Acupuncture for Insomnia

Everyone, at some point, has experienced a period of not getting enough sleep, whether from insomnia, sleep disruption (kids and pets are famous for this), or simply not having enough time to sleep. And, the effect of sleep deprivation on mood, energy, focus, and overall quality of life can be profound. Insomnia can take many … Read more

Suggestions for Restful Sleep

Sleep is a habitual activity: patterns of sleep disruption can take on a life of their own and, by the same token, good sleep habits can be extremely regulating.  Here are some suggestions to encourage sleep and get you back into a good rhythm. Fix your sleep environment. Where you sleep makes a big difference … Read more

Acupuncture for Sinus Infection

We all know the symptoms: stuffy nose, pressure and pain in the sinuses, post-nasal drip, irritated throat and coughing, clogged ears, and that foggy, heavy, can’t-taste-or-smell feeling in the head (one person described to me as having his brain sealed in a tupperware).  Sinus infections can start with a stubborn cold or allergies, and in … Read more

Worrying, Studying, Sugar, and your “Spleen”

Somehow I’d expected acupuncture school to be a place where we learned healthy habits and practiced balance; but, dealing with the same time-and-money constraints as any other graduate school program, it looked more like this: Back to back classes. Late night studying. Constant testing (and I mean constant, several exams a week, many of them … Read more

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and Acupuncture

Irritable Bowel Syndrome, or IBS, is an increasingly common digestive complaint. People with IBS suffer from abdominal pain, cramping or discomfort, along with diarrhea, constipation, or both. They may also experience a number of other gastrointestinal symptoms. People often feel worse when under physical or emotional stress, before or during the menstrual period, although sometimes … Read more

Acupuncture and Herbs for Skin Conditions

Many types of skin conditions can be aggravated by the heat and humidity of late summer. Most people don’t think of acupuncture for managing skin diseases such as eczema, psoriasis, rosacea, acne, and heat rash; but Chinese medicine can be very effective at treating these conditions. Treatment, whether acupuncture or herbs, works on two levels. … Read more

Acupuncture for Smoking Cessation

Acupuncture treatment can be a great support for the process of stopping smoking. People report that it helps decrease cravings, and soothes the physical and emotional tension associated with withdrawal. Evidence also indicates that it significantly increases the chances of kicking the habit. One study assigned 46 smokers to two groups. One group was treated … Read more