Acupuncture Alternative Care

Ion Cleanse Detoxification

2011-05-03T08:55:00.000-07:00

Food and Inhalent Allergies

2011-03-29T12:12:00.000-07:00

Today, I want to talk about one of the main treatments I use in my practice. This treatment is very helpful to people who have food and inhalant allergies. Food allergies can be the cause of many other chronic conditions such as headaches, digestive distress, sinus issues etc. The BioSET (Bioenergetic Sensitivity and Enzyme Therapy) treatment helps detoxify the body and reduces inflammation throughout the body. BioSET is a drug-free and painless process of bringing the body back to a state of health and wellness.

Ellen Cutler, MD created the BioSET system 15 years ago. I have had the great fortune to study alongside her these past 15 years. I am the only practitioners offering BioSET in the New England area. I would be happy to provide more information about this treatment option. If you are interested, please contact me to set up a free 20 minute consultation to learn more or email me with any related questions.

Taking Part in the Lesley University Health Fair

2011-03-07T10:20:00.000-08:00

On Tuesday, February 22, 2011 we had the great pleasure to take part in the Lesley University Health Fair held in the McKenna Student Center. We enjoyed meeting with students, staff and other community health care providers. Many questions were asked and we greatly enjoyed sharing information about the benefits of acupuncture. Another added benefit for many of the students and staff was to realize how close we are to Lesley just on the Elm St side of Porter Square shopping area, a fifteen minute walk away.

The size of the acupuncture needles is often a concern so we brought a variety of sizes from different manufacturers to show how thin the needles actually are. Since providing acupuncture treatment was not an option we provided coupons. We brought the Meridian Stress Assessment system machine to conduct a comprehensive evaluation of a person's energetic health and balance by measuring electrical conductivity at responsive points on the skin typically the hands and feet. This is done through use of a non-invasive probe.

Acupuncture: What’s it all about?

2011-02-01T12:18:00.000-08:00

Acupuncture: What’s it all about?

Perhaps you’ve seen acupuncture in movies or heard about it from friends and been curious. How exactly does acupuncture work? What about those needles? Does it hurt? Could acupuncture help me? If you want to learn more come with your questions to our informal acupuncture information session on Tuesday, Feb 15, 2011 at 7pm in our clinic, space is limited to eight and reservations are required. Please call 617-776-2020 to reserve your space. Attendees will receive a valuable coupon for a 15% discount off your initial visit.

Lung Meridan Points 2 through 4

2010-11-30T09:34:00.000-08:00

Today we will continue along the Lung Meridian to discuss the location, function and indication of points and their uses.

Lung 2 is located in the depression below the acromial extremity of the clavicle about six inches lateral to the midline (about one inch above Lung 1 on the torso of the body). The Chinese name of this point is Yunmen, which means “Cloud’s Door”. The image is of clouds as referring to heaven’s energy. The Qi of Heaven and Earth meet in the clouds.

Functions of Lung 2 are to dispel Lung heat, smooth the function of the joints, drain heat in joints, and eliminate anxiety. Some of the disorders this point is useful for are relieving cough, chest pain, asthma, and inflammation of the shoulder joint.

The next point on the Lung Meridian is Lung 3 located on the inner aspect of the upper arm approximately 3 inches below the axillary fold (underarm fold) on the radial side of the biceps muscle. The Chinese name of this point is Tianfu which translates to mean “Heaven’s Residence”. Lung 3 is one of the “window of the sky” points which are a set of points whose basic function is to improve the flow energy between the head and body. Some ‘window of the sky’ indications would be people who speak to themselves or will not speak at all, confusion, depression and forgetfulness. Other functions in addition to the ‘window of the sky’ are dispersing wind heat and regulating Lung Qi. Some common disorders for use are bronchitis, asthma, nosebleed, and pain in the medial upper arm.

Lung 4 is next along the meridian and is located about one inch below Lung 3. The Chinese name is Xiabai which is translated as “Gallantry” This image refers to “Protect White”-the color attributed to Lung energy is “white”. Functions include regulating Qi and Blood, sedating pain. Some common disorders this point is useful for are bronchitis, asthma, nosebleed and pain in medial upper arm.

Lung Meridan Points and How We Use Them

2010-11-16T11:46:00.000-08:00

We will begin a series of Acupuncture Meridian tutorials. In Chinese medicine a meridian is an energy line that travel over a specific area of the body and is related to a specific organ of the body. Today we will begin with a description of the location of the Lung meridian, and the location, function and indications of Lung 1, the first point along the Lung meridian.

The internal Lung Meridian begins in the area of the stomach and descends to connect with the Large Intestine, its’ coupled meridian, ascending at this point it crosses the diaphragm and enters its primary organ, the Lung. The external lung meridian emerges from the area between the lung and throat, it descends along the frontal aspect of the upper arm. Reaching the elbow, it continues along the frontal aspect of the forearm to the radial aspect of the wrist and continues down the thenar eminence to the tip of the thumb.
The Lung Meridian has 11 points.

The first point along the external lung meridian, Lung 1, is located on the torso in the first intercostal space, about two inches below the clavicle, approximately six inches lateral to the midline of the body. The Chinese word for Lung 1 is ”Zhongfu” and is roughly translated to mean “Central Residence.” The image is that this is the central storage place or residence of the Lung Qi.

Functions of this point are to disperse heat in the chest, regulate and nourish lung qi and lung yin, and relax the chest area.

Indications for use of this point are: bronchitis, pneumonia, asthma, pulmonary TB, emphysema, night sweats, throat blockage, nasal congestion, excessive sweating.
We will continue along the lung meridian next week.

Hormone Replacement Therapy New Findings

2010-11-09T11:19:00.000-08:00

According to a large government study just published on October 20, 2010 in the Journal of American Medicine, women showed a definite increased risk of breast cancer from an estrogen plus progesterone hormone replacement. This has many women wondering how to combat the all too common disruptive symptoms of menopause which may include: hot flashes, night sweats, sleeplessness, irritability and mild depression. Some alternative treatments to explore might be acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine. Some women have found a great deal of relief for their symptoms through acupuncture and Chinese herbal remedies. “A Randomized, Controlled Pilot Study of Acupuncture Treatment for Menopausal Hot Flashes” published in the journal Menopause. 2008;15 (6):1070-1078. found that acupuncture “..produced a significant decrease in hot flashes compared with a no-treatment, UC group (uncontrolled group).” On my website Acupuncture Alternative Care you can learn more about how acupuncture and Chinese herbs might benefit you in treating your menopausal symptoms.

How do you become a certified acupuncturist?

2010-08-19T18:56:00.000-07:00

Patricia Crawford is certified by the National Council for Certification of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine in Washington, D.C. and properly licensed in Massachusetts.

Patricia has extensive training and certification in many aspects of Oriental and Alternative medicine and techniques. She continues to learn and utilize new technologies as they become available.

Check out the video blog below for information about how to become a certified acupuncturist:

Neuro Emotional Technique

2010-08-10T17:08:00.000-07:00

At Acupuncture Alternative Care, we do not just offer acupuncture, but other modalities as well. Neuro Emotional Technique is a treatment we offer, and it's popular because as humans, we all swallow our memories and emotions, not just mentally, but physically.

On Patricia's website, this technique is described as "a mind/body approach that is used to normalize unresolved physical and/or behavioral patterns in the body. It is aimed at treating phobias, anxiety, fear, and trauma due to life changes, and may also help to improve athletic achievement."

Below is a video describing this technique in more detail. Definitely come in and discuss in a free consultation!

Balance

2010-08-03T13:05:00.000-07:00

Acupuncture can really balance and change your life for the better. Emotional and physical barriers can arise, which can clog healthy energy to flow. Below is a video we made, where I talk about what acupuncture techniques can do to bring your body back to a state of health and wellness.

On my website, I explain the techniques used at Acupuncture Alternative Care. There is also a spotlight feature on my practice, a video by Fox News, which is on the same page. Check it out!

http://www.acupuncturealternativecare.com/techniques.html

Allergy Video

2010-07-27T14:25:00.000-07:00

Hello, all!

If you were interested in being treated for allergies this sneezy wheezy summer season, hear what I have to say about acupuncture & what it can do for you:

We just joined Somerville Local First!

2010-07-27T12:17:00.000-07:00

We're excited to announce that Acupuncture Alternative Care is now a member of Somerville Local First. SLF is a collaborative of companies local to the area, which supports the "buy local" movement by connecting them all together. Check out their mission statement:

SOMERVILLE LOCAL FIRST(SLF) ENGAGES BUSINESS AND COMMUNITY LEADERS IN BUILDING ECONOMIES THAT ARE GREEN, LOCAL, AND FAIR

According to their website, "Somerville Local First works to build a sustainable local economy and vibrant community here in Somerville, MA. We do this by supporting locally owned and independent businesses and promoting sustainable economic development. Launched in May 2008, SLF now connects over 170 members, including businesses, artists, nonprofits, and community members in support of our vision."

So, check us out in their member directory or the next print of their magazine. We'll most likely be at gatherings and events they hold in Somerville, so stay tuned!

Welcome to my home.

2010-07-20T14:21:00.001-07:00

For those of you who walk on Elm Street in Somerville everyday -- to go from Porter to Davis Square, or maybe you just came from the Shaw's parking lot -- welcome to my home, and come visit for a free acupuncture consultation.

Every summer, there are tomatoes, flowers, and herbs growing in the garden around my house, which is also my office. Acupuncture Alternative Care has provided a comfortable space for patients in the Somerville/Cambridge area since 1994.

A comfy couch out front and two treatment rooms, patients and visitors alike delve into a space that is trusting and nurturing. Again, come by and enjoy a classic Somerville home, and if you want to talk about acupuncture -- let's do it together!

Summer Special!

2010-07-20T12:44:00.000-07:00

This summer, we are offering a deal on your first acupuncture treatment!

50% off!

That means your initial one-hour treatment with Patricia is only $49.00. You won't be able to find a deal much better than this. What can acupuncture treat? Oh, I'm glad you asked. Here is a list of physical & mental issues that can be treated (very comprehensive, found on www.acufinder.com):

Eye, Ear, Nose, Throat Disorders

Sinusitis
Sore Throat
Hay Fever
Earache
Nerve Deafness
Ringing in the Ears
Dizziness
Poor Eyesight

Circulatory Disorders

High Blood Pressure
Angina Pectoris
Arteriosclerosis
Anemia

Gastrointestinal Disorders

Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Spastic colon
Colitis
Constipation
Diarrhea
Food Allergies
Ulcers
Gastritis
Abdominal Bloating
Hemorrhoids

Gynecological / Genitourinary Disorders

Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)
Irregular, Heavy or Painful Menstruation
Endometriosis
Menopause
Fibroids
Chronic Bladder Infection
Complications in Pregnancy
Morning Sickness
Kidney Stones
Impotence
Infertility in Men and Women
Sexual Dysfunction

Immune Disorders

Candida
Chronic Fatigue
HIV and AIDS
Epstein Barr Virus
Allergies
Lupus
MS
Hepatitis

Addiction

Smoking Cessation
Drugs
Alcohol

Emotional and Psychological Disorders

Anxiety
Insomnia
Depression
Stress

Musculoskeletal and Neurological Disorders

Arthritis
Neuralgia
Sciatica
Back Pain
Bursitis
Tendonitis
Stiff Neck
Bellâ€™s Palsy
Trigeminal Neuralgia
Headaches and Migraines
Stroke
Cerebral Palsy
Polio
Sprains
Muscle Spasms
Shingles

Respiratory Disorders

Asthma
Emphysema
Bronchitis
Colds and Flus

Acupuncture Also Treats

Chemotherapy/Radiation Side Effects
Diabetes
Dermatological Disorders
Weight Control

Toxins

2010-06-09T17:06:00.001-07:00

sharing my knowledge with the world

2010-06-01T08:26:00.000-07:00

I'm pleased to introduce a new feature of Acupuncture Alternative Care. Over my twenty years of of practice as a Licensed Acupuncturist, I have studied Chinese and herbal medicine exhaustively, and though my business is fulfilling, I have wanted to find an additional avenue to deliver my knowledge to the public for a long time. Hello, internet!

The AAC blog will be a place for me to share information and techniques about acupuncture and the other holistic and homeopathic modalities I practice. The AAC will be completely free, and will hopefully serve as an informative complement to your everyday routine of health and wellness, whether it typically includes acupuncture or not.