Summer is almost here! Come in for stress reduction, pain, allergy, anxiety, high blood pressure etc... Acupuncture really works, can calm you down, and keep your immunity strong. It can change your life!

I promise to fit you in.

SF City Sights: Bay Bridge from Pier 14

News for May, 2014

Acupuncture for High Blood Pressure

Clinic News: Award for Presentation and Another Successful Pregnancy!

My study entitled "Does Acupuncture Reduce Stress Over Time? A Clinical Heart Rate Variability Study in Hypertensive Patients" for the AAMA ( physicians' acupuncture group) won an award(?!). Needless to say, I was thrilled. The study explored patients stress levels as measured by heart rate variability (HRV) over time. This was in a group being treated with acupuncture for high blood pressure. The data show that their stress levels as well as blood pressure decrease over time. These results were not surprising, but nice to have validated with numbers. There was a lot of enthusiasm for the project, so I am submitting it for publication.

I have done other studies on patients with anxiety and panic attacks and am continuing to collect data on a number of patients with various conditions. Fascinating stuff!

Of course many thanks to all who have participated in these studies for the extra time it can take.

More info about the project here.

In other clinic news, another successful pregnancy was helped along with acupuncture. A patient nearing 40 who had been trying to conceive for a number of years, got pregnant after just a few visits. Acupuncture sometimes works quite quickly!

Climate Change Bad for Health, Antibiotics for Appendicitis?

From the "First, Do No Harm" Files

People live between heaven and earth, as the Ancient Chinese taught. So we will be quite affected by climate change. Indeed, West Nile Virus is increasing, allergy season is longer, asthma rates are soaring. Know that you are helping the environment by seeking alternative health solutions in that you are keeping trace medications out of the ground water, contamination out of land fills, and avoiding the tons of waste that traditional medicine produces. .

Other remarkable news, there was a recent study showing antibiotics worked as well as surgery for appendicitis in children. As an old Pediatrician, I can say that is truly astonishing.

Vitamin D Levels, Bike Safety

Fitness and Health Files

Low Vitamin D levels are bad for your health, but studies differ on whether taking Vitamin D supplements help. The recommendation from the NY Times article is 30 minutes of sun a day, and a diet including Vitamin D rich foods. Food suggestions and more info (here.)

Nice run down of gadgets to boost bicycle safety here.

Acupuncture Research Files

There has been so much acupuncture research news in the last two months, I will simply direct you to the blog.