Energy Light Rejuvenation

  • July 21, 2019

  • July 21, 2019

Permanent link to this article: http://www.tarraacupuncture.com/2019/07/21/energy-light-rejuvenation/

Auriculotherapy

  • July 21, 2019

  • July 21, 2019

Permanent link to this article: http://www.tarraacupuncture.com/2019/07/21/auriculotherapy/

Auriculotherapy from Dr. Paul Nogier

  • December 2, 2016

  • December 2, 2016

DR. PAUL NOGIER father of “AURICULOTHERAPY”.

Working only with your EAR, I can help you to:

BALANCE YOUR BRAIN and to
DIAGNOSE EARLY ANY HEALTH ISSUES.

These techniques are the main holistic healing modalities in Europe, Sweden, Russia, Japan and many Latin American countries.
They are different from regular “EAR ACUPUNCTURE”.

If interested, you may read the article I wrote in the California Journal of Oriental Medicine Vol. 27 No.1. Spring/Summer 2016 page 22.Auricular Acupuncture_2016

The World Health Organization, recognizes Auriculotherapy from Paul Nogier as safe, effective and bringing rapid results.

I.e.:

Auto-immune diseases,

Immunity, allergies, migraine etc..

First Rib Syndrome

Toxic Scars

Dental Foci

Laterality, symmetry imbalance of the brain

PTSD…

Permanent link to this article: http://www.tarraacupuncture.com/2016/12/02/auriculotherapy-from-dr-paul-nogier/

ANXIETY, DEPRESSION

  • September 7, 2013

  • September 7, 2013

Understanding the Problem

The Scope.

Did you know that, according to the National Institute of Mental Health:

Clinical depression is the leading cause of disability in the United States for ages 15 to 44.
Depression affects 6.7% of the adult population, or approximately 14.8 million people.
Anxiety affects 18.1% of adults in the U.S., or 40 million people.
About 1 in 4 Americans will suffer a serious mental disorder in their lifetime.

The Impact.

The cost of dealing with the rising tide of mental and emotional imbalances is high. A U.S. Surgeon General’s report in 1999 found that lost productivity and absenteeism due to untreated mental health disorders cost American businesses $70 billion annually.
Anxiety disorders alone cost the U.S. more than $42 billion a year. 

But the impacts are more than merely economic.

Balancing the Mind and Heart: A Chinese Medicine Approach

The Philosophy.

The beauty of Chinese medicine is in its ability to see you as more than just a label, and to allow yourself the experience of being more than just your illness.

Treatment with Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine.

The first thing that a Chinese medical paradigm can offer is a more complete understanding of your mental, emotional, and physical state.

Mind, body, and spirit are inseparable in Chinese medicine. What you eat affects how you think; how you feel affects how you move. Chinese medicine provides an excellent framework to go in-depth into the details of your daily life, your mind and behavior, to arrive at a better understanding of where you are and how you got this way.

In order for a person to be diagnosed with depression, four or five of the following symptoms must persist for two weeks, and not be due to another physical condition, medication, alcohol, drugs, or normal bereavement:

Persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, worthlessness
Weight loss or gain
Lose of all interest in pleasurable activities, including sex
Fatigue
Sleep disturbances
Irritability
Guilt
Poor concentration or indecision
Abnormal thoughts of death and suicide
Some of the symptoms associated with a diagnosis of anxiety include:

Persistent worry
Muscle tension, aches, twitching
Sleep disturbances
Fast of irregular heartbeat
Frequent urination
Shortness of breath
Fatigue; Nausea; Dizziness
Restlessness
Poor concentration
Irritability; Overreaction when startled
Traditional Chinese Medicine and Depression/Anxiety

Every healthy person has experienced some form of depression in his or her life. It is a healthy response to overwhelming events in our lives. When we are healthy, physically and mentally, we can usually bounce back from a depressed state within a couple of weeks, and continue on with our normal lives. But when feelings become persistent and occur without precipitating factors, true depression may set in.

Every healthy person has also experienced anxiety in their life. We all know what it feels like to be anxious. “Butterflies” in the stomach when one is preparing for a job interview, meeting new people, or speaking in public are quite common, normal, and can be positive. Anxiety can be a positive reaction that helps prepare individuals for situations that are uncertain. But when anxiety is persistent, and exhibited in unwarranted situations, this positive emotion interferes with and limits our daily activities.

Many people may feel a combination of anxiety and depression. They may tend to be depressed, tired, and have difficulty making decisions or focusing during the day, and feel anxious, restless, and “shaky” at night.

Chinese medicine recognizes a powerful interplay between the body and emotions; the two are, in fact, inseparable. When we become emotionally upset, our internal environment also becomes disrupted, leading to the physical symptoms of anxiety and depression. When we are physically compromised, our emotions can be greatly affected.

According to Chinese medical theories, depression and anxiety are often the result of an imbalance or blockage in the body’s energetic organ meridian systems. If the Qi becomes obstructed or the quality becomes insufficient, emotional upset, anxiety/depression, illness and disease may occur. Many things may cause the Qi to become blocked or insufficient: physical trauma, emotional trauma, hereditary weakness, poor diet, and chemical, physical and emotional stress.

A ground breaking pilot study at the University of Arizona1 studied the treatment of depression using traditional, individually tailored acupuncture treatment, within the structure of a double-blind, randomized, control trial. Twelve sessions were held over an eight-week period, with an additional session per week for the next eight weeks that also treated the control and placebo groups. At the end of the study, 64% of the participants were judged to be in full remission of their symptoms.

Treating Anxiety/Depression with Acupuncture and Herbal Therapy

My treatments for anxiety and depression combine acupuncture, Alpha-Stim micro-current stimulation, and herbal therapy. A general protocol is 12 sessions over a 4 week period of acupuncture and micro-current stimulation

The herbal supplementation is key to the effectiveness of the treatments. The treatments will not be as effective with out the supplements. The herbal formulas are used to address stress, anxiety, depression, and insomnia. A few of the formulas that I use (you would only be prescribed one, or perhaps two) are: Calm Dragon, Compassionate Sage, Celestial Emperer’s Blend, Quiet Contemplative, Free and Easy Wanderer, Ease Plus™, and Ginseng and Logan Formula and more…
If you would like to pursue this form of treatment, contact me at the following telephone number or e-mail address. You will be asked to fill out a detailed intake form before your first appointment. You may pick this up at my office, or I can e-mail it to you.
tarraacupuncture.com

The success rate for this type of treatment is very high, 75%+. While severe depression may require more intensive treatment, relief of stress and anxiety is usually felt immediately and not as many treatments are required.

Permanent link to this article: http://www.tarraacupuncture.com/2013/09/07/anxiety-depression/

Meditation Mood

  • April 7, 2013

  • April 7, 2013

When people lay down on my table they almost always comment on how relaxed they feel during, and sometimes even days after, their acupuncture treatment. Type A patients sometimes fall asleep within a minute of the first needle being placed. Patients with a history of meditation seem to enter a deep meditative state for the duration of the entire treatment. This is due to acupuncture’s effect on brain activity. This “side effect” of acupuncture can be exploited to help people who meditate do so more effectively.

Regardless of which acupuncture system, points used or condition being treated, it has been shown in several studies that after roughly 15 minutes of acupuncture stimulation, an interesting effect occurs to the autonomic nervous system and the brain itself. From a western standpoint, part of acupuncture’s function on the body appears to come from switching the autonomic nervous system from it’s sympathetic state (fight or flight response) to it’s parasympathetic state (rest and digest stage). During the rest and digest stage, breathing becomes deeper and more regular. Capillaries dilate and carry blood to tissues that get less fresh blood when we are under stress. The diaphragm relaxes, allowing us to take deeper breaths and bringing more oxygen into the system. The heart can pump blood with more oxygen under less pressure, allowing more efficient blood flow. During this stage, the brain not only receives more oxygen and nutrients, but also mood enhancing chemicals like dopamine and serotonin. These are feel good chemicals that can be released during meditation.

Acupuncture also has an amazing effect on brain waves. During acupuncture treatment, brain waves have been shown to switch from alpha and beta waves (focused thought and mental chatter respectively) to delta and theta waves (deep sleep and meditation). This may occur without the patient falling asleep and still induce a state of deep relaxation similar to what one may experience during meditation.

Interestingly, the actual brain, according to Oriental Medicine, is not believed to house the mind. In fact, intellect and emotional intelligence is said to be part of the body yet, at the same time, non-local to any organ. This idea penetrates Chinese culture so much that the character for thought is actually composed of the character for brain and the character for heart. This gives equal value to both the heart and brain without definitively stating where thoughts arise.

It is said that the spirit – which is composed of our ethereal soul, intellect and emotions – will return to the heart at night to rest. Then, when we wake, it comes out and innervates our entire being (including our etheric body). When the mind is cluttered or stressed, the spirit may have difficulty returning to the heart at night or may be too scattered to do so. Patients will complain of insomnia, lack of restful sleep or the inability to concentrate.

Over the years I’ve had several avid practitioners of meditation come in complaining of loss of focus or “hitting a wall” with meditation. Acupuncture treats these situations by using points which are indicated for calming the spirit and helping the heart become a good “house” for the mind. During these types of treatments, we are not only hoping for the parasympathetic nervous system to take over. We are also targeting the mind.

The relaxation benefits have a carry over effect which may last for up to a week depending on a persons overall stress levels. During this time, patients who meditate feel that they can reach a more meditative state in a shorter amount of time. Some also report longer meditation sessions.

I often suggest that people who have trouble quieting the mind give acupuncture a try once a week for three weeks and see how they feel. More often than not they are left with a great sense of well being and a clearer mind. So if you feel you have run into a mental road block or are just unable to sit still, give acupuncture a try and it just may jump start your meditation sessions.

Permanent link to this article: http://www.tarraacupuncture.com/2013/04/07/meditation-mood-3/

Can acupuncture and Oriental Medicine help Arthritis?

  • April 6, 2013

  • April 6, 2013

Arthritis is a degenerative inflammatory disease that attacks the joints in particular, causing symptoms of stiffness, swelling, pain, and loss of the normal range of motion. It is especially common in elderly people, although rheumatoid arthritis can occur in young people as well.

Causes of Arthritis

In traditional Chinese patterns of disharmony, the various types of arthritis fall typically under the category of “painful obstruction syndrome.” Acute painful obstruction can be due to wind, cold, dampness, or heat, although it is usually a combination of wind, dampness, and cold.

In an acute attack of wind, cold, and dampness, symptoms include joint pain that gets worse with cold and is relieved with warmth, a feeling of heaviness or numbness in the limbs, limited mobility of the affected area, and, possibly, a slow pulse. A more chronic arthritis condition is generally associated with an underlying deficiency of the vital substances involving the liver and kidneys, in view of their relationship to the tendons and bones.

Western Treatments for Arthritis

The most common Western treatment for arthritis is non­steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS). Although these drugs can relieve pain and decrease inflammation, they do nothing to cure the disease. And their common side effect, gastric irritation, can lead to ulcers. In fact, a patient often bounces back and forth between a rheumatologist and gastroenterologist, first receiving treatment for the arthritis and then receiving treatment for the ulcer caused by the medication.

Traditional Chinese Treatments for Arthritis

Traditional Chinese treatments also reduce pain and inflammation, but they focus on eliminating the cause of the arthritis and, thus, the disease itself.

Acupuncture: Arthritis responds very well to acupuncture. When combined with moxa, it can relieve pain and reduce inflammation immediately. Some acute cases require only a few treatments. Needles are typically placed into points surrounding the painful area, bringing circulation to the area and helping relieve the stagnation that causes pain and swelling. A more chronic, long-term arthritic condition can take months or even years to resolve. For this reason, it is essential to begin treating this disorder at the earliest stage possible.

Herbal Therapy: Herbal therapy is especially important as part of the treatment of chronic cases. The treatment strategy varies, depending on whether the condition is due to heat or cold, or if there is a deficiency of any vital substances. Herbal remedies in chronic cases of cold and dampness need to nourish the underlying deficiency as well as expel the cold and dampness. The patent formula for this condition is Du Huo Ji Sheng Wan. The most effective formula is one custom-made for the patient’s individual constitution and pattern of disharmony.

Exercise: In any type of arthritis, it is important for the person to get regular exercise to warm the body and get the qi and blood flowing through the meridians. Since arthritis is a disorder involving stagnation, movement is an essential part of the healing process.

Diet: If the pattern involves cold and dampness (the most common pattern), the diet should consist mostly of cooked foods with moderate amounts of warming anti-inflammatory spices such as cayenne and ginger. Although coffee is warming, it should be avoided due to its irritating nature.

Horsetail’s cornucopia of minerals, including silicon, may nourish joint cartilage. Ample amounts of tissue-building minerals in your daily diet will keep bones healthy and may help prevent bone spurs, a common complication of arthritis. Researchers have reported that people with RA who follow a predominantly lacto-ovo vegetarian diet (includes eggs and dairy products but no meats) for one year notice significant improvements.

In some people, arthritic conditions seem to be related to food allergies or sensitivities to common foods including wheat and dairy. Others believe that foods from the nightshade family, such as tomatoes, potatoes, and peppers, aggravate their condition, although others don’t notice any connection. If you think certain foods play a role in your arthritis symptoms, it is important to put them to the test. Eliminate suspect foods for one week and nightshades for several months. Add eliminated foods back into your diet, one at a time, every four days. Note any reactions. During such trial and error times, be careful to keep eating a nutritionally balanced diet to support your body’s healing efforts. It may be necessary to do a more extensive elimination or challenge to identify multiple allergenic foods. Consult a nutritionally oriented physician for guidance on how to attempt this safely and effectively.

Permanent link to this article: http://www.tarraacupuncture.com/2013/04/06/can-acupuncture-and-oriental-medicine-help-arthritis/

Are you ready for seasonal allergies ?

  • March 30, 2013

  • March 30, 2013

PKG-020211HEALTHQACOLDORALLERGIES-0Z0EZ5GA_FNC_022311_12-05.jpg
It’s that time again: Spring allergy seasons in most areas of the United States are starting approximately two to three weeks earlier in the past decade.That means a late winter “cold” and the sniffles may really be the early onset of tree pollen misery.In my practice, I have found treating pesky seasonal symptoms early and using a focused approach based upon accurate allergy test results, is a superior way to prevent worsening sneezing, sniffles, itchy and watery eyes, even before they kick in.Being proactive allows the nose time to get ready for pollens, chiefly trees that cause swelling of the nasal lining, thus making it easier for nasal medicines to work better.

A recent study out of Germany, published in the Annals of Internal Medicine, suggests a modest effect of acupuncture for those who suffer from seasonal allergies.  Researchers studied the effect of acupuncture over eight weeks and reported a decrease in allergy symptoms.  The exact mechanism is not known or even clear; however, it may be due to an effect on the immune system. In some cases, it appeared a reduction in the amount of allergy medications might be possible.

A successful, individual action plan to prevent and treat allergies wisely may include other adjunctive or complementary approaches. Washing wisely means using over-the-counter nasal saline sprays to wash or dilute pollens from hanging out in your nose and sinuses. Some of the best and most effective nasal sprays include topical steroids and/or antihistamines, which focus  attention locally in the nose, providing pretty fast relief. A great option for those sensitive to medications is a cayenne or chili pepper nasal spray.  On a high pollen day, consider gently irrigating your eyelids daily, as well as shampooing your hair in the evening to reduce the amount of airborne pollens from getting trapped.

Bottom line: Work with your allergist after proper testing to get your game plan in place before the start of the upcoming allergy season to feel and look better.

It appears acupuncture may be helpful when combined with Western treatments, but be sure to discuss with your allergist before changing or stopping any medications. Poorly controlled allergies can certainly affect how you look and feel.

Permanent link to this article: http://www.tarraacupuncture.com/2013/03/30/are-you-ready-for-seasonal-allergies/

Finger Nails – why there is a white moon ?

  • March 29, 2013

  • March 29, 2013

fingernailsThe white half-moons at the base of the nails show the degree of activity of the metabolism with little or no half-moon indicating a slow metabolism and perhaps an under-active thyroid gland. Most people usually have half-moons during their childhood and youth, but these can diminish with advancing years and disappear completely in old age. They can also reappear with effective detoxification!

Marks on the nails

If there is one white spot then this may indicate direct trauma to the nail bed when the nail was developing.

Many also claim that one or two white marks can be an indicator of zinc deficiency.

However, heavy metals in circulation also show in the nails as white marks or bands (known as Mees’ lines) and if there are multiple or frequent white flecks or bands – this is the most likely cause. These frequently appear with effective detoxification as heavy metals such as mercury are drawn into circulation from storage in various organs.

According to TCM, white marks can also indicate an excessive intake of sugar, alcohol and/or chocolate.

Brown marks which appear like splinters are signs of haemorrhage from a tiny blood vessel. This may be due to a knock or more rarely to infection of the heart valve(s), kidneys or lungs.

Ridging and pitting of the nails

The deep horizontal ridging of the nails known as Beau’s lines is due to a temporary stoppage of nail growth. It can be a sign of zinc deficiency, a significant dietary change, stress, a serious illness or infection, a heart attack or anorexia. The event can be dated with respect to nail growth and will grow out with the nail.

The formation of vertical ridging of the nails is said to be due to excessive consumption of carbohydrates and/or a lack of protein and too much salt. The digestive system, liver and kidney are frequently underactive and this may also be accompanied by fatigue.

Pitting can be due to nail trauma, but if present on several nails may be associated with conditions such as psoriasis, atopic eczema, alopecia areata or an autoimmune disease.

Thickened nails

Thickened nails are most commonly associated with some sort of fungal infection, which may be the same yeast that causes athlete’s foot or Candida albicans. The nails may yellow and start to come away from the underlying skin. Applying Tea tree oil or lemongrass oil topically may help, but addressing the underlying cause of the yeast infection (which is often mercury toxicity) is critical to long-term well being too. Thickened nails are also said to indicate excessive protein or fat consumption by TCM practitioners.

Weak nails

Brittle nails can be due to the way the nails and hands have been treated. Methods of manicuring, dehydration, handling paper and use of detergents can all be responsible. Protect your hands and nails by wearing gloves to do the washing up, use a good hand cream and almond oil rubbed into the nail bed conditions the nails and helps to aid the circulation. Brittle nails can also be a sign of Raynaud’s disease or an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism).

Split nails can indicate a dietary lack of zinc and/or iron. They are typically associated with a poor diet with overconsumption of fruit, fruit juices, drinks, medication and even vitamins which may deprive the body of minerals. Disorders of the circulatory or nervous systems may be at cause along with problems relating to the testicle or ovary on the side affected.

Peeling nails are often associated with indigestion, flatulence, fatigue, menstrual irregularities, lack of sexual vigour, depression, nervousness and/or insomnia.

Soft nails can be due to excessive consumption of stimulants such as coffee, alcohol or sugar. They can often indicate a weak physical constitution, but mental activity.

Ingrowing nails

Ingrowing nails usually occur on the big toenail as a result of trimming the nail allowing a nail spike to dig into the flesh. The area can become swollen and inflamed. The solution is to cut toenails straight across.

The nail affected

The particular or worst affected nails can also give you a clue as to the origin of the issue. Many of the energy meridians end on the fingers and toes and the worst affected nail may indicate the meridian most under stress. The issue also tends to be reflected on the same side of the body according to the list below, so that problems with the right testicle or ovary, for example, would manifest in problems with the right second finger nail.

For the hands:

The thumbs: Lung and respiratory functions

The first fingers: Large intestine and its functions

The second fingers: Energy and blood circulation, reproductive functions

The third fingers: Energy and heat metabolism

The little fingers: The heart and small intestine and their functions

For the feet:

The big toes: The spleen, pancreas and liver and their functions

The second and third toes: The stomach and its functions

The fourth toes: The gall bladder and its functions

The little toes: The bladder and its functions

Supplements for nail health

Vitamin C aids the production of collagen in the nail bed

Vitamin E improves strength and lustre

Biotin improves brittle nails

Folic acid helps growing nails

Calcium improves nail strength

Zinc aids growth and strength especially nail quality and sheen

CoEnzyme Q10 improves oxygen uptake and energy production in cells

Silica from a herbal source such as horsetail improves nail strength

Soy isoflavones promote nail growth and strength

MSM acts as a source of organic sulphur needed to synthesise keratin

Permanent link to this article: http://www.tarraacupuncture.com/2013/03/29/finger-nails-why-there-is-a-white-moon/