At HCA we see a diverse array of health issues, and we love treating all of them. That’s the beauty of acupuncture: it can treat everything from a common cold to addiction to shoulder pain.
The month of December usually brings about a significant increase in activity as the year comes to a close. People are rushing to complete their holiday shopping, many travel during this time to visit family, and there are changes in our own lives as well as the world around us as winter takes hold. And though for many people this time of year is one of joy, it can also add a lot of stress to our already overloaded minds and bodies. More people out for holiday shopping means more traffic and overcrowded stores. We’re all running around finishing up our last minute errands, and being bombarded by hundreds of ads trying to sell us on the latest products.
All of this stress means that this is also time to come in for an acupuncture treatment! Make time between picking relatives up at the airport, putting up decorations, pushing around a shopping cart filled to the brim, and spending hours on the phone making calls and come in, grab a chair and relax. We can help boost your immune system, relax your nervous system and help ease those aches and pains. Take an hour out for yourself to unplug and recharge.
December is also a time when people often begin to think about making New Year’s Resolutions. What adjustments can I make this year to optimize my health? What can I do to lose a few pounds, feel lighter and increase vitality? Of course, this train of thought usually comes about after a big holiday meal, but now is not too early to start thinking about what positive changes you want to begin in January. How can acupuncture help with reaching those health goals? Let us count the ways…
Restore Depleted Energy – Acupuncture has very powerful points to restore and rejuvenate the body, and there are two points in particular that we like to focus on. The first is called Zu San Li (Leg Three Miles), which tonifies whole body energy and increases blood circulation. The second is Shou San Li (Arm Three Miles), which corresponds to Zu San Li in that it tonifies whole body energy and it relieves achy arms and legs. Herbal formulas are another great way to increase energy, on top of your acupuncture treatment. Like a shot of caffeine, but without the jitters, Vibrant is a terrific formula that helps the body cope with fatigue and lack of energy. It has adaptogenic herbs with a rapid onset of action and will help improve mental and physical functions.
Relieve Aches and Pains – At HCA we see a lot of orthopedic pain and discomfort, from a tight neck to herniated discs. A recent study in a Western Medical journal stated that “Mounting evidence supports the effectiveness of acupuncture to treat chronic low back, neck, shoulder, and knee pain, as well as headaches. Additional data are emerging that support the use of acupuncture as an adjunct or alternative to opioids, and in perioperative settings. Findings related to its mechanisms of action include transient receptor potential cation channel vanilloid 1 activation in the periphery, microglial suppression in the cerebral cortex and spinal cord, and regulation of cytokines and other key inflammatory factors in the spinal cord.” In so many words: come on in and we can help work with you to heal your discomfort in a natural and effective way. We treat these ailments in the clinic according to specific protocols, but also encourage our patients to self-treat at home with herbs and additional topical solutions. We carry a variety of topical gels, creams, liniments and salves for you to use in case of arthritis, muscle soreness or weakness, and general muscle fatigue.
Strengthening Will Power – What many people don’t know is that acupuncture is also very effective in the treatment of developing will power. It may seem strange, but whatever emotional stumbling blocks you feel may be in the way of your optimum health, acupuncture can help. I’m sure you’re wondering how acupuncture can affect something like will power, and it can do so in many ways. For starters, a message is sent to yourself the second you decide to get a treatment that says “I’m taking care of myself”. Then, once you begin, there are treatments designed to specifically address the Zhi, or will. As with all Chinese medicine we want to address the root cause of the issue, so if the Zhi is weak we look for why. Is it because there is a lack of courage? Is there a lack of follow-through, a lack of planning ability? All of those can be addressed through specific meridians and organ systems. Chinese medicine is a vast landscape of health and wellness and can address the entire being: body, mind and spirit. So if it’s more of an emotional block, we can help in that area as well. Tell your practitioner if you feel your difficulty lies in motivation, planning, courage, ability, etc. and we will know what to tonify and harmonize so that you can move forward with ease and create a life that you want to live.
Boost the Immune System – In addition to acupuncture we have a salve called Immune Boost ($5.00), which is filled with high quality ingredients like Organic Coconut oil, Organic Beeswax and delicious Essential Oils. Rub some on your chest at night if you are feeling run down, and wake up feeling refreshed! Along with our Immune Boost we have an amazing herbal formula called Immune +, which is comprised of high-quality herbs that will fortify your body and keep you protected from colds and flus.
Whatever you may be dealing with, come on in and let’s celebrate health and wellness together.
Happy Holidays!