Prone to Winter Illness? Why You Should Seek Preventative Treatment Now
Q: What does it mean to treat winter diseases in summer? A: The treatment of winter disease in summer refers to the treatment of diseases that commonly occur or are easily aggravated in a cold winter climate, such as chronic bronchitis, asthma, chronic diarrhea, etc. The purpose is to prevent the recurrence and aggravation of the disease in the coming winter and promote early recovery. More than two thousand years ago,...
Trans Fats Proven Bad for Your Brain
This article is part of our “In Medical News” series where Dr. Sara Laudani shares a study or article in recent news and offers some analysis and tips about the news, to help patients stay informed. You have probably heard that trans fats are bad for you. Research has linked excessive consumption of trans fats to the development of coronary artery disease, diabetes, and many health conditions. Given these concerns, the...
Why do I have a cold? It’s summer!
The common cold is usually associated with winter and the seasonal transition period to spring. But now it is also often experienced in summer due to lifestyle factors. Most people today spend much of their summertime in artificially cooled environments in low temperatures. The cold air frequently blows directly on us and we experience extreme temperature differences. The Common Cold The common cold, also known simply as a cold, is an infectious disease of the upper respiratory...
Acupuncture for a Happier Period
Menstrual pain, or dysmenorrhea, is the most commonly reported menstrual disorder. More than half of those who go through menstruation experience this each month. Menstrual pain can be unbearable, but it does not have to be a painful constant every month as pain is not a natural part of the menstruation process. In fact, menstruation should be painless and accompanied by minimal pre-and post-menstrual signs and symptoms (PMS). So what exactly...
Chronic Pain and Fibromyalgia: Step by Step to a Pain-Free Life
Many people suffer chronic pain and fibromyalgia. They are both quite common and can be extremely difficult to manage and treat. In understanding chronic pain it is useful to understand how the body registers and manages pain in the body. The basic theory of pain is that an initial event occurs such as a trauma, infection or illness which the body perceives as having the potential to damage the body. This...
How Much Alcohol is Safe to Drink?
Patients often ask me, “How much alcohol is safe to drink?” Unfortunately, many will not like the answer. But, large scale studies have shown that there really is no safe dosage. While a lot of media attention has gone to some research that focuses on possible health benefits of drinking alcohol in moderation, a large new report warns that the harms of alcohol greatly outweigh any potential benefits. The study looked...
How to Get Rid of Joint Stiffness and Sore Muscles
Joint stiffness and muscle soreness are often the cause of pain. What then is the cause of joint and muscle issues? This is a little more complicated as we often don't feel well when we haven't done anything and don't feel well after exercise. It would seem then that it’s a “damned if you do and damned if you don't” kind of situation. However, the key is balance. If you normally...
What’s up with the ‘Glass Cups’ in a TCM doctor’s treatment room?
What is cupping therapy? Cupping therapy is a treatment of Traditional Chinese Medicine in which glass cups are heated to create a vacuum against the skin. It increases surface blood flow which results in resolution of pain and a sense of well-being. The overall internal flow of Qi and blood circulation is enhanced, stimulating anti-inflammatory effects and promoting tissue recovery. Depending on the cupping technique used, cups may be retained in position...
Pain Management: Neck Pain and Headache
Under the large umbrella of pain management, one of the most common reasons patients seek help is for neck pain. The main symptoms are discomfort and pain in the neck region, radiating pain and tension to the shoulders, or tingling sensations along the arms down to the hands. Most episodes of neck pain are due to muscle or soft tissue strain, but can also be caused by sudden force like...
Effective TCM Treatment for Erectile Dysfunction (ED)
Occasional Erectile Dysfunction (ED) is quite common. Frequent ED can affect quality of life and can be a sign of health problems that need treatment. It has been estimated that the prevalence of ED worldwide will be 322 million cases by 2025. ED currently affects approximately: 12 percent of men younger than 60 22 percent of men in their 60s 30 percent of men 70 or older There are many factors...