Eliminating Endometriosis and Other Women's Health Issues with TCM

Acupuncture and Endometriosis

Endometriosis is a disease in which endometrial cells grow outside the uterine cavity, usually on the abdominal cavity. Normally, the cells remain isolated to the uterine cavity, where hormones influence their growth and behavior. Women who suffer from endometriosis, however, experience endometrial cellular growth outside the uterus, resulting back pain, abdominal pain, premenstrual spotting, urinary pain, vomiting and other related symptoms.

According to a study published in the U.S. National Library of Medicine (NLM), endometriosis affects 6-10% of the general female population. This same study indicates the rates of endometriosis are higher in women who experience pelvic pain and/or infertility, with the disease occurring in 35-50% of women (source).

There are three basic classifications of endometriosis:

1. Mild endometriosis: characterized by the formation of small patches of endometrial tissue growing outside the uterine cavity.
2. Moderate endometriosis: involves larger and more prominent growths of endometrial tissue.
3. Severe endometriosis: involves the formation of fibrous scar tissue binding together the pelvic organs.

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), including acupuncture, is often used to treat cased of mild, moderate and even severe endometriosis. According to TCM, endometrial lesions are categorized as static blood (blood that is stagnant is not moving throughout the body). This makes sense considering the disease involves abnormal cellular growth in areas where it shouldn't be. The presence of static blood encourages the formation of disease, and there's some belief that it increases the risk of certain types of cancer as well.

TCM states that blood must flow freely and unrestricted throughout the body to maintain good health. When a person experienced poor circulation, he or she is more susceptible to disease and illness. So, how can acupuncture help to restore the body's blood flow and treat endometriosis?

We offer a more direct approach to treating endometriosis, including the use of herbal medicine, cupping, acupuncture, aromatherapy, and food/lifestyle changes, all of which are designed to restore the body and mind back to its healthy state. 

Acupuncture involves the placement of thin needles in various parts of the body (known as acupuncture points). The underlying principle behind this centuries-old form of TCM is that it restores the body's flow of energy (Qi); thus, correcting imbalances while promoting a healthy circulatory system. Acupuncture corrects Qi blockages, restores the body's life force, and stimulates the self-healing mechanism, all of which prove useful in the treatment of endometriosis.

Here are some other tips for dealing with endometriosis:

• Relax... stress is known to irritate and worsen conditions such as endometriosis.
• Perform deep-breathing exercises and/or meditation.
• Strive for a minimum of seven hours of sleep per night.
• Place a heating pad on you abdomen to relieve endometriosis-related pain.
• Increase your intake of omega 3 and 6 fatty acids.
• Cut back on refined sugars and processed foods.

Give me a call today to learn how you can get back on track to better health!

Kathy E Thomas

Lake Premier Wellness Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine

2430 South Bay Street, Eustis, FL 32726

All Stressed Out...7 Stress Reducers for Optimal Health

Remember from our last blog how STRESS is a big cause of disease-causing INFLAMMATION?!...here are ways to combat it.

Stress isn't necessarily negative. In fact, it can be motivating and act as a natural alarm system. However, when the automatic "fight or flight" response doesn't switch off in everyday situations or stress becomes chronic, it has a detrimental effect on the mind, body, and spirit. Long-term stress can cause disease or worsen conditions you already have. Controlling stress will enhance your sense of well-being, improve your health, allow you to cultivate happiness and contentment, and help you live longer. If you're feeling stress or anxiety, don't reach for pharmaceutical interventions just yet. Consider these natural ways to remain calm, cool, and collected:

1. ACUPUNCTURE! After an acupuncture session, you'll notice that you feel more relaxed. The treatment repairs imbalances, allowing neurotransmitters, endorphins, hormones, and blood and nutrients flow freely. A Huffington Post article cited a study published in the Journal of Endocrinology that discovered stress hormones were lower in rats that had received acupuncture. Benefits have been reported almost immediately even in acute cases of stress, such as pre-operative anxiety.

2. Keep a Journal: When you feel stressed, identify the cause and write it down. You'll gain insight into your triggers and potentially learn ways to avoid them or alter your thinking when faced with a stressful situation.

3. Prioritize: You are allowed to say NO! When you have a jam-packed schedule, don't take on more than you can handle. Prioritize your tasks and responsibilities. If necessary, schedule downtime just as you would schedule a meeting.

4. Stop Tossing and Turning: Getting 7 to 8 hours of sleep allows you to reset. While stress can often disrupt your sleep schedule and leave you lying in bed awake at night, there are ways to overcome insomnia. (Including Acupuncture, of course!) Turn off your television and computer, engage in a relaxing activity about an hour before turning in, go to sleep and wake up at the same time each day, and only use your bedroom for sleep and romantic time with your significant other.

5. Ask for Help: A combination of acupuncture and talk therapy is effective in reducing anxiety and handling stress. If you're feeling overwhelmed, seek professional help. A support system (including friends and family) can go a long way. {Please contact me for referrals}

6. Exercise: Whether it's a vigorous run or a yoga class, any form of exercise will release endorphins, improve your mood, and take your mind off of your worries. Your body will thank you.

7. Meditate: Slow down your racing mind and tap into your inner peace with daily meditation. Even when it's for just a few minutes, find a quiet place and practice deep belly breathing. When thoughts inevitably surface, acknowledge them and then let them go. Try a variety of forms of meditation, such as a guided meditation, mindfulness meditation, mantra meditation, and transcendental meditation, until you find the one that works for you. Trouble sitting still? Moving meditation, like qi-gong, yoga, and tai chi are effective as well.

Call me today to find out how we can put together an anti-stress and anxiety plan for you or someone you care about.

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

Alzheimer's, Fibromyalgia, Arthritis, Diabetes, Heart Disease, Obesity, IBS, and MORE...What Does Inflammation Have To With It?

Inflammation is the life-saving component of your immune system that helps fend off bacteria, viruses, fungi, and other microbial invaders. Without inflammation we would be sitting ducks in a very hostile world, with no way to repair the damage constantly inflicted on us.

f you hit your thumb with a hammer, the resulting swelling and inflammation is obvious, painful, and short lived. Your immune system sends white blood cells and other hormone-like substances to help start the healing process. Inflammation here serves a healthy purpose.

"Inflammation is your body's response to stress -- whether from your diet, lifestyle or environment," says a 2006 article by Body Ecology. "Think of what happens when you catch a cold. You may experience inflammation in the form of a fever as your body heats up to eradicate the effects of the invading virus."

Inflammation goes chronic when there is a persistent stimulus. The stimulus might come from an army of free radicals launched every day when we eat foods made with processed (hydrogenated) vegetable oils – French fries, fried food, non-fat dried milk, powdered coffee creamer, most salad dressings, crackers, cookies, chips, and other processed and convenience foods. The stimulus might be an allergy to wheat (gluten) which inflames the gut. Or a low-grade, lingering infection. Or a growing load of heavy metals, pesticides, and chemicals. There is a lot of opportunity in today's contaminated, junk food-filled world for a combination of factors to constantly irritate the body's normal functions.

Chronic inflammation falls below the threshold of perceived pain. You don't think you feel sick, but a fire is quietly smoldering within you, upsetting the delicate balance among all of the major systems: endocrine, central nervous, digestive, and cardiovascular/respiratory. In a healthy body, these systems communicate with each another. With chronic inflammation, that communication becomes distorted.

Chronic inflammation feeds a smorgasbord of chronic diseases. If you don't have a chronic disease yourself, you know someone who does. An estimated 80 percent of visits to doctor's offices are for issues

CHRONIC DISEASE • Persistent or recurring disease, usually affecting a person for three months or longer • Generally triggered by diet and environmental contaminants • Standard medicine believes such diseases can be managed but rarely cured • Includes allergies, Alzheimer's, arthritis, asthma, cancer, COPD, Crohn's, chronic fatigue, cystic fibrosis, diabetes, emphysema, fibromyalgia, Gulf War Syndrome, heart disease and stroke, high blood pressure, Lyme, lupus, multiple sclerosis, obesity, osteoporosis, depression, anxiety, PTSD, and more

relating to chronic disease. The CDC tells us 7 of every 10 Americans die of a chronic disease.

Persistent, systemic inflammation is at the root of practically all known chronic health conditions, including everything from rheumatoid arthritis and high cholesterol to dementia and cancer. These conditions are not necessarily inevitable, and neither is chronic inflammation, but you have to know what lifestyle and dietary steps to take in order to avoid them, many of which are fairly simple and straightforward....

Transition away from inflammatory foods like sugar, refined carbs (pasta, chips, crackers, cookies...), and store-bought milk.

Drink plenty of clean, fluoride-free water - Pure, mineral-rich water is the most basic, yet one of the most powerful, anti-inflammatory nutrient that you can feed your body. Drinking naturally high-pH water from mineral sources will not only help to alkalize your body, which will prevent diseases from taking hold, but will also purify your blood and cleanse toxins from the body.

Eat plenty of fermented foods - Kombucha tea, kefir, sauerkraut, yogurt, fermented vegetables, and apple cider vinegar are all excellent examples of probiotic-rich superfoods that will help to populate your gut with beneficial bacteria, and ensure that your digestive tract remains healthy and well-functioning. Fermented foods and beverages also help prevent harmful pathogens from taking hold within the body. 

Cut out the carbs and omega-6 oils, and eat plenty of healthy, saturated fats - The average American doctor would probably cringe at this advice, but saturated fats like those found in butter and fat from grass-fed animals, as well as in coconut and palm oils, are actually beneficial for your health, while carbohydrates and oils rich in omega-6 fatty acids are heavy promoters of disease-causing inflammation. Your best bet is to skip the low-fat diet and start eating more healthy fats in combination with mineral and enzyme-rich whole foods.

Get plenty of natural sunlight exposure - The vitamin D hormone plays a critical role in regulating immune function, as well as preventing the onset of chronic illness. A powerful, natural anti-inflammatory, vitamin D is easily accessible through natural sunlight exposure or supplementation, and it is one of the most powerful interventions for deterring inflammation.


Want to make sure you are eating right for your body? Call me to schedule your No-Cost consultation now!

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

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