Archive for January, 2008

Acupuncture for Depression

Thursday, January 31st, 2008

Acupuncture for depression targets specific acupuncture points on the body, resulting in a reduction in depressive symptoms. Individuals typically experience reduced depression symptoms and benefit from the mood elevating effect of acupuncture for depression therapy. Acupuncture for depression can alleviate the physical symptoms occurring in conjunction with depression. Insomnia, fatigue and other symptoms of depression can be reduced with acupuncture for depression treatment.
Acupuncture for depression can also treat cases of reactive depression due to a medical illness such as chronic pain, chronic fatigue, arthritis, cancer, anemia, and endocrine abnormalities. If you are taking anti-depressants, acupuncture for depression therapy can prescribe Chinese herbal medicine that works synergistically with your medications to address symptoms. An acupuncture health plan may consist of an initial therapy of one to two months of weekly treatments.
Acupuncture for depression may also utilize additional Traditional Chinese Medicine modalities such as tai chi energetic exercises and tui na massage therapy in acupuncture for depression therapy plans. Acupuncture for depression can also be utilized as a stand-alone primary treatment modality for depression for those who do not prefer allopathic therapies. Acupuncture for depression is also effective in the treatment of stress-related depression.
In conjunction with Chinese herbal medicine, acupuncture for depression can be an effective depression treatment modality that corrects the internal imbalance or root origin of the disease. While acupuncture for depression can resolve depression symptoms, in order to sustain the positive results of treatment your acupuncture physician may recommend diet and lifestyle modifications. Many individuals cannot tolerate the side effects of antidepressant medications and seek alternative management therapies, such as acupuncture for depression. Acupuncture for depression is viewed by many individuals as a safe, non-drug option.
For more information about acupuncture for depression call Dr. Richard Browne, Acupuncture Physician and Homeopath at (305) 595-9500. For Oriental Medicine and Massage Therapy program information ask for Joe Calareso.

Acupuncture for Allergies

Sunday, January 27th, 2008

Acupuncture for allergies usually results in less frequent colds, sinus headaches and congestion and increased energy. Improvement in allergy symptoms occurs after the first four to six acupuncture for allergies treatments for perennial or chronic allergy sufferers. Acupuncture for allergies minimizes asthma, fatigue, sinus headache, and other allergic reactions.

Acupuncture for allergies focuses on symptom relief while aiding the body’s capacity to regulate antigen-antibody reactions and process allergens. As a primary therapy modality or in combination with conventional medication, acupuncture effectively addresses the root cause of allergies by correcting the underlying immune system imbalance. Acupuncture for allergies is an effective alternative for those who cannot tolerate medications.

Allergy symptoms are frequently treated with antihistamine agents (antihistamines, nasal corticosteroids, allergy shots, and decongestants), which often treat symptoms by immune system suppression. Although allopathic medicine is effective at treating the allergic response, side effects such as drowsiness and insomnia cause many to seek alternative approaches, such as acupuncture for allergies, for allergy management.

By focusing on immune system balance, acupuncture can result in long-term allergy management. Acupuncture produces biochemical balance, which enhances the body’s natural healing abilities. Chinese herbal medicine and dietary modification may be prescribed in conjunction with acupuncture to lessen the effects of allergies. Itching, discharge and nasal congestion are often relieved during the first acupuncture for allergies treatment.

Acupuncture should be used preventatively when allergic reactions are not occurring. For some individuals, allergies can be managed with acupuncture for allergies maintenance treatments during seasonal changes. Individuals experiencing seasonal allergies should seek treatment a month prior to the start of the allergy season to lessen the effects of allergies.

For more information about acupuncture for allergies call Dr. Richard Browne, Acupuncture Physician and Homeopath, at (305) 595-9500. For Oriental Medicine and Massage Therapy program information ask for Joe Calareso.

Acupuncture for Fatigue

Saturday, January 26th, 2008

Many symptoms of fatigue respond to acupuncture for fatigue therapy. Acupuncture for fatigue can strengthen a weakened immune system, enhance vital energy, increase lymph circulation, and nourish blood. Acupuncture for fatigue may be utilized as a stand-alone therapy or may be integrated into allopathic treatment for individuals with fatigue.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) uses a combination of acupuncture for fatigue, moxibustion, Chinese herbal medicine, and lifestyle changes to treat fatigue. A series of weekly treatments for four to six weeks is recommended followed by progress assessment, to reduce fatigue levels and increase functional capacity. Various malfunctions in the endocrine, cardiovascular and digestive body systems that may cause fatigue are treatable with acupuncture for fatigue.
Acupuncture points chosen during acupuncture for fatigue treatment address the root of the problem, such as qi deficiency, while other selected points reduce occurrence of specific symptoms, such as headache. Your acupuncture physician may recommend an additional series of acupuncture for fatigue treatments to normalize and balance the immune system in cases of chronic fatigue syndrome. Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is the current name for a disorder characterized by debilitating fatigue and a variety of associated physical, constitutional and neuropsychological complaints.
Because there is no known cure, there is no defined therapy for generalized and chronic fatigue. Allopathic medications such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, antihistamines and decongestants can reduce the symptoms of fatigue, including diffuse pain and feverishness. Acupuncture for fatigue can work in conjunction with allopathic medications by improving mood and stabilizing disordered sleep cycles. Acupuncture for fatigue utilizes moxibustion to stimulate affected organs from their depleted state while increasing vitality. Acupuncture for fatigue can also treat many of the root origins of fatigue, including stress, insomnia and depression.

For more information about acupuncture for fatigue call Dr. Richard Browne, Acupuncture Physician and Homeopath, at (305) 595-9500. For information about Acupuncture & Massage College’s Masters of Oriental Medicine and Massage Therapy programs ask for Joe Calareso.

Nutrition for Health

Thursday, January 24th, 2008

Lifestyle modifications, including nutrition for health, can protect against heart disease while offering health benefits such as lowered blood pressure and lessened risk of diabetes. Nutrition for health can lower levels of LDL, or “bad” cholesterol and decrease the risk of heart disease. Nutrition for health can increase HDL, or “good” cholesterol, protecting against heart disease.
Nutrition for health may be combined with lifestyle changes that include exercise and stress reduction. Nutrition for health plans often include diets high in soluble fiber (carrots, Brussels sprouts, citrus fruits, oats, lentils, barley) and have been shown to reduce total cholesterol levels. Although allopathic medications can lower cholesterol, side effects may include headaches, rashes, muscle damage, digestive disorders, liver damage, and dizziness. Nutrition for health can reduce arterial wall buildup, improve blood flow and widen arteries.
Nutrition for health may also include Chinese herbal formulas, which have anti-hypertensive and vasodilatation effects on peripheral blood vessels. Chinese herbal formulas in nutrition for health programs can tonify qi, increase cardiac output, enhance immune system abilities, treat angina, tonify blood, and reduce blood pressure. Traditional Chinese Medicine defines a healthy lifestyle as one that includes a balanced nutrition for health practice. Nutrition for health Chinese food therapy categorizes six food groups: spices and herbs, vegetables, grains, fruit, meats, and dairy.
Appropriate nutrition for health combines acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine to achieve an optimal health state. Based on the principles of yin and yang and five element theory, each nutrition for health food is characterized by its energies, therapeutic actions and flavors. Related to yin/yang, nutrition for health food properties are further divided into four energies (cold, cool, hot, warm). The four energies of nutrition for health foods should be balanced in the diet. Nutrition for health food intake should correspond to the related organ systems that require strengthening. Nutrition for health should be tailored to individual constitution to preserve health and treat illness.

For more information about nutrition for health call Dr. Richard Browne, Acupuncture Physician and Homeopath at (305) 595-9500. For Oriental Medicine and Massage Therapy program information ask for Joe Calareso.

Acupuncture Can Lower Blood Pressure

Tuesday, January 15th, 2008

Acupuncture can lower blood pressure, according to a new study released by the Susan Samueli Center for Integrative Medicine at the University of California, Irvine. Findings indicate that acupuncture can help normalize blood pressure –lower pressure when it is elevated or raise pressure when it is too low—and complements treatments for cardiovascular patients. The study found that acupuncture combined with low levels of electrical stimulation can lower elevations in blood pressure by as much as 40 percent.
The Center also found once-weekly 30-minute acupuncture sessions will give substantial pressure reductions in three or four weeks. Though drug therapy and healthy lifestyle changes related to diet, exercise and weight loss are typically used to treat high blood pressure, some patients are looking for alternative solutions, such as acupuncture. The Center’s research also found that acupuncture has a slow onset and prolonged effect. If treatments were stopped, the pressure would stay down for another month before rising again over a period of weeks.
Acupuncture can become part of a therapeutic long-term health-care regimen for hypertension and other cardiovascular conditions. Acupuncture can be an excellent complement to other medical treatments, especially those for treating the cardiac system. Acupuncture applied to specific wrist, inner forearm and leg acupoints triggers release of brain opioid chemicals that reduce excitatory cardiovascular system responses. Acupuncture to these specific sites results in heart activity/oxygen intake decrease and lowered blood pressure. Acupuncture can be beneficial for various cardiac ailments.
Anti-hypertensive effects of acupuncture are best for treatment of mild or first stage hypertension. Acupuncture works through regulation of the nervous and endocrine systems. Therapy activates central endorphin pathways that elicit decreases in sympathetic nerve activity and blood pressure. Acupuncture is especially suitable for hypertensive individuals with existing liver or kidney complications that have low tolerance levels for anti-hypertensive medications.
For more information about acupuncture for normalizing blood pressure call Dr. Richard Browne, Acupuncture Physician and Homeopath at (305) 595-9500. For Oriental Medicine and Massage Therapy program information ask for Joe Calareso.

Benefits of Acupuncture

Monday, January 14th, 2008

Benefits of acupuncture include the effective treatment of several health conditions and ailments. Back pain, headache, stroke rehabilitation, tennis elbow, fibromyalgia, myofascial pain, osteoarthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome, and asthma are among the health conditions that can improve with benefits of acupuncture. One of the benefits of acupuncture is that acupuncture may be useful as a stand-alone treatment or may be integrated into a comprehensive management program.
Efficiency of acupuncture in adult postoperative and chemotherapy nausea and postoperative dental pain are also benefits of acupuncture. Benefits of acupuncture focus on a holistic, energy-based health concept rather than a disease-oriented diagnostic and treatment model. One of the benefits of acupuncture is that the incidence of side effects is significantly lower than the adverse effects that may be experienced from allopathic medications or other conventional medical procedures.
Benefits of acupuncture may strengthen efficacy for smoking cessation. Reduction of acute and chronic pain with acupuncture is one of the benefits of acupuncture in cases of diverse pain conditions. Additional health conditions that improve with benefits of acupuncture are treatment of anxiety, insomnia, digestive problems, menstrual cramps, weight loss, and infertility. Benefits of acupuncture include strengthening of general constitution. Many individuals receive the health and wellness benefits of acupuncture without experiencing any particular health condition.
Increase of energy, strength and vitality to a recovering patient is one of the benefits of acupuncture. Benefits of acupuncture may also include a boost to the immune system, reduction of pain medication intake and reduction of stress symptoms. One of the benefits of acupuncture is that it can be utilized as a preventative form of medicine and can be beneficial in preventing illness from occurring. As a non-invasive therapy for joint pain, the benefits of acupuncture result in a significant pain decrease in acute and chronic joint pain conditions.
Acupuncture & Massage College’s Masters of Oriental Medicine and Massage Therapy programs prepare graduates for careers as acupuncture physicians and massage therapists. For program information call Joe Calareso at (305) 595-9500. For acupuncture and homeopathic therapy, request Dr. Richard Browne, Acupuncture Physician and Homeopath.

Acupuncture for Sleep Disorders

Friday, January 11th, 2008

Acupuncture for sleep disorders and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), with their focus on treating syndromes as well as individual symptoms, is widely used to treat sleep disorders. Acupuncture for sleep disorders can correct imbalances causing the disorder and increases production of certain chemicals in the brain, including serotonin, which appear to aid sleep. Acupuncture for sleep disorders can reduce the chronic pain that may exacerbate sleep disorders.
Sleep disorders may be caused by deficiency of endorphins; acupuncture for sleep disorders can increase levels of endorphins. Common noted benefits of acupuncture for sleep disorders include deeper breathing and better sleeping patterns. Acupuncture for sleep disorders can treat many of the health conditions that lead to sleep difficulties, including sciatica, neurological disorders, hormonal imbalances, digestive disorders, cardiovascular conditions, and stress.
Allopathic therapies for sleep disorders are aimed at symptomatic treatment and often have the side effect of sleeplessness. For individuals hesitant to take medication, acupuncture for sleep disorders is a safe alternative. Acupuncture for sleep disorders also clears obstructions in the muscle and nerve channels and facilitates flow of qi. Acupuncture for sleep disorders is particularly indicated for reharmonizing a disturbed sleep-wake cycle and has a calming effect on the nervous system.
Used in conjunction with acupuncture for sleep disorders, Chinese herbal formulas can aid in enhancing the immune system, reducing occurrence of insomnia, and providing symptom relief while addressing the underlying origin of the imbalance. If frequent sleep difficulties or daytime fatigue occurs, an insomnia and herbal treatment health plan should be recommended for you by your acupuncture physician. Acupuncture for sleep disorders is commonly one component of a health regimen which may also include yoga, hypnosis and other relaxation techniques that can effectively treat sleep disorders.
For more information about acupuncture for the treatment of sleep disorders call (305) 595-9500 and ask for Dr. Richard Browne, Acupuncture Physician and Homeopath. For Oriental Medicine and Massage Therapy program information ask for Joe Calareso.

Smoking Cessation

Thursday, January 10th, 2008

A good smoking cessation program will combine stress management techniques with tips for dealing with cravings. Smoking cessation is important for your health and offers many health benefits. Soon after smoking cessation, blood pressure returns to normal and circulation improves. Following smoking cessation, breathing becomes easier and your sense of taste and smell return. Smoking cessation can lead to living longer and risk of cancer decreases with each smoke-free year.

Smoking cessation often produces side effects due to nicotine withdrawal such as irritability, weight gain and anxiety. Various types of nicotine replacement therapy can aid in smoking cessation. Smoking cessation can be combined with nicotine patches, gum, nasal spray, inhalers, and/or lozenges that provide a steady dose of nicotine to counteract nicotine cravings. In addition, hypnosis, acupuncture and homeopathic therapies may be included in a smoking cessation plan as stop-smoking methods.

A large percentage of individuals who begin a smoking cessation program go back to smoking within the first three months of smoking cessation due to withdrawal symptoms. Some smokers usually require several attempts at smoking cessation to be successful. Studies have shown that the best smoking cessation programs include either one-on-one or group counseling over a period of at least two weeks. Individuals who participate in smoking cessation programs benefit from a higher quality of life with fewer cold and flu illnesses, improved health and decreased rates of pneumonia and bronchitis.

Dr. Browne has been conducting Stop Smoking Programs since 1990 with excellent results. On the average his programs takes six weeks to complete from start to finish. His patients are conditioned to stop smoking and to stay off the substance for at least one year. If you have tried to quit and just can’t achieve success try Dr. Browne’s system ACU-QUIT

Acupuncture Therapy (ACU-QUIT) and Chinese herbal formulas can aid in reducing withdrawal symptoms and detoxifying the body of nicotine while increasing energy levels. In addition to a smoking cessation plan, individuals should also include dietary modification and exercise. Acupuncture & Massage College is currently offering a health and fitness class on Tuesdays from 7:30 to 9:00 pm that includes yoga, meditation and qigong. For information call 305.595.9500

Moderate Exercise for Health

Wednesday, January 9th, 2008

Only a moderate amount of exercise for health is required to counteract the detrimental effects of inactivity in individuals. While the harmful health effects of choosing a sedentary lifestyle can be high, beginning a moderate exercise for health plan can be beneficial at any time. Individuals who choose to incorporate a moderate exercise for health program do not require a high-intensity workout to get the benefits of exercise. A moderate exercise for health program can result in many cardiovascular health benefits.
Individuals who participate in a moderate exercise for health plan reduce the risks of developing such conditions as stroke, heart disease or diabetes. A moderate exercise for health program can reverse the negative effects of inactivity. Combining moderate exercise for health with a weight loss program can reduce high blood pressure, decrease high blood sugar, reduce high levels of triglycerides, and increase amounts of HDL, or “good” cholesterol.
Research from Duke University Medical Center shows that even a modest amount of brisk walking weekly is enough to reduce the risk of metabolic syndrome (MetS), an increasingly frequent condition linked to obesity and a sedentary lifestyle. Metabolic syndrome is usually characterized by elevated levels of cholesterol, obesity and insulin resistance, which is the inability of the body to effectively metabolize carbohydrates and sugars. A combination of moderate exercise for health and weight management is necessary to address the metabolic syndrome epidemic, which is increasing in prevalence. The study appears in the December 15 issue of the American Journal of Cardiology.
A moderate exercise for health program can consist of walking just 30 minutes a day, six days a week. Individuals who do not participate in a moderate exercise for health program and who do not change their diet can expect to gain an average of about one pound every six months, which can add up to an additional 20 pounds over a decade.
Acupuncture & Massage College is offering a health and fitness class on Tuesdays from 7:30 to 9:00 pm that includes yoga, meditation and qigong. For information or to register for the class call (305) 595-9500.

Acupuncture for Mood Swings

Tuesday, January 8th, 2008

Acupuncture for mood swings increases the release of serotonin, Serotonin is believed to play an important role as a neurotransmitter. It regulates anger, aggression, moods, sleep etc. which minimizes the discomfort associated with irregular mood and sleep patterns. Easing mood swings without side effects, acupuncture for mood swings regulates unstable hormone levels and rebalances the hormonal system. Symptoms of mood swings alleviated with acupuncture for mood swings include fatigue, headaches, depression, insomnia, irritability, lethargy, and concentration difficulties.
Acupuncture for mood swings may integrate acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, dietary recommendations, massage, and vitality enhancing exercise (tai chi, qigong). Acupuncture for mood swings treats each individual according to individual patterns of physical, mental and emotional symptoms. Your acupuncture physician will create a comprehensive acupuncture for mood swings plan that addresses specific hormonal imbalances and symptoms. Acupuncture for mood swings therapy recommendation may consist of an initial seven to ten treatment plan.
In addition to acupuncture for mood swings, yoga, tai chi and qigong exercises can also aid in harmonizing emotions by maintaining a better balance between yin and yang aspects in the body’s system. Acupuncture for mood swings involves little or no risk and can be considered one the best and safest ways for treating mood swings. Acupuncture for mood swings is a natural mood enhancer. Acupuncture for mood swings is most effective in combination with stress reduction techniques, regular exercise and a diet rich in estrogenic food, which all have positive effects on the treatment of mood swings.
Acupuncture for mood swings removes energy blockages and stabilizes hormonal fluctuations. Acupuncture for mood swings can treat the various types of physical illness associated with mood highs and lows while regulating chemical imbalances. Sedating or cooling Chinese herbal formulas may be recommended in conjunction with acupuncture for mood swings to reduce symptoms of nervousness, irritability, and emotional instability. Acupuncture for mood swings also increases levels of dopamine and norepinephrine, which reduces mood swing occurrence.
For more information about acupuncture for the treatment of mood swings contact Dr. Richard Browne, Acupuncture Physician at (305) 595-9500.