Author: Infinity Acupuncture

Pillar #3 Body Work

When you come in for your acupuncture appointment, acupuncture may not be the only modality you will receive.  Other forms of bodywork used by your practitioner include tuina, gua sha and cupping.  Each of these techniques requires specialized training and your practitioner knows when to utilize these tools or not.

Tuina is a form of Chinese massage.  Instead of focusing on just loosening the tight muscles, it hones in on removing the blockages and imbalances from the acupuncture channels therefore allowing for the free flow of qi and blood.  When there is free flowing qi and blood there is less pain and stiffness in the body. Tuina can also help to reduce stress, encourage relaxation, deepen sleep, and can even help with some acute muscle injuries.

Cupping is a technique where your practitioner places localized suction cups on areas of pain and discomfort.  Cupping helps to loosen tight muscles and fascia, increase blood flow to areas where blood flow had been impeded, and it can even flush out stuck toxins that accumulated in the areas of pain and discomfort.  Depending on where cups are placed they can help to decrease pain, increase circulation and mobility, reduce inflammation, improve digestion, and help with overall detoxification.  Cupping often leaves behind temporary round red or purple marks where the cups were placed, giving it its well known trademark sign worn by some of the world’s most elite athletes.

Gua sha is an ancient sinew scraping technique.  It has been used by doctors of Chinese Medicine for thousands of years and  has now been mainstreamed and adopted by many physical therapists due to its efficacy.  PTs call this the graston technique…we call it Gua Sha.  Sha is the name that we use to describe the purple and red marks that are left behind after using the gua sha tool to loosen up the muscle and sinews.  Similar to cupping in its purple and red markings, these markings are temporary and are a sign that the technique has improved the blood flow.  Benefits of gua sha are very similar to cupping plus the added benefit of being able to pinpoint target some of the most stubborn knots in muscles.  Gua sha is also indicated for recent whiplash injury and even the onset of a cold.  

These techniques are not for everyone.  Your practitioner is trained to know which technique is best suited for you.  To find out more, call JJ today! 910-262-1122 Ext 2 And stay tuned for Pillar 4!

Chinese herbs are another Pillar to use alongside Acupuncture in the process of discovering and creating your health and well-being.

The use of Chinese herbs has been around for about 3,000 years. Many times the use of specific herbs originated out of the kitchen and then expanded as Chinese medicine became more systematic and grounded in theory and evidence based medicine.  Practitioners throughout history studied herbs by touch, taste, smell, their growing conditions, and how they felt in the body.  Eventually individual herbs were categorized according to their action in the body.

For example:

• Herbs that clear heat, 

• Herbs that drain damp, 

• Herbs that relieve food stagnation, 

• Herbs that regulate blood, 

• Herbs that calm the nervous system, etc.

After individual herbs were categorized,  formulas were made and herbs blended together.  These created a balanced formula where the individual herbs worked synergistically together to bring about shifts in the body that encouraged healing and balance.

Your acupuncturist has been trained to diagnose in terms of Chinese medical theory which is then transferred over to understanding what type of formula you need.  For example, if the condition you have is hot in nature, you may be prescribed a cooling formula.  Herbs can be added to your treatment plan as needed to speed up healing and help with long term stability and health.

Is it Safe?

Many might wonder…are herbs safe?  So many of the herbs in Chinese herbal formulas are actually used in everyday cooking; cinnamon, ginger, rice, goji berries, a variety of edible and medicinal mushrooms, mint, turmeric… the list goes on.  The difference is often in how they are prepared as well as what other herbs they are combined with.  Sometimes your acupuncturist will have you make teas at home, sometimes they will be in pill form, and often they will be in granules where you simply add hot water.  If you are on medications your acupuncturist will check for herb/drug interactions, however, very little herb/drug interactions occur with the use of these herbs.

The herbs we use are third party tested for safety and efficacy so you can feel comfortable taking them without worry about contaminants.

Why is it important to take the herbs as recommended?

The herbal formula you are given is meant to work!  The frequency, dosage and method of preparation all affect the desired outcome.  If you have been taking the herbs as recommended and after a certain amount of time you are not feeling better…this is an indicator to your practitioner that something in the formula needs to be tweaked…added or subtracted.  You need to take the formula as recommended for it to work as intended …if it doesn’t, this guides your acupuncturist to make the appropriate adjustments that will help you.

If you’re taking the formula and it’s working, this is also feedback for your practitioner so they know how long to recommend it to you.  If you are not taking the herbs as recommended you are missing out on a wonderful opportunity to engage with your own health and healing process.    

Interested in learning how acupuncture and herbs can help you?   Call JJ to schedule a consultation!   910-262-1122 Ext 2

Stay Tuned for Pillar#3!

Pillar 1- Acupuncture

Acupuncture has been around for approximately 3,000 years!!  It has remained part of human society and culture because it is effective for treating so many different ailments and has few side effects. In modern times acupuncture has been medically proven…  National Institutes of Health (NIH) studies have shown that acupuncture is an effective treatment alone or in combination with conventional therapies.

How does it work ? Acupuncture points are believed to stimulate the central nervous system. This, in turn, releases chemicals into the muscles, spinal cord, and brain. These biochemical changes stimulate the body’s natural healing abilities to:

• release muscle tension,
• promote blood flow,
• promote the smooth flow of Qi (energy),
• release our body’s own natural painkillers and anti-inflammatories,
• encourage our body’s own happy hormones,
• reduce cortisol levels
• reduce pain, and
• promote physical and emotional well-being.

Research continues to be ongoing but some of the latest research shows the effect of certain points on the brain during functional MRIs. For example, when stimulating the point St 36, or Susanli, a point along the stomach channel, parts of the brain related to the digestive system will light up.

Does it hurt?  Acupuncture needles are actually very thin.  It is common to feel a very quick achy feeling when the needle reaches the correct depth on some specific points.  This feeling is felt on some points but not all. That feeling is a very quick, come-and-go feeling and then comfort is maintained. Often, once all needled up, people are actually so comfortable they fall asleep during their treatment!

How often do I need Acupuncture? We almost always recommend having weekly acupuncture treatments until you feel and hold relief for two weeks at a time. Once you can maintain your results for two weeks then we will space your treatments out to two weeks, then three weeks, etc until you reach a level of wellness that only demands well-care treatments.

Having consistent treatments allows your body the proper time to heal and build new patterns that support your body’s state of balance. The amount of time that weekly treatments are needed can be greatly affected by how you follow your acupuncturist’s advice on the other four pillars when prescribed. Our goal is to not have you depending on acupuncture, but using acupuncture to regain your wellness and quality of life. Then using it to sustain a level of happiness that suits you.

Stay tuned for the next pillar!

I can not tell you how many times I have walked into our intake room and heard a little sigh and a chuckle…

“ Oh Hello!  I guess I was expecting someone else…you know more like Mr. Miyagi or something.”   Apparently being female, white, with blue eyes has taken someone by surprise…again.

So many times new patients come into the office full of preconceived ideas around what acupuncture is and who performs it. It’s not their fault…Hollywood has done an excellent job of setting that stage. A big part of our job is patient education and helping manage expectations.

1.  Generally, popping the bubble of who we are as practitioners is first.  We come in all shapes, sizes, ages,  genders and ethnicities. 
2.  It is our training, knowledge and experience that shapes us into great Acupuncturists. Acupuncture training in the US is rigorous.

• It requires a minimum of a Master’s Degree. 

• Academic hours are split between Acupuncture Theory, Clinic rotations, Western Biomedicine and Counseling/Ethics/Practice management to name a few.

• Most States (NC included) require one to pass three very difficult board exams before granting a license and allowing one to practice. 

• After that, we must keep up to date with our continuing education requirements (40 hours every 2 years in NC) and license renewals (every 2 years).

•  We stay up to date with all the latest research in our field. 

• All this means…your acupuncturist is highly educated and trained!  

1. After helping our patients understand our educational backgrounds, managing expectations is next.

• Many people come in with the idea that acupuncture is mystical and magical and even…Miraculous!  While yes,. I have seen some miraculous healing with Acupuncture…..
• It is generally a steady progression towards better health. It requires consistent acupuncture treatments along with patient engagement. 
• Part of an acupuncturist’s training is to see the areas of life where someone’s health began to become unbalanced and help bring balance back with acupuncture and lifestyle changes.
•  In fact, Acupuncture traditionally has never been a solo practice.  Every Acupuncturist is taught the 5 Pillars of Chinese Medicine and as practitioners, we guide our patients back to health implementing each one of the Pillars.  

To help folks understand the whole scope of what you can expect when coming in for Acupuncture, I’ll be doing a series to explain each Pillar in detail.  My hope is to educate and inspire engagement with the full scope of the healing process. Engaging with the 5 pillars is what can speed up healing and make it last!

Coming Soon…

1. Acupuncture!  What is acupuncture’s basic theory and how does it work? Oh, and does it hurt?
2. Herbal Medicine! Is it safe? And why is it important to take your herbal prescription as recommended?
3. Body Work!  What kinds of bodywork are incorporated when you see your Acupuncturist? Why it’s important to follow through with a referral out to a massage therapist when recommended.
4. Dietary/ Lifestyle Changes!- Are you willing to give up the things that are derailing your health?  Does my acupuncturist have training in dietary therapy and do I really need to follow my acupuncturist’s advice?
5. Exercise Therapy!– Learn why movement is so important.  What sort of movement therapy is incorporated in Chinese Medicine? Where to start and how to follow through with your acupuncturist’s recommendations.

Questions? Call JJ to schedule a consultation or a follow-up treatment today! 

910-262-1122 Ext 2

Spring is right around the corner! The warmer weather, blooming flowers and pollen popping give us the physical signs that Spring is near. The Spring Equinox is the hallmark date of Spring’s official arrival with an equal 12 hours between sunrise and sunset. Now we only have longer days to look forward to from the 20th. Many of us don’t realize that our bodies are also giving us signs that the season’s transition is upon us. Winter was a time of going within, being a bit slower, and having more rest and reflection. As Spring nears, the longer days and increased sunshine calls us to reactivate and get moving again.  

In Chinese Medicine, Spring and its active energy is associated with the Liver/Gallbladder.  The liver is responsible for the smooth and free flow of Qi in the body.  After a Winter of being slower and more reflective, our Liver energy is often a bit stagnated and out of balance.  Spring asks us to support our liver!  We often naturally gravitate towards this…starting our spring cleaning in our homes, getting on that liver cleanse we have been wanting to do, and even getting outside and walking more in the warmth.  Sometimes this time of year we don’t even realize we need this support.  Many of our patients begin to complain of feeling more irritable, frustrated, grumpy, getting headaches and even having allergies!  These are all signs that your liver is in need of support!  So…what can you do?

Besides getting acupuncture to support your seasonal transition and liver, eating sour foods, herbs and fresh leafy greens can be very helpful in gently detoxing the liver.  Fresh lemon water, mint, fresh sprouts, cooked kale, beets, goji berries, broccoli and mustard greens are just a few examples of supportive foods.  

Being on top of managing stress levels helps to take some of the burden off the liver as well.  Whether you do yoga, go for walks, meditate, get massage or acupuncture…healthy stress relievers are important for your liver health.  

Wondering if acupuncture could be helpful for you?  Call JJ for more information! 910-262-1122 ext 2 and she’ll be glad to chat with you about how we can help.

In a previous blog we discussed the prevalence of chronic low back pain (CLBP) in America and the toll it takes on people and society in general, with lost days of work and enjoyment of life. 

In Western Medicine, the typical standard treatment for CLBP according to The American Family Physician Website is, (My bolding of areas)

“Acetaminophen and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are first-line medications for chronic low back pain. Tramadol, opioids, and other adjunctive medications may benefit some patients who do not respond to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Acupuncture, exercise therapy, multidisciplinary rehabilitation programs, massage, behavior therapy, and spinal manipulation are effective in certain clinical situations. Patients with radicular symptoms may benefit from epidural steroid injections, but studies have produced mixed results. Most patients with chronic low back pain will not benefit from surgery. A surgical evaluation may be considered for select patients with functional disabilities or refractory pain despite multiple nonsurgical treatments.” From aafp.org 

As you can see, acupuncture is SUPPOSED to be recommended to patients with low back pain, but very few of our patients come to us through an MD referral. 

Why does acupuncture help so many with CLBP feel better when other therapies don’t?

Let’s look at pain through the lens of Chinese Medicine (CM).

CM views pain as a stagnation of energy in the body. If all systems are working properly, the flow of energy, or Qi, is smooth and there is no pain. But, when the body gets stuck, sticky or stagnant, pain comes in and tells you something is wrong. How many times have you felt pain in your shoulder or low back and it literally feels like you have a knot or something stuck in that part of your body? That is exactly why pain is referred to as stagnation!

When it comes to low back pain specifically, oftentimes people who are struggling with it may have issues relating to the Phase of Water. In CM, the Water Phase consists of your kidneys, your bladder, your head hair, your endocrine system, your bones, your reproductive systems, plus the emotions of Fear, Anxiety, and Willpower. The Bladder Channel runs down the back and when the Water Phase Energetics are weakened due to stress, overwork, poor posture, excessive emotional upset, etc, the channel can become blocked and pain can set in. 

When we treat LBP in the clinic, we will do a postural assessment to determine what else is contributing to your pain. Then, not only do we treat points in the back, we will treat distal points that help clear and support the channels that are stagnant and weak so that the pain dissipates and the channel strengthens. 

We may recommend dietary changes with foods that specifically support the Water Phase in order to strengthen your body from the inside out. We may also recommend certain exercises to help with postural disparities that are contributing to your LBP. 

Because it is not a one-size-fits-all approach, every person has a specific treatment plan tailored to their needs. Also, it is not a one-and-done method either. Consistency is the key to long term wellness. Just like one day of eating well and going to the gym won’t get you fit and slim, typically one acupuncture treatment will not fix months or years of pain and suffering. The key is to come often enough to change your pattern to wellness, then sustain that wellness with monthly tune-ups. (more or less, again, it is very individual what each person needs to sustain their health.)  

If you’re tired of suffering from CLBP and want to get on the path to a pain free, fulfilling life, give us a call today. JJ will talk to you and get you scheduled for a consultation to see if we can help you. 

We look forward to helping you heal and feel your best! 910-262-1122 Ext 2 

With Valentine’s day around the corner millions of people are looking for love on the horizon.  Our society sets up Valentine’s day to be a monumental moment to feel validated by romance and love.  We think that this experience will bring us happiness and joy…and all the ooey gooey feelings in our hearts.  Yet the reality is that not only do many people not have this experience, many have the opposite… loneliness… and often for reasons beyond lacking a romantic partner.

February is American Heart Month.  Having Valentine’s Day in this month is an interesting correlation.   In Chinese medicine the Element of Fire is associated with the organs of the heart and pericardium. The emotion of joy and happiness is associated with the heart, and the pericardium is its protector.  The pericardium helps to decide what may enter the heart…or not.  That concept of “the open or closed heart” is not far from the way Chinese medicine see’s the inter-relationship of the heart and the pericardium.  To get into one’s heart you must pass through the pericardium.  This may not be easy for those experiencing Loneliness and the wall around the heart that may be associated with it.  

Research shows that loneliness is becoming more prevalent in our society.  Around 25-50% of Americans report regular or frequent feelings of loneliness.  We now know that feelings of loneliness lead to chronic health issues including, depression, high blood pressure, obesity, increased tobacco and alcohol use, increased risk of dementia, cognitive decline, and even coronary artery disease. 

These risks are increasing in our teenage population due to the fact that loneliness is hitting younger age groups. The frequent use of social media leaves people feeling the effects of superficial and isolated interactions.  As humans we have evolved with human interconnectedness.  We have literally needed each other since the beginning of time.  We have evolved in community and with community involvement.  As our day-to-day activities take us away from community, our work and go-go-go modern day speed leaves us tired and lacking energy for connection. It’s easy to feel the effects of loneliness at the end of the day.  When this continues over time our connection and need to be open hearted lags and our heart protector, the pericardium becomes hardened. Our hearts begin to lack happiness and joy.  Thankfully there is an antidote!…meaningful connection!  

Meaningful connections provide us with a better life.  Sometimes if you’re feeling really lonely it is hard to know where to start.  You may understand you are lacking connection with others but can’t find the momentum to regain footing.  Momentum actually follows action (a whole other blog in itself)…but small changes lead to larger impacts in the long run.  You don’t have to search for the love of your life because Valentine’s day is around the corner…but maybe reach out to your local food pantry to see if they need a hand, or check in on that friend you’ve been meaning to check on but just haven’t gotten around to, see if you can cook grandma her favorite meal, or volunteer to walk the dogs at your local humane society.  Research shows that meaningful social interactions are actually the number one contributor to good health and longevity.  

This February let’s remember how much we need each other.  Whether you feel lonely or  not…chances are someone else does.  So reach out to your local community organizations to see where you can plug in to make those meaningful connections.   

If you feel like your heart and soul simply can’t make the connections they need, consider some acupuncture to open yourself up to joy and happiness again. We have an emotional balancing method that is very effective. Call JJ at 910.262.1122 to schedule a consultation.