Getting Ready for Cold and Flu Season – Rhode Island Acupuncture Center

As we get closer to fall and eventually winter we will be heading right into the cold and flu season. If you are someone who regularly finds themselves struggling year after year to stay feeling will during this time of the year, or if you just want to help ensure that your immune system is at the top of its game this year, now is the time to prepare for the viral attacks to come.

If you were fighting a war against another country, it would probably be a bit to late to order ammunition once the battle started, right? Well the war against the rhinovirus (name for the collective “cold/flu” viruses) falls under the same idea. Do not wait until your immune system has to defend against an attack, build up your ammunition today so you can win the battle later!

September and October are the best months to begin an immune system boost which should be continued through the winter months. When spring comes one may want to switch to an anti-allergy focus, but keeping the immune system strong will bring one into the spring with that much more power to fight off the seasonal allergies of that time.

There are a number of well known ways to improve one’s immune system such as Vitamin C. Taking a Vitamin C supplement along with other immune system enhancers will definitely help you get through the cold and flu season with ease!

If you find that you do fall upon a cold or flu then keep going with any immune system support you may be using but add in additional vitamins and supplements to help combat viral infections. Using the right supplement in this case, if taken early enough, can many times beat the cold within the first day of the initial symptoms.

Overall, prepare for the immune system battle now rather than waiting for the cold and flu season.

For great immune system boosters and cold defenses please visit our website: Supplements.ComplementaryHealthCenter.com

Military – Army and Pain Management with Acupuncture – Rhode Island Acupuncture Center

On June 25, 2010, The Pain Management Task Force, a report released by the Army Surgeon General, outlined 109 recommendations for changing ways that Army personnel are treated for pain. One of these includes implementing acupuncture to treat pain, in addition to a great number of other alternative/complementary medical practices. (Read full article at the link below).

To help with Lt. Gen. Eric B. Shoomaker’s proposal to implement acupuncture to help military personnel in pain, we are offering acupuncture treatments for $25.00 per visit for military personnel.

Please contact our office at 401-398-1103 or email Dr. Hagenburg at Doc@ComplementaryHealthCenter.com for more information on this generous offer to those who defend our country.

Article Link: http://complementaryhealthcenter.com/page2/files/armypaintx.pdf

Basics of a Healthy Diet

To read our article, “Basics of a Healthy Diet,” please follow this link: LINK

Treating Skin Disorders with Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Formulations

Skin disorders come in many forms such as acne, eczema, psoriasis, fungal infections, along with allergic reactions due to external and internal allergens.

With complementary medicine, specifically acupuncture, herbal formulations, and food sensitivity treatment, one can overcome or greatly reduce their skin disorder for the long term.

Acne, psoriasis, eczema, and fungal infections are all considered to fall under what the classic Oriental medical texts called, “Damp Heat.” This translates to an area of infection, swelling, redness, with or without pus.

In such cases, acupuncture points to address the inflammatory and other underlying processes are used. These points are located from the elbows to the fingers, and from the knees to the toes. From these regions, skin disorders affecting any region of the body may be treated.

Herbal formulations are used to address the skin disorder and its causative factor such as a viral or fungal infection, along with the over excited autoimmune response. Formulas such as Phellostatin are excellent for such conditions but the formula used depends on a number of factors which your practitioner will look at prior to prescribing any formulation.

For cases of allergic reactions due to external contact with an allergen, acupuncture points to treat acute infection and toxicity are used with excellent results. These points help to relieve the acute inflammation, itching, and pain associated with such a condition. Herbal formulations such as Xanthium Relieve Surface may be used for skin conditions due to external contact with an allergen, but again this will vary and only a health practitioner should prescribe such formulations.

In addition to the above noted formulations, all skin disorders can be treated with the use of Yin-Care. This is a topical formulation which treats viral, bacterial, and fungal infections of the skin.

Lastly, most chronic skin disorders are influenced by food sensitivities. In such cases, one ingests a food that their body is sensitive to, meaning it sees certain molecules in that food as foreign invaders to the body, and reacts as it would to a viral infection for example. Anti-bodies are sent into the blood stream to fight these foreign molecules and while they circulate in the blood they also can create inflammation throughout the body, worsening skin disorders. In addition to the antibodies, the food molecules floating in the blood stream can cause a direct increase in the skin condition along with a number of other factors (leaky gut syndrome).

In all cases of skin disorders, one should go through a food cleanse/detox to clear out any possible food sensitivities. Your practitioner can guide you through this and may use a supplement called, “UltraClear” to help your body through this process.

Through acupuncture, Chinese herbal formulations, and food sensitivity treatment, one may be able to overcome acute and chronic skin disorders, decreasing the severity and intensity of them, while increasing the duration between any outbreaks.

For more information on how to reach your goals, you can contact Dr. Hagenburg at 401-398-1103.  He will be happy to set up a free consultation with you at which time he will discuss whether he feels acupuncture and Chinese medicine may help you.

Please also visit our website, ComplementaryHealthCenter.com, to download our free ebook, “Treating The Whole Body, Not Just Its Symptoms: The Key To Unlocking Your Health.”

Rhode Island Acupuncture – Eating on The Run

In our busy lifestyles we often find ourselves heading out the door without eating properly beforehand, or even at all. I have put together a list of ways you can help yourself get through your busy day while staying healthy!

1. Watch portion sizes. Your craving will likely be satisfied after you have finished a small order of fries, and you’ll save over 100 calories when compared with the super-sized order. The same holds true for sandwiches. Order the regular version or even a kid’s meal for yourself.

2. Seek out deli-style fast food chains where you can order a sub or sandwich on whole wheat bread or a wrap, a lower-fat and lower-calorie option than fried food.

3. Many fast food chains now offer healthy sides in place of the ubiquitous French fries. Take the healthy option. Or, if you can’t bear to give up the grease and salt, get the healthy side order too.

4. Always order a side salad when eating at traditional fast-food outlets. You will be less likely to fill up on only the unhealthy items, and the salad will provide some fiber and vitamins to balance an otherwise unhealthy meal.

5. Remember that chicken isn’t always a healthy choice. Many fast food chains offer fried breaded chicken sandwiches on white bread that are actually richer in fat and calories than a burger. Grilled chicken is a better option.

6. Make it a habit to eat a piece of fruit, a bowl of cereal, or some lowfat yogurt before you set out to run errands. Regular eating can help you feel full and avoid temptation.

7. Stock your car with bottled water and healthy snacks. Have a small snack before the cravings hit, and you’re less likely to pull into that drive-through fast food outlet.

8. Consider a supermarket for your fast food break. You can pick up precut and washed fresh fruit or vegetables, yogurt, or lowfat cheese. Many supermarkets also offer sushi or other healthy prepared items.

9. Hold the mayo. A tablespoon of regular mayonnaise has almost 100 calories!

10. Don’t add a sugary, calorie-rich drink to an already unhealthy meal. Water is available everywhere and is good for you. Drinking a large glass of water with your meal will help you feel fuller earlier.

(note: this blog was not authored by Dr. Hagenburg. This information was emailed to him and he is sharing it with you)

Acupuncture and Back Pain – Rhode Island Acupuncture

At Rhode Island Acupuncture Center, back pain is a commonly seen complaint. Whether it is upper, mid, or lower back pain, the patient presents with similar symptoms and is in the need of immediate relief. Through the use of acupuncture, this relief can come within seconds of administering the acupuncture treatment.

For patients with cervical, or neck region pain that is based off of a spinal column injury or disorder, the patient usually feels pain throughout the neck region, the back of the head, the upper back/shoulder area, and may complain of headaches and tightens of the neck and upper back in general.

There are several exceptional points for the acupuncturist to use which will provide immediate results, decreasing the neck pain and tightness, and improving the range of motion. Through stimulating the nervous system and increasing circulation to the area of the neck, these points, located on the inside of the wrist region on the side of the little finger, provide drastic results quickly.

If the pain is more on the midline and to the direct side of the spinal column, rather than extending out to the larger muscle groups, then points on the thumb side of the inner wrist are selected. Depending on the exact area of the primary discomfort, points will be chosen to influence the tissue in the appropriate region.

For those with upper to mid back pain, the thoracic region of the spinal column, acupuncture points on the forearm may be used. These points signal the body to promote the blood flow to the middle of the back via nervous system impulses. Finding tender spots in this region, mostly on the line extending from the elbow to the thumb area, also have an effect on decreasing muscle spasms of the large mid back muscle groups.

Finding tender spots is important for the treatment of pain. When these areas are needled with an acupuncture needle, they provide more sensation to the cells and tissues than non-tender points. This provides strong results occurring quickly. Also, because we are using the nervous system and blood circulation to treat the painful regions, we can use points far away, or distal to, the area of the primary concern. This is why the wrist can help the neck and the mid forearm can help the upper and mid back pain.

In a similar fashion, the low back or lumbar region can be treated by using points around the elbow joint (on the inside area on the thumb side) or by using points around the ankles. The inside of the ankle provides immediate relief many times for muscle spasms and pain of the low back.

If there is sciatic pain, or pain extending to the buttock or down the leg due to pressure on the sciatic nerve from a disc in the spinal column, then there are several highly efficient points to treat this. The points located on the back side of the hand, in the area between the pointer finger and the thumb work quickly. There is a third point located around the area of the back of the hand by the little finger what aids in the sciatic treatment. Together these points decrease inflammation around the low back and provide relief to the sciatic pain. These points also are indicated for sharp, shooting pain of the body, which sciatica primarily presents with.

Lastly, by using 2 points to influence the bones of the spinal column, pain of the spine can be decreased (located on the outside of the hand by the little finger, and also on the inner wrist area by the thumb).

With a treatment approach such as what is outlined above, one should notice immediate relief in their pain along with an increase in the range of motion. These results will last for a short duration initially, but after several treatments, they will continue to hold and the patient will feel a continued decrease in pain.

Rhode Island Acupuncture Center provides these results with Dr. Hagenburg’s treatments. Acupuncture for pain relief is well understood in the medical community and Rhode Island Acupuncture will be happy to provide you with the relief you are looking for!

Pain: An American Epidemic and How Acupuncture Can Help

Pain has been explained as being a “silent epidemic” in America and an estimated 50 million people live with chronic pain. Another 25 million Americans suffer from acute pain which may be resulting from acute trauma, an accident, or from a surgical procedure. The American Academy of Pain Management states that, “Approximately two thirds of these individuals in pain have been living with this pain for more than five years.”

There is no denying the extent chronic pain has on the suffererʼs life such as influencing daily activities and hobbies, performing functions at work and many times being able to work at all, in addition to affecting relationships and sex. David Morris, author of the text, “The Culture of Pain,” states, “We certainly cannot succeed as a culture by continuing to deny and ignore pain, as if we could silence it beneath a mountain of pills.”

The overall medical paradigm understands the difficulties in treating pain. The American Pain Society wrote in 1999 that 40% of the public who suffer from moderate to severe pain could not find adequate pain relief.

With such high statistics of untreated pain, one would think that the health system would work to accommodate this demand but according to the American Academy of Pain Management, those suffering with chronic pain have much difficulty in finding a physician who can “effectively treat their pain.” Because of the lack of care received, one in four patients has noted that they have changed physicians three or more times in their fight to relieve their unrelenting pain.

Unfortunately, physicians are focusing their treatment methods of pain on medication and ignore the other factors influencing the pain of the body. For example, if one has an autoimmune disorder, the inflammatory process will continue to be increased causing more pain. Therefore, why would one solely focus on the pain signal with an analgesic or pain killer. The underlying influences allowing the chronic inflammation and pain to continue to occur, must be treated for the patient to obtain any long term relief.

This is the focus of acupuncture and Chinese medicine. This medical system focuses on signaling the nervous and vascular system to function more optimally, thereby influencing cells, tissues, glands, and organ function. The result of this is not only immediate pain relief but long term relief over a series of acupuncture treatments.

Acupuncture in the modern world is not the ancient medicine many think of today. It is true that acupuncture and Chinese medicine originated in China several thousand years ago, but since this time, and especially in the last 30 years, science has played a major role in the advancement of acupuncture in the United States.

The present day acupuncture treatment takes into account the pathological issues within the body that may impede it from being able to maintain a sustained decrease in inflammation and overall pain.

By taking into account the past history of the patient and understanding their medical diseases and disorders, along with the overall bodyʼs functioning, the acupuncture physician can help regulate the physiological aspects of the body so that it more efficiently can heal itself. This allows for long term relief from chronic pain in addition to providing the patient with a healthier life in general.

In addition to receiving acupuncture and Chinese medical treatment, one can use natural supplements, dietary, and lifestyle therapies to overcome their chronic pain. For example, food allergens will increase inflammation throughout the body therefore increasing any chronic pain disorder already present. Exercise is highly important for those in chronic pain for the movements involved in exercising aids the circulation of blood and nutrients through the joints and tissues. Along with this, an intake of high amounts of fruits and vegetables will provide essential nutrients such as potassium and magnesium, which are involved in the contraction and relaxation of muscles. This is highly important for decreasing muscle spasms and knots which will cause tightness of the body.

If you find yourself to be one of the 50 million Americans suffering from pain and one of the 40% who have not found effective pain relief, you may find the results you are seeking by modifying your diet and lifestyle habits and consulting with an acupuncturist.

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Source: Weiner, Kathry, PhD, American Academy of Pain Management; Pain Is An Epidemic – A Message From The Director; American Academy of Pain Management; http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&cd=1&ved=0CBoQFjAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.aapainmanage.org %2Fliterature%2FArticles%2FPainAnEpidemic.pdf&ei=pyZgTJHXIIL48Ab64LiVBw&usg=AFQjCNGiKX1BuYQJn32GqopcOqiD9LBOpw; Accessed 8/9/2010

Redsox and Acupuncture – A Winning Team!

As noted on ESPN’s website, link, Hideki Okajima of the Boston Redsox is on the injury list but is not solely relying on standard medical treatments to treat his hamstring strain.

As he has done several times for past professional sports injuries, Okajima will be receiving acupunture to expedite his healing: “Okajima spoke with Francona after Thursday’s game and informed him of his discomfort, so the lefthanded reliever remained in Boston to receive treatment. He met the club in New York on Friday and is scheduled to return to Boston after the game for a couple of rounds of acupuncture before rejoining the team in Toronto next week.”

Acupuncture and High Cholesterol & High Triglycerides – Rhode Island Acupuncture Center

One of the most prominent health concerns in America today is high cholesterol. Much of the public understands high cholesterol and high triglycerides as being a cardiovascular disorder, or a health concern due to heart and blood vessel troubles. In fact, this is actually a disorder of the body’s ability to properly breakdown and digest, or metabolize, lipoproteins (chains of fat and protein molecules).

These lipoproteins in the form of cholesterol, and/or triglycerides, accumulate in the blood and this greatly increases one’s risk of cardiovascular disease.

Western medicine focuses on treating the symptom of high cholesterol to prevent cardiovascular disorders from occurring but rarely does it focus on the root causes which allow the cholesterol to build up in the first place: The weak metabolic functioning of the body, the poor diet, and the unhealthy lifestyle of the patient. Rather it relies on statin medications which have a very high propensity for severe side effects while acupuncture and Chinese medicine offers the same benefit without the influences of statin medications and therefore without the potent side effects.

Lifestyle and nutritional/dietary changes can greatly reduce one’s cholesterol for they can increase how one’s body breaks down the cholesterol itself and limits the intake of cholesterol inducing foods.

If one suffers from high cholesterol or high triglycerides they can: Increase consumption of foods low in cholesterol such as fresh cold water fish, apples, bananas, carrots, garlic (this is a great one to increase for it is very beneficial for this purpose), olive oil, grape fruits (do not take if you are on statin medications), and oats and bran. Also, increase intake of niacin for it alone can decrease cholesterol levels (see your supplement practitioner prior to beginning this), Co-Q10, quality EPA-DHA omega 3 fish oils, vitamins B5, C, E, along with chromium picolinate, and lecithin are great additions into one’s diet.

One must also decrease the harmful cholesterol influencing foods such as tobacco products, sugar, greasy/fried foods, wine, beer, cheese, and red meats. Along with these suggestions, the National Institute of Health recommends taking 2 grams of plant sterols (phytosterols) per day to combat cholesterol. The plant sterols aid in preventing absorption of cholesterol, allowing for its elimination from the body.

In regards to lifestyle advice, one must exercise regularly to decrease the cholesterol within the blood vessels. Instead of grabbing a high sugar drink such as a soda; drink oolong, black, or green tea in its place for they help the body metabolize consumed fats. This is especially effective when drinking the teas after a meal.

In addition, acupuncture and Chinese herbal formulations are used in the treatment of cholesterol and high triglycerides for these medicines focus on the patient’s underlying weaknesses along with the symptom of high cholesterol and its influences of high blood pressure, etc. Acupuncture focuses on the underlying weakness in particular while the Chinese herbal formulations have been proven to effectively target the high cholesterol levels. Within 2 to 3 months of treatment with both acupuncture and Chinese herbal formulations, patients should start to see their cholesterol levels decrease.

With a change in diet and lifestyle, along with the proper application of acupuncture and Chinese herbal formulations, one will have the health benefiting tools at their disposal to lower their cholesterol and triglycerides and avoid the cardiovascular complications which result from such conditions.

Please also visit our website,ComplementaryHealthCenter.com, to download our free ebook, “Treating The Whole Body, Not Just Its Symptoms: The Key To Unlocking Your Health.”

Rhode Island Acupuncture and Complementary Health Center

San Francisco is Getting Healthier…Are You?

San Francisco Mayor, Gavin Newsom, is working to battle obesity in his city by banning non-diet sodas, artificially sweetened water, juices which are not 100% fruit or vegetable juice, and sports drinks, from all vending machines located on city property.

Have you looked at your coke or “fruit juice” lately to see what is in there and how it impacts your health?

From the San Francisco Chronicle:

“It’s all part of Newsom’s effort to combat obesity and improve San Franciscans’ health. The mayor’s administration points to studies linking soda to obesity, including a UCLA one released last year that found adults who drink at least one soft drink a day are 27 percent more likely to be obese than those who don’t”.

ComplementaryHealthCenter.com