Feelings of anxiety, worry, and fear related to significant and challenging events are justified and very common. Anxiety becomes a problem when emotional reactions are out of proportion with what might be “normally” expected in a situation, and when symptoms interfere with a person’s daily functioning or sleep patterns. Mild anxiety leaves a person feeling a bit unsettled, while severe anxiety can be extremely debilitating.

According to the Anxiety Disorders Association of America, anxiety disorders are the most common mental health disorder in the U.S., affecting 40 million adults and costing more than $42 billion a year.

Anxiety is used as a general term for several disorders that have common symptoms- such as nervousness, worrying, apprehension and fear. Anxiety disorders can be classified into several more specific types. The most common are briefly described below.

Generalized Anxiety disorders (GAD) is characterized by unrealistic, persistent and excessive worry about everyday things. People with this disorder often expect the worst and experience exaggerated worry and tension, even when there is no apparent reason for concern.

Panic Disorder is characterized by brief or sudden attacks of intense terror and apprehension that leads to shaking, confusion, nausea, dizziness and difficulty breathing. Panic attacks tend to arise abruptly and seemingly out-of-the-blue, causing the individual to become preoccupied with fear of recurring attack.

Phobia is irrational fear and avoidance of an object or situation. Phobias commonly focus on flying, bridges, insects, heights, dental or medical procedures and elevators. Having phobias can disrupt daily routines, reduce self-esteem, limit work efficiency and put a strain on a relationship.

Social Anxiety Disorder is characterized by a fear of being negatively judged and scrutinized by others in social or performance-related situations. Different variations of this type of anxiety include a fear of intimacy, stage fright and fear of humiliation. People suffering from this disorder can sometimes isolate themselves in an attempt to avoid public situations and human contact.

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder characterized by  unwanted or intrusive thoughts, which often make the sufferer feel compelled to repeat certain behaviors or routines, even when the OCD sufferers know the irrationaly of their compulsions. They feel powerless to stop them. They may obsessively was their hands, clean personal items or constantly check light switches, locks or stoves.

Post-Tramatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is anxiety that results from previous trauma such as military combat, rape, a natural disaster, a serious accident or other life-threatening events. Most people who experience such events recover from them, but people with PTSD continue to be anxious and severely depressed for months or even years following the event. They often experience flashbacks and behavioral changes in order to avoid certain stimuli.

Acupuncture Can Help.

A clinical study conducted in China in 2010, has concluded that acupuncture is a “safe and effective” treatment for mood disorders including depression and severe anxiety, in some cases providing to increase the effectiveness of medication-based treatments. Additionally a 2009 study, again in China, determined that acupuncture alone could help patients who suffer from anxiety but cannot be chemically treated due to intolerable side-effects of medications.

In many Western schools of thought, anxiety disorders are considered to be dysfunctions in person’s brain chemistry. An acupuncturist does not view anxiety as a brain dysfunction, but rather as an imbalance in a person’s organ system. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, this imbalance is called Shan You Si (“anxiety & preoccupation”), and is believed to affect the main organs: the Heart, Lung, Spleen, Liver and Kidneys. Each organ is related to different aspects of a person’s emotions. For instance, worry is said to affect the Spleen, grief affects the Lungs, anger the Liver, fear the Kidneys, and lack of joy the Heart.

©2011 Acupuncture Media Works- www. Acupuncturemediaworks.com

“I had been suffering with severe migraine headaches on a daily basis before coming to see Robin. I was very skeptical about acupuncture when I started treatment, but now I am a believer and would recommend acupuncture to anyone that has migraine headaches!” –N.S.

Over 50 million of us experience some form of a severe headache at some point in our lives. Whether you experience minor head pain or severe migraines, headaches can take valuable time out of your day and your life, and leave you searching for relief.

One way to seek relief is by reaching for drugs and other medications. This may work temporarily and can help you get out of pain fast. Unfortunately, common headache medications do not address the root cause(s), and when used over long periods of time can cause unwanted side-effects.

Acupuncture care is extremely effective in reducing the frequency and severity of many types of painful conditions, including headaches and migraines, naturally. Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) offer a safe and effective approach to relieving headache pain, without causing harmful side effects. These healing modalities provide comprehensive diagnostic protocol that can help your acupuncturist understand and address the root cause(s) of your headaches.

Causes of Headaches. There are many factors in TCM theory that may play a key role in the root cause(S) of your headache. These include body constitution, emotional health, excessive work, social activities, and exercise, improper diet, physical trauma and hormones. Headaches can also be diagnosed according to specific symptoms, times of occurrence, location and type of pain, triggers and remedies which provide relief.

A natural path to relief. Acupuncture and TCM take a holistic or whole-body approach to health. Your practitioner will take a detailed health history, and perform a physical exam to determine how and why your body’s vital energy, or Qi (pronounced “chee”), is out of balance and identify what type of headache you are experiencing. To determine the most effective care, he/she will focus on illuminating the root cause(s) of the problem.

During treatment, in order to restore the balance and glow of Qi, fine sterile needles will be inserted at specific points along the meridian pathways. Based on your unique symptoms, your acupuncturist will choose to concentrate on acupuncture points related to specific organs. Afterwards, a variety of self-care techniques may be prescribed to further expedite your healing process.

It is important to remember that acupuncture is not a quick fix. Changes may occur quickly over a longer period of time, depending upon your overall constitution and health. Whether it is one visit to address an acute problem, or several visits to address a chronic problem, it is suggested to closely follow care recommendations of your acupuncturist to maximize your healing potential.

Below are a few ways that you can participate in your own healing, by making simple lifestyle changes that may help alleviate, or even prevent, head pain:

Track those triggers. Try to keep track of when your headaches start. Migraine sufferers may find it especially helpful to keep a diary of symptoms. Certain types of food and hormonal changes can be possible causes.

Stress relief. Stress can contribute to many types of health concerns, including headaches. Talk to your practitioner about healthy ways to handle stress.

Exercise. Physical activity is an important part of any healthy lifestyle, and it is a great antidote to stress.

Healthy Habits.  Do your best to eat healthy, organic foods, and to get enough sleep every day. By working with your acupuncturist and adopting some simple lifestyle changes, you will be on your way toward a healthier, and happier, pain-free lifestyle.

©2011 Acupuncture Media Works- www. Acupuncturemediaworks.com

Lupus, Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis, Crohn’s disease, you may have heard of these conditions, but do you know what they have in common? They are all types of autoimmune diseases and they are all lifelong conditions.

Approximately 50 million Americans are living with an autoimmune disease. If you are facing one of these conditions, you know how crucial it is to have a treatment plan in place to help you manage your symptoms and live the healthiest, most active life possible.

Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine can be powerful allies in living with an autoimmune disease. They can help:

• Strengthen your immune system
• Relieve painful symptoms
• Reduce your stress
• Bolster your overall health

Perhaps most importantly, your practitioner will focus on YOU as an individual. Your care will be tailored to your specific needs and symptoms. So you won’t ever receive a “one-size-fits-all” treatment.

When the immune response goes wrong to understand autoimmune disease, we must first understand how the immune system works. The immune system generally acts as the body’s protection against foreign substances and microorganisms such as bacteria and viruses. When the immune system is working properly, it can tell the difference between the body’s own tissues and outside organisms.

In the case of autoimmune diseases the immune system stops being able to differentiate, and begins to attack the body’s own cells, tissues, and organs. This immune response causes harmful inflammation that eventually leads to an autoimmune condition. There are about 80 recognized autoimmune diseases, and several other conditions such as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia that are currently believed to have an autoimmune component.

Autoimmune conditions are often difficult to diagnose and treat because their symptoms and progression can vary from person to person. These conditions may either affect many organs or target one specific part of the body. The symptoms may be persistent, get progressively worse, or go into remission with occasional “flare-ups,” and can range from being mild to so severe that they become disabling.

The exact causes of autoimmune diseases are unknown, but since many conditions run in families, it’s believed there is a genetic relationship. Since women are at a much higher risk for many autoimmune diseases, hormones may also play a part.

Treatments generally rely upon a variety of medications, which can help to relieve symptoms, but may have uncomfortable side effects.

Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine can help. Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine (CM) take holistic or whole body approach to healing based on the idea of Qi, or vital energy.  Qi flows through pathways called meridians to nourish all of the body’s organs, to protect us from illness and keep us healthy. When the flow of Qi becomes diminished or blocked, diseases can result.

The goal of treatment will be to find and treat the underlying imbalances that are affecting the flow of Qi. By addressing the root cause of the disease, CM can help your body regain balance and help improve your overall health. Acupuncture and CM can also help reduce inflammation, soothe uncomfortable symptoms, relieve side effects from medication and increase your energy levels.

During treatment, fine, sterile needles will be inserted at specific points along the meridians in order to unblock any obstructions and allow Qi to flow freely. Your practitioner may also help improve your nutrition, reduce your stress, or start you on an exercise program.

In addition, your practitioner may recommend herbal remedies and supplements designed to support your health and boost you immune system. It’s important to communicate with all of you health providers in order to maximize your healing potential.

Acupuncture and CM have proven effective against a wide variety of health concerns. By incorporating these powerful tools into your treatment program, you’re making the decision to support and nourish your body and take control of your autoimmune condition

©2011 Acupuncture Media Works- www. Acupuncturemediaworks.com

Insomnia is one of Robin M. Douglas, AP’s specialties. She has helped many in returning to restful nights. 

You settle into a warm, relaxing bed, close your eyes and nothing happens. You just can’t fall asleep. Hours go by and you are still awake. The next day you feel tired, grouchy and are unable to focus. Does this sound familiar? 

Sleepless nights happen to almost everyone at some time, but ongoing insomnia can indicate a deeper issue and could lead to further health concerns. Unfortunately, a common approach to treating insomnia includes prescription sleeping medications, which can cause side effects or even dependence.  That’s one of the many reasons to consider an all-natural approach to treating your sleep problems. Acupuncture can be a very effective way to improve your sleep quality without side effects.

One bad night… or an ongoing issue? Occasional insomnia is a very common problem, affecting about one in four Americans. It can happen to anyone, but is more common in older adults.

Symptoms of insomnia include:

• Difficulty falling asleep
• Waking up during the night
• Waking up too early
• Daytime fatigue and irritability
• Frustration and moodiness.

Insomnia can be very frustrating, but it’s more than just an annoyance. When insomnia becomes ongoing or chronic, your body is unable to get the rest and renewal it needs for you to feel your best. In fact, a lack of quality sleep can cause problems such as difficulty concentrating, diminished energy, low mood, and trouble performing everyday tasks.  Since sleep strengthens the immune system, insomnia can leave you susceptible to many other health concerns. Luckily, you have options when experiencing chronic insomnia.

Acupuncture can help.

According to the theories of acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), conditions such as insomnia are a sign of an imbalance in Qi (pronounced “chee”), the vital energy that animates the body and protects it from illness.

This imbalance can stem from a number of causes such as stress, anxiety, medications, depression, hormones, and chronic pain. To determine the underlying causes of you insomnia, your acupuncturist will take many factors into account including your lifestyle, as well as your emotional and mental well-being. He/she will then work to restore the balance and flow of Qi by inserting fine, sterile needles at specific points along the body.

Your acupuncturist may also suggest aromatherapy, yoga, meditation or other additional therapies. You may find that you sleep better after your very first session, though you will most likely receive the most benefit from a series of treatments.

Your acupuncturist can get to the root of your sleep issues by taking into amount all of the factors that may be contributing to your sleep disturbance. With this ancient form of health care . you can treat your symptoms, improve your overall health and well-being, and start looking forward to a great night’s sleep, every night.

Get a great night’s sleep naturally with Acupuncture.

TIPS FOR HEALTHY SLEEP

• Stick to a regular sleep schedule
• Plan to go to bed and wake up at the same time every day.
• Stay active. Exercise regularly, but not within a rew hours of bedtime.
• Don’t eat large meals before bed.
• Try not to nap. If you really need to nap, try to keep it short, less than 45 minutes. 
• Limit caffeine, alcohol, and nicotine. All of these can add to sleep problems.
• Relax, try taking a warm bath, meditating, or reading to wind down before going to sleep.

©2011 Acupuncture Media Works- www. Acupuncturemediaworks.com

Thank you to everyone who came out to the Ponte Vedra Relay for Life event on 4/21/2012, and everyone who got Acupuncture for Charity!

Acupuncture and Chinese medicine can be used effectively in many stages of cancer. From reducing the harmful side effects of treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy, to stimulating the immune system, to improving mood and quality of life, Eastern medicine should not be overlooked…
Here is a great article on Acupuncture and Cancer:

 http://www.acupuncture.com/newsletters/m_dec05/main2.htm

Happy Chinese New Year 2012! Here is a fun forecast for YEAR OF THE DRAGON: http://www.theborneopost.com/2012/01/21/feng-shui-2012-forecast/

We all have stressful events happen in our lives, and every person copes with stress and traumatic events in different ways at varying rates. Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a complex condition in which an affected person may experience memory, emotional, intellectual, or nervous system complications in response to a traumatic experience. Acupuncture is useful in the treatment of PTSD, especially utilizing a protocol developed by the National Acupuncture Detoxification Association (NADA.) This protocol is also used for addiction therapy to help mental and emotional effects of drug use, as well as the PTSD that is often a precursor to drug use. Robin Douglas, AP is certified in this particular treatment. Please checkout this article that discusses a study of the effects or acupuncture on PTSD victims: http://www.naturalnews.com/032174_PTSD_acupuncture.html

As the days get cooler many people are susceptible to nasal congestion, headaches, and allergies.  Acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine help to clear the sinus passages and resolve mucus, as well as strengthen the immunity to prevent problems from returning.  This article offers examples of how an Acupuncture Physician may go about treating sinus problems:  http://www.naturalnews.com/031166_Traditional_Chinese_Medicine_sinuses.html

We have all learned that we need about eight 8oz glasses of water a day, but how many of us actually get that much? Many of my patients admit to barely getting any water throughout the day, or they tell me “I don’t like it.” In Chinese medicine, we strive to bring the body back into a state of homeostasis, and I try to teach patients ‘tricks’ to do at home to help the process. Getting adequate amounts of water daily is one of these tricks. Keep in mind that if you drink any diuretics, like coffee or alcohol, you need to drink even more water to replace what you are losing. If you drink liquids with high acidity, like sodas or citrus juices, you also should drink more water to neutralize the body’s pH. Here is an interesting article that explains some of the health benefits of water related to weight loss:  http://www.highvibrations.org/archive3/water.htm.

Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine does wonders for all kinds of mental and emotional concerns, including stress, anxiety, depression, anger,  insomnia, etc. Here is an article discussing a study where the use of only 1 point in the ear was used to treat anxiety. Just think of what a whole treatment complete with body points and herbs can do! http://www.anesthesia-analgesia.org/content/92/2/548.short