Herbal medicine
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Herbal medicine

24 Oct

Posted at 02:03h in Acupuncture, Herbal medicine

If you have a uterus it is likely that you have experienced some pain around your period. In the clinic patients often report needing 800mg of ibuprofen just to make it through day one of bleeding. Here are some tips for other ways to soothe and even remedy your menstrual pain. Stay warm In Chinese medicine, it is believed that cold can enter the uterus during a woman’s menses. Cold causes “stagnation” which causes pain. Think of it like Portland traffic during a snow storm - slow and painful! Stay warm from the inside out - avoid iced beverages and cold foods, wear socks, keep your abdomen warm and avoid exercising in the cold. You have probably noticed that when you are physically cold you tense up and all your aches and pains are worse. Keeping your body relaxed helps you stay in a more relaxed nervous state which decreases your pain perception.  Go topical If you suffer from lower abdominal cramping or back pain with your periods, topical pain relief may help. Start by picking up a natural pain balm that you find at your local natural foods store. If you find it helpful, consider making your own. Mountain Rose Herbs based in Eugene has a great how-to blog post including herbs that would be helpful.  Magnesium! Magnesium phosphate cell salts can help relieve menstrual cramps. Take a dose and then relax for a few minutes - even consider applying a heat pack to the...

16 Nov

Posted at 05:24h in Acupuncture, Herbal medicine

Fall is here and if you are in Portland, Oregon that means the next several months will be dark and damp. The dampness of the Pacific Northwest has a way of penetrating to the bone regardless of how cold it actually is. This year it has come upon us fast and hard and the first round of colds has been particularly nasty. Here are some tips to keep your family healthy this year: Wash your hands!  Simple, yet effective advice. Use hot water with plain soap according to the recent FDA guidelines. “Washing with plain soap and running water remains one of the most important steps consumers can take to avoid getting sick and to prevent spreading germs to others.” Stay warm.  East Asian medicine believes cold can enter your body through the skin and manifest in illness. Be especially careful to keep the neck and upper back covered - a great reason to have plenty of awesome scarves! This is also the best time of year to be eating cooked warm foods and cutting back on salads and smoothies. If you are a salad and smoothie lover, throw a chunk of fresh ginger into your dressings or smoothies to warm them up. From an East Asian medicine perspective cooked foods are easier on your digestion allowing your body energy to focus on staying healthy. Boost your immune system. Keep your immune system healthy by eating a great diet. Add plenty of ginger, garlic and mushrooms...