A  Spring Message from

Molly Greacen, Licensed Acupuncturist and Herbalist, Dipl Ac, CH

www.womanmedicine.com

Spring brings changes, Chinese Medicine for Stress and Depression, and free talks on PTSD 
April 2011                 

 Greetings!
daffodil

Spring in Boulder


Happy Spring!

 

Spring is the time of creativity and renewal.  Over the long winter, seeds lie dormant as life slows down, so that it can renew itself from the deepest source.  Like seeds that germinate and bloom in springtime, energy begins to take root and manifest as new beginnings, ideas, exciting projects, new relationships.  

 

 To help manifest our winter dreams, we can assist this process by including things in our homes and workplaces to inspire us, such as fresh flowers and plants, cleaning out clutter and making space for something new, cleaning the windows so that the sun shines in brightly.   

 

Physically we can do a spring cleanse, or start an exercise program that gets us out into nature where we can observe the world close-up, as it is budding and blossoming. Spring is associated with liver and gallbladder, and the color green.  According to ancient Chinese Medicine, and if you find yourself feeling tired, depressed, irritable, anxious, suffering from allergies or headaches, eye problems, PMS, and menstrual disorders, it might be a good time for an acupuncture tuneup and to get some support for your liver.

 

With diet, we can help our body cleanse by eating lots of dark leafy greens, add lemon to our water, and eat light foods (asparagus, some salads along with our cooked vegies), to allow the body to open up and discharge.  If you feel hyperactive or spacey, eat more root vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats. Avoid caffeine, alcohol, sugar, flour products, processed and frozen foods, and chemical additives.  Please don't put chemicals on your lawn!  If you don't feel well,  try a spring cleanse.  Many health problems are associated with exposure to environmental chemicals, and cleansing can help move these out of the body.  

 

See the coupon at the bottom for a special on detox products at my office. 

  •  
  • Warmly,
    Molly Greacen  

  • Chinese Medicine for Stress and Depression

     

    Stress, anxiety and depression can cause a disruption in the

    flow of vital energy, or Qi, throughout the body. This pattern is seen frequently in the spring. These energetic imbalances can throw off the immune system or cause symptoms of pain, sleep disturbances, abnormal digestion, headaches, and menstrual irregularities, and, over time, more serious illnesses can develop.   

     

    I always ask folks who are struggling with these problems about what is happening in their lives. Are they working too hard, taking on too much responsibility, dealing with family, relationship, work, or financial crisis?   How are they eating?  When we are under stress, it is easy to cope with sugar and junk food, too much alcohol, etc.  

     

    Along with acupuncture, I often recommend St. John's Wort for depression, and L-Theanine and 5HTP for anxiety.  There are many Chinese herbal formulas that are said to "calm the Shen" (spirit) and relax the liver.  

     

    When symptoms are more chronic and complex, it might be useful to run a neuro-transmitter urine test to measure levels of things like gaba, nor-epeinephrine, epinephrine, and serotonin.  Treatment involves using combinations of amino acids.  Many practitioners are looking at these alternatives, as opposed to using SSRIs,  (like prozac and other anti-depressants.)     

     

    The following is an article from Acufinder.com: 

    Stress and Depression

    Since the early seventies, studies around the globe have suggested that treating mental health disorders with acupuncture has a positive and holistic effect on depressed patients, particularly when used in combination with psychotherapy and herbal treatments.

    Psychologist John Allen, from the University of Arizona in Tucson, and Acupuncturist Rosa Schnyer, conducted the very first pilot controlled study on treating depression symptoms with acupuncture in the Western scientific world. In a double blind randomized study, 34 depressed female patients who met the DSM-IV diagnostic criteria were assigned to one of three treatment groups for eight weeks.
    The first group received acupuncture treatment specifically tailored to their depression symptoms. The second group received a general acupuncture treatment not specific to depression, and the third group was placed on a waiting list for acupuncture treatment, but received no treatment. Those in the tailored acupuncture treatment group experienced a significant reduction in symptoms, compared to those in the non-specific treatment group. Moreover, over 50% of the participants no longer met the DSM-IV diagnostic criteria for depression after the study.

    Study findings suggest that using acupuncture alone could be as effective as other types of treatments for relieving depression symptoms typically used in Western medicine, such as psychotherapy and drugs.

    Numerous studies have demonstrated the substantial benefits of acupuncture specifically in the treatment of stress.  In 2008,  Anesthesia & Analgesia published a study finding that an acupuncture point alleviated preoperative anxiety in children;  while a 2003 study conducted at Yale University showed that ear acupuncture significantly lowered the stress level of the mothers of children that were scheduled for surgery.

    A German study published in Circulation found acupuncture significantly lowers both systolic and diastolic blood pressure. The extent of the blood pressure reductions by acupuncture treatments was comparable to those seen with anti-hypertensive medication or aggressive lifestyle changes, including radical salt restrictions.

    The University of New Mexico measured the affects of acupuncture on 73 men and women with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The researchers found the acupuncture treatments to be as helpful as the standard treatment of cognitive behavioral therapy.

    If the stress or depression in your life is throwing you off balance, consider acupuncture therapy to regain peace of mind, regulate your immune system and stay healthy.

     

     

    People in the Community Making a Difference

     

    Trisha Dittrick is a psychotherapist who specializes in treating folks with trauma. Her website is:  http://trishadittrick.com 

    She is offering a series of free talks in Boulder.  

     Trisha Dittrick

     

    Her talks apply to anyone with trauma, however,you can see

    that she does treat servicemen

    and women with PTSD. 

    Meetings are 5:45-7PM at  

    Calvary Bible Church in Boulder (3245 Kalmia Ave.).
    All are welcome!

     

    May 10th, 2011: Suicide Prevention & Drug/Alcohol Awareness

    Hear about the warning signs of suicide, substance abuse and depression and the resources available to help those affected. Find out about intervention strategies.  Michelle Steinwand, a suicide prevention coordinator, will add to the conversation.

     

    June 14th, 2011: PTSD & TBI

    An easy-to-understand explanation of traumatic brain injury and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is provided by Theresa Hernandez, a neuroscientist with the University of Colorado, Boulder. Learn about the latest research and get helpful do's and dont's for supporting those afflicted.

     

    July 12th, 2011: Secondary PTSD

    Explore the ripple effect trauma has on relationships with partners and family. The relational dynamics of post-traumatic stress disorder and cues to look for in oneself and within the relationship will be covered. Participants will learn how to identify supportive resources and understand how to draw upon them. Talk given by Trisha Dittrick, LPC.

     

    August 9th, 2011: The Emotional Cost of War

    A panel of veterans of Vietnam, Iraq and Afghanistan will share their experiences of war, reintegrating back into society and how civilians can be supportive and educated about the issues veterans face.

     

    In This Issue
    Chinese Medicine for Stress and Depression
    Hightlighting Local Practitioners

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    Molly offers a free 15 minute consultation by phone or in person.
     Feel free to contact her at:

    Molly Greacen,
     Lic Ac ,Dipl Ac, CH

    3625 Conifer Court,
     Boulder, CO 80304

    303-546-0987
    mollygreacen@
    womanmedicine
    .com



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