Moxibustion or “moxa”  is an Oriental medical heat therapy used to strengthen weak organs. It  Involves burning an herb, Chinese mugwort, over specific acupuncture points.  Moxa can also be used for certain types of pain syndromes.  It plays an important part in the traditional medical systems of China, Japan, Korea, Vietnam, Tibet and Mongolia and is believed to pre-date acupuncture.

INFRA RED HEAT THERAPY

Teding Diancibo Pu, which roughly translates as special electromagnetic spectrum, is better know as a TDP lamp. The TDP mineral lamp emits below visible light emissions across a mineral plate coated with a blend of 33 trace elements that are also found in the human body. This increases micro circulation and loosens fascia to accelerate the natural healing process of the body.

Clinical evidence confirms that far infrared heat therapy reduces inflammation, calms pain, improves micro circulation, and balances metabolism.

Nutritional Assessments we offer:

TISSUE MINERAL ANALYSIS

Hair analysis is an invaluable screening tool which allows an individualized program of diet and supplementation to be designed.
Minerals are involved in almost all enzyme reactions and activate neurotransmitters and hormones. This screening provides a blueprint with scientific accuracy.

Hair analysis can identify:

• Trace element deficiencies.
• Heavy metal toxicity
• Cellular energy levels
• Kidney and liver stress
• Adrenal and thyroid activity
• Trends for over 30 health conditions

FUNCTIONAL BLOOD CHEMISTRY

Functional blood chemistry (F.B.C.) is preventative medicine at its best. F.B.C. can  detect inflammation and disease on average two years before the arrival of symptoms.  Reference ranges in conventional blood work are often based on a bell curve of the US population, which the World Health Organization continually rates as having one of the lowest general health indexes of any industrialized nation.

Functional ranges indicate a healthy range, which is determined by modern research.  This is vital because many health problems can be prevented or resolved with natural medicine and early detection.

SALIVA TESTING

Saliva testing can give us valuable information into how well your body is function. It does not require a blood draw and there are no risks to patients. Saliva collections are convenient and can be done at work or at home.

Why is it important to test hormone levels?

Hormone production is the natural method by which endocrine glands control much of the body’s function. Their function may be weakened or increased, disturbing the body’s balance and function. Appropriate testing of hormone levels can identify these disturbances and provide bases for remedy.

How accurate is saliva testing?
With an accuracy of 92-96%, saliva testing is more accurate than blood testing. The free, rather than the protein-bound, hormone  is considered to be the active component; hormone levels in saliva will reflect free hormone concentration.

Female Hormone Panel:  Useful for Detection of Luteal Phase Defect and Estrogen Dominance, which are characterized by a progesterone/estrogen imbalance, and associated with PMS, infertility, and fibroids.  Also used for cycle irregularities (painful or heavy periods or following the use of birth control pills), early pregnancy problems, migraines, cystic ovarian disease, early osteoporosis.

Adrenal Stress Index:  The adrenal gland does not secrete its steroid hormones at a constant level throughout the day, rather released in a cycle known as the circadian rhythm.  Abnormal rhythms influence many functions of the body, including energy production, muscle and joint function, bone health, immune health, sleep quality, skin regeneration, thyroid function, and grain intolerance and stress response.

Food Intolerance Panel:  Food intolerance (or sensitivity) is an abnormal response in the intestine to certain foods, resulting in inflammation, and may increase risk of autoimmune diseases and cancer, as well as accelerate aging.        Gut manifestations of food intolerance include:  Diarrhea or loose stools (most common symptom), constipation, gastro-esophageal reflux (acid reflux or GERD), malabsorption (inability to benefit from the food we eat), and changes in intestinal wall integrity (allowing foreign bodies access beyond the gut which normally does not occur).  Malnutrition and nutritional deficiencies:  mouth ulcers, nausea/vomiting, gas, and IBS. Symptoms beyond the gut affect the skin (hives, dermatitis, rash, eczema), respiratory (runny nose/congestion, asthma, sinusitis), Heiner Syndrome, headaches/migraines, sleeplessness, irritability, and others.

Gastrointestinal Health Panel:   Presently, the risk of being infected or infested by pathogenic organisms through food and water is ever-increasing.  This is due to a variety of reasons including:  immigration, frequent overseas travel, importation of vegetables and fruits, lack of a health policy to screen food handlers, outdoor excursions, agricultural pollution, and pets at home.  Panel includes:  pathogen screening for bacteria, fungi, yeast and various parasites, and various tests to evaluate gut health.

Many conditions are most effecticvely treated when combined with Chinese herbs.  Since ancient times, acupuncture and chinese herbal medicines have been used in conjunction to significantly augment the effect of the other.

Many of the formulas we use in our office are modern adaptations of formulas used successfully for thousands of years.  Because the Chinese herbal formulas are designed to treat the root cause and not just treat the symptom, they are prescribed based on a Chinese Medical diagnosis, according to an individual’s tongue and pulse assessment.  Oriental Medicine is not a “one size fits all” medicine.

Blue Ridge Acupuncture and Natural Medicine only use companies whose manufacturing processes meet or exceed international standards for safety and are made to pharmacological standards rather than supplements, which do not come under the same stringent regulations.

Research has shown that acupuncture regulates many systems, including the nervous, digestive, immune, respiratory and endocrine systems.  The World Health Organization (WHO) states acupuncture is effective in the treatment of over 50 conditions, and the National Institute of Health (NIH) has cited acupuncture to be useful in the treatment of chronic painful conditions.

Because acupuncture needles are quite thin, about the size of a hair, solid, and nothing is injected through them, acupuncture is a painless process. Blue Ridge Acupuncture uses the highest quality needles which are both sterile and disposable, and Torrey is very skillful at insertion. Most patients don’t feel insertion.

In some cases it is not necessary to use needles at all. When treating children or sensitive adults there are other effective techniques. If you have any concerns please call our office.

 Apples: Apples are one of the foods that contain the flavonoid quercetin that can cross-react with tree pollen. Quercetin can reduce allergic reactions by having an antihistamine effect and  decreasing inflammation.  Quercetin occurs naturally in foods, such as apples (with the skin on), red grapes, red onions, berries, and black tea.

Ginger: Ginger is a natural decongestant and antihistamine.  It may provide some relief from allergy symptoms by dilating constricted bronchial tubes, and helping to dry phlegm

Pumpkin: Carotenoids are a family of plant pigments that include beta-carotene. A lack of carotenoids in the diet is thought to promote inflammation in the airways. Good sources of carotenoids include carrots, apricots, pumpkin, sweet potato, spinach, kale, butternut squash, and collard greens.

Flax Seed:  Flax seed and salmon are both high in Omega 3.  These essential fatty acid reduce  inflammation in the body, including the air passages. 

Green Foods:  Leafy greens and other chlorophyll rich foods such as spirulina and micro-algae help nourish and cleanse the liver, which plays a role in allergies.  They help clear allergies because they enhance immunity, are anti-inflammatory, contain Omega – 3s and help restore the liver’s ability to neutralize allergenic substances.

High Fiber Foods:  Increase the fiber in your diet because a healthy and active colon can decrease food sensitivities.  This  helps your  your immune system and may reduce the impact of seasonal allergies.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON TREATING ALLERGIES NATURALLY, YOU ARE INVITED TO ATTEND OUR FREE WORKSHOP ON MONDAY, MARCH 25 AT 6:30.  SPACE IS LIMITED SO CALL TO RESERVE YOUR SPOT (828-265-8668).

Everyone knows that healthy weight loss involves good nutrition and exercise.  It also means that our attitude and emotions can drive us to succeed or fail.  To be successful, we need to want it, to choose it, and to envision it.  We need to feel that the consequences of NOT doing something – or following through – are worse than the pain that might be associated with starting a new exercise program or trading our favorite cookies for fresh fruits and veggies.  Let that desire be the motivating force.

We often hear in our practice, “I eat well, I exercise and I still can’t lose weight.”  Sometimes people have other things going on underneath that makes it difficult to lose and maintain a healthy weight.  It could be metabolic problems, hormonal imbalances, thyroid conditions, or unwanted drug side effects.   Trying to figure out what is going on can be really confusing for people.

If you’re interested in learning more about weight loss or sluggish metabolism, Torrey will be giving a talk on How to Achieve and Maintain Healthy Weight Loss in our Lotus Room at the office on Monday, January 9th at 6:30.  Call us for more information.

Squash or Sweet Potato Cake*

1 cup whole wheat pastry flour

1 cup brown rice flour

1/2 teaspoon sea salt

1 teaspoon each:  coriander, cinnamon, grated ginger

1 cup apple juice

1/4 cup chopped nuts

3 cups cooked, pureed squash or sweet potatoes

1/3 cup maple syrup

Preheat oven to 350.  Mix dry ingredients.  Add remaining ingredients and beat well by hand.  Pour into oiled cake pan.  Bake one hour.

Serves 8.

Can be converted into carrot cake by using 2 cups grated carrots in place of squash and by adding 1/2 cup soaked raisins and increasing maple syrup to 2/3 cup.

*From Paul Pitchford’s Healing with Whole Foods.

So, what conditions does acupuncture treat?  Acupuncture has been endorsed by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the National Institute of Health (NIH)  to treat over 5o conditions.  These include:

• Addiction
• Anxiety
• Arthritis
• Asthma
• Bronchitis
• Carpel tunnel syndrome
• Chronic fatigue
• Common cold
• Constipation
• Dental pain
• Depression
• Diarrhea
• Digestive trouble
• Dizziness
• Emotional problems
• Eye problems
• Fatigue
• Fertility
• Fibromyalgia
• Headache
• Incontinence
• Indigestion
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
• Low Back Pain
• Menopause
• Menstrual irregularities
• Migraine
• Morning sickness
• Nausea
• Pain
• PMS
• Sciatica
• Sleep disturbances
• Sore throat
• Stress
• Trigeminal neuralgia
• Urinary Tract Infections
• Vomiting

Are you surprised by some of the things on the list?  Many people associate acupuncture and pain, but as you can see, acupuncture and Chinese Medicine can treat a whole lot more….

They are about the size of a human hair, and nothing is on the needle or inserted through the needle.  But, back to the question…. NO, generally the needles do not hurt.  My son has been getting acupuncture since he was six, and loves it.  One patient was apprehensive about the needles and after his treatment, I asked him how the needles were.   He told me that he was talking with Torrey and waiting for the needles to go in.

He finally asked Torrey when he was going to start needling him and Torrey told him that most of his needles were already in.  “I couldn’t believe it!” he said.