Acupressure is a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) therapy which integrates acupuncture with pressure. Acupressure therapy involves the application of physical pressure to acupoints by the hand, elbow or other devices. Pressure applied to specific acupoints can aid in symptom management and treatment of various ailments and conditions by improving qi flow through the body and rebalancing yin and yang. Acupressure reduces pain and other symptoms in affected areas of the body, increases circulation, reduces stress, and corrects health imbalances. A recent study indicates acupressure can enhance alertness. University of Michigan Health System researchers have discovered acupressure can combat sleepiness and keep students awake during class. The study appears in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine. The researchers report that students in a class who were taught to self-administer acupressure treatments to stimulation points on their heads, hands, legs, and feet were less fatigued and more alert. "The study showed that a stimulation acupressure regimen leads to a statistically significant reduction in sleepiness compared to an acupressure treatment that focuses on relaxation," says Richard E. Harris, Ph.D., research investigator in the Division of Rheumatology at the U-M Medical School's Department of Internal Medicine and a researcher at the U-M Health System's Chronic Pain and Fatigue Research Center. The 39 students included in the study were participating in three days of all-day lecture classes in the On Job/On Campus executive education program in U-M’s School of Public Health. Students were instructed to self-apply acupressure regimens of either five stimulatory points or five relaxation points. The regimens consisted of massage and light tapping. Participants were divided into two groups. The relaxation group self-administered acupressure to the stimulation points on the first day and the relaxation points on days two and three. The stimulation group self-administered acupressure to relaxation points on the first day and stimulation points on the following two days. Sleepiness was assessed by the Stanford Sleepiness Scale and students also rated their levels of sleepiness twice daily. Students in the stimulation group had significantly less fatigue than those in the relaxation group. "Our findings suggest that acupressure can change alertness in people who are in classroom settings for a full day - which could be very good news for students who have trouble staying alert at school,” says Harris."Ideally, research in the future will help us determine whether acupressure also can have an impact on performance in the classroom as well." Both acupressure and acupuncture can restore mental clarity and awareness and can improve physical health. For more information about Acupuncture & Massage College’s Oriental Medicine and Massage Therapy programs call Joe Calareso, Admissions Director, at (305) 595-9500. … Read More

Endometriosis is a common health condition in women in which tissue lining the uterus grows outside of the uterus into other areas. Endometriosis can cause lesions, nodules, tumors, and other abnormal (although usually benign) tissue growth which can result in pain, infertility and heavy periods. These tissue growths tend to get bigger and the symptoms often get worse over time. Most endometriosis is found behind the uterus, on tissues connected to the uterus, on or under the ovaries, and on the bowels or bladder. According to the Journal of the American Medical Association, endometriosis affects approximately 5 to 7 million women. There is no cure for endometriosis, but many allopathic therapies address the primary symptom of pain. Often pain medication and hormone treatment are recommended. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) modalities are often used successfully in the treatment of a wide range of female gynecological disorders, including endometriosis. TCM assesses the condition based on differentiated pattern manifestations, specific to each individual. Acupuncture points and Chinese herbal formulas facilitate the flow of energy through the body. These acupoints and herbs are utilized to break up stagnation, move blood and minimize pain. Depending on the TCM diagnosis of the individual, each acupoint and herb has specific therapeutic properties in the treatment of endometriosis. Acupuncture regulates the endocrine system and can act as an analgesic by elevating levels of endorphins in the blood. Findings from a recent systematic review by Cochrane Researchers indicate that Chinese herbal medicine can relieve symptoms in the treatment of endometriosis and produces fewer adverse side effects compared with conventional drug treatments. The review, comprised of two trials, included a total of 158 women. In one trial, Chinese herbal medicine provided symptomatic relief comparable to that provided by the hormonal drug gestrinone, but with fewer adverse side effects. In the other trial, Chinese herbal medicine was more effective than the hormonal drug danazol, and also produced fewer side effects. "These findings suggest that Chinese herbs may be just as effective as certain conventional drug treatments for women suffering from endometriosis," says lead researcher Andrew Flower of the Complementary Medicine Research Unit at the University of Southampton. In addition to acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine, other TCM modalities utilized in the treatment of endometriosis may include moxibustion, qi gong and tui na. For information about Acupuncture & Massage College’s Oriental Medicine and Massage Therapy programs call Joe Calareso, Admissions Director, at (305) 595-9500. … Read More

According to WHO (World Health Organization), acupuncture effectively treats 28 conditions and can have therapeutic value for a wide range of other ailments and disorders. Although acupuncture is often used as a primary therapy it is increasingly being integrated into combination treatment by conventional doctors. Back pain, headache, stroke rehabilitation, tennis elbow, fibromyalgia, myofascial pain, osteoarthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome, and asthma are among the conditions that can improve with acupuncture. Acupuncture is based 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. Additional health conditions that improve with acupuncture include chronic pain, anxiety, insomnia, digestive problems, menstrual cramps, weight loss, and infertility. Acupuncture strengthens general constitution. Many individuals receive the health and wellness benefits of acupuncture without experiencing any particular health condition. Acupuncture can boost the immune system, reduce intake of pain medication and relieve stress symptoms. As a non-invasive therapy for joint pain, acupuncture can significantly decrease pain, stiffness and inflammation. Acupuncture is often utilized as a preventative form of medicine. Register for Acupuncture & Massage College’s Oriental Medicine program classes today and discover your new career as an acupuncture physician. Fall semester classes begin September 8. Classes include: Asian bodywork, anatomy & physiology, herbal medicine, medical terminology, and clinical observation, among others. AMC’s Master’s program in Oriental Medicine trains students to enable them to practice as primary and integrative health care providers. Students complete courses in Chinese medicine, acupuncture, herbology, tui na, and qigong. The program is designed and delivered by faculty with extensive clinical and research experience. Students receive comprehensive training in the foundational knowledge and skills of traditional Chinese medicine necessary to work competently in private practice. For information about Acupuncture & Massage College’s Oriental Medicine and Massage Therapy programs call Joe Calareso, Admissions Director, at (305) 595-9500. … Read More

Massage therapy is increasing in popularity among consumers. Two out of five adults, or 12 percent, have received at least one massage in the last year, according to an Associated Bodywork & Massage Professionals survey. Consumers have few negative expressions about massage; 96 percent of those who received at least one massage in the last year have positive statements about massage therapy. According to the survey findings, a massage therapy session can favorably change perceptions regarding the value of massage. The increasing consumer demand for massage therapy confirms growing acceptance of the massage therapy profession, which has worked to legitimize its standing among complementary and alternative therapies. Compared to the 12 percent of consumers who received a massage in the last year, the survey found that 13 percent went to a chiropractor and 10 percent to a physical therapist. Of those who received a massage, the average number of massage therapy visits (nine) was similar to the number of chiropractic and physical therapy services. Of the survey respondents, massage therapy was especially popular among adults under age 50 and women. The market strength among younger adults bodes well for the massage therapy profession as these consumers age, suggesting that massage demand will grow. Survey respondents received massage therapy primarily for muscular soreness, stress and health restoration. Register today for Massage Therapy program classes offered at Acupuncture & Massage College during July and August. Musculoskeletal Anatomy and State Law classes begin July 27 and Shiatsu and Qi Kung 2 class begins August 24. Enrollment for Massage Therapy program classes is on a monthly basis. The Musculoskeletal Anatomy course teaches the fundamentals of musculoskeletal anatomy and enables students to understand the different parts of the body, their relationship to each other and the action of the muscles and bones. Florida State regulations, massage licensing procedures, renewal requirements, and scope of practice are reviewed in the State Law course. Shiatsu and Qi Kung 2 teaches a through and effective treatment of the back and lower extremity based on the Hoshino system of Shiatsu. Students learn Yin Yang theory, Eight Principles and Four Examinations and cause of disease. The course enables students to understand the major concepts of Oriental Medicine and perform a comprehensive patient interview. A survey of the meridian channels is included in the course. For information about Acupuncture & Massage College’s Oriental Medicine and Massage Therapy programs call Joe Calareso, Admissions Director, at (305) 595-9500. … Read More

As acupuncture becomes increasingly integrated into hospital health care, opportunities for natural medicine wellness programs are developing, expanding patient access to holistic treatment options. Nearly 27 percent of hospitals offer acupuncture and other complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) therapies. CAM health care may include: Acupuncture, massage, herbal medicine, homeopathy, and naturopathy. Acupuncture is often practiced in allopathic hospitals in conjunction with conventional care therapies. Acupuncture physicians can treat and manage cases ranging from upper respiratory tract infections and postoperative and chemotherapy nausea to headaches, orthopedic and other medical conditions. Patients who choose to receive acupuncture often believe that acupuncture combined with conventional medical treatment is more effective in resolving their health care condition. Acupuncture can also speed recovery from surgery or illness. As hospitals increase CAM programs, patients who choose to integrate CAM therapies into their health care consistently rate their experiences more positively than patients receiving only allopathic health care. Integration of allopathic and complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) practice can positively impact patient quality of care. This approach to patient care has great potential to improve the hospital care system. As the medical community increasingly recognizes its benefits, and as more insurance companies include it in their plans, CAM hospital health care programs will become a more common component of wellness practice. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is one of the fastest growing health care professions in the United States today. Acupuncture & Massage College’s Oriental Medicine program trains students to enable them to practice as primary, integrative and complementary health care providers. Students complete courses in Chinese medicine, acupuncture, herbology, Tui Na, and Qi Gong. Employment in the alternative therapy and non-mainstream medicine fields (which includes acupuncture, podiatry, chiropractic, and more) is expected to increase by 48.8 percent from 2002-2012. For information about Acupuncture & Massage College’s Oriental Medicine and Massage Therapy programs call Joe Calareso, Admissions Director, at (305) 595-9500. … Read More

Enhance your well being and healing potential at AMC’s Student Intern Clinic. Students enrolled in the advanced phases of Acupuncture & Massage College’s Oriental Medicine and Massage Therapy programs can create a personalized treatment program for you that focuses on your healing path. Wellness treatments strengthen awareness and vitality and are dedicated to moving you beyond your current health limits. Clinic services include: Acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine recommendations, Shiatsu massage, and Swedish massage. By utilizing a combination of acupuncture, herbal formulas and massage, our services can treat a wide range of conditions including: Sleep disorders, allergies, addictions, chronic pain, arthritis, concentration difficulties, digestive problems, fatigue, headaches and migraines, sciatica, stress, and joint pain, among others. Acupuncture and massage 50-minute patient treatments start at $35.00 and $50.00. Two-and three-month treatment packages are also available. AMC’s Student Intern Clinic is a holistic care provider that brings beneficial and cost effective solutions to your health conditions. The Clinic is based on the foundation of traditional Chinese medicine, which has been shown to be an effective way of treating a wide range of conditions while restoring overall health. Acupuncture and massage patient therapies treat the root cause of the condition as well as addressing symptom management. All therapies are complementary to conventional medical treatment, with virtually no adverse side effects or contraindications. AMC’s Clinic offers a uniquely different healing experience. Whether you are seeking care for an acute or chronic condition, or relaxation, the Clinic’s therapies can be tailored to your individual health care needs. The Clinic brings together a group of like-minded practitioners and student interns committed to helping you to take care of your body, mind and spirit. In addition to the Clinic’s services, Acupuncture & Massage College also offers a Tai Chi class on Saturdays from 10:00-11:30 am. Individual class fee is $15.00 or a monthly plan can be purchased for $50.00. The Clinic’s’ goal is to provide you with the resources to promote an aware and healthy lifestyle through a range of holistic therapies. For more information about services call the Clinic office at (305) 595-9500. For Oriental Medicine and Massage Therapy program information ask for Joe Calareso, Admissions Director. … Read More

Acupuncture and other complementary therapies are increasingly being integrated into conventional treatment programs at hospitals, health and wellness centers. A sampling of programs may include acupuncture, massage therapy, hypnosis, stress management, and nutritional counseling. Millions of individuals have turned to acupuncture to treat everything from back pain and allergies to migraines and arthritis. Based in traditional Chinese medicine, acupuncture is moving into the medical mainstream on a rising tide of new research studies and case stories. Health professionals are recognizing the importance of melding conventional and complementary medicines. There is increasing evidence that acupuncture is a cost-effective treatment option, and its use has become widespread in general practice, pain clinics and rheumatology and physiotherapy departments. Acupuncture has become increasingly utilized by conventional practitioners as the underlying mechanisms of acupuncture are better understood. Traditional Chinese medicine theory determines illness as resulting from imbalances or blockages in a person's Qi, or vital energy. The flow of energy is restored when acupuncture needles stimulate certain points within meridian channels that traverse the body. Acupuncture has been determined to be based on modern physiological principles. Many conventional physicians believe acupuncture stimulates the nervous system. The opioid and other neurotransmitters involved in needle stimulation affect pain perception, mood and health. Public interest in acupuncture has increased access to acupuncture therapy. More medical schools are offering course work in acupuncture. At the University of Miami’s Center for Complementary Medicine, researchers are studying the use of acupuncture to treat drug addiction, Parkinson’s disease and cancer. The number of health care professionals studying acupuncture has been steadily growing. Licensed acupuncture practitioners are discovering new career opportunities as integrative providers within mainstream medicine. Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine is one of the most rapidly growing health care professions in the United States, according to the National Acupuncture Foundation. Acupuncture & Massage College’s Oriental Medicine program includes comprehensive training in acupuncture, moxibustion, Chinese herbology, Tui Na, Oriental nutrition, biomedical sciences, and clinic. The Oriental Medicine curriculum prepares graduates for national exams and graduates can apply for licensure in most states that license and regulate acupuncture and Oriental medicine. For information about Acupuncture & Massage College’s Oriental Medicine and Massage Therapy programs call Joe Calareso, Admissions Director, at (305) 595-9500. … Read More

On June 23 call your representatives and ask them to support HR 646, The Federal Acupuncture Coverage Act. Acupuncture & Massage College is asking the AOM community—practitioners, students, schools, state associations, and our patient community—to flood the phone lines. Call your congressional representative and ask him or her to co-sponsor HR 646. Call your senators and ask them to co-sponsor a companion bill to HR 646. Call the President at (202) 456-1111 and ask him to include HR 646 in the Healthcare Reform Act. Congressman Maurice Hinchey (D-NY) has reintroduced legislation that would make acupuncture a covered service for Medicare and the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) program participants. H.R. 646, introduced in House on January 22, would amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to provide for coverage of qualified acupuncturist services under part B of the Medicare Program, and to amend title 5, United States Code, to provide for coverage of such services under the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program. The Federal Acupuncture Coverage Act would provide access to acupuncture for Medicare's 44 million beneficiaries and the 8 million federal workers, their dependents and retirees who are covered under the FEHB. Hinchey has introduced The Federal Acupuncture Coverage Act since 1993, his first year in Congress. Hinchey previously advocated for acupuncturists at the state level, where as a member of the New York State Assembly, he introduced and secured passage of legislation to license acupuncturists in the state. "Passage of this bill would provide 52 million Americans with health coverage for acupuncture services. This is the humane thing to do and I encourage my colleagues to pass this important piece of legislation," says Hinchey. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) formed a consensus in 1997 that acupuncture works well for many ailments and should be included in national health care insurance plans. There are numerous studies which support acupuncture therapy as an effective form of treatment for a wide range of health conditions. More and more acupuncturists are signing up to become acupuncture providers for insurance companies. Many private insurance companies now offer policies that cover acupuncture and related services performed by an acupuncturist. You can find out if your insurance provides acupuncture benefits by calling your insurance company's patient information or benefits line. This number can be found on your insurance card. For information about Acupuncture & Massage College’s Oriental Medicine and Massage Therapy programs call Joe Calareso, Admissions Director, at (305) 595-9500. June 20. … Read More

President Obama is working with Congress to pass comprehensive health reform to control escalating health care costs, guarantee choice of doctor and assure affordable health care for all Americans. If health cost growth persists, the Congressional Budget Office estimates that by 2025, one out of every four dollars in our national economy will be tied up in the health system. The Administration believes that comprehensive health reform should: Guarantee choice of health plans, invest in prevention and wellness, reduce long-term growth of health care costs for businesses and government, end barriers to coverage for people with pre-existing medical conditions, and improve patient safety and quality of care. Polls have shown that voters rank health care among their top concerns. Obama’s health care plan aims at health care solidarity, similar to plans in Europe and Canada. By restructuring current health care coverage, everyone would be ensured guaranteed health care access through both private and government plans. Obama’s plan would build on existing private and public health care programs such as private individual health insurance, employer health insurance, Medicare, and Medicaid. A minimum comprehensive benefits package would be mandated, as would the ability to transfer health policies (portability), when purchased through the new Medicare-like public plan or the National Health Insurance Exchange. His plan for universal coverage assumes costs for the health care reform will be paid by discontinuing the Bush tax cuts for those making more than $250,000 a year and from savings in the system. Obama’s health care reform plan estimates that the average family will save up to $2,500 a year. A new poll suggests that Americans broadly support health reform. The Diageo/Hotline Poll finds that 62 percent of voters support the President enacting a major overhaul of the U.S. health care system, with 38 percent of voters strongly supporting a major overhaul. The new study also finds supporters of health care reform bring a sense of urgency to the issue. Among those who do support a major overhaul, 94 percent says that it is important for Congress and the President to pass health care legislation this year. For information about Acupuncture & Massage College’s Oriental Medicine and Massage Therapy programs call Joe Calareso, Admissions Director, at (305) 595-9500. … Read More

A massage practice’s success relies on regularly acquiring new clients or getting your client base to book appointments on a repeat basis, either weekly or monthly. As a massage therapist, you must build trust with potential clients so that they will not hesitate to call to make an appointment. Your website content can strengthen your ability to not only find new clients but also to turn them into repeat clients. The information on your site must be comprehensive, knowledgeable and educate the potential client about different types of massage and the health benefits massage therapy offers. Your site content should include several informative articles about what conditions and ailments massage therapy treats and client testimonials. Content should clearly communicate to the potential client your expertise in your field, which will build trust and allow them to confidently make the call for an appointment. In addition to informative and educational content, your site should emphasize what types of massage therapy you specialize in. From your potential client’s perspective, you must be able to provide a solution to their health condition. Build trust by offering free consultations to discuss their condition with them. You must be able to communicate what you know about massage and holistic health care, how you can meet their health needs and specifically how massage therapy can provide them with a solution to their pain, stress or ailment. A website that only offers basic information, such as your list of services and rates does not motivate potential clients to call you for an appointment. You must take into consideration your potential clients’ understanding of massage therapy and then make an effort to educate them about massage therapy and how it directly benefits well being. You must go beyond a sales pitch and build trust. This involves providing a site with content-rich material covering all aspects of massage therapy. To get new clients, your site should also project what your philosophy is regarding massage therapy, optimal health and healing. You must emphasize your ability and expertise as a healer. This is all part of communicating with potential clients how you can provide a solution to their health condition and the pain and discomfort they are experiencing. Once they understand that you offer an effective health care solution, they will be motivated to call to make an appointment. For information about Acupuncture & Massage College’s Oriental Medicine and Massage Therapy programs call Joe Calareso, Admissions Director, at (305) 595-9500. … Read More

Bisphenol A (BPA), a chemical used to make plastics, plastic additives and epoxy resins, is found in a variety of products including baby and water bottles, food and beverage can linings, sports equipment, medical and dental devices, CDs and DVDs, and household electronics. Tests indicate that the chemical leaches out of food and liquid containers, especially when exposed to heat. BPA is an endocrine disruptor which mimics the body’s own hormones, causing adverse health effects. BPA can cause behavioral changes in infants and children, trigger the early onset of puberty in females and is associated with heart disease, diabetes and other ailments. Several states, including California, Connecticut, Michigan, and New York are considering legislation to ban BPA in baby bottles and sippy cups. Minnesota is the first state to pass legislation banning BPA in products marked for use in babies, infants or children. The Food and Drug Administration is currently trying to estimate a safe exposure level to BPA. Consumer pressure has resulted in some retailers and manufacturers eliminating BPA from their products. According to a study published recently in Environmental Health Perspectives, Americans may be exposed to far more of the BPA chemical in plastic than researchers have suspected. Previously, researchers have believed that individuals are exposed to BPA primarily through food containers, such as metal can linings and water bottles. Scientists have also previously surmised that BPA passes through the body quickly, within 24 hours. The recent study data showed that fasting adults still had high levels of the chemical, even though they had eaten nothing for the previous 24 hours. The study authors, from the University of Rochester Medical Center in New York, suspect hat it’s possible that BPA remains in the body much longer than scientists had believed, perhaps stored in fat. Adults in the study may also have been re-exposed to BPA through sources other than food. People seeking to minimize their exposure to BPA should avoid canned food and polycarbonate plastic containers unless the packaging indicates the product is bisphenol A-free. Avoid microwaving food in plastic containers and do not put plastics in the dishwasher or use harsh detergents to avoid leaching. For information about acupuncture for health and wellness call Dr. Richard Browne, Acupuncture Physician, at (305) 595-9500. … Read More

Since November 2002, the Accreditation Commission for Acupuncture & Oriental Medicine (ACAOM) has engaged in a process to evaluate the likelihood that the AOM profession might eventually transition to a first professional doctorate (FPD) for entry into the profession. … Read More

Individuals who consume excess amounts of cheese, low-fiber grains, eggs, fried potatoes, tomato products, and red meat have an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes, according to a new study published in Diabetes Care. Study results found that a diet pattern containing these particular foods can produce increased levels of two proteins in the blood, plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 and fibrinogen. These proteins are indicators of inflammation in the body’s system and are linked to an increased risk of type 2 diabetes. … Read More

TAI CHI AND QI KUNG DAY Saturday May 2nd. 10 AM to 2 PM FEE: $20 per person … Read More

If you’re one of many exercisers having trouble sticking to an exercise routine, you’re not alone. Linda Shelton, a fitness and wellness authority and author, has a solution: Work with, not against, your fitness personality type. … Read More