Hydration Information...How Safe is Your Water and It's Containers

Water, water everywhere…but what’s it in?

In order to achieve and maintain good health we need to consume enough water everyday. More and more, people are toting water with them during their daily trips to work, the store, sporting events, and gyms, and this is a good thing. But a study suggests that reusable water bottles may be bad for our health.

A study published by Dr. Patricia Hunt in the April edition of Current Biology, suggests that exposure to bisphenol A (BPA) can cause chromosomal abnormality. Most plastic reusable bottles are manufactured with BPA. Over time, BPA can leach into the water and eventually harm our health.

Experts disagree. The American Plastics Council, along with other plastic manufacturers, dispute the findings, saying that the study has not been validated or standardized. As it stands, the information on BPA is far from definitive.

What is known is that overtime, all plastics will break down, and through this process, they have the potential to leach chemicals into the water. As a precaution here are a few suggestions:

• When at the office, use a ceramic, stainless steel or glass cup, instead of plastic.

• Do not microwave anything in plastic.

• When transporting water, use a glass, stainless steel or ceramic container.

• If you do use plastic, make sure that is is either:  #2 high-density polyethylene  

(HDPE), #4 low-density polyethylene (LDPE), and #5 polypropylene (PP). These plastics are not known to leach chemicals into water.

• Avoid #3 polyvinyl chloride (PVC), #6 polystyrene (PS), and according to Hunt's study, #7 polycarbonate. Plastic bottles made from #1 polyethylene terephthalate (PET or PETE) are for single, not multiple use.

• When storing, keep it out of sunlight and away from heat.

If that isn’t enough, reusing water bottles could present another type of health problem–bacteria build up. Even though you may wash your water bottle well, bacteria can still gather and grow in cracks, scratches, and in hard-to-reach places, especially in bottles that have narrower necks.

Not only is it important to use a certain type of plastic bottle, or a different type of bottle all together, you should also pay attention to the cleanliness and sanitization of your bottle. Don’t go too long without sanitizing it.

Are you sure you are putting the right things into your body? Let's schedule a no-cost consultation, and see!

Kathy E Thomas

Lake Premier Wellness Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine

2430 South Bay Street, Eustis, FL 32726

352-323-0795

Depression and TCM...a different perspective

Depression is a mood disorder characterized by a persistent feeling of sadness and a loss of interest in regular activities. It affects how you think, feel and behave, making it difficult to get through day-to-day activities. It's not something you can simply 'snap out of' and may require treatment.

Symptoms may include:

Feelings of sadness, unhappiness, emptiness, irritability, agitation, anxiety
Lack of energy and vitality
Angry outbursts
Excessive worrying
Sleep disturbances, whether difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep or sleeping too much
Appetite changes, increased or decreased
Trouble concentrating, thinking and making decisions
Focusing on past failures
Poor memory
Suicidal thoughts
Excessive feelings of guilt and worthlessness
Loss of interest or enjoyment in normal activities
Slowed/sluggish thoughts, speech or movement.

Traditional Chinese Medicine offers a number of approaches in managing depression. Treatments are created to:

Calm and settle the mind/spirit
Reduce anxiety, irritability and restlessness
Clear thoughts
Restore healthy sleep patterns
Improve energy and a general sense of vitality
Lift the mood and general feelings of sadness.

In some cases, Traditional Chinese Medicine protocols are used in conjunction with other types of treatment plans.

Herbal Formulas

Herbal formulas are prepared using a combination of several herbs. Powdered shells and minerals are commonly used to relieve depression and to calm and relieve anxiety, irritability, agitation, restore normal sleep patterns, improve concentration and forgetfulness. These include:

HERBS

Suan zao ren (sour jujube seed)
Fu Ling (Poria mushroom)
He huan pi (Mimosa tree bark or 'collective happiness bark')

SHELLS

Mu li (oyster shell)
Zhen zhu mu (mother of pearl)

MINERALS

Hu po (amber)
Dai zhe shi (hematite)

The above calming herbs, shells and minerals are divided into two categories:

Substances that anchor, settle and calm the spirit: these substances have a tranquilizing effect and are primarily used in cases of extreme agitation and anger.
Herbs that nourish the heart and calm the spirit: these herbs are milder in character than the previous category and help to counter general feelings of sadness.

In preparing herbal prescriptions, herbs may also be added to address other accompanying health issues in order to achieve an optimal feeling of well-being. For example, if depression is accompanied by digestive problems or body aches, then a formula would be prepared to address these issues simultaneously.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture is also administered alongside herbal remedies to address the symptoms of depression. Thin needles are inserted at acupuncture points selected from more than 1,000 points on the body and gently stimulated. Primary points used are:

Sishencong: improves memory, mental function, concentration
Ear Shen Men: notably calms agitation and irritability
Yin Tang: especially enhances focus, concentration, memory and insomnia.

Lifestyle Recommendations

Eat healthy, get regular exercise and sleep.
Learn ways to relax and manage stress. Incorporate daily practices that calm and nurture the spirit, such as prayer, meditation and other relaxing practices.
Counselling, psychotherapy, support groups are sometimes necessary.
Avoid isolating yourself as much as possible. Try to participate in social activities, and get together with family or friends regularly.
Avoid alcohol.


I am happy to meet with you or a loved one for a free consultation to see how TCM can best work for you.

Kathy E Thomas
Lake Premier Wellness Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine
2430 South Bay Street, Eustis, FL 32726
352-323-0795

Does Winter make you S.A.D.?

How to End Seasonal Affective Disorder and Start Loving Winter

Many people feel down as winter approaches. It's dark. It's cold. The holidays can be stressful.

But for some people every winter is unbearable. They're tired and depressed. They don't want to get out of bed. They snap at their families and binge on junk food.

These people have seasonal affective disorder (SAD). Our moods and energy levels fluctuate with the seasons. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) understands these cycles but modern life does not. These days, you are expected to be active, productive and creative at all times of the year. There is no accommodation for a slow, quiet winter.

According to TCM, this conflict causes stress, which can result in SAD. What is Seasonal Affective Disorder? Seasonal affective disorder is a type of depression that people experience at the same time every year. Most often, symptoms start in September or October and are relieved in April or May, however some people experience SAD at different times of year. The symptoms include:

• Irritability

• Headaches

• Extreme fatigue, lethargy and sleepiness

• Increased appetite

• Carbohydrate cravings

• Lack of concentration

• Decreased libido

No one knows exactly what causes SAD but most of the theories involve light. Serotonin, a neurotransmitter that affects mood, is triggered by light. Some people believe that decreased serotonin is the culprit. Others blame melatonin, a hormone that affects sleep and mood, because it is affected by darkness. In either case, light plays a role.

Western Medicine Treatments for Seasonal Affective Disorder

Western medicine treats SAD with medications, psychotherapy and light therapy.

There are 2 types of light therapy. For bright light treatment, you sit in front of a light box for 30-45 minutes every day. For dawn simulation treatment, a dim light comes on while you sleep and gradually gets lighter.

Many people find light therapy very effective, and a recent Canadian study confirms this. Scientists found that light therapy was just as effective as Prozac for alleviating SAD, with fewer side effects and faster results.

Traditional Chinese Medicine Treatments for SAD

TCM takes a holistic view of the body and seasonal cycles, and understands the energy behind them. All life is made of qi, or life force. One of the principles of qi is that everything is made of yin and yang. Yin is the feminine side, nourishing, cold and dark. Yang is the masculine side, active, warm and light.

Autumn marks the beginning of the yin cycle of the year. Daylight decreases, temperatures drop and nature takes a rest. Just as animals slow down and hibernate, our bodies slow down. It is a time for reflection and quiet activity.

If your constitution is particularly yin, from gender, genetics, environment or lifestyle, the yin cycle may hit you hard. Contemplation and rest may become isolation and depression. Your winter cycle becomes seasonal affective disorder.

The holidays put an additional stress on your system. At a time when your body wants to slow down, holiday activities speed up. Parties, shopping, travel and holiday celebrations create tension between what your body needs and what you're doing. This stress depletes your body even more, contributing to exhaustion and cravings for carbohydrates to replenish your depleted energy.

To stay balanced in the winter and ward off SAD, conserve your energy. Practice quiet, yin activities like restorative yoga, Tai Chi, qigong, walking or journaling. Eat warm, slow-cooked stews and soups. Add yang spices like garlic, ginger, black pepper, cloves and basil to your foods. Limit cold drinks and raw vegetables. Rebuild your energy to prepare for spring.

Most importantly, make an appointment with me for a seasonal acupuncture treatment. By balancing your qi, your seasonal affective disorder symptoms can be relieved.

Winter doesn't have to be a time of sadness, exhaustion and binge eating. Call me to discuss your treatment options today.

Kathy E Thomas

Lake Premier Wellness Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine

2430 South Bay Street, Eustis, FL 32726

352-323-0795

PMS is not just "part of being a woman"

Acupuncture, Herbal Medicine, and PMS

Are you one of the estimated 85% of menstruating women who suffer from at least one symptom of Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) in the week or two prior to your period? PMS can be mild or manifest itself in the form of severe Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD). Whether your symptoms are a minor bother or have a large impact on your life, acupuncture treatments can provide relief.

Common symptoms of PMS include:

• tender, swollen breasts
• fatigue or insomnia
• acne
• headaches
• back pain
• cravings, or other changes in appetite
• joint or muscle pain
• cramps
• depression or anxiety
• bloating, constipation, or diarrhea
• mood swings or crying spells
• irritability, anger, or tension

While all of the causes of PMS have not yet been identified, the main factors include the changes in hormones during your cycle, and possible alterations in brain chemistry. Vitamin and mineral deficiencies, high salt consumption, alcohol and caffeine use, and other lifestyle factors are thought to worsen symptoms. There is no need to allow PMS to get in the way of your daily activities.

A study published in the Archives of Gynecology and Obstetrics reported that the success rate for treating PMS symptoms with acupuncture was 77.8%, as compared to 5.9% in the placebo group. Some of the women no longer had PMS after 2 acupuncture treatments, depending on the severity of their condition, and compliance with the treatment plan. The researchers concluded that "the positive influence of acupuncture in treating PMS...can be ascribed to its effects on the serotoninergic and opiodergic neurotransmission that modulates various psychosomatic functions".

From a traditional Chinese medical perspective, acupuncture is thought to stabilize hormone levels. In addition, treatments help to encourage relaxation, which harmonizes the physical, emotional, and spiritual aspects of a person. By encouraging the body's natural healing mechanisms, balance is achieved, thus alleviating symptoms. Painless menstruation requires proper circulation. Stimulating certain acupuncture points will restore this circulation and ease pressure.

In addition to acupuncture, we will look at the ROOT CAUSE of PMS and examine your lifestyle. Chinese herbal formulas, dietary changes, nutritional supplementation, exercise, and stress reduction techniques will be recommended. For example, many acupuncturists will tell patients to avoid or strictly limit caffeine, alcohol, and sugar in the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle, when PMS occurs.

Unlike medications prescribed to control PMS, such as NSAIDs, acupuncture does not pose a threat of side effects. It is a relatively painless and completely natural way to relieve your discomfort. 

I am always available to consult with you or a loved one or friend to discuss how we can get your painful or erratic cycle under control, and get you back to optimal health and well-being.

Kathy E Thomas

Lake Premier Wellness Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine

2430 South Bay Street, Eustis, FL 32726

352-323-0795

The Season of the Kidney

You're Getting Sleepy...

During the winter, it is natural to feel a little sleepier, slower, and possibly less motivated. It is the season of stillness and conservation. It's a period of hibernation and our time to rest, slow down, and revitalize our reserves. Winter is a great time of year to reflect on our health, replenish our energy, conserve our strength, and heal on a deeper level.

According to the traditional theories of the 5 elements, water is the element that is associated with winter and with the Kidneys, Bladder, and Adrenal Glands. Our Kidneys are extremely important organs that have various functions- the main one being that they store our inherited constitution. Consider it your body's internal battery.

According to Chinese Medicine, our internal Kidney batteries are powered up with a supply of energy that will carry and sustain each of us throughout our lives. This power supply is imparted to us from our parents, and provides us with the energy for all of our bodily functions.

It is believed that every action we take depletes energy from this power supply. Some people quickly deplete their reserves; others preserve it. The Kidneys' store of energy is finite, so if not protected, it will be easily wasted and eventually, when it becomes depleted, various symptoms and signs of disease may appear.

During the winter, it is important to conserve our battery reserves. Our bodies are instinctively expressing the fundamental principles of winter- rest, reflection, conservation, and storage. The "downtime" that winter provides gives us an opportunity to slow down, check in, take account as to how our lifestyle supports or detracts from our health, and to recharge our battery.

As for getting some exercise, it is always healthy to get some form daily, but during the winter months it is best to participate in gentler exercise, such as yoga, Tai Chi, Pilates, swimming, walking, and other low impact sports. Save the extreme exertion for the spring and summer months.

Onion and Mustard Sauce

This is a warming sauce suitable for pouring over steamed vegetables and a simple grain.

2 onions, chopped

4 Tbs olive oil

2 1/2  Tbs spelt flour

2 cups vegetable stock

1 1/2 tsp tarragon

3 tsp mustard

Saute onions and olive oil until onions are soft and sweet. Stir in flour with the stock until dissolved. Add mustard and tarragon to onion mixture. Cook, stirring occasionally until sauce has thickened.

The "Skinny" on Thanksgiving Dinner

The Best (and Worst) Thanksgiving Foods

Thanksgiving is a great meal. Friends and family come together to give thanks and celebrate the harvest season…and to overeat.

All of us know the feeling of eating too much, too heavy, too rich. When we should be enjoying our time with loved ones, we are uncomfortable. We exacerbate our health conditions and catch a cold. We put on weight and feel lethargic.

I’m not going to tell you to make dramatic changes to your Thanksgiving meal. Usually that does not work—and besides, it’s no fun.

Instead I suggest you just make small choices. Pick one food instead of the other. Make little positive choices and they’ll add up to a healthier, more enjoyable meal.

The Best and Worst Thanksgiving Foods

Before we begin, let’s set some ground rules.

Obviously, everyone uses different recipes and buys different products. Nutritional value of Thanksgiving foods can vary widely. And everyone has different health concerns—from watching calories, to cutting cholesterol to boosting their immune system.

The “Best and Worst Thanksgiving Foods” list is intended as a general guideline. Consider the overall nutritional value of each food—calories, fats, nutrients and additives. Which food moves you closest to your health goals?

Dark Meat vs. White Meat

This is the classic Thanksgiving debate. But for health, white meat has the advantage. For each 3oz serving, white meat has 50 fewer calories and 4g less fat than dark. And at Thanksgiving, you’re bound to eat more than 3oz.

The best: White meat. Enjoy your turkey but pass on the dark meat.

Sweet Potatoes vs. Mashed Potatoes

Generally potatoes are a healthy food. I especially recommend sweet potatoes for fall and winter diets. But when you add Thanksgiving condiments to potatoes, they lose their nutritional standing. Gravy or butter makes mashed potatoes full of fat. And adding sugar or marshmallows to sweet potatoes makes them closer to dessert than a vegetable.

The best: Savory sweet potatoes. Bake diced sweet potatoes with a tiny bit of olive oil, garlic and rosemary for a delicious and nutritious side dish.

Clearly the worst: Mashed potatoes swimming in butter or gravy.

Homemade Gravy vs. Canned Gravy

Gravy is delicious—but bad for your health. Basically, gravy is fat.

One quarter cup of homemade gravy has 18g fat, most of which is saturated, and contains virtually no nutrients. On the other hand, canned gravy has less fat but it’s high in salts, sugar and preservatives.

The best: Both are equally bad. The best choice is to eat very small amounts (or none).

Brussel Sprouts vs. Collard Greens

This one is a trick question—they are both good. Skip the recipes with bacon fat; steam these up and fill your plate. They are good for you and they fill you up so you don’t overeat other foods.

The best: Tie for first place.

Homemade Cranberry Sauce vs. Canned Cranberry Sauce

Cranberries are healthy and full of phytochemicals, which help protect against urinary tract infections, inflammation and cancer. Unfortunately, cranberry sauce is a different matter. Canned cranberry sauce can have high fructose corn syrup. You can leave the corn syrup out of homemade sauce, but many recipes call for lots of sugar.

The best: Homemade cranberry sauce.

Bonus choices: Reduce the sugar in the recipe or skip the cranberry sauce altogether and save your sugar for dessert.

Beer vs. Wine

The beer vs. wine debate is hotly contested, with each side claiming victory. Generally a serving of wine has fewer calories than beer and in some studies it is linked to cardiovascular health and lower cholesterol. On the other hand, a serving of beer generally has more nutrients and less alcohol than wine.

The best: You pick based on your health concerns. Are you watching calories or alcohol intake? In both cases, moderation is best.

Apple Pie vs. Pumpkin Pie

Both apples and pumpkins are a healthy start, but they take a turn when they become pie. Pies have a lot of fat in the crust and sugar in the filling.

Which is healthier? Pumpkin pie weighs in with 95 fewer calories and 5g less fat than apple pie, mainly because it has only one crust and is topped with a small dollop of whipped cream instead of a large scoop of ice cream.

The best: Pumpkin pie. Bonus if you pass on the whipped cream.

Whipped Cream vs. Ice Cream

This is a tough comparison because there is a wide range of products in each category. From Cool Whip to homemade whipped cream, from “frozen dairy dessert” (read the label of cheap ice creams and you’ll see this description) to real ice cream—there is a wide range of ingredients.

Obviously, both have fats and sugars. But one big difference between the two is how they are served. Generally a scoop of ice cream on a piece of pie can be at least half a cup, while a dollop of whipped cream is closer to two tablespoons. A serving of whipped cream is simply smaller than a serving of ice cream.

In both cases, check the ingredient labels for pure natural ingredients. Homemade gives you more control of the ingredients but choose your recipes wisely. Whipping cream has less fat than heavy cream, but it’s the high fat content in the recipes that make it “good.”

The best: Whipping cream. Bonus if you stick to two tablespoons.

Happy Thanksgiving

Best wishes for a fun Thanksgiving feast. May you and your loved ones have safe travels and good times.

Kathy E Thomas

Lake Premier Wellness Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine

2430 South Bay Street, Eustis, FL 32726

352-323-0795

Why Should I Use Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine?

Top Reasons to Try Acupuncture

 Acupuncturists view each person holistically and individually

No two people are alike. Every cell in that person's body is interconnected to others and is functioning as part of an integrated whole. In other words, acupuncture treats the whole person, not just parts and pieces. The root causes of a symptom that two people are experiencing may be completely different. During the initial exam, a full health history is taken. Questions are asked regarding overall health and symptoms, lifestyle choices, exercise, nutrition, career paths, and other life factors. All aspects of the patient are considered when putting together an effective treatment plan.

 Acupuncture helps to re-awaken and energize the self-healing capacity of the body

An acupuncturist treats more than symptoms and signs. Acupuncture activates the body’s natural healing potential by treating the root causes that have led to the problem or disease. Research shows that acupuncture triggers the body’s own mechanisms for manufacturing and releasing its own pain relieving chemicals. These chemicals are endorphins and dopamines, opioid-like compounds that produce the feeling of well-being and reduce pain. The body knows the exact dose that is needed at the right time. It is like a perfect pharmacy that can produce any “medication” needed for healing without any unwanted side effects!

 Acupuncture is an effective preventative medicine with no negative side-effects, only positive ones

Acupuncture is a completely natural therapy and works directly with the body's natural processes, not against them. No drugs are ever used. Invasive procedures and drug therapies used in Western treatment may produce undesirable side effects and accumulated toxicity in the body. Acupuncture does not have these side effects. In fact, feeling great is the most commonly reported result.

 Acupuncture helps to support and strengthen the immune system

The immune system works throughout our body to prevent and fight illnesses. Our digestive tract, skin, and lymphatic system are three important parts of the immune system. The immune system can be weakened at times by disease and/or certain treatments and medications. Lifestyle contributors such as poor diet, stress, and poor self care can also negatively impact the immune system. The goal of acupuncture is to find and treat the underlying imbalances that are affecting our vital energy, and the immune system by addressing the root causes. Acupuncture can help you regain balance and improve your overall health.

 Acupuncture effectively assists with recovery from drug, alcohol and smoking addictions

With the help of acupuncture, recovery from drug, alcohol and smoking addictions can be made easier. Stress, anxiety and depression are some of the largest stumbling blocks in quitting addictive habits and behaviors. Acupuncture is successful at calming and relaxing the mind, reducing anxiety and alleviating depressive feelings.

 Acupuncture is recognized by well-known and leading national and international health organizations

The National Institutes of Health and the World Health Organization are among those organizations who recognize that acupuncture is effective in the treatment of over 50 western medical diseases, disorders and symptoms including pain, infertility, allergies, depression/anxiety, migraines, digestive issues, arthritis, fibromyalgia and more.

 Acupuncture is safe and painless

When practiced by a qualified practitioner, acupuncture is safe. In 1996, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) classified acupuncture needles as medical instruments, assuring their safety and effectiveness. The needles are one-time use only and are sterile and do not carry any risk of infection. Acupuncture needles are about ten times smaller in size than an average hypodermic needle, approximately the size of a cat’s whisker, and they are very flexible. They don’t hurt in the way that hypodermic needles do, however a slight sensation may be experienced as the acupuncture needle is inserted.

 Acupuncture is an affordable alternative

Compared to some expensive Western medical therapies, treatments and medications, acupuncture is affordable and effective and it may help you avoid further medical expenses and complications down the road when it is used as a primary treatment plan or an adjunct therapy. Acupuncture can also help you make lifestyle changes and prevent future illness.

 Acupuncture works!

Acupuncture has been used to successfully treat millions of people over the past 3,000 years. It is an effective form of medical treatment that has evolved into a complete holistic health care system. Practitioners of acupuncture and Chinese medicine have used this noninvasive treatment to help many become well and stay well. As the old adage goes, “there is nothing to fear, but fear itself”! Acupuncture works; and this safe, natural, drug-free way of whole body healing is worth a try!