July 2009
From the Desk of Ted RaySummer is here and it's time for some much needed vacation from work and from the constant barrage of bad news on the economy. This month I'm covering back pain and goji berries. Read, enjoy, and call me with any questions. As always, I really appreciate your referrals of friends and family to my practice.Have a great summer! Ted Ray Back Pain: Diagnosis and TreatmentBack pain is a nasty adversary that we all eventually face, whether it be a sports injury, nagging ache, or chronic pain. The good news is that acupuncture can provide relief to just about every situation.As back pain can come from many different things (tense muscles, slipped disk, whiplash), the prescribed acupuncture treatment ranges greatly. I often start with the following areas for an initial back pain diagnosis: -Inflammation: Inflammation can be key causes of back pain. Acupuncture acts as an anti-inflammatory by stimulating native healing chemicals, including cytokines (molecules that expedite the body's immune response). -Circulation: When muscles constrict, circulation decreases, thus fatiguing the rest of the body and limiting muscle flexibility and stamina. With appropriate needle placement, acupuncture promotes healthy circulation to loosen tense muscles for relief of back pain. -Stress: The more stress we feel, the tighter we unconsciously hold our muscles. By using acupuncture to relax the mind through endorphin release and other methods, we can release tension in the muscular system. The final verdict can be any combination of those three issues or something else entirely. If you feel unsure about why you have back pain, contact me and I will help you find the root of the problem. Herbal Spotlight: Goji BerriesGoji berries have recently been the victim of corporate marketing hype. It's easy to get caught up in this with media outlets claiming goji berries as an anti-cancer miracle food. I like to stick with the facts: goji berries have plenty of positive benefits, and studies are being performed to test their anti-cancer properties, but businesses will say anything to sell supplements.What do we know? Studies show that goji berries can effectively bolster the immune system. Goji berries contain high volumes of polysaccharides, vitamin C, and zinc -- all known immune system boosters. Vitamin C and zinc are anti-oxidants, promoting healing and normal body functions while polysacharides help expedite cell communication, leading to a stronger natural healing response. I also prescribe goji berries for intestinal/digestive disorders, allergies, and general well being. You can find processed goji berry supplements on many store shelves but I prefer to use a purer extract for greater efficacy.
Your Springboard to Good Health |
CONTENTS
JULY EVENTS:
Ear Acupuncture
Come join us for a 20-min Ear Acupuncture session. |
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