HEADACHES AND MIGRAINES? Read Here..
Headaches and Migraines can greatly effect every aspect of a persons’ life. Time off from work, spending time with family and friends and fun activities come to a screeching halt with countless hours spent in bed or at home waiting for the pain to stop so you can regain your life again.
Whether your headaches or migraines are mild or severe, Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine can offer you powerful relief while minimizing medications and over the counter drugs and their side effects. Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine is a Healthcare system that has been in use for thousands of years and proven quite effective for most circumstances. Oriental Medicine uses acupuncture, Acupressure, Tui Na Massage, cupping, specific exersizes and Chinese herbal formulas specifically designed for each individuals health situation. You may read about each of these on my website https://acudocweb.tripod.com/index.html

How I diagnose Headaches and Migraines

Oriental Medicine Physicians diagnosis differently from western Medical Physicians in that we group symptoms that occur in all areas of the body and not just what is going on with your headache. We look at the whole body. There are many types of Acupuncturists now. These is 8 principle Acupuncturists which use observation, palpation, asking specific questions etc, There are 5 element acupuncturist which use only the 5 elements grouping your symptoms into one of them and treating accordingly. There are medical acupuncturists which treat only pain, and symptoms and not the root problem, there are other acupuncturists who treat according to the bagua in relation to the 12 main channels of the body, there is imaging acupuncture diagnosis which takes for instance your area of the headache, and they superimpose it on another area of the body and needle it instead of the head and there are other types of diagnoses that acupuncturist use not mentioned. Going to one of the best schools in the country, we were taught several types of diagnoses and were told we could then decide for ourselves which worked best for us. I most often diagnose with 8 principle and also use my intuitive abilities to gain further insight and needle placement. I will sometimes use imagery, and 12 channel when I feel it appropriate.

Headaches can thus be diagnosed as;
acute(sudden attack and/or short duration) or Chronic (long duration)
Deficiency or an excess
Internal or external
Hot or cold
And which body organ or channel is related, or qi, blood or body fluid.
From these, taking 6-12 pulses at the wrist, looking at your tongues body and coating , your over all appearance(complexion, tone, gate,qi, nails,eyes etc), and asking questions, Acupuncture physicians will come up with a one of several of these diagnoses;

The Many Possible Types of Headache or Migraine O.M. Diagnoses are:

1) Wind-cold
2) Wind heat
3) Wind damp
4) Liver yang
5) Kidney yin
6) Kidney yang
7) Blood deficiency
8) Qi deficiency
9) Phlegm turbidity
10) Blood stasis


What Acupuncture will do for you:


1) stop the pain or lessen it greatly
2) improve your immune system thus effecting and improving your overall health
3) Prevent future occurrences
4) Mimimization or totally stopping use of prescription and over the counter medications and their annoying side effects.
5) Vitality; that improves your overall health, gives you energy, sense of well-being, happiness, ability to do what you haven’t been able to do in a long time. Freedom to move and do fun activities with family and friends than what you were able to do before.

What is the treatment like?

Many find it relaxing. It is certainly not painful as many with the thoughts of needles being placed in the body bothers them, I often take the time to show them on my arm and then on their arm just how simple and easy it is. The reaction I often get is, the patient wondering when I am going to insert the needle when it is already in. many seek acupuncture anyway because they have heard the great effects it has on one of their friends or acquaintances and they just need relief and have tried everything else. You don’t have to try everything else before trying acupuncture and if you absolutely insist on no needles, there are other ways to treat without needles, although I often recommend them depending on your condition. Sometimes we can do without them.
A Practitioner will often palpate gently at the pain site and on the legs and arms to find what we call ‘aushi’ points. These are tender spots that correspond to what is going on with you. These spots will be either needles or given some other form of stimulation as provided in Oriental Medicine. Several treatment are usually required depending on if it is acute or chronic. Acute conditions are usually cleared up in up to four treatments and vary per individual. Chronic conditions require more until until pain is under control then treatments are lessened until the syndrome is completely gone. Patients usually come in 1-2 times a week, however, count on at least once a week.

References include:
Practical Therapeutics of T.C.M., 1997
by Yan Wu
The Foundations of Chinese Medicine,1989
by Giovanni Maciocia
Acupuncture Treats Headaches and Migraines, 2004
by Diane Joswick, L.Ac.

If you have any questions, please feel free to give me a call anytime, leave a message and I’ll call you back shortly. 520-440-5770
?Copyright 2005 Dr. Rev. Melanie J. Myers L.Ac. O.M.

BACK PAIN? Read Here..


Back pain is one of the top reasons why millions of hours of work and activities are lost each year, and is one main reason for seeking healthcare that often results in surgery and more time off from work, pay, and fun activities spent with family and friends. Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine is an option many are not aware of that can have a profound effect on ones health and back, and in the long run saves millions of dollars in healthcare costs and precious time spent with family and friends.


Common Causes of Back Pain

1) Sprains which are an overstretching of one or more of the ligaments in the back.
2) Strains which are a rip or tear in the muscle caused by sudden force.
Both sprains and strains can happen from an injury, poor posture, or improper lifting.
3)Herniated disc which is a disc that bulges out from its place between two vertebrae.
4)Sciatica is a term used to describe pain that extends down into the buttocks and leg which comes from an irritation of a larger nerve in the lumbar spine called the sciatic nerve. Sciatica can accompany sprains, strains, herniated discs as well as back pain emanating from other sources.
There are many other reasons for back pain which has medical labels attached. Whether you know what is going on with the back or not,

Acupuncture will always do this for you:

1) stop the pain or lessen it greatly
2)strengthen your back so that it will get better without any complications
3)improve your immune system thus effecting and improving your overall health
4)Prevent future occurrences and sometimes prevent surgeries.
5)Sometimes reverse what is happening to a certain degree, such as if you need surgery as a last resort or some dangerous medication, you sometimes get so well, that you will not need this.
6)Vitality; that improves your overall health, gives you energy, sense of well-being, happiness, ability to do what you haven?t been able to do in a long time. Freedom to move and do fun activities with family and friends than what you were able to do before.

Traditional Oriental Medicine's vocabulary is very different from Western Medicine. Oriental Medical Practitioners will diagnosis in specific patterns that relate to what is going on with your whole body and not just symptoms related specifically with the back pain.
Common Oriental Medicine patterns include:

1)Deficiency=General pain characteristics are usually dull, chronic, and improves with rest. It is more common in middle aged and elderly people.

2) Qi and blood stagnation = This pain is more severe and stabbing in nature. There is stiffness and tightness in the muscles and it worsens with rest. Often this type is seen in occurrences of acute sprains and strains. It can reoccur chronically, thereby indicating an underlying deficiency.


3) Cold damp obstruction = This pain is worse in the morning, exacerbated by cold and damp weather. It improves with heat and may be accompanied by numbness, swelling and a sense of heaviness.

What is the treatment like?

Many find it relaxing. It is certainly not painful as many with the thoughts of needles being placed in the body bothers them, I often take the time to show them on my arm and then on their arm just how simple and easy it is. The reaction I often get is, the patient wondering when I am going to insert the needle when it is already in. many seek acupuncture anyway because they have heard the great effects it has on one of their friends or acquaintances and they just need relief and have tried everything else. You don?t have to try everything else before trying acupuncture and if you absolutely insist on no needles, there are other ways to treat without needles, although I often recommend them depending on your condition. Sometimes we can do without them.
A Practitioner will often palpate gently at the pain site and on the legs and arms to find what we call ?aushi? points. These are tender spots that correspond to what is going on with you. These spots will be either needles or given some other form of stimulation such as acupressure, cupping, moxa, herbal ointment, electro-stim. Various Chinese herbal formulas may also be prescribed to help with symptoms such as sleep problems, pain, and soreness as needed.

Acupuncture continues to gain popularity in this country because it is an effective treatment of acute and chronic backache. Acute pain can often be cleared up in a few sessions. More treatments may be needed if there is an underlying deficiency, or reoccurring problem, or sciatica.

If you have any questions, please feel free to give me a call anytime, leave a message and I?ll call you back shortly. 520-440-5770
?Copyright 2005 Dr. Rev. Melanie J. Myers L.Ac. O.M.

ARTHRITIS? Look Here..
Arthritis is one of the most pervasive diseases in the United States and is the leading cause of disability. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention one out of every three Americans (an estimated 70 million people) is affected.
For most people arthritis pain and inflammation cannot be avoided as the body ages. In fact, most people over the age of 50 show some signs of arthritis. Joints naturally degenerate over time. Fortunately, arthritis can often be managed Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine.
What is Arthritis?
Arthritis isn?t just 1 disease; it?s a complex disorder that comprises more than 100 distinct conditions and can affect people at any stage of life. Two of the most common forms are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. While these 2 forms of arthritis have very different causes, risk factors, and effects on the body, they often share a common symptom?persistent joint pain.
Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of arthritis in the United States, affecting an estimated 21 million adults. OA begins with the breakdown of joint cartilage, resulting in pain and stiffness.
OA commonly affects the joints of the fingers, knees, hips, and spine. Other joints affected less frequently include the wrists, elbows, shoulders, and ankles. When OA is found in a less frequently affected joint, there is usually a history of injury or unusual stress to that joint. Work-related repetitive injury and physical trauma may contribute to the development of OA. If you have a strenuous job that requires repetitive bending, kneeling, or squatting, for example, you may be at high risk for OA of the knee.
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) can affect many different joints and, in some people, other parts of the body as well, including the blood, the lungs, and the heart. Inflammation of the joint lining, called the synovium, can cause pain, stiffness, swelling, warmth, and redness. The affected joint may also lose its shape, resulting in loss of normal movement. RA can last a long time and can be a disease of flares (active symptoms) and remissions (few to no symptoms).
Diagnosis and Treatment of Arthritis with Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine
According to Chinese medical theory, arthritis arises when the cyclical flow of Qi in the meridians becomes blocked. This blockage is called, ?bi? type pain and is widely studies and successfully treated using a combination of acupuncture and/or Chinese herbs.
Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine have been found to be extremely effective at treating the pain and inflammation associated with all types of arthritis. The acupuncture points and herbs that are used depend on if the blockage of Qi (arthritis) is caused by the pathogen wind, cold, damp or damp-heat.
Traditional Chinese Medicine does not recognize arthritis as one particular syndrome. Instead, it aims to treat the specific symptoms that are unique to each individual using a variety of techniques such as acupuncture, Chinese herbs, bodywork, lifestyle/dietary recommendations and energetic exercises to restore imbalances found in the body. Therefore, if 10 patients are treated with Oriental medicine for joint pain, each of these 10 patients will receive a unique, customized treatment with different acupuncture points, different herbs and different lifestyle and diet recommendations.
Your acupuncturist will examine you, take a look at the onset of your condition and learn your signs and symptoms to determine your Chinese diagnosis and choose the appropriate acupuncture points and treatment plan.
The Acupuncture Treatment

Acupuncture points to treat Arthritis are located all over the body, not just directly over the affected area. During the acupuncture treatment, tiny needles could be placed along your legs, arms, shoulders, and perhaps even your little toe!
There seems to be little sensitivity to the insertion of acupuncture needles. They are so thin that several acupuncture needles can go into the middle of a hypodermic needle. Occasionally, there is a brief moment of discomfort as the needle penetrates the skin, but once the needles are in place, most people relax and even fall asleep for the duration of the treatment.
The length, number and frequency of treatments will vary. Typical treatments last from five to 30 minutes, with the patient being treated one or two times a week. Some symptoms are relieved after the first treatment, while more severe or chronic ailments often require multiple treatments.
Chinese Herbs for Arthritis
There are many Chinese Herbal formulas that are prescribed for arthritis. Your acupuncturist will examine you, take a look at the onset of your condition and learn your signs and symptoms to determine which herbs are best for you.
Here are some commonly prescribed Chinese herbal formulas for arthritis:
Remove Painful Obstruction Decoction (juan bi tang)- For joint pain that increases with cold and is possibly accompanied by heaviness and numbness in the limbs.
Cinnamon Twig, Peony, and Anamerrhena Decoction (gui zhi shoa you zhi mu tang)- For swollen and painful joints that are warm to the touch and worse at night.
Angelica Pubescens and Sangjisheng Decoction (du huo ji sheng tang)- For heavy and painful sensations at fixed locations in the lower back and lower extremities accompanied by weakness and stiffness.

Studies on Acupuncture and Arthritis


Several studies have shown that acupuncture can help people with arthritis and related auto-immune diseases.
In one Scandinavian study 25 percent of arthritis patients who had been scheduled for knee surgery cancelled their operations after acupuncture treatment. In the study, researchers compared acupuncture with advice and exercise for the treatment of osteoarthritis of the hip. Thirty-two patients awaiting a total hip replacement were separated into 2 groups. One group received one 10-minute and five 25-minute sessions of acupuncture, and the other group received advice and hip exercises over a 6-week period.
Patients were assessed for pain and functional ability: Patients in the acupuncture group showed significant improvements, while no significant changes were reported in the group that received advice and exercise therapy. The results of this study indicate that acupuncture is more effective than advice and exercise for the treatment of osteoarthritis of the hip
Another study at the University of Maryland showed that elderly arthritis patients with knee pain due to arthritis improved significantly when acupuncture was added to their treatment.
The randomized clinical trial, performed at the University of Maryland School of Medicine, determined whether acupuncture was a clinically safe and effective adjunctive therapy for older patients with osteoarthritis of the knee.
The study addressed these questions:
Would the addition of acupuncture to conventional therapy produce an added measure of pain relief?
Would the effects of acupuncture last for 4 weeks following the end of treatment?
Would acupuncture have any side effects?
Seventy-three patients were randomly divided into 2 groups. One group received twice-weekly acupuncture treatments and conventional therapy for 8 weeks, and the other group received conventional therapy only. Patients who received acupuncture had significant pain relief and showed improvement in function. Those who did not receive acupuncture showed no significant change. No patients reported side effects from any acupuncture therapy session.

Safe Alternative to Medication

Even without the studies, the popularity of acupuncture for arthritis continues to grow because more and more people have found significant relief from Oriental Medicine without the negative side effects that come from Western pharmaceuticals.

Lifestyle and Dietary Instructions
Your diet plays a crucial role in helping you avoid or control arthritis. The first objective of a healthy diet is to help you lose weight if you are overweight. Being overweight can cause additional stress to your joints.
The second way a balanced, varied diet can help ease the pain of arthritis is by providing vitamins and minerals that keep your joints healthy and avoiding ?damp? foods such as dairy products and greasy or spicy foods.
If you have arthritis or knee or hip pain, vitamin C and vitamin D can help prevent bone and cartilage destruction. And a multivitamin can help ensure that you always get the nutrition you need.
Here are some other healthy (and delicious) choices to include in your diet.
Ginger - A natural anti-inflammatory, available as powdered extracts in capsules as well as alcohol-based extracts. Follow the dosing directions on the label. Or make tea by combining one-half teaspoon of grated ginger root with eight ounces of boiling water. Cover and steep for 10 to 15 minutes, then strain and add honey to taste.
Fresh pineapple - Bromelain, an enzyme in pineapple, reduces inflammation. Be sure the pineapple is fresh, not canned or frozen.
Cherries - Recent research has shown that tart cherries are an excellent source of nutrients that may help to reduce joint pain and inflammation related to arthritis.
Fish - Cold-water fish such as salmon and mackerel contain omega-3 fatty acids, which help keep joints healthy as well as reduce pain and swelling. If you don't care for fish, consider supplementing your diet with fish oil capsules.
Turmeric - Another natural anti-inflammatory. Look for an extract of whole turmeric, in health-food stores; follow the dosage directions on the label.

article: acupuncture.com

Point of Views; Choosing Perspectives
Mood:  cheeky
Again, Your perspective in life can make all the difference in how you live it;
remembering, there is more than one view upon which to view a situation. look for it and take the road with greatest happiness and joy.

lasting positive value, for the world in which you live.
How do you do that?
By following your heart,
By being the you that really is.
You may have wandered
away from Yourself.
now is the time to come home.
you know in your heart
that you’re here for a reason
the pain you feel is that purpose
the reason for living
and it constantly aches
to break free.
when it does,
you’ll be even more alive than
you could have ever imagined
breath in the beauty around you
the beauty and richness of being alive
it is your gift
it is your fortune
it is your blessing
and it is yours to live
to experience
to fulfill
right now.
by unkown author

http://dailymotivator.com/memberflash/rightnow.html

Self CPR
What to do when you are alone and need help..

Let's say it's 6.15pm and you're driving home (alone of course) after an unusually hard day on the job.
You're really tired, and frustrated??


YOU ARE REALLY STRESSED AND UPSET ?.


Suddenly you start experiencing severe pain in your chest that starts to radiate out into your arm and up into your jaw.
You are only five miles from the hospital nearest your home.
Unfortunately you don't know if you'll be able to make it that far

WHAT TO DO ???


YOU HAVE BEEN TRAINED IN CPR, BUT THE GUY THAT CONDUCTED THE COURSE DID NOT TELL YOU HOW TO PERFORM IT ON YOURSELF !!!
HOW TO SURVIVE A HEART ATTACK WHEN ALONE?

SINCE MANY PEOPLE ARE ALONE WHEN THEY SUFFER A HEART ATTACK, WITHOUT HELP, THE PERSON WHOSE HEART IS BEATING IMPROPERLY AND WHO BEGINS TO FEEL FAINT, HAS ONLY ABOUT 10 SECONDS LEFT BEFORE LOSING CONSCIOUS



WHAT TO DO ??



ANSWER:
DO NOT PANIC, BUT START COUGHING REPEATEDLY AND VERY VIGOROUSLY.

A DEEP BREATH SHOULD BE TAKEN BEFORE EACH COUGH, THE COUGH MUST BE DEEP AND PROLONGED, AS WHEN PRODUCING SPUTUM FROM DEEP INSIDE THE CHEST.

A BREATH AND A COUGH MUST BE REPEATED ABOUT EVERY TWO SECONDS WITHOUT LET-UP UNTIL HELP ARRIVES, OR UNTIL THE HEART IS FELT TO BE BEATING NORMALLY AGAIN.



DEEP BREATHS GET OXYGEN INTO THE LUNGS AND COUGHING MOVEMENTS SQUEEZE THE HEART AND KEEP THE BLOOD CIRCULATING. THE SQUEEZING PRESSURE ON THE HEART ALSO HELPS IT REGAIN NORMAL RHYTHM. IN THIS WAY, HEART ATTACK VICTIMS CAN GET TO A HOSPITAL



ARTICLE PUBLISHED ON N.? 240 OF JOURNAL OF GENERAL HOSPITAL ROCHESTER




TELL AS MANY OTHER PEOPLE AS POSSIBLE ABOUT THIS.
IT COULD SAVE THEIR LIVES !!! DON'T EVER THINK THAT YOU ARE NOT PRONE TO HEART ATTACK AS YOUR AGE IS LESS THAN 25 OR 30. NOWADAYS DUE TO THE CHANGE IN THE
LIFE STYLE, HEARTATTACK IS FOUND AMONG PEOPLE OF ALL AGE GROUPS.



BE A FRIEND AND PLEASE SEND THIS ARTICLE TO AS MANY FRIENDS AS POSSIBLE

You Have A Choice
This is a powerpoint presentation. Takes a few minutes to download so please be patient.
The presentation speaks of how a positive attitude in life carries one a long way, is a matter of changing your perspective and attitude towards life circumstances that can change things around for you. You do have the choice to make a difference in your life. you create it, you live it, and you either hate it or love it; your choice...Video

Natural-Ease Smoking Withdrawal Kit
Last year I put together this stop smoking kit for patients to encourage them to keep up the good work, and ease the withdrawal from smoking naturally and effectively. With only a few Acupuncture treatments, and these simple yet very helpful suggestions, each is on their way to success.


1)Take Time for Self: do whatever makes you happy and free of stress and get away from your regular routine whenever possible

2)Get Plenty of Sleep

3)Drink Plenty of Water

4)Eat Plenty of Fruit or some Natural Soy Icecream:this helps raise blood sugar levels, and satisfy some of the cravings.

5)Natural Sodas: I am not an avid supporter for carbonated beverages of any kind however the tang helps keep the edge off of cravings. the natural sodas are better for you and can be obtained at healthfood stores. If you absolutely insist on regular sodas for flavor, then go for it until you have kicked your smoking habit. Just make sure you dont pick up the habit of drinking sodas in it's place.btw: a little caffeine is good(dont over do it).

6)Long Relaxing Baths with Candles : With Bubbles if you prefer:)

7)Aroma Therapy: anything you can get your hands on that smells good to you is very important to keep around and smell when a craving comes on. here are some suggestions; aromatic bath beads, scented candles, body spray,aromatic inhaler, Incense

8)Aromatic Inhaler(a must!): found in GNC vitamin stores, and some healthfood stores. I cant stress this enough as scents are very important to sniff when a craving comes on. it really makes you feel special and loved when you smell them, knowing you are being good to you:)Note: if you cant find an aromatic inhaler try tiger balm(just ask your customer service to help you find it).

9)Chapstick: again with use of aroma therapy you are looking for scents like peppermint or eucalyptus oil.

10)Chinese Herbal Pills: (ja wei xiao yao wan)A formula of specifically combined use of herbs that combat stress and some lighter anxiety.
NOTE:You can get this by contacting me(520-440-5770) or another Acupuncturist. Another formula may be perscribed if anxiety and panic attacks are moderate to severe, if you have trouble sleeping etc.

11)A Series of visits to your Acupuncturist:
I give acupuncture treatments and place little tiny seeds on the ear to stimulate specific acupuncture points to help with craving and withdrawal. these are left on so that you may stimulate them as needed until your next visit. Other Herbal formula's will be perscribed as needed.

Combining as many of these as possible and licking the smoking habit is greatly increased and you will have success!

Any Other Questions, feel free to give me a call,
? Copyright 2004 Dr. Rev. Melanie J. Myers L.Ac,O.M.

Guided Meditations
SoundsTrue

This is a link to Online downloadable and
free Meditations;

LOVING KINDNESS by Sharon Salzberg,
GIVING TO YOURSELF FIRST by Iyanla Vanzant,
ATTRACTING GENUINE LOVE by Gay Hendricks,
CHRISTIAN MEDITATION by James Finley,
SELF-ESTEEM by Caroline Myss,
THE REALIZATION OF BEING by Eckhart Tolle,
MEDITATION FOR BEGINNERS by Jack Kornfield

Digestive Problems? Acid Reflux (Heartburn), Bloating, Gas?
Mood:  chillin'
Are you taking over the counter drugs, or even prescription drug and they dont seem to work well or you want to stop becuase you know they're not good for you? try this. It can really help and possibly take it away all together. so if you dont want it anymore, try these digestion stoppers to get your disgestion back on track!
Follow these simple guidelines and be acid reflux free.
1. Don?t eat too late before bedtime. You want your stomach to digest your food
before you lay down.
2. Stop eating before you are full.
3. Try eating less fried, greasy and spicy foods. If really severe, you may try cutting them out all together until your symptoms improve. Bake, steam and boil instead.
4. Fiber. Go to the health food store, pick up a can of phsylium husk and empty capsules. Fill the capsules and take 2-4 capsules daily with lots of water. This flushes toxins, cholesterol(grease), out of your body and bring your PH balance(acid/alcholine) back into check.
5. While at the health food store, pick up acidopholis. This replenishes the natural flora(Bacteria) your body needs to digest food.

Doing these simple little things work wonders and is good for your health!

?Copyright 2005 Dr. Rev. Melanie J. Myers L.Ac.,O.M.

As a Comfort to Those who's loved ones pass on..
If it helps any these realms or dimensions that 'appear' to separate us from our loved ones that have passed on, are really only differences in frequencies and when we change perception and bypass our mind we begin to see that they are within the same space as we are right now with no separation what so ever and thus our loved ones are walking with us daily.
sometimes aware and sometimes not as they too have their spiritual work in the realm in which they reside most. I say this because I have seen it sometimes daily and this is what made me realize this to be true. It was not easy at first but it is there. Looks very busy indeed.
When our thoughts fall upon those we love, it becomes like a beacon which extends to them and they feel us. Now, the same happens with us however, many here on the physical plane dont take the 'time' to feel the finer or higher sensory perceptions and if they do, they ignore them as being something from their imagination or something else that is physical. That's the physical plane for you. Sometimes too dense for our minds to just 'let go' and see things as they really are. And I mean really and truly are. One world/realm blending into another thus when you say he/she dwells in your heart......he/she does.

?Copyright 2005 Dr. Rev. Melanie J. Myers L.Ac.,O.M.