Back Pain & Acupuncture (Pasadena, CA)
Did you know acupuncture is recommended prior to opioids for the treatment of back pain?
In 2017, American College of Physicians released the new recommendation that MDs should suggest acupuncture, amongst other practices BEFORE prescribing medication for back pain, in order to help reduce the opioid crisis. You can read more here.
Wonderful, right? The only way they would make such a strong recommendation for acupuncture is if scientific research backed it up. To which they did after carefully considering systematic randomized controlled studies of non invasive treatments for acute, subacute and chronic nonradicular back pain.
In addition, multiple studies support the effectiveness of acupuncture for managing pain. And not just back pain.
The World Health Organization (WHO) also supports the use of acupuncture for many other conditions - and their recommendations are based on research outcomes.
You can see the full list of conditions (pain + more) for which the WHO & NIH recommend acupuncture here
What kinds of pain can acupuncture help with?
Back pain
Neck pain/stiffness/tightness
Sciatic pain
Knee, hip, shoulder, elbow, wrist, ankle pain (arthritic pain)
Headaches
Fibromyalgia
Post-surgical pain
Toothache/jaw pain
Pain associated with Multiple Sclerosis
Menstrual pain/cramping
Acute pain due to injury
Nerve pain
If you have pain that you've been struggling with, try acupuncture first, not as a last resort. It's incredibly helpful and my patients are often surprised at how much better they feel - that's a huge part of why I love my job!
Auricular Acupuncture, Battlefield Acupuncture & Veteran’s Affairs (Los Angeles, CA)
Ear Acupuncture protocol was first described by the French father of modern auriculomedicine, Paul Nogier in 1957, then confirmed and heavily researched by the Chinese NanJing Army Ear Acupuncture research team in 1958. Its origins trace back to Chinese, Egyptians, Greeks and Romans, observed in forms of cauterizing, and piercing parts of the ear’s skin and its veins to help with sciatic pain, arthritis, and sexual dysfunctions.
To learn more tap here [Ear Acupuncture]
Now, as an evidence based Acupuncture tool, it is used for pain and anxiety disorders both in the civilian and military environments. With its ability to stimulate neural reflexes, auricular acupuncture utilizes the great vasculature and nerve pathways of the ear (lots of cranial nerves including the vagus nerve) to regulate the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems.
Battlefield acupuncture is a protocol of specific ear points which is formally used in war zones, VA hospitals and private practices like ours, in order to reduce pain and stress responses. [battlefieldacupuncture.va.gov]
NADA, the National Acupuncture Detoxification Association has created an evidence based acupuncture protocol which since 1985 is widely accepted and used for opioid addiction, PTSD, insomnia and depression both in inpatient and outpatient settings. [NADA.nih.gov]
I hope this provides insight and resources for you or your loved ones. We use auricular acupuncture in combination to traditional Chinese medicine acupuncture, electroacupuncture or as a stand alone treatment. If you know anyone who struggles with anxiety, depression, insomnia, pain, post traumatic stress disorder, acupuncture and traditional Chinese Medicine may be able to help.
What is an Acupuncture Treatment Like? (Pasadena, CA, 91101)
The needles are tiny (much thinner than you're likely imagining) and most patients take a nap on the treatment table. The room is warm, quiet and comfy. The treatment itself is comfortable - it would have to be, in order to nap, right?
Here's a quick overview:
1- First we talk about the symptoms or conditions that are bothering you - what you came in to be treated for. I'll also ask questions about your health in every physiological system + (mental health, energy, diet, sleep etc.) and medical history.
2- I’ll ask to see your tongue and take your pulse. These are important for Chinese medicine diagnosis. They help me understand how all of your body’s internal systems are working together, so that I can choose the most appropriate acupuncture points & Chinese herbs for your treatment plan.
If appropriate we will discuss about functional lab orders to address any physiological (micronutrient & hormonal) deficiencies through clinically approved supplements.
3- Then you'll lay down on the treatment table and I'll quickly put in the needles. It only takes about 10 minutes. During this time you meditate, exercise breathing techniques, or release emotional blockages. This is your safe private healing space.
4- I leave you alone to rest for 25-40 minutes. There's quiet music, a heated pad, and an infrared heat lamp to promote blood circulation and relaxation.
Then... you nap! >> Optional. Maybe you meditate on the meaning of life, health & healing, or daydream about your next joyful event. Up to you!
5- I come back and take the needles out and you're good to go!
Questions?
If you’re ready to try acupuncture to help manage your anxiety, insomnia, depression, digestive issues, sports injury, or chronic pain, we are ready to receive you. We offer acupuncture, herbal medicine, cupping, and more in Los Angeles and surrounding areas (Pasadena, Echo Park, San Marino, Highland Park, Altadena).
Seasonal Allergies, Acupuncture, Supplements & Herbal Therapy (Pasadena, CA, 91101)
Spring is settling well and many of my patients are already feeling the shift in weather through various symptoms like itchy, watery eyes, sneezing, congestion, headaches, and even dermatological symptoms like itchiness, dry patches, redness and hives.⠀
Will you manage these symptoms? Or prevent them if you’re prone to allergies but not experiencing them just yet?⠀
Take natural supplements & antihistamines :
Our top natural allergy supplements are :
Probiotics: Probiotics are friendly bacteria that normally colonize the gut where they help to maintain structural and functional integrity of the intestinal lining, support proper intestinal motility, and participate in the detoxification process. The presence of healthy gut flora is also known to be critical for normal digestion immune function, and mental health.
Quercetin: This potent bioflavonoid can be used for maintaining or supporting the proper levels of enzymes and physiologic factors necessary for normal respiratory and sinus health, to help support seasonal respiratory challenges.
Stinging Nettle Leaf: The leaves alone are rich sources of terpenoids, carotenoids and fatty acids, essential amino acids, chlorophyll, vitamins, tannins, carbohydrates, sterols, polysaccharides, isolectins and minerals.
Chinese Herbal formulas: We have hundreds of herbs and dozens of combinations to create formulas specific to your symptoms and reduce allergic rhinitis, sinusitis, headaches, mucus, itchy throat and eyes.
Seasonal allergies are an excess immune reaction in your body. A huge portion of your immunity is regulated by the nerves in your gut, so good gut health is essential for a balanced immune response.
To ensure getting the right dosages in herbs & supplements please contact us directly.
or
Look into our Seasonal Allergy protocol which you can access anytime. In order to access our protocols with clinical supplements & brands, please create your HIPAA protected Fullscript account.
Get acupuncture:
Acupuncture is outstanding at both preventing seasonal allergies and helping manage allergy symptoms if they’ve already started.⠀
A study out of many can be found in the European Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology showed that compared to Loratadine/Claritin, acupuncture was effective at reducing allergy symptoms with no side effects. You can read the full article here: [https://europepmc.org/article/med/24995021]⠀
If you’d like to add acupuncture to help your immune system in transitioning to any season, please reach out/or hit the booking button to schedule an appointment. You may want to consider our Acupuncture + Cupping Tune Up Session.
Our Mission Statement (Los Angeles, CA)
At our acupuncture clinic, we pride ourselves on offering a harmonious blend of traditional East Asian medicine and modern integrative therapies. With a focus on restoring balance and enhancing overall well-being, our skilled practitioners are dedicated to providing comprehensive care tailored to each individual.
By drawing upon the ancient wisdom of acupuncture, we aim to address a wide range of physical, emotional, and mental health concerns. Through the strategic placement of needles along energy pathways in the body, known as meridians, acupuncture promotes the free flow of Qi to facilitate healing and pain relief.
In addition to acupuncture, our clinic offers a variety of integrative therapies to complement and enhance treatment outcomes. From herbal medicine and cupping therapy to moxibustion and lifestyle counseling, we strive to create a holistic approach that addresses the root causes of health issues.
Whether you are seeking relief from chronic pain, stress management, or improved energy flow, our experienced team is here to support you on your journey to optimal health and wellness. Embrace the time-tested & science backed techniques of traditional East Asian medicine combined with the benefits of modern integrative therapies at our acupuncture clinic today.
Gut Microbiome-how to heal naturally (Pasadena CA, 91101)
Gut bacteria dysbiosis is the epicenter of conditions like IBS, GERD, Crohn's, ulcerative colitis, constipation, allergies/immunodeficiencies, nutrient malabsorption and psychological imbalances.
Some of the health problems associated with gut dysbiosis, as highlighted in this NIH article, include:
Immune-Mediated Diseases: Conditions where the immune system attacks the body's own tissues, potentially exacerbated by an imbalanced gut microbiome.
Metabolic Disorders: Diseases like diabetes and obesity, which have been linked to changes in gut microbiota composition.
Neurodegenerative Diseases: Disorders such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease, where dysbiosis may influence disease progression.
Psychiatric Disorders: Conditions like depression and anxiety, which studies suggest may be connected to gut microbiota imbalances.
Acupuncture
There's some fantastic research (multiple studies) that show acupuncture impacts the digestive tract by:
Regulating gastric motility, how food moves through the digestive tract. Acupuncture has an especially strong impact on the motility of the stomach and colon.
Reducing inflammation of the mucosal lining (essentially the protective barrier) of the digestive tract.
Regulates GI sensitivity, i.e., abdominal pain, bloating, irregular bowel movements.
Impacts the brain-gut axis, which is essentially how the brain communicates with the digestive tract and vice versa (endocrine + neurotransmitter regulation).
To learn more about the physiological changes that acupuncture & electroacupuncture create in the entire GI tract, you can read the World Journal of Gastroenterology article here.
Lifestyle Suggestions
To further support and enhance your gut microbiome:
Incorporate Probiotic-Rich Foods: Regular consumption of fermented foods such as yogurt, kefir, kimchi, sauerkraut, and kombucha introduces beneficial bacteria into your digestive system, promoting a balanced gut microbiome.
Stay Hydrated: Adequate water intake is essential for maintaining the mucosal lining of the intestines and supporting the balance of good bacteria in the gut.
Prioritize Quality Sleep: Establishing a regular sleep schedule and ensuring sufficient rest each night can positively influence gut health, as disruptions in sleep patterns may affect the gut microbiome balance.
Limit Intake of Processed Foods and Added Sugars: Diets high in processed foods and sugars can negatively impact the gut microbiome, reducing beneficial bacteria and promoting the growth of harmful strains.
Consider Prebiotic Supplements: Prebiotics are non-digestible fibers that feed beneficial gut bacteria. Supplementing with prebiotics can support the growth and activity of these microbes, enhancing gut health.