Blue Phoenix AcupunctureJust another WordPress weblog

002.28.10 Acupuncture, Meet Hypnosis for Weight Loss

Daniel Berns to acupuncture — Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , ,  

The Standard Hollywood hype aside, Hypnosis is a safe, therapeutic tool that helps clients to

  1. –Lose weight
  2. –Stop smoking
  3. –Reduce stress, pain and anxiety, and
  4. –Break free of addiction

The unconscious is a vast pool of resources for positive solutions to problematic behavior. In my role as a facilitator, I guide the client to explore his or her unconscious, and then back out of it in a soothing and gentle manner.

Melding hypnosis with acupuncture makes each treatment more powerful than by itself, and is most helpful with those clients who wish to:

Stop Smoking: The protocol entails three trance inductions and two acupuncture treatment., A high percentage of clients go nicotine-free with this simple program.

Lose weight: Clients typically find me after a ‘surefire’ diet has failed them. Dieting works best when the conscious and unconscious are in alignment. That’s where hypnosis comes in. The program attacks the problem through its three components:

–Physically, through changes in nutrition and mild exercise.

–Chemically: Acupuncture helps to eliminate cravings.

–Emotionally: Hypnosis allows the client to substitute food for other protective behaviors that better serve them in the present.

Reduce Stress and Anxiety: Although the syndromes are not interchangeable, hypnosis and acupuncture together help ease the mind’s grip on itself.

Break free of Addiction*: Whether one is addicted to drugs, alcohol, sex, or other compulsive behaviors, the unconscious accesses ways to replace it with positive actions, even as acupuncture lessens the cravings.

*Note: This treatment modality is not a substitute for 12 Step Programs, which are essential in dealing with difficult and life-threatening issues.

Rocket On

Blue Phoenix (Daniel)

www.bluephoenixacupuncture.com

002.17.10 Can I Have my Valium Now?

Daniel Berns to acupuncture — Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,  

At times, while treating, I tell my clients the significance of a particular point; sometimes it’s because I think it might interest them, and in other instances I like to implant an idea, the truth of which will often enhance the healing process. One of those points I do that with is located between the eyebrows. It is called ‘Yin Tang’, which, roughly translated, means ‘Hall of Central Dwelling’.

I call it the Valium point.

Of course that’s an unfair way to categorize a wonderful point that, along with imparting renewed calm, can also bring clarity, decision-making and even spiritual insight to the recipient.

These are the main indications for its use:

  1. Frontal headache, dizziness, eye pain
  2. Nasal congestion, nosebleeds
  3. Jangled nerves, insomnia, hypertension, spiritual malaise

But it’s also more. Anything that does all that and engages spiritual malaise has to be a lot more. (And yes, it faithfully records any excess of yang in general.)

For one thing, needling the point helps activate the pituitary gland, which synthesizes and secretes endocrine hormones, such as ACTH, TSH, PRL, endorphins, FSH, and LH.

Often it’s considered to be the gateway to the Third Eye, and for that alone it’s incredibly powerful. It is the place of the 6th Chakra, also known as the ‘Mind Center.’ This is the zone that relates to wisdom; our ability to place our experiences into greater perspective—in other words, seeing the ‘big picture’ when doing so would most benefit us. I’ve gotten feedback from clients that after this treatment they were calm for days afterward, but, with clarity, rather than the ‘fuzziness’ that a pill would have brought them.

So, despite what I call it, my respect for the point is immense, and I never administer it without good reason to do so.

Flow Forward.

Blue Phoenix (Daniel)

002.12.10 Acupuncture for Depression, Anxiety, or Insomnia

Daniel Berns to acupuncture — Tags: , , , , , , ,  

One question that comes up with alarming frequency in my clinic is, “Can acupuncture help cure my depression and anxiety?”

The answer is affirmative. Acupuncture, along with therapeutic hypnosis when appropriate, has been shown to be effective in treating certain forms of depression, as well as anxiety and insomnia. Because so many cases of depression are rooted in hormonal imbalance and dysfunction, acupuncture — an effective regulator of many different hormones in the body — is a powerful treatment modality.

Often people come to acupuncturists such as myself looking for a way to feel better without having to resort to taking addictive drugs and their often toxic side-effects. A safe, gentle treatment modality, acupuncture effectively addresses depression and anxiety without the unwanted negative effects. Anyone who has had acupuncture will tell you that, if nothing else, it will allow you to relax in a way you barely remember possible in NYC. This makes acupuncture a highly effective treatment modality. I’ve seen people on medication come in with the express purpose of taking their dosages to zero. And while I use a measured approach, I advocate for those wanting to cleanse their systems without ever countermanding the orders of a trained Psychiatrist.

By analyzing the symptoms on an individual basis, I can diagnose, and then formulate a specific treatment plan that will help a patient regain a sense of control and pleasure in life. Not only can the use of acupuncture substantially reduce the consumption of drugs, but it can also be effective in treating their side effects. Most patients report a calming sense of peace, and deep relaxation. Approximately 6-15 treatments ought to be expected for favorable results.

It cannot be overstated that acupuncture is most effective when used early in the early stage of a disease. Depression that is long-term, including bipolar depression, may require consistent treatment that can take up to 6-12 months, or more, before full equilibrium is restored. The sooner the problem is addressed, the quicker the recovery. A person experiencing feelings of depression or anxiety that is situational, i.e., for less than one year can usually expect a faster response.

Rock On.

Blue Phoenix

“One should always enjoy simple pleasures such as sunshine in winter or shade in summer, beautiful scenes on a bright day, walking cheerfully with a stick, watching fish in a pond, listening to birds singing in the woods, drinking a cup of wine or playing a musical instrument.”

The Yi Qing Xiao Lu

002.05.10 Acupuncturist as the Ultimate Private Eye

Daniel Berns to acupuncture — Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,  

I came to acupuncture the long way around. In my experience, few people go that route as a first career. Of course, I’ve been out of the loop on that for some time, so the ‘stats’ might have changed there. But if truth be told, to me it doesn’t seem quite natural to go the Chi-Med route straight out of college. I’m not sure why that’s so, but perhaps it’s just the odd sort of career one gravitates to after exploring other, less satisfying paths, often to their illogical conclusions. After being a musician for a bunch of years, then in finance–small misstep there– for the last fourteen years I have been sticking pins in people for a living. There are worse ways to make a dollar than to reduce pain, discomfort and generally make people feel better. Along the way, my creative side refused to wither, and I began scribbling. This led to my writing a full length novel about an acupuncturist/Private Investigator. Perhaps some will find it strange, as if writing a mystery novel is an undignified pursuit for a so-called healer. It could be worse. In Vietnam, the acupuncturist treats the patient, then picks up a stringed instrument and sings to them. You wouldn’t want me to do that for you.

When I think about it for a minute or two, all acupuncturists have a bit of the private investigator in them. Maybe we don’t find murder every fifty (or even five thousand) clients. And no hard-boiled vixen enters our office with some fishy tale of woe that only Raymond Chandler–or perhaps Dr. Manak–could jigsaw together.

An acupuncturist deals in subtler crimes. A client comes in complaining of mysterious and, in Western terms, often unexplainable pain, or discomfort manifesting as a migraine, infertility, insomnia, weight issues, addictions, or strange heat then cold–the list is longer than this missive has room for. We ask what the client eats, what the color of his/her urine looks like as well as sleep habits, all the while examining the subtle shadings of the client’s pulse. We palpate the abdomen for tiny indurations, prod meridians for tightness or flaccidity. We search the face for skin eruptions, even observe the client’s speech. Maybe that’s not even a little hard-boiled, but the more I consider this seemingly absurd comparison, the more I’m convinced acupuncturists are private investigators in the truest sense of the phrase.

Blue Phoenix (Daniel)

www.bluephoenixacupuncture.com

002.01.10 Longevity Begins At Home… And At The Dinner Table

Daniel Berns to acupuncture — Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,  

As we all know by now, there’s more to aging than the mere passing of time. While genetics are a factor, our environment and lifestyle have a powerful effect on our health and, ultimately, our longevity. The great news is that if we treat our body with care and love, we can expect to enjoy extra years of radiant health.

Aging occurs when the tissues of the body degenerate faster than they regenerate. The effect of free radicals on the body is common knowledge, and cannot be overstated. On a cellular level, they damage the genetic material (nucleic acids, DNA, and RNA) and the cell’s protective membranes, leading to eventual destruction. Since Free radicals are oxygen-based, aging factors can be neutralized by oxygen-based antioxidants. Here are some foods that do just that:

—artichoke—asparagus—avocado—beans (black beans, red beans, pinto beans, kidney beans)—beets

—tomato—walnut—pecan—hazelnut—plum—Orange—Red grape—carrots—olives

—red pepper—spinach

According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, aging is due to a gradual drying up of essence, also known as ‘Jing’. We may interpret Jing to be the hormones of our endocrine system and the key, youth-supporting fluids in our body. The beneficial aspects of having bountiful Jing include supple skin, healthy hair, clear vision, strong bones, flexible joints, youthful energy, sound cardiovascular health, mental acuity/memory, and sustained sexual vitality. Included among the ways Jing can be replenished are exercises such as qigong, yoga, and abdominal breathing, as well as through certain foods and herbs.

So-called tonifying foods include black sesame seeds, black beans, seaweeds, and blackberries. Seeds, nuts and berries replenish Jing. Modern research has proven that herbs such as Dang Gui, Astragalus, bee pollen, Royal Jelly, Reishi Mushroom, Ginseng, Goji Berry, Schizandra and Fo Ti promote anti-aging, increase testosterone, improve memory, estrogen, and progesterone, fight osteoporosis and lower cholesterol and blood pressure.

5 aging actions: (Beware of…):

  1. Overeating — Fill the stomach until it’s 2/3 full, then push the remaining food away.
  2. Toxic foods: Sugar, excessive salt, processed foods, pesticide sprayed foods, chemical food additives, fried foods, and dairy products, which are now full of hormones and antibiotics.
  3. Extreme dietary changes
  4. Eating heavy meals soon before going to sleep
  5. Cigarettes (I know you know, and yet…), harmful chemicals, toxic inhalants.

Five paths to Life Extension (Ahhh):

  1. Regular exercise (yes, I’m Prince Obvious, and yet…)
  2. Foods rich in essential nutrients and minerals (such as Calcium, Omega 3,6,and 9, iron, and zinc)- seaweeds, garlic, quinoa, kamut, bulgar, amaranth,cabbage, flaxseed, oats, mushrooms, pearl barley, pumpkin seeds, kale, broccoli, and mung beans, which contain anti-pesticide ingredients.
  3. Fresh vegetable juices — wheatgrass, carrot, beet, cucumber, parsley, spinach, celery and chlorophyll.
  4. moderate/no animal protein, whole grains, seeds, nuts, fish, soy products, organic raw vegetables, fruits and legumes.
  5. Meditation, relaxation, doing anything that brings joy and/or satisfaction.

Interested in fighting Osteoporosis? Read here: http://www.bluephoenixacupuncture.com/#/news (Under bone-strengthening foods)

Rock Forward.

Daniel (Blue Phoenix)

www.bluephoenixacupuncture.com

001.24.10 Selling Creativity: The Artist’s Dilemma

Daniel Berns to acupuncture — Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,  

Those in the arts know that the creative struggle is only one element of the artist’s job. The other part is always there, waiting in the wings; the dirty part that no one likes: The act of placing the art in the world. The process of unsuccessfully ‘trying’ to sell one’s own art can be a real drag. The urge to create and then share it is a large reason people make art. When that goal proves elusive depression, disillusionment and anger can arise.

Other artists have a different dilemma: they create, and only feel out of sorts when they can sell their work. This urge is a form of self-sabotage, and can be difficult to evaluate, painful to confront, and frustrating to fight. The consequences of either form of emotional upset that I’ve referred to can, when left to fester, resonate on the physical plane in ways both unexpected and undesired.

A painter might experience numbness in the dominant hand or arm; a singer gets persistent bronchial episodes on the eve of important showcases or recordings. An actor, feeling suddenly sapped of energy and unable to perform, turns to drugs or other harmful stimulants—anything to keep going. The impulse to self-sabotage can show up in other, more subtle ways. Many a writer who never experienced writer’s block has become caught in its grip as a major deadline looms.

HOW CAN ACUPUNCTURE HELP?
An aspect of acupuncture that many people are just now discovering is its ability to harmonize the emotions. In fact, balancing jagged states such as anxiety, depression and panic attacks is something we rightfully take pride in. After fourteen years as a practitioner of Asian Medicine, I can say that creative people tend to be highly receptive to subtle changes in the body’s energy.

A dancer came to me because her menstrual cycle had stopped. As I questioned her it came out that she had been purging, and refused to see a doctor for her bulimia. With little prodding she mentioned that she had felt listless and without energy, and was depressed. I worked on strengthening her blood and resolving her digestive issues. Over the next three cycles her cycle returned, scanty at first, and then fuller. As her depression lifted, her energy returned, and the eating issues stabilized. Since then she has relapsed once with the Bulimia, but that is again under control. Her health has turned around one hundred and eighty degrees.

Acupuncture may not solve the artist’s creative problems. However, it can help resolve worry, irrational fear, anxiety and insomnia. Thus, the artist can return to the prime task at hand: that of doing the work they love and that was meant to fulfill them.

In an upcoming blog I will discuss how I have been combining hypnosis with acupuncture in therapeutic settings. It’s something that no one else that I know is doing, and as such may agitate some purists in both fields. In my view, I’ve come across a new paradigm. In the right setting, this combination is proving to be an even more powerful healing tool than the sum of its individual parts.

Rock forward.

Blue Phoenix

011.10.09 Wintertime Blues? Maybe it’s Seasonal Affectice Disorder (SAD)?

Daniel Berns to acupuncture — Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , ,  

“Wintertime is comin’ Babe, the windows are filled with frost. I tried to tell everybody, but I could not get across.” It Takes A lot to Laugh, A Train to Cry. Bob Dylan.

I will confess to enjoying my work. The laundry list of reasons is long, and not the purpose of this missive. Suffice it to say that as winter approaches I can become a bit ‘squirrely,’ or out of sorts, and uncomfortable in my skin. And I tend to think it’s my problem alone. Then people come into my clinic, reporting varying forms of emotional disequilibrium, and I think, ‘Oh, it’s not just me. There’s something else going on.’ Thank goodness for other people.

Which brings me to the reason for this post: The exciting news is that Acupuncture treats Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), a form of depression that occurs in relation to the season. The symptoms seem to be worst in autumn months, although they can occur in springtime, manifesting as manic episodes.

Clinical symptoms include:
▪ Depressed mood (agitated mood in children).
▪ Diminished interest or pleasure in all, or almost all, activities.
▪ Carbohydrate cravings with corresponding overeating and weight gain.
▪ Insomnia or hypersomnia (excessive sleepiness).
▪ Social withdrawal.
▪ Fatigue or loss of energy.
▪ Feelings of worthlessness or excessive or inappropriate guilt.
▪ Diminished ability to think or concentrate, or indecisiveness.
▪ Diminished libido.

Some slough it off as just a case of the ‘winter blues,’ or ‘the blahs.’ But SAD can turn into a more seriously debilitating form of depression if left untreated. The most commonly used form of treatment is light therapy (phototherapy).

That said, Seasonal Affective Disorder also responds well to treatment with acupuncture, and lifestyle modifications that address the problem. There is an acupuncture point located between the eyebrows (yes, it is where the ‘third eye’ is said to be located) that stimulates the pineal gland. The pineal gland responds to light and seasonal changes. When light levels are low, the pineal gland secretes melatonin, which helps regulate sleep and mood disorders. During seasons of low light, the pineal gland constantly produces melatonin, which induces a state of drowsiness. Needling that point stimulates the pineal gland, thereby decreasing both lethargy and ‘down’ feelings. One patient laughed when I called it the Happy point, and said, with a tone that I interpreted as one of relief, that it was perfectly named.

Adding other points to the protocol as needed, I’ve had success in treating SAD. Numerous patients have reported to me that their depression has eased, and that they are less anxious, while being more energized and engaged with life in general.

Lifestyle Choices And Seasonal Affective Disorder:
▪ Try and avoid carbohydrates in the form of starches and sweets.
▪ Walk vigorously 20 minutes, 4-6 days per week, in the morning or when there is the most sunlight.
▪ Maximize exposure to natural light.
▪ Manage your weight; overeating will lead to weight gain and depression.
▪ Try to go to bed earlier and get up earlier when there are more daylight hours.

Also–and this may sound terribly gratuitous on my part–try not to worry or let fear rule you. Enjoy the warmth of family, friends or any activities that can bring light into your precious life.

Now, Rock On.

Daniel (Blue Phoenix)

http://www.bluephoenixacupuncture.com/#/home

010.28.09 Like a Version (1.0) – Blogged For The Very First Time!

Daniel Berns to acupuncture — Tags: , , , , , , , , , ,  

With a nod to the other divine Ms. M, we acknowledge the cliché that maiden voyages can be rocky, if not downright vertigo inducing experiences. Of course, they happen only once by definition, and that’s probably a good thing!

So, without further fumfering, welcome to my soon-to-be-sailing-smoothly blog.

Here we’ll be discussing an array of themes involving that catchall word, ‘healing.’ Among the topics on the horizon is alternative medicine, of course, as well complementary therapies, which may include talk therapy, food, cinema, trance induction and bad jokes, style/fashion, as well as music and all manner of high/low culture. And if you find no solace in at least some of those items, you may be reading the wrong blog. (BTW, did you notice how I slipped trance induction in there between cinema and bad jokes? I thought you would.)

I’m going to kick off the proceedings with a simple 6-point list on how to get rid of headaches. This list is far from comprehensive, but it’s a start. My main intent is to mention that breathing properly helps ease headaches, as do posture and, on a long term basis, supplements.

1. A major cause of headache is tension/stress. It’s easy to tell someone to relax (it’s also a good way to make them more nervous). One DIY cure is to close your eyes and take long, deep breaths, the goal being to expand your belly, not your lungs, as you inhale. Next, count backwards slowly from ten, advancing one number with each extended exhale. By the time you reach zero, ten breaths later, you might find you’re feeling better. And possibly a bit light-headed.

2. Many women get PMS headaches, and they often manifest behind the eyes. A good way to counter them long term is to eat foods rich in zinc. Less meat is better, but if unavoidable, leaner cuts are preferable. As calcium is essential to the bones, magnesium is vital to all of the muscles in the body because it has the greatest ability to relax them. Due to the myriad of stress inducers in our modern lives, we tend to hold on to tension in the muscles of our jaw, neck, shoulders, and back. A magnesium deficiency will not allow the muscles to relax sufficiently.

3. Poor posture is a leading cause of tension headaches. Stretching in the morning, if only for ten minutes helps set the tone for the rest of the day. It’s important to be aware of the position of your shoulders/neck as you work, and then to make a conscious effort to, once again, take a minute and breathe deeply, with the focus of your exhales being your shoulders, or neck, or both.

4. Skipping meals is a large source of headaches. Eat something if you haven’t, and try and make it something healthy.

5. Drink plenty of water throughout the day. Try and drink a minimum of eight glasses of water a day.

6. Press the magic point, a fleshy area on the back of your hand, between your thumb and index finger. Simply use your other thumb or a pencil eraser and poke around that area until you find the sorest spot. And keep pressing it gently but firmly.Screen shot 2009-10-28 at 1.39.35 PM