Blog
June 6, 2024Victory Over Coronavirus
Let’s plan your victory over Coronavirus and build confidence in your ability to combat infection. Fear is one of the most undermining emotions and harbouring worry or concern about Coronavirus is only going to make you more susceptible to infection. The best way to combat fear in the shape of Coronavirus is to build knowledge and confidence in your body to defend you against it.
In Chinese Medicine fear is stored in the Kidneys and worry is stored in the Lungs. Not only will treating these areas help you overcome your fears and build your confidence but more importantly build your defence against infection and lung conditions like bronchitis and pneumonia.
Let’s have a closer look at your plan to prevent and conquer Corona Virus. It is important for you to be fearless and confident in your approach to 1. Building your immunity and 2. Fighting an Acute Infection.
It goes without saying that Acupuncture is going to play a vital role. Acupuncture is extremely effective in both building your immunity in preparation for the flu season and supporting your body’s defence when you have an infection.
My article Four Ways to Manage Pain and Fatigue will elaborate on four ways you can improve your immunity:
Be more active
Nourish your body and microbiome (good bowel bacteria)
Purify your environment
Be at peace
My article Relieve and Prevent Acute Infection will elaborate on an effective approach to help secure your body’s victory over Corona Virus and any other infection.
I am happy to discuss your plan in more detail and personalise your approach, phone 0420 437 156. […]
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June 6, 2024Dry Needling is Not Acupuncture
The confusion between dry needling and Acupuncture is something I’ve been wanting to clear up. Mainly because people will say to me, “I have tried acupuncture” when in fact it is dry needling they have had not Acupuncture. Acupuncture is very different and involves much more than dry needling.
Dry needling is a needling technique rarely used by Acupuncturists but is employed by other modality therapists as an adjunct therapy to their main modality. Dry needling works only on musculoskeletal conditions specifically muscle shortening (spasm) as a muscle trigger point therapy. In contrast Acupuncture is effective in all health conditions. Dry needling is limited in its application so Acupuncturist access many other needling techniques more suited to repairing and relieving injury, pain, inflammation and muscle spasm. Only Acupuncturists with qualifications (4-year Degree or Master) in Acupuncture can practice Acupuncture. Acupuncturists are specifically trained in needling technique as their main modality and spend their whole time honing their needling skill.
In an Acupuncture treatment needles are used to dip into wells of Qi (Chi) or in western terms more simply explained as pools of “electromagnetic” energy. Science now recognises that the body is predominantly energy, and activity in the body is dominated by electromagnetic reaction not chemical reaction. It makes sense then when treating a health imbalance that we apply therapy to the energetic or electromagnetic site of imbalance rather than the chemical. In comparison drug therapy interferes with chemical reactions in the body.
The art of Acupuncture is underpinned by a philosophy, which explains the movement of Qi and how it is influenced by the environment. Each point has an application and function and these points are used together to enhance the therapeutic effect. These points are along energy channels in the body known as meridians. Points along the channels were chosen due to being a greater source of and influence on Qi. The idea is to use points which have the strongest beneficial effect on Qi. Dry needling technique does not take advantage of this philosophy or knowledge of the best needling practice indicated for each individual condition. Dry needling uses local points not necessarily on a meridian and relies on triggering a local response in the muscle. It does not work on the point which is best connected to the issue and doesn’t address the cause of the problem. What is notable is even the most basic needling techniques like dry needling achieve results indicating the effective potential of Acupuncture needling and bio-energy therapeutics.
Long term benefits of Acupuncture are well documented by ancient and modern research and recognised by the WHO. “For thousands of years, long before Western scientists discovered the laws of quantum physics, the Asians have honoured energy as the principal factor contributing to health and well-being.” Bruce H. Lipton, PhD, The Biology of Belief. The influence of Quantum Mechanics on biology and health deserves its own article… let’s get together again and I will look at it in more detail next time. […]
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June 6, 2024Novel Coronavirus – What you need to know
The spread of Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) can potentially be a cause of worry and concern for some people. Anxiety lowers immunity, so my intention in this article is to allay your fears and increase your knowledge and confidence when it comes to infection. Complementary and Alternative Medicine including Acupuncture has a lot to offer when it comes to your immunity and infections.
While we don’t know how virulent this strain of Coronavirus is or how exactly it spreads, at this time deaths can be mainly attributed to a compromised immune system due to an underlying condition or to being frail or elderly. To put it into context the 2-3% fatality rate of those infected is similar to the fatality risk of common seasonal influenza. It is possible that in the future the virus mutates and becomes more deadly. Currently, there are no available effective medical treatments. Viral pneumonia is the common cause of complication and death. Supporting immune and lung function is important.
Acupuncture alone can raise your immunity and strengthen your lungs against infection. In my next article, “Relieve and Prevent Acute Infection” I detail Complimentary Medicines including acupuncture, which strengthen your body’s ability to fight infection.
NSW Health has released FAQs, which will cover many questions you may have. The WHO recommends the following to help prevent spread:
Regularly wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
Cover your nose and mouth when sneezing or coughing with a tissue or flexed elbow. Avoid coughing into your hands. Throw the tissue into a closed bin
Avoid close contact with individuals who display cold and flu-like symptoms
Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. A face mask may help you to remember to not touch your face
Avoid travel if you have a fever or a cough
Avoid travel if you are immunocompromised or have a chronic illness, or if you are regularly in close contact with individuals with such conditions
If you have a fever, cough or difficulty breathing, seek medical care early, and share your travel history with your health care provider; let your doctor know before you present to their clinic that you have respiratory symptoms so that you are not kept waiting with other patients
If you feel unwell during your travels, notify your travel crew
Eat only well-cooked food while travelling […]
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June 6, 2024Relieve and Prevent Acute Infection
The most effective time to relieve an infection using Complimentary Medicine is as soon as it starts. You need to commence treatment as soon as the first symptoms appear (e.g. sneezing, itchy throat, fever, runny nose or body aches). Below is a summary of remedies effective in supporting the relief of most bacterial and viral infections. It is preferable that you contact your practitioner for specific instructions when first starting to use any therapeutic medication.
Vitamin C
Practitioner quality powder is preferable. Take 1000mg of Vitamin C every hour until bowel intolerant than reduce dose to 1000mg three times daily. Bowel intolerance is when your stools become loose or bowels windy.
Echinacea, Andrographis, Olive Leaf, C and Zinc
The most effective way to take the above is as a formula. We use a “Quality Guaranteed” product called “Armaforce” by Bioceuticals. Start by taking 2 tablets than take 1 every 2 hours for the first day reducing dose to 1-2 tablets 3 times daily.
Garlic Capsules
Take one capsule 3-4 times daily
Acupuncture
The following points are very beneficial in relieving cold, influenza, acute tonsillitis and acute bronchitis: Dazhui (DU 14) Fengchi (GB 13) and Quchi (LI 11). Every Chronic Infection requires Acupuncture.
Jungle Juice
1 clove garlic crushed, ½ lemon squeezed, 1 tsp grated ginger, 1 tsp honey
Mix together in a cup of boiling water. Let stand and sip while still warm. Eat the dregs.To be taken once daily as a preventative of colds and flu and for the treatment of colds take up to 3 times daily as soon as cold symptoms appear.
Chicken Soup
Grandma was right! The warming and nourishing qualities of chicken broth are easy to digest and therefore energy giving to the body. Make a stock from the whole chicken including bones. (Chicken frames can often be purchased from your butcher). Include antiviral/bacterial herbs such as garlic, rosemary, thyme, oregano, shiitake mushrooms, turmeric and onion. Warming vegetable soups boost your immunity.
Herbs
Add Ginger, Shiitake mushrooms, Garlic Oregano and Thyme to your cooking. E.g. add Ginger to fresh orange juice to warm it up for digestion. For bronchitis or lung infections take herbal extracts or herbal tea of Thyme, White Horehound and White Ivy Leaf. Eat these herbs fresh from your garden.
Eucalyptus and Lavender Oils
Use as antiseptic inhalant, chest rub; put it in a spray bottle and spray in the air or drop on to your tissues.
Hot Water Bottle
It is important to have a fever to help fight infection. Take a hot water bottle to bed with you to bring up your temperature if you are not experiencing fevers. Warning: do not use a hot water bottle if you have fevers. Use a cooling cloth instead of Paracetamol if you feel uncomfortable.
Lifestyle
It’s boring advice but getting enough sleep is priority when supporting the immune system. Stress is also a big factor. Manage your stress, exercise, practice meditation, take time out and actively breath joy into your heart.
Minimise junk food and sugar cravings by keeping healthy snacks easily available, like veggie sticks and hummus, seeds, nuts, boiled eggs and fruit. Studies show that sugar weakens the immune system.
When in contact with others keep your distance from people who are coughing and sneezing. Wash your hands with hot water and natural based soaps and keep your hands away from your face. If you are feeling particularly vulnerable place a few drops of Eucalyptus or Lavender oil on your neck or chest. Spot test if you are concerned about allergies and skin reaction.
This seems obvious but if you are sick stay home and rest. […]
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June 6, 2024Using Acupuncture and Meditation
This Week:
Meaningful Change using Acupuncture and Meditation, read how in the article below…
Pottsville Acupuncture Christmas Gift Vouchers Available Now – Show your loved ones how much you care ?
Book Online – For your convenience all appointments can now be booked online
At the Health Hub
10% Off All Services Christmas Promotion – Mention this promotion when booking or paying and receive 10% off any service at the Health Hub. See www.healthhub.com.au for a full list of Services available in the Clinic and Studio.
YOGA NIDRA Workshop $3530th November, 2-4pm Book Online
The art of Transformational Relaxation. In the ancient language of Sanskrit, Yoga Nidra translates as Yogic Sleep and it is one of the least known and underappreciated aspects of Yoga, yet it’s potential reach is immense. In our modern society, many of us are accustomed to doing more to get more. Yoga Nidra is not about doing more, it is about doing less. Read more
EFT FOR CONSCIOUS PARENTING $55 4th December,7-9pm Book Online
Sue Anne Fuller’s workshops are attended by loving parents who are keen to discover new ways to support themselves in their most important role. Imagine the benefits of strengthening your capacity to process emotionally challenging situations! Read more
Meaningful Change
I use Acupuncture in clinic to effect change in people’s lives. Acupuncture’s obvious effect is to relieve physical symptoms like pain but many do not realise it also provides mental and emotional change in people’s lives. Acupuncture does this in various ways from resolving hormonal and chemical imbalances to providing energy and courage to overcome fear and life’s challenges. I find that most of our health problems are preventable and may begin with our conditioning. Our environmental conditioning programs us, for example how to think about ourselves, what to eat or how to live.
Acupuncture can provide the impetus for great and meaningful change in your life. It provides the energy and clarity to release old belief systems and habits that may be limiting you or causing health problems. I find that meditation compliments Acupuncture allowing the cleared energy that Acupuncture releases to be put to good purpose during a meditation. Remember after an Acupuncture treatment when you are feeling full of energy and ready to conquer the world, don’t use it all up at once, sit back and relax and allow it to also heal deeper issues or health problems.
Try this meditation below and forge meaningful change in your life.
While lying in bed before sleep each night close your eyes and focus on your heart chakra (centre of your chest), breath in joy, imagine a joyful moment in your life, smile and breathe in happiness, (fake it till you make it or pretend you’re happy, smile and laugh as you feel the joy). Visualise an orb of light in the centre of your chest and watch it grow with each in-breath. Breathe in slowly through your nose expanding your rib cage and hold your breath at the top for a few seconds and release your breath gently and slowly through your mouth. With each in-breath welcome joy, love and gratitude into your heart and visualise the orb of light at your heart chakra growing. Do this for 5-10 in-breaths.
Now focus on the base chakra at your pelvic floor between your legs. Visualise (imagine) an orb of light and watch it grow as you breathe in love and joy into this space. 5-10 in-breaths as described before. Think of creative thoughts, where wonderful things are being created for you. Next focus on your umbilical chakra just below your navel. Imagine that you are releasing toxic waste, negative thoughts, limiting beliefs and suppressive conditioning. Grow an orb of light here with each in-breath and after 5-10 in-breaths align this chakra with your base chakra with a beam of light. That is, connect your navel chakra with your base chakra with the beam of light.
Now focus on your solar plexus just below your sternum where your ribs meet at the centre, lower area of your chest. Breathe in loving light and grow an orb of light here. Breath in joy and love and courage and acceptance and watch the orb grow. Now align this chakra with your navel chakra and then your base chakra. Breathe in joy and love from your base chakra and align each chakra with each in-breath.
Do this process with each of the following chakras, form an orb of growing light and align the chakras with a beam of unconditional loving energy:
Heart chakra – love, joy, gratitude and forgiveness.
Throat chakra – expression of gratitude and your joy
Third eye chakra – intuition
Crown chakra – clarity
Super-consciousness (30 cm above your head) – connect and watch a large orb of moving light grow around your body and cycle through your chakras, just like the Health Hub Logo. This next part is the most important. You are going to ask the super-consciousness for guidance, answers to any problems and healing. I want you to ask the super-consciousness to clear away any toxic wastes or limiting beliefs you may have restricting you from experiencing a successful cleanse. Imagine and believe yourself to be vital, eating well and practicing healthy habits. Ask the super-consciousness to do whatever it needs to support you. […]
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June 6, 2024World Health Organisation Recognises Acupuncture
Acupuncture has been used for thousands of years relieving a wide range of conditions. Unfortunately, in Australia registered practitioners are not allowed to state what Acupuncture treats. The World Health Organisation (WHO) recognises Acupuncture and published a list of conditions proven in controlled clinical trials to be effectively relieved by Acupuncture. I wish to share this list with you so that you can experience the full benefit of Acupuncture. Sorry, it is quite extensive but you have a right to know. You can find a fully referenced summary of Acupuncture research here.
Cardiovascular Disorders – Essential hypertension
Neurological Disorders – Headache and migraine, Trigeminal neuralgia, Facial palsy, Paresis following stroke, Peripheral neuropathies, Meniere’s Disease, Nocturnal enuresis, Cervicobrachial syndrome, Neurogenic bladder dysfunction, Intercostal neuralgia, Disc problems
Musculo-skeletal Disorders – Muscle pain, swelling, stiffness and weakness; Localized traumatic injuries, sprains, strains, tendonitis, contractures; Arthritis, Fibromyalgia, Work and sports related injuries, Low back pain, Osteoarthritis, “Frozen shoulder”, “tennis elbow”, Sciatica
Respiratory System Disorders – Acute sinusitis, Acute rhinitis, Common cold, Acute tonsillitis, Acute bronchitis, Bronchial asthma
Disorders of the Eye, Ear, Nose & Mouth – Acute conjunctivitis, Central retinitis, Myopia (in children), Cataract (without complications), Toothaches, post extraction pain, Gingivitis, Acute and chronic pharyngitis
Gastrointestinal Disorders – Spasms of oesophagus and cardia, Irritable bowel and colitis, Hiccough, Gastroptosis, Acute and chronic gastritis, Gastric hyperacidity, Chronic duodenal ulcer (pain relief)
Acute duodenal ulcer (without complication), Acute and chronic colitis, Constipation, Diarrhea, Acute bacillary dysentery, Paralytic ileus
Gynaecological Disorders – PMS, Dysmenorrhea, Menopause syndrome, Benign irregular menstruation, Benign amenorrhea
Psychological Disorders – Depression, Anxiety, OCD, PTSD, Somatization disorder, Hypersomnia, Insomnia
Other Disorders – Withdrawal from street and pharmacological drugs, Appetite suppression […]
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June 6, 2024Is Anxiety Holding You Back?
Each of us may experience brief anxiety during stressful situations, however, those with an anxiety disorder are engulfed with fear and stress for long periods of time. This prevents the achievement of everyday goals, from simply talking to others, going to the shops or sleeping at night.
If you have anxiety or are just starting to experience the effects of continuous worry seek treatment sooner rather than later as excess stress detrimentally affects many important functions of the body.
When looking at the research positive findings are reported for acupuncture in the treatment of generalised anxiety disorder or anxiety neurosis. In my clinical experience treatment with acupuncture leaves clients with a sense of resilience and strength. Where previously they were overcome with doubt and daunted by simple things in life or overwhelmed with a fear of doom, once treatment starts a renewed purpose and courage to face life evolves.
Know that help is available, take control of your life and gain the courage and energy to appreciate what life has to offer.
Furthermore, once treated with acupuncture clients successfully experience relief from many other symptoms including emotional depression, palpitations, muscular tension, shortness of breath, anger, dizziness, sighing, nightmares, dry mouth and throat, restlessness, tinnitus, afternoon fevers and night sweats, rapid breathing, chest oppression, insomnia and profuse dreaming.
Anxiety episodes and disorders may range from Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Panic Disorder, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder to Obsessive Compulsive Disorders.
Reference: K. Pilkington, G. Kirkwood, H. Rampes, M. Cummings and J. Richardson, Acupunct. Med., 2007, 25, 1–10.
This article is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. If you are experiencing a personal crisis, help is available. Please contact Lifeline 13 11 14 […]
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June 6, 2024Four Ways to Manage Pain and Fatigue
Inflammation is a cause of pain and fatigue. There are simple things you can do at home to control inflammation in your body, which will help you recover, have more energy and live pain free. Inflammation is managed by our immune system to help heal, protect and detoxify our body. It does this very well but can become overwhelmed when under pressure of modern life. You are aware of inflammation in your body as swelling and redness after injury or trauma, joint and back pain, the discomfort of sinusitis, hay fever and allergies, the flu like symptoms of an infection, bloating of food intolerance and chronic pain of a long-term illness.
Our immune system evolved in a more natural environment and before modern times had only infection and injury as major causes of pain and illness. Today our immune system is combating a lot more, and chronic pain and fatigue are a result. Pain and fatigue are not the only outcomes of inflammation. Long term inflammation is related to joint degeneration, heart disease, cancer and depression.
Whatever the cause there is a lot you can do to relieve inflammation, pain and fatigue.
Diet
Inflammatory foods are consumed in abundance today, the common ones are sugar, processed foods, dairy, gluten, excess fatty grain fed meats and excess alcohol. These foods not only cause inflammation but suppress our immune system. They also contribute to bowel flora imbalance, which is a major source of inflammation in the body.
Lesser known inflammatory foods are lectin containing foods like tomatoes, capsicum, eggplant, potatoes, legumes (lentils, beans, peanuts) and grains. Cooking can help break down lectins in these foods and make them easier to digest. Methods of food preparation that help reduce the inflammatory effect of these foods are boiling, soaking, fermenting, sprouting, peeling, deseeding and pressure cooking.
If you are suffering from debilitating pain and fatigue eliminate the above inflammatory foods, consume plenty of vegetables and rely on fish and eggs for protein. Once you start feeling better you may be able to reintroduce the lectin foods but prepare them appropriately and include low fat organic meat.
Stress
Existing in a perpetual state of stress and strain exhausts the body and causes increased nervous reactivity, adrenal fatigue and immune dysfunction. Good sleep, stress management, meditation, mindfulness, relax when eating, commune with nature, yoga and exercise are ways to relieve stress.
Inactivity
Commonly our bodies are under physical stress, either by not enough activity or activity that is aggravating to our muscles and joints. Life for many is sedentary with many hours of the day taken up sitting at a screen. Others who are more active suffer repetitive strain and injury due to too much of the wrong activity. When at the office take a break after two hours of sitting at a computer and walk around, do some stretches, use an adjustable Sit Stand Desk, incorporate a Swiss Ball and ergonomic practices, go for a walk during lunch time.
Toxicity
We are subject to toxicity from our environment and re-absorption of toxins from our bowel. By-products of industry, refinery processing, manufacture, motorised vehicles, modern farming practices are released into the environment. We absorb them from the air, our food and water and from contact and use of these products. These toxic chemicals plus toxic emissions from electrical and digital devices disturb nervous, hormonal and immune system function and cause oxidative stress and systemic inflammation.
Minimise exposure to emissions, this includes the plastic and petroleum products we use in our home like our beauty and cleaning products, furniture, flooring and paint. Filter your water and eat organic if possible. Reduce time in front of a screen. Increase time out-doors, in the sun and with nature.
Your body has a natural ability to heal given the right encouragement.
Four ways you can manage pain and fatigue:
Be more active
Nourish your body and microbiome (good bowel bacteria)
Purify your environment
Be at peace […]
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