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Tag: management of symptoms

Acupuncture for Morning Sickness: What You Need to Know

Posted on by SB Herb Clinic

 

Acupuncture for morning sickness may be a little intimidating, especially if you’re not all that familiar with acupuncture or traditional Chinese medicine. However, acupuncture has a lot to offer, and it has been found to be generally safe to experience during pregnancy.

 

acupuncture for morning sickness
Photo by Xavier Sotomayor/Unsplash.om

While morning sickness can be unpleasant, it’s rarely dangerous for the baby and the expectant mother. There’s even evidence to suggest that morning sickness may actually be an indicator of a healthy pregnancy. Even so, it’s probably something that pregnant women won’t mind doing away with. There are a number of remedies that can help ease the symptoms of morning sickness, and acupuncture may be quite helpful to you.

 

 

Morning sickness: What you need to know

Morning sickness seems to one of the more prominent features of pregnancy. In fact, up to 80% of pregnant women to experience morning sickness in the early stages of their pregnancy. Though it’s called “morning sickness,” the nausea and vomiting can actually hit at any time of the day.

 

Because morning sickness doesn’t pose much of a threat on the pregnant woman and her baby, treatment isn’t necessary in most cases. However, there are some remedies that can help alleviate the symptoms of morning sickness, like consuming more food, drinks and ginger. You can also consider acupuncture for morning sickness, which researchers have found to be effective in helping lessen nausea and vomiting during pregnancy.

 

 

Causes and risk factors

Scientists still don’t actually know much about what causes morning sickness, though they have some ideas. It’s possible that increased estrogen levels, increased progesterone levels, a hormone called human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), or a heightened sensitivity to smells can all contribute to nausea.

 

Though morning sickness affects a majority of pregnant women, some women may be more at risk than others. If you’ve experienced nausea due to motion sickness, contraceptives, or certain smells before pregnancy, you’re more likely to experience nausea during pregnancy. Meanwhile, if you experienced morning sickness during your first pregnancy, you’re more likely to experience morning sickness in your subsequent pregnancies.

 

Nausea and vomiting are also more likely if you’re carrying multiples.

 

 

What you can do

There are number of things you can do to make yourself feel better or lessen the occurrences of morning sickness. Getting plenty of rest can be effective, since tiredness can make nausea worse. You can also try eating something, like crackers, in the morning about 20 minutes before you get up. Medication like B6 and doxylamine or Diclegis are also safe and effective against morning sickness.

 

Acupuncture is also a viable option. Just make sure to consult with your doctor first before booking an acupuncture appointment, and make sure to inform your acupuncturist that you’re pregnant.

 

 

When to call your doctor

Though morning sickness is generally harmless, there are some instances when it will need medical attention. Hyperemesis gravidarum, which affects about 1-2% of pregnant women, is a severe form of morning sickness that typically goes away by the fifth month of pregnancy. While hyperemesis gravidarum won’t cause harm to the baby, it can result in a low birth weight if it causes the mother to lose too much weight during pregnancy.

 

 

Acupuncture for morning sickness

acupuncture
Photo via Pixabay

 

Acupuncture during pregnancy has been found to be safe and effective against morning sickness and a number of other issues that may arise during pregnancy. It can help reduce the pain you may experience during labor, and it can also help reduce pelvic girdle pain.

 

Other than its effectiveness against these issues, acupuncture is also a safe alternative to medication. It’s possible that for certain reasons, you may be unable to take certain medications or remedies that can help you with morning sickness. Acupuncture is makes for a great alternative or complementary treatment.

 

 

How does acupuncture work?

Acupuncture is an important component of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). According to TCM, we all have a life or energy force flowing through us, called qi (pronounced “chee”). When qi flows as it’s supposed to, we’re healthy physically and mentally. However, when the flow of qi is disturbed or concentrated around certain acupuncture points, it can result in illness.

 

To restore the flow of qi, an acupuncturist will insert fine needles into the relevant acupuncture points. This stimulates the body into restoring health and and its natural equilibrium.

 

Western medicine and TCM are complementary, and both disciplines can work together to your benefit. This is why it’s best to consult with both your physician and a licensed acupuncturist to figure out the best course of treatment. It’s also best if you bring your medical records when you come in for a consultation with your acupuncturist.

 

At the Santa Barbara Herb Clinic, we’ll make sure to pay utmost attention to your needs and provide you with effective acupuncture for morning sickness. Our owner and Licensed Acupuncturist, Tram Pham, has a Master’s Degree in Chinese Medicine from Yo San University. She also has years of experience in providing patients with all-natural healthcare.

 

acupuncture in Santa Barbara

 

Is acupuncture during pregnancy safe?

There are scientific studies that have investigated the safety of undergoing acupuncture during pregnancy. While side effects can occur, they are rare and and are not severe. At worst, the side effects are moderate, and no severe or fatal side effects have been associated with acupuncture during pregnancy. Side effects may include light dizziness, headaches, fatigue (usually after the first session), and some light bruising on the needle insertion sites.

 

At most, these side effects will last 24 to 48 hours. However, if they last longer than that time frame, make sure to consult with your practitioner.

 

Some acupuncture points are known to be “forbidden” for pregnant women. Thus, you should make sure to mention your pregnancy when you come in for a consultation with an acupuncturist.

 

 

Acupuncture at the Santa Barbara Herb Clinic

The Santa Barbara Herb Clinic was founded in 1986 by Dr. Jean Yu. In 2016, Tram took over the clinic and continued its tradition of providing age-old treatments to the residents of the Santa Barbara and Goleta area. Here, you can experience acupuncture for morning sickness and other pregnancy-related issues.

 

To schedule an appointment with Tram, you can call us at 805-563-0222 or email us at info@santabarbaraherbclinic.com. If you’re not within driving distance, that’s not a problem. You can also have a consultation with Tram over the phone or via video call. Consider the Santa Barbara Herb Clinic to be your first stop on the road to all-natural and holistic healthcare.

 

 

References

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/179633.php

 

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/pregnancy-and-baby/morning-sickness-nausea/

 

https://www.acupuncture.org.uk/public-content/public-pr-press-releases/acupuncture-and-pregnancy.html

 

https://www.pacificcollege.edu/news/blog/2014/08/21/morning-sickness-relief-acupuncture

 

https://www.nhs.uk/news/pregnancy-and-child/drugs-ginger-and-acupuncture-best-for-morning-sickness/

 

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4112450/

 

https://www.acupuncture.org.uk/public-content/public-ask-an-expert/ask-an-expert-about-acupuncture/ask-an-expert-about-acupuncture-side-effects/3928-acupuncture-after-effects.html

Acupuncture for Menopause: The Symptoms of Menopause and How Acupuncture Can Help

Posted on by SB Herb Clinic

 

Acupuncture for menopause can make this natural part of aging less uncomfortable and more manageable. Menopause is an inevitable part of a woman’s life — unfortunately, it doesn’t just come and go without making waves. It has a variety of symptoms that may have a significant impact on a woman’s life.

 

Though menopause is a natural part of life, that doesn’t mean that you simply have to endure the symptoms until they go away. There are things you can do to lessen the impact of menopause on your life, and one of those things is acupuncture.

 

acupuncture for menopause
Photo by Adarsh Ik/Unsplash.com

 

Menopause: What you need to know

In the US, the average age of the onset of menopause is 51. Menopause is the natural end of your menstrual cycle; it therefore marks the end of your fertility. Usually, if you’re in your 40s or 50s and haven’t had your period in 12 consecutive months, then you’re likely starting menopause.

 

Menopause comes naturally with age, but there are also other things that can trigger it. It can also cause some health complications, but fortunately, acupuncture for menopause can help you manage many of menopause’s effects.

 

 

Causes

Perhaps the most well-known cause of menopause is age. When a woman is in her late thirties, she begins to produce less and less progesterone and estrogen, which are hormones that regulate menstruation and fertility. A woman in 40s will begin experiencing changes in her menstruation, and by her late 40s or early 50s, her ovaries will stop producing eggs.

 

A total hysterectomy and bilateral oophorectomy, or the total removal of the uterus and both ovaries respectively, can also result in immediate menopause. This will also likely be accompanied by severe menopause symptoms, since the changes are immediate and do not happen over the course of years.

 

Chemotherapy and radiation therapy can also cause temporary menopause. Another cause of menopause is primary ovarian insufficiency, in which a woman experiences menopause before the age of 40. This condition is quite rare, and only affects about 1% of women.

 

 

Symptoms and complications

Perimenopause refers to the span of time that leads up to menopause, typically lasting months or years. During perimenopause, a woman may begin to experience irregularities in her menstrual cycle. She may also begin to experience changes to her body such as vaginal dryness, weight gain, dry skin, thinning hair, and a reduction in breast fullness. She may also experience things like hot flashes, chills, sleep issues, and mood disturbances.

 

However, that’s not all that may happen. With the onset of menopause also comes an increased risk for many illnesses. Menopause can put a woman at a higher risk of developing osteoporosis, heart disease, and depression. You may also be more prone to urinary incontinence as well as urinary tract infection.

 

Menopause is a big change, and its symptoms and effects can be difficult to handle. There are some lifestyle changes that women can make so these symptoms can be more manageable, but you also have the option of acupuncture to help you.

 

 

Acupuncture for menopause

acupuncture
Photo by marniejoyce on VisualHunt.com / CC BY

 

It’s important to remember that acupuncture will not be able to reverse the aging process, nor can acupuncture stop it. However, acupuncture will be able to help you manage symptoms and make them less severe.

 

While acupuncture can be helpful, you should still see a doctor when you’re in perimenopause and actual menopause. Your doctor will be able to help you with preventative screening for various health conditions, and they’ll also be able to help you with any questions you may have about acupuncture.

 

 

The basics of acupuncture

Acupuncture is an integral part of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). The principles of TCM state that an individual’s well-being is heavily influenced by a life force called qi (pronounced “chee”). When qi flows normally along parts of the body called meridians, it leads to good health. However, when the flow of qi is disrupted, or is concentrated around certain meridians, it can lead to disruptions in physical, mental, and emotional health as well.

 

However, acupuncture can restore the normal flow of qi. Acupuncture entails the use of very fine needles, which a licensed acupuncturist will insert into acupuncture points relevant to the specific symptoms the patient is experiencing. The needles can stimulate these acupuncture points and push qi into its proper flow.

 

While acupuncture is usually low-risk, it can come with some side effects especially if it’s practiced by an unlicensed and inexperienced practitioner. Fortunately, at the Santa Barbara Herb Clinic, you can be sure to receive safe and effective care. Our owner and Licensed Acupuncturist, Tram Pham, has a Master’s Degree in Chinese Medicine from Yo San University. She also has years of experience in treating patients under the guidance of the age-old modalities of TCM.

 

 

Benefits for menopause

Acupuncture may not be able to help you with each one of the possible symptoms of menopause, but it can help you manage some of the more common symptoms. It can also help you deal with some of the changes that your body may undergo during menopause.

 

Hot flashes are one of the more common hallmarks of menopause. It can be quite uncomfortable, but acupuncture for menopause can help reduce the frequency of hot flashes, as well as their intensity.

 

Acupuncture has also been found to be effective in helping with a slower metabolism, as well as weight gain. However, in terms of weight gain, acupuncture is more effective when done in conjunction with lifestyle changes and a better diet.

 

There is also evidence that acupuncture can induce a better balance in hormones, but more research about this is necessary.

 

acupuncture in Santa Barbara

 

Acupuncture at the Santa Barbara Herb Clinic

The Santa Barbara Herb Clinic has been providing acupuncture for menopause and other issues since 1986. The clinic was founded by Dr. Jean Yu, and it passed to Tram in 2016. Tram has since continued the clinic’s tradition of providing Santa Barbara with all-natural and holistic healthcare guided by the principles of TCM.

 

To book an appointment or schedule a consultation, you can call us at 805-563-0222 or email us at info@santabarbaraherbclinic.com. You can also have a consultation with Tram over the phone or via video call. Contact us today to begin your journey to better health!

 

 

 

References

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/menopause/symptoms-causes/syc-20353397

 

https://www.medicinenet.com/menopause/article.htm

 

https://www.healthline.com/health/acupuncture-for-menopause#side-effects

 

Acupuncture for Children: Is it Safe and Reliable?

Posted on by SB Herb Clinic

 

Acupuncture for children may not seem like the best idea at first. After all, a lot of children aren’t all that good at holding still for too long. However, you may be surprised at how acupuncture can help your kids. You may also be surprised at how well your kids can take to this ancient healthcare practice.

 

acupuncture for children
Photo by Delfi de la Rua/Unsplash.com

 

Childhood ailments that acupuncture can help treat

There is a variety of things that can affect our children’s health and impact their everyday activities. Some ailments and symptoms can make your child miss school or keep them from extracurricular activities and socializing.

 

Other than that, of course, we don’t want to see our children ailing or in pain. Fortunately, there are many ways to help children who aren’t feeling well, including acupuncture. There are certain medications and remedies that can help treat children’s issues, but some parents may choose not to let their children undergo these treatments for different reasons. Acupuncture for children can be a good alternative as well as complement to these treatments.

 

Researchers have found evidence that acupuncture can be effective against certain illnesses and afflictions in children:

 

  • Colic
  • Back pain
  • Headaches
  • Stomach pain
  • Endometriosis
  • Sleep problems
  • Joint pain
  • Anxiety
  • Muscle aches
  • Asthma and other respiratory problems
  • And more

 

Acupuncture for children

It may be surprising, but acupuncture is actually child-friendly. There is a respectable body of research that has found that acupuncture is safe and effective for children, and can help them maintain their health as well as their scholastic performance.

 

Of course, like any other kind of treatment, acupuncture is at its safest and most effective when it’s done by trained and experienced practitioners. Thus, if you want your child to undergo acupuncture, make sure that you seek out a practitioner that you can trust.

 

The Santa Barbara Herb Clinic has been in the business of providing healthcare guided by the age-old principles of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for over two decades. Our current owner and Licensed Acupuncturist, Tram Pham, has extensive training in acupuncture and other treatments under TCM. She has a Master’s Degree in Chinese Medicine from Yo San University in Los Angeles, as well as years of experience that have honed her skills and expertise.

 

The basics of acupuncture

Acupuncture is an important part of TCM. According to the principles of TCM, our health and well-being is governed by our energy force, called qi (pronounced “chee”). Qi flows through the body in channels called meridians. When qi flows normally, it results in good health and a good disposition. However, when this flow gets out of sync or gets concentrated in certain meridians, it can result in illness or other disturbances.

 

To restore the proper flow of qi, an acupuncturist would insert very fine needles through the skin in specific parts of the body called acupuncture points. Each acupuncture point corresponds to a certain symptom, and the stimulation of these acupuncture points can result in the alleviation of those symptoms.

 

Is acupuncture safe?

Acupuncture has been around for thousands of years, and it has developed over time. In more recent years, scientists have been more interested in this ancient practice. Through numerous studies, scientists have found that not only can acupuncture for children be effective, it also has minimal side effects when trained and skilled professionals administer it.

 

Usually, acupuncture can result in tingling or a feeling or heaviness in the body. This is a common effect of the treatment, and some even consider it to mean that the treatment is working. Numerous studies on acupuncture have found that side effects are minimal and are very rarely severe, and that these side effects are usually the result of an inexperienced and unlicensed acupuncturist or unsanitized needles.

 

However, at reputable practices with licensed acupuncturists, you can be assured that every needle has been sanitized and will only be used once and on a single patient. Even so, before you book an acupuncture appointment for your child, make sure to consult with her pediatrician first.

 

The effectiveness of acupuncture

acupuncture for cihldren
Babies can receive acupuncture treatment with little issues. Photo by Colin Maynard/Unsplash.com.

 

Babies and children can actually benefit from acupuncture, just like adults. For one thing, acupuncture for children can help reduce the number of times that you take your child to the hospital.

 

While TCM and Western medicine can complement each other extremely well, they also look at things quite differently. Western medicine bases treatments on the ailment itself, while TCM bases treatments on the individual patient and his or her symptoms. Thus, one visit to an acupuncturist can help address several symptoms at once.

 

It’s also possible that your child may be allergic to or otherwise unable to take necessary medications or undergo necessary treatments. Acupuncture can be a helpful alternative, and it can also be an effective complement to existing treatments.

 

Acupuncture treatments for babies and children also don’t take as long and aren’t as intensive as treatments tailored for adults.

 

You may be thinking, however, how babies can stay still long enough to endure the process of acupuncture. According to researchers, acupuncture can help colicky babies calm down. An experiment revealed that practitioners can administer acupuncture while babies are asleep, and that the treatment rarely wakes babies up.

 

One thing that you need to remember, however, is that acupuncture is not a replacement for medical treatment. If your child has a disease or health condition that needs to be managed, like diabetes, acupuncture is not a cure and will not make the condition go away.

 

acupuncture in Santa Barbara

 

How to deal with fear of needles

Some children may have a fear of needles. Some may also be uncomfortable with the idea of having multiple needles piercing their skin. However, there are ways you can help your child get over this fear or discomfort.

 

It’s important to make it clear to the child that the needles will not be like the needles for giving shots or taking blood. Acupuncture needles are much thinner, and they don’t prick the way other needles do.

 

It’s also important to make sure that you introduce acupuncture to your child gradually. This will help her get used to the idea of the treatment. You can also let your child undergo acupressure first to help her understand how the treatment works.

 

Acupuncture at the Santa Barbara Herb Clinic

At the Santa Barbara Herb Clinic, you can be sure that acupuncture for children is safe and that we keep our equipment and instruments clean and sanitary. The clinic has also has a three-decade long tradition of providing the Santa Barbara and Goleta area with the ancient and time-proven practices of traditional Chinese medicine.

 

It’s never too early to start experiencing holistic and all-natural healthcare. You can make an appointment with Tram, our Licensed Acupuncturist, by calling us at 805-563-0222 or emailing us at info@santabarbaraherbclinic.com. You can also have a consultation over the phone or via video call.

 

 

 

References:

https://www.pacificcollege.edu/news/blog/2015/01/21/benefits-acupuncture-children

 

https://health.clevelandclinic.org/acupuncture-for-kids/

 

https://www.mensjournal.com/health-fitness/is-acupuncture-safe-for-children-20151228/

 

http://time.com/4636204/acupuncture-baby-crying-colic/

Acupuncture for Chemotherapy Side Effects: An In-Depth Look

Posted on by SB Herb Clinic

 

While it’s not the most common of remedies, acupuncture for chemotherapy side effects is worth considering. Chemotherapy drugs can be save lives, but they can also have very difficult side effects that can have quite an impact on the quality of the life of the patient.

 

That’s where acupuncture comes in. Acupuncture itself is generally low-risk, and it can help ease the burden of the side effects of chemotherapy.

 

chemotherapy side effects
Photo by Ken Treloar/Unsplash.com

 

Chemotherapy side effects: An overview

Cancer cells spread quickly, which is one of the things that make them so dangerous. When cancer spreads, it becomes more difficult to treat. Chemotherapy drugs, therefore, need to be powerful enough to kill these fast-growing cells. However, chemo drugs can also affect fast-growing but healthy cells as well.

 

The damage to healthy cells can cause chemotherapy’s side effects. The cells found in your your hair follicles, mouth, digestive system, and bone marrow are the most prone to the ravages of chemo drugs. There’s also a chance that the chemo drugs can reduce your white blood cells, which can make you more prone to contracting infections.

 

There are certain medications that can be taken along with chemo drugs to reduce the effects of these side effects, but acupuncture can also be effective and helpful.

 

 

Common chemotherapy side effects

In films and TV shows, chemotherapy patients are often depicted to be losing their hair, losing their strength, and generally just very ill. While this depiction can be accurate in many cases, it’s a little too much for other cases. Some patients experience many side effects, some patients experience only a few, and some experience almost none at all.

 

Side effects can also differ. Hair loss may be one of the more well-known side effects, but not every patient undergoing chemo loses their hair. However, they may develop other side effects such as anemia, extreme weight gain or loss, and nerve and muscle issues.

 

Patients may also experience side effects such as dry or discolored skin, as well brittle or flaky nails. Other than that, there’s also the possibility of experiencing problems with the kidneys and urination, as well as the patient’s hearing.

 

If you are experiencing bleeding and bruising, make sure to immediately report it to your doctor. It may also be inadvisable for you to undergo acupuncture while you are going through bleeding and bruising.

 

Learn more about how cancer itself affects the body, and how acupuncture can help.

 

 

Side effects that can be relieved by acupuncture

Fatigue

A near-constant feeling of tiredness and weakness can also result from chemo drugs, though it can also be an effect of the cancer itself.

 

Digestive issues

Healthy cells in the digestive tract are also some of the more common types of cells that get caught in the chemo drug net. Thus, you may experience vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, and constipation as a result.

 

There are also medications that can help you deal with digestive problems that may arise from chemo drugs. However, there’s a chance that these medications may not work, and they may have side effects as well. In this case, acupuncture can be a good complement for this kind of treatment regimen.

 

Fertility issues

Some chemotherapy drugs have been found to be able to negatively impact a patient’s fertility, temporarily or even permanently. It’s therefore important to discuss all the known possible effects of chemotherapy drugs with your doctor as well as your partner.

 

Other than fertility, chemo drugs can also affect a patient’s libido.

 

 

How acupuncture can help

chemotherapy side effects
Find a natural remedy for chemotherapy side effects. Photo by David Cohen/Unsplash.com.

 

Acupuncture can be a good complement to chemotherapy and other cancer treatments. However, it’s important to remember that acupuncture works best as a complementary treatment, not as an alternative to chemotherapy. While some of the effects of chemotherapy drugs can seem quite devastating, the drugs are vital to beating cancer. Acupuncture does not offer a cure to cancer, but it does offer relief and reprieve from the side effects of chemo drugs.

 

The Santa Barbara Herb Clinic can help you get back on your feet with the use of acupuncture. Tram Pham, our owner and Licensed Acupuncturist, has years of experience providing all-natural and holistic care for those who seek it. She also has a Master’s Degree in Chinese Medicine from Yo San University.

 

 

Acupuncture basics

According to traditional Chinese medicine, we all have an energy force called qi (pronounced “chee”) flowing through our body. When the qi is blocked or isn’t flowing through the body properly, it can lead to illnesses and pain. Acupuncture can help restore the flow of qi and restore the body’s good health.

 

Modern science has found that acupuncture does indeed have medical benefits, though researchers have not yet fully explored these benefits. We still have much to learn about the scientific workings of acupuncture, but the practice does have thousands of years of history behind it.

 

Acupuncture entails the insertion of fine needles into your skin at specific acupuncture points. These needles stimulate the acupuncture points, which results in the restoration of the balance of qi.

 

Before you make an appointment

While acupuncture has few side effects, you should still consult with your doctor if you intend to undergo acupuncture for chemotherapy side effects. Acupuncture can function quite well as an effective complementary treatment for Western medicine, but ensuring that they work well together does take some effort.

 

When you decide to book an appointment with the Santa Barbara Herb Clinic, having your full medical and drug history ready will be essential. For acupuncture to be able to work well with your chemotherapy, your acupuncturist should be able to take your medical history into account when planning your treatment.

 

 

The benefits of acupuncture

Acupuncture can help with those experiencing some of the more common side effects of chemotherapy. If you’ve been experiencing fatigue, hot flashes, nausea, vomiting, and pain due to chemotherapy drugs, acupuncture can help relieve these side effects. The treatment can also help you feel generally better when you haven’t been feeling all that good due to the chemo drugs. There is also the possibility that acupuncture can help with regrowing hair that’s been lost in the course of chemotherapy.

 

If you’ve been looking for a natural, low-risk way to help you deal with chemotherapy-related symptoms, acupuncture for chemotherapy side effects can be effective. Medications that treat the side effects of chemo drugs can have side effects themselves. With acupuncture, you’ll be reducing the risks of experiencing more negative symptoms.

 

acupuncture in Santa Barbara

 

Acupuncture at the Santa Barbara Herb Clinic

The Santa Barbara Herb Clinic was founded in 1986 by Dr. Jean Yu. Tram took over the clinic in 2016 some time after the tragic and untimely death of Dr. Henry Han, who bought the clinic in 1991. With the reopening of the clinic, Santa Barbara residents were able to once again enjoy the benefits of traditional Chinese medicine.

 

Making an appointment with the Santa Barbara Herb Clinic is easy. You can just call us at 805-563-0222 or email us at info@santabarbaraherbclinic.com. We are open from Monday to Friday, 9am to 5:30pm. If you’re not within driving distance but would still like a consultation, you can speak to Tram via phone or video call.

 

Get on the road to recovery with the Santa Barbara Herb Clinic!

 

 

 

References:

https://www.cancer.org/treatment/treatments-and-side-effects/treatment-types/chemotherapy/chemotherapy-side-effects.html

 

https://www.macmillan.org.uk/information-and-support/treating/chemotherapy/side-effects-of-chemotherapy

 

http://www.chemotherapy.com/side_effects/

 

http://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/cancer-in-general/treatment/complementary-alternative-therapies/individual-therapies/acupuncture

 

http://www.breastcancer.org/treatment/comp_med/types/acupuncture

 

https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/cam/hp/acupuncture-pdq

 

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2666860/

 

https://www.yinovacenter.com/blog/hair-loss-how-chinese-medicine-can-help/

Acupuncture for Cancer: The Effects of Cancer and How Acupuncture Can Help You

Posted on by SB Herb Clinic

 

It’s true that acupuncture for cancer and its effects on the body won’t actually be able to cure the dreaded disease. However, it can make things easier and make the road to recovery a lot less bumpy. In a nutshell, acupuncture can make you feel better and perhaps even help give you the morale boost to keep fighting.

 

acupuncture for cancer
Photo via Pixabay

 

The effects of cancer and cancer treatments

Cancer can be a deadly disease, and fighting it can be harrowing and difficult. The disease develops when the body fails to recognize and correct genetic mistakes in the body’s cells. These mistakes can give rise to mutations that develop into cancer.

 

These cancer cells themselves can affect the body in different ways, but even the process of fighting the disease can take its toll. Cancer treatments are also notorious for being difficult to go through, with side effects that can weaken a person and affect their day-to-day life.

 

How cancer impacts the body and mind

When cancer cells spread, they begin to affect the body’s different systems. Cancer can alter the way that the body works and influence the effectiveness of the circulatory system, lymphatic system, immune system, and hormone system.

 

Other than these, cancer can also make the body lose both fat and muscle mass, resulting in unhealthy weight loss. Because some types of cancer compromise the immune system, you’re also more prone to infections borne by pathogens like bacteria and viruses. The skin and the lungs are particularly vulnerable, with pneumonia being a possible and sometimes fatal infection.

 

However, cancer doesn’t just affect patients physically. It also has a significant emotional and mental impact. Getting diagnosed with cancer, even when it’s in still in its early stages, can be a terrifying experience. This can lead to stress, which can affect sleep, which can also worsen your health.

 

Side effects of cancer treatments

While cancer treatments can and have saved lives, they are definitely not a walk in the park. There are a lot of adverse reactions associated with various cancer treatments, and it’s best to be fully up to speed about how each treatment suggested by your oncologist can affect you.

 

Hair and weight loss are perhaps the best known effects of cancer treatments, but there several more. Treatments can cause anemia, changes in eating habits and appetite, and pain. Fatigue is also perhaps the most common side effect, and it can result from anemia or the emotional toll of coping with treatments.

 

Patients may also notice many other changes in their body. Sores may appear on the skin, cuticles may turn red, and nails may crack or turn a dark yellow. Patients may also experience nausea and vomiting, urinary issues, constipation, diarrhea, and fertility issues in both men and women. There are other issues that can also occur, like lymphedema, nerve problems, delirium, and neutropenia.

 

Learn more about the effects of cancer treatments and how acupuncture can help patients.

 

Acupuncture for cancer

acupuncture
Photo via Pixabay

 

It’s important to reiterate that acupuncture is not a cure. It’s not an alternative to chemotherapy or to any other treatments for cancer. If you choose to undergo acupuncture, it cannot replace cancer treatments planned by your oncologist. Acupuncture can help make you feel better and healthier, but that doesn’t mean that you actually are getting better. However, acupuncture can help make beating the disease easier on you.

 

Acupuncture for cancer has also been found to function well as a complement to Western medicine. Before you book an appointment with an acupuncturist, however, make sure to discuss your options with your doctors first. That way, you and your medical team are all up to speed.

 

The basics of acupuncture

Acupuncture is an important component of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). The principles of TCM state that a life force called qi (pronounced “chee”) circulates through the body along markers called meridians. Qi is believed to regulate a person’s well-being, and when it goes out of balance, it can result in illness.The simulation of meridians of acupoints through various methods, like acupuncture, can restore the balance and the normal flow of qi.

 

At the Santa Barbara Herb Clinic, you can experience the different modalities of TCM and get help restoring your qi to its normal flow. The clinic’s owner and resident Licensed Acupuncturist, Tram Pham, can help patients with a wide variety of issues. She has a Master’s Degree in Chinese Medicine from Yo San University, as well as years of experience dispensing all-natural and holistic health care to numerous clients.

 

How acupuncture can help

Acupuncture for cancer can help support you during your treatment and recovery. Cancer and cancer treatments have a variety of negative impacts on your body, which can not only weaken you and make you susceptible to other diseases, but can also affect you emotionally and mentally.

 

An important benefit of acupuncture is pain relief. Studies have found that acupuncture can be effective in helping reduce and relieve pain caused by a variety of issues. This means that acupuncture can help reduce the amount of pain medication you take, which means there are fewer side effects that you’ll have to watch out for.

 

Cancer treatments can also cause vomiting and nausea, which acupuncture has also been found to be able to reduce nausea and incidents of vomiting among cancer patients. The treatments can affect digestion in various ways as well, including making eating difficult due to swelling and reducing appetite.

 

Other than that, acupuncture can also lift your mood and improve your outlook. It can help relieve stress and make you feel happier and more relaxed, thus making you more emotionally stable.

 

acupuncture in Santa Barbara

 

Acupuncture at the Santa Barbara Herb Clinic

Dr. Jean Yu founded the Santa Barbara Herb Clinic in 1986, then sold it to Dr. Henry Han some years later. After Dr. Han’s tragic demise in 2016, the clinic was closed for a few months. However, in the same year, Tram Pham re-opened the clinic and continued its tradition of providing the people Santa Barbara holistic and all-natural healthcare.

 

If you would like to experience acupuncture for cancer treatments or other health issues, you can book an appointment by calling us at 805-563-0222 or emailing us at info@santabarbaraherbclinic.com. Tram also offers consultations over the phone or via video call. Contact us today to begin your journey to better health!

 

 

 

References

https://www.livestrong.com/article/116808-characteristics-breast-cancer-lumps/

 

http://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/what-is-cancer/body-systems-and-cancer

 

https://www.cancervic.org.au/living-with-cancer/emotions/physical-effects

 

https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/side-effects

 

https://www.uwhealth.org/alternative-medicine/top-5-benefits-of-acupuncture-in-cancer-care/38546

 

https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/cam/patient/acupuncture-pdq#link/_57

 

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2642987/

Acupuncture for Acid Reflux: Information on Acid Reflux and the Benefits of Acupuncture

Posted on by SB Herb Clinic

 

At the Santa Barbara Herb Clinic, you’ll have the opportunity to undergo acupuncture for acid reflux. Acid reflux can be somewhat common, and it can range from uncomfortable to potentially cancer-causing. Thus, treating it is of utmost importance. However, treatment isn’t always easy or simple, and that’s where acupuncture can come in. In the case of acid reflux, acupuncture can function both as an alternative treatment as well as a complementary one.

 

acid reflux
Photo via Pixabay

 

What you need to know about acid reflux

Acid reflux is also known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), heartburn, acid indigestion, or pyrosis. The condition manifests as a burning pain in the lower chest — a pain that results from stomach acid moving up into the esophagus.

 

This is a somewhat common issue that many people experience once in a while. However, when acid reflux starts occurring more than twice a week, it has likely developed into a disease such as GERD. There are also certain foods and habits that can increase the likelihood of you experiencing acid reflux.

 

You can take medications such as H2 blockers, which are formulated to help reduce acid production in the stomach, as well as reduce the potential damage that acid can cause. However, you can also undergo acupuncture as a complement or alternative to these medications.

 

Causes

Our stomachs have hydrochloric acid, which can be quite strong. It helps the stomach digest food and protect from bacteria. The stomach has a protective lining that keeps the negative effects of hydrochloric acid at bay, but this lining doesn’t extend into the esophagus. Thus, when acid reflux occurs, there is a painful burning sensation involved.

 

One cause of acid reflux is the failure of a muscle called the gastroesophageal sphincter to perform its function properly. The gastroesophageal sphincter allows food to enter the stomach and keeps the food from making its way back into the esophagus. When this muscle fails, however, acid reflux can occur.

 

Another possible cause is a hiatal hernia. The hiatus is a wall of muscle that separates the abdomen from the chest cavity. Normally, the esophagus goes through the hiatus and connects to the stomach. However, when a hiatal hernia occurs, the stomach intrudes into the chest instead. This can cause acid reflux, let small bits of food back up, and even cause bad breath and difficulty swallowing.

 

Risk factors

Unfortunately, if you have a hiatal hernia, there’s not much you can do to solve the problem at the source. However, if it’s your habits that are causing your acid reflux, some lifestyle changes may be in order. Obesity, a sedentary lifestyle, smoking, and eating habits may all increase the risk of developing acid reflux.

 

Acid reflux may also occur due to pregnancy, certain medications, certain foods, or eating large meals.

 

When to see a doctor

If you’ve made the necessary lifestyle changes and taken the necessary medications, but you’re still experiencing symptoms, it may be necessary to see a doctor. You should also go see your doctor if you’ve been losing weight for seemingly no reason, getting food stuck in your throat, and having heartburn for three or more consecutive days.

 

Your doctor may prescribe medicine for you, but if the symptoms come back after you’ve finished your medication, you may need long-term prescriptions. You also have the option of acupuncture if it seems that nothing is working, or if you simply want the experience. Before you book an acupuncture appointment, however, make sure to speak to your physician about your options.

 

acupuncture and medical advice
Talk to your doctor first before booking your first acupuncture appointment. Photo via Pixabay.

 

Acupuncture for acid reflux

There may be a chance that you won’t be responsive to medications prescribed to you for acid reflux. Fortunately, researchers have found that acupuncture is an effective alternative for when medications aren’t working. There is also evidence that acupuncture can help improve the function of esophageal muscles that regulate the flow of stomach acid.

 

Acupuncture is generally safe, though it may result in some bruising at the needle insertion sites as well as a feeling of heaviness. However, these side effects go away shortly, and more severe side effects are very rare and are usually the result of an inexperienced or unlicensed acupuncturist.

 

The basics of acupuncture

Acupuncture is one of the most important components of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). According to the principles of TCM, our health is governed by the flow of qi (pronounced “chee”), an energy force that flows through points in our body called meridians. When this flow gets out of sync or is concentrated around certain meridians, it results in ill health. Acupuncture is meant to restore the flow of qi and thus restore good health.

 

At the Santa Barbara Herb Clinic, you can expect all-natural and holistic healthcare, including acupuncture. Our owner and Licensed Acupuncturist, Tram Pham, has a Master’s Degree in Chinese Medicine from Yo San University. She also has years of experience providing treatment based on the age-old principles of TCM.

 

acupuncture in Santa Barbara

 

How acupuncture can help treat acid reflux

There is evidence that acupuncture can help improve your body’s mechanisms against acid reflux. Studies have found that acupuncture can help improve the function of the lower esophageal sphincter, which can help keep stomach acid out of the chest area.

 

Also, a type of gastroesophageal disease called refractory GERD does not respond to proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), which are medications that decrease the production of stomach acid. However, research has found that acupuncture, can help improve refractory GERD. There is also research that has found that acupuncture can be more effective than a type of PPI called omeprazole.

 

While acupuncture can be an alternative to PPIs, it can also work well with the medications. It’s best to consult with both your doctor and your acupuncturist to find the exact root of your acid reflux and come up with the best way to address the issue.

 

 

Acupuncture at the Santa Barbara Herb Clinic

The Santa Barbara Herb Clinic has been around since 1986, providing the Santa Barbara and Goleta area with treatments grounded in TCM’s age-old principles. Tram, our owner and Licensed Acupuncturist, took over the clinic in 2016. With her skills and experience, you can trust the clinic to provide you with effective acupuncture for acid reflux.

 

Call us at 805-563-0222 or email us at info@santabarbaraherbclinic.com to book an appointment or schedule a consultation with Tram. Even if you are not within driving distance, you can have a consultation with Tram over the phone or via video call. Contact us today and begin your journey to holistic health.

 

 

 

References

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/146619.php

 

https://www.webmd.com/heartburn-gerd/guide/what-is-acid-reflux-disease#1

 

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/heartburn-and-acid-reflux/#when-to-get-medical-help

 

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/hiatus-hernia/

 

https://www.webmd.com/digestive-disorders/hiatal-hernia#1

 

http://www.healthcmi.com/Acupuncture-Continuing-Education-News/1660-acupuncture-reverses-acid-reflux-disease-after-drugs-fail

 

http://www.healthcmi.com/Acupuncture-Continuing-Education-News/1776-acupuncture-plus-herbs-beats-acid-reflux-drug

 

https://www.livestrong.com/article/291343-worst-foods-to-avoid-for-acid-reflux/

Postoperative Acupuncture: Aiding Your Recovery

Posted on by SB Herb Clinic
surgery
Photo via VisualHunt .com

 

Multiple studies have shown that getting acupuncture treatments before and after undergoing surgery can reduce pain due to the operation. Postoperative acupuncture can also cut down the amount of painkillers needed during recovery. However, using acupuncture to reduce pain and speed up recovery post-operation is not a new discovery. These results have actually been well-documented and substantiated again and again. Acupuncture has even been historically used to anesthetize patients during an operation.

 

Acupuncture can also help with issues like lowering the stress levels before and after the operation. It can also reduce the occurrence of scarring. Other than that, it can boost the body’s stamina and immunity before the operation. This limits the chance of succumbing to other illnesses afterwards. Of course, the treatment can help speed up recovery by inducing relaxation and improving blood circulation to promote faster healing.

 

 

How can postoperative acupuncture help with recovery?

There’s ultimately little difference to how acupuncture could help treat an ailment and how it could help heal surgery, which are basically injuries that the body has suffered. The body and, in particular, the energy flowing throughout the body’s meridians or energy pathways would look at these injuries and see blockages, barring the way to an effective flow in parts and throwing the entirety out of balance. Acupuncture seeks to unblock these passages and restore the energy flow by stimulating points that are interlinked to each other, and in so doing help relax the body, reduce the perception of pain, draw out inflammation, and help the injured parts knit together and renew itself.

 

You don’t have to look at the words “energy,” “points,” and “meridians” and take them in their literal sense. Specifically, meridians might as well be describing the blood vessels. The “energy” mentioned could be blood and the energy it actually does carry in each cell. The points, meanwhile, are actual concentrations of nerve endings near the skin’s surface. When ultra-thin acupuncture needles stimulate these points, it can activate certain responses. This can also induce the body to release chemicals that it needs not only to reduce pain but also to begin putting itself to rights.

 

Learn more about how acupuncture can help you manage pain.

 

 

acupuncture
Acupuncture can help keep patients calm before their surgery. Photo by Natalia Figueredo/Unsplash.com.

 

Acupuncture before, during, and after surgery

What do all these spell out for a patient who’s about to go under the knife? For one thing, they’d probably be highly anxious about it, and it could cause other symptoms to manifest that are quite outside of the ailment they need to have surgery for. Getting pre-operative acupuncture treatments could help them relax, first and foremost—getting their mind and spirit as prepared as they could be for what’s coming while also preparing their body for the trauma and the coming pain, because acupuncture helps the body release natural painkillers such as endorphins.

 

Even as soon as the surgery is over, postoperative acupuncture can already help the patient manage the pain through the same mechanism mentioned for pre-operative treatment. It could also possibly serve to boost and strengthen the body’s immunity. Because the body perceives it as a threat, the invasive procedure will have significantly weakened immune system. The reason that acupuncture perceives surgical injuries the same way it would an illness is because the body itself treats them as such.

 

Acupuncture doesn’t just help the body deal with pain and be less susceptible to other illnesses. It might also be able to help the body heal faster by correcting and improving the flow of energy (or blood and other elements needed for healing) throughout the pathways, strengthening the connections in the process. Helping to lessen the appearance of the resulting scar is yet another way to employ postoperative acupuncture. This might also go a long way in helping ease any psychological or emotional concerns on that regard.

 

acupuncture in Santa Barbara

 

About acupuncture in Santa Barbara Herb Clinic

It may seem counterintuitive that having needles inserted all over one’s skin could help you deal with pain of any kind. However, acupuncture does display surprising results, and patients actually feel very little to no pain during treatments. Acupuncture at the Santa Barbara Herb Clinic uses premium Japanese acupuncture needles that are thinner and longer than average. Thus, they can be quite effective though they’re unlikely to hurt. This is highly ideal especially for children and the elderly, but we use them for all our patients at no extra cost.

 

The clinic also has an Herbal Pharmacy that extensively houses various herbs, teas, powders, pills, and other health supplements. These can also work wonders for those who are going to have or have undergone surgery. For people living outside the Santa Barbara area, we can mail your prescribed herbal remedies after receiving a consultation with our owner and lead acupuncture practitioner, Tram Pham, L.Ac., via phone or video call. Kindly contact us to set an appointment by calling 805-563-0222 or emailing us at info@santabarbaraherbclinic.com.

 

 

 

References

https://www.acufinder.com/Acupuncture+Information/Detail/Acupuncture+Pre+and+Post+Surgery

 

https://www.lbinder.com/postsurgical.htm

 

http://acutakehealth.com/the-benefits-of-acupuncture-before-and-after-surgery

 

https://chriskresser.com/chinese-medicine-demystified-part-i-a-case-of-mistaken-identity/

 

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