Alban Acupuncture & Chinese Herbs Clinic, New York City
Archive for March, 2009
Allergies in New York City
Mar 31, 2009
New Yorkers love springtime. Winter hibernation is over and we are instantly out enjoying the parks and the city. But for many, spring time means seasonal allergies and hay fever. And that means sneezing, runny nose, watery eyes, headaches, skin irritation, and tickling in your throat.
Allergies are worse in the Northeast
It is estimated that 35 million Americans suffer from seasonal allergies. And according to Greg Kress, the owner of Pollen.com, allergies are worse in the Northeast part of the country. That means that a lot of those 35 million are living in our neck of the woods. And although we are a big city, we also have a lot of trees, grasses, and flower spreading their pollen, so New Yorker’s with allergies don’t get a free pass.
The good news for some, and bad news for others, is that according to Kress’s prediction, this year will be about the same intensity as last year.
What causes allergies
Seasonal allergies are reactions to pollen spread by the wind. Generally, allergies are worse from the end of March to June, but, depending on what plant you are allergic to, there are those who also suffer from allergies in the summer and fall as well.
When you breathe in the pollen, your body reacts as if the it were a disease causing pathogen and starts an immune reaction to combat it. Antibodies attach the allergen and then histamines are released into the blood, which cause the symptoms.
Allergies can seriously impact your life
Everyone knows that the symptoms of allergies can are painful and uncomfortable, but it can also lead to other more severe adverse effects.
Allergies affect your productivity at work and school. Currently, some scientists are starting to explore a link between depression, fatigue, insomnia, and allergies.
Natural Treatments of Allergies
The best thing to avoid allergies is to avoid the allergen. But that’s not always possible, especially when the allergen is floating in the air we breathe.
Acupuncture and Chinese herbs are becoming more popular to treat allergies. I see many patients to reduce allergies and prevent them. It also is an effective drug free choice which has no side effects. Unlike antihistamines, acupuncture does not make you drowsy. Acupressure is also helpful.
How does Acupuncture and Chinese medicine treat allergies?
Acupuncture and Chinese medicine are very effective at treating allergies. Chinese medicine works by correcting imbalances in the body. When the imbalance is corrected, your body can heal itself.
Acupuncture has long been used for allergies and some research is now showing that it is effective. Personally, I like to combine acupuncture, acupressure, and sometimes Chinese herbs for the most effective treatment. Please check back for my next post on Thursday which will explain acupuncture theory behind treating allergies.
If you are interested in finding out more about how acupuncture can reduce your seasonal allergies, please call us at 917.887.4946 for a free consultation.
Photo: brookenovak, Corinna A. Carlson
A Brief History of Chinese Medicine: The Beginning
Mar 26, 2009
Old City of Fu Zhou
The birth of the Chinese medicine tradition, which has carried on till today, occurred when the Chinese developed the viewpoint that disease is caused by forces in the natural world rather than spiritual forces. And through the healthy choices, we can influence our own health. This post is based upon ideas from Paul Unschuld’s fabulous book, Medicine in China.
Originally, disease theory in China was based upon a shamanistic view that illness was caused by evil spirits. The first record we have of healers in China dates back to the Shang dynasty. The religion of the day was ancestor worship. They believed the living and the dead lived side by side. The living worked hard to worship and please their ancestors. If not, one’s dead relatives will seek revenge, causing every tragedy known to man, including illnesses.
In order to pacify their ancestor’s wrath, people would follow extensive rituals of praise and sacrifice. If someone became sick, they would hire a Shaman who interpreted oracles and communicated with the dead in order to appease one’s ancestors. During later tumultuous political times, these benevolent ancestors transformed into demons, who were only controlled through the Shamen.
Personal responsibility, nor any means of physical treatment, were not considered factors for good health.
Later, in the Qin and Han dynasties, we see a change in the dominant Chinese world view. During this time, the Chinese were gaining control of their surroundings, the feudal wars were concluded, and a united Chinese government emerged. Many naturalistic philosophies developed based upon the balance of the universe, such as the yin-yang and five phase theory.
Confucianism also developed during this period which strongly espoused a code of ethics based on propriety, ritual, and hierarchy. Each individual within society, from the peasant farmer to the king, has a specific role to fulfill, and if everybody fulfilled these roles, society would function well.
Much of Chinese medicine which is still used today developed during this time period. Instead of demons or ancestors causing illness, the pathogenic influences from the natural world (wind, dampness, heat, dryness) or imbalances within the individuals result in disease. Health was maintained by a proper balance of yin and yang and the five phases within the body.
These ideas lead to the use of preventative medicine. Measures such as staying out of the cold and wind and practicing moderation were utilized. In cases of illness, physicians developed treatments using herbs, acupuncture, and massage.
In certain ways, we are seeing a similar pattern happening in modern medicine. The idea that good habits and preventative medicine can help you live longer and better are becoming popular. The old ideas that you have no control over your own health are dying.
Now we are turning back towards ideas that Chinese Medicine developed over 2000 years ago. Physicians and patients are looking towards holistic techniques in healing and now believe you can actively improve your own health.
Photo: Library of Congress
Why Heat Causes Headaches?
Mar 24, 2009
People who have migraine headaches and other chronic headache know from experience that the weather can be a trigger.
Earlier this month, the largest study to date examining weather patterns and headaches was published in the journal Neurology. It reported that an increase in temperature was the most likely factor to cause a headache. Also, an increase in humidity was a factor for most types of headaches.
Chinese medicine has known this for a long time. Weather and climatic factors are one of the major causes of disease in Chinese medicine. We even go farther. Often the metaphor of weather patterns– wind, dampness, heat, cold, and dryness—are used as descriptions of the pattern of symptoms you are experiencing.
Why does weather affect headaches so much?
While Western science cannot fully explain this phenomenon (the link may be due to dehydration, but we’re not sure) Chinese medicine has long had an explanation which is linked with their view of health and disease.
Chinese medicine believes that health is based upon balance and harmony. Imbalances in the body and between the body and our environment are the causes of diseases. If you get headaches when it is hot or humid, it is because there is a disharmony in the body which is reacting to the environmental trigger.
It’s really your Liver and your Qi
The most common pattern for chronic headaches that are caused by hot weather is a Liver disharmony. It can also be a disharmony of your qi, or energy. Please note that the organs in Western Medicine and Chinese medicine often have the same name, but don’t worry, an imbalance in your Chinese Liver does not mean your Western liver is diseased.
Disharmony of the Liver- This is a common imbalance that is the root cause of many migraine headaches. This imbalance is often caused by a lack of blood and fluids which moisten the liver. It can also be caused by stress and anger, which impedes the circulation of the qi in the body. The reason heat would cause a migraine with this pattern is because the lack of fluids effects the ability to cool the body and makes you more susceptible to heat.
Disharmony of your Qi- This is a common headache people get when it is hot or humid out. Qi is the body’s vital energy which circulates in the body. Extremely hot weather can cause damage to your qi and cause it not to circulate appropriately in the body. This makes you feel tired, achy, and can cause a severe headache.
Some people also have dampness inside the body. Those with dampness will have chronic sinus problems, digestive issues, lethargy, may be overweight, and a heavy feeling in the body. These people will feel bad with both hot and humid weather.
For those with headaches that are sensitive to weather changes, there is hope. We cannot change the weather, but through individualized acupuncture and Chinese medicine treatment, you can change the imbalance in the body that is making you sensitive to the weather patterns.
If you are interested in finding out more about how acupuncture can help reduce your chronic headaches, please call us at 917.887.4946 for a free consultation.
Why the VA should hire Acupuncturists
Mar 18, 2009
Last week on The Brian Leher Show, he interviewed Paul Rieckhoff of Iraqi and Afganistan Veterans of America. It was a powerful and moving discussion about taking care of our veterans as they come back from their experiences overseas.
It got me thinking about how the VA should hire licensed acupuncturist to help these men and women recover mentally and physically. I volunteer with an organization called CRREW which offers low cost acupuncture in the University Settlement in NYC. It began in order to help victims of 9/11.
We only volunteer one evening a week, but it had powerful effects on the community. This needs to be expanded to make a real difference.
Licensed acupuncture are good at treating all types of health problems, and we are inexpensive at that. It would be revolutionary for the VA to hire acupuncturists across the country. This would help people to reduce pain, improve rehabilitation, and mental health.
Ear Acupuncture Model
1. A recent study showed that acupuncture can help in the treatment of PTSD. Incorporating auricular (ear) acupuncture is extremely low cost and effective, and can help a lot of people at the same time in a group treatment.
2. Acupuncture is widely used for chronic pain. Veterans often have chronic pain which is poorly controlled with medications or which can leads to addictions of medications. Acupuncture is safe and non-addictive.
3. Best of all, acupuncture is affordable. We do not use expensive tests or equipment, it really only costs the salary of the acupuncturist and the needles.
Let’s start thinking about public health and provide acupuncture for our Veterans who are returning home.
Follow Up: At the time of writing this, I knew of a few acupuncturists who were volunteering or working with acupuncture students in a VA in Upstate NY, but never a full time or per diem position. Since I published this post, a few people contacted me saying there was an acupuncturist at the VA (I assume in NYC), but they did not provide the contact information. If there is an acupuncturist in the NYC VA, or another VA, please let me know and I will post your contact information.
Photo: Pelikanol
Vegetarian Recommendations from a Chinese Medicine Perspective
Mar 17, 2009
The choice to be a vegetarian varies from person to person. Some are religious, spiritual, philosophical, or for health. I think the debates on vegetarianism are fascinating, particularly the one in the The Omnivore’s Dilemma
I think it is healthy for some people to be a vegetarian. At the same time, it takes work in order to build up the nutrients which we find in meat.
Just to answer your question before you ask it, I am personally not a vegetarian, but I do not eat very much meat because it is better for my health and the environment.
What does meat do in Chinese medicine?
From a Chinese medicine perspective, eating meat, particularly red meat, builds blood. And blood deficiency, or too little blood, is a primary concern for those who are vegetarians. Although the Western diagnosis of anemia is often a “blood deficiency” in Chinese medicine, blood deficiency does not always signal anemia. But, of course, for some, it is important to eat red meat to avoid getting anemia.
Blood in Chinese medicine is very similar to Western medicine, but it also has some different functions. Blood is required for healthy growth, reproduction, emotional well-being, and pain free muscles and joints. When there is a blood deficiency, you may have a pale complexion, insomnia, thinning hair, as well as tightness is muscle and tendons. Blood and qi, the body’s vital energy, are intertwined, which is why after a long period of blood deficiency, the person may feel fatigued.
Vegetarians should eat a wide variety of foods to get all the required nutrients. If there is a problem of blood deficiency, they should pay particular attention to eating foods which nourish qi and blood. Look at the cultures that are vegetarian, like some Indian traditions. They eat many different vegetables, beans, sometimes dairy products, and spices which make their diet very healthy.
For some people who are having issues related to their vegetarianism, food therapy can be effective. This type of approach is gradual and improvements happen slowly over time. Sometimes, Chinese herbs and acupuncture may be required for specific conditions.
Building Blood and Qi for Vegetarians- Add these foods to your regular food choices to help build blood and qi. Many of the following foods can be found in an East Asian and/or Indian grocery.
Mushrooms
White mushroom- promotes digestion and builds qi
Shitake Mushrooms- builds qi and blood and can also enhance the immune system
Hei Er Mu or Black ear mushrooms- these mushrooms are great for building qi
Bai Er Mu or White Ear Mushroom- this mushroom is good for building qi
Grains and Beans
Tofu- this is good tonifying qi, but it can be cold and should be cooked with warming vegetables. I love a brand called Local Tofu, which is close to New York City in the lower Hudson Valley.
Darker beans such as Adzuki, lotus seed and mung bean- all good for tonifying blood.
Back Sesame Seeds- this is one of the best vegetarian foods for nourishing blood. These can often be found in Indian grocery stores. Toast and add to a soup or on bread.
Red Skinned Peanuts and Walnuts- this is also a great food for building blood and tonifying qi.
Vegetables
Cooked vegetables- eating cooked vegetables are easier to digest and aids the absorption of nutrients.
Dark leafy green vegetables boost blood- such as water chestnut, celery, spinach, broccoli, green beans, snow peas, sugar peas, bitter greens, and others
Wolfberries or gou qi zi- these small fruits help tonify blood. Drink as an herbal tea or add to your stir fry.
For some people, it is possible that these recommendations are not enough, and you may need to get acupuncture and Chinese herbs.
What can Acupuncture Treat?
Mar 10, 2009
What can acupuncture treat? This is probably the second most common question I get as an acupuncturist. (The first is how did I get into acupuncture, which I answered in this post).
Sounds like a simple question, but in fact it is quite hard to answer. In many ways, it is like asking, “What does Western Medicine treat?” or ” What do medications treat?”
Unlike other therapies, such as psychotherapy or physical therapy, acupuncture can treat both physical and mental problems, as well as internal medicine. Acupuncture, as a part of Chinese medicine, has been used as a comprehensive medical system and over one billion people still use Traditional East Asian Medicine as their primary means of health care. That means that people use it to treat back pain, colds, PMS, infertility, asthma, strokes, migraine headaches, painful urination, acne, stomach aches, depression, anxiety, and all other types of diseases.
Generally speaking, people seek acupuncture for chronic conditions. Here are some various resources to help you explore “what acupuncture treats?”
1. National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM). NCCAM has some good information about acupuncture treatment for a few conditions, like osteoarthritis of the knee, fibromyalgia, and PTSD. There is also a great video by Richard Hamershlag, a wonderful acupuncture researcher.
2. The World Health Organization published huge document on acupuncture and traditional medicine in 2003. Unfortunately it is no longer on the web, (here is a link to it’s summery on Wikipedia). The document listed over 140 conditions which acupuncture is used for and has documented efficacy. Here are a few of the conditions listed:
- Adverse reactions to radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy
- Allergic rhinitis
- Depression
- Painful Periods
- Ulcer
- Facial pain
- Headache
- Knee pain
- Low back pain
- Correction of Malposition of fetus
- Morning sickness
- Neck pain
- Shoulder pain
- Postoperative pain
- Renal colic
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Sciatica
- Stroke
3. A great article published in the Annals of Family Medicine in 2005, examined the most common reasons for going to an acupuncturist in Washington State and Massachusetts. This article also discusses training and background of acupuncturists and the major categories of diseases, along with specific conditions.
Some of the most common conditions included:
- back pain and stiffness
- anxiety and depression
- neck pain and stiffness
- fatigue
- headache
- shoulder pain and stiffness
- general wellness
- allergies to food
- knee pain
- abdominal pain, cramps, and distention
- infectious disease
- problems of pregnancy or fertility
4. From my personal experience, I think that article was pretty comprehensive for common conditions I treat. In my clinic, other common conditions are chronic prostatitis, chronic pelvic pain syndrome, migraine headaches, acne, dermatitis, and irregular or painful menstruation. If you are interested in getting acupuncture, find someone you can trust and ask them if they have experience with your concern.
5. The way that the Chinese still use their own traditional medicine should also help us understand what can Acupuncture and Chinese medicine treat.
Dr. Chan, my acupuncture Professor, and me
In China, Chinese medicine is completely integrated with the healthcare system. Where I studied, at the Hunan University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, we had an entire hospital dedicated to TCM. They also used Western medicine when needed, such as antibiotics, but the main focus was acupuncture, Chinese herbs, and acupressure.
The hospital has many departments, I rotated in acupuncture, internal medicine, Tui na (medical massage) and dermatology. They also had an OBGYN, pediatrics, and an entire inpatient department. People came to see us with all typs of pain, headaches, shoulder pain, back pain, facial paralysis, bell’s palsy, menstrual cramps, infertility, hepatitis, gall bladder disease, rehabilitation from stroke, chronic renal failure, sexual dysfunction, proastatitis, acne, and hives just to name a few.
Dr. Chan, my teacher in the photo above, is a master Chinese medicine Doctor and Acupuncturist. He is famous for his treatment of Prostatitis, Parkinson’s disease, pain, eye conditions, stroke, and cerebral palsy.
6. A similar question to what is it used for is “Is there research?” The answer to that is a wholehearted yes! There is too much to discuss hear, so I selected some of my favorite.
One of the best and most comprehensive studies focuses on acupuncture for osteoarthritis of the knee. There is also evidence that acupuncture works for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, an area I believe acupuncture is underused. Acupuncture has also been shown to help the effectiveness of IVF and improves the health of the babies at birth. Acupuncture is also great at treating headaches of all kinds. I’ve already written about acupuncture and headaches in this post.
Of course, there are millions of other chronic conditions acupuncture can treat. If you are interested in learning more about if acupuncture can address your health concern, please call us at 917-887-4946 for a free consultation.
Top Photo: NYCTCM
The Best Acupuncturist in New York
Mar 6, 2009
Who is the best Chinese Medicine Doctor in New York City?
This is actually an impossible question to answer. Just like there is no one best doctor for every condition, there is no best acupuncturist for every condition in every moment. It is really about finding the best acupuncturist for your needs. There are a few questions to consider.
1. What is their Education and Experience?
Education and experience are obviously important factor for being a good acupuncturist. I went to Touro Graduate Program in Oriental Medicine, which is a 4 years master’s degree and continued on to a postgraduate training in China at the Hunan University of Traditional Chinese Medicine.
This education was very intensive, covering hundreds of acupuncture points, herbs, and herbal formulations. I also had unique and extensive training in acupressure and Tui na (Chinese medical massage), learning techniques and treatments that other acupuncturists don’t know.
My experience in both China and the United States provided an opportunity to develop a specialty in treatment of pain, migraines, prostatitis, and dermatology.
Education is especially important to consider when going to a Medical Acupuncturist who generally have only 300 hours of training acupuncture theory and methods.
2. What is their Specialty?
Find our where your acupuncturist has special training in any specific area.
While I worked in China, I developed a specialty in treating pain, specifically shoulder pain and frozen shoulder, migraine and sinus headaches, back pain, sciatica, knee pain,endometrosis, painful periods, Interstitial Cystitis, Chronic Prostatitis , Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome, and incontinence following prostate surgery. I also developed a specialty in dermatology including acne, dermatitis, eczema, hives, and shingles. I also trained in digestive issues, such as acid reflux, Irritable Bowl Syndrome (IBS), Crohn’s Disease, Ulcerative Colitis, and chronic constipation or loose stools. As well as asthma and sinusitis.
If you are looking for someone who is an expert on issues of pregnancy, I would recommend my colleague Virgina Mims. If you are looking for facial rejuvenation acupuncture, then call Elizabeth Shiah. If you are looking for an expert in mental health, then call my colleague Jessica Yunker. And if you would like support in Cancer Care, you should contact my good friend and colleague Kejian Xiao.
3. Do you like their bedside manner?
Communication is important with your health care provider is very important. Your practitioner should listen to you with patience and compassion and you should feel comfortable asking them to explain their honest opinion about the treatment outcomes and assessment.
4. What do their patients think about them?
You should ask around with your friends and family to see if anyone knows a good acupuncturist. If none of your friends know anyone. You can also look at their website , see if they have a lot of reviews and testimonials.
If you’re interested, click here for my reviews and testimonials.
5. Do they offer free consultations?
Your acupuncturist should be open to discuss your health concerns and situation before you commit to treatment. This will help assure you that Chinese medicine is the right choice for you as not everyone is familiar with the benefits of acupuncture treatment.
If you are interested in finding out more about how acupuncture can help you, please call us at 917.887.4946 for a free consultation.
Five Essential Stretches for Neck Pain
Mar 5, 2009
After sitting down at my computer for a few hours I often notice a nagging 
pain in my neck. More than the automatic updates, the random pop-ups, or the crashing of my computer, I attribute it to sitting for long periods of time without getting up to move and stretch.
An ancient Chinese medicine saying states, “When qi moves freely, there is no pain. When qi stops, pain occurs.” Qi, the body’s energy, must circulate for good health. When its flow is impeded, pain and disease occurs. (For a more detailed explanation of qi circulation and pain, please see this post). The details of diagnosis and treatment can be very complicated, but in general we can say that the greater the pain, the worse the stagnation.
I find patients generally follow a downward spiral towards chronic pain. An injury or minor pain makes a person use that part of their body less, which then leads to greater stagnation and an increase in pain. Whether it is neck pain, back pain, hip pain, tendonitis, knee pain, or frozen shoulder, the quicker you are able to move the joint and regain normal qi flow, the faster and more sustainable the recovery.
Getting up from the computer, to do stretches of the neck, shoulders, and arms often helps my pain. Sometimes stretching is not enough for those in chronic pain. Combining stretching and exercise with acupuncture and Chinese herbs can often speed up relief and lead to a more sustainable recovery.
The Five Essential Stretches for neck pain
Dr. Xiao, and Students, I am on the far right
Dr. Xiao, my Tui Na (Chinese Medical Massage) professor in Hunan China, was famous not only for his technique, the Gun Fa (rolling technique), but also for his compassion for his patients and dedication to their health. In addition to his treatment, he educated his patients and their families about how to maintain and improve health through exercises and stretches. “Every person, not just those in pain, should do these exercises to keep their body loose and their qi moving,” Dr Xiao instructed me. “Remember to smile, it will help your qi flow.”
The following simple movements can help alleviate and prevent neck pain by relaxing the muscles and increasing blood circulation. You may even find it helps you think clearer afterwards.
1. Relax Your Breathing. If you do nothing else, do this simple breathing technique. Natural breathing is the foundation for the mind and body to relax and for qi to flow throughout the body. Stand in a comfortable position with your feet shoulder width apart, arms at your side, and knees slightly bent. Breathe into your stomach, allowing your abdomen to gently rise on inhale and fall on the exhale. After practicing for a while, this type of breathing often becomes your natural breath and you will feel more relaxed and calm. For a more in depth explanation, read this post.
2. Shake It Out. Maintaining the relaxed breathing, slowly begin to rock your shoulders and arms back and forth. Gradually increase this movement and shake out any tension. Remember to smile and have fun with it. You might even try adding a hardy belly laugh.
3. Gaze at the Heavens and Earth. Standing in the same position, relax your face and eyes. Slowly, bend your neck down and look at the ground, allow your muscles to relax. Then gently raise your head and look up. Try not to focus your gaze on any one particular object, but relax and look into the distance. Repeat this motion for about ten repetitions.
4. Look Both Ways Before You Cross. From a forward looking position, rotate your head to the left. When you have reached your limit, hold your head there for a moment and inhale, then slowly turn your head back to the right. Be careful not to over rotate which can cause pain and injury.
5. Rotate your head. Very very slowly roll your head in circles. Keep your eyes and face relaxed. Start rolling to the right ten times and then to the left. This is great to do in the middle of the day if you have minor neck pain.
top photo: Irina Souiki
Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine for Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome
Mar 2, 2009
I received this question on an expert site which I wanted to share with you about acupuncture and Poly Cystic Ovarian Syndrome or PCOS.
Question: I was diagnosed with PCOS a year ago. My husband and I are trying to get pregnant. I have many of the symptoms typical for PCOS including few and irregular periods, body hair, acne, and weight gain which is difficult to take off, but do not have the actually cysts on my ovaries according to my ultrasound.
What would you recommend for my situation?
There is hope. PCOS is very treatable with acupuncture and herbs. Your body’s natural healing mechanisms are actually the only way to heal, but as long as the imbalance persists, there can be no healing.
Traditional Chinese medicine works by bringing the body back into balance so it can heal itself. That’s why I can often treat conditions that other approaches cannot.
Chinese medicine is not a one size fits all medicine, and formulations have to be carefully tailored to your specific presentation. Chinese medicine examination includes a series of questions, taking your pulse, looking at your tongue, and palpating acupoints on your body.
Some of the imbalances often associated with PCOS are liver qi stagnation with blood stasis, and also your spleen may be effected. Don’t worry, the names of the organs are the same, but an imbalance in your Chinese medicine liver and spleen does not mean an imbalance in your western liver.
Qi, the body’s energy, flows through the body, and when it flows well, your health is generally good. When it is slowed down or stops, disease occurs. Qi can stagnate for many reasons. The Liver in Chinese medicine is responsible for the free flowing of qi.
Emotional health can be a factor. You know, the mind and the body are not separate, but each effect one another. In Chinese medicine, each organ is effected by specific emotions. Often the liver is related to frustration, anger, and stress.
The spleen can also be affected as well. The root of the problem may be dampness, and for that you may need a customized herbal formula. In Chinese medicine the spleen is related to the digestion. Poor digestion leads to dampness. The fact that it is difficult to lose weight may be related to a spleen dysfunction. It is also associate with poor digestion and fatigue.
In addition to getting a customized herbal formula from a TCM practitioner, I would recommend regular exercise, avoiding greasy heavy food, and cutting down on carbohydrates.
I recommend finding an acupuncturist in your area. Also, if you are in New York, please give us a call at 917-887-4946 to schedule an appointment. If not, you can use acufinder.com to find an acupuncturist near you.
