All and One
Acupuncture Blog

• Acupuncture Supports Weight Loss

  April, 7th 2013

  Acupuncture and herbal medicine address the issues of over-eating and low metabolism with effective tools to control appetite and increase energy. Energy imbalances are corrected and the digestive and elimination processes are improved so that there is a physical shift in the body to naturally have more energy and desire less food.

  By addressing both the physiological and psychological aspects of weight management concerns, acupuncture and Oriental medicine provide a comprehensive therapy for weight issues that promote better digestion, balance emotions, reduce appetite, improve metabolism and eliminate food cravings.

  Each treatment is customized to the needs of the individual patient. Acupuncture points on the body are chosen for overall well being with the objective of increasing circulation of the blood and Qi (to stimulate the metabolism) and calming the nervous system. Treatments can include a combination of auricular (ear) and body acupuncture, ear tacks or pellets to leave on between treatments, herbs and supplements, abdominal massage, breathing exercises, and food and lifestyle recommendations.

  In addition to treating the root of the imbalance within the body, different acupuncture points may be used for each treatment as different symptoms arise. For instance, if you are experiencing a desire to overeat related to premenstrual syndrome (PMS) one week, then that can be addressed at that week’s appointment.

  The herbs and foods that are chosen during a weight management treatment are for promoting healthy digestion, energizing the body, augmenting Qi, and improving elimination of water, toxins and waste products. Acupuncture points on the abdomen can help improve digestion. They can also help with food absorption and the movement of food through the intestines.

  Deep breathing with visualization can also strengthen will power and be used as a tool to curb hunger and cravings. Most patients report a marked decline in appetite and cravings with acupuncture treatment alone, but special herbs, healing foods and exercises can definitely enhance the efficacy of the treatments.

  Acupuncture and Oriental medicine are powerful tools for achieving a healthy weight, by itself or as a supportive treatment in conjunction with other weight management programs.

  Contact our NE Portland acupuncture clinic All and One Acupuncture to learn how licensed acupuncturist Boynn McIntire can help you support you weight loss goals.

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• Acupuncture for Repetitive Stress Injuries

  March, 23rd 2013

  Repetitive stress injuries (RSI) are the most common job-related injuries and are responsible for the highest number of days lost among all work related injuries. One of the most well-known types of repetitive stress injury, carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) accounts for over two million visits to physicians’ offices and approximately 465,000 carpal tunnel release operations each year, making it the most frequent surgery of the hand and wrist.

  Symptoms of repetitive stress injuries include tightness, stiffness, pain, tingling, numbness, coldness and loss of strength in the arm. Carpal tunnel syndrome is a repetitive stress injury that refers specifically to the inflammation of a specific ligament that puts pressure on the median nerve.

  Acupuncture is extremely effective for treating repetitive stress injuries including carpal tunnel syndrome; eliminating the need for surgery or the use of anti-inflammatory drugs or corticosteroids. In fact, one of the most common reasons that people get acupuncture is for repetitive stress injuries. Recent studies even suggest that acupuncture may be more effective than corticosteroids when it comes to treating CTS.

  What is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

  The carpal tunnel is a narrow passageway in the wrist made up of ligaments and bones. The median nerve and the tendons that connect the fingers to the muscles of the forearm pass through this tightly spaced tunnel.

  Carpal tunnel syndrome, also known as median nerve entrapment, occurs when swelling or irritation of the tendons in the carpal tunnel results in pressure on the median nerve causing pain in the palm side of the wrist and pain and tingling in the fingers. The median nerve controls sensations to the palm side of the thumb and fingers, as well as impulses to some small muscles in the hand that allow the fingers and thumb to move.

  Symptoms usually start gradually, with frequent burning, tingling, or numbness in the palm of the hand and the fingers, especially the index, middle and ring fingers. Pain can sometimes travel up the arm and affect the shoulder. The symptoms often first appear during the night. As symptoms worsen, people might feel pain, weakness, or numbness in the hand and wrist, radiating up the arm during the day. Decreased grip strength may make it difficult to form a fist, grasp small objects, or perform other manual tasks. If not properly treated, CTS can cause irreversible nerve damage and permanent deterioration of muscle tissue.

  Diagnosis and Treatment of Repetitive Stress Injuries with Acupuncture

  From an Oriental medicine perspective, a repetitive stress injury is seen as a disruption of the flow of Qi and Blood (Xue) within the area and associated with cold, dampness or wind penetrating the muscles and sinews. Acupuncture points, stretching exercises, herbal remedies and nutritional supplements are chosen to treat accordingly.

  In addition to reducing the swelling, inflammation and pain, acupuncture addresses any headaches, neck pain, shoulder stiffness and sleeping problems that often accompany this condition. Your treatment may also take into account any underlying conditions that contribute to the development of RSI including posture, obesity, rheumatoid arthritis, thyroid problems, diabetes, and hormonal changes of pregnancy and menopause.

  If you suffer from a repetitive stress injury, please contact All and One Acupuncture in northeast Portland to schedule a free consultation to learn how acupuncture and Oriental medicine can help you.

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• Acupuncture for Hives (Urticaria)

  February, 28th 2013

  Hives (urticaria) are swollen, red, bumps, patches or welts on the skin that appear suddenly. Itching is the most common symptom associated with hives, although some people report that hives cause a stinging or burning sensation. Hives can occur anywhere on the body including the hands, face, lips, tongue, throat, or ears.

  A sign that the whole body is experiencing a hypersensitivity reaction a hives outbreak can occur due to a wide array of stimuli. While intolerance to certain foods, additives, intense emotions, sunlight exposure, and medications can all cause hives, in 70-75% of outbreaks the exact cause of hives remains unknown.

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• Anti-Inflammatory Foods to Reduce Joint Pain

  February, 23rd 2013

  Do your joints feel swollen or painful? Arthritis causes inflammation of the joints, and what you eat can impact the level of inflammation. A balanced, varied diet can help ease the pain of arthritis by providing vitamins and minerals that keep your joints healthy. And, according to Chinese medicine, dairy products, greasy or fried foods, and hot spicy foods can contribute to joint swelling and pain. The following is a list of a few excellent anti-inflammatory foods:

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• Strawberries and blueberries for heart health

  February, 16th 2013

  A large new study published in Circulation has found that a diet high in strawberries and blueberries can reduce heart attack risk in women. The study followed almost 100,000 25-42 year old women for 18 years. The researchers found that women who ate three or more servings of blueberries and strawberries a week were 34% less likely to have a heart attack than women who ate less.  Blueberries and strawberries have a high concentration of a flavonid called anthocyanin, a powerful antioxidant which may lower blood pressure and reduce arterial inflammation. Other berries were not found to reduce heart attack risk.

  If you or someone you know suffers from heart disease, acupuncture can help! Contact Boynn McIntire in her northeast Portland acupuncture clinic for a free consultation to learn more.

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• Chinese New Year: Year of the Snake

  February, 9th 2013

  February 10, 2013 is the first day of the year of the Water Snake in the lunar calendar.  In China the new year is celebrated for 15 days. People prepare for the new year by cleaning their homes to clear out bad luck, settling debts, and setting out new clothes. On new year’s eve, red decorations are hung and firecrackers are lit to scare away the old and welcome the new, and on new year’s day families gather for meals that include special holiday foods and treats. New year’s celebrations close at the full moon with a lantern festival.

  According to the Chinese zodiac, those born in the lunar years 1929, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, and 2013 are a Snake sign. Snakes are intelligent, intuitive, cunning, wise, introspective, and graceful. They are hard workers and are known to excel in business and be financially secure. People born as a snake appreciate beauty and the arts, and they thrive in calm, quiet environments. Snakes can also be vain, devious and suspicious, and they tend to do too much on their own without asking for or accepting help from others.

  In Portland, my husband and I often celebrate the Chinese new year by going to eat dim sum, and then visiting the Lan Su Chinese Garden to see the Lee Association Lion Dancers. Last year we went to the lantern festival at the gardens, which was magical (and freezing cold). It was a clear wintery night in the low 20s with a bright full moon, and the garden was alight with glowing lanterns.  The Lan Su Gardens host a variety of lectures and family activities for the new year.

  I wish you Xin Nian Kuai Le  (or Happy New Year!) I hope the year of the snake brings you fulfillment, happiness and many opportunities for growth and healing.

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• Acupuncture for fibromyalgia pain, fatigue, and anxiety

  January, 31st 2013

  A small study compared acupuncture and fluoxetine in the treatment of fibromyalgia  in 30 patients. In the course of 4 weeks, the participants receiving acupuncture had fewer areas of pain than the patients receiving fluoxetine. The researchers also state that the acupuncture patients had less fatigue and anxiety a year later.

  If you are suffering from fibromyalgia symptoms, acupuncture may help! Contact Portland acupuncturist Boynn McIntire at All and One Acupuncture to learn more.

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• Acupuncture for Chronic Fatigue

  January, 27th 2013

  Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is far more than just being tired. It is a frustrating, complicated disorder characterized by extreme fatigue that may worsen with physical or mental activity and does not improve with rest. Those affected with CFS can get so run down that it interferes with the ability to function in day to day activities with some becoming severely disabled and even bedridden. In addition to extreme fatigue, chronic fatigue syndrome encompasses a wide range of other symptoms, including but not limited to, headaches, flu like symptoms and chronic pain.

  If you suffer from CFS, Oriental medicine can help relieve many of your symptoms. Exceptional for relieving aches and pains, acupuncture and Oriental medicine treatments can help you avoid getting sick as often, and recover more quickly, as well as improve your vitality and stamina.

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• Evidence supports acupuncture for arthritis

  January, 24th 2013

  Several studies have shown that acupuncture can help people with arthritis and related auto-immune diseases. Scientists found that acupuncture can reduce pain and improve mobility in arthritis patients by 40 percent based on results from a major clinical trial that investigated the ancient Chinese needle treatment. A total of 570 patients aged 50 and older with osteoarthritis of the knee took part in the American study. All had suffered significant pain in their knee the month before joining the trial, but had never experienced acupuncture. By the eighth week, patients receiving genuine acupuncture treatments showed a significant increase in function compared with both the “placebo” treatment and self-help groups. By week 14, they were also experiencing a significant decrease in pain.

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• Foods for Beautiful Skin

  January, 18th 2013

  Some people are just naturally blessed with beautiful skin. For those of us who did not inherit perfect skin genes, diet and lifestyle choices make a big difference in skin health. Protection from the sun, avoiding smoking, a nutritious diet, high-quality sleep, and moderate exercise can keep your skin (and your health) at it’s best. The following great foods can also support your skin.

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