Barbara Burns, L.Ac.* - Patients at Play

Acupuncture?

Tue, 18 May 2010 16:59:54 -0800

If time and planning are tight, a last-minute appointment may be available for you. Give the office a call to find out (626) 446-5900 , Mon.-Thurs. and Sat.s, from 9:30 a.m.; closed Fri. and Sun.

NADA canceled on Wed. 12/16, and last week for drop-in treatment

Wed, 09 Dec 2009 17:24:19 -0800

Just a friendly note to let you know of a couple of changes regarding the schedule:
:-Next Wednesday, Dec. 16, the NADA session is canceled.
-The week of Dec. 21-26 will be the last week for drop-inNADA/Group acupuncture. Please contact the office (626)466-5900 to discuss continuing your treatment. We will work with you to schedule a set time or perhaps a smaller window of time to come in. We are sorry if this causes any inconvenience, but with the current low demand for the NADA protocol, we feel this decision is necessary; there is a chance the drop-in option will start up at a later date. We'll keep you posted!

-The remaining schedule stays the same:
Sat. 12/12, 10:00a.m.-12:30p.m.
Mon. 12/14 11:00a.m.-1:00p.m.
(Wed. 12/16 canceled)
Sat. 12/19 10:00a.m.-12:30p.m.
Mon. 12/21 11:00a.m.-1:00p.m.
Wed. 12/23 4:30p.m.-6:30p.m.
Sat. 12/26 10:00a.m.-12:30p.m.

Barbara's July '09 Acufinder newsletter update

Tue, 04 Aug 2009 15:52:12 -0800

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.

From the January2009 newsletter

Thu, 04 Jun 2009 16:26:59 -0800

Help in a Bottle
These products have been getting patient raves. For heartburn/reflux/indigestion issues, AROFLUX is a natural, once-a-day remedy which balances the level of stomach acid and includes enzymes to increase nutrient breakdown and absorption as well as vitamin B complex for stress support. NATURAL CALM is excellent for insomniacs with “hard rock” constipation as this powdered magnesium drink helps you fall asleep and also draws water to the large bowel for a softer, more regular stool. Finally, SOMBRA cream is our lemon scented pain cream, completely herbal, with enough punch to relieve achy muscles and joints. Try it just before bed to keep pain at bay during the night. Call us if we can save or send one of these to you.

Acupuncture and Headaches
Some people believe they must live with their headaches. One woman who came for migraine treatment was having them daily, and they were worse on weekends. She almost didn’t know an hour without severe pain. After one treatment and an herbal prescription, the intensity of the pain lessened and today she is migraine free. Acupuncture and herbs are a remarkable combo for migraines and headaches, particularly women’s. They work together to both deeply nourish deficiencies and to redirect and regulate energy. If you know someone who suffers, even infrequently, suggest they try acupuncture as if can be a very real and final solution for the agony of headaches.

Hydro Power
Since we humans are 60 per cent water, losing just 5 per cent primarily through sweat and urine can cause confusion and forgetfulness. In addition to being the primary component of all body secretions (tears, blood, saliva, etc.), water washes away toxins and regulates body temperature. Without it, joints are tight, skin is dry and no tissue is repaired.

By the time you feel thirsty, you’re already down 2 cups of fluid. Water is best absorbed in sips throughout the day. Personal needs vary, but 6-8 cups is a minimum plus other liquids and foods. Eating ½ c. watermelon, ½ c. broccoli and 1 tomato in a day will give you 8 oz. water plus vitamins, minerals and fiber that water doesn’t have. So grab your water bottle but don’t forget to eat your fruits and vegetables to quench your thirst and boost your nutrition.

“The three months of winter are called the period of closing and storing. Water freezes and the Earth cracks open. One should not disturb one’s Yang.” --from The Yellow Emperor’s Classic of Internal Medicine