For most of us, a new year provokes a time of reflection on the past and the possibility of new opportunities for the future, particularly when it comes to our health. How much more stress can my body handle? Is my immune system ever going to be stronger? When will I stop being tired?

Acupuncture is one of the longest-practiced medical treatments in the world, and it can be used to successfully address all these questions. Acupuncture promotes relaxation, pain relief, and brain clarity, and it increases energy and stamina. According to Chinese medicine, the energy in our body circulates through pathways called meridians. There are twelve meridians in the body and each one is associated with a different organ system. An imbalance in the flow of this energy is how illness begins. An acupuncturist knows how to test your body’s meridians for imbalances, and then treat them through the insertion and manipulation of acupuncture needles in various points along the body.

When meeting with new acupuncture clients, I work to identify the underlying cause of any imbalance, and create a treatment plan to address what is triggering their symptoms. My goal is to restore balance, strengthen each person at their core, and allow the body to heal itself.

Stephanie Kula, Licensed Acupuncturist

The sun is peeking out this afternoon, but when I came to work this morning it looked like another drizzly, overcast, damp day. We’ve had a string of them – most of the last 6-7 weeks have been damp. And that makes me think of the impact damp weather, and dampness in general, has on our health.

“Dampness” doesn’t have a place in conventional medicine; we don’t diagnose it, and don’t acknowledge its effects on the body. However, we all know people who get joint pains when it’s damp out (and we probably remember a grandfather or other elder who could predict a storm coming because their joints ached). Sinuses are highly susceptible to damp weather – I’ve been busy treating sinus problems for the past 6 wks. Allergies can definitely get worse, either from damp mold being kicked up into the atmosphere, or from swelling of the mucous membranes.

Particularly mold allergies go off the charts in weather like this. I think allergy and sensitivity to molds (including candida, which is a yeast) are very widespread to begin with. A prolonged period of dampness like the one we’ve had causes mold to grow in the garden, the carpeting, and the old wood of a home or garage – and doctors like me end up with a waiting room full of allergy sufferers.

In fact, damp weather makes most inflammations worse. Inflammation anywhere in the body involves swelling, as fluid comes into an inflamed area and brings the body’s immune cells with it. So sinusitis, arthritis, skin infections like eczema, and even urinary infections can kick up when it’s damp out. We treat all of these conditions with anti-inflammatory medicines, including steroids. All of these medications work by stopping the flow of fluid and immune cells into inflamed areas.

 Chinese Medicine recognizes dampness as a condition. In that ancient system of medicine, “dampness” is the name given to inflammations, swelling, allergic reactions, and bloated bowels. An acupuncturist recognizes that humid days naturally worsen these disorders, and will prescribe certain dietary treatments: http://acupuncture.rhizome.net.nz/Deficiency/Dampness.aspx

Other natural remedies include Vitamin C and quercitin, a bioflavonoid that lessens allergic reactions. Also bromelain and other proteolytic enzymes are helpful in lessening the swelling of tissues; these should be taken between meals, since they’re not digestive enzymes.

And when all else fails … I hear that real estate is cheap in Phoenix.

I’m so proud to announce that Stephanie Kula, who has worked with me for over 10 years now, is newly-licensed in Five Element Acupuncture. Stephanie joins me in her commitment to this powerful treatment, which places special emphasis on the five elements – Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water – as unique aspects of our vital energy or Qi. I’ve practiced this for over 25 years now, and look forward to Stephanie being able to broaden our ability to offer this wonderful treatment in our practice.

For years I’ve been referring patients with early-stage endometriosis to acupuncturists, and I know they’ve been helped. I hope the word gets around about this latest study, as I believe it’s the first of its kind in the English language, and it will be the first that many women hear of this treatment option. For the right patient, Chinese herbs can mean significant improvement with no side-effects and no surgery.

“Dampness” doesn’t have a place in conventional medicine; we don’t diagnose it, and don’t acknowledge its effects on the body. However, we all know people who get joint pains when it’s damp out (and we probably remember a grandfather or other elder who could predict a storm coming because their joints ached). Sinuses are highly susceptible to damp weather – I’ve been busy treating sinus problems for the past 6 wks. Allergies can definitely get worse, either from damp mold being kicked up into the atmosphere, or from swelling of the mucous membranes.

Particularly mold allergies go off the charts in weather like this. I think allergy and sensitivity to molds (including candida, which is a yeast) are very widespread to begin with. A prolonged period of dampness like the one we’ve had causes mold to grow in the garden, the carpeting, and the old wood of a home or garage – and doctors like me end up with a waiting room full of allergy sufferers.

In fact, damp weather makes most inflammations worse. Inflammation anywhere in the body involves swelling, as fluid comes into an inflamed area and brings the body’s immune cells with it. So sinusitis, arthritis, skin infections like eczema, and even urinary infections can kick up when it’s damp out. We treat all of these conditions with anti-inflammatory medicines, including steroids. All of these medications work by stopping the flow of fluid and immune cells into inflamed areas.

Chinese Medicine recognizes dampness as a condition. In that ancient system of medicine, “dampness” is the name given to inflammations, swelling, allergic reactions, and bloated bowels. An acupuncturist recognizes that humid days naturally worsen these disorders, and will prescribe certain dietary treatments: http://acupuncture.rhizome.net.nz/Deficiency/Dampness.aspx

Other natural remedies include Vitamin C and quercitin, a bioflavonoid that lessens allergic reactions. Also bromelain and other proteolytic enzymes are helpful in lessening the swelling of tissues; these should be taken between meals, since they’re not digestive enzymes.

And when all else fails … I hear that real estate is cheap in Phoenix.