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Digestive Enzymes versus Probiotics (Anoka Pain and Women’s Health)

Warning: We will be Talking About Poop!…

What’s the Difference between Digestive Enzymes and Probiotics?

 

Should I Take Probiotics or Digestive Enzymes?

First, lets find out the difference between the two. How do they work? What are the Signs and Symptoms of Deficient Enzymes vs Imbalanced Probiotics within the body?…

 

What are Digestive Enzymes?

Digestive enzymes are proteins made in the GI tract to break down food so it can be digested and used by the body.

So, Digestive Enzymes Help You Digest Your Food.

  • From Raw Foods
  • From Supplements
  • Not Alive

(Only Alive in Food form, not supplement form)

 

So, if the Body Makes Enzymes, Why Supplement?

Though made in the GI, eating processed foods in place of raw foods, lowers these enzymes needed for proper digestion. There is an epidemic of processed foods in the Modern diet. This is why we hear so much about supplementing with digestive enzymes today. Enzymes Improve Poor Digestion.

 

What Do Digestive Enzymes Help?

  • Help break down foods & Improve Energy
  • Improve nutrients absorbed from food
  • Lack of Stomach acid (breaks down food)
  • Lack of Pepsin (breaks down food)

 

How Enzymes Help:

Digestive Enzymes assist your body when there is impaired ability to break down any of the three major macros in your food.

Essentially, digestive enzymes help you turn these into energy…

Macros- 3 main types of nutrients found in foods:

  1. Proteins
  2. Fats
  3. Carbohydrates

Macros & Specific Enzymes that Help Digestion:

  1. Protein (Proteases)
  2. Fats (Lipases)
  3. Carbohydrates (Amylases)

(Unless you know which specific macro your body needs help with, look for digestive enzymes to help you digest all Three).

 

Signs & Symptoms of Deficient Enzymes:

Look for Signs in Your Stool:

  • Pale or floating stool
  • Diarrhea (within 1 hour of meals)
  • Undigested food in stool (within 1 hour of meals)
  • streaking, fatty deposits of stool left in toilet
  • Lowered Immunity

Look for Digestive Symptoms:

  • Abdominal bloating after meals
  • Gas after meals
  • Acid reflux

Diagnosed Disease or Deficiencies:

  • Vitamin D
  • B-12 Deficiency
  • Crohn’s Disease
  • Liver disease
  • Leaky Gut
  • IBS

Deficiencies or Diseases dealing with malabsorption issues may result in becoming more prone to Digestive Enzyme Deficiency.

Where Digestive Enzymes are Located in Your Body:

  • Saliva
  • Stomach
  • Upper GI tract
  • (Helping) the entire GI tract

How to Use Digestive Enzymes?

  • Take 20-30 minutes prior to meal
  • Take half dose before and half dose with first bite (if this seems to help)
  • Take with meals that tend to cause digestive upset (avoid these foods when you can)

What to Watch Out for in Digestive Enzyme Supplements:

Be sure the product is a practitioner- quality supplement. You want Digestive Enzymes without added fillers, free from common allergens such as; gluten, wheat, corn, milk, eggs, fish, tree nuts, artificial colors, flavors and preservatives. Individuals who already have impaired digestion are more prone to sensitivities of one of more of the above-mentioned additives.

Aleesha D Acupuncture carries practitioner-grade brands of Digestive Enzyme Supplements which are free of additives and fillers.

—Probiotics—

What are Probiotics?

Bacteria that live mostly in the lower GI tract. These are good bacteria that fight the bad bacteria. This good bacteria is easily wiped out by antibiotics taken. Probiotics are living organisms.

  • Protect Digestive Tract from Harmful bacteria
  • Alive

Where are Probiotics?

Probiotics are mostly in the small and large intestines.

 

 

More on Probiotics Here

 

What Are Prebiotics?

 

Should I Take Probiotics or Digestive Enzymes?

Take Enzymes for: Breaking Down the Nutrients in Food (Digestion Issues)

  • Low Immunity
  • Acid Reflux
  • Indigestion
  • Bloating
  • Gas
  • IBS

 

Acupuncture Helps with Acid Reflux or Heartburn 

Help with Digesting Foods

Take Probiotics for: Improving Microbial Balance in Intestinal Tract (Bacterial Imbalance Issues)

  • Low Immunity
  • Imbalanced Diet
  • Imbalanced Lifestyle
  • After Infection or Antibiotic use
  • Skin issues

How to Take Probiotics

Take Probiotic supplement with meal, right before meal or right after meal. This way the food provides some friendly bacteria

Aleesha D Acupuncture carries Probiotic supplements in practitioner-grade brands which are free of fillers and additives.

A Note of Caution:

Start out slowly with Probiotics in supplement for as well as Probiotic-rich foods, as they can have a powerful effect on digestion. If you start out taking too much, you will know… hello, Gas and Bloating!! If this happens, just back off of it or stop taking for a while until the symptoms subside. When you start taking again, use smaller dosage or try another brand. As always, check with your doctor before starting any new supplement such as Probiotics or Enzymes.

Thanks for Reading!

Written by Aleesha Ackerman, LAc.

Aleesha Ackerman is a certified and state licensed acupuncturist with a Master’s degree in acupuncture. She also holds a Bachelor’s degree from Hamline University. Aleesha owns and operates Aleesha D Acupuncture clinic for Pain and Women’s Health in Anoka, MN.

She became interested in acupuncture and holistic medicine when acupuncture cured her of debilitating migraine pain after an auto collision with a semi-truck. Aleesha specializes in treating acute and chronic pain and Women’s Health. Women come to her everyday with issues such as hot flashes, mood imbalance and low energy. Read more about Aleesha and what she specializes in Here.

Patients at Aleesha D Acupuncture report feeling cared for, listened to and are happy to get the much-needed pain and stress relief from their treatments!

Aleesha treats digestion issues successfully by treating the root cause and by treating the whole individual.

Why wait? Start Your Relief Today- contact Aleesha D Acupuncture in Anoka today to schedule your acupuncture appointment!

Feel Better, Move Forward

Aleesha D Acupuncture is located in historic downtown Anoka at 207 East Main Street close to Andover, MN with free parking.

DISCLAIMER

This article is not intended to replace any health care. No information on this site should be relied on to determine medical diagnosis or treatment for a medical condition. As with any health concerns, always be sure to consult your health care provider with any health concerns.

Licensed Acupuncturist in Anoka Serving Andover, Anoka, Big Lake, Champlin, Circle Pines, Columbus, Coon Rapids, Dayton, East Bethel, Elk River, Forest Lake, Fridley, Ham Lake, Isanti, Lino Lakes, Maple Grove, Minneapolis, Now Then, Oak Grove, Osseo, Ostego, Ramsey, Saint Francis, Saint Paul, Shoreview, Spring Lake Park, Vadnais Heights and White Bear Lake.

Zip codes we treat: 55304, 55303, 55309, 55014, 55316, 55433, 55448, 55327, 55330, 55432, 55040, 55401, 55402, 55403, 55404, 55406, 55407, 55408, 55409, 55410, 55411, 55412, 55413, 55416, 55418, 55419, 55421, 55422, 55011, 55311, 55369, 55102, 55103, 55104, 55105, 55106, 55107, 55108, 55101, 55109, 55110, 55111, 55113, 55114, 55116, 55117, 55120, 55124, 55125, 55115, 55118, 55119, 55121, 55122, 55123, 55126, 55129, 55130, 55146, 55127, 55128, 55133, 55144, 55145, 55155, 55164, 55165, 55166, 55166, 55168, 55170, 55175, 55187, 55188, 55171, 55172, 55014, 55025, 55371, 55398, 55308, 55960

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Why You Must Add Healthy Probiotic Food to Balance Your Gut (Anoka Pain and Women’s Health)

Intro to Probiotics: Foods to Improve Your Digestion and Overall Health- Part 1

History of Probiotics 

Probiotics is nothing new. We have always eaten Probiotics in our diets throughout history.

We just didn’t hear the term “Probiotics” being thrown around before.

More health issues are popping up surrounding gut flora/ fauna imbalance as the root cause.

Many gut diseases and dis-eases stem from overused antibiotics.

—This is why some docs are hitting the pause button on prescribing antibiotics (think antibiotic-resistant bugs).

 

Therefore, more and more people find the need to seek out probiotics in order to obtain healthy digestion, naturally.

 

What are Probiotics?

Probiotics are alive and in the form of live yeasts or bacteria- or both live yeast and live bacteria, as Kombucha is.

Learn the Difference between Probiotics and Prebiotics Here

Traditions of Fermented Foods 

All traditions used fermented foods out of need (no refrigeration or pasteurization was available) which served as natural probiotics.

No pills were necessary.

Some of these food processing types (natural  type processing here)

include pickling with lactic acid (German sauerkraut or Korean kimchi),

baking yeast (sourdough),

bacterial fermentation of milks (yogurt or kefir),

and other fermented drinks (kombucha).

 

The “Good Stuff” in Enzyme-rich Probiotic Foods/ Drinks:

(a.k.a., What’s In it for Me?):

  • Anti-inflammatory effect
  • Improve Energy
  • Improve Mood
  • Vitamin B-12
  • Fights Allergies
  • Healthier Skin
  • Absorb more nutrients from food
  • Improve Diarrhea or Constipation
  • Stimulates Immunity*

*Increases T-cells which stimulates immune system

 

How Can You Improve Imbalanced Skin?

 

How Fermentation Works

Fermentation in food helps break down fats, proteins and carbohydrates

in order for our digestive system to be able to better handle the food

in order to turn it into energy.

 

We can let enzymes in foods do some of the work-

 

(Better option to save precious energy on digestion when our reserves run low)

due to…immune issues, stress or being just plain run-down.

Many of us are over-working while under-sleeping

(that is double-dipping into precious energy reserve)!

 

Examples of Fermented Food & Drinks:

  • Kefir
  • Kimchi
  • Kombucha
  • Miso soup
  • Sauerkraut
  • Sourdough
  • Yogurt

An example of a fermented food containing enzymes is a Japanese soup.

“Miso” soup is made from fermented soy (the only type of soy you should be eating).

Why not eat non-fermented soy?–because soy is an endocrine disrupter and can affect hormones and ultimately, even fertility.

The National Institute of Health (NIH) has concluded soy to be an endocrine disrupter, particularly in children whose bodies are still developing.

One of the ways we can see the disruption of hormones from our disruptive foods is what some have called, “man boobs.” (We may need another post to dive deeper into this)…

 

Why worry about the health of your digestion?

Isn’t that just for old people and people with debilitating disease? No, a balanced digestion can help you avoid aging your body and ending up with disease and dis-ease. If having more energy and looking and feeling better are important to you, then getting your digestion into balance is for you! Feel better, Move forward.

 

What You Can Do?

You can help your gut by eating probiotic foods rich in enzymes. This can serve to improve your energy, mood and overall well-being.

Learn to make:

  • Your own probiotic drinks like Kombucha or Kefir
  • Your own pickled foods like Sauerkraut or Kimchi
  • Your own sourdough bread (try gluten-free version)

Avoid:

  • Stress
  • Refined sugars
  • Processed foods (including fast food)

Stress, refined sugar and overly-processed, packaged foods can impair your body’s ability to create enzymes that destroy the bad bacteria in the gut.

Digestive Enzymes

Some people opt to take Digestive enzymes in a pill form (instead of enzyme-rich fermented foods) to help break down all three macros; fats, proteins and carbohydrates.

Read More on Digestive Enzymes Here

 

Thanks for Reading!

Written by Aleesha Ackerman, LAc

Aleesha Ackerman is a certified and state licensed acupuncturist with a Master’s degree in acupuncture. She also holds a Bachelor’s degree from Hamline University. Aleesha owns and operates Aleesha D Acupuncture clinic for Pain and Women’s Health in Anoka, MN.

She became interested in acupuncture and holistic medicine when acupuncture cured her of debilitating migraine pain after an auto collision with a semi-truck. Aleesha specializes in treating acute and chronic pain and Women’s Health. Women come to her everyday with issues such as hot flashes, mood imbalance and low energy. Read more about Aleesha and what she specializes in Here.

Patients at Aleesha D Acupuncture report feeling cared for, listened to and are happy to get the much-needed pain and stress relief from their treatments!

Aleesha treats digestion issues successfully by treating the root cause and by treating the whole individual.

Why wait? Start Your Relief Today- contact Aleesha D Acupuncture in Anoka today to schedule your acupuncture appointment!

 

Feel Better, Move Forward

Aleesha D Acupuncture is located in historic downtown Anoka at 207 East Main Street close to Andover, MN with free parking.

DISCLAIMER

This article is not intended to replace any health care. No information on this site should be relied on to determine medical diagnosis or treatment for a medical condition. As with any health concerns, always be sure to consult your health care provider with any health concerns.

Licensed Acupuncturist in Anoka Serving Andover, Anoka, Big Lake, Champlin, Circle Pines, Columbus, Coon Rapids, Dayton, East Bethel, Elk River, Forest Lake, Fridley, Ham Lake, Isanti, Lino Lakes, Maple Grove, Minneapolis, Now Then, Oak Grove, Osseo, Ostego, Ramsey, Saint Francis, Saint Paul, Shoreview, Spring Lake Park, Vadnais Heights and White Bear Lake.

Zip codes we treat: 55304, 55303, 55309, 55014, 55316, 55433, 55448, 55327, 55330, 55432, 55040, 55401, 55402, 55403, 55404, 55406, 55407, 55408, 55409, 55410, 55411, 55412, 55413, 55416, 55418, 55419, 55421, 55422, 55011, 55311, 55369, 55102, 55103, 55104, 55105, 55106, 55107, 55108, 55101, 55109, 55110, 55111, 55113, 55114, 55116, 55117, 55120, 55124, 55125, 55115, 55118, 55119, 55121, 55122, 55123, 55126, 55129, 55130, 55146, 55127, 55128, 55133, 55144, 55145, 55155, 55164, 55165, 55166, 55166, 55168, 55170, 55175, 55187, 55188, 55171, 55172, 55014, 55025, 55371, 55398, 55308, 55960

 

 

 

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Try Acupuncture for Depression (Anoka Pain and Women’s Health Clinic)

Why Try Acupuncture for Poor Mood and Low Energy?

Acupuncture Helps Ease Mild to Moderate Depression, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Seasonal Affective Disorder (S.A.D.).

 

Is Your Depression Chronic Fatigue Syndrome?

 

How Acupuncture Helps Depression

Acupuncture works under the umbrella of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and looks at and treats Depression differently than Western Medicine does. Acupuncture is good at helping patients with mild to moderate depression.

 

What is the Science behind How Acupuncture Helps Pain and Depression?-

Acupuncture decreases pain by inciting the body to release specific endorphins which relieve pain, acupuncture increases Qi and blood (circulation) to the affected area and decreases inflammation in the body (inflammation causes pain and chronic inflammation causes disease).

Acupuncture helps with depression by:

  • Acupuncture releases endorphins (feel-good hormones)
  • Acupuncture increases circulation
  • Acupuncture lowers inflammation

 

Research on Acupuncture for Depression:

In 2010 The Journal of Affective Disorders published on 207 clinical studies on the effectiveness of acupuncture treating depressive disorders. The efficacy of acupuncture was found to be comparable to antidepressants alone in the improvement of clinical response and with alleviating symptom severity of Major Depressive Disorder. 

Adverse reactions to acupuncture treatment was also significantly lower than that of antidepressants!

 

COVID-19 and Vitamin D Deficiency

 

What YOU Can do for Depression:

Have Your Doctor Check Your Labs for:

  • Get Your Vitamin D3 level screened in Labs!!
  • Get Your Thyroid screened
  • Get Your Vitamin B level screened
  • Get Your Iron level screened
  • Support Group
  • Breathe
  • Exercise (30 minutes daily)
  • Sleep (bad sleep may increase risk of Dementia)

(Think of vitamin “D” as the “D” in “DEPRESSION)!

90% of us- Especially in the northern area of MN, where we do not get enough sun for enough vitamin D…I tell my patients that even if they were to lie outside in the sun naked all day long, they would still not get enough vitamin D without supplementing during the winter!

You can buy your vitamin d here, too.

–Ask your doctor to check your blood level in your labs for vitamin d deficiency every year when you get your annual physical.

 

Thyroid/ Iron/ B vitamin Deficiency…

Low thyroid level, Iron or deficient B vitamin can cause fatigue and low mood. Ask your doctor to check this if you feel low mood and energy.

 

Stay Social!…

Get a support group of friends, family and care providers you can trust to have your best interest in mind.

We do not have to go it alone.

Many 0f us keep trying to do everything ourselves without asking for help. This does not work. Reach out to your peeps.

We are social creatures.

 

Breathe. Take your time. Try not to change too many major things in life at once when you are feeling overwhelmed.

Sleep. Be sure to get enough. Ramifications of not enough sleep over a long period of time can really affect your health in a negative way. Sleep is when the plaque that causes dementia is cleaned from our brain. I think of it as Pacman going in to keep us healthy. Get some sleep!

Exercise every day. 20-30 minutes, especially in nature can do wonders for the body and mind.

Low Impact Exercises:

  • Brisk Walking
  • Restorative Yoga
  • Chi Gong (Qi gong)

Chi gong (Qi gong) is a form of Tai Chi (Tai Qi), under the umbrella of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM).

Did You Know that YIN YOGA is great for Your Joints?

 

How Acupuncture Helps Joint Pain

 

Meditate Daily. Carve out a Special time and Place every day for this to help get out of Fight or Flight…

 

Mindfulness Meditation Can Help Ease Depression and other Dis-ease! (read on to start your Meditation journey)…

Start your Mindfulness Meditation Journey to help heal Your Body and Mind.

Resources for Mindfulness Meditation Here 

 

 

Does Your Depression include Anxiety?

Acupuncture is also good at treating Anxiety.

Resources for Anti-Anxiety

 

TCM Acupuncture Treats More than Your Symptoms

TCM acupuncture works to find out the root cause of disease and dis-ease in order to treat and relieve the pain or issue and help prevent it from returning. Acupuncture helps your body to balance itself and remain in balance.

Western Medicine often only treats the branch of the disease, leaving the root to further disease. Shining a dull leaf will not resolve the problem long-term if there is disease within the root.

Another words, TCM treats more than just the symptoms, it also treats the cause.

 

 

Thanks for Reading!

Written by Aleesha Ackerman, LAc

Aleesha Ackerman is a certified and state licensed acupuncturist with a Master’s degree in acupuncture. She also holds a Bachelor’s degree from Hamline University. Aleesha owns and operates Aleesha D Acupuncture clinic for Pain and Women’s Health in Anoka, MN.

She became interested in acupuncture and holistic medicine when acupuncture cured her of debilitating migraine pain after an auto collision with a semi-truck. Aleesha specializes in treating acute and chronic pain and Women’s Health. Women come to her everyday with issues such as hot flashes, mood imbalance and low energy. Read more about Aleesha and what she specializes in Here.

Patients at Aleesha D Acupuncture report feeling cared for, listened to and are happy to get the much-needed pain and stress relief from their treatments!

Why wait? Start Your Relief Today- contact Aleesha D Acupuncture in Anoka today to schedule your acupuncture appointment!

Feel Better, Move Forward

Aleesha D Acupuncture is located in historic downtown Anoka at 207 East Main Street just off Highway 10 with free lots, ramps and street parking.

 

DISCLAIMER

This article is not intended to replace any health care. No information on this site should be relied on to determine medical diagnosis or treatment for a medical condition. As with any health concerns, always be sure to consult your health care provider with any health concerns.

Licensed Acupuncturist in Anoka Serving Andover, Anoka, Big Lake, Champlin, Circle Pines, Columbus, Coon Rapids, Dayton, East Bethel, Elk River, Forest Lake, Fridley, Ham Lake, Isanti, Lino Lakes, Maple Grove, Minneapolis, Now Then, Oak Grove, Osseo, Ostego, Ramsey, Saint Francis, Saint Paul, Shoreview, Spring Lake Park, Vadnais Heights and White Bear Lake.

Zip codes we treat: 55304, 55303, 55309, 55014, 55316, 55433, 55448, 55327, 55330, 55432, 55040, 55401, 55402, 55403, 55404, 55406, 55407, 55408, 55409, 55410, 55411, 55412, 55413, 55416, 55418, 55419, 55421, 55422, 55011, 55311, 55369, 55102, 55103, 55104, 55105, 55106, 55107, 55108, 55101, 55109, 55110, 55111, 55113, 55114, 55116, 55117, 55120, 55124, 55125, 55115, 55118, 55119, 55121, 55122, 55123, 55126, 55129, 55130, 55146, 55127, 55128, 55133, 55144, 55145, 55155, 55164, 55165, 55166, 55166, 55168, 55170, 55175, 55187, 55188, 55171, 55172, 55014, 55025, 55371, 55398, 55308, 55960

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TCM Acupuncture versus Western Medicine (Anoka Pain and Women’s Health Clinic)

How Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Acupuncture Treats Disease versus Western Medicine

Main differences between TCM Acupuncture and Western Medicine: 

TCM Acupuncture Treats More than Your Symptom

Treating the Branch (Symptom) vs the Root (Cause)

TCM acupuncture is known for treating chronic pain and issues that have been lingering for a long time. Often acupuncture is something we seek out after we have tried all other options. This is probably due to not really buying into the idea that acupuncture could actually work on something real, like severe pain or for hormonal imbalance, as with infertility. I thought the same way before I FINALLY tried it. (See My Story Here) TCM Acupuncture works to find out the root cause of disease and dis-ease in order to treat and resolve the pain or issue and – help prevent it from returning.

Western Medicine often only treats the branch of the disease, instead of also treating the root, where the disease started. Shining a dull leaf on a plant or tree will not resolve the problem long-term if there is disease within the root.  The root cause must be treated in order to treat the whole plant. It is the same with the human body.

Another words, TCM acupuncture treats more than just the symptoms, it also treats the cause of those symptoms.

Of course, there are times when the marvels of modern Western Medicine are necessary and appropriate to use over acupuncture or other medical treatments, i.e., Cancer, emergency surgery, life-saving medications and fixing major structural issues like broken bones and torn tendons, to name just a few.

Acupuncture does not treat such things as Cancer and should never claim to. However, acupuncture is good for many of these ailments, once the patient is in a healing stage. For instance, acupuncture is very good at helping relieve common issues in patients due to the effects of chemotherapy and radiation treatment for Cancer. Many patients come to Aleesha D Acupuncture for relief after chemotherapy/ radiation Cancer treatment appointments in order to feel better.

Acupuncture Relieves Nausea, Vomit and Low Energy after Chemotherapy Cancer Treatment

 

Treatment Aimed at Prevention vs the “Wait and See” until Symptoms Manifest into Disease:

TCM acupuncture aims for prevention. It is concerned with preventing the issue from recurring or worsening. TCM acupuncture treats specific TCM disease patterns (according to how an individual patient presents) with the aim of helping the body regain balance in order to stop the disease or dis-ease before it progresses into something worse, or before it progresses into an actual diagnosed disease (where there once was no diagnosis).

Western Medicine operates within a different medical paradigm. This is why Western Medicine often can only treat the individual after a disease has been diagnosed. Then medications, surgeries or other therapies can be recommended, taken and monitored-sometimes for life, i.e., thryoid medications!

This is common with patients who complain to doctors (sometimes for years) of chronic signs and symptoms such as low energy, fatigue, constipation, anxiety, depression, low libido, dry skin and cold hands and feet. At first these individuals are told there is nothing showing up in their labs in regard to imbalances (such as thyroid)…only to be told years later, once the labs finally show the imbalance as a thyroid deficiency or excess (once the imbalance progressed enough to show up on the tests). Unfortunately, by this time the signs and symptoms have been allowed to progress to the state of disease, i.e., Thyroid Disease such as Auto Immune Hashimoto’s Hypothyroidism and Auto Immune Grave’s Disease.

It is interesting that in ancient China, doctors were only paid for prevention of disease; they were not paid if they did not prevent disease in their patients because they did not do their job.

Thyroid, Auto Immune Issues and Acupuncture

Your licensed acupuncturist is trained in TCM Food Therapy and may go over your diet and other lifestyle factors, and may make recommendations in order to help with issues such as infertility, insomnia, anxiety and sub-clinical (symptoms of low thyroid not showing in labs) thyroid deficiency. Acupuncture aims to help your body balance itself, in order to avoid disease and dis-ease.

 

Acupuncture for Anxiety

TCM acupuncture treats the whole person. This is why acupuncturists ask so many seemingly un-related questions. Your acupuncturist is going to ask about your digestion, diet, exercise, mood, menstrual cycle (if you are female), etc. The answers to these questions are each like a puzzle piece. These puzzle pieces make up a picture of you, the individual. This information allows them to treat you according to fitting within TCM Disease patterns, which are different than Western Medicine disease.

This also explains how TCM acupuncture can treat an individual under a TCM disease pattern even without a Western diagnosis, when Western medicine is at a loss as to how to define or treat certain issues or Syndromes, i.e., Fertility, Fibromyalgia, SIBO, Thyroid issues, Endometriosis and Insomnia.

What Acupuncture is Good at Treating

Acupuncture is good at treating pain and promoting functional issues within the body; digestion issues, hormonal imbalances, range of motion issues and of course, pain due to almost any root cause. Acupuncture can help with Depression when it is mild to moderate and is good for Anxiety. This is because it helps move stuck “Qi” or energy that has turned into stagnation in the body, commonly referred to as “Liver Qi Stagnation” with depression-like issues.

When Western Medicine is Needed

Acupuncture is not suitable for fixing structural issues; broken bones, torn or severed nerves, ligaments or tendons. Obviously there is a time and place for everything, including appropriate medical care for each situation. Once the tendon, bone or ligament is repaired, however acupuncture can be a good modality to help the effected area of the body to heal more quickly. An example of this is after knee, hip or shoulder surgery. Acupuncture is so common after surgeries that many hospitals are providing this option to their post-op patients to help lower the pain and inflammation, especially as they taper from pain medications.

Many patients come to Aleesha D Acupuncture in Anoka after hip surgery, knee surgery, shoulder surgery and back surgery to help relieve inflammation, swelling and pain, as well as getting back on their feet more quickly.

Thanks for reading!

Written by Aleesha Ackerman, LAc

Aleesha Ackerman is a certified and state licensed acupuncturist with a Master’s degree in acupuncture. She also holds a Bachelor’s degree from Hamline University. Aleesha owns and operates Aleesha D Acupuncture clinic for Pain and Women’s Health in Anoka, MN.

She became interested in acupuncture and holistic medicine when acupuncture cured her of debilitating migraine pain after an auto collision with a semi-truck. Aleesha specializes in treating acute and chronic pain and Women’s Health. Women come to her everyday with issues such as hot flashes, mood imbalance and low energy. Read more about Aleesha and what she specializes in Here.

Patients at Aleesha D Acupuncture report feeling cared for, listened to and are happy to get the much-needed pain and stress relief from their treatments!

Why wait? Start Your Relief Today- contact Aleesha D Acupuncture in Anoka today to schedule your acupuncture appointment!

Feel Better, Move Forward

Aleesha D Acupuncture is located in historic downtown Anoka at 207 East Main Street just off Highway 10 with free lots, ramps and street parking.

DISCLAIMER

This article is not intended to replace any health care. No information on this site should be relied on to determine medical diagnosis or treatment for a medical condition. As with any health concerns, always be sure to consult your health care provider with any health concerns.

Licensed Acupuncturist in Anoka Serving Andover, Anoka, Big Lake, Champlin, Circle Pines, Columbus, Coon Rapids, Dayton, East Bethel, Elk River, Forest Lake, Fridley, Ham Lake, Isanti, Lino Lakes, Maple Grove, Minneapolis, Now Then, Oak Grove, Osseo, Ostego, Ramsey, Saint Francis, Saint Paul, Shoreview, Spring Lake Park, Vadnais Heights and White Bear Lake.

Zip codes we treat: 55304, 55303, 55309, 55014, 55316, 55433, 55448, 55327, 55330, 55432, 55040, 55401, 55402, 55403, 55404, 55406, 55407, 55408, 55409, 55410, 55411, 55412, 55413, 55416, 55418, 55419, 55421, 55422, 55011, 55311, 55369, 55102, 55103, 55104, 55105, 55106, 55107, 55108, 55101, 55109, 55110, 55111, 55113, 55114, 55116, 55117, 55120, 55124, 55125, 55115, 55118, 55119, 55121, 55122, 55123, 55126, 55129, 55130, 55146, 55127, 55128, 55133, 55144, 55145, 55155, 55164, 55165, 55166, 55166, 55168, 55170, 55175, 55187, 55188, 55171, 55172, 55014, 55025, 55371, 55398, 55308, 55960

 

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Mindfulness Meditation for Pain and Dis-ease (Anoka Pain and Women’s Health Clinic)

Mindfulness Meditation for your Mind and Body (Anoka Acupuncture Pain and Women’s Health)

Why You Should Practice Mindfulness Meditation Every Day

  • It’s Free!
  • Reduce Stress
  • Ease Chronic Pain
  • Lower Anxiety
  • May Lower Blood Pressure
  • May Help with PTSD and Depression

 

Loving Kindness Meditation Helps You Love Yourself & Eventually Even Your Enemies!

How to do Loving Kindness Meditation Here

 

What is the Point of Mindfulness Meditation?

The point of mindfulness (or Vipassana) meditation is to get to a point in your practice where see things as they really are. Add to this a positive side effect of becoming better able to handle stress. You become better able to handle stress in your life-both general, every day little stresses and the BIG kahuna stresses like losing one’s job, deaths, divorce, (you get the idea).

You become more calm. Waves in life that once knocked you down and held you down, no longer have that hold over you. You find yourself dusting yourself off calmly and standing back up. It’s not that the waves (stress) stop hammering us in our lives. Stressful situations are always going to hammer away. Tragedy strikes…We feel the loss… We are human…but we do not stay in that place unable to escape. It is healthy to acknowledge our fear, our loss, our human-ness. It is not healthy to stay in a state of constant up and down or constant state of up (anxiety) or in a constant state of down (depression)-of fear, anxiety and depression. Staying in these states too long creates un-ease which leads to dis-ease.

Meditation can decrease emotional reactivity by increasing self observation. Essentially, Mindfulness Meditation can help us lighten up, stop trying to control ourselves, others and everything else- opening us up to really be present in as many moments possible and, hopefully to enjoy the journey.

 

There is a story of a woman running away from tigers. She runs and runs and the tigers are getting closer and closer. When she comes to the edge of a cliff, she sees some vines there, so she climbs down and holds on to the vines. Looking down, she sees that there are tigers below her as well. She then notices that a mouse is gnawing away at the vine to which she is clinging. She also sees a beautiful little bunch of strawberries close to her, growing out of a clump of grass.

She looks up and she looks down. She looks at the mouse. Then she just takes a strawberry, puts it in her mouth, and enjoys it thoroughly. 

Tigers above, tigers below. This is actually the predicament that we are always in, in terms of our birth and death. Each moment is just what it is. It might be the only moment of our life; it might be the only strawberry we’ll ever eat. We could get depressed about it, or we could finally appreciate it and delight in the preciousness of every single moment of our life.”

~ Pema Chodron, The Wisdom of No Escape: And the Path of Loving-Kindness

 

Methods of Mindfulness Meditation

There are many ways to practice daily Mindfulness Meditation. One way is to focus on the breath. There are various counts used in breath-focused meditations. Many use higher numbers and include how long to hold one’s breath in between the in-breath and out-breath. These can prove useful to you once you have become accustomed to the daily practice. For now, let’s just focus on the breath with a 1-2 count…

Focus on The Breath (1-2 count) Meditation

One of my favorites is very Easy to do. Just simply focus on your breath. It involves simply counting from 1-2. Easy…

Count to “1” on the in-breath. Then Repeat “1” on the out-breath.

Count to “2” on the next in-breath. Repeat “2” again on the out-breath.

Easy… If you forget which number you were on, just start again at “1.”

Another mindfulness meditation method I like is called the “Body Scan.” The point of the Body Scan is to check-in with your body to feel where in your body you are holding the tension caused by stress. It could be your jaw, your chest or your stomach. This is best done lying down…

Body Scan Meditation

Jon Kabat-Zinn offers us a marvelous body scan meditation on Youtube.com…Again, it’s free. He has many other free mindfulness meditations there, as well.

 

Resources

Jon Kabat-Zinn – American professor emeritus of medicine and creator of Stress Reduction Clinic and the Center for Mindfulness in Medicine, Healthcare and Society at the University of Massachusetts Medical School. I like the way he guides you through the process of mindfulness (Vipassana) meditation (before you give up too soon). He has written many books and cd’s on Mindfulness Meditation and guided meditations in mindfulness.

Some of my favorite books by Jon Kabat-Zinn include:

  • Mindfulness For Beginners
  • Wherever Your Go, There You Are
  • Full Catastrophe Living
  • Everyday Blessings: The Inner Work of Mindful Parenting

 

Ani Pema Chodron – Buddhist nun who has written many lovely books on mindfulness meditation, including guided meditations on mindfulness. I love the way she uses her own personal experiences in her life as well as stories from others to illustrate the lessons of mindfulness (Vipassana) meditation! You may consider her one of your mentors, as I do.

Some of my favorite books by Ani Pema Chodron include:

  • Awakening Loving Kindness
  • Fail, Fail Again, Fail Better: Wise Advice for Leaning Into the Unknown
  • Start Where You Are
  • The Places That Scare You
  • When Things Fall Apart

 

Tara Brach – Psychologist , teacher and founder of Insight Meditation Community of Washington D.C. Focuses on Mindfulness (Vipassana) Meditation.

My favorite books by Tara Brach include:

  • Radical Acceptance: Embracing Your Life with the Heart of the Buddha
  • True Refuge: Finding Peace and Freedom in Your Own Awakened Heart

Other books:

  • “Train Your Mind, Change Your Brain: How a New Science Reveals Our Extraordinary Potential  to Transform Ourselves” by Sharon Begley
  • “The Power of Now” and “Stillness Speaks” by Eckhart Tolle
  • “he Miracle of Mindfulness”, “Teachings on Love” by Thich Nhat Hanh

The book, “Train Your Mind, Change Your Brain: How a New Science Reveals Our Extraordinary Potential to Transform Ourselves” by Begly, uses brain images done by Western Neuroscientists to prove to us in the Western world, what the Buddhist monks from the East have known for thousands of years about the actual extent of human brain malleability (brain plasticity)!

Ever since hearing about this book while listening to NPR, and of course reading it myself, I have recommended it and keep buying it and giving it away-it is that good.

 

The book, “The Miracle of Mindfulness” by Thich Nhat Hanh, is great to keep us honest about how present we can actually remain from moment to moment, in all the real moments which make up our life. Simple, yet effective teaching method.

 

The books “The Power of Now” and “Stillness Speaks” by Eckhart Tolle offer constant reminders of how and why to stay in the now (remain in the present). “Stillness Speaks” has more of an impact on me when listened to via audio format, perhaps due to the longer pauses he purposely takes between ideas.

 

In the past I held a free, guided mindfulness meditation class on Monday nights here at the Acupuncture clinic in Anoka and may do so again if enough interest is there within the community. For now, Amazon, Youtube and your public library are great ways to get your hands on some mindfulness resources in order to start you mindfulness meditation journey!

 What Have You Got to Lose? 

Try Mindfulness Meditation- It’s Free!

Thanks for reading!

Written by Aleesha Kaplan, LAc

Aleesha Kaplan, LAc, is a certified and state licensed acupuncturist with a Master’s degree in acupuncture. She also holds a Bachelor’s degree from Hamline University. Aleesha owned and operated Aleesha D Acupuncture clinic for Pain and Women’s Health in Anoka, MN. (She now travels with her husband across the USA but they visit home in MN).

She became interested in acupuncture and holistic medicine when acupuncture cured her of debilitating migraine pain after an auto collision with a semi-truck. Aleesha specializes in treating acute and chronic pain and Women’s Health. Women come to her everyday with issues such as hot flashes, mood imbalance and low energy. Read more about Aleesha and what she specializes in Here.

Those who work with Aleesha report feeling cared for, listened to and are happy to get the much-needed pain and stress relief from their treatments!

Contact Aleesha today to find out how she may help you.

 

Feel Better, Move Forward

 

DISCLAIMER

This article is not intended to replace any health care. No information on this site should be relied on to determine medical diagnosis or treatment for a medical condition. As with any health concerns, always be sure to consult your health care provider with any health concerns.

Licensed Acupuncturist in Anoka Serving Andover, Anoka, Big Lake, Champlin, Circle Pines, Columbus, Coon Rapids, Dayton, East Bethel, Elk River, Forest Lake, Fridley, Ham Lake, Isanti, Lino Lakes, Maple Grove, Minneapolis, Now Then, Oak Grove, Osseo, Ostego, Ramsey, Saint Francis, Saint Paul, Shoreview, Spring Lake Park, Vadnais Heights and White Bear Lake.

Zip codes we treat: 55304, 55303, 55309, 55014, 55316, 55433, 55448, 55327, 55330, 55432, 55040, 55401, 55402, 55403, 55404, 55406, 55407, 55408, 55409, 55410, 55411, 55412, 55413, 55416, 55418, 55419, 55421, 55422, 55011, 55311, 55369, 55102, 55103, 55104, 55105, 55106, 55107, 55108, 55101, 55109, 55110, 55111, 55113, 55114, 55116, 55117, 55120, 55124, 55125, 55115, 55118, 55119, 55121, 55122, 55123, 55126, 55129, 55130, 55146, 55127, 55128, 55133, 55144, 55145, 55155, 55164, 55165, 55166, 55166, 55168, 55170, 55175, 55187, 55188, 55171, 55172, 55014, 55025, 55371, 55398, 55308, 55960

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Thyroid, Auto Immune Issues & Acupuncture (Anoka Pain and Women’s Health Clinic)

Who Gets Thyroid Disease?

Thyroid imbalance and Thyroid Disease is common today.  The typical modern diet and lifestyle of highly stressed, over-scheduled lives makes us more prone to disease and dis-ease. Being in a constant or almost constant state of Fight-or-Flight, it is no wonder that our hormones end up imbalanced, especially if one is already prone to thyroid imbalances within their family genetics.

 

Hashimoto’s and Grave’s (Thyroid) Diseases

Most Thyroid Disease is Auto-Immune related.

90% of all Hypothyroidism is due to Hashimoto’s Auto-Immune Disease.

90% of all Hyperthyroidism is due to Grave’s Auto-Immune Disease.

 

Natural Alternative Treatments for Thyroid:

  • Acupuncture
  • Diet Therapy
  • Natural thyroid medications
  • Vitamins/ Supplements
  • Stress Relief Activities
    • Meditation
    • Relaxing-type Yoga
    • Rest and Sleep
    • Running (often helps Hyperthyroidism)
    • Walking at easy pace (often helps Hypothyroidism)

There is a connection with Hypothyroidism, Low Progesterone and Low Magnesium. Magnesium affects Progesterone.

Are You Deficient in Magnesium?

 

Symptoms of Low Magnesium Here

Western Medicine and Thyroid

Of course there are situations when stronger measures are needed in treating thyroid. In these individuals, acupuncture would serve as an adjunct therapy.

For instance, when thyroid hormone levels are not balanced enough using diet, supplements, vitamins, herbs and lifestyle, thyroid medication may be necessary.

Hyperthyroidism must be monitored; if thyroid hormone level becomes too high and is un-monitored, it could turn into a “Thyroid storm.”

“Thyroid Storm or thyrotoxic crisis is extremely dangerous and can involve symptoms such as extreme high blood pressure and can even lead to death.”

Acupuncture/ TCM for Thyroid

Hyper-thyroid and Hypo-thyroid can be explained using TCM disease patterns. Licensed Acupuncturists are often able to help balance the thyroid, whether caused by an over-active thyroid (Hyper-thyroid) or under-active thyroid (Hypothyroidism).

 

The World Health Organization reports that Acupuncture can be used to treat Thyroid diseases.

Several studies suggest Acupuncture can help with Hypothyroidism.

Acupuncture is under the umbrella of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM).

 

Why Acupuncture is Good for Your Thyroid

Acupuncture is good at balancing common complaints patients have with an imbalanced thyroid. 

This is because acupuncturists treat thyroid imbalance as a TCM pattern which involves “Kidney Qi.”

Acupuncture helps the body to balance itself; we say acupuncture is 20% responsible and the body is 80% responsible for restoring balance to the body.

 

Acupuncture Treats Hyperthyroidism Signs/ Symptoms:

Hyperthyroid Symptoms are “hyper” or excessive (Too High):

  • Hypertension (high blood pressure)
  • Rapid heartbeat
  • Excessive perspiration (sweating)
  • Clammy skin (excessive perspiration)
  • Increased appetite with weight loss
  • Nervousness/ Anxiety
  • Tremor (shaking, usually in one or both hands)

Acupuncture Lowers Blood Pressure!

 

Acupuncture Treats Hypothyroidism Signs/ Symptoms:

Hypothyroid Symptoms are “hypo” or deficient (Too Low):

Depression

  • Cold sensitivity
  • Weight gain
  • Dry hair and skin
  • Constipation

 

Acupuncture Treats the Root Cause of Thyroid imbalance:

  • Acupuncture treats according to TCM Disease Patterns
  • Acupuncture and TCM treats each patient as an individual
  • Acupuncture helps the body to balance itself
  • Your acupuncturist may also go over individual lifestyle changes, including diet and exercise

Weakened Adrenals, Thyroid Imbalance and Endometriosis often coincide in patients.

Aleesha D Acupuncture treats Endometriosis

 

Thanks for Reading!

Written by Aleesha Ackerman, LAc

Aleesha Ackerman is a certified and state licensed acupuncturist with a Master’s degree in acupuncture. She also holds a Bachelor’s degree from Hamline University. Aleesha owns and operates Aleesha D Acupuncture clinic for Pain and Women’s Health in Anoka, MN.

She became interested in acupuncture and holistic medicine when acupuncture cured her of debilitating migraine pain after an auto collision with a semi-truck. Aleesha specializes in treating acute and chronic pain and Women’s Health. Women come to her everyday with issues such as hot flashes, mood imbalance and low energy. Read more about Aleesha and what she specializes in Here.

Patients at Aleesha D Acupuncture report feeling cared for, listened to and are happy to get the much-needed pain and stress relief from their treatments!

Why wait? Start Your Relief Today- contact Aleesha D Acupuncture in Anoka today to schedule your acupuncture appointment!

Feel Better, Move Forward

is located in historic downtown Anoka at 207 East Main Street just off Highway 10 with free lots, ramps and street parking.

 

DISCLAIMER

This article is not intended to replace any health care. No information on this site should be relied on to determine medical diagnosis or treatment for a medical condition. As with any health concerns, always be sure to consult your health care provider with any health concerns.

Licensed Acupuncturist in Anoka Serving Andover, Anoka, Big Lake, Champlin, Circle Pines, Columbus, Coon Rapids, Dayton, East Bethel, Elk River, Forest Lake, Fridley, Ham Lake, Isanti, Lino Lakes, Maple Grove, Minneapolis, Now Then, Oak Grove, Osseo, Ostego, Ramsey, Saint Francis, Saint Paul, Shoreview, Spring Lake Park, Vadnais Heights and White Bear Lake.

Zip codes we treat: 55304, 55303, 55309, 55014, 55316, 55433, 55448, 55327, 55330, 55432, 55040, 55401, 55402, 55403, 55404, 55406, 55407, 55408, 55409, 55410, 55411, 55412, 55413, 55416, 55418, 55419, 55421, 55422, 55011, 55311, 55369, 55102, 55103, 55104, 55105, 55106, 55107, 55108, 55101, 55109, 55110, 55111, 55113, 55114, 55116, 55117, 55120, 55124, 55125, 55115, 55118, 55119, 55121, 55122, 55123, 55126, 55129, 55130, 55146, 55127, 55128, 55133, 55144, 55145, 55155, 55164, 55165, 55166, 55166, 55168, 55170, 55175, 55187, 55188, 55171, 55172, 55014, 55025, 55371, 55398, 55308, 55960

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Acupuncture Helps Joint Pain (at Anoka Pain and Women’s Health Clinic)

Acupuncture Helps Relieve the Pain caused by Arthritis

Acupuncture is good at treating pain caused by Osteoarthritis, Osteoporosis, Rheumatoid Arthritis and Degenerative disorders, including back pain due to degenerative disc.

Acupuncture Improves Joint Function

  • Lowers Inflammation
  • Improves Mobility (Movement)
  • Improves Range of Motion (R.O.M)

Acupuncture is a Safe Treatment

  • NO side effects such as with Non-Steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)
  • NO side effects such as with cortisone shots
  • NO side effects such as with surgery

Acupuncture is a safe medical treatment for pain with the only side effect being a possible bruise, which is a rare occurrence.

How does Acupuncture Work?

Acupuncture Activates the Nervous System which then tells the brain to release pain-relieving chemicals like endorphins.

Acupuncture helps pain in the joints:

Acupuncture can often times relieve the pain and immobility of “trigger finger.”

Read this Patient Testimonial for Trigger Finger Relief!

 

What You Can do to Help

  • Eat a Low inflammation diet
  • Be sure to take in enough water
  • Stay Active with Low impact exercise
  • Quality Fish oil supplement (after checking first with your doctor)
  • Turmeric spice added to diet (after first checking with doctor)
  • Be sure to take in enough water
  • Homemade bone stock or a good quality Glucosamine Chondroitin supplement if too busy (after checking with doctor)

 

I hope you have found this helpful. Thanks for reading!

Written by Aleesha Ackerman, LAc

Aleesha Ackerman is a certified and state licensed acupuncturist with a Master’s degree in acupuncture. She also holds a Bachelor’s degree from Hamline University. Aleesha owns and operates Aleesha D Acupuncture clinic for Pain and Women’s Health in Anoka, MN.

She became interested in acupuncture and holistic medicine when acupuncture cured her of debilitating migraine pain after an auto collision with a semi-truck. Aleesha specializes in treating acute and chronic pain and Women’s Health. Women come to her everyday with issues such as hot flashes, mood imbalance and low energy. Read more about Aleesha and what she specializes in Here.

Patients at Aleesha D Acupuncture report feeling cared for, listened to and are happy to get the much-needed pain and stress relief from their treatments!

Why wait? Start Your Relief Today- contact Aleesha D Acupuncture in Anoka today to schedule your acupuncture appointment!

 

Aleesha D Acupuncture clinic for Pain and Women’s Health is located in historic downtown Anoka at 207 East Main Street just off Highway 10 with free lots, ramps and street parking.

 

DISCLAIMER

This article is not intended to replace any health care. No information on this site should be relied on to determine medical diagnosis or treatment for a medical condition. As with any health concerns, always be sure to consult your health care provider with any health concerns.

Licensed Acupuncturist in Anoka Serving Andover, Anoka, Big Lake, Champlin, Circle Pines, Columbus, Coon Rapids, Dayton, East Bethel, Elk River, Forest Lake, Fridley, Ham Lake, Isanti, Lino Lakes, Maple Grove, Minneapolis, Now Then, Oak Grove, Osseo, Ostego, Ramsey, Saint Francis, Saint Paul, Shoreview, Spring Lake Park, Vadnais Heights and White Bear Lake.

Zip codes we treat: 55304, 55303, 55309, 55014, 55316, 55433, 55448, 55327, 55330, 55432, 55040, 55401, 55402, 55403, 55404, 55406, 55407, 55408, 55409, 55410, 55411, 55412, 55413, 55416, 55418, 55419, 55421, 55422, 55011, 55311, 55369, 55102, 55103, 55104, 55105, 55106, 55107, 55108, 55101, 55109, 55110, 55111, 55113, 55114, 55116, 55117, 55120, 55124, 55125, 55115, 55118, 55119, 55121, 55122, 55123, 55126, 55129, 55130, 55146, 55127, 55128, 55133, 55144, 55145, 55155, 55164, 55165, 55166, 55166, 55168, 55170, 55175, 55187, 55188, 55171, 55172, 55014, 55025, 55371, 55398, 55308, 55960

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Acupuncture Lowers Blood Pressure (Pain and Women’s Health in Anoka)

According to the National Institute of Health, Acupuncture Helps Lower Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)

Acupuncture helps lower high blood pressure. It can significantly lower both systolic and diastolic numbers.

The National Institute of Health on the Effects of Acupuncture on High Blood Pressure

Acupuncture Protocol for Treatment of High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)

At Aleesha D Acupuncture in Anoka, acupuncture is used along with electric stimulation (e-stim) when appropriate for treating blood pressure.

 

How does Acupuncture Lower Blood Pressure?

Studies show that acupuncture lowers both Renin and Aldosterone.

Renin is an enzyme released in the kidneys that helps control blood pressure. Aldosterone is a hormone that regulates electrolytes.

There is evidence that e-stimulation (see description below) along with specific acupuncture points stimulates endorphins in order to help lower hypertension.

 

E-stim with acupuncture on specific points for Hypertension:

  • Enzyme release
  • Hormone regulation
  • Endorphins stimulated

What is E-stimulation?

E-stim is used just as a tens unit is. Leads (wires) are attached to the needles which are inserted into specific protocol points on specific meridians (energy pathways).

You may have had a similar experience while being treated by a chiropractor or physical therapist, whereby the leads were attached to pads instead of needles.

If they did hook the leads to needles, hopefully they received enough training to ensure safety (see Who is Needling You?-below)…

Why You Should get Acupuncture from a Licensed Acupuncturist …

Who is Needling You?

 

Written by Aleesha Ackerman, LAc

Aleesha Ackerman is a certified and state licensed acupuncturist with a Master’s degree in acupuncture. She also holds a Bachelor’s degree from Hamline University. Aleesha owns and operates Aleesha D Acupuncture clinic for Pain and Women’s Health in Anoka, MN.

Aleesha became interested in acupuncture and holistic medicine when acupuncture cured her of her debilitating migraine pain after an auto collision with a semi-truck. Aleesha specializes in treating acute and chronic pain and Women’s Health. Women come to her everyday with issues such as hot flashes, mood imbalance and low energy.

Patients at Aleesha D Acupuncture report feeling cared for, listened to and are happy to get the much-needed pain and stress relief from their treatments. Read the patient Testimonials for yourself!

Why wait? Start Your Relief Today- contact Aleesha D Acupuncture in Anoka today to schedule your acupuncture appointment!

Aleesha D Acupuncture is conveniently located in the heart of downtown Anoka at 207 E Main Street with free on-site parking.

DISCLAIMER

This article is not intended to replace any health care. No information on this site should be relied on to determine medical diagnosis or treatment for a medical condition. As with any health concerns, always be sure to consult your health care provider with any health concerns.

Licensed Acupuncturist in Anoka Serving Andover, Anoka, Big Lake, Champlin, Circle Pines, Columbus, Coon Rapids, Dayton, East Bethel, Elk River, Forest Lake, Fridley, Ham Lake, Isanti, Lino Lakes, Maple Grove, Minneapolis, Now Then, Oak Grove, Osseo, Ostego, Ramsey, Saint Francis, Saint Paul, Shoreview, Spring Lake Park, Vadnais Heights and White Bear Lake.

Zip codes we treat: 55304, 55303, 55309, 55014, 55316, 55433, 55448, 55327, 55330, 55432, 55040, 55401, 55402, 55403, 55404, 55406, 55407, 55408, 55409, 55410, 55411, 55412, 55413, 55416, 55418, 55419, 55421, 55422, 55011, 55311, 55369, 55102, 55103, 55104, 55105, 55106, 55107, 55108, 55101, 55109, 55110, 55111, 55113, 55114, 55116, 55117, 55120, 55124, 55125, 55115, 55118, 55119, 55121, 55122, 55123, 55126, 55129, 55130, 55146, 55127, 55128, 55133, 55144, 55145, 55155, 55164, 55165, 55166, 55166, 55168, 55170, 55175, 55187, 55188, 55171, 55172, 55014, 55025, 55371, 55398, 55308, 55960

 

 

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Acupuncture For Tennis Elbow (at Pain and Women’s Health in Anoka)

Acupuncture For Tennis Elbow

What is Tennis Elbow?

“Tennis Elbow” is a repetitive stress injury which causes adhesion and eventually tiny tears in the tendon. Acute (early onset) may be diagnosed as “Tendonitis” whereas “Tendonosis” diagnosis refers to chronic (long-term) trauma of repetitive, overuse activity. Tendons attach muscle to bone. When adhesions (sounds like “adhesive” because it is sticky like glue) form, they impede the gliding movement of tendon over the bone. Now there is pain!  Pain is felt on the outside of the elbow and is easily treated with acupuncture.

Signs & Symptoms

  • Grip weakness
  • Outer elbow pain
  • Pain travels down forearm
  • Dull pain which comes and goes
  • Worse with twisting wrist motions, i.e. twisting open a jar lid or door knob

 

Could my Pain be “Golfer’s Elbow?”

 

Who is At Risk for Tennis Elbow?

  • Anyone with tight forearm muscles from Overuse
  • Tennis/ Racquetball/ Squash players
  • Keyboarding/ Mouse use
  • Construction workers
  • Weight lifters

How to Avoid Tennis Elbow

  • Choose a flexible racquet with a large sweet spot (mid-size or over-sized).  This type of racquet is gentle on the forearm because of how it absorbs and spreads out the impact.
  • Use proper posture and body mechanics when weight lifting, playing racquet sports and other activities.
  • Choose the correct grip on tennis racquet and other sports equipment or tools
  • Avoid gripping too tightly while using tools
  • Choose newer tennis balls (more pressurized)
  • Eat a low-inflammation Diet
  • Regular Cross Training & Yoga for Whole Body Strength

Acupuncture for Tennis Elbow

Acupuncture is good at treating almost all types of pain, including Tennis Elbow. Aleesha D Acupuncture treats tennis elbow effectively. Sometimes “dry needling” technique is used whereby needling is administered to the damaged areas of the tendon of the elbow.

At Home Care

  • Apply heat as needed
  • Rest and Elevate the affected arm
  • Modify exercise/ activity to avoid pain
  • Avoid movements which aggravate the pain
  • Improve Flexibility and Strength with Daily Forearm/ Wrist Stretches
  • Compression sleeve/ brace can reduce gripping pressure (relying on too heavily can lead to further adhesion and pain)

StrengtheningExercise

Grip Strengthening Exercise (Squeeze stress ball)

Exercises to Prevent Tennis Elbow

  • Wrist Flexion/ Extension
  • Wrist Supination/ Pronation
  • Tricep Extensions

Be sure to use proper body mechanics to avoid stressing the wrist and elbow.

Resources

  • International Tennis Federation

Conclusion

To avoid Tennis Elbow, eat a low-inflammation diet and use proper body mechanics, avoiding overuse movements. To recover from Tennis Elbow, change your activity to avoid aggravating the affected elbow. Try acupuncture for Tennis Elbow pain and follow through with recommended amount of treatments. See a Physical Therapist if elbow pain or weakness persists after a few months of the before-mentioned and follow-through with the routine recommended.

Written by Aleesha Ackerman, LAc

Aleesha Ackerman is a certified and state licensed acupuncturist with a Master’s degree in acupuncture. She also holds a Bachelor’s degree from Hamline University. Aleesha owns and operates Aleesha D Acupuncture clinic for Pain and Women’s Health in Anoka, MN.

Aleesha became interested in acupuncture and holistic medicine when acupuncture cured her of her debilitating migraine pain after an auto collision with a semi-truck. Aleesha specializes in treating acute and chronic pain and Women’s Health. Women come to her everyday with issues such as hot flashes, mood imbalance and low energy.

Patients at Aleesha D Acupuncture report feeling cared for, listened to and are happy to get the much-needed pain and stress relief from their treatments!

Read the patient Testimonials for yourself.

Why wait? Start Your Relief Today- contact Aleesha D Acupuncture in Anoka today to schedule your acupuncture appointment!

Aleesha D Acupuncture is located near Highway 10 in historic downtown Anoka at 207 E Main Street next to Peterson’s Shoes with free parking.

 

DISCLAIMER

This article is not intended to replace any health care. No information on this site should be relied on to determine medical diagnosis or treatment for a medical condition. As with any health concerns, always be sure to consult your health care provider with any health concerns.

Licensed Acupuncturist in Anoka Serving Andover, Anoka, Big Lake, Champlin, Circle Pines, Columbus, Coon Rapids, Dayton, East Bethel, Elk River, Forest Lake, Fridley, Ham Lake, Isanti, Lino Lakes, Maple Grove, Minneapolis, Now Then, Oak Grove, Osseo, Ostego, Ramsey, Saint Francis, Saint Paul, Shoreview, Spring Lake Park, Vadnais Heights and White Bear Lake.

Zip codes we treat: 55304, 55303, 55309, 55014, 55316, 55433, 55448, 55327, 55330, 55432, 55040, 55401, 55402, 55403, 55404, 55406, 55407, 55408, 55409, 55410, 55411, 55412, 55413, 55416, 55418, 55419, 55421, 55422, 55011, 55311, 55369, 55102, 55103, 55104, 55105, 55106, 55107, 55108, 55101, 55109, 55110, 55111, 55113, 55114, 55116, 55117, 55120, 55124, 55125, 55115, 55118, 55119, 55121, 55122, 55123, 55126, 55129, 55130, 55146, 55127, 55128, 55133, 55144, 55145, 55155, 55164, 55165, 55166, 55166, 55168, 55170, 55175, 55187, 55188, 55171, 55172, 55014, 55025, 55371, 55398, 55308, 55960

 

 

 

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Shoulder Stretch after Rotator Cuff Injury (Pain and Women’s Health in Anoka)

Shoulder Stretch for Rotator Cuff Injury (Pain and Women’s Health in Anoka)

Here’s an easy shoulder stretch you can do virtually anywhere…

Acupuncture can be helpful in relieving the pain and inflammation that goes along with rotator cuff injuries and other shoulder pain.

Remember, serious rotator cuff tears may require surgery and immobilization of shoulder (wearing a sling). Acupuncture can help after surgery with increasing range of motion and decreasing inflammation and pain.

Once your physician recommends rehab stretching, the following can be a great start…

Pendulum Shoulder Stretch

Trying not to round your back, Lean forward, placing hand on flat surface like a table.

Opposite arm should hang down loosely at your side.

Swing your arm forward and backward, gently.

Swing your arm side to side, gently.

Swing your arm in circular motion like a pendulum, gently.

Do two sets of 10 reps. Repeat with other arm. Do this stretch at least every other day.

 

Acupuncture treats shoulder pain due to many reasons and can help with muscle tension pain and joint pain. Acupuncture helps pain due to overuse injury or old injuries. Be sure to see a licensed acupuncturist.

Written by Aleesha Ackerman, LAc

Aleesha Ackerman is a licensed acupuncturist with a Master’s degree in acupuncture. She also holds a Bachelor’s degree from Hamline University. Aleesha owns and operates Aleesha D Acupuncture clinic for Pain and Women’s Health in Anoka, MN. She has been passionate about treating others for pain, stress and Women’s health since acupuncture cured her of years of extreme, chronic pain. Read more on Aleesha’s story here.

Aleesha specializes in treating all types of pain, including headaches and back pain, as well as digestive issues and Women’s health. She successfully treats patients who see her for hormonal imbalance to relieve hot flashes, unstable mood and low energy with Auto Immune Disease like Hashimoto’s, Endometriosis, IBS, Perimenopause, Menopause, SIBO and of unknown cause.

Call 763-762-7142 or Schedule Online.

 

DISCLAIMER

This article is not intended to replace any health care. No information on this site should be relied on to determine medical diagnosis or treatment for a medical condition. As with any health concerns, always be sure to consult your health care provider with any health concerns.

Licensed Acupuncturist in Anoka Serving Andover, Anoka, Big Lake, Champlin, Circle Pines, Columbus, Coon Rapids, Dayton, East Bethel, Elk River, Forest Lake, Fridley, Ham Lake, Isanti, Lino Lakes, Maple Grove, Minneapolis, Now Then, Oak Grove, Osseo, Ostego, Ramsey, Saint Francis, Saint Paul, Shoreview, Spring Lake Park, Vadnais Heights and White Bear Lake.

Zip codes we treat: 55304, 55303, 55309, 55014, 55316, 55433, 55448, 55327, 55330, 55432, 55040, 55401, 55402, 55403, 55404, 55406, 55407, 55408, 55409, 55410, 55411, 55412, 55413, 55416, 55418, 55419, 55421, 55422, 55011, 55311, 55369, 55102, 55103, 55104, 55105, 55106, 55107, 55108, 55101, 55109, 55110, 55111, 55113, 55114, 55116, 55117, 55120, 55124, 55125, 55115, 55118, 55119, 55121, 55122, 55123, 55126, 55129, 55130, 55146, 55127, 55128, 55133, 55144, 55145, 55155, 55164, 55165, 55166, 55166, 55168, 55170, 55175, 55187, 55188, 55171, 55172, 55014, 55025, 55371, 55398, 55308, 55960

Serving Anoka County, the north metro, Minneapolis, St Paul, and the Twin Cities area.

 

 

 

 

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