After years of experience, I have come to believe there is nothing more complex to differentiate, diagnose, and treat than low back pain. Western orthopedic evaluation does a great job when there is a disc herniation with a protrusion or fragment lodged on a spinal nerve root. Anything else, in my opinion, is either art …
Continue reading “Low Back Pain: The Quadratus Lumborum Muscle”
Bacteria are not all bad. Too often we relate bacteria to germs and harmful microorganisms that cause disease. The truth is the human body is made up of billions of bacteria, without many of which we would not survive. The term “probiotics” relates to foods and nutritional supplements that contain these same “good” bacteria found …
An old Chinese medical proverb says–The best doctor treats the problem before the problem becomes the disease. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) uses herbs and medications, acupuncture, massage, and qi gong (coordinating breathing patterns with various physical postures and body motions). TCM has been practiced in Asia for over 4,000 years. To underscore its importance in …
Continue reading “The Role of TCM and Nutrition in Preventative Care”
According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), arthritis arises when the flow of Qi and Blood are blocked and prevented from passing through the body’s energy pathways. The Chinese believe that when wind, cold, and dampness penetrate the body’s defenses and enter the muscles, tendons and joints, they can cause stiffness and pain. According to TCM, …
According to Autism Speaks, the CDC reported that approximately 1 in 36 children are diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder in the United States. Theories suggest vaccines are responsible, but there is growing concern that environmental toxins and pollution may be contributing factors. It is also theorized that nutrition, viral infections, immunizations, and antibiotics may be …
The National Stand-Down for Homeless Veterans is an annual event that honors and seeks to physically and emotionally help homeless veterans. Each summer in San Diego, acupuncturist Mitch Lehman directs and organizes the National Stand Down for homeless veterans, held by Integrated Medicine Services. This year’s Stand Down will be held from the 17th through …
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The ancient Chinese healing art of acupressure is similar to acupuncture, but instead of applying needles to certain points on the body, the technique uses finger pressure on these points. Like acupuncture, applying pressure on specific points of the body draws on the body’s natural abilities to cure itself. The pressure promotes blood …
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The acronym ‘CAM’ stands for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. CAM is a group of diverse medical and health care systems, practices, and products that include treatments such as herbal remedies, naturopathy, acupuncture, and meditation. CAM is currently not considered to be a part of conventional medicine, and because of this, it is not covered by …
The lymphatic system is a complex network of ducts and vessels that transfer white blood cells and antibodies to your organs and tissues. These cells and antibodies arm your immune system and help your body combat infections. Unlike the circulatory system, which uses the heart to pump blood to vital organs and tissues, the lymph …
Continue reading “Lymphatic Drainage and Facial Massage can Help Sinus Infections and Allergies”
Posture is often overlooked as a health concern, but a person’s posture has a direct effect on his or her breathing, organ function, and muscle integrity. With the majority of American adults confined to desk and chair for 40 hours of the week, attention to posture is crucial for optimum health. In Chinese medicine, correct …
Continue reading “Improving Posture Can Improve Health, and TCM can Help”