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Category: Other Health Issues

Acupuncture for Quitting Smoking: Why You Need to Quit and How Acupuncture can Help

Posted on by SB Herb Clinic

 

Breaking a bad habit can be tough, but acupuncture for quitting smoking can be helpful in getting you to say goodbye to nicotine once and for all. However, it’s important to remember that acupuncture and other traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) modalities are not a cure or a surefire way for you to stop smoking. They can help you withstand cravings and deal with withdrawal symptoms, but at the end of the day, it is still up to you to make the necessary lifestyle changes.

 

acupuncture for quitting smoking
Photo by Thomas Bjornstad/Unsplash.com

 

Quitting smoking

Smoking is addictive and is the result of habit, so quitting can be difficult. Some people can quit with little to no issues, but if you’re having a tough time, it’s important to not be too hard on yourself. You may experience cravings and nicotine withdrawal symptoms, but there are things you can do to help yourself through the worst of these cravings and symptoms.

 

One thing you can do is undergo acupuncture for quitting smoking. It may take a few acupuncture sessions for it to be effective, but it’s a time-honored and all-natural way to take back control of your health.

 

 

How smoking affects you

Is quitting smoking worth going through the lifestyle changes and withdrawal symptoms? That’s an unequivocal yes. Smoking can harm just about any organ in your body, and it can cause various diseases, including cancer.

 

In fact, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), smoking is the leading preventable cause of death in the US. Smoking causes more deaths than those caused by human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), illegal drug use, alcohol use, motor vehicle injuries, and firearm-related incidents combined.

 

Smoking can greatly increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, stroke, diabetes, lung diseases, and cancer in the lungs, esophagus, cervix, liver, stomach, pancreas, and many other organs. It can also affect fertility in both men and women, cause birthing complications, reduce bone health, and many more.

 

 

What it’s like to quit smoking

Quitting smoking won’t necessarily reverse the damage that smoking has done to your body, but quitting can still greatly improve your health. Just a year after quitting, your risks of developing cardiovascular disease drops significantly. Within 5 years, your risks of developing mouth, throat, esophagus, and bladder cancer is reduced by half. Within 10 years, lung cancer risk is cut by half as well.

 

However, quitting smoking can be easier said than done. After all, it nicotine doesn’t just affect the lungs and other organs, it can affect the brain, too. Nicotine can help reduce feelings of depression, enhance focus, and improve your mood. Of course, there are much healthier ways to achieve these effects as well. However, these effects may make it difficult for some to simply throw out their cigarettes and retire their lighters.

 

When you quit, you may still experience cravings for nicotine. You may also experience sweating, insomnia, irritability, headaches, depression, weight gain, and other symptoms. The silver lining here is that these symptoms often go away in a couple of weeks — as long as you don’t give in to them, of course. Fortunately, the Santa Barbara Herb Clinic can help you deal with these symptoms in a healthy, all-natural way. We can also help you reduce cravings and finally quit smoking once and for all.

 

acupuncture for quitting smoking
Photo by Mathew MacQuarrie/Unsplash.com

 

Acupuncture for quitting smoking

There are nicotine gum and patches that can help you through the worst of these withdrawal symptoms, and your doctor can also give you a prescription for nasal sprays and inhalers that act as nicotine replacements. However, there’s a chance that these won’t be 100% effective, and they also have possible side effects.

 

Of course, that doesn’t mean that you still shouldn’t try these remedies. However, you can also enhance their effects with acupuncture. One of the upsides of acupuncture is that it doesn’t just help you with the specific problem you came into the clinic with. It can also help boost your general well-being as well.

 

 

Acupuncture in a nutshell

According to the principles of TCM, an individual’s physical, emotional, and mental well-being is governed by a life force called qi (pronounced “chee”). Our qi flows through a body along markers called “meridians.” When the flow of this life force is disrupted, thrown out of balance, or gets concentrated around certain meridians, an ailment may occur.

 

Acupuncture is a treatment that seeks to restore the proper flow of qi. It entails the insertion of very fine needles into spots on the body that are considered to be acupuncture points. When these acupuncture points are stimulated by the needles, the qi will begin returning to its normal flow.

 

The Santa Barbara Herb Clinic provides acupuncture treatments and more. Our owner and Licensed Acupuncturist, Tram Pham, has a Master’s Degree in Chinese Medicine from Los Angeles’s Yo San University. She also has years of experience in treating people with acupuncture and other TCM practices.

 

 

How acupuncture for quitting smoking can help you

Acupuncture isn’t a magic cure that will get rid of your cravings and nicotine withdrawal symptoms just like that. The treatment focuses on helping treat the specific symptoms that the specific individual patient experiences. Thus, it will be able to help you deal with the physical, emotional, and mental effects of quitting smoking.

 

However, you will still carry much of the burden of disciplining yourself and making the necessary lifestyle changes that will help you quit your bad habits. Still, acupuncture can help ease that burden somewhat by helping ease symptoms like nicotine cravings, irritability, anxiety, and restlessness.

 

acupuncture in Santa Barbara

 

Acupuncture at the Santa Barbara Herb Clinic

The Santa Barbara Herb Clinic has been serving the people of Santa Barbara since Dr. Jean Yu opened it in 1986. In 2016, Tram took the reins of the clinic and continued its tradition of providing all-natural and holistic healthcare to those who seek it. Tram can provide you with acupuncture for quitting smoking as well as for other issues.

 

Get it touch with us to schedule a consultation or make an appointment. You can reach us at 805-563-0222 or email us at info@santabarbaraherbclinic.com. It’s also possible to have consultations with Tram over the phone or via video call. Contact us today and begin your journey to good health!

 

 

References

https://www.healthline.com/health/smoking/nicotine-withdrawal#treatment

 

https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/data_statistics/fact_sheets/health_effects/effects_cig_smoking/index.htm

 

https://www.pacificcollege.edu/news/blog/2014/06/10/quit-smoking-acupuncture

 

https://health.clevelandclinic.org/want-to-quit-smoking-acupuncture-can-help-you-with-cravings/

Acupuncture for Acne: How Acupuncture Can Help Your Skin

Posted on by SB Herb Clinic

 

You may wish that you had known about acupuncture for acne when you were in your teens, but it’s not too late to start. If you’re experiencing problems with your skin, or you’re a teen still in the thick of puberty, acupuncture can be effective in helping you clear your skin right up. It may not be the most common or well-known of acne remedies, but it’s definitely worth trying out.

 

acne solutions
Photo by Scott Webb/Unsplash.com

 

Acne in a nutshell

Acne is more than just something that can make or break school pictures. Some people may stop getting acne as much as they grow into adulthood, while others may still have bad acne even as adults. Acne has a lot of causes, and for some, it can be difficult to get rid of.

 

Pimples, whiteheads, blackheads, nodules, and cysts are all considered to be acne. There are various treatments that can help manage acne, such as specially formulated facial washes or medication. However, acupuncture for acne has also been found to be quite effective, and it’s something that you may want to consider if you’ve exhausted all the usual remedies without much luck.

 

Causes

We have hair follicles all over our skin. When these hair follicles get clogged with dirt, dead skin, sebum, they form a sort of plug. When this plug is infected by bacteria called Propionibacterium acnes, acne is more likely to occur. Acne most commonly shows up on the face, chest, back, and shoulders, and can also vary in severity.

 

There are a lot of things that can make you more likely to develop acne. Hormones can cause breakouts, and so can menstruation, stress, medications, a hot and humid climate, and oily cosmetics. If you pop pimples, you’ll also be more likely to develop more acne.

 

Usual remedies

Many people have that one acne remedy that they finally found after a long time of battling acne and that they swear by. For some, all it may take to prevent acne is sticking to a hygiene regimen. For others, their acne may flare up at a certain point during their menstrual cycle and clear up in a week or so.

 

A lot of factors can come into play when it comes to acne, and sometimes, maintaining a healthy lifestyle is key to preventing breakouts. A proper diet, a hygiene regimen, frequent hand-washing, avoiding stress, and taking measures to prevent sweating can all help prevent and clear up acne.

 

If your acne is severe, you’ll need to see a dermatologist or skin specialist who can prescribe antibiotics, topical remedies, or medications that can help you manage your acne. However, you can also undergo acupuncture as an alternative or a complement to those remedies.

 

 

Acupuncture for acne

Acupuncture probably isn’t something you’ve considered when it comes to acne treatment, prevention, and management. Even so, there is compelling evidence that acupuncture can help you when many other acne remedies and treatments have failed. This may seem like acupuncture for acne is a last resort, but you can definitely undergo acupuncture before you run out of remedies to try.

 

Of course, you may have some misgivings about acupuncture, especially since it entails the use of multiple needles. However, acupuncture is generally safe and low-risk, and the insertion of needles doesn’t usually hurt. Acupuncture needles are finer than needles used for injections and other similar purposes, so they won’t cause much pain when inserted.

 

The basics of acupuncture

acupuncture for acne
Photo via Pixabay

 

Acupuncture is an important component of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). According to TCM, a life force called qi (pronounced “chee”) flows through every individual along markers called meridians. When the flow of qi is disrupted, it can result in physical, emotional, or mental problems.

 

To restore the proper flow and balance of qi, a licensed acupuncturist inserts fine needles into acupuncture points. Each acupuncture point is tied to an organ in the body as well as specific symptoms. The insertion of needles stimulates these acupuncture points, which in turn stimulate qi into returning to its normal flow.

 

Acupuncture is generally safe and low-risk. Most of its risks are related to unlicensed and inexperienced acupuncturists, as well as the improper use of needles. However, a licensed acupuncturist will make sure that you receive proper care.

 

At the Santa Barbara Herb Clinic, this isn’t something you’ll need to worry about. Tram Pham, our owner and Licensed Acupuncturist, has a Master’s Degree in Chinese Medicine from Yo San University in Los Angeles. She also has years of experience in treating patients using acupuncture as well as other TCM modalities.

 

acupuncture in Santa Barbara

 

How acupuncture can help you

Acne has been in the crosshairs of TCM for a long time. In fact, an ancient Chinese medical document called Huangdi Neijing mentions acne and concludes that it’s the result of “heat, toxicity, and dampness.” (Note that “heat” in TCM seems to be equivalent to “inflammation” in terms of biomedicine). According to this document, excess heat in the stomach and lungs can swell up into the face and result in acne.

 

The stimulation of specific meridians or acupuncture points can remove and regulate this heat, thus helping you manage acne. Other than that, acupuncture can also affect the activity of hair follicles. Hair follicles in acupuncture points stimulated by needles may also be induced to produce less sebum, thus reducing the chances of acne developing.

 

 

Acupuncture at the Santa Barbara Herb Clinic

At the Santa Barbara Herb Clinic, we provide a variety of treatments and remedies guided by the principles and age-old modalities of TCM. This includes acupuncture for acne and other ailments and issues. The clinic has been serving the Santa Barbara area since 1986, and it is carrying on that tradition under the guidance of Tram, our owner and Licensed Acupuncturist.

 

You can schedule an appointment of consultation with us by calling us at 805-563-0222 or emailing us at info@santabarbaraherbclinic.com. You can also have a consultation with Tram over the phone or via video call. Contact us today and get started on your journey to clearer and healthier skin!

 

 

 

References

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/acne/symptoms-causes/syc-20368047

 

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/107146.php

 

http://www.health.com/acne/acupuncture-acne

 

http://www.healthcmi.com/Acupuncture-Continuing-Education-News/1712-acupuncture-acne-found

Acupuncture for Diabetes: Treatment Methods and Health Benefits

Posted on by SB Herb Clinic
acupuncture for diabetes
Photo Source: PhotoMix Company, Pixabay

 

The World Health Organization states that the number of people with diabetes has risen from 108 million in 1980 to 422 million in 2014. According to the American Diabetes Association, there are 30.3 million Americans who have diabetes (2015) and approximately 1.25 million American adults and children have type 1 diabetes. From the 30.3 million diabetic adults, 7.2 million were undiagnosed. In 2017, the total costs of diagnosed diabetes in the United States reached $327 billion, which is 2.3 times higher than what expenditures would be in the absence of diabetes.

 

 

Why We Should Take Diabetes Seriously

Diabetes deliberately affects an individual, as it is a disease in which the body has an impaired ability to produce or respond to hormonal insulin. This results to abnormal metabolism of carbohydrates and elevated levels of glucose in the blood and urine. Having too much glucose in your blood can cause several health problems, which includes heart disease, kidney disease, stroke, eye problems, dental disease, nerve damage, and foot problems.

 

Type 1 diabetes refers to the inability of the body to make insulin. The immune system attacks and destroys pancreatic cells that make insulin. People who are type 1 diabetics need to take insulin everyday to survive. On the other hand, type 2 diabetes refers to the body’s impaired functioning in making or using insulin. Other types of diabetes are gestational diabetes (pregnant women), monogenic diabetes (inherited), and cystic fibrosis-related diabetes.

 

At the moment, diabetes has no cure, but you can definitely take steps to manage your blood sugar levels and stay healthy.

 

acupuncture in Santa Barbara

 

How Acupuncture for Diabetes Can Help

There are several studies which show that acupuncture can help relieve diabetes symptoms. Acupuncture can be used alongside regular medication, and in some cases it works better than pharmaceutical drugs or treatments. You’ll also find that in China these days, acupuncture for diabetes is quite common. The journal Acupuncture in Medicine conducted a literature review of articles from 2008 – 2016, and found that low intensity and low-frequency electroacupuncture can help reduce insulin resistance and increase insulin sensitivity. There’s also a group of studies which show that taking metformin as medication together with electroacupunture treatments offered better glucose lowering effects and greater insulin sensitivity than taking metformin alone.

 

 

Acupuncture Treatment Methods for Diabetes

Acupuncture stimulates points in your body with thin and sterile needles. These specific body points are targeted to treat the root cause of the health issue and bring back a healthy balance in your body.

 

One type of acupuncture that is used to help treat diabetes is a Wrist-Ankle Treatment. It involves deep needle stimulation of the wrist and ankle nerves. It’s helpful in treating diabetic peripheral neuritis, which is a resulting nerve damage from the disease.

 

Our licensed acupuncturist, Tram Pham, also prescribes herbs to manage blood glucose levels. As a result of a combination of acupuncture and Chinese herbs, patients can manage diabetes more effectively.

 

 

Consult With A Licensed Acupuncturist For a Holistic Treatment

Santa Barbara Herb Clinic offers a wide variety of natural healing treatments, including acupuncture for diabetes. Book a consultation now with our licensed acupuncturist. Our acupuncturist and Chinese Medicine practitioner will then give a thorough assessment of your symptoms. Afterward, she’ll create a treatment plan specifically for your health needs. A prescription of herbs and recommendations on diet and lifestyle will also be provided. We also offer phone and video consultations, plus shipping of herbal remedies wherever you are. Take the first step towards achieving optimum health and wellness with our clinic specialties.

 

 

 

References

Diabetes | World Health Organization – http://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/diabetes

 

Does Acupuncture For Diabetes Work? Lana Barhum – https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/319618.php

 

Statistics About Diabetes | American Diabetes Association – http://www.diabetes.org/diabetes-basics/statistics/

 

What Is Diabetes? | National Institure of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases –  https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/diabetes/overview/what-is-diabetes