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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

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Why am I so Hot? Heat in Chinese Medicine

why-am-i-so-hotAs a reader of my blog, you’ll recognize a common thread: Balance = Good Health! The body knows this, instinctively, and is constantly adjusting so as to right itself and stay in the state of stasis.

In Chinese medicine, one of the goals is to balance heating and cooling aspects of the body.  Now, as we move past the hottest summer on record, most of us are thankfully packing away thoughts of heat along with our window AC units.  But not so fast!

Heat, in this case, refers not only to the environmental temperature but also your body. Our bodies … Read More

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My Favorite Probiotic Foods

lactic-acid-bacteria-1-400x400It’s time for a gut check. Are you one of the millions (yes, millions) who are struggling with digestive issues like Crohn’s, colitis, Leaky Gut Syndrome, or any of the collection of symptoms that make up IBS? If so, you already know how much of an impact it can have on your life. Flare-ups can come without warning, ranging in severity from uncomfortable to downright debilitating.

You may also know that a healthy, or unhealthy, GI system plays a key role in maintaining overall health, affecting among other things, the immune system, weight regulation, and emotional well-being, not simply digestion.[1] … Read More

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What is a Trigger Point?

neck musclesIn any discussion of acupuncture, whether with your clinician during the course of your treatment, or in your own personal reading and research, you may come across the term “trigger point”. What could this be?

The term is attributed to Dr. Janet Travell (personal physician to JFK!) and is used to describe a tight band of knots in the muscles and connective tissues. Fascia and connective tissue is the “white stuff” in your old Anatomy and Physiology text from college. Many generations of anatomy professors have simply cleared it away without paying attention to it’s clinical importance, but we now … Read More

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Herbal Smoothie

There are many reasons to love smoothies; they’re delicious, healthy, and portable! A well-made smoothie can provide you with a serving, two, or three of your daily requirements of fruit and vegetables, all in one glass. It’s the perfect no-mess commuter breakfast, lunch-when-there’s-no-time-for lunch, and that extra boost needed to get from work to the gym. And, depending on your recipe, they’re even pretty colors!

But did you know, you can take that smoothie to the next level by adding some amazing herbs?

To boost your smoothie’s “super powers”, consider these two herbs for starters, easily found at a health … Read More

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Olympics Cupping Craze

cupping on backThose little bruises on Michael Phelps shoulders stimulated huge interest in cupping therapy. The Olympic cupping craze! Earlier this week I was filmed doing cupping by the magazine Marie Claire.

Many people have questions. Here are the basics.

What is Cupping?

Cupping is an ancient therapy from East Asian which a depressurized a glass or plastic cup is placed on a muscle.  The skin under the cup is lifted up.  The therapy is quite common in Asian communities, as well as Eastern Europe and the Middle east.

What is cupping used for?

Cupping can be used for for muscle … Read More