When functioning properly, the thyroid gland secretes just the right amount of thyroid hormone to regulate almost all the metabolic processes in your body. Too much or too little of these vital body chemicals and it can drastically influence energy levels, body weight and your mental health. With over 20 million Americans living with some form of thyroid disease, much attention has been given to the many ways that acupuncture and Oriental medicine can treat thyroid problems.

What is the thyroid?

The thyroid is a butterfly shaped gland that sits in the front of the neck. It is responsible for energy, metabolism, hormone regulation, body weight and blood calcium levels. Thyroid disorders stem from either an overproduction (hyperthyroidism) or underproduction (hypothyroidism) of thyroid hormones. When your thyroid is not functioning properly, your body can experience a variety of symptoms:

Hyperthyroidism:

Weight loss despite increased appetite Increased heart rate, heart palpitations, higher blood pressure, nervousness, and excessive perspiration More frequent bowel movements, sometimes with diarrhea Muscle weakness, trembling hands Development of a goiter (an enlargement in your neck) Lighter or shorter menstrual periods Hypothyroidism: Lethargy, slower mental processes or depression Reduced heart rate Increased sensitivity to cold Tingling or numbness in the hands Development of a goiter (an enlargement in your neck) Constipation, heavy menstrual periods or dry skin and hair Hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism can be diagnosed by testing the levels of thyroid hormones in your blood. Hormones secreted by the thyroid are measured, as well as thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), a chemical released by the pituitary gland that triggers hormone production in the thyroid. Some milder forms of hypothyroidism can also be detected by a consistently low basal body temperature. How can acupuncture help? Both Western and Eastern medicine offer various methods to restore thyroid hormone levels. Western treatments rely mainly on drugs and surgery while Eastern treatments aim to restore immune function as well as balance the production and release of thyroid hormones through a variety of approaches ranging from acupuncture and herbal remedies to lifestyle changes and special exercises. In the treatment to thyroid problems, acupuncture can be used to restore hormonal balance, regulate energy levels, smooth emotions and help manage sleep, emotions and menstrual problems. There are several powerful acupuncture points on the ear and the body that can be used to regulate the production of thyroid hormones. Treatments take all of your symptoms into account and are aimed at balancing the energy within the body to optimize health. When it comes to lifestyle changes, a diet rich in protein, calcium, magnesium, and iodine helps support thyroid function while certain foods known as goitrogens may interfere with thyroid hormone production and should be limited. These include cruciferous vegetables (such as cauliflower, cabbage, and Brussels sprouts), peanuts, and soy. Stress reducing exercises such as yoga or tai chi can also be beneficial. If you have a thyroid problem, call for a consultation. A custom-tailored treatment plan will be created to suit your individual needs so that you can feel better quickly and safely! The last Tuesday of every Month Will be a very big day for us. Patient Appreciation Day Anyone that brings in a new patient to the clinic on that day will get 1/2-off their treatment and 1/2-off for the newbie. So schedule early I’m sure that day will fill. A majority of our new patients come from referrals from patients and fans of our clinic. All we can say is thank you very much. If you are reading this newsletter, you are the reason we exist!!! Thank you. Also that last Tuesday evening we will have mini-classes that will go over in more detail the condition this newsletter is about…(this may not start until August.) Keep an ear out for more details. And finally a link to our book that we have spent the last 6 months putting together:) http://mnacupuncture.com/files/ancientwisdom.pdf How to Monitor Your Basal Temperature Blood tests may not be sensitive enough to detect milder forms of hypothyroidism. Monitoring your body’s basal (resting) temperature is often used to identify a thyroid hormone deficiency. To track your basal temperature accurately, follow these guidelines: • Shake the thermometer below 95°F at night and place it where you can reach it without getting out of bed. • The following morning, before you get out of bed, take your temperature via your armpit for 10 minutes while staying as still as possible. • Keep records of your temperature for at least three days. (Women should do this during the first two weeks of the menstrual cycle, as their basal temperature may rise during the latter half.) •Normal basal body temperatures fall between 97.4° F and 97.8° F. If your basal temperature is consistently low, you could be mildly hypothyroid. Three Foods to Support Thyroid Function Seaweed - Iodine is an essential element that assists the thyroid in producing thyroid hormone. By increasing iodine intake, patients have seen an increase in the production of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH). The best natural source of iodine is kelp, bladderwrack and other seaweeds. Coconut Oil - Virgin coconut oil is praised by health experts for its ability to lower cholesterol and stabilize blood sugar. It is made up largely of medium chain fatty acids, or triglycerides (MCTs). MCTs are known to speed metabolism, promote weight loss, and raise basal body temperatures. Brazil nuts and walnuts – These nuts contain high amounts of selenium. Many hypothyroid patients have been found to have deficiencies in this trace mineral.

In Oriental medicine, summer is symbolic of maximum activity or greatest yang, which means that it is a time of heat, outgoingness, and moving outward in nature and in our lives. This is the season to nourish and pacify our spirits while maximizing our potential as we find joy in the hot summer days and warm summer nights.

Summer is ruled by the fire element. The fire element corresponds to the heart and small intestine, the southerly direction, the climatic condition of heat, the color red, the emotion of happiness or joy, the sound of laughter, the taste of bitterness and the odor of burning. Fire controls the blood vessels and is reflected in the face and complexion.

Signs that the fire element is in balance include a strong and healthy heart, a calm mind and the ability to sleep soundly. When the fire element is imbalanced, we may either lack joy (depression) or have an excess of joy (mania). Indicators of an imbalance in the fire element also include agitation, nervousness, heartburn, and insomnia.

This is a great time to schedule your acupuncture summer tune up! Call for more information.

Mango and Peach Salsa

An easy and healthy peach and mango salsa recipe. The delicate flavors of mangos and peaches combine with onions and garlic in this sweet-and-savory salsa recipe. Try it with chips for a light snack on a hot summer night, or add to a vegetable burrito for an unusual twist.

INGREDIENTS:

2 mangos, peeled and chopped
2 fresh peaches, peeled and chopped
1 sweet onion, diced
1 medium tomato, diced (optional)
2 cloves garlic
2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
dash salt and pepper to taste

DIRECTIONS:
Combine all ingredients in a bowl. If you have a food processor, you can process all the ingredients in chunks, rather than dicing and chopping.

Chill for at least one hour, to allow flavors to combine, and stir well before serving.

Serve chilled and enjoy!

Benefits of Acupuncture in Cancer Care

On Sunday June 6th, cancer survivors celebrated the 23rd annual National Cancer Survivors Day, sponsored by the National Cancer Survivors Day Foundation. The event, which includes hundreds of gatherings across the US, is a time to celebrate life. Here are some ways that acupuncture can help while being treated for and recovering from cancer.

Cancer treatments are aggressive and cause numerous unwanted side effects as well as a lowered immune system. Acupuncture is an excellent adjunctive therapy in cancer treatments because of its ability to relieve pain, reduce side effects, accelerate recovery and improve quality of life.

What Acupuncture is used for during Cancer Treatment

Acupuncture provides a total approach to health care for people with cancer. It can be used to address many of the concerns that come up during and after chemotherapy, radiation, biological therapy and surgery.

According to the National Cancer Institute, acupuncture may cause physical responses in nerve cells, the pituitary gland, and parts of the brain. These responses can cause the body to release proteins, hormones, and brain chemicals that control a number of body functions. It is proposed that, by these actions, acupuncture affects blood pressure and body temperature, boosts immune system activity, and causes the body’s natural painkillers, such as endorphins, to be released.

Areas that acupuncture has shown the most promise include:

Nausea and Vomiting Dry Mouth, Night Sweats and Hot Flashes Stress, Anxiety and Fatigue Pain Management Increasing White Blood Cell Count To learn more about how acupuncture can safely and effectively be incorporated into care for people with cancer, please call for a consultation today. Source: National Cancer Institute. www.cancer.org Chemo-Induced Nausea Study Effect of Acupuncture on Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting According to the National Cancer Institute, of all the investigated effects of acupuncture on cancer-related or chemotherapy-related symptoms and disorders, the positive effect of acupuncture on chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting is the most convincing. Numerous studies have consistently shown acupuncture to be effective in the treatment of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting as well as as postoperative and morning sickness nausea and vomiting. A randomized placebo-controlled clinical trial investigated the effect of electro-acupuncture on chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting in 104 patients with breast cancer who were undergoing a highly emetogenic (causes vomiting) chemotherapy regimen. The patients were randomly assigned to receive low-frequency electro-acupuncture at classic acupuncture points for nausea and vomiting once daily for 5 days, minimal needling at control points with mock electro-acupuncture on the same schedule, or no adjunct needling. All patients received concurrent antiemetic drugs (prochlorperazine, lorazepam, and diphenhydramine) and high-dose chemotherapy (cyclophosphamide, cisplatin, and carmustine). The main outcome measures were the total number of emesis (vomiting) episodes and the proportion of emesis-free days occurring during the 5-day study period. The data revealed significantly fewer emesis episodes in the electro-acupuncture treatment group compared with those in the minimal needling and drug-only control groups. Source: Shen J, Wenger N, Glaspy J, et al.: Electroacupuncture for control of myeloablative chemotherapy-induced emesis: A randomized controlled trial. JAMA 284 (21): 2755-61, 2000. Kettlebell Training and Lifestyle Guide Book To further improve our offering. We will be doing kettlebell lessons, the fundamentals. We will do these in either 1-1 training sessions or you can train in pairs. It will be a series of lessons over the course of 5-6 weeks. Contact us for more details… Also Sandra and I are putting the final touches on our guide book for Chinese Medicine and living a healthy lifestyle. We will have it as an ebook and have some physical copies for sale. We should have them by the end of the month. To your health, Sandra and Mason Cancer Prevention in Every Aisle Nearly everything in the produce aisle can help you prevent cancer, but there are items throughout the supermarket that can protect your health and the health of your family. Produce Aisle Picks Cantaloupe - a great source of carotenoids, plant chemicals that act as antioxidants shown to reduce the risk of lung cancer. Kale and cabbage - cruciferous vegetables are widely considered to be one of the healthiest food choices you can make. Included in this family of vegetables are broccoli, cauliflower, radishes, brussels sprouts, kale, cabbage and bok choy. Cruciferous vegetables are high in vitamins, fiber, and potent anti-cancer phytochemicals. According to the American Institute for Cancer, there is solid evidence that links cruciferous vegetables and protection against cancer. Studies have shown that this vegetable group has the ability to stop the growth of cancer cells for tumors in the breast, uterine lining, lung, colon, liver, and cervix. And studies that track the diets of people over time have found that diets high in cruciferous vegetables are linked to lower rates of prostate cancer. It is recommended that we eat 3-5 servings of cruciferous vegetables per week. It’s best to eat these veggies raw or only lightly steamed so they retain their cancer fighting phytochemicals. Freezer Aisle Pick Edamame (soybeans) - These cancer-fighting beans contain phytoestrogens, that may help prevent estrogen-driven cancers by binding to estrogen receptors. They are also good for the men of the household since evidence suggests the isoflavones found in soy products may help fight prostate cancer. Cereal Aisle Pick Whole Grain Oats - Oats have the highest proportion of soluble fiber of any grain. Fiber is rich in antioxidants, helps fight colon cancer and phenolic compounds in whole grains my help reduce the risk of certain GI cancers. Pick cereals high in folate, fiber and/or flaxseed. Beverage Aisle Picks Orange juice - this favorite breakfast beverage is a powerful source of folate which has been linked to lowered risk for GI and pancreatic cancer. Green tea - green tea is lower in caffeine than coffee and can help prevent prostate cancer and possibly bladder cancer. Pomegranate juice - this juice is extremely antioxidant-rich and helps prevent colon and prostate cancer.

In March I was in a car accident which resulted in extreme neck pain, back pain and headaches after talking with Mason he suggested that I should come in and get some treatments. Best thing I ever did!!!!!!! After the first session my headaches went away and after a few more all my neck pain was gone. Not only that but my overall outlook on my health and well being has completely changed and I am listening to what my body tells me now. Can’t thank you guys enough!!! I would recommend it for anyone.‎

Jared J.

Mpls, MN

So take a moment–now–and take a deep breath and enjoy!!!

Good Reading

For more intensive stress relief at our Minneapolis Acupuncture Clinic

MN Clinic of Integrated Medicine

560 Market St Suite 11

Chanhassen MN 55317

952-294-9978

May is National Arthritis Month and there’s no better time to take action. If you suffer with arthritis, acupuncture can help.

Arthritis is one of the most pervasive diseases in the United States and is the leading cause of disability. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one out of every three Americans (an estimated seventy million people) is affected.

For most people, arthritis pain and inflammation cannot be avoided as the body ages. In fact, most people over the age of fifty show some signs of arthritis as joints degenerate over time. Fortunately, arthritis can often be managed with acupuncture.

What is Arthritis?

Arthritis is not just one disease; it is a complex disorder that comprises more than one hundred distinct symptoms and can affect people at any stage of life. Two of the most common forms of arthritis are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. While these two forms of arthritis have very different causes, risk factors and effects on the body, they share a common symptom—persistent joint pain.

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of arthritis in the United States. OA begins with the breakdown of joint cartilage, resulting in pain and stiffness. Commonly affected joints include the fingers, knees, hips, and spine. Other joints affected less frequently include the wrists, elbows, shoulders, and ankles. When OA is found in a less frequently affected joint, there is usually a history of injury or unusual stress to that joint. Repetitive injury and physical trauma may contribute to the development of OA. If you have a strenuous job that requires repetitive bending, kneeling, or squatting, for example, you may be at high risk for OA of the knee.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic, systemic inflammatory disorder that may affect many tissues and organs, but principally attacks synovial joints. Inflammation of the joint lining, called the synovium, causes pain, stiffness, swelling, warmth, and redness. The affected joint may also lose its shape, resulting in loss of normal movement.

Eastern View of Arthritis

In Oriental medicine, arthritis is called “Bi Syndrome.” Bi Syndrome manifests as pain, soreness, or numbness of muscles, tendons and joints. Arthritis is treated according to which type of Bi Syndrome it falls into:

1. Moving (Wind) Bi Syndrome: Pain in the joints is widespread and moves from one area of the body to another. This is often accompanied by fever and chills.

2. Stationary (Damp) Bi Syndrome: The pain is localized and does not move. The body and limbs feel heavy and there is numbness and swelling.

3. Painful (Cold) Bi Syndrome: Severe pain in one part, or over one half of the body which becomes worse with cold and diminishes with warmth.

4. Heat Bi Syndrome: The flesh is hot, the area of pain is red and swollen, and the pain increases upon contact.

The type of Bi Syndrome the arthritis falls into will determine which acupuncture points and other treatment options will be utilized. The purpose of acupuncture is to trigger your body’s innate ability to self heal. Treatments take all of your symptoms into account and are aimed at balancing the energy within the body, increasing the flow of qi and blood to the affected area, bringing down swelling and inflammation, relieving pain, and helping to prevent re-occurrence of the arthritis.

If you have arthritis and would like to learn more about how acupuncture can help, call now for a consultation.

Studies on Acupuncture for Arthritis

Studies show that acupuncture can stimulate the production of hormones that reduce pain and inflammation.

In a German study, 3,500 people with osteoarthritis of the hip and/or knee received 15 sessions of acupuncture combined with their usual medical care. The results showed that the patients that had acupuncture had less pain and stiffness, improved function and better quality of life than their counterparts who had routine care alone. The improvements occurred immediately after completing a three-month course of acupuncture and lasted for at least another three months, indicating osteoarthritis is among conditions treated with acupuncture.

Another study, published in the journal Pain, looked at the effects of acupuncture among 40 adults with osteoarthritis of the knee. Among the patients in the study, those who had a daily acupuncture session for 10 consecutive days reported greater improvement in their pain compared with patients who received a “sham” version of the therapy.

Resources:
Pain Online, December 15, 2009.
Arthritis & Rheumatism, November 2006; vol 54: pp 3485-349

Congrats!!!

Sandra won the Minnetonka Half Marathon on May 2nd, 2010!!! So give her a pat on the back when you see her! (She is gearing up for her first full marathon in Fargo, so good luck to her:)

If you haven’t been in for a while come in for a summer tune-up. Sometimes a little acupuncture does the body good.

Anti-inflammatory Diet

Your diet plays a crucial role in helping you avoid or control arthritis.

The first objective of a healthy diet is to help you lose weight if you are overweight. Being overweight can cause additional stress to your joints.

Another way a balanced, varied diet can help ease the pain of arthritis is by providing vitamins and minerals that keep your joints healthy and avoiding “damp” foods such as dairy products and greasy or spicy foods.

Here are some other healthy and delicious choices to include in your diet.

• Ginger - Ginger has been found to be a natural anti-inflammatory. make tea by combining one-half teaspoon of grated ginger root with eight ounces of boiling water. Cover and steep for 10 to 15 minutes, then strain and add honey to taste.

• Fresh pineapple - Bromelain, an enzyme in pineapple, reduces inflammation. Be sure the pineapple is fresh, not canned or frozen.

• Cherries - Recent research has shown that tart cherries are an excellent source of nutrients that may help to reduce joint pain and inflammation related to arthritis.

• Fish - Cold-water fish such as salmon and mackerel contain omega-3 fatty acids, which help keep joints healthy as well as reduce pain and swelling. If you don’t care for fish, consider supplementing your diet with fish oil capsules.

• Turmeric - Another natural anti-inflammatory. You can sprinkle turmeric on scrambled eggs, add it to soups, or mix it into sauces or salad dressings.

Dr Mao says it all

Your Minneapolis Acupuncture Clinic,

Minnesota Clinic of Integrated Medicine

560 Market S, Suite 11

Chanhassen MN 55317

Sandra McClellan LAc is the winner of the Minnetonka Half Marathon~May 2, 2010.

The race was from Wayzata to Excelsior on a grueling course full of hills with 1384 female runners.

She set a PR of 1:24:57 and covered the 13.1 miles!

Great race and a great day.  I guess those Chinese Herbs do help;)

But on a more serious note the race and her efforts she dedicated to her late~Father Blair  and uncle-in-law Michael.

Blair Piechowski, was Sandra’s constant source of support and strength growing up and cheering her on but he never saw his daughter win a track or cross-country race. (Kinda tough when you race against Olympian Carrie Tollefson in High School).

Cheers,

Blair and Uncle Mike

PS…this post is from Mason, her loving husband, because Sandra would never tell anyone her story and victory.

Your Minneapolis Acupuncture Clinic:

Minnesota Clinic of Integrated Medicine

560 Market St

Chanhassen MN 55317

Our acupuncture clinic now has a nice oolong blend that is a fantastic substitute for coffee/diet soda/soda etc…

You get all the benefits of green tea but it is easier on the stomach and has a slightly higher thermogenic effect.  The idea is not to be a calorie-burner but rather a better substitute for a more balanced diet.

There are countless benefits to our oolong blend over coffee and soda’s.

Less bloating

Less sluggishness/congestion

Improved digestion

Better intestinal motility

Relaxed GI spasms

Try some and let us know what you think after a couple weeks of adding it to your routine.

Your Minneapolis Acupuncture Clinic,

O-Slim now in stock!

560 Market St, Chanhassen MN 55317

Acupuncture has been used to treat skin complaints and reduce signs of aging for centuries. In fact, facial rejuvenation acupuncture, also known as cosmetic acupuncture, has a recorded history going as far back as China’s Sung Dynasty (960AD – 1270AD), when the Empress and the Emperor’s concubines used it to engender beauty and good health.

Facial rejuvenation acupuncture can improve muscle tone, increase collagen production, tighten pores and boost circulation and moisture in the skin. Moreover, when acupuncture is used to create overall balance within the body, the physical, mental and emotional patterns that contribute to aging are addressed, helping you look and feel younger.

The theory behind facial acupuncture is that hair-thin needles inserted along wrinkles and frown lines stimulate energy and relax the muscles. This leads to a tightening of the facial muscles, which decreases sagging of the facial skin, and an increase in the production of collagen, filling in fine lines and wrinkles.

Benefits of Facial Rejuvenation Acupuncture

• Increases the production of collagen and elastin
• Improves muscle tone (preventing further aging and wrinkles)
• Improves local lymph and blood circulation
• Softens or erases fine lines and wrinkles
• Reduces the depth of deeper lines
• Decreases bags (puffiness) under the eyes
• Reduces or eliminates acne and rosacea
• Provides a consistently smoother and brighter face

To look and feel years younger, facial rejuvenation acupuncture offers less risk, expense and recovery time than medical alternatives. While this procedure cannot reshape facial features, it is a more subtle rejuvenation that can take years off one’s face safely and naturally while improving overall health.

Treatments are personalized for each patient. If you would like to learn more about facial rejuvenation acupuncture, please call for a consultation today!

The 5-Minute Acupressure Face Lift

Here is a 5-Minute Acupressure Face Lift to smooth wrinkles and firm up the face.

To draining the lymph system and smooth the skin

• Begin at the center of the forehead using the thumbs, and stroke across the eyebrows. Repeat 3 times.

• With the pads of the thumb, move from the outside edge of the eyebrows to the hollow in front of the ear (Fig 1).

• Using 3 inner fingers of both hands to massage the back of the neck from middle towards outside for 30 seconds with circular motion.

To lift and tone the face, chin and neck

• Stroke upward in lines from the eyebrows into the hairline. Repeat 3 to 5 times (Fig 2).

• Press on DU20 (the point on the very top of the head) to bring energy upward. Repeat 3 to 5 times.

• Using the pads of the thumbs, stroke in a circular motion from the eyebrow to temple to jawline and to the points below the eye. Repeat 9 to 12 times (See Fig 3).

• For neck wrinkles: Stroke upward from the collar bone to the jawline. Repeat 3–5 times (See Fig 4).

Clinic Annoucements…We are now in HealthPartners!!!

As or 4/12/10 we are officially in the HP network so tell your friends and we can double check your coverage to help you out!

Also, make sure you sign-up for our newsletter on our website. It tells a little bit about us and will be our new database for patient contact, updates, and clinic specials. We will still use and have acufinder sending out these fantastic newsletters but we want to get everyone on the MailChimp system going forward. It will take a bit but we are moving ahead so I apologies if you get some duplicate stuff here and there as we sort out the database bugs.

Subscribe here if you haven’t already (copy and paste into your browser…and there is a $25 coupon for doing so)

http://mnacupuncture.us1.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=554a39b0d26ce767ccd1ca544&id=7c826efa45

To your health,
Sandra and Mason

PS…April 6th, 2010 was our year anniversary. Thank you everyone, you are the only reason we made it!!!

Recipe for Nourishing Beauty - Sweet Rice Congee

Sweet black rice, when cooked with longan berries (euphoria longana) and Chinese dates, becomes a congee that nourishes blood and Qi.

In the Oriental medicine system of food cures, these three foods work together to enhance beauty and longevity.

• The sweet rice promotes the flow of liver Qi, which helps keep angry feelings at bay and leads to calmness.

• The Chinese dates (different from the Mediterranean variety) nourish blood and spleen, promoting restful sleep and mental clarity.

• Longan fruit, a blood enhancer, was used by the ancients to add luster to the skin. From a Western perspective, we know that longans contain large amounts of Vitamin C and phenolic compounds, which may help to detoxify and protect the liver.

Sweet Rice Congee
(Taken from Ancient Healing for Modern Women, by Dr. Xiolan Zhao, C.M.D.)

Ingredients:

6 cups water
1 cup black sweet rice (wash before using)
½ cup dried longan fruit
10 Chinese dates
2 tablespoons raw sugar
½ inch piece of fresh ginger, peeled and thinly sliced

Instructions:

In a large heavy saucepan, add 6 cups of water, black sweet rice, longan fruit, dates, and raw sugar. Bring to a boil over medium heat. Reduce heat and simmer for two hours, stirring occasionally. Garnish with ginger. Makes four servings.

Note: All ingredients are available at most Asian grocery stores.

Author: Elizabeth G. Lynch

This is another really great post on progress.  I think I will have to have this framed and put up at our acupuncture clinic.

Blog Here

Minnesota Clinic of Integrated Medicine

~The finest acupuncture experience in Minneapolis

560 Market St, Suite 11~Chanhassen MN 55317