Oasis Palisades – Acupuncture, Herbs & Massage

January 12, 2012 No comment

Reiki Healing ~
Healing is releasing anything that gets in the way of the wholeness of which we are. Healing is recognition of the grand divine expression of our true essence. It is in this spirit that Reiki is dedicated to bringing that forth in everyone…in spirit, mind, emotions and body. The word Reiki means universal life-force energy, and a Reiki healing is the transmission of this energy.

The Reiki System of Healing is unique in its power to heal and transform as well as in its simplicity to learn and use. Reiki enters and moves through the body’s energy channels clearing obstructions and revitalizing the life force energy. Reiki healings relieve physical pain, stress and fatigue; rejuvenate the body, mind, and emotions; help to restore balance and harmony to all systems within body; increase sensitivity and creativity; and induce deep relaxation…all of which lead to improved sleep.

The Reiki Sytem is taught on three levels or degrees of healing and each level requires an Attunement from a Reiki Master. Once Attuned, the Reiki Practitioner will go through a process of Initiation. The Initiation process is a time of individual healing, practice and utilization of the Reiki Symbols.

For more information about becoming a Reiki practitioner, please call for new workshop information or private individual attunements in the Usui system of Reiki healing.

Qi Gong ~
Qi Gong is a self-help system for curing and preventing illness, disease, addiction, and stress; and for enhancing all aspects of living. Qi Gong is an ancient Chinese discipline of easy techniques and physical exercises – postures, movement sequences, breath and meditation. Qi Gong practice increases and harnesses the life-force energy and circulates it through the body’s energy meridians. The Qi or Chi energy is channeled into health, vitality, balanced emotions, and creative and spiritual expression.

Kong Jin (horse standing) Qi Gong is a very special medicinal form of Qi Gong. Regular practice can increase immune system function, reduce blood pressure, reduce and eliminate the need for some medications, and eliminate chronic pain and symptoms. Regular practice helps the organs operate more efficiently, optimizing health in every system within the body. Qi Gong practice also benefits sports and fitness, heightens abilities and awareness, cleanses the body of impurities, and improves the quality of thoughts, attitudes and moods. By improving the physical, mental, emotional and spritual level of energy, the mind will be clearer, emotions calmer and you will be more physically fit.

Yoga ~ Vinyasa Flow, Pranayama Meditation, Taoist, Kundalini
Yoga unites body, mind and spirit in balance and harmony. Everyone can benefit from yoga practice! Building strength, flexibility, and endurance, yoga can improve any physical activity or endeavor. In addition, yoga rejuvenates and renews the mind and is very relaxing to the nervous system, helping to reverse negative effects of chronic stress and tension. Yoga postures, or asanas, provide gentle stretching that lubricates joints, muscles, ligaments and tendons making it a great practice for rehabilitation and recovery from injury or surgery.

1-hour private sessions $65
5 session package $300

Health

June 8, 2011 No comment

Classic Swedish Massage
Featuring organic massage oils and balms, our Classic Swedish Massage is designed to deeply nourish and condition the skin while increasing circulation and blood flow.
60 Minutes    $53
90 Minutes    $80

Half Swedish/Half Deep Tissue
Both relaxing and therapeutic, our half-and-half massage works to relieve muscle and joint tension, and balance the body’s energy.
60 Minutes    $58
90 Minutes    $88

Deep Tissue Massage
Focusing on specific joints, muscles, or muscle groups, our deep tissue massage is designed to promote healing and increase mobility by accessing deep layers of soft tissue.
60 Minutes    $63
90 Minutes    $92

Hot Stone Therapy
Our signature bodywork treatment, Hot Stone therapy is a supportive modality used to enhance health and wellness. Hot stones stimulate and support organ function and increase blood flow to the lymphatic system while healing and nourishing the muscles. Foot reflexology is incorporated to aid Qi Energy.
60 Minutes    $73
90 Minutes    $105

Aromatherapy Massage
Enjoy an hour-long escape with an aromatherapy massage. Your custom blend of essential oils will promote wellness, enhance relaxation, and harmonize with your personal taste in scents. Pure almond oil – known for its ability to soften, soothe, and recondition the skin – is used as a base.
60 Minutes    $55

Pregnancy Massage
Treat your feet to an hour of pampering with hot towels, a foot scrub, reflexology and massage. During reflexology, pressure is applied to “reflex zones” of the feet that correspond with different parts of the body. Your feet and entire body will thank you for this hour of bliss!
60 Minutes    $58

Reiki Healing
Reiki enters and moves through the body’s energy channels clearing obstructions and revitalizing the life force energy. Reiki healings relieve physical pain, stress and fatigue; rejuvenate the body, mind, and emotions; help to restore balance and harmony to all systems within body; increase sensitivity and creativity; and induce deep relaxation…all of which lead to improved sleep.
60 Minutes   $65
90 Minutes   $94

Yoga ~ Vinyasa Flow, Pranayama Meditation, Taoist, Kundalini
Building strength, flexibility, and endurance, yoga can improve any physical activity or endeavor. In addition, yoga rejuvenates and renews the mind and is very relaxing to the nervous system, helping to reverse negative effects of chronic stress and tension. Yoga postures, or asanas, provide gentle stretching that lubricates joints, muscles, ligaments and tendons making it a great practice for rehabilitation and recovery from injury or surgery.
60 Minute private instruction    $65

Kong Jin Qi Gong
Kong Jin (horse standing) Qi Gong is a very special medicinal form of Qi Gong. Qi Gong is a self-help system for curing and preventing illness, disease, addiction, and stress; and for enhancing all aspects of living. Qi Gong is an ancient Chinese discipline of easy techniques and physical exercises – postures, movement sequences, breath and meditation. Qi Gong practice increases and harnesses the life-force energy and circulates it through the body’s energy meridians. The Qi or Chi energy is channeled into health, vitality, balanced emotions, and creative and spiritual expression.
1 hour private sessions                 $65
5 session package                          $300

Oasis Spa Parties
Incorporate Health & Wellness into your next small party! Treatments can be customized according to your ideas and specific plans.
Price Varies

Massage Housecalls
60 Minutes    $120
90 Minutes    $150

Massage, Pacific Palisades

February 21, 2011 No comment

Individualized care for Healthy, Beautiful and Radiant skin

Oasis Palisades is now providing specialized holistic facials the award-winning Eminence Organics Skin Care line.

Our customized treatments offer a healthy alternative to address all of your skin concerns. Using organic products with no harsh chemicals or parabens, natural ingredients and specialized techniques are used to target areas such as premature aging and wrinkling, sun damage, acne, loss of vitality and couperosity (broken capillaries).

The Eminence Organic line originated in Hungary where beauty care is legendary. Eminence is crafted using several generations of herbalist knowledge and the best in modern skin-care research to treat various skin conditions and create the most active anti-aging treatments on the market. Fresh herbs and fruits are still hand picked today and hand mixed in small batches, then combined with thermal hot spring water. The resulting products not only retain their natural potencies to heal and smooth the skin, but also look, feel, and smell great. These handmade, all-natural, organic products are a delight for the senses. Medicinal herbs and fruits give lasting results for a balanced, clear, and revitalized complexion. Highlights include using paprika to open pores, natural fruit acids to remove dead skin cells, naseberry or stone crop to hydrate, lemon to clarify, and peach to provide vitamins to the skin. Eminence Skin Care was awarded ‘Favorite Skin Care Line’, ‘Favorite Company for Product Education’, and ‘Favorite Natural and Organic Line’ by American Spa Professional’s Choice and ‘Best of the Best’ by Skin Inc. It is found at the finest spas around the world and has won many awards internationally for its highly reputable quality products.

Does your face need an overhaul? Get a complete facial with cleansing, exfoliation, delicate extraction, soothing massage and deep moisturizing – all customized for your skin type. Select a customized treatment specifically created to suit your skin needs, and let the active ingredients impart health and beauty to your skin.

View Our Complete Series of Holistic Skin Care Services

Facelift, Facial, Holistic Health, Pacific Palisades

February 21, 2011 1 Comment

Restorative Facial:
A facial treatment to suit your unique skincare needs. Transformative botanicals correct and refine skin imperfections leaving you with the radiance of healthy skin. Formulated for skin showing signs of age, fine lines, and dullness. Cleansing and multi-layered exfoliation with powerful fruit acids and paprika strip away years while antioxidant rich masks work to firm, tighten, and fight cell damage. Your skin will look and feel younger and firmer.
1-Hour Facial         $75.00
1-Hour Facial with 30-Minute Massage     $105.00
1-Hour Facial with 1-Hour Massage     $130.00

Purifying Detox
Need to clear away the dust, dirt, and pollution that comes with city living? Or purify overly oily, blemished skin? This treatment peels away layers of dreary, dull skin and deeply cleanses pores with a powerful multiple exfoliation, potent vitamin and mineral infusions, and a purifying mask to give your stressed, congested skin a boost. Walk away with skin that feels fresh, clean and pure.
1-Hour Facial         $75.00

Oxygen Infusion
An infusion of oxygen rich nutrients make the skin glow, soothes and brightens as it increases the skin’s uptake of micro-nutrients for cellular repair. A rich mask of organic moisturizers add plumpness and tone to dull, lifeless skin.
1-Hour Facial    $80

Facelift, Facial, Holistic Health, Pacific Palisades

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