From April 2014 Natural Awakenings
Spring is time of renewal and change. As the weather grows warm and days grow longer, not only do we want to spend more time outside, the desire to renew commitments to health and well-being also takes root. According to the five phase or five element theory in Oriental Medicine, spring is the time of wood. The wood phase is about growth, change, pushing boundaries, making new starts, the color is green, and the weather correspondence is wind. Where do you wish to direct winds of change in your life and how can OM, acupuncture, and herbal medicine help? The conditions treated by acupuncture and herbs are too numerous to include here, but here are five top reasons to try acupuncture this spring:
1. Pain. About this time of year, many acupuncturists begin to see clients who’ve injured themselves in the gym, on the softball field, running trails – even the yoga mat! Physical activity without warming up occasionally introduces a new injury or exacerbates an old one. Sore muscles and stressed tendons and ligaments are often the areas needing treatment. Acupuncture uses the body’s own resources to promote healing and balance naturally. It encourages faster healing, helps reduce inflammation, and alleviates pain. Prescribed herbal formulas also treat pain, stiffness, and swelling by moving the stagnation that causes pain. External topical liniments and patches made from Chinese herbs help bring relief to injured and stressed tissues.
2. Chronic Pain. Sudden changes in the weather may cause intensified symptoms in chronic pain sufferers. Clients with arthritis, sciatica, headaches, or other issues should consider a natural approach to their pain management. Remember, acupuncture has no side effects and studies have shown its effectiveness in treating a myriad of chronic pain conditions. Herbal formulas are food grade, so need to be taken consistently for top benefit. The herbs themselves are non-addictive. Acupressure massage and cupping may also help to move stagnation and help stop pain.
3. Allergies. Wind, dust, and pollen from all around the Vegas Valley makes for itchy eyes, stuffy noses, and congested sinuses. Regular acupuncture treatment on local facial and other distal points may help bring relief to seasonal suffering for patients with hay fever and allergies.
4. Smoking Cessation. Cravings for nicotine bedevil those addicted to tobacco, and ear acupuncture is particularly indicated to help reduce those cravings. Persistent smoker’s cough, anxiety, and stress related to stopping may be mitigated by herbs in an acupuncture treatment plan.
5. Stress and Fatigue. Moving faster, doing more with less support, and over-scheduling are part busy people’s lives, leaving many feeling wired and tired. A licensed acupuncturist can help balance the qi in a frazzled patient with a harmonizing or qi-boosting treatment, plus prescribe an appropriate herbal formula.
These are just a few conditions treated by acupuncture. A Nevada Board licensed Oriental Medicine Doctor can help you on your path to wellness taking your age, constitution, general health, and duration of your problem into consideration. Shop around for a licensed acupuncturist or OMD in your area who will best address your health concerns.
Dr. Anita Lanier, OMD is a licensed Oriental Medicine Doctor in private practice in Boulder City, Nevada. She teaches at Wongu University www.wongu.org, Nevada’s first Oriental Medicine School. Learn more about Dr. Anita at www.anitalanier.com, follow her on twitter @DrAnitaOMD, or like her at http://www.facebook.com/AnitaLanierWellness. Dr. Anita is also the co-founder with her husband Lee of the Dam Short Film Festival www.damshortfilm.org.