Treating Arthritis with Acupuncture

May is National Arthritis Month and there's no better time to take action. If you suffer with arthritis, acupuncture can help.

Arthritis is one of the most pervasive diseases in the United States and is the leading cause of disability. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one out of every three Americans (an estimated seventy million people) is affected.

For most people, arthritis pain and inflammation cannot be avoided as the body ages. In fact, most people over the age of fifty show some signs of arthritis as joints degenerate over time. Fortunately, arthritis can often be managed with acupuncture.

Eastern View of Arthritis

In Oriental medicine, arthritis is called "Bi Syndrome." Bi Syndrome manifests as pain, soreness, or numbness of muscles, tendons and joints. Arthritis is treated according to which type of Bi Syndrome it falls into:

1. Moving (Wind) Bi Syndrome: Pain in the joints is widespread and moves from one area of the body to another. This is often accompanied by fever and chills.

2. Stationary (Damp) Bi Syndrome: The pain is localized and does not move. The body and limbs feel heavy and there is numbness and swelling.

3. Painful (Cold) Bi Syndrome: Severe pain in one part, or over one half of the body which becomes worse with cold and diminishes with warmth.

4. Heat Bi Syndrome: The flesh is hot, the area of pain is red and swollen, and the pain increases upon contact.
Chinese Medicine for Health Treats Arthritis 

"Simple Chinese Medicine for Health" Recognized

Simple Chinese Medicine is a finalist in the ForeWord Book of the Year Award in the “Health”  category.  There were 1400 entries, 60 categories,  and 240 finalists.  The winners of each category, gold, silver, and bronze, will be announced at the BEA Conference on May 25 in New York City. This is Dr. Kuhn's second book.

What are Meridians?

Meridians, or channels, are energy highways that carry Qi, Blood, Jing and Body Fluids around the body. In ancient Chinese history, the discovery of meridians was based on how human healing related to the external injury; the injury in the external body caused internal healing. This phenomenon was the beginning of the meridian system.

Western scientists have found that meridians are hard to identify because meridians do not directly correspond to nerve or blood circulation pathways.

As a western medical trained physician, I did not believe in Chinese medicine in the beginning of my career even though I studied it. However, after a few years, I had seen many patients feeling better after TCM care, which gave me a high level of confidence in its healing effectiveness.

A simple explanation of the existence of meridians can be had by asking the following question: why do we feel so good after yawning when we wake up in the morning?

When we are yawning, we are stretching the whole body; we are actually stretching all meridians, that open the pathways and make energy flow better. Once energy is flowing better, our blood circulation is better too (energy drives blood). This in turn allows our brains to receive more oxygen, so our body feels relaxed and comfortable after yawing.

Heat Therapy

A long time ago, the Chinese found that heat can reduce aches and pains caused by cold and damp climates. The Chinese used tree bark or animal skin wrapped around a heated stone, placing the stone on a wound or the area with pain to decrease the pain. Later they used burning herbs to relieve the pain and cold caused by illness. This was the origin of "Heat Therapy" and moxbustion. Cupping, massage, Gua Sha and other therapies came after. All these therapies mostly treat the meridian system.

QI Gong Instructor Training Course June 18 - 20

This year's date for our Qi Gong Instructor Certification Training Course is June 18 -20 (weekend). It will be held at Chinese Medicine for Health in Holliston, Massachusetts. Course registration has begun.

To guarantee a spot, prospective students can make a $25 non-refundable deposit.  The early tuition fee is $565 (made by June 1), which also includes a copy of Dr Kuhn's book, 'Natural Healing with Qi  Gong' , a Qi Gong music DVD, Extensive handout materials and a group dinner on Saturday night (June 19th).

Therapeutic Qi Gong is an “energy workout” developed by Chinese doctors and professors at the University of Physical Education and Sports Medicine in China.   It involves whole body movements, stretching, proper breathing, as well as self-massage to promote smooth energy (Qi) flow in the body.

This certification is ideal for people who wish to lead Qi Gong practice sessions at YMCAs, community recreation centers, senior programs, churches, etc. For more information visit the Chinese Medicine for Health web site or call us at 508-429-3895.

Infertility Treatments

Chinese Medicine has been used for treating infertility for many centuries. It is an effective and safe methodology in natural healing. We offer consultations and treatments at both our Boston and Holliston, Masachusetts offices. Here's an FAQ

Open House on February 27th

We will be holding our annual open house on Saturday February 27, 2010 at our Holliston location.

10am -11am: Take a free Tai Chi and Qi Gong class
11:05am -11:35am: Hear a lecture by Dr. Aihan Kuhn on "How to Keep Your Brain Healthy while Preventing Memory Loss"
11:45am - 2pm: Meet and consult with our practitioners, learn about our natural healing instructor training courses, enjoy a free mini treatment of acupuncture or Tui Na massage. Light refreshments will be served.

There is no cost to attend. All are welcome.

Chinese Medicine for Health 1564A Washington Street Holliston, MA 01746 (508) 429-3895

Boston Office to Expand

In early February we will add another treatment room at our Boston office (185 Devonshire Street). Services offered in Boston include; General Health Consultations, Acupuncture, Ion Cleanse and Tui Na Massage. The office is opened Monday thru Friday. Call (617) 981-2039 to make an appointment.

The Ageless Brain

As we get older, our body becomes older. Most people would think the brain gets older too; however, this is not entirely so. If you do not continue to use the brain it will get old for sure; but if you do use the brain regularly, constantly recharging this special organ, it could be much younger than than your chronological age, even when you are very old. This is why you see some seniors who are very sharp and able to perform challenging tasks. Others are very confused and might not be able to remember what you said five minutes ago.

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Food Healing

Many people think food is the energy source. Yes, if the foods you eat are digested and absorbed appropriately; no if the foods you eat are not digested and absorbed appropriately. If you have spleen energy deficiency, which is correlated to digestive function, no matter how well you eat, you will still be fatigued.

Food healing involves:
1. Using food to balance the body's energy
2. A healthy and balanced diet
3. Eating the right foods to assist healing
4. Maintaining optimum weight, naturally

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