pain management Archives - Allen Acupuncture and Wellness

September 27, 2019July 17, 2020

Celebrating 2 Years of Wellness

Happy 2 year anniversary to Allen Acupuncture & Wellness! Thank you to all the amazing patients that have allowed me to walk with them on their journey to wellness!

Happy BirthYAY Allen Acupuncture & Wellness!

Today we want to celebrate many of the ways that people have been helped by coming in for visits! Using acupuncture, herbs, allergy elimination, cupping, and diet/lifestyle changes, patients have made many strides with the help of Allen Acupuncture & Wellness:

Pain

People have avoided having back and neck surgeries, and are now pain free!
Knee pain, even from osteoarthritis, has vanished and function is restored.
People are able to go to work and function better without pain.
Headaches and migraines were successfully treated and prevented.
Inflammation has been reduced, and circulation has improved.
Grandparents can enjoy and play with their grandchildren.
Fibromyalgia patients have found relief and can now enjoy life.
Carpal tunnel, tennis elbow, and other arm issues have healed.
Plantar fasciitis, Morton’s neuromas, and other foot issues are gone.
Post-surgery pain and adhesions were relieved.
Patients have started exercising and sleeping better now that they have less pain.

Allergy Elimination

People have been able to eat things that made them feel bad previously and participate fully at social functions involving food!
Visiting friends and family with pets is not a problem for them now that their allergy symptoms are gone.
Rashes and eczema symptoms have subsided once the source of the allergy was found.
Asthma and sinus symptoms have been reduced, and people can resume outdoor activities.
Crucial nutrients necessary for proper body function are better absorbed and utilized.

Women’s Health and Fertility

Acupuncture & herbs can improve hormone function and fertility.

Babies have been born with IVF support and fertility treatments.
Fibroids have been proven to shrink.
PCOS symptoms have vanished, and proper function restored.
Hot flashes and night sweats disappeared for many menopausal women.
Painful periods and hormone dysfunctions have improved.
Moms with morning sickness found relief, and milk production increased.

Emotional/Mental

Acupuncture & herbs can improve brain functions and emotional issues.

Stress, anxiety and depression disappeared for many patients.
Patients have overcome fear and anger that were making life difficult.
Relationships have improved with better flow of emotions.
Some have been freed of emotional traumas.
People suffering with ADHD symptoms have more calm and attention at school and work.
“Brain fog” was replaced with clear thinking and focus.
Insomnia and sleeping problems have improved, and better sleep was restored.
Cycles of addiction to sugar, nicotine, and other substances have been broken.

Other

Vision and eye function have improved, even in patients with macular degeneration.
People dealing with neuropathy, sciatica, and other neurological issues were resolved.
Patients no longer suffer with digestion, constipation, IBS, and gut dysfunctions.

The list goes on and on…

Celebrating 2 years of wellness TOGETHER!

So, Happy Birthday, Allen Acupuncture & Wellness, and congratulations to all the patients over these last 2 years whose bodies have healed and whose lives improved because of it.

What will the next year hold? STAY TUNED for updates!

How could Allen Acupuncture & Wellness help you, a friend or a loved on find Better Health for a Better You? Call 561-285-8562 to find out more with a free 15 minute consultation or to schedule an appointment.

Want to know if your insurance covers acupuncture? Click the button on the Insurance link to find out more.

If you are one of the people helped over the last 2 years, would you please consider leaving a review on Google, Yelp, Healthgrades, or Facebook?

THANK YOU!

April 18, 2019April 18, 2019

Cupping–Spring Cleaning for Muscles

What does cupping have to do with Springtime? Spring is a time for new beginnings. For flowers and trees to bloom. For Konmari-ing the house. But what many may not know is that our bodies needs a little spring cleaning, too! (Keep reading to discover more and for a special discount offer!)

Spring’s energy has a direction, which follows the growth of seeds: the inside (seed) moves outward (seedling) in the process of germination. Some ancient texts also call the direction “upward”. The same direction occurs in our bodies. In South Florida, the direction may not be as dramatic, but as warmer temperatures arrive, the blood vessels dilate, and circulation moves closer to the surface so the body can better regulate the body in warmer temps and more physical activity.

As stated in a previous post about eating for the seasons, it is easier for the body to go WITH the nature of the season, instead of fighting against it. So, at this time of year, it is very beneficial to have cupping done.

Spring is the time for Cupping!

Cupping is the application of a cup-like device to the body with negative (suction) pressure. It pulls from the deep tissue (inner) toward the surface (outer). It follows the direction of Spring, and going with season is synergistic for healing.

Why cupping?

Cupping is an ancient therapy that dates back thousands of years. The first “cups” were animal horns, then bamboo or clay pots. The suction of the cups was produced by rapidly heating the air inside the cup and quickly placing it on the skin. The heated air creates the negative pressure to pull the skin/tissue into the cup. In modern times, this practice is called “fire cupping” and utilizes glass cups. Another form is with silicone cups. The last is with plastic cups with a valve at the top. A pump pulls a metered amount of air out of the cups; the advantage to using these cups is complete control of the suction on the cup.

Cupping has many advantages. One relates to the negative pressure on the tissues. It is the opposite of touch. The pulling can release muscles spasms, break up adhesions, and, most importantly, pull toxins to the skin’s surface such as inflammatory markers, lactic and uric acid, and “old” blood residues that have been sitting deep in the tissue. The skin can better circulate these painful chemicals away to bring relief. Fresh blood supply can then come in to better heal the tissue. In addition, it can help the body release its own opioids for pain relief, and most patients find it very relaxing.

Cupping can also activate the immune and lymphatic systems and has been well-documented to treat skin issues such as herpes zoster, acne, boils, etc… Cupping on certain areas has been shown to clear respiratory infections and activate white blood cells to fight infections.

For more “scientifically worded” info on the benefits, please feel free to click on the following links:

NCCAOM-Science of Cupping

Journal of Traditional and Complementary Medicine: Medical Perspective of Cupping

Modern Cupping

Many celebrities and athletes advertise the advantages of cupping. Michael Phelp’s bruises in the 2016 Olympic Games announced the advantages of this therapy to the world. He used it to recover from strenuous workouts and the rigors of competition. In 2013, Gwyneth Paltrow, Jennifer Aniston, and others have sported their round skin marks publicly.

What about the Bruises??

First, let’s be clear: these marks look like bruises but do not hurt. Bruising with cupping is common, and each bruise type signifies a different underlying problem in the body. In a healthy body with good circulation, bruises can last 3-4 days. If they last longer than 7 days, the body has a circulation problem and may need acupuncture or herbs to help increase circulation. Here’s what the cupping bruises can mean:

Light purple: insufficient blood supply in the tissues

Dark purple or brown: old blood sitting deep in the tissue, also called “stagnation”

Red or brown flecks: toxins or “heat” in the muscles–the kind that sometimes cause the burning sensation in the muscle (don’t worry, the cupping doesn’t “burn”).

Cupping at Allen Acupuncture & Wellness

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is Back-Cupping.jpeg — Cups for back pain relief

Typically, cupping can be included in an acupuncture treatment along with needles, allergy elimination, or auricular therapy. The tight or painful areas can be cupped, releasing the tissue and relieving the problem. Most people find it relaxing because it also releases endorphins just like acupuncture. Kids and adults LOVE it! Children as young as 7 to adults in the 80’s regularly request cupping along with their other therapies because it helps them feel better.

WHAT’S THE DEAL???

Here’s the DEAL! I think everybody should at least TRY cupping! To help expose more people to the benefits, Allen Acupuncture is offering a SPECIAL, 20-30 minute cupping session for only $35! That’s cheaper than a crappy massage!

Tell your family, friends, co-workers, etc… to call or text (561-922-7535), click or email Allen Acupuncture & Wellness for this special deal, now through May 15th, 2019. Make that appointment today!

May 30, 2018May 31, 2018

Key Element to Better Sleep and Less Pain

by Sara Allen, AP, Dipl. OM

Want a better night’s sleep? Less pain? The end to muscle cramps?

For at least 50% of my patients, a good night’s sleep is a problem. For another 50%, pain is a main issue. Another 10% have neuropathy or leg cramps. They all have one thing in common: Magnesium.

Magnesium has 12 protons, and its 2 outer electrons means that it ionically bonds easily with other atoms. These combinations with other elements makes it a diverse and wonderful element. It is the center element in chlorophyl for photosynthesis. It is a major component of our bones and multiple enzymes in the human body. It helps balance calcium in the body, aids potassium absorption, and helps regulate neurotransmitters.

Many people have a Magnesium deficiency; some estimates say that 50-75% of adults do not have enough Magnesium in their bodies. Magnesium is found in foods like dark, leafy greens, legumes and other vegetables, unprocessed grains, meats, seeds and nuts, and chocolate. Consuming the following items actually interferes with Magnesium balance in the body: carbonated beverages, refined sugars, diuretic medications or excess tea and coffee, and imbalanced supplements of calcium and zinc; in addition, stress is a major factor prohibiting the proper absorption and use of magnesium, along with improper gut flora from the overuse of antibiotics.

What benefits does Magnesium provide?

A good night’s sleep may begin with Magnesium. It aids in the production of GABA, the calming, go-to-sleep neurotransmitter. Magnesium can help a person reach the deep, restorative sleep necessary to feel well-rested in the morning. It can also help with the “restless” feeling in the body when it’s time to sleep. It can even help with restless leg syndrome.

Recent studies have shown that Magnesium is a great analgesic, meaning that it can take away pain by blocking pain receptors in the nervous system. An analgesic most people are familiar with is Tylenol. Magnesium is also anti-inflammatory. The most common over-the-counter anti-inflammatories are NSAIDs like ibuprofen. But magnesium is a natural, non-pharmaceutical supplement which can do some of the job that more powerful drugs do.

Magnesium relieves muscle spasms by opposing the contraction-action of calcium on the muscles. Too much calcium causes the muscles to spasm tight, while magnesium causes the muscles to relax. Magnesium also dilates the blood vessels, which can increase circulation, especially to hands and feet.

The same action on bigger muscles to prevent spasms also works on a micro-level in the blood vessels. This dilation of blood vessels can help decrease neuropathy by allowing proper nourishment of nerves and tissues. Also, the anti-inflammatory effect works well on muscles and nerves as well.

In addition to better sleep, and less pain and muscle spasms, Magnesium can also:

Stabilize moods and reduce anxiety; it may also help with ADHD
Reduce cholesterol and high blood pressure
Improve bone mass and prevent osteoporosis
Regulate metabolism, especially of glucose and insulin-sensitivity, which can reduce metabolic syndrome or diabetes

If all this sounds amazing, you may be asking HOW much and WHAT supplement to take?

My favorite way of “consuming” magnesium is through EPSOM SALT foot baths. Epsom salt is made of Magnesium Sulfate, which breaks apart into readily absorbable Magnesium ions in water. The skin is not just a protective layer of the body. It is the largest organ in the body! This organ easily absorbs minerals which then get distributed throughout the body. In this way, the digestive system is bypassed for very efficient intake and distribution, especially to the legs and lower body! This is a great way to reduce leg cramps, neuropathy of the feet, and pain in the legs or low back. In addition, the WARM WATER of the foot bath dilates the blood vessels in the feet, increasing the circulation of the feet and legs, which, in turn, decreases the excess blood flow to the head. This small shift of circulation helps quiet the mind to reduce worry and anxiety before bed. Adding dried lavender or 3 or 4 drops of lavender essential oil to the foot bath and letting the feet soak for 15 to 30 minutes increases the sleep-promoting properties of the Epsom salts.

Magnesium dietary supplements are another wonderful way to get more magnesium in the body, especially when paired with Vitamin D3. Because good gut flora is important for proper magnesium absorption through digestion, taking a probiotic and reducing dietary refined sugars and carbohydrates will also help. One caution: in some people, large amounts of magnesium can have a laxative effect.

Lastly, your body may not be processing magnesium properly. Getting an NAET or allergy elimination acupressure treatment for minerals will help your body absorb and utilize this essential element to the fullest.

Here’s to Better Health for a Better You!