Oasis Palisades – Acupuncture, Herbs & Massage

May 24, 2010 No comment

by Antonia Balfour, L.Ac.

Photo by Cheryl Himmelstein

Beyond Needles Slideshow

When people ask me what I do for a living, most often I answer, “I’m an acupuncturist”. If I feel more talkative, I may say, “I’m an acupuncturist and herbalist.” A more accurate answer would actually be, “I’m a practitioner of Chinese medicine.” Chinese medicine is an intricate system of healthcare that goes well beyond acupuncture and herbs. A variety of modalities used together heal the body, mind, and spirit to restore homeostasis and wellness.

Here are five of my current favorite healing modalities that go beyond acupuncture and herbal medicine.

MOXIBUSTION -
In Chinese, the term for acupuncture is “Zhen Jiu.” Literally translated, this means “needles and moxibustion.”

In moxibustion, the leaves of the Chinese herb mugwort are dried and then burned at specific acupuncture points. There are various ways to administer moxibustion. It can be rolled up into a cigar-like stick which doesn’t touch the skin itself, but is held in one place, rotated in circles, or ‘pecked’ in a motion similar to a sparrow pecking at food over the area of an acupuncture point. Rolls of “moxa” can be put at the end of acupuncture needles and burned. Or moxa pads which adhere directly to the skin at specific acupuncture points can have moxa burned on top of them. The moxa transfers warmth deeply into the acupuncture point and is used to activate and move energy, as well as to warm points when cold is a factor in a given condition.

Moxibustion is frequently used alongside acupuncture for conditions ranging from asthma to arthritis. Certain types of pain respond well to moxibustion, as well as certain patterns of infertility. It’s well known as a treatment for turning breech babies, and is also used in cases of excessive menstrual bleeding.

CUPPING
Cupping is most commonly associated with Chinese medicine, but it has actually been used in cultures across the world for many years. It has roots from Greece to Russia, Vietnam to Iran. Islamic traditional medicine uses a form of cupping as does Eastern European Jewish folk medicine. There are many styles and techniques of cupping, all of which use suction in cups to draw energy, blood, and fluids to the surface to promote circulation. In Chinese medicine, the cups can stay in one place over specific acupuncture points or a sliding technique may be used with massage oil to move the cups around the back. In “flash” cupping, a cup will be repeatedly applied to one area for less than a second. The suction comes from a vacuum created by heating the air in the cup and placing the cup flush against the skin of the back. The intensity of suction used will vary, but is always adjusted for the comfort level of each patient. Most people find the suction to be moderate and quite comfortable feeling.

Cupping is most commonly used to treat coughs, asthma, and symptoms of the common cold. It can also be used for muscle aches and pain, especially back pain. Sliding cupping, in particular, leaves the muscles of the back relaxed and opens up movement and motility. Most people find cupping to be a wonderfully relaxing, comfortable, and effective treatment. Like massage, cupping can also be used to relieve stress, tension, and lower blood pressure.

SEVEN STAR
The Seven-Star needle is a single needle with seven small prongs at the end. It is used with a gentle and rapid tapping motion which actually feels relaxing during treatment. It may cause slight discomfort directly on the skin, so it’s important for the patient to let the practitioner know about any uncomfortable feeling. For those with sensitive skin, it may cause mild redness or rash which will usually resolve quickly. It is used in the treatment of peripheral neuropathy, plantar fascitis, back pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, and arthritis. The Seven-Star needle can also be known as a Plum-Blossom needle.

TOPICAL LINIMENTS & OINTMENTS
Topical herbal liniments and ointments used in Chinese medicine vary according to the specific symptoms each patient experiences. Some herbal liniments include cooling herbs like mint which may be used for hot, red, swollen joints that are painful and inflamed. In contrast, if joint pain feels cold to the touch with swelling that gets worse in cold weather, liniments including warming herbs like cinnamon will be chosen. Topical therapies are popularly used in Chinese medicine to massage into muscles for back pain and apply to joints for arthritis. For ankle sprains, research shows that sprains treated with herbal ointments and acupuncture within 48 hours of injury heal significantly faster than those left untreated. Topical herbal tinctures are also used for acne, psoriasis, nail fungus, hemorrhoids, and burns.

LASER ACUPUNCTURE
In contrast to traditional acupuncture which uses needles to initiate healing, laser acupuncture stimulates acupuncture points with beams of light. Light beams of varied colors penetrate the points depending on the depth and density of tissue in the area. The lasers used are “cold lasers” resulting in painless treatment that poses no risk for infection. Laser acupuncture is effectively used for pain such as joint and muscle pain, or migraines and headaches. Lasers are used to harmonize emotional health in cases of anxiety, depression, or trauma. Clinical research studies show lasers to be particularly effective at healing skin in cases of wounds, sores, or acne. Additionally, it is used to restore healthy breathing in cases of allergies or asthma.

As a complete system of healing, Chinese medicine encompasses acupuncture, herbal medicine, diet, exercise, and a variety of additional modalities to restore health and bring balance to patients. These treatments can be used on their own, or in combination to bring whole health and wellness.

Health

April 22, 2010 No comment

Sarah Kanan Enjoying Laser Acupuncture

Acupuncture has been used for over two thousand years using needles to heal the body and restore homeostasis. In laser acupuncture, specific acupuncture points are stimulated with lasers instead of needles. Light beams of varied colors penetrate the points according to the depth and density of tissue at each point. The lasers used are “cold lasers” – producing no pain or possibility for infection.

Laser acupuncture is a great way to introduce a child to holistic healthcare. Because the treatment is painless and fun, trust is gained between the child and the practitioner. Each point is stimulated for a period of time ranging from 30 seconds to 2 minutes. Even young children can participate in treatment – singing songs as the points are being stimulated or choosing which color is used first.

Laser acupuncture can be combined with other modalities such as traditional acupuncture with needles, acupressure, cupping, and Chinese herbal remedies.

What does color laser acupuncture treat?
* Pain – From migraines and headaches to neck, shoulder, or back pain, acupuncture & laser acupuncture are best known for the treatment of acute and chronic pain.
* Skin Disease  & Tissue Damage – From superficial sores or wounds to rashes to chronic acne, laser acupuncture accelerates tissue repair and is an effective treatment used in dermatology. It is often used successfully in the treatment of chronic wounds that have not healed. Acne cases with severe symptoms display striking improvement with a laser acupuncture protocol (clinical research has shown laser acupuncture to work faster than conventional antibiotic treatment).
* Anxiety, Depression, & Trauma – Laser acupuncture restores emotional balance and is widely used for phobias and psycho-emotional problems.
* Allergies/Asthma – Laser acupuncture is used to reduce inflammation restore healthy breathing.

Certain acupuncture points respond better to treatment with color lasers than others. For example, ear acupuncture points are all close to the surface of the body. Laser light penetrates the skin of the ear easily, and these points are often incorporated into treatments.

How Does it Work?
Chinese medicine teaches that acupuncture treats the “Qi” (energy) of the body. Western medicine doesn’t acknowledge the existence of Qi, but does recognize acupuncture’s success to heal damaged tissue, regenerate cells, regenerates bone growth, and reduce pain and inflammation.

The FDA mandates that “no medical claims of cures for diseases” can be made with regard to lasers. That said, laser acupuncture has been researched and practiced quite extensively in Germany, Spain, Japan, China and Russia for decades. Clinical research studies in the US and around the world have shown laser acupuncture to show positive results in a variety of conditions including reducing spasticity in Cerebral Palsy patients, lowering post-operative vomiting following anesthesia, reducing chronic acne, and improving function in carpal tunnel syndrome.

Laser acupuncture is a method of healing that is more subtle and energetic than modern western medication. According to the theories of Chinese medicine, children have a “pure” constitution that hasn’t yet been tainted by years of unhealthy foods, lack of exercise, and the chronic worry or stress that effects adults. Therefore, as a general rule, children respond quickly to holistic modalities. Laser acupuncture is a painless, effective treatment that very often gives children successful, lasting results.

Acupuncture, Health, Pacific Palisades, Pediatrics

April 20, 2010 No comment

by Antonia Balfour

Herbal medicine is a powerful and effective modality used to bring health and wellness to children and adults alike. Just because herbs are “all natural,” though, doesn’t mean that they are completely harmless. It is said that, “anything strong enough to heal you is also strong enough to harm you if taken incorrectly.” When prescribed by an experienced practitioner, Chinese herbs are both safe and effective healing to treat a variety of disorders in children from infants to teens.

Why would an infant need herbs? Herbs can be given to babies to alleviate colic, to stop pain and irritability that is associated with teething, and to treat symptoms such as runny nose, allergies, or coughs. Chinese herbs are also well known for treatment of skin disorders such as pediatric eczema.

As kids get older and begin going to school or spending time with groups of children, herbs and a healthy diet are an effective combination to help strengthen the immune system. When groups of kids begin passing around cold and flu bugs, it’s an important time to be proactive with your child’s health and concentrate on prevention. Chinese medicine teaches that one should always first try the least invasive method of healing before moving on to more invasive methods. In focusing on health and healing, the first line of defense is feeding a child a diet that is low in sugar, high in fresh foods, and built around meals that are easy to digest. At the root of optimizing health is making sure the digestive system is functioning effectively. This means avoiding greasy and fried foods and eliminating “damp” foods such as excessive amounts of dairy, sugar, or peanut butter that create a build-up of turbidity in the digestive tract. Steamed or baked vegetables, a variety of grains, small amounts of meat and fresh fruits should be the focus of each meal.

If your child is exposed to sick kids or is traveling on an airplane, Chinese herbs can be taken a couple of times a day to increase immunity.

When symptoms such as sore throat, earaches, runny nose or other cold/flu-like illnesses do occur, specific Chinese formulas are given with anti-bacterial and anti-viral properties. These formulas target the area where symptoms are occurring – including “guide” herbs which direct the formula to the area of the problem. For example, different herbs will be chosen for an earache than those used for a sore throat. Some herbs are used to stop pain and reduce swelling, others may be added to transform phlegm. Different herbs will be used for clear, runny nose than for thick, yellow mucus.

Herbal formulas are effective to treat acute illness as well as to prevent illness when there is a history of chronic infections and antibiotic use. For example, for kids who have had chronic recurring, earaches, herbs are given to break the earache/antibiotic cycle. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimate that one-third of the 150 million prescriptions written for antibiotics each year are unnecessary, resulting in bacterial strains that become tougher than the antibiotics being used against them. Children are among the patients most susceptible to these antibiotic resistant “super bugs”. At Oasis Palisades, we are proponents of antibiotics, but feel their use should be saved only for times when they are truly necessary.

When there are both emotional and physical components to a child’s condition, herbal remedies are used to balance both. For example, herbs are used in cases of insomnia to promote restful sleep without causing drowsiness during the day. Chronic – is treated with herbs according to the individual presentation of each child’s situation. In cases of ADD/ADHD, herbs are chosen to calm and balance the child.

At Oasis Palisades, I recommend a number of liquid pediatric tinctures from companies I trust. These tinctures are made from high quality herbs that go through rigorous testing for purity and quality (and are also formulas I find to be highly effective). In some cases, I prefer to customize formulas to meet the individual needs of patients. A typical customized blend will contain anywhere from four to fifteen herbs, each one chosen to meet the unique symptoms and constitution of the child.

The most important aspect of treating any child with Chinese herbs is to understand the full picture of their condition. This involves looking at all their symptoms and patterns, and creating a plan for total wellness through diet, herbs, exercise, and healthy living.

Acupuncture, Health, Herbs, Holistic Health, Pacific Palisades, Pediatrics

April 19, 2010 No comment

Pediatric Massage

by Antonia Balfour, L.Ac.

We often think of stress as an “adult” problem. But kids, too, get stressed from a wide variety of sources. Some causes of stress in kids include: starting a new school, not getting along with peers, academic pressure, needing to “fit in”, parents’ fighting or going through a divorce, and family illness. Kids can also be effected by indirect causes. If they listen to local or world news, fears about safety can emerge. If they overhear parents discussing finances, they can pick up on family stress and anxiety.

It’s not always easy to recognize that stress is at the root of a child’s problems. Short-term behavioral changes like mood swings, acting out, changes in sleep patterns, nightmares, or bed-wetting can act as early indicators. Some kids manifest stress through physical symptoms like stomachaches and headaches. Others have trouble concentrating or completing schoolwork. While others may become withdrawn, spending excessive amounts of time alone.

Massage is a soothing, relaxing, and healing modality used to overcome stress in children and adults alike. Many cultures around the world rely on massaging children on a regular basis, as positive health results can be noticed immediately.

Modern clinical research shows a number of children’s conditions that benefit from regular massage:

·      Children show improvement in insomnia and better quality of sleep with regular massage.

·      Children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) exhibited less hyperactivity and more on-task behavior, and generally were happier with regular massage treatments

·      Children with chronic illness show a reduction in stress when massage is incorporated into their treatment regimen.

·      Pre-schoolers show better performance on intellectual and manual tests following a 15-minute massage.

·      Teens show reduced symptoms of depression and anxiety with regular massage.

·      If stress hormones are chronically elevated, the hormone cortisol destroys healthy immune cells. Massage reduces both stress and stress hormones, helping the immune system heal the body and keep it healthy.

Young children can be massaged at home for short periods of time. By the time they reach their teens, most individuals respond better to a massage therapist.

Whatever your child’s condition, proper rest, good nutrition, and meaningful conversation are essential to the healing process. Assure your child that some level of stress is normal and that other people share those feelings. But if your child needs additional help overcoming stress or a stress-related condition, massage is one modality that will not only be enjoyable, but will provide noticeable results.

Health, Massage, Pacific Palisades, Pediatrics

February 8, 2010 No comment

by Antonia Balfour

Losing weight is a major concern and struggle for so many people around the world. There is no magical method to shed off unwanted pounds. Lifestyle changes are the most crucial aspect of any successful weight loss program. But Chinese medicine does have a role as part of a holistic weight-loss program designed to achieve long-term results. Recent clinical trials confirm the efficacy of acupuncture and Chinese medicine as a successful tool in the treatment of obesity and weight loss.

How Does it Work

From the Chinese medicine perspective, weight gain comes when the Qi (life-force energy) of the Spleen meridian (different from the anatomical spleen, in Chinese medicine it governs digestion) is weak and the Qi of the Liver meridian (which flows energy throughout the body) is stuck. Weak Spleen Qi leads to a build-up of phlegm. When we think of “phlegm” we think of a runny nose or congestion in the lungs. But in Chinese medicine “phlegm” is a broader concept. Fat, or adipose tissue, is said to be a build-up of phlegm-dampness.

Acupuncture points, foods, and herbs are chosen to boost the Spleen Qi, flow the Liver Qi, and eliminate phlegm-dampness.

In addition, psychological aspects of losing weight are addressed.

The key to treatment with Chinese medicine is that each treatment is customized to address the individual needs of every patient.

In treating a patient trying to lose weight, points may also be chosen to: relieve hunger, aid metabolism, reduce stress, control compulsive eating, and calm the spirit.

Avoid Fad Diets –

Any diet focused on eating in an unnatural way may initially shed pounds, but there’s no way the weight will stay off.

Eating cabbage soup for a week or eliminating carbs completely will help one lose weight in the short term. But both the body and mind will invariably shift causing even more intense cravings in order to rebuild stores of energy. This can begin a cycle of yo-yo dieting which ultimately slows metabolism and creates imbalances within the body.

What to Eat –

In general, the focus of healthy eating according to Chinese medicine is efficiency.

Foods must be easily and efficiently digested in order to produce energy. Waste must be efficiently eliminated so that unwanted turbidity doesn’t build up in the body.

Chinese medicine practitioners generally recommend a “clear, bland diet” consisting of complex carbohydrates from grain and beans, and lots of fresh vegetables and fruits. Steamed vegetables are easier on the digestive system than raw ones. Meats, sugar, fats, and spices are used sparingly. A healthy diet is one with a lot of variety.

Ideally, a specific eating plan should be customized for each person according to their Chinese medicine body type. A person who runs hot should avoid warming foods and spices like garlic, onions, and cinnamon, whereas these foods may be beneficial for someone who runs cold.

In creating an eating plan, the most important thing is to find a way of eating that can be maintained on a long-term basis. Everyone needs an “indulgence” every now and then, but these should be the exception, not the rule.

Clinical Research

Recent studies published in the International Journal of Obesity and the Journal of Medical Acupuncture and show acupuncture groups more successful in losing weight than control groups.

In Conclusion

The holistic approach to losing weight with Chinese medicine aims to assist people to take weight off and keep it off. Results are achieved through improving digestion, improving metabolism, decreasing food cravings, reducing appetite, and balancing emotions. Because of the holistic nature of the treatment, lasting changes occur on both a physical and an emotional level leading to long-term successful results.

Acupuncture, Health, Pacific Palisades, Weight Loss

October 5, 2009 No comment

By Anthony Ohm

The negative effects of Alzheimer’s, dementia, and memory loss due to aging can be reversed or held off from rapid acceleration by using the techniques developed by Aaron Mattes’ Active Isolated Stretching (AIS). Virtually every person afflicted with Alzheimer’s, dementia, or age-related memory loss has muscular rigidity in the neck. Although, researchers are unsure why this happens in Alzheimer’s and dementia patients, rigidity of the neck muscles interferes in the circulation of blood to the brain. While Active Isolated Stretching treatment is not a cure for Alzheimer’s and dementia, it is very effective in reversing many of the negative effects of the disease.

According to Carol Turkington, author of The Encyclopedia Of Alzheimer’s Disease, dementia and Alzheimer’s is caused by a degeneration of brain cells which results in those cells being unable to communicate with one another and eventually dying off. Scientists are unsure what triggers brain cell degeneration typically found in Alzheimer’s patients.

What is known, is that brain cells need nutrients and oxygen to function properly. Through blood circulation, the brain receives necessary nutrients and oxygen. If the brain does not receive adequate blood circulation, then cognitive abilities of the brain can decline: memory decreases, concentration falls off, decision-making is impaired. Why? Because the brain is lacking fuel. There are other factors for Alzheimer’s and dementia patients, namely, the presence of plaques, tangles, and inflammation in the brain. These factors may or may not be affected by Active Isolated Stretching.

Nonetheless, muscular rigidity is another characteristic that aggravates mental function in dementia and Alzheimer’s patients. And this aspect can be helped through Active Isolated Stretching.

The neck muscles lie above the arteries that bring blood flow to the brain. The principal pathway of circulation to the brain are the carotid and vertebral arteries. The carotid artery delivers the majority of blood flow to the brain. And the carotid artery is directly underneath a major neck muscle: the sternocleidomastoid. A shortened sternocleidomastoid neck muscle is likely to be inflamed. Inflammation and shortness of this muscle can place pressure onto the carotid artery, potentially limiting circulation from reaching the brain.

Another critical muscle group to correct are the scalene muscles of the neck. As the scalenes become inflexible, the head is pulled forward and the jaw drops downward. Circulation to the brain is upward travel through the arteries. If postural problems cause the head to jut forward, then the pathway (the artery) may also be contorted which impairs circulation.

While muscular rigidity of the neck is characteristic of Alzheimer’s and dementia sufferers, a person over fifty-five years of age may notice memory loss and not be suffering from dementia or Alzheimer’s. This person’s memory may only be affected by neck muscle rigidity causing a reduction of “fuel to the brain.”

Most life activities encourage us to pull our shoulders and necks forward. Computer work, for example, encourages us to jut our heads forward. Furthermore, the aging process causes muscles to become inflexible. Active Isolated Stretching treatment can unwind these muscular restrictions that are impeding mental processes.

As Alzheimer’s and dementia problems begin for one person, that person’s entire family is affected. Family members begin considering hiring an in-home caregiver or changing their schedule to provide supervision for their afflicted. This can lead to sending an elderly person to a supervised day care facility and in later stages, sending that person to a nursing home. According to Joy Glenner, author of When Your Loved One Has Dementia, more than 50% of nursing home admissions are due to Alzheimer’s disease. Active Isolated Stretching can help put a halt to this downward spiral. Individuals that receive treatment may regain or improve upon much of their lost mental cognition. Mood swings and irritability may decrease as the brain receives more nutrients and oxygen. Rather than letting a person continually slip into mental decline and depression, Active Isolated Stretching offers hope to return to independence. To take back what has been lost. This is the greatness of Active Isolated Stretching: a return to life.

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Active Isolated Stretching (AIS): The Mattes Method is a type of flexibility training with therapeutic benefits to a broad scope of people.

Benefits of AIS can be applied to three categories:
Highly beneficial for all physical ailments, including: back, neck, shoulder, foot, etc.
More specifically: herniated disc, bulging disc, degenerative disc, sciatica, scoliosis, spondylolisthesis, spinal stenosis, bunions, frozen shoulder, bursitis, arthritis, tendonitis, kyphosis (dowager’s hump), temporomandibular jaw dysfunction (TMJ), migraines/headaches, bunions, plantar fasciitis, neuropathy, nerve pain.

Highly beneficial for neuromuscular diseases and disorders, including: Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, dementia, memory loss, complications from stroke, multiple sclerosis (ms), spinal cord injuries, paralysis, cerebral palsy.

Highly beneficial for athletes, including: athletes of all ages and abilities; anyone interested in improving health, weight loss, or sports performance.

Anthony Ohm is an advanced practitioner of Active Isolated Stretching & Strengthening.
He has studied over 460 hours directly with the developer of AIS, Aaron Mattes.
Many people in California may be unfamiliar with Active Isolated Stretching. Study with Aaron Mattes requires traveling to Mr. Mattes clinic in Sarasota, Florida. The long distance from California means that there are only a few AIS practitioners in Los Angeles county. Furthermore, Aaron Mattes has avoided large scale publicity. He was invited on Oprah Winfrey’s show three times, and each time Aaron Mattes declined the invitation. He felt that such large scale publicity would result in an overload of clients seeking him specifically for treatment.

Contact Oasis to schedule an appointment with Anthony Ohm: 310-454-5855

Health

August 16, 2009 1 Comment

By Anthony Ohm

I suffered from chronic low back pain for over twenty years. At a young age I did one hundred full sit-ups (abdominal exercises) daily. Later I was to learn that this caused my psoas muscle to become tight and distorted – beginning the onset of pain in my low back region. I reported low back pain to physicians at the age of sixteen (they did nothing). By 2001, at the age of thirty-three, my low back pain would occur daily after four to five hours of normal activity. By late afternoon, I had to lie down for the rest of the day to ease the pain.

I went to over forty specialists looking for help. These practitioners included: Neurosurgeons, Internists, Orthopedic surgeons, Physical therapists, Psychologists, Chiropractors, Acupuncturists, Rolfers, and Massage therapists.
The methods I tried included:
* Yoga (five years of practice including Hatha, Iyengar, Kundalini, and Astanga)
* Thai massage in Thailand
* Doctor prescribed medications
* Dr. John Sarno’s method
* Rolfing and Structural Integration
* Gary Glum’s Neuromuscular reeducation
* Richard Griner’s cross fiber technique
* Richard Rossiter’s method
* John Barnes’ Myofascial Release
* Pilates and Gyrotonic
* DRX-9000 machine and Inversion (anti-gravity) machine
* Michael Leahy’s Active Release Technique
* Alexander Technique
* Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF stretching)
* Shiatsu
* Russian Massage
* Raw food and vegetarian diets
* Swimming and walking

My diagnosis was called different names by different specialists: degenerative disc, flat back syndrome, anteriorly tilted pelvis, sacro-iliac pain, and non-specific back pain (which means the doctor doesn’t know). Irregardless of the name being ascribed to the condition, none of these specialists could do anything about it. I was seeing one specialist after the other. I wasn’t getting any better and I was seeing a lot of overlap between different styles. In 2003, I enrolled in massage school and later attended instructor training courses in Pilates and Gyrotonic. I needed more information to better discern my path for recovery. I was extremely frustrated by the ineffectiveness of the numerous treatment programs I had tried. From these experiences, I decided not to become a practitioner of any method unless it significantly helped me to resolve my own pain.

In 2007, I attended a four-day workshop with Aaron Mattes and his method: Active Isolated Stretching and Strengthening. Feeling that the Mattes Method offered potential, I interned at Aaron Mattes’ clinic in Sarasota, Florida. After my first treatment session, something productive was finally happening.

I had been experimenting with different stretching systems for over ten years. Yoga, Thai massage, Russian massage, PNF stretching, Pilates, Gyrotonic, Active Release Technique, Alexander technique, Rossiter method, and Rolfing all used some stretching to facilitate recovery, but Aaron Mattes’ Active Isolated Stretching put a new approach on how to stretch. I received some benefit from the other methods, but the benefit was short lived – usually lasting a day or two. Aaron Mattes, trained as a kinesiologist, explained why the common methods of stretching were not optimal. He identified seven mistakes in common stretching and proposed a new route to cure musculoskeletal pain.

Before my first treatment in Active Isolated Stretching, two hours of standing was enough to trigger pain in my low back. After that first session, I was able to stand and move around for eights hours! I continued with more private sessions with Aaron Mattes and after the third session I was returning to a normal schedule of work and social activity. I no longer have to stop all activity at 5PM to lie down. And I attribute my recovery entirely to the Mattes Method. Since that first internship, I’ve completed four hundred and fifty hours of direct study with Aaron Mattes. He refers to me as his top practitioner in the state of California.

Active Isolated Stretching is good for everyone. Athletes will improve their performance, people with physical pain will resolve their ailments, elderly will improve the functioning of their bodies and minds, and those with neuromuscular disorders will greatly benefit, including complications from stroke, Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, fibromyalgia, spinal cord injuries, and scoliosis.
Contact Oasis Palisades at (310) 454-5855 to arrange an appointment with Anthony Ohm.

Health, Holistic Health, Massage, Pacific Palisades

July 14, 2009 No comment

One specialty of our acupuncturist Sharon Skok is Face Rejuvenation treatments. She has completed advanced training and certification in Constitutional Facial Acupuncture Renewal. These amazing treatments incorporate customized Chinese herbal masks and moisturizers with acupuncture protocols designed to meet the specific needs of each patient. It is a balanced process of treating both the internal body and the external skin for more vibrant health that shines through the skin.

Stress, poor nutrition, long work hours, and lack of restful sleep affect the aging process. The result is dull skin, increased wrinkles, lack of tone, and even breakouts. A series of Face Rejuvenation treatments diminishes fine lines, lessens deep wrinkles, improves skin tone, and increases radiance. The treatments can also reduce acne breakouts and lighten skin discoloration. Not only will you look 5-10 years younger, you will also feel relaxed and rejuvenated.

TREATMENT PROTOCOL
The treatment series involves 12-15* weekly acupuncture treatments. The introductory session will leave the client feeling relaxed, the mind calm and the skin glowing. After 5-7 treatments, clients begin to see the lasting results as wrinkles lessen and skin becomes more firm. Upon completion of the series, monthly follow-up sessions are recommended to maintain results or a few sessions prior to special events to re-boost the effect.

SPECIAL EVENTS TUNE-UP
The face rejuvenation treatments are also a great freshening of the face prior to a big event such as a wedding. A shorter series of 5-7* sessions can be done to brighten skin tone and keep you relaxed before the big day if skin aging and wrinkles are not a priority at this time.
*more treatments may be necessary depending on the condition of the skin and one’s health.

CAUTIONS (treatments are not recommended for individuals with):
- uncontrolled high blood pressure
- migraines within the last 6 months
- presence of a cold or flu
**standard acupuncture is recommended to address the above issues prior to beginning the face rejuvenation series

RESULTS
Patients report seeing more color and circulation in their faces, seeing a lessening in small and deep lines in the face, and noticing increased toning and elasticity in the face. They feel their skin is more youthful and radiant.

The initial facial rejuvenation treatment lasts for approximately 2 hours with follow-up treatments lasting from 75 to 90 minutes each. Call Oasis Palisades at (310) 454-5855 for pricing and additional details.

Acupuncture, Holistic Health, Pacific Palisades

February 14, 2009 No comment

By Karen Cohen, Certified Nutritionist

The New Year, 2009, is most certainly going to bring many changes.

January is a good time to make positive changes in one’s life; to resolve to eat healthier, start an exercise program or lose weight and maintain the loss. These objectives can only be achieved and sustained when healthy choices become part of one’s everyday existence.

Lifestyle modification, like calorie cutting and a regular exercise regime lead to successful long term results. Any program promising a “quick fix” does that only for a short while and then old habits find their way back.

In future newsletters, I will address issues such as the benefits of eating foods with a low glycemic index for a healthier body or creating a fitness program effective for one’s cardiovascular health as well as resistance training for muscle mass and flexibility.

My work with hundreds of patients has taught me that the success of a lifestyle-change program is enhanced if one has the proper support to help keep focused, motivated and accountable as one makes behavioral and habit changes.

I invite you to visit my website at www.learn2eatright.com for some of the answers and to call me (310-444-9755) to discuss how I can help you follow through on keeping your New Years Resolutions.

I wish everyone a very happy, peaceful and healthy 2009.
Karen

To get started with your nutrition program to lead a more healthy life, contact Karen Cohen directly at (310) 444-9755 or by e-mail at learn2eatright@yahoo.com.

Acupuncture, Health, Herbs, Holistic Health, Metabolism, Nutrition, Pacific Palisades