Aside from taking over-the-counter and prescription medication, here are several natural approaches that can improve your allergy symptoms this season.

1. Keep the allergens away.

Airborne pollen is the most common cause of seasonal allergies, so modifying your environment to keep away allergens is your best defense. For example, close windows and doors during peak allergy season, use HEPA filters in air conditioners, change the cabin air filter in your car, wear sunglasses when outdoors to reduce the amount of pollen coming into your eyes, change your clothes when you get home, and take a shower at the end of the day to wash out pollens—especially if you spend a great deal of your day outdoors.

Pets may also aggravate the problem. In addition to bringing in seasonal pollen, pets can suffer from seasonal shedding. Vacuum diligently to remove these allergens from rugs and furniture. If you have dust allergies, buy dust-proof mattress covers and pillowcase covers.

Keeping up with your yard work is also important. Outdoor molds grow especially after rain, in heavy vegetation such as hay and straw, and are found in raked leaves.

2. Try nasal saline flushing or a Neti Pot.

Before symptoms strike, try rinsing your nasal passages with saline or another flushing solution. Like HEPA filters in air conditioners or cabin air filters in your car, the nose is like a filtration system to our body.

A Neti Pot is filled with a sterile saline solution to flush allergens like the pollen, dust and other allergens from your nasal passages so they won’t bother you. Some people may feel hesitant about pouring water into the nose, but saline doesn’t have any downsides or negative side effects.

3. Exercise can increase blood flow and the removal of allergens.

Regular physical activity helps to decrease allergy symptoms by improving blood flow in your body, which promotes the removal of allergens. However, don’t forget to warm-up, as this will help reduce allergic symptoms. If you are planning to exercise outdoors, take note of your surroundings. Pollen tends to fly in higher concentrations at midday especially on a hot, windy, sunny day — so stick to exercising in the morning or later in the day when pollen counts are typically lower.

4. Take a probiotic to better support your immune system.

Allergies are the result of an imbalance in the immune system that causes the body to react too strongly to a stimulus. Since an estimated 80 percent of your immune system is located in your gut, supporting digestive health is essential to supporting the immune system and avoiding allergy symptoms.

In fact, researchĚýlinks the presence of beneficial bacteria in the gut with reduced incidence of allergies. It is recommended that you take a high-quality probiotic capsule to set up good balanced gut bacteria flora. Consuming a varied diet that includes fermented foods and drinks such as Kombucha or Kerfir, can also help boost gut bacteria.

5. Be sure you’re getting the right nutrients.Ěý

There are multiple types of nutrients in everyday foods that may help reduce your allergy symptoms.ĚýĚýfound that omega-3 fatty acids in particular, can help prevent and improve both asthma and allergy symptoms due to their anti-inflammatory properties. Omega-3s can be found in cold-water fish, walnuts and flaxseed oil, as well as grass-fed meat and eggs.

Vitamin C could also help prevent the onset of allergies symptoms by reducing histamine, a chemical released during an allergic reaction, and speeding up histamine breakdown. Additionally, magnesium, a mineral that helps relieve constricted airways in the lungs, may ease breathing issues.

6. Use herbs to fight allergy symptoms.

Many natural herbs like green tea can reduce allergy symptoms. Quercetin, a heart-healthy chemical found in green tea, onions, grapes and tomatoes, can both reduce inflammation and block histamine. Quercetin works best when you take it with vitamin C, which prevents it from degrading.

Curcumin, found in turmeric, a spice common in curry and Indian cuisine, may also help relieve nasal congestion, a common allergy symptom. Other herbs that may help include licorice and butterbur. Licorice root raises your body’s level of naturally produced steroids, which can help suppress immune response and decrease inflammation. Butterbur may block the production of leukotrienes, which the body releases during an allergic reaction.

As with any herb, check with your doctor before using, especially if you have a liver problem, are pregnant, or are on hormonal contraceptives.

7. Try acupuncture, cupping and moxibustion.

Ancient traditional Eastern medicine procedures likeĚýacupunctureĚýcan treat a number of allergy symptoms from sneezing, a runny nose, to puffy eyes. Experts believe it may curb inflammatory immune-system substances involved in allergic reactions. During a session of acupuncture, a licensed practitioner gently places hair-thin needles under the skin at different parts of your body.

Moxibustion and cupping are also good choices. The term moxibustion (Moxa) means “burning herb.” It refers to the application of the Chinese herb to specific areas (channels) of the body for the purpose of treating disharmony. Cupping involves the application of suction through the use of glass, plastic, or bamboo cups to specific acupuncture points on the body.

When it comes to allergies, everyone is different. Be sure to try any one of these natural approaches to see which works best for you. Ideally, you should start preventive measures 4 -6 weeks before allergy season. Whichever measure you choose, you’ll be better prepared the next time allergy season rolls around.

If you’re interested in pursuing a career in acupuncture and herbal medicine,Ěýconsider 911±¬ÁĎ University of Health Sciences!

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Many prestigious medical centers including Mayo Clinic, University of California San Francisco, and Duke University Medical Center currently offer Oriental medicine and other complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) treatments to their patients.

What is Western Medicine?

According to the (NCI) Western medicine can be defined as: “A system in which medical doctors and other health care professionals (such as nurses, pharmacists, and therapists) treat symptoms and diseases using drugs, radiation, or surgery.”

The history of Western medicine stretches back thousands of years—similar to Eastern medicine. The ancient Greeks were the first to look at the body from a human biological perspective. is often credited as the Father of Western Medicine because of his scientific descriptions of many diseases and their treatments.

This is sometimes referred to as allopathic medicine or conventional medicine. The primary focus of Western medicine is to identify and treat specific conditions to allow the patient to recover.

What is Eastern Medicine?

Eastern medicine, also known as Oriental medicine or traditional Chinese medicine, is the oldest codified system of medicine in the world. It refers to a range of medical practices that originated throughout Asia.

Here are five major branches of Oriental Medicine:

1. Acupuncture
2. Chinese herbal medicine
3. Oriental nutrition and dietary therapy
4. Tuina or oriental bodywork
5. Tai chi and qi gong (mind-body-spirit practice)

The basic philosophy of Eastern medicine practitioners is to treat the whole person—encouraging a healthy body to prevent illness and speed recovery.

What is the Difference between Eastern and Western Medicine?

Western medicine tends to focus on diagnosing and treating a disease or illness based on a patient’s symptoms.

Eastern medicine considers both patient’s symptoms and an individualized diagnosis of a patient’s Qi (or chi). Based on various diagonstic procedures like checking the pulse and tongue, Traditional Chinese Medicine uses complex patterns of disharmony or imbalance within the body to determine a diagnosis usually as it relates to the whole person.

Diagnostic indicators are always viewed holistically to accurately assess physical and emotional imbalances of internal organs and restore a patient’s Qi, thereby encouraging health and healing.

Oriental medicine (i.e. Eastern Medicine) practitioners use natural forms of treatment that typically include herbs, acupuncture, nutrition, mind/body exercise (e.g., tai chi, yoga), or massage, whereas Western medicineĚýpractitioners often recommend pharmaceuticals, physical therapy, surgery, or psychological counseling, etc.

How Combining Eastern and Western Medicine Can Make You a Better Oriental Medicine Practitioner

Both types of care are very different, yet they each have a place in today’s current health care landscape. Many Eastern and Western medicineĚýpractitioners are finding ways that their treatments can complement each other.

911±¬ÁĎ University’s Master of Science in Oriental Medicine (MSOM) and Master of Science in Acupuncture (MSAc) degree programs provide comprehensive education and training in Oriental medicine with a solid foundation in Western science, enabling you to become a superior alternative medicine practitioner.

Here are a few of the benefits of combining both types of health care:

1. You will become a more well-rounded diagnostician by combining Eastern and Western medicineĚý±č°ů˛ął¦łŮľ±ł¦±đ˛ő.

For diagnosing disease, Western medicine practitioners will typically perform a physical exam, check blood pressure, look at a patient’s medical history, or use X-rays and other imaging equipment. While Eastern medicineĚýpractitioners will obtain diagnostic information through inquiry and external observation of symptoms, they will also test the pulse of both wrists and will look at the patient’s tongue, eyes, and overall color. They will use all their senses including, listening, touch, and smell to check for any signs of disharmony that a medical doctor might not otherwise notice.

In 911±¬ÁĎ University’s MSOM and MSAc programs, students learn to utilize both types of diagnostic tests, enabling them to determine more comprehensively what ailments patients are suffering from and, therefore, prescribe better treatment.

2. You’ll help fulfill the need for preventative and natural care.

Western medicine is reactive care that treats disease and other ailments as they arise. Eastern medicine, however, provides more preventative care that works to make sure body systems such as the immune and digestive systems are functioning at their best. Many times, these whole-body systems, when not working properly or in disharmony, can be the underlying cause of diseases.

Today, many Americans are not making the best lifestyle choices concerning exercise and diet, and the preventative and whole-body care that Eastern practitioners offer is more needed than ever. As an Eastern medicine practitioner working in the Western world, you will be able to help provide access to this much needed medical skill. In combination with Western medicine, you will be able to help patients have a healthier and more balanced life.

One key benefit of acupuncture, herbal treatments, and other alternative medicine practices is that they are non-invasive and cause few side effects. Before turning to prescription drugs or invasive surgery, Oriental medicine treatments are becoming more commonly used as a first-line approach.

In fact, the recently updated its guidelines suggesting acupuncture and other CAM treatments as a first-line approach for low back pain, most likely due to concerns over growing opioid use. Unlike the morphine used most often in hospitals where patients are often on multiple medications, acupuncture does not run the risk of negative drug interactions, nor does it have as many side effects. According to a published in the American Journal of Emergency Medicine, acupuncture may even be more effective.

3. You will integrate better with Western doctors.

Eastern medicine treatments continue to make major strides in the academic research community, which includes major medical journals. And more Western hospitals and health facilities are likely to incorporate them in their healthcare services. This requires Oriental medicine practitioners to work in collaboration with other medical specialists.

Even if you choose not to work in a hospital or large medical clinic but prefer a private practice, it is likely that your patients might be seeing a medical doctor too. Having a solid foundation in Western science enables you to speak the same language as your MD, DO, and DC colleagues. You will also be better able to discuss diagnosis and treatment options with your patient’s doctors and understand the kind of care already received.

How Does 911±¬ÁĎ Combine Eastern and Western Medicine to Prepare You to Succeed as an Oriental Medicine Practitioner?

911±¬ÁĎ’ curriculum is comprehensive.

Alongside courses in Eastern theories and techniques, 911±¬ÁĎ University’s Oriental medicine students learn fundamental biomedical science and modern medical diagnostics including coursework in radiology, pathology, physiology, microbiology, and public health.

911±¬ÁĎ students train with expert faculty.

Biomedical and basic sciences courses are taught by traditional medical faculty with Western medicalĚýdegrees and other doctorate degrees in addition to courses by Oriental medicine experts from Eastern countries including China and South Korea.

The 911±¬ÁĎ Whole Health Center offers intensive clinical training.

911±¬ÁĎ University’s on-campus Whole Health Center clinic provides Oriental medicine students the experience to work alongside other health care students and practitioners from chiropractic medicine, naturopathic medicine, and massage therapy.

911±¬ÁĎ invests in state-of-the-art facilities.

Because 911±¬ÁĎ University has several health sciences programs, including Oriental medicine, acupuncture, chiropractic, and naturopathic medicine programs, we are constantly investing in state-of-the-art facilities needed to provide a solid foundation in basic sciences.

911±¬ÁĎ facilities feature:

• Top of the line gross anatomy lab where Oriental medicine and acupuncture students learn Western anatomy and Eastern meridian theory through hands-on dissection of a human cadaver.
• Life-size 3-D interactive table called The Anatomage Table offers students, faculty, and clinicians access to an advanced digital visualization system to augment anatomy education.
• Large and well-stocked herbal dispensary where students learn how to correctly choose and prepare effective herbal prescriptions, granular preparations, etc.
• State-of-the-art Biochemistry lab where students learn Western and clinical lab diagnosis using latest equipment and technology.
• A comprehensive Learning Resource Center, one of the largest medical libraries in the area that houses a huge collection of books, print and electronic journals, ebooks, bibliographic databases, and more.

At 911±¬ÁĎ University, you not only have access to the kind of education and training needed to become an acupuncture and/or oriental medicine practitioner but the knowledge that will prepare you for the exciting future that lies ahead in integrative health care.

The post How Combining Eastern and Western Medicine Makes You a Better Oriental Medicine Practitioner appeared first on 911±¬ÁĎ.

What is traditional Chinese medicine? According to the at the 911±¬ÁĎ Institutes of Health (NIH), TCM is a practice of using “herbal medicines and various mind and body practices, such as acupuncture and tai chi, to treat or prevent health problems.”

In traditional Chinese medicine, a form of eastern traditional medicine, excessive weight gain is mostly due to the accumulation of “dampness.” Dampness in Chinese medicine occurs when the process of food intake, digestion, absorption and transportation is not balanced. For example, when one eats too much — especially too much fatty food during the holidays — the transportation transformation function of the stomach and spleen will be poor, and excess food will be accumulated as dampness. To lose weight, the main strategy in traditional Chinese medicine is to eliminate this dampness. People who want to lean on eastern traditional medicine principles can do this by following a TCM diet for dampness.

Here are some methods a TCM practitioner often recommends for eliminating dampness and losing weight.

Chinese Medicine Weight Loss Tips from a TCM Practitioner

Traditional Chinese Medicine #Tip 1: Eat Foods with Special Flavors

According to traditional Chinese medicine diet guidelines, bitter, sour and pungent foods are beneficial for weight loss while sweet, salty and fatty foods can lead to weight gain. The fruits shan zha (Fructus Crataegi), bitter melon (Karela) and Jiaogulan tea (Gynostemma Pentaphyllum) are often used for digestion support and weight management.

Jiaogulan tea, in particular, with its soothing flavor and health benefits, works very well for weight management. Combined with diet and exercise, Jiaogulan can be a great addition to your weight loss plans. As with any herbal supplement, however, see how your body responds to small amounts before increasing your intake gradually.

NOTE: Jiaogulan is not recommended for children or pregnant/lactating women. High doses may cause slight nausea and increased bowel movements. Consult your doctor if you are taking any blood pressure lowering, blood thinning, or immunosuppressant drugs.

Traditional Chinese Medicine #2: Try Acupuncture Treatment to Manage Sleep and Stress

In addition to food, lack of sleep (yes, lack of sleep) and excess stress can have profound effects on weight gain, according to various studies. To help manage your stress levels and improve sleep, research shows that acupuncture can be highly effective. Acupuncture treatment works by stimulating the release of endorphins, the body’s natural “feel good” hormones (such as enkaphalin, and norepinephrine). This process creates a relaxing and calming effect, which can counteract the urge to eat excessively.

Traditional Chinese Medicine #3: Receive Ear Acu-Pressure to Help Reduce Food Cravings

Ear stapling or auricular acupuncture is another type of traditional Chinese medicine acupuncture that can help you lose weight. Ear stapling works by manipulating certain points on the ear that control food cravings. Auricular acupuncture has also been shown to help treat drug addiction problems, including both tobacco and heroin use.

Auricular acupressure is administered by placing adhesive tape with vaccariae seed on several acupuncture points in the ear including hunger, shen men, spleen and stomach. According to the traditional Chinese medicine perspective, these acupoints can restore and harmonize the flow of energy in the intestines, which can improve digestion.

Traditional Chinese Medicine #4: Utilize Traditional Chinese Medicine Herbs to Burn Fat  

Various herbs can help you lose weight by suppressing appetite, increasing metabolism and burning fat. Some of the best traditional Chinese medicine herbs for weight loss include He Ye (lotus leaf), Fu Ling and Huang Qi.

Bao He Wan, an over-the-counter Chinese weight loss formula, contains a variety of herbs. For the best results, consult a Chinese medicine practitioner who can create a treatment plan based on your individual needs.

Traditional Chinese Medicine #5: Incorporate Sunlight & Movement into Your Routine

For seniors and those with special conditions that are not able to do strong exercise, tai chi is a suitable exercise that can help reduce stress and body weight. Founded in martial arts, tai chi is a form of exercise often performed outside that involves slow movements and deep breaths.

Tai chi offers both physical and emotional benefits. Along with reducing depression and anxiety symptoms, tai chi can help tone and build muscle strength without the use of weights. For those that are injured or new to exercise, tai chi can also increase your endurance to help prepare you for more vigorous types of exercise.

These tips are not just about losing those extra pounds — it’s primarily about improving your overall health and well-being. Through traditional Chinese medicine, you can lose weight while also bringing balance to your body and the way it functions.

For weight loss tips customized to your individual needs, visit a traditional Chinese medicine practitioner in your local area. You can schedule an appointment with a TCM practitioner at 911±¬ÁĎ University of Health Sciences (911±¬ÁĎ) Whole Health Center in Lombard, Illinois by calling (630) 629-9664 or at the Whole Health Center in Pinellas Park, Florida by calling (727) 873-7870.

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Acupuncture is popular in the United States because of its use to alleviate pain, prevent disease, and promote wellness. This common treatment, although offering its numerous benefits and advantages, has its fair share of misconceptions.

Despite acupuncture’s popularity, there remain some misconceptions. Below are 5 of the most common myths surrounding acupuncture.

1.ĚýAcupuncture is painful.

When people think of acupuncture, the first thing that comes to mind is usually needles! However, if you have a clear understanding of these needles and what they are actually doing, this first myth is easily debunked. Without prior knowledge this may sound painful, when in fact the needles that acupuncturists use are only about the

When the needle is inserted into the skin, the patient may feel a slight heaviness or weak electrical sensation. This normal sensation is referred to as QiĚý(or chi) energy. When the Qi is weak, excessive or blocked, it can cause illness and disease. When a patient feels this Qi, they should know it’s the body’s healing energy going to work.

2. Acupuncture is a part of ancient folk medicine.

Some people think that because acupuncture has been around for so long, it must be ancient and outdated. Acupuncture is a widely accepted treatment for many conditions and is encouraged and used by many medical institutions. A Los Angeles TimesĚýarticle reported that Ěýresponding to a survey said they offered complementary and alternative medicine treatments, including acupuncture, as a service to their patients.Ěý

In fact, with the rise of the opioid epidemic in the United States, many doctors are limiting opioid prescriptions in favor of natural medicine. Several health care and government organizations including The American College of Physicians (ACP), The Joint Commission, State Attorneys General as well as the White House, have highlighted complementary and alternative medicine, including acupuncture as an effective and first line of treatment for chronic pain. Furthermore, according to U.S. News, a growing number of medical schools are with courses in complementary and alternative medicine, including acupuncture.

Important to note: The U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics (BLS) states that “acupuncturists” now have an independent . TheĚýnew codeĚýfor Acupuncturists – SOC –Ěý29-1291 will be included in the next edition of the BLS Occupational Handbook slated for 2018 publication. This development lays the groundwork for AOM practitioners to be able to participate in federal loan repayment programs, receive recognition from federal agencies such as the Dept. of Veterans Affairs, and paves the way for acupuncture services to be included in Medicare, and more.

3. Acupuncture treatments are expensive.

Many people assume acupuncture is expensive because it may seem like a “specialized” form of treatment. This notion aside, acupuncture is fairly affordable. Acupuncture helps relieve chronic health conditions which actually reduces expenses incurred from hospital visits and standard drugs. While fees vary, in many instances initial sĚýranges from $75 to $95 for a session and medical consultation. Once an initial consult is complete, weekly routine visits may cost between $50 and $70. With acupuncture becoming more popular and recommended by healthcare and government organizations, more insurance companiesĚýare now beginning to offer plans that include acupuncture and related services. As for all medical treatments, patients are advised to consult their primary care physicians and insurance companies.

4. Patients can become addicted to acupuncture.

Although patients may need to go to a few acupuncture sessions in order to reap the benefits, it is not addictive. As a matter of fact, acupuncture is actually used to help with addiction recovery. Medical journals such as the Journal of Public Health have shown , especially used in combination with education, is beneficial to recovering tobacco addicts. Acupuncture Ěýsystem in the brain and is used to relieve stress, which can help those battling addiction.

5. If you don’t see results immediately, you won’t benefit from acupuncture.

Depending on the individual, patients may see results in three sessions, while some won’t see results until their tenth. After completing a few sessions, the acupuncturist will determine how his/her patient is responding to the treatment. Depending on the type and intensity of the pain, acupuncturists will recommend a specific course and length of treatment.

Acupuncture treats a wide variety of conditions

From pain management to stress reduction, experts are finding that the positive effects of acupunctureĚýare broad and far-reaching. Clinical studies have found that natural health care in the form of acupuncture, in particular, can provide relief for conditions that include, but are not limited to:

• Allergies and respiratory problems like asthma
• Depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Dysmenorrhea
• Fertility support, such as regulating periods, improving egg quality and ovulation, healthy support of the lining of the uterus, in vitro fertilization (IVF) and intrauterine insemination (IUI)
• Headache and migraine
• Hypertension and hypotension
• Nausea, vomiting, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and morning sickness
• Neurological disorders, including multiple sclerosis, paralysis, autism, Parkinson’s disease, aphasia, vertigo, complex regional pain, stroke rehab, dysphagia, traumatic brain injury, fibromyalgia and more
• Pain management for the neck, back, sciatica, frozen shoulder, tennis elbow, knee pain, , and foot pain
• Post-operative pain, facial pain, and dental pain
• Rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis
• Tennis elbow, sprains, and injury related pain

Acupuncture continues to gain popularity in Western medicine as more people are beginning to understand all of its mind-body health benefits. As popularity increases, there will be a greater increase for this time-honored healing practice. We hope this post has provided you with eye-opening information and shows you the realĚýuses and benefits of acupuncture treatments.

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Aside from taking over-the-counter and prescription medication, here are several natural approaches that can improve your allergy symptoms this season.Ěý

1. Keep the allergens away.

Airborne pollen is the most common cause of seasonal allergies, so modifying your environment to keep away allergens is your best defense. For example, close windows and doors during peak allergy season, use HEPA filters in air conditioners, change the cabin air filter in your car, wear sunglasses when outdoors to reduce the amount of pollen coming into your eyes, change your clothes when you get home, and take a shower at the end of the day to wash out pollens—especially if you spend a great deal of your day outdoors.

Pets may also aggravate the problem. In addition to bringing in seasonal pollen, pets can suffer from seasonal shedding. Vacuum diligently to remove these allergens from rugs and furniture. If you have dust allergies, buy dust-proof mattress covers and pillowcase covers.

Keeping up with your yard work is also important. Outdoor molds grow especially after rain, in heavy vegetation such as hay and straw, and are found in raked leaves.

2. Try nasal saline flushing or a Neti Pot.

Before symptoms strike, try rinsing your nasal passages with saline or another flushing solution. Like HEPA filters in air conditioners or cabin air filters in your car, the nose is like a filtration system to our body.

A Neti Pot is filled with a sterile saline solution to flush allergens like the pollen, dust and other allergens from your nasal passages, so they won’t bother you. Some people may feel hesitant about pouring water into the nose, but saline doesn’t have any downsides or negative side effects.

3. Exercise can increase blood flow and the removal of allergens.

Regular physical activity helps to decrease allergy symptoms by improving blood flow in your body, which promotes the removal of allergens. However, don’t forget to warm-up, as this will help reduce allergic symptoms. If you are planning to exercise outdoors, take note of your surroundings. Pollen tends to fly in higher concentrations at midday especially on a hot, windy, sunny day — so stick to exercising in the morning or later in the day when pollen counts are typically lower.

4. Take a probiotic to better support your immune system.

Allergies are the result of an imbalance in the immune system that causes the body to react too strongly to a stimulus. Since an estimated 80 percent of your immune system is located in your gut, supporting digestive health is essential to supporting the immune system and avoiding allergy symptoms.

In fact,Ěý links the presence of beneficial bacteria in the gut with reduced incidence of allergies. It is recommended that you take a high-quality probiotic capsule to set up good balanced gut bacteria flora. Consuming a varied diet that includes fermented foods and drinks such as Kombucha or Kerfir, can also help boost gut bacteria.

5. Be sure you’re getting the right nutrients.

There are multiple types of nutrients in everyday foods that may help reduce your allergy symptoms.Ěý found that omega-3 fatty acids in particular, can help prevent and improve both asthma and allergy symptoms due to their anti-inflammatory properties. Omega-3s can be found in cold-water fish, walnuts and flaxseed oil, as well as grass-fed meat and eggs.

Vitamin C could also help prevent the onset of allergies symptoms by reducing histamine, a chemical released during an allergic reaction, and speeding up histamine breakdown. Additionally, magnesium, a mineral that helps relieve constricted airways in the lungs, may ease breathing issues.

6. Use herbs to fight allergy symptoms.

Many natural herbs like green tea can reduce allergy symptoms. Quercetin, a heart-healthy chemical found in green tea, onions, grapes and tomatoes, can both reduce inflammation and block histamine. Quercetin works best when you take it with vitamin C, which prevents it from degrading.

Curcumin, found in turmeric, a spice common in curry and Indian cuisine, may also help relieve nasal congestion, a common allergy symptom. Other herbs that may help include licorice and butterbur. Licorice root raises your body’s level of naturally produced steroids, which can help suppress immune response and decrease inflammation. Butterbur may block the production of leukotrienes, which the body releases during an allergic reaction.

As with any herb, check with your doctor before using, especially if you have a liver problem, are pregnant, or are on hormonal contraceptives.

7. Try acupuncture, cupping, and moxibustion.

Ancient Chinese procedures like acupuncture can treat a number of allergy symptoms from sneezing, a runny nose, to puffy eyes. Experts believe it may curb inflammatory immune-system substances involved in allergic reactions. During a session of acupuncture, a licensed practitioner gently places hair-thin needles under the skin at different parts of your body.

Moxibustion and cupping are also good choices. The term moxibustion (Moxa) means “burning herb.” It refers to the application of the Chinese herb to specific areas (channels) of the body for the purpose of treating disharmony. Cupping involves the application of suction through the use of glass, plastic, or bamboo cups to specific acupuncture points on the body.

When it comes to allergies, everyone is different. Be sure to try any one of these natural approaches to see which works best for you. Ideally, you should start preventive measures 4 -6 weeks before allergy season. Whichever measure you choose, you’ll be better prepared the next time allergy season rolls around.

If you’re interested in pursuing an acupuncture program,Ěýconsider 911±¬ÁĎ University of Health Sciences AOM program!

The post Oriental Medicine Tips That Will Help You Survive Allergy Season 2018 appeared first on 911±¬ÁĎ.

Recent research regarding acupuncture treatment is also gaining recognition among health care practitioners. A 2017 study that tracked brain and nerve changes refutes a common but fraudulent claim that acupuncture’s effectiveness is the result of a placebo effect. Another published in the American Journal of Emergency Medicine in 2016 found acupuncture to be more effective for pain relief than morphine.

What does acupuncture treat? Increasingly, more patients seek acupuncture treatment for illness, prevention, pain management, or mental and emotional well-being. It is important for each patient and their practitioner to consider which type of acupuncture is needed. There are different “styles” or types of acupuncture, such as Korean acupuncture, Japanese acupuncture, and traditional Chinese acupuncture. Each type has a foundation in traditional Chinese medicine, and all are very effective.

Since acupuncture evolved in different regions of Asia, the different styles reflect the culture and history of each region. Here is a breakdown of each type of acupuncture:

Chinese Acupuncture

A Chinese acupuncture practitioner looks to China for their standard “traditional” model. In China, acupuncturists use big needles with a greater depth of insertion. They are trying to stimulate what is called the “de qi” sensation, or “arrival of qi,” which refers to the life energy (“qi,” or life energy, is also known as “chi”) that flows through a person’s body.

A Chinese acupuncturist will try to enhance that sensation by gently rotating the needle. If needed, a larger acupuncture needle will be used so patients will feel the needle when it is inserted. This pressure heightens the de qi response. Recent research, including and studies, show that the de qi sensation usually leads to a better outcome after treatment.

Japanese Acupuncture

In comparison to the Chinese style, Japanese acupuncture uses thinner needles and a gentler technique, with shallow insertion. Their diagnostic assessment relies heavily on palpation of the abdomen, back and various pulses along the meridian system. In fact, Japanese acupuncture is often called “meridian acupuncture” for this reason.

Western medicine moved into Japan much earlier than it did in other Asian countries through Dutch influence in the 1600s. Because of this, Japan has always had more of an interest in western medicine than oriental medicine. Japan even prohibited oriental medicine under Emperor Meiji in the late 1800s.

Later, acupuncture was finally allowed once again, but only as an occupation for those who were visually impaired or blind. This is why their style developed diagnostic methods that relied on palpation rather than sight — feeling the abdomen, back and meridian pulses rather than looking at visual characteristics of the tongue, eyes or fingernails. It is also why they use a lot of acupressure, as this technique was very adaptable to blind acupuncture practitioners.

Additionally, Japanese acupuncturists often use okyu, or “thread moxibustion,” to add to the soothing nature of Japanese acupuncture. Moxibustion is a form of heat therapy in which dried plant materials (derived from the mugwort plant) are burned very close to the patient’s skin on or around acupuncture points to facilitate healing. The “thread moxa” cone or punk sizes are usually very small, ranging from the size of a thread, sesame seed or grain of rice.

In Japan, moxibustion has been extensively developed as a distinct practice over the ages. In fact, the original Chinese characters denoting “zhen-jiǔ” literally translate as “acupuncture” (zhēn) and “moxibustion” (jiǔ). Together, these two complementary techniques form one fundamental approach to health.

Korean Acupuncture

While diagnosis in Korean acupuncture involves a full constitutional analysis much like in traditional Chinese medicine, the application of Korean acupuncture needles is different.

Korean acupuncture focuses on the extremities like the hand or ear. Most of the standard acupuncture protocols in Korea use only four needles. In fact, Korean acupuncture is often called “four-needle” technique (or Sa-am technique) for this reason.

The four needles are split two and two — two needles sedate or reduce excess qi in one organ system while two other needles tonify or increase qi in a second organ system. This balancing concept is the foundation behind four-needle acupuncture.

911±¬ÁĎ University’s Approach

At 911±¬ÁĎ University of Health Sciences (911±¬ÁĎ), our foundation is rooted in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), as are all major styles. While we provide a strong basis in TCM, we also expose our students to other styles, which are beneficial for their future careers. Learn more about what it takes to become an acupuncture and oriental medicine practitioner, or the field of acupuncture, by visiting our Master of Science in Acupuncture web page.

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Research has proven that acupuncture can improve a person’s well-being by stimulating the body’s healing processes, making it an important component to an integrative health care plan. The

From pain management to stress reduction, experts are finding that the positive effects of acupuncture are broad and far-reaching. Patients can experience not only physical wellbeing, but also an improved state of mind and a more balanced emotional state, after they have undergone acupuncture sessions. So if you have been hoping to enhance your health this year, finding a qualified acupuncturist could be just what you need to get the relief you’ve been waiting for, without the use of strong prescriptions or invasive procedures.

Acupuncture and Its Many Benefits

Acupuncture has been making waves in the world of alternative health care, and for good reason. Many patients experience incredible results when they see a professional acupuncturist and receive the appropriate treatments. Despite acupuncture’s growing popularity, however, many people are still unclear about how it contributes to a person’s overall health and wellbeing.

When placed at the appropriate points, acupuncture needles help to release blocked energy throughout the body so that function can be restored to everything from the digestive and cardiovascular systems to the immune system, endocrine system, and nervous system. Results of this balanced energy flow can include better sleep and elevated mood, enhanced digestion, reduced pain, and an improved sense of wellness.

How Acupuncture Works

Although there are various methods that can be used to stimulate acupressure points throughout the body, acupuncture involves the insertion of sterile, fine needles into a patient’s skin. Heat, electrical stimulation, and additional pressure can also be added to the needles to boost their effects on the body.

Traditionally, acupuncture is described as being able to modify the flow of qi, or energy, throughout an individual’s body. But today’s researchers have provided an additional explanation for acupuncture’s effectiveness. by Nature Neuroscience showed that the needles used in an acupuncture session can actually influence the activity of adenosine in the body. This amino acid becomes active within a person’s skin after they suffer an injury, and its purpose is to ease their pain. Experts believe that this might explain why so many people are able to enjoy much-needed pain relief when they receive acupuncture treatments.

In fact, a , published in the American Journal of Emergency Medicine, found that acupuncture can be a more effective method of pain relief than morphine. The study compared the two methods by treating one group with acupuncture for acute pain and another with morphine. Patients treated with acupuncture experienced a 92 percent reduction in pain compared to a 78 percent reduction in pain for those treated with morphine.

You can even boost the benefits of acupuncture by employing it in combination with other natural healing techniques, such as bodywork therapies, herbal remedies, and dietary changes. For example, you can balance and improve the flow of energy in your body, thereby positively affecting your state of mind and your physical state, with the help of a combination of acupuncture sessions, chiropractic adjustments, massages, and movement exercises like Tai Chi.

Some of the Conditions That Acupuncture Can Treat

Clinical studies have found that natural health care in the form of acupuncture, in particular, can provide relief for conditions that include, but are not limited to:

• Depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Allergies and respiratory problems like asthma
• Rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and fibromyalgia
• Tennis elbow, sprains, and injury related pain
• Hypertension and hypotension
• Knee, low back, and neck pain, as well as sciatica
• Dysmenorrhea
• Headache and migraine
• Nausea, vomiting, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and morning sickness
• Postoperative pain, facial pain, and dental pain

Experts in integrative medicine and alternative medicine are able to bring an ancient healing method into the modern world by offering acupuncture to their patients. This gentle and soothing practice can be used to improve a person’s physical, mental, and emotional health. From pain relief to stress prevention, acupuncture is a non-invasive treatment that you should certainly try if you are hoping to promote your overall wellbeing this year. If you’d like to try Acupuncture or an Oriental Medicine treatment, schedule an appointment at 911±¬ÁĎ University’s Whole Health Center.

Students in 911±¬ÁĎ University’s Acupuncture or Oriental Medicine programs not only receive a thorough curriculum in their arts but also learn fundamental biomedical science and modern medical diagnostics. Understanding both perspectives is fundamental to whole health healing and better patient-centered care. Our students become more comprehensive, full-body diagnosticians, evaluating and recommending treatments based on each individual patient’s history and symptoms, which ensures the protection and furthering of an individual’s holistic wellbeing. ĚýLearn more about our Master of Science programs in Acupuncture or in Oriental Medicine.

Interested in learning more about our Master of Science in Acupuncture? Request more information below!

The post How Acupuncture Can Promote Your Overall Health and Wellbeing This Year (The Future of Integrative Health Blog: Q2-2017) appeared first on 911±¬ÁĎ.

From pain management to stress reduction, experts are finding that the positive effects of acupuncture are broad and far-reaching. Patients can experience not only physical wellbeing, but also an improved state of mind and a more balanced emotional state, after they have undergone acupuncture sessions. So, if you have been hoping to enhance your health this year, finding a qualified acupuncturist could be just what you need to get the relief you’ve been waiting for, without the use of strong prescriptions or invasive procedures.

Acupuncture and Its Many Benefits

Acupuncture has been making waves in the world of alternative health care, and for good reason. Many patients experience incredible results when they see a professional acupuncturist and receive the appropriate treatments. Despite acupuncture’s growing popularity, however, many people are still unclear about how it contributes to a person’s overall health and wellbeing.

When placed at the appropriate points, acupuncture needles help to release blocked energy throughout the body so that function can be restored to everything from the digestive and cardiovascular systems, to the immune system, endocrine system, and nervous system. Results of this balanced energy flow can include better sleep and elevated mood, enhanced digestion, reduced pain, and an improved sense of wellness.

How Acupuncture Works

Although there are various methods that can be used to stimulate acupressure points throughout the body, acupuncture involves the insertion of sterile, fine needles into a patient’s skin. Heat, electrical stimulation, and additional pressure can also be added to the needles to boost their effects on the body.

Traditionally, acupuncture is described as being able to modify the flow of qi, or energy, throughout an individual’s body. But today’s researchers have provided an additional explanation for acupuncture’s effectiveness.Ěý by Nature Neuroscience showed that the needles used in an acupuncture session can actually influence the activity of adenosine in the body. This amino acid becomes active within a person’s skin after they suffer an injury, and its purpose is to ease their pain. Experts believe that this might explain why so many people are able to enjoy much-needed pain relief when they receive acupuncture treatments.

In fact, a 2016 study, published in the , found that acupuncture can be a more effective method of pain relief than morphine. The study compared the two methods by treating one group with acupuncture for acute pain and another with morphine. Patients treated with acupuncture experienced a 92 percent reduction in pain compared to a 78 percent reduction in pain for those treated with morphine.

You can even boost the benefits of acupuncture by employing it in combination with other natural healing techniques, such as bodywork therapies, herbal remedies, and dietary changes. For example, you can balance and improve the flow of energy in your body, thereby positively affecting your state of mind and your physical state, with the help of a combination of acupuncture sessions, chiropractic adjustments, massages, and movement exercises like Tai Chi.

Some of the Conditions That Acupuncture Can Treat

Clinical studies have found that natural health care in the form of acupuncture, in particular, can provide relief for conditions that include, but are not limited to:

• Depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Allergies and respiratory problems like asthma
• Rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and fibromyalgia
• Tennis elbow, sprains, and injury related pain
• Hypertension and hypotension
• Knee, low back, and neck pain, as well as sciatica
• Dysmenorrhea
• Headache and migraine
• Nausea, vomiting, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and morning sickness
• Postoperative pain, facial pain, and dental pain

Experts in integrative medicine and alternative medicine are able to bring an ancient healing method into the modern world by offering acupuncture to their patients. This gentle and soothing practice can be used to improve a person’s physical, mental, and emotional health. From pain relief to stress prevention, acupuncture is a non-invasive treatment that you should certainly try if you are hoping to promote your overall wellbeing this year. If you’d like to try Acupuncture or an Oriental Medicine treatment, schedule an appointment at 911±¬ÁĎ University’s Whole Health Center.

Students in 911±¬ÁĎ University’s Acupuncture or Oriental Medicine programs not only receive a thorough curriculum in their arts but also learn fundamental biomedical science and modern medical diagnostics. Understanding both perspectives is fundamental to whole health healing and better patient-centered care. Our students become more comprehensive, full-body diagnosticians, evaluating and recommending treatments based on each individual patient’s history and symptoms, which ensures the protection and furthering of an individual’s holistic wellbeing. Learn more about joining our acupuncture program or ourĚýoriental medicine programĚýby visiting our website.

The post How Acupuncture Can Promote Your Overall Health and Wellbeing This Year appeared first on 911±¬ÁĎ.

The health community widely recognizes that acupuncture and oriental medicine can effectively treat several conditions. In fact, the World Health Organization (WHO) recognizes acupuncture and oriental medicine as effective for over 43 conditions under nine major health categories.

Through this and other research findings, the western world is now discovering (and proving) the types of clinical benefits that people in Asian countries have been experiencing with oriental medicine for years.

What is Oriental Medicine?

Oriental Medicine works to restore health and balance by treating illness and disease through the five major branches of Oriental Medicine: acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, oriental nutrition and dietary therapy, tuina or oriental bodywork, as well as tai chi and qi gong.

Acupuncture is based on the insertion of thin, sterile needles into strategic points on the body that lie along specific energy meridian pathways. Its goal is to promote healing through rebalancing the patient’s Qi (or chi) energy. The weakness, excess, or imbalance of Qi affects key organ systems and is the underlying cause of disease and disharmony.

What happens when conventional medicine is ineffective?

Oriental medicine can be used as alternative treatments when other health care methods, particularly antibiotics,Ěýprove ineffective. With moreĚý, resistant bacteria has become an increasingly worrisome issue.

In one case, a dentist faced amputation when antibiotics had no effect on an infected cut on his finger. However, when prescribed an oral 10 herb formula by an oriental medicine physician, the dentist healed completely. Much research shows herbal treatment can help overcome this growing problem of antibiotic resistant bacteria. For some injuries, herbs seem to work on multiple levels by killing the bacteria, healing the wound, and relieving pain.

Oriental medicine is also a healthier alternative. In addition to killing the bad bacteria, antibiotics can kill healthy bacteria that help with digestion and the immune system. Without healthy bacteria, more infections could develop requiring the use of even more antibiotics. Alternative treatments, when possible, could help stop this vicious cycle and reduce the chances of antibiotic resistant bacteria from developing.

Acupuncture can be used for pain relief.

For some conditions, studies show that oriental medicine may be more effective and less invasive than conventional medical care.

A recent study also found that acupuncture could be a more effective method of pain relief than morphine. TheĚý published in 2016 in the American Journal of Emergency Medicine compared the two methods by treating one group with acupuncture for acute pain and another with morphine. Patients treated with acupuncture experienced a 92 percent reduction in pain compared to a 78 percent reduction in pain for those treated with morphine. The acupuncture group even had a faster pain recovery time while the morphine group took an average of 28 minutes to recover from pain.

With many patients on multiple prescription drugs these days, the study goes on to suggest using acupuncture to avoid adverse drug reactions, particularly for pain treatment in hospitals and emergency rooms. As part of a clerkship, interns at 911±¬ÁĎ University have already been performing these acupuncture techniques for pain relief at Cook County’s John H. Stroger, Jr. Hospital since 2012. Due to patient demand, 911±¬ÁĎ University interns currently work four shifts per week at the hospital.

Note: You can learn more about what it would mean to pursue anĚýacupuncture program today!

Oriental medicine can treat post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Because of improvements in traumatic injury care, more veterans are surviving battlefield injuries and tours of duty during conflicts. This has resulted in an increase in PTSD among veterans and thus, the need for effective treatment.

PSTD can occur after any life-threatening, terrifying, or traumatic event and can include symptoms such as: emotional numbness, flashbacks reliving trauma, bad dreams, and feeling tense or “on-edge.” Certain acupuncture protocols have proven to be very effective in reducing these symptoms.

Veterans visiting 911±¬ÁĎ University of Health Sciences’ĚýWhole Health Center in Lombard, Ill., receive auricular acupuncture (using points in the ear) as part of the 911±¬ÁĎ Acupuncture Detoxification Association (NADA) protocol. This system utilizes small pellets or needles in various points including the kidney point which strengthens the body’s energy and immune system and controls fear and anxiety along with the liver point which controls anger and has a detox effect on alcohol and drug abuse.

Oriental medicine can help with infertility and women’s health.

In addition to being treated with in-vitro fertilization, many women are seeking to increase their chance of conceiving and sustaining pregnancy to term through acupuncture treatment.

Using acupuncture with IVF can double a woman’s chances of conceiving, according to a 2016Ěý. The study involved 160 women with infertility problems, half of whom were treated with four sessions of acupuncture. One year later, those who received acupuncture treatment had a pregnancy rate of 46.2 percent compared to 21.7 percent of those who did not.

Similarly, anotherĚý found that pregnancy rates for women combining acupuncture and IVF treatment was 64 percent compared to 42 percent without acupuncture. The study concluded that acupuncture regimen was associated with less stress before and after embryo transfer.

Due to the high-cost of IVF, this increase in effectiveness can be particularly important for those who might only be able to afford one IVF treatment. Acupuncture on its own can be both affordable and effective for other health concerns women may experience too. Hormone problems, which can cause irregular menstrual periods, uterine bleeding, and other issues typically respond well to acupuncture.

Acupuncture can prevent and treat chronic conditions.

Multiple studies by Duke University researchers show the effectiveness of acupuncture for the treatment or prevention of along withĚý.

published in Acupuncture and Electro-Therapeutics ResearchĚýalso shows that acupuncture treatment can be superior to conventional physical therapy treatments for chronic back and neck pain. In the study, patients were randomly assigned to acupuncture and conventional physical therapy treatment. A rheumatologist who was unaware of the treatments given, found those who were treated with acupuncture had better results.

While acupuncture can be effective in treating these chronic pain conditions, it goes a step further and can help improve overall health. Acupuncture both relieves stress and works to improve body functions, including the immune system and the digestion system. So, it can also stop certain conditions from occurring in the first place. This may be why acupuncture can be so effective for preventing chronic conditions.

Oriental medicine works to treat more than just the symptoms but the underlying causes of an individual’s conditions. Preventing illnesses rather than simply treating them is a relatively new paradigm shift across the modern health care community. As people begin to recognize the benefits of oriental medicine, integrative medical settings like 911±¬ÁĎ University’s Whole Health Center clinic in Lombard will continue to thrive.

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