Dave and I, here at FirstHealth are working on a program for insomnia. Do you feel there is a need for such out there? Any particular aspects you'd like to see addressed?
Acupuncture helps by addressing the body's imbalances that cause sleeping problems. You can read more on this at: Sleep
Research concludes that acupuncture can be an effective method to relieve insomnia. See this review at: Pubmed
Thanks for your input!
Lee McCarthy, Lic.Ac.
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Inspirational Medicine
Good mentors make the difference in all fields of education. Inspirational mentors can liberate the greatness in us, while leading to a standout vocational experience. I've been extremely fortunate in my life to have worked closely with some amazing professionals who would instruct me in learning a skill set and add the spark of imagination that made the vocation truely satisfying. I always strive to bring this level of excitment and enthusiasm to teaching, whether it's someone who is assisting in the clinic or a class room atmosphere. Most of the classes I've taught at NESA have been around communication and business development. I began, like many other practitioners who teach, discussing how to create better patient outcomes. This is exactly what students are in school to learn. However; I found that communication is essential to success. Being able to clearly explain your methods of care, lay out a well understood treatment plan with agreed upon metrics of improvement are also key elements to a successful patient outcome. Also, most patients will leave and their family and friends are curious about acupuncture or herbs. As practitioners, we need to help our patients to understand our medicine and give them resources to help others know about how we can help their bodies heal. Understanding drives a practice as well as patient outcomes. Patients then know their own part in the process and are able to reach out for better tools so that you assist them and empower them towards long lasting health habits. That's practicing inspirational medicine.
Monday, January 25, 2010
Chlorine, dry skin and Jojoba Oil
Sona and I have noticed upon returning from Europe to New England how quickly our skin has dried. Even with a higher humidity index we didn't think for a moment there would be this result.
After looking into possible reasons as to why this could be what we found may also effect you.
In Zlin, Czech republic the water source comes from a mountain spring. The chlorine levels in the water are a fraction of that of Massachusetts standards. This is also effecting Sona's hair as well. Chlorine even though a necessary chemical to maintain safe drinking water strips your body's natural oil protection every time you shower.
This factor plus if your home is heated by forced hot air or baseboard heating humidity index lowers to single digits. In Zlin the heat was forced hot water with steam valves to maintain humidity levels.
Probable solutions? Organic Jojoba oil. I have been using organic Jojoba (pronounced hohoba) for over 10 years in my massage business and advocate it's healing properties. It's safe to use on infants to the elderly. Sona saturates her hair twice a month with Jojoba before going to bed. She covers the pillow with a terry cloth towel. By morning her hair is soft and once she washes it, it's amazing to touch. For the first time Sona has been able to grow her hair the longest it has ever been with minimal split ends.
After your shower apply Jojoba directly to your skin, a little goes a long way and your body absorbs it quickly. Jojoba has been scientifically documented to have the closest characteristics to our own natural oils. The body quickly absorbs Jojoba within minutes.
It's better to buy in bulk, a gallon runs around $90, but will last you years. Another advantage to Jojoba is due to its mild antiseptic quality it has a very long shelf life. Type into a search engine "Organic Jojoba" and you will find companies that sell it.
We are also investing in a chlorine filter in our shower and will keep you posted on the results of that as well.
After looking into possible reasons as to why this could be what we found may also effect you.
In Zlin, Czech republic the water source comes from a mountain spring. The chlorine levels in the water are a fraction of that of Massachusetts standards. This is also effecting Sona's hair as well. Chlorine even though a necessary chemical to maintain safe drinking water strips your body's natural oil protection every time you shower.
This factor plus if your home is heated by forced hot air or baseboard heating humidity index lowers to single digits. In Zlin the heat was forced hot water with steam valves to maintain humidity levels.
Probable solutions? Organic Jojoba oil. I have been using organic Jojoba (pronounced hohoba) for over 10 years in my massage business and advocate it's healing properties. It's safe to use on infants to the elderly. Sona saturates her hair twice a month with Jojoba before going to bed. She covers the pillow with a terry cloth towel. By morning her hair is soft and once she washes it, it's amazing to touch. For the first time Sona has been able to grow her hair the longest it has ever been with minimal split ends.
After your shower apply Jojoba directly to your skin, a little goes a long way and your body absorbs it quickly. Jojoba has been scientifically documented to have the closest characteristics to our own natural oils. The body quickly absorbs Jojoba within minutes.
It's better to buy in bulk, a gallon runs around $90, but will last you years. Another advantage to Jojoba is due to its mild antiseptic quality it has a very long shelf life. Type into a search engine "Organic Jojoba" and you will find companies that sell it.
We are also investing in a chlorine filter in our shower and will keep you posted on the results of that as well.
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Psyllium for IBS
I recommend psyllium regularly for bowel health, IBS and constipation and it's great to see this recent study showed it's effectiveness for IBS. They used a pretty high daily dose though. The best method is to start small and gradually increase the dose until you reach effectiveness. I also like it in capsules, as the loose fiber can become pretty mucilaginous when mixed with water and hard to get down. Check out the article here in the LA Times http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/booster_shots/2009/08/its-soluble-fiber-not-wheat-bran-or-irritable-bowel.html
Do you have any experience using psyllium? Post a comment and let us know.
~Jason Henson, MAOM, L.Ac.
Do you have any experience using psyllium? Post a comment and let us know.
~Jason Henson, MAOM, L.Ac.
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Lomi Lomi Massage in Prague
During our six week adventure in Eastern Europe my wife Sona and I both decided to treat ourselves to massage. Being massage therapists this is a two fold benefit. First the benefit of massage when traveling is a great way to alleviate jet lag, especially when traveling East or "back in time". A six hour difference can put a damper on your travels unless you can reset your body clock by sleeping on the plane. I'm not sure about you, but unless you are in a first class seat or you can sleep on a rock, sleeping in coach is a challenge. Massage assists the body to relax from the stresses of flying and can assist your body clock to adjust by receiving a massage right before bedtime in the new timezone.
Second, experiencing a massage when your profession is massage gives you the opportunity to experience what else is out there. The spa Sona and I went to offered many exotic styles. I was like a kid in the candy store, hmm what style to choose? Ah! Lomi Lomi!
Lomi Lomi is a Hawaiian influenced massage that is in the same family as Kriya massage, the style Sona and I currently practice. Sona chose a European hot stone to help her with sore muscles in her upper back.
Off we went in our directions, I felt such gratitude for being on the receiving side, the Spa was beautifully designed with all natural wood decor and minimalist designed furniture. Upon entering you took off your shoes and were transformed into another world of soft lights, cedar wood designs and fresh flowers welcomed your senses. A staff all dressed in contemporary spa designs greeted you with smiles and a welcome in your language.
The massage rooms were larger in size than in U.S. and offered different stations of therapies before receiving your treatment. A curved bed that looked similar to a tanning bed was made with slotted wood that underneath contained hot stones with a light steam permeating through the top. You would lay down for several minutes to loosen up any troubled areas before treatment.
Lomi Lomi was a treat to experience, similar to our style, yet different enough that I let go of paying attention to the technique and embraced receiving all the benefits. One element of the massage is the use of heated herb infused oils, awesome.
After the treatment Sona and I embrace the winter air and took a casual walk back to our flat. That night I slept like a rock and awoke refreshed and ready for our next adventure, a ski trip to Austria and to experience a Finnish style Sauna.
I will save that story for another post.
Jack
Second, experiencing a massage when your profession is massage gives you the opportunity to experience what else is out there. The spa Sona and I went to offered many exotic styles. I was like a kid in the candy store, hmm what style to choose? Ah! Lomi Lomi!
Lomi Lomi is a Hawaiian influenced massage that is in the same family as Kriya massage, the style Sona and I currently practice. Sona chose a European hot stone to help her with sore muscles in her upper back.
Off we went in our directions, I felt such gratitude for being on the receiving side, the Spa was beautifully designed with all natural wood decor and minimalist designed furniture. Upon entering you took off your shoes and were transformed into another world of soft lights, cedar wood designs and fresh flowers welcomed your senses. A staff all dressed in contemporary spa designs greeted you with smiles and a welcome in your language.
The massage rooms were larger in size than in U.S. and offered different stations of therapies before receiving your treatment. A curved bed that looked similar to a tanning bed was made with slotted wood that underneath contained hot stones with a light steam permeating through the top. You would lay down for several minutes to loosen up any troubled areas before treatment.
Lomi Lomi was a treat to experience, similar to our style, yet different enough that I let go of paying attention to the technique and embraced receiving all the benefits. One element of the massage is the use of heated herb infused oils, awesome.
After the treatment Sona and I embrace the winter air and took a casual walk back to our flat. That night I slept like a rock and awoke refreshed and ready for our next adventure, a ski trip to Austria and to experience a Finnish style Sauna.
I will save that story for another post.
Jack
Sunday, January 17, 2010
The Future is Now
The Future is Now
So much has occurred in all of our lives and the world at large over since FirstHealth of Andover opened its door in January 2000. While the mission of offering solutions for our community’s healthcare needs through the best of Integrative Medicine has stayed the same, the methods and collaborations have evolved to reflect a growing desire to use these emerging medicines. One dramatic evolution is shown with the use of acupuncture. I was asked to author The Idiot’s Guide to Acupuncture and Acupressure, which was published in 2000. Pearson Education, who published the Idiot’s Guide series at that time, saw the global popularity of acupuncture and following the series’ own mission of offering the public its first primer on a new topic of interest, published the book ten years ago. Acupuncture had reached a milestone of showing enough current and future global growth to attract the attention of a major publisher of educational books. I’m happy to say the book is still in print, sales continue to occur all over the globe and they’ve asked me to submit a proposal for an updated revision. While my writing is no better than mediocre, the enthusiasm for acupuncture and the solutions these therapies can potentially bring to our healthcare system have gained more interest. We’ve seen our medical collaborations substantially increase over the decade. Evidence-based medicine (EBM) continues to include acupuncture as a topic of study, while many medical practices regularly refer to clinics like ours around the country. The popular media showcases acupuncture as in pitcher Randy Johnson using acupuncture in the big leagues, “So You Think You Can Dance” contestant 19-year-old Hayley Cloud praised acupuncture for helping her with a disc injury in her back allowing her to compete.
Returning the Favor
I was fortunate to have had high quality mentors, who took an interest in my personal and professional growth. I was inspired by their skill and caring. This kind of well rounded education is difficult to find in any vocation. I made a promise to myself years ago that if I was ever in a position to assist practitioners with a positive and enthusiastic learning environment that I would repay my teachers by helping others to achieve. I’m excited to say that many of this region’s most notable and successful practitioners began their careers in one of the seven clinics I’ve operated over the last twenty-five years. I also must report that I still believe that they taught me more over our association. Patients at FirstHealth have noticed a steady stream of student/interns from such collaborations as Natural Standard, Northeastern, Mass College of Pharmacy, University of Rhode Island, Merrimack College and The New England School of Acupuncture.
Our Future is in Collaborations
When I began practicing acupuncture and Chinese Medicine back in the mid 80’s, the cultural descriptive phrase was Alternative Medicine. Twenty five years later the term Integrative Medicine is a more accurate reflection of the way we work with conventional medical providers to find solutions for challenges and help assist in better patient outcomes. Not much either or these days. Patient care is defined more often by increased communication and collaboration with other medical professionals. When I first began practice, it was rare to get a direct referral from a medical professional. Now, while satisfied patients still top the list of referral sources, medical professionals are second. This reflects a continued positive evolution in general public awareness towards acupuncture and Integrative Medicine that is also bolstered by medical professionals from many disciplines reaching out to find effective options for their patients. FirstHealth of Andover is often called by media as experts to comment on stories about healthcare issues. We provide knowledgeable and inspiring speakers to area hospitals, support groups, medical office in-services and a growing number of corporate wellness programs.
It certainly is awe-inspiring to witness the growth of Integrative Medicine and the continued evolution of FirstHealth of Andover. We have many interesting opportunities and challenges ahead. We will continue to bring the latest programs and highly skilled practitioners to the clinic, so we are always well positioned to be part of the solution for your own healthcare challenge. I’m excited about the next ten years!
So much has occurred in all of our lives and the world at large over since FirstHealth of Andover opened its door in January 2000. While the mission of offering solutions for our community’s healthcare needs through the best of Integrative Medicine has stayed the same, the methods and collaborations have evolved to reflect a growing desire to use these emerging medicines. One dramatic evolution is shown with the use of acupuncture. I was asked to author The Idiot’s Guide to Acupuncture and Acupressure, which was published in 2000. Pearson Education, who published the Idiot’s Guide series at that time, saw the global popularity of acupuncture and following the series’ own mission of offering the public its first primer on a new topic of interest, published the book ten years ago. Acupuncture had reached a milestone of showing enough current and future global growth to attract the attention of a major publisher of educational books. I’m happy to say the book is still in print, sales continue to occur all over the globe and they’ve asked me to submit a proposal for an updated revision. While my writing is no better than mediocre, the enthusiasm for acupuncture and the solutions these therapies can potentially bring to our healthcare system have gained more interest. We’ve seen our medical collaborations substantially increase over the decade. Evidence-based medicine (EBM) continues to include acupuncture as a topic of study, while many medical practices regularly refer to clinics like ours around the country. The popular media showcases acupuncture as in pitcher Randy Johnson using acupuncture in the big leagues, “So You Think You Can Dance” contestant 19-year-old Hayley Cloud praised acupuncture for helping her with a disc injury in her back allowing her to compete.
Returning the Favor
I was fortunate to have had high quality mentors, who took an interest in my personal and professional growth. I was inspired by their skill and caring. This kind of well rounded education is difficult to find in any vocation. I made a promise to myself years ago that if I was ever in a position to assist practitioners with a positive and enthusiastic learning environment that I would repay my teachers by helping others to achieve. I’m excited to say that many of this region’s most notable and successful practitioners began their careers in one of the seven clinics I’ve operated over the last twenty-five years. I also must report that I still believe that they taught me more over our association. Patients at FirstHealth have noticed a steady stream of student/interns from such collaborations as Natural Standard, Northeastern, Mass College of Pharmacy, University of Rhode Island, Merrimack College and The New England School of Acupuncture.
Our Future is in Collaborations
When I began practicing acupuncture and Chinese Medicine back in the mid 80’s, the cultural descriptive phrase was Alternative Medicine. Twenty five years later the term Integrative Medicine is a more accurate reflection of the way we work with conventional medical providers to find solutions for challenges and help assist in better patient outcomes. Not much either or these days. Patient care is defined more often by increased communication and collaboration with other medical professionals. When I first began practice, it was rare to get a direct referral from a medical professional. Now, while satisfied patients still top the list of referral sources, medical professionals are second. This reflects a continued positive evolution in general public awareness towards acupuncture and Integrative Medicine that is also bolstered by medical professionals from many disciplines reaching out to find effective options for their patients. FirstHealth of Andover is often called by media as experts to comment on stories about healthcare issues. We provide knowledgeable and inspiring speakers to area hospitals, support groups, medical office in-services and a growing number of corporate wellness programs.
It certainly is awe-inspiring to witness the growth of Integrative Medicine and the continued evolution of FirstHealth of Andover. We have many interesting opportunities and challenges ahead. We will continue to bring the latest programs and highly skilled practitioners to the clinic, so we are always well positioned to be part of the solution for your own healthcare challenge. I’m excited about the next ten years!
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Moxa Effective for Women's Health
Moxibustion is an important part of Chinese Medicine yet often not well known by the general public. Moxa, a form of mugwort, is burned similarly to incense and used to warm specific acupuncture points as part of the treatment. Recent research has highlighted the effectiveness of Moxa in Women's health. Studies have shown effectiveness in helping with menopausal symptoms, ovulation disorders and turning breech babies.
Effectiveness of acupuncture-type interventions versus expectant management to correct breech presentation: a systematic review - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18514911
Advances of modern studies of acupuncture and moxibustion for treatment of ovulation disorders - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17117581
Moxibustion for treating menopausal hot flashes: a randomized clinical trial - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19293729
~Jason Henson, MAOM, L.Ac.
Effectiveness of acupuncture-type interventions versus expectant management to correct breech presentation: a systematic review - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18514911
Advances of modern studies of acupuncture and moxibustion for treatment of ovulation disorders - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17117581
Moxibustion for treating menopausal hot flashes: a randomized clinical trial - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19293729
~Jason Henson, MAOM, L.Ac.
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Acupuncture For Kids
I found this great video about acupuncture for kids. It's nice to see the children talking about their experiences. We treat many children here at FirstHealth using acupuncture as well as Shonishin which is a no-needle acupuncture treatment.... we've even seen babies only a few weeks old! Check out the video I hope you like it.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q1x6Fqp4lCI
~Jason Henson, MAOM, L.Ac.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q1x6Fqp4lCI
~Jason Henson, MAOM, L.Ac.
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Acupuncture Eases Hot Flashes in Cancer Patients
It's great to see articles like this one http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE6074EM20100108 appearing in the mainstream press. The research study showed that acupuncture was as effective as Effexor in reducing hot flashes in women with cancer. The great thing about the study is that those receiving acupuncture had just as much benefit with only one side effect... an increased sex drive!
~Jason Henson, MAOM, L.Ac.
~Jason Henson, MAOM, L.Ac.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)