From the Desk of Ted RayIn spite of the severe weather going on across the country, it seems that we have been granted a reprieve from Mother Nature. It has been beautiful here and people are flocking outdoors to enjoy the springtime. That’s why I’ve dedicated April’s newsletter to allergies.On a different note, I know that not everyone who wants to come in and see me can afford it right now. That’s why we’re testing out a new program: Acupuncture Happy Hour!. We’re offering 20-min walk-in ear acupuncture treatments (no appointment necessary) in a casual group setting. Treatments are done sitting up in a chair. We’ll also provide herbal tea and relaxing music. Ear acupuncture is terrific because (like foot reflexology) you can treat almost any part of the body through the ear. What’s more, ear acupuncture is very relaxing and a perfect way to “hit the reset button” on a stressful day or week. Look to the sidebar of this newsletter for dates and times. -Ted Acupuncture: The Non-Drowsy Allergy TreatmentSpring is here and that means it's allergy season. If you're like many, your allergies have been worse than in previous years -- the erratic weather over the past few months has a lot to do with it. Fortunately, acupuncture can provide fast relief to sneezing and hay fever, and unlike most over-the-counter allergy medications, it won't make you drowsy.Acupuncture can treat a variety of symptoms -- sneezing, runny nose, headaches, sinus pressure, etc. From a Western perspective, this is achieved by boosting the body's level of natural antihistamines through increased circulation and regulated release of body chemicals. How effective is acupuncture for allergies? A study published in Allergy Magazine (September 2004) showed that subjects treated with appropriate acupuncture points (vs. sham points) experienced considerable improvement of their allergy symptoms. They also reported other common benefits of acupuncture: less stress and more energy. Herbal Spotlight: XanthiumIn addition to treating seasonal allergies with acupuncture, a complementary herbal prescription can keep the sneezing and hay fever away. In these cases, I often prescribe xanthium to alleviate nasal congestion and its associated problems (sinus pressure, sinus headaches, etc.). Xanthium is effective in clearing nasal passages, opening up airways and clearing out discharge even in people who suffer from severe chronic rhinitis. Xanthium is also known for its anti-inflammatory properties, making it useful for muscle issues and other aches and pains.Xanthium is a natural histamine inhibitor -- it reduces histamine production as opposed to blocking the receptors (anti-histamine) -- thus providing similar benefits to an antihistamine like Benedryl without side effects like excessive drowsiness. In my office I often prescribe Xanthium Nasal Formula from Golden Flower Herbs and also offer Querecetin and Vitamin C supplements from Pure Encapsulations.
Your Springboard to Good Health |
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Acupuncture Happy Hour!
Come join us for a 20-min Ear Acupuncture session. No Appointment Necessary |
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