Chinese Herbs Shown to Help Ease Eczema Symptoms

A traditional Chinese herbal medicine consisting of five herbs may ease eczema symptoms.

Eczema is a group of inflammatory skin disorders that make the skin dry, itchy, flaky, red and sore. In more severe forms, the skin can become broken and weep or bleed.

Researchers found that treatment with five Chinese herbs reduced the need for conventional medicines and improved the quality of life for patients with atopic eczema.

The herbal formula being tested consisted of these 5 herbs in combination:

• Flos lonicerae (Japanese honeysuckle) aka Jin Yin Hua
• Herba menthae (peppermint) aka Bo He
• Cortex moutan (root bark of peony tree) aka Mu Dan Pi
• Atractylodes Rhizome (underground stem of the atractylodes herb) aka Bai Zhu
• Cortex phellodendri (Amur cork-tree bark) aka Huang Bai

Patients who took the herbal formula reported that their quality of life improved by a third, while those who took the placebo reported no improvement. The researchers also found the herbal remedy reduced patients' needs for the conventional treatment of topical steroids by an average of four days a month, compared to just one day a month in the placebo group.

The study of 85 patients by the Chinese University of Hong Kong is reported in the British Journal of Dermatology.

Read the entire article here.

Do you suffer from skin conditions such as Eczema, Psoriasis, or Dermatitis?

Call Aiyana Acupuncture & Chinese Herbs at 212-894-0767 to schedule an appointment or to speak to an acupuncturist for a free 15 minute consultation!

Posted by Sharon Ann Wyse, L.Ac.

When Your Skin Gets Stressed...

Stress isn't fun for any of us, but what makes matters worse is when we show physical signs of it. All vanity aside, having bad skin leads to a whole new level of stress. People joke that their kids give them gray hairs and that they get a pimple right before a big date ... but it's not all in their head!

Dermatologists know that stress can lead to hair loss and acne, since it stimulates the body to release a hormone called cortisol, which promotes the release of oil by the skin. This increase in oil is what encourages acne to develop.

Physical stress like disease, injury or pregnancy, can also cause these stress-related hair and skin reactions.

Acupuncture and Chinese herbs are natural options to help relieve stress. Treatment can help the mind and body relax, normalize hormonal fluctuations, and improve circulation to the skin, helping you look and feel your best and eliminating one of the underlying causes of hair loss and breakouts.

Also, the following stress-reducing tips are some easy, practical things humans can do to reduce the amount of stress in their lives.

(1) Be realistic and don't try to be perfect, or expect others to be so.

(2) Don't over-schedule; cut out an activity or two when you start to feel overwhelmed.

(3) Get a good night's sleep.

(4) Get regular exercise to manage stress -- just not excessive or compulsive exercise -- and follow a healthy diet.

(5) Learn to relax by building time into your schedule for reading or a nice long bath.

Read the whole article here.

Posted by Jessica Silver, MAOM, L.Ac.

Acupuncture for Postoperative Pain

Duke University Medical Center is using acupuncture to help with postoperative pain. Having interned at a hospital where I treated people for pain who had just had surgery, it is nice to see that Duke Medical Center is administering acupuncture before AND throughout the surgery. The result has been less pain killers being used. Read the interview below with the anesthesiologist at Duke.

Acupuncture can help patients with pain control
6/19/2008 11:32 AM
By: Ivanhoe, Broadcast News

T.J. Gan, M.D., an anesthesiologist at Duke University Medical Center in Durham, N.C., talks about acupuncture to treat postoperative pain.

Q: How do you believe acupuncture can affect postoperative pain?

Dr. Gan: Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese art and has been practiced for thousands of years. One of the more significant roles is treating pain condition. There has been a fair amount of evidence both in animals and human that stimulating the acupuncture points can result in the release of body own pain killers systems such endorphins and enkephalins.

Q: When you do perform the acupuncture?

Dr. Gan: The acupuncture needs to be inserted about half an hour to 45 minutes before surgery because it typically takes about five or 10 minutes for the body to start releasing some of these pain killing effects of the acupuncture. We typically maintain the acupuncture throughout the surgery to the end of surgery.

Q: In your study, was there any need for follow up acupuncture to treat postoperative pain?

Dr. Gan: In this study, we did not look at that but that pain is a continuing process and certainly having acupuncture after surgery would be very helpful to maintain a good pain control and also reduce the amount of morphine that patients may require after surgery.

Click here to read the rest of the interview.

also, check out the video on you tube.

posted by: Michael G. Pingicer, M.S., L.Ac.
212.894.0767
http://www.amazinghealing.com/

Natural Mosquito Repellents

I was out at my mother and father's house on Sunday and noticed that my mom had lemon thyme plants growing in the backyard right in front of the back door that leads into the house. My mother explained that the lemon thyme works as a natural mosquito repellent and that every time she goes to sit in the backyard she takes a few leaves, bruises them by crushing them in her hand, and then places the essence from the leaves around her ankles, knees, elbows and shoulders. There are other natural plants that act as mosquito repellents such as Lavender, Rose Geranium, Lemon Eucalyptus, Lemongrass, and Citronella, which can be found in most health food stores. If you don't have a back garden or any place to grow these plants then I would advise buying natural sprays, lotions or candles from your local health food store.

Other tips to avoid getting bit by mosquitos are:

• Avoid dark clothing (dark clothes and foliage are initial attractants)
• Avoid floral or fruity fragrances (perfumes, hair products, and scented sunscreens, also watch for floral fragrance from fabric softeners)
• Avoid staying near standing water (even small amounts of water, for example: moist plants or mud puddles, will draw mosquitoes. Standing water also allows mosquitoes to reproduce.)
• Avoid excessive perspiration (you release more lactic acid when you have been exercising or after eating certain foods for example: salty foods and high-potassium foods)

Posted by Sharon Ann Wyse L.Ac.

Earthships, Tumbleweed Houses, and Yaks, OH MY!

Always looking to become more independent from the style of city living that has become the standard (ConEd, Keyspan...sound familiar?) the idea of buying an empty lot in Brooklyn and living off the grid becomes more and more inviting, and now it is even a possibility. I have a few friends upstate who live in a yurt, filter the rain water, grow their own food, have passive solar energy, and own two yaks. I am drawn to certain aspects of that style of living, but I'm not sure if I can legally keep a yak on that Brooklyn lot. Some of the other intriguing styles of homes that I have recently discovered are the Earthship and the Tumbleweed Tiny House.

The Earthship is defined on the website as follows: "Earthship n. 1. passive solar home made of natural and recycled materials 2. thermal mass construction for temperature stabilization. 3. renewable energy & integrated water systems make the Earthship an off-grid home with little to no utility bills." Sounds pretty good. They construct the houses from dirt, rubber tires, old bottles, beer cans, etc. They are pretty stunning, and you can rent them by the night in some places. I love the greenhouses that are part of the houses and the fact that there are trees in some of the living rooms. There is also a documentary about the architect behind the Earthships, called Garbage Warrior, and I'm all set to order one to see how these things are made.

The Tumbleweed Tiny House is a little more on the grid as they are set up for electric and plumbing, but they are so darned cute and minimalist and save you money in the long run. They range from 65 to 774 square feet depending on how much space you need. They also give workshops on how to build the houses and you can purchase plans and do it yourself. Also, check out the Small House Society for more info about the small house movement.

I'll let you know if I ever get that yak...

posted by: Michael G. Pingicer, M.S., L.Ac.
212.894.0767
http://www.amazinghealing.com/

Eating Locally

Working at Aiyana Acupuncture and Herbs, I have the great opportunity to visit the Farmer's Market located in Union Square and purchase fresh fruits and vegetables. Aside from helping my body become healthier (locally grown fruits and vegetables tend to have no pesticides or preservatives), buying locally means less fuel being used in the transport which also helps the planet.

A study at the University of North Carolina is underway to see how the impact of eating foods that are in a 100 mile radius will affect a persons health. The study will look at the environmental benefits of transitioning to sustainable farming practices, determine whether there are nutritional and health benefits for consumers, and conduct an economic analysis of opportunities and barriers to local food systems. Click here for more study related information.

To read more about local food, read this post from last year called “A New Yorker Tries the 100-mile Diet.'’

We may not be able to take control of certain things in this world, but when it comes to our body and our happiness we have choices to make ourselves healthier and happier.

Call Aiyana Acupuncture and Herbs to Schedule Your Free 15 Minute Phone Consultation at 212-894-0767

Posted by: Sharon Ann Wyse L.Ac.

Weather and Joint Pain

Mother nature thankfully balances summer's blazing hot days with sudden storms and rain. Occasionally we are even informed of an impending downpour by sources other than the weatherman. If someone you know predicts it's going to rain based on their aching knee, hips, hands or shoulders, believe them!

A new bit of research has been released in the article People With Joint Pain Can Really Forecast Thunderstorms.

As the article explains, there is actually a scientific explanation behind people being able to forecast precipitation from their joint pain. Most of them report increases in pain before and during severe changes in weather, like summer downpours and thunderstorms.

Weather-related joint pain is typically seen in patients with osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and other arthritic conditions. It can affect any load-bearing joint, but is most common in hips, knees, elbows, shoulders and hands. The joints contain sensory nerves called baro-receptors which respond to changes in atmospheric pressure. These receptors especially react when there is low barometric pressure, meaning the atmosphere has gone from dry to moist, like when it is going to rain. Hence, when pressure in the environment changes, we know that the amount of fluid in the joint or the pressure inside the joint fluctuates with it.

Suggested treatments by physicians include heat or ice, massage therapy, pain-killing creams, NSAIDs, steroid injections, and supplements to reduce inflammation such as omega-3, glucosamine and chondroitin, and joint replacement.

Acupuncture and Chinese herbs are yet another option for those who would rather quit announcing the forecast based on pain in their bodies. This natural therapy provides pain relief and decreases inflammation in the joints, among other benefits. A recent NIH study led by Dr. Berman shows that acupuncture is as effective or more effective than drugs in the treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee.

For more information on acupuncture and herbs, or for a free consultation please call us at 212-894-0767

Posted by Jessica Silver, MAOM, L.Ac.

How to Pick a Pepper

Whatever their color, delicious bell peppers are brimming with age-fighting antioxidants. But which bell has the most -- red, orange, yellow, or green?

Yahoo health had this to say: "If you're going to pick just one, you might be better off red. A study recently showed that reds were the bell of the ball when it came to disease-fighting phenol content. Phenol Defenders, and MorePhenols aren't the only feather in a red bell pepper's cap. According to another study, red bells are also highest in vitamin C -- that mighty antioxidant that helps keep your skin and blood vessels young."

Discover how the vitamin C in red and yellow peppers may help save lives

More Health Benefits of Peppers Include:

1. Protection Against Free Radicals: Peppers are excellent sources of vitamin C and vitamin A (through its concentration of carotenoids such as beta-carotene), two very powerful antioxidants. These antioxidants work together to effectively neutralize free radicals, which can travel through the body causing huge amounts of damage to cells, leading to atherosclerosis and heart disease, the nerve and blood vessel damage seen in diabetes, the cloudy lenses of cataracts, the joint pain and damage seen in osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, and the wheezing and airway tightening of asthma.

2.Reduced Risk of Cardiovascular Disease: For atherosclerosis and diabetic heart disease, peppers contain vitamin B6 and folic acid. Bell peppers also provide fiber that can help lower high cholesterol levels, another risk factor for heart attack and stroke.

3. Better Eyesight: Bell peppers appear to have a protective effect against cataracts, possibly due to their vitamin C and beta-carotene content. Italian researchers compared the diets of hospital patients who had removed cataracts with patients who had not undergone the operation. Certain vegetables, including sweet peppers, reduced the cataract operation risk. The red variety of bell peppers also supply the phytonutrients lutein and zeaxanthin, which have been found to protect against macular degeneration, the main cause of blindness in the elderly.

Read more details on the World's Healthiest Foods Website, and remember, even if you choose the red pepper, to keep a rainbow of colors on your plate for optimum health and balance!

Posted by Jessica Silver, MAOM, L.Ac.

Cool as a Cucumber

As the summer months approach, it's the perfect time to introduce some cool, yin foods into your diet. Chinese nutrition classifies food according to its energetic qualities of temperature, taste, and ability to moisten and strengthen the body. Food with cool and cold properties can clear heat, reduce toxins, and generate body fluids.

In a hot environment, your body rids itself of excess heat by increasing blood flow to the skin, sweating and breathing out warmed air. These mechanisms can sometimes be overwhelmed, however, leading to heat-related symptoms.

Heat exhaustion is a condition in which the body's heat-regulating system fails, due to prolonged exposure to high temperatures, excessive production of heat or, commonly, a combination of the two. The body is unable to lose heat adequately in order to return to its normal temperature.

One way to naturally cool down your body is to incorporate energetically cooling foods into your daily regime; an easy and delicious way is by drinking Cucumber Water.

The phrase "cool as a cucumber" is not without merit. This vegetable's high water content gives it a very unique moist and cooling taste.

For the summer months, I like to peel a cucumber and then place it in a pitcher of water over night. The next day I have cucumber water all ready to take to the park or beach. Another cooling food/herb is mint. Mint can be placed in the cucumber water to enhance the fresh taste of the water but to also add to the cucumber waters cooling effect on the body.

To read more about the energetics of foods please click here.

posted by Sharon A. Wyse, L.Ac.

The Fruit That Scrambles Your Taste Buds.

Here is an article that I just cannot pass up blogging about due to the fact that it has to do with food and changing what things taste like. This little red fruit turns sour foods sweet. You let the flesh of the fruit sit in your mouth for a minute, then you taste a lemon and it will taste sweet. Sounds pretty crazy, right? I'm intrigued.

From the article, how it works:
"The miracle fruit, Synsepalum dulcificum, is native to West Africa and has been known to Westerners since the 18th century. The cause of the reaction is a protein called miraculin, which binds with the taste buds and acts as a sweetness inducer when it comes in contact with acids, according to a scientist who has studied the fruit, Linda Bartoshuk at the University of Florida’s Center for Smell and Taste. Dr. Bartoshuk said she did not know of any dangers associated with eating miracle fruit."

The fruits are pretty expensive ($2 for 1 fruit) and NYC restaurants are already ready to jump all over it and turn it into a new trend. Go out there and explore. There is a grower and distributer in Florida, and he says: “I like oysters with some lemon juice,” he said. “Usually you just swallow them, but I just chew like it was chewing gum.” That sounds pretty crazy, and I'm willing to try!

posted by: Michael G. Pingicer, M.S., L.Ac.
212.894.0767
http://www.amazinghealing.com/