Photo by Mai Le.

Q: Whether or not I get five or eight hours I tend to have trouble falling asleep each night. I guess I’m looking for a way to shut my brain down at night and be free of stress. How can I convince my brain it’s time to go to sleep? It would be great to avoid medications. Chelle S. San Diego, CA

A: Acupuncture can be so effective at inducing sleep that one patient left my office only to fall asleep at the wheel under a stop light! As an acupuncturist and patient, I’ve enjoyed more restful nights as a result of the subtle, yet powerful affects of a good needling treatment. A new message must be sent to your brain allowing it to turn the light switch off. Because stress creates inflammation and contraction within the vessels, acupuncture is a perfect fix to free up peripheral nerves thus improving physiological function.

As the hair thin needles are inserted into the skin a message transfers to your nervous system signaling the release of neuro-endocrine chemicals. Acupuncture is great because it exerts an almost instant influential affect which balances brain waves.

Night time is an opportunity for yang energy to gently unfold into yin. Remember to create a cozy space for slumber. Keep it simple in the bedroom. Draw the curtains to keep the light from shining in until morning. Sweet dreams!

Got a question for us? Drop your tricky, random, wacky or plain confusing health question into the Suggest-O-Matic, leave a comment, or tag your tweet questions with #wellwire and our team of experts will answer them in this weekly column.

Christine M. Dionese L.Ac. specializes in integrative medicine, medical journalism and was the VP of marketing at WellWire LLC. Visit her wellness and lifestyle blog, Reaching Beyond Now.

Photo by Mai Le.

Got a question for us? Drop your tricky, random, wacky or plain confusing health question into the Suggest-O-Matic, leave a comment, or tag your tweet questions with #wellwire and our team of experts will answer them in this weekly column.

• Q: What is Chinese medicine? Traditional Chinese medicine is based on the idea that pathways of energy, or qi, run in regular patterns through the body and over its surface. These channels are called meridians and they flow like rivers through the body to irrigate and nourish the tissues. An obstruction in the movement of these energy rivers is like a dam that backs up, creating imbalance and pain. Acupuncture works with the body’s innate ability to heal itself. Once pathways have been unblocked, the body’s natural healing response can take place. Chinese medicine is a standardized medical system that has been effectively used for centuries to prevent, diagnose, and treat illness. While many think of acupuncture as a treatment for pain, its use is far more vast. Acupuncture, a modality of Chinese medicine dates back over 2500 years and has been used since, throughout the centuries. Now popularized internationally, The World Health Organization recognizes acupuncture and Chinese medical modalities as safe and effective methods of medical treatment.

• Q: What sort of education and clinical experience do they receive? Chinese medical educational institutions develop curriculum which will enable students to function as primary independent health care providers. The most comprehensive programs include an intensive study of Chinese medical theory, the study and research of western biomedical sciences and the psycho-social aspects of medical theory and practice. This curriculum along with core course work is developed to reflect the ever-changing health care needs of modern society. Clinical internships reflect the evolution of integrative medicine and offer interface with both eastern and western medical modalities. Chinese medical students participate in a minimum of 2000 hours of course work and see over 500 patients before completing their program of study.

• Q: How does licensing and certification work? A unified licensing system is still being sought in the United States. Currently each state outlines the rules and regulations Chinese medical practitioners must observe before rendering medical treatment to the public. Most states require practitioners receive formal licensing, yet do not require board certification at this time. Licensing is generally dependent upon length of education and clinical experience. The National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine was established to assess and promote recognized standards of competence and safety in acupuncture and Oriental medicine for the protection and benefit of the public. Their mission is to improve the quality of its examinations and advance the development of certification research and fulfill its responsibility of protecting the public from unsafe practice. While not all states require certification, almost all require the passing of the national exam to obtain state licensing to practice.

• Q: How do I choose a Chinese medical practitioner? When choosing a qualified practitioner it is important to distinguish between medical doctors that are practicing needling or a traditional or classically trained practitioner of Chinese medicine. Preferably, the clinician that has studied the theories and modalities of Chinese medicine extensively in one of the aforementioned fully accredited programs should be chosen.

• Q: What is an acupuncture treatment like? Does it hurt? No! During an acupuncture treatment hair-thin sterilized needles are gently inserted into the skin to promote the circulation of qi and blood. The flow of qi and blood is best understood as the release of neurochemicals which transfer messages to the nervous system. While a dull ache-y or heavy sensation is generally experienced, most people find acupuncture treatment painless and quite relaxing.

• Q: How does acupuncture work?  Acupuncture works by restoring and bringing about balance throughout the body. Once inserted, the acupuncture needles transfer neurochemical messages to enhance communication between the parasympathetic and sympathetic nervous systems. Researchers use  functional magnetic resonance imaging and positron emission tomography to reveal how the brain lights up when acupuncture needles are inserted into the skin. These areas reflect an observable change within the physiology.

• Q: What does acupuncture treat? Acupuncture safely treats, but is not limited to anxiety, pain, insomnia, hormonal and endocrine issues, immune system disorders, headache, pediatric illness, allergies, gastro-intestinal-related illness and discomfort, female and male infertility and reproductive concerns, high blood pressure, stroke, respiratory issues, pregnancy related concerns, uro-genital health, musculo-skeletal concerns and orthopedic-neurological conditions. These concerns respond to acupuncture by regulating and balancing the nervous system.

• Q: Is acupuncture safe? The needles are all sterile, pre-packaged and used one time only. The needles are hair-fine, with a solid center unlike the hollow hypodermic needles used to take blood. There is usually no marking on the skin after the needle is removed.

Photo by meaganjean.

Pregnancy is such a special time. Growing a human inside your body for 40 weeks (give or take a few) is an incredible feat. Some parts of it are fun or mind-blowing (seeing the first ultrasound, feeling the baby move!), other parts are less exciting (constipation, nausea, breast tenderness). Like I keep saying to myself and others: it’s not forever, it’s just for now. And it’s worth it. You’re only pregnant for a few months, and a lot of things that we may consider inconvenient have solutions.

Check out the ABCs of what I wish I’d known might happen to my body:

Abdominal Pain I read this in a few books, but it’s still not at all what I expected with my very first pregnancy. Diastasis recti, or abdominal separation, is common in women who have had multiple pregnancies, and none of the mothers I spoke with had experienced it with their first pregnancy. What happens (slowly), is that the muscles that comprise the “six-pack” of the abdomen slowly separate from the midline of the abdomen. This occurs because of the enlarging uterus pushing against the abdominal wall, and the many hormones secreted during pregnancy cause the connective tissue to relax.

To be fair, it’s not uncomfortable all of the time. It feels like there is a tiny tear in the abdomen, at first on the midline, and now, after 6-7 months, occasionally on the sides. My wonderful midwife, Sara, told me to get a belly support band if the pain continued. However, I’ve found if I just support the belly myself for a bit, it helps with those little pains.

There are some really great online resources about what we can do after the baby arrives:

• Be Fit Mom has some great information on the abdominal separation, and I just found this great class that I’m definitely signing up for after birth! It’s pilates for moms, and you bring the baby to class- check out the Mamalates!

• Self-massaging your expanding  belly with pregnancy massage oil (I was given Mother’s Special Blend) has also been helpful. Use long strokes from the outside of the ribs to the center of the body–it’s very comfortable and soothing for you and baby. Take your time when applying oil or lotion, and try to find an organic oil- because what’s being applied on the outside of your skin also goes to the baby inside.

Breasts. Wow. So much happening here! I was warned they would become larger, but doubling in size? Really? The breast tenderness many women experience in the first trimester does go away, but may come and go throughout the pregnancy.

Leaking small amounts of colostrum from the breasts is also very common in the weeks leading up to birth. However, some women experience it sooner (a friend of mine leaked from 16 weeks on!). You can use breast pads to help with the leaking- there are both reuseable and disposable breast pads. It’s also very important to make sure you are fitted properly for a bra. Things will change the further you are along in your pregnancy, but it’s definitely worth it to have at least one bra that actually fits!

Constipation. This shouldn’t be early practice for birthing, ladies. Unfortunately constipation can occur at any point in the pregnancy, especially the last trimester. The reason for this is that your digestion slows down as the uterus grows and expands in the pelvic cavity. Then hormones (mostly progesterone) relax the muscles, which slow down the digestive process.

To avoid constipation, eat dried, non-sulphured apricots or plums, and be sure to drink as much water as you can. I know that with some of us with newly-sensitive stomachs, even plain water can cause nausea and vomiting, so have a sports drink or electrolyte replenishing drink to get you started and keep you hydrate. If none of these solutions work, be sure to talk to your practitioner about something else that will work (such as magnesium supplements).

Discomfort in morning sickness and nausea that lasts for longer than 12 weeks. Sometimes it happens. Several mothers I’ve treated or interviewed experience either nausea or vomiting in the first several weeks, but a few have both for the first 20 weeks and beyond. I’m one of those who have had it from week six on, but strictly in the morning. I’ve found the best thing to do is to keep snacks on hand at all times, learn what may trigger the nausea (water, coffee….really?!), and be prepared in case vomiting does occur.

Photo by SuhelSheikh.

Traditional Chinese Medicine is a wonderful tool during pregnancy: drug-free and relaxing for baby and mother. I get this question a lot, acupuncture can be used safely and effectively throughout the entire pregnancy, even after delivery.

• During the first trimester a woman might feel fatigue and nausea or experience a lot of vomiting. There may be some herbal formulas to take but these are limited since many herbs shouldn’t be used during pregnancy, worse, the taste may be difficult for a pregnant woman with nausea to handle! Weekly acupuncture treatments are the best remedy during this time of the pregnancy to combat nausea and help gain some energy.

• During the second trimester, a woman often starts to feel slightly better (and look and feel more pregnant). She will start to feel the baby move, and changes in her body become more rapid. Due to these rapid changes, it’s possible that heartburn, constipation, varicose veins, and even hemorrhoids may occur. This is due to hormonal changes that affect the smooth muscle in the body, as well as the veins. Acupuncture points can be used now to provide relief for the mother. Weekly treatments are recommended if symptoms are severe.

• In the third trimester, acupuncture can help relieve edema (water retention) around the ankles and feet as well as back pain and insomnia. If the baby is in a breech position, moxibustion can be used to turn the baby around. It usually takes around ten days of using the moxibustion stick daily, but it can be very effective when used properly. Tuina or shiatsu massage are techniques I use to help the mother relax and to help with back pain.

Acupuncture can also be used closer to the delivery date to help with cervical effacement, and to shorten the labor time. There are also practitioners who will help induce labor in a baby that is past the due date, depending on the situation. Some hospitals and midwives allow acupuncturists to be present during a delivery if requested by the mother.

Every pregnancy is different, and it’s important to keep an open mind with your treatment options.  This site has some good suggestions about Western herbs to avoid during pregnancy, as well as some other helpful hints. What to Expect When You’re Expecting is a great pregnancy book, and Mother’s Special Blend is an oil that several women swear by to help with stretch marks (you can also find this at New Seasons in Portland). Pregnancy is a special time in a woman’s life, and acupuncture can effectively help her to have the best 40 weeks possible.

Amy Chitwood, L.Ac. is a graduate of the Oregon College of Oriental Medicine. She is nationally board certified in Chinese herbal medicine and manages the Portland Acupuncture Blog.

Photo by Dierk Schafer.

The mind-body connection comes up more often as science explores the dynamics of neuro-synthesis and I’ve noticed a shift–it seems like it’s not just about valuing longevity anymore but valuing quality of everyday life. Even among my own patients, it seems like they’re asking me how to preserve and improve their health rather than how they can live to a hundred years old. Both those things tend to go hand in hand, of course, and protecting the physiology of the brain is one of the best things you can do for your body.

Hey Fat Head

Comprising about 60 percent of the brain, the myelin sheath that protects neuronal axons acts as a tunnel for neurological messages to travel safely to their destinations. Just as a tunnel might be subject to erosion or leaks, myelin is fragile. Pollution, environmental toxins, heavy metal exposure and drug use are a few of the big stunners that wreak havoc on the lipid components of the brain.

Once eroded or permeated, neurological messages are left incomplete resulting in unfulfilled physiological activity. This is seen in multiple sclerosis, an autoimmune disease, when the myelin scars and can make something as simple as brushing one’s hair a difficult task.

Neuro-protection is important for everyday experiences you might simply take for granted. Keeping your brain intact ensures your memories remain vivid longer, your sleep soothes you, you keep smiling, your heart beats stronger, you remain physically agile, and you maintain your ability to continue learning and integrating new information into your everyday life.

Move it

Lack of exercise combined with environmental stress sends mixed messages to the brain. Without exposing the body to differing types of exercise or movement over time, the brain shifts neuro-chemically favoring particular ranges of motion less than it once did. There are plenty of fun and rejuvenating activities to help prevent this shift.

Marked by their slow, subtly powerful movements, tai chi, yoga, and qi gong practice offer agility of mind and body. Perfect for those that prefer to participate in movement-based forms of meditation. As our limbs fluidly move through space, the brain is engaged with each transforming pose and posture. These movements elicit physiological responses.

With each movement the brain builds new neurological connections, enlivening stamina as energy and blood circulate.

This is your brain on fish

Fatty fish provides the essential lipids your brain can use to build and protect the myelin sheath. Unlike fatty acids derived from vegetable sources, DHA and EPA from fish directly cross the blood brain barrier, skipping conversion processes and acting immediately.

The environmental defense fund has developed an eco-friendly system to help you determine which fish are best to consume. Check out their comprehensive list to see the eco-best.

If you opt to supplement your diet with fish oil, go for cold-pressed sources that are contaminant free. Look to the labeling to contain the following:

• Omega 3 and EPA/DHA are listed
• The source is from salmon, sardines, or anchovies
• Should NOT be molecularly distilled

More Fun Tips to Boost your Brain

• Acupuncture
• My favorite games for the brain
• Brain teasers for tots

Christine M. Dionese L.Ac. specializes in integrative medicine, medical journalism and was the VP of marketing at WellWire LLC. Visit her wellness and lifestyle blog, Reaching Beyond Now.

Photo by Mai Le.

Welcome to our new Q&A column! Drop your tricky, random, wacky or plain confusing health and wellness questions into the Suggest-O-Matic (or leave a comment) and our team will answer them.

Q I’m considering acupressure and acupuncture treatments for pain. What’s the difference between the two and why is it sometimes necessary to use the needles instead of just putting pressure on the skin? — Mike D, Rochester, NY

A There is a place for both acupressure and acupuncture in our practices considering that some patients have a deep-rooted fear of needles, and may need to start with simple acupressure sessions. However, using acupuncture needles allows us to penetrate to the root of the energy we are balancing in a more precise manner. By using the needles, we are able to manipulate energy and provide faster relief for patients. Acupressure can perform as effectively however and serves as a wonderful tool to have when needles aren’t available. Great results have been shown in treating sudden nausea or assisting to facilitate labor and birth. 

The sensation we reach for with our acupuncture needles is referred to as da qi. This sensation describes the arrival of qi on the needle at a precise location within the body. From a Western perspective, this culmination of local energy results from the release of certain neurochemicals.

For instance, insertion of the hair thin needles into a muscle spindle fiber evokes a specific location and depth based response. If someone suffers from muscle contracture, the acupuncturist attempts to achieve a depth at which the motor point will release, thus freeing up peripheral nerves. While it is possible to achieve this response via acupressure, needling these points deftly ensures a speedy recovery. In this case, acupressure would serve well adjunctively potentiating the effects of the needles within surrounding muscle tissue.

Like yin and yang, acupressure and acupuncture can be used to mutually accentuate the effects of one another. At times, one will be preferred over the other, yet the two similar modalities often more than not, serve to complement. 

Amy Chitwood, L.Ac. is a graduate of the Oregon College of Oriental Medicine. She is nationally board certified in Chinese herbal medicine and manages the Portland Acupuncture Blog.

Christine M. Dionese L.Ac. specializes in integrative medicine, medical journalism and was the VP of marketing at WellWire LLC. Visit her wellness and lifestyle blog, Reaching Beyond Now.

Photo by Lepiaf geo.

This month here in the US marks National Diabetes Awareness month. So can you guess what eating a lot of green veggies, exercising regularly, choosing not to smoke, and getting 8 hours of sleep per night all have in common? They’re the top 4 lifestyle choices you can adopt now to prevent developing type II diabetes later in life.

You might be surprised to learn that 74 million of your fellow Americans are living with or are at risk for developing type II diabetes. The good news is that you can reduce your chances of developing the disease through healthy lifestyle choices by approximately 93 percent.

Pre-diabetes. Who doesn’t enjoy a yummy piece of cake or their grandmother’s chocolate chip cookies? We all do right? Indulging from time to time is alright, yet when asked, health care professionals agree the modern American diet is at the heart of developing diabetes. When we eat copious amounts of refined sugars and carbohydrates, our bodies respond as if a hose has been turned on and left on, continuously shunting insulin into the body. Ask your doctor to perform a glucose fasting test if you suspect you’re at risk.

Tai Chi. This ancient Chinese form of meditation and exercise was recently shown to go beyond improving energy and vitality. A very cool study done at the University of Florida discovered that a regular practice of tai chi taking place over 6 months not only lowered blood sugar, but significantly helped participants maintain long term blood sugar control.

Choose less, more frequently. Smaller, more frequent meals balance blood sugar, keeping insulin resistance at bay. This style of eating triggers the brain to maintain a healthy balance of the hormones insulin and cortisol- 2 key regulators of blood sugar and stress. Try to eat every couple of hours.

Always on the go? Prepare snack packs for your days away from home. Include choices chock full of complex carbohydrates, protein, and essential fatty acids. Try nuts, seeds, avocados, granola, and egg whites to maintain the balance throughout your day. Fruits that help regulate blood sugar with a low glycemic index include grapefruit and apples.

Try acupuncture. Clinton J. Choate L.Ac notes that patients with diabetes incur health care related debt because the disease racks up numerous regular check-ups to clinics as well as outpatient visits for secondary illnesses related to the disease. Largely exerting its affects upon the endocrine system, acupuncture is recognized as an excellent preventive modality to reduce blood sugar fluctuations. Other risk factors associated with diabetes such as obesity, cardiovascular concerns, and kidney complications can all be prevented concurrently with regular visits to the acupuncturist.

Water works. We love our juices and sodas but the cost is continually spiking blood sugar. Opt for a sugary alternative by jazzing up your water. Fill a water container; then add mint, citrus, or rose water to satisfy your flavor craving. Still want to taste the sweeter side? Try an alternative sweetener with a low glycemic index.

Sleep well. Is your head hitting the pillow for at least 8 hours per night? Getting at least 8 hours of restful sleep is the key. Check out Dr. Gibran’s secrets to achieving great sleep!

Be a part of the community:

Jump on your bike and join the Tour De CureSchool walk for diabetes preventionSpecial events sponsored by the American Diabetes Association

Is there a diabetes awareness event in your area you’d like to share with other readers? Please share in the comments.

Christine M. Dionese L.Ac. specializes in integrative medicine, medical journalism and was the VP of marketing at WellWire LLC. Visit her wellness and lifestyle blog, Reaching Beyond Now.

Photo by Shermeee.

Concerned parents have been calling my office asking for advice on how to best treat their feverish, sniffling tots. Knowing what to look for will help you decide if home remedies are appropriate or if a visit to the doctor is in order. While it’s a natural instinct to give a sick child medicine, holding off at first is the best bet for their still developing immune systems.

“Illness is a natural part of life,” notes integrative pediatrician, Roy Steinbeck, “Suppressing symptoms at all costs is not a good idea.” When a pathogen invades the developing immune system, specialized memory cells are created to later recognize and ward off the invader. Parents will be happy to learn that about 80% of children’s immune related illnesses will heal on their own without the need for antibiotics.

Boost and protect your child’s immunity every single day

• Supplement with vitamin C and vitamin D3. Both are available in convenient chewable and naturally sweetened forms. 
• Eat plenty of superfoods rich in antioxidants
• Exercise activates the immune system. Get them running, jumping, and bouncing!
• Encourage frequent hand washing and keeping hands away from mouth
• Wash toys and pacifiers frequently 
• Give seasonal acupuncture treatments to protect and enhance immunity

Common ailments and what to do

The Common Cold: often begins with sore throat, a clear runny nose, body aches and fatigue. Fever or chills may be associated, although not as common as with flu. Here’s how to keep the cold from causing secondary respiratory infections:

• Acupuncture, cupping, and Chinese food therapy for prevention and maintenance 
• Black elderberry syrup for a sore throat
• A washcloth in warm water with 5 drops peppermint essential oil for chills

Ear Infection: marked by continual pulling on earlobes, cranky behavior, congestion and a possible fever. What to do:

• Acupuncture
• Ear drops

The flu: marked by fatigue, fever of 103-105 degrees, achy back and legs, nasal congestion, loss of appetite, possible nausea and vomiting. What to do:

• Homepathic oscillococcinum at the first signs and symptoms
• Contact your child’s primary care physician to discuss the development of their symptoms and decide what plan of action is best for your child’s individual case.
• Keep your child hydrated
• Watch that fever! If the fever steadily rises or lasts for more than 3 days consider this serious and contact your physician.

What do all three of these have in common? They all tend to be viral in nature, meaning your child can skip a round of antibiotics this year.

To help know the difference, here’s a guide to distinguishing the signs and symptoms of bacteria and viruses. Remember, it’s best to err on the side of caution, so if you’re feeling unsure, seek the advice of your primary care physician. Bacteria  or Virus?

While some symptoms can overlap, these major signs and symptoms as a pattern will help you distinguish between the two.

Bacteria

• Thicker, yellow or green secretions
• Fever
• Coughing of mucous
• Swollen lymph nodes

Virus

• Muscle aches
• Runny nose
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Cough

Still not sure or have questions? Don’t ever feel too shy to call your doc. All this aside, a little TLC goes a long way. Wrap your little one in a cozy blanket, place a washcloth on their forehead to soothe a fever, and spoon up some yummy home-made chicken or vegetable soup.

Like to look at the research? Pediatrics study cites ear drops more effective than other common treatments

Christine M. Dionese L.Ac. specializes in integrative medicine, medical journalism and was the VP of marketing at WellWire LLC. Visit her wellness and lifestyle blog, Reaching Beyond Now.

Photo by aveoree.

I remember my first experience with acupuncture. I was living in South Korea, where the pollution was so bad you could see and taste it. I was taking extra medication to try and control my allergy symptoms. Just as I was about to throw in the towel and leave the country, a family member suggested acupuncture.

I walked into the nearest clinic where no one spoke English (my Korean was very poor). The doctor was surprised to see a foreigner but was very nice. He patted my arm and said “it’s okay!” He then felt my pulse, looked at my tongue, and gave me my first acupuncture treatment.

It was incredible! I still remember how much better I felt after that first treatment. I went back three times a week for four months. By the end of that treatment regime, I was off of all my allergy medications and I was feeling great.

I’ve been a firm believer in this medicine ever since, and started school at the Oregon College of Oriental Medicine two weeks after we arrived home. Today is a special day for me, it’s National Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine day!

Today we celebrate the movement that created healing clinics and centers in the United States, and the amazing practitioners who work around the world to help make changes in health care. I celebrate that we can choose what we want in terms of our own wellness, and take matters into our own hands by using preventative medicine.

Acupuncture, herbal medicine, naturopathic medicine, massage, reiki and all of the other wonderful techniques are treatments that do so much more than “fix us.” They heal us.

Photo by Shooting Nouns.

To celebrate, many clinics set up special rates on Saturday and other fun events. Check out the Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine site. Don’t forget to take a look at the Acupuncture Today article that lists schools around the country that are celebrating National AOM day in style. Try out herbal teas, sample acupuncture treatments, lectures, and other fun ways to learn about Chinese medicine.

If you are fortunate enough to live in Portland, Oregon (like me!), then get out there and take a look at the massive acupuncture needle in our beautiful, if not a slightly damp city!

See what you can find in your city at the sites listed above, or check out acufinder.com for more information. Happy Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine Day!

Amy Chitwood, L.Ac. is a graduate of the Oregon College of Oriental Medicine. She is nationally board certified in Chinese herbal medicine and manages the Portland Acupuncture Blog.

Photo by allspice1.

Imagine this: You are out enjoying a great evening with friends. Maybe you have a little local red wine, some lovely havarti or blue cheese, and now you’re sitting down to watch a show you’ve been looking forward to, even though the pyrotechnics seem very bright. A few minutes into the show, your vision starts to get a little blurry. Then a tingling sensation runs down your arm. Suddenly, you realize what’s happening: a migraine headache.

Ugh.

All you want to do now is find a dark, quiet space (as soon as possible, thank you very much) to crawl into and lie down for a few hours. Or maybe a few days, depending on how long this one decides to last.

The ability to function normally is not even a possibility at this point. While some migraine sufferers find relief with intense pain medications (including anti-seizure medications), there are some serious side effects including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and muscle cramping. Here is a list of drugs and possible side effects from the Mayo Clinic.

Are you having migraine headaches? Read on and find out how to determine if your headache is a migraine and to find out more about prevention.

Typically, migraine headaches present as:

• One sided headache (unilateral)
• Throbbing (pounding, painful)
• Auras- these can be a vision disturbances (such as blurriness), flashes  of light, or tingling sensation in the limbs
  

Triggers for migraine headaches:

• Aged cheeses including blue, cheddar, anything that isn’t fresh. Fresh mozzarella and feta are alternative options.
• Wine. Sorry wine-lovers butt he tannins in wine- especially red wine- are known to induce migraines. Try a delicious grape juice instead!
• Bright lights. Especially those pesky florescent lights that seem to be in a lot of office buildings 
• Menstrual cycles. Women may experience headaches during their menstrual cycles due to changes in the hormone levels

Managing migraine headaches with acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine is simple. See your practitioner before you have a migraine. The idea is to prevent the headache from coming on at all. If you do feel a migraine coming on, please don’t hesitate to call for a treatment.

By using acupuncture for weekly treatments, you can lengthen the time between migraine attacks, lessen the duration of the headache, and eventually have none at all.

How to prevent future migraines:

• Drink plenty of water 
• Avoid the wine, but also try to avoid dairy and gluten products
• Read the research! Educate yourself and check out this site to read about studies that prove positive outcomes for patients suffering from migraine and tension headaches.
• Exercise, but go slowly at first if you aren’t a regular exercise guru.

Amy Chitwood, L.Ac. is a graduate of the Oregon College of Oriental Medicine. She is nationally board certified in Chinese herbal medicine and manages the Portland Acupuncture Blog.

Photo by Zé Eduardo.

The heat waves have passed throughout most of the Northwest, and the winds have started to pick up a little. The cooler nights already have me missing those long days of warm sunlight: summer is almost over! But don’t mourn the radiant ball of light and heat getting farther away. Enjoy the bounty of harvest that Late Summer has to offer:

• Shop local. Check out your local farmers markets for an abundance of fresh and organic produce. Choose from a variety of colors and flavors to make your meals a rainbow of colors! Grill skewers of tomatoes, zucchinis, onions and fingerling potatoes for some end-of-Summer barbecuing.

• Take a walk. Notice the subtle changes that late summer brings to the earth and recognize that the bright and active “Yang” part of the year is passing into a quieter and slightly darker “Yin” part of the year. Seasonal change should bring about remembrance of summer activities and memories, and invite us to look ahead to what the next season will bring.

This season represents the element of Earth, the organs of the stomach and spleen, and focuses on the digestive function of the body. For a more detailed explanation of the traditional Chinese medicine theory behind this short season, read the TCM World Foundation’s article.

In the meantime, check out these Portland-based bloggers for more information about acupuncture and preparing for a beautiful fall season!

• Northwest Natural Medicine’s Blog has a great post about swine flu that includes what it really is and how to keep healthy. It’s a great time to keep on top of this now that kids are back in school!
• Over at Tensegrity Health, Kim Knight, LAc wrote an interesting post called “5 myths about Acupuncture.” If you really want to try acupuncture out, but are having some hesitation due to questions like (“Does it hurt? Does it work?”), then read the post to find out the truth about our medicine.
• Dr. Igor Schwartzman of Whole Family Wellness Center wrote an article about the benefits a of ginger root for WellWire. This herb is used to soothe the stomach, which makes his recipe for ginger tea a great idea right now!

Warming Ginger Tea:

Cut 10-12 thin slices from a fresh ginger root and place in 2 cups of water and boil for 10 minutes. Strain and drink from your favorite cup. Additionally, you can add 1 tablespoon of honey and 1 teaspoon of fresh lemon for extra flavor and have it after your dinner on cool night.

Photo by denisemattox.

You already know that beauty is more than skin-deep. Skin health and appearance depend on much more than what fancy lotions, latest “age-defying” cream or organic make-up you might be using.

Beauty begins on the inside…with the gut and nutrition!

Think of your gastrointestinal lining as the skin inside your body. The health of this gut lining can improve the health of the rest of your body and especially your outside skin. There are many similarities: the gut lining replaces itself often, its irritations and inflammations show up on the skin, and nourishing blood flows just under the surface. What is happening on your skin is reflection of what is happening in your gut. A happy gut equals more radiant skin.

You are what you eat.

Many skin problems can be improved with smart nutrition and identifying and eliminating food sensitivities and allergies. Water and essential fatty acids are internal lotions, making skin soft and supple. Nutritious whole foods provide important anti-oxidants, vitamins and minerals for the frequent renewal of healthy skin cells.

Get the glow!

Move water and nutrition to the skin surface through getting the glow going. Anything that brings a light sweat to the skin means that the skin is being nourished and the toxins are being removed. The glow can be through walking, yoga, bouncing and even sex. Any movement that brings a light sweat counts.

Smile from the inside.

Learn to manage your reaction to stress. Stress affects the health of your skin. We’ve all noticed cold sores, acne or blemishes popping up when we are under stress. Acupuncture, meditation and sleep can all help us lessen the effects of stress on our skin.

When we start to work on the inside, we not only feel better but also look better!

Dr. Gibran Ramos completed his six year training and internship in Naturopathic and Chinese Medicine at National College of Natural Medicine. Dr. Ramos helps patients transform their lives and optimize their well-being at a private practice in Portland, Oregon.