Acupuncture for Weight Loss

It’s here!  It is finally here! The New Year, with all its promise of renewal and change, is here! The beginning of a new year is indeed a time of change, a time of reflection, and a time of…resolutions! Many of us feel inspired at this time of the year to make significant personal resolutions. Sadly, most New Year’s resolutions don’t even make it to February! I wonder why, but I read once that change only comes once the discomfort from not changing starts to hurt more than the fear of change itself.

Can you guess what the most common New Year resolution is? If you said weight loss, pat yourself on the back, you got it! Weight loss tends to be such a complex and prevalent issue in our society that it is everywhere. It is on TV, in books, in magazines, on the shelves of our supermarkets, you name it. And yet, we are the heaviest country in the world. If you feel that something just doesn’t add up, well, we feel the same way!

We see the beginning of a new year as a clean slate, an opportunity to start over and do things differently from the previous year. Yet we frequently forget the promises we made to ourselves in order to get through the day, conveniently ignoring the big picture. When you decide to be healthier this year and lose the holiday pounds, I invite you to reflect on the previous year.  The last time this was your goal, which surely it was… what got you off track?  Where did things get stuck?

For many it is not enough to plan to eat well and exercise regularly. That’s when we need to look at the piles and boxes of stuff we prefer to ignore. When do we give in and eat what we know we should avoid? When we are stressed? Lonely? Anxious?  What is keeping us from exercising? No time? Low energy? More stress? Physical pain? Residual anxiety from Junior High Gym classes? These are issues that often need to be addressed in the goal of losing weight, rather than ignored. These are our resistance mechanisms, and if we allow them to work, we are taking a passive stance in our lives rather than taking control .

Books, magazines, and a vast array of diet plans have failed to bring us to where we would like to be. The answer is not outside. We would all like to believe that with acupuncture there is one magical point for weight loss. The truth is that with acupuncture we are not just looking at increasing metabolism and/or improving digestion. Certainly, these are both goals, but frequently we have to first address underlying issues, which vary from person to person. For some people we focus on reducing cravings for sweets, while for others reducing anxiety or depression is much more of a key component.

However, with acupuncture we do not tend to dwell on personal deep-rooted issues. Most of us don’t even know what the issues are! However, with acupuncture we do not tend to dwell on personal deep-rooted issues. Most of us don’t even know what those issues are! Our aspiration as alternative medicine practitioners is to generally support you in your own search, while also helping your physical body.  We seek to help you to take a closer look inside and feel better outside.  Acupuncture works at redirecting, restoring and balancing your energy, which may help you get a step closer to your goals this year!

by Gigi Klimick Pereira, L.Ac. and Amanda Wellman, L.Ac.

 

Autumn Cleanse

Periodically one of my friends will ask my opinion about cleanses.  For those of you interested in such a thing, this is the perfect time of year.  Gearing into the fall, the temperatures are not quite as extreme, putting less of a stress on your body.  We are also approaching the winter season, when people tend to eat heavy foods that are more difficult to digest.  A cleanse will help prepare your digestive tract for the coming season.  Those of you suffering from allergies may also benefit from a cleanse.  Allergies are linked to a weakened immune system.  When we have accumulations in our intestines they tend to ferment, over time leaking toxins into our blood stream.  Invariably this becomes a strain on our body as a whole and weakens our immune system.  If our bodies are having to deal with toxins on the inside, how can they be prepared to defend against those from the outside?

There are a wide variety of cleanses out there, my least favorite being the pills you buy at a health food store.  They tend to be composed of herbs that very strongly stimulate the body to expel whatever is inside.  This is exactly what some people need, while being much too potent for others.  Herbal cleanses may actually harm more than help the latter category.  Unless you know someone familiar with the properties of medicinal herbs, it is safer not to use them for this purpose.

There still remains a wide variety of cleanses based solely on changing your diet for approximately 1-7 days.  One of the easiest is just eating cooked sprouted grains.  One of the most difficult, though I’ve never done it so I cannot say for certain, is a water fast.  My favorite resource for dietary guidance is Healing with Whole Foods by Paul Pitchford, in which he outlines several types of cleanses.  One important piece of advice is that easing into the cleanse is just as important as the cleanse itself.  It is important to prepare your body for the cleanse in the beginning, as well as gradually preparing it for complex foods again at the end.  This usually takes an additional 2-3 days at the beginning and end, drinking simple fruit and vegetable juices and soups.  If your digestive system is somewhat weakened, raw foods are going to be more difficult to digest than lightly cooked ones.  Since cleanses do tend to release toxins into the bloodstream initially as layers of accumulations are gradually expelled, be prepared to feel somewhat under the weather in the beginning.

Acupuncture can be a valuable support in this process.  There are detoxification treatments that will assist your body in letting go of what it has been holding onto.  Acupuncture also has strong regulatory properties.  As you are cleansing, you may notice marked mood swings or physical discomfort, which acupuncture can help moderate.  Often when we have cravings (nicotine or sweets for example), it is because these substances provide our bodies with something we no longer produce sufficient amounts of to keep the balance.  By bringing our bodies back into balance, either through stimulating proper digestion, or regulating hormones, acupuncture helps reduce these cravings.  During a cleanse, our bodies are also not having to use their resources to digest food.  Your body will be more receptive to the adjustments we make in the acupuncture session.

Lastly, try to do this at a time when you can take it easy, so your body can focus on cleansing and healing itself!

By Amanda Wellman, L.Ac.

 

 

 

Meet Amanda!

Amanda Wellman earned her Master’s Degree at the AOMA Graduate School of Integrative Medicine in Austin, TX.  Her undergraduate degree was in International Studies focusing on Germany. It was while she was studying in Germany that she first became exposed to Acupuncture.  She embraced this form of medicine that relies on minimally invasive techniques to stimulate the body to heal itself.  After receiving a few treatments to experience for herself how effective it is, she enrolled herself in a four-year Master’s program.

Amanda completed her acupuncture and herbal internships in a variety of settings including a hospital, nursing home, community clinics of western medicine, traditional acupuncture clinics, and a first aid clinic in a rural setting.  As the resident acupuncturist on a cruise ship, she had success alleviating conditions of chronic pain that were no longer responding to standard western treatments, as well a fatigue and depression.  She has received additional training in Neo-classical acupuncture and pulse diagnosis, which provide the practitioner with immediate feedback.  Through professional observations she has learned  Dr Tan’s  and Master Tung’s acupuncture styles, which are extremely effective in relieving pain.  Amanda’s clinical background also includes the practice of tuina (massage), cupping, qigong, herbal medicine, and meditation.

Amanda has been granted Diplomate status of Oriental Medicine by the national certifying body; NCCAOM, and is licensed by the Ohio State Medical Board.  Professional memberships include AAAOM and OAAOM.

Amanda is seeing new patients on Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays.  To make an appointment, call, email or visit our online scheduler!

 

 

 

Can’t Beat the Heat?

A friend recently blogged that while Americans complain about the heat on their facebook posts, Italians actually do something about it; they shut down shop and go to the beach.  I have 3 things to say to that: 1) I am of German heritage and that means I take pride in my strong work ethic despite all obstacles. 2) There are some slight differences between the Ohio and Italian coastline. 3) They might be on to something…Gelato anyone?  While I may conspire to find myself living in Italy one day, for now I am in Ohio, and it is hot.  Unusually hot from what I hear, though I think I recall that exchange being a form of greeting every summer growing up in the Ohio River Valley.  Living in Texas for four years where they say there are two seasons, “hot” and “hotter,” I acquired some tools of survival I wish to pass on to you.

1)  Stay hydrated.  That sounds like a no-brainer, but it is important.  By the time we are thirsty, we are already dehydrating.  Water is not sufficient.  Through perspiring we lose valuable electrolytes that all of our muscles need to function properly.  You may consider including a Gatorade type of beverage in your toolbox.  You could also make your own version with maple syrup, celtic sea salt, lemons, and of course don’t forget the water!  The celtic sea salt and maple syrup both contain trace minerals while lemons are cooling, assist the absorption of minerals and increase fluid production in the body.

2)  There are also some acupuncture points that help your body release heat.  Here are three easy to find and easily accessible points:

1)  UB 40: This point is on the backside of your knee, in the middle halfway between the two tendons.  This one is also effective for low back aches should you notice all of your precious aches and pains after an afternoon of gardening.

2)  LI 11: Bend your arm, bringing your fist up to your shoulder.  This point is where the elbow crease on the outside of your arm stops.

3)  Du 14: This is below the spinous process of the seventh cervical vertabrae.  It is at the base of your neck; in the middle of your spine where your neck meets your upper back.

I admittedly have put needles in these points after biking to an acupuncture seminar and showing up so red everyone though I was sunburnt.  Though it worked remarkably well for me, I do not recommend this since you probably do not have the tools (appropriate needles and disposal system), and it may be somewhat disconcerting for those around you.  What you can do is push on these points with your nails, or put a cool cloth, running water, or icepack on these areas.

I have provided some valuable tools to get you started, but remember, this is your health; do some research to find out how else you can take care of yourself in these extreme temperatures!  I hope this helps get you through the next month, and maybe we will meet on Lake Cumberland one weekend!

Amanda Wellman, L.Ac.

Acupuncture for the Cancer Patient

 

This coming Saturday I will be talking at The Wellness Community in Blue Ash about the benefits of acupuncture for the cancer patient.  In 2009 I went to the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in New York City for some training on the subject.  Since then I’ve been privileged to help many afflicted with this disease over at the clinic.

 

This topic is very near and dear to my heart as it has affected my family very closely.  Here’s a brief list of how acupuncture can help cancer patients:

 

• Reduce pain related to the tumor itself or surgery
• Minimize or managing side-effects of chemotherapy, like nausea and vomiting
• Regulate the Immune system
• Reduce hot flashes and menopausal symptoms, which commonly accompany breast cancer treatment
• Reduce stress associated with the illness and its treatment

 

Here’s a link to more detailed information with data from clinical studies: http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/pdq/cam/acupuncture/healthprofessional/page5

 

If you’d like to attend the talk on Saturday, please contact The Wellness Community to sign up.  Please pass this on to those you think might be interested.

 

The Wellness Community – Blue Ash
4918 Cooper Road
Cincinnati, Ohio 45242
(513) 791-4060
(513) 791-8239 fax

 

Yours in health,

 

Gigi

 

 

 

 

Insomnia? Read this!

Tossing and turning all night, watching the clock turn at every hour and waking up feeling exhausted.  Sounds familiar?  Insomnia is much more common than you might think!  In our “go, go, go” lifestyle in the US, we tend to place rest and relaxation on second place.

Reserving some time to wind down prior to going to bed can be very soothing.  Just a few minutes can help you get into a restful state of mind and body, more conducive to a restorative full night of sleep.

In addition to some quiet time, here are some tips to help you achieve that comfortable feeling of relaxation that can help lead you to zzzzzzzz…

• Anmian (Peaceful Sleep) – This is one of the major acupuncture points for insomnia.  To find it, place your finger behind and below the bottom of your ear, just below the bone (mastoid process).  Then run your finger, following that bone upwards and backwards, about 1 inch.  Your finger will end up at around the same level as the upper end of your ear lobe.  Gently massage that area for about 1 minute.   Repeat on the other side.

• Left nostril breathing – Left nostril breathing can help you wind down and get you into a restful, sleep mode.   Try covering your right nostril with the thumb or index finger of your right hand.  Breathe slowly and deeply through your left nostril for 2 or 3 minutes.  You can do this simple breathing exercise while sitting or lying down.  If you’re comfortable lying on your right side, this may help open the left nostril, making it easier to breathe through it.

Hope this helps!  Let me know!

Happy dreams!

Springtime Allergies?

Is spring looking gorgeous, but feeling miserable?  All the pollen in the air can really take a toll on our sinuses, but there may be ways to curb those sniffles besides over-the-counter medication.  Have you ever tried a Neti-pot?  Also known as a nasal rinse, this technique has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for thousands of years.  Neti-pots flush the nasal passages with saline solution, and it may be a helpful short-term remedy.

For a Chinese Medicine solution to common histamine reactions, try some acupressure!  Apply acupressure for about a minute, up to three times a day in the areas described below.

LI 4:  This point is located in the web area between your index finger and your thumb.  With your palm facing down, place your opposite thumb over this area and your index finger on the palm of your hand.  Then try massaging this area for a minute.

BL 2:  This point is located at the inside end of your eyebrow.  Use your index finger and your thumb to pinch or press that area, just above your nose.

Hope this is helpful and informative.  Let me know if it works for you!

Payment Plans and Packages

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If you:

• are interested in health-maintenance or disease-prevention;
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Winter and the Water Element

“Winter is definitely here!”  That’s what I’ve been hearing from everyone around me.  I feel fortunate to live in a place with well-defined seasons, but winter can surely be very, very cold!  While many of us would like to settle indoors under a wool blanket with a great book and an even better cup of hot cocoa, most of us cannot really fulfill that desire.  So, how to reconcile a season that makes us want to go inwards and rest with a lifestyle that makes us go out and be active?

Winter is the season of the water element.  The water element has many associations, amongst which are the color blue, the emotion of fear, the gift of wisdom, the taste of salty, the direction of North, and the officials of the Bladder and the Kidneys.  If it feels that wintertime is a time for quietude and contemplation, that’s because that is exactly what Nature does at this time of the year.  According to Nature (and Chinese Medicine), wintertime is a time to go inwards, connect with our roots, and appreciate stillness.

The gift of the water element is wisdom, which is often associated with the elderly, or with monastic figures.  However, we all have the gift of wisdom, just as we all have the gift of each one of the five elements.  The association of wisdom with an older person or with a sage is clear when we think of the commonalities between these characters.  If you ever heard someone saying, “if only I knew then what I know now” you understand the comparison.  Quietude and contemplation are necessary to form wise ideas and concepts.  The rush of youth or the fast-paced lifestyle of the modern world do not easily allow for much contemplation.

As previously mentioned, the officials related to the water element are the Bladder and the Kidneys.  It is often easier to think of the officials through our understanding of the functions of the corresponding organs, but keep in mind Chinese Medicine is a system of body, mind and spirit.  The bladder and the kidneys work very closely together and their job is to regulate the water supply for the body.  It is not unusual to see physical symptoms such as lower leg edema or back pain arise from an imbalance in the water element.  Other symptoms may appear on the areas where the water element meridians (channels) run, and still symptoms may appear less on the physical body and more on the emotional self, such as insomnia or paranoia.

In order to support the water element within you and get in synch with the winter season, remember to take time for reflection.  Consider your roots, where you came from and where you are headed.  This is the time to reflect on who you are and where you want to be.  This is the season to save and gather energy, which will be meticulously applied to your plans when spring comes along.  Honor the water element and the stillness that lies deep within you with meditation or relaxation exercises.  And last, but not least, don’t forget to drink plenty of it!

Detox Day

Detox Day

Every month at Klimick Acupuncture, come enjoy some time for yourself!

Click here to sign up for the next one!

Come in and participate in an auricular acupuncture detoxification session, followed by a 15-minute chair massage, and let your stress and worries melt away!

Enjoy some herbal tea samples from Essencha Tea House in our relaxing waiting area before or after your session.

The Detox Day package includes:

• 30-minute auricular acupuncture detoxification treatment
• 15-minute chair massage
• Herbal tea samples

Why? Because the food we eat is not always wholesome and perfectly nutritious.  Because the air we breathe is not always from the top of a pristine mountain.  Because our daily routine is not as calm and contemplative as we wish!  There are pollutants all around us, and consequently they’re a part of us.

Take some time to reduce stress and restore balance in your mind and body, with a little help from acupuncture and massage!

 

When? Last Thursday of the month

How much? $45 per person ($30 for current patients)

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Auricular Acupuncture Detoxification Treatment

Participants are seated in a quiet, group setting.  Each participant receives five needles per ear, which are retained for 20 to 30 minutes.  During the treatment, while listening to soft, relaxing music, you are encouraged to sit quietly and simply contemplate your own breathing.

 

Chair massage

While the benefits of a full massage are well known to most people, a brief 15-minute chair massage can be just as relaxing.  Clients remain fully clothed and enjoy the benefits of a shorter version of a full Swedish massage.

 

Please call (513) 834-8173 or email GKP@KlimickAcupuncture.com for more information or to reserve your spot.

Space is limited and open to all on a first-come, first-serve basis.