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...
Long-term Relief for Period Pain
Many women suffer from period pain (dysmenorrhea). This includes aching, cramping pain in the abdomen, a feeling of pressure, and sometimes pain in the lower back, hips and thighs. These pains range in severity level and may be accompanied by nausea, vomiting, fatigue, and diarrhea. Menstrual cramps happen because of natural muscle contractions in the uterus. If it contracts too strongly during your menstrual cycle, it can press against nearby blood...
Problems in the Foundation: Are Your Feet Causing Your Back Pain?
Occasionally patients come in with low back pain that they describe as happening when they walk or are on their feet. For most back pain patients, it is exactly the opposite. They get some relief with standing and movement, but feel worse when sitting for prolonged periods (and sitting is often part of the cause). The body gives us a strong clue when pain comes with standing or walking. It...
Why do so many people suffer from shoulder pain?
Why is shoulder pain so common? Shoulder pain and dysfunction is one of the most common complaints we see. Perhaps only neck pain and low back pain are more frequently seen. There are many reasons why so many people experience shoulder pain. The first is the shoulder is a very complex joint and is made up of at least four individual joints. As a general rule, the more complex something is,...
Spring and liver 春天与肝脏
Which viscera is spring most closely related to? It's liver! Spring is the season when everything grows and Yang rises. In the theory of five elements, spring and liver belong to wood. 春天和哪个脏腑关系最为密切？是肝脏！春季是万物生长，阳气升发的季节，在五行学说中，春天和肝脏都是属于木。 The liver in traditional Chinese medicine includes and is larger than the anatomic liver. It has the functions of regulating Qi, emotion, promoting digestion and absorption of the spleen and stomach, adjusting blood volume and blood movement, water distribution,...
Meet the TCM Doctor: Serena Yang
Serena received her degree in Traditional Chinese Medicine from Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), majoring in Chinese medicine and acupuncture. She specializes in gynecological disorders, dysmenorrhea, PMS, menopausal symptoms, uterine myomas, PID, and infertility. Serena also specializes in acupuncture that deals with all sorts of body pains and traditional Chinese internal medicine for conditions such as insomnia, headaches, anxiety, digestive disorder, etc. She uses a combination of herbal...