Tag Archives: metabolism

Blood Sugar

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Almost 2/3 of Americans are overweight and many (if not all) overweight Americans are also diabetic or trending in that direction.  Studies have shown that maintaining a stable blood sugar helps attain or maintain a healthy weight. The average American consumes a whopping 156 lbs of sugar per year according to the USDA. While the best way to maintain a healthy blood sugar level is by modifying diet to avoid processed foods, grains, and added sugar in drinks, acupuncture has also been shown to improve the body’s natural response to sugar and help stabilize blood sugar levels. Some patients also report a reduction in sweet cravings while under the care of an acupuncture physician. Exercise or physical exertion is also beneficial for helping the body remove excess sugars.

 High carbohydrate diets are too common since the FDA has recommended cutting down on dietary fats and meats for heart health. New research suggests that sugar, not fat or meat, as previously thought, is more to blame for cardiovascular disorders, as well as obesity. Sugar should be consumed only as whole fruits or freshly juiced with a meal consisting of protein and healthy fats. Grains should be limited if you are struggling with blood sugar disorders, as they are usually broken down in the body as sugars, and certain grains can cause other issues as well. Some grains can be reintroduced after the body has healed from its sugar overload. You should get most of your fiber from non-starchy vegetables. They contain powerful micronutrients and do not cause harmful spikes in blood sugar and improve overall health.  Meats should come from grass-fed or pasture-raised, preferably local sources and should never be treated with hormones or antibiotics. Fats should come from raw, grass-fed butter, coconut or olive oil, avocados, nuts and seeds. Eat right, get acupuncture, move your body and achieve vibrant health. At Satori Acupuncture we will give you the tools to heal yourself.

The world we live in.

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We are living in the most polluted environment in Earth’s known history.  We are continually inhaling, ingesting and digesting toxins, heavy metals, residue from plastics, pesticides, processed foods, chemicals and trans fats.  All of which negatively affect our bodies mentally, physically and especially financially (taking into consideration our nation’s outrageous medical bills, procedures and daily prescriptions that continue to grow, like every time they come out with another new “trial drug”)!  Sounds pretty scary and even a bit overwhelming when you stop to think about it…which is probably why most people prefer not to.  Well it doesn’t have to be that way, we can choose to do something, something positive for ourselves, our health and well being…we can break that cycle. 

 

Begin to open up to new possibilities, to educate ourselves and take a stand or a seat, so to speak  in front of a different kind of practitioner, one that focuses on the whole person… body, mind and soul.  Imagine one that looks into nutrition, daily stressors, relationships, beliefs and emotions as well as symptoms and problems.  Imagine a practitioner that partners with like minded practitioners and specialists to offer additional physical and emotional support as you travel on your quest for health and wellness.  What would that look and feel like?  How would that be? Imagine the impact it could have on you as a whole.   Imagine the art of Acupuncture.  Come in and explore all we have to offer!

Acupuncture and natural therapy for PCOS

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Acupuncture and natural therapy for PCOS

PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome) is a female endocrine disorder where too much androgen hormone (testosterone) is being made in relations to estrogen. It affects up to 10% of all women. It is thought that improper insulin regulation is a common cause and shows up in girls as young as nine years old through post menopausal women. PCOS is one of the main causes of infertility, but PCOS is a symptom of an underlying endocrine imbalance not the reason for the infertility.

Nutrition counseling, herbology and acupuncture work together synergistically to restore balance to a woman’s hormones and in many cases resolve PCOS entirely. What you eat is certainly the most important aspect as sugar is one of the major contributors to developing hormonal imbalances.  The reason is that sugar decreases a protein called Sex Hormone Binding Globulin (SHBG). SHBG clears excess estrogen from the body. PCOS is an estrogen dominant disorder.  Another possible link to the development in PCOS was found in the heavy consumption of beef treated with both natural and synthetic hormones.  For that reason alone organic grass fed and better still grass finished beef well worth the price.

Common symptoms of PCOS include:

Irregular or no menstrual periods (for women of reproductive age)
Weight gain
High blood sugar levels
Acne
Excess hair growth on the face and body
Thinning scalp hair
Accumulation of unruptured follicles on the periphery of the ovaries (mislabeled as cysts, often called polycystic ovaries)

It’s not necessary to have all of these symptoms to have PCOS. In fact it is not necessary to have “polycystic ovaries” to have PCOS. PCOS manifests itself differently in each woman.

We believe that Chinese Medicine is the best medicine on the planet to deal with PCOS and any hormonal imbalances. Using acupuncture, herbs and nutrition we can restore natural hormonal levels sometimes as quickly as within a few cycles.

There have been a couple of recent studies which show what has been known clinically for 2000 years.

Acupuncture and exercise relieve PCOS symptoms. In a 6 week study from 2009 the once a week acupuncture group had fewer menstrual irregularities and a significant drop in testosterone.
Acupuncture relieves PCOS better than exercise alone – In this similar study to the one above the acupuncture group had more menstrual regulation and a higher drop in testosterone than the exercise group.

In addition these studies only used acupuncture and exercise. There was no dietary intervention or herbal medicine used as treatment. Once we add in these modalities the success rate and healing time improves dramatically.

So if you have been diagnosed with PCOS consider using acupuncture as a treatment modality.

Fatigue

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Acupuncture and natural treatment options for chronic fatigue.

It is estimated that over half of Americans today experience chronic fatigue. Common causes of chronic fatigue are:

Low nutrient diet
Little or no physical activity
Stress
Overwork
Insomnia
Depression
Various malfunctions of one or more major systems of the body (endocrine, cardiovascular, digestive, etc.)

Acupuncture can help chronic fatigue by increasing the body’s vital energy or Qi. Qi is the basic energy that creates optimal physiological and neurological function. Weekly acupuncture for at least 4-6 weeks has been shown to improve chronic fatigue symptoms. Acupuncture can also help with stress, insomnia, depression, and improve the health of the major systems of the body

Regular exercise is especially important for those with chronic fatigue. Just walking 20-30 minutes for 5 days a week can be an effective remedy for fatigue in and of itself. At first it will be very difficult and feel very forced to exercise when you have no energy, but after a few days your body will love the endorphin and serotonin boost that exercise provides.

Chronic fatigue tends to cast a negative cloud on an area of your life that feels out of your control, such as working a sedentary job or having marital or financial problems.  Set the intention to heal any area of your life that feels toxic and let the healing process take root and begin slowly one step at a time.

Choosing more nutrient-dense foods, such as vegetables and fruits, and staying away from low nutrient foods (processed foods) can also boost energy levels. Along with acupuncture treatments, nutritional counseling and massage therapy we will provide complete guideline tailored to your specific needs on what you should and should not be eating to help you feel your absolute best.

Call us today and see if we can help you.

Insomnia

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Insomnia happens to virtually everyone at some point, but it is usually a temporary annoyance. However, in some cases, sleep-related problems can last for months or even years. Failure to get an entire night’s sleep on most nights over a one-month period can be classified as chronic insomnia.

If you have chronic insomnia, there is a good chance you are experiencing at least one of the following:

Depression
Anxiety
Stress
Grief
Arthritis
Asthma and breathing problems
Hypoglycemia
Hyperthyroidism
Indigestion
Kidney or heart disease
Muscle aches
Parkinson’s disease
Physical pain
Taking prescription or over-the-counter drugs that have a side effect of insomnia

For chronic insomnia, receiving acupuncture once a week for 4-6 weeks, has been shown to have excellent results. Acupuncture helps to restore balance to the central nervous system and harmonize Qi, the functional energy that underlies our general state of health. Qi can either become stagnant, meaning that too much energy is locked up in a certain area or organ, or it can become deficient, meaning that there is not enough energy in an area or organ.  Both patterns can cause insomnia and both are treatable with acupuncture.

The absence of stomach acid

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Many people suffer with heartburn, indigestion, bloating and distress after eating that does not improve with antacids and medications designed to block the production of stomach acid.  Antacids and drugs that diminish normal acid secretion will fail to help the person whose symptoms are due to the inability to produce adequate stomach acid a common problem as we age.

Hydrochloric acid plays a key role in breaking down proteins before leaving the stomach.  Incompletely digested proteins and undigested amino acid chains in those with diminished hydrochloric acid production often trigger the immune system to respond to these protein chains as a foreign antigen.  This in turn can produce gas, bloating and heartburn.  Over the course of time it can lead to food sensitivities, joint inflammation and fatigue.  An unwanted consequence of further reduction in acid production is impaired ability to absorb vital vitamins and nutrients.  This deficit increases the risk of bone loss, mental deterioration and heart disease.

Enter Betaine Hydrochloride.

Betaine HCL can help boost low stomach acid output.  A simple test can help you identify whether you can benefit from betaine HCL.  Take one teaspoon of raw apple cider vinegar.  If this helps ease your symptoms then betaine HCL can help you restore normal acid production.

Only use betaine HCL if there no other symptoms of acid reflux or severe burning after a meal.

Acupuncture helps with each stage of infertility from conception to delivery.

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In 2002, a team of German researchers discovered that acupuncture significantly increased the odds of pregnancy among a group of 160 women who were undergoing IVF treatment. Forty-two percent of the women who received acupuncture got pregnant, compared to 26 percent of those who didn’t receive the treatment. Acupuncture helps increase blood flow to the uterus and relax the muscle tissue, giving the embryos a better chance of implanting.

Another way how acupuncture helps is stress reduction.  Since stress is known to greatly interfere with the ability to get pregnant managing your stress levels through acupuncture improves your odds of conceiving.

Acupuncture helps boost male fertility. A few studies have shown that regular treatments significantly improve sperm counts and motility (the strength with which the sperm swim) and improve the quality and health of sperm.  In a study published in Fertility and Sterility in 2005, researchers analyzed sperm samples from men with infertility of unknown cause before and after acupuncture treatments. They found that acupuncture was associated with fewer structural defects in sperm and an increase in the number of normal sperm.

Our clinical experience tells us that the result of a well executed conception plan starts by:

Regulate the menses – this enables a couple to better predict ovulation
Increase the blood flow to the uterus and increase the thickness of the endometrial lining – this allows for a more hospitable environment for the egg
Improve the sperm count and motility
Help alleviate stress – A study done at the University of California in San Diego showed that high levels of chronic stress can impair a woman’s fertility by as much as 93%

Acupuncture can increase your chances of conception if your infertility is due to any of the following:

 

Amenorrhea
Elevated FSH levels
Endometriosis
Dysmennorhea
Irregular Menstrual Cycles
LPD – Luteal Phase Defect
PID – Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
POF – Premature Ovarian Failure
PCOS – Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome
Hormonal Imbalance
Stress, anxiety
Low Sperm Count, Poor Sperm Motility
Poor Egg Quality
Thin Unresponsive Endometrium
Cervical and Uterine Factors
Immunological Factors
Fallopian Tube Factors – such as blockages
Ovulation Factors

If you are going through ART (Assisted Reproductive Technology such as IUI, IVF, donor egg, etc), acupuncture can also help:

Regulate the hormones (eg: elevated FSH level).
Increase the ovarian response and ovarian function to increase the number of follicles and quality of eggs produced.
Reduce the side effects of hormone treatments.
Increase and strengthen the immune system.
Improve the success rate of IVF
Decrease the chances of miscarriage and increase the rate of live birth.
Relieve morning sickness.
Alleviate back pain.
Prevent miscarriage.
Provide anesthesia during delivery.
Help with post-partum pain and depression.

Once a woman is pregnant, acupuncture can help:

As for the role of both of the parents involved a few gradual lifestyle changes can help tilt the scale in favor of a successful pregnancy.  Consider avoiding cold drinks and raw food; warming foods can activate and move stagnation in our bodies helping fertility. Start a regular gentle exercise routine.  30 minutes a day of walking is perfect.   Not only can it provide natural stress relief but also much needed bonding time.  Combine acupuncture treatments with herbal formulas and a well balanced diet rich in lean organic proteins, vegetables and whole grains.

There are many subtle reasons which may cause infertility and acupuncture is able to treat both the mind and body at subconscious levels to improve fertility.

Sports Performance and Recovery

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Sports injuries are very common for professional athletes, and also for active adults. Overuse injuries, repetitive strains, tendonitis, bursitis and sprains can keep active people sidelined for weeks or months at a time.

Studies have shown acupuncture is a highly effective modality in treating both acute and chronic pain stemming from sports injuries.   It reduces the healing time, increases range of motion, soothes inflammation and brings heightened blood circulation to the targeted affected area. Acupuncture also promotes more restful sleep by increasing the release of melatonin, which further helps speed recovery.

Recently there is new evidence acupuncture helps increase on field sports performance.    The American Journal of Acupuncture published a study that examined the effects of acupuncture on anaerobic threshold and work capacity during exercise. Researchers found that those who received acupuncture not only had lower heart rates, but had higher maximal exercise capacity and were able to handle greater workloads at the onset of blood lactate accumulation than those in the placebo group.

In South Florida where year round sunshine and warmth offer an array of options to be outdoors and active acupuncture should be considered a safe viable option to keep you free of injury and give your game a much needed boost.

Acupuncture can help:

Reduce healing time from injuries
Increase range of motion
Soothe inflammation
Increase circulation
Promote more restful sleep
Increase on-field sports performace
Reduce stress
Increased work capacity
Lower heart rate
Promote higher maximum exercise capacity

Migraine relief utilizing acupuncture and holistic healing

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More than 300 million people worldwide — about 6 to 7 percent of men and 15 to 18 percent of women — suffer from severe migraine headaches, yet to this day, it’s one of the least understood and poorly treated medical disorders.

Part of the problem has been that the experiences of those suffering from migraines vary greatly. Aside from throbbing, searing pain, which may or may not be one-sided, some experience “auras” prior to onset, while others do not. There may also be nausea, vomiting, fever, chills, sweating, and/or sensitivity to light, sound, and smells.

Triggers can be a combination of things and also vary from person to person. They include:

 

Food Sensitivities
Chemical Triggers
Hormonal Imbalances
Dehydration
Magnesium Deficiency
Mitochondrial Imbalances
Chronic Stress
External Stimuli
Weather Changes
Hypoglycemia

 

Acupuncture can provide lasting relief from the pain of chronic headaches, such as migraines, when combined with a nutritional plan that takes out as many known food triggers as possible.

Researchers found that compared with standard medical care, acupuncture offers substantial benefits in preventing headaches and improving the quality of life for people who suffer from frequent headaches, especially migraines.

Acupuncture is commonly used to treat other types of chronic pain, but researchers say this is the first large-scale study to examine the effectiveness of acupuncture under real-life conditions.

In the study, published in the March 15 issue of the British Medical Journal, researchers randomly divided 401 adults aged 18-65 years old with chronic headache (at least two headaches a month) — into two treatment groups. Participants had a history of having mostly migraine headaches.

One group received up to 12 acupuncture sessions during a three-month period in addition to standard medical care, and the other group received standard care alone.

A year later, researchers found those who received acupuncture:

Experienced 22 fewer days with headaches
Used 15% less medication
Made 25% fewer visits to their doctor
Took 15% fewer days off sick from work than the control group

We recommend a treatment plan of twelve sessions along with a strict adherence to an elimination diet for the first few weeks to find out what common food triggers may touch off a migraine.

Acupuncture treatments tailored for weight loss in South Florida

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A growing trend has been creeping up on our bodies for some time now.  According to a recent study 60 percent of population is overweight or obese.  For most of us carrying a few extra pounds has become a ‘normal’.  Our sedentary lifestyles, abundance of processed foods and chronic stress levels puts a strain on our body’s metabolism.  A tried and true way to achieve a weight range is through eating well and exercising.  However, in order to aid the natural weight loss process and to meet your weight loss goals more effectively, acupuncture can play a key role.

Acupuncture specifically designed for weight loss treatments is gaining traction and it’s easy to see why.

Weight gain is caused by several factors.

Poor nutrition or over nutrition
Sedentary lifestyle
Hormonal imbalances
Heightened cravings
Impaired metabolism

Using holistic healing to tackle weight loss is a multi-faceted approach along with nutritional insights, lifestyle modifications and herbology—it is possible to sort out the cause of problem while addressing the pressing the need at the time of the treatment.

Acupuncture works by redirecting the energy flow circulating within the mind and body to achieve balance.   Weight control is based on the idea that weight gain is the result of disturbed energy flow to and from the regulating center of the brain called the hypothalamus. The hypothalamus is responsible for maintaining functional balance that allows the body to run like a finely tuned instrument. The functions include regulating hormones, neurotransmitters, body temperature, circadian rhythm, hunger and thirst.

Of particular interest is the ability of acupuncture to influence fat storing hormones. Research measuring the effectiveness of acupuncture for weight loss found treatments increased ghrelin, a hormone that controls meal initiation and decreased leptin, the hormone that regulates fat storage and metabolism.

The guiding principal is that acupuncture can power up any other weight control strategy by curbing appetite, quelling cravings, boosting metabolism, improving digestion, regulating obesity-related hormones and enhancing the way nutrients are used.  It also boosts liver function, the organ responsible for digestion and nutrient assimilation. In addition acupuncture stimulates the release of endorphins helping to curb your urge to overeat while increasing tone in the smooth muscle of the stomach to help people know that they are full.

When combined with exercise and a healthy diet, acupuncture yields dramatic results.  The calming effect of a relaxed state during a treatment helps deal with stress, builds up stronger will power and a faster metabolism.

Our recommendations for using holistic healing for weight loss.

Complete a full course of treatment – Acupuncture individually tailored for weight loss is best achieved with a minimum of 10 treatments delivered over a few weeks.  Follow a comprehensive weight loss plan based on nutrient rich whole food choices coupled with regular exercise.