Yunker Acupuncture - Chinese Medicine in New York City

New study shows acupuncture helps female infertility

2012-01-31T21:09:00.005-05:00

Good news for women who want to get pregnant but are having difficulty conceiving - a recent study published in the journal "Complementary Therapies in Medicine" reports that Chinese medicine can increase the chances of getting pregnant. The authors state:

"Our review suggests that management of female infertility with Chinese Herbal Medicine can improve pregnancy rates 2-fold within a 4 month period compared with Western Medical fertility drug therapy or IVF [in vitro fertilization]. Assessment of the quality of the menstrual cycle, integral to TCM diagnosis, appears to be fundamental to successful treatment of female infertility."

For more details, you can read the abstract of this Chinese medicine fertility study. As the authors conclude, it is important to get a detailed history of the menstrual cycle in order to effectively treat female infertility. Your practitioner will ask you questions about your period (cycle length, duration of the period, associated symptoms and PMS, and so on), and will consider this along with other health history information, and examination of your pulse and tongue. All of this information allows your practitioner to make a diagnosis, and choose acupuncture points and herbs that are specific to you and your body.

Chinese medicine has a lot to offer women who are having trouble getting pregnant. If you are struggling with infertility, acupuncture and herbs can help you!

A short video about a resolution you can actually keep!

2012-01-01T13:21:00.004-05:00

Happy New Year!

Like many people, I find myself thinking about areas of my life that I would like to change or improve. While it may seem arbitrary to make resolutions just because it's January 1st, I think it's always helpful to reflect on things in our lives that are working well, and to consider making changes where necessary. I try to do this every few months -- it helps to put things in perspective and make minor changes on a regular basis.

Some resolutions are smaller, day-to-day goals, like remembering to make the bed every morning or to take vitamins; other resolutions are larger or more long-term, such as the decision to quit smoking or to make a career change.

I recently watched a video called "23 and 1/2 hours", which answers the question, "What is the single best thing we can do for our health?" It's a really engaging presentation by a doctor / professor about the benefits of exercise. Some of the information he shares will be new, and other parts will definitely be familiar to you, but his way of sharing data is fun to watch. He suggests that we can all commit to doing some form of exercise for at least 30 minutes per day -- or, put another way, to limit sitting and sleeping to just 23-and-a-half hours per day. When put this way, the goal of exercising to improve health feels very manageable!

This is a great example of a resolution that is both big (improve my overall health) and small (exercise a little bit every day). If you are working on some health goals of your own, no matter what the size, acupuncture may help you achieve your intentions. I invite you to contact me to discuss how acupuncture can help you improve your health and your quality of life.

I wish you all the best in 2012!!!

Acupuncture and Pregnancy

2010-12-27T13:32:00.012-05:00

You're pregnant! This is often a very exciting time for women, as they think about, and prepare for, the tiny life growing inside them. Ideally, you'll feel just as good during your pregnancy as you did before (and some women feel even better!). But just in case you are having any problems during your pregnancy, it's reassuring to know that acupuncturists are able to help you.

Women frequently come to my office while pregnant. The first question they often ask? "Is it safe to have acupuncture while I'm pregnant?" The answer is YES! There are a handful of points that a trained acupuncturist will avoid using on a pregnant woman, but, as I always tell my patients, we have hundreds of points to choose from, so we'll find something safe and effective. (It's worth mentioning here that this is a perfect example of the importance of seeing an acupuncturist who is licensed and has received adequate training in safety issues.)

What pregnancy problems can be helped with acupuncture? Here are some of the things I commonly treat, for which acupuncture is quite effective:

Nausea / vomiting - Acupuncture is so effective for pregnancy related nausea that insurance companies will often cover it! Here is a research study abstract on the effects of acupuncture in pregnancy related nausea and vomiting. This is another abstract about acupuncture and nausea in general. Your acupuncturist can help you find diet and lifestyle modifications which may significantly decrease the nausea and vomiting you experience while pregnant. Reflux and heartburn can also be alleviated with acupuncture.
Fatigue / exhaustion - This is a very common symptom during pregnancy, and acupuncture can help keep your energy level more stable.
Aches and pains - The fact is, your body changes constantly when you're pregnant. These physical changes can put pressure on your joints, causing anything from mild to severe discomfort. Acupuncture helps relieve this discomfort so you can go about your day, and then get a good night's sleep! Here is a study looking at the effect of acupuncture and stabilizing exercises in the treatment of pelvic girdle pain during pregnancy. This is an abstract about acupuncture for back pain during pregnancy. Acupuncture can be really helpful here since many women want to avoid taking pain medication while pregnant.
Changes in mood - Some women don't want to take medications for mood or anxiety while pregnant, or their doctors may be advise them to stop certain medications. This study about acupuncture treatment for depression during pregnancy suggests that acupuncture can be very helpful.
Threat of miscarriage - Certain women may be at a higher risk for having a miscarriage. Your OBGYN can advise you on steps you can take to decrease your chances of miscarrying. Acupuncture can also help decrease this risk. Herbs may be recommended as well - just be sure the person who gives you the herbs is board-certified and aware of safety issues associated with herbs and pregnancy! Not every herb is safe to take while pregnant, but there are many herbal formulas designed specifically to support your pregnancy, and a trained practitioner can find one that is appropriate for you.

These are just a few examples of how acupuncture can help pregnant women. If you are wondering if acupuncture can help you with another symptom of your pregnancy, feel free to contact me.

Pregnancy should be a time of health and well-being for you and your baby. Let acupuncture help you feel your best during this time!

Acupuncture and IVF Part 2 - During IVF Procedures

2009-09-20T15:14:00.008-04:00

In my last blog post, I talked about the uses of Chinese medicine while preparing for IVF. This post is about how acupuncture can help you and your partner once IVF procedures are already underway. Doctors and fertility clinics have a set of procedures that they usually follow, and acupuncture may be appropriate at each of these stages to enhance fertility and optimize the chances of a successful IVF cycle. As I mentioned in my last post, several of the large IVF clinics in NYC recommend acupuncture during the IVF cycle to increase the likelihood of pregnancy.

Regulating the cycle: Often, about a month before IVF is going to start, the doctors will start you on hormones to regulate your cycle. This allows them to know exactly when they will need to retrieve mature eggs. During this time, acupuncture can be used to regulate qi (energy) throughout the body, improve blood circulation, and calm the whole nervous system. In other words, your acupuncturist will try to nourish and replenish your body during this time, so that you are as healthy as possible going into the next stage of the IVF cycle.

Stimulation of the ovaries: Most patients are asked to return to the doctor's office on Day 2 of their cycle (the second day of your menstrual period). Assuming that the doctor thinks it's appropriate to go ahead with the IVF cycle that month, he or she will start you on hormone treatments to stimulate the ovaries so that you will make more follicles. Acupuncture can be very helpful at this stage as well - it can assist in producing more follicles, and can also be very helpful in thickening the lining of the uterus. This is important because it allows the transferred embryos to attach more easily to your uterus. Many women struggle with side effects of the hormones and drugs they take during this stage, so acupuncture can help with things like cramping, constipation, soreness, breast tenderness, mood swings, fatigue, and headaches that may arise.

Retrieval of eggs: Now it is time to retrieve the mature eggs. Your doctor will remove mature eggs from their follicles, and combine those that are viable with the most promising sperm. Retrieval is a surgical procedure which sometimes causes discomfort for women. Acupuncture can be useful at this stage to calm uterine cramping, reduce irritation or inflammation from the surgery, and again to address side effects from the hormones and medication.

Transfer of embryos: The eggs and sperm are combined in a lab and watched carefully while they (hopefully) meet and fertilize. Those eggs that fertilize will be allowed to continue developing for either 3 or 5 days, and then when the doctor feels they are viable and stable, one or more will be transferred back to the uterus. This day, the "transfer day", is one where acupuncture is often recommended by fertility clinics and doctors, as there is quite a bit of research indicating that acupuncture improves the chances of a successful transfer and pregnancy. On the transfer day, your acupuncturist will meet with you two times - immediately before and immediately after the transfer happens at your doctor's office. (This German study on acupuncture and IVF is quite interesting and compelling. Also see my previous blog post for links to research articles about acupuncture during IVF transfer.) In my practice, the acupuncture / transfer schedule looks something like this:

* The patient is told that transfer will happen on (for example) Monday at 12:00 noon;
* The acupuncturist meets the patient at 10:30, about 90 minutes before transfer is scheduled to occur;

* Acupuncture points are inserted according to successful research protocols (possibly with additional points specific to the patient, if needed). This is the "pre-transfer" treatment, and the patient rests for about 30 minutes with needles inserted;
* Needles are removed, and the patient makes her way (in a casual and relaxed fashion, with plenty of time to spare) to the doctor's office, where fertilized embryos are transferred to her uterus;
* After being cleared to leave, the patient calls the acupuncturist to say that she's on her way back to the acupuncturist's office for the "post-transfer" treatment;
* The needles for the "post-transfer" treatment are inserted, and the patient is left to relax for about 30 minutes;
* The patient goes home to rest!

What are these "pre-transfer" and "post-transfer" treatments for? The pre-transfer treatment uses points that help dilate the cervix, which makes it easier for the embryos to be inserted into the uterus. Some points help improve circulation of blood to the uterus, thus creating a thicker uterine lining. There are also points to calm the patient's whole nervous system, which in turn calms the uterus. This relaxing of the uterus is important because it decreases cramping and uterine contractions - the more relaxed the uterus is, the more likely it is to allow for successful implantation.

The post-transfer treatment continues these ideas - it circulates blood to the uterus and nourishes the newly implanted embryo so that it can grow, and helps to prevent contractions of the uterus.

And now... we wait. Your doctor will tell you when to return to the office for a pregnancy test. In my next post, I will discuss some of the ways that acupuncture can help you during your pregnancy. More soon...

Acupuncture and IVF Part 1 - Preparing for IVF

2009-08-29T13:03:00.011-04:00

IVF stands for in vitro fertilization, meaning that the egg is fertilized by the sperm outside of the womb. ("Vitro" means glass, referring to the lab equipment where the fertilization takes place.) Typically, IVF is done in situations where a woman is unable to get pregnant through intercourse alone. This may be due to her age, previous health issues that have affected her fertility, or issues with a male partner's sperm. IVF may also be used in cases where the woman wants a child but does not have a male partner.

No matter what the situation, it may be appropriate to consider acupuncture as an adjunctive therapy when starting IVF; in fact, many of the large fertility clinics in NYC recommend acupuncture throughout the IVF process!

A lot has been written about acupuncture and IVF. There have been many research studies that show that acupuncture can greatly increase the chances of IVF success, which is welcome news to anyone going through the process. For those interested in research about this topic, you may want to visit these links. (There are MANY studies - this is just a small sample!)

A frequently cited study showing a pregnancy rate of 42.5% in those who had acupuncture with IVF (significantly more than in those who did not use acupuncture during IVF)
A study about acupuncture done on the day of transfer or 2 days after transfer versus no acupuncture at all, showing that the acupuncture groups had higher rates of pregnancy
A study indicating that acupuncture treatments designed to promote fertility resulted in more pregnancies than treatments not aimed an increasing fertility

There are several stages to the IVF process, and acupuncture helps in different ways during these stages. Today's post is about the first part of IVF, and the use of acupuncture to prepare your body before IVF procedures begin.

To help you prepare for IVF, acupuncturists have several goals:

Improving ovarian function: Part of the IVF process involves stimulating the ovaries to produce more follicles and higher quality eggs. Often, it is impossible for a woman to get pregnant because of poor egg quality resulting from age or illness (or for other reasons that may be unidentified). Obviously, healthy eggs are the basis for a successful pregnancy! Acupuncture can help increase the number of eggs and the quality of those eggs in the month(s) leading up to the IVF procedures.
Lowering FSH levels: A high FSH (follicular stimulating hormone) level suggests that the ovaries are not functioning as well as they should be. Acupuncture helps to regulate hormone levels and improve ovarian function, which in turn lowers FSH levels. This is important because many IVF clinics will use the FSH level to help decide whether or not it is appropriate to go ahead with IVF procedures that month.
Improving immune system functioning, reduce side effects of IVF medications, and reduce stress: Some women (not all) experience side effects from the medications that are used to prepare their bodies for IVF. These side effects are varied, but commonly include things like abdominal bloating, abdominal or uterine cramping, mood swings, or mild depression. Some people (both men and women) find the experience of trying to get pregnant or of going through IVF stressful, and reducing that stress can help the whole process along. Acupuncture is a good way to calm the body, reduce discomfort, and alleviate stress while preparing for IVF.
Improving the quantity and quality of semen: While much of the IVF literature focuses on the woman, it should be noted that acupuncture can be very helpful to men as well, especially in cases where part of the of difficulty in getting pregnant lies in poor sperm count, low motility (movement) of sperm, or sperm that are not formed correctly (poor morphology). You need healthy sperm to have a good chance at a successful IVF, and a couple of months of acupuncture can help create better sperm before IVF even starts.
Dietary recommendations: In Chinese medicine, diet is always an important consideration for achieving optimal health. As someone prepares for IVF, an acupuncturist may suggest that they reduce the amount of cold, raw food that they eat or drink. It may also be helpful to decrease the amount of caffeine. Nourishing, warm, cooked foods are wonderful for promoting fertility and increasing the chance of success with IVF. Think about soups, stews, beans, lentils, chicken, eggs, cooked vegetables, and perhaps some red meat both before and during the IVF process.

I am frequently asked if it is "too late" to start acupuncture for IVF by women at various stages of the process. My general answer is that it's never too late -- the effects of acupuncture can be both immediate and long-term. Ideally, I love to see people start acupuncture a couple of months before starting IVF so that the body is in its optimal condition going into the process. However, for some people this is not an option, in which case I always feel that some acupuncture is better than no acupuncture while trying to get pregnant!

My next blog post will discuss how acupuncture can help you once the IVF procedures are already underway. Stay tuned...

Chinese Medicine Digestion 101

2009-08-16T18:18:00.010-04:00

Patients in my office frequently complain of digestive problems - I would say it's among the most common things I treat. (You can read my recent post about 10 things that respond well to acupuncture for a discussion of some other commonly treated conditions.) These digestive complaints are quite varied, but some things that come up often include:

diarrhea
constipation
irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
gas or belching
bloating
abdominal pain
acid reflux or heartburn
nausea or vomiting from many causes
indigestion
changes in appetite

These conditions may occur acutely or chronically, and may occur in varying levels of severity or frequency. Regardless, they can be quite distressing when they occur.

In Chinese medicine, we talk about several organs that are specifically related to digestive function. (Keep in mind that the organs in Chinese medicine are somewhat different from the way you may be used to thinking about organs in Western medicine!)

The Stomach is responsible for receiving the food and drink that you take in to your body. It is also said to be in charge of the beginning processes of breaking down food.
The Spleen is in charge of the transformation of foods taken in by the Stomach. It extracts nutrients, and subsequently distributes those nutrients around the body.
The Liver helps to harmonize the functions of the Stomach and Spleen, and keep both organs functioning properly so that digestion is regulated and harmonious.
The Gallbladder stores and releases bile that aids digestive processes.
The Intestines help separate and carry waste products out of the body, and help to regulate fluid metabolism and fluid distribution.

These functions and roles may sound unfamiliar to you, but again, it is important to remember that the organs have different roles in Chinese medicine and western medicine.

Ideally, all of the organs are harmonized all the time: the Stomach and the Spleen balance each other because the Stomach guides food down while the Spleen transports nutrients in all directions. The Liver is able to freely move qi (energy) all over the body so that each organ works smoothly and without problems. The Gallbladder discharges the correct amounts of bile at the right times to aid in digestion. And the Intestines regularly eliminate waste and do not become sluggish or overactive.

However, the reality may be different for some of us. People regularly complain that they can't eat because they always feel like food is "stuck" in their digestive tracts already, or like they just can't digest anything. Some people have many loose bowel movements each day (resulting in feelings of hunger or dehydration), while others may only have a couple of bowel movements per week (thus feeling full, sluggish, or "toxic"). Some people can't eat a meal without severe bloating, abdominal pain, or acid reflux immediately after they take their last bite. Others say that food just doesn't taste good anymore and they have no appetite or interest in eating. Luckily, Chinese medicine offers acupuncture point prescriptions that can get digestive function regulated.

There are a few things you can do to keep your organs of digestion happy and fully functional:

Eat regular meals at regular times. This may seem obvious, but it really makes a big difference when your body knows to "expect" food at certain times of the day. This allows your Stomach and Spleen to function optimally when food does appear in the digestive tract.
Eat smaller portions rather than huge servings. Again, you have probably heard this one before, but it's a lot easier for your body to deal with small amounts of food many times per day than to try to break down a 64-oz steak, or an entire pound of pasta with cream sauce. Frequent small meals allow your body to easily slip into "digestion mode" when you eat.
When it's time to eat, just eat! Many of us are in the habit of eating while we work, watch TV, write e-mail, or commute. Dedicate mealtimes to meals, even if it's just 10 minutes. That 10 minutes of focused, healthy digestion will be better for you than a 45-minute lunch where you argue with your boss about a project you're working on. Make meals enjoyable: savor the delicious food you've prepared or purchased, make meals social and fun with friends or co-workers, or just sit in the park with your soup and soak up the sunshine.
Choose a diet that is healthy. Again, this seems painfully obvious, but your digestion can really only be as good as the food you put into your body. If you eat lots of junk food, and rely on greasy, heavy food for most of your meals, your digestion will suffer. Aim for a mix of healthy protein, fresh fruit or fresh veggies (preferably cooked!), and whole grains at each meal.
Cooked, warm foods are easier to digest. Many people eat lots of salads because they think that salads are the healthiest meal options out there. And salads can be a great source of fiber, vitamins, nutrients, and protein. But eating lots of cold, raw food can also play havoc with your digestion. Foods that are cooked and warm are already in a state where they can be easily broken down, allowing you to efficiently extract their nutrients.

Think of it this way: consider how hard your body has to work to chew, swallow, and break down a raw, cold, hard carrot and extract all the nutrients; then compare that with the work required to chew, digest, and draw nutrients from carrots that have been steamed, roasted or grilled. Now imagine if most of your food was like the raw, cold, hard carrot -- that's a lot of extra work for your digestive organs, and that extra work makes your system less efficient.
When someone comes to me with chronic stomach problems, one of the first things I do is suggest a diet high in cooked warm foods: soups, cooked vegetables, baked fruits... This often helps immensely!

If you have tried different ways of modifying your diet but you still have stomach problems, it's worth a visit to the doctor to make sure that nothing serious is wrong and that you don't have a food allergy or intolerance. Many of the people who come to me for digestive conditions have seen a doctor, and luckily have a clean bill of health... but unfortunately, they still have the same problems. In these situations, acupuncture may be helpful to regulate your body's digestion and optimize the food you take in, so you can feel healthy, nourished, and well fed!

Does Acupuncture Hurt?

2009-08-02T11:09:00.009-04:00

There are a few things people always ask when they first become interested in acupuncture. I am frequently asked how I became interested in acupuncture in the first place (a topic I discuss in this blog post). Another common question is, "What can acupuncture be used for?" (see my website for a list of conditions I treat, or contact me for more information).

But perhaps the most common question of all is: "Does acupuncture hurt??"

I have had a lot of acupuncture in my life and I can honestly say that acupuncture needles don't hurt that much. I would say that most people experience one of the following sensations at most acupuncture points:

A tiny prick, followed by no particular sensation
A slightly sharper prick, followed by a minute or two of diminishing sensation
A feeling of warmth or heaviness radiating around the point
A feeling of something "shooting" or "pulsing" down the leg or up the arm, lasting about 1-2 seconds
A feeling of itchiness near the point (most common on the hands and feet), lasting for a couple of minutes
No real feeling at all (these are the ones where people say, "I didn't even feel it go in!")

My rule of thumb is always that patients should let me know if a point feels actively painful for more than a minute or so, which allows me to make any adjustments necessary to stop the pain. The pain is not really dangerous, but rather is just distracting and annoying if you are trying to relax.

In many cases, the acupuncturist is trying to stimulate a sensation of something "shooting" up or down the channel. This indicates to the practitioner that they have "obtained qi". I usually explain this as a signal that we have accessed the "energy" of the body, allowing us to direct qi circulation in a way that will benefit the patient and promote healing. This shooting sensation, which is sometimes surprising to the patient, is not dangerous or painful, and it usually only lasts for about a second. It's generally regarded as a good thing!

People often expect that my acupuncture needles will feel similar to shots or blood draws that they have had during doctor's visits. However, acupuncture needles usually create far less pain or sensation, and rarely cause any bleeding. Acupuncture needles are very thin and flexible. I use 30-36 gauge needles. Keep in mind that a higher number indicates a thinner needle. For comaprison, a standard pierced earring is usually 18-20 gauge. A doctor's regular blood draw needle is 21-23 gauge, and a blood donation needle is 14-17 gauge. So acupuncture needles are MUCH smaller compared to other needles you are used to - only 0.2-0.3 mm in diameter. Look at a ruler and you will see how tiny that really is!

Most people find the experience of acupuncture very pleasant, and look forward to their appointments. It's not uncommon at all for people to fall asleep on the acupuncture table (sometimes even while I'm putting points in!), which tells me that the experience of having acupuncture is not very uncomfortable in most cases. As always, ask your practitioner if you feel anything out of the ordinary, but rest assured that acupuncture is generally a safe, comfortable and beneficial experience!

Summer Snacking!

2009-07-22T12:17:00.005-04:00

In the warm weather, your dietary needs and food cravings change somewhat. Whereas people tend to eat things like hearty soups, stews, and other heavy foods in the winter, we may not desire chili con carne over rice in the middle of August!

There are actually a couple of Chinese dietetics theories about how to eat in the summer. One theory says that you should eat foods that are cool in temperature and nature during the summer, as it helps your body counteract all the heat from the outdoor environment. With this in mind, you may want to consider things like salads, yogurt with fresh berries, chilled soups, and grain salads at room temperature.

Another theory of summertime eating suggests that warm foods and things that are spicy may be beneficial. The idea here is that eating this way keeps you in harmony with your outdoor environment. In other words, instead of trying to eat in opposition to the heat around, it might be better to warm the body from the outside AND the inside. If you follow this theory for your food choices, you may want to eat warm brothy soups, noodles with tofu and veggies, or cooked fish dishes. Think light, as opposed to heavy when you make your choices.

As with most food choices, let your body and your desires be your guide. In most cases, if you're craving something, it's because your body needs it. (The obvious exception here is a craving for something like Cheetos, which your body probably doesn't need!) If something hot and spicy sounds good to you, go for it! If you're really craving a cup of gazpacho, enjoy! In Chinese medicine, we strive for balance, so it makes sense to eat a combination of warm and cool foods. You can combine temperatures within your meal, too - a light chicken dish served warm with a salad might be just right for your summer dinner!

In general, it's best to stay away from excessively greasy, fatty dishes, and things that are too creamy may not agree with you in the summer heat. Instead, take advantage of the wonderful NYC farmer's markets, and base your meals around the bounty of summer! There is an abundance of gorgeous produce, fresh fish and meat, and delicious herbs available from our area's farms. Visit this site to find a NYC farmers' market near you.

Here is a recipe that combines warming and cooling elements. The broth or stock is slightly warming, and the tofu is cooler in nature (even when heated), so this is represents a balance of temperatures. Bon appetite!

Summer Tofu Soup

Tofu (silken or firm), cut into small cubes
Any assortment of veggies you like: asparagus, mushrooms, bean shoots, carrots, peas, green beans... cut into small bite-size pieces
Broth or stock (chicken or veggie): make your own or buy it at the grocery store
Fresh herbs (basil and dill are nice), chopped
Soy sauce

Simmer the veggies, tofu, and liquid together for a few minutes, until the veggies are cooked but not mushy. Serve garnished with fresh herbs, and just a few drops of soy sauce.

Acupuncture for Athletes

2009-07-06T11:33:00.008-04:00

I recently had the pleasure of an interview with Lauren Brill, a sports writer and reporter who focuses on fitness trends and sports events. She also contributes to the Nike Women blog. For her most recent blog post, she came to my office, asked me about how acupuncture can help athletes, and then had a treatment herself. Click to read her blog post on Eastern Medicine and Western Athletes.

Acupuncture and sports go together perfectly, and there is a long tradition of using acupuncture, Chinese herbs, and topical liniments (herbs soaked in alcohol and massaged into the injured area) to address the injuries incurred while participating in martial arts. Today, I see people who seek treatment for injuries from all kinds of sports and athletic activities - stiff knees from running, sore lower backs from biking, pulled muscles, and of course, traumatic injuries from a fall or a blow to the body. Acupuncture and herbs can be very effective in treating these kinds of injuries.

One question that comes up all the time is, "How long will this take? When can I start training again?" Of course, it can be very frustrating to be forced to stop exercising, but a rest period is often necessary to allow your body to heal so you can get back into top form quickly. I usually tell people that the older (and more chronic) the injury is, the longer it will take to heal. For example, an ankle injury that occurred 2 years ago and still causes problems will probably take longer to treat than an ankle injury that occurred 4 days ago. That doesn't mean that the older injury can't be treated effectively; it just takes longer and the type of treatment is a little different because we need to focus on longer-term damage to tissues and possible compensatory habits you may have developed.

My best recommendation for treating injuries? Get them treated soon, and you'll be back to your athletic self before you know it!

Fun in the Sun... with Sunscreen!

2009-06-08T11:40:00.007-04:00

It's almost summer in New York, which means it's time for shorts, tank tops, sandals, and bathing suits. All that adds up to a lot of exposed skin, so sunscreen is crucial! While you should wear sunscreen all year round, it is especially important when your skin is exposed to the sun, and when you're more likely to be spending the day at the park or sunbathing at the beach.

There has been some debate lately about a few aspects of sunscreen. What's the difference between UVA and UVB? What SPF should you wear? Is SPF 75 really better than SPF 55? Is sunscreen good for the environment? Here are a couple of links to sites that answer these questions and more:

DailyBeauty - myths and facts about sunscreen. (By the way, there is little difference between SPF 30 and SPF 60 when it comes to blocking UVB rays, but you should always wear a sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 30!)

Skin Deep sunscreen database - look up your sunscreen and see how it rates. The folks at Skin Deep look at sunscreens and other cosmetics from the perspective of the safety of the ingredients for you and the environment. (This group likes the brands California Baby and Badger, which are usually available at Ricky's Drugstore in NYC and Whole Foods, respectively.)

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) - this useful fact sheet (which opens as a PDF) recommends broad-spectrum sunscreens (those that help protect against UVA and UVB rays). And remember that one application of sunscreen will not protect you for a whole day of swimming and sweating, so reapply at least every 2 hours. You should wear about one ounce at a time, which is roughly equivalent to a shot glass - most people under-apply their sunscreen.

We look forward to summer so we can spend our days in the sun, and the sun offers important health benefits (like vitamin D), but be sure to protect yourself with sunscreen, sunglasses, large hats, and loose or lightweight clothing that covers your skin. Taking these simple steps will keep your skin healthy and beautiful for years to come. Happy summer!

Acupressure for Anxiety

2009-05-31T10:57:00.007-04:00

I love showing people acupuncture points that they can use at home -- after all, I can't always be there with my needles when something happens and my patients need treatment! Over the years, I have taught people how to locate and use points for headaches, menstrual cramps, stomach pain, and many other common problems. In this post, I will discuss three of my favorite points for anxiety.

Yin Tang / "Hall of Impression" - This is a great point that many people already know through their practice of yoga, where is corresponds to the "third eye". It is located between your eyebrows, just above the bridge of your nose. To use acupressure on this point, simply press and gently massage with your fingertips. Try to focus on your breathing, keeping it slow and relaxed, while you enjoy the gentle pressure on the point. This point is great because it is easy to locate, easy to stimulate with acupressure, and extremely effective. Not only can it help calm you (quickly!) when you feel anxious, it is also great for frontal headaches (that is, headaches that you feel on your forehead, above your eyes) which can sometimes come along with anxiety and stress. This point is also very helpful if you have sinus or nasal congestion and insomnia.

Du-24 / "Courtyard of the Spirit" - This point is located just above Yin Tang, right inside your hairline. One of the classic (and more exciting) uses of this point is to treat "those who undress, climb to high places, and sing". For the average person who is feeling anxious or stressed, this point is effective because it is on the Du channel (also called the Governing channel), which has a close relationship with the brain and the spirit, as suggested by the name "Courtyard of the Spirit". Like Yin Tang, this point is also useful in the treatment of sinus congestion and certain types of headaches. To use this point, it is easiest to use your index or middle fingers to apply firm, gentle pressure. You can also use a small massaging motion on the point if that feels good to you. Breathe deeply and focus on the sensations you feel while pressing on the point.

Heart-8 / "Lesser Palace" - This acupuncture point is used for a wide variety of conditions, including urinary problems, throat pain, and pain and stiffness of the hand. I use this point all the time in my office to calm someone who feels anxious, agitated, fearful, or excessively worried. The easiest way to stimulate this point is to use the thumb on your opposite hand to firmly press the palm, right between the bones of the ring finger and pinky finger. Squeeze and hold this point for a couple of minutes, while you focus on your breath. You will probably feel some aching or distention in your hand when you press, which is normal and means you are in the right spot! This point is on the Heart channel, and the Heart channel is closely related to emotions, so when you stimulate Heart-8, you are regulating this emotional aspect of your body.

Here are some types of situations where you might find these points especially helpful:

stress related to travel - flying, stuck in traffic, stuck on the subway
difficulty sleeping because you are so stressed out and anxious
panicky sensations - feeling like your heart is racing, having difficulty breathing, sudden upset stomach due to strong anxiety
anxiety about upcoming situations - tests, stressful meetings, doctor appointments

These points can be very helpful for treating acute, relatively low-level anxiety. However, some people experience very strong anxiety on a regular basis; in these cases, more comprehensive acupuncture treatments, cstomized to your symptoms, can be more effective. If you are suffering from severe and chronic anxiety and would like to know how acupuncture can help you, please feel free to contact me.

Acupuncture for Depression - An Alternative to Medication?

2009-05-17T19:03:00.011-04:00

Before I started my acupuncture practice, I spent several years working in a clinic in the Bronx that treated anxiety and depression using medications. This turned out to be a really important experience for me because it allowed me to better understand how closely physical mental health are related.

Think about your own experience: Most of us have, at some point, gone through a period of feeling physically unwell (chronic pain, constant digestive problems, and so on) which, over time, gave way to depression, anxiety, anger, or frustration. The opposite experience is also common: Chronic depression or anxiety can be clearly linked with stomach problems like IBS, random aches and pains that appear to have no cause, constant headaches, or frequent colds.

My experience in the clinic in the Bronx showed me very clearly that there is a strong connection between our physical and mental states, and this has been a guiding principle in my acupuncture practice. Soon, I will write a blog post discussing anxiety from a Chinese medicine perspective, but in this post I will focus on depression.

When someone comes to my office complaining of depression, the first thing I want to know is how their depression manifests. Many of us just think of sadness as the main symptom of depression, but in reality, depression can show up in a lot of different ways. In addition to feeling sad or weepy, depressed people might say they feel angry, frustrated, "stuck", anxious, exhausted, "low", irritable, unmotivated, or hopeless. It is important to listen carefully to the words someone uses to describe the way they feel because, from a Chinese medicine standpoint, each of these words suggests something a little bit different about the person's depression. A depressed person who feels "frustrated" probably has a different cause of depression than someone who feels "weepy"; understanding these differences allows the acupuncturist to design a treatment that is appropriate for that person's symptoms.

One of the major causes of depression in Chinese medicine is stagnation of qi (energy). This is a broad category that has a few different subcategories, but the general idea here is that the person's vital energy and blood is not flowing or circulating properly. This can give rise to sensations of internal heat in the torso, or to hands and feet that are always cold. This person may feel angry or aggressive, and describe themselves as "moody". Women may have severe PMS or irregular periods. In cases of qi stagnation, we need to move qi and blood, and this can be done using acupuncture and herbs that specifically focus on the movement of these vital substances.

Another Chinese medicine explanation for depression may be the deficiency of a vital substance, such as yin, yang, qi or blood. Each of these substances plays an important role in the maintenance of optimum health, both physical and mental. If one of these substance becomes deficient (as a result of overwork, poor diet, prolonged grief, chronic illness, excessive drug use, or some other factor that has damaged the body's normal functioning), then there may be changes in physical and mental health. In this case, the acupuncturist's goal will be to increase or "supplement" the deficient substance using acupuncture and herbs. There may be dietary changes that can increase these substances as well.

Just as there may be too little of some substance in the body, there can also be too much. In these cases, there is an excess of qi, yin, dampness, or phlegm. These excesses can cause a clouding of the spirit. This is something we have all observed in others at some point: people with such excess may appear disengaged from their environment, fuzzy or foggy in their interactions with others, confused or withdrawn, exhausted, or "lacking in spirit". When someone has an excess of some substance causing these kinds of symptoms, the acupuncturist will try to gently clear away these substance, again using acupuncture, herbs, and dietary changes.

Depression may also be caused by an excess of heat or an excess of yang. These people tend to be easily agitated, angry, restless, and irritable. They may even be red in the face or have red eyes much of the time. This type of depression can result from long-term emotional stress and frustration, a diet of greasy and fatty foods, excessive alcohol consumption, and a lifetime of overthinking and worry. When someone presents with this kind of depression, the acupuncturist's goal is usually to clear heat from the body and calm the person's spirit.

Again, these are very broad and general explanations of depression in Chinese medicine. Everyone has a unique constitution and presentation of depression symptoms; the beauty of this medicine is that someone seeking help for depression can get a customized treatment that takes into account the causes and manifestations of specific symptoms. Acupuncture point prescriptions will be designed for each visit, taking into account changes since the last treatment, and herbal formulas can be created and modified as the condition changes.

I treat a lot of depression in my practice, often in people who are also taking Western antidepressants at the same time. I think these therapies can work very well together, and in most cases they can be safely and effectively combined. If you would like to read some testimonials from people who found acupuncture and / or herbs to be effective in treating depression, you can visit my website and read what Alex, Jessica, Catherine, A.H., and Sally have to say.

For information about the treatment of depression with acupuncture, you can check out these research articles, abstracts, and summaries:

A meta-analysis / summary of several clinical trials for acupuncture and depression
The classic NIH-sponsored study on acupuncture for the treatment of depression in women (opens as a PDF)
A summary of depression in women and its treatment in Chinese medicine, with data from the classic NIH study of acupuncture and depression (see especially paragraph 4)
Summary of a study on electroacupuncture for depression
Summary of a study on acupuncture and depression during pregnancy

Most importantly, please remember that depression is a highly treatable condition, whether you choose to use Chinese medicine, western medicine, other forms of medicine, or a combination. If you are suffering from depression, there are many treatments that can help you. If you would like to discuss how acupuncture and herbs can help you, please feel free to contact me.

Community Style Acupuncture - Low Cost Acupuncture in NYC!

2009-05-11T13:33:00.008-04:00

Back in October, I launched a new project at our Imperial Healing Arts office. The economy was in trouble, people were losing their jobs, and stress was at an all-time high. However, this did not mean that people's health problems went away - it just meant that more people were looking for a low-cost acupuncture option to treat their illnesses. I really wanted to figure out a way to serve those who needed acupuncture but felt strapped for cash. And then it hit me - group acupuncture hours!

For those who are unfamiliar with this model, group acupuncture, or Community Style Acupuncture (CSA) allows an acupuncturist like myself to provide low-cost, high-volume acupuncture. This means that I can see more than the usual 1-2 people per hour; instead, I am able to see up to 4 people at a time, which allows me to lower the cost for everyone making acupuncture affordable for more people. Plus, it creates a social environment of shared wellness for everyone involved.

But let's give credit where credit is due - this idea started with the great ideas of others. Lincoln Hospital in the Bronx runs the NADA clinic in a similar (though much larger-scale) style. Their clinic uses only acupuncture points in the ear to treat addictions. The NADA clinic has been open since the mid-80's, under the direction of Michael O. Smith, an acupuncturist and doctor. Meanwhile, on the other side of the country in Oregon, Working Class Acupuncture opened in 2002, to provide acupuncture treatment for a variety of conditions to those who could not afford private treatments, or for those who simply preferred a different healthcare model. These clinics were my inspiration for starting Community Style Acupuncture in my office in New York.

While I am not able to offer CSA on a large scale like NADA and Working Class Acupuncture, I am really excited about how things are going so far. People have enjoyed coming during CSA hours. Some people come alone, while others come with partners, siblings, and friends, and there is always the chance to meet someone new as well. You may choose to talk quietly, or to read or nap. There is a shared atmosphere of healing, which benefits everyone. And best of all, it allows people who might otherwise not be able to afford it to come for acupuncture treatment.

Some conditions are especially conducive to this style of treatment. For example:

anxiety, depression, stress, low energy
aches and pains (especially of the arms and legs)
headaches, migraines
cold / flu symptoms, allergies
digestive problems
respiratory problems
help with quitting smoking

Currently, I invite anyone who is a student, a recent graduate, or currently unemployed to join us for CSA. The CSA hours are Fridays, from 11:00 - 3:00, and an appointment is required. To learn more about CSA and low-cost acupuncture in my office, please visit my website's CSA page. I look forward to seeing you there!

Insomnia - Can Acupuncture Help You Get a Good Night's Sleep?

2009-05-03T20:10:00.006-04:00

If you look at this sleeping cat and think, "It has been a LONG time since I got a decent night's sleep!", you are not alone. According to the Mayo Clinic, insomnia affects about one-third of all adults at some point in their lives, and 10-15% of adults suffer from chronic insomnia. Insomnia is certainly something that comes up frequently in my office as a complaint - sometimes this is the main reason a person seeks acupuncture, and other times it is a secondary problem. Regardless, the message is clear: people have trouble sleeping in New York! The need for sleep drives people to try many things to help with their sleep problem: prescription drugs, exercise or meditation before bed, warm milk... Fortunately, acupuncture and Chinese herbs can help you, too!

In Chinese medicine, insomnia is generally associated with agitation of the spirit, or "shen". In healthy people, the shen controls mental function, such as intellectual processes, as well as more emotional and spiritual behaviors. The shen also governs consciousness and the ability to interact in normal and healthy ways with our surroundings. When your shen is nourished, rooted, and healthy, sleep comes easily. However, the shen is easily "disturbed", causing insomnia. These problems with sleep can occur acutely or chronically, depending on many factors.

One of the major causes of insomnia and shen disturbance is stress. This should come as no surprise to any of us: New York is a stressful place to live and there are many things that create frustration, resentment, anger, or other strong emotions throughout the day. Whether it is a disrespectful co-worker, a difficult family situation, or just a guy on the subway who really made you angry this morning, emotions of this nature can cause qi (energy) to stagnate. Often, people who are very worried, anxious, or depressed report difficulty sleeping as well. Again, this may be due to poor movement of qi throughout the body, or an excess of heat trapped in the body. Stagnant qi plus heat is a recipe for insomnia!

Luckily, we have acupuncture points and herbs that can help improve circulation of qi, clear excess heat, and settle the shen, which helps put the shen to rest and allows you drift easily into sleep (and stay there!). Your acupuncturist will ask you questions, look at your tongue, and feel your pulse to determine what factors are causing your insomnia, so that he or she can design a treatment that will help you. Here are some features of insomnia that will help your acupuncturist choose a treatment that is right for your condition:

How long has the insomnia been present? Did it start spontaneously or was it a reaction to some stressful or upsetting situation? Has this been a problem in the past?
Do you have trouble falling asleep? Staying asleep? Do you wake up too early in the morning, and then find yourself awake for the rest of the day?
Is there a particular time that you wake up in the middle of the night?
Do you remember your dreams? Are they wild, epic, frightening, technicolor?
Do you wake up feeling panicked or having heart palpitations?
Do you frequently feel hot, sweaty or feverish in the middle of the night?
Have you been feeling depressed, anxious, restless, agitated, or moody during the day?

Besides acupuncture and herbs, there are a few other things you can do to improve the quality of your sleep:

Routines are important! Try to go to bed at the same time each night, no matter what time you have to get up the next day. To prevent yourself from lying in bed and worrying about what you have to do tomorrow, make a list of all your to-do items before getting into bed.
Turn your clock away from you before you go to bed, and resist the urge to look and see how much time you have left until your alarm goes off. This constant checking of the time tends to create more anxiety and make sleep more difficult.
Avoid large meals and lots of fluids (especially caffeine) before bed. I have had several people who thought they had insomnia because they kept waking up in the middle of the night. After some probing, it turned out that they were waking up in the middle of the night because they had to go to the bathroom, or because they were having some mild acid reflux. Once they stopped eating and drinking before bed, the "insomnia" went away.
Try to reserve your bed and bedroom for sleeping. This is a tricky thing in New York because apartments are small, but do your best to avoid using your bed and bedroom for anything but sleeping, so that you only associate your bed with rest, sleep, and settling in for the night.
If you are lying in bed struggling to fall asleep, and a long time has passed with no sign of sleep, get up and go into another room. Again, this prevents you from associating your bed with anxiety and frustration. Leave the bedroom and read something calming (or boring!), or do some gentle restorative yoga poses (like child's pose or legs-up-the-wall). Only when you start to feel sleepy, return to bed.

Insomnia is very frustrating, but acupuncture and herbs are here to help you. If you have been suffering from insomnia, give acupuncture a try. Sweet dreams!

Obama (Briefly) Mentions Acupuncture!

2009-04-30T22:50:00.007-04:00

In a recent town hall meeting in Arnold, Missouri, an acupuncturist and massage therapist asked President Barack Obama how acupuncture and alternative medicine would fit into his new health care program. Here is a transcript of Obama's response, as reported on CNN.com (I have edited this slightly for space reasons - please read the full transcript using the above link):

QUESTION: My name's Mary Wallace. I'm a licensed acupuncturist and licensed massage therapist in Florissant. And so...

OBAMA: I could use one right now. My back's stiff. I've been working hard.

QUESTION: I'll be happy to help you. And -- and this kind of fits into what you were just talking about as far as health care. I'm wondering, as a practitioner of oriental medicine, knowing that the National Institutes of Health and the World Health Organization has discovered, through their studies, that alternative medicine often is more cost effective and very effective, how will alternative medicine fit in your new health care program?

OBAMA: Well, look, my attitude is that we should -- we should do what works. So I think it is pretty well documented through scientific studies that acupuncture, for example, can be very helpful in relieving certain things like migraines and other ailments or at least as effective as more intrusive interventions.

I will let the science guide me. You know, we just swore in an outstanding new secretary of Health and Human Services, Kathleen Sebelius, the former governor of Kansas ... she's going to do an outstanding job. And my charge to her is, as we're going through health care reform, let's find out what works. I think one basic principle that we know is that the more we do on the prevention side, the more we can obtain serious savings down the road.

So giving children early checkups, making sure that they get immunized, making sure that they are diagnosed if they've got eyesight problems, making sure that they're taught proper nutrition to avoid a life of obesity, those are all issues that we have some control over. And if we're -- if we're making those investments, we will save huge amounts of money in the long term.

Unfortunately, the hardest thing to do in politics and, certainly, in health care reform has been to get policy makers to make investments early that will have long-term payoffs ...

That's the logic of our health care system that we're going to have to change. The recovery package put a huge amount in prevention. We are, in our budget, calling for significant increases in prevention. And my hope is that working in a bipartisan fashion we are going to be able to get a health care reform bill on my desk before the end of the year that we'll start seeing in the kinds of investments that will make everybody healthier.

I cannot agree more. This is a difficult time in our economy and many people feel unsure about how to invest their money, but an investment in your health is always a smart decision. Acupuncture and other alternative medicine techniques can be very effective in preventing illness, and it is cost effective too, since it is relatively low-tech and non-invasive. Acupuncture is often very helpful for people who suffer from chronic or long term illnesses, and for those who have "tried everything". Let's hope that Obama is successful in incorporating alternative medicine therapies into his health plan - that will benefit all of us!

Back pain and acupuncture

2009-04-27T10:32:00.006-04:00

If you are like many New Yorkers, you do a lot of walking around and sitting in cramped subway trains. A history of back pain is the primary reason that I ended up seeing an acupuncturist, and ultimately decided to become an acupuncturist myself. (In an earlier post, I talked about my story and how I came to this wonderful medicine.) Acupuncture is relatively well-known for its usefulness in the treatment of back pain; the National Institutes of Health (NIH) found that at some point in our lives, back pain will affect up to 80% of us - that's a lot of uncomfortable people walking around! The NIH also concluded that when used as part of a comprehensive treatment plan, acupuncture can be quite effective in treating back pain.

In Chinese medicine, we have a couple of different ways that we diagnose and treat low back pain. In some cases, it may be a blockage of qi and blood flow through the channels (meridians) of the lower back. This can occur following an injury or accident, or may result from long term or chronic back pain that has been present for months or years. When qi and blood do not flow smoothly, there can be pain, which we address by moving qi and blood in the channels. We sometimes use the analogy of a river that has been dammed - where once there was free movement and flow, now there is stagnation because water cannot flow freely. In the process, debris like sticks and leaves may get caught in the river and further block the river's natural current. Over time, this river becomes more and more stagnant, and movement becomes increasingly impeded. To fix this situation, we must clear the blockage from the river; as soon as that happens, normal movement is restored. In Chinese medicine, we can do this through acupuncture, cupping, gua sha, and herbal treatments. On my website, I discuss these therapeutic methods.

Back pain can also result from a weakness of the yin and yang of the lower back. In Chinese medicine theory, the Kidneys, which are said to energetically give rise to yin and yang, may be taxed by overwork, excessive exercise, and other activities that drain their energy over time. (By the way, the Chinese medicine view of the role of the Kidneys is very different from the western medicine understanding of the role of the kidneys, which generally relates to urination and excretion. In a future post, I will address some of the differences between Chinese medicine organ function and western medicine organ function. Stay tuned!) In some cases, there may also be factors like excessive cold or heat trapped in the area. Your practitioner can assess the presence of these pathogens through questions, palpation of the area, looking at your tongue, and feeling your pulse.

Different people have different types of back pain, so your acupuncturist will ask you several questions to determine what type of low back pain you have so he or she can treat it appropriately. You might be asked thinks like:

What is the quality of the pain? (Sharp, stabbing, dull, achy, numb, tingly, heavy...)
What makes it better? What makes it worse? (Rest, activity, heat, ice, humidity, stretching, stress, medication...)
When and how did it start? (After an accident, after childbirth, after sleeping on your cousin's uncomfortable sofa bed, during a period of high stress...)

You will also be asked a number of questions about diet, lifestyle, sleep, temperature preferences and other factors that help your practitioner better understand your "constitution", or general makeup. All of this information, combined with your tongue and pulse assessment, will allow your practitioner to design a treatment that is specific to your back pain so that it can be treated effectively.

Because back pain is so common, there have been many research studies looking at the efficacy of acupuncture in the treatment of back pain. Here are just a few studies and abstracts from around the web:

from the University of Maryland Medical Center
from the Clinical Journal of Pain
from Oxford Journals Rheumatology

If you are suffering from back pain, you may want to consider acupuncture to help relieve your pain. If you have more questions about how acupuncture can help you, please feel free to contact me.

10 Conditions That Respond Well to Acupuncture

2009-04-12T18:04:00.011-04:00

People often ask, "Is acupuncture just for pain?" Far from it! Acupuncture is very effective for a huge array of conditions. Here are some conditions that my colleagues and I treat all the time, with very good results in many cases:

Anxiety and stress - New Yorkers are stressed out! Each week, I see quite a few people coming with anxiety and stress as their main complaint. Acupuncture can help calm the central nervous system, soothe anxiety, and decrease stress. Ear points can be especially helpful for anxiety and stress. We use acupuncture and herbs to calm the spirit, both in the short term and over time. Many people ask if they can do acupuncture and herbs while taking prescribed medication for anxiety; this is not a problem at all, although it is important that the herbalist check for possible herb-drug interactions before recommending Chinese herbs.

Depression and bipolar disorder - In a small study of women with major depression, the researchers found that acupuncture was helpful in treating the symptoms of depression. Acupuncture moves the qi (energy) which, when stagnant, can cause someone to become depressed. Depression is frequently accompanied by anxiety and a variety of physical symptoms, which also respond to acupuncture. I like to use essential oils to treat depression as well as acupuncture and herbs. Again, simultaneous treatment with prescribed medication is safe and can be very useful for people suffering from depression.

Insomnia - There are lots of reasons that we can't sleep, and acupuncture can be very effective in addressing most of them. Frequent or chronic insomnia is usually caused by some imbalance in the body which manifests with difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep. Acupuncture and herbs work to correct these imbalances so that you can sleep at night. I also like to discuss someone's daytime and nighttime routines, so that sleep is less of a struggle.

Infertility - There are different statistics out there, but some estimate that up to 10% of American women of childbearing age may have difficulty getting pregnant. Many of these women opt to use in vitro fertilization (IVF) or assisted reproductive therapy (ART), and there have been several studies showing that IVF or ART is significantly more likely to be successful if combined with acupuncture. This study on infertility is one of the more well-known - it indicated women who had acupuncture immediately before and after the IVF transfer had significantly higher rates of success with their IVF. Another option is for the patient to use acupuncture and herbs alone, without ART or IVF procedures.

Migraines and chronic headaches - Anyone who has ever had a migraine knows that it can ruin your whole day. Imagine having a migraine or a severe headache almost every day, as some people do. Migraines and headaches can be triggered by many factors, but there is often an underlying condition that allows them to happen frequently. Acupuncture and herbs can help correct these underlying factors, whether it is altered circulation of qi and blood to the head, a tendency towards excessive heat or cold, stress that leads to migraines, or some other factor. I have treated many people with chronic migraines and headaches, and I have had success in reducing or eliminating these headaches.

Pain of all kinds - There is a reason that everyone associates acupuncture with pain. Acupuncture is very useful in treating pain of all types: acute pain from accidents and injuries, chronic pain from long term conditions, pain in pretty much any area of the body... Back pain is a common complaint in my office; this is an abstract summarizing a study of acupuncture in people with chronic low back pain, where acupuncture appeared to be effective in relieving the pain. Acupuncture can also be a successful treatment for neck pain and shoulder pain. Some pain can be relieved through stretches and yoga, but other people may require more targeted treatment. I often use cupping, gua sha, and tui na to get good results in pain cases - you can read more about these techniques on my website.

Digestive problems - Sometimes we all run into a little digestive trouble, either from traveling, over-indulgence, or food poisoning. But some of us also suffer from chronic digestive problems such as constipation, frequent diarrhea, acid reflux, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), nausea, bloating, and more. Acupuncture and herbs can help "regulate the middle" - disharmony in the organs of digestion that needs to be corrected, and acupuncture is effective at doing this. I also spend lots of time talking about eating habits and helping people improve their food choices and dietary habits to optimize digestive health.

Allergies and asthma -This is a very common complaint as we move into allergy season in New York. A tendency towards these and other respiratory conditions suggests that the body's defensive qi is not protecting the body as well as we might like; acupuncture and herbs can help get your body's immunity back in check so that you can enjoy the outdoors without sneezing, sniffling, and watery eyes. In a recent blog post I cited some research studies about allergies and acupuncture, and discussed use of the neti pot as a way to keep your sinuses clear of allergens and other debris.

Yeast infections, urinary tract infections (UTI), pre-menstrual syndrome (PMS) and other gynecological conditions - This is a big area of treatment for me and for many acupuncturists I know. Acupuncture and herbs can help regulate the menstrual cycle when periods are irregular, reduce menstrual cramps, and improve mood around the period. There are herbal treatments that specifically target active yeast infections and UTI symptoms, and for those who suffer from frequent or chronic yeast or UTIs, we identify and treat the underlying condition that allows these symptoms to keep returning. I have had great success treating both chronic and acute yeast infections, using acupuncture, herbs, and diet and lifestyle modification.

Common colds and weakened immunity - Most of us get a couple of colds during the year, especially around the change of seasons. But some people seem to be sick more often than not! For these people, I recommend an herbal formula to take daily during especially germy times of the year (like now, for example!). We can also use acupuncture points, essential oils, and short-term herbs to address acute symptoms of colds. Most people who walk into my office with a cold walk out feeling significantly better. We also use different points, foods, herbs, and other Chinese medicine healing modalities to reduce fevers, which can greatly speed healing. For those who have weakened immunity due to a long-term illness, acupuncture and herbs can boost your body's ability to heal from, and fend off, germs and other disease-causing pathogens.

Of course, there are many more conditions that acupuncturists like myself treat every day. This just gives you a sampling of common conditions that generally respond well to Chinese medicine techniques. If you recognize yourself in one of these descriptions and would like to learn more about how acupuncture and herbs can help you, please feel free to contact me. Is there another condition that you want to know about? I am happy to answer your questions and let you know whether acupuncture can help you.

Allergies! Sinus pain! Springtime! Oh my!

2009-04-05T23:48:00.010-04:00

In my last post, I talked about how excited we New Yorkers are, now that it looks like spring is finally here. Longer days, warmer weather, and beautiful flowers (like these, which I photographed this afternoon) are the upsides of the change in seasons. But lately, I have had a lot of people come to my office complaining of allergies and pain or pressure in their sinuses. Can acupuncture help you with your seasonal allergies and sinus problems?

Multiple research studies have found that acupuncture and herbs are useful in the treatment of allergies and allergy symptoms. One study on hay fever, published in the European Journal of Allergy & Clinical Immunology, found that hay fever symptoms were reduced and quality of life increased for participants in the study who received active treatment with herbs and acupuncture. Another study, published in The American Journal of Chinese Medicine, found that among study participants who received acupuncture treatment, there was a reduction in allergy symptoms, both nasal and non-nasal, as compared with study subjects who received "sham" acupuncture treatment. Great news - there are beautiful flowers in bloom, so don't let your allergies get in the way of your spring fun!

Acupuncture can also be very effective for treating general sinus pain and pressure. One acupuncture point, Large Intestine 4, located on the hand, is known as the "Command Point of the Face", which means that it is very useful in treating disorders and pain of the nose, forehead, and cheeks. Since acupuncture and Chinese medicine are most effective when tailored to the needs of the individual, this point is combined with other points specific to your symptoms and your constitution. This customized point prescription, along with herbs, can be very helpful in reducing sinus pain and pressure.

Another great option for those who suffer from allergies and sinus troubles at this time of year is to use a neti pot. There have even been some research studies on neti pot use, such as this one published in the Wisconsin Medical Journal, looking at the effectiveness of a neti pot in treating allergies and asthma. For those who are unfamiliar with this technique, it involves pouring salt water through the nasal cavity to flush out accumulated mucus and bacteria, thus shortening the duration and severity of allergies and sinus symptoms. It's also great if you have congestion that just won't go away. While many people are initially put off by the idea of using a neti pot, those who have used it will tell you that they literally breathe easier when the neti pot is part of their spring routine. Around this time of year, I spend a lot of time encouraging my allergy patients to give the neti pot a try, and referring them to YouTube videos to learn the technique!

Are you suffering from allergies? Do you you want to enjoy the parks and walk in the spring sunshine, but worry that an allergy attack or sinus pain will ruin your fun? Acupuncture and herbs are a great way to address these symptoms. If you have more questions or want to ask how Chinese medicine can help you, feel free to give me a call. Happy spring!

Signs of Spring!

2009-03-29T23:34:00.013-04:00

Yes, there was snow just last week, but I think it's safe to say that spring is finally here in New York City! A few signs: people leaving old furniture and other items out on the street (suggesting spring cleaning), lots of robins hopping around the grounds of the New York Botanical Garden in the Bronx (including this one, which stayed still just long enough for my husband to take a picture), crocuses pushing their way up through the dirt, herbs and flowers suddenly for sale at our farmers' market... I think it's spring!

Spring is very important to acupuncturists because it symbolizes changes that take place in ourselves and our patients. After a long winter of bundling up and "hibernating", people are starting to feel more expansive, ready to leave their homes more often and experience the new weather. Like seeds that have been dormant since winter started, and like animals that hibernate through the cold months, people also come out of hiding around this time.

It may seem easy to adapt to the new weather, but there are some things you can do to make this transition easy on your body and your mind. Although it is tempting to wear open shoes and to leave your coat at home, remember that spring is often characterized by sharp changes in the weather. Keep your scarf handy, and wear it even if you trade in your winter coat for a lighter jacket. This helps protect your body (especially the back of your neck, which is very vulnerable to cold, windy weather than can make us sick) and keeps your body temperature stable, even when the environmental conditions fluctuate.

You can also start working more fresh fruits and vegetables into your diet. Strawberries, which gently detox the body, as well as scallions, asparagus, broccoli, cauliflower, mushrooms, and various dark leafy greens, are perfect for this change in seasons. In Chinese medicine, the color green corresponds to spring (this makes sense, if you think about all of the things that grow and bud and flower at this time of year), so work some fresh, cooked green vegetables into your diet, and know that you are eating in harmony with the season!

Spring also corresponds with the Liver, which governs certain aspects of both emotional and physical health. If the qi (energy) of the Liver has become "stuck" or stagnant during these months of staying indoors, you might feel an increased sense of anger, frustration, impatience, edginess, depression, or moodiness. Usually around this time of year, a lot of patients report that they feel "seasonally depressed" - they have been without sunlight and adequate time in the outdoors for too long, and it's taking a toll on their mood. This year was no exception, and I have found that acupuncture and essential oils have been quite effective in lifting people's spirits. Another way to move stagnant Liver qi is by gentle exercise. Take advantage of the change in the weather to go to the park and take a walk. You'll probably see lots of robins, too. Just remember to wear your scarf!

If you are struggling with seasonal depression, acupuncture may help you. Feel free to call or e-mail me if you would like to discuss this in more detail.

Stiff and Tense? The Two-Minute Stretchy Break!

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I spent the better part of this weekend working on my taxes. While this is never especially fun or relaxing, it served to remind me of the importance of self-awareness and movement when sitting for long periods of time. Many of us spend hours each day sitting at a desk or in front of a computer, with few (if any) breaks for movement. The result of this can be tension in the neck and back, pain in the shoulders, or eye strain and headaches. For those days when we need to stay still for long periods of time, what can we do to relieve the tension that builds up in our bodies?

The first (and perhaps most obvious) solution is to take frequent small breaks, preferably on a regular basis. This can be as simple as getting up from the desk and taking a little walk every hour -- just a stroll to the water cooler or restroom will do the trick. As you move, try to be aware of areas of tension that you might not have noticed before. Breathe into these areas, and feel them release. If you have the option to take some time during your lunch break, go for a short walk, eve if it's just once around the block. Does someone in your office need something delievered to another building or another office? Volunteer to be the messenger, and enjoy the chance to walk around for a few minutes. You might just go next door, but it can do wonders for your body and your mood!

You can also do small stretches at your desk -- take two minutes each hour to stretch your neck in different directions, raise your arms up over your head and reach them behind your back, or gently twist in your chair, looking over your shoulder. Another great stretch is to stay seated in your chair and gently hang forward, resting your hands on or near the floor and allowing your head to drop down. Stay like this, with your head down and loose, for a minute or so, breathing deeply into your back. Enjoy the gentle traction in your spine and the renewed flow of blood to your head! For additional stretches for a stiff neck, check out this blog post by my colleague, Joe Alban.

Eye strain is often a result of hours spent looking at a computer screen. This can lead to tension headaches, eye fatigue, and floaters or spots in the vision. A simple (and subtle) break here is to just close your eyes for a couple of minutes every hour or so. Chances are you can do this without any one even noticing -- just make sure you stay awake! You can also use your thumbs and fingers to gently massage the area all around your eyes, your temples, and the base of your skull.

Of course, sometimes neck pain, tension in the upper back, strain in the wrists or arms, and tension headaches can become chronic and more severe. In these cases, acupuncture can be a great way to release some of that tension. Acupuncture is very effective for circulating qi (energy) and blood around the body, which can greatly reduce tightness and discomfort. If you have been suffering from any of these symptoms for awhile, and the symptoms are not helped by gentle stretches and short breaks, you might consider acupuncture treatments to help get your body back to its stretchy, flexible state. For more information about how acupuncture can help with these kinds of problems, feel free to call or e-mail me.

How did you get into acupuncture?!

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There are a couple of questions that an acupuncturist gets asked over and over again. One is "Do the needles hurt?" (Usually there is minimal, if any, discomfort -- see a future blog post for more about this!) The second question that people always ask is, "How did you get into acupuncture anyway?" This is a reasonable question, since acupuncture and herbal medicine are still considered "alternative" medicine in the United States. This is changing quickly, but for now, people often end up at an acupuncturist's office because they have "tried everything else".

This was certainly my experience. During college, I was in a car accident which left me with several herniated discs in my low back. During the next two years, I sought out a variety of treatments to address the severe back pain and sciatica I felt on a daily basis. I tried yoga, chiropractic care, physical therapy, physiatry, muscle relaxants, anti-inflammatory drugs, codeine, and epidural steroid injections. None of these provided relief. Finally, I was told that there were no options left and that I would need to undergo an invasive surgical procedure to correct the herniated discs. This surgery would require about 8 weeks of recovery and bed rest, and was not even guaranteed to take away the pain. Needless to say, this was not an appealing option!

I went to visit my parents in upstate New York, and my father got me an appointment with one of his dental patients, an acupuncturist named Ric. Ric told me that since the pain was severe and chronic, it would likely require regular treatment to alleviate the pain. He told me that if I felt even the slightest improvement after my treatment, I should find an acupuncturist in New York and go for weekly treatment. I was slightly skeptical, but ready to try ANYTHING to avoid surgery.

I was surprised (and pleased!) by how easy and painless the acupuncture treatment was -- compared with the needles I was used to at doctors' offices, these were nothing! I felt mild tingling sensations or slight pressure at some of the points; at other points, I felt nothing at all. I left the office feeling hopeful...

The next day I woke up and noticed that I felt slightly better than I had the day before. Most notably, the sciatica seemed less severe. On Ric's advice, I contacted an acupuncturist named Kathleen in New York. She immediately started me on Chinese herbs, and I went for weekly acupuncture sessions. The pain gradually became less and less severe, and I became more and more hopeful about the possibility that I could avoid surgery and live my life without debilitating back pain and sciatica.

Meanwhile, throughout this Eastern and Western medical odyssey, I was working at Montefiore Medical Center in the Bronx, doing clinical trials to develop and test psychiatry medications. I loved working in healthcare, and I really enjoyed working with anxious and depressed patients. I felt that a career in healthcare would be perfect for me, although I wasn't really sure what I wanted to specialize in... and then suddenly it dawned on me -- I would go to acupuncture school! I would learn to practice the medicine that had helped me avoid back surgery and kept me fully functional and pain-free. I could incorporate my knowledge and experience with western mental health care into my Chinese medicine practice. I read about it and researched programs, and finally enrolled in school in New York City, where I completed my clinical training and earned a Masters of Science in Traditional Chinese Medicine.

I am often asked if I like being an acupuncturist, and I tell people that I think I have the best job in the world. I love treating such a wide variety of conditions (click here for a list of conditions that are commonly treated with acupuncture), and watching people improve is incredibly satisfying. For those who are skeptical, like I was, I tell them to give it a chance and see how effective (and pleasant!) treatment can be.

Are you "out of options" for a condition that you have had for months or years? Learn from my experience -- give acupuncture a try! Feel free to call me at (917) 596-6385, or e-mail Jessica@YunkerAcupuncture.com, if you would like to discuss a specific condition.

Welcome to my blog!

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Thank you for visiting my new blog. I have been planning to start a blog about acupuncture, herbs, and Chinese medicine for awhile, so this is exciting for me! I hope it will be interesting to you as well.

I have a few things I would like to accomplish with my blog. I am always thrilled when people want to learn more about the field of Chinese medicine -- I have found that people are very intrigued, but don't necessarily know how to find reliable information about acupuncture and herbs. I have also found that there are a lot of questions about exactly what it is that I do, so I would like to address some of these topics about my chosen career. I also want this blog to be a source of advice for simple things you can do to keep yourself healthy.

Finally, I want this blog to be a way for potential patients to get to know a little more about me and my practice of this medicine -- how I became interested in acupuncture, what a career in Chinese medicine is like, and some of the ideas and inspirations that influence my practice.

If you have questions about my practice or about acupuncture in general, or if you would like to set up an appointment, please feel free to call or e-mail me. I look forward to meeting with you!

Jessica I. Yunker