|
MARCH 2012
Featuring Acupuncture
|
|
|
Please consider registering for a lovely class for heath care workers, volunteers and caregivers who want to help people living with advanced cancer and end of life issues. 'Click here' for details.
|
Product of the month ~ TIGER BALM
Both our acupuncturists and Naturopath Doctors have recommended
Tiger Balm for joint pain and inflammation.
Indications: Pain presenting as arthritic pain, rheumatic pain, muscular aches, sprains, pain and spasms, poor circulation, pain that is worse with exposure to cold. Stops the itch and irritation from insect bites and stings. Relieves nasal, sinus and chest congestion associated with cold, flu and headache.
Standard Dosage: Apply to affected areas, 3-4 times a day.
Clinical Dosage: Rub a small amount into affected area and massage gently. If necessary repeat every 2 hours. Maximum application is four times daily. Purchase Tiger Balm at all of our locations for $10.00 plus tax.
|
Emily Liburdi, Dipl. O.M. began working in the Integrative Medicine department at Beaumont one year ago. Her most recent undertaking has been to create a Community Acupuncture  program at our Troy location. For more information about this innovative treatment and to view a video please 'click here.' |
|
Quinoa contains more protein than most grains and offers a more evenly balanced array of amino acids, the building blocks of protein, making quinoa excellent for vegetarians and everyone. Quinoa also provides magnesium, manganese, vitamin B2, vitamin E, and dietary fiber. It's a good source of the minerals iron, phosphorus, copper, and zinc. If you have never tried quinoa you are missing out on a great addition to your diet.
|
A Comprehensive Five-Day Pelvic Pain Retreat
An individualized program for pelvic pain management is being sponsored by the Women's Urology Center at
Beaumont Health System in Royal Oak.
April 16 - 20, 2012
|
|
Greetings!
I love that acupunture is the topic of our second newsletter. This field totally fascinates me. Many holistic medicine modalities have a very specific scope of how they can help a patient. However, acupuncture seems to have a positive effect on just about every bodily function. I have witnessed acupuncture help patients with headaches, side effects from chemotherapy and radiation, allergies, infertility, hormone issues, urological problems, digestive issues...and the list keeps on going. Integrative Medicine is blessed with a remarkable staff of seven Traditional Chinese Medicine acupuncturists who are lead by one of the most talented and experienced physician acupuncturists in the country, Brenda Donaldson, M.D. It has been a pleasure watching this program grow. I hope you enjoy reading more. 
|
|
We also want to hear from you. Please share your thoughts and ideas about what you would like us to include in future newsletters. You can easily do this through email by clicking on the 'contact us' link.
As always, thank you for your support of Beaumont Health System's Integrative Medicine.
P.S. Acupuncture is not painful! This is the first question people ask me when I recommend they make an appointment. |
|
In Health and Happiness,
Gail Elliott Evo
Corporate Director
Integrative Medicine
|  |
|
|
|
Acupuncture
Acupuncture, an ancient form of Chinese therapy, has been an important part of China's history for thousands of years. The Chinese believe that channels of energy run through the body and the insertion of the needles at specific points along the flow of this energy unblocks any obstructions which may be present allowing for a better balance of the energy. The acupuncture needles are not the typical syringe-type that comes to mind when the word "needle" is mentioned. Unlike the hollow needles with a sharp tip that are used in blood draws and to give shots; the acupuncture needles are solid, extremely thin and flexible. Many people can barely feel the needles and feel only minimal discomfort, and others feel no uncomfortable sensation at all. The World Health Organization recognizes acupuncture's benefits for: Digestive disorders Respiratory disorders Insomnia Fatigue Depression Neurological disorders Substance abuse Smoking cessation Muscular disorders Urinary symptoms Anxiety Reproductive issues Menstrual symptoms The number of treatments required by patients to achieve the full benefits of acupuncture differs with each person and the duration of the condition that they have experienced. Treatments typically range from once a week for 3-4 weeks, up to 10-12 monthly treatments. Usually, a condition of a chronic nature requires a longer period of time to treat. Each visit lasts about an hour and can be a very relaxing experience. The Integrative Medicine department at Beaumont Health System, now offers acupuncture at all of its locations. |
Medical Acupuncture
Brenda Donaldson M.D.
Medical acupuncture is the insertion of hair fine needles in conjunction with heat or electrical stimulation at very precise acupuncture points by a medical doctor that has completed training in acupuncture.
"Acupuncture is more than a pain treatment," says Brenda Donaldson, M.D., "it can benefit patients with a wide-range of conditions from nausea to fatigue."
"Medical acupuncture is a system which can influence three areas of health care: promotion of health and well-being, prevention of illness, and treatment of various medical conditions," explains Dr. Donaldson.
How does it work? Key theories include endorphin release, increased circulation, anti-inflammatory effects and changes in heart rates. The developing theories in Western medicine relate to the release of endorphins and neuropeptides at the spinothalamic; midbrain, thalamus and cortex level of the brain. The improved energy and biochemical balance produced by acupuncture results in strengthening the patient's organs and tonifying their defensive energy.
Dr. Brenda Donaldson, Integrative Medicine's medical acupuncturist, is a member of both the American Academy of Medical Acupuncture and the American Academy of Emergency Medicine. Medical acupuncture physicians are most often trained in the European scientific theories of acupuncture that complement their Western medical knowledge. Dr. Donaldson has training in acupuncture for physicians from the following programs: The Helms Medical Institute-UCLA School of Medicine; Contemporary Acupuncture-McMaster University, Ontario, Canada; and The Great Lakes Institute of Classical Acupuncture, Toledo, Ohio. Dr. Donaldson sees patients at both the Royal Oak and Troy Beaumont locations.
|
 Traditional Chinese Medicine - Acupuncture "Traditional acupuncture is a holistic healthcare system that regards pain and illness, whether physical or mental to be a sign that the body is out of balance. Because traditional acupuncture considers every bodily function to be connected and interdependent, it recognizes the role emotions play in illness and disease. The overall aim of treatment is to restore the body's equilibrium." British Acupuncture Council After completion of a four year Master's degree, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) practitioners are trained in acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, diet counseling, exercises and relaxation techniques. Because of this extensive training, in addition to using the solid hair fine ac upuncture needles, TCM acupuncturists may provide guidance in the others areas in which they have been trained, for example herb therapy. There are many conditions that may benefit from acupuncture. Click 'this link' for further information regarding how acupuncture may be helpful for specific issues. 'The acupuncturist provides a specific treatment plan which addresses diet, exercise and lifestyle. This in combination with the needling to treat specific symptoms and strengthen the body can be very powerful. Studies have also found that acupuncture can decrease the levels of cortisol after just one session (Arranz, Siboni, De la Fuente, 2006)." |
|
|
Chinese Herbal Medicines
Nature's Healing Power
Imagine taking medicines that are natural, effective, and tailored to your needs. Suppose these medicines could provide freedom from chronic and acute pain, and leave you feeling energized and whole. Chinese herbal medicine is powerful, all natural, and an extraordinary complement to acupuncture. Like acupuncture, the medicines support your body as it resolves imbalances and returns to a state of optimal health.
When you resolve a pattern of imbalance with Chinese herbs, the root-cause of your ailment is addressed. Once the problem is resolved, the symptoms will be healed. Chinese herbal medicine leaves you feeling vital, energetic, at ease-and with no need of further medication.
Does this mean that traditional Chinese medicine and western medicine are incompatible? Absolutely  not! Traditional Chinese medicine can support a course of western treatment
with no contraindications. Today, Chinese herbal companies make powders or pills from the traditional ingredients, in classical combinations that treat most illnesses.
People have been enjoying the health benefits of Chinese herbal medicine for 6,000 years-and now, it's easier than ever for you to enjoy them, too.
|
|
|
|
"Ask the Expert" Acupuncturist
Mark Boone and Nicole Settle
Our very own acupuncturists, Nicole Settle and Mark Boone will be fielding questions on pregnancy loss and infertility and how acupuncture may help. This "Ask the Expert", event, sponsored by RESOLVE, is being held on:
Friday, April 20, 2012
6:30 - 9:00 pm
at the Royal Oak Beaumont
Administration Building Auditorium
For more details on this event involving pregnancy loss, infertility,
bereavement and adoption issues, please 'click here'.
|
|
Staff Spotlight
Mike Tocco, Dipl. O.M.
 The newest addition to our Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) staff is Mike Tocco. Mike is a licensed acupuncturist and is nationally board certified in both acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine. He holds a Diplomate in Oriental Medicine, additionally he is a Registered Nurse (RN) who has been practicing since 2007.
Mike's education and interest in complementary medicine inspired him to pursue a Masters degree in Traditional Chinese Medicine (MSTOM). He graduated from Pacific College of Oriental Medicine, a highly respected and nationally accredited institution in Chicago. Mike has invested over 1000 clinical hours combined with extensive educational studies in treating patients with both acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine.
Mike has experience in treating a wide variety of ailments including both acute and chronic pain, orthopedic conditions, allergies, gastrointestinal issues, gynecology and fertility issues, immune system disorders, and psycho-emotional disorders.
On a personal note, Mike is highly conversant in the Spanish language.
|
| Emily Liburdi, Dipl. O.M.
Emily is Nationally Board Certified in both Acupuncture a nd Chinese Herbal Medicine. She completed all premedical coursework at Wayne State University in Michigan and obtained a Bachelor of Science Degree. Emily has several years of experience in the medical field, including working with a pain management physician.
She also worked at a physical therapy institute assisting in the physical rehabilitation of patients recovering from illness or injury. These experiences enabled her to acquire a greater understanding of the debilitating nature of pain that people endure.
Emily's education and experience inspired her to pursue a Masters degree in Traditional Chinese Medicine. She graduated from Pacific College of Oriental Medicine in Chicago. There she received recognition for a scholarship based on her deep passion and pursuit of the study of Chinese Medicine.
Emily completed a three year clinical internship treating many common conditions such as allergies, digestive disorders and pain conditions. She also worked at Chicago Women's Health Center, a collective, created in 1978, that provides affordable and accessible health care. She has a particular interest in providing holistic care of infertility and supportive care for oncology patients.
|
|
Patient Testimonial
Migraine Headache Relief
"At first, I was skeptical and was hesitant to try acupuncture. However, however, I was desperate to find relief from the daily pain. I had suffered from migraine headaches for 30 years, but the headaches had become more severe and more frequent. I was under the care of two different Neurologists."
"I am a Family Physician. I spend my days treating patients with evidence-based Western Medicine. I was very hesitant to try acupuncture or any form of Eastern Medicine. After four sessions of acupuncture, the daily headaches subsided. I no longer needed to take daily pain medication. After eight sessions, I rarely had a headache, and if I did, I would have tremendous relief after a session of acupuncture." "Emily is a competent, intelligent and compassionate caregiver. Thanks to her expertise and knowledge, I am able to enjoy my life without suffering from daily migraine headaches. I sleep better, have relief from carpal tunnel pain, have reduced stress, and have an overall improved sense of well-being."- ~Ida R., M.D.
|
|
DO YOU NEED A SPRING CLEANING?
Don't Over Look Your Body/Mind
Spring is the best time to do a detox. We not only need to clean out the cupboards and the cobwebs in our homes, but our bodies and minds could use a similar sprucing up as well. Think of a detox as the "Spring Break" your body needs to get you back on track with your diet and lifestyle goals. Winter often leaves us feeling foggy, sluggish, bloated and phlegmy from lingering colds, inactivity, gluttonous holiday overeating, and lack of sunshine. Muddled thinking, low energy, and memory problems should improve with a whole body detox.
 A spring detox is also great for those suffering from seasonal allergies as it aids the liver's ability to breakdown and metabolize histamine, that nasty molecule that leaves us with itchy runny noses and watery eyes. Detoxification happens in two phases in your body. In phase one, the toxins are mobilized out of the fat cells and in phase two, they are eliminated. If phase one is up-regulated and the toxins are not eliminated properly, the toxins can just be mobilized and be re-absorbed, leaving you feeling worse off than when you started. It is very important to work with a health care practitioner, such as a Naturopathic Doctor, before attempting any form of detoxification as pregnancy, history of eating disorder, cancer and other chronic conditions are contraindications for a cleanse. Medications are often affected on a cleanse, so it is important to have those monitored, as well.
Integrative Medicine at Troy Beaumont is offering a group detox program that utilizes pharmaceutical grade supplements which include 28 meal replacements, pre-screening by a naturopathic doctor, 3 meetings to help support you through the process and professional coaching throughout the entire 21 day detox.
For information
'click here' or call 248-964-9200 to help to safely and effectively detoxify your body and mind.
Adapted from kitchentablemedicine Dr. Nicole Sundene ND
|
|
Mindfulness- Based Stress Reduction Course
There is still time to sign up for the Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction meditation course that is being offered for a second session. The first session, which took place in fall 2011, was fully attended. The following comments were made from some of the class attendees:
"I was very new to meditation prior to attending this course, but found myself utilizing some of the techniques after only the second session." ~Elaine Burton
"I am a better person and rabbi because of what I learned." ~Rabbi Aaron Bergman
"I learned meditation techniques to reduce stress and experience less pain."
~Craig Lekich
Please click on ' this link' for complete details. If you have additional questions please call 248-551-9888.
|
Integrative Medicine Locations
Cancer Center 3601 W. 13 Mile Road, Royal Oak, MI 48073 Royal Oak - Acupuncture - Suite 208
Professional Office Building, 3601 W. 13 Mile Road, Royal Oak, MI 48073
Health and Wellness Center (Sola Fitness)
1555 East South Blvd.,Rochester Hills, MI 49306
|
|
|
|
|
|
