Dia's Blog

I want to remind everyone that March is Colon Cancer Awareness Month. On March 1, I had the privilege of attending a health fair in Naperville sponsored by the American Cancer Society. I spoke and distributed colon cancer awareness materials to over 150 individuals. 

Colon cancer is the second deadliest cancer in Illinois claiming 2,500 lives annually. Yet it's one of the only cancers that can be prevented through screenings that allow doctors to find polyps growing in the colon and remove them before they turn cancerous. 

It is recommended that if you are 50 years old or older, you are due for a colonoscopy. Nine out of every 10 cases of colon cancer are found in this age group. If you have a family history, I recommend having the conversation with your doctor that you may need to be screened even earlier. 

The good news is that colonoscopy is covered by insurance once every 10 years, and sometimes five years if recommended by your doctor. Insurance plans like Medicare and Medicaid will pay for preventive treatment. The American Cancer Society is working to provide free colon cancer screening for patients who lack medical coverage to pay for the test; free tests are available for those without health insurance through partnerships with hospitals across Illinois. Among the hospitals now offering free exams are Northwestern Memorial Hospital, Rush University Medical Center, Southern Illinois Healthcare, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, and the University of Chicago Hospitals. 

The American Cancer Society's Epidemiology Research Program is currently inviting men and women between the ages of 30 and 65 years who have no personal history of cancer to join their Cancer Prevention Study-3 (CPS-3) that will begin in April. The ultimate goal is to enroll at least 300,000 adults from various racial/ethnic backgrounds across the U.S. By joining CPS-3, you can help researchers understand how to prevent cancer, which will save lives and give people more of their most precious resource--time. 

If you or someone you know is interested in participating in the study, please contact your local cancer society. The nearest local for Dupage is the DuPage Regional Office  at 1801 Meyers Road, Suite 100, Oakbrook Terrace, IL 60181. The phone number is 630-932-1141. They are open Monday-Friday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Please contact Lauren Brandmeyer for additional information regarding the study. 

Thank you for your continued support of the AOM Blog. Have a great week!

If you, a friend, a family member, or a patient is trying to become pregnant, you may want to consider acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine. The enhancement of fertility has been at the heart of Traditional Chinese Medicine for over 5,000 years, and there has been great success with acupuncture and herbal medicine treating infertility. Below are real patient's questions that I have been asked in the clinic regarding fertility support. 

How does acupuncture improve fertility?

Acupuncture causes a reduction of stress hormones and a release of endorphins that produce a profound state of relaxation. Research has shown that women with elevated stress levels have significantly lower pregnancy rates. Regular acupuncture treatments result in the correction of the body's neuro-endocrinological activity resulting in hormonal regulation and balance. The insertion of needles in specific acupoints in the body increases ovarian and uterine blood flow. This increased flow stimulates ovulation and enhances growth of the uterine lining. Acupuncture supports implantation and growth of the embryo during the very crucial initial stages of fetal development. 

Fuke 11.24 (Tung's Point)

How does herbal therapy improve fertility?

Herbs work to nourish and strengthen the body; assimilation of critical nutrients supports a healthy pregnancy. The quality of ovarian eggs and the thickness of the uterine lining are dependent on adequate nutrition. When present in the reproductive area, inflammation creates yet another obstacle to fertility, so acupuncturists prescribe specific herbs to reduce inflammation. Lastly, other select herbs are effectively used to regulate and balance hormone levels. 

Can TCM also help with infertility in men?

Yes, Traditional Chinese Medicine is commonly used to increase and improve the quality, motility and quantity of sperm. Since male infertility accounts for over 40% of infertility issues in couples, male partners are encouraged to partake in regular treatments to address potential sperm issues. Strengthening the male partner increases the odds of pregnancy. I often encourage couples to come in together for fertility support. 

Huanchao 11.06 (Tung's acupuncture)

Word to the Wise: Please be careful when treating women patients who are trying to get pregnant or have history of miscarriage; avoid acupuncture points ST12, GB21, LI4, SP6, UB60, UB67. These are very strong points that move the qi and blood. I often use these points: DU20, Zigong, Fuke 11.24 (Tung's point), Huanchao 11.06 (Tung's acupuncture) and sometimes auricular points in the ear uterus, endocrine, ovary, LV, KD, depending on the patient. I also remind fertility patient's that consistency is the key to successful fertility support along with a healthy balanced diet and exercises, such as Qi Gong and Tai Chi. In addition, I ask patient's to create a menses calendar to track their menstruation cycle and ovulation cycle.

Thanks for continuing to support of AOM blog. Remember spring is near!

What is cupping? Cupping was used in China for thousands of years. The method was used primarily to withdraw pus and blood in the treatment of boils. Cattle horn was used in early years for cupping therapy. The Qing dynasty introduced the use of bamboo, ceramic and glass cups for cupping. The modern cupping instruments, which are used in United States clinics, are glass, plastic and rubber cups. Occasionally, bamboo cups are used. 

Cupping is a simple method of suction or negative pressure that pulls "stuck," stagnant, and congealed blood and fluids out of the injured area. Plastic or glass cups are placed on the skin and then applied using suction. Cups are kept on from five to 30 minutes, according to the judgment of the acupuncturist. Cupping releases tight, painful muscles and increases blood circulation. 

Cupping therapy can also be used to treat pain, Bi syndromes, such as low back pain, shoulder pain, leg pain caused by wind dampness, digestive problems, and even respiration problems. Cupping therapy has been used for cosmetic purposes such as broken veins, breast enhancement and cellulite. I regularly use cupping in the clinic for stress reduction, muscle pain and tightness in the upper and lower body. Patients are always saying how wonderful cupping feels and how relaxed they feel after their treatment.

Helping Veterans' Pain 

We have been using cupping therapy in the NUHS Whole Health Center PTSD Clinic in Lombard. Many of the veterans' bodies have been bruised and battered. They live with constant physical pain. They find cupping as one of the many therapeutic therapies to help with pain management and stress reduction for PTSD.

Cupping therapy has precautions and contradictions. As a result of performing cupping, red or purple circle will often be produced on the skin, or you may even see black circle that may take a few days to heal. These circles are only dark colored in the area cupped and may result in bruising. Since cupping marks take a few days to heal, please consider if you are going to the beach or to an event where you will be revealing the cupped area.

Cupping is not advisable or recommended if you are pregnant, have a circulation disorder, hemophilia, lupus, or diabetes, sunburns, wounds, skin ulcers, edema, high fever, hemorrhages, and are using anticoagulant drugs. Cupping is also not recommended for children under the age of seven.

Remember cupping helps to release tight muscles, increase blood circulation, relieve stress, move congealed body fluids, however bruising and bleeding may sometimes occur.

Thank you for your continued support of the AOM blog. Ask about cupping therapy next time you make your next appointment in the Lombard clinic. Have a stress free week!

"A disease that may not be treated by acupuncture, may be treated by moxibustion." -- Miraculous Pivot

The Chinese medical therapy called moxibustion warms areas of the body and can penetrate to the muscles, tendons and bones. In Chinese we say "Jui" for moxibustion. Moxibustion helps to relieve pain, stimulate blood circulation, relax muscles, and induce a healthier flow of chi, or energy. By warming and opening the channels and collaterals, it assists the body's natural healing processes.

Moxibustion therapy uses the herb, mugwort or Artemesia Argyi. The fuzz that grows on the underside of the mugwort leaf is made into moxa. The properties of moxa are bitter, acrid and warm. Acupuncturists and/or Chinese medical practitioners may use moxa directly on the skin and on top of needles. Most commonly, a roll of moxa, which can be smokeless, is held directly over an acupuncture point, causing the patient to experience a calming and warming sensation--never burning. 

Moxibustion is thought to predate acupuncture. As early as the discovery and use of fire, early man noticed that heat from their fires could be warming and curative. Before mugwort was chosen as the most effective substance for sustaining heat, hot stones or sand wrapped in animal skins may have been used for local hot compression.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), moxibustion is especially effective in the treatment of chronic pain conditions, weak immunity, low appetite, poor digestion, cold hands and feet, kidney failure, frequent urination, cold sensations, obstructed blood circulation, and various other health conditions. It is especially noted for its ability to help turn breech babies head down using acupuncture point UB67. Moxibustion treats and prevents diseases by applying the heat to acupuncture points. I have read that Chinese people use moxa on St36 daily to help prevent disease and maintain health. Remember, daily or weekly moxibustion over specific points can extend life by strengthening the patient's qi as well as digestive immune and circulatory systems.

Word to the Wise: Please always ask your patient if they have high blood pressure, high fever, excessive or deficiency heat, diabetes, functional heart problems, psychological problems, and ask women if they are pregnant. We never use moxibustion on these patients. We also want to avoid the face, large blood vessels area, mucus membrane locations, ears, nose, mouth, throat, anus and vaginal area. In addition, according to the classic text, there are some acupuncture points recorded to which we do not apply moxa (DU15 and Du16, for example).

Thank you for you continued support of the AOM blog. Remember to stop by the clinic and ask about Moxibustion Medical Therapy today!

It is true that poor diet, pollution and stresses of daily life all have negative impact on our health and well-being. Let's face it, in our very busy lives we are bombarded by physical and emotional stress that robs us of our vital life energy called Qi. According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, Qi fuels the essence that connects our body, mind and spirit. Qi travels and circulates through the channels of our bodies. When your Qi is weak, it stagnates in these channels instead of powerfully flowing. As you age, you may feel as though you no longer have the energy that you once had. 

I don't about most of us but I am always searching for a way for a Qi-boost. Most days. I am bombarded with the noise of five children and information overload from AOM classes at night, online classes for herbal studies and holistic nutrition certification, then working part-time on and off campus, volunteering 4 hours a week, hitting the gym 3 times a week--and that's just my schedule not including my kid's extracurricular activities

With all the non-stop activity, I easily feel drained, scattered, stressed, and completely run-down. My desire is like most of us who are busy people--how can I feel energetic and clear minded and focus? Basically, I want to feel alive and not half-dead most days. 

My personal research has led to some great tips that I have integrated into my life style that may be helpful for students, faculty and our patients. 

1. Breathe deeply all day. Most people who are under a lot of stress or tension breathe shallowly, up in the throat area. When you breathe deeply into your lungs, you are naturally bringing in more oxygen and activating Qi in your body.
2. Learn to say no to Qi-robbers. These are activities or places that drain your energy and leave you feeling depleted, for example watching too much TV and experiencing and holding on to negative emotions.
3. Wear brightly colored clothing and listen to uplifting music to stimulate the flow of your Qi.
4. Have fun and be spontaneous! If you don't enjoy your day, then your energy will naturally become suppressed.
5. Eat a balanced diet and exercise. Remember foods and herbs that possess special Qi-fortifying properties include: brown rice, carrots, chicken, china root, eggs, fish, fox nut, ginseng, green beans, leeks, longan fruit, nutmeg, lamb, lotus seed, oats, onion, pearl barley, potatoes, pumpkin, soybeans, squash, string beans, tofu, turnips, and yams. 

Also, keep in mind that to receive optimal benefits from food and herbs, it is crucial that you choose in-season, natural foods with no chemical additives or residues. Also, avoid overeating and under eating because both will rob you of a consistent source of energy.

I am currently taking the herb, Bu Zhong Yi Qi Pian to help boost my Qi.

I hope that these tips will renew your energy.

Thank you for the continued support of the AOM blog. Remember to increase your Qi this week!