by Chad Johnson, MS, L.Ac | Nutrition, Recipes
We use this on all the fresh salad greens we eat each day.
This is more a method than a recipe — good luck!
- 1 part extra virgin Olive Oil
- 1/2 part Lime juice (or raw apple cider vinegar for a different taste but added health benefits)
- a few pinches of garlic granules to taste
- 1/8 part raw honey
- a few pinches of Celtic or Himalaya sea salt to taste
- Whisk all ingredients together
Famous Chef method of Dressing a Salad:
- Add to bottom of salad bowl
- Add salad next
- Toss to coat
- Enjoy a generous helping of salad
by Chad Johnson, MS, L.Ac | Immune Health, Nutrition, Pain Management
Fish
Fish are full of omega-3 fatty acids, which work as a natural anti-inflammatory. Some of the best fish to consume include salmon, tuna, mackerel and herring, which are all rich in omega-3s. The recommended weekly amount is around six to eight ounces of fish. Of course, be careful to choose fish that have been sustainably caught in cleaner waters.
Oil
Healthy oils like extra virgin olive oil, avocado and safflower oils are packed with healthy fats and anti-inflammatory properties.
Broccoli
Because it contains sulforaphane, broccoli has been shown to slow and prevent the progression of osteoarthritis. Broccoli is rich in vitamin K, C and calcium, which is known to help strengthen bones.
Green Tea
Green tea has many health benefits, one including reducing pain of arthritis. The tea is full of antioxidants that work to lower inflammation and the disintegration of cartilage.
Citrus Fruits
Fruits like oranges, limes and grapefruits are very acidic and full of vitamin C. Vitamin C can help aid healthy joints for those with arthritis and work as an anti-inflammatory.
Beans
Beans are beneficial for many reasons. They are a great alternative to meat for protein and are rich in folic acid, magnesium, iron, zinc and potassium. Red beans, kidney beans and pinto beans are known to improve muscle health and the heart and immune system.
Having a natural and well-rounded diet is a part of any healthy lifestyle, but can be especially beneficial for arthritis and chronic pain.
by Chad Johnson, MS, L.Ac | Integrative Therapy, Pain Management
Exercise
For those with arthritis, exercise, no matter how little you do, is one of the best natural treatments. For those with severe arthritis, even the smallest amount of walking can make a difference. Swimming is one of the best forms of exercise for those with arthritis because it puts the least amount of impact on the joints. Strengthening exercises are also recommended to keep muscles and joints strong.
Acupuncture
One of the most common reasons people seek out acupuncture is for arthritis relief. Acupuncture can help relieve pain from arthritis and increase blood flow and circulation, reducing inflammation. Through the specific placement of needles on acupuncture points on the body, acupuncture realigns the body back to balance.
Capsaicin Cream
Made from the chemical that gives chili peppers their heat, Capsaicin cream has been known to relieve arthritis pain. The cream works by decreasing the body’s pain receptors and as a result, lessening the overall pain caused by arthritis. The cream can be bought without a prescription at your local drug store.
Fish Oil
Fish oil is beneficial for numerous reasons, one of them being its anti-inflammatory properties. Because it is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, trials have found that the oil can reduce morning stiffness and the need for pain medication for those with arthritis. Fish oil is a supplement that is safe and recommended to take every day for the most beneficial effects.
Mind-Body
Mind-body techniques like meditation, relaxation and tai chi have been seen to improve overall quality of life for those with arthritis. Tai Chi is a martial art that involves slow, easy movements along with deep breathing. This exercise can improve the body’s motion and physical fitness without being too demanding on the joints and muscles. Although meditation and relaxation do not necessarily reduce pain, they have been found to improve mood and health in arthritis patients dealing with chronic pain.
Diet
Studies have shown that some patients benefit from changes in their diet by eliminating food that may contribute to their arthritis pain. By removing allergens from the diet, overall inflammation can be reduced. Common diets that have been seen to be beneficial include a mediterranean diet rich in nuts, fish, vegetables, fruit and olive oil. Foods that are not recommended include red meat and dairy as those can cause inflammatory reactions.
by Chad Johnson, MS, L.Ac | Integrative Therapy, Pain Management, Research
How acupuncture helps
Acupuncture treats the patient by addressing the whole body. When the body is out of balance, pain and illness can arise. Acupuncture works by returning the body back to its natural balance and energy flow to eliminate pain and to improve overall health.
There are more than 2,000 acupuncture points on the body. When these specific points are stimulated through small acupuncture needles, it can help relieve pain by improving the body’s nervous system, which can jumpstart the production of pain-reducing endorphins.
Research studies
A study in Germany found that 304,674 people with osteoarthritis experienced less pain and stiffness after 15 sessions of acupuncture. The treatments were done during a three-month period and lasting results were seen for another three months after treatment was stopped. The patients who had the acupuncture treatment reported better quality of life and function than those who had no treatment.
A study done at the Chronic Pain and Fatigue Research Center at the University of Michigan Medical School found that of 20 women who were diagnosed with fibromyalgia, the half that received acupuncture treatment had increased activity of the pain-reducing receptors in the brain.
A trial published in the Annals of Internal Medicine studied 570 men and women with osteoarthritis. For the men and women who received 23 acupuncture treatments for about 6 months, results of less pain and better functionality occurred, compared to those with the placebo treatment.
Arthritis can be painful and persistent, resulting in frustration when it isn’t easy to find relief. Acupuncture is a non-invasive, alternative treatment that has been proven in numerous studies to help reduce pain and increase mobility.
Sources:
http://bit.ly/1Sscpoz
http://bit.ly/1PKrVdl
by Chad Johnson, MS, L.Ac | Addiction, Pain Management
NADA, which stands for the National Acupuncture Detoxification Association, was established in 1985 to promote the NADA protocol acupuncture treatment for addiction. The non-profit organization promotes advocacy and the use of a non-verbal, pharmaceutical free approach to behavioral health. The protocol uses five specific acupuncture points on the ear to treat addiction and to be an alternative to methadone.
The NADA protocol differs slightly from other acupuncture treatments. The treatment usually involves needling in both of the patient’s ears for about 30 minutes. The treatment is often done in a group setting for support for those being treated as they recover from addiction.
The NADA protocol is about more than just acupuncture, but really about being a step in a sometimes long road to recovery.
Patients are treated in a quiet, peaceful room. Each patient gets the exact same treatment. Group treatment is emphasized to address feelings of denial and create an open, safe environment.
Those in recovery from addiction commonly report feelings of an improved sense of purpose and well being after treatment. Acupuncture is known for its relaxing benefits, which is especially helpful for those in recovery. Patients are able to de-stress in their treatment process to help them continue to make progress.
Most common effects of the NADA protocol include:
• Improved retention of rehabilitation programs
• Improved mood and outlook
• Lowered anxiety
• Lowered cravings
• Improved sleep
• Reduced need for prescription medication
There are a lot of factors that come to play in addiction treatment. Along with counseling, support groups and/or 12-step programs, the NADA protocol can help make recovery easier and more successful.
For more information about NADA go to:
http://www.acudetox.com/
http://www.acupuncturetoday.com/abc/nadaprotocol.php
by Chad Johnson, MS, L.Ac | Immune Health, Pain Management, Prevention
There are more than 80 chronic illnesses that are immune related including rheumatoid arthritis, type 1 diabetes, thyroid disease, inflammatory bowel disease, lupus, and celiac disease.
Autoimmune diseases result when the immune system mistakenly attacks its own body’s tissues. Immune deficiency is more common than most people think; around 20 percent of the population suffers from some form of an autoimmune disorder, according to the American Autoimmune Related Diseases Association.
Although symptoms vary greatly depending on the specific disease, commons symptoms include chronic fatigue, joint pain, muscle weakness, weight loss, dry eyes and abdominal pain.
Autoimmune diseases are not always easily treated, as they are a chronic illness with no known cure. However, there are natural ways to ease and reduce symptoms such as acupuncture treatment.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, it is believed that immune deficiencies come from an imbalance in the body. When there is a stagnation in the body’s natural energy flow, called Qi, the body becomes out of balance, whether it is from a deficiency or excess of yin or yang.
Acupuncture works by addressing the body as a whole. By using specific acupuncture points on the body, the treatment is able to release any blockages and return the body back to its natural balance.
Research has shown that acupuncture can affect the release of hormones, proteins and chemicals in the body, which can affect blood pressure and the immune system.
Although there is no cure, immune deficiencies can be managed properly to have the best quality of life possible. Acupuncture has also been shown to help boost mood and lower stress and anxiety, which can be triggers for increased symptoms.
If you think you may have an autoimmune disease and are not getting a diagnosis, don’t give up. Immune deficiencies are hard to diagnose because of the wide range of symptoms. It may take multiple doctors to get a correct diagnosis.
Acupuncture is a safe, non-invasive treatment option that can decrease symptoms and improve overall well being.
https://www.acufinder.com/Acupuncture+Information/Detail/Treating+Autoimmune+Disorders+with+Acupuncture+and+Oriental+Medicine+
From a Chinese Medicine perspective, now is the best time to eat watermelon. In the most yang part of the year, summer, melon is most yin and helps your body maintain an appropriate temperature. Proper nutrition and self care are the best form of preventative medicine.
Read more
by Chad Johnson, MS, L.Ac | Acupuncture, Anti-Inflammatory, Digestion, Fatigue, Insomnia, Often Misdiagnosed, Pain, Pain Management
Have you been suffering with little relief?
It could be due to a tailbone injury (coccydynia). Often, these injuries are old sometimes stemming from childhood – we have forgotten about them– and they could be the literal root cause of your painful symptoms.
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Neck Pain
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Back Pain and/or Spasms
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Constipation
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Gynecological Disharmony
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Headaches
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Depression
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Obsession
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Restlessness
When the connective tissue surrounding the tailbone is traumatized, the filum terminale may be pulled. This strand of connective tissue is connected to the dura mater which surrounds and protects the spinal cord and brain. When this is pulled, a plethora of head, neck and back pain can result. The reproductive and elimination systems can also be affected profoundly. According to Ayurvedic Medicine, the tailbone area is the center of emotional energy which in this case can also translate to psychological problems that are resistant to other treatments, including depression, obsession, and restlessness.
We use an elegant Japanese treatment protocol that produces big results. It includes gentle, painless acupuncture and moxibustion that relieves tight, tender spots, alleviates symptoms and treats at the root cause. This is often a profound healing experience.
My own experience resulted in chronic low back pain which plagued me for over a decade until I discovered this treatment. I mistakenly attributed this pain to other more recent events even though the skiing accident I had in my youth was so traumatic that I couldn’t walk normally for a full month. This painful, traumatic event’s prognosis varies depending on the patient, but can certainly be treated with success using a unique combination of KMS, APM, and Moxibustion. Call us – we can help.
by Chad Johnson, MS, L.Ac | Uncategorized
Keep Calm and Follow These Tips
In my experience, spider bites are painless on occurrence followed by red, painful swelling at the site of injury. Before I became an acupuncturist, I assumed the mark was a mosquito bite until it persisted for more than a week with a hard, painful, bulbous center. The bites would last for a month or more until the hard center fell out taking a bit of flesh with it. The problem is that you don’t know you are bitten until later when there is little chance of identifying the offender and the poison is destroying healthy tissue.
Mayo Clinic First Aid states to clean the wound, slow the venom from spreading by tying off the limb, apply a cold cloth, and seek medical attention. The problems here for me are; my most recent bite is on the belly which you cannot tie off and the last time I went to the ER, the waiting time was six hours.
Chinese Medicine has a different approach to this potentially deadly injury allowing for immediate treatment. This is how you can start to treat at home when you think you have a poisonous bug bite. Most importantly, be sure to see a medical professional immediately if you think that you’ve been bit by a poisonous bug.
My most recent bite happened Saturday night and all I noticed was a red, painful, swollen area the size of a half dollar. It is imperative to draw out or neutralize the poison from these kinds of bites as quickly as possible. Bleeding with a seven star needle to let the poison out and cupping to create suction around the injury will excavate some of the poison. This step removed most of the tightness of the bite. Next apply a paste, called a poultice, mixture of green clay and water. Cover the bite. As the clay dries, it will draw more of the poison out of the skin. Leave on for 2-3 hours. Orally, take first aid formula, yunnan baiyao, one cap full twice a day for a few days. On day 2 my recent bite was less tender, less swollen, and turned light pink. Apply a paste of yunnan baiyao mixed with saliva twice daily until it fades. Avoid spicy foods and alcohol until the bite is healed. On day 3, this bite looks like a mosquito bite.
Remember, be sure to see a medical professional immediately if you think that you’ve been bit by a poisonous bug, reptile or animal.
by Chad Johnson, MS, L.Ac | Prevention
Do you or someone you know suffer from back pain?
It’s not surprising because about 75 to 85 percent of Americans experience some form of back pain. Back pain can be sudden, sharp, debilitating pain or constant, nagging, debilitating pain. Either way, it can affect your mood, job performance, and family. As a back pain sufferer myself, I have found many effective solutions for low back pain relief and teach self care techniques to prevent recurrence.
Unfortunately, I see a lot of back pain in my office both chronic and acute. Most people think the cause of low back pain is a disc herniation, stenosis, or osteoarthritis. This is often not the case.
In fact, the most common causes of back pain I see in my clinic are actually injuries to the ligaments and/or muscles. This is a critical point affecting treatment because the key to alleviating most back pain can be found in treating a combination of any or all of these casues. I have found that a multi-faceted approach is the quickest way to my patient’s recovery.
Important: Having low back pain does not always mean you have to get your back cracked, take addictive pain killers, or get surgery for relief.
Once the soft tissue is repaired, the low back can easily return to homeostasis and allow you to return to work, play sports, exercise, or whatever you love to do.
Low back pain can be complex and requires professional diagnosis. If you have serious back pain, see a certified neurologist or orthopedist for a biomedical diagnosis. In addition, seek out a licensed acupuncturist/massage therapist, or make an appointment with my office.
Bonus: 3 easy tips for a healthy low back
- Keep your back warm via hot water bottles, hot packs, and hot baths.
- Gentle movement. Move it or lose it.
- Drink plenty of water. Your discs, muscles, and tendons are made of water.
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