Caroline’s top 10 Reasons Why Acupuncture is not Voodo

1. Acupuncture is recognized by the National Institutes of Health and the World Health Organization as an effective treatment for over 40 different conditions.¹
2. Dating back 2000 years, it's one of the oldest codified forms of medicine in existence. 
3. Although there are many different types of acupuncture and every acupuncturist uses a slightly different style, each patient is treated according to a treatment principle.
4. Acupuncturists are licensed by the state of Colorado. Licensed acupuncturists in the state of Colorado have completed over 1800 hours of training. They are also nationally board certified by the National Commission of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine.
5. As of 2009, the U.S. Military has adopted acupuncture to provide soldiers relief from pain due to battlefield injuries.²
6. Longmont United and Good Samaritan Medical Center in Lafayette are among the local area hospitals that encourage their patients to take advantage of acupuncture through their integrative healthcare programs. 
7. According to a 1998 survey of the literature published in the Archives of Internal Medicine, Western medical doctors are most likely to refer patients for acupuncture (43%) than for chiropractic (40%) or massage (21%)
8. The NIH states that "One of the advantages of acupuncture is that the incidence of adverse effects is substantially lower than that of many drugs or other accepted medical procedures used for the same.” ³
9. 99.8% of acupuncture is performed with no significant adverse events.⁴
10. The Clinical Journal of Pain notes that acupuncture “accelerates the normal physiological processes of recovery in soft tissues...rapidly heals trauma, thereby reducing pain.” ⁵

1 http://www.acupuncturetoday.com/archives2004/oct/10amaro.html 

2 http://www.military.com/daily-news/2014/05/05/acupuncture-helping-reduce-use-of-pain-killers-in-army.html

3 http://www.pulsemed.org/acupuncture-statistics.htm

4 http://www.pulsemed.org/Acupuncturesafety.htm

5 http://journals.lww.com/clinicalpain/pages/articleviewer.aspx?year=1988&issue=12000&article=00008&type=abstract

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Left Hand Community Acupuncture is located in the heart of Old Town Lafayette 

at the corner of Simpson St. and Michigan Ave. LHCA offers an affordable sliding 

scale of $25-$55. We do not ask for proof of income. You decide what you feel is 

fair to you and fair to us. We treat patients in a relaxed, group setting that promotes 

an atmosphere of healing. Caroline Adams is a Licensed 

Acupuncturist and nationally board certified. Acupuncture can help with a wide range of health 

issues including pain, stress, insomnia, arthritis, allergies, depression, headaches, 

fatigue, cold and flu, digestive issues, PMS, infertility and many other health concerns.

http://lefthandacu.com 

720-248-8626

Pain is Like a Puppy

I'm sure a lot of you have heard me repeat the phrase "Pain is like a puppy". What do I mean by that? Pain is like a puppy that's gotten into a bad habit, say jumping up on the couch. You correct a bad behavior by holding it by the scruff and saying "down!". Using acupuncture,  we correct your body's bad habits by introducing a new pattern that we want to establish.

So, then what? Probably, the very first thing the puppy's going to do is try to jump back up on the couch! Obviously, we need to give the same message over and over for our message to be accepted.

The key to acupuncture and dog training is to be consistent. You wouldn't correct the puppy once and then despair that it's still jumping on the couch, would you? If you really want to change a habit, you might have to correct the behavior five or ten or twenty times. A lot depends on the character of the puppy and how long the pattern has existed.

Folks drive me crazy when they say: "I tried acupuncture for my back pain, but it didn't work."
I ask: "How many times did you go?"
They reply: "Twice."
I ask: "How long have you had it?"
They say: "Seven years."
To me that's the same as taking one dose of an antibiotic and then throwing the rest out because you still have your earache half an hour later!

Each puppy is different. I have friends with two puppies a Golden Retriever, Daisy, and a Springer Spaniel, Lindy. Daisy is incorrigible; she continues to jump up on the couch all day long. Yet Lindy is so eager to please, that she learned to stay off the couch right away. Some of your symptoms may be more like Daisy than Lindy. Similarly, some symptoms can vanish after just one treatment, others take a few treatments to start dissolving. So keep at it and good luck with your "puppies".

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Left Hand Community Acupuncture is located in the heart of Old Town Lafayette 
at the corner of Simpson St. and Michigan Ave. LHCA offers an affordable sliding 
scale of $25-$55. We do not ask for proof of income. You decide what you feel is 
fair to you and fair to us. We treat patients in a relaxed, group setting that promotes 
an atmosphere of healing. Caroline Adams is a Licensed 
Acupuncturist and nationally board certified. Acupuncture can help with a wide range of health 
issues including pain, stress, insomnia, arthritis, allergies, depression, headaches, 
fatigue, cold and flu, digestive issues, PMS, infertility and many other health concerns.

http://lefthandacu.com 

720-248-8626

Sinus Infections & What You Can Do About Them

I've only had two of these in my life, but they were very memorable occasions. Who can forget a feeling like being stabbed in the eye socket with an ice pick? The Chinese Medical diagnosis for this condition is "Phlegm Damp Heat Brewing and Binding in the Orifices". Sounds delightful... NOT!  Sinus infections can linger for weeks making us feel vaguely run down and yucky, or they can fester and create intense pain and discomfort. Either way they need attention. Why? First, it's an infection and second, the sinuses are right next to your brain. We don't want it moving from one to the other.

Western Medicine always treats sinus infections with antibiotics regardless of whether or not they are bacterial or viral. The drawback to this approach are many.  Quite a few people experience loose stools and poor digestion for weeks after antibiotics due to the disruption of their gut flora. In addition, the overuse of antibiotics has been creating new and more virulent strains of bacteria. Finally, if the infection is viral, antibiotics only serve to disrupt your system.

What are the symptoms of a sinus infection?

1. Thick yellow or green nasal discharge that smells foul
2. No nasal discharge, but a sense of congestion 
3. Post-nasal drip
4. Pain or pressure behind the eyes, in the forehead, or beneath the cheek bones. Sometimes they will manifest as what feels like tooth pain.
5. Sharp, episodic pain especially with position or pressure changes (like bending over or changing altitude)
6. Slight dizziness or vertigo when changing position
7. A cold that won't go away
8. Lingering fatigue after a cold
9. Bad breath

Acupuncture and Chinese Herbs

1. Acupuncture See your acupuncturist for treatments. I know a lot of you aren't a fan of the "kitty whisker" needles I put in your cheeks, but trust me, these babies are magical! Many times they cause instant opening of the nasal passages. We will use other points on your body to stimulate the immune system, drain phlegm, and boost energy.
2. Chinese Herbs See your Chinese herbalist for remedies: I (Caroline) have a new favorite way to treat sinus infections. I'm excited because it's a blend of two ready made tablets that I carry in the office, so they are convenient and easy for you to use. Bi Yan Pian addresses the sinus congestion, the "Phlegm Dampness" mentioned above. Pu Ju Xiao Du Yin clears away the "Heat Toxins".  It's an herbal formula known for it's antibiotic and antiviral properties. Together, they combine to make a one/two punch that usually has patients feeling better right away. These aren't appropriate for folks taking certain medications or those with weak digestive systems. Please check with your practitioner first. 

Neti pot

Nasal aspirator

Self Care

1. Absolutely NO sugar, wheat or dairy! If you know me at all, you know that I'm usually rather gentle with my diet advice, but this is an exception. Eating these substances just perpetuates your problem and makes it harder for your body to clear the infection. 
2. Irrigate your sinuses Use a neti pot or nasal aspirator to irrigate your sinuses.
1. Sterilize your neti pot or nasal aspirator with boiling water, set aside. Neti pots can be sterilized in the dishwasher.
2. Boil 1 cup of water, allow it to cool. (Very important)
3. Add 1/2 teaspoon of salt
4. Turn your head sideways over a sink, hold the lower nostril closed with your finger. 
5. Use the your neti pot/aspirator to slowly dribble the saline solution into your nose. Do not force the saline up your nose or pour it too quickly: this will hurt.
6. Roll your head slowly backwards and "swish" the saline around.
7. Allow the saline to run out the nostril you previously held closed.
8. Repeat on the other side.
9. *Gently* blow your nose to remove nasal discharge
10. Tips: 
1. Always use fresh saline and a clean pot/aspirator  
2. if you experience greater pressure or pain, stop 
3. if nothing comes out of your nose after doing this for a couple of days, stop. 
3. Get plenty of rest. You may not feel very sick. Pushing yourself will only make the duration of the illness longer.

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Left Hand Community Acupuncture is located in the heart of Old Town Lafayette 

at the corner of Simpson St. and Michigan Ave. LHCA offers an affordable sliding 

scale of $25-$55. We do not ask for proof of income. You decide what you feel is 

fair to you and fair to us. We treat patients in a relaxed, group setting that promotes 

an atmosphere of healing. Caroline Adams is a Licensed 

Acupuncturist and nationally board certified. Acupuncture can help with a wide range of health 

issues including pain, stress, insomnia, arthritis, allergies, depression, headaches, 

fatigue, cold and flu, digestive issues, PMS, infertility and many other health concerns.

Why are you putting that needle there?

A very good question! The short answer for me boils down to a few main factors: what systems need help, what systems need to calm down, where are the blockages in the body and does the brain need some attention? 

The needles on the insides of the arms and legs tend to be associated with the organ systems that need some encouragement to do their jobs better (Liver, Kidneys, Spleen, Heart, Pericardium and Lungs). The needles on the outside of the arms and legs tend to be associated with the organ systems that hold stagnation and heat (Gallbladder, Urinary Bladder, Stomach, Large Intestine, Small Intestine, and San Jiao). These guys need to “snap out of it!” and relax. 

A lot of the pain theory of acupuncture is based on using microsystems. This is the idea that every part of the body mirrors and affects another part of the body. For instance, I can use points on your elbows (a hinge joint) to affect pain in your knee (another hinge joint). I can use points near the back of your skull to affect the pain in your heel. Sometimes we just put a needle in where it hurts, too! Sometimes, it's a combination of both. 

Finally, I assess for every patient if their brain needs attention. For us, fine tuning the nervous system is done predominantly by using points on the head and in the ear. A French neurologist, Dr. Paul Nogier, pioneered the work of mapping the correspondences of the brain to the ear. Studies have shown that measurements of microsweating in the ear correlate to increased activity in certain parts of the brain as measured on a functional MRI. We use needles in the ear to promote relaxation, encourage better sleep, and to decrease feelings of depression or anger. We can also use the ear to increase concentration and improve memory. Finally it can also be used to calm pain in the body. 

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Left Hand Community Acupuncture is located in the heart of Old Town Lafayette 
at the corner of Simpson St. and Michigan Ave. LHCA offers an affordable sliding 
scale of $25-$55. We do not ask for proof of income. You decide what you feel is 
fair to you and fair to us. We treat patients in a relaxed, group setting that promotes 
an atmosphere of healing. Caroline Adams is a Licensed 
Acupuncturist and nationally board certified. Acupuncture can help with a wide range of health 
issues including pain, stress, insomnia, arthritis, allergies, depression, headaches, 
fatigue, cold and flu, digestive issues, PMS, infertility and many other health concerns.

http://lefthandacu.com 

720-248-8626

How many treatments do I need? How often should I come in?

As acupuncturists, we hear these questions frequently.  The truth of the matter is "it depends".  There are so many factors and variables that this question is almost impossible to answer with certainty.  A general rule of thumb is it takes about 4-6 treatments to see a TRAJECTORY of improvement. 

In studies that come out of China, patients are typically going 5 times a week for two weeks and then are reevaluated.  That's 10 treatments in two weeks! That model doesn't work here in the United States for most patients as the cost and time required can be prohibitive. I tell my patients that acupuncture is like going to the gym to lose weight.  If don't need to lose much, you might go only once a month  (maintenance), but if you need to lose more you might want to go a few times a week (curative).

The following table is a general guide you can use for your situation.

Impact            Tx/week.          Reevaluate
10                        5                     1 week
8-9                       4                     1 week
6-7                       3                     2 weeks
3-5                       2                     2 weeks
1-2                       1                     2 weeks

Impact = how much the symptoms are affecting your life   -or- 
Impact = a measurement of pain

Other factors that contribute to longer or shorter treatment courses are perpetuating factors. These include patterns that produce or contribute to the imbalance and patient involvement. Is the condition is chronic or acute? The length of time you've been suffering with a condition plays a big roll. For every year you've had a problem, that's the number of months of treatment you will need before it gets resolved.

All of these variables influence the frequency and duration of treatments.  Because acupuncture treats the root cause of imbalance results can be subtle or slower than our fast paced lives expect, but the effects are typically longer lasting once the imbalance is corrected!

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Left Hand Community Acupuncture is located in the heart of Old Town Lafayette 

at the corner of Simpson St. and Michigan Ave. LHCA offers an affordable sliding 

scale of $25-$55. We do not ask for proof of income. You decide what you feel is 

fair to you and fair to us. We treat patients in a relaxed, group setting that promotes 

an atmosphere of healing. Caroline Adams is a Licensed 

Acupuncturist and nationally board certified. Acupuncture can help with a wide range of health 

issues including pain, stress, insomnia, arthritis, allergies, depression, headaches, 

fatigue, cold and flu, digestive issues, PMS, infertility and many other health concerns.

http://lefthandacu.com 
720-248-8626

Putting "gas in your tank"

Once upon a time, a long time ago, I used to stand at the gas pump every week getting gas for my car. As I stood there each week with the numbers flashing by, the same thought would pop into my head: “Oops! There goes my money for acupuncture!” “Next week,” I would tell myself, “next week, I’ll save up my money and get a treatment. I sure am tired and my back is hurting me like crazy, but no acupuncture this week.” 

Of course, next week would roll around again, I would be standing at the gas pump, filling up my car while my tank remained empty. How short-sighted was that? We’ve all heard to adage “If you don’t have your health, you don’t have anything.” Pain, insomnia, illness rob us of our ability to work, play, and enjoy life. But I’m sure you all can relate: kids always need new shoes, cars always need to be fixed, and $75 per week for acupuncture just gets put on the back burner. 

When I opened my practice, it was important to me that I adopt a business model that made it affordable for people to come in to get treated often enough that they A) got results B) didn’t break the bank getting them. Thus, the sliding scale. We trust you to choose what works for you on the sliding scale. Even at $45.00, it’s still at least $15.00 less expensive than what many acupuncturists charge in this area and $75.00 less than what the highest fees can be!

Now I'm faced with discontinuing our popular "Six Pack": six treatments for $100. I know that some folks will be upset because this will make it a little harder to afford acupuncture. I know that other folks have been using this as the mother-of-all-never-ending-Groupons: a nice little splurge for themselves and a great deal to boot. It's there, so why not?

To be honest, a lot of my colleagues think my business model is terrible because it allows people to "devalue" acupuncture. I can see their point. Psychologically, people feel that things they've paid a lot for are more valuable or effective. It's why we're willing to pay more for face creams at an upscale department store than those at the drug store. Are they that different? Probably not, but because they are valued more highly, they are perceived as superior. 

As a healer, I don't want to make it harder for people to come in and see us, but as a business person I'm struck by the reality that this should have been a limited time promotion. I ensure the sustainability of my business so that it will thrive and survive. I hope you can understand my reasons for this decision and continue to support my endeavor of affordable acupuncture. 

Caroline

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Left Hand Community Acupuncture is located in the heart of Old Town Lafayette 

at the corner of Simpson St. and Michigan Ave. LHCA offers an affordable sliding 

scale of $25-$55. We do not ask for proof of income. You decide what you feel is 

fair to you and fair to us. We treat patients in a relaxed, group setting that promotes 

an atmosphere of healing. Caroline Adams is a Licensed 

Acupuncturist and nationally board certified. Acupuncture can help with a wide range of health 

issues including pain, stress, insomnia, arthritis, allergies, depression, headaches, 

fatigue, cold and flu, digestive issues, PMS, infertility and many other health concerns.

http://lefthandacu.com 
720-248-8626

UTI woes?

Do you suffer from urinary tract infections? Anyone who's had one knows the burning urination, urgent urination and bladder pain are not a fun experience. Here are our tips for you:

Prevention:

1) Drink plenty of water 

3) Urinate when you feel the need. Don't resist the urge to go! 

4) For women, wipe from front to back 

5) Urinate immediately after sexual intercourse 

6) Consume a quality probiotic supplement or yogurt frequently to keep your gut flora healthy.

Remedies:

Quit with the cranberry juice! It's loaded with both sugar and acid. Although the acid helps fight the infection, it's often irritating to the delicate tissues of the ureters and bladder. Sugar is what bacteria thrives on. 

1) At the first sign of the beginning of a UTI dissolve 1 teaspoon of baking soda in 1 cup of water. Drink this away from other fluids. You can repeat up to 3 times a day.

2) Another great way to combat UTIs is taking d-Mannos. d-Mannos is a sugar that occurs in fruits like cranberries and peaches. It is thought to stop UTIs by preventing bacteria from sticking to the walls of the urinary tract. Take d-Mannos as directed on the package. See if this does not start helping out right away!

3) Drink unsweetened blueberry juice has the same effect as cranberry juice and is much gentler to the system. Blueberries are a marvelous to use proactively as they are high in antioxidants.

~If your symptoms do not improve, if you start running a fever or if you experience pain around your kidneys, see your PCP right away. A kidney infection is no laughing matter. ~

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Left Hand Community Acupuncture is located in the heart of Old Town Lafayette 

at the corner of Simpson St. and Michigan Ave. LHCA offers an affordable sliding 

scale of $25-$55. We do not ask for proof of income. You decide what you feel is 

fair to you and fair to us. We treat patients in a relaxed, group setting that promotes 

an atmosphere of healing. Caroline Adams is a Licensed 

Acupuncturist and nationally board certified. Acupuncture can help with a wide range of health 

issues including pain, stress, insomnia, arthritis, allergies, depression, headaches, 

fatigue, cold and flu, digestive issues, PMS, infertility and many other health concerns.

http://lefthandacu.com 
720-248-8626