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Laura

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The Role of Vitamin D in Treating Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)

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The Role of Vitamin D in Treating Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a form of depression that typically occurs during fall and winter when sunlight exposure is reduced. Symptoms include fatigue, low mood, difficulty concentrating, and a lack of energy. One of the contributing factors to SAD is the disruption of the body’s natural rhythms and insufficient levels of vitamin D, a nutrient synthesized in the skin through sun exposure.

Vitamin D plays a critical role in mood regulation and brain health. It influences the production of serotonin, a neurotransmitter associated with feelings of happiness and well-being. Reduced sunlight during the darker months can lower vitamin D levels, potentially leading to decreased serotonin activity, which may exacerbate SAD symptoms.

Research has shown that individuals with SAD often have lower levels of vitamin D compared to those without the condition. Supplementing with vitamin D may help alleviate these symptoms by restoring optimal levels. A study published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism found that vitamin D supplementation improved mood in individuals with deficiencies, particularly in the context of depressive symptoms like those seen in SAD.

Furthermore, vitamin D supports circadian rhythms, which regulate sleep-wake cycles. Disruptions to these rhythms, common in SAD sufferers, can worsen symptoms. By improving vitamin D levels, individuals may experience better sleep quality and overall mood stabilization.

To optimize vitamin D intake for SAD, individuals can consume vitamin D-rich foods such as fatty fish, fortified dairy products, and eggs. However, diet alone or sun exposure cannot provide sufficient amounts during the winter months. In these cases, vitamin D supplements can be a practical solution. The recommended daily dosage typically ranges from 600 to 2,000 IU, but higher doses may be necessary for individuals with significant deficiencies.

While vitamin D is not a standalone cure for SAD, it can be a valuable component of a comprehensive treatment plan that includes light therapy, exercise, and psychological interventions. We highly recommend trying to get 2 minutes of direct sunlight in your eyes at sunrise, high noon, and sunset, even during the cold winter months. This can greatly assist the pineal gland in regulating your circadian rhythm, assisting with energy, sleep, and mood. Consulting with a healthcare provider to determine the appropriate dosage and treatment strategy can also be helpful l for managing SAD effectively.

Please feel free to give us a call with your questions!

319-341-0031

Fall: Time to Can Tomatoes

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Last weekend I finally canned my first few quarts of tomatoes. They were slow to put on fruit and slow to ripen this year for whatever reason. I know I’m not the only person experiencing this. But in September and early October I always find myself standing at the stove with lots of steam…I’ve tried many things over my 25 years, including making salsa of various sorts, green tomato enchilada sauce, red enchilada sauce, pickled green tomatoes, bloody Mary mix, crushed tomatoes, whole tomatoes, tomato soup, green tomato chutney, and Indian-spiced tomato soup.

Many of these trials were temporary, but one has stood the test of time and is my only remaining canning choice: Crushed Tomatoes. I found this recipe in the America’s Test Kitchen Foolproof Preserving cookbook and it is now our favorite. The advantages are that it’s easy to fit crushed tomatoes through the neck of the jar, you can make a huge batch in an afternoon, and they work well in many different recipes.

Here’s a photographic journey of my process this year:

tomatoes in a draining rack
Tomatoes draining after being washed.
Glass jars in large pot of hot water
Jars getting sterilized in hot water
quart glass jars draining upside down on a towel
Hot jars are draining upside down and waiting to be filled
Large pot of tomatoes cooking
Large pot of crushed tomatoes boiling on the stove
lemon juice and salt
Lemon juice and salt to go in the jars before the tomatoes
Canning salt in glass jar
Canning salt in glass jar
tomatoes in jars simmering in a pot on the stove
Jars of tomatoes simmering in a pot on the stove.
Finished product Canned tomatoes
This year’s harvest in cans. Crushed Tomatoes 2024

This year I realized that if I heat the cold lemon juice a bit before putting it in the hot jars it will prevent the hot jars from cracking and breaking! This was a breakthrough.

This process is so easy: Skin the tomatoes by dunking in boiling water and then ice water. The skin will easily pull away from the fruit. Then cut each tomato in 2″ chunks and put a layer into your cooking pot. Simmer over medium high heat till they are cooked down a bit and crush with a potato masher. Keep adding tomatoes till they are all in the pot and the liquid has reduced and the entire thing is thickened a bit. Keep the tomatoes barely simmering. Then we prepare the jars by heating in the boiling water for a few minutes, then allow them to dry and cool a bit. Then each jar gets a 1/2 tsp salt and 3T lemon juice to preserve the tomatoes and prevent overgrowth of bacteria. Then each jar gets filled with the crushed tomatoes leaving a 1/2 inch gap at the top. Wipe off the edge of the glass, top with a lid and gently screw on a ring to hold the lid in place. Lower the jars, one by one, into the boiling water. Raise the level of the water in the pot to be 1″ above the tops of the jars. Simmer the jars for about an hour. Then remove and allow to cool till the lids all seal. Remove the jar rings. When completely cool mark the contents and date on the lid. Store in a cool dry place.

My next project: make green tomato chutney around October 15th when we have brought in the last of the green tomatoes and given up on allowing them all to ripen on the counter….

Fall Allergies? I can help you!

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Using a combination of proven acupuncture protocols and a great herbal product called Natural D-Hist from Orthomolecular Products we have found that we can greatly reduce people’s misery with fall allergies.

Every fall I find my patients suffering greatly because of the blooming flower like rag weed, in addition to the leaves that are falling and spreading mold spores, all on top of the dust, chemicals, and general junk that is blowing up off the ground when the farmers take the crops out of the field. It has been so dry here without rain for a month and the air is full of dust.

All of this irritates our eyes, our noses, makes our noses run, makes us sneeze, and makes us TIRED.

Acupuncture works to reduce your sensitivity to allergens, reduce your histamine production, and lower the toxins in your system.

Natural D-Hist contains Quercitin, a natural anti-histaminic, as well as stinging nettles, a classical herb for allergies, and a couple of other ingredients that lower your production of histamines in response to common allergens and make you feel A LOT BETTER!

Call us now to order Natural D-Hist and Schedule Acupuncture for Yourself!
319-341-0031
Sneezing woman with kleenex

Lyme disease help from Acupuncture

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Did you know that acupuncture has gained attention as a complementary treatment for Lyme disease?
We now know that Lyme disease can be carried by insects other than ticks, like mosquitos! So its more important than ever for us to find more ways to help people suffering from this challenging condition.
Acupuncture helps people with Lyme particularly by supporting the immune system. Lyme disease, caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi, leads to a wide range of symptoms, including fatigue, joint pain, and neurological issues and can be difficult to diagnose and treat.
One of the key ways acupuncture is known to support the immune system is by modulating the activity of immune cells. Research suggests that acupuncture can increase the production of white blood cells, particularly natural killer (NK) cells, which are essential for fighting infections. This boost in immune activity can help the body more effectively target and eliminate the Borrelia bacteria.
Additionally, acupuncture is known to promote the release of endorphins and other neurotransmitters that reduce inflammation and pain, common symptoms of Lyme disease. By reducing inflammation, acupuncture alleviates some of the stress on the immune system, allowing it to function more efficiently.
Furthermore, acupuncture regulates the autonomic nervous system, particularly the balance between the sympathetic (fight or flight) and parasympathetic (rest and digest) branches. This regulation is crucial for people with Lyme disease, as chronic stress and immune dysregulation are common in that condition. By promoting relaxation and reducing stress, acupuncture can indirectly support immune function.
Lastly, at Acupuncture of Iowa we feature the CellCore line of products, which includes a specialized group of herbals proven to be effective in treating Lyme disease as part of an overall immune support and detoxification program.

Call today to learn more about how we can help you!
319-341-0031

10 Fun Facts About Acupuncture

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Acupuncture of Iowa Iowa City Progress ProgramHere are 10 fun facts about acupuncture:
 
1. Ancient Origins: Acupuncture is an ancient practice, originating in China over 3,500 years ago. The earliest written records of acupuncture date back to the Huangdi Neijing (The Yellow Emperor’s Classic of Internal Medicine), which is one of the oldest medical texts in the world. Graves of ancient people have also provided early acupuncture tools made of bone or stone. 
 
2. Needle-Free Acupuncture: Not all acupuncture involves needles. Techniques like acupressure, laser acupuncture, and moxibustion (burning herbs near the skin) also target acupuncture points without piercing the skin.
 
3. World Health Organization (WHO) Approval: The WHO recognizes acupuncture as an effective treatment for a wide range of conditions, including pain, allergies, stress, and digestive disorders. They gave this approval over 30 years ago.
 
4. Animal Acupuncture: Acupuncture is not just for humans; it’s also used in veterinary medicine. Pets like dogs, cats, and even horses can benefit from acupuncture treatments for various ailments. When critics say “its all placebo” we can remind them that animals have no expectations and acupuncture still works on them!
 
5. Acupuncture and Space: Astronauts have used acupuncture to help with space adaptation syndrome, also known as space sickness, which affects balance and spatial orientation. This shows that it can affect much more than just pain; in this example it’s affecting brain function.
 
6. Acupuncture Points: There are over 2,000 acupuncture points on the human body, which are connected by pathways called meridians. These points and meridians correspond to different organs and functions in the body. All acupuncture students memorize the location and function of about 400 points. However, experienced practitioners might only regularly use about 100.
 
7. Endorphin Release: One reason acupuncture is effective in pain management is that it stimulates the release of endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers. This happens most during electroacupuncture, and shows that the treatment works on the brain and spinal cord.
 
8. Acupuncture and Western Medicine: While acupuncture is a part of Traditional Chinese Medicine, it is increasingly integrated into Western medical practices. Many hospitals and clinics now offer acupuncture as a complementary therapy.
 
9. Microsystems: There are specialized forms of acupuncture that focus on specific areas of the body as microsystems. For example, auricular acupuncture focuses on the ear, where certain  points correspond to various body parts and functions. There is also a microsystem on the hand for acupuncture. Other types of microsystems include reflexology, though reflexology points are not acupuncture points.
 
10. Electric Acupuncture: Electroacupuncture is a modern variation where a small electric current is passed between pairs of acupuncture needles. This technique is shown in extensive published research since the 1940s, to enhance the effects of traditional acupuncture. It exerts this effect mostly by supporting anti-inflammatory biology in the body, and often uses different frequencies of stimulation to improve different neurotransmitters in the brain, among other functions.

Call today to schedule a consultation! 319-341-0031

Laura Christensen, MA, MAc, LAc

Benefits of Acupuncture for Women’s Health

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Acupuncture of Iowa Iowa City home slider happy people kiteBackground
Acupuncture, a cornerstone of traditional Chinese medicine, has been increasingly recognized for its potential benefits in women’s health. This ancient practice involves the insertion of thin needles into specific points on the body to balance the body’s energy flow, or qi. While initially viewed with skepticism in the Western medical community, growing evidence supports its efficacy in addressing a variety of women’s health issues.
One of the most well-researched areas is acupuncture’s role in managing menstrual disorders. Studies have shown that acupuncture can alleviate symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and dysmenorrhea (painful menstruation). By targeting specific points, acupuncture may help regulate hormone levels, reduce pain, and improve overall menstrual health. This is particularly beneficial for women seeking a natural alternative to pharmaceuticals.

Fertility
Acupuncture has also been found effective in addressing fertility issues. It can enhance blood flow to the reproductive organs, reduce stress, and regulate ovulation, potentially increasing the chances of conception. Many fertility clinics now incorporate acupuncture as a complementary therapy to conventional treatments such as in vitro fertilization (IVF). Research indicates that women undergoing IVF who receive acupuncture may have higher success rates compared to those who do not.
Pregnancy-related conditions are another area where acupuncture has shown promise. It can help alleviate common symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, back pain, and fatigue. Additionally, some studies suggest that acupuncture may reduce the duration of labor and decrease the need for medical interventions during childbirth.

Hormone balancing
Menopausal symptoms, including hot flashes, night sweats, and mood swings, can also be managed with acupuncture. By stimulating specific points, acupuncture may help balance the body’s hormones and improve overall well-being during this transition.

Summary
Acupuncture offers a holistic and non-invasive approach to managing various women’s health issues. The Benefits of acupuncture of Women’s health are many: it can help menstrual disorders, enhance fertility, alleviate pregnancy-related discomforts, and ease menopausal symptoms and this makesit a valuable addition to women’s healthcare. As research continues to validate its effectiveness, acupuncture is likely to become an increasingly integrated part of comprehensive women’s health care plans.

Benefits of Acupuncture on Gut Health

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Gut Health Blog Post 05/30/2024

Acupuncture, a key component of traditional Chinese medicine, has been increasingly recognized for its potential benefits in promoting gut health. The practice involves inserting thin needles into specific points on the body to stimulate energy flow and promote overall well-being. While acupuncture is not a direct treatment for gut health issues, many people have reported experiencing relief from symptoms such as bloating, gas, constipation, and diarrhea after undergoing acupuncture sessions.

One of the key ways acupuncture may help improve gut health is by reducing stress and promoting relaxation. Stress is known to have a significant impact on gut health, leading to digestive issues and discomfort. Acupuncture sessions can help activate the parasympathetic nervous system, often referred to as the “rest and digest” system, which may help reduce stress levels and improve overall digestion.

In addition to stress reduction, acupuncture is believed to help restore balance to the body’s energy flow, known as Qi. When Qi is blocked or imbalanced, it can manifest as various symptoms, including digestive issues. By targeting specific acupuncture points related to gut health, practitioners aim to restore the flow of Qi and promote better digestion.

While acupuncture can be a complementary therapy for gut health, it is essential to work with a qualified acupuncturist and consult with your healthcare provider to address any underlying gut health concerns. Acupuncture should be viewed as part of a holistic approach to health and wellness, along with proper diet, exercise, and lifestyle habits. Overall, acupuncture can be a valuable tool in supporting digestive health and promoting overall well-being.

Call our clinic today to learn more about how we can help you and your family with gut health!
319-331-0041

Announcing our New Acupuncturist!

We are happy to announce that Nicole Opp LAc has joined the practice at Acupuncture of Iowa! Nicole hales from Iowa, practiced massage for 17 years in Cedar Rapids, and completed acupuncture training in Chicago in 2019. Licensed in 2021, she has been practicing acupuncture in Cedar Rapids. She has lots of experience using electroacupuncture and is rapidly gaining in her understanding of ElectroAcupunctureMedicine as we do it at our clinic. At the present time she is assisting Laura on Monday and Fridays in clinic helping give treatments as well as getting up to speed on all the ways we do things at AoI. We are super excited to have found such a great team member and look forward to many years of helping people together!

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