You Can Manage Extra Weight, Constipation, Bloating, Reflux and Bad Breath With Acupuncture

We all eat every day, multiple times per day...good to know how we can be EVEN nicer to our digestive systems! This is an excellent article!

We’ve all heard the saying “You are what you eat.” It’s true, but acupuncture lends further insight into our relationship with food by suggesting that we are also how we eat.

On some level, we know this already. Think about the times when you’ve skipped breakfast and then gorged yourself much too quickly on a huge lunch. Chances are, you felt a little irritable and anxious before stuffing your face, after which you probably felt uncomfortably full and bloated.

Low blood sugar followed by undue stress on your digestive organs is one way of looking at this scenario. However, acupuncture offers an explanation that’s much more interesting and broader in scope. Understanding this perspective is an initial step toward avoiding weight gain, constipation, bloating, acid reflux and even bad breath.

Want Good Digestion? Give Some Thought to Your Spleen and Stomach

5 Self-Care Tips for Nourishing Your Spleen and Stomach

• Sip with spice

• Chew slowly

• Sit down to eat

• Eat your yellows

• Make plans

Extensive Chinese Herbal Pharmacy, specializing in Custom Formulas

We currently stock over 270 Traditional Chinese Herbal Formulas and Single Herbs in our extensive Chinese Herbal Pharmacy. It is our honor to be able to offer this service which helps people in the Columbia Gorge to get well naturally! One client told us: "Thank you so much, now I don’t have to drive to Portland any longer for my Custom Chinese Herbs!"

All of our clients have access to the Pharmacy, with a minimal wait time; we will mix and deliver our Custom Formulas to either clinic location, in Hood River or The Dalles, within three days. If you are interested in trying a custom herbal formula for your health concern needs, or if one of our Acupuncturists suggest the inclusion of one as part of your treatment plan we will:

First schedule an extra visit, called an Herbal Evaluation.

         During this appointment we will perform a Chinese Medical Pulse Diagnosis, and conduct a medical intake to discuss the focus of your Custom Chinese Herbal Formula. All Acupuncturists at Cascade Acupuncture Center have been trained in the specific Chinese Medical Pulse Diagnosis with Jimmy Wei-Yen Chang, LAc.

Second we will prepare your Custom Chinese Herbal formula.

         This involves using four to seven different Classical Chinese Herbal Formulas or Single Chinese Herbs from our Pharmacy. These ingredients will be prescribed in different dosages, according to your Chinese Medical Pulse, your progress and medical focus of your formula. The resulting Custom Chinese Herbal Formula is designed for your specific needs and is valid for only for the next few weeks; as your condition improves, you formula will be adjusted to meet your changing needs. Please consider comparing our approach to prescribing medicine with over the counter or prescription pharmaceuticals.

After two or four weeks, we will evaluate your progress again with another Herbal Evaluation visit and will prescribe your next Custom Chinese Herbal Formula.

This form of practicing Chinese Herbal Medicine is the most customized and most effective way to attain lasting results.

Please call or email us if you have any questions.

HOOD RIVER   541-387-4325; THE DALLES   541-298-2378; STEVENSON   509-637-3163
Mail US: heal@CascadeAcupuncture.org

Can Acupuncture Help Your Injury?

Many athletes use the ancient Chinese therapy to treat their most annoying ailments. 

The sight of needles can make anyone cringe, but it may be worth a shot to help alleviate an injury. Marathoner Deena Kastor is among a handful of elite athletes who use acupuncture to treat injuries and reduce the pain and inflammation associated with it. Studies suggest the ancient Chinese therapy can increase circulation and range of motion and accelerate healing time due to its ability to balance the neurological and cardiovascular systems.

How does it work?

Patients first fill out a questionnaire about their history. The acupuncturist will then perform a diagnostic test by examining the tongue and pulse, and exploring (by touch) various points on the body.

According to Andrew Castellanos, a licensed acupuncturist at the Stillpoint Wellness Center in San Francisco, acupuncture works by strategically placing needles on pressure points to regulate blood flow to trouble spots via major pathways in the body, thus resulting in relaxed muscles with less swelling, tension and pain. Each needle is connected to an Electrostem valve to deliver currents from one point to another, which increases oxygen flow and delivers white blood cells to the injury.

RELATED: The Pros of Prolotherapy For Runners

“Electrostem uses an electrical impulse that contracts and releases muscles. It allows the needles to push fluid out of the [injured] area and deliver blood back to those tissue paths—that let’s the muscles relax so the body can heal itself,” said Castellanos.

He adds that the underlying premise lies in our body’s energetic system, which consists of Chi—energy that circulates throughout the body and is responsible for regulating our organs and other processes of the body. “Some theories say the needles trigger the release of endorphins into the brain, which is responsible for the feeling of well-being,” said Castellanos.

The number of treatment sessions, which last about 60 to 90 minutes and ranges from $60 to $120 per visit, depends on the seriousness of the injury; however, significant improvement can occur after just a few visits.

While acupuncture can be used to treat a number of injuries, it is commonly used for shin splits, muscle pulls, tears or strains, and IT band, hip flexor, glute and quad pain.

Does it hurt?

Unlike hypodermic needles, which are used for giving an injection, acupuncture needles are hair-thin. Castellanos explains patients associate needle pain with the same pain as receiving an injection, but acupuncture needles are virtually painless. “The needles are inserted past the skin nerves so there is no pain. If there is any, it would be from the acupuncturist’s thumbs and fingers,” said Castellanos, who suggests the therapy works better than massages, as the needles are able to get to areas where our fingers can’t.

Is it for everyone?

Acupuncture isn’t for people on blood thinner medication due to the risk of bleeding, and for those who use a pacemaker, as it can interfere with the Electrostem system.

We treat sports or any other injuries in our clinics. The article states no Acupuncture for people on blood thinners, no problem in our clinic, we can treat you, your risk of a bruise is a bit higher than normal. Also if you have a pace maker, you can have Acupuncture, just no electro stimulation, which is optional and not indicated for everybody. Call us for a free consult to get your questions answered! Hood River 541-387-4325, The Dalles 541-298-2378, Stevenson 509-637-3163.

Greens FIRST and Protein - Acupuncture

What Is The Greens First Meal Replacement Kit?

Each Greens FIRST Meal Replacement Kit contains a can of Greens FIRST, Dream Protein, and a bottle of Complete Omega-3 FIRST Soft Gels. Simply mix a scoop of Greens FIRST and Dream Protein and in 6 to 8 ounces of water or your favorite beverage in the Convenient Shaker Cup and take 1 Complete Omega-3 FIRST Soft Gel in the morning or anytime! The 7-Habits of Healthy Living Book provides easy guidelines on healthy eating choices, exercise plans and tips to reduce stress and put balance back into your life.

The Greens FIRST Meal Replacement Shake helps to:

• Increase Energy & Endurance
• Boost Immune Function
• Improve Digestion & Elimination
• Stabilizes Blood Sugar Levels
• Maintain Healthy Weight Management
• Improve Digestion & Elimination

The Greens FIRST Meal Replacement Shake can be used as

• Daily nutritional supplement to alkalize your body’s pH, maximize energy and optimize health.
• Wholesome and complete Whole Food meal replacement or snack.
• Pre workout endurance enhancing drink to stabilize blood sugar levels, re-invigorate your entire body and prepare you for exercise.
• Beneficial part of a weight management, detoxification-cleansing program when directed by your healthcare provider.

The Greens FIRST Meal Replacement Shake is an easy, affordable and delicious way to improve energy, restore vitality and maximize your health. It can be used as a healthy fast food meal or snack that’s delicious, low calorie, low carb and packed with nutrients.

Chinese Herbal Medicine – A Natural Choice

Extending back thousands of years, Chinese Medicine offers a rich heritage and history in healthcare and healing. Offering a root-level attack rather than a symptom cover, Chinese Medicine provides an added layer of client safety. It carries fewer, if any side effects, treats the actual cause of illness, rather than suppressing the symptoms, and provides a more affordable treatment option.

We use Evergreen Herbs for our custom blend and already prepared Chinese Herbal Formulas. 

Steps to Wellness

There are 3 unique steps to wellness. The rate at which you move through these stages depends on your unique situation. A good rule of thumb is one month of care for every year you have had a certain medical condition.

Step 1: Relief Care

During this stage we are concerned with alleviating the symptoms causing you to seek our care. Once your symptoms are relieved, you will move on to Step 2, Corrective Care.

Step 2: Corrective Care

In order to restore your health, we will determine the underlying cause of your illness, from a Chinese Medical Perspective, rather than simply addressing the symptoms. This may involve a different Custom Chinese Herbal formula, as well as Acupuncture Points, uniquely positioned and carefully prescribed to address the root of your concerns.

Step 2 heals what is creating and causing your pain and other symptoms, setting the stage for healthy living.

Step 3: Maintenance Care

The final phase of your care is Maintenance Care. We will prescribe appropriate herbs and Acupuncture Points to keep your immune system strong and healthy, so it will protect the body as it should. The final phase of treatment is ongoing. After all, a relapse is simply unacceptable when such high-quality herbal supplements are so readily available.

That your overall health is protected by Chinese herbs

The Cascade Acupuncture Center Team

We look forward to helping you reach your highest level of health.

Your Wellness Consultants at Cascade Acupuncture Center:

The Cascade Acupuncture Center Team

L to R, back row: Brenda Spring; Jeannette Schreiber, LAc; Amy Rowland; Lisa Shirk; Kriston Irby, LMT; Roberta Grant, LMT; Jacki Powell; Susan Vallie

L to R, front row: Brittani Dowse, LAc; Carola Stepper, LAc; Rebecca Herrin, LAc

Statement of Purpose

Our purpose is to help as many people as possible to get well naturally. Our clients get relief from symptoms and correction of underlying health concerns, which helps them reach their optimal level of health. We inspire them about Oriental Medicine which has worked for millennia, and motivate them to maintain their health naturally.

For many clients this is a life changing process. We strive to continually improve all aspects of our services to have clients so satisfied with their level of health that they naturally refer friends and family to us. In support of our goal to make our services available to as many people as possible, we offer various treatment and payment options.

Furthermore, Cascade Acupuncture Center provides a refuge for clients, a place of beauty, kindness and compassion, where they can heal and renew themselves in a supportive environment.

If you have questions about Acupuncture, Massage or Chinese Herbs, our staff is always willing to answer your questions.

Feel free to give us a call 541-387-HEAL (4325), send an email, (heal@CascadeAcupuncture.org)

Free Health Lectures - Carola Stepper

Are you interested in any of the topics below?

Call us at (541) 387-4325 or (541) 298-2378 and provide us with the lecture number, we can arrange for a special presentation for you and your co-workers or organization at your office or at our office at Cascade Acupuncture Center, 104 5th Street in downtown Hood River.

These Health Lectures are given FREE of charge in the Columbia Gorge area by Carola Stepper, LAc, RN retired, for a minimum of six people registered.

Carola Stepper, LAc, RN retired, is a Licensed Acupuncturist and a member of the Foundation for Wellness Professionals, (www.wellnessspeakers.org) nationwide volunteer association of health care professionals who devote their time as motivational speakers, to deliver educational workshops at no charge on health related topics in their local communities. Her lectures at the MCMC lecture series, Lions Clubs, Rotary Clubs, Google, Insitu, Hood River Community Education and other venues have been very well received. In 2009 she volunteered her time for 50 lectures. Her presentations have been described as informational, motivational and entertaining.

All of these lectures except #1 and #14 are power point presentations around 30-45 minutes and provide education, interesting facts and natural health care information to treat the conditions discussed.

1. Introduction to Acupuncture, including Self- Acupressure Techniques
2. Natural Solutions to Headache Pain
3. Five Secrets to Permanent Weight Loss
4. Natural Solutions to Improve Fertility
5. Balancing Hormones Naturally: A Holistic approach to Women ‘s Hormone Related Health Concerns
6. Whiplash & Auto Accident Injuries: Find out how Acupuncture can help you get relief from your pain, naturally
7. Stay fit while you sit: Information on ergonomics in the office and exercises
8. Understanding Fibromyalgia: A Holistic Approach to chronic Pain and Fatigue
9. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
10. Natural Solutions to Allergy Problems
11. Natural Solutions to Digestive Problems
12. Trigger Point Therapy, including practical instructions to release neck and shoulder tension, come with a partner.
13. Arthritis: Alternative Approaches to preventing and handling Arthritic Pain
14. Health and Stress: Information how different stressors are effecting us and helpful strategies