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In a study conducted and published by the National Center for Biotechnology Information and in conjunction with the National Institute for Health, patients suffering from lung cancer showed improvements in several areas after being treated with acupuncture. Pain was decreased, appetite increased, nausea and nervousness decreased, and overall, the patients well-being was improved. The study showed that 61 percent of patients reported less pain and 33 percent of the patients reported an increase in their total well-being. Those participants who received more acupuncture treatments reported that their well-being was positively affected and it was determined that a minimum of six acupuncture treatments were required for a 70 percent chance of clinical improvements regarding the overall well-being.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3671020/
Lung cancer is the leading form of cancer in the United States, according to the American Lung Association. As with most forms of cancer, lung cancer is non-discriminatory in nature and can affect anybody, at any age. However, it is more prevalent in smokers, those exposed to secondhand smoke and people who have asbestos poisoning. Most lung cancer patients have multiple symptoms, including pain, fatigue, depression, difficulty breathing and anxiety. Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine can be very useful tools in treating the symptoms of lung cancer, as well as decreasing the side effects of radiation and chemotherapy.
Every single person on the planet has cancer cells in their body. Those cancer cells only proliferate or duplicate when there is the perfect storm of conditions in the body, such as decreased immunity, prolonged stress and anxiety and improper dietary habits. When the body is balanced, the immune system attacks and destroys renegade cancer cells before they can become malignant. But an unbalanced immune system, will often fail to defend the body from the cancer cells.
TCM and specifically, acupuncture, has shown great promise in helping lung cancer patients deal with the many symptoms they encounter. One of the most important ways regular acupuncture treatments can help lung cancer patients, is by boosting the immune system. The acupuncture needles are homeopathic in nature, but when they puncture the skin, the needles are perceived as an enemy by the body. This causes the body to send an immune-mediated response to the area, which in effect, retrains the body’s immune system to attack the intruders. The needles can be placed near or around the area of the cancerous tumor, which allows the defensive action of the immune system to be channeled to the cancer site itself.
Acupuncture can also be very effective at treating the other common symptoms of lung cancer. Symptoms like fatigue, depression and anxiety, can be managed with multiple acupuncture treatments that balance hormones in the body. When these are decreased, the immune system and the overall body will become stronger.
As with any form of cancer, having the proper diagnosis and treatments are essential. But adding complementary therapies, such as acupuncture, can increase the probability of success at defeating the disease.
If anyone or anyone you know is going through treatments with lung cancer. Feel free to contact us at Master Lu’s Health Center in Salt Lake City for acupuncture treatments.
At Master Lu’s Health Center in Salt Lake City, we focus on all aspects of Chinese medicine including acupuncture, Chinese herbal therapy, nutrition, Chinese medical massage, and exercise.
Along with our Chinese medical treatments we will recommend food or nutritional therapy that will help you heal. Chinese medicine nutrition combines ancient wisdom with modern science. Chinese medicine nutrition is a holistic approach, which aims to balance all five flavors within most meals with one or two flavors being emphasized for therapeutic purposes. OM nutrition for a hypertension emphasizes bitter flavors, sour flavors and energetically-cooling foods.
Chinese medical theory states the bitter flavor benefits the heart in moderation but an excess is harmful as it has a drying effect; for example, coffee is bitter. In moderation coffee acts as vasodilator increasing circulation but in excess it can raise blood pressure and has a diuretic effect. Modern scientific research has discovered while the human genome has 25 bitter taste receptors 12 of these are expressed in the human heart.
Foods with bitter flavors include: romaine lettuce, dandelion, arugula, rye. Foods that combine bitter with pungency include: citrus peel, radish, scallion and white pepper. In Chinese medical nutrition the pungent flavor can help disperse phlegm (e.g. plaque). Foods that combine bitter with sweet include: asparagus, celery, tomatoes, lettuce, quinoa and papaya. Lemon rind is bitter and sour; vinegar is also bitter and sour.
Bitter flavors have a yin, or cooling effect, clearing heat in the body while encouraging a descent of Qi, which aids in the draining of fluids. For example, celery contains the phytochemical phthalides which relaxes arterial wall tissues to increase blood flow and thereby reduce blood pressure. The fiber, magnesium and potassium in celery also help lower blood pressure and regulate fluid balance. Caution: according to Chinese medicine, those with a lot of dryness and/or bone disease should moderate their intake of bitter flavor.
A tomato a day keeps the doctor away! The combination of lycopene, vitamin C and E, potassium and folic acid in tomatoes make it a power food for heart health. The bitter flavor of tomatoes come from the seeds; to reap the full benefit of tomatoes eat the seeds too. Heirloom tomatoes in season have the most flavor, find the tastiest tomatoes at your farmer’s market or trying growing your own.
Summer is the season of the heart according to Chinese medicine, meaning it is the season most likely to bring our hearts out of balance if we are exposed to excess heat, which can then create and/or exacerbate internal heat. During the summer Chinese medical nutrition recommends drinking and eating foods that cool the body and heart such as green tea, cucumbers, watermelon and lemon.
Chrysanthemum tea is a very popular summertime tea in Asia because it is so well known for its cooling properties; it is helpful for headaches, dizziness, high blood pressure, chest pain and also fevers. You can add chrysanthemum flowers to your morning green tea and in the evening combine it with chamomile tea for extra cooling benefits!
Chinese medical nutrition cautions against overdoing cold foods and drinks. Too much cold inhibits the digestive process. Drinking warm beverages and soups, as well as eating foods with a little pungency (chili pepper, garlic, ginger) causes the body to perspire slightly which naturally cools the body.
For those who happen to have hypertension plus a lot of dryness: dry skin, dry eyes, dry mouth and thirst, constipation and even hormonal deficiencies can benefit from increasing their healthy fat intake. Many nutrients are fat soluble, the body uses cholesterol to make hormones, bile and vitamin D. Healthy fats nourish yin in OM nutrition theory. Some Americans who suffer from hypertension are also thin with an underlying yin deficiency, such as those with the onset of hypertension that coincides with menopausal symptoms. Sources of healthy fats include: nuts, seeds, avocado, olive oil, flaxseed oil and fish.
Eating beans, peas and grains are high in potassium, magnesium, fiber and are high in choline which is vital in lowering hypertension and boosting fat metabolism. Whole grains are also a good source of niacin and vitamin E and are recommended for healthy arteries, especially those that are slightly bitter such as: rye, quinoa, amaranth and oats.
5 Flavors Chickpea Salad for Healthy & Happy Heart
15 oz cooked organic chick peas (1 can)
1/2 c cup cooked quinoa or 1 cup brown rice (warm)
4 stalks celery, minced
6-12 cherry tomatoes, chapped in 1/2 or 1/4
8-12 Romaine lettuce leaves, chopped
2 TBSP red onion, minced
Toss with dressing made with:
2 TBSP olive oil
1 TBSP lemon juice + a little lemon zest (organic is best)
1 tsp grated ginger
1/2 tsp honey or agave
1-2 garlic cloves (minced or pressed)
1/8 tsp Himalayan or Sea salt (or to taste)
fresh ground black pepper (to taste)
Resources
https://health.clevelandclinic.org/2015/04/celery-may-help-bring-your-high-blood-pressure-down/
Foster, S. R., Blank, K., Hoe, L. E. S., Behrens, M., Meyerhof, W., Peart, J. N., & Thomas, W. G. (2014). Bitter taste receptor agonists elicit G-protein-dependent negative inotropy in the murine heart. The FASEB Journal, 28(10), 4497-4508.
Kastner, Joseph, MD, L.Ac, (2009) Chinese Nutrition Therapy, Thieme, Stuttgart and New York
Pitchford, Paul (2002), Healing with Whole Foods: Asian Traditions and Modern Nutrition, North Atlantic Books, Berkeley, California\
Ried, K., Frank, O. R., Stocks, N. P., Fakler, P., & Sullivan, T. (2008). Effect of garlic on blood pressure: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC cardiovascular disorders, 8(1), 1.
Willcox, J. K., Catignani, G. L., & Lazarus, S. (2003). Tomatoes and Cardiovascular Health. Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition, 43(1), 1-18.
At Master Lu’s Health Center in Salt Lake City, it is our pleasure to give you the best health care and advice. We specialize in Chinese medicine, acupuncture, exercise, and nutrition. Below are seven alternative methods that will help you with arthritic pain. We hope these tips and recommendations will help you feel better and start you on a path to good health and wellness.
Exercise
For those with arthritis, exercise, no matter how little you do, is one of the best natural treatments. For those with severe arthritis, even the smallest amount of walking can make a difference. Swimming is one of the best forms of exercise for those with arthritis because it puts the least amount of impact on the joints. Strengthening exercises are also recommended to keep muscles and joints strong.
Acupuncture
One of the most common reasons people seek out acupuncture is for arthritis relief. Acupuncture can help relieve pain from arthritis and increase blood flow and circulation, reducing inflammation. Through the specific placement of needles on acupuncture points on the body, acupuncture realigns the body back to balance.
Capsaicin Cream
Made from the chemical that gives chili peppers their heat, Capsaicin cream has been known to relieve arthritis pain. The cream works by decreasing the body’s pain receptors and as a result, lessening the overall pain caused by arthritis. The cream can be bought without a prescription at your local drug store.
Fish Oil
Fish oil is beneficial for numerous reasons, one of them being its anti-inflammatory properties. Because it is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, trials have found that the oil can reduce morning stiffness and the need for pain medication for those with arthritis. Fish oil is a supplement that is safe and recommended to take every day for the most beneficial effects.
Mind-Body
Mind-body techniques like meditation, relaxation and tai chi have been seen to improve overall quality of life for those with arthritis. Tai Chi is a martial art that involves slow, easy movements along with deep breathing. This exercise can improve the body’s motion and physical fitness without being too demanding on the joints and muscles. Although meditation and relaxation do not necessarily reduce pain, they have been found to improve mood and health in arthritis patients dealing with chronic pain.
Diet
Studies have shown that some patients benefit from changes in their diet by eliminating food that may contribute to their arthritis pain. By removing allergens from the diet, overall inflammation can be reduced. Common diets that have been seen to be beneficial include a mediterranean diet rich in nuts, fish, vegetables, fruit and olive oil. Foods that are not recommended include red meat and dairy as those can cause inflammatory reactions.
Whole Food Supplements and Herbs
Whole food based supplements will also help with arthritis. Whole food nutrition is important for your body to heal itself. When we have the right kinds of foods at adequate amounts bodies will become balanced and heal itself. There are several whole food supplements and Chinese herbal formulas that will reduce inflammation and control arthritic pain.
If you have any questions about acupuncture, Chinese medicine, Tai Chi, and nutrition please feel free to call us at Master Lu’s Health Center in Salt Lake City. It is our pleasure to help you feel better, more energized, and balanced.
Sources:
http://bit.ly/1YtHTib
Have you been suffering from headaches? Are you tired of taking medications for your headaches? Are you looking for a natural and safe way to help relieve your headaches? If so you are at the right place. Chinese medicine has shown to be an effective natural treatment for headaches.
Headaches are a common health condition that affects many people. There are many different types and characteristics of headaches. There are also different kinds of treatments both conventional and alternative treatments
Because headaches are such a common symptom, many times they are not related to any serious conditions. However, that being said there are times when you should be concerned when you have a headache. Some headaches may have the following signs and symptoms
These signs and symptoms if there is prolonged headache may be a sign of a more serious condition, not always but possible.
There are different types of headaches. Some of the most common types of headaches are tension headaches and migraine headaches. Tension headaches many times will feel like a band around your whole head. The pain is dull and nagging. Many times when you have elevated stress there may be tension headaches.
Migraine headaches are also a common type of headache. Migraines may have the following symptoms:
There could be many reasons why you can have a migraine headache such as hormones, diet, and stress.
Some other forms of headaches are cluster headaches, temporal arteritis, facial pain, increased intracranial pressure, meningeal pain, cervical spondylosis, and headache with common colds.
The treatments for most type of headaches are medications and rest. Many times the headaches will be reoccurring and is controlled by medications.
Chinese medicine includes acupuncture, Chinese herbs, nutrition, medical massage, and exercise. When there is a patient with a headache we will look for different imbalances within the body to why there is a headache. There are different diagnostic techniques we may use to diagnose the headache you may be experiencing. Chinese medicine looks at the body as a whole to diagnose the root cause of the headache.
There could be many causes for headaches according to Chinese medical theory. Headaches are an imbalance within the body that is obstructing the blood flow. When there is no free flow there is pain. Imbalances within in our body are caused by improper diet, stress, over work, and lack of exercise. No matter what the cause is it is an imbalance that does not allow the blood to flow properly in your body. To allow the free flow of blood acupuncture and Chinese herbs are most effective.
Acupuncture and Chinese herbs will regulate your body and allow your body to become balanced to promote your body’s self-healing mechanisms. Physiologically, research has shown that acupuncture will act on the brain and release different chemicals, neurotransmitters, and hormones that will stimulate your body’s self-healing mechanisms.
To maintain headache free it is important to have good diet, exercise, and live in a balanced way. For example, there are those who will eat the same food every day. If you eat something everyday that is the same there could be a possibility that you may develop an allergy to that food and it will cause you to have a headache. So balance is important. Your food should be from all different colors and have variety everyday. When you strive to live in a more balanced way you will more likely be headache free.
If you are struggling with headache and want a natural way to relieve your pain, look into acupuncture and Chinese medicine to help you. Do not hesitate to contact us anytime at Master Lu’s Health Center in Salt Lake City.
Have you been feeling stressed this holiday season?
Do you feel fatigued?
Are you having an increase in pain?
If you are feeling any of these problems or other problems related to your health and wellness, we can help you. We are offering a limited time offer to help you feel balanced, energized, and less stressed during this holiday season.
Here is the deal… if you want some stress relief, pain relief, or feel better and balanced, we are offering a limited time special for acupuncture treatments.
Acupuncture will not only help you feel better during this holiday season with all of the stress and sicknesses, but you will also help the community by donating food for the Utah Food Bank.
Acupuncture and Chinese medicine will help you many health conditions:
This offer runs until Dec 23rd. Come and experience the power of acupuncture and Chinese medicine. Hurry and call Master Lu’ s Health Center to schedule an appointment.
We are holding a monthly education series on Chinese medicine, nutrition, and exercise. Come and enrich your health with Chinese medicine, acupuncture, and exercise at Master Lu’ s Health Center in Salt Lake City. All classes are FREE!
The next classes are Oct 3rd, Nov 7th, Dec 5th at 2:00 pm.
There are many patients who ask how many acupuncture treatments do I need? That is a good question to ask. At Master Lu’s Health Center, we typically recommend on average five treatments and we will reassess. But then the question is do I need to keep coming forever? That is also a good question to ask your Chinese physician. Here are some reasons why continued care is good.
These suggestions come from Acupuncture Media Works. We think they are a good synopsis why it is good to continue with your acupuncture and Chinese medicine care.
1) Even though you may not be in pain or discomfort, it takes longer to heal than is indicated by how you feel. Your body continues to heal even when symptoms are gone. Acupuncture and Chinese medicine treats the root of the problem. So when symptoms are gone, the root of the problem may still need to be treated therefore it is a good idea to continue to get treatments so your problem will be gone.
2) Chinese medicine is about prevention. It is better to prevent an illness and maintain healthy. Acupuncture and Chinese medicine will continue to strengthen your body so you maintain healthy.
2) Acupuncture and Chinese medicine builds upon itself. Each time you come for an acupuncture treatment it improves the healing process within your body. You should get better and better each time you come in for a treatment. In China, Chinese doctors will treat patients three to four times per week for a typical treatment course of ten. Then the doctors will reassess to see if treatments need to be spread more apart or if the patients has been “cured.” Stopping or missing treatments could have a negative impact on your treatments. If you came in for a treatment for low back pain then came back three weeks later, your pain may not have changed that much because too much time in between treatments went by. It is best to have several treatments up front close together then reassess.
3) Acupuncture and Chinese medicine will improve your energy levels and help you feel more balanced. We live in a stressful society. There are many factors that can cause us to feel stressed which in turn may have an effect on our bodies. By having regular acupuncture treatments, you can feels more balanced and reduce your stress.
4) “An ounce of prevention , is worse a pound of cure.” Acupuncture and Chinese medicine will help build your body and prevent illness. It is still highly important to change your lifestyle habits so you can achieve your optimum health and wellness.
I hope these tips help you. If so please sign up for our monthly newsletter with tips, research, and more about how Chinese medicine will help you.
Have you been feeling fatigued? Do you feel cold all of the time? Are you stressed? Or maybe you feel like your skin is really dry? One common problem that you may be facing is hypothyroidism or a low thyroid. If you feel like or have been diagnosed with hypothyroid acupuncture and Chinese medicine has been shown to be a great choice of treatment.
Hypothyroidism is a common health condition. Diagnosis of hypothyroid is done through lab tests that your physician will order. Depending on your lab tests, it will show whether there is primary hypothyroidism, which is an elevated TSH, or secondary hypothyroidism, which is a low TSH due to a problem at the pituitary gland.
Hypothyroid has many different signs or symptoms that can affect your quality of life. Here are some of the most common signs and symptoms of a low thyroid:
If in the case you are diagnosed with hypothyroid, your physician may prescribe you with medication that may help to manage your condition.
Acupuncture and Chinese medicine offers a natural alternative to treat hypothyroid. According to Chinese medical theory hypothyroid is typically a disharmony or imbalance between the spleen, kidney, and heart channels. Not saying that those organs themselves have problems it is the channel or vessel according to Chinese medicine that have the imbalances.
To treat hypothyroidism, a Chinese medical practitioner will first look at your body, take your pulse, look at your tongue and ask you questions. After finding your Chinese medical diagnosis then the practitioner will use acupuncture and herbs to treat your health condition. For hypothyroidism the typical treatment principle is to supplement the spleen, nourish and warm the kidneys, nourish and warm the heart, and boost qi. By utilizing acupuncture and Chinese medicine it will promote balance within your body to stimulate your body’s self-healing mechanisms.
Physiologically, acupuncture will act on the brain and release different hormones, neurotransmitters, and chemicals to stimulate your body’s self-healing mechanisms. Acupuncture also has been shown to improve blood flow that will allow your body to self-heal as well.
Exercise and diet are also key components to help with hypothyroidism. Tai Chi is a great exercise that will improve your energy and reduce your stress. It has been said that Tai Chi is “moving medication.” Your diet is important. You should avoid raw and cold foods, and eat more warming foods. Eat some more warming meats such as lamb or chicken. You would want to avoid putting ice in your water as well.
If you are struggling is thyroid problems and need help please feel free to give us a call for a free consultation. We are here to help you at Master Lu’s Health Center in Salt Lake City.
Acupuncture is a large part of Chinese medicine. It has been utilized for many different health conditions for over 3,000 years. Through clinical experience and observation, acupuncture was developed and refined. According to the Chinese medical classics, there are 365 acupuncture points that lie along channels or vessels that run throughout the body. Each acupuncture point has different functions and indications. One acupuncture point that is commonly used is bai hui, Du 20, or hundred convergences.
Bai hui is a commonly acupuncture point used daily especially here in the West. The location of bai hui is on the midline of the head, directly above the apexes of the two ears. It is approximately seven inches directly above the posterior hairline.
The functions and indications for bai hui are numerous. Here are some of the Chinese medical functions of bai hui:
Here are some of the western medical conditions that bai hui is useful for:
In our clinic at Master Lu’s Health Center, we will use this acupuncture point for people who may be suffering from stress, anxiety, and insomnia. Bai hui is a wonderful acupuncture point that will calm the mind. In our stressful society, it is important for us to learn how to manage our stress and to calm our minds.
We will also include this point for the treatment of drugs and alcohol. It all is tied together with stress and depression. Bai hui will help cope with the emotional struggles that come with addictions.
Bai hui will also help you In Chinese medicine school, there were students who would have bai hui needled so they can do better with their studies.
Bai hui is a very useful acupuncture point and will help you to feel more calm and reduce your stress.
If you are feeling stress or need just to relax give us a call today for acupuncture and we will help you feel better.
Master Lu’s Health Center in Salt Lake City is a Chinese medical clinic that practices all aspects of Chinese medicine including acupuncture and Chinese herbal therapy. Chinese medicine is a complete medical system that diagnoses and treats disease. It has been used for over 3,000 years and has shown to be a viable form of health care. One aspect of Chinese medicine that we don’t hear much about here in the West is Chinese herbs. There are thousands of Chinese herbs that help with many different health conditions. One Chinese herb that is very common is huang qi or astragalus.
Huang qi is categorized as a supplementing qi or boosting qi herb. That means that it will help you improve your energy levels, and improve the function of your organs overall. Huang qi is a sweet and slightly warm herb. It will enter into the spleen and lung channels. Huang qi grows throughout China, especially in the northern most regions of China.
There are many different functions for huang qi. The following are some the most common functions and indications for huang qi:
As you can see there are several functions of huang qi. How is it used when there are so many different functions and indications for this herb? The beauty of Chinese medicine is that it focuses on balance. Chinese herbs are used in formulas that are balanced and used for specific Chinese medical diagnosis. Huang qi will be part of Chinese herbal formulas. There are many different formulas that will use huang qi for very specific Chinese medical diagnosis. For example, huang qi is used in a formula called Yu Ping Feng San. This formula is good for allergies and recurrent colds. It will help with the immune system and improve your energy. Huang qi alone may help a little, but it works better when there is a formula involved.
Chinese herbs are a lifetime study and practice. They are utilized throughout the world and have shown to be effective. Huang qi is a wonderful herb for many different health conditions.
If you would like to learn how Chinese herbs may help you improve your health please give us a call today at Master Lu’s Health Center.
