26 October 2011

Herbal medicine is the use of a plant's seeds, roots, bark, berries, leaves, or flowers for medicinal purposes, both to treat and prevent disease. Plants have been used medicinally for longer than recorded history. Research has shown people all over the world use the same plants for the same purposes.

In the early 19^th century scientists began extracting and modifying active ingredients in plants. This led to the creation of chemical versions of plant compounds, eventually giving rise to modern prescription medications. Prescription medications quickly took favor over herbal medicine. Because scientists are able to extract the active ingredient in a plant and deliver it at a much higher concentration, prescription medications show quicker results. However, delivering the active ingredient in such a high concentration creates side effects.

Scientists are often unsure what specific ingredient from a plant treats illness. The whole plant contains many ingredients that when used together, produce a beneficial effect. When using the whole plant, the active ingredient is in a much lower dosage, preventing adverse side effects.

Herbal medicines are prescribed in what is called a formula. A doctor chooses which herbs the patient needs and combines them in a formula unique for each patient. One formula can treat the whole body rather than taking a different medication for each problem. Traditionally the plants were cooked in water to create a tea. This is the most effective method, but requires time and patience to prepare. Due to busy lifestyles, powders and pill forms are the easiest method of administration.

The World Health Organizations estimates that 80% of people worldwide rely on herbs as part of their primary healthcare. Due to the rising cost of prescription medications, as well as an interest in returning to natural remedies, the use of herbal medicine in the United States is increasing.

14 September 2011

Acupuncture is effective in treating all types of pain; from back, muscular, and arthritic pain, to headaches, menstrual pain, and pain associated with shingles.

Oriental medicine views the body as a network of channels or meridians that contain qi and blood. In a healthy body, qi and blood are balanced and flow freely through every cell of our body. Unfortunately, no one is in perfect balance. Pain results when qi and blood are unable to flow freely. Oriental medicine calls this qi and blood stagnation. Qi and blood stagnation may result from trauma, injury, lifestyle, stress, emotions, etc. When acupuncture needles are inserted into the body, it stimulates the channels to move the qi and blood contained within. When the qi and blood move again, the body is no longer in pain.

Western science has done many studies to learn why acupuncture is effective in reducing pain. There are multiple theories, but the most prominent is the thought that acupuncture decreases pain by increasing the release of chemicals, endorphins, that block pain. Most acupuncture points lie near nerves. By stimulating receptors in our skin and tissues, a message travels via the nerve to the brain to release endorphins. Endorphins block the message of pain from being delivered to the brain.

Sometimes electrical stimulation is used to treat pain. Electrical stimulation involves sending an impulse through the needle and into the body. It’s a mild sensation and feels as if there is light tapping on the skin. The stimulation can be administered at different frequencies to stimulate specific endorphins to stop the perception of pain.

One of the most desirable reasons to use acupuncture is because it is a drug-free modality to decrease pain. Many pain medications are addictive and individuals develop a tolerance, meaning they are constantly needing a higher dosage of medication to manage their pain. Acupuncture is non-addictive, safe when practiced by a licensed acupuncturist, and works to reverse the cause of the pain, not just treat the symptoms.

25 August 2011

It is estimated that 30-40% of adults suffer from insomnia. Insomnia may manifest with difficulty falling asleep, difficulty staying asleep, waking up too early, or even poor quality of sleep. Stress, hot flashes or restless legs may keep you awake or wake you up during the night. Excessive dreaming or sleep apnea may prevent you from getting the quality of sleep you need to feel refreshed. With age, sleep becomes even more difficult and these symptoms are exacerbated. Did you know that acupuncture and herbal medicine can help you fall asleep and stay asleep through the night, allowing you to wake up refreshed and ready for the day?

Acupuncture and herbal medicine create a comprehensive, natural health care system where the doctor treats the underlying cause of disease, eliminating the symptoms. Natural remedies balance the body without side effects and without creating dependency. Acupuncture involves the insertion of very thin, disposable needles into specific points on the body. The needles calm the nervous system and circulate energy (qi) and nutrients to balance, regulate and coordinate physiological processes. Herbs are prescribed in a combination specific for each individual. From an Oriental medicine perspective, the practitioner determines if the body has too much or too little qi and blood, or if the body is too hot or too cold. The herbs correct the imbalance and when we are physiologically balanced, we can sleep.

Why do we need sleep? Sleep is required to recover and heal. It provides time for the body to clean out waste products and replenish energy stores. Restful sleep allows mental and physical recuperation, so we wake refreshed. Without sleep, hormonal equilibrium is disrupted, putting us at higher risk for diseases such as cancer, hypertension, diabetes, and heart disease.

For more information on how you can benefit from acupuncture and herbal medicine, contact Acupuncture One Wellness Center at (818) 575-9096 or visit www.acuonecenter.com. This is the second clinic for Dr. Kyung H. Lee, a licensed acupuncturist and Doctor of Oriental medicine. Acupuncture One Wellness Center is located at 5655 Lindero Canyon Road, Suite 506 in Westlake Village.