The Popular Articles

A Natural Way to Deal with Irregular Menstruation

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, ullamcorper definitiones qui an, dicat ubique recteque an pro. Sea et iuvaret democritum....

A Natural Way to Deal with Irregular Menstruation

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, ullamcorper definitiones qui an, dicat ubique recteque an pro. Sea et iuvaret democritum....

A Natural Way to Deal with Irregular Menstruation

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, ullamcorper definitiones qui an, dicat ubique recteque an pro. Sea et iuvaret democritum....

Goodbye, Hay Fever: The Benefits of Acupuncture for Allergic Rhinitis

Posted on September 3, 2018July 16, 2018 by SB Herb Clinic

Undergoing acupuncture for allergic rhinitis may not be the usual way to deal with seasonal allergies, but it’s certainly worth considering. For one thing, not only can it help you deal with allergic reactions, but it can also restore the balance of your health in general. Thus, clear sinuses aren’t the only thing you’ll be able to get out of acupuncture.

The Santa Barbara Herb Clinic can help you with a myriad of issues and health problems, including allergic rhinitis. The fact that acupuncture can help people deal with allergies may be surprising, but scientific research has found that acupuncture can indeed help resolve allergies at the source and even decrease your reliance on antihistamines.

What is allergic rhinitis?

Do you, without fail, get a runny nose and other symptoms that resemble the cold in certain times of the year? If your answer is yes, then you’re likely suffering from allergic rhinitis. Allergic rhinitis is actually somewhat common, affecting up to 60 million Americans. It refers to a group of symptoms that act up when you breathe in certain allergens like pollen, dust, or animal dander.

There are medications that can help manage these symptoms and effects, but these medications also have some side effects. However, acupuncture for allergic rhinitis is also a viable option. It’s an all-natural and low-risk way to manage these allergy symptoms and reap other health benefits as well.

Symptoms and triggers

Allergic rhinitis manifests in symptoms such as a stuffy or runny nose, itchy eyes, itchy nose, itchy ears, itchy mouth, fatigue, watery or itchy eyes, a headache, and sneezing. You may also experience wheezing, a tightness in your chest, or shortness of breath if you happen to also have asthma.

It may feel like allergic rhinitis is somewhat similar to the cold, but while the cold only lasts up to two weeks, the effects of allergic rhinitis can last for months.

At the heart of allergic reactions, we have the body having an immune response to things that are usually harmless. For example, in the case of allergic rhinitis, the body’s immune response is triggered by irritants such as pollen, dust mites, animal dander, cigarette smoke, laundry detergent, and strong odors.

Types of allergic rhinitis

Those with allergic rhinitis can experience two types: seasonal rhinitis and perennial rhinitis. Seasonal rhinitis means that you’ll likely experience symptoms in the spring, summer, or fall, with the worst of the symptoms occurring sometime between May and September. Triggers for seasonal rhinitis are pollen or mold spores.

When it comes to perennial rhinitis, however, there isn’t really a time frame. Symptoms can be triggered all year long, regardless of the season. Triggers can also include dust mites, pet dander, mold, and even cockroaches.

Acupuncture for allergic rhinitis

It may be easier to list the things that acupuncture can’t do instead of the things that it can. Acupuncture is known for being able to benefit health holistically, but its specific benefits may be surprising at times.

People usually deal with allergic rhinitis by taking antihistamines, nasal sprays, or decongestants. While these medications are generally safe, they may have inconvenient or undesirable side effects, such as drowsiness. Acupuncture, however, may be more time-consuming, but it has a low risk of side effects. It can also have more benefits other than providing a solution to the specific problem you have at the moment.

The basics of acupuncture

People have been practicing acupuncture for thousands of years. In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), acupuncture is meant to restore the balance in a person’s life force, or qi (pronounced “chee”). According to TCM’s age-old principles, when the flow of qi is disrupted, it results in an illness. The insertion of fine needles into the necessary acupuncture points pushes qi back into its normal flow.

At the Santa Barbara Herb Clinic, you can take full advantage of this millennia-old practice. Our owner and Licensed Acupuncturist, Tram Pham, has a Master’s Degree in Chinese Medicine. She also has years of experience in acupuncture and other TCM treatments. With her as your Licensed Acupuncturist, you’ll have a far better chance to overcome the symptoms of allergic rhinitis and many other health conditions.

How it works

Though TCM and Western medicine have very different principles and ways of looking at the world, they’re not mutually exclusive. In fact, various studies have shown that Western medicine and acupuncture in particular can complement each other quite well. This is true in terms of treating allergic rhinitis as well.

There is evidence that acupuncture for allergic rhinitis can be quite effective. Research has shown that acupuncture can suppress the production of the antibody immunoglobulin E (IgE). This antibody is involved in the body’s hypersensitivity to otherwise harmless things, which is basically what an allergy is. According to the research, acupuncture can help decrease your sensitivity to dust mites, which can be good for those with perennial allergic rhinitis.

Acupuncture vs antihistamines

There is also evidence that acupuncture can possibly be more effective than antihistamines. It can also possibly reduce the need for medication during allergy season. This means that acupuncture can help improve the quality of life for those with seasonal allergic rhinitis and reduce their reliance on antihistamines and other types of medication.

Of course, you can choose to use antihistamines and undergo acupuncture, since the two are not mutually exclusive. You may still need to use antihistamines once in a while, but perhaps not as often as you would during allergy season.

Acupuncture at the Santa Barbara Herb Clinic

The Santa Barbara Herb Clinic has been serving the Santa Barbara area since 1986, when the clinic was founded by Dr. Jean Yu. Our current owner, Tram, took over the clinic in 2016 and has been continuing SBHC’s work in providing holistic and all-natural care for Santa Barbara’s residents. She can also provide you with acupuncture for allergic rhinitis.

If you want to book an appointment with the clinic, you can call us at 805-563-0222. You can also email us at info@santabarbaraherbclinic.com. The clinic is open from Monday to Friday, from 9am to 5:30pm. You can come in during these hours, or you can also have a consultation with Tram over the phone or via video call. Start your journey to holistic health with the Santa Barbara Herb Clinic today!

References:

https://acaai.org/allergies/types/hay-fever-rhinitis

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/hay-fever/

https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000813.htm

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4479426/

http://www.healthcmi.com/Acupuncture-Continuing-Education-News/1840-acupuncture-beats-antihistamines-for-allergic-rhinitis

http://www.healthcmi.com/Acupuncture-Continuing-Education-News/1644-acupuncture-alleviates-allergic-rhinitis-university-researchers-agree

https://www.evidencebasedacupuncture.org/allergic-rhinitis/

Acupuncture Needles: Why You Shouldn’t be Afraid of Them

Posted on August 28, 2018July 16, 2018 by SB Herb Clinic

Many people may find acupuncture needles to be somewhat intimidating or maybe even terrifying. After all, for those who are not familiar with traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), these kinds of treatments may seem outlandish. However, there is actually nothing to fear from these needles, and you’ll find out why.

What acupuncture needles are for

To understand the function of the needles used in acupuncture, you first need to familiarize yourself with the principles of TCM. According to the principles of TCM, good health results from the balance in the life force that flows through each individual, called qi (pronounced “chee”). Qi flows along markers called meridians. When the flow of qi is disrupted, or is blocked in certain meridians, ill health can occur.

There are a number of ways that a TCM practitioner can help a patient restore the normal flow and balance of their qi. One of these ways is acupuncture, a practice that’s thousands of years old. Acupuncture entails the use of needles, which a practitioner inserts into the acupuncture points related to the patient’s symptoms. The needles are meant to correct the flow of qi by stimulating the right combination of acupuncture points.

Are the needles safe?

Generally, yes. In fact, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) holds acupuncture needles to the same standards that it holds medical equipment like syringes and surgical tools like scalpels.

Acupuncture practitioners should sterilize their needles and use them only once on a single patient. There is very low risk of infection, but you have to make sure that you go to a licensed acupuncturist with a good reputation. There are probably unlicensed acupuncturists that sterilize their needles and use them only once, but you can never really be sure. Licensed acupuncturists, at least, are bound by safety standards. They ensure that their needles are clean and disposed right after use.

It’s important to be discerning about the acupuncturist you choose. Research has found that acupuncture and the needles themselves are generally safe. However, the side effects related to the treatment seem to have something to do with the lack of hygiene and care by the acupuncturist. Even so, side effects are rare, and often occur accidentally or due to careless or unskilled practitioners.

Tram Pham, a Licensed Acupuncturist, owns and operates the Santa Barbara Herb Clinic. You can expect safe and effective treatment in her hands. She has a Master’s Degree in Chinese Medicine from Yo San University in Los Angeles, and she also has years of experience that have helped her hone her skills and techniques.

If you’re unsure about acupuncture and would like to learn more about TCM, you can schedule a consultation with Tram and get a feel of acupuncture as a practice. However, before you make an appointment for acupuncture, make sure to consult with your doctor first. You should also bring your medical records to the clinic so Tram can figure out the best way to help you.

What to expect

Your first acupuncture session may yield some surprises, but there are some things that you can expect to happen. The acupuncturist will likely ask you to lie on your back, stomach, or side, depending on which acupuncture points need stimulation. The needles generally don’t hurt or prick like other needles, but you may feel a stinging or tingling sensation when your acupuncturist inserts the needles into your skin. You can have anywhere between 5 to 20 needles in one session.

It’s also possible that you’ll feel some numbness in the insertion sites. You may also feel a sensation of heaviness after the session, but these are normal. Even so, try to communicate the things you feel or experience to your Licensed Acupuncturist. This way, in the off chance that something has gone wrong, your acupuncturist can fix it right then and there.

Once the acupuncturist has inserted the needles into your skin, you can expect them to stay there for 5 to 30 minutes. However, just one session is also usually not enough to address symptoms. You may need to come back for several more sessions until the treatment is over.

Acupuncture at the Santa Barbara Herb Clinic

Acupuncture needles are nothing to fear as long as they’re in the right hands. At the Santa Barbara Herb Clinic, they are. The clinic has been around since 1986. It was founded by Dr. Jean Yu, and grew for many years under the lat Dr. Han’s care. In 2016, ownership passed to Tram, and she has been continuing the clinic’s good work ever since.

You can get in touch with us and book an appointment by calling us at 805-563-0222. You can also email us at info@santabarbaraherbclinic.com. Our clinic is open from Monday to Friday, 9am to 5:30pm. For your convenience, you can also have a consultation with Tram over the phone or via video call. Contact us today to learn more about acupuncture by experiencing it yourself!

References

https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/acupuncture/about/pac-20392763

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/156488.php

https://www.medicinenet.com/acupuncture/article.htm#for_what_conditions_has_acupuncture_treatment_been_found_helpful

Acupuncture for the Flu and Its Symptoms: A Guide

Posted on August 21, 2018July 16, 2018 by SB Herb Clinic

Acupuncture for the flu may not be the most popular or common flu treatment out there, but it’s definitely worth a shot. Medications, chicken noodle soups, and bed rest are all great treatments for flu symptoms, but acupuncture for fever, body aches, and more can be just as effective as the usual remedies.

The flu: What you need to know

The flu is caused by a virus, and the type of flu differs based on the type of protein that the virus carries. You can catch the flu virus by touching your nose, mouth, or eyes, which is why keeping your hands clean and sanitized is vital to keeping yourself healthy.

Common wisdom says that if you do catch the flu, the illness will stay until it resolves on its own. The best you can do is to deal with the individual flu symptoms, such as fever and headache. However, acupuncture for the flu can not only help you with these symptoms, it can also help you shorten the span of the illness and even build up your immune system against it.

Flu symptoms

If you’ve ever had the flu before, you’ll probably be familiar with the symptoms. When the virus takes hold, it will result in common symptoms such as a dry cough, fever, headache, body aches, fatigue, and malaise. Other less common symptoms include a runny nose, sneezing, and sore throat, which are more common with the cold.

The difference between colds and the flu

The cold and flu actually have some pretty similar symptoms. However, the flu is generally worse than the common cold. For example, if you have a cold,you might have a mild fever. If you have the flu, however, your fever will be higher in temperature and may last up to four days.

Fatigue is also something that doesn’t usually happen with a cold, but it’s one of the hallmarks of the flu. Body aches are also mild when it comes to a cold, but if you have the flu, the aches can be quite severe.

Complications

Usually, you can expect the flu to go away on its own after a certain period of time. However, in rare cases, the flu can become fatal. In fact, the flu can lead to 10,000 to 50,000 deaths a year. Because of this, making the effort to keep the flu from spreading can be important.

Even when the flu doesn’t become fatal, it can still lead to worse medical conditions. It can lead to complications like bacterial pneumonia, and it can also worsen illnesses like diabetes, asthma, and congestive heart failure.

If you believe you have the flu, please consult with your doctor before scheduling an acupuncture appointment. This is especially important if you have an otherwise compromised immune system due to age or pre-existing condition.

Acupuncture for the flu

You may not think of acupuncture as something that can be effective against the flu, but this millennia-old practice can surprise you. Acupuncture is a good way to not only ease the severity of flu symptoms, but it can also help you strengthen your immunity to the virus.

How acupuncture works

Basically, traditional Chinese medicine and acupuncture involve the flow of life force, called qi (pronounced “chee”). Qi is supposed to to flow through points in the body called “meridians.” However, if the proper flow of qi is disrupted or is concentrated in a single area, illness can occur.

Acupuncture, in a nutshell, restores the flow of qi and thus restores good health. This way, acupuncture isn’t a forceful treatment; it simply nudges the body to the right direction. To redirect the flow of qi, a licensed acupuncturist will insert fine needles into the necessary acupuncture points.

At the Santa Barbara Herb Clinic, you’ll be in the care of Tram Pham, our owner and Licensed Acupuncturist. She has a Master’s Degree in Chinese Medicine from Yo San University, and has years of experience in providing acupuncture for the flu and other age-old remedies for various health conditions.

Western vs traditional Chinese medicine

Western medicine and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) look at health in different ways. For example, Western medicine formulates treatments based on the particular ailment. TCM, meanwhile, formulates treatments based on the individual experiencing the symptoms.

In terms of the flu, Western medicine and TCM look at things differently as well. For Western medicine, illnesses such as the flu, polio, and the measles are caused by various corresponding viruses. However, for TCM, these illnesses are caused by a single reason: a factor called “Wind-Heat.”

Even with these differences, Western medicine recognizes the benefits and effectiveness of acupuncture, though there isn’t much research into the practice yet.

Fighting the flu with acupuncture

Even with the dearth of research, what we already do know about acupuncture is that it can increase the production of hormones that improve the immune system. If you feel that you’re about to get the flu or a cold, you can make an appointment at the Santa Barbara Herb Clinic to prevent the illness from taking hold.

If you already have the flu, acupuncture can help you get over it sooner than can be expected. It can also help alleviate symptoms such as body aches, fever, sore throat, and a stuffy nose.

Acupuncture at the Santa Barbara Herb Clinic

The Santa Barbara Herb Clinic has been serving the city of Santa Barbara and nearby areas since it was founded by Dr. Jean Yu in 1986. Tram, our current owner and Licensed Acupuncturist, took over the clinic in 2016. She continued the tradition of providing holistic and all-natural health care to the residents of Santa Barbara.

Want to book an appointment? Call us at 805-563-0222 or email us at info@santabarbaraherbclinic.com and see what it’s like to experience acupuncture for the flu. While coming to the clinic for a consultation is a common practice, we can also be quite flexible. If you’re not in the Santa Barbara or Goleta area, you can call us for a phone consultation, and Tram can also hold consultations via video call.

References

https://www.cdc.gov/flu/keyfacts.htm

https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/what-is-the-flu-virus/

https://www.webmd.com/cold-and-flu/flu-cold-symptoms#3

http://www.uhhospitals.org/myuhcare/health-and-wellness/better-living-health-articles/2014/december/acupuncture-for-cold-and-flu-season

https://health.howstuffworks.com/wellness/natural-medicine/chinese/traditional-chinese-medicine-acupuncture2.htm

http://maciociaonline.blogspot.com/2016/12/the-treatment-of-influenza-with-chinese.html

http://www.uhhospitals.org/myuhcare/health-and-wellness/better-living-health-articles/2014/december/acupuncture-for-cold-and-flu-season

Fire Cupping: What You Need to Know

Posted on August 14, 2018July 16, 2018 by SB Herb Clinic

fire cupping Santa Barbara Herb Clinic — Photo by the Santa Barbara Herb Clinic

Fire Cupping or Dry Cupping might trendy nowadays due to some star athletes in the Olympics and health buffs swearing by its benefits. But this traditional healing method dates back to ancient Chinese, Egyptian and Middle Eastern cultures. There are old medical textbooks dating back to 1550 B.C. which describe how Egyptians used cupping therapy.

There are many benefits that come with this type of traditional healing technique. It mainly helps with inflammation, pain, relaxation, blood flow, and well-being. This kind of deep-tissue massage will invigorate your mind and body.

What is Fire Cupping?

Fire Cupping involves the use of small glass cups or bamboo jars that are placed on the skin. Placing these inverted cups over a small flame before placing them on the skin creates suction. The cups are left in place, usually on your back, and are gently moved across the skin. The suction in the cups causes the superficial muscle layer and the skin to be lightly drawn into the cups. This creates a gentle pressure to pull your muscles upward. It can loosen muscles, encourage blood flow, and calm the nervous system.

Just like acupuncture, fire cupping follows the lines of meridians, or specific points in your body. Based on these points, cupping can thus target specific health problems and align your energy flow. It detoxifies your body, clears blockages, and refreshes your arteries and veins.

Fire Cupping Benefits

Here’s a list of the common health benefits of fire cupping that can promote overall health.

Relieves pain, especially back and neck pain, or stiff muscles

Helps decrease anxiety and depression

Helps improve blood pressure

Treats fatigue

Heals migraines

Helps treat rheumatic diseases such as arthritis and fibromyalgia

Helps improve symptoms of colds

Targets breathing problems

Helps treat blood disorders such as anemia and hemophilia

Assists in fertility and gynecological disorders

Helps treat skin problems such as acne and eczema

Lessens bronchial congestion caused by asthma or allergies

Helps heal varicose veins

Supplements weight loss and cellulite treatments

During a Fire Cupping Treatment

While the cups are on your body, you will barely feel anything but the cups suctioning your skin. As a result, some might feel some pain while the therapist glides the cups over their back. You can let the therapist know about it and he or she can use a different-sized cup that is more preferable. The sensation of pain doesn’t last long, and it would give way to a relaxing feeling that invigorates you.

The red marks from the suction marks would usually be gone after a few days.

There are some patients that experience a great clarity of mind the next day after a treatment, and their back pain is no longer there. If you experience back pain that can’t be easily addressed through various massage methods, try fire cupping as another treatment that can relax and revitalize you.

Fire Cupping with Acupuncture Treatment

You can consult with your therapist if getting an acupuncture session with your fire cupping therapy would be best for you. Acupuncture can release blocks in the energy flow of your body and treat the root cause of health issues, while Fire Cupping improves circulation and promotes relaxation. Getting a fire cupping treatment alongside acupuncture can rejuvenate your well-being.

Book a Session with a Chinese Medicine Practitioner Now

Santa Barbara Herb Clinic offers fire cupping as one of its specialties in a long list of natural healing treatments available. Our Chinese Medicine Practitioner and licensed acupuncturist will make a full assessment of your health and create a customize treatment plan for your specific health needs. Book an appointment now and experience the wonderful benefits that come with natural and holistic treatments.

References

3 Reasons Everyone Should Try Cupping, Jennifer Dubowsky – https://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-16791/3-reasons-everyone-should-try-cupping.html

8 Scientifically Proven Benefits Of Cupping Therapy | Positive Health Wellness – https://www.positivehealthwellness.com/pain-relief/8-scientifically-proven-benefits-cupping-therapy/

Cupping Therapy | WebMD – https://www.webmd.com/balance/guide/cupping-therapy#2

The Many Benefits Of Chinese Cupping | PCOM – https://www.pacificcollege.edu/news/blog/2014/09/20/many-benefits-chinese-cupping

Acupuncture for Hypertension: Studies, Treatment and Benefits

Posted on August 7, 2018July 30, 2018 by SB Herb Clinic

High blood pressure, or hypertension, puts you at risk for heart disease and stroke if it stays too high for a long time. It is also one of the leading causes of death in the United States. In fact, 75 million American adults, or 1 in every 3 adults, have high blood pressure.

Meanwhile, only half of the people with high blood pressure have their condition under control. Prehypertension and diabetes symptoms also put people at risk for high blood pressure. This disease also costs the nation $48.6 billion each year, which includes the cost of medications, missed days at work, and health care services to treat high blood pressure.

There are studies that show that acupuncture for hypertension can be helpful in more ways than one. In acupuncture, practitioners work on meridians, or the invisible pathways that connect one body part to another. These meridians are along major nerve pathways that are the main points where needles will be inserted into. Consequently, stimulating the pathway activates different areas by sending impulses to the brain. There are various benefits that come with this, including the regulation of the cardiovascular system.

Studies About Acupuncture For Hypertension

Researchers at the Jiaozuo Tongren Hospital have found that acupuncture is as effective as nifedipine for hypertension treatment. They compared the blood pressure reduction effects of acupuncture and nifedipine in a group of hypertensive patients. Acupuncture induced a homeostatic regulation of blood pressure. It significantly reduced diastolic and systolic pressures in patients with extremely high blood pressure, and it moderately reduced diastolic and systolic pressures for patients with moderate levels of high blood pressure. In such cases, acupuncture provided a regulated lowering of blood pressure according to the clinical needs of patients.

Acupuncture therapy for hypertension also does not produce side effects such as hypotensive reactions, unlike other pharmaceutical drugs.

Initial studies are being done with animals, which show positive results in treating ischemia, high blood pressure, irregular heart beats, or heart arrhythmias. Researchers aim to know more about acupuncture as an alternative treatment to reduce the medication needed for patients with cardiovascular disorders.

Acupuncture Together With Other Medical Drugs

There’s promise in the study of integrative medicine. Integrative medicine is where eastern and western medical principles are combined for a deliberate approach in treating diseases. In a study conducted by the Shanxi College of Traditional Medicine, it showed that acupuncture plus taking the drug felopidine produced an 86.7% effective rate in treating primary hypertension. This integrative medicine method of approaching hypertension improves results by 13.4%.

As with everything, we can achieve optimum treatment with a healthy diet, regular exercise, and taking prescribed medications. Acupuncture complements these healthy lifestyle habits by maintaining low blood pressure and a healthy balance in the body.

Start Your Treatment with a Licensed Acupuncturist

Santa Barbara Herb Clinic offers natural holistic healing treatments, including acupuncture for hypertension. Your session with our licensed acupuncturist and Chinese medicine practitioner will include a thorough assessment of your symptoms and health concerns. A unique customized treatment follows which is specifically catered to your health needs. Book a consultation now to start your treatment. If you’re in the Santa Barbara and Goleta area, visit us in our clinic which you can find on this map. We also do phone and video consultations, plus shipment of medications to your area.

References:

Acupuncture Can Lower High Blood Pressure | WebMD –
https://www.webmd.com/hypertension-high-blood-pressure/news/20010611/acupuncture-can-lower-high-blood-pressure#1

Acupuncture Matches Drug For High Blood Pressure, Alex Wang – http://www.healthcmi.com/Acupuncture-Continuing-Education-News/1718-acupuncture-matches-drug-for-high-blood-pressure

Acupuncture Might Help Ease High Blood Pressure, Randy Dotinga – https://www.webmd.com/hypertension-high-blood-pressure/news/20150902/acupuncture-might-help-ease-high-blood-pressure#1

Division For Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention | Centers for Disease Control and Prevention –
https://www.cdc.gov/dhdsp/data_statistics/fact_sheets/fs_bloodpressure.htm

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

Posted on July 31, 2018July 13, 2018 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.

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

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 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 Joint Pain: Benefits, Information, and More

Posted on July 2, 2018July 6, 2018 by SB Herb Clinic

Undergoing acupuncture for joint pain can be a good alternative for those who are for any reason unable or unwilling to take pain medication. However, acupuncture isn’t just an alternative. It also works very well as a complement to Western medicine, as long as you consult with your physician first before booking an appointment with the Santa Barbara Herb Clinic.

Our joints are particularly important part of our body. They allow for different types of movement, such as bending, walking, and kneeling. While joints are essential to efficient movement, they can also be where various types of pain can occur. Joint pain can impede movement and thus make even the simplest daily tasks more difficult. This means that finding ways to help treat joint pain is essential.

The nature of joint pain

Joint pain is actually quite common, and many of us experience it at least at one point in our lives. Usually, injury and arthritis are the causes of joint pain, though there are other possible causes as well. As we age, pain in the joints can become more and more common, especially for those who develop osteoarthritis.

Common causes

We put our joints through quite a lot. For one thing, we use them every day — basically every time that we move. When we walk, reach up to a shelf, type on our phones, grab our keys, we use our joints. Unfortunately, there are also a lot of things that can cause our joints pain, other than injury or arthritis.

Things like inflammation, the overuse or over-exertion of a joint, or cartilage damage behind the kneecaps can cause joint pain as well. Inflammation in particular can result from an injury that has healed, but has suddenly become painful again.

Injuries such as fractures or torn ligaments can cause bleeding in the joint, especially if the injury is to the knee. If the joint begins to swell, feel warm, and develops stiffness soon after the injury occurs, you may be experiencing something called haemarthrosis. It’s important to keep in mind that if one of your joints begin to swell too much, you have to see your doctor and get it checked out.

There are also certain viral infections that can lead to joint pain. Viral hepatitis and rubella are both infections that can cause joint pain as well as fever. While viral infections necessitate the use of medication, you can undergo acupuncture for joint pain itself.

Pain relief

When you’re experiencing pain in the joints, you can take pain relieving medication such as NSAIDS, which can also help reduce swelling. Rest is also vital, though it’s also important to have the appropriate amount of exercise. Stretching, massages, and even warm baths can be helpful to painful and swollen joints as well.

Remember that acupuncture can also be a viable option that can work well with other types of pain management techniques. As a bonus, acupuncture for joint pain also has other benefits aside from pain relief.

Acupuncture for joint pain

Acupuncture has been around for millennia, though it’s only recently that science has turned its lens to the centuries-old practice. There is still a lot more to explore about the scientific workings of acupuncture, though it has been practiced for a long time to help treat a variety of symptoms.

The human body has over 2,000 acupuncture points, all connected to the body’s life energy (called qi). The stimulation of these acupuncture points with the use of acupuncture needles can redirect the qi and help alleviate pain. Other than that, it can also help stimulate the production of endorphins, which can help relieve pain the natural way.

Acupuncture basics

Acupuncture entails the insertion of fine needles into your skin at the acupuncture points where your qi may be out of sync. After you speak to the acupuncturist about your symptoms, he or she will be able to identify the acupuncture points that need simulation.

At the Santa Barbara Herb Clinic, you’ll be treated by our owner and Licensed Acupuncturist, Tram Pham. Tram has years of experience under her belt, as well as a Master’s Degree in Chinese Medicine from Yo San University. She’ll be able to evaluate your symptoms and come up with an effective plan for you.

The difference between traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and Western medicine is that TCM bases treatments on the individuals themselves, not the particular ailment they have. When you make an appointment with us, you’ll be in good hands.

Precautions

Acupuncture is definitely worth a try, especially in cases such as pain relief. It’s basically something that can help you relieve pain without the need for medications that can be addictive and can have harmful side effects. Of course, like most other treatments, acupuncture has possible side effects as well. However, the most serious of acupuncture’s side effects are very rare. Other side effects, however, may include headaches, slight dizziness, fatigue, and “emotional release.” Usually, the side effects should only last for about two days.

At least, however, your reactions to acupuncture will likely be immediate, and will occur with your acupuncturist in the room with you. Thus, you will likely be taken care of right away, and the side effects will likely be dealt with right then and there.

Acupuncture at the Santa Barbara Herb Clinic

In 2016, Tram took over the Santa Barbara Herb Clinic, some time after the untimely and tragic death of Dr. Henry Han. Dr. Han bought the clinic in 1991 from its founder, Dr. Jean Yu, who opened the clinic in 1986. Tram is continuing the clinic’s 30-year tradition of providing Santa Barbara with acupuncture services and more. The can provide acupuncture for joint pain as well as for other issues.

Call us at 805-563-0222 or email us at info@santabarbaraherbclinic.com to make an appointment. You can come in any time on Mondays to Fridays, between 9am to 5:30pm. Proximity is also not a problem when it comes to consultations, since Tram can do them over the phone or over video calls. Make an appointment today and get on the road to all-natural holistic health.

References

https://www.webmd.com/rheumatoid-arthritis/guide/arthritis-acupuncture#2

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

https://www.arthritis.org/living-with-arthritis/treatments/natural/other-therapies/mind-body-pain-relief/acupuncture-gets-respect.php

https://www.pacificcollege.edu/news/blog/2014/07/06/acupuncture-relief-arthritis-pain

https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/003261.htm

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/joint-pain/

Acupuncture for Fetal Malposition: What You Need to Know

Posted on July 2, 2018July 6, 2018 by SB Herb Clinic

Studies have found that acupuncture for fetal malposition can be quite effective in helping turn fetuses for safe and healthy vaginal birth. When the head of a fetus isn’t in the optimal position for vaginal delivery, it’s considered to be a malposition or malpresentation. This can lead to a difficult labor or other complications, and it can also interfere with a woman’s wishes for a natural delivery.

If your due date is looming close and you’ve found that your baby isn’t in the right position yet, acupuncture can help you and your little one get to the right place. Acupuncture, as well as a practice called moxibustion, can be effective in making birth easier and safer.

Fetal malposition or malpresentation

The top of the head of a fetus should normally be positioned toward the mother’s vagina to make vaginal delivery easier and safer. However, there are instances in which a fetus still has not turned right up to the moment of delivery. This is what doctors consider to be fetal malposition, the most common type of which is breech. A fetus in breech position has its legs or buttocks, instead of the top of the head, positioned toward the vagina.

There are other types of malposition or malpresentation as well. A fetus may lie sideways, and though it will still be born with its head first, it will still be in an improper position. Sometimes, the fetus’s may come out first instead of the top of the head, or it may come out with its shoulder in the mother’s pelvis.

Causes

Usually, it’s difficult to pinpoint the exact cause of fetal malposition or malpresentation. However, malposition may have something to do with factors such as placenta previa, multiple gestation, or preterm pregnancy. A short umbilical cord, pelvic tumors, uterine anomalies, fetal anomalies, and other issues may also factor into fetal malposition.

Effects of malposition or malpresentation

Fetal malposition carries with it some risks. For one thing, it can prolong labor and make it more difficult, leading to stress for both the fetus and the mother. It can also make a caesarian section more likely, since the surgery can reduce the risks of complications.

A caesarian section is a major surgery, and it takes a longer time to recover from compared to natural vaginal birth. Still, it does make birth safer for both the mother and the baby. However, it’s also an additional cost, and has its share of complications as well.

The best bet, therefore, is to induce the fetus to turn to its proper position. Of course, this is easier said than done. However, acupuncture for fetal malposition can be helpful, thus reducing the risk of complications during birth.

Acupuncture for fetal malposition

There is research that acupuncture can help reposition fetuses in breech or other types of malposition. Acupuncture may seem quite daunting or intimidating. It’s especially more so if you’re not familiar with it or if you haven’t really heard much about it. However, acupuncture is relatively low-risk. Many in the medical community have also recognized acupuncture to be safe for a variety of issues.

Acupuncture is a good alternative or complement to Western medicine. However, you’ll need the advice of your physician before undergoing acupuncture treatments, especially if you’re pregnant. Make sure to consult with your obstetrician first before you make an appointment for an acupuncture session.

Acupuncture in a nutshell

In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), acupuncture is considered to be an effective and important way to restore the normal flow of qi. Qi (pronounced “chee”), is an energy force that flows through every individual. When qi flows normally along markers in the body called meridians, it results in good physical, mental, and emotional health.

However, when the flow of qi is disrupted, blocked, or concentrated around certain meridians, it can affect a person’s well-being.

A licensed acupuncturist inserts very fine needles into certain acupuncture points to deal with and manage certain symptoms. The needles stimulate these acupuncture points and push qi back into its normal flow.

Acupuncture for fetal malposition is at its safest at the hands of a licensed and experienced acupuncturist. Luckily, the owner of the Santa Barbara Herb Clinic, Tram Pham, is a Licensed Acupuncturist with a deep knowledge and understanding of TCM. She has a Master’s Degree in Chinese Medicine from Yo San University in Los Angeles, as well as years of experience in treating patients in accordance with the principles of TCM.

Benefits

Acupuncture isn’t the only way to stimulate acupuncture points. When it comes to the correction of breech malposition, an acupuncturist usually uses moxibustion instead of acupuncture. Moxibustion involves the use of heat generated by burning herb preparations containing an herb called moxa. The most common moxibustion technique is lighting a moxa stick on fire and bringing it close to the skin at the relevant acupuncture points. Tram will also teach you how to do this during your appointment, and send you home with moxibustion to continue your treatment at home.

Moxibustion has been found to be safe for both women and fetuses, and it does not cause burns.

Of course, acupuncture can be effective as well. In fact, practitioners have been using acupuncture to turn breech fetuses for about 1,000 years. Studies have shown that acupuncture is effective in helping correct fetal malposition, thus helping reduce complications and reduce the likelihood that a caesarian section would be necessary.

It’s possible, however, that successful moxibustion may render acupuncture unnecessary in cases of fetal malposition.

Acupuncture at the Santa Barbara Herb Clinic

If you need moxibustion or acupuncture for fetal malposition or other issues, come visit the Santa Barbara Herb Clinic. Dr. Jean Yu founded the Santa Barbara Herb Clinic in 1986, and the clinic has been providing Santa Barbara with all-natural and holistic health care since then. Our Licensed Acupuncturist, Tram, has years of experience in TCM and specializes in women’s health.

Get in touch with us and make an appointment to address your various health needs. Call us at 805-563-0222 or email us at info@santabarbaraherbclinic.com to schedule an appointment. However, you can also have a consultation with Tram over the phone or via video call. Contact us today to learn more about how you can take control of your health!

References

http://www.medfriendly.com/malposition-pregnancy.html

https://www.babymed.com/pregnancy/malpresentation-and-malposition-of-the-fetus

http://www.healthcmi.com/Acupuncture-Continuing-Education-News/280-acupuncturebreechfetus

https://obgyn.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/j.1471-0528.2002.01003.x

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3942064/

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/9046931_Acupuncture_Conversion_of_Fetal_Breech_Presentation

Acupuncture for Chemotherapy Side Effects: An In-Depth Look

Posted on June 29, 2018July 6, 2018 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: 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

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 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 June 29, 2018July 6, 2018 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.

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

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 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/