From the Desk of Ted Ray:

Well, another year is coming to an end and it’s time to take a look at what went well and what could have been done better. Did you achieve your goals? If not, ask yourself why. Perhaps your goals sounded good, but weren't really in alignment with what's important to you. Whatever the case, you now have the opportunity to set new, realistic goals to move you towards your overall objectives around work, family, and health. 

What have you done well this year? This includes new skills learned, successes with your kids, new programs launched at work, or perhaps making it to the gym two or three days per week.  Now, imagine yourself a year from now: What will you have accomplished that you can feel really good about? If it makes you smile, it's probably a worthwhile goal.

As you approach holiday eating and 2008 goal planning, don’t focus on your limitations. Instead, visualize yourself eating healthily. Take time to plan your goals for 2008, clean out your file drawers, and complete unfinished business you've been putting off. You'll start the new year with a clean slate, free from distractions, and ready to achieve your goals. I wish you much success in the new year.

Acupuncture for Sciatica: More than Symptomatic Relief?

If you’ve ever experienced sciatica, you know what a pain it can be. Symptoms include aching or burning pain in the butt (medical term) and may include nerve-like pain down the back or side of the leg. Typically symptoms are worse on one side.

• Nerve root problems at the spine around L4 and L5
• Muscle tightness causing nerve compression

Though the pain feels serious, acupuncture can get to the root of the problem. Acupuncture relaxes the muscles pushing on the sciatic nerve, and reduces nerve inflammation by “turning off” the pain signals that are causing the pain. Usually 6-10 treatments address the bulk of the problem, but each person is different.

Herbal spotlight: Ginkgo Biloba

Some controversy exists in the medical community about whether Ginkgo can improve memory, but among those in the know (people with real clinical experience using this herb), it has many health improving benefits.

I use Ginkgo in my new Jet Lag Formula because it eliminates that foggy-headed feeling associated with long flights. More importantly, it offsets free-radical damage to the nerve cells in the brain. And, Ginkgo improves blood flow to the brain and extremities make it ideal for flying and for anyone with poor circulation.

Ginkgo is widely available in health food stores. I recommend the Gaia Herbs brand. Buy it as a liquid extract or liquid-filled capsule. Look for a standardized extract to 4 mg/ml Flavone Glycosides. Follow the recommended dosage on the bottle.

Ted Ray, L.Ac.
Mountain View, CA 94040
Ph: 650-564-9002
info@peninsulaacupuncture.com

Peninsula Acupuncture is a patient-focused clinic offering a full range of Traditional Chinese Medical techniques including acupuncture, herbs, cupping and tui na.

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