Medical Acupuncture Nutrition

The Ideology of Nurturing Body and Mind Part One - From Neijing principles to modern life The Yellow Emperor’s Classics (Neijing) is an earliest Chinese medicinal book that provides the fundamental principles of Chinese medicine for over two thousand years. It is a bible for all the Chinese medical practitioners. Some of the doctrines apply profoundly to modern life also. According to the Neijing, natural effects of diet, lifestyle, emotions and environment are the reasons th...e diseases develop. The universe is composed of various forces, such as Yin and yang. Man can stay healthy and balanced by understanding the laws of these natural forces. Man is a microcosm that mirrors the larger macrocosm- the universe. In sync with the nature is a way for man to maintain this balance. Acupuncture, cupping, herbs, diet, Taiqi and Qigong are different modalities to treat illness by following these principles. Here are some descriptions of nurturing the body and mind in Neijing. In the past, people practiced the Tao, the Way of Life. They understood the principle of balance, of yin and yang, as represented by transformation of day and night. They formulated exercise combining stretching and breathing to promote energy flow, and meditation to help harmonize themselves with the universe. They ate a balanced diet at regular times, arose and rest at regular hours, avoided over stressing their bodies and minds, and refrained from overindulgence of all kinds. They maintained well-being of body and mind; thus, it is not surprising that they lived over one hundred years. These days, people have changed their way of life. They drink wine as though it were water, indulge excessively in destructive activities. Seeking emotional excitement and physical pleasures, people disregard the natural rhythm and order of universe. So it is not surprising that they develop all kinds of issues related to mind and body.

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It turns out the brown rice has more arsenic than white rice. Here is how to cook the rice to reduce the arsenic.

Eat less, live longer- Recent cutting edge studies of longevity Aging is often associated with wrinkly skin and loss of the vitality. Metabolism and aging was first linked in the 1930’s by the observation that caloric restriction (CR) in mice extended both their health span and lifespan. Research has identified genes that control aging process. Three classes of anti-aging genes are sirtuins, AMPK, and mTOR. In the lab studies, these genes involves enzyme complexs that can ext...end life. Caloric restriction, fasting and exercise induce the expression of sirtuins. In addition, Nicotinamide Mononucleotide (NMN) raises sirtuin activities. NMN is an expensive supplement, an alternative is to take nicotinamide. Metformin has been used for years to treat type 2 diabetes. Now it is found that metformin is an activator of AMPK. If you cannot persuade your doctor to write prescription for anti-aging purpose, an alternative supplement is berberine. Rapamycin is a FDA approved drug as an immune suppressor after organ transplant. Now it is found to extend life span of mice by suppressing mTOR pathway, which is upregulated in cancer. Sulforaphane is a supplement alternative for this prescription drug.

Varicose Veins and Natural Remedies An increase in blood volume (pregnancy), family history, and standing for long periods of time contribute to the reasons why some people experience varicose veins in different presentations including veins bulging and twisted behind the knee or lower leg, hemorrhoids (varicose veins of the anus), vulval varicosities (varicose veins occurring in the labia), varicocele (varicose veins of testicles). Due to the inefficiency of vein valves, blo...od that should be traveling from the lower body towards the heart is not held on course at those valve junctions and it begins to pool in parts of the vein, eventually the veins are enlarged. The following natural remedies can relieve the symptoms and prevent worsening of the symptoms. Acupuncture help with the pain. Weekly treatments are recommended and if started early, acupuncture sessions can be spread out to once every 2 3 weeks; Wearing pressure stockings; Do regular ankle and foot exercises to keep the blood moving; Avoid standing for long periods of time; While seated, prop your legs up when you can. If you have to sit for long periods of time, get up and walk around regularly; Avoid wearing high-heels which reduce the work of the calf muscles in returning blood to the heart; Stop smoking; Eat a healthy diet and take supplement rutin, a plant compound that strengthens capillary walls and improves circulation to bolster vein health.

How Acupuncture Helps Women Infertility Overview The treatment of infertility with acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) dates back 2,000 years. These ancient, time-tested techniques improve fertility rates and support a woman’s whole body, unlocking unlimited potential for health, healing and childbearing. Studies reported that the most effective fertility treatments involve a combination of acupuncture, herbal medicine, and traditional medical intervention...s. However, conception does sometimes occur without traditional medical interventions when acupuncture and herbal medicines are used alone. It has concluded that acupuncture helps to: * Increase blood flow to the uterus, which improves the chances of an ovum implanting on the uterine wall. * Reduce anxiety and stress. The hormones that are secreted during stressful situations can significantly decrease fertility. * Normalize hormone and endocrine systems that regulate ovulation, especially in women with polycystic ovarian syndrome. * Positively affect the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis, which plays a key role in fertility. * Regulate menstrual cycle. See more

Low Stomach Acid and Digestion A typical adult human stomach secretes about 1.5 liters of gastric juice daily, which is made of mainly hydrochloric acid. The normal pH level in the stomach should be 13. Stomach acid helps to breakdown the protein and fat, aiding the absorption of iron, calcium, and vitamin B12, killing the bacteria and parasites in the foods and prevent over growth of bacteria in the intestine. It's estimated that 22 percent of the US population suffers from... low stomach acid, also known as hypochlorhydria. Aging, stress, medications-long term use of antacids for acid reflux or heartburn, alcohol, bacteria such as H. pylori infection, zinc deficiency, and some surgical procedures, including gastric bypass can reduce the amount of acid the stomach produce. Common symptoms include bloating, indigestion, food intolerance, heartburn, vitamin and mineral deficiencies, hair loss, eczema, fatigue, and diarrhea. Studies show low stomach acid leads to malabsorption of proteins, reducing the availability for certain essential amino acids (e.g., tryptophan) as a precipitating factor for depression (tryptophan is a precursor of serotonin). High-dose antacids intake increased risk of hip fracture due to low absorption of calcium, C. difficile diarrhea and bowel infection. Natural remedies for acid reflux include taking apple cider vinegar 2 tbsp. diluted with 4 oz. water, add 1 tsp ginger and turmeric powder before meal; taking bitter herbs such as dandelion and artichoke leaves; taking supplements such as betaine HCL; finishing meals 2 hours before sleep; taking a walk right after meals instead of lying down and getting acupuncture treatment.

Food Allergies and Food Intolerance- Part Two The two most common food intolerances are dairy and gluten. Symptoms include nausea, bloating, diarrhea and abdominal pain, and some may develop migraine, brain fog, weight gain, anxiety and depression. Common reasons for food intolerance and sensitivity include enzyme deficiencies (lactose intolerance, due to lacking of lactase in the small intestine) and sensitive to chemicals in foods, such as amines in cheeses, histamine in i...mproperly stored fish, salicylate in dried fruits, solanine in nightshade vegetables (tomato, eggplant, green pepper, potato) and caffeine in coffee, tea, and chocolates; toxins, such as aflatoxins in undercooked beans; additives such as sulfites in processed foods, flavorings such as monosodium glutamate (SMG), artificial sweeteners, dyes in processed foods and beverages. Although the numbers of people with food intolerance and sensitivity are rising to almost 20% of the world population, there is no standard diagnosis test. Evidence is lacking to support the accuracy of some food sensitivity tests on the market. An elimination diet is recommended for diagnosis. Studies find stress, alcohol, microbial imbalances weaken intestinal lining, which leads to leaky gut syndromes and increases the chances of food intolerance and sensitivity. Therefore, stress management and a less processed diet are essential solutions for food intolerance and sensitivity.

Food Allergies and Food Intolerance- Part One An estimated 26 million, or 10% of US adults have food allergies, but almost 20% think they do because of the confusion among food allergy, food intolerance (gluten and lactose) and other food related reactions (food poisoning and food additives). A food allergy is an immune system response. It is caused when the body mistakes an ingredient in food, usually a protein as harmful and creates a defense system (antibodies IgE) to figh...t it. Symptoms include digestive problems, hives, or swollen airways. Severe reactions can be life-threatening and need emergency treatment. Most allergies start in the childhood, but adults can develop at any time due to unknown reasons. Eight foods account for 90% of all food allergy: milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, soy, wheat, shellfish, and fish. There are several ways to confirm a food allergy. A skin test, where the skin is scratched with the allergen and observed for reactions. A blood test, where the presence of IgE antibodies to specific foods are measured. Even 50-60% tests are false positives, with the context of allergic reactions to a particular food, these tests are valuable. To further confirm the diagnosis, an elimination diet may be ordered, in which the suspected food is avoided. This is followed by a food challenge in which the suspected food is reintroduced under careful observation on three separate occasions to confirm the allergy diagnosis.

Endometriosis and Treatments Endometriosis happens when the lining of the uterus (womb) grows outside of the uterus, such as ovaries, fallopian tubes, pelvic ligaments, intestines, even travel up to the lung and nose. These endometrial tissues react to the monthly hormonal changes, just like in the uterus, causing bleeding, inflammation, and scar tissues. On some occasions, a collapsed lung can be a life-threatening event. The most common symptoms include severe pelvic pain, ...painful intercourse, painful urination and bowl movement, infertility and increased risk of ovarian cancer. This disease is debilitating and having a great impact on patients’ life quality. Depression, anxiety, and other mental issues are common. According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, about 10% of childbearing women in the United States have endometriosis. The cause of endometriosis is unknown, there are few theories so far, such as genetic factors, retrograde menstrual flow, immune system disorders, etc. The diagnosis can take for years as it is easily to be mismanaged with irritable bowel syndrome, pelvic inflammatory disease or ovarian cysts. Ironically, the confirmation diagnosis is through surgical removal of the endometrial tissues and seeing with naked eyes. Current treatments are pain killers, anti-inflammatory drugs, birth control, in most severe case, total hysterectomy (removal of uterus and ovaries). While western medicine may not have good solutions, Chinese medicine have helped patients to relieve symptoms. Over the years, I have gained great experience in treating patients with acupuncture, customized herbal therapy, dietary modification, and meditation.

Dr. Kang, I have been thinking of you and just wanted to say hello!! Vivian and I are doing great ... she is growing (too fast!!) and has a great temperament (I think due in part to all of the great treatment she got from you while inside my belly!). I've attached a few photos so you can see her. We are so happy and so thankful for her and my health. Thank you again for assisting us in getting to this place.

Cancer and Epigenetics - We have more power to control our health than we think Over the weekend, the beloved movie actor Chadwick Boseman who plays the popular Black Panther passed away due to colon cancer. Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the United States. Scientist not only identified several cancer-causing genes, but found additional factors Cancer is now recognized as both a genetic and epigenetic disease. ... We’re used to thinking ‘it’s all in the genes’ that we are who we are because of the genes we received from our parents. Every cell of the body contains DNA- the blue print to build our organs and tissues. However, epigenetics, which define an additional layer of instructions that lies ‘on top of’ DNA, control how the genes are read and expressed. Several lifestyle factors have been identified that modify epigenetic patterns, such as diet, obesity, physical activity, tobacco smoking, alcohol consumption, environmental pollutants, psychological stress, and working on night shifts. We have more power to control our health than we thought. Being healthy is a choice.