Collagenex ~ Full Spectrum Grape Extract

Collagenex nutritionally supports the joints, muscles, tendons, and ligaments and promotes the healing process so that wounds heal, broken bones regenerate, and blood vessels grow. Pain is prevented by anti-inflammatory activity.

September Newsletter

BlueCrane Acupuncture NewsletterQi Mail™ September 2010

Kenneth & Diana Harbour L.Ac. Dipl. Ac. C.M.T. BlueCrane Acupuncture 18478 Forest Road, Suite 3 Forest (Lynchburg), VA 24502 434-316-9101

Acupuncture and ADHD Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common behavioral conditions among children. In the United States alone, approximately 4.5 million children between the ages of 5-17 years old are diagnosed with ADHD each year. Research indicates that when treating ADHD, a multidisciplinary approach is most effective; combining behavioral therapy, exercise, dietary changes and medication. Now acupuncture can be added as one of the treatment methods that can successfully manage ADHD. What is ADHD? Attention Deficit/Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD) is a condition of the brain that makes it difficult to concentrate or control impulsive behavior. Children with ADHD generally struggle with paying attention or concentrating. They can't seem to follow directions and are easily bored or frustrated with tasks. They also tend to move constantly and are impulsive, not stopping to think before they act. These behaviors are generally common in children. But they occur more often than usual and are more severe in a child with ADHD. The behaviors that are common with ADHD interfere with a child's ability to function at school and at home. Adults with ADHD may have difficulty with time management, organizational skills, goal setting, and employment. They may also have problems with relationships, self-esteem, and addictions. Treatment for ADHD Treatment for ADHD is multifaceted. It consists of ADHD medications, behavioral therapy and lifestyle and dietary modifications. ADHD is best managed when families, educational and health professionals work together to meet the unique needs of the child or adult who has ADHD to help them learn to focus their attention, develop their personal strengths, minimize disruptive behavior, and become productive and successful. Acupuncture is an excellent addition to any treatment plan as it is used to help the body restore balance, treating the root of the disorder, while also diminishing the symptoms of ADHD. What acupuncture can help with: • Improve focus and attention • Manage moods • Reduce fidgeting • Lower hyperactivity • Augment mood management techniques • Enhance concentration If you would like to learn more about acupuncture in the treatment for ADHD or one of the childhood ailments listed below, please call for a consultation. Treating Children with Acupuncture Children respond extremely well to acupuncture treatments for many conditions. When treating children, their comfort is of the utmost importance. Treatments tend to be shorter and acupuncture points are usually stimulated gently with very thin needles or with other techniques that do not involve needles. Needle-free acupuncture treatments may include stroking, rubbing, tapping, and pressing the acupuncture points with tools such as brushes, rollers and blunt probes. Common childhood conditions treated with Oriental Medicine: • Failure to thrive syndrome • Weak constitution • Colic, excessive night crying, temper tantrums • Indigestion, GERD, constipation, and diarrhea • Night terrors • Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) • Allergies, asthma • Cough and colds • Eczema and hives • Ear infections • Bedwetting Ginger: Tool in Global Fight Against Childhood Killer? Could one of the most widely used herbs in cooking around the world be just the right medicine for one of the deadliest conditions children face around the world? That’s the promise pointed at by a study published in the American Chemical Society’s Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry. In this study, researchers in Taiwan looked at the role of a ginger extract in blocking the toxin that causes 210 million cases of diarrhea worldwide. The toxin is produced by enterotoxigenic E. coli, which accounts for 380,000 worldwide deaths annually. The study found that zingerone, a compound in ginger, was the likely compound responsible for blocking the toxin. Further study is needed to confirm these findings and determine appropriate dosage, especially for infants. But this natural wonder offers a very inexpensive alternative to drug therapy and great hope to thousands of children in poor countries around the world. Source: American Chemical Society’s Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, 2007 www.bluecraneacupuncture.com In This Issue Acupuncture and ADHD Treating Children with Acupuncture Ginger: Tool in Global Fight Against Childhood Killer? Enhance your Focus with Acupuncture Point, Yintang Enhance your Focus with Acupuncture Point, Yintang Acupuncture has been found to be helpful with all types of emotional and mental health conditions, including attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Often used for such treatments is Yintang, a point located between the eyebrows - sometimes referred to as “the third eye.” The Chinese translation for the acupuncture point, Yintang, is “hall of impression”. “Hall” is defined as a corridor or passageway, or the large entrance room of a house. An “impression” is defined as a strong effect produced on the intellect, emotions, or conscience. Thus, Yintang is the entrance or passageway to the mind. Yintang is used to improve mental clarity, concentration and cognitive function as well as soothe emotions and relieve stress, anxiety and agitation. Location: Midway between the eyebrows Indications: Calms the mind, enhances one’s ability to focus, soothes emotions, promotes sleep and relieves depression. Self Acupressure of Yintang can provide immediate relief of symptoms. For effective self acupressure: • Breathe Deeply • Focus on the point as pressure is applied • Pressure should be strong but not uncomfortable • Begin when you first feel symptoms and continue until they subside Meditation and Tai Chi can also help calm and focus the mind.

July Newsletter

The BlueCrane Acupuncture Newsletter Qi Mail™ July 2010

Kenneth & Diana Harbour L.Ac. Dipl. Ac. C.M.T. BlueCrane Acupuncture 18478 Forest Road, Suite 3 Forest (Lynchburg), VA 24502 434-316-9101

Treating Thyroid Problems with Acupuncture When functioning properly, the thyroid gland secretes just the right amount of thyroid hormone to regulate almost all the metabolic processes in your body. Too much or too little of these vital body chemicals and it can drastically influence energy levels, body weight and your mental health. With over 20 million Americans living with some form of thyroid disease, much attention has been given to the many ways that acupuncture and Oriental medicine can treat thyroid problems. What is the thyroid? The thyroid is a butterfly shaped gland that sits in the front of the neck. It is responsible for energy, metabolism, hormone regulation, body weight and blood calcium levels. Thyroid disorders stem from either an overproduction (hyperthyroidism) or underproduction (hypothyroidism) of thyroid hormones. When your thyroid is not functioning properly, your body can experience a variety of symptoms: Hyperthyroidism: Weight loss despite increased appetite Increased heart rate, heart palpitations, higher blood pressure, nervousness, and excessive perspiration More frequent bowel movements, sometimes with diarrhea Muscle weakness, trembling hands Development of a goiter (an enlargement in your neck) Lighter or shorter menstrual periods Hypothyroidism: Lethargy, slower mental processes or depression Reduced heart rate Increased sensitivity to cold Tingling or numbness in the hands Development of a goiter (an enlargement in your neck) Constipation, heavy menstrual periods or dry skin and hair Hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism can be diagnosed by testing the levels of thyroid hormones in your blood. Hormones secreted by the thyroid are measured, as well as thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), a chemical released by the pituitary gland that triggers hormone production in the thyroid. Some milder forms of hypothyroidism can also be detected by a consistently low basal body temperature. How can acupuncture help? Both Western and Eastern medicine offer various methods to restore thyroid hormone levels. Western treatments rely mainly on drugs and surgery while Eastern treatments aim to restore immune function as well as balance the production and release of thyroid hormones through a variety of approaches ranging from acupuncture and herbal remedies to lifestyle changes and special exercises. In the treatment to thyroid problems, acupuncture can be used to restore hormonal balance, regulate energy levels, smooth emotions and help manage sleep, emotions and menstrual problems. There are several powerful acupuncture points on the ear and the body that can be used to regulate the production of thyroid hormones. Treatments take all of your symptoms into account and are aimed at balancing the energy within the body to optimize health. When it comes to lifestyle changes, a diet rich in protein, calcium, magnesium, and iodine helps support thyroid function while certain foods known as goitrogens may interfere with thyroid hormone production and should be limited. These include cruciferous vegetables (such as cauliflower, cabbage, and Brussels sprouts), peanuts, and soy. Stress reducing exercises such as yoga or tai chi can also be beneficial. If you have a thyroid problem, call for a consultation. A custom-tailored treatment plan will be created to suit your individual needs so that you can feel better quickly and safely! www.bluecraneacupuncture.com ____________________________________________________________________________ In This Issue Treating Thyroid Problems with Acupuncture How to Monitor Your Basal Temperature Three Foods to Support Thyroid Function How to Monitor Your Basal Temperature Blood tests may not be sensitive enough to detect milder forms of hypothyroidism. Monitoring your body's basal (resting) temperature is often used to identify a thyroid hormone deficiency. To track your basal temperature accurately, follow these guidelines: • Shake the thermometer below 95°F at night and place it where you can reach it without getting out of bed. • The following morning, before you get out of bed, take your temperature via your armpit for 10 minutes while staying as still as possible. • Keep records of your temperature for at least three days. (Women should do this during the first two weeks of the menstrual cycle, as their basal temperature may rise during the latter half.) •Normal basal body temperatures fall between 97.4° F and 97.8° F. If your basal temperature is consistently low, you could be mildly hypothyroid. Three Foods to Support Thyroid Function Seaweed - Iodine is an essential element that assists the thyroid in producing thyroid hormone. By increasing iodine intake, patients have seen an increase in the production of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH). The best natural source of iodine is kelp, bladderwrack and other seaweeds. Coconut Oil - Virgin coconut oil is praised by health experts for its ability to lower cholesterol and stabilize blood sugar. It is made up largely of medium chain fatty acids, or triglycerides (MCTs). MCTs are known to speed metabolism, promote weight loss, and raise basal body temperatures. Brazil nuts and walnuts – These nuts contain high amounts of selenium. Many hypothyroid patients have been found to have deficiencies in this trace mineral.

June Newsletter

Qi Mail™ The Acupuncture Newsletter June 2010

Kenneth & Diana Harbour L.Ac. Dipl. Ac. C.M.T. BlueCrane Acupuncture 18478 Forest Road, Suite 3 Forest (Lynchburg), VA 24502 434-316-9101

Your Health this Summer In Oriental medicine, summer is symbolic of maximum activity or greatest yang, which means that it is a time of heat, outgoingness, and moving outward in nature and in our lives. This is the season to nourish and pacify our spirits while maximizing our potential as we find joy in the hot summer days and warm summer nights. Summer is ruled by the fire element. The fire element corresponds to the heart and small intestine, the southerly direction, the climatic condition of heat, the color red, the emotion of happiness or joy, the sound of laughter, the taste of bitterness and the odor of burning. Fire controls the blood vessels and is reflected in the face and complexion. Signs that the fire element is in balance include a strong and healthy heart, a calm mind and the ability to sleep soundly. When the fire element is imbalanced, we may either lack joy (depression) or have an excess of joy (mania). Indicators of an imbalance in the fire element also include agitation, nervousness, heartburn, and insomnia. This is a great time to schedule your acupuncture summer tune up! Call for more information. Mango and Peach Salsa An easy and healthy peach and mango salsa recipe. The delicate flavors of mangos and peaches combine with onions and garlic in this sweet-and-savory salsa recipe. Try it with chips for a light snack on a hot summer night, or add to a vegetable burrito for an unusual twist. INGREDIENTS: 2 mangos, peeled and chopped 2 fresh peaches, peeled and chopped 1 sweet onion, diced 1 medium tomato, diced (optional) 2 cloves garlic 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice dash salt and pepper to taste DIRECTIONS: Combine all ingredients in a bowl. If you have a food processor, you can process all the ingredients in chunks, rather than dicing and chopping. Chill for at least one hour, to allow flavors to combine, and stir well before serving. Serve chilled and enjoy! Benefits of Acupuncture in Cancer Care On Sunday June 6th, cancer survivors celebrated the 23rd annual National Cancer Survivors Day, sponsored by the National Cancer Survivors Day Foundation. The event, which includes hundreds of gatherings across the US, is a time to celebrate life. Here are some ways that acupuncture can help while being treated for and recovering from cancer. Cancer treatments are aggressive and cause numerous unwanted side effects as well as a lowered immune system. Acupuncture is an excellent adjunctive therapy in cancer treatments because of its ability to relieve pain, reduce side effects, accelerate recovery and improve quality of life. What Acupuncture is used for during Cancer Treatment Acupuncture provides a total approach to health care for people with cancer. It can be used to address many of the concerns that come up during and after chemotherapy, radiation, biological therapy and surgery. According to the National Cancer Institute, acupuncture may cause physical responses in nerve cells, the pituitary gland, and parts of the brain. These responses can cause the body to release proteins, hormones, and brain chemicals that control a number of body functions. It is proposed that, by these actions, acupuncture affects blood pressure and body temperature, boosts immune system activity, and causes the body's natural painkillers, such as endorphins, to be released. Areas that acupuncture has shown the most promise include: Nausea and Vomiting Dry Mouth, Night Sweats and Hot Flashes Stress, Anxiety and Fatigue Pain Management Increasing White Blood Cell Count To learn more about how acupuncture can safely and effectively be incorporated into care for people with cancer, please call for a consultation today. Source: National Cancer Institute. www.cancer.org Chemo-Induced Nausea Study Effect of Acupuncture on Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting According to the National Cancer Institute, of all the investigated effects of acupuncture on cancer-related or chemotherapy-related symptoms and disorders, the positive effect of acupuncture on chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting is the most convincing. Numerous studies have consistently shown acupuncture to be effective in the treatment of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting as well as as postoperative and morning sickness nausea and vomiting. A randomized placebo-controlled clinical trial investigated the effect of electro-acupuncture on chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting in 104 patients with breast cancer who were undergoing a highly emetogenic (causes vomiting) chemotherapy regimen. The patients were randomly assigned to receive low-frequency electro-acupuncture at classic acupuncture points for nausea and vomiting once daily for 5 days, minimal needling at control points with mock electro-acupuncture on the same schedule, or no adjunct needling. All patients received concurrent antiemetic drugs (prochlorperazine, lorazepam, and diphenhydramine) and high-dose chemotherapy (cyclophosphamide, cisplatin, and carmustine). The main outcome measures were the total number of emesis (vomiting) episodes and the proportion of emesis-free days occurring during the 5-day study period. The data revealed significantly fewer emesis episodes in the electro-acupuncture treatment group compared with those in the minimal needling and drug-only control groups. Source: Shen J, Wenger N, Glaspy J, et al.: Electroacupuncture for control of myeloablative chemotherapy-induced emesis: A randomized controlled trial. JAMA 284 (21): 2755-61, 2000. In This Issue Your Health this Summer Mango and Peach Salsa Benefits of Acupuncture in Cancer Care Chemo-Induced Nausea Study Cancer Prevention in Every Aisle Cancer Prevention in Every Aisle Nearly everything in the produce aisle can help you prevent cancer, but there are items throughout the supermarket that can protect your health and the health of your family. Produce Aisle Picks Cantaloupe - a great source of carotenoids, plant chemicals that act as antioxidants shown to reduce the risk of lung cancer. Kale and cabbage - cruciferous vegetables are widely considered to be one of the healthiest food choices you can make. Included in this family of vegetables are broccoli, cauliflower, radishes, brussels sprouts, kale, cabbage and bok choy. Cruciferous vegetables are high in vitamins, fiber, and potent anti-cancer phytochemicals. According to the American Institute for Cancer, there is solid evidence that links cruciferous vegetables and protection against cancer. Studies have shown that this vegetable group has the ability to stop the growth of cancer cells for tumors in the breast, uterine lining, lung, colon, liver, and cervix. And studies that track the diets of people over time have found that diets high in cruciferous vegetables are linked to lower rates of prostate cancer. It is recommended that we eat 3-5 servings of cruciferous vegetables per week. It's best to eat these veggies raw or only lightly steamed so they retain their cancer fighting phytochemicals. Freezer Aisle Pick Edamame (soybeans) - These cancer-fighting beans contain phytoestrogens, that may help prevent estrogen-driven cancers by binding to estrogen receptors. They are also good for the men of the household since evidence suggests the isoflavones found in soy products may help fight prostate cancer. Cereal Aisle Pick Whole Grain Oats - Oats have the highest proportion of soluble fiber of any grain. Fiber is rich in antioxidants, helps fight colon cancer and phenolic compounds in whole grains my help reduce the risk of certain GI cancers. Pick cereals high in folate, fiber and/or flaxseed. Beverage Aisle Picks Orange juice - this favorite breakfast beverage is a powerful source of folate which has been linked to lowered risk for GI and pancreatic cancer. Green tea - green tea is lower in caffeine than coffee and can help prevent prostate cancer and possibly bladder cancer. Pomegranate juice - this juice is extremely antioxidant-rich and helps prevent colon and prostate cancer. Soy milk - also made from soy beans, soy milk works the same way as edamame to fight cancer. Household Aisle Picks Sunscreen – summer is starting, so lather on the SPF each and every time you go out in the sun to block exposure to ultraviolet rays. Mop or damp cloth - it's important to get rid of dust without spreading it around your home. Recent evidence has shown that dust can contain carcinogens that are known to cause cancer.

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Calm Spirit ~ Help alleviate stress!

Calm Spirit from Health Concerns
Modified Ding Xin Wan

Calm Spirit is a Chinese herbal formula that is used to alleviate stress associated emotions such as anxiety, depression, anger, and restlessness due to heart yin deficiency.
Calm Spirit is also used for insomnia, restlessness, dizziness, spontaneous sweating, constipation due to stress, dryness of the mouth, and poor memory.

Calm Spirit is based on the traditional formula, Heart Stabilizing Pills (Ding Xin Wan). It is intended to treat patients who present with deficiency of heart Yin. Individuals who experience prolonged mental stress often suffer insomnia, restlessness, loss of memory, dizziness, and sometimes constipation. The ingredients in this formula are aimed at: tonifying heart Qi and Yin: Biota (Bai Zi Ren), Polygala (Yuan Zhi); tonifying and nourishing the blood: Tang Kuei (Dang Gui); calming the heart and spirit: Biota, Fu-shen, Zizyphus (Suan Zao Ren), Amber (Hu Po); moistening the intestine: Biota, Tang Kuei, Ophiopogon (Mai Men Dong); removing heat from the heart: Ophiopogon. Codonopsis (Dang Shen) is added to tonify Qi in general and help generate fluids. Because stress may also induce anger, Amber and White Peony (Bai Shao) help remove liver stagnation.

The enzymes Catalase intercepts free radicals produced during stress. Free radicals damage body tissues, especially those of the heart and brain, and interfere with normal energy production and with memory. Other enzymes derived from Aspergillus assist in the digestion of food, which is often a problem when stress levels are high. Magnesium is a natural tranquilizer and vasodilator, and calms nervous activity; it also acts as a catalyst in the energy production that occurs in cell mitochondria. Taurine has been used to control heart arrhythmia and hypertension, particularly under conditions of stress.

Ingredients
Magnesium Aspartate (75mg), Taurine (100mg), (300mg), Akmylase, CereCalase, Protease, Catalase, alpha-Galactosidase, Lipase, Glucoamylase, Cellulase, Malt Diatase, Biota seed (Bai Zi Ren), White Peony root (Bai Shao), Tang Kuei root (Dang Gui), Fu shen sclerotium (Fu Shen), Polygala root (Yuan Zhi), Zizyphus seed (Suan Zao Ren), Ophiopogon tuber (Mai Men Dong), Codonopsis root (Dang Shen), Amber resin (Hu Po)
calm spirit chinese herbal formula for anxiety & insomnia

Can We Eat To Starve Cancer

This is a great video worth watching!

A Great article on Batttlefield Acupuncture

Read it here....