Healer Banya Lim

Staying Healthy

myssmiranda — Fri, 13 Dec 1901 20:45:52 +0000

Acupuncture and Oriental medicine can help prevent illness by building up the immune system with just a few needles inserted into key points along the body’s energy pathways.

These points are known for strengthening the circulation of blood and energy and consolidating the outer defense layers of the skin and muscle (wei Qi) so that germs and viruses cannot enter through them.

Seasonal acupuncture treatments also server to tonify inner organ systems and correct minor annoyances before they become serious problems.

Call to see how acupuncture and Oriental medicine can help you stay healthy

Originally posted on Acufinder

7 Healthy Habits of Headache Sufferers

myssmiranda — Thu, 27 Dec 2012 23:00:32 +0000

Headache sufferers can reduce the intensity and frequency of their headaches or migraine episodes by following a few simple steps:

Nutrition - Eat regular meals, avoid foods and drinks that are known to trigger headache attacks.

Sleep - Practice good sleep habits. Maintain a regular sleeping schedule, including weekends and vacations.

Stress - Implement stress reduction techniques into your daily life.

Education - Stay apprised of the latest treatment options and headache relief news.

Headache Diary - Keep a diary of when your headaches occur, along with any triggers, and share the information with your healthcare provider.

See Your Healthcare Provider -Make an appointment with your healthcare provider to specifically discuss your headaches.

Be a Partner in Your Headache Care - Stay informed, so you can be a participant in your treatment and an advocate for improving your own headache care.

Originally posted on Acufinder

Reduce Migraine and Headache Pain with Acupuncture

myssmiranda — Thu, 13 Dec 2012 23:00:54 +0000

Are you plagued by chronic headaches? More than 45 million Americans (one in six) suffer from chronic headaches, 20 million

of whom are women. Scientific research shows that acupuncture can be more effective than medication in reducing the severity and frequency of chronic headaches.

The pain that headache and migraine sufferers endure can impact every aspect of their lives. A widely accepted form of treatment for headaches, acupuncture can offer powerful relief without the side effects that prescription and over-the-counter drugs can cause. Headaches and migraines, as well as their underlying causes have been treated successfully with acupuncture and Oriental m

Is the headache behind your eyes and temples, or is it located more on the top of your head?edicine for thousands of years. Acupuncture and Oriental medicine can be used alone in the management and treatment of headaches, or as part of a comprehensive treatment program.

Traditional Chinese Medicine does not recognize migraines and chronic headaches as one particular syndrome. Instead, it aims to treat the specific symptoms that are unique to each individual using a variety of of techniques such as acupuncture, tui-na massage, and energetic exercises to restore imbalances found in the body. Therefore, your diagnosis and treatment will depend on a number of variables including:

When do your headaches occur (i.e. night, morning, after eating)?
Do you find that a cold compress or a darkened room can alleviate some of the pain?
Is the pain dull and throbbing, or sharp and piercing?

Your answers to these questions will help your practitioner create a treatment plan specifically for you. The basic foundation for Oriental medicine is that there is a life energy flowing through the body which is termed Qi (pronounced chee). This energy flows through the body on channels known as meridians that connect all of our major organs. According to Oriental medical theory, illness or pain arises when the cyclical flow of Qi in the meridians becomes unbalanced. Acupuncture stimulates specific points located on or near the surface of the skin to alter various biochemical and physiological conditions that cause aches and pains or illness.

The length, number and frequency of treatments will vary. Typical treatments last from five to 30 minutes, with the patient being treated one or two times a week. Some headaches, migraines and related symptoms are relieved after the first treatment, while more severe or chronic ailments often require multiple treatments.

Do you or someone you know suffer from headaches or migraines? Call today to find out how acupuncture and Oriental medicine can help you!

Originally posted on Acufinder

Anti-Inflammatory Foods

myssmiranda — Thu, 29 Nov 2012 22:45:06 +0000

A balanced, varied diet can help ease the pain of arthritis by providing vitamins and minerals that keep your joints healthy. Avoiding damp foods such as dairy products and greasy or spicy foods also helps joints.

Here are some healthy and delicious choices to include in your diet.

Ginger - Ginger is a natural anti-inflammatory. A fresh ginger tea can be made by combining a half teaspoon of grated ginger with 8 ounces of boiling water. Cover and steep for 10 to 15 minutes, strain and add honey to taste.

Fresh Pineapple - Bromelain, an enzyme in pineapple, reduces inflammation. Be sure the pineapple is fresh, not canned or frozen.

Cherries - Recent research has shown that tart cherries are an excellent source of nutrients that may help to reduce joint pain and inflammation related to arthritis.

Fish - Cold-water fish such as salmon and mackerel contain omega-3 fatty acids, which help keep joints healthy as well as reduce pain and swelling.

Turmeric - A natural anti-inflammatory, it can be used in many food preparations including soups, sauces and salad dressings.
Originally posted on Acufinder
Alleviate Arthritis Pain with Acupuncture
November 15, 2012
Arthritis isn’t just one disease, but a complex disorder comprised of more than 100 distinct conditions that can affect people at any stage of life. Two of the most common forms are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. While these two forms of arthritis have very different causes, risk factors and effects on the body, they often share a common symptom — persistent joint pain. For many people, arthritis pain and inflammation cannot be avoided as the body ages. In fact, most people over the age of 50 show some signs of arthritis as joints naturally degenerate over time. Fortunately, arthritis can often be managed with acupuncture and Oriental medicine. Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis, affecting an estimated 21 million adults in the United States. Beginning...
Read more

Anti-Inflammatory Foods
November 29, 2012
A balanced, varied diet can help ease the pain of arthritis by providing vitamins and minerals that keep your joints healthy. Avoiding damp foods such as dairy products and greasy or spicy foods also helps joints. Here are some healthy and delicious choices to include in your diet. Ginger - Ging...
Read more

Acupuncture for Integrative Oncology Support
October 19, 2012
There have been many advances in the early detection and treatment of cancer. While the standard medical care for cancer can be effective, the treatments are aggressive and cause numerous unwanted side effects in addition to a lowered immune system. Acupuncture has received much attention as an adj...
Read more

Clinical Trials Indicate Acupuncture Provides Relief
September 6, 2012
The American Cancer Society has reported that half of all men and a third of all women in the United States will develop cancer during their lifetimes. Although there are many forms of cancer, all forms of the disease begin with abnormal cells that grow out of control. Unlike other illnesses that ar...
Read more

Reduce the Impact
November 29, 2012
The Arthritis Foundation recommends the following to reduce the impact of arthritis: Get Active - Regular physical activity helps build and maintain healthy bones, muscles and joints. Tai Chi, a Chinese exercise that strengthens muscles, improves balance and flexibility, promotes relaxation, and ha...
Read more
- Alleviate Arthritis Pain with Acupuncture
- Anti-Inflammatory Foods
- Acupuncture for Integrative Oncology Support
- Clinical Trials Indicate Acupuncture Provides Relief
- Reduce the Impact

Reduce the Impact

myssmiranda — Thu, 29 Nov 2012 22:30:17 +0000

The Arthritis Foundation recommends the following to reduce the impact of arthritis:

Get Active - Regular physical activity helps build and maintain healthy bones, muscles and joints. Tai Chi, a Chinese exercise that strengthens muscles, improves balance and flexibility, promotes relaxation, and has been shown to relieve chronic joint pain.

Control Weight - Maintaining an appropriate weight or reducing weight to a recommended level reduces the risk of osteoarthritis. Losing just 10 pounds relieves 40 pounds of pressure on knees. For those living with symptoms, losing 15 pounds can cut knee pain in half.

Modify Job Tasks - Try to modify your movements, since repeated use of joints in jobs that require bending and lifting is associated with an increased risk of developing osteoarthritis.

Speak with a health care professional about ways to reduce strain on your joints.

Originally posted on Acufinder

Acupuncture for Integrative Oncology Support

October 19, 2012

Alleviate Arthritis Pain with Acupuncture

November 15, 2012

Arthritis isn’t just one disease, but a complex disorder comprised of more than 100 distinct conditions that can affect people at any stage of life. Two of the most common forms are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. While these two forms of arthritis have very different causes, risk factors and effects on the body, they often share a common symptom — persistent joint pain. For many people, arthritis pain and inflammation cannot be avoided as the body ages. In fact, most people over the age of 50 show some signs of arthritis as joints naturally degenerate over time. Fortunately, arthritis can often be managed with acupuncture and Oriental medicine. Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis, affecting an estimated 21 million adults in the United States. Beginning...

Endorsement of Acupuncture for Cancer Treatment

October 12, 2012

Acupuncture continues to receive enthusiastic testimonials from patients and health care professionals alike. Prominent names in U.S. society and the medical community have attested to the efficacy of acupuncture as a supportive therapy for oncology treatment. Dr. Oz has said that acupuncture is he...

Clinical Trials Indicate Acupuncture Provides Relief

September 6, 2012

The American Cancer Society has reported that half of all men and a third of all women in the United States will develop cancer during their lifetimes. Although there are many forms of cancer, all forms of the disease begin with abnormal cells that grow out of control. Unlike other illnesses that ar...

Reduce Migraine and Headache Pain with Acupuncture

December 13, 2012

Are you plagued by chronic headaches? More than 45 million Americans (one in six) suffer from chronic headaches, 20 million of whom are women. Scientific research shows that acupuncture can be more effective than medication in reducing the severity and frequency of chronic headaches. The pain that...

Acupuncture for Integrative Oncology Support
Alleviate Arthritis Pain with Acupuncture
Endorsement of Acupuncture for Cancer Treatment
Clinical Trials Indicate Acupuncture Provides Relief
Reduce Migraine and Headache Pain with Acupuncture

Studies of Acupuncture for Arthritis

myssmiranda — Thu, 22 Nov 2012 22:49:21 +0000

Several studies have shown that acupuncture can help people with arthritis and related auto-immune diseases.
Scientists found that acupuncture can reduce pain and improve mobility in arthritis patients by 40 percent based on results from a major clinical trial that investigated the ancient Chinese needle treatment. A total of 570 patients aged 50 and older with osteoarthritis of the knee took part in the American study. All had suffered significant pain in their knee the month before joining the trial, but had never experienced acupuncture. By the eighth week, patients receiving genuine acupuncture treatments showed a significant increase in function compared with both the “placebo” treatment and self-help groups. By week 14, they were also experiencing a significant decrease in pain.

In a German study, 3,500 people with osteoarthritis of the hip and/or knee received 15 sessions of acupuncture combined with their usual medical care. The results showed that the patients that received acupuncture had less pain and stiffness, improved joint function and better quality of life than their counterparts who had routine care alone. The improvements occurred immediately after completing a
three-month course of acupuncture and lasted for at least another three months, indicating osteoarthritis is among conditions effectively treated with acupuncture.

Another study, published in the journal Pain, looked at the effects of acupuncture among 40 adults with osteoarthritis of the knee. Among the patients in the study, those who had a daily acupuncture session for 10 consecutive days reported greater improvement in their pain compared with patients who received a “placebo” version of the therapy.

In one Scandinavian study, 25 percent of arthritis patients who had been scheduled for knee surgery cancelled their operations after acupuncture treatment. In the study, researchers compared acupuncture with advice and exercise for the treatment of osteoarthritis of the hip. Thirty-two patients awaiting a total hip replacement were separated into two groups. One group received one 10-minute and five 25-minute sessions of acupuncture, and the other group received advice and hip exercises over a 6-week period. Patients were assessed for pain and functional ability: Patients in the acupuncture group showed significant improvements, while no significant changes were reported in the group that received advice and exercise therapy. The results of this study indicate that acupuncture is more effective than advice and exercise for the treatment of osteoarthritis of the hip.

A University of Maryland School of Medicine study showed that elderly arthritis patients with knee pain due to arthritis improved significantly when acupuncture was added to their treatment. The randomized clinical trial determined whether acupuncture was a clinically safe and effective adjunctive therapy for older patients with osteoarthritis of the knee. The study addressed the addition of acupuncture to conventional therapy to determine if it would provide an added measure of pain relief, if the effects would last beyond treatment and if treatment would have any side effects. Seventy-three patients were randomly divided into two groups. One group received twice-weekly acupuncture treatments and conventional therapy for eight weeks, and the other group received conventional therapy only. Patients who received acupuncture had significant pain relief and showed improvement in function. Those who did not receive acupuncture showed no significant change. No patients reported negative side effects from any acupuncture therapy session.

Call today to learn more about the benefits of acupuncture and Oriental medicine for arthritis!

Originally posted on Acufinder

Reduce Migraine and Headache Pain with Acupuncture

December 13, 2012

Acupuncture for Integrative Oncology Support

October 19, 2012

Staying Healthy

May 24, 2013

Acupuncture and Oriental medicine can help prevent illness by building up the immune system with just a few needles inserted into key points along the body’s energy pathways. These points are known for strengthening the circulation of blood and energy and consolidating the outer defense layers of the skin and muscle (wei Qi) so that germs and viruses cannot enter through them. Seasonal acupuncture treatments also server to tonify inner organ systems and correct minor annoyances before they become serious problems. Call to see how acupuncture and Oriental medicine can help you stay healthy Originally posted on Acufinder

Studies of Acupuncture for Arthritis

November 22, 2012

7 Healthy Habits of Headache Sufferers

December 27, 2012

Headache sufferers can reduce the intensity and frequency of their headaches or migraine episodes by following a few simple steps: Nutrition - Eat regular meals, avoid foods and drinks that are known to trigger headache attacks. Sleep - Practice good sleep habits. Maintain a regular sleeping schedu...

Reduce Migraine and Headache Pain with Acupuncture
Acupuncture for Integrative Oncology Support
Staying Healthy
Studies of Acupuncture for Arthritis
7 Healthy Habits of Headache Sufferers

Alleviate Arthritis Pain with Acupuncture

myssmiranda — Thu, 15 Nov 2012 22:25:26 +0000

Arthritis isn’t just one disease, but a complex disorder comprised of more than 100 distinct conditions that can affect people at any stage of life. Two of the most common forms are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. While these two forms of arthritis have very different causes, risk factors and effects on the body, they often share a common symptom — persistent joint pain.
For many people, arthritis pain and inflammation cannot be avoided as the body ages. In fact, most people over the age of 50 show some signs of arthritis as joints naturally degenerate over time. Fortunately, arthritis can often be managed with acupuncture and Oriental medicine.

Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis, affecting an estimated 21 million adults in the United States. Beginning with the breakdown of joint cartilage that results in pain and stiffness, osteoarthritis commonly affects the joints of the fingers, knees, hips and spine. Other joints affected less frequently include the wrists, elbows, shoulders and ankles. When osteoarthritis is found in a less frequently affected joint, there is usually a history of injury or unusual stress to that joint. Work-related repetitive injury and physical trauma may contribute to the development of osteoarthritis. If you have a strenuous job that requires repetitive bending, kneeling or squatting, for example, you may be at high risk for osteoarthritis of the knee.

Rheumatoid arthritis can affect many different joints and, in some people, other parts of the body as well, including the blood, lungs and heart. With this form of arthritis, inflammation of the joint lining, called the synovium, can cause pain, stiffness, swelling, warmth and redness. The affected joint may also lose its shape, resulting in loss of normal movement. Rheumatoid arthritis can last a long time and is a disease characterized by flares (active symptoms) and remissions (few to no symptoms).

Diagnosis and Treatment of Arthritis with Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine

According to Oriental medical theory, arthritis arises when the cyclical flow of Qi (energy) in the meridians becomes blocked resulting in pain, soreness, numbness and stiffness. This blockage is called “bi syndrome” and is associated with “bi” type pain. It is widely studied and successfully treated using a combination of treatment modalities. The acupuncture points and herbs that are used depend on whether the underlying cause of the blockage of Qi(arthritis) is caused by wind, cold, damp or damp-heat.

Acupuncture and Oriental medicine aim to treat the specific symptoms that are unique to each individual using a variety of techniques such as acupuncture, bodywork, lifestyle/dietary recommendations and energetic exercises to restore imbalances found in the body. Therefore, if 10 patients are treated with Oriental medicine for joint pain, each of these 10 patients will receive a unique, customized treatment with different acupuncture points, different herbs/supplements and different lifestyle and diet recommendations.
Your acupuncturist will examine you, take a look at the onset of your condition and learn your signs and symptoms to determine your diagnosis and choose the appropriate acupuncture points and treatment plan.

Call today to learn how acupuncture and Oriental medicine can be incorporated into your treatment plan for arthritis!

Originally posted on Acufinder

Acupuncture for Integrative Oncology Support

Banya Lim — Fri, 19 Oct 2012 16:49:28 +0000

There have been many advances in the early detection and treatment of cancer. While the standard medical care for cancer can be effective, the treatments are aggressive and cause numerous unwanted side effects in addition to a lowered immune system. Acupuncture has received much attention as an adjunctive therapy in cancer treatments addressing many of the symptoms and side effects that come up during and after chemotherapy, radiation, biological therapy and surgery.

How Does Acupuncture Help?

According to the National Cancer Institute, acupuncture may cause physical responses in nerve cells, the pituitary gland, and parts of the brain. These responses can cause the body to release proteins, hormones, and brain chemicals that govern a number of body functions. It is proposed that, by stimulating physical responses in these areas, acupuncture positively affects blood pressure and body temperature, boosts immune system activity, and causes the body’s natural painkillers, such as endorphins, to be released.

Acupuncture takes a holistic approach to health care and is particularly useful in providing pain relief, reducing the impact of side effects, accelerating recovery and improving overall quality of life.

Areas where acupuncture has provided the most help include:

Nausea and Vomiting
Dry Mouth, Night Sweats and Hot Flashes
Stress, Anxiety and Fatigue
Pain Management
Increasing White Blood Cell Count

Relieving Nausea and Vomiting

The strongest evidence of the beneficial effect of acupuncture has come from clinical trials on its use for relieving nausea and vomiting. Several types of clinical trials using different acupuncture methods showed acupuncture reduced nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy, surgery and morning sickness.

Boosting the Immune System

Human studies on the effect of acupuncture on the immune system of cancer patients showed that it improved immune system response, including increasing the number of white blood cells.

Improving Pain Management

In clinical studies, acupuncture reduced the pain levels for some cancer patients. In one study, most of the patients treated with acupuncture were able to stop taking drugs for pain relief or to reduce their doses.

To learn more about how acupuncture can safely and effectively be incorporated into an oncology treatment plan call for a consultation today.

Originally posted on Acufinder

Cancer Prevention in Every Aisle

Banya Lim — Wed, 17 Oct 2012 16:39:18 +0000

Nearly everything in the produce aisle can help you prevent cancer, but there are items throughout the supermarket that can protect your health and the health of your family.

Produce Aisle Picks

Cantaloupe - A great source of carotenoids, plant chemicals that act as antioxidants shown to reduce the risk of lung cancer.

Kale and Cabbage - Cruciferous vegetables are widely considered to be one of the healthiest food choices you can make. Included in this family of vegetables are broccoli, cauliflower, radishes, brussels sprouts, kale, cabbage and bok choy. Cruciferous vegetables are high in vitamins, fiber, and potent anti-cancer phytochemicals.

According to the American Institute for Cancer, there is solid evidence that links cruciferous vegetables and protection against cancer. Studies have shown that this vegetable group has the ability to stop the growth of cancer cells for tumors in the breast, uterine lining, lung, colon, liver and cervix. Studies that track the diets of people over time have found that diets high in cruciferous vegetables are linked to lower rates of prostate cancer among men.

It is recommended that we eat 3-5 servings of cruciferous vegetables per week. It’s best to eat these veggies raw or only lightly steamed so they retain their cancer fighting phytochemicals.

Freezer Aisle Pick

Edamame (soybeans) - These cancer-fighting beans contain phytoestrogens, that may help prevent estrogen-driven cancers by binding to estrogen receptors. They are also good for the men of the household since evidence suggests the isoflavones found in soy products may help fight prostate cancer.

Cereal Aisle Pick

Whole Grains - Oats have the highest proportion of soluble fiber of any grain. Fiber is rich in antioxidants, helps fight colon cancer, and the phenolic compounds in whole grains may help reduce the risk of certain gastrointestinal cancers. Pick cereals high in folate, fiber and/or flaxseed.

Beverage Aisle Picks

Orange Juice - This favorite breakfast beverage is a powerful source of folate which has been linked to lowered risk for gastrointestinal and pancreatic cancers.

Green Tea - Lower in caffeine than coffee, it is rich in antioxidants that can help prevent prostate cancer and possibly bladder cancer.

Pomegranate Juice - Extremely antioxidant-rich, this juice helps prevent colon and prostate cancer.

Soy Milk - Made from soy beans, soy milk works the same way as edamame to fight cancer.

Household Aisle Picks

Sunscreen – Lather on the SPF each and every time you go out in the sun to block exposure to ultraviolet rays.

Originally posted on Acufinder

Endorsement of Acupuncture for Cancer Treatment

Banya Lim — Fri, 12 Oct 2012 16:48:09 +0000

Dr. Oz has said that acupuncture is helpful for reducing the side effects of cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy and/or radiation including pain, nausea, fatigue, hot flashes and dry mouth.

When singer Sheryl Crow was diagnosed with breast cancer, she underwent a lumpectomy followed by radiation. During these treatments she also received acupuncture and drank herbal teas.

Former First Lady of Chicago, Maggie Daley, gave generously to help open the Maggie Daley Center for Women’s Cancer Care at Northwestern Memorial Hospital. The center includes acupuncture as an option for the patients.

Many people are finding out that, although the treatments necessary to defeat cancer can be traumatizing and debilitating, they can get some relief through acupuncture.

Originally posted in the Acufinder Newsletter