One of the most wonderful herbs to help strengthen our immune system as we approach the cold/flu season is Huang Qi, also commonly known as Astragalus. It can be powerful to stave off infections...so it's fitting that it looks like a tongue depressor. Huang Qi serves as a qi tonic for two of the most important organs to maintain a strong immune system: the lung and the spleen. It is warm and drying in nature, so it also helps the body maintain homeostatic balance with Portland's notoriously cold and damp falls/winters, keeping our bodies running optimally. Research shows that astragalus increases white blood cell count in both human and animal trials, and inhibits proliferation of certain bacteria. It has been gaining increased recognition for it's potential for treatment for antibiotic resistant bacteria such as MRSA. Studies also show effectiveness in the use of it for prevention of cold & flu and other respiratory tract infections, including people with past histories of chronic infection, and children. If you'd like to know more about how use Astragalus to optimize your immune defenses for the upcoming season, contact us at (503) 288-7668 to schedule an appointment or complimentary consult, or schedule online. I also have an array of other modalities such as acupuncture and cupping, to keep the germs at bay and help you fully enjoy all the fun of the upcoming holiday season.
With qi, Jon
Please click here for an excellent article from Runner's World magazine on using acupuncture to enhance recovery and performance in athletes. The author interviews a couple of practitioners who explain how acu helps from a musculoskeletal and physiological perspective, and also touches upon how it can help a person address constitutional challenges to achieve their greatest potential as a whole.
In clinic, I love working with athletes as they often have quick and marked improvements with flexibility, pain, and performance within a few acupuncture treatments. I've seen it work wonders to help prepare for events, as well as in recovery from acute or chronic injury. During treatment course, we often discover energy, digestive, or endocrine imbalances that also might be contributing to the issue, and when supported with acupuncture and herbal medicine, further enhances performance.
Please feel free to contact us to schedule a treatment or consultation any time.
If you've ever had an unfortunate experience that has landed you in the ER, you know it can be a miserable place. Waiting in agony, nervous, and stressed from an acute event... Hard working hospital staff working their best to serve but under pressure... The great news is that acupuncture is showing promise to help in this environment, especially in alleviating anxiety and pain.
Acupuncture is a natural fit. It's safe, noninvasive, has very few side-effects, and much power in soothing anxiety, moderating emotions, and reducing pain until a patient can receive standard medical care. It has the potential to create a calmer environment for both people in an acute health situation, as well as those trying to serve them. Please click here to read an interesting preliminary study on acupuncture services in the emergency room. The study shows a marked reduction in pain and anxiety among patients comparable to administration of analgesic medications.
