By: Lynn Jaffe and Shelley Conn

Facial Rejuvination Acupuncture works best when combined with a skin care program that nourishes and protects the skin from the sun, irritants, and harsh treatment. Therefore, we recommend the following:

-Wear a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15 and protects against both UVA and UVB exposure every day. To ensure you are protecting from both UVA and UVB rays, your sunscreen must contain either Titanium Dioxice, Zinc Oxide, or Avobenzone (Parsol 1789). Sun damage, or photoaging, is the greatest contributing factor to aging of the skin, which includes wrinkles, discoloration and dark spots, and thick leathery skin. We only need about 15 minutes of direct sunlight each day to get adequate amounts of Vitamin D. After those 15 minutes, any sun exposure you get only serves to age your skin prematurely. The sun’s rays are strongest between the hours of 10 a.m. and 3 p.m., so avoid exposure during those hours, if possible. Wear a hat and protective clothing if you are going to be in the sun for any length of time, and don’t forget that the sun’s rays can reflect off of water, snow, and even concrete.

-Wash your face with a gentle cleanser twice a day. Avoid harsh soaps, such as bar soaps, and overwashing, as both can dry out your skin.

-Moisurize your skin only as needed. It’s important to note that not everyone has dry skin and needs a daily moisturizer. Overmoisturizing can dull your skin and clog your pores, causing your skin to break out. It’s possible that you only need to moisturize certain parts of your face such as the area under your eyes.

-Your skin will look its best if you exfoliate to remove the very outer layer of dead skin and debris from your face. There are a number of ways to exfoliate, and you only need to choose one. Among them are Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA’s) or Beta Hydroxy Acids, which help loosen and slough dry and dead skin. Lynn or Shelley can explain more about products containing AHA’s or BHA’s.

Cleansing products which contain granules also work to exfoliate, but can sometimes be too abrasive. Look for a product that is gentle enough that it won’t injure your skin as you wash. Scrubbing your face with a washcloth will also get the job done, but again, can be abrasive. In addition, a wet washcloth is the ideal environment for all kinds of bacteria, and therefore is not your best choice. Brushes used for exfoliation are too abrasive, and not recommended.

-Always treat your skin gently. Use upward strokes when washing or applying products, and dab the delicate area around your eyes with your fingertips to avoid stretching or damaging the skin.

by Shelley Conn

A year and a half ago I had never heard of Myositis. But then John came into my life. John is an upbeat older gentleman who has been diagnosed with a condition called Myositis. I’m an acupuncturist, and John called my office because he had fallen several times without warning. He wanted to know if acupuncture could help him.

Myositis, or Inflammatory Myopathy is swelling, inflammation, and deterioration of the muscles . It’s a rare condition, affecting only 5-10 people out of every million. This disease causes swelling and loss of muscle tissue. The causes is unknown, but it is thought to be autoimmune in nature. This means that the body’s immune system is misdirected and attacks its own normal healthy tissues. The overactive immune cells target the muscles.

There are four different types of Myositis:

-Dermatomyositis (DM)

-Inclusion-Body Myositis (IBM)

-Juvenile forms of Myositis (JM)

-Polymositis (PM)

The differences between these manifestations are related either to age of onset or the parts of the body that are affected. In general signs and symptoms of Myositis include:

-Muscle weakness, sometimes with muscle pain

-General tiredness and fatigue

-Trouble climbing stairs, standing from a seated position, or reaching upward

-Difficulty swallowing

-Falling

Myositis is diagnosed through blood testing, muscle and skin biopsy, and MRI. Currently there is no cure for Myositis, but it can be controlled with medications, such as Prednisone, and immunosuppressants, such as Methotrexate and Azathioprine. Vitamins and supplements that may be helpful for people suffering from Myositis include Coenzyme Q10, Creatine, Fish Oil, Ginger, Glucosamine, antioxidant vitamins (C, A, E, and D), Calcium and Potassium. Physical therapy and exercise programs are also an important part of treatment for Myositis.

When John asked me if acupuncture could help him, I was unsure, but told him I was willing to give it a try. I treated him several times over the course of many months. Prior to the acupuncture treatments, John was falling about twice a month. He explained that his leg muscles unexpectedly gave out, and he would fall without warning, often hitting is head. After I began working with John, he began falling less frequently, sometimes going for a couple of months in between falls. I have found by working with John, that acupuncture is not a cure for Myositis, but it can help dramatically with the symptoms of this condition.

Acupuncture can be a very effective treatment for a variety of conditions, either as an adjunct to standard Western treatments or on its own. According to Chinese medical theory, acupuncture works because we humans have a natural flow of energy throughout our body. Actually, we know that every cell in our body produces this energy; the Chinese simply believe that it flows through a series of pathways. When that energy becomes blocked in one or more of the pathways, the energy becomes like a dam in a river. There is too much pressure on one side of the dam, and a restriction of flow on the other. This “energy dam” in the body can produce a variety of symptoms; one of the most common being pain.

By inserting very fine, sterile acupuncture needles into specific points on your body, an acupuncturist can break up these blockages that restrict the flow of energy. By stimulating these points, the energy can move smoothly, enabling your body to heal itself.

Beyond acupuncture, treatment for Myositis might include electro-stimulation, heat, and Chinese body work called Tui Na. With John I used a combination of acupuncture, electro-stimulation and heat. I look forward to helping John continue to manage his symptoms and keep from falling.

By: Lynn Jaffee

What are respiratory allergies?

Allergies are essentially an immune response to airborne particles that normally don’t cause the body any trouble. These particles can be anything from plant pollens to animal dander, dust, mold, or even insects and their feces. For most people inhaling these particles don’t cause a problem. For people with allergies, their bodies react as though they were being invaded by pathogens. The result is runny nose, eye irritation, sneezing, headaches, and in some people, asthma.

How are Respiratory Allergies treated differently in Traditional Chinese Medicine than in modern medicine?

Within the framework of modern medicine, respiratory allergies are treated through a combination of anti-histamines and decongestants. These drugs have changed over the years, and their side effects have decreased, many people don’t want to take these drugs long term. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, respiratory allergies are considered an indicator that an underlying imbalance exists. Treatment is focused on correcting the imbalance, or the source of the problem, not just treating the outward symptoms.

What exactly is out of balance?

Any of the factors may cause an imbalance, including poor diet, stress, weak constitution, or environmental toxins and pollutants. These stressors on the body can affect the functions of the organ systems and weaken the body’s Wei Qi. The concept of Wei Qi in Traditional Chinese Medicine is similar to the function of the immune system. Wei Qi encompasses the exterior of the body and works to protect the body from outside pathogens that can cause illnesses like the common cold, flu, and allergies. When Wei Qi is weakened, the body becomes more susceptible to foreign invaders, such as viruses and bacteria, and more importantly to things like pollen, animal dander, mold, dust, etc.

In addition, some people who suffer from respiratory Allergies may exhibit a pattern of Spleen weakness. When the Spleen is weak, the body is unable to adequately transform food and drink into the proper nutrients that the body needs. When the food we eat isn’t properly transformed, dampness and phlegm tend to accumulate, ultimately affecting the function of the lung.

How Does Traditional Chinese Medicine Treat Respiratory Allergies?

A practitioner of Traditional Chinese Medicine will take a complete health history and develop a treatment plan based on your specific symptoms, constitution, and history. The goals of your treatment plan will be to alleviate symptoms and correct the source of the problem, the underlying imbalance. Your practitioner may use a combination of acupuncture, Chinese herbs, dietary therapy, and lifestyle changes.

Is acupuncture safe?

Yes. When performed by a Licensed Acupuncturist, acupuncture is safe. It is also a natural, drug-free, and effective way to address respiratory allergies.

By: Lynn Jaffe and Shelley Conn

Diet and digestion are one of the most important, and most frequently overlooked components of skin care. According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, what you eat nourishes the face, and without adequate nutrients and good digestion, your skin can’t look its best.

The Chinese view digestion like a pot of soup constantly simmering on the stove at low heat. When we eat, we are adding ingredients to that pot of soup, and the quality of those ingredients greatly affects our health, and ultimately, how we look. For example, if we add very cold things like iced drinks or ice cream to that pot, it takes a lot of energy to bring it back to a temperature where it is simmering again. The same is true of a lot of raw fruits and vegetables. It uses up energy to digest those foods. However, it they are cooked lightly, those same foods are much easier to digest. That’s why the Chinese rarely eat or drink cold or raw foods.

The link between digestion and our appearance is almost direct. Energy and blood, which is brought up to the face during cosmetic acupuncture, is produced by the food we eat. If our diet or digestion is poor, then there is not as much energy and blood to work with.

Some guidelines for good diet and digestion:

-Avoid iced drinks, ice cream, and too many raw fruits and vegetables.

-If you need to improve your digestion, turn to soups and stews, as they are the most easily digested way to get the nutrients you need.

-Avoid drinking too much alcohol, as it is dehydrating.

-Very spicy foods are difficult to digest, and eating them too frequently can damage your digestion.

-Vitamin supplementation for your skin should include a good multivitamin daily and supplementation with antioxidants, including Vitamins A, C, E, CoQ10, and B complex.

-Eat foods that are rich in antioxidants, especially the colorful vegetables, and leafy greens.

-Talk to your practitioner for specific recommendations based on the principles of Chinese Medicine and your individual needs.

By: Lynn Jaffe

Fourteen-year old Nathan came to me with trouble sleeping. He was a healthy, active young man, who had trouble getting to sleep at night, and many nights was awake for hours. He tried sleeping on the floor to “get comfortable”, and rearranging his bedcovers in a variety of ways, none of which helped him sleep. Nathan had trouble getting up in the morning because he was starting his day exhausted from the lack of adequate sleep.

The incidence of insomnia is far-reaching. It can be an annoyance for most people at one time or another. For many, however, it’s a chronic problem that leaves its sufferers exhausted, irritable, and unable to handle the physical and emotional stresses of everyday life.

Sleeplessness comes in many forms. For people with mild insomnia, dropping off to sleep may be a problem. Many sufferers are able to fall asleep, but wake during the night and spend the early morning hours wide-awake. In the extreme, people who are plagued by severe insomnia may be sleepless all night long.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, insomnia is considered to be a disharmony between Yin and Yang, in which the Yang of daytime is unable to enter, or change into, the Yin of the evening and nighttime hours.

The principles of Yin and Yang can best be understood through the Chinese characters for each. The character for Yang was originally a pictograph representing the sunny side of the hill. It contains the radicals for mound, the sun above the horizon, and rays of light shining down from the sun. In contrast, the character for Yin contains the radicals for mound and the presence of clouds, indicating the shady side of the hill.

These characters tell us a lot about the nature of Yin and Yang. The sunny side of the hill, Yang, is warmer and brighter than the shady side, Yin, which is cooler, darker and moister. Yang represents fire, is active, and moves upward and outward. Yin represents water, is calm, and moves down and inward. Most important to this discussion of sleep, however, is that Yang represents the bright and active daytime hours, and Yin represents the quieter, darker nighttime hours.

During the day, Yang energy is strong, keeping us awake and alert and giving us the energy to conduct the activities necessary for each day. As the day moves into evening, the Yang energy begins to decline and turn inward, allowing us to relax and slow down. To be able to sleep, the Yang energy of the day must completely enter into the Yin aspect of the evening and nighttime hours. Therefore, normal sleep requires that the Yin and Yang energy of the body be in balance. Insomnia occurs when this balance is lost.

The Heart also plays an important role in our ability to sleep. In Chinese medicine, the Heart houses the spirit, which includes all thought processes, memory, emotions and the ability to sleep. During the night, the spirit also moves into the Yin, and people become calmer, quieter, and fall asleep. When the spirit is unable to move into the Yin, or when the spirit moves into Yin but is unable to quietly stay there all night, insomnia occurs.

For insomnia to occur, the spirit must be disturbed in some way. There are a variety of imbalances that may cause a disruption of the spirit, including heat, deficiency, or stagnation. The causes of these imbalances are often related to lifestyle, which means that there are changes that we can make on our own to sleep better. Common causes of insomnia in Traditional Chinese Medicine include emotions, diet, overwork, and a weak constitution.

Heat in the body is a common factor in insomnia. Heat is by nature Yang energy, which is active. Too much heat, or excess Yang, disturbs the Heart and spirit, making it difficult for Yang to transform into Yin at the end of the day, causing restlessness and irritability.

There are a number of patterns, or conditions, in Traditional Chinese Medicine that can cause heat. Excess heat from an external factor, such as a fever or the flu is one form. However, an occasional fever or an attack of the flu is short-lived, and not sufficient to cause chronic insomnia. Only when heat resides in the body long-term, will it ultimately disturb the Heart and spirit enough to interfere with sleep.

Heat may arise out of a deficiency of Yin energy. Remember, Yin is cool, moist and nourishing. When Yin is in short supply in the body, Yang becomes exuberant, causing heat and restlessness, disturbing the spirit and disrupting sleep. A classic example of this pattern is during menopause, when deficient heat in the form of hot flashes and night sweats accompany sleeplessness.

There are other substances in the body that can become deficient enough to cause insomnia. Qi (pronounced chee), described as life energy, or the transformative energy in all things, can become depleted. Blood is another substance that when deficient can cause insomnia. In Chinese medicine, Blood is considered the substance that nourishes the body and maintains muscle mass and fat. When Qi and/or Blood become depleted, the spirit is undernourished and unable to easily move into Yin and stay there during the entire night. Typically, a person suffering from insomnia due to deficiency may fall asleep easily, but wake during the night or have vivid, disturbing dreams.

Stagnation, especially of Qi, can also be responsible for insomnia. This type of insomnia is commonly associated with emotions. Qi normally moves smoothly throughout the body. However, strong emotions, especially anger, anxiety or depression, can impair the flow of Qi and cause it to stagnate. This stagnation over time turns into heat, disturbing the Heart and spirit, and causing insomnia. Frequently, people who can’t sleep because their “mind is running” all night are suffering from Qi stagnation.

The treatment of insomnia using Traditional Chinese Medicine might involve acupuncture, herbs, Tui Na (Chinese bodywork), and possibly diet therapy. If you suffer from insomnia, however, there are some changes you can make that may help you get a good night’s sleep.

-During the evening hours, try to move from Yang to Yin activities. For example, save exercise, studying, or physical work for earlier in the day. During the evening, quieter activities, such as reading and relaxing will help you move into Yin energy more easily.

-Wait a few hours after a large meal before you try to sleep. Eating too much food before bedtime can stagnate and interfere with your sleep.

-If you have trouble sleeping, avoid foods and drinks that contain caffeine for several hours before bedtime. Very spicy or heavy, greasy foods, if eaten regularly, may also cause insomnia.

-If emotions are causing sleeplessness, try visualizing yourself in a favorite, calming place, or systematically relax the muscles in each part of your body.

Keeping these principles in mind in working with Nathan, I learned that he was instant messaging with his friends until he went to bed at about 11:00. Also, he had some issues that were causing him anxiety. I treated Nathan twice with acupuncture and herbs and advised him to begin winding down for bed an hour or two earlier. This meant turning off the computer and reading before turning out his lights. After two treatments, Nathan reported that he was able to get to sleep, and stay asleep all night.

By: Lynn Jaffee

What exactly is Insomnia?

Insomnia is the inability to get a full night of sleep. It can be an annoyance for most people at one time or another. For many, however, it’s a chronic problem that leaves its sufferers exhausted, irritable, and unable to handle the physical and emotional stresses of everyday life. An estimated 32 million Americans, or about 1 in 8, suffer from some form of insomnia.

Sleeplessness can come in many forms. For people with mild insomnia, dropping off to sleep may be a problem. Many sufferers are able to fall asleep, but wake during the night and spend the early morning hours wide awake, unable to get back to sleep. In the extreme, people who are plagued by severe insomnia may be sleepless all night long.

Is Insomnia treated differently in Traditional Chinese Medicine than in modern medicine?

Yes, within the framework of modern medicine, insomnia is usually treated through the use of prescription drugs, most often sedatives or tranquilizers. Unfortunately, while these drugs can promote sound sleep, they often produce side effects such as drowsiness, hangover, addictions and withdrawal. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, insomnia is considered an indicator of an underlying imbalance. Treatment is focused on correcting the imbalance, or the source of the problem, not just the outward symptoms.

What is out of balance?

In general, people who suffer from insomnia have a relative excess of Yang energy, which is active, warm and transformative. In contrast, Yin energy is quiet, cool, and nourishing. During the day, Yang energy predominates, keeping us awake and alert and giving us the energy to conduct the activities necessary for each day. As the day moves into evening, the Yang energy begins to decline, allowing us to relax and slow down. To be able to sleep, the Yang energy of the day must transform into the Yin energy of the evening and nighttime hours. In order to sleep well, the Yin and Yang energy of the body must be in balance. Insomnia occurs when Yin and Yang are out of balance.

How does Traditional Chinese Medicine Work to Treat Insomnia?

In order to determine the source of the imbalance causing insomnia, a practitioner will begin by taking your complete health history and interview. The practitioner will also look at your tongue and feel your wrist pulse to gain information about your condition. Based on your specific symptoms, constitution, and history, the practitioner will develop a treatment plan for you. The goals of your treatment plan will be to alleviate insomnia and correct the source of the problem, the underlying imbalance. A combination of acupuncture, Chinese herbs, dietary therapy, and lifestyle changes might be used.

Is acupuncture safe?

Yes. When performed by a Licensed Acupuncturist, acupuncture is safe. It is also a natural, drug-free, and effective way to address insomnia.

By: Lynn Jaffee

What exactly is depression?

All of us at one time or another experience feelings of sadness, anxiety, discouragement, or hopelessness. These feelings are a healthy response to events in our lives that may feel overwhelming. When we are balanced and healthy, we are able to recover from these periodic bouts. However, if we are unable to recover, these feelings may persist and interfere with our daily living, indicating that depression has set in.

Depression can present with a host of symptoms. Among them are low energy, a persistent sad or empty mood, lack of motivation, insomnia, appetite changes, irritability, suicidal thoughts, and body aches and pains.

How is depression treated differently in Traditional Chinese Medicine than in modern medicine?

Within the framework of modern medicine, depression is most frequently treated with antidepressant and anti-anxiety drugs. In fact, in 1998 doctors wrote more than 130 million prescriptions for antidepressants. Antidepressant drugs are effective in treating the signs and symptoms of depression. However, these drugs may cause a number of side effects, such as insomnia, fatigue, rash, loss of appetite, sexual dysfunction, and many more. As a result, many people taking these drugs want to avoid using them long term, and seek out other therapies.

Practitioners of Traditional Chinese Medicine have thousands of years of experience in treating depression. A person who is suffering from depression has an underlying imbalance in their body. Treatment is focused on correcting the imbalance, or the source of the problem, not just treating the outward symptoms.

What is out of balance?

Practitioners of Traditional Chinese Medicine know that there is a strong relationship between the body and emotions. When we are upset emotionally, our internal environment also becomes upset, causing symptoms such as depression.

Depression can result from an imbalance or a blockage of Qi (energy) in one of the body’s organs or meridian pathways (energy pathways). When Qi becomes blocked, it stagnates and is unable to properly nourish the body. The result can be disease and emotional disturbance. A number of things can cause Qi to become blocked, including physical or emotional trauma, constitutionally weak Qi, improper diet, and stress.

How is depression be treated with Traditional Chinese Medicine?

Your practitioner may use a variety of modalities. Depending on your specific imbalance, he/she may use acupuncture, Chinese herbs, dietary therapy, bodywork, and lifestyle changes. It is possible also to treat depression with modern medicine and Traditional Chinese medicine. In many cases it is the quickest way to treat depression.

Is acupuncture safe?

Yes. When performed by a Licensed Acupuncturist, acupuncture is safe. It is also a natural, drug-free, and effective way to address depression.

By: Lynn Jaffee

Gastrointestinal Disorders

Ulcers, colitis, indigestion, diarrhea, constipation, irritable bowel syndrome

Respiratory Disorders

Sinusitis, asthma, allergies, chronic bronchitis

Gynecological Problems

PMS, menstrual difficulties, infertility, morning sickness, fibrocystic disease

menopause problems

Muscle and Joint Pain

Arthritis, tendonitis, bursitis, low back pain, neck and shoulder pain, whiplash

sciatica, TMJ, fibromyalgia

Genitourinary Disorders

Urinary tract infections, incontinence, prostate disorders, sexual dysfunction

Circulatory Disorders

High blood pressure, angina, anemia, heart palpitations

Neurological Disorders

Stroke, multiple sclerosis, trigeminal neuralgia, dizziness

Headache

Migraine, tension, sinus, cluster headaches

Emotional Problems

Stress, insomnia, depression, anxiety, irritability

Addictions

Alcohol, nicotine, sugar, medications, recreational drugs

Supportive Therapy

Dealing with chronic pain, coping with chronic fatigue, energy enhancement, increased immunity, improved well-being

By: Lynn Jaffee

What is Irritable Bowel Syndrome?

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is also known as Spastic Colon or Mucus
Colitis. It is a motility disorder (involving abnormal movement) of the small
and large intestines. Symptoms of IBS include abdominal pain, constipation
and/or diarrhea, often in alternating episodes. IBS may also be accompanied by
other gastrointestinal problems, such as flatulence, bloating, and nausea.
Symptoms tend to be aggravated by eating, and are frequently relieved after a
bowel movement. An estimated 10-20% of all Americans are affected by symptoms of
IBS, and three times as many women are affected than are men.

What is the cause of IBS?

Currently, the cause of IBS is unknown, however, it is known what does
not cause IBS. IBS is not a structural problem, meaning there is no
anatomical change, nor is it biochemical or infectious in nature. Researchers
are exploring the theory that there are direct links between the brain and the
gut, which would explain why many flare-ups of IBS are affected by emotional
upsets or stress.

How is IBS treated with Acupuncture or Traditional Chinese Medicine?

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, IBS is considered a disharmony between the
Liver and the Spleen. The Liver is responsible for the smooth flow of substances
throughout the body. This flow can be upset by emotions or stress, causing
stagnation of Qi (energy) or blood. The Spleen in Traditional Chinese Medicine
is associated with the function of digestion and transforming food into energy
(Qi and Blood). The Spleen can be weakened by a number of factors, including
overeating unhealthy foods, overwork, too much worry, fatigue, and lack of
exercise. When the Spleen is weak and Liver Qi is not moving smoothly, a number
of other conditions can arise that manifest as symptoms of Irritable Bowel
Syndrome.

Practitioners of Acupuncture or Traditional Chinese Medicine may use a
variety of modalities to correct a Liver/Spleen disharmony. They may use
acupuncture, Chinese herbs, dietary therapy and lifestyle changes to facilitate
healing of this condition.

Is Traditional Chinese Medicine effective in treating IBS?

Yes. A number of studies have been conducted on treating IBS with Chinese
medicine, especially in China. These studies have documented that Chinese
medicine is an effective, safe, and drug-free way to treat Irritable Bowel
Syndrome.

By: Lynn Jaffee

Can problems associated with menopause be treated with acupuncture?

Yes. In fact, gynecological conditions are some of the most successfully
treated problems in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Practitioners of TCM may
use a variety of modalities, including acupuncture, Chinese herbs, diet therapy,
and a form of massage called Tui Na.

How are the symptoms of menopause treated differently in Traditional Chinese
Medicine than in modern medicine?

Within the framework of modern medicine, problems associated with menopause
are treated as any other disease. Its “symptoms” are treated with prescription
drugs or hormones. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, menopause is a natural part
of the aging process. Any problems associated with menopause are considered
indicators that an underlying imbalance exists. Treatment is focused on
correcting the imbalance, or the source of the problem, not just treating
outward “symptoms”.

What exactly is out of balance?

In Traditional Chinese Medicine longevity is associated with essence. Essence
is given to us by our parents at the time of conception, and provides us with
the basic energy to power all life functions, including growth, maturation, and
reproductive function. When essence is plentiful, we are able to easily recover
from illness and adapt to change. When we age, we slowly drain essence from our
body. When essence is completely depleted, we die. Some people use up essence
more quickly than others, depending on their constitution and lifestyle. Signs
that essence is declining include graying hair, loss of libido, backache,
fatigue, and of course the end of the menstrual cycle, or menopause. If a woman
has lost an inordinate amount of essence, she may experience problems during
menopause.

Another imbalance that may create problems during menopause is the slowing of
the flow of Yin. Yin is a cooling and nourishing substance in our body. Often
Yin in low in women who are experience menopausal problems such as hot flashes,
night sweats, heart palpitations, insomnia, and dry skin.

In some women, problems associated with menopause are caused by a decrease in
Yang, which is the warming and transforming substance in our body. When this
happens, women may experience water retention, weight gain, edema, indigestion,
high cholesterol and high blood pressure.

Can low Essence or Yin be replaced?

Yes. While we receive essence from our parents, it can be replaced to a
certain extent. A deficiency of Yin or Yang, actually an imbalance between the
two, can also be rectified. Correcting any of these imbalances may require
acupuncture, Chinese herbs and diet and lifestyle changes.

Is acupuncture safe?

Yes. When performed by a Licensed Acupuncturist, acupuncture is safe. It is
also a natural, drug-free, and effective way to address menopause.