Treating Coughs with Traditional Chinese Medicine

It's that time of the year when people become susceptible to colds. One of the main symptoms of a cold is that pesky cough. It can be dry, productive or it is exacerbated by your cold if you have a chronic condition such as asthma. In any case, it is running you down.

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) views a cough as main a disorder of the Lung. The Lung may be "attacked" from an invasion of Wind, Cold, Heat, Damp or Dryness. It may also be that the Lung's Qi energy is deficient; it's job of moving Qi and protecting the body's defenses is down.

According to TCM, there are many possible causes for a cough. There are also many different ways to treat it. Treatment depends on your signs and symptoms. Your practitioner will look at the subtleties of YOUR cough and how YOU feel? After the assessment a diagnosis is made and the appropriate points are chosen.

Signs and symptoms we look for (including a tongue and pulse diagnosis):
• Cough: chronic, barking or dry
• Fever, chills or both
• Body ache
• Mucous: Clear, runny, yellow or green. Nose stuffed. Sneezing.
• Throat: Scratchy or sore throat
• Sweat: Lack of, profuse, daytime or nighttime
• Headache
• Thirst
• Profuse white sputum
• Fullness of the chest, Shortness of breath, Asthma, Chest oppression
• Fatigue
• Weak voice
• Catch colds easily
• Pale complexion. Red cheeks

For example, a client comes in and complains of: fever & chills (but feels mainly chilled), body ache, stuffy nose with clear runny mucus, sneezing, scratchy throat, a headache and is not sweating. The Tongue presents: thin white coat.  Pulse feels: Floating, possibly a little tight

Your practitioner will conclude that there is a Wind-Cold invasion. Two of the main points used in this diagnosis are: Lung 7 and Large Intestine 4. These points help to push out this invasion and begin the healing process.

Cupping and moxabustion may also be apart of this treatment to expel the invasion.

A few suggestions to help prevent Wind-Cold and boost your body’s defenses:
• Wear a scarf around your neck to prevent the Wind-Cold invasion. It will also keep you warm.
• Ensure that you eat warming foods such as soups, cook with ginger and decrease raw foods consumption.
• Honey helps to soothe a dry and irritating cough

TCM has been effective in treating coughs and colds. It is best to treat as soon as the symptoms become noticeable. Most importantly prevention is key.

If you have any questions regarding this please feel free to contact me.

OPEN HOUSE

Hello everyone,

We are having an Open House on Monday, September 27th (4 - 8 pm). We would love to see you there. Come by for the event, say "hi", meet the other therapists and see our new space!

Remember the NEW location: 2 College Street, Suite 301. On the North West corner of College and Yonge.

We look forward to seeing you there.

Let me know if there are any questions, I'll be happy to answer them.

Cheers,

JoAnn

$35 for Shiatsu or Acupuncture - Today only!

Acupuncture and Shiatsu available for $35. It's only for today, so act fast at Fabfind

Feel free to share with family or friends.

Hope to see you soon.

We now have AC!

It's been over a week and I wanted touch base and let you know that the new space in Room 301 has such a great feel. I have received so much positive feedback (feel free to post). It's roomy, comfortable and has a great vibe. I thank everyone for your support.

I also wanted to thank those of you to tolerated your treatment with the heat this past week. With the heat wave, it made the room quite warm.  Good news: I now have Air Conditioning! Now I can keep the room at a comfortable temperature.

Once all 3 rooms are complete, I will share pictures with you.

Please keep in touch and don't foget that I'm offering you $20 off your next treatment: Acupuncture, Shiatsu or Cosmetic Acupuncture. You can use yourself or share with a friend. This offer ends: September 30, 2010.

Best regards,
JoAnn Alafriz

New Space: 2 College St, Suite 301

I have moved into my new clinic space. Same building, different floor, Suite 301.

There is now a waiting area. Come by prior to your appointment, relax and help yourself to some warm tea. My new room is bright and spacious with: sky lights, high ceilings and large windows. The room feels very open, warm and comfortable.

My hours have changed to accommodate more evening appointments. I am now available: Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 10 am - 7 pm.

Please feel free to drop by. I will post pictures very shortly.

Fees + HST

Beginning July 1, 2010, Acupuncture and Shiatsu fees are now subject to HST (13%).

Therefore the fees will be as follows:

Shiatsu                          Fee incld HST

60 minute                       $ 85.00

5 treatments                   $400.00

Acupuncture

Initial treatment              $110.00

60 minutes                     $ 80.00

5 treatments                   $370.00

Cosmetic Acupuncture

Single treatment             $110.00

10 treatments                 $970.00

Please call or visit my website for more information.

Thank you,

JoAnn

Moving on UP.

I am happy to announce that on July 1, 2010 I will be moving my practice on the 3rd floor of 2 College Street, Suite 301. This new space is sunny with a reception area. All of my contact information remains the same.

To celebrate, I'm offering you $20 off your next treatment: Acupuncture, Shiatsu or Cosmetic Acupuncture. You can use yourself or share with a friend. This offer ends: September 30, 2010.

One offer per client. Not to be combined with treatment packages.

I hope to see you there.

Best of health,

JoAnn

HST - July 1, 2010

As you may know the HST will be implemented on all Goods and Services in Ontario. Acupuncture and Shiatsu treatments are included. Beginning July 1, 2010, HST (13%) will be added onto my current fees. My fees will remain the same until further notice.

I strive to provide the best care possible. I am continuing my training to improve my knowledge and skills. Recently, I have added Tunia and Electro-Acupuncture to my repertoire. In the the Fall I will begin training in Eastern Nutrition. It's all very exciting.

If you have any questions, concerning the HST, please contact me.

Thank you for being loyal clients and I wish you the best in health.

Sincerely,

JoAnn Alafriz,

Acupuncture and Shiatsu Therapist

Tuina - What is it?

Tuina is an ancient massage therapy that has been used in China for over 2,000 years. This therapy improves the smooth flow of Qi through the meridian system that flows through our body. When Qi is blocked, pain is felt.

Techniques used in Tuina include: kneading, rolling, grasping and acupressure. These movements directly affect the flow of Qi. The result: decreased pain and tension. A feeling of calm and relaxation is then achieved.

As in shiatsu, loose clothing is worn and no oils are used. Tuina is a great compliment to shiatsu and acupuncture. It can be easily added to any treatment.

Tuina can treat: frozen shoulder, headaches, constipation, pain of the neck and low back, arthritis and insomnia.

Call to book your appointment or if you have any questions.

Hydrosols

I have now introduced Lavender and Rose Hydrosols into my Cosmetic Acupuncture treatments. Hydrosols are so lovely and refreshing.They are made from the direct steam distillation of whole plant materials. Different than essential oils, they can be used directly on the skin.

Lavender hydrosols gently tones oily, dry and mature skin. Lavender has always been recommended for fragile or damaged skin. It is very gentle and balancing for all skin types. It helps to soothe sunburns and other skin irritations. Use it to reduce anxiety and stress. 

Rosewater stimulates the skin and improves the circulation of blood. It also controls and balances sebum production, making it useful for both dry and oily skin. Its antibacterial properties help fight acne giving troubled skin a gentle, rather than a strong treatment. It is also an excellent balancer of the spirit.

In my Cosmetic Acupuncture treatments, hydrosols are applied after the removal of the fine needles and prior to the application of a balancing serum and facial massage. A relaxing way to end the treatment.

I am currently offering 10 Cosmetic Acupuncture treatments for $75.00 each. They are regularly $100 a treatment. Purchase a package before July 1, 2010 and avoid the HST. Offer expires: December 31, 2010

Treatment for Menstrual Cramps

Dysmenorrhea is the medical term for painful periods that many women suffer from. It can be described as pain or cramping that arises before, during or after menstruation. Pain can be felt in the abdomen or lower back. Some women will also experience nausea, vomiting and/or headaches. Acupuncture has been effective in the treatment of painful menstrual periods.

Scientifically speaking, the symptoms are caused by prostaglandin, a hormone produced by cells in the uterine lining. Prostaglandin levels increases during the second half of the menstrual cycle. When a woman’s period begins, the cells in the uterine lining release prostaglandin. Women who suffer from dysmenorrhea have considerably higher prostaglandin levels than those who do not suffer from dysmenorrhea.

When treating dysmenorrhea with Acupuncture there are several factors to consider to reach an accurate diagnosis. The diagnosis helps the Acupuncturist determine the method of treatment and points used. Each case is different depending on the presentation. You will be ask about:

Emotions -Do you feel: depression, anger or sadness

Type of Pain – Is it stabbing, dull, aches? Does it feel better or worse with pressure, heat, or cold?

Timing of Pain – Is it before, during or after menstruation?

Digestion – Do you bloat? Does your hunger increase? Does eating make you feel nauseous? Do you have particular cravings?

Your Cycle – Are you regular? Late? Early?

Once the pertinent questions are answered, a Tongue and Pulse diagnosis is then taken. This gives the therapist a clearer understanding (in respect to Traditional Chinese Medicine) on what is imbalanced. The therapist can then begin Acupuncture treatment and suggest lifestyle changes to compliment the treatment.

Studies have shown that Acupuncture can be effective in the treatment of Dysmennorhea. http://ecam.oxfordjournals.org/cgi/content/full/nem020v1