FREE Open House at Hendersonville's Chinese Acupuncture Clinic

August 1, Saturday
10 am - 2 pm

206 Chadwick Ave
828-698-3335



Prizes Will Be Given Every 30 Minutes!

Including: 1 free acupuncture treatment & 1 free massage

*Refreshments for Everyone*

SCHEDULE

10 - 11 am
Experience Auricular Acupuncture -
Experience ear acupuncture in a group setting.

11 - 11:30 am
Presentation: "Staying Healthy with Chinese Medicine"

11:30 am - 12 pm
Qi Gong with Junie Norfleet, L.Ac. -
Experience a self cultivation Qi exercise instructed by Junie.

12 - 2 pm
Experience Chinese Medicine Manual Therapies -
Sign-up for a 15 minute demo of cupping, gua sha, or tui na massage.

For more information, we can also be contacted through the Asheville Clinic:

Chinese Acupuncture Clinic
369 Montford Ave
Asheville, North Carolina 28801
828.258.9016

Providing Chinese Medicine in Rural Guatemala

By Eric Aufdencamp, L.Ac.

In May 2008, I had the privilege of doing volunteer work with a non-profit called GUAMAP, the Guatemala Acunpuncture and Medical Aid Project. The organization sends Spanish-speaking acupuncturists and other health care volunteers to remote villages in northern Guatemala. They teach health promoters acupuncture skills so they can treat those in need. Health promoters are Guatemalans who receive special training in basic medicine to help the people in their communities. I am looking forward to returning this summer as well.

The first time around each practitioner was interviewed to assess the effectiveness of their treatments. Everyone responded that they were pleased with their results. They also reported that the demand and request for treatments continues to grow.

One of the more seasoned practitioners was pleased to tell us about a practitioner from the level two training, who had successfully treated four cases of poisonous snake bites with moxa. He was impressed, because he had always had access to western medicine and did not want to take the risk of seeing if the treatment would be successful. However, his colleague, who did not have any other options since he lived far from any western medical facility, treated him just with moxa.

The health promoters are working to create a local acupuncture committee to support each other, as well as to improve their status as health practitioners. Indeed, many of them provide other types of healthcare education, such as oral hygiene. The level of enthusiasm and interest in Chinese medicine shows that it will continue to flourish in a country where many lack access to basic medical services.

During my time teaching and treating patients, I was reminded of the ability of Chinese medicine to heal and improve the lives of so many people. I look forward to working with GUAMAP again this year and thank all of you who so generously supported my participation in this wonderful program.

Eric Aufdencamp, D.O.M., To Give Free Public Talk About Migraine Relief With Chinese Medicine

Free Public Talk:
“TREATING MIGRAINES
WITH CHINESE MEDICINE”
Presented by:
Eric Aufdencamp, D.O.M.
(Doctor of Oriental Medicine)
Monday, AUGUST 10
5:30 - 7 PM
Earthfare Community Room, Westgate Shopping Center

Join Eric to learn how Chinese medicine can help you be free of migraines. He will share how many of his patients have received relief from their migraines by using Chinese medicine.

In this talk, you will learn how:
· Chinese medicine theory explains and treats migraines
· Emotions impact your health
· Chinese herbs play a key role in treating migraines

After this evening, you will have tools you can use to reduce migraines:
· Stress-reduction techniques
· Application of essential oils
· Simple dietary guidelines
· Acupressure points for pain relief

Question and answer session to follow talk.

Eric received his Master’s of Oriental Medicine in 2001 from Southwest Acupuncture College in Albuquerque, NM. He completed an advanced internship in Beijing in 2000. Since 2002, he has been practicing at the Chinese Acupuncture Clinic in Asheville.

The Treatment of Childhood Eczema and Chinese Medicine

By Eric Aufdencamp, L.Ac.

Chinese medicine is very effective in the treatment of childhood eczema. Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, refers to inflammation of the skin and a group of other allergic diseases that commonly develop concurrently or later in life. The most common symptoms include: itchy, red, inflamed skin that may be dry and scaly or exude a clear to yellowish fluid. A Western medical diagnosis provides useful information, but the best information for your acupuncturist is the specific symptoms your child has. This information guides the diagnosis and treatment process.

Chinese Medicine and Eczema

From a Chinese Medicine perspective, the skin not being properly nourished is the main underlying reason that eczema occurs. The Blood and fluids nourish the skin in Chinese Medicine theory. The manifestations of the condition will reveal the specific disharmony disrupting the flow of Blood to the skin. Although there can be many diagnoses in Chinese medicine, some of the most common are: phlegm and damp accumulation, heat in the Blood and/or Blood deficiency. The root of most childhood eczema is chronic lingering pathogenic factor (LPF). This refers to improper treatment of an illness that your child may not have fully recovered from, or the result of some pharmaceuticals. It is important to determine which factor is predominant for the initial treatment. Below are types of eczema and their causes according to Chinese Medicine theory.

1. Phlegm and Dampness Accumulation: This type of eczema is generally caused by a weakness of the Spleen, which then creates dampness. Symptoms can include: rash with oozing fluids, nasal discharge, productive cough, and skin with a yellowish hue.

2. Heat: The heat may be the result of ‘fetal toxins’ or ‘constitutional weaknesses.’ Symptoms may include: red face, irritability, hot to the touch or hot all the time, restlessness, excessive thirst, and appetite. The lesions may be dry if heat is more prominent than dampness.

3. Qi and Blood Deficiency: This is caused by weakness of the Spleen that produces the Blood that nourishes the skin. Symptoms include: dry, flaky skin with a rash that is not very severe, pale or white face, poor appetite, shadows under eyes. The child may tend to be lethargic.

4. Lingering Pathogenic Factor: Symptoms may include: swollen glands in neck or groin, history of repeated illness, frequent antibiotic use, and immunizations.

5. Accumulation Disorder: This is caused by a weakness of the Spleen causing an accumulation dampness that combines with heat. It can be the result of introducing new foods, which are difficult to digest; frequent feedings, which weaken the Spleen; or the use of antibiotics, which create dampness. Symptoms: red, oozing rash, strong constitution, green nasal discharge, swollen abdomen, foul-smelling stools or scent of apples, red cheeks with green hue around the mouth, and irregular stools.

Home Care for Pediatric Eczema

The root of most cases of childhood eczema is the Spleen/Stomach system. That is why diet is one of the most important ways to treat and prevent childhood eczema.

1. Eliminate: excessively sweet foods such as juices, tropical fruits, peanuts, dairy, oily, fried foods, wheat and all sugar.

2. Put your infant on a regular feeding schedule and don’t feed every time they are fussy or cry.

3. Apply a customized essential oil blend to soothe and heal the skin. It must be extracted without chemical solvents, otherwise it may irritate the skin or have very little to no therapeutic effect.

4. An oatmeal bath helps soothe the itchiness associated with many inflammatory skin conditions.

5. Talk to your acupuncturist about home massage techniques you can perform on your child to strengthen his or her Spleen/Stomach (digestive system) meridians.

6. Avoid steroid creams and ointments, if at all possible. They may drive the causative factor deeper into the body, thereby weakening other internal organs.

Beat The Heat With Cool Herbs

By Rachel Nowakowski, L.Ac.

During the hot weather, we automatically reach for an iced cold beverage to cool us down and quench our thirst. But is it the best thing for us?

Drinking iced cold fluids only lowers the body temperature temporarily. The stomach then has to work twice as hard to produce enough heat for digestion which makes you hotter. And more thirsty.

It may sound crazy, but a cup of hot tea in the hot weather can actually cool you down. Drinking warmer fluids dilates the blood vessels which makes you sweat and the sweat evaporation cools you down.

Two popular Chinese herbs for clearing heat from the body are field mint, Herba Mentha Haplocalycis (Bo He) and chrysanthemum flowers, Chrysanthemum Moriflorii, (Ju Hua).

Both of these herbs are classified as cool, acrid herbs which relieve heat of the upper body, i.e. head and chest. They are beneficial to the Liver energy and are helpful for eye and skin conditions.

These herbs are available at health food stores or from your Chinese medicine practitioner.

Cooling Peppermint & Chrysanthemum Tea

1 handful of dried mint
1 small handful of dried chrysanthemum flowers
3 quarts of water
Honey to taste

Instructions:
1. Put herbs into a cooking pot.
2. Pour in 3 quarts of water and bring to a boil.
3. Reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes.
4. Add honey.
5. Strain out the herbs and refrigerate.
6. Drink cooled or at room temperature.

Enjoy!

An Introduction to "Latent Heat"

By David Trevino, L.Ac.

Latent Heat is an ancient concept used to describe the manifestation of an External or Internal Pathogenic Factor that does not create immediate symptoms, but remains latent in the body.

In other words, when an external pathogenic factor such as Cold or Heat invades, and an individual's vital (Kidney) energy is weak, the pathogenic factor moves inward instead of being pushed out.

Ancient Chinese medical texts such as the book of Simple Questions, Chapter 3, describes latency in the following manner, "If Cold enters the body in winter-time; it comes out as Heat in springtime."

In reality, this can occur at any season, not just springtime. The process of latency is the body's attempt to hold on to something, when it does not have the energy to immediately dispel it, and may contribute to chronic conditions such as autoimmune disorders, chronic fatigue, digestive disorders, joint problems, AIDS, and cancer.

According to Giovanni Maciocia, the underlying reason for latent heat syndromes is usually a deficiency of the Kidney energy. He goes on to state that if the body condition is relatively good, a person will develop symptoms at the time when the external pathogenic factor invades. This is a healthy reaction.

On the other hand, if the body's energy is weakened by overtaxing the body with overwork, maintaining an unhealthy diet or lifestyle habits, this will make the person more vulnerable to acquiring a latent heat condition. Once the pathogen enters the interior of the body, it incubates, turns into Heat and will become evident some months later.

Latent Heat conditions are also described as originating from pestilent factors. In other words, latent heat can occur when a strong pestilent factor such as an epidemic febrile disease from a virus, bacteria or fungus invades our body.

Even if a person's vital energy is strong and has healthy lifestyle habits, the invasion of a pestilent pathogenic factor can overwhelm the body's defensive system and lead to a latent heat condition. When the pestilent factor moves inward, it usually lodges at the nutritive level called Ying Qi. This is often defined as the level of the blood vessels and the flesh.

On other occasions, pestilent pathogenic factors can travel to the (Jing), which is stored in the kidneys and is the densest physical matter within the body. The Jing is said to be the material basis for the physical body and fuels and cools the body and is the carrier of our heritage. For this reason, patients who suffer from latent heat conditions often experience signs as sudden fatigue, slight feeling of heat, swelling, insomnia, slight thirst, and others.

The treatment of latent heat conditions has been a part of Classical Chinese Medicine for several centuries. As a result, Chinese Medicine has developed a number of strategies to help people who suffer from latent conditions become asymptomatic.

The most obvious strategy is to help the body dispel the latent pathogenic factor by utilizing Chinese herbs and acupuncture. In other instances, it may be more appropriate to encourage latency and help the body keep the pathogenic factor from creating uncomfortable symptoms in order to not overwhelm the person's vital energy.

In summary, latent heat is a physiological manifestation resulting from the body's inability to expel a pathogenic factor from the exterior. These conditions are often a result of a weakened energy system due to overwork and unhealthy lifestyle habits. Latent heat conditions can appear months after the invasion of an external pathogenic factor such as a virus, bacteria or fungus that was not dispelled completely. The ensuing, often complex conditions are best treated by skilled practitioners of Chinese medicine, who are welled versed in latency conditions.

For more information of latent heat conditions call the Chinese Acupuncture Clinic at 828-258-9016.

References:
1. The Yellow Emperor's Classic of Internal Medicine-Simple Questions, 1979, People's Health Publishing House, Beijing, first published c. 100 BC, p. 21.
2. Maciocia, Giovanni. The Three Treasures Newsletter. Summer, 2006.
3. Kaptchuck, Ted J., The Web That Has No Weaver, Congdon & Weed; ISBN 0-8092-2933-1.

Infertility & Chinese Medicine: An Ancient Approach To A Modern Problem

By Ann Wolman, L.Ac.

Chinese Medicine has been used for thousands of years to help parents conceive and carry pregnancies to full term. There is a growing body of research showing the efficacy of acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine in the treatment of infertility.

Historically, Chinese Medicine was used to keep the emperor healthy so that he could "live forever and father more sons." This ancient wisdom has provided many effective treatments for couples trying to conceive.

Acupuncture is well known as a combined therapy with IVF. In February of 2008, The British Medical Journal published results demonstrating that Acupuncture raises the odds of achieving pregnancy through IVF by 65 percent. Acupuncture can also be effective in combination with other therapies including artificial insemination and as a stand-alone approach to the treatment of infertility.

Infertility is defined as an inability to conceive after one year of unprotected sex or the inability to carry a pregnancy to term. Many factors contribute to this vexing problem: stress, poor diet, environmental degradation, age, family history and hormonal/endocrine imbalances to name a few.

Fertility rates appear to be declining in the industrialized nations of the world. It is now estimated that ten to fifteen percent of couples have difficulty conceiving. Recent research suggests that even as early as age 27 fertility rates in women may drop.

Many people are turning to Chinese medicine to enhance their chances of conception. These treatments can supplement or provide an alternative to invasive and costly Western Medicine fertility intervention.

Prior to treatment for infertility a thorough health history is obtained to establish a Chinese "pattern of disharmony." In Chinese medicine a woman's menstrual cycle is seen as a window into her physiology. Flow of qi and blood are assessed for blockage and deficiency aiding the practitioner in diagnosis and treatment. Information and feedback are gathered from each cycle, so treatments can be adjusted during the different phases of the month.

Acupuncture and moxibustion are used to restore harmony, and from a western medicine perspective, to reduce stress and balance hormone levels. Treatment can include soothing the flow of liver qi, nourishing liver blood and strengthening kidney energy to promote conception and prevent miscarriage. Individualized Chinese herbal formulas are used to move qi and blood, augment yin and yang, and enhance the body's ability to conceive.

It is common for couples to seek treatment for primary, secondary or even idiopathic infertility. In other words, western medical tests may or may not reveal any abnormalities. Fallopian tubes may not be blocked, ovulation may be occurring, and eggs may be viable, but there is still an inability to conceive.

In some cases, problems have been identified. For example, fallopian tubes may be blocked or scar tissue present. There may be no ovulation or the luteal phase is too short or long. In these cases, diagnosis and treatment from a Chinese Medical perspective can treat these conditions and allow for conception. In addition, men are often treated for low sperm count or motility and to encourage the compatibility of the sperm and egg during conception.

Every day more people are turning to the gentle and effective treatments for infertility that Chinese Medicine offers. Please contact our office if you or someone you love needs more information regarding treatment options for infertility.

References:
1. Lyttleton, Jane, Treatment of Infertility with Chinese Medicine, Churchill Livingston, England 2004.
2. Liang, Lifeng, OMD, PHD, LAC, Acupunture and IVF, Blue Poppy Press, Boulder Colorado 2003.
3. Maciocca, Giovanni, Obstectrics and Gynecology in Chinese Medicine, Churchill Livingston, Singapore 1998.

Uterine Fibroids & Chinese Medicine

By Ann Wolman, L.Ac.

One of the most common women’s health concerns is the development of uterine fibroids. It is estimated by age 50 between 20% and 80% of women will have developed fibroids, or myomas, as they are also called.

Fibroids are muscular tumors that grow in the wall of the uterus (womb). Fibroids can grow as a single tumor or as many in the uterus. They are most often benign or non-cancerous. They can be as small as a seed or as big as a grapefruit and are often detectible by palpation if they are large enough. When small they are seen by ultrasound, MRI, X Ray, and CT scan. Western treatments are surgery and/or hormonal drug therapy.

There is no known cause for fibroids in Western Medicine. Researchers think that hormone levels and genetics may be two factors playing a role. They grow rapidly during pregnancy, when hormone levels are high and shrink generally when anti-hormone medication is used. Growth is also reduced once a woman reaches menopause and hormone levels drop off.

I would suggest that estrogen is the main culprit. I believe that there is a strong correlation between fibroid growth and the body’s overproduction of estrogen, a phenomenon commonly referred to as “ estrogen dominance.” This hormonal imbalance has been linked to the overuse of petroleum-based products and eating hormone-fed animal products, both of which cause women to overproduce estrogen. Estrogen feeds tissue growth and western scientific research has connected fibroids to heavily meat-based diets.

Symptoms of fibroids vary. Some women have no symptoms at all while in some cases fibroids can cause severe pain or heavy menstrual bleeding. In some cases, the fibroids put pressure on the bladder or the rectum and cause frequent urination or rectal pain. They can also cause low back pain, pain during sex, and even complications during pregnancy and delivery. They can contribute to menstrual cramps and fertility problems. If they get very big they can cause the stomach to enlarge giving the appearance that a woman is pregnant or obese and making movement difficult. Historically, fibroids have provided one of the most common rationales for hysterectomy.

In Chinese Medicine, uterine fibroids fall under two general categories of abdominal masses called Ji Ju. One of these is caused by stagnation of qi, blood and dampness that can become phlegm in the abdomen.

Emotional strain causes qi and blood to stagnate and over-consumption of damp producing food can lead to fibroids due to qi and blood stagnation.

The second type of uterine fibroids is related to yin deficiency. As women approach menopause, there is a natural decline of Kidney and Liver yin. If this yin deficiency is especially severe, the body may respond by creating more yin (or fluid). This process may become pathological. In this case, fibroids may be formed by what is termed yin stasis.

The treatment of fibroids in Chinese Medicine is very successful. It is essential for your practitioner to differentiate between fibroids due to qi, blood, and phlegm stasis and those due to yin stasis. Acupuncture, Chinese herbs, abdominal massage, topical herbal applications including caster oil packs with essential oils such as frankincense and lavender and qi gong are all useful in the treatment of myomas.

The traditional literature suggests that if fibroids are smaller than a “goose egg,” the prognosis for shrinking them is very good. If they are much larger, their growth may be arrested. Qi and blood-stasis-related fibroids tend to shrink naturally at menopause, while yin stasis fibroids may grow. In either case, surgery may be avoided with Chinese Medicine.

If you suspect fibroids, or are experiencing any unusual symptoms related to your menstrual cycle, schedule a visit with an acupuncturist at the Chinese Acupuncture Clinic.

Summer First Aid: Using Essential Oils

By M. Cissy Majebe, L.Ac.

As we enter the summer season, there are a number of hazards to which we are exposed. These include insect bites, bee stings, sunburn and a greater likelihood of scrapes and tears, as children and adults alike return to playing outside.

Essential oils are a great way to treat many of these aggravations.

You may have tried essential oils in the past, but it is important that you have good quality oils. I do not recommend the essential oils that are purchased in local retail stores. There are oils that are used for aromatherapy, and there are oils that are medical grade. Medical grade essential oils can be used topically and internally. Oils that are not medical grade are often extracted with solvents or could be adulterated with less expensive or less pure oils.

Here are a few recommendations for using essential oils in this upcoming season. Before using essential oils, remember to only utilize medical grade oils for topical applications.

BEE STINGS AND INSECT BITES:

· Use Tea Tree, Ho Leaf and Eucalyptus Radiata essential oils
· Blend 20 drops of Tea Tree, 10 drops of Ho Leaf, 10 drops of Eucalyptus Radiata
· Apply directly to the area of the bee sting every one half hour until discomfort reduces and then 4-6 times a day

SUNBURN:

· Use a combination of Niaouli, Lavender and Frankincense
· Blend 10 drops of both Niaouli and Frankincense, and 20 drops of Lavender in a one third ounce of almond oil
· Apply topically to the area of the burn every hour while awake until the discomfort is relieved

Remedies for Home and Travel

By Joshua Herr, L.Ac.

We have often been asked, "What herbs should I take with me while I'm traveling out of the country?" or "What herbs do you keep in your medicine cabinet at home?"

These inquiries have led us to compile remedy kits for our patients.

We have 3 Chinese Herbal Medicine kits available for purchase at CAC:

• Home Remedy Kit
• Travel Kit
• Children's Home Remedies Booster Kit

Designed to treat common ailments, each kit comes with complete instructions on its application and dosing guidelines based on age.

The Children's Home Remedy Kit is comprised of tinctures and essential oil remedies. This allows the parent to have immediate access to a remedy so that treatment can begin quickly. We find that having access to herbal remedies at home and being able to begin treatment early can drastically shorten the duration of illness.

If there are questions about dosing or you are unsure which remedy would be the best choice for you or your child, one of our practitioners would be pleased to provide you with guidance.