Posts Tagged: Chinese Medicine

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Acupuncture For Running Injuries

I was the kid who couldn’t run a mile in gym class. Remember the fitness awards in elementary school? You had to reach a certain goal in tests like the v-sit, pull ups, sit ups, and of course, the dreaded mile. My 13 minute mile time always held me back from getting an award, so from elementary school until my early 30’s, I pretty much despised running. However just a few years ago, my boyfriend started to drag me out for mile runs. It was torture, but my endurance gradually improved. I’m still a novice, but now run about 12 miles a week and absolutely LOVE it! Nothing gives me more energy, and it’s a great way to spend more time outside.

Although I am relatively new to running, I have been working with runners my entire acupuncture career. I now get why runners are absolutely hell-bent on returning from an injury quickly- it’s a totally addictive sport! Acupuncture is fantastic for treating a multitude of running injuries, ranging from plantar fasciitis to runner’s knee to IT Band pain and tightness.

These are the most common issues I treat for runners:  Read more

While You’re In The Neighborhood…

Having just moved my office to midtown in December, I’ve been slowly exploring the new neighborhood and am amazed at the history nearby! Bryant Park, The New York Public Library main branch and Grand Central Terminal are all just a stone’s throw from my acupuncture office. I feel so lucky to be close to these New York City landmarks, and they each have an incredible array of events and activities to offer to locals and visitors. Read more

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You’re An Adult. Why Is Your Skin Still Breaking Out?

I’m an adult. Why is my skin still breaking out? I hear this so often from my patients and I totally get the frustration. Growing up, I was a regular at the dermatologist’s office. As I entered high school, my painful, cystic acne had become severe- all over my chest, back, face, even my upper arms, to the point where I was embarrassed to wear sleeveless tops in the summer. It made an already awkward phase of life even harder. But when you have acne as an adult (either for the first time or continuing from your teenage years), you can feel even more self-conscious because it feels like you are the only one still having this problem. Read more

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Sweet Relief: Acupuncture and Herbs for hot flashes and other perimenopausal symptoms

Perimenopause is defined as the length of time between the reproductive years and menopause. Pretty vague, huh? The symptoms, however, are quite well-defined. Hot flashes, night sweats, forgetfulness, anxiety and/or depression, weight gain and even migraines can all happen during this period of time. Periods often become irregular and very heavy. Perimenopause can last anywhere from 3.5 to 14 years, so if a woman’s symptoms are pronounced, it can greatly interfere with normal daily activities. If you are one of the unlucky few whose symptoms last upwards of 14 years, finding a treatment that can provide natural relief from perimenopausal symptoms is crucial. Recent research shows that the earlier these symptoms begin, the longer they tend to last (source).

A common misconception about perimenopause is Read more

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Dry Winter Skin Remedies: A Holistic Approach

Why is my skin so angry in the winter?

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, dry skin is caused either by exposure to excessive dryness and heat (as in the dry heat produced by HVAC systems or radiators) or a deficiency of blood and fluids within the body. These causes can be seen as mutually interdependent- one can make the other worse. Other symptoms of blood and fluid deficiency include brittle hair and nails, constipation, constant thirst, or even very light or non-existent periods. If you have dry skin year-round or every winter you experience severe symptoms, fluid and blood deficiency are most likely at work, and dietary changes plus both internal and external Chinese herbs can help.

Scientists describe something called the “Dry Skin Cycle”- and it goes like this: Read more