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Acne Healing Foods

The most important part of being healthy are your food choices. What you eat shows up in your skin and can help, or hurt, your acne.

In addition to acupuncture for acne, I encourage all my patients to consider their food choices as part of a holistic treatment for acne.

Rather than following fads that say you must eat this or you must never eat that, eating a healthy diet can help reduce acne and break the cycle. And the great thing is that it is simple to do.

Eat Low Glycemic Index foods:

The glycemic index of foods has … Read More

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10 Things to Know about Acupuncture for Pelvic Pain

1. Pelvic pain, pelvic floor dysfunction, or Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome (CPPS) is a chronic condition that causes much suffering.  Those with pelvic pain can experience painful, frequent, urgent, or difficult urination, genital pain, lower back pain, sexual dysfunction, and commonly digestive problems.

2.  In most cases, those with pelvic pain do not have an infection. Although these symptoms can be similar to having an infection, it is always good to rule out infection first.  Pelvic pain is most often caused by muscle spasms and tension of the muscles in the pelvic floor, lower back, and legs.

3. It is … Read More

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Living in the Now

During the pandemic it is so easy to dream about the future.  When will life get back to normal. When can I go out to my favorite restaurant or see a show.  We are living in an alternative reality which few of us imagined could happen.  All of that make us think about not being here and in this moment, wishing for the future.

Of course we want everyone to stay healthy and life to return to normal. And we have to recognize not only the direct health threats of COVID-19, but also the toll it takes on families, kids, … Read More

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Mindfulness Meditation Resources

Mindfulness meditation has gained attention to reduce stress, calm the mind and emotions, and in many cases can help relieve pain.  Mindfulness meditation is simple in theory, we take the time and energy to pay attention to our sensations and emotions. Jon Kabat Zinn, the founder of Mind Body Stress Reduction has called this giving ourselves loving kindness.

In the current moment, we certainly need some loving kindness.  The COVID-19 pandemic changed the way we spend our days.  Due to the restrictions in our lives, and worrying about the state of the world, there has been an explosion in stress … Read More

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Acupuncture COVID-19 Safety Guidelines

During these trying times, we at Alban Acupuncture hope that you and your loved ones are healthy and safe. 

As always, the health and safety of our patients and staff are our first priority.  Below is an outline of our strict office safety protocol.
Safety Guidelines for Coming for Acupuncture
Please do not come in if you or someone in your close contacts has experienced fever, cough, shortness of breath, severe muscle aches, chills, recent loss of taste or smell, or other symptoms related to COVID-19. If you are experiencing these symptoms, please contact your primary care provider. Please see
… Read More
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Chinese Medicine Dermatology: An Intro

I am very excited to share the new E-book we have been working on for so very long: An Introduction to Chinese Medicine Dermatology.  (This E-book can be downloaded through the above link).

I am very honored to work on this project as an author and editor.  This project is very near and dear to my heart as I am closely involved with both partner organizations.   The book was a was  collaboration between the International Traditional Chinese Medicine Dermatology Association and Learn Skin, the online integrative dermatology organization.

Many thanks to all of the hard work and experience … Read More

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Acupuncture, Acne, and LED Light Therapy: Synergistic Effects

Acupuncture therapy for acne encompasses many techniques: acupuncture, cupping, Chinese herbal medicine, and LED light therapy.  By combining different natural therapies, the treatment addresses specific aspects of acne during the cycle of development. The ultimate goal of Acupuncture and Chinese medicine is to treat the root cause of the acne and bring balance to the body.

Customized to You

Not all acne is alike so treatment also needs to be personalized to the type of acne. Are there predominantly white heads and black heads, inflammatory acne, hormonal acne, or cystic acne? Is it hormonal acne?

Our treatment is customized to … Read More

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Healing Power of Light Therapy

By Amber Milanovich, L.Ac.

Light is an amazing thing and holds strong healing powers. Light therapy uses specific wavelengths of light that can help fight acne, reduce wrinkles, promote anti aging, and reduce pain.  Light therapy is powerful alone and even stronger when combined with acupuncture.

Light therapy uses LED lights of blue, red, and infrared light to stimulate healing on a cellular level.  Light therapy can also be called Low Level Light Therapy (LLLT) or LED therapy, or even a fancy name of photobiomodulation.  All names for the healing power of light.

Why does Light Therapy (LLLT) work?  

We’ve … Read More

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Essential Oils: The Smells of Health

by Amber Milanovich
Essential oils are awesome.  My top five reasons for loving them.

  1. Essential oils have a wide range of health benefits
  2. Essential oils can enhance the benefits of acupuncture and Chinese medicine.
  3. Essential oils have no side effects
  4. Essential oils are enjoyable to use.
  5. Do I need to say more?

Sure I do…

Essential oils are super versatile and can be used in a myriad of ways, including direct application to the body, diffusers throughout the rooms, household cleaning products, and even as a means to keep livestock free of viruses and bacteria. But, a lesser-known but amazingly … Read More

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Why I love Kefir

I’ve been a fermentation enthusiast for years.  You name it I’ve pickled it! And after all my ferments, vegetables ginger beer, kombucha, and kimchi, kefir remains my all time favorite.

For those of you not aware of the wonderful tradition and art of fermentation… Fermentation is a traditional way to process food (and some herbs) to preserve or create new foods, like alcohol or sour pickles. During the fermentation process bacteria, yeast, and other microrganisms break down foods, through this producing acids and alcohols which also help to prevent food spoilage. So for example, yogurt is a way of preventing … Read More