Weblog

Low Back Pain

Sun, 25 Apr 2010 12:25:20 -0400

What a beautiful Spring weekend it has been!
We’ve been outside all day, getting lots of sun and lots of stuff done. (Ironically, this includes chopping wood for next winter). Fortunately, I was able to get out there & do it. I say this because my back has been really hurting. Two weeks ago, as I bent over to pick up something about the size and weight of a roll of paper towel, I felt a bolt across my low back and it knocked me right to the ground.
Everyone I know has had some kind of back pain. According to the National Institutes of Health, Low Back Pain is the second most common pain complaint in the country and Americans spend over $50 billion (B!) a year treating it.
There are many reasons that so many people suffer with back pain: Jobs that strain the back, poor posture, structural changes like pregnancy, exercise (or lack of), scoliosis, age, bad lifting habits, …and the list goes on. Our low back is the proverbial foundation that supports us, so almost all movement challenges it. For some people, just a little too much stress will send tension and pain right to their low back (a dubious alternative to headaches and stomach pain).
Back pain is known by many names including sciatica, degenerative disc disease, fibromyalgia and lumbago. Yet while the back’s structure is unique, the issues are the same as with any type of joint pain. These are
Structural changes like a bulging disc or a change in the shape of the vertebra
Inflammation caused by the bodies attempt to repair damaged tissue
Muscle spasm which reduces excessive movement and keeps you form positions that make things worse.
Even though these are all ways your body tries to heal itself, they contribute to pressure on nerves…. which hurts.
How does Traditional Chinese Medicine help?
From a traditional Chinese medical point of view, health and vitality comes from an abundance of Qi that flows smoothly through you body. Pain always occurs when Qi gets stuck.
Simple.
Why it gets stuck is the big question. If you think of the Qi pathways like rivers, water flowing along them can blocked by a dam (like a disc bulge pressing on a nerve), slowed because of debris (muscle tension), or perhaps there isn’t enough to flow properly because of drought (age or degeneration). Working with this equation of strength and circulation is one of the hallmarks of TCM. It allows us to address the immediate concerns of acute low back pain, while understanding the causes that can lead to chronic conditions. Through Acupuncture, herbal medicine and a variety of other techniques, we
•Relieve pain
•Reduce muscle spasm and inflammation
•Support the body’s innate ability to heal itself
Studies have shown that Acupuncture itself can provide relief by stimulating the release of naturally occurring pain killers. It is also believed to stimulate the nervous system and in turn, the way the brain registers pain signals. By breaking the cycle of pain perception and response, we can provide fast relief and quicken healing time.
To look or not to look
One of the questions that my patients with back pain wrestle with is whether or not to go to their General Practitioner and get images (x-ray, MRI, etc.) of their back. We all have the occasional, irrational fear that if our Doc tells us that XY & Z are wrong, then they get to call the shots on how to treat it. I personally tend to advocate getting the pictures, especially if the pain is either ongoing, really bad or we can’t figure out the reason. On the one hand it may seem excessive and unnecessary, especially if you are committed to avoiding scary stuff like surgery and the information will do little to change the course of treatment. That said, getting a baseline image can be a good idea. That way we know what’s going on, and if things get bad again 10 years from now, we can see how they have changed.
What you can do
A lot of what helps my patients get and stay out of pain are the things that they can do themselves.
Food – Proper nutrition is key! Especially when pain is acute, it is a good idea to stay away form excessive amounts of salts, sugars and processed food. These contribute to inflammation which slows healing, as well as weight gain that puts even more strain on the back. This isn’t the time for comfort food.
Stretch – Any time can be stretch time, especially if you are exercising or doing something strenuous. Also, if your body is changing gradually (as in pregnancy) or suddenly (like a twisted ankle) stretching your whole body can prevent injury and pain from your body compensating. If you sit at a desk all day, get up at least every half hour and stretch a little, even if only for 60 seconds.
Ice & Heat – If you ask a dozen people about ice vs. heat, six will say one thing, and six’ll say the other. The general rule is Ice on acute injuries and warmth for chronic conditions. At the end of the day though, it’s about what gives you relief. For more on Ice and heat, click here.
Stress – It is no mystery that emotions play a role in how we manage pain. For some, when they are not feeling strong emotionally, their back reflects it by not standing tall physically. Wherever you find yourself in the mind-body conversation, it is generally agreed that the less stressed you are, the less likely you are to hurt yourself and more likely to heal quickly. If you are interested in finding out more about how back pain may be influenced by emotional stress, I recommend John Sarno’s Healing Back Pain.
Proper body mechanics – Whether you are a physical therapist or a paper pusher, any kind of work can put a strain on your back. Make sure your posture is straight, and consider ways to change your work environment to be more supportive.
Exercise – In my practice, poor muscle tone accounts for more low back problems than over-exercising. Keeping your back strong is a basic, but abdominal strength is equally important. Pilates made “core-strength” a household term, but there are lots of ways to develop it that don’t involve leaving your house.
I particularly like the Swedish Exercise Balls. They are cheap, and the workouts on them run from super simple and easy to really challenging. Go to exerciseballworkouts.net for lots of information on how to fit yourself and use one.

Gong Hay Fat Choy - happy new year!

Sun, 14 Feb 2010 09:48:52 -0500

This week my wife Jill and I a breaking new ground by blogging about the same topic as we say goodbye to the Year of the Ox and welcome in the Year of the Tiger.

The Chinese New year is based on the lunar calender so this year new year begins on February 14th. An animal is associated with each year and it is said to impart characteristics on people born under it's sign.

Tigers are known for their bravery, power and ferocity. Tigers (and people born in the year of the Tiger) are admired for their prowess and independence. Like your cat at home, tigers enjoy being the center of attention and let you know when it's too much, or if they disagree. This makes Tiger people ready to speak out against injustice and wrong action. They are fearless, tenacious and self assured - but they may also be impulsive and take risks, making them bold business people.

As well as being a time to celebrate renewal with friends & family, this is a time to eat! Food plays an important part of the new year's festivities and is rich with symbolism. Longevity, abundance, happiness and other hopes for the years are all captured in different foods - long noodles for a long life for instance. In our house today we are getting a jump on the festivities with homemade Almond Cookies. The cookies, which traditionally have a single almond in the center are said to resemble coins and symbolize prosperity. After exploring a few traditional recipes Jill and I decided to devise our own healthier version. We swapped white flour for whole grain, sugar for maple syrup and eggs for almond butter. Here is the recipe we used.

Almond Cookies (Yes, they’re vegan!)
I cup whole wheat pastry flour
½ cup spelt flour
½ cup almond flour
1 tsp baking soda
¾ tsp sea salt
¼ tsp ground cardamom
1 cup almond butter
1 cup maple syrup
1/3 cup olive oil
1 tsp almond extract
½ cup slivered almonds

Preheat the 350 degrees
Mix the dry ingredients together. This includes the whole wheat flour, spelt flour, almond flour, baking soda, cardamom and salt.

In a separate bowl mix together the wet ingredients. This includes the almond butter, maple syrup, olive oil and almond extract.

Pour the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients and mix lightly until just combined.

Put into the refrigerator for half an hour to firm up.

Drop heaping tablespoons full of dough onto a parchment lined baking sheet

Press down with a fork to make little ridges

Press the slivered almonds into the cookies to decorate

Bake for 10 minutes being careful not to overcook because without the usual butter and eggs these cookies are much healthier but can get dry.

When to Use Ice and Heat for Injuries

Thu, 28 Jan 2010 20:40:50 -0500

I treat a lot of athletes and performers in my practice and a really common question I hear is whether to ice or heat an injury. It’s one of those things that if you ask a dozen people, six will tell you one thing and half a dozen will tell you something else. There is no absolutely right answer but there are guidelines that can help you feel better and get back in the game. Here is the logic behind both answers.
First the caveat: as a rule of thumb, practitioners of Chinese medicine will almost always default to heat therapy. Our reasoning is that life is a “warm” process. Growth, development, and healing all require heat. Movement especially requires warmth. That is why you warm up before a workout and not ice your muscles down. When you apply cold, your Qi, like syrup in the refrigerator becomes thick and viscous and doesn’t circulate as smoothly. Warm it up, and like syrup on warm pancakes, whoosh!

So why would someone ever apply ice?
When you sustain an injury, there is local swelling from tissue damage as well your body’s
inflammatory response, which includes sending extra blood and body fluids to the injury site to
• Provide healing materials
• Carry out damaged tissue
• Splint the area so you don’t move it

In the earlier stages of healing this inflammation is so profound that it actually becomes obstructive and this is when we look to cool things down. Ice arrests the swelling and it slows nerve firing which reduces the pain.
Typically this period lasts from 24 to 72 hours after an injury, though it can be longer depending on the severity.

Early stage injury management is commonly remembered with the acronym RICE
• Rest (minimize movement of the injured body part)
• Ice (reduces inflammation and pain)
• Compression (light pressure can minimize swelling)
• Elevation (raise the body part up so that the pressure from the blood and tissue swelling the affected area is reduced as
the fluids drain from the area by gravity)

Unless you have a cold gel-pack sitting in your freezer, my favorite way to apply cold to injuries is to use bags of frozen peas. They are manageable and easily conform to joints that are prone to injury.

After the initial stage of an acute injury, you can begin to apply warmth (as in warm, be careful not to burn yourself) to promote circulation. If however the injury shows clears signs of inflammation, is warm to the touch or is red, hold off on the heat as it may be more irritating than helpful.

Heat applications are also appropriate before a workout or performance for
chronic injuries and pain, especially when it is muscles that are involved.

When it comes to heat application, I really like hot water bottles, especially for the back. There are also the flax seed pillows that can be warmed up in your microwave work and well for smaller areas (they can often be thrown in the freezer for cooling too).
Heat, like ice can be applied in 15 minute increments every few hours to sooth aches and promote circulation.

Chinese medicine is powerful therapy for traumas of all kinds. We have a range of techniques for managing injuries that go well beyond ice and hot pacs. But if you don’t have your linaments or can’t get in, these guidelines can help get you on the road to recovery faster.

The Apprentice

Mon, 14 Dec 2009 16:17:43 -0500

Had another great day on Saturday working with Maija. She is a Student at Ichabod Crane High School in Valatie, NY. As part of their Anatomy and Physiology class, ICHS students are required to fulfill an internship outside of school. Maija found her way to my Chatham clinic and it has been a fantastic time having her around these past few weeks. She accompanied me in the treatment rooms so she was able to get some first hand clinical experience (a breath of fresh air that my patients really enjoyed : )). We also spent a good chunk of time talking about A & P from both a Chinese medical and a conventional point of view. As we discussed where the two dovetailed and where they were different, she really got it. By the time it was all done she was diagnosing patients like a pro.
I would definitely do this again and encourage everyone to get in touch with their local High School and find out if any of their programs are looking for mentors. It’s really rewarding!

Care for Veterans

Sat, 5 Dec 2009 18:34:28 -0500

Since the beginning of the year, I have been treating veterans free of charge. Recently I had the chance to speak with Rich Kraham of The Chatham Press about the healthcare issues servicemen and women face upon their return home.

TCM and the Causes of Prostate Cancer

Mon, 30 Nov 2009 16:57:53 -0500

One of the strengths of Chinese medicine is our ability to discern patterns that set the stage for illness. Even when two people have the same diagnosis, the factors that led to their condition are complex and unique. These can include nutrition, lifestyle, constitution, family history, and so on. When we recognize these patterns, we are better equipped to address the cause of disease and achieve the best possible outcomes .

Here are the ways that Traditional Chinese Medicine thinks about the conditions that accompany Prostate Cancer. Of course, we all have some of these signs and it doesn’t mean that we are on track for developing prostate cancer. However if we can see where our health program can use a little help, we are more likely to effectively prevent illness.

Qi Stagnation and Blood Stasis
What it means
Qi and Blood are primary substances in the energetic system of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). They are like the wax and the wick of a candle: distinct but dependant on one another as they come together in unity. When one or both of the become blocked, the organs and tissue that they supply can become congested and inflamed.

What it looks like
This is the person who gets wound up easily. They are easily agitated and irritable 9reflecting the Qi stagnation) but may also have tenderness and pain in specific areas including genital region (idicative of blood stasis). There may be a red/purple complexion, and there may painful ejaculation or urination.

It can lead to prostate cancer by
interfering with the circulation of energy and nutrients to tissues. When this happens, normal function is interrupted and can lead to the development of abnormal cells.

Tips for prevention
Because stagnation is at the heart of this pattern, promoting circulation is key. This often means stress reduction, exercise that encourages movement instead of just power-building. Limit excessively spicy food, caffeine, alcohol and sugar. Incorporate lots of fresh veggies.
burn yourself out. A healthy well balanced diet will help replenish energy.

Damp Heat
What it means
In TCM we talk about Dampness and Heat as two of seven disease-causing factors. Dampness, like humidity in the air, can slow activity and lead to the accumulation of body fluids. Heat in turn can “cook” these fluids, thickening them and creating even more obstruction.

What it looks like
Feeling restless but weighed down?, Frequent, sometimes burning urination, a sense of heaviness in the lower abdomen and entire body reflect this pattern. There is often a history of urinary infections, yellow thick semen and thick tongue coat with a sticky taste in the mouth.

It can lead to prostate cancer by
creating obstruction and inflammation, disrupting organ function and damaging the fluids of the prostate.

Tips for prevention
Limit rich, fatty, foods and get rid of the overly processed junk food. Exercises that encourages movement of the lower body without increasing pressure – such as yoga or tai chi – are helpful.

Qi & Blood Vacuity
What it means
As the essential elements of the energetic picture described above, when Qi & Blood become depleted, they are unable to provide the energy for the prostate to function properly. Whether it is our whole body or an individual organ, the abundance of energy is as important as it’s smooth and harmonious flow.

What it looks like
“Tapped out” is the hallmark sign here - fatigue that gets worse with minimal exertion. The man may feel cold, have poor digestion and a weak immune system. If his night vision is getting worse and his complexion is more pale than usual, he may not be producing enough good nourishing blood.

It can lead to prostate cancer by
failing to provide the prostate with the vital substances it needs to work properly and stay healthy.

Tips for prevention
Make time to rest and not burn the candle at both ends,…all the time. Eat regularly, though smaller frequent meals may be the best way to go.

Yin Vacuity
What it means
Yin and Yang create the balance that supports health. Yin is like the shady side of a mountain and Yang is the sunny side. When the Yin becomes weak, the moist, cooling element it represents is unable to keep the Yang heat in check and this can lead to disease.

What it looks like
Yin naturally depletes over time but some men are more predisposed to this pattern than others. There will be premature ejaculation, an aversion to heat, a preference for cooler drinks, low back pain, premature gray and loss of hair. Flush easily, wake easily, sense of heating up easily, especially in the hands and face, inability to stay still or feeling ungrounded, dizziness, ringing in the ears.

It can lead to prostate cancer by
not providing the prostate with necessary moisture and cooling, leading to a further damage to fluids and dysfunction of the organ.

Tips for prevention
Avoid excessively spicy foods and alcohol, stay hydrated and when it comes to exercise, take care to pace yourself and not burn out.

As we can see, the first two patterns have too much of something (stagnation and accumulation) and the next two have too little (vital energy). In TCM, this kind of distinction is one of our hallmarks. This allows us to treat the individual patient and not just the disease or syndrome they are labeled with.

I have found that the combination of Eastern and Western medicine offers my patients the best results: diagnosis with conventional medicine of the presence of cancer, combined with Chinese medical pattern identification that recognizes the greater landscape of the person’s health. Even when radical treatment is called for (such as surgery, radiation, etc.), Chinese and conventional medicine can work much better together than on their own.

The Colors of Prostate Health

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 17:37:00 -0500

The Colors of Prostate Health

The old adage “You are what you eat” is certainly true when it comes to prostate cancer where there are clearly identified links with nutrition. There are things we have no control over, such as age and changing hormones, that affect the prostate. However eating is something we can control and eating habits make a big difference.

The lowdown on free radicals
People talk a lot about free radicals, oxidative stress and their contribution to disease. Here is how it works.
Oxidation is a normal process in our bodies. Oxygen atoms contain two electrons (stay with me here) and through normal activities these electrons sometimes split from each other and roam “freely”. The problem is that the electrons can then begin radical chemical reactions with other atoms, causing damage to tissues and organs. This is what leads to the development of abnormal cells. Cancer. Your body has a sophisticated defense system that keeps this process in check, eliminating free radicals and removing damaged cells. However when it’s ability to deal with, stress, infection and inflammation (all causes of oxidation) is burdened, making sure to get foods rich in anti-oxidants is even more important. Of course you can take anti-oxidant supplements, but everybody agrees that the best way to get nutrients is through a rich variety of fresh, whole foods.

The Feng Shui of food
For centuries, Chinese medicine has advocated including a wide variety of colorful foods in your diet. By eating a broad range of foods you are letting nature provide you with important nutrients that contain antioxidants and help counteract the damage of oxidation.
Here is a breakdown of foods by color and sources of these important antioxidants that sweep up free radicals.

Red
Tomatoes, Watermelon, Pink Grapefruit
All of these contain lycopene, one of the most studied anti-oxidants in the fight against prostate cancer. Many studies have shown it to be a powerful neutralizer of free radicals and diets rich in tomato products lower risks for many types of cancer. Interestingly, isolated lycopene supplementation has not proven to be as effective as getting it from whole food sources such as tomato soups, sauces and even ketchup.

Red/Purple
Grapes, Pomegranate, Plums, Berries
Anthocyanins are the compounds that give these fruits their distinctive color (wine too!). They provide protection for cell membranes against oxidative stress and support healthy blood vessels. Their anti-inflammatory effects also help regulate cell wall permeability and neutralize enzymes that destroy connective tissue.

Brown
Walnuts, Peanuts, Pecans, Wheat, Rice
The apha-tocopherol (a type of vitamin E) found in nuts and seeds have been shown in studies to significantly reduce the risk and development of prostate cancer .

Orange Yellow
Oranges, Nectarines, Peaches, Papaya
These fruits contain another carotenoid, Beta-Cryptoxanthin, which is also a source of vitamin A.
Beta-Cryptoxanthin is linked to the expression a gene that helps protect cells from becoming cancerous.

Yellow Green
Avocado, Collard Greens, Green Peas, Spinach Here you will find abundant lutein, which is another carotenoid. Lutein intake is strongly linked to reduction of macular degeneration but there is increasing evidence that it may benefit the prostate gland, when combined with lycopene yielding foods.

Green
Broccoli, Brussels Sprouts, Kale, Bok Choy
These Cruciferous vegetables help boost the immune system in a variety of ways. They are packed with vitamins and minerals that help hormonal regulation, and they contain compounds that help disrupt the growth and division of cancer cells. They are also believed to help eliminate carcinogens before they damage DNA.

Keep it colorful!
Synergy of nutrients is an important part of any diet. Vitamins minerals and other compounds are invariably more bio-available when they are in a whole food, rather than in the form of an extracted “active ingredient”. What’s more, these nutrients often work best when they are combined among different foods. So when you are considering the veggies to go with dinner, it is better to combine a variety than to eat a lot of just one.

As the Mo Grows

For those of you who don't know, it is Movember and for the last three weeks I have been growing a Mo, a moustache to raise money for the fight against prostate cancer. Me & the Mo have gotten an array of reactions including this one: I recently ran into a patient I hadn’t see in a few months. After talking about the Movember event, she was very supportive of the cause and my new stylin’ . As we were parting though, the truth came through as her enthusiasm for the campaign was tempered with “You’re not going to keep it, are you?”

Busted, her friend said. We all laughed at the dilemma. The support has been great though and I am so thankful to everyone who has contributed.

There will be over 190,000 new cases of prostate cancer in the U.S. this year. The beneficiary groups of Movemeber, LIVESTRONG & The Prostate Cancer Foundation, are doing great work to help fight this disease.

Please help them and sponsor me by clicking here. Every little bit makes a difference.

Thanks for all your support,

Noah

Nutritional Supplements for Prostate Health

Sun, 15 Nov 2009 14:51:07 -0500

Mo' Movember
For those of you who don't know, it is Movember and for the last two weeks I have been growing a Mo, a moustache to raise money for the fight against prostate cancer. It's something I never thought I'd do but it's actually been fun. Many of you have seen it and the responses have most often been inappropriate for childrens' ears. The support has been great though and I am so thankful to everyone who has contributed.

There will be over 190,000 new cases of prostate cancer in the U.S. this year. The beneficiary groups of Movemeber, LIVESTRONG and The Prostate Cancer Foundation, are doing great work to help fight this disease. Please help them and sponsor me by clicking here. Every little bit makes a difference.

Thanks for all your support,

Noah

Continuing the focus on prostate health this month of Mo-vember, we turn to over-the-counter supplements. Many of my patients use nutritional supplements and vitamins to maintain their health, prevent disease and treat specific health conditions. There are many supplements which can be used by men who are concerned about their prostate health, whether it be prostatitis or prostate cancer. As we have said previously, prostatitis (prostate inflammation) does not necessarily lead to prostate cancer, but prostate cancer is commonly accompanied by inflammation. With this in mind, here is an abbreviated list of supplements that have been shown to support prostate function.

Remember, supplements are just that: supplements. They are not a replacement for whole foods and do not make up for a poor diet. Fruits and vegetables are rich sources of mixed vitamins, minerals, antioxidants in combinations that cannot be duplicated in most supplements. A natural, colorful diet remains the best way to ensure you receive a well balanced set of key nutrients.

As is often the case, there are more “helpful” supplements than may be reasonable to take. If nothing else, a good Multivitamin is never a bad thing. Brands I like are Sun (because they make a great product without inflating the price) and Pure Encapsulation who have a broad range of specialty supplements to meet an individual’s needs. Beyond that, discuss with your health care practitioner which of these or any other supplements are most appropriate for you.

There are two important things to remember when considering supplements. First, dosage is a big factor. Some compounds that are good for us in moderate amounts can be harmful in larger amounts. More is not necessarily better.
Second is that many supplements that help maintain prostate health do not by definition treat prostate cancer. The best medicine is prevention.

Black Cohosh
studies have shown that this root may decrease prostate cancer cell proliferation. Since elevated testosterone levels are implicated in prostate cancer, the estrogen-like properties of Black Cohosh may keep them in check.

Flaxseed
Flaxseed is a very concentrated source of phytoestrogenic compounds called lignans. Flaxseed also contains alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) a building block of omega-3 fatty acids that reduce free radicals. One study of patients awaiting prostatectomy showed that supplementation with flaxseed showed significant reduction in certain hormones that are considered prostate cancer biomarkers.

Folate
Folate is a vitamin of the vitamin B complex. Used for its role in DNA sythesis and repair, it is inversely associated with cancer risks.

Shitake
Shitake mushrooms (one of my favorites!) contain a compound called lentinan.
One clinical trial studied the effectiveness of lentinan in 69 patients with advanced prostate cancer. While all of the patients received hormonal therapy and chemotherapy, patients who also received lentinan had significantly longer survival times overall and at five years.

Lycopene
Lycopene is an antioxidant found abundantly in tomatoes. One clinical trial suggested that preventative use of lycopene supplements reduces the spread of localized prostate cancer. Diets rich in carotenoids like lycopene are generally associated with a decreased risk of certain types of cancers.

Saw palmetto
Used commonly to help reduce the urinary symptoms that accompany benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH). Among its actions, actions Saw Palmetto inhibits the conversion of testosterone which is associated with
prostate enlargement.

Selenium
Selenium acts as on anti-oxidant to fight free radicals. Clinical trials have suggested that selenium supplements reduce the overall risk of cancer as well as the number of deaths due to cancers including prostate cancer by slowing tumor growth rate.

VITAMIN E
While there is inconclusive evidence that vitamin D reduces the overall risk of prostate cancer among the general population, one large study found a significant risk reduction among men who smoke or had quit.

Zinc
Known for its antioxidant properties, Zinc is commonly used to prevent and treat the common cold. It also helps to protect DNA from damage and assists in its repair. Zinc is especially important in the prostate and may protect it from early damage that could lead to cancer.

Veterans’ Day

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 17:26:08 -0500

On a bright May morning I step outside with one of my patients to see how the spring weather is shaping up. He glances at another patient’s license plate and recognizing a fellow veteran blurts out “Oh, there’s an old tin can you don’t see too often”. I have just enough grasp of the lingo to understand what’s going on: my patient, a veteran of World War 2 is recognizing a brother.
This takes me off guard for a moment here in the parking lot of my clinic where I go out of my way to maintain visitors’ privacy. It really shouldn’t come as a surprise to me though. Since the beginning of the year, I have been treating veterans in my Acupuncture clinic, free of charge. License plates are just another one of the ways they have of spotting each other.
War is something I have been fortunate enough to not see up close in my life. Despite the coverage, the images, and the statistics, I haven’t been there, so I don’t really get it. But, as my wife says, service is service. While some wars have been more dividing and controversial than others, all veterans have offered themselves in ways most of us can’t understand.
Numbers from the Veterans Administration are sobering. There are over 24 million vets in the United States. Last year over 6 million of them sought treatment at VA clinics and over 3 million were receiving disability benefits. So while navigating the healthcare system is a challenge for anyone, and even though the VA is doing it’s best within it’s budget, is it any wonder that when you ask a vet whether he or she is receiving adequate mental and physical health benefits, the answer too often is a resounding “No”?
The ways I have gained from offering free acupuncture to vets are innumerable. First, I think I’m helping a couple of people with acupuncture who might not have gotten it any other way, and that feels good. I also get to hear stories from people who have had experiences that I haven’t. There are also the quirky expressions of gratitude, like one patient who brings me baklava each visit for my efforts. And then there are those moments like that one in the parking lot.
The patient I was walking with got home, went online and found an image of the other guy’s boat. He made a copy and left it for him at my front desk. This is beautiful I thought. This is the kind of identification and camaraderie that transcends time and personal affect. One sailor saw another’s car and in effect said, “yeah I know him”. As a former Paramedic I can relate a bit, in that ever July I go to a reunion that meets behind Harlem Hospital. A lineage of Paramedics and EMTs that goes back over thirty years migrates home from all over the country to stand on common ground. Even if it’s the only thing we have in common, it shaped our lives. Seeing this between my patients makes me happy.
The Holidays are upon us. This is a good time of year to consider how you or your business might support vets, whatever your politics. You don’t have to love war, but love people.

Prostate Cancer and Fatigue

Sun, 8 Nov 2009 21:15:59 -0500

A very common side effect of treatment that my Prostate Cancer patients have is fatigue. It can range from mild to severe and affect everything they do. Unlike the average tiredness and fatigue we all feel at some point, fatigue related to cancer and treatment doesn’t lift with rest and no matter what patients read, it often lasts longer than they expect, even moths after treatment. The American Cancer Society says this drop in energy is the most common problem patients face. There are things that a person can do though to help lift the veil of fatigue, minimize its impact and possibly shorten it’s duration.

2 truisms in cancer treatment
First, cancer is exhausting. Cancer cells are in the simplest terms, rapidly changing cells that do not regulate or reproduce the way that the rest of one’s healthy cells do. They are in you but they are not following the same rules. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) we understand this as a profound breakdown of Yin & Yang balance and the healthy state of being that it supports. Cancer is seen as extreme disorder, or cellular chaos. The existence of this chaos can be so damaging and widespread that it takes a toll on all the body’s systems of balance and deplete energy.

Second, treatment is exhausting. Even if you were in great shape and underwent a round of conventional treatment like chemotherapy or radiation which are, respectively, extremes of yin and yang meant to undermine the life cycle of the cancer cells, you would likely experience extraordinary loss of energy.

So what exactly causes the fatigue? There are many causes of fatigue related to prostate cancer. Some are from the cancer itself, some result from treatment.

• anemia
• insomnia
• weakened immunity
• lack of activity
• infection
• pain
• medications
• stress, anxiety & depression
• poor appetite and nutrition
• hormonal changes

A person’s fatigue is usually some combination of these and treating it works best when we take a broad approach to getting the energy back. Traditional Chinese Medicine teaches us that Health is the result of an abundance of Qi and Blood which is flowing harmoniously throughout the body. Dis-ease is what happens when either of these conditions changes. Through acupuncture, herbal medicine, nutrition, exercise and lifestyle regulation, we restore balance by supporting the body’s innate ability to heal and regulate itself.

Nutrition
It is well known that conventional therapies can take a huge toll on a patient’s appetite and digestion. In TCM, this is of paramount importance because when nutrition suffers we don’t get the energy we need from the food we eat, or the herbs and medicine we take.

Making healthy food choices is important. In addition to the link
between high-fat, low fiber diets and prostate cancer, the simpler
and more natural/organic the food you eat is, the easier it is for your
body to assimilate nutrients. Lots of whole grains, cruciferous veggies
(broccoli, brussels sprouts, cauliflower) and legumes are not a
singular cure for cancer, but have been shown to help prevent it and assist with healing.

Cutting out processed foods is also important. Whether it’s prepared meats, refined sugars and fats or dairy products, eliminating foods your body has to work hard to digest allows it to save that energy for other things.

Sometimes, just the idea of eating is hard. Having strategies to get the good stuff down can help.

•Eat more more small meals throughout the day rather than the big ones that lay you out.
• Try and work out when you are feeling hungry and have the energy to eat. Create a schedule.
• When you sit down to eat, eat. Don’t multi task or rush your meals. Stop and acknowledge that this is when you are nourishing yourself.
• Keep snacks on hand so that when you are feeling up to it, you can get those calories on board.
• Experiment with different types of preparations and temperatures. The same food may taste different
and more appealing depending on how it is prepared.
• Protein shakes and green drinks can help keep your energy up and are better than too-sugary snacks.

At some point, you may consider a detoxification program. These are often directed at the Liver and other organs responsible for cleansing the energy-sapping toxins of chemotherapy from your body. Detoxing can be draining though, so definitely discuss it with your provider first.

Meditation
The health benefit of a positive outlook, especially while undergoing treatment goes without saying. For many people, meditation is an essential part of their strategy to keep their spirits, and their energy up. It can help
• Reduce stress, anxiety and depression
• Improve immune function
• Diminish the sense of being overwhelmed
• Focus the mind
• Relax the body

For more information on mediation, go to the Insight Meditation Society’s website here

Exercise
Decreased physical energy and activity may be the result of illness or treatment. The real danger however is that cancer related fatigue can also perpetuate physical, emotional and mental exhaustion. Numerous studies have shown that a well-planned, moderate exercise program can help

• restore vitality
• reduce affective anxiety and depression
• ease pain and stiffness
• improve appetite
• enhance immunity

The key is to start slow, adjust to the activity and keep it regular.
Qi Gong and Tai Chi are both excellent ways to build strength back. They are both systems
of self-healing that integrate movement with breath and mental focus. This benefits the whole
body and mind which is ideal, especially when we are not feeling our best.

Plan Plan Plan
Getting organized is a challenge for patients with complicated medical conditions. One thing I recommend is keeping a journal for at least a week. This is a good way to figure out important information: When you feel your best, and when you are toasted. When you can take care of things on your own and when you would do best to ask for a hand. This can help you focus your energy on the important things and keeps you from spinning your wheels.

MOVEMBER - supporting the fight against Prostate Cancer

Sun, 1 Nov 2009 19:26:29 -0500

What the Mo?!?
Mo is slang for Moustache and during the month of November, men around the world will grow their Mo to raise awareness around prostate cancer and help support research to end it.
This year I will join the legions and grow my own Mo and I am asking for your help.
Funds raised by the annual Movember event go to support The Prostate Cancer Foundation and LIVESTRONG.
Prostate cancer is the leading cause of cancer among American men. Early detection and treatment have reduced it’s numbers since the early 1990’s but it still strikes 1 in 6 men in their lifetime and it will kill over 27,000 men this year in the U.S. alone.
The exact causes of prostate cancer are not known. There are however factors that predispose a man to it which include
·      Obesity
·      Elevated testosterone levels
·      Family history of prostate cancer
Interestingly, while there is a very low occurrence of prostate cancer in Japan, it is much higher among Japanese American men. (This has typically been attributed to a Western diet that is much higher in saturated fat and animal protein).
Prostate cancer is not a necessary outcome of Prostatitis but prostatitis is often found among men with prostate cancer.
All of this suggests the importance of nutritional and lifestyle choices in the prevention of this disease and that will be the focus of my blog. Getting all the information you can is the way to making an informed choice. Over the month of Movember, we will look at some of the complimentary and self-help tools that put control back in your hands. Good information, adorned with more pics of my Mo’s travels (like a wandering Garden Gnome) than you really care to see.
Of course this doesn’t diminish the value of early detection, conventional medical diagnosis and treatment. Even though chemotherapy, radiation and surgery, present a host of real concerns, In my practice I have found the best outcomes for patients come from a mutli-pronged approach that integrates Eastern and Western medicine.
For information about conventional tests and treatments these are the sources I use the most
Mayo Clinic
Sloan-Kettering
National Cancer Institute

So please click on one of the links and help me support the research that will end prostate cancer.
Better yet, become a Mo Bro or Mo Sista yourself and get the word out to your family and friends.

With your help, we can change the face of men’s health.

Take these quizzes

Mon, 26 Oct 2009 21:34:24 -0400

You have a good head on your shoulders. Take this quiz to find out how much you know about the rest of your body.

Then, it’s time to put on the thinking cap and see how much you remember from that biology class. Click below.

Looking After Your Prostate

Sun, 18 Oct 2009 20:37:24 -0400

For most guys, the thought of seeing a Urologist doesn’t really come up until we are well into our 40’s. Without a specific urinary problem or STD, we don’t give nearly as much attention as women do to monitoring our urinary and reproductive health, though perhaps we should. Typically, a man’s introduction to urology is a prostate exam.
From minor changes in urinary frequency to more serious pain and even cancer, the prostate takes center stage as an organ to track the health of from mid-life forward. One of the most common conditions that arises is simple prostatitis or, inflammation of the prostate. What is not so simple, is the causes and treatment for it.
The prostate gland is a pyramid shaped organ, about the size of a walnut that produces the greater part of seminal fluid. It is located below the bladder, and encircles the urethra. This is why inflammation produces so many urinary problems.
Given its location, the primary test for the prostate is a digital rectal exam. I recommend this annually for my male patients over the age of 50 (or 45 if there is any history of prostate problems in their family). It is quick and painless.
Because of the prostate’s characteristic shape and texture, any change is easy to determine and gives important information. As is the case with many health concerns, early detection of small problems can literally save your life (an estimated 27,000 men will die of prostate cancer in 2009). Your doctor may also perform other urine and blood tests, including the PSA (prostate specific antigen) test.
In general, prostatitis doesn’t cause problems that inhibit day-to-day activities but it can result in urinary problems, including

• Decrease in flow and force of stream
• A sensation of incomplete voiding
• Increased frequency
• Dribbling of urine
• Pain between the penis and the rectum
• Painful ejaculation

If the inflammation is because of a bacterial infection, antibiotics are given and they typically clear things right up. In non-bacterial cases though, conventional medicine has few options for proactive treatment.
Chinese medicine understands prostatitis as kind of stagnation that inhibits circulation. Acupuncture and herbal medicine are particularly effective as a way to restore vital blood circulation to the prostate itself, and support immune function in general.
As well, lifestyle recommendations to reduce inflammation include
• Stress reduction
• Eating fresh foods
• Avoiding excessive alcohol, salt, sugars, and carbohydrates
• Stopping smoking
• Drinking plenty of fluids (coffee doesn’t count!)

Also discuss any supplements you are taking with your health care provider. Few actually cause or contribute to prostatitis, but some may be more effective than others for your particular case and you don’t want to take more than you need.
To find out more, take the Mayo Clinic prostate self-assessment.

Flu Season

Thu, 1 Oct 2009 23:04:19 -0400

This year more than most, I have been speaking a lot with patients about Flu season and how to stay healthy through the winter. Of course this has been fueled in part by fears from the Spring outbreak of the H1N1 virus, the illness and in some cases deaths of otherwise healthy people, and the highly reported likelihood of a global pandemic.
Whether or not there will be such a pandemic is simply not a certainty. Yet the questions remain of how best to take care of ourselves, including whether or not to get the H1N1 Flu shot. Aside from the very personal choice that any vaccination decision represents, this is especially concerning because it is such a new drug and legitimate fears are raised of side effects from a medication that is still being tested.
In our house we have chosen not to get the vaccine, Instead we are taking steps to stay healthy and prepare for the possibility of getting a bug. Any bug. Here are the nuts and bolts of what we are up to.
Prevention
An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, right? This is one of the hallmarks of Traditional Chinese Medicine, so regular acupuncture treatment s and herbs are part of our routine.
Also at the center of our prevention program is Vitamin D3. It has a huge range of health benefits and has been shown to enhance immune function. It is especially important because it not only helps to strengthen ones immune system but regulate it as well. This is really important in the case of H1N1 and here is why.
Your immune system is like an army that needs to be strong, but also directed and under control. This is facilitated in part by proteins called cytokines. What has been of great concern with H1N1 is that it produces what is called a cytokine storm that directs your “army “ to attack your body as well. This is why healthy people have gotten so sick. Vitamin D3 has been shown to effectively help support the immune system as well as keep it from attacking you. Dosage recommendations vary but at home we are taking 10,000 iu a day.
Beyond supplementation, the usual rules of the road for staying well during Flu season hold true.
Eat well A healthy diet is key to a functional immune system. Also make sure to drink enough water to keep hydrated.
Get enough sleep Your body repairs it self and fights infections best when it is well rested.
Exercise Getting regular workouts supports your body’s metabolism, nervous signaling and hormonal balance that helps it fight disease. It also helps with stress, which can knock your defenses right down.
Stay clean. Wash your hands regularly, but don’t overdo it. Keep the Purell with you when you are on the street too, but also get a good skin moisturizer (non-petroleum based) to keep your skin intact; it’s your first line of defense against pathogens and works best when it’s well hydrated.
Preparation
If I get sick, with a major Flu infection or a simple cold, the last thing I want to think about is the logistics of shopping for what I need to take care of myself. So from Epsom salts and Eucalyptus for baths, to over the counter remedies and Chinese herbs to feel better, we are pretty stocked up; and that includes the emergency roll of Smarties.
As far as food goes, have a variety of soups in your cupboard. You can even make a fresh chicken or vegetable soup and freeze it. Soup is easy to digest and helps you stay hydrated, which is a big problem with the Flu. In fact, it’s a good idea to have a couple of bottles of Pedialyte on hand as it also help to replenish lost electrolytes which support cellular function.
Plan
Have some sense of what you’d do if you got laid up for a couple of days. Who’d walk your dog, get the kids to school, or move your car to the other side of the street? And finally, give a moments thought to which doctor you’d contact if you needed medical attention. Emergency rooms are the last place you want to be (dirty, germy, loud & expensive!), but do you know which hospital your doc is associated with?
Taking even a few of these steps to feel less out of control with the Flu season can go a long way to staying healthy.
Of course if you have more questions about H1N1 and staying well, give a call or email any time.

I Lost it!

Mon, 14 Sep 2009 11:26:22 -0400

I lost my Voice.
Over the weekend I had a cold for a couple of days; no big thing right? But at the end of the day today after speaking with lots of people, my voice is gone. I feel fine but I sound miserable.
Laryngitis is when your vocal cords become inflamed and in turn, unable to produce sound normally. There are a variety of medical conditions that can lead to this loss of voice but typically, it’s just the common cold gone awry. Between the infection and the coughing, your voice box takes a real beating. For most people it’s a minor inconvenience and some even find it an adorable affect. For performers though, it’s a nightmare and while it typically isn’t painful, even slight cases can keep you off stage.
If you’re sick, or even on the mend, but your cords have taken a hit, the last thing you need at this point is someone telling you about how to avoid catching a cold. The damage is done and you want to get your voice and range back as soon as possible.
Here is what the next day or two will look like for me.
First, the most important thing that you can do is rest your voice. If it’s bad enough to keep you off stage then find a notepad, or the app in your iPhone and don’t talk. This will give your body’s innate ability to heal itself the best chance possible. Also, no whispering, as this actually strains your voice more than normal speech does.
Drink plenty of liquid to stay hydrated (fevers burn up a lot of your fluids) but nothing too cold. Even though your vocal cords are likely inflamed, it’s not the same as when you injure a joint. Cold drinks will inhibit healing here. Warm drinks (including my wife’s Hot Toddy which includes lots of lemon, honey and Jim Beam) will be more soothing.
Steaming over bowl of hot water can open the sinus and mucous membranes to make you more comfortable. A few drops of eucalyptus essential oil may also help. You can even use a humidifier in your room. This will help you avoid getting too dry. If you are out and about, keep honey-sweetened lozenges on hand to stay moist.
Nutritionally, it is a good idea to stay away from foods that may create more inflammation and phlegm such as excessive dairy, refined sugars, salts, and breads.
Finally, and this should go without saying, don’t smoke and stay away from people who do, if just for a few days.
Therapeutically, Chinese medicine is great for vocal support, whether it is laryngitis from a cold, or strain from overuse. Acupuncture can help to stimulate circulation around the larynx and Herbal formulas are crafted to help increase circulation, reduce inflammation and heal your cords.
If your voice is out for any real length of time, you should have your doctor take a look. They can visualize your vocal cords and see if there is any injury of consequence such as tears, bruising or swelling. If so, they may also suggest steroids to reduce inflammation. Steroids can quicken the healing, but it’s not a good idea to repeat their usage too often.

Reflections on the Mall

Sun, 7 Jun 2009 11:01:51 -0400

On June 21st, Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS will be presenting the 19th annual production of Broadway Bares. It is a full night of wild, theatrical hedonism,…. with a cause!

As the nations leading industry based HIV/AIDS fundraising and grant-making organization, BC/EFA has been instrumental in raising both funds and awareness about HIV and AIDS through events and performances of every kind. In two weeks, BC/EFA will take over the Roseland Ballroom in New York City in an event that I have been lucky enough to support the performers of for the last ten years.

The importance of this work has never been greater. When you consider a United Nations report that HIV infection rates globally are still rising 2.7 times faster than the increase in the number of people receiving treatment, it tells us that this crisis is not over and shows little sign of abating.

Of course there are lots of great causes in the world that deserve our attention and support. Whether it is the hunger in our city, the environment, animal welfare, or human rights, it isn’t hard to find places we can help. Choosing a charity is a very personal decision and the debauchery of Broadway Bares might not be for everyone. But even in these difficult financial times, we owe it to one another to find some small way to be of service to the greater good, and those less fortunate than ourselves. Whether through funding, political action or volunteering, we all have something to contribute. And as the motto of BC/EFA goes, “What we do together, makes a difference.”

So if you are free on the 21st and looking for something different and memorable to do on a School Night, go see the show up at the Roseland.

If you are considering a financial contribution but don’t know how to find a charity that is right for you, go to Charity Navigator. There you can cross reference and check the efficacy of tons of great organizations that are making a difference every day.

Plantar Fasciitis

Mon, 1 Jun 2009 11:13:50 -0400

In my practice I see a lot of foot pain among performers. As a general rule, if you are on stage you are on your feet, a lot; and most of the time wearing shoes that look a lot better that they feel. Between costume shoes and raked stages, generalized foot pain is taken for granted. When it gets bad enough though, and the podiatrist gets their hands on you, a common diagnosis is Plantar fasciitis.
Plantar fasciitis is the thickening or inflammation of a band of connective tissue between your heel and toes. This band acts as a shock absorber and helps to provide stability to the foot. Excessive stress on the band from things like being overweight or overuse can injure the band, lead to micro-tears and swelling.

How do you know?
The discomfort associated with plantar fasciitis tends to develop gradually. The pain is sharp and tends to be focused around the heel, which is why it is often confused with heel spurs. One of the tell tale signs that patients mention with plantar fasciitis is that it is much worse in the morning when they first get out of bed. This is definitely the case with my dancers who feel okay onstage at night, but then get inflamed and tight in their sleep and wake up in a lot of pain.

What we can do
Treatment for plantar fasciitis is aimed at reducing inflammation and allowing tissue to heal. We do this in the same ways that we address inflammation in many orthopedic conditions.

Acupuncture and Chinese herbs are used to promote circulation of vital energy and support optimal function of the area by encouraging tissue repair, reducing swelling, and reducing pain. With centuries of treating injury and pain from overuse and abuse in the martial arts, we have many tools for addressing these problems.

Conventional medicine first line treatment includes over-the-counter NSAIDs (non-steroidal analgesic) such as advil or motrin. These can provide temporary relief however they do not address the cause of the pain. Your doctor may prescribe cortico-sterioids but this treatment cannot be repeated as it can actually weaken the fascia and thin the shock absorbing pad of your heel.

Physical therapy, splints and night braces may also be recommended as may orthotic inserts for your shoes.

What you can do
With plantar fasciitis, as with so many other conditions, I believe that the best therapies are the ones you can do for yourself. Better that you work on yourself for 10 minutes every day than for an hour with a specialist on Mondays. Right?
Predictably, the number one recommendation is rest. For performers, this advice is like rubbing salt in a wound. In the spirit of the message though, if your feet are acting up, try to take care of them and give them a break between shows. Here are some other tips for taking care of your paws:
Stretching – a few times a day, loosen up everything from the knee down with calf stretches, heel and arch stretches and toe curls using a towel.
Ice vs. Heat – generally I discourage the use of cold. It constricts, it slows local circulation and sets you up for injury. With plantar fasciitis, when it feels really lit up and painful though, it’s okay to cool it down. Sometimes alternating with heat. Don’t ice before performing though and don’t forget to keep the surrounding muscles warm and limber.
Footware – this can be the source of all that ills you. When off stage, make sure you are wearing supportive shoes and ask your orthopedist about custom supports. On-stage, make sure your shoes feel as good as you make them look. If they are tearing up your feet, ask about getting them customized. Keep in mind that if your body mechanics are off because of you shoes, it can lead to all kinds of problems, not just with your feet.

Acupuncture in Military Service

Tue, 31 Mar 2009 13:01:04 -0400

For as long as there have been wars, soldiers have returned home with physical injuries and emotional stress. Recently, the military's search for new ways to treat physical and psychological trauma has led it to traditional Chinese medicine. For over a decade, the Air Force has used acupuncture for pain management on bases at home and now is training military doctors to take it to combat and frontline hospitals.
The use of acupuncture on the battlefield goes back thousands of years. In fact, like all medical systems, much of its development has been linked to treating injuries sustained in conflict. While conventional medicine can offer surgical and pharmacological options for pain management, treatment often comes with side effects and potential complications. Acupuncture is a safe and practical way to manage pain - both acute and chronic - without sacrificing performance.

There are a number of ways that we can understand how acupuncture treats pain. One is the “gate theory” which suggests that you register pain as the result of a disruption in the signaling along nerves to our brain. Through the insertion of needles at points along those pathways, we can restore normal signaling and reduce pain. In TCM terms, this most closely resembles the concept of stagnation in the channels.

Another explanation of acupuncture’s ability to relieve pain is through the release of endorphins and other naturally occurring opiate pain killers produced by your body. Studies have shown that acupuncture can stimulate the release of these substances. As a result, it can produce the same analgesic blocking of pain as narcotics such as morphine, but without the side effects of narcotics.

Acupuncture can also help to relieve pain by addressing injuries locally. When we needle near the site of an injury, acupuncture can effectively be used to

• Relieve muscle spasm
• Increase circulation of blood, lymph and other vital substances
• Reduce inflammation
• Speed tissue healing

As effective as acupuncture can be, it isn’t a cure all. One of the things I stress with patients, especially those experiencing severe pain syndromes, is to gather as much information as possible about treatment options. Looking at pharmaceutical and even surgical intervention is not tantamount to giving up on letting the body’s own intelligence play a role in healing. Sometimes such therapies are necessary to stay on your feet. In these cases though, acupuncture can still help to reduce the severity and duration of side effects and complications.

Herb of the Month: Cinnamon

Tue, 17 Mar 2009 14:18:16 -0400

Before we say goodbye to winter and the cold, I'd like to mention one of the deep, warming herbs in our pharmacy: Rou Gui or Cinnamon.

We use cinnamon in Chinese medicine to warm the interior. Internal cold frequently effects your digestive system which depends on warmth, like a kettle over a fire, to process the food you eat. This makes cinnamon especially helpful for digestion and it's used for abdominal cramps, gas, loose stools, and loss of appetite. It's anti-microbial properties make it a useful herb to treat a stomach bug.
In Traditional Chinese medicine warm herbs, such as cinnamon, are activating and energizing. We use them to treat cold conditions that slow down the body's functions. Sometimes this cold is associated with a metabolic slow-down, and treatment is aimed at warming the interior to restore function and energy. Cinnamon can also be used if you are experiencing the following signs and symptoms

• a sensation of always being chilled
• a preference for warm drinks
• weak lower back
• pale skin
• low libido
• asthmatic wheezing
• painful periods

For these conditions Rou Gui is an important herb in the Chinese Medical pharmacy. One of the best things about cinnamon is that it tastes great. It is used in dishes from South America to Asia and you can easily incorporate it into a wide range of recipes in your own kitchen.

the Backnobber

Fri, 6 Mar 2009 15:33:33 -0500

I see a lot of neck and shoulder pain in my practice. Whether it is from an injury or from sitting hunched over a computer all day it seems as if all of us could use a regular neck rub. My patients swear by the Backnobber for at home care and I often recommend it. In combination with stretching and strengthening exercises, this simple tool helps ease the symptoms of muscle fatigue, back, neck and shoulder discomfort and headaches. It's a great way to care for yourself between treatments.

Pressure Positive makes the Backnobber. Based in Pennsylvania, they have a range of other tools worth checking out at their site. The Backnobber also comes with an instruction manual that provides great illustrations for working out those knots, wherever they may hide in in your muscles.

Acne

Tue, 24 Feb 2009 13:02:17 -0500

One teenage memory that most of us would like to forget is acne. Creative strategies abounded for ways not to be seen in public with the zits that seemed to take on mammoth proportions. However many adults today still have the acne that they thought would have passed with puberty. For some, it is not just a matter of vanity, but can become both painful and scarring.

Approximately 20% of American adults have an active acne condition. When the pores become congested with sebum, the naturally occurring oil that helps to keep our skin moisturized, they can get inflamed. When sebum blocks the pores and hair follicles it becomes bumpy, develop heads, and can turn cystic.

One old myth would have it that acne comes simply from dirty skin. This is not the sole reason as pores don't get blocked from the top down. Other factors include stress, medications, contact with oil based products, hormones and of course your diet.

Chinese View

Traditional Chinese medicine has a unique understanding of acne. Acne almost always involves some kind of Heat in the organs or the meridians. The degree and combination of internal and environmental factors determines the location, severity and the nature of outbreaks. Likewise, based on the type of acne a person has, we can understand their inner imbalances. This allows us to create a personal and effective treatment strategy. Hence the saying that conventional medicine tends to address the superficial aspects of acne topically, whereas the holistic approach of traditional medicine is often better at treating the underlying causes of acne. We can do this safely and without side effects.

Western Medicine
Over the counter and prescribed topicals are used for minor acne. They dry the skin and loosen the plugs in oil glands. These treatments can be irritating and even thin the skin over time.
Oral antibiotics may be prescribed to kill bacteria that is contributing to the acne but can have a number of side effects including irritation of the digestive system. This is common because the course of treatment is usually over 3 months.
Accutane is used for severe cystic acne, and works by suppressing sebum production. Accutane has come under scrutiny for it's potentially severe side effects including birth defects.
Corticosteroids reduce inflammation & decrease the activity of the immune system. Long term use of these, however, come with an array of risks such as thinning of the skin & superficial blood vessels, as well as weakening of the bones.

Dietary Recommendations
• Nutrition and good digestion are essential to overall health. While there are not individual foods which cause breakouts, the importance of a diet that promotes healthy & elastic skin cannot be overstated.
• Avoid foods that you are allergic to. This is a major cause of outbreaks and may include dairy and wheat products.
• Drink plenty of fresh water to help all organ systems - including your largest one, your skin - to function properly
• Avoid processed and excessively rich and greasy foods which can be difficult for your body to process. Eat lots of whole foods, fresh fruit and vegetables.
• Nutritional supplements that support healthy skin include: Colloidal Silver which acts as a natural antibiotic; Essential fatty acids help keep skin smooth and soft and break down other pore-blocking deposits; Vitamin A and B complex to strengthen and tone the skin.

Other Tips
• At home, keep you skin clean with a natural soap that won't be too drying or abrasive.
• Periodic professional skin care is highly recommended. Natalia Whitfield at Longevity Health in New York City is fantastic.
• Don't pick - allow eruptions to heal on their own. You don't want to over-stimulate the sebaceous glands.
• Use cosmetics that are not pore clogging. Not all oils penetrate into the pores, but products with lanolin, and Isopropyl Myristate are known to aggravate acne. Generally, make-ups labeled oil-free or non-comedogenic are less likely to clog your pores.
• Avoid alcohol which can cause heat, and smoking which is just , well, no good.

Treating Children

Sun, 16 Mar 2008 20:36:40 -0400

Cold & Flu season

Tue, 23 Oct 2007 20:47:25 -0400

Breathe. Better.

Sat, 16 Jun 2007 20:47:20 -0400