Tuesday, November 30, 2010

Lung Meridan Points 2 through 4

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.

Tuesday, November 16, 2010

Lung Meridan Points and How We Use Them






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.

Tuesday, November 9, 2010

Hormone Replacement Therapy New Findings

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.

Thursday, August 19, 2010

How do you become a certified acupuncturist?

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:

Tuesday, August 10, 2010

Neuro Emotional Technique

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!

Tuesday, August 3, 2010

Balance

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



Tuesday, July 27, 2010

Allergy Video

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!

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!


Tuesday, July 20, 2010

Welcome to my home.
















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!

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
  • Bell’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

Tuesday, June 1, 2010

sharing my knowledge with the world

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.