Natural health and environmental consciousness go hand in hand. Here is a sampling of what we are doing with our move to create a healthier clinic environment for you and the planet.

Cork Floors: Cork is a sustainably harvested renewable resource made from the bark of the cork oak tree. It is naturally resistant to molds and bacteria and is free of the toxic elements associated with most commercial flooring options.

Climate Control: Our new location is optimally positioned to be warmer in the mornings and cooler in the afternoons, thereby passively reducing our heating and cooling usage. We will also be taking advantage of ceiling fans and other low impact local temperature regulators.

Zero VOC Paint: This type of paint is free of toxic “volatile organic compounds” that release into the air for years after the job is done.

Compact Flourescent Lighting: These bulbs use 75% less energy than standard incandescent bulbs and last up to 10 times longer.

Reused and Reclaimed Furniture: Wherever possible, we will be decorating the new space with reused furniture, reclaimed furniture and furniture made from low impact materials from green companies.

Reducing Waste: We have transitioned to paperless credit card receipts, e-newsletters like this one and email/text appointment reminders.

Recycling: We will have recycling containers inside and outside our new space and will continue to recycle everything possible

Bike Path & Racks : The new location has the Cabrillo bike path leading straight to it. You can ride your bike to appointments.

We are excited about our green steps and look forward to continuing along a path toward increased sustainability.

We are thrilled to announce that we will be moving the clinic to Las Aves, a wellness focused multi-use space in mid-September! Tucked on the edge of Santa Barbara and Montecito, adjacent to the Bird Refuge and seconds off Hwy 101, our new location will offer the quality, comfort and convenience you have grown to expect from us. Moving has also provided us the opportunity to take steps toward further greening our clinic (see the next post).

We will be transitioning to our new space over a weekend so you will not miss any of your care. Opening day at our new location will be September, 14th, 2010. In other words, all appointments that fall on or before Friday, September 10th, 2010 will take place at our current location and all appointments that fall on or after Monday, September 13th, 2010 will take place at the new location.

Your comfort during your sessions is of paramount importance to us. We have taken great care to choose and design a new space that will assure a relaxing healing experience for you. We look forward to sharing our new space with each of you!

Originally, Chinese Medicine was used as a form of preventative care. So strong was its efficacy that physicians in ancient China were paid only to keep their patients well. If a patient became sick, the doctor was not paid again until the patient recaptured their wellness.

Thousands of years later, acupuncture, Chinese herbs and massage are still effective ways to practice prevention. By correcting minor imbalances before they develop into anything further, we have the unique skill of both helping you avoid chronic health conditions and keeping you feeling your best. Integrating monthly or seasonal sessions will not only help to preserve your current state of health, but also helps you to increase your energy levels, optimize your digestion, improve your sleep and boost your immune system. Plus, treating imbalances before they become conditions requires far less of your time and money than the alternative. It is like hitting the restart button on your computer; everything just works better after you do so. When was the last time you reboot your system?

“An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” – Ben Franklin

Remember how we treat your right elbow for your left knee pain or your left ankle for your right shoulder pain? Well, a new study from Anesthesia & Analgesia, official journal of the International Anesthesia Research Society (IARS), gives research credence to why its efficacy. Dr. Philip Lang and colleagues of the University of Munich used quantitative sensory testing to identify changes in pain sensitivity with acupuncture in 24 healthy volunteers. What they found is acupuncture applied only to one side of the body increased pain thresholds by up to 50% in the opposite ( non needled) extremity. In the words of Dr. Lang:

“Our results show that contralateral stimulation leads to a remarkable pain relief. This suggests that acupuncturists should needle contralaterally if the affected side is too painful or not accessible”

These results were obtained with acupuncture using only one opposite extremity. We bet Dr. Lang’s results would have been even better if they would have also taken advantage of balancing acupuncture channels on the other opposite extremity.

The search for the biological reasons behind the effectiveness of acupuncture has been ongoing for decades. Interesting research on how acupuncture works was published in today’s Wall Street Journal. Acupuncture and Western Medicine operate under two different (yet complementary) paradigms and this research is another step toward bridging the gap. Check it out here!

What are antioxidants? Why do we need them?

Antioxidants are molecules that can prevent the oxidation of other molecules and the resulting free radicals that are produced. Antioxidants can help protect the body against such things as cancer, heart disease, arthritis, cataracts, allergies, diabetes, auto-immune diseases, chronic physical stress, environmental toxins, as well as help slow the aging process. The best-known and well-researched antioxidant nutrients are: vitamin C, vitamin E, carotene’s, lipoic acid, selenium, and zinc. Less researched but known to be supportive are bioflavonoids, manganese, and copper.

What are free radicals?

Free radicals are unstable and highly reactive molecules. Our body needs antioxidants to bind free radicals, thus making them less reactive and less damaging to our cells, tissues, and organs. If they can’t find antioxidants to bind to, free radicals will react with any nearby cell or compound in the body. In doing so, they not only damage cellular membranes and genetic material (DNA, RNA) by making them less functional; they may also form another radical in the process. This starts a cascade of events that may lead to chronic illness and disease if excess free radicals accumulate.

Where do free radicals come from?

The majority of free radicals come from the body’s normal day to day activities, such as chemical reactions to build cells and detoxification of drugs and wastes in the liver. Free radicals can also be byproducts of heavy exercise and food digestion. In a beneficial way, the body’s immune system also forms free radicals to destroy bacteria and viruses when attempting to fight infections. They are used to patrol the blood and tissues for cancer cells and other invaders. Other sources of free radicals are encountered when our body’s are exposed to toxins and foreign materials in the environment (air, water, foods, beverages, etc.).

What are environmental sources that can result in free radicals?

Air pollution, tobacco smoke (secondary and primary), excessive radiation, sunlight, X-rays, herbicides, pesticides, fumigants, anesthetics, drugs, aromatic hydrocarbons (petroleum based products) often used to extract oils, and solvents such as formaldehyde, toluene and benzene found in cleaning fluids, paints and furniture polish. A large part of our toxic waste is polypropylene from plastic packaging and containers, used in the food supply.

What are dietary sources that can result in free radicals?

Dietary sources that can result in free redicals include trans fatty acids in fried (especially deep-fried) foods; partially hydrogenated oils in products like margarine, shortening, potato chips, mayonnaise, some salad dressings, processed and packaged pastries; and nitrosamines in foods that are barbecued, charbroiled, or cured/smoked such as hotdogs and luncheon meats. At high levels, problems can also arise from food additives, preservatives, dyes, and plastic or aluminum migrants from food containers. Alcohol may also contribute.

How do we reduce free radical damage?

Eat a diet rich in antioxidants (see ideas listed below) by including fresh, local, and organic produce daily. Consumption of fresh, local and organic foods will reduce your exposure to environmental toxins (the ones that result in free radical production), and will provide quality nutrients.

MAJOR ANTIOXIDANT NUTRIENTS AND THEIR DIETARY SOURCES

Carotene(s)
broccoli, cantaloupe, carrots (and juice), fresh or dried apricots, mangoes and persimmon, leafy greens (spinach, kale, mustard, collard, swiss chard), pumpkin, winter squash, sweet potatoes, tomato products

Vitamin C
blackberries, raspberries, strawberries, citrus fruits and juices (oranges and grapefruits) cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, cauliflower, brussels sprouts, kohlrabi, cabbage), leafy greens (mustard, turnip, kale, collard), melons (especially cantaloupe), papaya, kiwi, mangoes, pineapple, guava, strawberries, red and green peppers, sweet potatoes, tomatoes and tomato juice

Bioflavonoids
apples, green tea, onions, cherries, blueberries, herbs; bilberry, hawthorn, chamomile, ginkgo, milk thistle, quercitin, and from white fleshy portion of orange peel or green pepper

Vitamin E
avocados, fish and shellfish, leafy greens (fresh spinach, kale, collard), mangoes, nuts, seeds, wheat germ, whole grain products, vegetable oils, egg yolk

Selenium
cashews, eggs, garlic, halibut, oysters, salmon, tuna, scallops

Zinc
oysters, crabmeat, cheese, beef roast, pumpkin seeds and cashews – dry roasted, whole grains (germ/bran)

References:
1. Levin, Buck Ph.D., RD, Environmental Nutrition, 1999, HingePin Integrative Learning Materials, Vashon Island, WA
2. Marz, Russell B, ND, M.Ac.O.M. Medical Nutrition From Marz, 2nd Ed. 1999, Omni-Press, Portland OR
3. Schmidt, Michael A., Smart Fats, 1997, Frog Ltd. Berkley CA
4. Groff JL, Gropper SS, Advanced Nutrition and Human Metabolism, 3rd Ed. 2000 Wadsworth Publ.
5. Brown, Donald J. ND, Herbal Prescriptions for Health and Healing, 2000, Prima Health Publ., CA
6. Pennington, Jean AT, Ph.D., RD, Bowes & Church’s Food Values of Portions Commonly Used, 1988, 7th Ed., Lippincott Publ., NY
7. Champe, Pamela C., Harvey, Richard A., Biochemistry, 2nd Ed. 1994, Lippincott-Raven Publ., PA

1. Recognize that all spaces in your home are equal and unique. Claiming that your living room is more important than your laundry room because more people see it is similar to saying my thighs are not that important because I wear clothes that cover them. I am here to tell you that your thighs are a very important part of your whole body, just as the forgotten closed off spaces in your home are as important as the rest of your abode. (yes, that includes cupboards and closets!)

2. Allow your home to express your unique preferences and interests. It is where you spend a lot of your time, let it reflect and celebrate your individuality or the uniqueness of your family. Do you do Polka dancing on the weekends or do you love sailing? Can guests tell what you love by being in your home? Can you?

3. Surround yourself with things that elicit a positive response. Do you realize that everything in your home is telling a story? When you look at your things what do they say to you? Do you look at your furniture and/or art and say “I love that!?” This is where I encourage you to get rid of things that don’t make you feel good. If you have negative associations with objects in your home then pass them on. By passing things on, it makes room for new things that you love and/or truly enjoy.

4. Organize your home so that all possessions have a good home. Environmental chaos can make it difficult to keep your center. Home can be where you go to rejuvenate. Think of your décor as house jewelry and rotate the pieces seasonally or by mood. Because pillows, photos, figurines and/or collection pieces are so unique to your interests show casing a few items at a time will allow for more energy to be attracted to them as they are displayed. Not many people will wear every piece of jewelry they own at one time, they rotate for occasions.

5. . Seeing, touching, smelling, hearing, and tasting are all a part of this life and by making them appealing and of interest in your home people will feel very welcome there and you will feel like there is no place like home!

We all want to maintain the supple, flawless skin of our youth. The secret is simple and you have an opportunity to discover it at least 3 times per day, every day of the year. A balanced diet focusing on whole foods could be the secret to the radiant complexion you desire.

Your skin is made up of millions of tiny cells. The appearance of your skin is a reflection of the health of each of those cells and the health of each of those cells is determined largely by the quality of your diet. The most important nutrients for maintaining a clear, youthful and radiant complexion are vitamin E, vitamin C, carotenoids, bioflavonoids, dietary fiber and omega-3 fatty acids. With the exception of vitamin A, these nutrients are normally lacking in the processed food ridden Standard American Diet (SAD). By shifting your diet to a whole foods approach you will get plenty of these nutrients and notice substantial improvements in your skin.

Vitamin E

Vitamin E  protects the skin from ultraviolet radiation and can help prevent damage to the skin from the sun. Studies have shown that when vitamin E is applied topically it protects the skin from the suns harmful rays.  When the diet contains vitamin E-rich foods, vitamin E can travel to the skin cell membranes and exert this same protective effect.

Dietary sources of vitamin E include sunflower seeds, almonds, leafy greens (boiled swiss chard, collards, spinach and mustard greens), olives, papaya and blueberries.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C’s roles in skin health are numerous. Like vitamin E, vitamin C functions as a powerful antioxidant and prevents oxygen-based damage to our cells. Structures that contain fat (like your skin) are particularly dependent on vitamin C for protection. Vitamin C is involved in the regeneration of vitamin E, and these two vitamins appear to work together in their antioxidant effect. The production of skin-building collagen is dependent on vitamin C. Vitamin C also boosts immunity and enhances detoxification, thereby minimizing infection.

Dietary sources of Vitamin C include citrus fruits, bell peppers, broccoli, brussel sprouts, strawberries and kiwi.

Carotenoids

Carotenoids are largely responsible for the red, yellow, and orange color of fruits and vegetables, and are also found in many dark green vegetables. The most abundant  and well known carotenoid in the North American diet is beta-carotene, (other forms include: alpha-carotene, gamma-carotene, lycopene, lutein, beta-crpytoxanthin, zeaxanthin, and astaxanthin.) Approximately 50 carotenoids of the known 600, are called “provitamin A” compounds because the body can convert them into retinol, an active form of vitamin A. As a result, foods that contain carotenoids can help prevent vitamin A deficiency. In recent years, carotenoids have received a tremendous amount of attention as potential anti-cancer and anti-aging compounds. Carotenoids are powerful antioxidants, protecting the cells of the body from damage caused by free radicals. Carotenoids are also believed to enhance the function of the immune system.

Dietary sources of carotenoid beta-carotene include sweet potatoes, carrots, spinach, winter squash, cilantro and tyme.

Bioflavonoids

Another group of plant pigments with remarkable protection against free-radical damage of the skin are the bioflavonoids. They also have anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and anti-allergic properties. For skin problems which evidence with reddening, bioflavonoids can be especially helpful. They reduce capillary fragility, increase vessel integrity and block the release of histamine.

Dietary sources of bioflavonoids include dark colored berries, buckwheat, onions, and the pith of citrus fruits.

Dietary Fiber

Adequate dietary fiber is a key component for optimum skin health. Insoluble fibers such as wheat bran help to promote bowel regularity, thus preventing the reabsorption of skin aggravating toxins from the colon. Insoluble fibers in vegetables, fruits and oats help to balance blood sugar levels. Elevated blood sugar levels promote the aging process and acne. Sea vegetables have a mucilaginous fiber known as algin, which can help to clear the body of toxins and heavy metals. Hijiki, arame, wakame and other members of the kelp family are especially useful in supporting clear vibrant skin.

Dietary sources of fiber in addition to seaweed include leafy greens, broccoli, split peas, lentils and beans.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

The importance of omega-3 fatty acids for skin health cannot be overstated. Because cell membranes are made up of fat, the integrity and fluidity of these membranes is determined in large part by the type of fat you eat. Saturated fats and hydrogenated fats are solid at room temperature, while omega-3 fats are liquid at room temperature. Researchers believe that diets containing large amounts of saturated or hydrogenated fats produce cell membranes that are hard and lack fluidity. On the other hand, diets rich in omega-3 fats produce cell membranes with a high degree of fluidity. Cells without a healthy membrane lose their ability to hold water and vital nutrients. They also lose their ability to communicate with other cells. Researchers believe that loss of cell-to-cell communication is one of the physiological events that leads to growth of cancerous tumors.

Recent statistics indicate that nearly 99% of people in the United States do not eat enough omega-3 fatty acids. The symptoms of omega 3 fatty acid deficiency include fatigue, dry and/or itchy skin, brittle hair and nails, constipation, frequent colds, depression, poor concentration, lack of physical endurance, and/or joint pain.

Dietary sources of omega 3 fatty acids include cold-water fish (salmon, cod, halibut, rainbow trout and mackerel), flaxseeds, pumpkin seeds, walnuts, hemp seeds, soybeans and some dark green leafy vegetables.

It is important to remember that polyunsaturated oils, including the omega-3 fats, are extremely susceptible to damage from heat, light, and oxygen. When exposed to these elements for too long, the fatty acids in the oil become oxidized, a scientific term that simply means that the oil becomes rancid. Rancidity not only alters the flavor and smell of the oil, but it also diminishes the nutritional value. More importantly, the oxidation of fatty acids produces free radicals. Vitamin E, the primary fat-soluble antioxidant, protects omega-3 fats from oxidation.

In addition to all of the nutrition recommendations we of also encourage the use of acupuncture for skin health.  Acupuncture is very helpful in regulating hormones and balancing the emotions, both of which have a very positive impact not only on the skin but on your overall health!

While not every study finds that caffeine reduces female fertility, keeping consumption under 300 mg per day or avoiding it all together are common recommendations for those trying to conceive.

Researchers don’t really know why moderate to high caffeine intake could be related to delayed conception or infertility. One theory suggests that the stimulant affects ovulation by causing changes in hormone levels, which in turn hampers conception.

Acupuncture is effective in stimulating ovarian response and regulating ovulation. It should not replace reducing caffeine in your diet, but can be a useful adjunct in the regulation of hormones.

Caffeine is not only found in regular coffee; black tea, green tea, some soft drinks, chocolate, cocoa, and many over-the-counter pharmaceuticals also contain caffeine. It is a common ingredient in food and drinks, therefore getting a big dose is easier than you might think. The following is a quick guide, based on information from the Mayo Clinic, as to how much caffeine there may be in your favorite drinks,chocolate bars and over the counter medications:

1 16oz latte (Starbucks)= 150mg
1 8 oz cup brewed coffee = 95mg
1 1oz shot of espresso = 64mg
1 cup of black or green tea = 50mg
1 can of cola = 40-50mg
1 can of “energy” drink = 80-150mg
1 x 50g bar of plain chocolate = up to 50mg
1 x 50g bar of milk chocolate = up to 25mg
Excedrin Extra Strength 2 tablets = 130mg
Nodoz Maximum Strength 1 tablet = 200mg

If you are trying to conceive limiting your caffeine intake may be an important consideration in your daily diet.

Do you find yourself feeling less than 100 percent around your menstrual cycle? If you know that your experience could be improved, read on. We are here to let you know that it can be a comfortable time with very little to complain about. What does a  healthy menstrual cycle look like? It should be neither too light or too heavy. The bleeding should last 4-7 days, and stop with out spotting. The color should be red, not brown, and the consistency should be not too thick or too watery. Clots should be minimal to none, and there should be no pain in either the abdomen or lower back.

As Chinese medicine practitioners we use your menstrual cycle to guide us. It provides insight into your hormonal balance and helps us to choose acupuncture points and herbal remedies specifically for you. It is what we call a monthly report card. We look at each week of the cycle as a phase. There are four phases and we will be discussing each of these phases in a series of blogs, starting with phase one.

Phase 1 starts on day one of your cycle and lasts until day seven. Common imbalances that you may experience during this week including heavy bleeding, cramps, headaches, clotting and/or spotting. Acupuncture and Chinese medicine along with nutrition can help alleviate these symptoms.

The first three days of your cycle is the hormonal ground zero. There is no predominate hormone surging or waning during this small window of time. We recommend that during this time you (as much as possible) retreat from the pressures and stresses of life and take time to relax and recharge.

Each week we will address one of common concerns of phase one including: heavy bleeding, cramps, headaches, clotting and spotting.

Heavy Bleeding

From a western medicine perspective there are multiple reasons that heavy bleeding could be occurring, ranging from hypothyroidism, fibroids, poly-cystic ovarian syndrome, endometriosis, dysfunctional uterine bleeding, peri-menopause, to iron deficiency. At Points of Health, we look at your western diagnosis and integrate that knowledge into our treatment sessions. We also determine a Traditional Chinese Medicine diagnosis that directs how we address your specific case of heavy bleeding with acupuncture and/or an herbal remedy.

In regard to nutrition during this time, make sure to get plenty of essential fatty acids from plant sources and deep sea fish. Eat organic foods and hormone free meats supplement with a multivitamin containing all B vitamins including folic acid. Eat alkaline foods . Eat plenty of cruciferous vegetables including cabbage, broccoli brussel sprouts and cauliflower and don’t forget to include leafy greens.