Chinese Medicine – Page 9 – Medford Acupuncture & Herbal Clinic

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Written by Ann Zimmerman on April 12, 2011. Posted in Acupuncture, Chinese Medicine, Mental and Emotional Health, Stress and Fatigue.

by Clark and Ann Zimmerman, L.Ac.

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, or PTSD, is a commonly misunderstood condition that currently affects around 5 million Americans. Acupuncture, along with a variety of natural treatment approaches, can often offer profound benefit to people diagnosed with PTSD or share a similar constellation of symptoms.

Acupuncture can treat PTSD by harmonizing the underlying energetic imbalances that cause the condition. In acupuncture theory, PTSD is treated as a state of shock that must be cleared out of one ‘s nervous system and body. Shock can linger long after the triggering event occurred, often for several years. There are a number of acupuncture treatment strategies that effectively take someone out of a state of shock. This is accomplished by clearing the underlying energetic imbalance that is causing the shock to persist. Another important factor is to stabilize the pulse, as almost all patients in shock exhibit unstable pulses that show continuous deviation in rate, rhythm, intensity, or amplitude.

Sciatica

Written by Ann Zimmerman on April 12, 2011. Posted in Acupuncture, Chinese Medicine, Pain Relief.

by Clark and Ann Zimmerman, L.Ac.

Acupuncture and Chinese medicine have proven to be effective for many people who suffer from sciatica. This condition, which is characterized by nervy and gnawing pain that radiates from the low back down one or both legs, can be debilitating and frustrating. Many patients have tried conventional therapies such as pain medications, physical therapy, and chiropractic but still struggle with the condition.

In acupuncture theory, pain is believed to be due to stuck energy and blood in the body. It is always a result of impeded circulation, which can lead to inflammation or degeneration. In the case of sciatica, the gall bladder meridian is typically in need of energetic balancing. This meridian runs from the piriformus muscle in the buttocks down the lateral side of the legs, which is the pathway of the sciatic nerve. Qi stagnation (stuck energy) occurs in this meridian due to suppressed anger and stress. Because of this, a common dynamic amongst sciatica patients is that they tend to hold onto anger or express it inappropriately.

A Few Word Concerning the H1N1 Virus

Written by Ann Zimmerman on April 12, 2011. Posted in Chinese Medicine, Immune Health and Balance.

by Clark Zimmerman, L.Ac.

By now I’m sure everyone has become somewhat familiar with the H1N1 Virus. We have seen quite a few patients with flu-like symptoms, and some confirmed cases of H1N1 Virus in our clinic. Chinese medicine can be very helpful in the prevention or treatment of the H1N1 virus. There is a great article written by John Heuertz, published in the Gold Flower Chinese Herbs autumn 2009 newsletter. In it, John describes the four phases of viral infection, and some Chinese medical treatment protocols that can effectively address a virus in it’s different stages. The four phases of exposure include: prevention, initial exposure, fully engaged and critical phases. Each phase has different characteristics, and different treatment strategies.