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Iowa City

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

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

Young lady with arms outstretched

Acupuncture for Insomnia: A natural path to better sleep

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By Laura Christensen MA, MAc, LAc Nov 2023

 

Introduction

Insomnia, a common sleep disorder that affects millions of people worldwide, can have a profound impact on one’s quality of life. While there are various treatments available, many individuals seek alternatives to medication and therapy. Acupuncture, an ancient Chinese healing practice, has gained popularity as a natural and holistic approach to address insomnia. This article explores the benefits of acupuncture for insomnia and how it may help you achieve a better night’s sleep.

Understanding Insomnia

Insomnia is characterized by difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or experiencing restful sleep, leading to fatigue, irritability, and impaired cognitive function. It can result from various factors, including stress, anxiety, medical conditions, or lifestyle choices. In the quest for a solution, some people are turning to acupuncture as an alternative therapy to promote better sleep.

 

Benefits of Acupuncture for Insomnia

  1. Stress Reduction: Acupuncture can help reduce stress and anxiety, which are common culprits of sleepless nights. By promoting relaxation and balancing the body’s stress chemicals, it can ease the mind and prepare it for rest.
  1. Improved Sleep Quality: Acupuncture has been shown to improve the overall quality of sleep. Patients often report falling asleep faster, experiencing deeper sleep, and waking up feeling more refreshed. Thousands of patients have experienced this; even ones who are not seeking help with sleep but are having acupuncture for other reasons.
  1. Addressing Underlying Issues: Acupuncture doesn’t merely mask the symptoms of insomnia but attempts to address the underlying causes. Whether it’s pain, hormonal imbalances, or an overactive mind, acupuncture promotes better physiology in the body.
  1. Minimal Side Effects: Unlike many prescription medications, acupuncture is associated with few side effects. It is a non-invasive and safe option for those who may want to avoid the potential risks of medication.
  1. Personalized Treatment: Acupuncturists tailor treatments to the individual, taking into account each person’s unique constitution and specific sleep challenges. This personalized approach can lead to more effective results.

Acupuncture sessions may be scheduled regularly, and it may take several treatments to achieve the desired results. The number of sessions needed varies from person to person. Your acupuncture provider will give you a treatment plan during your consultation session.

Conclusion

Acupuncture offers a natural and holistic approach to addressing insomnia that focuses on the underlying causes of sleep disturbances. While it may not be a one-size-fits-all solution, many individuals have found relief and improved sleep quality through this ancient practice. If you’re struggling with insomnia and are looking for an alternative or complementary treatment, consider consulting with a licensed acupuncturist to explore the potential benefits of acupuncture for better sleep.

Pain Relief Using Acupuncture

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Acupuncture is an ancient healing technique rooted in traditional Chinese medicine, which has gained widespread recognition for its efficacy in pain relief. This holistic approach involves the insertion of thin needles into specific points on the body, stimulating the body’s natural healing mechanisms. Over the years, acupuncture has emerged as a valuable tool in managing and alleviating various types of pain. In our clinic we blend traditional acupuncture with modern approaches for the best in natural pain treatment.

One of the primary mechanisms by which acupuncture provides pain relief is through the release of endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers. The insertion of needles triggers a response in the central nervous system, prompting the release of these feel-good chemicals. This not only diminishes pain but also promotes a sense of relaxation and well-being.

Furthermore, acupuncture promotes better blood circulation and reduces inflammation at the targeted sites, aiding the body’s ability to heal itself. This can be particularly beneficial for individuals suffering from chronic pain conditions, such as arthritis, back pain, or migraines.

Acupuncture’s non-invasive nature and minimal side effects make it an attractive alternative for those seeking pain relief without relying on pharmaceuticals. It can be used as a complementary therapy alongside conventional medicine or as a standalone treatment, depending on the individual’s needs and preferences.

In conclusion, acupuncture’s long history and growing body of scientific evidence support its effectiveness as a pain relief method. By stimulating the body’s natural mechanisms and promoting overall well-being, acupuncture offers a holistic approach to pain management that many find valuable in their quest for relief from discomfort and suffering.

 

Chinese Herbs for Cough and Sore Throat

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Herbs for cough and sore throat


It’s that time of year again. Everyone has a cold. It starts with a stiff neck and scratchy throat, then fatigue and chills and stiff body. Next step is getting a low grade fever alternating with feeling chilly and the sore throat gets worse. Next the nose begins running, the sore throat gets worse, it is painful to swallow. And then the nasal mucus gets thick, you are coughing up thick mucus and the cough gets spastic. You are hot and cold, your cough wakes you up at night, you still have a bit of a sore throat, and you feel very tired. Finally, your cough gets better, your nose gets less runny, you begin to get your energy back, and you feel some better. As each day goes by, your symptoms recede and finally, 2 weeks later, you are almost back to normal.

This is the usual progress of an uncomplicated ‘cold’. If things go sideways, you could end up with a severe bronchitis where you might need antibiotics, or even pneumonia, where the infection has settled into your lungs. What began with a little virus has turned into a bacterial infection that really requires antibiotics and some major over the counter medicine to control cough, help liquify phlegm, and dry out nasal secretions.

We’ve all been through it and this fall it is happening again. Once the kids are back in school the crud seems to make the rounds.

How can you reduce the severity of symptoms and get better faster?

Your acupuncturist has a wide variety of traditional herbal formulas to address each stage of this disease process, helping to support your immune system, reduce your sore throat, suppress that hacking cough, cut down on runny nose, and address the fever and chills that plague you.

Call at the very first sign of a cold and you can get the help you need.

Call to make an appointment or to order herbs for your cough and sore throat!

319-341-0031  Acupuncture of Iowa

Chinese medicine effective for fall allergies

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Effective Herbs for fall allergies

This fall we are having amazing results combining acupuncture with our favorite product for sniffles and itching, Rootology.

This effective formula is based on a traditional and very effective herb formula called Bi Yan Pian. The American manufacturers of Rootology have combined the traditional herbs with a couple of additional ingredients to calm the histamine reaction and support appropriate immune response. They have come up with a product that I think is even more effective than the original. You can take this product as needed, or two to three times per day during severe outbreaks. It even works for itchy eyes and even itching all over.

The acupuncture treatment that is working well is one that combines a Master Tung point combination called 4 Horses with local points to open the sinuses and calm the immune reaction. We might vary this combination depending on the exact symptoms you have.

Call for your appointment now for effective herbs for fall allergies. 319-341-0031

Acupuncture Iowa City 52240

 

Chinese medicine is a Comprehensive System of Healthcare

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Over the past 5,000 years or so the Chinese and their forebears developed a comprehensive system of medicine that is designed to be able to address any health condition effectively. The medicine originated, like many primitive medicines, dominated by ideas of possession by negative spirits but has evolved over these medicine to be a systematic approach to all types of illness.

In China practitioners may specialize in treating trauma, broken bones, perform surgery, treat infectious illness, all aspects of women’s reproductive health, or pediatrics. They do this with a wide array of tools, many of which are not seen in the US.

The primary tools that Americans know are acupuncture, oral medicinals such as herbs, and cupping. There are also moxibustion (burning of moxa near the skin) and bleeding (where small amounts of blood are released from the body safely). All acupuncturists trained in the US learn these primary tools in their three-to-four year graduate level education programs.

The diagnostic system of Chinese medicine may seem strange to westerners, but it is grounded in Eastern philosophies and world views that are completely natural to their place of origin.

We do not depend on a Western conventional biomedical analysis of a health problem to be able to determine what treatment is appropriate in Chinese medicine. Chinese medicine was developed long before these modern scientific approaches came along.

So, for example, in the fall in the midwestern part of the US we see an increasing amount of  illnesses that are considered “dampness” in Chinese medicine. That includes increased runny and stuffy noses from ragweed, mold spores from rotting leaves, and airborne material from farm activity as they remove dusty moldy crops from the fields. People complain of increased joint stiffness and swelling, and feeling worse in damp cold weather. To the Chinese, this indicates an excess of dampness inside the body. So herbs can be used to improve the situation, or acupuncture strategies that help the body metabolize dampness better.

As the weather shifts through the seasons we tend to see physical health problems that parallel those shifts and we can respond to each pattern effectively with diet, herbs, and acupuncture.

Call today for help with your fall illness. 319-341-0031

Acupuncture Beats Drug For Herniated Disc Relief

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Acupuncture is effective for lumbar disc herniation treatment. A recent study conducted at Xinzheng Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital in Henan, China found that a combination of acupuncture and a modified Shen Tong Zhu Yu Tang herbal formula relieves pain and improves quality of life for patients with lumbar disc herniation. This study compared treatments of acupuncture and herbal medicine with the anti-inflammatory pharmaceutical celecoxib. Acupuncture patients experienced greater relief from pain and improvement in quality of life with a 90.69% total effective rate and no reported adverse effects. [1] In comparison, the control group experienced an 81.40% total effective rate.

Treatment was administered daily for a total of 14 days.

Results
The results of this study show that acupuncture and herbal medicine enhance the efficiency of traditional anti-inflammatory drugs like celecoxib. This treatment is not only effective, but is reported as safe as well. For more information, contact your licensed acupuncturist.

 

Reference:
[1] Ma Zhenlin (2019) “Observation on the Effect of Acupuncture Combined with Modified Shen Tong
Zhu Yu Decoction in the Treatment of Lumbar Intervertebral Disc Herniation” Asia -Pacific Traditional Medicine Vol.15 (2) pp.129-141.

 

Acquired from HealthCMi

Acupuncture Plus Herbs Alleviate Pediatric Insomnia

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Acupuncture and herbs improve sleep for children with intractable insomnia. Kaifeng Pediatric Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine researchers find that the An Hun herbal formula combined with acupuncture applied to a single acupoint is effective for the relief of intractable pediatric insomnia. In a randomized controlled investigation, a total of 104 children were recruited for the study and were randomly assigned to a treatment group or a control group. The cured, markedly effective, and effective scores were added together to determine the total effective rate. In the acupuncture plus herbs treatment group, there were 20 cured, 25 markedly effective, 4 effective, and 3 ineffective cases, yielding a total effective rate of 94.2%. [1]

 

Acupuncture and Herbs
Participants in both groups were offered guidance in the areas of sleep hygiene, family sleep management, and diet. In addition, participants in the treatment group were prescribed the An Hun herbal formula.

Acupuncture was administered to a single acupoint: Yintang.

The results of this study indicate that a combined protocol of acupuncture and herbs provide effective relief from intractable insomnia in children. The use of a single acupoint proved effective, making this treatment suitable for young children that may have difficulty sitting still.

Retrieved from HealthCMi

Reference:
1. Zhu Bao (2018) “Clinical research on acupuncture combined with traditional Chinese medicine for children with intractable sleep disorders” Chinese Integrative Medicine Pediatrics Vol. 10 (5) pp. 400-403.

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