Acupuncture and Chiropractic Therapy for the Treatment of Low Back Pain

According to the American Association of Neurological Surgeons back pain is experienced by 75-85% of all Americans (2021). Structures of the lower back include the five lumbar vertebrae L1 through L5 and the discs which act as a cushion in between each vertebra, ligaments hold the vertebrae in place and tendons attach the muscles of the lower back to the vertebrae. The lower back also includes nerves that branch out of the spinal cord. According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders, low back pain is either acute or chronic (2020). Low back pain that lasts a few days to weeks is considered acute. The recovery for acute conditions can take a few days to a few months to resolve with no lasting loss of function. According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders, chronic low back pain is defined as lumbar pain that lasts for more than 12 weeks (about 3 months) (2020). Chronic low back pain can take months to years to heal, sometimes with lingering lifelong pain. Some causes of low back pain include sprains or strains, traumatic injury, fracture, herniated disc, sciatica, lumbar spinal stenosis, and abnormalities of the spine such as scoliosis. Other diseases or conditions such as intravertebral disc disease, spondylosis, arthritis, and other inflammatory diseases, fibromyalgia, endometriosis, pregnancy, kidney stones, tumors, and infections are also contributing factors for low back pain (2020).

I have treated numerous patients suffering from low back pain with acupuncture. The primary causes of low back pain in Traditional Chinese Medicine Theory are Cold Dampness Invading the back channels, Qi and Blood Stagnation, Damp Heat Invading the back channels, or Kidney deficiency (Maciocia, 2011). Treatment results from acupuncture vary with each patient, with a multitude of factors including age, condition of the patient, underlying factors, and length of time pain has been present. When treating low back pain with acupuncture, I will usually start by trying the Master Tung method first. The Master Tung method consists of mainly distal points to get immediate relief. The most common Master Tung points I like are located on the hand. These points are called Ling Gu and Da Bai. I will stimulate the needles at these points using an up and down motion till the patient states they feel the needles. I will also needle supporting distal points such as Small Intestine 3 for unilateral pain level with the umbilicus, along with Bladder 62 if the pain radiates down the leg. I will also consider needling Yao Tong Xue, Bladder 40, Bladder 10, and Bladder 59. If I cannot get instant relief with this method, I will needle local points related to the painful area such as Yao Yan, Tun Zhong, Shi Qi Zhi Xia, any of the Hua Tuo Jia Ji points, Governing Vessel points 2 through 6 and Bladder points 20 through 37 and Bladder 49 through 54. Depending on the visit and the patient's condition I will sometimes use an electro stimulator to stimulate the points for a minimum of 15 minutes. I have found that stimulation is not always needed, and I usually do not try this on the first visit. I will also use a topical product such as Dr. Bob’s medicated oil, Yu Yin Bao Yao patches, or Woodlock oil.

For chronic low back pain that is not getting consistent improvement with acupuncture alone, I may recommend the patient use chiropractic adjustments or physical therapy in conjunction with acupuncture. If chiropractic services are needed in combination with acupuncture, I recommend the patient use a chiropractor they have used and trusted in the past and always acupuncture on a different day. On occasion, I have had patients come in for acupuncture because they were in severe pain from a chiropractic adjustment. I have found that if the patient is not relaxed when getting chiropractic treatment, they risk getting painful muscle spasms.

Acupuncture is effective at treating low back pain. Acupuncture is most often sought to treat chronic pain management, according to a recent study published in 2020 (Urits et al., 2020). This research published in Advances in Therapy showed acupuncture to have a substantial desirable effect (Urits et al., 2020). In this randomized controlled trial patients that received acupuncture had a reduction in pain at 3 months and up to 24 months (about 2 years) compared to the placebo. In another randomized controlled trial, 130 patients that received twice-weekly acupuncture for 6 weeks (about 1 and a half months) for their chronic low back pain reported lower scores for pain compared to those that received the sham acupuncture (Urits et al.,2020). Patients that received the sham acupuncture in this study did not have penetration of the needles. This research demonstrated that acupuncture has more than a placebo psychological effect and there is a physiological mechanism fundamental to the favorable outcome (Urits et al., 2020).

Chiropractic treatment is effective at treating low back pain. According to a meta-analysis published in 2018 manipulation and mobilization used in chiropractic therapy were effective at treating chronic low back pain (Coulter et al., 2018). This systematic review covered fifty-one trials with nine trials providing comparable evidence to be used in the research. The research showed a statistically significant larger reduction in pain with chiropractic treatment compared to exercise or physical therapy. Follow-up at 3- and 6-months post-treatment also showed a greater reduction in pain with chiropractic treatment vs exercise and physical therapy. As this research demonstrated, the reduction in disability was 78% greater for manipulation or mobilization in chiropractic treatment compared to exercise and physical activity. Follow-up at 6 months post-treatment also showed a greater reduction in disability with chiropractic care vs exercise and physical therapy (Coulter et al., 2018). This meta-analysis has demonstrated the effectiveness of chiropractic treatment for reducing discomfort and disability among patients suffering from low back pain.

According to a recent study published in 2020, non-pharmacologic alternative therapies are most frequently used to treat muscular-skeletal pain (Urits et al., 2020). This research shows that 59-90% of the patients believe that alternative therapies are helpful in the treatment of their chronic pain. A multidisciplinary approach using physical therapy and chiropractic has been successful for my patients in the treatment of chronic low back pain. I searched 3 journals for studies on chiropractic therapy in conjunction with acupuncture and could not find one. This tells me that more research is needed. Demonstrated in a trial involving 750 active-duty military personnel, chiropractic care in combination with usual medical care showed improvement in low back pain intensity and disability than usual medical care alone (Goetz et al., 2018). This study proves that chiropractic care in conjunction with an additional modality for the treatment of pain has proven to be beneficial. More studies would surely prove that a multidisciplinary approach to chronic pain is healthful and advantageous. 

References:

Low back pain. AANS. (2021). Retrieved November 2, 2021, from https://www.aans.org/en/Patients/Neurosurgical-Conditions-and-Treatments/Low-Back-Pain.

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2020, April 27). Low back pain fact sheet. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. Retrieved November 2, 2021, from https://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/patient-caregiver-education/fact-sheets/low-back-pain-fact-sheet.

Maciocia, G. (2011). The practice of Chinese medicine the treatment of diseases with acupuncture and Chinese herbs. Churchill Livingstone.

Coulter, I. D., Crawford, C., Hurwitz, E. L., Vernon, H., Khorsan, R., Suttorp Booth, M., & Herman, P. M. (2018). Manipulation and mobilization for treating chronic low back pain: a systematic review and meta-analysis. The spine journal : official journal of the North American Spine Society, 18(5), 866–879. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.spinee.2018.01.013

Goertz, C. M., Long, C. R., Vining, R. D., Pohlman, K. A., Walter, J., & Coulter, I. (2018). Effect of Usual Medical Care Plus Chiropractic Care vs Usual Medical Care Alone on Pain and Disability Among US Service Members With Low Back Pain: A Comparative Effectiveness Clinical Trial. JAMA network open, 1(1), e180105. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2018.0105

Urits, I., Schwartz, R. H., Orhurhu, V., Maganty, N. V., Reilly, B. T., Patel, P. M., Wie, C., Kaye, A. D., Mancuso, K. F., Kaye, A. J., & Viswanath, O. (2021). A Comprehensive Review of Alternative Therapies for the Management of Chronic Pain Patients: Acupuncture, Tai Chi, Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine, and Chiropractic Care. Advances in therapy, 38(1), 76–89. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12325-020-01554-0

Goertz, C. M., Long, C. R., Vining, R. D., Pohlman, K. A., Walter, J., & Coulter, I. (2018). Effect of Usual Medical Care Plus Chiropractic Care vs Usual Medical Care Alone on Pain and Disability Among US Service Members With Low Back Pain: A Comparative Effectiveness Clinical Trial. JAMA network open, 1(1), e180105. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2018.0105

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Distal Acupuncture Points for hip, knee, ankle, and foot

Distal points are used in Acupuncture when the area that is in need of treatment is too painful to needle directly, or the point is inaccessible due to the location or patient's ability to move or disrobe. Swelling and inflammation can be so severe in local areas of trauma, that it would do more harm than good to needle in those areas. Conversely, if a patient is unable to move, distal points can be used to reach areas of the body that would otherwise be unable to treat.

Holographic points, points along the meridian that is experiencing the pain, and correspondence points can all be used to treat the pain site without needling the pain site. Holographic points can include, but are not limited to the ear, scalp, face, abdomen, hands or extremeties. These locations are considered microcosms of the body, whereas the entire body can be treated within one of these locations. Locating these points requires palpation. When locating these points, oftentimes the practitioner is looking for the most tender point within the distal area. Tools may be used to pinpoint the exact location of with the most heightened sensitivity. The most frequently used holographic in Acupuncture is the ear. The most common visualization used to explain the microcosm of the ear is an inverted fetus. The head points are located in the lobe of the ear, the spine is located along the antihelix, and the internal organs can be found in the conchae of the ear. Similarly, the scalp can be divided along the centerline.

The centerline is considered the spine, with the cervical area is proximal to the forehead. Scalpacupuncture is particularly useful in treating patients that have suffered a stroke. Dr. Tan and Master Tung are two Acupuncturists that have mastered the use of holographic points and have developed their own techniques in treating a myriad of ailments.

The use of meridians in treatment is a traditional way of using acupuncture, and is as old as the practice itself. Meridian theory is based on the idea the body is connected through a series of channels that traverse through every aspect of the body via the main meridians and their collaterals. There are twelve main meridians that correspond with an organ system, and connect to the eight collaterals. The use of the meridians in treatment with distal points treats pain that is located along the same line as the pain location, on the same side as the pain. For instance, if a person has pain on the dorsal aspect of the foot, along the lateral side (GB 41), the treating physician may choose to use a point such as GB 34 which is located just below the knee on the same channel. If a patient is experiencing pain on the medial aspect of the knee, along the LV or SP meridian, a practitioner may choose to use a point further up the meridian such as SP 10 or LV 9. The practitioner may also choose points further down the meridian like
Sp 5 to treat that same leg pain. This technique can be particularly useful when treating a patient who is unable to lay on the treatment table or disrobe. There are instances where the practitioner is unable to access the pain location. For example, if a patient is wheelchair bound or elderly, and unable to get onto the treatment table. If their extremities are accessable, the practitioner is able to treat hip pain without having to put needles directly into the hip. The meridian theory is common practice in acupuncture, and is a safe and effective way to treat both chronic and acute pain distally.

Correspondent acupuncture points are points that correspond with the location of the body that the practitioner needs to treat. There have been many studies on the use of contralateral acupuncture for the treatment of paralysis. Strokes are a good example of how the contralateral theory works. When a patient experiences a stroke on the right side of the brain, the left side of the body is affected, and vice versa.Sometimes the pain is so great on the side of the patient that has the trauma, the practitioner chooses to use the opposite limb. If a patient has a sprained ankle on the right side for example, there can be severe swelling, inflammation, and bruising at the pain site. The practitioner may then choose to needle the left ankle to treat this patient. The use of corresponding points is extremely useful when treating pain without having to needle into or around the pain. Oftentimes, when patients come for acupuncture treatment after a trauma, they may experience anxiety and fear of the practitioner needling in or around that site. The use of contralateral needling can not only ease the physical pain felt by the patient, but also calm the patient and build trust between patient and practitioner.

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How Traditional Chinese Medicine Practices Can Cure Adrenal Fatigue

Many people suffer from adrenal fatigue, a condition that leaves them tired, aching, and stressed, among other things. See how Traditional Chinese Medicine can help

Key takeaways: 

• Adrenal fatigue is a post-industrial disease.

• It happens when your adrenal glands are not operating at an optimal level.

• Deprivation of essential vitamins, especially B, exacerbates it.

• Traditional Chinese Medicine can address adrenal fatigue and vastly improve it.

Today’s society is suffering from an epidemic of adrenal fatigue syndrome, a relatively new disease that has evolved since the industrial revolution. The main driving force behind this epidemic is the depletion of our soils, which affects the vitamins we consume.

Our frenzied, modern lifestyle and commercial farming have had negative effects on our hormones. In this article, we explore what adrenal fatigue syndrome is and how our changing soil quality and stress levels cause it. 

What is adrenal fatigue syndrome?

Adrenal fatigue syndrome describes a series of symptoms that arise as a result of vitamin deficiency and prolonged exposure to stress. Symptoms include fatigue, body aches, sleep disturbances, nervousness, and digestive problems.

Does this mean that every time you feel tired or achy, you’re suffering from adrenal fatigue? Not exactly. But, it does mean that you should monitor your symptoms and seek medical guidance, rather than ignore them. 

The causes of adrenal fatigue

Adrenal fatigue happens when your adrenal glands are not operating at the necessary level. To know why this happens, you need to understand their role in the first place. Adrenal glands are the small organs just above your kidneys that are responsible for helping you respond to stress by releasing hormones like cortisol and adrenaline that quicken your heart rate and increase your blood pressure. They also help regulate your metabolism, immune system, blood pressure, and other essential functions. 

One of the key factors that help your adrenal glands function properly is your diet and the essential vitamins it provides like vitamins B1, B2, B3, B5, and B12. Our nutrient-depleted soils are driving the adrenal fatigue epidemic because:

• Foods that were once rich in vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid) now contain very little of this essential nutrient, so our bodies are unable to respond appropriately to physical and emotional stress.

• Other vital nutrients like vitamins B1, B2, and B3, which are essential to the operation of the adrenal glands, the balance of hormones, and the regulation of our mood, are also deficient in our present diet, especially in fast food and prepackaged items. This lack of regulatory factors causes an overflow of adrenal hormones which causes the adrenal glands to experience burnout. 

• Vitamin B12, which is necessary for controlling the rhythm of cortisol secretion, is also deficient mainly due to the sort of feed we give the livestock we eat, which are our main source of the nutrient. Feeding livestock a corn diet of genetically modified seeds that have been sprayed with pesticides and herbicides decreases the nutrients we consume.

• Vitamin B8, or inositol, which regulates adrenaline-induced stress responses, is also deficient in today’s diet. 

• Vitamin C, which is most prevalent in our adrenal tissues, is important for the reduction of cortisol in the body. The deficiency in this nutrient causes a decrease in glutathione, a compound responsible for reducing free radicals and fighting stress and age-related adrenal fatigue.

• Zinc, copper, and manganese are also important trace minerals that are lacking in our foods, but which are crucial in helping certain enzymes neutralize free radicals.

These are just some of the vitamins, minerals, and nutrients sourced from food that your body needs to prevent conditions such as adrenal fatigue, insomnia, hormonal imbalances, mood disorders, inflammatory conditions, and more.

Treatment for adrenal fatigue via Traditional Chinese Medicine

If you’re feeling the symptoms of adrenal fatigue, it’s very important to see a medical professional that can diagnose you. At Eacuwell, we shun the one-size-fits-all method in favor of one that uses an integrative, science-based approach. Our doctors use advanced lab testing, analysis, evaluation, and tailor-made protocols to guide patients to an optimum state of physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing. 

We investigate how your genome interacts with the environment as well as your diet and lifestyle. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) emphasizes the role of nutrition in healing and we will put together a non-toxic diet that includes specific vitamins you are deficient in to get your adrenal glands working sufficiently again.

The complexity of the human body demands nothing short of an individualized approach consisting of modern scientific and traditional methods that empower your body to heal itself.

Learn more

Adrenal fatigue warrants more attention than it is currently receiving, especially since causative factors can be traced back to the negative effect we are having on our environment. To learn more about this syndrome and how it can be cured through TCM, contact Eacuwell today.

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How to Treat Obesity Holistically

At Eacuwell, we offer a wide variety of effective holistic obesity treatments for Florida residents

Key takeaways:  

• Holistic obesity treatment requires lifelong lifestyle changes. 

• Self-monitoring is the single biggest predictor of success when it comes to weight loss.

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) can improve outcomes when used alongside diet and exercise.

• Having a positive, healthy relationship with food is important in order to make sustainable changes to your lifestyle. Reframe food as fuel instead of as “good” or “bad.”

• Wearing ear seeds (auricular acupuncture) may help with weight loss.

• Manual therapy may aid in reducing belly fat and cellulite and is an excellent adjunct therapy to a weight loss program. 

Over the years, obesity has become a national health epidemic. Worldwide, in 2016, over 1.9 billion adults were overweight, with 650 million qualifying as obese. Rates of obesity have tripled between 1975 to 2016.

In the United States, some 45 million Americans start dieting each year. This costs us big bucks and not just in healthcare costs. Americans invest heavily in weight loss solutions, spending more than $60 billion a year. Nearly two-thirds of us make New Year’s resolutions to lose weight every year.  

The Health At Every Size Movement (HAES) has come a long way in introducing the concept of size diversity, body acceptance, and reinforcing the idea that you are more than a number on the scale. However, being overweight does increase the risk of several health problems, including diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, stroke, arthritis, and gallbladder disease. 

The best way to treat obesity is holistically with a multi-pronged approach that addresses the mind, body, and spirit. We speak about holistic obesity treatment at Eacuwell with five ways to address weight loss using Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and other holistic approaches. 

The benefits of losing weight

Losing just 5 to 10% of your excess body weight can make a big difference in your life. Here’s how:

• Reduce your risk of arthritis 

• Lower the risk of breast cancer 

• Prevent Type 2 diabetes

• Lower your triglycerides

• Reduce your blood pressure

• Reverse insulin resistance

• Treat sleep apnea

• Lower inflammation

• Improve your sleep

• Boost your mood

• Have a better sex life

Drinking lots of water, eating lean proteins and a whole food plant-based diet, and getting enough exercise are all important aspects of your weight loss program. But, many other adjunct therapies can help you lose weight as well. Keep reading to learn about some TCM and holistic weight loss therapies to try in addition to a healthy diet and exercise. 

Self-monitoring

The American Psychological Association (APA) calls self-monitoring one of the most effective tactics for weight loss. Self-monitoring refers to tracking how much food you eat and how much you exercise. You can keep a food journal or use an app like My Fitness Pal to do this. There are many popular fitness trackers available that can track your calories burned, heart rate, steps, and other metrics. 

Other studies have shown that self-monitoring is the “single best predictor of success,” and that it takes as little as 15 minutes or less a day. The frequency of monitoring (not the time spent doing it) is the key success factor for weight loss. 

Therapy

Many people who are overweight may experience depression and anxiety as well as the added stigma from society about being overweight. The health conditions that may result due to being overweight, such as type 2 diabetes or heart disease, may have further mental health implications.

Various forms of talk therapy, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), have been shown to be helpful for weight loss, particularly when used as a part of a comprehensive plan to address health. CBT is useful in helping patients develop a healthy body image, which can help motivate them to increase their self-monitoring and activity – two of the biggest drivers behind healthy weight loss. 

Reframing ideas about food

Having a healthy approach to eating and food is important. Reframing your thoughts around food to think of it as fuel and not “good” or “bad” can help you have a positive and healthy relationship with it. 

Meal plans that are too restrictive usually result in feelings of deprivation that can lead to binges or a failure to maintain the meal plan because of it being too restrictive. Remember that food is fuel. 

Wearing ear seeds

Auricular acupuncture or acupuncture on the ears may be helpful for a variety of conditions including stress-related conditions, addictions, and weight loss. Research has shown that auricular acupuncture may act on the vagus nerve, impacting the parasympathetic nervous system and in turn the functioning of the cardiovascular, respiratory, and gastrointestinal systems. 

One popular way to experience auricular acupuncture is through the use of ear seeds which are literal seeds from the Vaccaria plant or tiny metal beads that your acupuncturist places on the ear for you. These can be worn discreetly for three to five days at a time. They will fall out on their own. When you’re experiencing a craving, you can press on it to apply acupressure to the area. Although they aren’t permanent, you can wear them continuously by having them replaced as they fall out. 

There are no side effects to wearing ear seeds. Preliminary studies have shown that auricular acupuncture can also help with chronic lower back pain while other studies have shown it helps treat acute pain. Ear acupuncture may be beneficial for weight loss in helping reduce cravings, soothing the vagus nerve, reducing stress and stress-related eating, and treating both acute and chronic pain to make it easier and more enjoyable to exercise. 

Manual therapy 

Manual therapy can help weight loss by addressing aches and pains that make exercise harder. Manual therapy is able to address both acute and chronic pain. There are a variety of techniques that can be used depending on the ailment. Some forms of manual therapy, such as neuromuscular therapy, engage deactivated muscles. If muscles aren’t activated and engaged, it will be difficult for them to burn fat. Massage can aid in weight loss by increasing blood flow and circulation to the tissues and increasing lymphatic drainage, enabling the body to drain old toxins and lymph fluid. 

A study found that lymphatic drainage massage could help reduce thigh and belly fat. Massage can also help reduce cellulite and tighten skin as weight is lost. 

In addition, stress relief is one of massage therapy’s biggest benefits. Managing stress can help curb emotional and stress eating. 

Contact us for more info on holistic obesity treatment in South Florida 

Treating obesity requires a permanent change to the way you think about food and exercise. There are a plethora of diets and weight loss plans available but it’s important to make sure that you are creating sustainable change for yourself, not just restricting calories. Whatever treatment options you choose, you should ensure that it’s a holistic option that cares for and incorporates your mind, body, and spirit. Always remember that your weight doesn’t define who you are as a person. The number on the scale does not define your self-worth. Nor is weight the sole indicator of your health. 

Although losing weight can be a lonely and frustrating process, it doesn’t have to be. Having the right medical, holistic professional alongside you on your journey can be a total gamechanger. If you’re interested in trying holistic obesity treatments in South Florida, call us today for your complimentary consultation.

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How to Nutritionally Adapt to the 3 Stages of Fall With Traditional Chinese Medicine

Many changes happen in the fall, including to our bodies. Traditional Chinese Medicine teaches us what to eat and drink to work with nature, improve our health, and feel great 

Key takeaways:

• The human body goes through changes as fall approaches.

• What we eat and how we live can affect how we experience seasonal changes. 

• Traditional Chinese Medicine shows us multiple ways to make seasonal changes easier.

Autumn, and every season, holds special significance in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Fall correlates with the element of metal which can be harsh but is also bendable, able to be brought back to its original state. Just as nature changes with the seasons, so do our bodies. These changes often bring discomfort but the nutritional principles of TCM show us how we can adapt. 

Let’s look at how the three stages of fall affect our bodies and how we can work in conjunction with nature to eat and drink what will make us feel great through seasonal changes.

Early autumn

As we come out of the late summer months, our bodies tend to hold on to more dampness. Moisture in the body is like the humidity we feel stepping outside after a summer rainstorm. We’ve just come out of stagnant heat in which the air doesn’t want to move and our brains and bodies want to run back into an air-conditioned room where we can breathe and think clearly. 

In TCM, this is the best time to strengthen the spleen. The spleen is responsible for transporting our food and turning it into nutrients. It also produces white blood cells which nourish other organs, including our thymus gland. The spleen’s activities help to fight off colds and infections. 

Since colds are more prominent in the fall with the change of weather, strengthening the spleen and getting rid of the dampness we’ve accumulated throughout the summer months is essential to maintain health. Eating more juicy foods like apples, pears, grapefruits, and dates is great in the early days of fall to help your body adapt to the changes. 

Foods that contribute to building more dampness within our bodies are noodles, potatoes, bananas, wheat, and dairy. It’s best to avoid these foods in early autumn to help the body adapt and transition into a new season. Also avoid cold foods like watermelon and bitter melon, which are perfect in the summer months but during this transition leads to digestive problems, such as diarrhea and abdominal pain. 

Radish tea is excellent to incorporate into your diet in early autumn. Drinking it clears summer heat from your body, eliminating the phlegm and dampness that has accumulated. It improves the appetite and digestive functions and works as an anti-inflammatory for the lungs. The method to making this tea is as follows:

• Wash 100 g of white radish slices. 

• Boil water.

• Add a small amount of non-MSG salt to the water.

• Place radishes in the water.

• Brew for about five minutes.

• Pour into a cup and enjoy up to two times a day for maximum health benefits.

Like the weather, our bodies transform with nature. Adapting to the seasonal changes with the right nutrition allows us to do it smoothly and with little discomfort.

Mid-autumn

In TCM, when yin and yang are in balance, we refer to that as being in homeostasis, which is our body’s natural state. Yin is our body’s energy that restores us and allows our bodies and minds to slow down, rest, and relax. In the mid-autumn months, nourishing yin is of utmost importance. We are similar to the animals that hibernate and use these months to prepare.

Storing our energy and giving ourselves time to decompress and relax makes it easier to go through the colder months healthily. Not only is nourishing yin important but with mid-autumn comes dryness, so moistening is also essential to balance. 

If you think about nature, it rains less during fall. Our bodies tend to reflect our surroundings so acupuncture, TCM, and the food we eat can help combat dryness. If you know us here at Eacuwell, you know we preach that food is medicine.

Mid-autumn is not the right time to eat dry foods such as anything fried or smoked. Incorporating juicer foods into your diet, such as honey, soymilk, pears, and white wood ear will leave you feeling nourished and energized. A higher intake of water is also crucial in maintaining health and balance in these months.

Mid-autumn is usually the time of mid-terms for students. With the new norm of being in front of the computer so much, eyes can begin to feel sore and fatigued. Incorporating a goji tea can help combat feelings of soreness and fatigue. Goji is rich in carotene, vitamin B1, vitamin C, calcium, and iron, so it has incredible therapeutic effects. 

To make, simply add goji berries, mulberry, and the flesh of the longan fruit to boiling water for 30 minutes. Wait for it to cool before drinking for maximum benefits.

Late autumn

With late autumn comes colder weather accompanied by the same dryness we see in mid-autumn. This is the time of the year that the lungs are most affected and we’re more likely to catch a cold or the flu. It’s an excellent time to choose more black-colored foods such as black sesame and black beans. Some other great foods to eat all through fall are:

• Sweet potato – Sweet potato has the effect of quenching thirst, moistening the lungs, benefiting the digestive system, and even having an anti-cancer effect.

• Pumpkin – Rich in nutrients, it contains vitamin C, glucose, vitamin E, folate, iron, and more. TCM teaches that it has anti-inflammatory pain relief and detox effects.

• Grapefruit – Grapefruit is rich in insulin, pectin, vitamins, minerals, fiber and can even suppress bacteria. It is also anti-cancerous, good for blood sugar, and high in antioxidants.

Being aware of our bodies and what works and doesn’t is the key to maintaining health and wellness. What works for one person may not work for you. TCM modalities and proper nutrition help you stay in tune with your body and adapt to nature and the change of seasons easier and easier every year. 

Holistic doctors are here to answer your questions

Fall is the perfect time to begin a holistic healthcare routine. Eacuwell is a health, well-being, and longevity center that takes a holistic, functional approach to your physical and physiological state via a deliberate combination of eastern and western medicinal practices. Contact us today for a complimentary consultation.

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Fight Back Pain With Manual Therapy and Traditional Chinese Medicine

Find relief from acute and chronic back pain with holistic practices

Key takeaways:

• Sudden, acute back pain can become a severe, chronic problem without treatment. 

• Back pain can bring on other health issues such as high blood pressure and insomnia.

• Traditional Chinese Medicine can effectively manage chronic and acute back pain.

Back pain can come on suddenly (acute) or be something you’ve been dealing with for years (chronic). A back pain flare-up can take weeks, months, or longer to clear up. During this time, the pain alone can stop you from doing even mundane activities. When you’re dealing with this on a regular basis, the associated symptoms can begin to seem normal. 

Experiencing sudden or chronic pain is not normal, however, and it shouldn’t have to persist. We talk about what acute and chronic back pain is, other problems that can develop from it, and how to treat it holistically with Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) treatments and more. 

Acute vs. chronic

Acute back pain is tender to the touch. It’s usually caused by a spasm or strain in the muscles or ligaments due to tightness or sudden trauma. It usually lasts a few days to a few weeks and can resolve on its own. If it doesn’t, it can be the start of a lifelong problem. That’s when acute pain becomes chronic pain.

Chronic back pain goes deeper and is harder to treat. It is usually age-related or due to a previous injury or surgery that continued to hurt after healing. If a new pain or flare-up lasts more than 12 weeks, it is defined as chronic.

Back pain causes other health problems, too, such as:

• High blood pressure

• Increased heart rate

• Muscle tension

• Lack of appetite

• Sleeping problems

• Anxiety

• Depression

Once the pain has reached the chronic stage, other health issues can appear normal but don’t be fooled by your body’s unique ability to adapt. These other symptoms feed the body’s excess or deficiencies. Manual therapy and TCM look at back pain as a root problem and address it first to alleviate all symptoms. 

Let’s look at the differences in acute and chronic back pain and the types of TCM modalities used to manage it.

Treating acute back pain

If addressed early, back pain that might take two weeks to heal can be treated much sooner. When an acute flare-up starts, it’s best to treat it with rest and ice immediately. These two treatments can help alleviate the inflammation and pain that occurs with an injury. 

Manual therapy is the key to cutting recovery time in half. Licensed massage therapists use a concentrated amount of pressure on specific places in and around and the area of pain or spasm to reduce symptoms and increase blood flow and circulation. 

When we have a buildup of blockages or stagnation, which occur upon injury, qi and blood cannot get to the places that keep us healthy, which increases pain and discomfort.

Treating chronic back pain

Chronic pain doesn’t just affect the person dealing with it but also the people that love them. Unlike acute pain, when dealing with chronic pain, you turn to heat. Heat causes our blood to move and boosts circulation. This allows more nutrients and oxygen to travel to the joints and muscles which helps with stiffness and increases range of motion.

Our bodies have to retrain themselves to be in homeostasis, which leads to being pain-free. One of the most natural ways to rid yourself of chronic pain is by manual therapy from a licensed massage therapist. Although manual therapy is by no means a quick fix, studies have shown that it can reduce and relieve pain.

Types of massages for back pain

Acupressure (Shiatsu) - Deep finger pressure applied along channels in the body to promote the free flow of energy.

Cranial- sacral therapy - Using light touch to adjust the balance and flow of cerebrospinal fluid. It is typically used in cases where a patient can’t bear a certain amount of pressure.

Deep-tissue massage - Used to relieve severe tension in the muscle and the connective tissues using deep, concentrated strokes and pressure.

Neuromuscular therapy - Used to relieve acute or chronic pain by using finger pressure on specific areas to break up stagnation.

Myofascial release - Used to release tension in the connective tissues surrounding the muscles with short, deep pressure manipulation.

Eating a healthy diet

Getting our bodies back to a functioning and pain-free state doesn’t end at heat, ice, and manual therapy. Incorporating healthy foods that reduce inflammation in our diets is key to healing. These include green leafy vegetables, fatty fish, nuts, grains, and berries. Stay away from fried foods, refined carbs, and processed sugars as they cause inflammation, making it harder for your body to heal. 

Get plenty of exercise

Including exercises to strengthen surrounding muscles to alleviate pressure on the affected area of pain in your daily routine can make a huge difference. Stretching before every exercise is imperative. Stretch therapy is a great way to combat pain. Incorporating specific stretches relaxes the nervous system, lengthens muscles, and keeps lactic acid buildup from forming and causing more pain. 

Ask your manual therapist here at Eastern Acupuncture and Wellness for different exercises and stretches to incorporate in your healing journey in between sessions. It will make each treatment more effective and long-lasting and it will help you get back to the pain-free life you want to live.

Herbal medicine

Herbal medicines have been around since early humans realized certain plants could help sicknesses and injuries. Cayenne, white willow bark, devil’s claw, and lavender have all been associated with pain relief. Incorporating herbal medicines like these into your diet is as easy as drinking tea or taking a supplement. 

TCM such as massage, healthy eating, exercise, and herbal medicine are drug-free alternatives for back pain relief, no matter how long you’ve struggled with it. Small lifestyle changes can make a significant impact on pain levels. 

We are here for your holistic needs

You don’t have to struggle with back pain. There are effective drug-free solutions. Eacuwell is a health, well-being, and longevity center that takes a holistic, functional approach to your physical and physiological state via a deliberate combination of Eastern and Western medicinal practices. Call today for a complimentary consultation.

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Can Traditional Chinese Medicine Be Delivered Through Telemedicine?

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) via telemedicine 

Key takeaways: 

• While not every ailment or symptom can be treated via telemedicine, many can be. 

• Anyone in the world can benefit from virtual wellness support and find hope and healing. 

• TCM via telemedicine is a great way to evaluate your current health, address a specific ailment, and start your wellness journey.

• Customized virtual sessions are a great way for TCM practitioners to stay connected with their patients when personal office visits are not possible. 

For TCM practitioners, virtually sharing their tools and approaches for healing, wellness, and self-care is in line with their greater purpose. It empowers patients to help themselves when an in-office visit isn’t possible. Telemedicine is becoming part of the wellness journey since many TCM therapies can be effectively implemented with patients at a distance. We explain how telemedicine works for TCM, what its benefits are, and address patient privacy concerns around this medium. 

What exactly is telemedicine?

Telemedicine is a video or phone visit with a remotely located provider. It allows a patient to have appointments with their doctor or care provider when they can’t come into the office. Virtual medical visits substantially increased in 2020 as medical professionals utilized them to slow the spread of COVID-19. Sessions with a TCM practitioner via phone or video chat are a great way for patients to continue to optimize their wellness. 

At first thought, practicing TCM virtually might not seem possible but there are several treatment plans and holistic healing practices that can be implemented beyond the needle of acupuncture. Herbal consultations and functional medicine visits are two such practices. 

How does telemedicine work?

To get started with a virtual appointment, a patient will schedule with the doctor’s office. When their appointment comes, they will have a call or video chat over a secure connection to discuss their concerns, health history, and treatment options. The patient uses a website link or an app to connect. 

To utilize telemedicine appointments at Eacuwell, patients will need the Lifesize app, which is free. Lifesize is an encrypted application that allows users to video chat straight from their phone or computer. This platform allows for one-on-one virtual consultations with doctors from the safety of patients’ homes. 

Holistic telemedicine appointments may include standard TCM therapies such as going over dietary guidelines, herbal remedies, nutritional supplements, homeopathic protocols, and lifestyle, and exercise suggestions. 

Our licensed Chinese medicine practitioners and board-certified herbalists can update your treatment plan or establish new health goals. They are also able to: 

• Find the root cause of your pain and health concerns.

• Suggest herbal formulas that are tailored to your unique nutritional needs.

• Recommend appropriate vitamins and supplements.

• Offer advice, support, and dietary suggestions.

• Work on boosting your immunity to stay illness-free.

• Find solutions for anxiety, insomnia, headaches, allergies, digestive problems, and respiratory issues. 

• Guide you through breathing exercises, suggest yoga poses, and lead you through meditations.

• Formulate a TCM diagnosis and plan and teach you how to implement TCM modalities from home.

• Focus on treatments that can be practiced safely from home, including acupressure, moxibustion, and gua sha. 

• Be a friendly and professional ear of support in whatever way you need.

• Outline your personalized treatment plan.

What are the benefits of telemedicine?

Telemedicine lets patients overcome distance and time constraints. It allows patients to receive exceptional medical care from the comforts of their own homes. All it requires is a phone or computer. 

During these sessions, our world-class team of TCM practitioners can provide you with suggestions and actionable steps to help you care for yourself and your family. 

What about my privacy?

Your remote sessions are completely confidential and private. Only our doctors or medical professionals will be present on our side. Your virtual visit is not saved or videotaped for future reference without your consent. 

Telemedicine is a new patient frontier that exploded due to the safety concerns surrounding COVID-19. Since that time, it has been utilized as a convenient platform for patients who are not able to make in-office health and wellness visits. TCM professionals see it as a terrific way to implement holistic healing. In fact, many TCM doctors are combining telemedicine virtual visits with in-person acupuncture procedures to create a balanced and manageable wellness plan for patients. 

If you are interested in trying telemedicine or any of our in-office acupuncture procedures to treat a variety of ailments, call us today for your complimentary consultation. Start your healing journey today. 

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Functional Medicine in Pediatrics: A Safe and Natural Addition to Your Child’s Healthcare

The caring, patient-centered approach of functional medicine makes it a perfect solution for childhood ailments

Key takeaways:

• The primary source of children’s health issues has switched from infectious diseases to chronic conditions in the last century.

• Functional medicine considers your entire internal system including genetics, food allergies, and gut health to adequately address concerns.

• Changes in lifestyle and environment can make a big difference in your child’s health.

Many parents, both new and experienced, sometimes feel frustrated with mainstream medicine because it only looks at treating symptoms instead of viewing patients as a whole. So often, little ones develop conditions like coughs or runny noses that keep coming back without explanation. That’s when it may be time to turn to functional medicine for answers. 

During the last century, the main cause of ailments in children and young adults has shifted from infectious diseases to chronic conditions. Functional medicine looks at the whole person and their unique system to determine the underlying causes of chronic conditions. It uses careful analysis, testing, evaluation, and tailor-made protocols to guide a person to their optimum state of physical, mental, and emotional well-being. 

The functional medicine approach involves nutritional awareness and natural treatments and therapies that don’t include drugs or chemicals. It is a bridge for Western medicine into total wellness since the former usually only seeks to treat symptoms. It focuses on being healthy, not just symptom-free.

Children's health is very delicate. We must care for little ones in a way that limits chemical harm and promotes lifelong well-being. Here's how the functional medicine approach (including acupuncture) benefits children of all ages. 

 Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy involves relaxing scents that impart specific benefits based on their biological components. Certain scents, like lavender, may help a sick baby by placing an aromatic diffuser in the room. Essential oils such as tea tree and eucalyptus are known for easing congestion. Another way to use essential oils is to place a few drops with a carrier oil like almond and massage them into the skin. This method provides the relaxation benefits of both a massage and aromatherapy. 

Advanced lab testing 

Functional Medicine is an integrative, science-based approach that uses advanced laboratory testing to analyze the genetic predispositions that influence your health. A genetic predisposition will make children more prone to developing certain conditions. Genetic testing can assess hormones, estrogen, cortisol, insulin, and testosterone levels. It shows food sensitivities and takes an assessment of gut health to guide the way to feeling better. 

Nutritional awareness

A significant aspect of functional medicine is aware of how the food you eat affects your everyday life. Allergies, acid reflux, indigestion, chronic stomach troubles – they all stem from what you are putting in your body. The same is true for children. They have allergies and biological predispositions to specific foods. Functional pediatrics assess how your child is eating to see what correlations there are to their health.

Toxicity assessment

One of the first tasks of functional medicine is to take a toxicity assessment of every patient, even the smallest ones. The intention is to find all the things in daily life that are harming your child so we know where to start the healing process. A toxicity assessment typically consists of a questionnaire and lab tests to detect allergies, irritants, stressors, and other harmful hindrances that go unnoticed.

Acupuncture 

A treatment many people do not consider when it comes to children is acupuncture. Acupuncture is a completely safe and highly effective treatment for many children’s maladies, especially chronic pain. It’s also helpful for stomach, bowel, and colic troubles in infants and small children, as well as menstrual pain in adolescent girls.

Yoga

Getting enough physical activity each day is vital to stay healthy no matter how old you are. An easy way to get kids moving is with the sweeping, broad movements of yoga. Yoga helps with pain management, stress, obesity, and overall well-being. In children, it promotes self-esteem, concentration, memory, and balance. Some asanas or poses that are excellent for incorporating into a child’s functional medicine approach are the tree, mountain, cobra, and happy baby poses. 

Herbal medicine

Herbal medicine is a big part of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) that uses herbs proven to treat imbalances in the body. The Chinese herbs used to treat disease are vitamin-packed, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antioxidant-rich. Chinese herbal medicine has little to no side effects due to its low toxicity. This makes it suitable for adults, pregnant women, children, and babies.

Functional medicine is beneficial to children of all ages. Its evidence-based, natural approach makes it ideal for children by not exposing them to harmful chemicals. Kids are facing increasingly high rates of chronic illnesses in this day and age and functional pediatrics delves into the genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors for the key to better health long into adulthood. 

Functional pediatrics for your child

There are many ways to begin incorporating functional medicine into your child’s healthcare. We can help you find the most beneficial route. Eacuwell is an all-inclusive women-based practice with some of the most experienced practitioners, physicians, and doctors in the industry. 

 Our goal is to empower and educate patients to promote sustained results. Our health, well-being, and longevity center takes a holistic, functional approach to your physical and physiological state via a deliberate combination of Eastern and Western medicinal practices. Reach out for a complimentary consultation on functional pediatric medicine and learn how we can help your family.

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The Top Ailments to Treat With Acupuncture

Acupuncture helps treat health issues from neck pain to depression

Key takeaways:

• Acupuncture helps treat ailments like allergies, anxiety, lower back pain, depression, and infertility, alone or in combination with conventional therapies. 

• It relieves discomfort associated with a variety of conditions and their treatments, including chemotherapy-induced and postoperative nausea and vomiting, dental pain, migraines, and menstrual cramps. 

• Patients suffering from anxiety, depression, stress, addictions, epilepsy, and insomnia tend to benefit from acupuncture. 

• Acupuncture helps rebalance the body’s qi, which prompts it to release natural chemicals to fight an illness or its symptoms.

Many people’s fear of needles keeps them away from trying acupuncture. This fear is unwarranted, however, as the needles used in this Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) therapy are nothing like those used for a shot at the doctor’s office. An acupuncturist’s needles are extremely thin, solid, and round at the tip and rarely cause a painful sensation

Acupuncture is a popular and beneficial treatment for a long list of health conditions. If you are curious about acupuncture in South Florida and what it can do for you, read on.  

What exactly is acupuncture?

A derivative of TCM, acupuncture is the thousands-year-old healing practice of penetrating the skin with very thin, solid, metallic needles. Through gentle and specific movements of the practitioner’s hands or via electrical stimulation, these needles are activated at strategic points on the patient’s body. This triggers a healing response. 

Acupuncture seeks to restore the flow of energy, or qi, throughout your body, while at the same time breaking up the blockages that are causing you pain. It helps patients regain balance and vitality naturally. Successful treatment depends on correctly diagnosing the pattern of the disorder. 

According to TCM, there are more than 1,000 acupuncture points on the body. These points lie on meridians, or pathways in the body. Each meridian is associated with a different organ system.

What are the effects of acupuncture?

The most common positive effect of acupuncture is the relief or reduction of pain. This age-old Chinese practice is viewed as an acceptable treatment for pain, including low back pain, neck pain, and osteoarthritis conditions. 

Another great outcome of acupuncture is that it brings deep relaxation and/or sleep. Falling asleep on the table is perfectly okay. 

Practitioners of acupuncture in South Florida treat several ailments and routinely experience positive results. They include, but are not limited to:

• Immune system issues

• Back, neck, and muscle pain

• Arthritis

• IBS

• Cancer and cancer treatment side effects

• Sports injuries

• Headaches

• Anxiety

• Depression

• Low energy

• Allergies

• Infertility 

Combining acupuncture with other TCM modalities

Acupuncturists often combine their treatment with dietary considerations. By following TCM principles, they are trained in dietary management and taught how to properly subscribe vitamins, minerals, and herb regimens. 

They also work with patients to cultivate a positive life philosophy and lifestyle to enhance vitality and harmonize overall energy.  

Treatment

Acupuncturists practice functional medicine. To determine the type of acupuncture that will benefit you most, practitioners require a 90-minute extensive initial evaluation. He or she will review all of your symptoms, behaviors, and lifestyle. They will go over the parts of the body that are painful, the color of your tongue and face, and the quality of the pulse in your wrist. A treatment plan will then be put into place. Typically, patients receive six to eight treatments but the number depends on the condition being treated and its severity. 

Are there risks?

With a competent, certified acupuncture practitioner using sterile needles, the risks of acupuncture are extremely low. Side effects may include soreness and minor bleeding or bruising at the source of insertion.  

Our clinic uses single-use, disposable needles which are industry-standard. The risk of infection is extremely minimal. Acupuncture should not be used in place of emergency care. 

Acupuncture at Eacuwell

Acupuncture has been very successful in relieving discomfort associated with a variety of diseases and conditions. If you are having difficulty managing pain or other issues with conventional methods, it is definitely worth a try. Acupuncture improves the body’s functions, promotes the natural self-healing process, and provides great relief for many ailments. 

If you are interested in trying acupuncture in South Florida to treat a variety of ailments, call us today for your complimentary consultation.

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Reiki: Explaining the Benefits of This TCM Healing Modality

Reiki, which translates to “spiritually guided life force energy,” is a form of Traditional Chinese Medicine healing that has several benefits

Key takeaways: 

• Reiki is a form of energy healing. 

• Reiki masters push energy along the body with specific movements, symbols, and mantras.

• Advocates believe it can treat many challenging conditions and emotional states.

Reiki, a word that derives from the Japanese words "rei" (universal) and "ki" (life energy), has been practiced for thousands of years. Its current form dates back to the early 1920s when the first reiki school and clinic began in Tokyo, Japan. There were already four other forms or "elements" of reiki practiced in Japan as early as the 1800s, ultimately equaling five types of reiki. 

Reiki is also practiced in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Its focus is on qi, aka energy, the basic substance of which the world and our bodies are composed. Qi is in a state of continuous flux and can sometimes stagnate in our bodies, causing blockages. Reiki, as an energy healing art, reinvigorates the qi in TCM and relieves pain, aches, and stress. 

This form of alternative medicine involves the transfer of universal energy from the practitioner's palms to their patient. While it is hard to prove its efficacy scientifically, over 1.2 million American adults have tried it and over 60 hospitals in the United States offer reiki services to their patients alongside traditional Western medicine treatments.  

Reiki isn't completely mystifying, although its benefits can seem like magic. There are scientific facts behind it. A study from Hartford Hospital, for instance, showed reiki patients experienced reduced fatigue and had improvements in their sleep.  

We will walk through what reiki entails, including the five elements, how they are used, and their benefits. 

Reiki precepts

Precepts are a code of practice. They are mantras that reiki practitioners live by and teach to their patients as part of their journey. They encourage individuals to be mindful and reinforce the connection between mind and body. 

Patients and students are encouraged to repeat these mantras aloud to start and then silently throughout the session for maximum benefits. In essence, these precepts are the entire system of reiki boiled down to five simple concepts.

The five reiki precepts are:

• Do not anger

• Do not worry

• Be grateful

• Work diligently

• Be kind to others 

Reiki meditations and techniques 

Reiki meditation encourages practitioners, students, and patients to be aware of and responsible for the healing happening before them. It differs from other forms of meditation which focus on clearing the mind. With reiki meditation, instead of removing the consciousness of everything, you focus on the energy field around and within you. Techniques used in reiki meditation are:

• Zen

• Cleansing

• Center Finger

• Chakra focus

This type of meditation sometimes involves drawing reiki symbols to make you more present in the moment. 

A hands-on or off healing modality

Reiki is performed by placing the hands or palms lightly on the body or hovering above it to move energy along the seven chakras of the body. Masters use specific hand movements, reiki symbols, and mantras to direct the energy and break through blockages in the flow. 

Reiki symbols 

Reiki symbols were once held in secrecy and only revealed to students by a master teacher during initiation. There are five symbols in the Reiki Healing system. Using these symbols activates a patient's energy field and builds it up significantly. Symbols are activated by tracing them onto the body, such as on the third eye and along the chakras. 

The five reiki symbols are:

• Cho ku rei – Power

• Sei hei ki – Mental/emotional harmony

• Hon sha ze sho nen – Distance connection

• Dai ko myo – Master enlightenment

• Raku - Completion

Reiju and attunements 

The practitioner performs the reiju ritual while the patient or student sits in a chair. The practitioner will cleanse the energy around the person using a hands-off approach. It provides a space for the student to draw qi through the body.  

Reiju is for attuning the student with their new sight with the intent of reminding them of their connection to the earth. A reiju is completed after each level of reiki. It does not include symbols or mantras. The only thing that changes is the student as they grow spiritually with each session. 

Benefits of reiki

The primary benefit of reiki is the feeling of balance that occurs after a session. Numerous studies have documented the relief of pain and anxiety. The entire process focuses on breaking through blockages in your personal energy that are causing illnesses and trauma. This balancing of energy brings about benefits such as:

• Accelerates self-healing abilities

• Instills deep relaxation

• Helps relieve pain

• Compliments Western medicine practices

• Improves focus

• Lowers heart rate

Reiki healer and master status

To identify as a reiki healer, one should go through two levels of training. There is additional training to become a reiki master. It is vital to know your practitioners' level of training to reap the maximum benefits. 

Reiki is one of many forms of TCM that is effective in pain management and treating emotional disorders such as depression and PTSD. This noninvasive therapy successfully manipulates the body’s energy force alone, with other TCM therapies, or in conjunction with a Western approach. 

Help is here when you need us

Reiki and its many benefits are a simple yet intricate concept. We can help you understand how it works and if it’s right for you. 

Eacuwell is a health, well-being, and longevity center that takes a holistic, functional approach to your physical and physiological state using a deliberate combination of Eastern and Western medicinal practices. Your holistic approach is designed to identify, address, and alleviate the underlying causes of symptoms, ailments, and disease to ultimately return your patients to a state of ideal health and well-being. 

Reach out for a complimentary consultation at your convenience. We provide Reiki Healing Massage near Fort Lauderdale FL.

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7 Pressure Points for Relieving Stress and Discomfort

Stimulating the body’s pressure points can bring instant stress relief 

Key takeaways:

• Acupressure is an ancient healing art practiced in Traditional Chinese Medicine for over 2,000 years

• Stimulating pressure points can relieve stress and irritation in various parts of the body.

• Manipulating these seven pressure points for everyday use is a good form of self-care. 

People have been practicing acupressure by manipulating pressure points for centuries. Acupressure is an ancient healing art practiced in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) that is an effective self-care treatment for discomfort and pain. Often, we practice acupressure without even knowing it, like when we rub the back of our neck when it feels sore. 

The human body has an innate ability to know when something is out of balance. Most of the time our subconscious will lead our hands directly to the area that needs relief. There are numerous pressure points throughout our bodies that circulate our internal energy and blood that when stimulated, help to break up stagnation and blockages. 

Many of the most useful and accessible pressure points are in the hands, wrists, and arms. There are many others along the body also.

Pressure points work in an unusual manner; when pressing a “tender” area with the fingers it can bring relief to another part of the body. Each pressure point offers an array of benefits when manipulated such as relief of upset stomach, nausea, indigestion, or anxiety. 

Here are seven of the most popular pressure points for everyday use and how they can help:

• DU20 (Baihui) 

Baihui, or “Hundred Convergences” in English, is located at the very top of the head. When we stimulate this point, it has many benefits from calming anxieties to raising brain function and energy. To find it, go to the highest point of the ears and trace it to the top of the head. Once there, gently massage the point to feel instant relief. This is great for students when they have test anxiety or for anyone who is on the computer for an extended period.

Large Intestine 4 (He Gu) 

The English translation of He Gu is “Joining Valley” and it’s located on the hand in between the thumb and index finger. This point in Chinese medicine is the command point of the face and head, therefore it is amazing in treating headaches and any type of pain. It’s also beneficial for facial and neck pain and toothaches. To find Large Intestine 4, go in between the thumb and index finger and it will be at the highest point of the muscle.

Liver 3 (Tai Chong)

Meaning “The Great Surge” in English, Tai Chong is located in the depression between the big toe and the second toe. This point, like Large Intestine 4, is also beneficial for headaches and migraines as it diverts energy from the head and brings it down in the body to give relief. This is also great for cases of PMS due to menstruation in women, depression, high blood pressure, and insomnia. 

The Third Eye

The third eye, which in Traditional Chinese Medicine is known as Yin Tang, and in English as “Hall of Impression,” is used to induce calm when feeling any level of stress or overthinking. This is a natural point to reduce pain and even helps with insomnia and anxiety. The third eye is found at the bridge of your nose at the middle point between your eyebrows.

Stomach 36 (Zu San Li)

If you’re someone that lacks energy, Zu San Li, which in English translates to “Leg Three Miles,” will most certainly get you through the day. This point is located just below the knee and is not only good for energy but also helps with things such as fatigue, depression, gastric pain, and vomiting.  

To find it, trace the top of the tibia until your finger falls off of the bone into a slight depression. Use your fingers to stimulate this until you feel your energy levels rise. This manipulation is useful when tuckered out from physical activity – stimulate this point and it will get you through a few more reps. Always listen to what your body tells you, however, and be aware of your limits.

Pericardium 6 (Nei Guan)

Stimulating a point on the wrist between the tendons will supply relief for nausea, stomach aches, and motion sickness. This point is called Nei Guan or “Pericardium 6.” It also helps relieve headaches and carpal tunnel syndrome. To find it, place three fingers on the wrist crease and the point will be directly below the third finger in between the two tendons on the wrist. Seasickness bracelets were created to rest on this point to give lasting relief.

Stomach 25 (Tian Shu)

If you suffer from digestive problems or have overeaten, putting pressure on your stomach three fingers above your belly button can bring instant relief. Stomach 25 (Tian Shu), which translates to “Celestial Pivot” in English, helps with both constipation and diarrhea. 

Not only are pressure points incredibly soothing but they can make all the difference in keeping out blockages and disrupting your qi. 

These treatments are also tremendously beneficial for kids and teenagers. By teaching your children pressure points at a young age to help with brain function, digestion, energy, and pain, you’re setting them up for a lifetime of internal body awareness. When it comes to self-treatment and taking care of ourselves, knowledge will forever be power.

We’re here to soothe your stress

Pressure points are relatively simple to use and easy to understand but there is so much more to learn. Eastern Acupuncture and Wellness (Eacuwell) is a health, well-being, and longevity center that takes a holistic, functional approach to your physical and physiological state via a deliberate combination of eastern and western medicinal practices. Reach out today for a complimentary consultation on acupuncture and utilizing pressure points in everyday life.

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Traditional Chinese Solutions to Weight Loss and Body Detoxification

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Western practices offer safe and simple solutions to weight loss and detox

Key takeaways:

• TCM sees weight gain as an imbalance in your internal system. 

• TCM takes a whole-body approach to weight loss and detox that encompasses the mind, body, and spirit.

• Chinese medicine techniques address the root causes of weight gain.

There are more diet programs, pills, and supplements available today than ever. Their techniques vary from counting calories to excluding carbs and sugars to only eating at specific times. Some people choose weightlifting, aerobic exercise, or another intense activity to lose weight. Others choose even more extreme measures such as lap bands and other weight-loss surgeries.

Advertisements for weight loss programs are numerous. They're in magazines, on television, and on the radio. Diet programs and products are a $40 billion a year industry but as many as 95% of dieting Americans gain back all, or a portion of, the weight they lose. 

Traditional Chinese Medicine sees weight gain as an internal imbalance in the body. Western medicine treats obesity by looking at external factors such as calorie intake, exercise regimen, and starting weight. Taking a broader look at the issue by combining these two approaches allows for a more pinpointed cure. 

According to Chinese medicine, weight gain is a symptom of a more significant problem.  It results from an imbalance of qi, the body's natural energy force. We will talk about traditional Chinese weight loss techniques that help you lose and keep the weight off as well as detoxify your internal system.  

Nutritional counseling: What we eat matters

Many people think that at nutritional counseling they will only receive information about dieting tactics. This is not true at Eastern Acupuncture and Wellness (Eacuwell). 

Dieting is about restrictions, counting calories, and filling up on bland, low-calorie foods. Nutritional counseling with a focus on Chinese medicine is about developing food habits that will bring positive results while encouraging choices that sustain lasting health. 

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, there are five flavors of food – pungent, sweet, sour, and bitter. Eating bitter, pungent, and sour foods is helpful to weight loss. Western medicine teaches that sweet, fatty, and salty foods lead to weight gain and TCM agrees with this. Alcohol is another substance we take in which leads to imbalance.

When it comes to nutrition from a TCM perspective, it’s not just the flavors of the food that are considered but the temperature and movement. There are five temperature categories in TCM and they are cold, cool, hot, warm, and neutral. There are also four movements and they are outward, inward, upwards, and downward. 

Each person has a different biological makeup which means that certain foods and supplements will work better for one person than another. Nutritional counseling teaches people how to work with food instead of against it to achieve good health.

Exercise: Yoga, Tai chi, and stretch therapy

The way you move your body affects the amount of weight you carry or lose. TCM practices such as yoga, Tai chi, and stretch therapy combine movement with breath and in a physically healing activity.

Physical movement is seen as a tool to help people lose weight in both the Western and TCM approach. The addition of breathing techniques and mindfulness helps to balance the body's energies and flow of qi. Practices such as stretch therapy and yoga help to increase flexibility, lower heart rate, and reduce tension – all things that will increase weight loss. 

Healthy lifestyle changes: Acupuncture, cupping, and manual therapy

When Western doctors talk about healthy lifestyle changes to lose weight, it usually means to stop drinking alcohol, eating fatty foods, and live a more active life. These are all true approaches in TCM philosophies as well but TCM also includes an element of personal growth.

TCM focuses on specific ways to achieve a healthy lifestyle that also balances the body's qi and helps get to the root of the weight gain. Working on yourself and the way you live exposes old ideas and thought processes that aren't working anymore. 

Acupuncture, manual therapy, cupping, and similar Chinese medicine treatments have been used successfully for centuries to help people live healthier lives by aligning the energies along the body's chakras. There is a feeling of overall well-being and contentedness when the body is aligned correctly. 

Both TCM and Western medicine seek to treat illnesses and ailments but TCM takes a whole-body approach that includes the spirit and mind, helping patients find the root causes of many of their issues. Practices such as yoga and acupuncture combined with sound nutritional knowledge are the cornerstone of weight loss.

Get professional weight loss help with a TCM approach 

Eacuwell is a well-being and longevity center that takes a functional, holistic approach to your physical and physiological state. Our physicians utilize an effective combination of Eastern and Western medicinal practices. Reach out for a complimentary consultation of holistic weight loss therapies.

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Does Astragalus Polysaccharides Enhance Remyelination?

Breaking down a research report co-authored by Dr. Jennifer Cruz of Eacuwell

Key takeaways: 

• Dr. Jennifer Cruz is the co-author of a research report about how Astragalus polysaccharides can promote remyelination to treat multiple sclerosis (MS). 

•  Studies have recognized that promoting remyelination could be an effective treatment for MS.

• Astragalus polysaccharides, a bioactive component of the medicinal Chinese herb Astragalus membranaceus, helped prevent demyelination in mice. 

• Astragalus polysaccharides may provide hope for patients with MS. 

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune condition that affects 2.5 million people worldwide and is marked by severe demyelination within the central nervous system. Demyelination refers to a loss of the fatty tissue that surrounds and protects the nerves throughout the body. When this occurs, it can cause neurological issues, as well as cognitive and behavioral problems. 

Dr. Jennifer Cruz from Eastern Acupuncture and Wellness recently co-authored a research report on how remyelination, or the restoration of the lost myelin, can be enhanced by the Chinese medicine herb Astragalus polysaccharides. This article will break down how it works and if Astragalus polysaccharides can potentially treat MS. 

How it works

More and more studies have recognized that promoting remyelination could be an effective treatment for MS. The death of oligodendrocytes, the myelinating cells of the central nervous system, is the essence of the demyelination process associated with MS. Because oligodendrocytes are too mature to go through cell division on their own in this condition, the remyelination process is incomplete in MS and needs assistance to induce differentiation and promote remyelination. This is where Astragalus polysaccharides comes in. 

What is Astragalus Polysaccharides?

The medical Chinese herb Astragalus membranaceus has been used to treat colds, fatigue, anorexia, and diarrhea for over 2,000 years. Very importantly, Astragalus membranaceus has been shown to successfully alleviate immune response animal models of MS in mice. Its main bioactive component, known as Astragalus polysaccharides, has been reported to contain anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, and antioxidant properties, particularly the immunomodulatory property. Within this research study, it was discovered that these properties within Astragalus polysaccharides helped prevent demyelination in these mice. 

Research study testing

The findings that Astragalus polysaccharides can help prevent demyelination in mice proved to be a remarkable discovery and led to additional research for more conclusive results. Cuprizone models were used to find further information about the effects that Astragalus polysaccharides could have on potentially treating MS through remyelination. Cuprizone acts as a neurotoxin that disrupts the respiratory chain of oligodendrocytes, leading to severe demyelination in the brains of mammals. When cuprizone is removed within a certain period, remyelination occurs. The cuprizone model using mice provides ideal investigative elements for specific demyelination or remyelination research. For this study, a demyelination model with mice was used to investigate the effects of Astragalus polysaccharides on promoting remyelination in mice that are affected by cuprizone-induced demyelination. 

Findings and results

The results showed great success. After five or six weeks of exposure, 50% of axons were wrapped in myelin sheath and 90% remyelination appeared, proving that treatment for MS using Astragalus polysaccharides could be possible. Certain tests were set up for the mice to test neurobehavioral improvements, such as pole climbing and beam walking, as well as immunohistochemistry. The results of these tests gradually improved in the cuprizone-induced mice group, concluding that the herb Astragalus polysaccharides can effectively relieve neurobehavioral dysfunctions and promote remyelination in cuprizone-induced demyelination in mice. Ideally, similar neurological improvements would be sought after in MS patients, making the results of this experiment highly successful for potentially treating this disease. 

Learn more

The findings of this research study show that there may be hope for patients with MS since remyelination of the protective fatty tissue around the nerves can potentially be induced with the use of Astragalus polysaccharides. 

For more information about the powerful effects of Chinese medicine herbs or to learn more about Dr. Jennifer Cruz’s studies and research, contact us today.

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Can Traditional Chinese Medicine Be Used to Treat and Prevent COVID-19?

Explaining a study on the effectiveness of the Chinese herbal medicine formula, QDQF1, for treating and preventing COVID-19

Key takeaways:

• Explaining what Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is.

• COVID-19 symptoms and how TCM herbal medicine, QDQF1, can help prevent or alleviate them, according to a study.

• Effective herbs found in the QDQF1 herbal formula.

• How the components of the herbs found within the herbal formula may help patients with COVID-19.

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is an effective treatment for issues ranging from migraines to digestive difficulties to menopausal symptoms. But can it be used to treat COVID-19? 

According to a research study co-authored by Eacuwell physician, Dr. Jennifer Cruz, it just may. The study, concerning the clinical efficacy of TCM herbal medicine formula, Qu Du Qiang Fei I Hao Fang (QDQF1), for COVID-19 treatment, shares some insight into how herbal medicine can be used to alleviate or prevent symptoms. 

We will talk more about the findings of this study and how Traditional Chinese Medicine may be a viable solution for treating COVID-19 symptoms. 

What Is Traditional Chinese Medicine?

Traditional Chinese Medicine uses specific wellness techniques rooted in ancient Taoist medicinal practices that date back thousands of years. These ancient practices have been honed and perfected over time to overcome medical, physical, and psychological difficulties. Some issues that TCM can help treat include:

• IBS

• Neuropathy

• Stress

• Infertility

• Depression

• Arthritis

• Congestion

• Insomnia

• Migraines

• Chronic and acute problems 

• And more

TCM is an effective treatment method that addresses these issues and more through holistic means. The goal of TCM is to allow the body to heal itself by regulating the internal system and alleviating imbalances. 

Chinese herbs and their effects on COVID-19 symptoms

There is substantial evidence that suggests TCM can treat many of the symptoms that occur with COVID-19. It uses various methods of alternative treatment, including herbal medicine. The herbs are plant-based and have significant healing properties that work to treat the body holistically from the inside out. This has proven to be highly effective for COVID-like symptoms, such as: 

• Shortness of breath

• Coughing

• Fever

• Sore throat

• Congestion

• GI symptoms

This is due to the herbs’ ability to reduce inflammation by regulating the immune system. According to research conducted for this study, TCM has been used to treat epidemics in China for over 2000 years. One occurrence of this was seen during the 2003 severe acute respiratory syndrome outbreak (SARS). Herbal preparations were successfully used for treatment to support modern medical practices, bringing the mortality rate down from 52% to 4%. 

Because of the success of this strategy, Chinese Medicine has been used in Wuhan, China to treat COVID-19 symptoms. Supplementing treatments with Chinese Medicine showed marked symptom improvement, shortened the course of the illness, and treated 85% of patients with COVID-19.

TCM herbal formula: QDQF1

This study, co-authored by one of our primary care physicians, Dr. Jennifer Cruz, focused on the effects of TCM herbal formula Qu Du Qiang Fei I Hao Fang (QDQF1) on COVID-19 symptoms. This synergistic blend contains a variety of herbs with different properties that may be used for treating symptoms related to COVID-19. 

The potent herbs present in the QDQF1 formula include:

1. Astragali Radix (Huang Qi): This has been used to treat Japanese encephalitis virus and it increases antibody production of spleen cells. It also rebalances the body, promotes tissue regeneration, reduces edema, and regulates cytokines. It has been used for treating symptoms such as fever, chronic fatigue, chronic phlegm, anemia, loss of appetite, and bleeding. 

2. Radix Ledebouriellae Divaricatae (Zhi Fang Feng): This herb has been used to treat colds, rheumatisms, fever, stroke, diarrhea, body aches and spasms, stiff neck, and headaches. It contains anti-inflammatory, antifungal, and antibacterial properties that contribute to regulating the functions of the body. 

3. Lonicerae Japonicae (Jin Yin Hua): This herb is effective for sore throats, fever, chills, and headaches. It reduces swelling and inflammation, treats infection, clears toxins, and promotes healing through its antioxidant, antitumoral, antiangiogenic, antibacterial, antipyretic, antidiabetic, and antiviral properties. 

4. Fructus Forsythiae (Qing Lian Qiao): This herb addresses symptoms of influenza, such as high fevers, chills, and sore throats. It can also reduce abscesses and dissipate clumps and sores. Like several of the other herbs in the QDQF1 formula, Fructus contains antioxidant, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory properties, as well as antiemetic, neuroprotective, and cardiovascular protective effects. 

5. Glehnia Root (Bei Sha Shen): This root nourishes the lungs and stomach and generates body fluids. It is beneficial for dry coughs, phlegm, sore throats, chest pain, dysuria, and lung abscesses. Bei Sha Shen is often used for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory properties. 

6. Radix Platycodi (Chuan Jie Geng): This herb dispels phlegm and helps those with throat pain, coughing, and loss of voice. It can also reduce allergic airway inflammation due to its anti-inflammatory properties and enhance the immune system. 

7. Radix Isatidis (Ban Lan Gen): This herb benefits the throat because of its antimicrobial effects and can inhibit viral infections through its immune-stimulating abilities.

8. Rhizoma Atractylodis Lanceae (Chao Cang Zhu): This herb strengthens the spleen and stomach through its antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory activities. It has also been shown to have a positive effect on treating gastrointestinal problems, inflammation, and functions as a potential inhibitor for influenza. 

9. Viola Yedoensis (Zi Hua Di Ding): This herb reduces swelling and infections, like bronchitis. It also helps relieve pain and inhibits the growth of certain bacterias. Viola Yedoensis contains antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that can additionally help to suppress certain viruses. 

10. Glycyrrhiza Sp. Raw (Sheng Gan Cao): This herb is anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, antioxidative, antiallergic, antidepressive, and antiviral. It has proven to be effective against certain viruses through its bioactive constituents and various flavonoids. 

Each of the herbs found in the QDQF1 herbal medicine formula have historically been used for their noted anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antiviral properties. The research results of this study show that this specific formula can provide comprehensive and balanced therapeutics, as well as immune-boosting relief for symptoms that are typically found in COVID-19 patients.

This study intended to analyze the potential effectiveness of TCM on COVID-19 symptoms and note its effectiveness on previous viruses and illnesses. Understanding the facts on how supplementing your treatments with alternative solutions can help you find relief from COVID-19 symptoms is monumental in maintaining health and wellbeing through holistic means. 

To learn more

To learn more about the benefits of Traditional Chinese Medicine or to schedule an appointment with Dr. Jennifer Cruz or one of our other practitioners, reach out to Eastern Acupuncture and Wellness today. Our team is ready to help you find the best holistic solutions for your health. 

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How Traditional Chinese Medicine Can Help Treat Erectile Dysfunction

Using TCM to treat erectile dysfunction in South Florida

Most people hear the words erectile dysfunction and assume it only happens to men above a certain age. This is not the case. Erectile Dysfunction (ED) happens to men of all ages. 

The typical Western medical treatments for ED usually involved medications and hormones. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) offers an alternative treatment via herbs, acupuncture, and massage therapy. We explain ED issues and how they can be treated by TCM.

Key takeaways:

• Traditional Chinese Medicine has been shown to improve erectile dysfunction in men of all ages.

• Malfunctioning kidney and liver functions are associated with erectile dysfunction in TCM.

• Tai chi, acupuncture, Chinese herbal remedies, and Tui Na are all forms of traditional Chinese Medicine that address erectile dysfunction.

Erectile dysfunction is the inability to keep an erection hard long enough, or at all, to perform. Impotence in men can occur at any age. It is more common after 50 but we have begun to see it more in all ages over 18. It is the most common sex-related problem that men have.  

Traditional Chinese Medicine uses natural practices, such as tai chi and acupuncture, to treat health issues. It operates on the belief that the human body has an inner homeostatic system maintained by the Yin and Yang balance. Erectile dysfunction is an imbalance of yin and yang in the body. 

This imbalance causes a deficit of qi to the coordinating areas of the body. Health issues crop up when the free flow of qi is interrupted. ED from a TCM perspective is the product of an imbalance in the liver and kidneys. It can have several causes which we will explain. 

The causes of erectile dysfunction

The kidneys and the liver are the two critical organs related to ED in TCM. The liver’s role in the body is to store blood, among other things. The kidneys are where we hold our essence. Our essence is responsible for reproduction and our blood is responsible for nourishing us. All of these components of the body must be functioning correctly to obtain an erection.

Impotence has a high likelihood when any of these critical areas are not functioning correctly. There are myriad reasons men suffer from this disorder, including:

• Stress and anxiety

• Diseases, such as diabetes

• Diet

• Medication

• Mind tricks 

• Limited or blocked blood flow to the penis

The mechanics of an erection

During an erection, chemicals released in the brain send signals to the phallus to increase blood flow. The blood fills its two chambers, causing an erection. The blood will not stay trapped long enough to achieve an erection, however, if the chambers are not functioning correctly.

An often-overlooked factor in ED is depression. Addressing emotions and what’s happening in the mind plays a big part in reversing this problem. It’s the same principle with anxiety, which often goes hand-in-hand with depression. Fortunately, there are several TCM treatments that can kickstart a firm erection. 

Traditional Chinese Medicine for erectile dysfunction 

TCM has shown much promise in the treatment of erectile dysfunction. It accomplishes this in several ways, first by addressing your cardiovascular health. This includes both adding more exercise to your regimen and eliminating certain foods from your diet. Other ways TCM can treat ED include: 

• Tai Chi

Tai chi is a form of TCM that employs gentle stretches and exercises. Tai chi enhances blood flow throughout the body, an essential part of creating an erection. It also encourages relaxation and fights stress, two vital factors in ED.

• Chinese herbal medicine

One in five Americans uses a Chinese herbal product to treat an ailment. Herbs like cinnamon, ginseng, and ginger are commonly used in TCM. They are made into teas, tinctures, and poultices to treat erectile dysfunction and myriad other ailments.

• Acupuncture

This traditional Chinese medical practice entails piercing the skin with extremely thin needles activated by hand or stimulated with electrical pulses. Studies show that a combination of acupuncture and herbs is effective in treating erectile dysfunction.

• Tui Na

Tui Na is a Chinese massage and stretch therapy that focuses on the chakra points along the body. The belief is that Tui Na can break through blockages in the chakra that cause erectile dysfunction.  It entails joint manipulation, deep tissue rubbing, compression, pinching, and vibration.

Traditional Chinese Medicine has been helping men conquer erectile dysfunction for centuries. Those using it have reported positive findings in erectile dysfunction reversal, pain management, and general well-being. 

Eacuwell can help treat erectile dysfunction in South Florida

Eastern Acupuncture and Wellness (Eacuwell) is a health, well-being, and longevity center in South Florida. We take a holistic, functional approach to erectile dysfunction by addressing the physical and physiological state with a purposeful combination of eastern and western medicinal practices tailored to your specific issue. Reach out for a complimentary consultation with one of our practitioners about using TCM to treat ED.

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Holistic Solutions to Men's Health in Florida

A holistic approach to healthcare combined with lifestyle changes can significantly reduce the ailments men face

When it comes to men’s health, it’s important to understand that men face different health risks than women. Some are due to physical differences, while others are due to attitude and culture. There are several holistic healthcare options, though, that can help treat common issues that affect men. We will outline these methods and show how they can help treat illnesses that commonly affect men. 

Key takeaways: 

1. Understand some of the common illnesses and leading causes of death for men so that you know the risks. 

2. Ask your doctor about recommended screenings for men and your specific symptoms.

3. Lifestyle changes you can make to promote health and function. 

4. Consider taking a holistic approach to health care for prevention and to treat the root cause of your illness. 

Common causes of death and screenings

Men’s health in Florida is a topic of concern amongst Florida doctors. According to the Florida Department of Health, men tend to die five years before women, despite medical advancements.

Some of the leading causes of death for men are:

• Cancer

• Heart disease

• Chronic lower respiratory disease

• Stroke 

Many of these diseases are preventable. Men should talk with their physicians about recommended medical screenings to prevent these diseases and catch a sign of illness early on. Men’s health screenings include: 

• High blood pressure

• Prostate, colorectal, and skin cancer

• High cholesterol

• Diabetes

These illnesses can be prevented by having screenings and making lifestyle changes to improve your health and wellbeing. A man should analyze his lifestyle to see if improvements can be made. 

Lifestyle changes

Making certain lifestyle changes can help prevent illness and disease, boost immunity, and increase the quality of life for men in Florida. Even the smallest changes can have a great impact on your health.

Some effective lifestyle changes that can help you take charge of your health and your life are:

• Manage your stress levels

Excessive stress can cause all kinds of health problems. If you constantly feel overwhelmed and under pressure, it can take a toll on your immune system and overall bodily functions. It may be worth looking at your lifestyle and making changes to give yourself more time to breathe. Make an effort to reduce stress in your life and learn how to deal with it healthily. 

• Exercise

Exercise can help reduce stress and get the blood moving. This contributes to maintaining a healthy weight and reduces the risk of heart disease, stroke, and possibly cancer. Maintaining a physically active lifestyle benefits your long-term health. Enjoy active hobbies, such as tennis, brisk walking, or some other activity that helps you stay in shape and gets your heart pumping. 

• Eat a healthy, balanced diet

Eating vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and lean protein can reduce the risk of certain illnesses, promote immune function, and decrease inflammation. Avoid foods that are high in saturated and trans fats and foods with high levels of added sugar and sodium. These can increase the risk of certain illnesses and diseases. 

• Quit smoking

Smoking exposes your body to toxins and chemicals that contribute to cancer and other major health issues throughout the body. If you smoke, you must speak with your doctor about finding ways to quit. Also, avoid exposure to air pollution, chemicals, and secondhand smoke, as these can also contribute to health problems. 

• Reduce alcohol consumption

There is nothing wrong with having a drink or two every once in a while. However, excessive alcohol consumption can lead to major health concerns. Certain types of cancer, such as liver cancer, tend to increase with excess alcohol consumption. Excessive drinking can also raise blood pressure and increase your risk of heart attacks and strokes. Take note of how much alcohol you are consuming and try to limit it. 

Understanding the risks involved in illnesses that affect men’s health is important to prevent them in the first place. Making these simple lifestyle changes can vastly improve your health and quality of life. 

Taking a holistic approach to healthcare

Lifestyle changes are an excellent, holistic way to take back your health and reduce the risk of diseases. The holistic approach to healthcare looks at the patient as a whole, assessing their personal needs and providing tailor-made protocols based on their specific issues and imbalances. 

Holistic healthcare, or functional medicine, offers several effective options for men’s healing and wellness that take a comprehensive approach to function. It focuses on imbalances and finding the root of illnesses for long-lasting results. 

Some holistic treatments that are effective for men’s health in Florida are:

• Traditional Chinese Medicine

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) focuses on restoring balance to the body.  This is done by determining the underlying causes of specific symptoms, identifying any qi blockages, and restoring function and flow. TCM healing modalities include acupuncture, where very tiny needles are placed in specific points throughout the body, herbal medicine, and other specialized techniques. 

• Cupping

Often used within the realm of TCM, cupping involves placing cups on the skin in certain areas that contain an excess of toxins and stagnation and using a device to suction the cup to grasp the skin. The goal of cupping is to promote healing by breaking up stagnation and bringing blood to the surface. 

• Nutritional counseling

Men who are looking to make lifestyle and diet changes can benefit from nutritional counseling. This method of holistic healing helps men develop healthy food habits and improve their diet. Having a nutritional counselor help you clean up your diet can be immensely helpful in reducing the risk of diseases and promoting better health throughout the body. 

Exploring these different holistic healthcare options can greatly benefit your health in the long run. Discussing functional medicine treatments with one of our physicians can help you find the solutions you need for long-lasting health and wellbeing. 

Book a free men’s health consultation with one of our functional medicine practitioners 

Men’s health can be misunderstood. It’s important to know what diseases to look out for and what solutions are available for effective treatment. Understanding the risks present in men’s health and finding holistic solutions is a path to long-lasting well-being. 

To learn more about taking a holistic approach to men’s health in Florida, reach out for a complimentary consultation at Eacuwell. Let us help you develop a personalized treatment plan for your specific needs.

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How to Treat Mental Health Issues With a Holistic Approach

Achieving psychological well-being through holistic medicine 

Key takeaways:

• Total wellness is not only defined by physical well-being but mental, as well. 

• Mental health conditions are prevalent across the United States.

• There are several functional medicine approaches to address psychological conditions that can help patients achieve lasting psychological well-being. 

• Holistic mental health treatments include acupuncture, homeopathy, and manual therapy.

Our mental health is just as important to our well-being as our physical health, yet, too many people ignore this important part of their overall wellness and don’t stop to consider what is going on internally. Culturally, we sometimes operate from a physical symptom treatment-only mentality. 

Advertisers market products that are designed to help us slim down and tone muscle, for example, but they don’t usually talk about how we can improve our mental health.  All too often, western medicine points to talk therapy or prescription medication as the best cure for mental health issues. 

Unfortunately, prescription drugs are rarely the answer. As a center dedicated to functional medicine, we recognize the importance of psychological well-being, alongside physical health. We will talk about the different types of psychological disorders, how to spot issues, and how a holistic mental health approach to an illness is the key to lasting wellness.   

What is mental health?

Mental health refers to the emotional, psychological, social, and spiritual well-being of an individual. It considers how we behave, act, think, and feel in a variety of scenarios. Depending on our psychological state, our mood, choices, and how we relate with others may change. Life experiences, like stresses or traumas, brain chemistry, and genetics can all impact the state of our mental well-being. 

The prevalence of mental health conditions 

While society continues to attempt to improve physical wellness, mental health conditions are quite common and on the rise. Each year, one in five American adults is diagnosed with a mental health condition and 46% of Americans will meet the criteria for a diagnosable mental health condition sometime in their lifetime. 

While changes in mood and behavior can simply be normal responses to the stress or experiences of our daily lives, sometimes the severity of those fluctuations can indicate a deeper, underlying mental health challenge. 

Types of mental health conditions 

There are different kinds of psychological challenges that individuals can face. The spectrum of conditions and their related symptoms is vast. 

Some of the most common categories of mental health disorders according to the DSM-5 (a manuscript outlining over 300 mental health concerns created by the American Psychological Association) include the following:

• Anxiety disorders

• Eating disorders

• Mood disorders (like depression or bipolar)

• Personality disorders

• Psychotic disorders 

• Trauma-related disorders (like PTSD)

• Substance abuse disorders

Identifying mental health disorders

While each individual experiences the symptoms of their unique mental health challenges differently, there are a few common signs or clusters of symptoms that can make it easier to identify if a disorder exists. They are:

• Frequent and excessive sleeping or eating

• Infrequent or insufficient sleeping or eating

• Little to no energy 

• Avoiding routine activities or relationships

• Numbness

• Forgetfulness

• Prolonged irritability 

• Helplessness or hopelessness 

• Increased drug or alcohol abuse

• Extreme worry 

Even excessive stress can be a cause for concern.

Of course, as human beings, we all experience a spectrum of behaviors and feelings, but if a few of the above symptoms occur together, to excess or uncontrollably, it may be time to seek a functional medicine physician. 

The good news

Mental health conditions are common, but you are not alone and help is available. Those with mental health issues can and do experience relief all the time. Chinese medicine has a long history as an effective treatment for mental health conditions and supporting patients in their journey towards lasting wellness. 

We understand that each patient is a unique individual whose physiological state is affected by their particular lifestyle, diet, emotional well-being, and environment. That’s why Eacuwell takes a holistic approach to treating the unique mental health conditions of our patients. 

Our mission is to serve you and provide you with a complete healing experience, physically and mentally. We integrate health, well-being, and longevity into all of our treatments and services. We take a holistic approach to treating the body, mind, and spirit as one functioning entity.  

How can a holistic approach improve mental health conditions?

Eacuwell follows a comprehensive treatment plan that offers to heal our patients, holistically. Our practitioners go beyond the surface and physical symptoms. We not only focus on the mental illness itself and the related behavioral changes, but we look for the root of that illness to achieve complete well-being. 

Many factors can trigger imbalances in the brain. They include not just genetics or chemistry, but also:

• Environmental factors like relationships 

• Lifestyle choices like diet and exercise

• Physiological factors like relationships and stress

• Psychological factors like values, attitudes, and perceptions 

Since there are endless combinations of factors that contribute to our individual experience of well-being, we believe the treatment of every patient should be unique and tailored to that patient.

What are some methods of functional mental health healing?

Eacuwell specializes in a variety of holistic mental health treatments designed to help our patients achieve total well-being of body and mind. 

We treat patients with mental health conditions and offer emotional and psychological support through practices like:

• Acupuncture

• Chinese herbal medicine

• Homeopathy

• Functional Manual Therapy (FMT)Manual therapy

Often, patients who are facing psychological disorders are living in high-stress environments that only contribute to the complicated and challenging experiences of their illness. 

Our team of licensed practitioners will assess your mind and body through individualized metabolic testing, nutritional consults, and diagnostic testing and consider your lifestyle. Then, they will design an individualized treatment plan to address your specific thought, mood, and behavioral symptoms. This way, you’ll arrive at a state of optimum well-being through holistic and functional approaches to mental health. That means no prescription medications or conventional medicated approaches. 

Mental health is within reach! 

Mental health is equally important as physical health. Many individuals experience challenging symptoms caused by psychological disorders and are unable to find effective treatments that go beyond the surface without taking prescription drugs. That’s where holistic health treatments can help. 

If you or someone you know is having mental health trauma, Eacuwell can support your healing process. Our team of functional medicine physicians uses science-based research methods to inform their treatment plan, as well as a variety of holistic healing approaches such as acupuncture and medical massage. 

If you’re seeking a holistic healing approach to lasting mental health, there is hope! Contact our office for a complimentary consultation. behave, act, think, and feel

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Why Traditional Chinese Facial Rejuvenation Treatments Are On the Rise in South Florida

Find out why this alternative therapy for facial rejuvenation is holistically healing 

Key takeaways:

• Traditional Chinese medicine approaches facial rejuvenation through the lens of holistic healing.

• It treats the skin from the inside out to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines by addressing the root cause and taking a natural approach. 

• Mainstream options can be effective, but they may also come along with side effects and risks. 

Facial rejuvenation treatments in South Florida have grown very popular over the years. Many mainstream rejuvenation techniques rely on chemical treatments, injectables, and other potentially dangerous methods of treatment. 

More and more people in South Florida have begun to seek out traditional Chinese facial rejuvenation treatments as an alternative to other more invasive or damaging methods. This guide will explain why, and highlight some of the Traditional Chinese facial rejuvenation treatments we provide at Eastern Acupuncture and Wellness. 

What is Traditional Chinese facial rejuvenation?

Traditional Chinese facial rejuvenation takes a holistic approach to treatment. It involves noninvasive methods that restore youthfulness to the face through natural, comprehensive means. Holistic Chinese medicine treatments go beyond physical rejuvenation alone. They can also improve hormonal imbalances, delay hair loss and graying that are often associated with aging, and improve sleep quality. Traditional Chinese medicine facial rejuvenation takes a holistic approach to beauty by helping the body not only look younger but feel younger. 

Mainstream facial rejuvenation trends 

Many people turn to facial rejuvenation to erase fine lines and wrinkles, even skin tone, and tighten up loose skin. These mainstream treatments, however, may not be great for your overall health and can cause infections, problems during treatment, or long-term issues. Here are some issues associated with various mainstream treatments:

• Injectables

This involves invasive injections containing botulinum toxins, such as the famed Botox, and fillers to reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkles. They work by blocking signals from the nerves to the muscles, preventing the muscles in that area from contracting, and often resulting in an unnatural look. 

• Lasers and light

Non Ablative facial rejuvenation laser treatments stimulate collagen growth and are fairly safe, but not entirely effective. Ablative laser treatment, on the other hand, removes the outer layer of skin and heats the underlying skin to stimulate collagen fiber growth, making the skin appear smoother and tighter. This process can cause redness, swelling, itching, acne, infection, pigmentation, or scarring. 

• Radiofrequency

Radiofrequency facial rejuvenation can be effective, but there are some downsides to the procedure. Radiofrequency treatments performed improperly can worsen skin problems. Side effects are also possible and include burns, indentations on the skin, scars, hyperpigmentation, infection, lesions, and more. Its heat base process is also not a viable option for those with rosacea or those who are pregnant or breastfeeding. 

• Microneedling

Microneedling involves tiny needle pricks in the skin, which encourage the body to create more collagen and rejuvenate the skin. It can cause scarring, broken capillaries, or infection if performed improperly. 

• Surgery

Surgery can open the patient up to the risk of infection or scarring, and may not always be effective. 

It is important to fully research all methods of facial rejuvenation in South Florida before making an appointment for treatment. Some may be effective, but they often come with risks. Keeping the risks in mind will help you make the most informed decision when deciding on a treatment method. 

Traditional Chinese facial rejuvenation treatments

Traditional Chinese Medicine approaches beauty from a holistic perspective. It seeks to increase movement, detoxification, and blood flow throughout the body. It is rooted in the principle that wellness should take a comprehensive approach, with health manifesting from the inside out. Successful Traditional Chinese facial rejuvenation treatments that Eacuwell offers include: 

1. Acupuncture

Acupuncture facial treatments cause little to no discomfort as each tiny needle is inserted gently at specific points in the body that contribute to underlying causes of the aging process. The skin reacts to the subtle stimulation and adjusts its energy throughout the entire body. Facial rejuvenation acupuncture is effective for anyone who wants to appear younger and repair their skin. 

2. Facial cupping

Facial cupping is typically performed after acupuncture when the blood is flowing and the energy in the body is moving. Special facial cups are used to increase localized circulation to the skin, drain stagnant fluids, bring collagen up to the surface, and reduce the appearance of fine lines, puffiness, and dark circles. Cupping increases the blood flow, brings nourishment to the muscles and skin, and helps it regain its youthful appearance. It can also help relieve TMJ and sinus pressure.

3. Facial gua sha

Jade gua sha boards are used to invigorate the skin by smoothing out wrinkles and increasing blood flow and collagen production. They aid in the detoxification of the face by assisting in the movement of stagnant blood, energy, and inflammation. Gua sha is a key element in Traditional Chinese facial rejuvenation because of its ability to aid the appearance of the neck and jowls. 

4. Chinese medicine

The body is a complex system that is interconnected and has varying needs from day to day. Traditional Chinese medicine understands this, and employs techniques dating back thousands of years. Beyond physical treatments, Chinese medicine restores balance and inner healing to the body, which affects your external wellness. Treating your body holistically from a comprehensive standpoint can benefit all aspects of your wellbeing, including the skin. 

These treatments can be used together or one at a time for effective facial rejuvenation. Chinese medicine seeks the root cause of issues to approach aging and wellness from the inside out. These traditional Chinese therapy treatments can successfully treat a range of age-related symptoms and imperfections. A few holistic benefits of natural facial rejuvenation treatments include:

• Lighten deeper wrinkles and eliminate fine lines

• Reduce the appearance of stress in the face

• Lift sagging eyelids, reduce bags and circles

• Decrease double chin and tighten jowls

• Increase overall wellbeing and general health

• Tighten pores and rebalance moisture in the skin

• Eliminate puffiness through metabolism enhancement and draining excess fluids

• Treat acne and rebalance hormones

• Bring color to the face by boosting blood circulation and lymph flow

• Decrease the appearance of scars and age spots

• Enhance muscle tone and boost collagen production

• Work from the root causes of aging to slow its progress

• Aid stress, digestion, and circulation

Holistic facial rejuvenation treatment in South Florida 

For a more natural approach to addressing wrinkles, sagging, and inflammation, Traditional Chinese facial rejuvenation is an effective option. Beautifying treatments are often based on trends. Traditional Chinese medicine goes beyond the current norm and beneath the surface, tackling the root cause at the source for beauty that starts within. 

To find out more about why Traditional Chinese facial rejuvenation is on the rise in South Florida, call us today. We offer complimentary consultations to provide you with a personalized treatment plan that meets your needs. 

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Herbs to Acupuncture: How Traditional Chinese Medicine Treats Insomnia

Many people who suffer from chronic insomnia experience fatigue, an increased risk of illnesses, foggy thought processes, and reduced quality of life. There are several conventional forms of insomnia treatments, such as pharmaceuticals, but these often come with a long list of side effects and only offer a short-term solution. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) offers an alternative option for insomnia treatment that takes a natural and energetic approach to address the root cause of sleeping difficulties. By taking a holistic route via TCM, you can address the underlying cause of your insomnia and find balance and relief.  

Key takeaways: 

• What Traditional Chinese Medicine is and how it works.

• The importance of maintaining a cyclical rhythm for the body.

• How to balance the yin qi and yang qi.

• Causes for insomnia and yin and yang qi imbalances.

• Traditional Chinese Medicine insomnia treatments.

• How to make simple lifestyle changes to benefit the body as a whole, and get a better night’s sleep. 

What is Traditional Chinese Medicine?

TCM is an alternative medicine practice rooted in ancient Taoist beliefs that date back over 5,000 years. It has been used to treat all kinds of ailments, from joint pain to digestive issues, to skin conditions, and more. 

The idea of TCM is based on promoting balance throughout the body. Every part of the body, from the skeletal structure to the organs, supports each other. If one organ is deficient, it affects the body as a whole. TCM works to restore balance and free up qi blockages throughout the body. Some aspects of TCM treatments include:

• Acupuncture

• Herbal medicine 

• Guasha/cupping

• Manual therapy and bodywork

• Movement and concentrated exercise

• Nutritional therapy

The treatments in TCM are applied to allow the body to naturally heal itself. Specialized techniques are used to balance the complementary energies in the body known as the yin and the yang to integrate wellness and healing throughout for natural relief.

How can TCM help with insomnia?

When it comes to using Traditional Chinese Medicine for insomnia treatments, it’s important to understand that there is a cyclical flow within the body. Meaning, in life we base our daily activities and schedules on time - our organs work the same way. The body needs a rhythmic cycle to function properly. Ask yourself:

• What time do you go to sleep?

• What time do you wake up?

• Are these times different from day to day and night to night?

• Are you staying consistent?

• What times do you feel sluggish and fatigued during the day?

The body is an intelligent and complex system. If you are inconsistent with your patterns and habits, the body tries to follow, and it can become confused as to when it’s time to shut down or wake up. Maintaining consistency is key for effective insomnia treatments. 

TCM recognizes that insomnia comes from an imbalance of energy, otherwise known as the yin and yang qi. The yin qi and yang qi play opposite roles in energy distribution through the natural rhythm of the body. The yang qi fuels the body’s activities during the day and helps keep us warm and alert, while the yin qi helps us slow down at night, cooling and relaxing the body in preparation for sleep. If this natural rhythm is disrupted, it causes an imbalance in the body’s energy, resulting in insomnia. 

What causes yin and yang qi Imbalances? 

There are many causes for yin and yang qi imbalances that stem from our behavior, habits, and health. Keep these potential causes in mind so that you are aware of what the source of your insomnia might be, and make lifestyle changes accordingly. Before making any drastic changes, however, it is important to discuss your symptoms and needs with one of our physicians to safely and properly manage your energy and wellness. 

Yin and yang qi imbalances are typically caused by:

• Poor dietary habits, such as overeating, eating heavy meals, and consuming caffeinated or alcoholic beverages.

• Emotional imbalances, such as anger, sorrow, or extreme happiness.

• Exhaustion from activities like over-stimulating the brain or excessive workouts.

• Prolonged chronic illnesses.

• Aging.

By bringing the yin and yang qi back into balance, you can restore the body into a state of healing and relief, allowing you to sleep through the night without having to take pills or go through any invasive treatments. 

Traditional Chinese Medicine Remedies

In TCM, there are insomnia treatments that can be used for relief, depending on the underlying factors. It’s important to get a comprehensive analysis before any treatment is performed to determine the root cause of your insomnia symptoms. 

Certain herbs and teas may be used to help balance the “qi,” including:

• Spinal date seed

• Lily bud

• Dried longan

• Bo zi ren herb

• Chamomile

• Albizia julibrissin flower

• Rose bud

The idea of using Chinese herbs as a botanical medicine for healing goes back thousands of years. The herbal combination is tailor-made for each individual’s unique needs. There are little to no side effects of taking Chinese herbs, making it safe for all different types of patients, from adults with chronic conditions to pregnant women, and even children. 

Additionally, supplementing herbs and teas with acupuncture treatments can also bring insomnia relief, as well as massaging acupuncture points, which can improve circulation and energy distribution throughout the body. 

Making a few lifestyle adjustments can also help to relieve insomnia, such as:

• Soaking the feet in warm water for 20 minutes before going to bed

• Deep breathing exercises or meditation

• Listening to relaxing music

• Avoiding electronic device usage 30 minutes to an hour before going to bed

Insomnia may also be a symptom of a greater health concern. If left untreated, potential underlying conditions could worsen and your energy levels will continue to be affected, resulting in poor work performance, concentration, memory, and overall health and quality of life. 

TCM for insomnia at EACUWell

At EACUWell, we are dedicated to utilizing alternative methods of treatment through Traditional Chinese Medicine to treat our patients with comprehensive, all-natural care. Our goal for insomnia patients is to bring their bodies back into balance and help them understand what is causing their poor sleep.

To learn more about how TCM works for insomnia treatments, contact us today. Our naturopathic physicians are here and ready to answer any questions you may have about treating your insomnia through a holistic approach and Traditional Chinese Medicine.

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Immunodeficiency Disorder Detection and Management for Lasting Well-Being

A guide to immunodeficiency disorders in Florida 

Immunodeficiency disorders in Florida are more common than you might think. It is estimated that one in every 1,200-2,000 people has a form of primary immunodeficiency. Immunodeficiency disorders weaken the immune system and allow infections and other health issues to occur more often. These disorders can be hard to spot and treat and many go undiagnosed.

Drug use and long-lasting serious disorders (such as cancer) usually cause immunodeficiency disorders but they are occasionally inherited. With these disorders, people usually experience frequent, unusual, or unusually severe or prolonged infections and may develop an autoimmune disorder or cancer.

Autoimmune disorders are sometimes passed down genetically and can affect immunodeficiency. We utilize high-quality lab testing to detect autoimmune disorders and provide herbal prescriptions to treat them.  Other ways to treat autoimmune disorders include taking preventative measures to reduce your risk of health problems by engaging in holistic health practices like good hygiene, a healthy diet, and self-care.

An immunodeficiency happens when your immune system doesn’t adequately respond to infection, which may make you immunocompromised. People can also suffer from the opposite condition, an overactive immune system that attacks healthy cells as though they were foreign bodies. That is called an autoimmune response. 

Autoimmune disorders have a complex genetic basis; multiple genes contribute to disease risk, each with generally modest effects independently. Also, it is now clear that common genes underlie multiple autoimmune disorders.

People across the globe experience immunodeficiency disorders. The presence of people with immunodeficiency in Florida is no different, but holistic health treatments are available to lessen the impacts. With the right diagnosis and treatment plan, patients can avoid frequent infection and live long, healthy lives.  Our laboratories utilize the most advanced technology to provide the highest quality lab testing that diagnoses autoimmune disorders and immunodeficiencies. We also prescribe herbal formulas to treat you from the inside out.   

Here is what you should know about immunodeficiency disorders, along with the signs that it's time to take proactive steps to address the issue.

Key takeaways:

• An immunodeficient person’s immune system is weakened, which allows infections and other health issues to happen more often. 

• Immune system disorders are sometimes genetic.

• Functional medicine can benefit those with immune disorders by addressing their unique genetics.

• Holistic health techniques like acupuncture and medical massage help lessen the impacts of a weakened system. 

What are immunodeficiency disorders?

Immunodeficiency disorders also called Primary Immunodeficiency Diseases (PIDD), or primary immunodeficiency disorders, weaken the immune system, making it unable to function properly and more susceptible to infections and other issues. People who deal with this disorder have lowered immune-defense mechanisms. 

Those that are immunocompromised must be extra cautious when it comes to germs, bacteria, virus, and parasite exposure since their immune system is weakened and so is their ability to fight off illness, such as COVID-19. They are more susceptible to illnesses and infections of the respiratory system or internal organ systems. Certain conditions, like autoimmune diseases (i.e. lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and Type 1 diabetes), your age, and a history of smoking could increase the risk of infection. Medical treatments, such as cancer treatments and organ and bone marrow transplants, can also suppress the immune system. 

The severity of immunodeficiency can be mild to severe and often goes unnoticed until the immune system is unable to support the body to heal from relatively common problems, like a cold. If you’re immunocompromised, it’s especially important to protect yourself by wearing a face covering or mask, washing your hands, frequently disinfecting high-touch surfaces, and practicing social distancing. 

Considering that many cases of PIDD are undiagnosed, a few indications of possible immunodeficiency disorders are infections that are frequent and persistent. Often, those experiencing immunodeficiency disorders face viruses that last longer than normal and are hard to treat. These individuals tend to get certain issues more often. 

Immunocompromised individuals commonly contract: 

• bronchitis

• ear infections

• internal organ infections

• meningitis

• sinus infection

• skin infections

Other health concerns or risks for those with immune deficiency include:

• anemia

• blood disorders or low platelet counts

• diarrhea 

• digestive problems 

• nausea 

If you think you may be suffering from PIDD or a compromised immune system, it’s a good idea to work with one of our holistic health physicians. Our practitioners can determine the root causes of immunodeficiencies through DNA testing and other laboratory tests as well as evaluate your medical health history. They are also able to create a treatment plan so you can easily manage and improve your immune system. 

Types of immunodeficiency disorders

Immunodeficiency disorders present with a variety of long-term health concerns. Some examples of immunodeficiency disorders include:

• X-linked agammaglobulinemia 

• Common Variable Immunodeficiency (CVID) 

• Severe Combined Immunodeficiency (SCID)

• DiGeorge syndrome

• Bruton’s disease

• Selective deficiency of IgA

• Combined immunodeficiency disease

• Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome

The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases lists more.  

What causes immune deficiency?

Currently, there are over 80 primary immunodeficiencies recognized by the World Health Organization. Most of these disorders present in childhood but can manifest later. These disorders are classified into six types, based on the part of the immune system that is not functioning properly. 

These are the six types of genetically-produced PIDD:

• B cell deficiencies

• T cell deficiencies 

• B & T cell deficiencies  

• Complement deficiencies

• Defective phagocytes

• Idiopathic

Most cases of PIDD are inherited due to mutations in the genetic code in which defects in the DNA are passed on from parent to child. These vary from antibody deficiency to cell type deficiencies and unfortunately some types are still unknown. 

How can functional medicine identify an immunodeficiency disorder? 

Functional Medicine is a science-based approach to healthcare that uses advanced laboratory testing to analyze the genetic predispositions that influence your health. That’s why functional medicine is so effective in supporting immunodeficiency disorders. Physicians review a patient’s test results and assess their biological makeup and nutritional balance. This information will be used to make recommendations of how one can achieve optimum health, despite an immunocompromised system. 

A holistic approach to health considers more than just the treatment of symptoms but rather a whole-body cure.  Holistic physicians consider a person’s diet and nutrition, exercise, sleep patterns, hygiene, and overall lifestyle to determine the hurdles they may face through immunodeficiency. This approach ensures long-term health and well-being and not just temporary relief.

Holistic healing techniques to treat immunodeficiency disorders

Holistic healing techniques for those suffering from immunodeficiency in Florida include:

• acupuncture

• herbs, supplements

• auricular therapy

• injections

• nutritional counseling

You or your consulting physician can include holistic health treatments in your journey to optimum health like cupping, medical massage, or homeopathy.

These treatments can help those experiencing PIDD or other immunodeficiencies in Florida by working with the internal body system. These treatments support the body’s ability to re-establish its own well-being and reduce the possibility of contracting infections. 

Managing your immunodeficiency disorder

There are many Floridians who suffer from recurring symptoms and long-lasting infections that are not being identified as immunocompromised. Our holistic approach at EACUWell will help you determine if you have an immunodeficiency disorder. Then, one of our physicians will develop a treatment plan to help you better manage your health.

If you are experiencing symptoms of immunodeficiency disorders, our physicians are ready to help you. Contact us today for a complimentary consultation. 

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