Cough, Headaches, Congestion- Allergies, Acid Reflux, Common Cold, Flu or Simply Run Down – How Acupuncture, Diet, Lifestyle and Nutrition Can All Help Heal Your Pain!

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June 19, 2010

I have been seen a huge influx of patients coming in with allergies…. no longer just 1 season, but constant. This is often due to the climatic changes in our environment, as the ozone layer  is literally disintegrating our weather pattern has changed and will have profound effects on our health. Keeping your body “clean” is a great way to purify and get rid of unwanted environmental toxins and allergens.

Some great ways to Purify your body are:

  • Use a neti pot daily (twice- morning and night)
  • Decrease the amount of cow based dairy
  • Avoid non- organic foods
  • Avoid organic grown in Mexico (no regulation)
  • Drink fresh veggie and fruit juices on a daily or bi-daily basis to cleanse the intestines (helps get rid of stored toxins)
  • If you eat dairy try to find fresh raw organic cheeses, milks and yogurts
  • Avoid White Flour
  • Avoid ALL processed sugars, evaporated cane juice, corn syrup, fructose etc.
  • Avoid food colorings, dyes and chemical additives
  • Avoid Formaldehyde based furniture, carpets and household items (fiber board etc)
  • Use low VOC paints
  • Cook with extra virgin olive or coconut oil
  • Close your windows at night – when most bug spraying and environmental toxins are high
  • Read labels – ALL labels including your lotions and shampoos  (you may be surprised at what chemicals are unknowingly put in and on your body!)

By doing at least some of these, you will begin to feel remarkably better. The above suggestions in adjunct to acupuncture and herbal medicine will usually get rid of your allergies, congestion, headache and reflux completely. I have personally seen a remarkable improvement in patients depending on the severity and length of discomfort be reduced completely within just a few acupuncture treatments. There are cases when one has a more toxic environment or years of ailments where I have seen them for several months, but they usually ALWAYS get better and as a result no longer have “seasonal allergies each year” . Some maintenance may be required  (a couple treatments during peak season). Overall, the exhaustion, allergens, congestion and headaches are better to gone.

I have several other posts that relate to this subject, please feel free to view them.  If you have ANY questions feel free to contact me. Thanks!

Categories: Auto Immune Disorders, Chronic Pain, Health Care, Pediatrics.

Acupuncture and Holistic Alternative Medicine Treating Overworked, Stress, Anxiety & Adrenal Fatigue

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June 3, 2010

Burning the candle at both ends, wake up feeling like you have not slept at all or simply feel like you need a vacation …. yesterday.

We can help, by looking at your diet, lifestyle and receiving acupuncture and/ or regular massage you can get your adrenals and kidneys to function normally again. I have chosen to write this article, because you are NOT alone. I have seen a dramatic increase in adrenal dysfunction this year. So much so that it is beginning to concern me when it is simply ignored. Below are some things you can do at home to aid in feeling better and eating better to increase your adrenal function and decrease your stress and anxiety. By adding these modalities to your life you will notice a decrease in how your body reacts to stressful situations all around.

Causes of Adrenal Dysfunction:

Excessive Stress

Mental

Emotional

Spiritual

Working too much

Chronic illness or infection

Nutritional Deficiencies

Low protein diet

High carb diet

Inadequate and poor quality food and water

B-complex, Vitamin A, C, E, Zinc, Manganese, Chromium, Selenium Deficiency

Speed Eating  ”on the run” or in the car

Food allergies especially wheat and dairy

Toxic Chemicals and Metals

Mercury dental fillings

Poor air quality

Poor food and water quality

Medications

Stimulants

Caffeine

Sugar

Alcohol

Medications/ Recreational Drugs

Rage

Anger

Hatred

Loud Music

Violence in life,  news or movies

Arguing

Addiction- Sexual, exercise or drug use.

Congenital Adrenal Weakness


Mother is deficient in minerals and passes this to Baby (can easily be corrected)

Symptoms of Adrenal Stress:

Fatigue

Weakness

Depression

Craving sweets

Low blood pressure

Low blood sugar

Low energy

Poor digestion

Recurring infections

Chronic illness

Chronic pain

Apathy

Suicidal tendencies

Emotional instability

Mood swings

Bipolar disorder

Anxiety

Irritability

Compulsiveness and obsessive  disorders

Abnormal reaction to life’s stressors

Treatment of Adrenal Stress:

Acupuncture

Massage

Herbal Medicine

Whole food supplements

Whole organic foods (see previous postings)

Lightly steamed foods (no frying, little raw)

Drink 2 Quarts of distilled or fresh spring water upon arising in the morning

Drink another 8-12 glasses  of water throughout the day (hydrating your body will help removed the toxins that build up and increase over all organ functioning)

Taking your time eating 3 full meals per day with healthy snacks in between

No processed foods

No refined sugars

Sleeping at least 7-8 hours per night (9pm-5am is ideal)

Please feel free to contact me if there are any questions you may have. I will happily help you gain your “life” back. I look forward to hearing from you!

Categories: About us, Anxiety & Stress, Chronic Pain, Fertility, Health Care, Pediatrics.

Breast Feeding- Increasing Milk Production & Eating Right For You and Your Baby!

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April 13, 2010

Over the last couple months I have had a number of new and seasoned moms ask me how to increase their milk production during the weeks, months and for many, years they have chosen to breast feed their children.  There are a number of prepackaged milk producing products on the market today. Which tells you, you are obviously not alone! Most of these products are quite effective, however, many of them can be avoided by simply adjusting your diet and drinking raw herbal tea.

Foods to add to your diet that help increase milk production:

Barley, Oats, Carrots, Dandelion Greens (greeks traditionally boiled/steam these and add lemon to taste), Green Beans, Peas, Parsley, Watercress, Raw Pecans, Raw Almonds, Raw Macadamia Nuts, Sweet Potatoes, Asparagus, Fennel, Beet Greens, Lotus, Coconut, Kale, Chard, Brown Rice, Millet & Chicory.

Try Cooking with Coconut or Olive Oil rather than heavy fatty oils or butters that are hard to digest.

Drink at least 2-3 quarts of water a day.

Eat small meals throughout the day. Do not wait until you are hungry! Eat as much warm easy to digest food as possible. This is what helps your body produce the milk you need for your baby.

No Food + No Water = No Milk

Herbs to add in your menu or to drink as a tea:

Raspberry Leaf, Comfrey, Nettle, Alfalfa, Red Clover, Fennel, Borage, Hops, Basil, Dill, Anise & Blessed Thistle

Beverages to add:

Beer (Though I do not directly condone drinking while breast feeding drinking a hops heavy home brew beer can also increase milk production…. VERY quickly! Or simply drinking hops tea), Warm Teas from the above Herbs, Barley Congee (watery soup) and LOTS of Water!

Some nice and quick working store bought items are Traditional Medicinals Mother’s milk tea and Weleda Nursing Tea. I have seen and used these in my practice for years for those moms who need an easy quick way to increase milk supply. Especially if they are working.

Things to do to increase milk supply:

Relax, Think of your baby, Enjoy feeding them and Visualize you having more milk than they could ever need.

Telling yourself you can’t, won’t and don’t can directly decrease your ability to feed your baby.

YOU CAN!   YOU WILL!    YOU HAVE EVERYTHING YOUR BABY NEEDS TO THRIVE! (Positive Thinking Really works- I see it in my practice daily!)

Some foods to avoid during Lactation which can cause colic and for both parents and baby a VERY unrestful nights sleep (especially in young and preterm infants):

Tomatoes, Garlic, Peppers, Most Nightshades, Eggplants, Chocolate, Coffee, Peanut Butter (seldom, but can be an issue with allergies especially in preterm babies), Sugar, Fructose, Corn Syrup, Carbonated Soda Pop, White Flour, Cabbage Plants, Brussels Sprouts, Radishes, Turnips & Cauliflower.

Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions. Via email or phone. I hope you feel better soon!

Categories: Anxiety & Stress, Health Care, Pediatrics, Uncategorized.

Acupuncture Weight Loss, Allergy Relief, Dry Itchy Skin & Eyes in Libertyville & Lake County

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April 5, 2010

Finally, we can bring out our spring and summer clothes and put the winter jacket away…. we hope! However, if you have let yourself go literally all winter long you are now paying the price! Whether it is losing the weight, dietary and overall health concerns or simply refreshing and rejuvenating your body and face, I can help. For years I have helped 100’s of people lose excess weight.Acupuncture is a wonderful way to get your body back on track. Combined with dietary advice and exercise you are sure to drop those extra pounds and fit into your summer clothes again.

Facial Rejuvenation:

I have also had a large influx of patients seeking my facial rejuvenation services. Whether you are trying to get rid of puffiness and sagging skin, reduce fine lines of simply look refreshed I can address all these and more in each facial rejuvenation session. Though, most sessions are $250-$350 per session, my Facial rejuvenation sessions will remain at $150 for the initial and $130 for follow up sessions. This is because I want to remain affordable to all people.

Allergy Relief:

Along with spring and all her flowers and glory come allergies. Acupuncture and herbal medicine are a wonderful way to get ahold of your life and allow you to regain the clarity you need to function on a daily basis. I have had 10+ years of experience successful treating allergies to where they NEVER come back. This is one of my specialities. Imagine being able to breathe all year long, without any inclining of a headache, itchy eyes or sinus congestion. Why wait until you are in pain and discomfort, when you can prevent allergies completely. The sooner you get in the better.

Dry Itchy Skin Relief and Solutions:

Dry Itchy Skin from our neglectful winter… April’s special is a relaxing, exfoliating, hydrating lavender salt glow full body massage. This is a wonderful way to rejuvenate and refresh your body and skin after a long winter. The cost is $100, which is a $20 savings! I will be having monthly specials in every newsletter. Please let me know at the time of making your appointment in order to ensure you receive each special!


Categories: Anxiety & Stress, Health Care, Pediatrics, Uncategorized.

Acupuncture, Weight Loss, Eating Right & Nutritional Counseling In Libertyville

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March 28, 2010

Organic verses non organic, sugar free, gluten free what do we eat and how do we prepare it. Over the next  few weeks I will be not only giving suggestions for specific foods, but I will also be providing some of my favorite recipes. Most of which can be modified to your dietary needs and concerns. While the weather is suddenly turning nice, I have been asked by several of my patients if growing and eating organic produce really is that important. My answer, is yes. In previous posts I have explained why organic is so important. Today, I will state which foods you should absolutely buy organic and which you can go conventional with.

I know that cost is an issue for many people when going organic. However, the list below are foods I would definitely add as organic to your diet. These foods organic will greatly reduce the amount of  pesticides and hormones you will ingest.  Many of these foods are ones that have thin or no skin and easily absorb the pesticides that are used on them. Organic Hormone Free meat is the ONLY meat you should ingest if you are trying to control your weight. There has been so little research done on the effect growth hormones can have on humans. However, in my experience I have seen first hand the adverse effects of ingesting them, this is the number one reason why kids are so much heavier and grow so much earlier and larger than 20+ years ago.

Top Organic Eats:

Celery

Peaches

Coffee

Apples

Strawberries

Blueberries

Cherries

Kale

Lettuce

Spinach

Tomatoes

Grapes

Carrots

Potatoes

Milk Based Dairy Products

Meat

Non -Organic Foods:

These would not be as dangerous to eat non -organic because they have a thick skin or are layered enough to peel several to use  the core. However, I highly recommend eating as much organic foods as possible. Why not take as much control of your health. Hormones, antibiotics, pesticides and herbicides are a recent  (last 40-50 years) addition to our food supply. Like most new foods…. do we really want to be the guinea pigs again?  Only to find out the abnormal body growth, cancers or serious health concerns are directly related to our diet.

Avocado

Pineapple

Mango

Watermelon

Papaya

Onion

Potatoes

Beets

Eggplant

Corn

Peas

Categories: Anxiety & Stress, Fertility, Health Care, Pediatrics.

Acupuncture for Infertility, Alternative Reproductive Modalities, IVF and All of Reproductive & Fertility Health & Wellbeing

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February 21, 2010

Whether you are trying to get pregnant for a week, a month, a year or a decade. Eastern medicine has proven as an extremely beneficial and pertinent aspect of one’s child bearing process. Diet is a huge factor in why so many Americans are unable to conceive children naturally. Stress and anxiety play a huge role in one’s ability to conceive. Predetermined western abnormalities and challenges also can play an important role, all of the above can often be remedied with Eastern Medicine. I have personally had much success in all areas of reproductive concern in both men and women.

I often see coupes who are faced with no other option than adopt if they want to have a family and  can say I have seen success in anywhere from 1 treatment to 24 months. Treatment time varies with ones compliance to a fairly strict diet, exercise and stress reduction regiment. If these areas of a couples life are addressed their life together also gets better. They tend to enjoy each other and their time together much more also.

A few basics you can do are follow the weight loss and dietary concerns post from February of 2010. You can also start taking yoga, tai chi or meditation classes. If you are more high energy and need a more active way to regulate your aggression, try dancing or working out. These classes and activities are great to do with your partner if you have one. This is a journey you are going through together why not start now. I HIGHLY recommend acupuncture and herbal medicine both prior to and during pregnancy. I have had HUGE success personally in this area. I have studied with many of the TOP educators and practitioners in these fields in both the US, China & Japan. I am also certified in Mind and Body Medicine from Harvard Medical School and have seen first hand how success reducing stress, increasing our nutritional imbalances and enjoying life can bring on health, wealth, fertility and a joyful and more peaceful existence overall.

Please feel free to call me if you have ANY questions and concerns. I also work with several fertility clinics in the area treating patients before and after IVF treatments.

Categories: Anxiety & Stress, Fertility, Health Care, Pediatrics.

Acupuncture for Weight Loss, Nutritional Aides, Healthy Dietary Consiousness

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February 15, 2010

We are what we eat. A phrase we have all heard a thousand times, but many of  us have never really thought about it. As we stuff our faces with toxic chemicals, hormones and pesticides I feel we would not readily ingest if we were aware of their consequences. Yes, meat is a staple in many people’s diets today. Organic meat is not. Many of the hormones used to fatten up our non organic meat, when ingested conduct the same function in the a human being. This is also true for the non organic dairy products we ingest. This allows you to gain weight and gain weight and no matter how much you exercise you will not lose the weight. I hear this complaint DAILY by many of my patients.

What can you do:

Eat only Organic Meats and Dairy- I prefer California organic. Their laws are some of the strictest in regards to organic!

Eat only Organic Produce- Again I prefer California Organic. I do not recommend and organic foods grown in Mexico as their laws are not as strict. Many of the pesticides that have been banned for US agricultural have ended up being sold to Mexican companies.

No Refined White or Brown Sugars- There are many substitutes in cooking and baking that you can successfully use, such as Maple Syrup or Honey.

Eating small Protein snacks throughout the day- Do not allow yourself to get overly hungry- eat  a handful of organic almonds or other nuts every few hours. This will help you curb your appetite and not crave heavy fattening snacks and meals.

Keep you blood sugar up by eating several fresh servings of fruit throughout the day.- Apples, Pears, Bananas, Dates, and Grapes are all great ways to do this.

Avoid fast food- Make a sandwich or salad in the morning and bring it with you to work or at school. -Egg Salad, Salmon Salad, Veggie, Fried Egg or organic cold cut sandwiches are great options.

Drink water- not coffee, not tea, not sugar flavored water or juice, but plain water!

Last, but not least….. chew your food. Take your time. Enjoy every little bit. If you are wondering what I mean, take a raisin (1 raisin ) and taste every aspect of it as you place it in your moth, taste it with your tongue and slowly begin to chew the raisin. This whole process believe it or not should take about 2 minutes. This is a whole new way of eating. Most Americans usually eat their entire meal in a matter of minutes!  Not chewing your food puts undo stress on your organs to do work that they are not always capable of. Thus allowing you gas, indigestion and pain while they try to literally chew (churn) your food into a form in which they can collect the nutrients your body needs.

Categories: Anxiety & Stress, Health Care.

Shingles, Chicken Pox & Cold Sores- Pain Relief, Sleep & Healing

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January 10, 2010

With the blistery cold windy Chicago winter in full force. I have been seeing a lot of herpes related diseases. If you have never had any herpes related virus you are one of few.

Many people suffer from cold sores on their lips or face every tie the weather changes or they become stressed. Some great ways to avoid them DO NOT drink from other people’s glasses, use straws in restaurants, wipe down forks and spoons at restaurants. Also, increase your D3 vitamins as well as L-Lysine during times of stress and challenges. Keep your face and lips protected. Use an L-lysine lip balm, lotion or heavy cream they are all great ways to topically protect your skin from the elements.

Whether you had chicken pox as a child or not, it is looking as though the traditional view of once you get chicken pox you never get shingles is becoming challenged. Over the years I have seen a VERY large number of shingles cases in the US, many of those patients did in fact have chicken pox as a child. Many years ago while working in China, I worked in a clinic that solely treated shingles. I was amazed at the LARGE patient base and the excruciating pain these patients were in. I NEVER thought I would treat more than a handful of cases here in the US. I was proven wrong. Shingles is on the rise. It is VERY contagious. Although there is no cure for it in the eyes of western medicine, I have first hand experience treating it successfully. By receiving acupuncture and taking herbs, I have been able to reduce the pain, prevent reoccurrence and reduce the stress that interferes  with ones ability to sleep. I have a great source for herbal formulas and tinctures that have been proven VERY successful in healing the initial sores and initiating a VERY quick healing time. These are not western medicines that mask the ailments, but natural sources of herbs and fungi which actually heal your body. The acupuncture and herbs are also great for residual nerve pain and discomfort that can at times be debilitating! It does not matter if you have had pain for years or a few days. Acupuncture and herbal medicine work great at treating all forms of shingles.

Some important things to remember are that all herpes viruses are extremely contagious. I have seen first hand elderly people with Shingles giving the virus to their children , grandchildren and co workers in the forms of both chicken pox and shingles.  Many western doctors will tell you once the sores are dried they are no longer contagious. This is incorrect, sores must be gone COMPLETELY gone to ensure you are not contagious. Not just dried, but gone. To ensure the health of all my patients, I do not treat patients in my office with open lesions. I will gladly make house calls. You should be resting in order for you to heal quicker and to regain your health anyway. There are many natural pain relievers and supplements to treat all forms of herpes. I have treated all forms both active and inactive in my practice. Whether you or someone you love has been suffering from chicken pox, shingles, cold sores or genital herpes, there are MANY natural cures available. Acupuncture and herbs work incredibly well at successfully treating and reducing the chance or reoccurrence. Please contact me with ANY questions you may have.

Categories: Anxiety & Stress, Chronic Pain, Health Care, Pediatrics.

Holiday Stress & Ways for You to Relax Rejuvenate Exercise & Get Healthy!

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December 25, 2009

Whether you are traveling or staying home there is a tremendous amount of stressors this time of year. Here is a small list of nice things to do for yourself that will allow you to manage your time, life, energy level and all around environment.

Meditation- Whether your it is deep controlled breaths or simply chewing you foods slowly and enjoying each and every taste that comes out with each bite.

Exercise- We often forget about ourselves during this season. Whether  you prefer a relaxing yoga classes or working out  it is important not to forget about taking care of your body.

Bath- Soaking in a relaxing bath can help warm and rejuvenate your chilled exhausted body and mind.

Eating – Yes, this time when we eat whatever is in front of us  to the point that we are literally stuffed. However, I am not talking about that kind of eating. Eating fresh whole foods. Walk away from processed foods, sugar and non organic meats. I have personally seen first hand many of my patients lose 20+ pounds in a few weeks just by cutting out sugar (refined cane etc) and processed foods ( any packaged food… Yikes that is everything! – no not really). Before food was processed we cooked and prepared our own foods at home without the preservatives, sweeteners and additives that are put in our food today.

Massage- A wonderful way to relax the body. Whether you are stress and achy or simply want to feel better and take care of yourself. Yes, there are people who say massage does not do anything. However, by  Manually moving the lactic acid built up in your muscles the aches in pain you have throughout your body go away. My favorite massage Raindrop therapy under our services detoxes your body of toxins that build up in your muscles and spinal fluid. It is great for chronic pain and stress. It is VERY important to drink water after any massage. A LOT of water! This helps flush out the lactic acid and toxin your massage therapist has worked so hard to move out of your body!  Plus, if you do not you will feel achy, dehydrated, nauseated, have a headache and all around crummy.

Easy Traveling- Bring little with you pack only what you truly need, why worry about having to cart your home with you when you travel. Why are you going on a vacation if you want it all wiht you. Less is best, especially when you will already be carting  yourself, your loved ones and all your bags from cars to planes, trains etc. The extra physical stuff you bring can  lead to more stress which causes more anxiety and aggravation.

Family, Friend and Associate Balance- Pick your battles and do not sweat the small stuff. Treat people the way you want to be treated and if they do not respond positively…. at least you know you are being the best person you can be. Usually like in science class positive attitudes attract more positivity in your life and negative can bring more negative.

Still can’t sleep or relax- Turn off the computer, Turn off the TV, Turn off your Telephone and open a great book. Reading relaxes the mind. Television, computers and phones stimulate us. Not only through the electro magnetic fields they create, but also through the content we read and hear and the images we see. Which brings up the most important aspect of the holiday season.

Sleep- GET SLEEP! Whether it is a 5 minute snooze  or 2 hour afternoon nap, sleep is not just for dreaming. In fact, it usually unrestful  when we have a lot of dreaming. Sleep is the time our body heals, rejuvenates, rebuilds the blood and enables us to throughly relax our body, mind and spirit. So if you can’t figure out why you just want to sleep there is a reason, your body needs the rest.  Sometimes sleeping too much can be a problem especially when you wake up always feeling unrested and your are feeling adequate hours of sleep. I have found acupuncture and herbal medicine incredibly effective in treating all kinds of stress, pain, and sleep disorders.

Categories: About us, Anxiety & Stress, Uncategorized.

Staying Healthy and Avoiding the Flu

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November 26, 2009

With so much flu hype surrounding us many people do not know where or who to turn to. Some of my health hints:

At first sight of feeling ill (achy, sore throat, exhausted or just stressed out)

1- Use a Neti pot – if you can both morning and night

2- Increase Vitamin C (levels vary with state of ill being)

3- Echinacea- Take for no more than 10-14 days at a time

4- Vitamin D3- Taken every day has been proven to great boost your immune system. In a recent study where immune suppressed patients were directly exposed to the H1N1 virus,  none of them acquired the virus when taking Vitamin D3.

5- Rest- Plenty of it- We need at least 7-8 hours of sleep a night… at night!

6- Water- Helps not only hydrate, but also moves toxins out of your body

7- Acupuncture- Believe it or not acupuncture is not only great with the aches and pains, stress, sinus and bronchial congestion, nausea, vomiting, coughing, and exhaustion but it helps boost your immune system to ensure that you do not get sick in the first place!

Categories: Health Care.

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