![]() by Danielle A. Sadler, L.Ac Dipl. O.M. Pain is interesting, and tricky. We have theories that describe the physical processes of pain, how our cells go through chemical changes when they are injured and how those chemicals are taken up to the brain and interpreted as pain. The brain responds by increasing blood flow to the area, causing the symptoms of inflammation and swelling. But most of our theories work to explain acute, recent pain and don't fully explain long-term, complex pain. (1) In addition, the study of the psychology of pain has established all kinds of factors that can affect how much pain we feel. Our perception of pain can be influenced by the context in which the pain happens, the amount of anxiety we have, our expectations about how much pain we should be in, and many other factors. (2) So you can see that while we need to address the physical symptoms of pain, a more effective approach to the treatment of pain involves the mental and emotional components of it as well. We can learn to modify our brain's responses to pain, and decrease the pain we feel, at the same time. When practiced over time, the tools we use to decrease pain naturally have benefits that extend into other areas of our health: better digestion, better sleep, and more energy. Three Tools To Treat Pain Naturally
Research Findings About Acupuncture
Don’t let pain consume one more day. If you are curious to learn how the benefits of Acupuncture can alleviate your pain, or that of an acquaintance, please contact us today to schedule a consultation with LifeStream Wellness. By Danielle A. Sadler, L.Ac Dipl. O.M. ©LifeStream Wellness. All Rights Reserved. ________________________________________________ Schedule an Appointment with LifeStream Wellness www.lifestreamwellness.com Call or Text: 651-338-3574 ________________________________________________ (1) Moayedi M., Davis K.D. Theories of pain: from specificity to gate control. Journal of Neurophysiology. (January 2013) vol. 109, no. 1: 5-12. (2) Hansen G.R. MD, Streltzer, J. MD. The Psychology of Pain. Emergency Medicine Clinics of North America. (2005) vol. 23: 339-348. (3) Schultz M.B., Hoffman K., et. al. Dietary Pattern, inflammation, and the incidence of type 2 diabetes in women. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. (Sept 2005) vol. 82, no. 3: 675-684. (4) Aeberli I., Gerber P.A., et. al. Low to moderate sugar-sweetened beverage consumption impairs glucose and lipid metabolism and promotes inflammation in healthy young men: a randomized controlled trial. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. (Aug 2011) 94,2: 479-485. (5) Nascimento SS, Oliveira LR, DeSantana JM. Correlations between brain changes and pain management after cognitive and meditative therapies: A systematic review of neuroimaging studies. Complement Ther Med. 2018 Aug;39:137-145. doi: 10.1016/j.ctim.2018.06.006. Epub 2018 Jun 19. PMID: 30012384. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30012384/ (6) Bai L., Lao L. Neurobiological Foundations of Acupuncture: The Relevance and Future Prospect Based on Neuroimaging Evidence. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine. Volume 2013, Article ID 812568, 9 pages http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2013/812568. (7) Hempel S., Taylor S.L., Solloway M., et al. Evidence Map of Acupuncture. VAE-ESP Project #05-226; 2013. (8) Vickers AJ, Cronin AM, Mascino AC, et al. Acupuncture for Chronic Pain: Individual Patient Data Meta-analysis. Arch Intern Med. 2012 Sep 10:1-10. (9) Corbett M.S., Rice S.J.C., Madurasinghe, et al. Acupuncture and Other Physical Treatments for the Relief of Pain Due to Osteoarthritis of the Knee: Network Meta-analysis. Osteoarthritis Cartilage. 2013 Sep;21(9):1290-8. (10) Lee A., Fan L.T.Y. Stimulation of the wrist acupuncture point P6 for preventing postoperative nausea and vomiting. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2009, Issue 2. Art. No.: CD003281. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD003281.pub3 - https://www.cochrane.org/CD003281/ANAESTH_wrist-pc6-acupuncture-point-stimulation-prevent-nausea-and-vomiting-after-surgery (11) Qaseem A., Wilt T.J., McLean R.M., Forciea M.A. Clinical Guidelines Committee of the American College of Physicians. Ann Intern Med. Noninvasive Treatments for Acute, Subacute, and Chronic Low Back Pain: A Clinical Practice Guideline From the American College of Physicians. 2017 Apr 4; 166(7):514-530. (12) The Joint Commission. Revisions to pain management standard effective January 1, 2015. Joint Commission Online. November 12, 2014. https://www.jointcommission.org/-/media/deprecated-unorganized/imported-assets/tjc/system-folders/joint-commission-online/jconline_november_12_14pdf.pdf?db=web&hash=0DDF129FFAEDC717DD2C75EFC5CA6BD0 Hello, spring! The sun is shining. It’s getting beautiful outside, but why am I so agitated? Could be an imbalance of the wood element in Chinese medicine that corresponds with springtime. This article explains the season from a Chinese medicine perspective and offers tips to help you feel your best this spring. Spring is here! by Carolyn Laney, BA, MCM, Dipl.OM., L.Ac., CMT “Spring is the beginning of things, when the energy should be kept open and fluid.” —Huang De Nei Jing, The Yellow Emperor’s Classic of Medicine In Minnesota it seems like spring will never come, and life will never appear again from the barren landscape. And all at once it seems, the snow melts. The trees bud and leaf. Flowers bloom and the grass grows once again. New life is everywhere. In Chinese medicine, spring corresponds to wood in Chinese five-element theory. Wood represents the concepts of:
I feel the wood energy of spring bubbling up every year. I suddenly want to clean and organize my whole house. I want to get outside and feel the sun, plant my garden, eat lighter meals, and move my body. One of the things that pops up for me, that I hate to admit, is irritability. If I’m not living in balance, my fuse gets short and my perspective of the world becomes quite negative. Luckily this is a common sign of wood element imbalances and can be shifted. Wood imbalances usually manifest as:
The good news is that all of this can be shifted with diet and lifestyle modifications, acupuncture treatments, and Chinese herbal medicine. Some things to try at home include:
Have fun this season! Get outside, soak up the sunshine, and go for a walk. Enjoy all the dramatic transformation the renewing spring landscape has to offer in Minnesota. If you need a boost along the way, reach out and schedule an appointment. We’d love to help you get back in balance. Ni, Maoshing. The Yellow Emperor's Classic of Medicine: A New Translation of the Neijing Suwen with Commentary (pp. 7-8). Shambhala Publications. Saunder, Mary. Rhythms of Change: Reclaiming your Health Using Ancient Wisdom and your Own Common Sense. Hidden Needle Press. Nourishing food to support the kidneys: by Carolyn Laney, BA, MCM, Dipl.Ac., L.Ac., CMT Winter is a great time for eating nourishing foods that warm the body and support the kidneys. In Chinese medicine, the kidneys represent the essence or our body’s constitution, childhood development and the aging process. They correspond with the bones, marrow, and the brain, sexual function and fertility, and help us process stress. Nourishing the kidneys boosts mental clarity and cognitive function, helps us manage stress, and aids in development and slows the aging process to an appropriate rhythm. Foods that help with kidney function that are naturally salty and bitter in nature (no added or excess salt, please). These foods include: Fruits and vegetables:
Grains and Legumes:
Lean meats, seafood, and protein:
Spices and seasonings
This is by no means a list of foods that you should narrow your diet to, but ones that you can incorporate into your diet throughout the season. It is always best to eat a variety of foods. Not sure how to incorporate these foods? Here’s some links to recipes that utilize some of these foods in the dish. Enjoy! https://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/crispy-skin-salmon-with-miso-honey-sauce https://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/greens-and-grains-scramble-51195250 https://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/coconut-cabbage-and-tofu-with-lemongrass-and-ginger https://www.epicurious.com/expert-advice/big-pot-of-black-beans-9-meals-article https://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/asian-vegetable-noodle-toss In need of extra support in these winter months? Reach out and make an appointment. We are here to help! Settling Into Winter by Carolyn Laney, BA, MCM, Dipl.Ac., L.Ac., CMT “During the winter months all things in nature wither, hide, return home, and enter a resting period, just as lakes and rivers freeze and snow falls. This is a time when yin dominates yang.” —Huang De Nei Jing, The Yellow Emperor’s Classic of Medicine In nature, winter is the coldest, darkest, stillest, quietest time of the year. It is a time of resting, restoring, and conserving our energy or yang. Going to bed early and rising with the sun, which is later in winter, is a good way to restore your yang. Care must be taken to stay warm and avoid the cold. We should be covering our bodies and avoiding excess sweating. And mental activity should be calm, reflective, and subdued. In Chinese medicine, winter corresponds to water in Chinese five-element theory. Water represents the concepts of:
Imbalances in the water element during winter are common and tend to manifest as:
Winter is a good time to nourish your body, mind, and spirit so that you may conserve your energy and be prepared for spring and all its new growth, warmth, and movement. Incorporating practices that balance the water element include:
Cuddle up with some herbal tea and a book and enjoy the time of rest that winter provides. Spring will be here before you know it. With ample rest and nourishment from winter, you will be prepared for spring and all its splendor. References: Ni, Maoshing. The Yellow Emperor's Classic of Medicine: A New Translation of the Neijing Suwen with Commentary (p. 7). Shambhala Publications. Saunder, Mary. Rhythms of Change: Reclaiming your Health Using Ancient Wisdom and your Own Common Sense. Hidden Needle Press. Now Selling Jajja Wellness Tonics at LifeStream!
Want to give it a try? Ask our lovely Amy at the front desk for a sample of Agave Lemon or Turmeric Pineapple at your next acupuncture appointment. To read more about Jajja Wellness, their amazing mission and Ugandan-inspired recipes --->please be sure to check out their website @ https://jajjawellness.com. Pair this drink with your next acupuncture visit! Cheers! Find the Beauty in Letting Go
by Carolyn Laney, BA, MCM, Dipl.Ac., L.Ac., CMT “The trees are about to show us how beautiful it is to let things go.” Autumn is upon us. Days are getting shorter. Nights are getting longer and cooler. The trees are turning color and letting go of their leaves. The Chinese believe that the environment in which you live greatly influences your body, mind, and spirit. Living in harmony with the current season is one way to assure optimal health. In Chinese medicine, autumn corresponds to metal in Chinese five-element theory. Metal represents many concepts, such as:
Balancing our spirit and emotions along with protecting our body from the cool air and building our immune system is essential during autumn months according to the Huang Di Nei Jing, the oldest Chinese medical book. But particularly the emotions of autumn can be most difficult for some to balance. Sadness and grief are more close to the surface during this time of the year. You might notice that you are more nostalgic lately. Or things in your life might be touching you in a way that might bring you to tears a little easier. This is natural and a part of the season. Autumn is a time for self-reflection and letting go of habits that no longer serve us. It is a great time to be intentional with our thoughts and tune into our emotions. By letting go we are making room in our lives for other pursuits, dreams, or thoughts that haven’t come to fruition yet by creating inspiration and hope. Receiving acupuncture and herbal medicine can help support and balance your emotional health through this season. Outside of the clinic, gentle practices of Qi Gong, Tai Chi, yoga, and meditation can also help regulate the mood and rejuvenate the spirit. If any of this rings true for you right now, please reach out and book an appointment. We are here to support you to live in harmony with this beautiful season. ![]() With winter right around the corner, be extra kind to you skin with Coconut Oil. Add a jar of this universal oil to your beauty regimen! You’ll discover many uses for this “yummy, solid to melty” coconut goodness: Coconut oil is naturally anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and super moisturizing. Coconut oil is composed primarily of nourishing fatty acids and is especially high in lauric acid. It also contains vitamin E and healthy fats, which help to make skin smooth. Tips for using Coconut oil as part of your winter skin regimen: 1. Remove makeup and foundation by starting with a tablespoon of solidified coconut oil, and rub it gently in your hands, then apply it to your entire face and massage for a minute. Feel the oil melt into an amazing all-over makeup remover. Using a warm washcloth, gently wipe the oil from your face and neck. Follow up with your favorite gentle cleanser and nightly facial routine. 2. For an amazing skin exfoliation, combine a teaspoon of baking soda to a tablespoon of coconut oil. Blend gently in your hands and apply all over your face in circular motion for a minute, don’t forget your neck and chest. Try this treatment in the shower. Skin feels amazingly nourished, and never tight. 3. Remove your mascara. Yep! This stuff removes the most stubborn waterproof mascara. And, with repeated use, the oil will deliver key nutrients to your lashes, providing them with strength and conditioning in order to grow! 4. Dry winter air is especially hard on hands. Keep them soft and free of cracks by combining a teaspoon of baking soda with a tablespoon of coconut oil. Combine in your hands and exfoliate hands and cuticles for a good minute. Rinse with warm water and dry. Overnight, the oil on your hands will soak in leaving them super soft. Repeat daily or as needed. 5. Nourish the ends of your hair. Prior to shampooing, wet your hair and remove excess water. Melt a tablespoon of coconut oil in your hands and apply to the ends of your hair from the ear down. Rinse out the oil and proceed with shampoo and conditioner. Come Visit Us TOMORROW at Eagan's 50+ Senior Expo!As you know, we're all about wellness and community, so this is the perfect way to kick off October with you!
2 Cups Boiling Water
1/4 Cup Lavender Flowers (or more to taste) 2 Cups Cold Water 1 Cup Ice 1 Cup Lemon Juice Add in 6 Drops of Stevia (or more to taste) 1 Lemon Sliced into Wheels or Wedges for Garnish (optional) ***Find culinary lavender at Penzeys Spices in MPLS, St. Paul or Lakeville or at thespicehouse.com. Pour the boiling water over the lavender in a glass pitcher. Cover and allow to steep 10 minutes. Strain and discard the lavender from the water and return the lavender tea to the pitcher. Add the cold water, ice, lemon juice and stevia to the pitcher and stir until the sugar dissolves. Chill until serving with lemon wheels for garnish. **Note - this tea will be an unappetizing grey-brown-purple. But don't worry. By adding the zest of lemon juice, stevia and water, the mixture will turn a beautiful, pale pink. We've also tried this with homegrown blossoms and it works, though the color isn't as bright. |
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