I see many types of athletes in my office who come in either to achieve a higher level of performance or because of an injury. One very common injury (esp.) to runners is plantar fasciitis. It is commonly referred to as “Runner’s Heel”. The plantar fascia is a ligament. It is a thick and flat band of connective tissues on the bottom of our foot that originates near the heel bone, medically known as the calcaneus bone. It basically connects our toes to the heel bone. And functions to support the arch of the foot. While running, this ligament works closely with the Achilles tendon to both store and return energy and stabilizes our inner forefoot when the force peaks during push off. A runner develops Plantar Fasciitis c when this ligament becomes strained. Straining and excessive lowering of the foot arch increases tension in the plantar fascia that results in tiny tears of the ligament and overloads the attachment of the plantar fascia on the calcaneus bone. If not treated timely, it swells, becomes inflamed and weak – shooting unimaginable pain into the heel during runs.

Runners are most likely to experience this condition if they have tight calf muscles. Another factor is excessive pronation and repeat hill workouts. You’ll be surprised to know that approximately 10% of runners experience plantar fasciitis injury in their career and unfortunately, some even quit because of the pain. But for a passionate runner, quitting is never in the cards. A passionate runner looks for solutions to fire up the run rather than waving a white flag and saying goodbye to the tracks.

If you have or ever have had plantar fasciitis, then chances are that you have tried a number of remedies such as wearing night splints, using insoles, taping your feet, taking Anti Inflammatory medications and/or stretching. Some find relief with these methods while many others find the relief to be short lived or get none at all. It is very common to have plantar fasciitis recur many times resulting in a great deal of down time and deconditioning. There is also the recurring financial expenditure on doctors and remedies.  This is when many turn to alternate treatment methods such as acupuncture. In my practice I have achieved great results that can help people beat the pain and recover fast.

Based on research and the excellent results I have achieved, I am confident that acupuncture for plantar fasciitis is probably one of the best treatments available. Like always, my goal is to empower you with complete knowledge about this treatment so that you can decide for yourself. I will walk you through what it acupuncture, how it works, what medical science says about it so you know what to expect. Call my office for a FREE consultation and decide for yourself.

Dr. Edward Scarlett

Cert., Ac  Dipl. Ac.

(561)272-7816

Approximately 25.8 million men, women and children have Diabetes or another Endocrine system issue. It is one of the biggest health concerns in the U.S. today. Treatment for diabetes requires keeping close watch over your blood sugar levels (and keeping them at a goal set by your doctor) with a combination of medications exercise, and diet.

Common symptoms of diabetes:

Urinating often

Feeling very thirsty

Feeling very hungry – even though you are eating

Extreme fatigue

Blurry vision

Cuts/bruises that are slow to heal

Weight loss – even though you are eating more (type 1)

Tingling, pain, or numbness in the hands/feet (type 2)

Early detection and treatment of diabetes can decrease the risk of developing complications.

Type 1 diabetes is usually diagnosed in children and young adults, and was previously known as juvenile diabetes. In type 1 diabetes, the body does not produce insulin. With type 2 diabetes your body does not use insulin properly. This is called insulin resistance.

Diabetes Drugs

If you have type 1 diabetes, you will need insulin in the form of injections or through use of a continuous pump By checking your own blood sugar levels, you can track your body’s changing needs and work with your doctor to figure out the best dosage.

For some people with type 2 diabetes, diet and exercise are enough to keep the disease under control. Other people need medication, which may include insulin and an oral drug.

Acupuncture and Diabetes

A theory has arisen as to how diabetes progresses. The disease begins with a deficiency of yin. However, patients in the early stage of diabetes actually have a hyperactive metabolism that does not provide useful energy. Food nutrients are not successfully utilized; This yin deficiency generates heat and parches the yin. The imbalance of yin and yang eventually degrades and inhibits the qi (chee), so that qi and yin deficiency co-exist. At this point, secondary effects may begin causing many serious symptoms. Without proper nourishment of qi and yin, yang eventually becomes impaired, and the patient, now with advanced disease, has a combined deficiency of qi, yin, and yang.

How Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine Treats Diabetes
In treating diabetes, Oriental medicine offers a way to address each patient individually to eliminate the symptoms associated with diabetes and reduce the need for insulin.  The practitioner may choose to use a variety of techniques during treatment including acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, bodywork, lifestyle/dietary recommendations and energetic exercises. The treatment for diabetes will focus on regulating the circulation of blood and Qi and balancing the organ systems to improve pancreatic function and address internal heat and the depletion of fluids.

Chinese Herbal Medicine
Herbal medicine can be an important component to the treatment of diabetes.  Different formulas may be effective for different people, so practitioners may try several different approaches

Remember, prevention (and laughter) is the best medicine, so why don’t you call me at (561)272-7816 and arrange for a free consultation and personalized wellness treatment program or treatment for diabetes and any other health issue.

Edward Scarlett of Alive and Well Acupuncture Clinic

For nearly 20 years, Dr. Edward Scarlett has been serving the Delray Beach community by spreading wellness through multiple Acupuncture styles and Body Work techniques. He is the founder and lead physician at Alive and Well Acupuncture Clinic. Specializing in managing acute and chronic pain conditions with the use of Acupuncture, Acupressure, Moxibustation, and Deep Muscle Therapy, Dr. Scarlett has built a reputation for achieving excellent results. He believes it is most important to treat the cause of people’s health issues while focusing on achieving relief.

Americans spend at least $37 billion annually on back pain. There are many patients with this painful condition who are unsatisfied with the traditional medical care. A lot if these people seek help from complementary and alternative care providers, including acupuncturists. “Back pain is one of the leading reasons for visits to licensed acupuncturists. Trained acupuncturists consider acupuncture an effective treatment for back pain.

Chronic Back Pain is one of the most common reasons people seek medical attention. It has been estimated that up to 80% of the world’s population will suffer from back pain at some point in their lives, with the lower back as the most common location of pain. Though most occurrences of back pain last less than two weeks, research has shown that recurrence rates for low back pain can reach as high as 50% in the first few months following the first episode.

The use of acupuncture to treat back pain has increased dramatically in the past few decades. The results of a recent study published in the Clinical Journal of Pain provide further proof that acupuncture is a safe and effective treatment for low-back pain, and that acupuncture can maintain positive outcomes for periods exceeding six months or longer without producing the negative side-effects that often accompany more traditional pain remedies such as anti-inflammatory steroids or medication.

The most common back pain conditions are Lumbar muscle strain or strain, ruptured disk, Discogenic back pain, Spinal stenosis, Lumbar spine arthritis, Spondylolistesis. These conditions can all be helped to a large degree or another with acupuncture. There are many different acupuncture patterns that contribute to the development of these conditions. As a acupuncturist in order to optimize the treatment we must determine the underlining dysfunction to the condition. Once we have determined the underlying oriental medicine pattern we can begin to treat the whole person in an addition to the symptoms.

Because of how complex and holistic the medical approach of Oriental medicine is we must look at the bodies overall function or lack of it. We use diagnosis systems to evaluate organ function or the lack of them to determine the correct treatment approach. This comprehensive diagnosis process is a important part of why Oriental medicine has been a very effective treatment modality for back pain. When we assess Kidney, Liver, Blood, vitality, Coldness and Heat levels in the body we can determine the correct and most effective treatment approach for back pain conditions.

My clinical opinion is that people and their conditions are a manifestation of the choices they have made over weeks, months, and sometimes years. Buy treating the individual as a whole not only the symptom, Oriental medicine can help dismantle the errors in choice that create Back pain. Choose well.

Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) are very effective in treating back pain naturally. They can also be used together with traditional Western treatments to maximize your healing and recovery.

How back pain happens

There are many possible causes for back pain, including strained muscles or ligaments, often caused by improper lifting, sudden movements or traumatic injury. Other culprits can include arthritis, structural abnormalities of the spine, or the disks between the vertebrae bulging or rupturing and pressing on a nerve. Depending on the specific diagnosis, back pain is generally treated with medications, physical therapy, chiropractic care, and in some cases, surgery.

A more natural approach

Practitioners of acupuncture and TCM view back pain another way. An acupuncturist will not only work to relieve your symptoms, but will also work to find and treat the underlying cause of your pain. In a study conducted at a Swedish hospital, doctors concluded that acupuncture provided long-term relief along with improvements in physical activity levels, quality of sleep and the diminished use of pain medication.

Acupuncture and TCM are based on the concept that Qi (pronounced “chee”), or vital energy, flows through the body in channels called meridians. If Qi becomes stagnant, unbalanced or deficient, symptoms such as back pain, ache and inflammation can result. This can happen for any number of reasons, from injury and illness to stress or external invaders such as wind or dampness. Back pain can arise from disharmonies such as:

• Stagnation – type pain that is often linked to sudden, stabbing, severe pain and related to sprains, strains or trauma. It can be accompanied by stiffness and tightness and becomes worse with rest. If it occurs often in the same area(s) it may reflect an underlying deficiency.

• Cold, damp obstruction – type pain that is generally worse in the morning and exacerbated by cold or damp weather. This type of pain condition may be associated with numbness, swelling and a sense of “heaviness.” Heat improves this condition.

• Deficiency – type pain that is usually
a chronic condition that presents with
a “dull” pain and improves with rest.

Restoring balance

Once your practitioner has determined the cause(s) of your back pain, he or she will create a specific treatment plan designed to address your concerns and boost your overall health and vitality. During acupuncture treatments, your practitioner will insert fine, sterile needles into specific acupuncture points along the meridian pathways in order to restore the balance and flow of Qi. He or she may also perform acupressure or other types of therapy, based on your unique issues and symptoms.

Your practitioner may also suggest lifestyle changes and self-care techniques, especially if you struggle with chronic pain. These may include:

• Improving your posture – Examine your posture in a mirror. Try to stand with your head up, shoulders back and pelvis in a neutral position. When sitting, try to sit upright with your feet flat on the floor and your knees and hips level. Try to balance your weight evenly when walking and standing.

• Exercising – Keep your back and abdominal muscles strong with regular exercise. Yoga and Qi Gong are both gentle and effective. Consider adding aerobic exercise as well to improve your overall health and reduce stress.

• Managing stress – Stress can take a real toll on your health and contribute to muscle pain. Meditation or deep-breathing techniques can help you stay calm and relaxed. Massage is another great way to help relieve stress and loosen tense muscles.

More and more people are finding relief for both acute and chronic back pain through acupuncture and TCM. If you or someone you love is struggling with back pain, call today to find out how acupuncture can help.

References:
Back pain. MayoClinic.com. Feb. 8, 2008. Link
Sollars, David W. L.Ac. The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Acupuncture and Acupressure. Alpha Books, 2000.
Stone, Al. L.Ac. Chinese Medicine for Back Pain. Acupuncture.Com. Link

If you struggle with your weight, you’re not alone. In fact, more than 30% of all U.S. adults meet the criteria for being obese.¹

Americans spend billions of dollars annually on weight loss products, but obesity is still on the rise. People are even turning to surgery as a weight loss option. This is a drastic measure and can cause unwanted side effects.

Unfortunately, excess weight is not just a cosmetic issue. Being overweight is a risk factor for many conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and heart disease. The good news is that maintaining a healthy weight can reduce your risk, and it’s never too late to get started. People seeking to address their weight concerns are turning to acupuncture as a natural and effective way to approach weight loss.

A traditional approach to healing

Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) take a holistic, or whole-body approach to health. This ancient form of healthcare works to restore the balance and flow of the body’s Qi (pronounced “chee”), or vital energy. According to TCM, the reasons why people gain weight, or find it difficult to lose weight, are numerous. Your acupuncturist is well versed in uncovering the root cause(s) or imbalances that have affected your weight.

Your acupuncturist will also take into consideration other factors that may have led to weight gain, including your lifestyle, and emotional and mental well-being. By taking your whole self into account, you and your acupuncturist can get to the root of your health concerns, rather than just treating the symptoms.

What will my acupuncturist do?

During your first visit, your acupuncturist will take an extensive health history and perform various exams. At the completion of your first visit, your acupuncturist will provide you with a comprehensive diagnosis and an explanation of your treatment plan. Your treatments will focus on correcting any underlying imbalances in your body, and will also help to support you in reaching your weight loss goals.

Based on your unique symptoms, your acupuncturist will choose to concentrate on acupuncture points related to specific organs. For example, restoring balance to the flow of Qi in the Stomach can help promote good digestion and suppress an overactive appetite. Emotional issues, such as anxiety and stress, both of which can lead to overeating, can be addressed by balancing the Liver.

A partnership for better health

It is important to remember that acupuncture is not a “quick fix.” By working with your acupuncturist, and committing to long-term goals, you will experience positive changes in your overall health, including maintaining a healthy body weight.

In addition to acupuncture treatments, your practitioner may also recommend other lifestyle changes. Whether you want to lose a few pounds or a significant amount, people are turning to acupuncture as a natural and effective way to approach weight loss. By working together with your practitioner, you can help your body regain its natural balance—and start taking steps toward true health and vitality.

Sources:
1. Center for Disease Control and Prevention. http://www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/dnpa/obesity
U.S. National Library of Medicine Medical Encyclopedia, Article – Obesity. 4/19/2004.
Komada, J., Article – Acupuncture for Weight Loss, 2003.
Pitchford, P., Healing with Whole Foods, North Atlantic Books, 1993.

Stress is a natural response of the body to the various demands we place upon it. In ancient times, our stress response, also known as our fight or flight response, provided us with energy to preserve life during difficult situations, such as an attack or threat by a wild animal. Unfortunately, modern day stress is considerably higher, more frequent and more consistent than what our predecessors experienced. Today, we do not have to look much further than our windows, or computer screens, to view various forms of stressors—everything from prime-time news and road rage, to the forty-hour work week, terrorism talk and cell phones.

However, stress is not necessarily always negative. There is a distinction between healthy and unhealthy stress. Healthy stressors are usually short lived and keep us alert and motivated, and support our body’s strength and vitality.

Our response to stress can either help or hinder our body’s ability to cope with these various stressors in our lives. Healthy responses to stress include appropriate physical exercise, good eating habits, positive thinking, adequate rest, and reaching out to friends and family for support. Unhealthy responses to stress include negative thinking, overexertion, poor eating habits, lack of sleep, and isolation. These unhealthy responses can cause the body to work harder than it needs to and can trigger physical and mental health issues. Over time, ongoing stress and unhealthy responses to stress can actually be detrimental to our health.

Medical studies have shown that with increased and consistent stress, our white blood cells which defend our body against viruses decrease. This results in lower immune resistance, ultimately leading to physical disease and emotional instability.

Even if the stressors are no longer present, the body continues to keep the stress response active. This results in the depletion of our nervous system, lymphatic organs (spleen, thymus, and lymph nodes), kidneys and adrenal glands, which can pave the way for a wide variety of symptoms and signs.

There is Hope.

Practitioners of acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) have been helping people cope with stress for thousands
of years. The ancient theories of TCM on how stress affects the organs are similar to those of Western medicine. However, TCM theory and treatment go far beyond treating symptoms and signs and address the root cause(s) of the problem.

One way that stress affects the body is by causing a depletion or blockage of Qi (pronounced “chee”), especially that of the kidneys and adrenals. Qi is the vital energy or power that animates and supports the functions of the body. It flows through specific pathways, called meridians, and provides nourishment for the entire body. When Qi becomes “blocked” or the supply is inadequate, the body and organ systems become “stressed out” and our health is then compromised.

With acupuncture and TCM, the practitioner’s job is to support and restore the integrity of the various organs affected and depleted by the stress response, along with evaluating the quality and quantity of Qi.

Your acupuncturist may also suggest adjunct therapies to enhance treatment and speed healing. Proper eating habits, as well as exercise, stretching, movement and meditation practices, support and promote a balanced and healthy body, mind and spirit.

Acupuncture and TCM can provide a safe, effective and drug-free alternative for the treatment of stress.

Ways to combat stress:

1. Get adequate sleep. Try for at
   least eight hours of restful and restorative sleep.
2. Practice meditative exercises. Qi Gong, Tai Chi and Yoga can help create a healthy awareness of the body and mind connection, freeing your mind
   of stressful thoughts.
3. Eat a well balanced diet. Maintain a healthy diet with adequate amounts of complex carbs, vegetables, fruits, protein and healthy fats.
4. Have fun! Make time for relaxing activities, enjoyable hobbies and lots of laughter in your life.
5. Breathe. Relaxed deep breathing is one of the most simple and easy techniques that can be used for reducing stress.