Tuesday, July 27, 2010

Neti Pot, Part 2

In my last post I discussed what a neti pot is, what it's for, and theories behind it's efficacy. But what I was most curious about this thing was: does it work? How does it feel?

As I've stated, I have a fear of drowning. So, I was not looking forward to intentionally running water up my nose. But desperation overtook worry and I decided to go for it. I went to my local drugstore/pharmacy and found a neti pot. This one happened to come with solution packets. I have also experimented with making my own saltwater solution, which for me works just as well as their packets. As making my own is more ecological than opening a tiny packet every day, when I run out I will continue with my homemade solution.

It took me a few tries to let the water run through. The first night I tried about 4 times and only succeeded in rinsing out one nostril at a time. The next day, I was able to get some flow through. The sensation does take a little getting used to, but after this first flow through attempt, I was already breathing remarkably better. I didn't even realize that I was having a problem breathing before my rinse. So, even if you have a great dislike of water up your nose, I think you will find the result to be worth it.

After a few days of daily rinsing, did I feel any difference? Yes! My nasal passages were definitely clearer, and my post nasal drip was significantly reduced. I consider the neti pot a lifesaver. I also immediately stopped feeling the need to constantly clear my throat. My husband was very happy with that. Next week: Devil's advocate... are there negatives to the neti pot?

I'm thinking that for those with allergies that acupuncture does not seem to help - this may be a good addition to their personal care routine. Could it be that acupuncture does help these people, but that, anatomically speaking, they are still retaining too many allergens to stop their symptoms? I think it's a great theory...

Wednesday, July 21, 2010

Oral Hygiene Linked to Heart Health

Do you need some more inspiration to floss daily? How about a healthier heart?

A study published in the British Medical Journal in May 2010 showed a link between cardiovascular disease and poor dental hygiene. According to their survey, people that do not brush their teeth twice a day were more likely to have cardiovascular events and their blood showed inflammation markers.

One theory is that the build up of germs in the mouth can lead to irritation in other parts of the body. One thing we know for sure - chronic inflammation of the body is not a good thing - so brush and floss your teeth! The study abstract can be ready here: http://www.bmj.com/cgi/content/full/340/may27_1/c2451

Are you interested in staying well? Regular acupuncture sessions can help! Visit my website, www.AcuSpaWellness.com for more info on acupuncture and wellness.

Thursday, July 8, 2010

Nasal Congestion: What's a Neti Pot?

As many of you may well know, this has been a horrible year for allergies. Allergies to things like pollen lead to symptoms like runny rose, post-nasal drip, and sneezing and irritated eyes.

Driven by desperation, I decided I needed to take action for my post-nasal drip. My Western doctor said the only things she had to offer were nasal steroid sprays or pills for allergy relief. These would need to be taken whenever my allergies acted up. This would not do, as I was looking for a way to deal with the real problem, not just ignore the symptoms.

And so I have turned to the neti pot. What's a neti pot? It's a small pot that people put a salt water mixture into and run through their nose. The liquid goes in one nostril and comes out the other.

I have a great fear of being underwater and of drowning, so this is especially challenging for me. After doing some reading, I discovered that there are theories out there that stuff that is stuck on the surface of the mucous membranes could lead to allergies and the offending post-nasal drip. Rinsing this offending build up would then remove the actual source of irritation. Tune in next week for how this feels and if it works for me!

If you are willing to put in the time, acupuncture is effective for most people for allergies. It does take some patience, as the results are not immediately apparent as they are with many other conditions. For more info please visit my website at www.AcuSpaWellness.com

Wednesday, June 16, 2010

What Women Need (Nutritionally) Part 2

So what is the difference between a women's multivitamin and a men's multivitamin? If you run out of yours, is it a big deal for you to sneak a few of the other for a few days, until you can run out to the store again?

Our last blog post talked about how it's probably best to get nutrients from food, although this can be difficult. So, if you decide to take a supplement, such as a multivitamin, what's the difference?

Different companies will come up with different formulations, so it's important to check to label to be sure that if there is a specific nutrient that you are looking for, that it's in there in the amounts that you would like. Also, there's a huge difference in the absorptivity of different supplements, so that's important to keep in mind, if you've been taking a certain brand consistently for a while, but find that you do not feel any difference from it. All vitamins and supplements are definitely not created equal.

Now, here are a few key points for women's supplements:

Calcium: Needed to support strong bones and prevent bone density loss, which can lead to osteoporosis. (Have you heard a story of how an old lady fell and broke her hip? Her hips were weak from not enough calcium, and so broke from the small impact of a fall.)

To aid in absorption of calcium, it is recommended that calcium be taken with Magnesium and Vitamin D.

Iron: When women menstruate, they lose some iron. For this reason, women's vitamins have more iron that those for men. Women that are past menopause do not need this extra iron any more. The extra iron is not included in men's vitamins because excessive iron can build up in the body, causing undesired things to happen.

These are just the basics, a small taste of general nutritional information for you. I provide guidance for my clients with personalized goals and requirements. Visit Dorothy Pang, L.Ac's website at www.AcuSpaWellness.com for a full list of services provided.

Wednesday, June 9, 2010

What Women Need (Nutritionally) Part 1

Men and women are different. Emotionally and physically, and this also means nutritionally!

Why are there multivitamins that are targeted specifically towards women? Are these really necessary?

Of course it is probably best to get all of the nutrients that your body needs from food sources, instead of a supplement when possible. However, the nutritional profile of the food that is available to us is definitely in decline. The things that we grow to eat do not have the same nutrient value as 50 years ago. Generally we believe that the effects of commercialized farming are stripping the earth of it's minerals faster than they can be replenished, which means less nutrients for our food to absorb and therefore contain. Studies are showing that generally organic foods contain more nutrients that non-organic foods. One example can be found here:
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/319226/organic_tomatoes_more_nutritious_10year.html?cat=5

So, what's in a women's multivitamin that is not in a men's formula? Of course, this will vary by company, so it's important to check the label. Our next blog post will go over a few key differences.

Interested in upping your personal wellness factor? Chinese herbal medicine and acupuncture are a fabulous, natural way to do so. Check out Dorothy Pang, L.Ac's website at www.AcuSpaWellness.com for more info on these ancient, time tested secrets to better health!

Friday, May 28, 2010

When is my Fertility Window?

Traditionally, ovulation has been thought to be a static event with a normal pattern that is very similar for every woman.

Medial doctors have told their patients that ovulation occurs on day 14 of a 28 day cycle. Or, if the cycle is not 28 days long, then it should be 14 days before the first day of the menstrual period. For example, if the cycle is 21 days, ovulation should be on day 7.

However, more modern research is showing that even with women with regular cycles, the day of ovulation can vary. In a woman with a regular 28 day cycle, ovulation can occur anywhere from day 9 to day 18. This is vital information for women that are trying ton conceive. If they are timing intercourse for a day 14 ovulation, but they are actually ovulating on day 9, the chances of getting pregnant are very slim.

Eggs, once they are released, only survive for about 24 hours, and need to be fertilized while in the fallopian tubes. This means intercourse needs to happen before ovulation occurs, so that the sperm has enough time to travel to the fallopian tube. (for more in depth explanation of anatomy, see our post from 4/24/09)

I use acupuncture and herbal medicine to help my patients to conceive. If you are curious, please visit www.AcuSpaWellness.com or call us at (650) 588-0888 to set up your first acupuncture appointment. I've helped many men and women to increase their fertility and give birth to healthy babies.

Wednesday, April 28, 2010

Acupuncture Effective for Increasing In-Vitro Pregnancy Rates

Many couples are finding that they have difficulty conceiving, and turn to assisted reproductive services (ART) like in vitro fertilization (IVF) and intra-uterine injection (IUI). These services are being sought after more often as it seems that our fast paced and high stress lifestyle decreases fertility rates.

IUI and IVF are uncomfortable and typically costly procedures, so it makes sense that patients want to make sure that they are giving themselves the best chance for success. Acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine are being pursued more and more as treatment for infertility, both as a stand alone treatment, and in conjunction with ART.

This is prompting more studies to examine the efficacy of these treatments, and the news is good. A study by doctors Zhang and Udoff of the University of Maryland showed that using acupuncture does increase the likelyhood of a preganancy when used in conjunction with ART procedures. The study on acupuncture and embryo transfers can be found here: http://www.bmj.com/cgi/content/full/bmj.39471.430451.BEv1

If you or someone you know is concerned about fertility, time is of the essence. Call Dorothy Pang, L.Ac. to schedule an appointment at (650) 588-0888 and see our website at www.AcuSpaWellness.com

Wednesday, March 17, 2010

Benefits of Soy Being Unlocked

Researchers believe that diadzein, a compound found in soy, may be responsible for helping people to live longer. It seems to activate the proteins that are activated by restricted calories diets, which extends lifespan.

More information can be found here: http://www3.interscience.wiley.com/journal/122538719/abstract?CRETRY=1&SRETRY=0

Acupuncture and Chinere herbal medicine can also be used to promote a long, healthy life. Once a month treatment is a great way to "tune-up" your body and ensure that your health is in your hands. Visit us at www.AcuSpaWellness.com for more information. Or call and schedule a consultation today at (650) 588-0888.

Wednesday, March 10, 2010

Acupuncture Relieves Hot Flashes, Alternative for Hormone Replacement

Menopausal and peri-menopausal women suffer from a variety of symptoms and to varying degrees. Acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine is often mentioned as a way to manage the discomfort that can be associated with menopause. A randomized study done in China showed that women experienced relief with acupuncture care. Authors conclude that acupuncture is a good treatment option when women in menopause are not interested in hormone replacement therapy. Since hormone replacement therapy has it's risks, perhaps more women should consider gentle acupuncture as a treatment.

Full article is found here: http://ecam.oxfordjournals.org/cgi/content/full/nep001

If you are seeking help for menopausal/peri-menopausal symptoms, visit www.AcuSpaWellness.com and experience our gentle acupuncture and convenient Chinese herbal medicine. We see many cases of menopausal symptom management, and have many happy patients to prove it!

Wednesday, March 3, 2010

How Do Low Calorie Diets Extend Lifespan?

Diadzein, a soy isoflavone, is being touted as a possible life extender. Researchers believe it activates the same proteins in the body that a restricted calorie diet does. We may be one step closer to finding out why it is that a restricted calorie diet seems to extend lifespan so much in rats...

It's hard to know if this applies to people as well, but it seems to. Restrictive calorie diets do seem to lead to longer lifespans. For more info on that, visithttp://www.nutraingredients.com/Research/Could-soy-isoflavones-extend-life

Can we get this life-extending benefit without calorie restriction? I personally would not invest in diadzein supplements yet. Isoflavones can act like estrogen in the body, throwing off a normal healthy hormonal balance.

This is another example of why it's a good idea to talk to a professional about nutritional supplements. Dorothy Pang, licensed acupuncturist, is one such example. Visit us at www.AcuSpaWellness.com for more information.

Wednesday, February 24, 2010

High Protein Diet Disadvantages

High protein diets are all the rage, but is is all hype? They had gotten a reputation as heart healthy because high protein diets did not seem to raise cholesterol. A study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences showed that high protein diets resulted in mice that had more plaque build up in their arteries.

The conclusion? Even if blood tests show cholesterol levels are ok, there are other negative effects that seem to show up as a result of a high protein, lo carb diet. More info here: http://www.pnas.org/content/early/2009/08/21/0907995106.abstract

If you need help with weight loss, have you considered acupuncture? It an help reduce appetite, and of course lessen stress. Visit www.AcuSpaWellness.com for more information, or call us at (650) 588-0888.

Wednesday, February 17, 2010

Drinking Tea Extends Lifespan

Looking for another reason to trade your daily coffee for tea?

A study in Hong Kong looked at the genes of tea drinkers (average 3 cups a day) vs. non-tea drinker (average 1/4 cup a day) and found that they seem to be biologically younger. Telemere length in tea drinkers were longer than those that were not. Telemeres are tails found on genes that are thought to limit cell division to a set number of times. Longer telemeres seem to correlate with more healthy cell divisions.

Biologically speaking, tea drinkers were thought to have cells with telemeres that looked about 5 years younger than non-tea drinkers. This is theorized to be linked to the strong antioxidant properties of tea.

More info on the studa can be found here: http://www.nutraingredients.com/Research/Tea-consumers-may-have-younger-biological-age . Do you know what else you can do to live a healthier life? Get periodic acupuncture. A "maintenance" schedule to keep adults healthy and well is about one session a month. Your body will thank you for it! Visit www.AcuSpaWellness.com for more information on our gentle and relaxing acupuncture sessions. You'll leave feeling great!

Wednesday, February 10, 2010

Mega Dosing is so last Decade

Mega dosing is the idea that large amounts of supplements like Vitamin C or Vitamin E are good for you. This conclusion was drawn after some research done by Linus Pauling in the 1960's, but it seems that the interpretation of the data is incorrect.

More modern studies in Germany at the University of Jana have concluded that there seems to be a detriment to megadosing of Vitamins C & E. While regular doses of these vitamins are ok, large amounts can subvert some of the benefits for exercise by neutralizing reactive oxygen species, which help the metabolism. They discovered that diabetics could have some of the benefits of exercise negated if they were megadosing on Vitamins E & C at the same time.

More info on the study here: http://www.natap.org/2009/newsUpdates/061909_01.htm

If you'd like to feel well, we suggest Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine. More info can be found at www.AcuSpaWellness.com

Wednesday, February 3, 2010

Chocolate may benefit Heart Health

A Study in Sweden showed that people who ate chocolate were less likely to suffer from a fatal heart attack. However, it did not show any benefit in relation to non-fatal incidents. There are more than a few problems with the study...

It was done as a survey. This study showed correlation, not causation. People that eat some chocolate could have many other things in common that are good for health. The doctor in charge, Kenneth J. Mukamal, MD, cautions that chocolate is not without it's downsides and should still be consumed in moderation.

More info on the study http://www.nytimes.com/2009/09/15/health/15choc.html

If your sweet tooth is getting the better of you, try acupuncture and/or Traditional Chinese Medicine to help bring your body back into balance. Visit www.AcuSpaWellness.com for more info.

Wednesday, January 27, 2010

Exercise Reduces Appetite?

A study at the University of Colorado in Denver linked exercise with the reduction of appetite. Not only will you burn more calories, you'll want to eat less! I hope this modivates you to add a little physical activity to your day.

It doesn't need to be a half hour at the gym, even a walk around the block after lunch is better than nothing. Also, the sunlight on your skin will help your body to make vitamin D.

Visit www.AcuSpaWellness.com for more info about weight loss & acupuncture.

Wednesday, January 20, 2010

Women May Be Able to Grow More Eggs

The journal Nature Cell Biology had a study in it which showed that mice have ovarian stem cells that can become functioning eggs. Mice in the study were able to birth young after having their ovaries removed and being implanted with ovarian stem cells.

This is great news for my patients that are suffering from infertility. Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine are a natural, safe, and effective way to deal with infertility. Visit www.AcuSpaWellness.com for more info.

Srouce: Women's Health Nov 2009 pg. 34

Sunday, January 17, 2010

More Evidence Veggies help Fight Cancer

A study in South Korea linked diets that were high in folate (Vitamin B) with reduced rates of intestinal cancer in women. This vitamin is found in foods like spinach, lentils, chickpeas/garbanzo beans. The results contrast with previous studies which did not show this connection, but there was a key difference... previous studies used B vitamin supplements, whereas this study used actual foods. The naturally occurring form of this vitamin probably act differently within the body when compared to synthetics found in pill form.

At www.AcuSpaWellness.com, you can find info on how acupuncture can be used to promote general health. Our patients tend to be healthier than the people around them. Can you be feeling better?

The study article can be found here: http://www.nutraingredients.com/Research/Folate-linked-to-lower-colorectal-cancer-risk-Study

Wednesday, January 13, 2010

Is gluten-free healthier?

Gluten intolerance is getting more and more attention as a potential problem. is a gluten-free food healthier than a regular version of the same product?

If a person knows that they are gluten intolerant, then it is very important to avoid gluten. However, if a person is not gluten intolerant, then they may not receive any additional benefit from choosing a gluten-free product vs. the same product in a conventional form. Usually a gluten free product, such as a cake or cookie, will have roughly the same amount of calories and fat. So, look at the labels and compare the products overall if you are not gluten sensitive.

Wednesday, January 6, 2010

Who benefits most from gluten free?

While definitely those what are diagnosed with Celiac disease benefit from a gluten-free diet, many others will also find it beneficial to east gluten-free. It often takes several weeks for the full benefit to become apparent. Some people will feel a difference within a few days, but many need to convert to a consistently gluten-free diet for 3 weeks before their body will display symptoms that show a benefit.

While it can be a bit difficult to follow such a diet, it is generally healthier, since less processed foods mean more whole grains and less empty calories.

Friday, January 1, 2010

Help with your New Year's Goals

Happy New Year! Set yourself up for success in 2010.

As for successful goal setting, good goals are SMART...

S - Specific
M - Measurable
A - Attainable
R - Realistic
T - Timely

For example, to eat better I could set a goal of eating one fresh, whole fruit a day at lunchtime. I will do this beginning the first week of January (or the second, if I didn't grocery shop in anticipation of this.), and I will check in with myself in the beginning of the 3rd week of January to see if I have succeeded. If I've done well I'll congratulate myself and move on to my second resolution. If not, I'll try again that next week and check in after 7 days again.

Don't overload yourself with too many tasks at once. You can always add more goals later, after you feel good about accomplishing something small & easy.

You can email your future self a letter at www.futureme.org to check in with yourself, or set up time lines for future goals.

If you have better health goals (and who doesn't?) check out www.AcuSpaWellness.com for weight loss and fitness help with Traditional Chinese Medicine. We can also help with allergies, immune system function, diabetes prevention, and pregnancy preparation!