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Author: SB Herb Clinic

Weight Management: How Acupuncture Can Help

Posted on by SB Herb Clinic
weight management
Photo Source: I Yunmai, Unsplash

 

Many people have struggled with being overweight and obese, which may result from various health factors or lifestyle choices. In fact, an estimated 160 million Americans are either overweight or obese. Billions of dollars are spent every year on weight loss and weight management programs, but it has been found that 95% fail in their attempts on losing weight.

 

In turn, excessive weight gain can also result to various diseases that affect the mental, emotional and physical aspects of an individual. Almost 30% of the world’s population are overweight or obese. As a result, the US had the highest rate of obesity within the OECD group of large trading economies. 

 

If you have struggled with losing weight, acupuncture can definitely help in your regimen. In fact, there are studies that show that acupuncture can help you lose weight more effectively, when done alongside healthy diet and exercise habits. Practitioners deem one to three acupuncture sessions for weight management to be safe and effective in helping you achieve realistic weight loss goals. Furthermore, some people experience the effects quickly after acupuncture sessions, and they can continue with their regular treatment every other week.

 

 

Acupuncture Treatment for Weight Management

Your acupuncture treatment will involve the insertion of fine and sterile needles at particular body points. Practitioners consider these points to be energy pathways, and the insertion of needles helps eliminate blocks to your energy flow. Also, there is a belief in Traditional Chinese Medicine that the improper functioning of the liver and spleen organ systems can cause excessive weight gain. Your acupuncturist will assess your condition and determine specific points that can affect weight loss. Here are the possible points which need to be treated to help you manage your weight:

 

Kidneys and Endocrine System: These will be addressed to stimulate nerve and hormonal rebalancing, and to treat water retention.

 

Spleen and Thyroid Gland: To bring balance to your hormones and blood sugar levels.

 

Adrenal and Ovary Glands: Treating these will address weight gain due to Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) or menopause

 

Ear Stapling: This method manipulates points on the ear that help control food cravings and stimulate metabolism. Medical Acupuncture published a study about ear acupuncture combined with a 2,000-calorie diet and 15-minute walk a day helped subjects lose weight. Those who took a 15-minute ear acupuncture session every week lost an average of 10 pounds.

 

Acupuncture can also stimulate the release of endorphins. As a result, this can create a relaxing and calming effect that help promote healthy eating habits. If you overeat due to stress, anxiety or frustration, acupuncture can help you become calm and control your appetite without having to resort to drugs.

 

Learn more about the effects of acupuncture on a person’s weight.

 

 

acupuncture in Santa Barbara

 

Does an Acupuncture Treatment Hurt?

Acupuncture patients are usually surprised that the treatment doesn’t hurt. Thus, the treatment is relatively pain-free. At most, people may experience a dull ache or slight tingling feeling around the base of the inserted needle. These sensations are usually brief. If you have a low tolerance for pain, or are afraid of needles, you’ll only find brief sensations of jolts or tingling. During the entire acupuncture session, you may notice that you can barely feel the needles at all.

 

 

What You Can Expect After the Treatment

With a combination of acupuncture and ear stapling, many patients have lost 1 to 2 pounds every week and lessened their food cravings. It is definitely not a quick fix, but it helps you lose weight more effectively. Regular exercise and sticking to a healthy diet are still crucial in achieving your weight loss goal.

 

 

Get an Acupuncture Session Today

Santa Barbara Herb Clinic offers a wide variety of specialties that cater to many health issues, including weight management. Our holistic approach to treating the causes of weight gain will help you lose weight naturally and effectively. See our line of specialties that can help you achieve a healthy lifestyle and optimum wellness.

 

 

 

References

Acupuncture Can Help With Weight Loss | PCOM – https://www.pacificcollege.edu/news/blog/2014/11/05/acupuncture-can-help-weight-loss

 

Acupuncture For Weight Loss: What You Need To Know, Alle Connell – http://stylecaster.com/beauty/acupuncture-for-weight-loss/

 

I Tried It: Acupuncture For Weight Loss | Shape.com – https://www.shape.com/weight-loss/tips-plans/i-tried-it-acupuncture-weight-loss

 

Obesity: 30% Of People In the World Are Obese or Overweight, Alexandra Sifferlin – http://time.com/4813075/obesity-overweight-weight-loss/

 

Obesity in the United States | Wikipedia – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Obesity_in_the_United_States

 

The Vast Majority Of American Adults Are Overweight or Obese, and Weight Is a Growing Problem Among Us Children | Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation – http://www.healthdata.org/news-release/vast-majority-american-adults-are-overweight-or-obese-and-weight-growing-problem-among

 

Acupuncture for Stomach Problems: Studies, Treatment and Health Benefits

Posted on by SB Herb Clinic

 

Stomach problems or abdominal disorders can cripple a person’s day-to-day living. If you are suffering from stomach upset, you’re not alone. Indigestion, or dyspepsia, affects nearly 20% of Americans. 20% of the adult population also suffer from symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome. There are a lot of common causes of digestive problems – including infections, spoiled food, or unclean water. However, you can turn to acupuncture for stomach problems to help you deal with the effects of all these issues.

 

acupuncture for stomach problems

 

How Acupuncture for Stomach Problems Can Help

Practitioners have used acupuncture extensively to treat gastrointestinal issues. It will help you manage the condition of your stomach and all related organ systems. An acupuncture treatment will address the root cause of concern, and also support an overall healthy balance in the body.

 

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, the stomach is one of the longest meridians in the body. It has 45 acupuncture points in it, which an acupuncturist will work on to treat symptoms. When the stomach gets stressed out or weakened, there may be an imbalance in the Qi (energy flow). In turn, this leads to disorders such as nausea, vomiting, indigestion, belching, bloating, heartburn, and acid reflux.

 

Other acupuncture points are along the spleen, kidney and liver. The spleen is “the sister organ” of the stomach. Meanwhile, the liver is related to the flow of emotions of a person, so when there’s stress or tension, it makes the stomach become out of balance. The kidney, on the other hand, functions in warming the organs in order for them to work optimally. If the kidney weakens, it will cause the stomach to weaken as well.

 

acupuncture in Santa Barbara

 

What To Expect in an Acupuncture Session

The inflammation of the stomach lining also causes stomach pain or gastritis. It may be related to a lot of different conditions that can be traced back to disorders in the stomach. The Traditional Chinese Medicine approach to this problem is to take a closer look at the specific symptoms of the patient, and determine the root cause of it. The practitioner will then implement the best approach to treatment after the assessment. Acupuncture for stomach problems and a prescription of herbs can resolve gastritis, strengthen the digestive system, and prevent stomach disorders from reoccurring.

 

The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine published a meta-analysis study which support the usage of acupuncture for people who suffer from dyspepsia. This health issue, which is described as a chronic disorder of sensation and movement in the upper digestive tract, may leave individuals to suffer from nausea, intense hunger, bloating, or general discomfort. Thus, practitioners insert needles into certain acupuncture points in order to bring back balance to your digestive system.

 

A licensed acupuncturist will ask you about your history of medical issues, eating habits, medications taken, and other things related to your health concerns. There might also be a pulse reading and tongue evaluation which will provide information regarding the condition of your stomach. Also, your acupuncturist will make a treatment plan to address the disorder. At the end of the session, your acupuncturist may prescribe herbal formulas to complement your treatment.

 

You’ll feel a slight tingling or numbness in the base where the needles are inserted in the acupuncture points of your body. The needles are as thin as hair strands, so you’ll barely feel anything while lying down. Most patients feel relaxed after acupuncture because the stimulation from the needles induces the secretion of endorphins.

 

 

Book a Session with a Licensed Acupuncturist for your Digestive Health

Santa Barbara Herb Clinic offers a wide variety of natural healing specialties, including acupuncture for stomach problems. Our licensed acupuncturist and Chinese Medicine practitioner will provide a thorough assessment of your symptoms and implement a customized treatment plan that you can get in our clinic if you’re in the Santa Barbara or Goleta area. We can also ship you a prescription of herbs straight to your doorstep. Our acupuncturist, Tram Pham, also does phone and video consultations if you can’t come by our clinic.

 

 

 

 

References

Acupuncture and Stomach Disorders | Baltimore Acupuncture –
https://baltimore-acupuncture.net/acupuncture-and-stomach-disorders/

 


Acupuncture Is Highly Effective In Treating Stomach Pain. Gem Seddon – http://acupuncturewellness.net/acupuncture-is-highly-effective-in-treating-stomach-pain/

 

Statistics For Abdominal Disorders | Florida Hospital –
https://www.floridahospital.com/abdominal-disorders/statistics-abdominal-disorders

 

Stomach Aches Get Relief With Acupuncture | Acupuncture Alternatives – https://acualt.com/acupuncture/stomach-aches-get-relief-with-acupuncture/

 

Acupuncture for Preventive Health Care and Wellness

Posted on by SB Herb Clinic

 

Acupuncture might be known to treat minor to chronic health issues. However, did you know that it’s also effective for preventive health care? Traditional Chinese Medicine upholds the concept that besides curing diseases, it is crucial to prevent them. If you show symptoms of a disease or would like to prevent them from happening, acupuncture can help treat symptoms and fine tune your body to its optimum health. It can definitely help you perform to your utmost best as it has long-term benefits for your mind, body and spirit.

 

acupuncture
Photo by Antonika Chanel/Unsplash.com

 

How Does Acupuncture Help in Preventive Health Care

Acupuncture involves inserting needles at specific body points to treat the root cause of health issues, remove blocks in the energy flow, and promote a healthy balance in the body. It can strengthen the immune system, improve digestion and induce endorphins; which make patients feel healthier and happier after every treatment session.

 

Traditional Chinese Medicine uses acupuncture as a maintenance treatment to tune up the body. Studies in Japan also show that the procedure can help prevent common illnesses such as colds, nausea and many others.

 

Acupuncture balances the different organ systems in the body so that it can boost your immune system and prevent diseases from happening. A licensed acupuncturist can also assess and address early onset symptoms such as sleep disturbances, headaches, mood changes, digestive problems and others to prevent them from worsening or developing into serious medical conditions.

 

 

Acupuncture for Preventive Care and Wellness

acupuncture in Santa Barbara

 

An acupuncturist will assess your symptoms and create a customized treatment plan that suits your health needs. The treatment plan, together with a prescription of herbs and lifestyle modifications can improve your overall well-being.

 

For those conscious with their health, they take acupuncture to prevent symptoms from worsening. Regular treatment sessions keep their health in check, and complementing it with a healthy diet and exercise ensure that illnesses are kept at bay.

 

Some people undergo acupuncture even if they don’t have diseases. They take it because it makes them feel good and relaxed after every session. As the saying goes, prevention is better than cure. It is better to keep your mind and body healthy for as long as possible, as it can also save troubles and costs that come with having a disease.

 

See acupuncture as something that doesn’t just treat one symptom or health issue, but it addresses the entire system of your body. It promotes holistic health and wellness that supports your being as a whole. With its physical, mental, emotional and spiritual benefits, you’ll find that the treatment to be truly helpful in preventive health care and wellness.

 

 

Acupuncture Effects

You might feel a slight tingling sensation or numbness when the needles are inserted on specific points of your body. These sensations are brief, and while the needles are in your skin, you’ll barely feel them at all. The side effects of acupuncture are slim to none. It is a low risk treatment that Western medical doctors also see as safe and effective. You can choose acupuncture as an alternative treatment to avoid the side effects that come with synthetic medication. As with all healing modalities, consult your primary care doctor first before taking any other treatment for your health concerns.

 

 

Book an Appointment Now for Preventive Care and Wellness

Santa Barbara Herb Clinic offers holistic healing treatments based on Traditional Chinese Medicine, which includes acupuncture for preventive health care. Your session with our licensed acupuncturist will include a complete assessment and customized treatment specifically catered to your health concerns. We also conduct phone and video consultations. If you are around the Santa Barbara or Goleta area, you can come by our clinic as shown on this map. We also ship herbal prescriptions locally and abroad. Book a session now to achieve optimum health and wellness.

 

 

 

 

References

Acupuncture As Preventative Health Care | Above & Beyond Acupuncture | Scottsdale Acupuncture – https://www.aboveandbeyondacupuncture.com/acupuncture-as-preventative-health-care/

 

How Acupuncture Is Used As a Preventive Health Care Treatment, Bipasha Mukherjee – http://www.modernreflexology.com/importance-of-preventive-medicine-acupuncture/

 

Preventive Acupuncture? | Dr. Weil – https://www.drweil.com/health-wellness/balanced-living/wellness-therapies/preventive-acupuncture/

 

 

Acupuncture for Children: Studies, Treatment and Health Benefits

Posted on by SB Herb Clinic

 

According to a peer review study by Jindal, Ge and Mansky in 2008, there is some efficacy and low risk associated with acupuncture for pediatric health cases. Also, parents are resorting to acupuncture for children due to its natural, holistic, low risk and effective results. Moreover, a National Health Statistics report in 2007 stated that there were around 150,000 children in the USA that underwent acupuncture treatment for a variety of health concerns.

 

acupuncture for children
Photo Source: Thiago Cerqueira, Unsplash

 

The thing about acupuncture is that it might take some convincing for children to go along with the treatment. There are also acupuncturists who don’t need to make the child stay still in order to perform the treatment. This is because most of the time, the needles will just be inserted in and out quickly. Thus, there can be a quick relief of symptoms experienced by the child.

 

If the child has anxiety around needles, he or she can go for acupressure. This is because acupressure doesn’t have needling and would only require pressing certain acupuncture points in the body. Also, some acupuncturists can even teach children how to do acupressure on themselves. Parents can also learn for themselves in order to help their children.

 

One-third of the pediatric pain centers in the USA now offer acupuncture for children as part of their healthcare services. More and more pediatricians are recognizing the value of acupuncture as a valid and helpful treatment option.

 

Here are just a few of the health issues that acupuncture for children can address:

 

 

 

Is Acupuncture for Children Safe?

acupuncture in Santa Barbara

 

Dr. Sunita Vohra from the University of Alberta states that pediatric acupuncture is safe under the trained hands of licensed acupuncturists. Similarly, results from peer-reviewed studies show that most adverse effects of acupuncture are only about 11% of cases, and most of it are mild. Another study also showed that the adverse effect occurring from acupuncture therapy is the same as taking penicillin. However, it is advised that acupuncture treatment should be delayed if the child has overeaten, experienced weakness, or is over fatigued.

 

Acupuncture treatments are also relatively pain-free. Because acupuncture needles are as thin as hair strands, they can be barely felt at all. Treatments done on children also doesn’t need intense needling, as the needles can just be inserted in and out quickly. Thus, the most that children will experience after an acupuncture treatment is numbness, dull ache, or a slight tingling sensation around the base of the needle. There are instances that a child may cry during the treatment, but the sensation will go away quickly.

 

The acupuncturist may give a little massage to the parts that the needles were inserted to lessen the numbing. As a result, young patients can experience relief of symptoms after one or two treatments of acupuncture therapy.

 

Establishing a friendly and calm environment before children go through with acupuncture treatments is important. Practitioners, with the assistance of the children’s parents, have to reduce the anxiety of children before acupuncture sessions. The use of toys, puppets or pictures can also help relax kids. Some children also have an increased acceptance of acupuncture when they try acupressure first.

 

 

Take the Next Step By Consulting with a Licensed Acupuncturist

Acupuncture is a natural, safe and effective treatment for children, and it has holistic health benefits that your child can experience for a long time. Book an appointment now with our licensed acupuncturist to get a consultation and treatment which are specific to your child’s health concerns. If you’re in the Santa Barbara or Goleta area, come by our clinic to start your journey towards holistic health.

 

Our acupuncturist, Tram Pham L.Ac, also conducts phone and video consultations for those who can’t come to our clinic. We also ship herbal prescriptions from our in-house pharmacy to wherever you are in the world.

 

 

 

References

Acupuncture For Kids | Cleveland Clinic Children’s Health Team – https://health.clevelandclinic.org/acupuncture-for-kids/

 

Acupuncture For Kids, Children | Red Tent Health Centre –
http://redtent.com.au/therapies/acupuncture/acupuncture-chinese-med-for-children/

 

Is Acupuncture Safe For Kids? Catherine Pearson – https://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/11/21/acupuncture-safe-children_n_1102024.html

 

Safety and Efficacy of Acupuncture in Children A Review of the Evidence. Vanita Jindal – Adeline Ge – Patrick Mansky – https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2518962/

 

The Benefits Of Acupuncture For Children | PCOM – https://www.pacificcollege.edu/news/blog/2015/01/21/benefits-acupuncture-children

 

Acupuncture for Managing Pain and Treating Sports Injuries

Posted on by SB Herb Clinic
acupuncture for sports injuries
Photo by Braden Collum/Unsplash.com

 

Most types of sports involve strenuous physical activities on the pitch, ring, court, track, and even water. As such, injuries can happen anytime, whether during a competition or while training. It’s also not limited to professional athletes. People who run regularly or lift weights as part of their regimen can also develop chronic pain or suffer an activity-related accident. Even with great care, repeated movements using specific parts of the body could still result in problems. These can include strain, sprain, inflammation, and at times outright injuries. While an athlete battling through pain might still be able to perform well, it comes at the cost of aggravating the condition.

 

Often enough, the pain could become simply too great to be endured, and it’s imperative that professional and amateur athletes alike take time off from exertion until they recover. For such driven and competitive individuals, that can be yet another blow altogether—this time to the mind and spirit—because taking too much time off could mean sacrificing some of the strength and skills they’ve already earned through sheer persistence.

 

 

How acupuncture can help with sports injuries

In sporting circles, managing pain and treating sports injuries using acupuncture has become increasingly popular over the decades, but the practice has actually been around for centuries already. Acupuncture is what martial arts practitioners have been employing not only to reduce pain and to facilitate a faster recovery but also to help improve their performance. Modern-day professional sports clubs, and even national teams, have warmed up to the idea of drug-less pain management through traditional Chinese healing modalities, many of whom have an acupuncturist as an integral part of their staff.

 

There are instances wherein the exact nature of their sporting injury isn’t clear to the patient; they only know that they’re in pain. After a thorough consultation, the acupuncturist would make a diagnosis and proceed to stimulate oxygen flow through the body by inserting ultra-thin Japanese acupuncture needles into specific distal points. Santa Barbara Herb Clinic and its lead practitioner Ms. Tram Pham, L.Ac. specializes in the acupuncture system known as the “Balance Method” which was pioneered and taught by Dr. Richard Tan.

 

Distal points refer to areas which are seemingly unrelated to the points of pain or injury, with heavy emphasis on “seemingly.” These points are all interconnected through the body’s pathways. Distal healing through the Balance Method focuses on achieving results by correcting the balance of a person’s body. It also improves blood circulation which could lead to reduced inflammation and a faster recovery.

 

Learn about how acupuncture can help relieve pain in the joints.

 

 

acupuncture for sports injuries
Photo by Mitchell Hollander/Unsplash.com

 

Promoting mental and physical harmony

Aside from helping promote quicker healing of sports injuries, acupuncture can also have a direct effect on an athlete’s mentality. Acupuncture can induce the release of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that is responsible for regulating mood, sleep, and pain. Thus, acupuncture could simultaneously relieve possible side effects of a given injury, including insomnia and emotional disturbances. It also releases endorphins and other chemicals that are the body’s natural pain killers. Unlike taking medications for managing pain and treating injuries, athletes won’t have to risk an increased tolerance and other adverse side effects from this traditional treatment.

 

Managing pain from sports injuries using acupuncture can prove especially beneficial, and the Balance Method can be more so. Often, it’s possible that a particular body part is responsible for the chronic pain in another body part. Leg injuries in a runner, for example, can trace its origin to an ineffective posture or the misuse of the hips. Acupuncture can thus not only target the injured areas. It can also stabilize the functions of different body parts and harmonize the body as a whole to enable it to perform to its fullest potential.

 

sports injuries

 

About acupuncture in Santa Barbara Herb Clinic

Tram Pham, L.Ac. is one of Master Richard Tan’s last students. She has taken over the practice and ownership of the Santa Barbara Herb Clinic from the late Dr. Henry Han. She has performed acupuncture on many professional athletes, including some of the most prominent ones on the international stage. She combines a highly effective and fast-acting system of acupuncture techniques with a range of other traditional Chinese therapies, including fire cupping, also known as dry cupping, and tui na, which is more commonly referred to as acupressure.

 

The clinic’s Herbal Pharmacy also offers a substantial range of medicinal herbs, powders, teas, and pills. These offer holistic wellness while also helping to target specific types of pain and ailments. You can experience the clinic’s exceptional services even if you live outside Santa Barbara. Set an appointment and you can consult with us through a phone or video call. We can even mail prescribed herbal remedies to your door.

 

 

 

References

https://www.pacificcollege.edu/news/blog/2014/12/18/acupuncture-treatment-sports-injuries

 

http://physiologicnyc.com/can-acupuncture-used-treat-sports-injuries/

 

https://www.premierortho.com/sports-injuries/acupuncture-sports-injury/

 

https://www.kiacupuncturecanberra.com.au/sports-injury-treatments/

 

https://innerlight-wellness.net/dr-tans-balance-method-for-almost-any-disease/

 

How Acupuncture Can Help with Migraines and Headaches

Posted on by SB Herb Clinic

 

Around 12% of the world’s population suffer from migraines. Many more experience frequent headaches that range from mild to severe. There are various factors, symptoms, and indications that differentiate headaches from migraines. Migraines typically occur at least five times in a given month and last for hours or for days. They can also involve a “trigger,” which sufferers can recognize and feel on localized parts of the head. Headaches, meanwhile, have a frequency and intensity that can be just as terrible as or sometimes even worse than migraines. There is usually no perceivable pattern to when they occur or why.

 

headaches
Photo by Joanna Nix/Unsplash.com

 

How acupuncture could help relieve migraines and headaches

The medical community hasn’t yet arrived at a consensus on what truly causes frequent headaches and migraine attacks. Its opinion is divided as well on whether or not sufferers should seek alternative treatments like traditional Chinese medicine and acupuncture, which might better serve their situations. On the other hand, there are organizations made up of people dealing with migraine on a monthly basis who advocate acupuncture. The Migraine Trust and the American Migraine Foundation in particular recommend that members and non-members alike should try acupuncture for their migraines and headaches. These treatments can be an alternative or complement to conventional treatments.

 

Research results back this up. There had been many clinical trials conducted over the years on whether acupuncture for migraines and headaches could be made an option for sufferers. Several researchers conducted a systematic review of these separate studies. What they found was that making acupuncture an integral part of treatment could significantly reduce the attacks’ frequency per month. As a bonus, there are also fewer side effects, and acupuncture’s overall impact is at least as effective as conventional medications.

 

 

The mechanics of acupuncture

It is thought that stimulating the body’s immune and circulatory systems could help root out the main cause of migraines and headaches. Acupuncture can help the body find the source of the pain and could eventually enable it to release natural painkillers. There’s a theory that one of the reasons people suffer chronic pain is that it is unable to perform that painkilling function properly, perhaps because of blocked signals in the brain and body’s pathways.

 

traditional Chinese medicine
How can acupuncture help restore the balance in your body? Photo via PxHere

 

You can choose to subscribe to the “meridians” and “energy” concept of acupuncture popularized in the West. You can also subscribe to the more medical Ancient Chinese understanding that these energy pathways are actually the blood vessels, and that this energy is the chemicals being transported through the blood. Whichever one you believe, it doesn’t affect the bottom line. Stimulating specific and individually relevant points along these pathways could have major effects on the human body as a whole.

 

Pain is the brain’s signal that something is wrong somewhere in your body. While it may manifest as headaches or migraines, the root cause could be another thing altogether. Because of this, holistic healing through acupuncture can prove crucial. It can reduce the pain felt during an attack as well as shorten its duration. It can also address the possible underlying issue that causes these attacks.

 

Learn about how acupuncture can help treat other common types of body pains.

 

 

About Acupuncture in Santa Barbara Herb Clinic

acupuncture

 

Tram Pham, L.Ac. is the lead acupuncture practitioner and the owner of the Santa Barbara Herb Clinic, formerly run by Dr. Henry Han. She is a proponent of the distal healing technique known as the Balance Method, which she learned from its pioneer and Master Dr. Richard Tan during the last years of his life. In order to help patients achieve their optimal health, she combines this highly effective acupuncture system with other traditional Chinese medicine modalities (such us moxibustion, tui na or acupressure, and fire cupping), as well as with herbal remedies, which are readily available in the clinic’s Herbal Pharmacy.

 

The clinic also offers long-distance consultations through telephone or video calls. Whether you’re in Santa Barbara or Goleta area or farther away, you can benefit from the Santa Barbara Herb Clinic’s range of herbs, teas, powders, pills and more. We can mail all of these straight to your doorstep.

 

 

 

References

http://cochranelibrary-wiley.com/doi/10.1002/14651858.CD001218.pub3/abstract

 

http://www.cochrane.org/CD001218/SYMPT_acupuncture-preventing-migraine-attacks

 

https://americanmigrainefoundation.org/understanding-migraine/acupuncture-and-migraine-finding-a-combination-that-sticks/

 

https://www.migrainetrust.org/living-with-migraine/treatments/acupuncture/

 

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/148373.php

 

Can Acupuncture Help Regulate Metabolism?

Posted on by SB Herb Clinic
weight loss
Photo by Jasmin Schreiber/Unsplash.com

 

Some people are born without the need to make the effort to regulate metabolism. This allows them to quickly digest food, absorb nutrients, burn fat, and efficiently make use of the energy produced. Others are not quite as lucky. Worse, as we all get older, our metabolism also goes on the decline—even those of the lucky ones. Usually, even having a healthy diet and living a reasonably active lifestyle are not enough. Declining metabolism can transtale to increased weight, less efficient digestive capabilities, and more hunger pangs felt throughout the day.

 

This natural decline of metabolism, which can also be a common occurrence in younger people, needs regulation. Those already prone to disproportionate weight gain might also come to struggle with diseases associated with it. These include diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart problems.

 

In recent years, there has been quite a buzz surrounding acupuncture’s weight-reducing effects. Studies conducted on the subject in Australia, Germany, and Korea — just to name a few — contributed to this buzz. These have all produced results that are largely in favor of acupuncture. The studies specifically highlighted how regularly receiving the treatment over a stretch of time can help lower BMI or body mass index even without changes in diet and activity. In the studies where these factors were also included as part of the acupuncture experiments, the results were even better.

 

 

Acupuncture and weight loss — is there a connection?

But the truth of the matter is, weight loss may simply be taken as a side effect in this regard, albeit a highly desirable one. The bodily function that acupuncture truly seeks to correct is the digestive system. If it succeeds in that, we now know there are perks and other far-reaching consequences we can look forward to.

 

According to traditional Chinese medicine, there are interconnected streams throughout the entire body where “Qi” or energy is constantly flowing. At least, it should be. When blockages occur at sites within these streams, or “meridians,” the flow of energy is disrupted, and this results in the diverse health problems we experience. Acupuncture is one of the modalities that Ancient Chinese medical practitioners devised to remove such blockages and restore the proper flow of energy within a patient. Both in theory and in practice, once the flow of energy is as it should be, the body attains balance and regains the capability to put itself to rights.

 

A slow metabolism even in younger individuals can be due to various causes. The prime causes may include thyroid dysfunction, lifelong improper diet, and (believe it or not) over-thinking. As mentioned earlier, through the energy meridians in every conceivable part of our body, everything is interconnected. If something goes wrong with one part, you could feel the effects on another part, even those that seemingly have nothing to do with each other. For instance, stress is infamous for causing uncontrollable cravings for unhealthy food.

 

Learn more about how acupuncture can help manage weight.

 

 

How does acupuncture help regulate the metabolism?

acupuncture
Photo by marniejoyce/VisualHunt.com

 

As another example, one of the most common symptoms of anxiety is irritable bowel syndrome or IBS. Though modern science hasn’t yet arrived at a concrete explanation as to why, they at least acknowledge that there is a correlation. According to traditional Chinese medicine, due to the amount of energy going to the mind as it thinks and thinks, it steals away the energy that should have gone to efficient digestion and nutrient absorption. Thus, even when a person does observe proper and nutritious diet, it may not be enough. Most of that effort would go to waste if the mind is also full of problems at all times.

 

As the first order of business, acupuncture would seek to calm the body and quiet the mind. Ideally, this would also give the patient the strength of will to enact changes in his or her life for its overall improvement. At the Santa Barbara Herb Clinic, acupuncture treatments often come hand-in-hand with herbal remedies as well as with nutritional recommendations. The acupuncturist goes deeper into the cause of the metabolic problems and tailors the acupuncture treatment accordingly to correct them. She would also guide the patient on the ways they could take to achieve and maintain a good state of health for the long term. Seeing and feeling the positive effects of the treatments almost always points them to the right choice.

 

 

About acupuncture at the Santa Barbara Herb Clinic

acupuncture in Santa Barbara

 

Tram Pham, L.Ac. is the latest owner and lead acupuncture practitioner in the renowned Santa Barbara Herb Clinic. Dr. Henry Han, who passed away in tragic circumstances, previously ran the clinic. Tram is one of the last students of Dr. Richard Tan, the Master and pioneer of the distal healing system of acupuncture known as the Balance Method, which heavily focuses on holistic healing.  This method seeks to treat not just the specific ailing parts but the body’s entirety, and this includes issues of the mind and spirit as well.

 

Acupuncture along with other traditional Chinese medicine’s healing modalities, including fire cupping, moxibustion, tui na (acupressure), and herbal remedies, are combined seamlessly to suit highly particular conditions. The clinic also has a Herbal Pharmacy which has an extensive stock of medicinal powders, herbs, teas, and pills. This gives an option to patients living outside the Goleta and Santa Barbara area to receive their herbal remedies through mail. Similarly for those who would like a consultation but couldn’t make a trip, the clinic offers consultations via phone or video call after setting an appointment.

 

 

 

References

Acupuncture Helps Boost Your Metabolism — and Your Health! | CT Acupuncture Center

Ingri Boe-Wiegaard

https://www.ctacupuncture.com/acupuncture-helps-boost-your-metabolism-and-your-health/

 

Stoking the Digestive fire: A Healthy Spleen and Stomach – Natural Healing & Acupuncture

Denise Wiesner

http://naturalhealingacupuncture.com/stoking-the-digestive-fire-a-healthy-spleen-and-stomach

 

Can Acupuncture Really Help You Lose Weight? The Answer May Surprise You

https://www.prevention.com/weight-loss/a20141511/acupuncture-for-weight-loss/

A Natural Way to Deal with Irregular Menstruation

Posted on by SB Herb Clinic

 

If you’ve been experiencing problems with irregular menstruation, getting acupuncture in Santa Barbara may be able to help you. Whatever the nature or cause of your issues may be, there’s a large possibility that acupuncture can help you out.

 

Menstruation looms pretty large in the life of a woman. After all, it does come every month — or, at least, it’s supposed to. While many women have regular menstrual cycles, there are also those who get irregular periods. This can be a problem in itself, since an unpredictable period has the potential to give rise to a number of issues.

 

An imbalance in the body’s sex hormones can lead to irregular menstrual cycles. Acupuncture is a natural and healthy way to help the body stabilize the production of hormones and thus increase the chances of regulating the menstrual cycle.

 

irregular menstruation
Photo by Alex Blajan/Unsplash.com

 

An overview of irregular menstruation

A menstrual cycle begins on the first day of the period and ends on the day before the next period starts. A regular menstrual cycle is about 22 to 35 days long, and each cycle’s length should be in that range. Periods, meanwhile, normally last five to seven days.

 

Women with regular cycles can predict when their periods will come — some can even nail down the exact day of their next period. However, for some women, things may not be as cut and dry. Their cycles can last longer than 35 days, and they may not get their periods on some months.

 

 

The causes of irregular periods

There are several reasons why a woman has an irregular cycle. Some may not be a cause for worry, while some may require more attention.

 

A young girl that has just started her period has a higher chance of having an irregular cycle for up to the next few years. A woman who is also about three to five years away from menopause may begin experiencing irregular periods. In these cases, it’s likely that the irregular cycles are nothing to worry about.

 

However, an irregular period can also be an indicator of another health issue. There are a number of things that can cause irregular menstrual cycles, like stress, medications, and medical conditions.

 

Certain kinds of medical conditions and medications have been found to be able to cause irregular menstruation. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), diabetes, eating disorders, and medications for epilepsy and mental illness can affect the hormones that regulate a woman’s menstrual cycle.

 

Oral hormonal contraceptives can cause issues as well. In fact, irregular menstrual cycles have been cited to be the leading cause in women deciding to stop taking oral contraceptives.

 

Things such as extreme changes in weight as well as excessive exercise can also affect a woman’s cycle. Stress can also be one of the culprits. Fortunately, the Santa Barbara Herb Clinic can help you relieve stress as well as help you have more regular periods.

 

 

Why irregular periods can be a problem

Girls who are still going through puberty or women who have always had slightly unpredictable periods typically don’t have to worry about irregular menstrual cycles. However, irregular cycles may also be symptoms of an underlying medical condition that needs medical attention. Sudden changes in a previously regular menstrual cycle, periods that last over 7 days, and having overly long or short menstrual cycles are indications that a checkup may be in order.

 

Irregular menstrual cycles can also make things more difficult for women who are trying to get pregnant. This is because it may be more difficult to tell when you’ll be ovulating.

 

Learn about how acupuncture can help improve fertility.

 

 

Acupuncture and menstrual health

acupuncture
Photo via Pixabay

 

Acupuncture can work very well with Western medicine in the treatment of irregular menstrual periods. You can undergo certain treatments to address the specific causes of irregular periods, and in the case of irregularity caused by oral contraception, changing contraceptives can be an effective solution. However, acupuncture can complement and enhance these treatments, and it can benefit you in other ways as well.

 

Traditional Chinese medicine, which includes acupuncture, has been helping treat and maintain women’s health for millennia. When it comes to reproductive health, there are no one-size-fits-all solutions. The Santa Barbara Herb Clinic’s owner and Licensed Acupuncturist, Tram Pham, can take into account your individual issues and provide you with a treatment program that fits your specific needs.

 

 

How acupuncture works

One of the foundations of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), which includes acupuncture, is the presence and balance of a person’s qi. Qi (pronounced “chee”), according to TCM, is the life force that flows in each of us. When this flow is disrupted or thrown off balance, illness, pain, and other issues can occur.

 

Acupuncture helps restore the proper flow of qi by stimulating the various acupuncture points on the human body. To stimulate these acupuncture points, your Licensed Acupuncturist will insert fine needles into your skin.

 

 

Possible side effects

Generally, acupuncture is safe and low-risk. The worst of the possible side effects of acupuncture is due to unsterilized needles and unqualified practitioners. Even so, very few side effects have been reported.

 

We at the Santa Barbara Herb Clinic also make sure that the needles we use for each patient are new and properly sterilized. Tram, meanwhile, has years of experience under her belt, as well as a Master’s Degree in Chinese Medicine from Yo San University.

 

You may feel a tingling or heavy sensation in the needle insertion spots, but that’s to be expected. In fact, it’s considered to be an indicator that the treatment is working.

 

irregular menstruation

 

 

Restoring the balance

There is currently a growing body of research on the ways that acupuncture can help treat irregular menstrual cycles and infertility issues. Generally, research shows that there is evidence that acupuncture is indeed effective in helping treat irregular menstrual periods. However, it’s important to remember that you should not postpone going to your general practitioner or gynecologist in favor of acupuncture.

 

Before you book an acupuncture appointment, you should also prepare details of your medical history, as well as the medications you’re currently taking. TCM and acupuncture don’t design treatment regimens based on the particular health issue, but on the individual instead. Thus, it’s best to be informed about your medical history to make sure that the acupuncture treatment is fitted to your specific needs.

 

 

Acupuncture at the Santa Barbara Herb Clinic

Tram took over the Santa Barbara Herb Clinic in 2016, but the clinic has actually been around since 1986. Since it was founded, the clinic has been Santa Barbara’s prime go-to spot for herbs, acupuncture, and natural healing. Tram specializes in women’s health, but she can also help you with a other health issues beyond irregular menstruation.

 

You can make an appointment and make your inquiries by calling us at 805-563-0222 or emailing us at info@santabarbaraherbclinic.com. If you are not in the Santa Barbara or Goleta area, but you still want to have a consultation with Tram, you can do so over the phone or a video call. No need to drive long distances for a consultation! We at the Santa Barbara Herb Clinic want to provide you with stress-free, all-natural healthcare as well as we can.

 

 

 

 

References:

Irregular periods

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/irregular-periods/

 

Heavy, Prolonged or Irregular Periods — Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery

https://www.med.unc.edu/obgyn/Patient_Care/specialty-services/MIGS/our-services/heavy-prolonged-or-irregular-periods

 

When Should You See a Doctor for Irregular Periods? – Penn Medicine

https://www.pennmedicine.org/updates/blogs/womens-health/2015/april/when-should-you-see-a-doctor-for-irregular-periods

 

Acupuncture: In Depth

https://nccih.nih.gov/health/acupuncture/introduction

 

Acupuncture and women’s health: an overview of the role of acupuncture and its clinical management in women’s reproductive health

Suzanne Cochrane

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3962314/

 

The effect of acupuncture treatment on female infertility : an evidence-based literature review

Monique Marie Abela

https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/18842

 

Fertility Enhancement

http://www.advancedacupuncture.com/fertility/

 

Weight Loss & a Late Period

Michelle Zehr

https://www.livestrong.com/article/339959-weight-loss-a-late-period/

 

 

 

Acupuncture for Fatigue: Boosting Mental and Physical Energy

Posted on by SB Herb Clinic

 

In this day and age, having healthy energy levels is crucial for us to accomplish our work and duties all throughout the day. With all the hustle and bustle, stressors, and other environmental factors, it’s easy to become tired, fatigued, or lethargic. Our lifestyle habits also contribute to our energy level – whether we have that needed boost during the day or if we easily get tired without having to do anything much. Fortunately, acupuncture for fatigue can help you keep both your physical and mental energy up.

 

acupuncture for fatigue
Photo Source: Austin Schmid, Unsplash

 

We need to take care of our health so that we can have the mental and physical capabilities to perform our tasks, duties, goals and dreams in life. If you easily feel tired, experience chronic fatigue, or just can’t seem to pinpoint the cause of your health issue, try acupuncture as a natural healing method that can treat the root cause of the problem and increase your energy.

 

 

How Acupuncture for Fatigue Can Help You

Here’s how you can achieve wellness and increase energy through Acupuncture:

 

  • 1. Acupuncture works on unblocking the energy flow in your body. The treatment involves inserting needles on your body’s specific points in order to treat various systems and holistically bring balance to your health.
  • 2. Your acupuncturist may treat you for stress, and at the same time address your low energy level. Stress and low energy go hand in hand, and acupuncture can treat them simultaneously.
  • 3. Your acupuncture session will also involve balancing your body’s energies. The needles will be stimulating specific body points, called meridians, to increase your energy levels.
  • 4. Your therapist will also promote the increase of Chi (life force energy) in your body, as this helps you become more vibrant and active.
  • 5. Acupuncture for fatigue can also increase blood flow or circulation in your body, which induces the blood to transport oxygen and nutrients to your body’s various organ systems. As a result, it provides you with more energy and stamina.

 

With the rebalancing of energy levels and organ functioning, your mind feels calmer, and your body would feel more energetic and vibrant. Your overall well-being gets a boost after every session. Acupuncture treats a person as a whole, together with the symptoms that needed to be addressed. The positive health benefits of acupuncture also last for a long time.

 

acupuncture for fatigue

 

After an Acupuncture Treatment

Most people who receive an acupuncture treatment feel more revitalized after a session. Regular treatments ensure that you maintain a good energy level and feel more active in life. Acupuncture also has holistic benefits that affect your mental, emotional and physical health. See acupuncture as the first step towards becoming healthier and achieving optimum wellness. As with other natural healing modalities, your treatment is best complemented with a healthy diet, taking your prescribed medication or supplements, and regular exercise.

 

Your acupuncturist or Chinese Medicine therapist may prescribe herbs or supplements to complement your treatment. The prescription might be different for everybody, as each one has different physiological requirements.

 

Learn more about our Herbal Pharmacy.

 

Does Acupuncture Hurt?

Acupuncture treatments are relatively pain-free. The most that people will experience after an acupuncture treatment is a dull ache or slight tingling feeling around the base of the inserted needle. While the needles are inserted on specific points of your body, you’ll barely feel them at all. Your acupuncturist may give you a little massage after taking out the needles to lessen the numbing.

 

acupuncture
Photo Source: AcupunctureBox, Pixabay

 

Take the Next Step By Consulting with a Licensed Acupuncturist

Acupuncture for fatigue is a natural, safe and effective treatment to increase your energy. It tackles the root cause of your health concerns, and heals you holistically. Set an appointment with our licensed acupuncturist and Chinese Medicine practitioner now to get a consultation and treatment which are specific to your needs.

 

 

 

References

Acupuncture Boosts Energy For Chronic Fatigue Patients | HealthCMI –http://www.healthcmi.com/Acupuncture-Continuing-Education-News/1366-acupuncture-boosts-energy-for-chronic-fatigue-patients

 

Acupuncture For Increased Energy | The Center for the Healing Arts and Sciences – https://www.thecenterforhas.com/acupuncture-for-increased-energy/

 

O’s Energy Makeovers | Oprah.com – http://www.oprah.com/health/feel-less-tired-and-gain-energy-nutrition-acupuncture-coaching/all

 

Santa Barbara Herb Clinic in the News!

Posted on by SB Herb Clinic

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Since reopening on May 1st, the Santa Barbara Herb Clinic has undergone some major changes, resulting in major success! Patients past and new, young and old, acupuncture-adventurists and needle-newbies alike have been flocking to the Santa Barbara Herb Clinic to be treated by our new owner and lead acupuncturist and herbalist, Tram Pham.

The Clinic saw a big boost when reopening thanks to media coverage by KEYT, online publications by NoozHawk and sharing on social media. After the tragic loss of former owner of the clinic, Dr. Henry Han, it has been refreshing to see the Santa Barbara Herb Clinic’s name being shared across the town in a more positive light.

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The famous Buddha statue at the Santa Barbara Herb Clinic – dedicated to the late Dr. Henry Han and his family.

KEYT reporter Alys Martinez stopped by the clinic on the opening day to celebrate the grand re-opening and cover the event for the six o’clock news. Along with interviewing Tram, she also got an exclusive tour of the clinic, including the granular herb lab and Tram’s zen-like office.

Alys also received a mini acupuncture treatment, getting needles placed on points in her scalp and hand to help with pain in one of her toes. She described the sensation of getting the needles as painless, and like a stream of energy was flowing through. Tram specializes in pain management and women’s health, but has been treating a wide variety of ailments during her time at the clinic, and she hopes to continue expanding and sharing her knowledge with others.

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We have seen a big response from past patients of the clinic and encourage any past patients with questions or wanting to schedule an appointment to give us a call.

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We are operating a full herbal pharmacy, just as the Clinic had before, with both granular and bulk herbs available for custom herbal remedies, as well as over-the-counter patents, which anyone is welcome to stop by and purchase at the clinic.

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Our address is 3760 State Street, Suite 102. We are located on the corner of Hitchcock and State Street, across from Whole Foods and behind Chase Bank.

We want to thank everyone who has supported us during the first few months of being back in business! We have met with and helped so many wonderful people so far and hope to continue sharing our knowledge of Chinese Medicine with the Santa Barbara and surrounding communities.