Category: acupuncture

Acupressure Points for Sleep You Can Use – 5 Pressure Points for Sleep

Sleep disorders are fairly common. Many people have trouble sleeping at one point in their lives. Having trouble sleeping for a night may not be alarming, but it poses a problem if it happens to you on a regular basis. If you have trouble sleeping or staying asleep, these acupressure points for sleep may be what you need to catch some much-needed zzzs.

What is acupressure?

Acupressure is related to acupuncture in that it has its origins in traditional Chinese medicine. The ancient Chinese believe that our bodies are composed of acupressure points (pressure points) that lie along channels where vital energy flow. This energy or life force is called chi.

When we have a good flow of energy (chi), our bodies are well-balanced and we remain healthy. But, if these channels are blocked, it can cause us to feel sick.

Similar to acupuncture, the process of acupressure helps correct the flow when there is an imbalance of energy in our bodies. These are also the same pressure points being targeted in acupuncture with the use of fine needles.

Acupressure points for sleep

When you find yourself tossing and turning, often unable to fall asleep, it can be a sign of insomnia. Some people suffer from chronic insomnia, while others have the symptoms for only a short period of time. Either way, losing sleep is never good for you. 

Acupressure can be a great alternative to taking medications when you want to get a good night’s sleep.

You can try using these five pressure points to help you sleep: 

Pressure Point 1: The Spirit Gate

You can locate the spirit gate point on your inner wrist crease, just below your pinkie finger. Locate a hollow space in the area, and then gently put pressure on it for about 2 to 3 minutes. You can apply circular motions or up-and-down motions. Repeat the same process for both of your wrists.  

Pressure Point 2: The Three Yin Intersection

The three yin intersection can be found four fingers’ width above your ankle, in your inner lower leg. It is called three yin intersections because it is where three yin meridians meet. These meridians are for the spleen, liver, and kidney. When you locate the area, begin applying deep pressure and then massage for a few seconds. 

Aside from insomnia, it is believed that applying pressure to these acupoints can help with urological problems, digestive problems, reproductive disorders, and relieving pain in your lower leg. 

Pressure Point 3: The Bubbling Spring

You can locate this acupoint on the sole of your foot. Curl your toes and find a small depression in the middle of your sole. Once you feel the depression on your sole, start applying pressure for a few minutes. You may use circular or up-and-down motions.

This is the only acupoint found in the sole of the foot. And, it is believed to have a grounding effect on the person. It helps induce sleep.

Pressure point 4: The Inner Frontier Gate

This acupoint is found near the spirit gate point. It is located in the middle of your inner forearm, just about 3 finger widths below the crease of your inner wrist. 

Place your palm face-up. You should be able to feel a hollow between your tendons when you locate the area. Then, apply steady pressure and massage for about 5 seconds.

This acupoint can help you relax, which induces sleep. Because it makes you relaxed, it can also be used to reduce anxiety.

Pressure point 5: The Wind Pool

This acupoint is found at the back of your neck, below your occiput. It is the area where your neck muscles meet with the base of your skull. When you locate the area, apply firm pressure and then gently massage for about 5 seconds, breathing deeply as you do. You may use circular or up-and-down motions.

This acupoint is known for improving blood flow and relaxing the mind. It helps us to sleep better. It is also good for treating respiratory problems.

Research studies about acupressure for sleep

Current research shows very promising results. For example, here are some findings of acupressure in relieving sleep problems:

  • One study showed that acupressure is helpful in improving sleep quality for menopausal women. It helped relieve sleep disorders among them. [1]
  • A study of the effectiveness of acupressure in improving the sleep quality of elderly residents of a facility showed that acupressure helped them to sleep better. Night wakeful time and nocturnal awakening were significantly reduced after acupressure intervention. [2]
  • Another study showed that acupressure helped reduce psychological distress and improved the quality of sleep of nursing home residents. [3]
  • A study on the effects of acupressure therapy on adolescents showed that their sleep duration increased after a 6-months treatment. [4]
  • Another study showed that acupressure can potentially improve insomnia for residents of long-term care facilities [5]

Takeaway

Sleep is an important part of our lives. Our bodies need it to rest and to repair cells through the night. When we lose sleep, we become irritable, moody, and lose concentration.

If you’re having sleep problems, you may turn to acupressure for relief. You can try doing self-acupressure using gentle motions, or even better receive acupuncture for a stronger effect.

Are you looking for a natural way to help with your sleep problems? Irvine Meridian Health Center has been providing patients relief with acupuncture for insomnia. Visit our office or call us to know more!

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References: 

[1] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4487458/

[2 ]https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10496543/

[3] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30797692/

[4] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3559075/

[5] https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0020748909003952

https://www.healthline.com/health/pressure-points-for-sleep

https://www.webmd.com/balance/guide/acupressure-points-and-massage-treatment

Arthritis Awareness Month

Arthritis is a condition that causes one or more of your joints to swell and ache. It affects 24% of U.S. adults or more than 58 million men and women. [1] That’s a huge number of people dealing with the condition!

To help spread more awareness about arthritis, the month of May is named National Arthritis Awareness Month.

Why is it important?

Arthritis is one of the most common health conditions in Americans that can affect both adults and children. It is the main cause of work disability in the U.S. It comes in many different types. The most prevalent types include osteoarthritis, gout, and rheumatoid arthritis. 

People with this condition experience intense pain and stiffness in their joints. And the pain worsens as one grows older. 

Observing the National Arthritis Awareness Month every May helps shed light on the impact of arthritis on a person’s life. It is a good reminder for Americans to get moving. It helps spread advocacy and awareness of the different types of arthritis, and how to manage them.

According to the Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, it is recommended that adults should do muscle-strengthening activities at least two times a week. Adults should also get at least 2 and a half hours of moderate aerobic activity such as brisk walking. Doing these physical exercises can help prevent you from developing arthritis symptoms.

Demystifying the myths about arthritis

Since it’s Arthritis Awareness Month, it’s a great time to learn about this condition and debunk common misconceptions about it. Here are a few common myths about arthritis. Let’s find out if there’s any truth behind them.

  • Myth: Arthritis only happens to elderly people. – While arthritis is more common in the elderly population, it can also affect people of all ages. [2]
  • Myth: All joint pain is arthritis. – There are many causes of joint pain such as injury or inflammation. So, if you are suffering from one, it does not necessarily mean that you have arthritis. It’s best to immediately visit your doctor if you are experiencing any joint pain.
  • Myth: People with this condition should avoid exercising. – Because having joint pain limits people from doing tasks, they think that it’s better to avoid being active altogether. However, according to the American College of Rheumatology, exercising and staying active help improve pain symptoms and day-to-day function. To ensure that you are doing the right and safe exercises, talk with your doctor to ask him for his recommendations.
  • Myth: Arthritis cannot be prevented. – You may not able to control your genes or age, but there are other risk factors for arthritis that you can definitely control that would prevent or delay its symptoms. For example, you can control your lifestyle and habits. Since obesity is linked to knee OA, you can choose to eat healthy foods to maintain the right BMI. If you are into sports, protect yourself from joint injuries by doing special exercises. 
  • Myth: There’s nothing you can do after being diagnosed with it. – There is no cure for arthritis, but there are definitely things that you can do to maintain your quality of life. Taking medications along with a healthy lifestyle is great for managing your symptoms. Alternative treatment such as acupuncture for arthritis also helps with the pain. 

If you are interested in exploring the benefits of acupuncture, Irvine Meridian Health can direct you. Visit our office or call us today to get started!

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Ways to Observe National Arthritis Awareness Month

During the month of May, there are many events taking place in communities in support of arthritis awareness. Here are some ways how you can observe and choose to participate:

1. Join events that support arthritis awareness

Cities hold Arthritis Walk events or fun runs. There are short courses for people who are unable to walk long distances. There are also 5km distances or other marathons open for experienced runners. 

Simply inviting your family and friends to these non-competitive events can already help raise awareness about the condition. Whether you are walking for yourself or in support of someone you love, joining the activities is a great way to bond with others while supporting the cause. In addition, these events help raise funds that expand research to learn more about arthritis.

If you are interested in joining these arthritis awareness events, here are some sites you can check to find out if an event is happening near you: 

Racing for a Cure 

The Racing for a Cure event is open to everyone who wants to show their support in funding arthritis research. The donations and funds raised from the event will go towards expanding research to find a cure for arthritis and related autoimmune diseases. It will benefit the Arthritis National Research Foundation (ANRF). Find out more here. 

Walk to Cure Arthritis

The Arthritis Foundation holds an annual walk for individuals and teams to participate in support of arthritis research. Find an event near you!

2. Attend Arthritis talks

During May, there are likely to be more talks about arthritis nationwide. There are annual meetings conducted by different organizations such as the American College of Rheumatology. You may check your local college or university if there are conferences to be held near you. You may also check online for any virtual conferences.

3. Consider making a donation

There are many charities and foundations that work toward finding a cure for arthritis. For example, the Arthritis Foundation allows you to donate to research aside from holding the annual Walk to Cure Arthritis activity. If you’re interested, you can donate here.

4. Share your experiences

If you or your loved ones are living with arthritis, you can help spread awareness by sharing your experiences in your social groups. Living with arthritis can be difficult, but knowing that there are others who undergo the same things somehow makes it easier to manage the condition.

5. Commit yourself to healthier habits

During Arthritis Awareness Month, it is the perfect time to commit yourself to healthier habits. Arthritis may be a lifelong disease, but its symptoms can be managed with the right intervention. 

Here are some things you can do according to the CDC:

  • Be more physical – You can stick to a daily walking routine, engage in moderate sports, and generally just try to be more active. Being more physical can help reduce your pain and stiffness. To add, exercising helps improve your mood and clears your mind.
  • Aim for healthy body weight – Eating healthy to maintain the right weight for you can reduce your risk of osteoarthritis.
  • Join education programs – If you are interested, the CDC has listed several self-management education workshops to help you gain the right skills in managing chronic conditions like arthritis.

Arthritis should not stop you from living your daily life. If you are suffering from symptoms, Irvine Meridian Health Center has acupuncture for arthritis to help alleviate your pain. 

Call us for your consultation!

Here’s a full list of conditions we treat.

References:
[1] https://www.cdc.gov/arthritis/data_statistics/arthritis-related-stats.htm
[2] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4585589/
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/medical-myths-all-about-arthritis

Acupuncture for Mental Health

Looking for “acupuncture for mental health near me?” Whether you are interested to reap its benefits for your own or if you are just curious, there is certainly a lot that acupuncture has to offer. 

Acupuncture is increasingly being used as a supplement treatment for various mental health services. This is because it can aid in relieving the feelings of stress and anxiety of a person. In this article, we will explore the many benefits of acupuncture for mental health. 

The Practice of Acupuncture

Acupuncture is the ancient practice of placing fine, hair-like needles throughout the body. In traditional Chinese medicine, it is believed that our bodies are composed of “acupuncture points”. These points are connected through pathways called meridians. Meridians are responsible for the flow of energy in our bodies. Thus, when our energy flow is well-balanced, we are able to achieve good overall health. 

Generally, acupuncture is not painful. In most cases, patients only feel a tinge of pressure or a small pinch when the needles are inserted into the body. Your acupuncturist can also use other forms of stimulation like applying electricity, suction, and heat. 

How can acupuncture help?

Now, you might be wondering, “how can this help my mental health?”. Many studies show that there is a connection between our physical and mental health. Each can affect the other if one is in bad shape. And, both are an important part of our overall health. Acupuncture helps in revitalizing our energy flow by targeting our central nervous system. When chemicals are released causing biochemical changes to our bodies, our bodies are able to heal from certain diseases or conditions naturally. There are many mental health disorders that benefit from this, such as: 

  • Depression
  • Anxiety 
  • Post-traumatic Stress Disorder
  • Acute Stress Disorder
  • Other mental conditions

Mental health and its importance

Mental health pertains to the state of our overall mental well-being. This includes our thoughts, emotions, and actions. Having good mental health is important in taking care of ourselves and in relating with others. 

The significance of mental health is sometimes taken lightly by people. They view it as a small part of their well-being and underestimate its influence on other aspects of human life. However, evidence suggests that the status of one’s mental health can affect multiple areas of our lives. When we don’t take care of our minds, we are at a high risk of developing chronic physical conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, and cancer. Having poor mental health also affects our relationships at home and at work. It also affects how we are able to handle stress effectively. 

The Benefits of Acupuncture for Mental Health

Knowing the benefits of acupuncture can help you decide if it will be a good fit for your overall treatment. Here are some of its important benefits to your mental health: 

  • Depression – acupuncture can help treat depression through the release of the natural chemicals, endorphins. This is significant because endorphins are considered our happiness hormones and our body’s natural painkillers. In a review and meta-analysis study, it was found that acupuncture was a good addition to other treatments of depression such as medication and psychotherapy.
  • Anxiety – A growing number of studies on people with General Anxiety Disorder shows that their anxiety levels have been significantly reduced with the help of acupuncture treatment. There are also anxiety patients, who have not responded to other treatments like therapy and prescribed medications, but who are reporting improved symptoms due to acupuncture.
  • Acute Stress Disorder and Post-traumatic Stress Disorder – Acupuncture helps people to have better stress management, since it regulates the neurotransmitters and hormones in our bodies that help balance our moods. 

In addition, Acupuncture can be an effective way of treating many common symptoms of people who are diagnosed with mental health conditions. These symptoms include insomnia and feelings of fatigue. 

Acupuncture treatments at Irvine Meridian Health Center provide an individualized approach for your healing journey, the natural way. If you are considering acupuncture for mental health, you can talk with our doctor to learn more about how we can help you.  

Call our office!

 

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. How many sessions do I need to get the best results?

Acupuncture in general reduces one’s anxiety and stress. Even patients during their first session report feeling very relaxed and sometimes falling asleep. However, note that there are individual differences between patients. Some patients may feel instant gratification from their first session, while other patients may report a gradual positive effect on their mental health after regular treatment sessions.

2. Are there any side effects that I should know?

As with any form of treatment, there are possible side effects that you can encounter. Some side effects that people encounter are soreness, itching, and slight bruising on the area where the needles were inserted. However, compared with taking strong medication, acupuncture’s side effects are relatively rare given that it uses the natural method of healing. It also rarely has any serious side effects. Nonetheless, you should be able to talk with your doctor if you are considering acupuncture alongside other medical treatments that you currently have.

To give you a personalized treatment plan, your certified acupuncturist will also ask you questions about your general health, your current medications, if you have other ongoing treatments, or other related questions during your initial visit. This will help him assess your condition in a holistic manner. Be sure to ask him any queries that you might have for you to get a clear understanding of the treatment.

3. Is acupuncture for me? 

Now that you know the benefits of acupuncture for mental health, you can decide if it is a proper alternative or additional treatment for you. If you are considering it, feel free to ask for recommendations from people who have tried acupuncture first-hand and discuss it with your doctor. 

 

Acupuncture for Mental Health Services Irvine CA

At Irvine Meridian Health Center, we offer acupuncture services to help you achieve better mental health. Our certified acupuncturist, Dr. Chun-Ming Fu is beloved by his patients for providing the best acupuncture care in Irvine CA. If you are interested in booking an appointment, you may visit our office or call now to reserve a complimentary consultation: 

References

https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/acupuncture
https://holistic-health.org.uk/acupuncture-oxford/acupuncture-anxiety-depression/

Flexible Spending Account (FSA) – Acupuncture

If your employer is offering flexible spending account benefits, you will want to take advantage of the opportunity for you and your family’s health care needs. In this article, we will talk about what health care flexible spending accounts are, how they work, and the benefits that come with them.

Acupuncture in Irvine

If you are looking for Acupuncture in Irvine and you are thinking about how to pay for the treatment, we accept Flexible Spending Accounts. Contact us or visit our office for a consultation. 

Book An Appointment

What is a Health Care Flexible Spending Account? 

A health care flexible spending account (FSA) is a special medical savings account that is tax-free.  It is also known as a flexible spending arrangement. You can use your FSA for certain health care treatments and expenses, including acupuncture. Because FSAs don’t come with taxes, you will be able to save on the money that you put into the account for future out-of-pocket medical needs. 

You are also the one deciding how much to contribute to your account. So, flexible spending accounts are a great option when you anticipate any health care expenses for the year for you or your qualified dependents. 

How do flexible spending arrangements (FSAs) work?

If you choose to open an FSA, you can do a voluntary contribution of an amount from your earnings into your account. Since the money that you put into the account is already deducted before income taxes, it is not subject to payroll and income taxes. Depending on your employer, they can also choose to contribute to your FSA as part of your employee benefits, but they are not required to do so. 

If you have your healthcare through your employer, you can use your FSA contributions for co-payments, certain prescription and over-the-counter medications, and deductibles. You can use your contributions to reimburse you for qualified medical treatments, including acupuncture. Expenses for your general healthcare such as gym memberships and cosmetic procedures or items are not covered or reimbursable. Insurance premiums are also not covered by your FSA.

Note that your contributions to your flexible spending account are usually only available until the end of the current year. However, employers may decide to provide a two-and-a-half-month grace period in the following year, or they can provide $500 for your FSA in the subsequent year. 

Where can I use my Health Care Flexible Spending Account?

Here are examples of medical treatments and items covered in your flexible spending account. You can use funds from your FSA for yourself, your legal spouse, or your children. 

  • Graded eyeglasses
  • Acupuncture 
  • Covid-19 tests and PPE
  • Prescription medications
  • Over-the-counter medications such as colds and flu medicine, pain reliever medications
  • Breast pumps
  • Chiropractor treatment
  • Pregnancy tests.
  • Diabetes medications
  • Blood sugar test
  • Crutches and bandages 
  • Birth control pills
  • Psychological treatment.
  • Smoking cessation programs
  • Sunscreen

You may visit the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) website for a full list of health care expenses that they determine eligible. The IRS may change the list from time to time, so make sure to check their website from time to time.

Health Savings Account (HSA) vs. Flexible Spending Arrangement (FSA)

Some confuse a health savings account with a flexible spending arrangement. While both have similarities (such as tax privileges that can save you money), both accounts are different from each other in the way they work. Here are the reasons why:  

  • FSAs are put up by an employer while HSAs are owned by the individual and would need you to be under a high deductible health plan (HDHP)
  • Because FSAs are set up by your employer, it is possible that you will lose your contributions if you change jobs. On the other hand, contributions in HSAs can be carried over even if you change your employment.
  • Funds in an FSA should be used by the end of the year, or they may be forfeited if your employer chooses. On the other hand, your funds in an HSA are carried over to the next year. 

However, it’s possible that your employer will provide you with a 2.5 month grace period so you can still use your FSA even after its expiry. Another possible scenario is that your employer can decide to roll over $500 into your FSA for the next year. Your employer may only choose one option, and they are also not required to do so. 

  • FSAs have lower annual contribution limits of up to $2,650 per individual and $5,300 per household. You can contribute up to $3,450 per individual and $6,900 per household for HSAs.
  • You can only change your contributions to your FSA during specific times. For example, during an open enrollment period and changes in your family situation (e.g. giving birth, adopting a child, getting a divorce, etc.). Meanwhile, you can change your contributions to your HSA at any time.

Flexible Spending Account: What are the benefits of having one?

The biggest advantage of having a health flexible spending account is the tax advantage that you get. Since your contributions to your FSA are transferred pre-tax, it means that you will have less taxable income and more of your salary to spend. 

Another advantage is that you are able to easily budget for medical, dental, or vision expenses without spending a huge amount of money in the first place. How it works is that you will receive your health FSA election amount at the start of each year, and then you get to pay it back throughout the year through a tax-free payroll deduction. This makes it easier for you to pay for the expenses, and it works just like a zero-interest loan. 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Can I use my health FSA to pay for my spouse or child’s medical expenses? 

Yes! You can use your FSA for your legal spouse and your children ages 26 years old and below.  

What if my spouse or child is enrolled in a different health insurance plan? 

Regardless of which medical insurance they are enrolled in, you may still use funds from your health care FSA to pay for eligible medical costs for both your spouse and tax dependents. Note that using funds for your dependents must be claimed on your tax return.

How much should I contribute to my FSA?

There is no specific amount that’s true for everyone since your election amount will depend on your individual situation. It’s entirely up to you how much you want to contribute to your FSA as long as it is within the limits set by your employer. 

Given that unused funds in your Health FSA may be forfeited by your employer in the next year, it is wise for you to carefully assess your or your family’s potential medical, dental, and vision expenses for the year.

A good way to start is to examine the healthcare expenses you’ve had the previous year. Were there any recurring prescriptions and doctor appointments you’ve had to make? Were there medical treatments in the past year that were not covered by your insurance, but you now have the opportunity to fund through your FSA? These treatments can include chiropractor and acupuncture visits. Anticipating these expenses will help you come up with the right selection, and you will avoid having unspent money in your FSA by the end of the year.  

Do I need to be covered by my employer’s health insurance plan to open an FSA? 

It is not necessary for you or your dependents to be enrolled in your employer’s health insurance plan for you to open a flexible spending arrangement. They are separate from each other. 

I’m interested in acupuncture, can I use my health FSA in your clinic? 

Acupuncture treatment is part of the list provided by the IRS that is eligible to be paid using funds from your health flexible spending account. At Irvine Meridian Health Center, we accept flexible spending accounts as a form of payment for your acupuncture care. Many of our clients also use their flexible spending accounts for their acupuncture treatment. 

Final Thoughts

Not all health care treatments that you need are covered by your health insurance, so a flexible spending account is certainly one option that you can take for out-of-pocket medical expenses. If you are interested in Acupuncture in Irvine, but your insurance does not cover acupuncture, don’t fret as you can use your FSA if needed. 

Contact our office to schedule your consultation. 

Call Now.

References:
https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p969.pdf
https://www.irs.gov/publications/p969#en_US_2015_publink1000204174

Health Tip of The Week: Acupuncture for Infertility

In 2003, Weil Medical Center of Cornell University called for a study of acupuncture as a fertility treatment, citing its numerous benefits associated with increasing fertility in woman. An article provide a summary of research that support acupuncture potential benefits for fertility treatment, including the stimulation of increased uterine blood flow and fertility hormones.

A study compared pregnancy rates in a total of 160 patients undergoing IVF. Acupuncture was performed in 80 patients 25 minutes before and after embryo transplantation. Clinical pregnancy rate for the acupuncture group (42.5%) was significantly higher than the control group (26.3%).

The general theory of acupuncture is that proper physiological function and health depend on the circulation of Qi (energy flow) through a network of meridians. This network connects every organ and part of body, providing balance, regulation and coordination of physiological processes.

Stimulation of the appropriate acupuncture points of certain meridians through acupuncture treatments strengthen reproduction function.

We use Differentiation Principle of Chinese Medicine Theory to diagnose patient’s body pattern and then make treatment plan. Adjusting patient’s Qi, Blood, Yin, Yang, Cold and Heat in each phase of menstrual cycle by acupuncture and herbal medicine helps to restore fertility in the patient such as:

  • Balance the fertility hormones FSH, LH, E, P, AMH
  • Normalize the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Ovarian axis.
  • Increase blood flow to the ovaries and uterus.
  • Improve the quality and number of eggs.
  • Increase lining of uterus.
  • Make a positive effect for women with PCOS.
  • Reduce the recurrent miscarriages.
  • Reduce the anxiety and stress that affect fertility.
  • Promote ovulation.

-Dr. Chun-Ming Fu, Fertility Acupuncturist – Irvine, CA.

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Health Tip of The Week: Acupuncture for Bell’s Palsy

In 2016, Angelina Jolie was diagnosed with Bell’s Palsy. Bell’s Palsy is a form of facial paralysis that can result from nerve damage, and symptoms can range from slight weakness to complete facial paralysis. The condition affects about 40,000 Americans a year. She credited acupuncture for a full recovery. Acupuncture is so effective at treating the condition when done in a timely manner. Most Bell’s Palsy patients are under stress and in a state of exhaustion at that moment and then get this condition. Exhaustion will cause Qi deficiency; Stress will cause Qi stagnation. Qi deficiency and Qi stagnation of facial area lead to facial paralysis. (facial nerve and muscle can’t do their normal function) Stimulation of the appropriate acu-points through acupuncture treatments helps to restore sufficient, continuous and even flow of Qi . -Dr. Chun-Ming Fu If you find this useful don’t forget to SHARE IT with your friends!:D      

Health Tip of The Week: Acupuncture for Period Cramps

Chinese Medicine Theory shows that there are some patterns of period cramps. Clinically, the most frequent patterns are Qi stagnation, Blood stasis, and Cold-damp. Qi /Blood stagnation in lower abdominal area will cause the pain, Cold-Damp is one of the reason to cause Qi/Blood stagnation. Treating period cramps with acupuncture, I would choose Ren and Sp Meridians’ acupuncture points, because Ren Meridian connects the uterus and ovaries and Sp Meridian can promote Qi and Blood circulation. Thus getting high success. -Dr. Chun-Ming Fu If you find this useful don’t forget to SHARE IT with your friends!:D

Health Tip of The Week: Acupuncture and Herbs for Menopause Discomfort

During menopause, some women may suffer considerable discomfort, while others do not experience any discomfort. Through years of experience treating menopause discomfort for my patients, I have seen that most menopause suffering patients’ body constitutions are Yin deficiency. There is the theory of Yin-Yang in Chinese medicine. Yang is like the day time, sun, hot, fire, dry………. . Yin is like the night time, moon, cold, water, wet………. . If Yin and Yang are balance in your body, you will feel comfortable, peaceful and healthy. If Yin is too low (Yin deficiency), you will feel too much Yang (Heat) in your body, the heat will disrupt your sleep, cause hot flashes, night sweats and emotional issues. I use certain body acupuncture points, auricular acupuncture points and herbs to increase Yin and reduce heat for my patients. This combination of treatment always produce good results. And unlike hormone therapy, patients do not need to worry about the risk of cancer. -Dr. Chun-Ming Fu
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Health Tip of The Week: Acupuncture and Herbs for Eczema

Eczema is one of the most common skin issues. About 3.5% of the population suffer from eczema. Symptoms of eczema are red, dry and itchy skin that is easily found near the joint creases of the body, such as the elbows and back sides of the knees (although it can appear anywhere). Rashes and blisters can also occur. Using steroid to treat eczema can get fast temporary pain relief, but it will come back after a couple weeks or months and be worse than before. Thus patients need to take stronger steroids to achieve the same effect as before. This will continue happen until their medical providers says they cannot give them anymore steroids because of the side effects. This leaves those sufferers not knowing what to do. Eczema patient’s body has strong heat and dampness, heat cause red, dry and itchy skin and rashes coming out; dampness cause blisters coming out. The strong heat in the body is like the water boiling in the pot. using steroids is like using a lid to cover it, you will feel the heat diminished right away, but in fact it is still boiling inside. When you stop using steroids, it’s like the lid is moved away, the heat will come out with heightened severity. The right way to solve this problem is not covering with lid, but is turning down the heat of the oven so to speak. Like acupuncture and herbal medicine reduce the heat and dampness from inside of body
-Dr. Chun-Ming Fu
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Health Tip of The Week: Acupuncture for Frozen Shoulder

Frozen shoulder patients suffer the severe shoulder pain  and limited R.O.M. (range of motion). Most of patients get injured, and then do not receive proper treatment right away. This causes the condition to get worse: more painful and more limited. For a hypothetical example, consider PatientA. At the beginning, pain scale for PatientA is 2/10, after 2 years, it increases to 7/10. At the beginning, R.O.M. abduction for PatientA was 160 degrees, after 2 years, it becomes reduced to only 30 degrees. Western medicine doctor like to use cortisone injection, but cortisone injections just temporarily relieves the pain, after couple weeks it comes back with even more severity. Get acupuncture as early as possible to prevent this problem from getting worse. The earlier you get treatments, the less treatments you’ll need. -Dr. Chun-Ming Fu
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