ADHD Excess Energy Seeking a Path—Finding Answers in Gut Health.
When people picture ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder), they usually imagine a child who cannot sit still, or an adult struggling with focus and forgetfulness. It is widely viewed as a condition contained purely within the brain.
However, in Korean Medicine and Sasang Constitutional Medicine, we do not view ADHD as a simple brain defect. Instead, we see it as a fundamental imbalance in how the body generates, stores, and releases energy.
What Is ADHD Really?Modern medicine defines ADHD as a neurodevelopmental condition marked by inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity.
Through clinical practice, however, we see ADHD at its core as a state where the body generates far too much energy but lacks the ability to properly channel or vent it. It is like a high-performance sports car with a powerful engine, but with clogged exhaust pipes or brakes that cannot match its speed, causing the engine to overheat.
The Gut-Brain Axis and Korean Medicine"The brain and the gut are intimately connected."
Modern medical science increasingly highlights the Gut-Brain Axis, demonstrating how the gut microbiome directly influences neurotransmitters and brain function. Long before this was confirmed in modern research, Korean Medicine recognized that internal organ balance—especially within the digestive system—directly shapes mental state and neurological health.
When excess energy inside the body becomes trapped and cannot circulate, it creates what we call Stagnant Heat (鬱熱). If these toxins and heat are not properly cleared through the digestive tract, they rise upward and overstimulate the brain. This manifests as restlessness, impulsivity, and anxiety. Therefore, healing the gut and clearing the pathways for heat and energy to flow is the true foundation of treating ADHD.
Tailored ADHD Care Through Sasang ConstitutionBecause every individual generates and traps energy differently based on their body type, two people with ADHD require completely different approaches.

• Tae-Eum-In (High-Capacity / Accumulative Type): Tend to accumulate internal heat and metabolic waste easily. They store energy internally rather than releasing it, leading to frustration and sudden impulsivity. Treatment focuses on activating gut function, clearing waste, and releasing trapped heat through perspiration and elimination using customized herbal formulas and diets.
  
• So-Yang-In (Heat-Prone / Active Type): Naturally possess intense internal heat, with energy surging upward easily. Their gut and kidney functions need nourishing to soothe this upward flame. Treatment centers on cooling internal heat, calming the mind, and restoring digestive balance.
  
• So-Eum-In & Tae-Yang-In: Experiencing digestive weakness or organ imbalance that disrupts the flow of nutrients and energy to the brain. Treatment focuses on balancing organ function to normalize digestion and excretion.
  

Our Clinic’s Personalized Treatment ApproachWhen you visit our clinic, we do not simply prescribe medication to suppress symptoms.

1. Precise Constitutional Diagnosis: We identify your specific Sasang constitution to uncover the root metabolic imbalance between your organs.
   
2. Custom Herbal Medicine: We prescribe herbal formulas designed to soothe gut inflammation, clear internal heat, and help your body smoothly channel and release excess energy.
   
3. Tailored Dietary & Lifestyle Guidance: We provide a comprehensive guide on constitution-specific diets to improve gut health, along with customized lifestyle habits and exercise recommendations to help expend excess energy constructively.
   

ADHD should not be viewed as a defect to be forcibly suppressed, but as an abundance of energy that needs the right channel to flow. By restoring your gut environment and aligning your care with your innate constitution, that overwhelming energy can be transformed into extraordinary focus, drive, and creativity.

Understanding Gout Through Korean Medicine and Sasang ConstitutionGout is often described as one of the most painful forms of arthritis, causing sudden, severe joint inflammation. Historically known as the "disease of kings" due to its association with rich foods and alcohol, modern lifestyles have made gout increasingly common across all age groups.
While Western medicine focuses primarily on lowering uric acid levels, Korean Medicine and Sasang Constitution Theory look deeper at your body’s unique metabolic balance to address the root cause of the condition.
What Is Gout?Gout occurs when excess uric acid builds up in the bloodstream, forming sharp, needle-like crystals around the joints.

• Primary Symptom: Sudden, agonizing pain, swelling, and redness—most commonly in the big toe, though it can also affect the ankles, knees, and wrists.
  
• The Danger: Left unmanaged, repeated attacks can lead to permanent joint damage, kidney stones, or kidney dysfunction.
  

Gout in Korean Medicine: Tong-Bi (Painful Obstruction)In Korean Medicine, gout falls under the category of Tong-Bi (痛痺) or Yeok-Jeol-Pung (歷節風).

• Damp-Heat and Toxins: Overconsumption of rich foods, alcohol, and high stress generate excess internal heat and metabolic toxins (Damp-Heat).
  
• Blocked Energy Flow: When these toxins accumulate in the joints, they obstruct the smooth flow of Qi (vital energy) and blood. In Korean Medicine, there is a core principle: "Where there is blockage, there is pain."
  

Sasang Constitution Theory: Tailored Gout CareSasang Constitutional Medicine categorizes people into distinct body types based on their innate organ strengths and weaknesses. Because each constitution processes nutrients and clears toxins differently, gout requires a personalized treatment strategy.
1. Tae-Eum-In (The Large-Framed / Slow-Metabolism Type - Wood type)

• Root Cause: Naturally strong absorption but weaker elimination capabilities. People of this type tend to hold onto internal heat and metabolic waste, making them the most susceptible to gout.
  
• Treatment Approach: Herbal formulas such as Cheongpaesagan-tang are used to clear internal heat and flush out metabolic waste, often paired with therapies that promote sweating to release toxins.
  

2. So-Yang-In (The Active / Heat-Prone Type - Earth type)

• Root Cause: Highly active digestive system paired with inherently weaker kidney function. Their kidneys struggle to filter out uric acid efficiently, and heat easily builds up in their joints, leading to intense, acute inflammation.
  
• Treatment Approach: Herbal formulas such as Hyeongbangjihwang-tang help cool internal heat and strengthen kidney function, accelerating the excretion of uric acid.
  

3. So-Eum-In (The Cold-Prone / Sensitive Type - Water type)

• Root Cause: Though gout is less common in this type, poor blood circulation and a colder internal environment can cause uric acid crystals to form and linger in the joints.
  
• Treatment Approach: Warming herbal prescriptions are used to boost body temperature, improve digestion, and revive sluggish circulation.
  

A Root-Cause Solution for Gout ReliefAn integrative Korean Medicine approach combines immediate relief with long-term metabolic recovery:

• Acupuncture & Bee Venom Therapy: Rapidly reduces local inflammation, swelling, and joint pain.
  
• Personalized Herbal Medicine: Restores organ balance, enhances kidney filtration, and prevents uric acid buildup.
  

Managing gout is not just about suppressing pain during a flare-up—it is about restoring your body's natural metabolic balance so attacks stop recurring. Through a precise Sasang Constitutional diagnosis, we can help you build a healthier metabolic foundation from the inside out.

Tinnitus & Hearing Loss: A Traditional Chinese Medicine Perspective on Root Causes and Personalize Treatment
While Western medicine often views chronic tinnitus and related hearing loss as untreatable symptoms to be managed rather than cured, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) offers a dynamic, root-cause approach. At Suwanee Acupuncture, we focus on constitutional diagnosis (체질진단) to identify the specific internal imbalance triggering your ear symptoms and tailor a targeted recovery plan.
The TCM Understanding of Tinnitus
In TCM, the ears are not isolated organs; they reflect the overall health of your internal Zang-Fu organs and the balance of Qi and Blood. Hearing relies heavily on the nourishment provided by the Kidney system, while the smooth flow of Qi in the Liver channel keeps the sensory passages clear. When these systems fall out of harmony, tinnitus manifests in distinct ways.
Common Patterns, Symptoms, and Treatments
Tinnitus symptoms vary significantly depending on the underlying pattern:

• Liver Fire Flaming Upward (간화, Gan Huo)
  
  • Symptoms: Sudden onset, loud, high-pitched ringing or roaring sound (like a jet engine or high-voltage wire). It often worsens with stress, frustration, or anger and may be accompanied by headaches, red eyes, a bitter taste in the mouth, and irritability.
    
  • Treatment Focus: Clear Liver Fire, drain heat, and soothe Liver Qi. Treatment utilizes acupuncture points along the Liver and Gallbladder meridians alongside cooling herbal formulas.
    
• Kidney Essence Deficiency (신장허, Shen Xu)
  
  • Symptoms: Gradual onset, low-pitched or soft buzzing (like distant cicadas). It tends to worsen when fatigued or at night and is frequently associated with lower back soreness, knee weakness, dizziness, or memory brain fog.
    
  • Treatment Focus: Tonify the Kidneys, nourish Kidney Yin or Yang, and replenish vital essence to restore the nutritional supply to the inner ear.
    
• Spleen Qi & Blood Deficiency (비기허, Bi Qi Xu)
  
  • Symptoms: Intermittent, dull ringing that worsens after physical exertion or prolonged mental strain. Accompanied by fatigue, poor appetite, bloating, and pale complexion.
    
  • Treatment Focus: Strengthen the Spleen, boost Qi production, and elevate clear Yang to the head.
    

Constitutional Care and Daily Lifestyle Management
Effective recovery extends beyond the clinic. Managing tinnitus requires daily habits tailored to your body's specific constitution:

• For Heat-Prone Patterns (Liver Fire): Avoid spicy foods, alcohol, excessive caffeine, and late-night screen time. Practice stress-reduction techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or gentle walking to prevent Qi stagnation.
  
• For Deficiency-Prone Patterns (Kidney/Spleen Xu): Prioritize consistent rest and avoid overworking. Consume warming, nutrient-dense foods like black sesame, walnuts, bone broth, and cooked grains. Avoid ice-cold drinks and raw foods that drain digestive energy.
  

At Suwanee Acupuncture, we determine your unique constitutional profile to create a precise combination of acupuncture, custom herbal medicine, and lifestyle guidance aimed at restoring lasting harmony to your ears and body.

Cervical Disc Pain: A Signal Sent by Your Internal Organs
Many patients visit our clinic suffering from persistent neck stiffness, shoulder tension, or radiating arm pain. While most people suspect a purely mechanical issue—such as a herniated cervical disc or poor desk posture—Korean Medicine views neck disc problems as a crucial warning signal reflecting deeper imbalances within your internal organs.
[The Modern Shift in Western Medicine: From Surgery to Conservative Exercise]
In recent years, Western medicine’s approach to cervical disc herniation and neck pain has undergone a major paradigm shift. In the past, structural neck issues were frequently targeted for surgery. Today, clinical consensus strongly favors non-invasive, conservative management as the primary line of treatment.
Renowned spine specialists and medical school professors—including leading experts from Seoul National University—frequently emphasize through lectures and YouTube content that most cervical disc issues can be successfully treated and prevented without surgery. By adopting posture correction and specific neck-extension exercise protocols, the body naturally reabsorbs herniated disc material and restores stability. This modern trend highlights the importance of working with the body’s innate self-healing capacity rather than relying on invasive procedures.
[Understanding Neck Disc Issues Through Korean Medicine and Sasang Typology]
According to Korean Medicine, healthy spinal structures depend on the unobstructed flow of Qi and blood, as well as the balance of internal organ functions. In Sasang Constitutional Medicine, a person’s constitutional type determines where internal vulnerabilities lie, leading to distinct root causes for cervical disc issues:

• Tae-eum-in (Wood type): Tends toward sluggish circulation, fluid retention, and muscle tightness. Individuals often experience heavy, congested neck and shoulder muscles, leading to chronic pressure on the cervical discs.
  
• So-eum-in (Water type): Characterized by weaker digestive energy and cold circulation. Poor nutrient absorption and lower vitality leave the tendons and cervical ligaments undernourished, making the neck highly susceptible to pain from minor strain or cold drafts.
  
• So-yang-in (Earth type): Prone to excess internal heat rising toward the head, neck, and shoulders. This heat depletes essential bodily fluids (Yin), causing cervical discs and surrounding tissues to dry out, lose elasticity, and degenerate prematurely.
  
• Tae-yang-in (Metal type): Possesses strong upper-body energy that can easily become overactive or misaligned, leading to structural imbalances and instability in the upper spine and neck region.
  

Because the true cause of neck disc degeneration varies from person to person, effective care must address the patient’s underlying constitutional profile rather than applying a one-size-fits-all approach.
[Our Clinic’s Personalized Neck Care Approach]
At our clinic, we perform a comprehensive constitutional diagnosis to identify the precise internal cause behind your neck disc pain.
Along with in-clinic care, we prescribe personalized home exercises and self-care protocols tailored specifically to your body type. We empower you with customized posture corrections, targeted stretches, and constitutional dietary guidance so you can actively accelerate your recovery at home.
For immediate symptom relief, we combine Acupuncture, Moxibustion, Cupping, and Manual Therapy (Chuna / Spinal Manipulation). This targeted approach quickly restores circulation, relieves compressed nerves, eases muscle spasms, and delivers fast, noticeable relief.
Don't ignore the warning signs in your neck. Experience effective pain relief and long-term spinal health through personalized constitutional care.

Lower Back Pain: A Warning Signal from Your Internal Organs
Every day, many patients visit our clinic seeking relief from lower back pain. Most people assume that back pain is caused purely by physical issues—like a pinched nerve or a herniated disc. However, in Korean Medicine, back pain is viewed as a crucial warning signal sent by imbalance or dysfunction in your internal organs.
[The Modern Shift in Western Medicine: From Surgery to Conservative Care]
The way Western medicine approaches back pain has changed significantly. In the past, a herniated disc diagnosis often meant surgical intervention. Today, clinical research increasingly advises against unnecessary back surgeries, prioritizing non-invasive, conservative therapies instead.
Prominent spine specialists and medical school professors worldwide—including experts at Seoul National University—are actively sharing evidence-based guidance through media and YouTube. Their core message is clear: most herniated discs can be effectively managed and prevented without surgery using proper posture and targeted core exercise protocols (such as the 'The Ultimate Back' movement guidelines). This modern shift aligns directly with focusing on the body’s innate ability to heal rather than relying solely on structural operations.
[Understanding Back Pain Through Korean Medicine and Sasang Constitutional Typology]
Korean Medicine operates on the principle that "where there is flow, there is no pain; where there is blockage, pain arises." Back pain, in particular, is intimately linked to the flow of vital energy (Qi) and blood, as well as the functional health of the kidneys and internal organs.
Under Sasang Constitutional Medicine, every individual is categorized into one of four distinct body constitutions (Sasang types), each with unique physiological strengths and vulnerabilities:

• Tae-eum-in (Wood type): Characterized by strong liver function and weaker lung function. People of this type are prone to sluggish circulation, metabolic buildup, and weight gain, which frequently leads to mechanical strain and inflammation around the spine.
  
• So-eum-in (Water type): Inherently colder with a delicate digestive system. Lower back pain often stems from "Kidney Deficiency" (Sin-heo), where the lower abdomen and kidneys lack metabolic heat and vitality. Cold exposure or physical overexertion easily triggers acute stiffness and pain.
  
• So-yang-in (Earth type): Prone to internal heat generation and weaker lower-body energy. Internal body fluids (Yin) are easily depleted, causing the spinal joints, spinal discs, and surrounding ligaments to become dry, brittle, and prone to chronic ache.
  
• Tae-yang-in (Metal type): Characterized by strong upper-body energy and weaker lower-body stamina. Back pain in this type often presents as a sensation of weakness or instability in the lower back and legs.
  

Because the underlying root cause differs by constitution, two people with identical back pain require completely different therapeutic strategies.



[Our Clinic’s Personalized Healing Approach]
At our clinic, we begin by diagnosing your unique Sasang body constitution to pinpoint the exact root cause of your back pain. We then provide tailored lifestyle guidelines—including personalized dietary plans and targeted exercise regimes—to prevent recurrence and support your structural health long-term.
For immediate symptom relief, we combine Acupuncture, Moxibustion, Cupping, and Manual Therapy (Tui na / Spinal Manipulation). This integrative treatment restores healthy circulation, releases nerve tension, and delivers fast, effective pain relief.
Listen to what your body is trying to tell you. Let us help you restore your spinal health from the inside out.

Each year, more than 100,000 people are hospitalized due to complications from influenza, or “the flu” virus. Unfortunately, most of us get the flu at least once in our lifetime. The associated signs and symptoms are all-too-common: fever, sore throat, congestion, fatigue, muscle and body aches, runny nose, dry cough, sneezing and watery eyes.
 
Colds are much less severe than the flu and cause less severe symptoms such as nasal congestion, sneezing, coughing, sore throat, and headaches. Though it may make you feel lousy, getting a cold is not always a bad thing. Instead, it’s a sign that the body’s resources are strong and vital, working to return you to a state of good health. However, if your immune system is already compromised, a cold could further weaken your body, leaving you open a more serious illness.

The flu, you, and Oriental Medicine Clinical studies have suggested that using acupuncture as a preventative approach to colds and flu can reduce the incidence of upper respiratory tract infection and shorten the duration of the illness. Acupuncture and OM work by re-balancing the body's systems, regulating the body's healing energies and enhancing the immune system.

Even though germs, bacteria, and viruses are everywhere - in the food we eat, the air we breathe, and the water we drink- according to Oriental medical theory, they do not cause disease. Illness occurs when certain organ systems are weak and out of balance. When our bodies are in a weakened and unbalanced state, a hospitable environment is created for germs, bacteria and viruses to thrive, leading to a cold or the flu.

What in the world is Wei Qi? One of the main theories supporting acupuncture and its treatment of colds and the flu is the concept of Wei Qi. The concept of Wei Qi is similar to the Western concept of the immune system. It functions as a barrier protecting and defending the body against foreign substances, which can cause illness and disease. When it is strong and abundant, we remain healthy. When the supply of Wei Qi becomes inadequate, health is compromised and we become vulnerable to outside invaders.

Throughout our lives, a variety of factors affect our health and well-being. Although most of the time we recover quickly and regain our health, when these factors are numerous, our internal mechanisms become compromised and weakened. Our Wei Qi becomes depleted, and we get sick. By the time we notice the symptoms of our illness, the body's self-regulating, self-balancing and healing systems have already been affected.

Acupuncture and Oriental medicine support and strengthen the systems of the body that are involved in the production of Wei Qi, and can help re-balance and support the immune system and stimulate Wei Qi energy. By building up the supply of Wei Qi, and facilitating the smooth and free flow of it throughout the body, the body's organs and meridian systems become strong, enhancing their ability to effectively fight off illness and disease.

Acupuncture and Oriental medicine are safe, natural and effective ways to support the body's self-regulating, self-balancing and healing systems. If illness does occur, acupuncture can help you get back on your feet again, helping to stave off prolonged illness without the use of medication and over-the-counter drugs. 

Stress is a natural response of the body to the various demands we place upon it. In ancient times, our stress response, also known as our fight or flight response, provided us with energy to preserve life during difficult situations, such as an attack or thereat by a wild animal. Unfortunately, modern day stress is considerably higher, more frequent and more consistent than what our predecessors experienced. Today, we do not have to look much further than out our windows, or on our computer screens, to view various forms of stressors – everything from prime-time news and road rage, to the forty-hour work week, and cell phones.
 
However, stress is not necessarily always negative. There is a distinction between healthy and unhealthy stress. Healthy stressors are usually short lived and keep us lived and keep us alert and motivated, and support our body’s strength and vitality.
 
Our response to stress can either help or hinder our body’s ability to cope with these various stressors in our lives. Healthy responses to stress include appropriate physical exercise, good eating habits, positive thinking, adequate rest, and reaching out to friends and family for support. Unhealthy responses to stress include negative thinking, overexertion, poor eating habits, lack of sleep, and isolation. These unhealthy responses can cause the body to work harder than it needs to and can trigger physical and mental health issues. Over time, ongoing stress and unhealthy responses to stress can actually be detrimental to our health.
 
Medical studies have shown that with increased and consistent stress, our white blood cells, which defend our body against viruses, decrease. This results in lower immune resistance, ultimately leading to physical disease and emotional instability.
 
Even if the stressors are no longer present, the body continues to keep the stress response active. This results in the depletion of our nervous system, lymphatic organs (spleen, thymus, and lymph nodes), kidneys and adrenal glands, which can pave the way for a wide variety of signs and symptoms.
 
There is hope! Practitioners of acupuncture and OM (Oriental Medicine) have helped people cope with stress for thousands of years. The ancient theories of OM on how stress affects the organs are similar to those of Western medicine. However, OM theory and treatment goes far beyond treating signs and symptoms and also addressed the root cause(s) of the problem.
 
One way that stress affects the body is by causing a depletion or blockage of Qi, especially that of the kidneys and adrenals. Qi the vital energy or power than animates and supports the functions of the body. It flows through specific pathways, called meridians, and provides nourishment for the entire body. When Qi becomes “blocked” or the supply is inadequate, the body and organ systems become “stressed out” and our health is then compromised.
With acupuncture and OM, the practitioner’s job is to support and restore the integrity of the various organs affected by the stress response, along with evaluating the quality and quantity of Qi.
 
Your acupuncturist may also suggest adjunct therapies to enhance treatment and speed healing. Proper eating habits, as well as exercise, stretching, movement and meditation practices, support and promote a balanced and healthy body, mind and spirit.
 
Acupuncture and OM can provide a safe and effective alternative for the treatment of stress.
 
Ways to combat stress:

1. Get adequate sleep. Try for at least eight hours of restful and restorative sleep.
2. Practice meditative exercises. Qi Gong, Tai Chi and Yoga can help create healthy body-mind awareness and help free your mind of stressful thoughts.
3.  Eat well balanced diet. Maintain a healthy diet with adequate amounts of complex carbs, vegetables, fruits, protein and healthy fats.
4. Have fun! Make time for relaxing activities, enjoyable hobbies and lots laughter in your life.
5. Breathe. Relaxed deep breathing is one of the most simple and easy techniques that can be used for reducing stress.

If you struggle with your weight, you're not alone. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), it is estimated that there are more than 1 billion overweight adults, and there are at least 300 million clinically obese individuals.

Overweight people spend billions of dollars annually on weight loss products, but obesity is still on the rise. People are turning to diet pills, extreme fasting, fad diets or even drastic measures such as surgery in an attempt to manage their weight.

Unfortunately, excess weight is not just a cosmetic issue. Being overweight is a risk factor for many conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and heart disease. The good news is that maintaining a healthy weight can reduce your risk and it's never too late to get started. People seeking to address their weight concerns are turning to acupuncture as a natural and effective way to approach weight loss.

A traditional approach to healing. Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (OM) take a holistic, or whole-body approach, to health. This ancient form of healthcare works to restore the balance and flow of the body's Qi, or vital energy. According to OM, the reasons why people gain weight, or find it difficult to lose weight, are numerous. Your acupuncturist can perform diagnosis exams to uncover the root cause(s) or imbalances that have affected your weight.

Your acupuncturist will also take into consideration other factors that may have led to weight gain, including your lifestyles, as well as your emotional and mental well-being. By taking your whole self into account, you and your health concerns, rather than just treating the symptoms.

What will my acupuncturist do? During your first visit, your acupuncturist will take an extensive health history and perform various diagnostic exams. At the completion of your first visit, your acupuncturist will provide you with a comprehensive diagnosis and an explanation of your  treatment plan. Your treatments will focus on correcting any underlying imbalances in your body and will help to support you in reaching your weight loss goals.
Based on your unique symptoms, your acupuncturist will choose to concentrate on acupuncture points related to specific organs. For example, restoring balance to the flow of Qi in the Stomach can help promote good digestion and suppress an overactive appetite. Emotional issues, such as anxiety and stress, both of which can lead to overeating, can be addressed by balancing the Liver.

A partnership for better health It is important to remember that acupuncture is not a quick fix. By working with your acupuncturist, and committing to long-term goals, you will experience positive changes in your overall health, including maintaining a healthy body weight. In addition to acupuncture treatments, your practitioner may also recommend other lifestyle changes.
Whether you want to lose a few pounds or a significant amount of weight, consider acupuncture as a natural and effective way to approach weight loss. By working together with your practitioner, you can help your body regain its natural balance-and start taking steps toward true health and vitality.

Acupuncture works to control weight on various levels.

Release endorphins
​Cravings in the body are often due to a lack of endorphins. Acupuncture can help to balance out the cravings by helping the body to release endorphins.

Reduce Stress
Through the release of endorphins, the stress hormone can also be neutralized.

Support Digestion
Acupuncture can support the body to generate an efficient digestive process.

The treatment of infertility with acupuncture and Oriental Medicine(OM) dates back 2,000 years. These ancient, time tested techniques improve fertility rates and supports a woman's whole body, allowing for unlimited potential for health, healing and childbearing.

Studies reported by The American Pregnancy Association suggest that the most effective fertility treatments involve a combination of acupuncture, herbal medicine and traditional medical interventions. However, conception does sometimes occur without traditional medical interventions when acupuncture and herbal medicines are used alone.

Researchers from Weill Cornell Medical Center in New York reviewed recent studies and concluded that acupuncture helps to:

* Increase blood flow to the uterus, which improves the chances of an ovum implanting on the uterine wall.

* Reduce anxiety and stress. The hormones that are secreted during stressful situations can significantly decrease fertility.   

* Normalize hormone and endocrine systems that regulate ovulation, especially in women with polycystic ovarian syndrome.

* Positively affect the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis, which plays a key role in fertility.

* Regulate the menstrual cycle.

In 2008, the British Medical Journal published research that concluded acupuncture can be offered as a significant, clinically relevant adjust to IVF, relaxing the uterus and increasing blood flow for the successful implantation of an embryo within the uterine lining.

An acupuncturist's approach to fertility According to the theories of acupuncture and OM, infertility is caused by an imbalance of the body's energy flow called Qi and blood affecting the healthy functioning of one or more of the organ systems. When the body's energy and blood flow are circulating freely thorough out the body, every cell, tissue and organ is properly nourished and can function well. Acupuncture and OM can raise the fertility potential of women by improving the quality, quantity and balance of the energy and blood flow.

Kidney Organ System The release of an ovum is controlled by the kidneys. The kidneys also control the body's growth and development. Healthy kidneys are required in order to have a healthy body, mind and pregnancy. If an imbalance exists within the kidneys, this can result in infertility. OM and acupuncture can nourish and support overall kidney health.

Spleen Organ System An adequate blood supply is required by a woman's body to sustain a normal menstrual cycle, a growing fetus and a healthy pregnancy. Complications within the spleen can result in an inadequate supply and imbalance of blood.

Acupuncture and OM can improve blood circulation to promote a healthy flow of blood to the uterus.

Liver Organ System In order to conceive and have a healthy pregnancy, it is important to have a free flow of energy and blood throughout the body. The liver is in charge of facilitating this function. When it is out of balance, areas of the body will not receive the adequate energy and blood flow. This imbalance can lead to depression, anxiety, stress and increased possibility of infertility.

Acupuncture and OM provide a safe, effective, drug-free, and natural approach to treating infertility and enjoying a healthy pregnancy. Here are a few reasons to try acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine:

1. An acupuncturist does not treat signs and symptoms, but instead activities the body's natural healing potential by treating the root causes that have lead to the problem or disease.

2. Acupuncture and OM are completely natural. Drugs are never used.

3. Acupuncture and OM can be used to strengthen, support, and balance overall health and well being, therefore can increase the effectiveness of other procedure.

Also consider acupuncture during your pregnancy and birth. According to the World Health Organization, acupuncture has been found useful for relieving labor pain, nausea, vomiting, and significantly reducing the duration of labor.

If you suffer from headaches, you are not alone. Over 50 million of us experience some form of a severe headache at some point in our lives. Whether you experience minor head pain or severe migraines, headaches can take valuable time out of your day and your life, and leave you searching for relief.

One common way people seek relief is by reaching for drugs and other medications. This may work temporarily and can help you get out of pain fast. Unfortunately, common headache medications do not address the root cause(s), and when used over long periods of time can cause unwanted side effects.

Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine(OM) offer a safe and effective approach to relieving headache pain, without causing harmful side effects. These healing methods provide a comprehensive diagnostic protocol that can help your acupuncturist understand and address the root cause(s) of your headaches.

Causes of Headaches There are many factors in OM theory that may play a key role in the root cause(s) of a headache.
These include body constitution, emotional health, excessive work, social activities and exercise, improper diet, physical trauma and hormones. Headaches can also be diagnosed according to specific symptoms, times of occurrence, location, type of pain, and triggers.

A Natural Path to Relief Acupuncture and OM take a holistic, or whole-body approach to health. Your practitioner will take a detailed health history, and perform a physical exam to determine how and why your body's vital energy, or Qi, is out of balance and identify what type of headache you are experiencing. To determine the most effective care, he/she will focus on the root cause(s) of the problem.

During treatment, in order to restore the body's balance and energy flow, fine sterile needles will be inserted at specific points of the body. Based on your unique symptoms, your acupuncturist will choose to concentrate on acupuncture points related to specific organs. Afterward, a variety of self-care techniques may be prescribed to further expedite your healing process.

It is important to remember that acupuncture is not a quick fix. Changes may occur quickly or over a longer period of time, depending upon your overall constitution and health. Whether it is one visit to address an acute problem, or several visits to address a chronic problem, it is suggested to closely follow care recommendations of your acupuncturist to maximize your healing potential.

​Below are a few ways that you can participate in your own healing, by making simple lifestyle changes that may help alleviate, or even prevent, headaches:

Track those tirggers  Try to keep track of when your headaches start. Migraine suffers may find it especially helpful to keep a journal of symptoms. Certain types of foods and hormonal changes can be possible causes.

Stress relief  Stress can contribute to many types of health concerns, including headaches. Talk to your practitioner about healthy ways to handle stress.

Exercise Physical activity is an important part of any healthy lifestyle, and it is a great antidote to stress.

Healthy habits  Do your best to eat healthy, organic foods, stay hydrated and get enough sleep every day.

Acupuncture care is extremely effective in reducing the frequency and severity of many types of painful conditions, including headaches and migraines, naturally. By working with your acupuncturist and adopting some simple lifestyle changes, you will be on your way toward a healthier, happier, pain-free life.