather than forcing the body to function unnaturally due to the strong effect of medicine. Homeopathy was used throughout Europe and with the early settlers and pioneers in the USA.
Homeopathy has now split into two major schools of thought, Classical and Clinical. Classical Homeopathy is the study of Hahnemann's early work in Europe and reflects a single remedy to fit the ailments of a person. Clinical Homeopathy is Hahnemann's later work with the combining of single remedies and using them synergistically to get a desired effect.
What you can do for your pain
Homeopathic medicines are generally distributed as pellets or liquids. If you use pellets, use as directed on a bottle. For liquid form, they use a dropper, and the dosage is in drops. Mostly homeopathic remedies are dissolved or taken under the tongue. Typical brand names in a health food store are Hyland's, Newton's, or Doliso's. These are commonly used and reliable. Newton's remedies are what I typically use, as their products reflect Hahnemann's later teaching of combining single remedies in combination, called complexes. This is referred to as "Clinical Homeopathy". "Classical Homeopathy" is the study of Hahnemann's early work in Europe and reflects a single remedy to fit the ailments of a person. If you're not sure what to choose, it is best to consult with a Certified Homeopath.
For people suffering from back pain, try using Arnica. Arnica is available as a topical cream, a lotion, and in pill or droplet form. Arnica is considered one of the best for first aid back pain relief. Bryonia is also considered a good remedy if you have a cough, or a cold along with back pain. Nux Vomica is also a good choice for backpain, especially at niught and that interferes with your sleeping. The Newton Aches and Pains Relief Complex is a good clinical homeopathic remedy for backache from all round strains, nerve injury, or strenuous workouts.
For those with shooting neck pain, Belladonna is the choice. Guaiacum is a great remedy for stiff neck due to cold. And for those with chronic neck pain due to spondylosis, Calc Carb is the best choice. Newton's Muscle Ease is a simple remedy for those who have muscle tension, due to stress and overexertion.
For those with tearing burning stiffness and shoulder pain, it is best to use Rhus Tox. With shoulder pain radiating to the whole arm with weakness, choose Chelkidonium. Of course, the Newton Aches and Pains Relief Complex is can be used for all round shoulder and neck pain.
For a sprained ankle with stiffness and swelling, use Rhus Tox. For weak anklwes susceptible to sprain, use Ledum. Weal ankle tendons and ligaments indivcate the use of Ruta. The Newton Aches and Pains Relief Complex, along with Arnica cream can work wonders.
For acute cases of sciatica, the remedy of choice is to use Colocynthis. Of course the forementioned Belladonna and Ruta also work well, along with any of the mentioned backache remedies. Newton's Sciatica Relief is great for the inflammation of the nerve in the lower back and leg.
Conclusion
By having a handful of these useful remedies, you can treat yourself at home, and have lasting results from acute injury, recovering from an injury, or deal with a chronic problem. In a pinch, the Arnica Cream is one to have at all times for any aches and pains.
Introduction
Homeopathic medicine is one of the overlooked treasures of self-help you can turn to when you're suffering from pain. Whether you're suffering from back pain, neck pain, shoulder pain, sprained ankle or sciatica, there is a homeopathic remedy for you. Often distributed in liquid tinctures or lactose sugar pellets, they are a safe and easy way to treat yourself with little to no side effects.
Theory
Homeopathy is the medical system discovered by a German allopathic physician, Dr. Samuel Hahnemann, in the 1800's. Dissatisfied with the medicine of his time, he experimented with medicines that produced specific symptoms, and discovered a principle in medicine that 'Similia Similbus Curantur' which means "Like Cures Like". It means that a medicine can create similar symptoms in a healthy patient, and can cure those illness in a diseased person. Also unique in Hahnemann's work was that every cure was given in minute doses to lead the body into healing, rather than forcing the body to function unnaturally due to the strong effect of medicine. Homeopathy was used throughout Europe and with the early settlers and pioneers in the USA.
Homeopathy has now split into two major schools of thought, Classical and Clinical. Classical Homeopathy is the study of Hahnemann's early work in Europe and reflects a single remedy to fit the ailments of a person. Clinical Homeopathy is Hahnemann's later work with the combining of single remedies and using them synergistically to get a desired effect.
What you can do for your pain
Homeopathic medicines are generally distributed as pellets or liquids. If you use pellets, use as directed on a bottle. For liquid form, they use a dropper, and the dosage is in drops. Mostly homeopathic remedies are dissolved or taken under the tongue. Typical brand names in a health food store are Hyland's, Newton's, or Doliso's. These are commonly used and reliable. Newton's remedies are what I typically use, as their products reflect Hahnemann's later teaching of combining single remedies in combination, called complexes. This is referred to as "Clinical Homeopathy". "Classical Homeopathy" is the study of Hahnemann's early work in Europe and reflects a single remedy to fit the ailments of a person. If you're not sure what to choose, it is best to consult with a Certified Homeopath.
For people suffering from back pain, try using Arnica. Arnica is available as a topical cream, a lotion, and in pill or droplet form. Arnica is considered one of the best for first aid back pain relief. Bryonia is also considered a good remedy if you have a cough, or a cold along with back pain. Nux Vomica is also a good choice for backpain, especially at niught and that interferes with your sleeping. The Newton Aches and Pains Relief Complex is a good clinical homeopathic remedy for backache from all round strains, nerve injury, or strenuous workouts.
For those with shooting neck pain, Belladonna is the choice. Guaiacum is a great remedy for stiff neck due to cold. And for those with chronic neck pain due to spondylosis, Calc Carb is the best choice. Newton's Muscle Ease is a simple remedy for those who have muscle tension, due to stress and overexertion.
For those with tearing burning stiffness and shoulder pain, it is best to use Rhus Tox. With shoulder pain radiating to the whole arm with weakness, choose Chelkidonium. Of course, the Newton Aches and Pains Relief Complex is can be used for all round shoulder and neck pain.
For a sprained ankle with stiffness and swelling, use Rhus Tox. For weak anklwes susceptible to sprain, use Ledum. Weal ankle tendons and ligaments indivcate the use of Ruta. The Newton Aches and Pains Relief Complex, along with Arnica cream can work wonders.
For acute cases of sciatica, the remedy of choice is to use Colocynthis. Of course the forementioned Belladonna and Ruta also work well, along with any of the mentioned backache remedies. Newton's Sciatica Relief is great for the inflammation of the nerve in the lower back and leg.
Conclusion
By having a handful of these useful remedies, you can treat yourself at home, and have lasting results from acute injury, recovering from an injury, or deal with a chronic problem. In a pinch, the Arnica Cream is one to have at all times for any aches and pains.
Acupuncture and Low Back Pain
Acupuncture and Low Back Pain by Robert Chu, PhD, L.Ac., QME
Introduction
Acupuncture is one of the treasures of complementary medicine if you're suffering from low back pain. Whether you're suffering from acute or chronic problems there is a treatment for you. Often, treatment involves treating the Kidney energy system, which may or may not have anything to do with you actual physical kidneys.
Theory
Perhaps you're suffering from muscle pain or pinched nerve, or you've overworked, are fatigued and strained your back. Or you were exposed to cold, damp conditions the winter brings and your back hurts. These can all be treated with Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture.
In Chinese Medicine diagnosis, if you have back pain, you could also have what is called Kidney Yang Deficiency, which is not uncommon.
Signs and symptoms of Kidney Yang Deficiency in addition to the low back pain also include dark circles under the eyes, diarrhea at the early morning hours, cold hands and feet, low energy, a pale complexion, difficulty hearing, a general feeling of cold, a low libido, and frequent urination.
One gets Kidney Yang deficiency through too much sex, overwork, fatigue, poor diet, lack of exercise, too much stress, unhealthy emotions, dressing poorly in cold weather, and ignoring a proper lifestyle of good diet, exercise and rest. Frequent masturbation or too many sexual partners is common and weakens the kidney energy with each orgasm. When one furthers that with abuse of the body through drugs, alcohol or partying too late in an attempt to release stress or escape problems, too often, Kidney energy problems arise.
Treatment
Your Kidney energy gets deficient and needs to be harmonized through treatment of acupuncture and herbal therapy.
Acupuncture is done locally on the back, but the best acupuncturists don't needle the affected area. Acupuncture stimulates the nervous system and sends a signal to the brain, which is responsible for homeostasis. A good acupuncture treatment can have an almost instantaneous effect in some acute cases. In chronic conditions that may have taken years to develop, treatment may take longer. It is best to consult with a Licensed Acupuncturist in your area.
Herbs that are given are usually in the form of capsules or BB sized teapills, which are administered for your specific condition, although some Chinese medicine practitioners still prescribe raw herbs or powders. I find that if pills and capsules are used, there is no need to be inconvenienced by the taste, smell and time preparing raw herbs.
Although herbs are natural substances, they can be dangerous if wrongly or self prescribed. Again, it is wise to consult a licensed professional, especially if you are already taking other medications.
Herbs are combined with other herbs of similar function to reduce the danger of toxicity and increase synergistic effect. Herbals are also available as lotions, liniments, herbal wraps, patches and pastes that may be used externally, depending on your condition.
Other Physical Medicine
Practitioners may also use moxibustion, a form of heat therapy near the acupuncture points, to stimulate healing, depending upon the ailment. Other techniques include cupping, massage and manipulation therapy, to align the skeleton.
Conclusion
By consulting with a Licensed Acupuncturist, you can be on your way to lasting results from acute injury, recovering from an injury, or dealing with a chronic problem. A good Licensed Acupuncturist will often also prescribe the proper herbs you need, along with diet, exercise and lifestyle changes that you would benefit from.
Clinic hours are available, please call (626)345-0441 to schedule an appointment for a free consultation.
Introduction
Acupuncture is one of the treasures of complementary medicine if you're suffering from low back pain. Whether you're suffering from acute or chronic problems there is a treatment for you. Often, treatment involves treating the Kidney energy system, which may or may not have anything to do with you actual physical kidneys.
Theory
Perhaps you're suffering from muscle pain or pinched nerve, or you've overworked, are fatigued and strained your back. Or you were exposed to cold, damp conditions the winter brings and your back hurts. These can all be treated with Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture.
In Chinese Medicine diagnosis, if you have back pain, you could also have what is called Kidney Yang Deficiency, which is not uncommon.
Signs and symptoms of Kidney Yang Deficiency in addition to the low back pain also include dark circles under the eyes, diarrhea at the early morning hours, cold hands and feet, low energy, a pale complexion, difficulty hearing, a general feeling of cold, a low libido, and frequent urination.
One gets Kidney Yang deficiency through too much sex, overwork, fatigue, poor diet, lack of exercise, too much stress, unhealthy emotions, dressing poorly in cold weather, and ignoring a proper lifestyle of good diet, exercise and rest. Frequent masturbation or too many sexual partners is common and weakens the kidney energy with each orgasm. When one furthers that with abuse of the body through drugs, alcohol or partying too late in an attempt to release stress or escape problems, too often, Kidney energy problems arise.
Treatment
Your Kidney energy gets deficient and needs to be harmonized through treatment of acupuncture and herbal therapy.
Acupuncture is done locally on the back, but the best acupuncturists don't needle the affected area. Acupuncture stimulates the nervous system and sends a signal to the brain, which is responsible for homeostasis. A good acupuncture treatment can have an almost instantaneous effect in some acute cases. In chronic conditions that may have taken years to develop, treatment may take longer. It is best to consult with a Licensed Acupuncturist in your area.
Herbs that are given are usually in the form of capsules or BB sized teapills, which are administered for your specific condition, although some Chinese medicine practitioners still prescribe raw herbs or powders. I find that if pills and capsules are used, there is no need to be inconvenienced by the taste, smell and time preparing raw herbs.
Although herbs are natural substances, they can be dangerous if wrongly or self prescribed. Again, it is wise to consult a licensed professional, especially if you are already taking other medications.
Herbs are combined with other herbs of similar function to reduce the danger of toxicity and increase synergistic effect. Herbals are also available as lotions, liniments, herbal wraps, patches and pastes that may be used externally, depending on your condition.
Other Physical Medicine
Practitioners may also use moxibustion, a form of heat therapy near the acupuncture points, to stimulate healing, depending upon the ailment. Other techniques include cupping, massage and manipulation therapy, to align the skeleton.
Conclusion
By consulting with a Licensed Acupuncturist, you can be on your way to lasting results from acute injury, recovering from an injury, or dealing with a chronic problem. A good Licensed Acupuncturist will often also prescribe the proper herbs you need, along with diet, exercise and lifestyle changes that you would benefit from.
Clinic hours are available, please call (626)345-0441 to schedule an appointment for a free consultation.
Clinic Address and Contact Info
Clinic Address and Contact Info
Robert Chu, PhD, L.Ac., QME
2502 East Washington Boulevard
Pasadena, CA 91104 U.S.A.
Clinic: (626) 345-0441
Fax: (626) 345-0442
Cell/VM: (626) 487-1815
Please call for an appointment. Closed for lunch from 12 noon - 2:00 p.m.
Specializing in Infertility, Cancer Treatment Side effects, cardiovascular/diabetes, pain management. Offering Acupuncture, Herbal Therapy, Acupressure, Tui Na, Nutrition, Counseling, Hypnotherapy, Life Coaching.
Robert Chu, PhD, L.Ac., QME
chusauli@gmail.com
www.chusaulei.com
Robert Chu, PhD, L.Ac., QME
2502 East Washington Boulevard
Pasadena, CA 91104 U.S.A.
Clinic: (626) 345-0441
Fax: (626) 345-0442
Cell/VM: (626) 487-1815
Please call for an appointment. Closed for lunch from 12 noon - 2:00 p.m.
Specializing in Infertility, Cancer Treatment Side effects, cardiovascular/diabetes, pain management. Offering Acupuncture, Herbal Therapy, Acupressure, Tui Na, Nutrition, Counseling, Hypnotherapy, Life Coaching.
Robert Chu, PhD, L.Ac., QME
chusauli@gmail.com
www.chusaulei.com
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
