Vanessa Vogel Batt L.Ac. MSOM

It’s been three weeks since the state of California issued “shelter in place” orders to its 40 million residents. Since then thirty-nine other states have followed suit, bringing the total number of states with stay ...

The medical journal Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, published a study entitled "Clinical Efficacy of Acupuncture on Rheumatoid Arthritis and Associated Mechanisms: A Systemic Review," in April of 2018. This scientific review highlights the benefits ...

An interesting 2017 study published in Pharmacognosy Research called "Honey and Health: A Review of Recent, Clinical Research," highlights the many reasons why honey is a valuable medicinal substance that should be used in clinical settings ...

There is an ancient Chinese medicine axiom that says: 'One disease, long life; no disease, short life.' Doesn't this sound utterly bizarre? Why would going through the ordeal of a major illness or medical condition ...

Many of us know back pain manifests in a myriad of ways and for a myriad of reasons. A young patient experiencing acute low back pain felt after competing in a weightlifting competition may very ...

While it might not be strange to forget the name of someone you met once at a party or struggle to remember where you last placed your reading glasses, it is a problem when failing ...

Balance and strength exercises are a terrific way to lower the risk of an accidental tumble, and they can stave off injuries that may accompany them.For best results, choose exercises with movements that are slow ...

The defining characteristic of fibromyalgia is pain. 'Fibro' is Latin for fibrous tissue, 'my' means muscles, and 'algia' is the word for pain. Therefore, it is essential that treatment consists of effective palliative measures. Diet ...

Fibromyalgia is a chronic disease primarily known for causing extensive musculoskeletal pain that is debilitating and quality-of-life reducing. The disorder can be likened to arthritis, except that it affects soft tissue as well as the ...

Although it might sound counter-intuitive, evidence shows that fibromyalgia patients can actually use low to moderate impact exercises like stretching and strength-training to reduce crippling pain, extreme fatigue, mood swings, and brain fog—all hallmark symptoms ...

A study entitled, "Fibromyalgia syndrome treated with acupuncture at the acupoints of the affected meridians and heavy moxibustion at painful points: a randomized, controlled trial," yielded some surprising, positive results. The article appeared in the ...

Would you consider the idea that maintaining an optimal digestive system involves more than eating a healthy diet, it's just as vital why and when you eat?If we enlist the help of the Oriental medicine ...

There are basic digestive issues that respond well to what is colloquially referred to as 'kitchen medicine.' This basically means you can find delicious and nutritious ways to treat bloating, gas, diarrhea, constipation, and more ...

When it comes to the top foods and nutrients that support optimal digestive health, you can look to the letter B. There is a barrage of B vitamins that perform a variety of functions to ...

A study entitled "Comparison Between Effects of Acupuncture and Metoclopramide on Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting After Gynaecological Laparoscopy: A Randomized, Controlled Trial," reveals some very positive results regarding the use of acupuncture. The trial appeared ...

A simple, elegant study entitled, "Review article: the physiological effects and safety of peppermint oil and its efficacy in irritable bowel syndrome and other functional disorders," appeared in the March 2018 edition of the medical ...

A 2018 study published in the Brazilian medical journal Acta Ortopédica Brasileira, yielded some impressive results for street runners suffering from knee injuries. The study, entitled "Reduction in Knee Pain Symptoms in Athletes using an ...

Your joints are the points in the body where two bones are attached. They are mostly composed of fibrous connective tissue and cartilage, and their purpose is to provide structure and allow for articulation.For serious ...

The Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition recently released an exciting study called "Exercise capacity of vegan, lacto-ovo-vegetarian and omnivorous recreational runners." With the popularity of plant-based diets these days, scientists wanted to ...

The right nutrients can make a significant difference for athletes when it comes to dealing with pain from sports injuries. Luckily, food and supplements possess antioxidant properties and combat inflammation.Although the process causing inflammation is ...

Athletes, especially Olympians, are notorious for straining and overworking muscles and, at times, causing some serious damage. It's not just during the game that muscles can endure direct hits or tears that lead to bruising ...

An unintended, unwelcome consequence of joint replacement or reconstruction surgery, arthroplasty is a bad case of the hiccups. To help mitigate this side effect, researchers set out to discover if acupuncture could provide some relief.The ...

Difficulty breathing, wheezing, mucus build-up in the lungs, tightness in the chest, fatigue, blue nail beds, and chronic coughing are common signs that your respiratory system is struggling to function. Give your lungs a helping ...

Antioxidants are a special group of substances that are found in foods or produced in your body. They help defend your cells from free radicals that seek to destroy them. Without antioxidants to act as ...

Allergies can be so unpredictable. You don't always know when and where they will strike. Popping allergy medicine can help, but there's a more natural and immediate way to find relief.With acupressure, you let your ...

A simple, straightforward study published in the October 2015 edition of the Journal of Alternative Complementary Medicine presents scientific evidence that transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation acupuncture (acu-TENS) helps improve symptoms for patients with chronic pulmonary ...

Someone a long time ago once said time and tide wait for no man. This maxim expresses a truth that, under no circumstances, can time or aging reverse itself. But they didn't say some assistance ...

Have you ever noticed how easily cellulite can creep up on you? One day you're sitting down in a pair of shorts and can't help but see the dimpled, fatty texture on your outer thighs ...

Varicose veins happen when the one-way valves that move blood towards the heart, malfunction.  Blood becomes trapped in the vein and seeps downward, causing enlarged blood vessels, pain and inflammation. Affected blood vessels may appear ...

A new acupuncture technique called Thread Embedding Therapy (TET) has been tested by medical researchers in a study entitled, "Effect of thread embedding therapy for facial wrinkles and laxity: a single-arm, prospective, open-label study." The ...

Pruritis is the nagging, persistent inclination to scratch one's skin. This overwhelming desire to alleviate the itch can occur on its own or as a consequence of skin disease. In an effort to assuage this ...

These simple and effective methods of acupressure can be safely used to alleviate chronic pain.  As always, when engaging in self-acupressure, find a comfortable position before beginning. Take a minute or two for focused deep ...

A 2017 meta-analysis, titled "A Systematic Review of Acupuncture for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome," revealed encouraging news for patients suffering from symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). Published in the "Journal of Acupuncture Research", the study ...

Over one million Americans live with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), a frustrating, complicated disorder characterized by extreme fatigue that may worsen with physical or mental activity and does not improve with rest.    Those affected can ...

One hundred million Americans are experiencing chronic pain, and of those, 25 million have chronic pain syndrome.  While pain is a perfectly normal reaction to certain events, when persists for over 12 weeks and additional ...

In May of 2018, The Journal of Pain published a study called "Acupuncture for Chronic Pain: Update of an Individual Patient Data Meta-Analysis." This large-scale project analyzed 39 scientific trials with 20,827 study participants. Researchers ...

The ear contains acupuncture points that, when tapped into, can help you lose weight. This is because the outer ear is a microcosm representing organs--including the spleen, stomach, and mouth--that are responsible for appetite, satiation ...

The 2018 study called "Randomized controlled trial testing weight loss and abdominal obesity outcomes of moxibustion" revealed acupuncture and Oriental medicine contributes to the reduction of waistlines and hips.Published in Biomedical Engineering Online, the trial ...

It can be a challenge to eat healthy.  Sometimes, it only takes a single glimpse or thought of a favorite food, a sweet treat or a salty, savory snack for a ravenous craving to kick ...

Whether trying to lose, gain or maintain your current weight finding the motivation to start or stick with a change in eating habits can seem overwhelming. Acupuncture and Oriental medicine are powerful tools for achieving ...

Trying to gain, lose or maintain your current weight can be challenging.  Self-acupressure allows you to directly assist your digestive organs and provide a respite from unhealthy cravings.By pressing on certain areas of the body ...

The heart is emperor of all the bodily organs, according to the philosophy of acupuncture and Oriental medicine, and for good reason. If this precious organ stops beating for just a few minutes, the body ...

A study in the September 2015 issue of the Journal of Clinical & Experimental Cardiology demonstrates the value of using acupuncture, in combination with exercise, for patients diagnosed with coronary heart disease. For the trial ...

Shortness of breath. Anxiousness. A heart that feels like it's going to pop out of your chest. These are the tell-tale signs and symptoms of a panic attack. They often come on abruptly and reach ...

The list of things that can stir up our anxieties is long and varied. If we look at a few officially-recognized phobias, starting with the letter "A", we have aerophobia, the fear of flying; astraphobia ...

Acupuncture and Oriental medicine may be the perfect way to help people feel good about themselves, so they can fully enjoy life and maintain harmonious relationships.A study from the April 2016 edition of the Journal ...

Some anxiety is a healthy response to daily activity or new situations however random or excessive anxiety and can be debilitating. General anxiety, panic, social anxiety, separation anxiety and other phobias can present as mild ...

How well does acupuncture address the symptoms of allergic rhinitis? A study entitled "Acupuncture for the treatment of allergic rhinitis: a systematic review and meta-analysis" answers this question. This trial can be found in the ...

Qi Gong is a dynamic form of energy medicine originating in ancient China. It is a perfected, refined system comprised of various breathing techniques, physical exercises, body postures and meditation practices. The goal of Qi ...

Acupuncture and dry needling may at first seem similar, but there are actually big differences. Some may wonder if dry needling is simply acupuncture under the auspices of another term—it’s not! Dry needling is a ...

Conjunctivitis, more commonly known as pink eye, is a troublesome condition, but Oriental Medicine and Acupuncture can speed recovery and alleviate symptoms.Causes and Symptoms of Pink Eye The cause of pink eye is usually due ...

Have you ever wondered just how quickly a single acupuncture treatment could work? What better way to showcase the efficacy of acupuncture therapy than through the speedy reduction of a fever in not just one ...

A 2017 study showed promising results for the use of acupuncture to treat the symptoms of Parkinson's disease. Results were published in the journal Medicine (Baltimore) under the title "Clinical effectiveness of acupuncture on Parkinson ...

A amall July 2018 study investigated how the brain responds to acupuncture treatment. An article regarding the study "Cerebral activation effects of acupuncture at Yanglinquan (GB34) point acquired using resting-state fMRI" appeared in the publication ...

A recent study from May 2017 highlighted the positive effects of acupuncture treatments to address the symptoms of mild to moderate carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS).  The study, titled "Clinical research on mild and moderate carpal ...

In a 2014 study, researchers set out to discover the effects of acupuncture and electroacupuncture on patients diagnosed with carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). The study appeared in the American Journal of Chinese Medicine under the ...

There has been a push in recent years to study mild cognitive impairment (MCI), which causes issues with memory, cognition and learning. MCI occurs prior to the onset of Alzheimer's disease in elderly patients and ...

Researchers discovered that the application of an acupuncture needle at the point called Kidney 3 can directly improve specific areas of brain function. The trial included 30 healthy participants. Half of them had acupuncture applied ...

Tai chi is a special form of exercise originating in ancient China. The name, tai chi, translates as 'Supreme Ultimate Exercise' or 'Skill'.  Initially it began as a martial arts practice, but developed into forms ...

A 2016 study published in the Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine tested the efficacy of using acupuncture and exercise to address acute lumbar sprain. The study showed the treatment reduced pain due to this common ...

Many people realize the value of acupuncture and Oriental Medicine to treat sports injuries, but did you know that this ancient medicine can actually enhance athletic performance?In 2010, a German practitioner of acupuncture and Oriental ...

Styes are small, red bumps that form around the eye and can cause irritation and discomfort. Styes usually resolve on their own, but acupuncture and Oriental medicine can speed recovery and lessen symptoms.  A sty ...

A recent study showed that acupuncture can help breast cancer survivors reduce their fatigue and increase their general sense of well-being. The results of the study were published in Acupuncture in Medicine in March 2013 ...

Sometimes a simple, non-invasive approach can help mitigate some challenging problems facing chemotherapy patients, as demonstrated by a study entitled "The Effects of P6 Acupressure in the Prophylaxis of Chemotherapy-related Nausea and Vomiting in Breast ...

A recent medical review suggests acupuncture is effective and safe for treating polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) in women who choose to use in vitro fertilization (IVF) or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). PCOS is a disorder ...

A 2017 study confirmed that women can self-apply acupressure to mitigate symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Acupressure is an Oriental Medicine therapy that uses manual manipulation to specific areas of the body. Researchers set out ...

Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine offers unique benefits for women. From the beginning, this ancient medicine recognized two principal forces which power our lives and control our body's ability to heal itself. Introducing yin and yang—Yin ...

The Veterans Affairs (VA) added fresh updates to its existing policy regarding the hiring of practitioners of acupuncture and Chinese Medicine. Previously this medical field was termed a modality, but was granted an upgrade and ...

The Oriental medicine and acupuncture community recently mourned the death of Giovanni Maciocia. He passed away peacefully at the age of 73 on March 9, 2018. His career and contributions to the field occurred over ...

A January 2016 study from the US National Library of Medicine and the National Institute of Health demonstrated the positive effects of moxibustion therapy in the treatment of thyroiditis in the subacute phase. The article ...

A 2011 PubMed study looked into the effects of acupuncture and acupoint massage to treat infiltrative exophthalmos. The study yielded some very positive results. The trial entitled, "Efficacy observation on infiltrative exophthalmos treated with acupuncture ...

A study called "The Effects of Acupuncture on Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis," published in the Annals of Internal Medicine in February of 2013, brings encouraging news for sufferers of seasonal allergies. Researchers set out to determine ...

Acupuncture shows great promise in treating childhood allergic rhinitis, according to a study published in the journal Pediatrics.  The 2004 study, entitled "A Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial of Acupuncture for Treatment of Childhood Persistent Allergic ...

There is encouraging news for patients who have suffered a stroke and subsequently experience problems with lower extremity motor function. The results of a study called Effects of Acupuncture Treatment on Poststroke Motor Recovery and ...

Can a minimum of six acupuncture treatments actually reduce the number of migraine headaches? A 2016 study titled "Acupuncture for Preventing Migraine Headaches" sought to answer to this question. The study was published in the ...

To understand the long term results of acupuncture treatments for migraine headaches, researchers organized a randomized, clinical trial. The results of this trial appeared in the JAMA Internal Medicine journal in 2017, under the title ...

Psychiatrist, philosopher, civil rights activist, visionary, teacher, rebel, co-founder of the North American Detoxification Association (NADA)—all of these words and titles describe the late Dr. Michael O. Smith, who passed away in December of 2017 ...

Good news for anyone considering acupuncture--the medical journal Acupuncture in Medicine published a study showing that acupuncture treatment is both effective and a good value. The study, "A systematic review of cost-effectiveness analyses alongside randomized ...

Researchers carried out a large, comprehensive investigation to evaluate the potency and safety of using various therapies of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) to treat chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). The study entitled "Traditional Chinese Medicine for ...

A recent 2017 White Paper investigated acupuncture as part of a solution to the current opioid epidemic in the US. The paper is called "Acupuncture's Role in Solving the Opioid Epidemic: Evidence, Cost-Effectiveness, and Care ...

For many of us the word meditation conjures up images of people sitting serenely on the floor, with hands neatly postured on the lap. Perhaps images of saffron robed monks, quiet and with eyes shut ...

A 2010 study, titled "Acupuncture is Effective to Attenuate Stress and Stimulate Lymphocyte Proliferation in the Elderly" published in Neuroscience Letters investigated the use of acupuncture on the immune system and its ability to treat ...

A hoarse, gravelly sounding voice can be caused by shouting, too much talking, or by a respiratory illness. Laryngitis is the medical term for inflammation of the vocal cords, and usually results from a viral ...

Inflammation of the upper airway structures may result in illnesses such as laryngitis, pharyngitis and tonsillitis. The larynx is more commonly known as the voice box, which encases our vocal cords. The pharynx is the ...

A 2010 study entitled "Immediate Effect of Acupuncture on the Sleep Patterns of Patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)" was published in the British medical journal  Acupuncture in Medicine. The study examined the value of ...

The US loses approximately one hundred lives a day as a consequence of the current opioid epidemic--addiction and abuse of prescription painkillers like Oxycontin and Vicodin. If projections prove correct, another half a million more ...

To study the effects of acupuncture for the treatment of adult bronchial asthma, researchers conducted a clinical trial in 2009 called "Effects of Acupuncture Treatment in Patients with Bronchial Asthma." The results appeared in the ...

Acupuncture has been shown to alleviate symptoms associated with fibromyalgia. The Mayo Clinic performed a scientific study regarding the use of acupuncture to address symptoms of fibromyalgia. They published the results in their journal Mayo Clinic ...

The British Columbia Medical Journal (BCMJ) published a revealing study investigating the effectiveness of using acupuncture plus counseling to treat symptoms of fibromyalgia. The article entitled "Treatment of fibromyalgia with acupuncture and counseling," details the ...

In a 2014 study, researchers explored why moxibustion helps alleviate recurrent abdominal pain in patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Moxibustion is an acupuncture and Oriental medicine therapy that involves burning a dried form of ...

The ability of acupuncture and moxibustion to control symptoms of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) was examined in a 2013 study called Acupuncture and Moxibustion for Inflammatory Bowel Diseases: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled ...

The Federal Drug Administration (FDA) declared acupuncture as one of the nonpharmacologic therapies recommended for the treatment of pain. This information comes out of their document entitled, "FDA Education Blueprint for Health Care Providers Involved ...

A chronic cough is more than just a nuisance and may cause some serious disruptions to a person’s health. Any cough persisting for more than 8 weeks in adults, or more than 4 weeks for ...

According to a large-scale analysis carried out by medical researchers, acupuncture is an effective primary treatment for a variety of dermatological conditions. As reported in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine in 2015, evidence ...

Cellulitis is a bacterial infection which affects the superficial and deeper layers of the skin. Common symptoms include redness, swelling and tenderness of the afflicted area. Most often it is the lower legs which suffer ...

Oozing, blistering, crusting, irresistible urges to scratch, unfortunately these are all suitable words to describe the symptoms of dermatitis. Eyelids, armpits, stomach, hands, lips, ears, even between the toes, are all areas of the body ...

The medical term for pathologically dry skin is xerosis. Xero is the Greek word for dry. Dry skin usually manifests temporarily, but in chronic cases, symptoms may persist for weeks, or in worst case scenarios ...

Pruritus is more than just an annoying itch felt on the skin. It is a condition of intense itching that is often worsened by scratching. Fortunately, acupuncture and Oriental Medicine offer treatments to address pruritus ...

Oriental medicine has a long history of addressing and treating medical conditions that affect women. Oriental Medicine is a comprehensive medical system founded in ancient China. Some accounts believe its origins go as far back ...

Physical pain associated with opioid withdrawal can greatly interfere with the willpower needed to overcome addiction. The lessening of pain therefore is an important factor in preventing relapse.A pilot study, conducted by medical researchers from ...

In a study entitled, "The effect of acupuncture on the acute withdrawal symptoms from rapid opiate detoxification," published in 2002, it was shown that acupuncture showed statistically significant improvements in withdrawal symptoms for patients undergoing ...

A 2010 study showed acupuncture to be an effective treatment for allergen-caused itchiness and skin irritation in people with eczema. The study titled "Influence of acupuncture on type I hypersensitivity itch and the wheal and ...

Researchers discovered evidence supporting the use of acupuncture to treat symptoms of functional dyspepsia (FD), as documented in the 2015 edition of Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine. FD is a chronic disorder interfering with the ...

In 2015, the journal Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine published a study entitled "Complementary and Alternative Therapies for Chronic Constipation." Researchers performed a thorough analysis of many past scientific studies and meta-analyses on the use ...

The importance of eating a balanced diet is paramount to maintaining a healthy digestive system. 'He that takes medicine and neglects diet, wastes the skills of the physician.' This Chinese proverb reveals the importance of ...

The occasional bout of mild cramping, coupled with an urgency to use the bathroom is usually not a reason to worry, especially the morning after an overly-indulgent, or extra spicy dinner. However, severe abdominal cramping ...

A study published in 2014, entitled "Integrative Therapies and Pediatric Inflammatory Bowel Disease: The Current Evidence," investigates many complementary therapies to help symptoms of pediatric inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). This is a group of chronic ...

The therapeutic value of combining electro-stimulation with acupuncture for treating rheumatoid arthritis was proved in a 2011 study published in the Chinese Journal of Integrative Medicine called "Effect of electro-acupuncture (EA) on tumor necrosis factor-a ...

Psoriatic arthritis is a joint disease that affects people who suffer from psoriasis. A chronic and recurrent condition, psoriatic arthritis can have periods of remission with little to no symptoms present. No matter what state ...

Most people are familiar with the term arthritis, which may conjure up images of twisted, knobby fingers or achy knees, but did you know there are over 100 different types of arthritis? Learn how acupuncture ...

A pilot study found in the medical publication International Journal of Rheumatic Diseases 2010, demonstrated the safety and efficacy of acupuncture in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The study criteria focused on the disease ...

Male health problems can be treated, and sometimes prevented, with acupuncture and Oriental Medicine. The five most common health problems for men include heart disease, stroke, suicide, prostate cancer and lung cancer. A practitioner of ...

Men have different nutritional requirements than women, due to their unique physiology. Here are five key nutrients for men’s health to keep in mind when meal planning.MagnesiumMagnesium plays a key role in many important bodily ...

A typical meal in China today may not look all that different from a typical meal in ancient times. This is for good reason because the average Chinese diet contains a variety of highly nutritious ...

Acupuncture can be an effective treatment for pain caused by systemic erythematosus lupus (SLE). These positive results were shown in the 2008 study 'Acupuncture for Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: A pilot study RCT feasibility and safety ...

The effectiveness of acupuncture for treating primary Raynaud’s syndrome was shown in a 1997 study published in the Journal of Internal Medicine. The study had 17 patients receive 7 standard acupuncture treatments, and compared their ...

Raynaud's syndrome, also known as Raynaud’s disease, causes a sudden constriction of the vessels supplying blood to the skin, largely affecting the fingers and toes. The symptoms, commonly known as an attack, may be triggered ...

After sustaining an injury, the healing process goes through two stages. The first is called the acute stage and is characterized by redness, swelling, inflammation and pain. The second is the chronic stage in which ...

Tendonitis is a painful condition resulting from inflammation of the tendons. Tendons are thick bands of strong fibrous tissue that link bone to muscle. Although they are designed to withstand extreme pressure, certain circumstances will ...

Medial tibial stress syndrome, commonly referred to as shin splints, can be a painful and bothersome condition, but is usually temporary and not a serious medical problem. The major symptom is pain along the shin ...

The terms herniated, slipped or ruptured disc all refer to a problem affecting the intervertebral spinal discs. When a disc ruptures, it means that the thick, gelatinous substance from within seeps through the tough outer ...

Degenerative disc disease occurs when the intervertebral discs located in the spine become damaged. The purpose of these discs is to provide cushioning between the spinal vertebrae. As we grow older however, it is natural ...

One of the best ways to wake up is by giving your arms a great big stretch in the morning, and if you can get on your feet and throw your whole body into it ...

A study titled "Acupuncture for the Treatment of Chronic Painful Peripheral Neuropathy: A long-term study", published by The Diabetes Research and Clinical Practice Journal in 1998, demonstrated the potency and long-lasting effects of acupuncture treatment ...

In addition to seeking Oriental medicine therapy for peripheral neuropathy, here are a few things you can practice at home:Adopt Healthy HabitsHealthy habits such as maintaining optimal weight, avoiding exposure to toxins, following a physician-supervised ...

There are a variety of skin conditions that specifically afflict diabetes patients. Diabetes is a disease that results when the body is no longer capable of producing, storing or utilizing necessary amounts of the hormone ...

Frozen shoulder, also called adhesive capsulitis, begins with stiffness and pain in the shoulder. Over time, the pain gradually increases until the whole area is no longer able to move. This is due to a ...

The most common type of nerve damage afflicting diabetes mellitus patients is called peripheral neuropathy. Although many things can cause peripheral nerve damage, such as injuries, infections and environmental toxins, when it occurs in a ...

Have you ever heard someone snoring so loudly it woke you up in the middle of the night? While making some noise during sleep can be perfectly normal, when snoring becomes uncharacteristically loud and thunderous ...

Bed-wetting, when it occurs in young children, may very well be more of a temporary inconvenience than a medical issue. It often takes until a child is between five and seven years old before they ...

You don't sleep much at night, but that's normal for many people, especially those who have busy lives filled with tasks and to-do's, right? Sleep deprivation may not seem to be a cause for alarm ...

Anyone who has ever had a restless night in bed, spent hours looking at the clock or counting sheep, can legitimately complain of insomnia. Sometimes it happens for obvious reasons, and other times we're at ...

You might not normally associate the words "sleep" and "exercise" with each other, as they each represent opposite states of being. From the perspective of acupuncture and Oriental medicine, sleep and exercise are perfect illustrations ...

The medical term hypersomnia literally means excessive sleep. It can manifest as daytime drowsiness, even after a long night's rest. The desire to doze during daylight hours can be so overpowering that a person may ...

Sleep disorders occur when difficulties and complications interfere with the quality and length of sleep. One reason why it is so important to consistently have a proper night's sleep is because without it, other medical ...

One important way we can help ensure a restful night is by making wise decisions during the day when it comes to our diet. Eating foods and drinking teas with nutrients beneficial to our sleep ...

Have you ever had the feeling that, against all odds, somehow the ground beneath your feet suddenly trembled and caused you to lose your sense of balance? Unless you were in an earthquake, it could ...

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is an irreversible neurological disease that destroys the nerve cells that invigorate our muscles. As these cells, also called neurons, weaken and wither, so do the muscles associated with them. Ultimately ...

There are several easy-to-perform exercises that can help improve balance.  Here are just a few: To begin, stand comfortably and lift one foot off the ground. Hold your foot in front of you, with the ...

Our sense of balance and stability can be thrown off for many reasons. Muscle weakness, joint stiffness, inner ear problems, side effects from certain prescription drugs, the lingering consequences after suffering a stroke, aging and ...

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition affecting the arms and hands. The signs include numbness, tingling, pain, burning, and weakness in these parts of the body. These symptoms often, but not always, result from inflammation ...

Have you ever experienced numbness, pain, or any other unpleasant sensations in your hands or arms that forced you to slow down or take a break from what you were doing? If so, you may ...

Osteoporosis is a condition that causes brittle or porous bones due to a reduction in the bone mineral density. Bone is comprised of living tissue, which is constantly dying and renewing itself. Normally, old bone ...

The history of acupuncture and Oriental medicine is a long and unique one, with its roots in antiquity. Some mystery surrounds the origins of this medicine, which is believed to be at least 2,500 years ...

Old age, believe me, is a good and pleasant thing. It is true you are gently shouldered off the stage, but then you are given such a comfortable front stall as spectator." -- Confucius, ancient ...

There are many things that can provoke mood swings, such as chemical imbalances in the brain, side effects from medications, everyday stressful events and, in the case of women in menopause or men going through ...

High blood pressure is also known as hypertension, a common disease affecting one out of three adults in the U.S..  Blood pressure is the measurement of force exerted by the blood as it squeezes through ...

The meaning and use of the word dizzy can vary from person to person. The dictionary definition is: "when a person experiences the sensation of spinning and losing one's balance." However, some people may use ...

It may sound strange to learn that cognitive function is not solely the job of the brain alone; other parts and organs of the body are involved—the heart, kidneys, and liver all partner with the ...

Feeling bogged down with stress, fatigue, and anxiety--and you haven't even gotten out of bed yet? If so, it sounds like you could use an infusion of endorphins. Endorphins are secreted in the brain and ...

There is not one moment when your body is not engaged in the process of metabolism. Whether you are running a marathon or plopped down on the couch, awake or sleeping, in every single cell ...

Are you having difficulties recalling what you ate for dinner last night or tend to forget what you are talking about in mid conversation? Do you have trouble coming up with new ideas or find ...

The small thyroid gland exerts a powerful influence on the mental, emotional, and physical health of the body. This butterfly-shaped gland is situated on the front part of the neck and can usually be felt ...

The thyroid gland is shaped like a butterfly and is found at the front of the neck, below the Adam's apple. Although small in size, this gland has a big influence on the body's ability ...

Dry mouth, also called xerostomia, sounds harmless but can create distressing symptoms. In a normal mouth, small glands produce saliva, which then helps in the processes of speaking, eating, swallowing, and tasting. Saliva also contributes ...

How many cosmetic facial treatments can you think of that promote feelings of general well-being and have the ability to address certain medical issues in the body, all while making you gorgeous at the same ...

Nausea is an uncomfortable urge to vomit, which can range from mild queasiness to serious distress. While nausea is not classified as a disease itself, it is an indicator that something else is wrong.  Depending ...

Asthma is a chronic disease that causes inflammation in the lungs and, consequently, a narrowing of the bronchial tubes--also known as the air passages. This makes breathing difficult since the airflow is restricted. Tell-tale signs ...

Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune disease that progressively damages the central nervous system. This happens due to the wearing away of the myelin sheath, a protective layer encasing the nerves. The central nervous system is ...

How many cosmetic facial treatments can you think of that promote feelings of general well-being and have the ability to address certain medical issues in the body, all while making you gorgeous at the same ...

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease that causes the cartilage, which cushions and protects the joints, to slowly erode away. This increases friction every time the joints are used, roughing up the cartilage, and could ...

Addictions present themselves in a variety of ways. For one person, a glass of wine with dinner is the perfect amount, while another person might not be able to stop until the entire bottle is ...

Yum...The first satisfying bite of a lovely piece of chocolate cake! There's nothing wrong with enjoying a nice dessert and delighting in the sweetness of it. However, when one piece leads to eating more than ...

The next time you find yourself with a headache, or feel the tell-tale throbs of one about to come on, consider the possibility of being your own physician. By utilizing the heat and energy from ...

Fibromyalgia is a complex disorder comprised of many different symptoms. While the hallmark symptom is unrelenting, widespread body pain, especially affecting the muscles and soft tissues, there is an extensive list of potential physical, mental ...

Eczema is a skin disorder resulting in rough, red and itchy patches on the body. In addition, there can be a host of other symptoms and complications that can greatly vary between individuals. For some ...

While acne is a condition that affects nearly 85 percent of all adolescents, the American Dermatologist Association reports that 20 percent of adults have an active acne condition. So, though some are led to believe ...

Lupus is an autoimmune disease that can cause chronic inflammation in nearly any part of the body, including the kidneys, the central nervous system, blood vessels, lungs, heart and/or the skin. An autoimmune condition occurs ...

Hepatitis B is a major liver infection caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV). This liver disease is divided into two categories: acute and chronic. An acute infection lasts for less than six months, and ...

Pernicious anemia is a blood disorder that occurs when the body ceases to absorb adequate amounts of vitamin B12, called cobalamin. This happens when certain cells found in the stomach (parietal cells) no longer produce ...

Have you noticed enlarged, bulging veins on your legs or feet? Chances are you have varicose veins. While they may be more of a cosmetic issue for some, meaning they have not caused nagging symptoms ...

When the superficial layer of skin (epidermis) becomes dehydrated due to changes in weather, allergic reaction, certain medications, or bathing or showering, it may develop fine flakes and dry patches. The medical term for this ...

The word dermatitis is Greek in origin and means inflammation of the skin. There are many different types of dermatitis, each categorized by the person's specific symptoms and according to the location of the body ...

In a healthy vascular system, oxygen-rich blood flows easily via the arteries directly into areas of the body such as the heart, kidneys, brain, genitals, legs, arms and pelvis. When this process becomes disturbed due ...

The prostate gland is an important part of the male sexual reproduction system. It is located between the penis and the bladder and it surrounds the urethra. The urethra, part of both the urinary and ...

While the occasional struggle for an erection is not necessarily cause for concern, a persistent inability for a man to get and maintain an erection hard enough to engage in sexual intercourse, may be a ...

A stroke occurs when there is an inadequate flow of blood to the brain, causing destruction of the brain cells. When there is an interruption of blood flow to the brain, less oxygen and nutrients ...

A stroke occurs when the brain does not receive enough oxygen due to an interruption in blood flow. Within a few minutes, without adequate oxygen and nutrients, brain cells begin to die. This cell death ...

For anyone suffering from fibromyalgia, knowing where to apply self-acupressure may help ease some of the symptoms associated with the disorder. The most common tell-tale symptom of fibromyalgia is widespread body pain, and it can ...

Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common disorders affecting the heel and underside (also known as plantar side) of the foot. The thick connective tissue running from the heel to the toes, called plantar ...

If you've suddenly woken up in the middle of the night due to extreme pain in your big toe, perhaps even feeling as though the toe is on fire, you may be experiencing the most ...

Celiac disease goes by other names such as celiac spruce and gluten-sensitive enteropathy. There are also dozens of signs and symptoms, and new ones currently under investigation. The severity of symptoms varies widely, and some ...

Myasthenia gravis is a neuromuscular disorder causing muscles under voluntary control to tire and become easily fatigued. This happens when the muscles and the nerves that enervate them miscommunicate. More than half of those diagnosed ...

Hashimoto's disease, also called chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis, is a disorder in which an individual's immune system attacks their thyroid, causing inflammation of the gland. This, in turn, can lower the thyroid's ability to produce hormones ...

Addison's disease, also known as adrenal insufficiency, occurs when the adrenal gland cannot produce adequate amounts of the hormones cortisol and aldosterone. This can be a serious and potentially life-threatening situation, as the adrenal gland ...

Bursitis is a painful medical condition that develops when the bursae become inflamed. These small fluid-filled sacs provide lubrication and cushion to the joints, thereby softening the impact between bones, tendons and muscles. With over ...

For many sufferers of allergic rhinitis, there's no need to hear a news report detailing the pollen count outside, as their runny nose, sneezing and itchy eyes will let them know. Often these symptoms strike ...

While sinusitis simply refers to inflammation of the nasal passages, the symptoms and treatments can prove more complex. An acute case of sinusitis (recently occurring) becomes chronic when medical treatments fail to cure the problem ...

Chronic emphysema is a serious, degenerative lung disease that reduces the body's ability to absorb oxygen. It's hallmark symptom is feeling short of breath. Other prominent symptoms include a chronic (long-term) cough, excessive coughing up ...

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is the name for a group of diseases that damage the lungs and cause difficulties in breathing. The two most common diseases in this group are emphysema and chronic bronchitis ...

Ulcerative Colitis is part of a category of diseases called inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and it presents with inflammation in the lining of the large intestine, specifically the colon and sometimes the rectum. The lining ...

For some people, eating a heavy, spicy or fatty meal can produce the unmistakable signs of acid reflux. Symptoms can vary from a burning pain in the chest to a sour taste in the mouth ...

Crohn's disease is a medical condition that can cause chronic inflammation anywhere in the gastrointestinal tract--from the mouth all the way to the rectum. Often, but not always, the inflamed tissue is specifically found in ...

True to its name, complex regional pain syndrome is an extremely painful and complicated medical condition that most commonly affects the arms, legs, hands and/or feet. Its complex, diverse set of symptoms varies widely from ...

Pneumonia is inflammation of the small air sacs (alveoli) in one or both of the lungs. The cause is often an infection from an organism such as a virus, bacteria or fungus. Those most at ...

Imagine you've just sprained your ankle. The pain, swelling and redness start up almost immediately. Your first reaction is instinctual -- take pressure off your foot. Your next steps are probably just as natural. As ...

Restless legs syndrome is a medical condition that produces an irresistible impulse to move the legs due to intense, uncomfortable sensations. The specific types of sensations can vary with each patient. The feeling can be ...

Tibial stress syndrome, commonly known as shin splints, causes pain on the front part of the lower leg. Often, overused leg muscles are the culprit but flat feet, stress fractures and unstable muscles in the ...

According to acupuncture and Oriental medicine, emotions originate internally from different organs inside the body. Conditions and events in the external world may provoke specific reactions but, ultimately, each person is responsible for the emotion ...

What does it mean to listen to your body, as the expression goes? What if your body is telling you to eat chocolate bars for breakfast, or that a few martinis make for an acceptable ...

Peripheral neuropathy is a condition in which damage occurs in the nervous system, affecting the nerves in the hands and/or feet.  Peripheral means 'situated on the edge.' Neuropathy breaks down into two separate words, both ...

While a sweet taste delights our taste buds, overindulgence can cause or worsen digestive problems and upset our metabolic and emotional balance. According to acupuncture and Oriental medicine, when one or more of the organs ...

Diabetes is a complex disease which challenges the body in many ways. Explained in the simplest terms, diabetes is a metabolic disease that prevents your body from using sugar properly, causing blood sugar levels to ...

In an effort to modernize the diagnosis and treatment of male-specific health issues that arise during mid-life, a new term evolved in the acupuncture and Oriental medicine (AOM) and Western medical communities called andropause. Though ...

Everybody hopes for longevity, but nobody wants to be old"     --Chinese proverbAcupuncture and Oriental medicine offers help to women and men who continue to have health issues directly related to the changes they experienced during ...

As women enter the autumn of their reproductive years, major physiological changes occur that may give rise to symptoms of menopause. Like a plant going through many changes with the cycle of the seasons, it ...

While there is no stopping a woman's body from undergoing menopause, there are easy exercises that may help to reduce emotional and physical discomfort during this transition. Some common symptoms of menopause relate directly to ...

Good nutrition remains a cornerstone of good health no matter what stage of life we are in. During major life transitions such as menopause and andropause, your dietary needs tend to change. Eating well is ...

As we grow older not only do we cultivate wisdom through experience, we also run a greater risk of disease and disability. According to acupuncture and Oriental medicine, signs of aging arise largely due to ...

The nutritional evaluation of food and herbs differs between Western medicine and acupuncture and Oriental medicine. These traditions developed separately from each other and from very different ideologies. The foundation for Western medicine rests upon ...

Leaving behind the bright years of youth and entering a quieter, more mature phase in life often prompts the question: How can I preserve my youth and extend my life? For answers to this question ...

Incontinence and urinary tract disorders commonly arise as one gets older, especially for women over 50. One reason the risk for incontinence increases as we age, is because the bladder lining starts losing elasticity which ...