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Steven-Sonmore blogSteven Sonmore (30)    Steven Sonmore   Acupuncture Resources What is Tylenol Doing To Your Liver?Posted Sunday, July 05, 2009 (140 days ago.) Viewed 59 times. Have you ever wondered if over the counter pain medications like Tylenol, aspirin-free Anacin, Excedrin and various cold medicines could damage your organs? Well, listen to this study that was published in the Journal of American Medical Association (7/5/06, Vol. 296, No.1). 145 adults were given either a placebo or four grams of acetaminophen. The study was inpatient and diet controlled (meals were provided). ALT is an abbreviation for alanine aminotransferase (there'll be a quiz next week), which is what is released in the blood when liver cells are damaged. The ALT levels increased to almost 5 times normal in 19% of the subjects that were given the acetaminophen. No increases were detected in the placebo group. Even the FDA recently discussed the risks that acetaminophen can have to consumers for liver damage due to overdosing on the drug. It is one of the most commonly used active ingredients in medicines to relieve pain and fevers. It is also in prescription drugs. The FDA Advisory Committee voted on July 1, 2009 to recommend that Tylenol and similar medications containing acetaminophen should be given in lower doses. They also voted that prescription drugs that contain both acetaminophen and narcotics, such as Vicodin and Percocet, be taken off the market. The agency gave no indication when it would act. Overdoses with acetaminophen is the leading cause of liver failure in the U.S. and sends 56,000 people to the emergency room annually. Approximately 400 die each year, according to studies done between 1990 and 1998. And did you know that the preferred method of suicide in Europe is an all night binge on Tylenol and alcohol? OK, so now you have the American Medical Association and the FDA warning you against the toxic effects of over the counter medications. So where are you going to turn for relief? Maybe it's time to consider some viable alternatives for pain relief that would actually be good for you. Alternatives for Pain Relief That Work Chinese medicine has offered pain relief for thousands of years in both acupuncture and Chinese herbal formulas. Chinese herbs can offer pain relief from sports or traumatic injuries, sprains and strains. Herbs properly prescribed by a health professional (Licensed Acupuncturist, Chinese herbalist) can reduce pain due to strenuous exercise or repetitive movements (i.e. golfers, tennis players, grocery checkers/packers, warehouse and assembly-line workers). Some herb formulas have anti-inflammatory actions that reduce pain and inflammation, analgesic influence to relieve pain as well as antispasmodic effects to relax muscles and tendons. And let's compare the risks of drugs vs. herbs. Drug therapies have a significantly higher risk to them, more on the order of 1:500 or even higher. Herbs are natural products. There are reported world wild only 1:1,000,000 incidents of herbal therapy causing poisoning. Chinese herbs are being used by every kind of athlete including Olympic athletes. Many of the world's most famous body builders use Chinese herbs. Yao Ming, the star basketball player, announced that he would use traditional Chinese medicine to help his recovery from surgery on his ankle. Chinese scientists have studied herbal remedies - some based on recipes dating back hundreds of years. Even the current President of the United States reportedly sometimes takes herbs. So the next time you need alternative pain relief you might consider calling your local Chinese medicine clinic instead of reaching inside of your medicine cabinet for Excedrin or Tylenol. About the Author: Steven Sonmore's Minneapolis Chinese medicine & Acupuncture clinic offers pain relief daily. We use both Chinese herbal formulas custom tailored to your condition along with safe and effective acupuncture. Visit us at http://comcblog.com/ . 
Permalink Comments (1) How You Can Benefit From AcupuncturePosted Wednesday, June 17, 2009 (158 days 9 hours ago.) Viewed 17 times. Acupuncture Preventative Healthcare An ambitious athlete runs beyond her physical limits, refuses to rest enough, and finds herself suffering from plantar fasciitis. An overworked attorney sleeps only four hours a night and complains of migraines. A young woman eats too much sugar and not enough protein, and she experiences dizziness, irregular periods, and anxiety. What's happening here? All of these people are resisting the natural laws that govern the universe. As a result, they're having health problems. The Chinese medicine practitioner treats with acupuncture and prescribes Chinese herbal formulas, but also counsels the patient with dietary therapy and ways to lead a healthy lifestyle. Our medicine is personalized to balance each individual and customized based on specific diagnoses. In other words, we devise the best plan for you to attain optimal health and longevity. Pain Be Gone Acupuncture plays a vital role in the reduction or elimination of pain by reducing recovery time and preventing a chronic condition from developing. Here's an example: A new patient comes to our clinic with lower back pain. On a scale of 0-10 with 10 representing the worst pain and 0 representing no pain, his pain level is at an excruciating 9. After a careful diagnosis, a treatment plan is devised. Acupuncture points on only his arms and legs (none on his area of pain) are needled. After several minutes, his pain is reduced by 60%. Research has shown that acupuncture causes the body to produce natural steroids and endorphins. Steroids decrease inflammation, while endorphins are produced by the body to kill pain. Both substances can play an integral part in the breaking up of the pain cycle. By reducing acute pain, acupuncture can also reduce the occurrence of chronic pain. It can prevent the need for costlier and more invasive surgical procedures. And if back pain can be significantly reduced with acupuncture, it also lowers the need for painkillers or other medications that can either cause unwanted side-effects or prolong a patient's condition. In a 2004 study published in Acupuncture in Medicine, researchers looked at the cost effectiveness of acupuncture for osteoarthritis of the knee compared to the cost effectiveness of pain killers. 75% of the test patients received at least a 45% reduction in their knee pain with acupuncture, and the pain relief lasted past the one-year follow-up. Many of those who experienced that minimum 45% pain relief decided to quit their prescription pain medication completely after receiving the acupuncture. Save Big Money When the doctors did a cost analysis comparing the cost of acupuncture therapy (which was up to 15 treatment sessions) to the cost of pain medication and doctor office visits, they saw a drastic reduction in subsequent medical costs, dropping from $1.10 per day to 21 cents per day after treatment. That represents a $325 savings per patient the first year (even after factoring in the cost of the acupuncture treatments). The conclusion was that patients saved money, were free of the inconvenience of taking a pill several times each day, and had significantly less pain than those who took drugs alone. In an independent 1992 study in Scandinavia , 25% of the patients who were awaiting knee replacement surgery canceled their scheduled surgery after receiving acupuncture, saving $9,000 per patient. Beyond Treating Pain Acupuncture research proves that acupuncture treats more than just pain. We are general practitioners. Many people know we can relieve your aches and pains, but did you know we can also help you get over colds and flu faster, help you with digestive and bowel problems, and more? Acupuncture treats many internal problems like urinary frequency, acid reflux, chronic fatigue and IBS. Prevention of Infectious Disease There is a saying in Chinese medicine: " Superior medicine prevents disease, and inferior medicine treats disease." Now, with concern about the H1N1 swine flu virus traveling around the world, you may want to get your immune system boosted. The truth is that bacteria and viruses tend to adversely affect people who have weakened or compromised immune systems. Many Chinese herbs and formulas have been shown to significantly boost the immune system. One of the main benefits of Chinese herbs is their wide spectrum antibiotic effect for both bacterial and viral infections. Most of these herbs are extremely safe and do not have the same unpleasant side effects as drugs. In fact, the hospitals in China that did the best against SARS combined both western and Chinese medicine. Balancing Mind, Body, & Spirit Stress is common in our very fast-paced American lifestyle. Many of us worry about keeping our jobs and having enough money. When we're in a constant state of stress, we suffer from "fight or flight syndrome," which is destructive to your body and can lead to serious health problems. Acupuncture and Chinese medicine will help you mentally and emotionally. It is very effective for depression, anxiety, and stress. Acupuncture Works and is Safe Acupuncture is based on a complete system of healthcare that includes diagnosis, prevention, Chinese herbal formulas, exercise, and food cures. Research explains in detail how acupuncture works via the nervous system, immune system, and blood system. A licensed, seasoned practitioner can offer you health solutions without the kind of worries caused by pharmaceuticals and invasive medical procedures. The best thing about acupuncture is that it treats the entire body without serious adverse effects, and it promotes optimal physical, mental, and emotional health. For more than 20 years Steven Sonmore helped people transform health problems into solutions for attaining better health. Steven is a licensed acupuncturist, herbalist, & certified Health Preservation Association instructor. His clinic, Complete Oriental Medical Care, LLC, is in Minneapolis , MN . Schedule your appointment for better health at 612-866-4000 and visit www.orientalmedcare.com .
Permalink Comments (3) Treating Weight Loss with Chinese HerbsPosted Wednesday, October 10, 2007 (2 years 44 days ago.) Viewed 69 times. Being overweight can become a matter of life and death. People who are overweight or obese are more likely to develop a number of potentially serious health problems. Also, the overall risk of death increases with obesity. If you are obese or overweight your health is at risk. It is important that you loose that weight and develop a healthy lifestyle. There are many weight loss programs out there and it is important to find a program that is fits your needs. Nine dangers of being overweight: High Blood Pressure 26% of obese people have hypertension. Diabetes - 80% of type II is related to obesity. Excess fat makes your body resistant to insulin. When your body is resistant to insulin, your cells can't get the energy they need. Abnormal blood fats - A diet high in saturated fats increases the level of LDL (bad) cholesterol. Stroke the American Stroke Foundation listed obesity as one of the risks to stroke that can be controlled with medical treatment and lifestyle changes. Osteoarthritis Excessive body weight adds pressure to joints and wears away at the cartilage that protects them. Sleep apnea - The more overweight a person is, the greater more severe the sleep apnea will be. Cancer - Men and women who are overweight have a higher risk of developing many different kinds of cancer. Gallstones - Gallstones are more common in people who are overweight. According to Chinese medicine gallstones are caused by damp heat. Physical Discomfort - If fat accumulates, it crowds space occupied by your internal organs. People who are overweight may have difficulty breathing, walking or sitting. Most weight loss programs in the US focus strictly on diet. Some medical statistics show that nearly 95% of dieters who use conventional weight loss programs either gain some or all of the weight they had lost back. However, with Chinese medicine we look at the root cause of being overweight. Excess weight is considered to be just one symptom of an underlying health problem. It is the outcome of a series of chain reactions in your body that usually begins with a Qi (pronounced chee) or energy deficiency or imbalance. Unless the root cause is addressed, the weight loss won't be permanent. According to Chinese medicine, to have good health you must have sufficient Qi (energy) and your organs must work together in harmony. If there isn't enough Qi, one or more of your organs can be out of balance and will develop an energetic dysfunction. When this happens, your organs cannot perform their responsibilities, like promoting healthy metabolism and ridding your body of excess fat and water. Perhaps you have experienced problems like headaches, emotional problems, depression and/or allergies prior to a weight gain? Ever wondered why? Chinese medicine considers these as signs that your body is having functional difficulties. Often the problem is an imbalance in the relationship between your liver and your spleen. Both are crucial to proper digestion. Chinese medicine teaches that when your body is in balance, you won't have weight issues. When your Qi is strong and balanced, weight will be lost naturally and normal weight will be maintained. Chinese medicine generally views being overweight as dampness. Dampness is the body is not properly transforming and transporting fluids. Dampness is caused by the failure to burn off moisture in the body. Dampness primarily affects the middle and lower part of the bodyhence putting on weight in these areas. We use herbs as well as foods that drain the dampness. Usually a formula is prescribed using many herbs together in a synergistic manner. It is important to get a proper diagnosis by a Chinese medicine professional. Diagnosis includes pulse reading, tongue diagnosis, and health history. Chinese medicine uses very individualized care. T he fundamental prescriptive methodology is to treat the patient's personal pattern of disharmony. This kind of treatment is both safe and effective because it addresses that person's own metabolic reasons for being overweight. Using this method, each patient receives their own individually tailored treatment plan, using Chinese herbs, diet and lifestyle modifications. If you want to make your weight loss program even MORE powerful add acupuncture to your treatment regime. Chinese medicine tailors your treatment to your unique energetic disharmony instead of just treating symptoms. Chinese medicine emphasizes building up your digestive energy. For weight loss, the importance of your digestive system cannot be over emphasized. You depend on your digestive system to absorb and assimilate the nutrients that you require in order to support and sustain your body's normal function. If your digestive system isn't working efficiently you will still gain weight. Frequently we use herbal formulas to help strengthen the energy of your stomach and digestive system. This helps speed up the process of digestion before the food has a chance to change into excess fat. Dieting without sufficient digestive energy results in lose of energy, dehydration and undernourishment of the body. This can eventually lead to further weakening and impairment of the digestive system. Once that happens permanent and natural weight control will become quite difficult. It is also important to maintain regular bowel movements. For weight loss with Chinese medicine, we sometimes use herbs and formulas to help facilitate regular bowel movements. Irregular bowel movements over a long period of time will cause stagnant/undigested food, toxins and other impurities to accumulate in the colon. Excess accumulation of waste material will ultimately overheat and weaken the digestive system, preventing the absorption of essential nutrients. This will gradually lead to symptoms of undernourishment as the body develops a craving for sweets and a constant urge to eat as well as gain weight. Some herbs help suppress the appetite. Taking Chinese herbal formulas can aid weight loss. They help by increasing the body's metabolism as well as suppressing the appetite. Sometimes we can treat other problems at the same time in conjunction with weight loss. Several examples are acid reflux, insomnia or depression. Here we may use 2 formulas together. When treating weight loss we also look at a persons emotional health, something Chinese medicine excels at. Chinese medicine treats body, mind and spirit as an integrated, interrelated whole. This means that to have true physical health you must be emotional health. Each of the five organ pairs has a corresponding emotion. For illustration, anger is related to your liver and gallbladder. Worry is associated with your stomach and spleen. Chinese medicine recognizes that chronically held in emotions set up imbalances in your organs function. Are you serious about losing weight? Do you want lasting weight loss that brings the benefits of long term health? Chinese medicine, with its time tested methods of prevention and lifestyle modification, is a truly safe and healing weight loss resource. Don't let procrastination, hesitation or fear stop you from improving your life and looking better. Visit us now at http://www.orientalmedcare.com . You have permission to publish this article electronically or in print, free of charge, as long as the signature box is included. For more than 20 years Steven Sonmore helped people transform their health problems into solutions for attaining better health. Steven is a licensed acupuncturist, Oriental bodywork therapist and herbalist. He offers complete health care with acupuncture, Chinese herbs, nutritional counseling, Oriental massage, and facial rejuvenation. He is licensed by the Minnesota Board of Medical Practice and certified by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine For more information call 612-866-4000, visit www.orientalmedcare.com or write to info@orientalmedcare.com .
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