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You’re An Adult. Why Is Your Skin Still Breaking Out?

June 14, 2015

I’m an adult. Why is my skin still breaking out? I hear this so often from my patients and I totally get the frustration. Growing up, I was a regular at the dermatologist’s office. As I entered high school, my painful, cystic acne had become severe- all over my chest, back, face, even my upper arms, to the point where I was embarrassed to wear sleeveless tops in the summer. It made an already awkward phase of life even harder. But when you have acne as an adult (either for the first time or continuing from your teenage years), you can feel even more self-conscious because it feels like you are the only one still having this problem. Read more

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Natural Treatment for Headaches and Migraines

May 27, 2015

I remember the first time I had a migraine. It was a typical, sunny and humid 95 degree summer day in Virginia, and I had just driven to work to start my high school job at a pharmacy. As I got out of the car, all of a sudden I realized that I was seeing stars, but only out of one eye. As I started my work day, the vision disturbance got worse and worse, until only my peripheral vision was left. My head hurt slightly, but this definitely felt different from any headache I’d had before. The pharmacist at my job advised me to have a cup of coffee- she said caffeine was good for a migraine. It clicked: “Ah, so this is a migraine!” Gradually my vision improved and I could see again.

As someone who has experienced years of chronic tension headaches, and occasional migraines, I can tell you that I understand the feelings of frustration and fatigue that come along with constant pain. Like many people, I eventually resigned myself to thinking this daily pain was the new normal, and I didn’t notice it that much after a while. However while I was in acupuncture school, I decided to try treatments in the student clinic and see what might happen. Just a few acupuncture treatments completely got rid of my daily tension headaches, and greatly reduced my migraines. Now that I have been practicing acupuncture for 10 years, I can tell you that my experience was not unusual- acupuncture is enormously helpful to my patients with headaches and migraines and I can’t recall a patient who didn’t experience at least some reduction in pain. Read more

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The Surprising Truth About Sitting Up Straight: A Guest Post

March 12, 2015

This post is by an experienced Alexander Technique teacher. If you’re interested in learning more, please contact me for referral information.

 

Contrary to popular belief, “sitting up straight” can be as bad for you as slumping (and sometimes worse!). Most people alternate between slumping and forcing themselves to rigidly “sit up straight.” Both can cause you neck and back pain and even headaches. Learn how to safely and more comfortably sit while being well-supported in a healthy way.   Read more

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Sweet Relief: Acupuncture and Herbs for hot flashes and other perimenopausal symptoms

February 26, 2015

Perimenopause is defined as the length of time between the reproductive years and menopause. Pretty vague, huh? The symptoms, however, are quite well-defined. Hot flashes, night sweats, forgetfulness, anxiety and/or depression, weight gain and even migraines can all happen during this period of time. Periods often become irregular and very heavy. Perimenopause can last anywhere from 3.5 to 14 years, so if a woman’s symptoms are pronounced, it can greatly interfere with normal daily activities. If you are one of the unlucky few whose symptoms last upwards of 14 years, finding a treatment that can provide natural relief from perimenopausal symptoms is crucial. Recent research shows that the earlier these symptoms begin, the longer they tend to last (source).

A common misconception about perimenopause is Read more

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Dry Winter Skin Remedies: A Holistic Approach

February 14, 2015

Why is my skin so angry in the winter?

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, dry skin is caused either by exposure to excessive dryness and heat (as in the dry heat produced by HVAC systems or radiators) or a deficiency of blood and fluids within the body. These causes can be seen as mutually interdependent- one can make the other worse. Other symptoms of blood and fluid deficiency include brittle hair and nails, constipation, constant thirst, or even very light or non-existent periods. If you have dry skin year-round or every winter you experience severe symptoms, fluid and blood deficiency are most likely at work, and dietary changes plus both internal and external Chinese herbs can help.

Scientists describe something called the “Dry Skin Cycle”- and it goes like this: Read more