Acupuncture of Indiana

Winter is upon us! Here in the Midwest, winter came early, and although the holiday season is near, we should be aware of our daily diet. In Oriental medicine, the standard daily diet changes along with the seasons. The reason for this is that each organ in our body is aligned with a season and has its own preferential diet. The heart is the organ of summer and we should eat foods that will energize the heart in the summer. If we eat winter foods in the summer, the heart energy suffers and could lead to an energetic imbalance and eventually to an organic problem with the heart.

Winter is the time of the kidneys, so in winter we need to look at foods that energize the kidneys. The taste associated with the kidneys is salty and its element is water. The kidneys serve many important functions in Oriental medicine including supporting the brain, bones and hearing, and enabling deep breaths. The following foods energize the kidneys:

-Beans
-Cucumbers
-Dark leafy vegetables
-Figs
-Fish
-Miso
-Pork
-Root Vegetables
-Sea salt
-Sea vegetables
-Shitake mushrooms
-Walnuts

Adding moderate amounts of these foods to your diet in winter will help assure your kidney energy is at its fullest.

Jerry Rankin, D.O.M.

Each time I meet someone who has experienced a successful acupuncture treatment, the story is almost always the same. Typically it was used as a last resort, following months or even years of pain, multiple doctor visits, tests and specialist fees, and at least one or two ineffective prescription drugs. When they experience the relief that acupuncture brings, they're ecstatic to tell me about it - but they remain reluctant to tell others about it.

Wayne Eusanio of Camarillo, CA says he experienced success with acupuncture when he quit smoking some 20 years ago and again recently when battling carpel tunnel syndrome. However, although treatments exceeded his expectations, he avoids discussing it with friends because it often becomes a tedious discussion. "They roll their eyes and bring up the placebo effect," he says. "Finally, I decided it was too frustrating to relate the success to most people because their defenses go up, as if you're trying to sell them on the supernatural."

Eusanio is not alone. While acupuncture has been studied for thousands of years - with empirical scientific data to back it up - Americans remain wary. I often wonder what causes this apprehension. It can't be the risk&Unlike many traditional medical approaches, acupuncture has minimal risk and virtually no side effects. In fact, I can't recall ever hearing of a class-action lawsuit against the industry.  Could it be the cost? That is a major motivating factor for people. But, acupuncture is actually considerably less expensive than traditional medicine. An initial visit averages around $100-$200, which is considerably less than  the $500 or more you'd pay to see a traditional medical specialist. Factor in tests and prescriptions and the costs of acupuncture are not even in the same ballpark with traditional medicine.

So, why are Americans so skeptical? I think it boils down to the fact that acupuncture is different from what we are taught - it's the unknown - and ultimately, it is our nature to fear the unknown. But that leaves the question of why is it so unknown. After all, if it's been around for so many centuries, certainly we should know more about it. I think the reason lies in the fact that there have been no major marketing campaigns to teach Americans about acupuncture. We base so many of our decisions on what we read and see on in the media. So, it only makes sense that we're skeptical of something that's never been associated with a friendly mascot or a cute jingle. Americans just haven't been exposed enough to the idea of acupuncture.

With this blog, we'll work to change that just a little bit. Our hope is not to "sell" you on the practice of Oriental Medicine. Instead, we will explore different topics of interest for average people looking for answers. We'll post stories for people are looking to broaden their knowledge on effective treatments for men, women, adults and children. From time to time, we'll also include posts from guest bloggers to provide a more well-rounded approach to communicating to our readers. If you have questions or would like us to cover a specific topic, send us a line. We're eager to hear your feedback.

Hello and welcome to Acupuncture of Indiana. We are thrilled that you are with us.

For the latest acupuncture information, new products and services, and upcoming events keep checking back here to our blog. We hope to provide you with useful, educational and exciting information about acupuncture, facial rejuvenation, reiki, massage therapy, and so much more.

Right now enjoy learning about how we can improve your health and well being. We look forward to working with you in the future.

It is pretty unusual, but we are treating two people with Bell's Palsy at the same time. This is most likely due to the extended period of cold weather we're having in the Midwest. Fortunately, both arrived in our office shortly after their symptoms appeared. Persons with Bell's Palsy experience paralysis on one side of their face. The eye on the paralyzed side tears constantly and saliva often drips from the paralyzed side of the mouth.

Bell's Palsy is one of those conditions that does not respond well to Western treatment, but responds very well to Oriental medical treatment. We use a combination of acupuncture, moxa and herbs. Moxa is short for moxibustion. Moxibustion is the burning of the herb mugwort in various forms. For the Bell's Palsy patient, a cigar of smoldering moxa is held close to various acupuncture points on the face. The results can be dramatic even after one treatment.

Bell's Palsy will resolve itself usually within six months. With a good Oriental medicine treatment, that time can be cut to a few weeks.