Harmony & Health Acupuncture

Acupuncture is a very effective modality for the treatment of shoulder injuries and shoulder pain.  Whether the problem is acute (recent) or chronic (long standing), acupuncture can provide relief and allow you to return to your regular activities.  Often pain in the shoulder interferes with the ability to sleep. By taking care of your shoulder problem, your body will feel better and you will be able to get needed rest.  The goal of treatment is to allow you to return to normal activities without pain as soon as possible. 

The following are some typical shoulder injuries that respond well to acupuncture treatments: Read More of this Article »

It seems like almost everyone I know suffers from allergies (also called hay fever) this time of year.  Some people have year round allergies, but many suffer primarily in the spring time.  The most common symptoms are runny nose, sneezing, watering itchy eyes, and fatigue.  For some, symptoms can be so difficult that we actually look forward to the summer heat which kills off all of the flowering, and allergy producing vegetation, thereby giving much needed relief from symptoms.

 Allergy season often sends you to the local pharmacy to stock up on antihistamines, decongestions, eye drops, nose sprays and other remedies available both over the counter and by prescription.  Sometimes these medications work, sometimes they don’t and often there are side effects such as drowsiness, and dryness.

 Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), which includes acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine, offers an alternative approach for the allergy sufferer. Read More of this Article »

In November, 2010 I completed a six month apprenticeship in Sports Medicine Acupuncture which included the diagnosis, assessment and treatment of common injury and pain syndromes.  The six month intensive was held in Boulder Colorado and was taught by well know acupuncturist, Whitfield Reaves, OMD, LAc (www.whitfieldreaves.com).  Whit was one of the first acupuncturists to be licensed in the United States in 1981. He is the author of the book The Acupuncture Handbook of Sports Injuries & Pain published in 2009.  Read More of this Article »

It is time to make a plan to deal with the upcoming Cold and Flu Season.  Your plan should allow for illness Prevention and Treatment. 

 Let’s start with prevention. Western Medicine and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) both offer forms of prevention.  I think it is important to take advantage of both systems.  The flu shot offered by your doctor, or many local clinics is fine, but its effectiveness is limited to just a few possible virus strains and will not prevent a cold.  By using Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Formulas, you will boost your entire immune system, thereby reducing the chance you will get any virus whether it be the cold or flu.

 You need to put together a treatment strategy just in case.  If you are exposed to illness or if you think you might be getting sick, it is time to begin a TCM treatment for the Initial Exposure Phase.  These treatments are prescribed to prevent a full blown illness that lasts for days or weeks, but treatment must begin at the first hint of illness so you need to prepare in advance.

If you are exposed to a very powerful bug, or if your immune system is not quite strong enough, and you do end up getting sick, it is time for treatment of the Fully Engaged Phase.

 For a summary of recommended treatments for Prevention, and Treatment, both for the Initial Exposure and Fully Engaged Phases, please see the information that follows.  In addition, don’t forget the one prevention strategy that is universal: hand washing.  You cannot wash your hands too often. Read More of this Article »

Those of us who live in North America, too often accept inadequate or poor quality of sleep that does not sufficiently rejuvenate our minds or bodies.  Whether the quantity or quality of sleep is inadequate, the price that we pay may be devastating. Insomnia often leads to poor memory, poor performance at work or even difficulty in completing daily tasks. It can increase stress levels, contribute to obesity, suppress the immune system and result in a host of other health problems. Read More of this Article »