June 2009

Holden Acupuncture & Chinese Herbal Medicine

The Healing Tree
News from Holden Acupuncture & Chinese Herbal Medicine
In This Issue
Got Pain? Acupuncture Can Help
Quick 'n Easy Avocado Chick Pea Salad
Quick Links
Interesting Stuff
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Dear Robin,

Lots happening at Holden Acupuncture this spring. I'm happy to introduce Kathryn Loomis, LicAc., to the practice. Because of Kathryn, Holden Acupuncture is now open another evening during the week. Current hours are: 
  • Mondays: 3pm-8pm
  • Tuesdays: 9:30am-6:30pm
  • Thursdays: 9:30am-5pm
  • Saturdays: 10am-5pm
I feel so lucky to have Kathryn on board at Holden Acupuncture. Kathryn graduated New England School of Acupuncture in 1997 and has extensive training in both Chinese Herbal Medicine and Craniosacral therapy. Kathryn is available for treatments as well as herbal consultations.

In other news, I just completed an exciting new advanced training under Dr. Richard Teh-Fu Tan, O.M.D., LicAc. Dr. Tan teaches a unique approach to using acupuncture to eliminate pain. If you or someone you know is experiencing pain due to injury, overuse, arthritis, sciatica, strain or sprain, have him or her contact me to discuss treatment options (see the coupon at the end of this newsletter for a special treatment package). My patients have been experiencing great results from this approach to pain management and elimination.

And speaking of pain, let's get to the main article where I discuss the Eastern Medicine perspective.

Enjoy the rest of June!

Best,
Robin


PS: Be sure to check out my special offer at the end of the newsletter.
Got Pain? Acupuncture Can Help

Summer is on the way (or so I've been told!). With the nice weather comes increased physical activity. Some of us are still battling the remnants of the ice storm in our yards. Others are invigorated by the sunshine and re-motivated to reach those fitness goals. And some of us are just chasing after very busy little ones! Whatever the cause, if you are experiencing physical pain due to overuse, injury, strain, sprain, arthritis, remember that acupuncture is an excellent way to relieve pain and speed healing of injury. Less commonly known, acupuncture can also help improve athletic performance and prevent injury by assisting in keeping your body and immune system in balance.

When it comes to pain, depending on the source, acupuncture will often facilitate and speed permanent healing and relief. It is not like taking an aspirin. The goal of acupuncture is to treat the source of the pain and allow the body to heal. Occasionally, there is damage that is not reversible. Extensive arthritis, for example, is generally not going to reverse itself. However, regular acupuncture treatments can significantly reduce the pain and discomfort associated with arthritis and can prevent further development of arthritis in the joints.

Acupuncture can reduce or eliminate many kinds of physical pain, not just musculoskeletal pain.  Pain from headaches, migraines, fibromyalgia, surgery, and menstrual pain are all commonly treated with acupuncture.

Acupuncture will most often reduce pain in a single visit. However, in most cases, the pain level will gradually begin to creep back up within 1-4 days. With each successive treatment, the pain level should be reduced further and should creep back more slowly. A course of treatment is complete when the pain no longer returns, and the number of treatments required varies based on the individual's overall state of health as well as the degree and duration of the symptom. For best and quickest results, frequent treatments are encouraged. A second treatment should take place BEFORE the pain has a chance to reach its original intensity.

Here are some other strategies for managing pain:
 
1. Prevent injuries by using common sense! If you haven't exercised since we last saw sunshine, don't just start in with a full work out or a 10-mile run.  Start slowly and build up gradually. If you have pre-exisiting injuries or health conditions, always consult your physician or qualified health care provider before starting something new.  Be certain that you are trained in proper stretching techniques appropriate for the activity you engage in.

2. Stay well hydrated. This is important for many different types of pain.

3. Heat or ice? You will get a variety of answers to this question, and it is generally best to get professional advice based on your particular pain. As a general rule, Chinese medicine favors heat. Heat opens up the channels and blood vessels and promotes movement of qi and blood, which is almost always the primary treatment principle in relieving pain. If there is redness, swelling and heat coming from the area of pain, this would be a case where ice is more appropriate at first to reduce inflammation (and also probably a sign to get checked out by a doctor).  If your pain is worse in cold weather, heat is usually most appropriate.

4. Consider using other complementary techniques. For chronic pain conditions, seek out meditation, hypnosis, self-hypnosis, and related pain management techniques.

5. Watch what you eat. For arthritis, fibromyalgia, and other types of chronic pain conditions, diet can play an important role.  Seek the advice of an acupuncturist or holistic nutritionist for advice that is appropriate for your particular condition and body type.
Quick 'n Easy Avocado Chick Pea Salad

Here is a quick, energizing salad you can enjoy as a side dish or a snack.  Avocadoes and olive oil are both excellent sources of essential fatty acids that  can help reduce inflammation and pain.  Avocado and cucumber both have a cooling energy, which is suitable for this time of year. Fresh basil, while not necessary for the dish, adds a great summery flavor and helps to calm the mind as well.  Chick peas are a great source of vegetable protein to help sustain your energy and are nourishing for your Spleen energy. 
 
1 can chickpeas drained, not rinsed
1/2 ripe avocado, chopped
1 small cucumber, chopped
sea salt
olive oil
fresh basil leaves (I cut in strips with scissors)

Just combine chick peas, cucumbers, avocado, and basil leaves in a bowl, drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with sea salt to taste.  Can serve chilled or room temperature.  Chopped red onion can make a nice addition.
 
Enjoy!

Here's to a pain-free summer!
 
Best,
Robin Chapman
Holden Acupuncture & Chinese Herbal Medicine
Save $40
Buy a six-treatment package for pain/injury for $350 (a savings of $40!).

The six treatments must occur before August 31, 2009, and they must be scheduled by July 10, 2009.
 
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Holden Acupuncture & Chinese Herbal Medicine | 788 Main Street | Holden | MA | 01520