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Nausea after cold, sick, pregnant?

By Jenny | Published January 10, 2012

Happy New Year! I have been feeling under the weather for a awhile and wanted to check-in with you.  I got sick probably around the 21st of dec. starting with a sore throat which felt like it was lodged on my gag reflex. I took a lot of yin chiao (I think i took 9 tablets the 1st day and then tapered it off as the symptoms got better).  By the first night it was mainly just congestion and then I lost my voice for 5 days or so but no pain which was great!  I felt pretty much cured by the 28th or so but rested a bunch between the 27th – 31st.  I went out on New Year’s eve but was home a little early because my stomach was hurting.  I think the alcohol irritated my stomach and I ended up vomiting even though I never felt intoxicated through the night.  I felt fine for the next couple of days but gradually I noticed that I was a little queasy, not all the time, more so after meals.  I also started having a flare up with my ulcerative colitis so I thought that was probably the cause (although in the past, I don’t remember having that symptom).  I planned on making a visit to you and in the meantime took some of the UC herbs you had for me and was being more consistent with the enzymes, probiotics, and trying to eat fermented foods.  The flare-up seems to be almost healed as of now.  The nausea has been getting worse though, especially after eating and being in the car but I’ve been notably nauseous all day today.

Thanks,
Shana

Dear Shana,
Could you be pregnant? If you are not certain, don’t do any strong herbal formulas.  You should be safe with curing pills, Bao He Wan, etc. If you are pretty certain that you are not pregnant you could take  “Wen Dan Tang”.  These symptoms sound like stomach/gallbladder disharmony with internally engendered phlegm blocking the qi mechanism and lodged after the clearing clearing an exterior attack.  Typically the formula is for post wind cold, but your symptoms are consistent with it’s usage.  If you are having any insomnia or unease it is even more likely that this is the correct formula.

Many nausea formulas.  I pick this one because of the many possible symptoms that you don’t mention (edema, bloating, inhibited urination, constipation, chest discomfort, plum pit qi. etc)

Good work getting back to the basics when you started to flare up.

Be Happy!

Dr. John Nieters, L.Ac. DAOM

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January 2012 Remember, Recharge and Resolve with Acupuncture

By Jenny | Published January 6, 2012

In This Issue (Get QiMail delivered to your inbox )
– Create Lasting Resolve to Reach Your Goals with Acupuncture
– Healthy Brain Habits
– Mental Clarity Boost
– The Will Power Connection
– -News, Events and Community!

Create Lasting Resolve to Reach Your Goals with Acupuncture
The start of the new year is a time of looking back at what we have achieved in the past year and looking forward to the future. This period of remembrance and resolution may be challenging but it is both productive and rewarding. Acupuncture and Oriental medicine can help achieve the change you seek as it assists in illness prevention, stress relief, minimizes aches and pains, improves energy and nurtures balance. This calm and clarity strengthens your resolve as you take the next step in achieving your goals.

Here are a few ways that Acupuncture can help you achieve your goals:

Lose Weight 
Losing weight is the most common New Year’s resolution. Acupuncture and Oriental medicine can help you reach your goal weight and maintain it by promoting better digestion, smoothing emotions, reducing appetite, improving metabolism, and eliminating food cravings–all of which can help energize the body, maximize absorption of nutrients, regulate elimination, control overeating, suppress the appetite and reduce anxiety.

Get in Shape
Renewed enthusiasm to exercise in order to enhance fitness levels, train for a competition, or lose weight can come at a painful price for those who try to do too much too quickly. Recent studies show that acupuncture effectively treats sports injuries such as strains, sprains, musculoskeletal pain, swollen muscles and shin splints. 

Eliminate Stress
Stress reduction is always on the top ten list for New Year’s resolutions and for a good reason; it is often the cause of illness and deterioration of health. Numerous studies have demonstrated the substantial benefits of acupuncture in the treatment of stress, anxiety and lowering blood pressure. In addition to acupuncture, Oriental medicine offers a whole range of tools that can be integrated into your life to keep stress in check.

Improved Quality of Life
If pain is keeping you from living life to the fullest, acupuncture can help as it has no side effects and can be helpful for all types of pain, regardless of the cause or where it is located. Increasingly, people are looking for more natural approaches to help relieve painful conditions instead of relying on medication. In addition to reducing pain, acupuncture also hastens the healing process by increasing circulation and attracting white blood cells to an injured area.

Call today to see how Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine can help you keep your resolutions and prepare for the year ahead!

Healthy Brain Habits
Keeping the goals we have set for ourselves in addition to outlining and completing the tasks needed to accomplish those goals can be overwhelming. Here are a few steps you can take to help optimize brain health and sharpen your memory:

Eat More Produce – Studies that focus on food and memory show that the more produce you eat, the better. One 25-year Harvard Medical School study of more than 13,000 women showed that the participants who ate relatively high amounts of vegetables over the years had less age-related decline in memory. Cruciferous vegetables, such as broccoli, and leafy green vegetables had the biggest effect on helping women retain their memory during the course of the study. In another study, the phytochemicals, anthocyanin (found in berries of all colors and cherries) and quercetin (found in onions, kale and apples), actually reversed some of the age-related memory deficits in laboratory animals.

Take Care of Your Heart – A healthy heart makes for a healthy brain. Because oxygen and nutrients are carried in the blood stream, anything that impedes blood flow will starve those all-important brain cells. Review your blood pressure and cholesterol level. Know your numbers and if they are elevated, take immediate measures to bring them down.

Get a Good Night’s Sleep -When we sleep, the brain has time to recharge. Studies show that 7-8 hours of sleep a night helps to strengthen memory. Practicing good sleep habits helps keep the brain and the rest of the body functioning at its best.

Exercise – Regular physical activity has been shown to decrease the risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease by about half. Exercise increases blood flow to the brain and helps regulate blood sugar levels, both of which improve brain function and memory. Aim for 30 minutes a day.

Challenge Your Brain – Keep your mind active and challenged. Brain function decreases with age. Studies show that cognitive exercise can improve blood flow to the brain. Spend at least 15 minutes each day on a mental exercise such as a crossword puzzle, journaling or learning a new language in order to slow memory loss.

Mental Clarity Boost
Feeling a little foggy? Having trouble concentrating?

Massage acupuncture point Du 20 for some mental clarity.

Du 20 is located on top of the head, midway between the ears. It is used to clear the mind and improve focus.

Stimulate the point with your index finger 35-40 seconds for a quick “brain boost.”

The Will Power Connection
Is there a body/mind connection to will power? According to the principles of Acupuncture and Oriental medicine there is. Will power, or “Zhi,” is said to reside in the kidneys and the state of the Kidney Qi directly correlates to the fortitude of our will power.

In Oriental medicine, disease prevention begins with a protective layer around the exterior of the body called wei qi, or defensive energy. If you catch colds easily, have low energy and require a long time recuperating from an illness, your wei qi may be deficient.

Nourishing Qi can help greatly enhance the body’s ability to thrive in times of stress, aid in healing, prevent illness and increase vitality. According to Oriental medicine, recharging your battery and regeneration of vital energy, Qi, will help you live, look and feel your best!

News, Events and Community!
– John’s schedule changes every trimester based on his teaching schedule, he always has room for new and existing patients. You can schedule up to three months in advance and see the new hours using our online scheduling system: http://www.appointmentquest.com/provider/2120071333 or call (510) 814-6900

– In January 2012 we will be introducing “Shang Han Lun Mondays” a low cost straight TCM clinic on Monday afternoons. Details will be posted in our facebook events.

– We are open on Saturdays for drop-in appointments from 10-2.

– Please join our Facebook community http://www.facebook.com/pages/Alameda-Acupuncture-Dr-John-Nieters-LAc/126245057390177
– The office will be closed December 23-26 and December 30-31. Have a wonderful holiday. Remember Winter is the time to let Yin have it’s way and rest!

-Thanks to “L” in Alameda for this wonderful review on Yelp.com:
“John is one of the most tuned in healers I have met. Its what makes his treatments so effective, I have seen him for a variety of health issues over the years and have often referred people to him. While I see different acupuncturists for different reasons, John is the one I want to see when my health takes a dive or acquire one of my creative injuries. 
In 2004 western medicine had exhausted all treatment options for my polycystic ovarian syndrome, in fact my doctor was on board for a full hysterectomy, when I consulted John about it within a few months his acupuncture treatments and herbs got me on a regular cycle, within a year there was no sign of disease. Recently I had a flare up and I am currently uninsured so i can’t even get western medicine tests, while it took me a little longer than I would prefer to snap out of my denial I quickly got in to see John and he fixed me up and set up with some lovely herbs. 
Some things you just can’t waste time on and you need to see the best, I’m glad i did. ”

Upcoming Events
January:

What: TCM Gynecology & Obstetrics
Instructor: Dr. John Nieters, L.Ac. DAOM
When: Thursdays Jan 5, 2012 to April 12
Time: 1:45pm – 4:45pm
Where: Academy of Chinese Culture and Health Sciences
Call: (510) 763-7787 and ask for “Nah”

Learn how to use acupuncture and herbal medicine to treat: sub-fertility, PMS, painful periods, endometriosis, fibroids and menopausal symptoms, such as hot flashes, night sweats, dryness and insomnia. Learn how to work as a primary care practitioner with fertility patients, or coordinate care in a multi-disciplinary approach using Chinese Medicine along with IVF treatments and other western fertility methodologies.

What: Nutrition & Supplements
Instructor: Dr. John Nieters, L.Ac. DAOM
When: Jan 3, 2012 for 10 weeks
Time: 9am-12pm
Where: Academy of Chinese Culture and Health Sciences
Call: (510) 763-7787 and ask for “Nah”

Learn how to integrate concepts of Western nutrition and supplements into your clinical practice. This is an in depth study of nutrition and health.
John Nieters, L.Ac. DAOM, clinical practice in Alameda, CA specializing in recalcitrant or “knotty” chronic disease conditions, women’s health and musculo-skeletal disorders. John is an advocate for education and integration in healthcare.

February:

What: UC Berkeley Integrative Medicine: Traditional Chinese Medicine
Time: 2/27/12 7-9pm
Where: , UC Berkeley, Chan Shun Auditorium, 2050 Valley Life Sciences Building
Cost: FREE
Dr. John Nieters, L.Ac. DAOM will present an overview of Traditional Chinese Medicine including philosophy, modalities and practical applications. The public is welcome to attend this event for FREE.

UC Berkeley Integrative Medicine: This class is a survey course on a di versity of healing sciences, and medical practices. It will encompass specific fields of healthcare and medicine from all over the world as well as fields expanding in the United States. We invite professionals from practices such as: allopathy (modern western medicine), osteopathy, naturopathy, homeopathy, midwifery, Native American Medicine, acupuncture, Chinese Medicine, Taoist Medicine, ayurveda, ethnobotany, yoga, energy medicine, meditation, psychiatry, chiropractic, and many other fields to share their insight and knowledge in the healing arts of medicine across cultures.

The goal of this course is to promote awareness and expose students to the different types of complimentary and alternative therapies in the medical field. Our aim is for each student to walk away with a basic awareness of what each medical therapy and health practice is about and how to evaluate evidence scientifically. We hope that this knowledge will be sufficient to intrigue curiosity and encourage students to search for more information on their own.

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Coconut kefir and constipation

By Jenny | Published December 21, 2011

I bought some coconut kefir at Whole Foods after reading on a constipation blog for my daughter that this keeps things moving for kids with encopresis. She rejected it for the taste. It’s so expensive that I’ve been taking a teaspoon a day instead of another kind of probiotic. Wow. Yesterday I felt like I had the stomach flu, the urge to evacuate was so strong in the morning and within a half an hour after meals, and then possibly traced it back to taking this.  They talk about starting with a teaspoon and then moving to a half a cup a day.  Do you think it’s good for me?

~Lisa

Dear Lisa,

Coconut products are considered very cold in Chinese Medicine.  The effects will therefore be very different in different people. For those with heat problems it may be a panacea.  With cold digestion or low digestive fire it may be horrible.  Also, being a tree nut, even though cultured, there is a higher possibility of sensitivities than with other products. So, yes it could have caused the problems that you mention.

That being said, I do not have much experience with the coconut kefir as very few of my patients have used it.

Be Happy!

Dr. John Nieters, L.Ac. DAOM

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Customizing Herbal Formulas

By Jenny | Published December 20, 2011

I have a patient with well-controlled type 2 diabetes, but persistent slightly high WBC count & trace of blood in urine. I am using one of your formulas for one week per month for a few months. What dosage? fairly high because trying to knock out infection? or caution because it’s so cold. any advice?
huang lian 10gm, huang qin 10, huang bai 10
shan zhi zi 10, mu tong 5, hua shi 5
che qian zi 5, qu mai 5, bian xu 5
da huang 5, deng xin cao 5
gan cao 5, xiao ji 5
bai mao gen 5

Thanks.
West Berkeley Acupuncturist

Dear West Berkeley Acupuncturist,
Great questions! The advantage of making custom formulas is in making them specific for branch,while effectively treating the root of the condition. A good example is the Da Huang.  If there is diarrhea or loose stools, especially if not much intestinal heat, I might leave it out entirely.  If any problem of low fecal output or constipation, or intestinal heat, I might use up to 20g of Da Huang. Then, depending on where the highest level of damp heat is located, I might adjust the levels of huang lian, huang bai, huang qin, or shan zhi zi for the appropriate of the three jiao that needs to be treated.  In this case I might double the huang bai dosage since the problem is primarily lower jiao.

I would pulse at moderately high dose for 7-10 days every month.  Low dose increases the likelihood of developing bacterial resistance; long term would damage the spleen qi. I might think 8-10 grams of 5:1 extract , which would equal 50 grams of raw herbs.

So, use the 10-20 grams that are uncertain to go to the root of the problem.

I would add probiotics or fermented foods to balance the antibiotic herbs.  I would recommend a d-mannose or a non sweetened cranberry extract to clear residual bacteria in the kidneys and bladder.

These are the questions, whether internal or external, that make the critical difference in herbal care.  It is why a great herbalist will always get better results than those who use use “rote” formulas.

Be Happy!

Dr. John Nieters, L.Ac. DAOM

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Hats off to Linda!

By Jenny | Published November 14, 2011

Dr. Nieters,
I entered the Elements Acupuncture office in Dubuque, Iowa, this morning and Joel Thielen, L.Ac., Dipl. AC, was literally floating on air!  He pointed at me and said, “You!”  He was so thrilled that you had mentioned his name at the end of your November 3, 2011, show!  He was just bubbling!  I had never seen that aspect of his personality before!   I had not listened to that show yet, so I listened this evening.

I call him “Doc” to show respect to his knowledge and his ability.  He has been in the Dubuque area for five years and I know it has been difficult for him to start and build an acupuncture practice in this area.  This is because acupuncture is seen as “new-age” and still not trusted – although, those of us that it has helped are slowly getting the word out to others.

A little more on what acupuncture has done for me.  I’m older, 63.  I was a student at Wartburg Theological Seminary here in Dubuque and in February this year “Doc” came to speak at a wellness class we took.  As he is speaking about the benefits of acupuncture, all of my friends are whispering under their breath to me that I need to go see him.  So, the next day, a Wednesday, to follow the instructions of my friends, I called his office and made an appointment.  My life will never be the same.

My first visit, as we are sitting in his office for a consultation, I can’t take my eyes off the mannequin that had the diagram of all the acupuncture points painted on it.  I was terrified that he was going to put needles in me at all of those points at the same time – I hated needles – we have since laughed together about this notion.  He now clarifies this in his lectures.

Just a couple of weeks earlier, I had gone to the ER thinking I had a detached retina in my left eye.  Thank goodness, it was just a large floater.  I told “Doc,” that I was taking Stratera for my ADHD.  He looked up the side effects and eye issues were a huge problem with this medicine.  It had only been tested for like five weeks.  I had been on it for close to five years.  I quit taking it – cold turkey.

I was on depression medicine.  I had been on many in the eight years since my husband’s suicide, but the last one was a generic Welbutrin.  I was taking 450 mg every day.  Over the next few weeks of treatment, I slowly gave up taking this.  I would give up 150 mg at a time.  By graduation, mid-May, I was off all depression medicine.

I would have anxiety – even panic attacks – I have not  had to take Lorazapam for anxiety or panic in several months.  I still have them in the cupboard but they are put up and to the back for emergency use only.

I had excess heat.  I never wore a winter coat – it was always in my back seat – in case I needed it – but I seldom wore it.  My friends would never ask me if I was cold.  I kept my thermostat at 62 degrees in the winter.  That is cold.  My friends would freeze when they came over – I didn’t understand!  Now this winter, I’m keeping it at 67 and a couple of nights have cranked it up to 68.  I’m already wearing my winter coat.  A couple of days I have even worn an undershirt under my sweater.  I have also started having “Doc” put the heat lamp on my feet during treatments.

I picked at myself.  I hated this.  I had three spots on my chin, some on the side of my face, and several on my head in my hair that never healed.  I was always picking at them.  They literally burned.   I used Castor oil on my head.  In treatments “Doc” would “surround the dragon” and surround the spots on my chin with needles.  I also used a salve and Yin wash.  The ones in my hair are totally healed, there is one on my chin and one on the side of my face that still bothers a bit.

I had an unknown, I’ll use the word parasite, and took ParaStat for three months.  I had traveled all over the world on various mission trips and not always lived/eaten in the best of circumstances.  In fact, even once fell in a sewage/drainage ditch.

I have come to realize that I am addicted to sugar and try to stay within the diet you suggested for yeast.
I am slowly losing weight – but more than that – I feel so much better!  Since August 10th, I’ve lost about 15 pounds.  I have a total of probably a 100 to a 120 pounds to lose!  “Doc” and I haven’t really worked on weight loss because of all the other issues that need to be dealt with first.  The weight will come off as i feel better and move more.

I am in the process of reading “Trouble Afoot – Tracking Down the Causes and Cures of Parkinson’s Disease” from Parkinson’s Recovery Project Web page.  My mother died from congestive heart failure and had Parkinson’s Disease.  I find this research fascinating.  I’ve shared with him that the tendency to disassociate from ones pain is the hereditary/or learned behavior that might cause Parkinson’s to be hereditary.

I told “Doc” about the foot injuries at ST-43 or 42 that  Dr. Hadlock had talked about.  He says I have a scar in that area of my left foot.  He is now refining my treatments and working on my issues of disassociation.   In all of my counseling, this has also been an issue because of my history of abuse.   He wants me to start taking Tai Chi classes and has given me some exercises to increase the awareness of my own body.  At times, from my elbows out and my knees down, my hands and feet do not feel connected to the rest of me.   At times, I catch myself doing the “old person shuffle” and quickly change the way I’m walking.

This summer, I was up for approval to be a pastor in my church.  The bishop and candidacy committee of my home synod “denied” me.  This means that I will never be a pastor in my church.  There reasons were that I did not express myself well theologically in my interview.  Well, because of all the abuse in my past, I’m very perceptive to my environment, I did not feel safe in that interview so would not/could not give my best answers.   I know the only reason I was able to handle this decision with grace was because of the way my “body/life” has  changed because of acupuncture!  “Doc,” his wife, and staff, have been very supportive!  I work for them a few hours every week to “pay” for my treatments.  I do marketing calls for him and his practice.  They have also encouraged me and said that I wouldn’t have gotten this far if God didn’t have a place for me in ministry.  For just a moment, I thought about going to acupuncture school, but didn’t want to do four more years of school!  Two masters are enough!  🙂

I have applied and am starting the process of becoming a deaconess in the church.  I’ll “do” ministry in another avenue!

I have been working part-time as a housekeeper/janitor in a local casino.  I have just been hired full-time and start Thursday – same job – just full-time.  Thanks to “Doc’s” help, I am able to keep up with people many years younger than me.  At the end of our work day, I don’t hurt any more than any of the rest of them!  In fact, for my age, I probably hurt a lot less.

“Doc” enjoys your broadcasts and often makes comments about Dr. N. always uses this treatment, or Dr. N. suggested trying this treatment for…

I just had to say thank you and tell you how much acupuncture has changed my life.  Thanks for your program and thanks for all the help you offer for those of us who just want to be as healthy as possible!  Thank you for mentioning Joel’s name and making his week.  I cannot tell you how much that meant to him!   Thank you for informing us about the truth concerning the state of healthcare.

Sincerely,
Linda H.
Galena, IL

Dear Linda,
Letters like this are what keep us going! Thank you for sharing your story and for letting us know how well you are doing. We are so excited by the transformation in your health. Please share as the next chapter unfolds. We are so honored to be a part of your life and to have you in ours.

Be Happy!

– Dr. John Nieters, L.Ac. DAOM

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