A new study has been published that used CT scans to reveal differences between acupuncture points and non-acupuncture points.  Click here to read more about it!

How freakin' cool is it that 5000 years ago the ancient Chinese knew that there was something special about certain parts of the body and that these points could be used to restore health? How did they figure it out?  I am loving that science is finally figuring out ways to look at our bodies to see what the ancients somehow knew so long ago!

A new study shows that the herb Corydalis (known as Yan Hu Suo in Chinese medicine) is effective at decreasing pain.  Especially long-term, low level chronic pain.

There's a reason my teachers called this herb the Tylenol of Chinese medicine!  Now, just imagine how effective it is when it's used in a pain-relieving Chinese herbal formula that's been formulated just for you and the specifics of your pain!

This study showed that the acupuncture point called An Mian (which translates to Peaceful Sleep) improves our deep sleep.

This point is an absolute must if you're struggling with sleeping - trouble falling to sleep, staying asleep or waking feeling rested.

What's amazing is that they found that this point worked all by itself!  Now, just imagine if they used this point in conjunction with other points that promote sleep!  

If you struggle with sleep, acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine could be just what you need!  Schedule your appointment today by calling me at (971) 285-4825 or scheduling online!

Okay, I'm going to geek out for a minute here.  This is so freakin' neat!

Scientists have found that Oxygen levels are higher at acupoints.  Using an oxygen sensor, they made the picture to the left.  It's really small, so a bit difficult to read, but the yellow/orange/red areas are the areas of increased oxygen levels.  Those areas are the acupuncture points of the forearm!

I can't wait until scientists examine the entire body in this fashion!

Plus, it makes for really pretty art.  You can bet that a full-body scan would be hung on the wall at my office!

If you've been reading this blog for any amount of time, you've heard me discuss the difficulties with doing placebo-controlled research on acupuncture.  Here's one such post.


I came across this article today which very beautifully describes some of the issues that arise when we try to put acupuncture into the standard biomedical model of research.  It also explains how studies designed to test acupuncture against standard biomedical care show the reality - acupuncture is a viable treatment method that can compete against medications without the side effects!

A recent study on acupuncture as a treatment for depression during pregnancy finds that acupuncture shows some real promise for being a safe and effective treatment during a time when most treatments are not considered safe.

Depression, according to Chinese medicine, is due to Qi and/or blood deficiency, usually associated with the Heart (the organ associated with the emotion of joy) and Spleen (the organ associated with being grounded and content in life).

When our Qi levels are not strong enough to support these emotions, then we fall to the other, unhealthy, side of the spectrum.  We experience the common symptoms of depression.

To further compound the problem of depression, when our Spleen is weak, our Liver (the organ associate with stress!) is allowed to rule the roost!  So not only are we feeling bad, but we experience more stress which can force us into a cycle of feeling hopeless.

So how can we treat depression using Chinese medicine?  First off, I'd like to mention that anytime you're dealing with a major deficit of Qi or blood, it takes time to correct.  There is no quick fix.  Expect at least 1-3 months, depending on how deficient you are, to see results.  Expect to be treated longer than that for lasting results.

So back to the question - how can we treat depression using Chinese medicine?

Acupuncture and herbs will help get your Qi back to healthy levels relatively quickly.  

Things that you can do at home include:  

• Wearing sunny colors (reds, yellows, oranges).  These are the colors associated with the Heart and Spleen.
• Get outside.  Vitamin D deficiency has been shown to play a role in depression.
• Eat a nutritious diet.  This will help the Spleen build the Qi and blood necessary to reverse your symptoms.
• Take a multivitamin.  Because the Qi and deficit is so large with depression, we need all the help we can get in building Qi and Blood.
• Don't lose hope!  You CAN get out of the depression hole.  Be patient and loving with yourself as you regain your energy.

Please consider seeing an acupuncturist in addition to the rest of your mental health team if you're experiencing symptoms of depression.  Your Heart and Spleen will thank you for it!

Go Ahead and Swear! A study published in NeuroReport shows that uttering your favorite curse word helps ease pain. In this study, the participants held their hand in an ice water bath while repeating a curse word. They then held their hand in the water a second time while repeating an everyday neutral word. They reported their pain levels for each "bathing," and it was found that the participants reported a lesser pain experience while being allowed to repeat a curse word.

In Chinese medical theory this makes a certain amount of sense. Pain is caused by our Qi not flowing smoothly. Stress is caused by our Liver Qi not moving properly (Liver being related to the emotion of anger or frustration). Swearing can help release our Liver Qi, freeing it. Perhaps swearing also has an effect on not just our Liver Qi, but all of the Qi in our body. Free Qi movement equals reduced pain!

So, if you bang your thumb with a hammer, or are a pregnant woman going through labor, feel free to mutter (or scream!) that favorite curse word. You'll feel better for it!



*I'd like to apologize for the lack of posts lately, the kiddo has ceased taking naps recently, making me reconfigure our schedule and trying to figure out when to get some writing done. I hope to get back on the writing wagon now that things have settled down a bit! Thanks for being patient with us!

The study "Acupuncture's Effects in Treating the Sequelae of Acute and Chronic Spinal Cord Injuries: A Review of Allopathic and Traditional Chinese Medicine Literature" has shown that electro-acupuncture can be useful in mitigating many of the symptoms associated with a spinal cord injury. The studies that were reviewed included studies that looked at all Spinal Cord Injury problems, bladder problems, pain issues and dysreflexia (spasms that can cause high blood pressure).

Electro-acupuncture is the application of a small electric pulse through acupuncture needles. Electro-acupuncture typically is very mild, and has been described as causing a "tapping" sensation. When electro-acupuncture is applied to the site of the Spinal Cord injury, relief from many of the above mentioned symptoms are lessened.

There have also been some studies from China showing some nerve regrowth in rodents with Spinal Cord Injuries. The regrowth is still slow, but quicker than the natural regrowth that does occur. This could potentially be very useful in patients with incomplete Spinal Cord Injuries.

What might this mean?

In terms of money, the medical costs over the lifetime of a person with quadriplegia totals more than three million dollars. For a person with an incomplete spinal cord injury, one in which they likely retain some motor functions, the total is still a staggering $680,000! This is if we're only talking about the medical costs. If you factor in lost wages, decreases in productivity on the job, and fringe benefits, the totals can be an additional $62,000 per year. That's a LOT of money! If some of the medical costs are reduced due to fewer infections and less pain, how much could be saved?

In terms of life improvement, medical problem occurrences are reduced. Can you imagine being in constant pain? How about frequent bladder infections because you have to be catheterized? What if these can each be reduced? Fewer infections and less pain could mean a very different outlook for many!

From a Chinese medical standpoint, a Spinal Cord Injury is just another stagnation of the flow of Qi. Remember the car accident on the freeway analogy? A Spinal Cord Injury is a MAJOR blockage to the flow of Qi, but small improvements CAN be made, which may mean BIG improvements in quality of life for someone living with such an injury.