Harmony & Health Acupuncture

Harmony + Health Acupuncture recently partnered with Team in Training, an organization with two awesome missions.  The first is to raise funds for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.  The second is to provide first class training for running, biking, hiking and triathlon events http://www.teamintraining.org/dm/. 

Harmony + Health Acupuncture specializes in treating sports injuries and other pain.  Our mission is to keep people well and pain free so that they can remain active.  During training for a half marathon, marathon, triathlon or other event, it is not uncommon to experience an injury.  Acupuncture is excellent for treating pain from injuries such as plantar fasciitis (heel pain), ankle sprain, IT band syndrome (runners knee), low back pain, Achilles tendonitis, shin splints (front leg pain), hip pain (bursitis or arthritis of the hip), knee pain or many types of shoulder injuries.

 There is nothing like acupuncture for pain.  Acupuncture needles can often directly reach the site of the injury to promote healing and get you back to your sport as quickly as possible.

 If you have questions about any injury and about how acupuncture might be able to help you, please give me a call.

Ann Rea, L.Ac.

Harmony + Health Acupuncture

2001 East Campbell Ave, Suite 102

Phoenix, AZ  85016

602-955-5444

www.attainharmony.com

You have already made the decision to quit smoking.  You are surrounded by warnings about the hazards of cigarette smoking.  You have seen adds on TV, you have read articles in magazines and on line, and you have been counseled (aka nagged) by friends and family members.  So now is the time to take the giant leap necessary to become a non-smoker. 

The most critical component of a quit smoking program is the decision you make, the pledge to become a non-smoker.  I can not over emphasize that it has to be your decision, and that you have to commit to it.  Once the commitment is made, you can employ an acupuncturist to help you keep your promise. 

Acupuncture is a tool for you to use in the quit smoking process.  Acupuncture will support your body and your mind as you undergo the detox and change habits.  Read More of this Article »

Please take a look at this recent article posted on the ABC News web site.  The article cites a study of women who were treated with acupuncture to reduce common symptoms associated with menopause.  The women who received acupuncture experienced a significant reduction in symptoms such as hot flashes and anxiety.  http://abcnews.go.com/Health/study-shows-acupuncture-curb-severity-hot-flashes-menopause/story?id=13075594

Menopause is a time of transition, a natural process that all women experience.  There is no typical menopause.  The age of menopause, the duration of the change, and the symptoms experienced are different for each woman. On average, menopause occurs around the 50^th year, but can begin as early as the late thirties.  Typically, the change is gradual, lasting somewhere around 3 – 5 years.

Menopause, as with any other phase of life has its ups and downs.  No longer is there a concern about getting pregnant.  During the transition, menstrual periods become sporadic, and eventually cease completely so many women find this a reason to celebrate.  On the other hand there may be disruptive symptoms. Not all women experience symptoms and most do not experience all of them, but examples include: insomnia, restless sleep, night sweats, hot flashes, vaginal dryness, loss of libido, anxiety, irritability, depression, head ache, fatigue, memory loss, inability to concentrate, weight gain, osteoporosis.  This is a scary sounding list, but there is help, and acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine provide excellent options. Read More of this Article »

Neck pain is one of the most common complaints in my acupuncture clinic.  I will describe many of the different causes of neck pain and how acupuncture can help resolve this common condition. 

The neck is a complicated structure with many muscles, a set of seven cervical bones (vertebrae) with disks between each bone as well as multiple nerves.  Acupuncture treatments can address many of the problems associated with these structures. 

 When you think about all the work the neck does holding a very heavy head up through countless tasks as well as performing an unending number of bends, turns and twists it is not surprising that this very important part of the body is so susceptible to injury and that neck pain is a very common complaint.

I evaluate every patient individually.  Some neck pain problems are due to tight muscles.  Muscles can tighten (contract) due to normal daily activities.  Muscles can also tighten from stress or from an injury or trauma.  Normally, muscle, when it is not contracted is soft and pliable.  When muscles stay in a contracted (tightened) position they form taught muscle bands and sensitive trigger points.  Often when there is neck pain, other muscles in the upper body such as those of the shoulder and/or upper back become involved.  Acupuncture is an effective way to release the tightened muscle and trigger points and thereby alleviate pain.

Other neck pain problems are due to the vertebrae, the discs and/or nerves.  In this case the treatment focuses on increasing the flow of qi and blood to the area as well as releasing associated tight muscles.  Qi is the body’s vital energy.  This vital energy has some relationship with the nervous system though the mechanism is not fully understood.  Qi and blood also play a role in nourishing and lubricating the joints.  By releasing muscle tension that pulls on the bones, discs and nerves and by nourishing the joints and interacting with the nerves, acupuncture can relieve pain. Read More of this Article »