This month’s issue is on carpal tunnel syndrome and acupuncture’s effectiveness in eliminating the numbness, tingling, weakness and pain which characterize this problem.  In my experience in treating many cases of carpal tunnel I have found that people get terrific relief especially when acupuncture is partnered with good physical therapy.  Ofttimes, people can return to work with no symptoms though in some cases, their job must be altered to limit the repetitive motion activity which created the condition in the first place and which could provoke recurrence.

Many thanks to the people who volunteered for a research project involving a liver renewing herbal formula specifically for people with symptoms of  poor sleep, anger and irritability, borderline hypertension, stress, muscle spasms, and dry eyes, among others.  The majority of those who tried it and kept a record of their progress found that the formula helped most with their sleep and irritability followed by improved eye symptoms, muscle spasms and night sweats.  A few people reported constipation with the formula and one person showed no change in any of her symptoms with the herbs.  Taste and delivery of the powder – dissolve and chug it – were an issue for some but overall I had hoped for really remarkable changes that we did not see.  Still, better sleep and a more composed temperament are not to be sneezed at! 

I am planning to offer group acupuncture sessions during the month of August for people with insomnia, post-traumatic stress, food cravings, anxiety, irritability, mood swings, stress, and symptoms of withdrawal from drugs, alcohol and nicotine.  These symptoms might include those already listed plus tremors, headaches, nausea, muscle cramping, and depression, among others.  Treatments are 2 – 3 x a week (Monday, Wednesday and Saturday) in a group setting and use five ear points in each ear for forty minutes.  Participants pay on a sliding scale from $15 to $40 per treatment (you decide your rate of pay).  Many people who have had little success getting off prescription pharmaceuticals for pain, sleep or other now resolved health concerns should consider this treatment.  The treatment protocol is based on the National Acupuncture Detoxification Association (NADA) protocol for addiction recovery in use in the U.S. since the l970s.

Hope you are keeping cool in this summer heat.  We have some great “cool” pills to help keep your interior temperature down despite the exterior heat.  Drop by and pick up a pack.  Cost is recession-proof:  $2.00.  And drink your water!  Have fun!

Barbara Burns, L.Ac.