Karen Reynolds Acupuncture

What Acupressure Point is Good for Hangovers & Migraines?

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Question: What is a good acupressure point for a hangovers or migraines?

Answer: Gall Bladder Acupoint Number 8!

Interesting information

Physical Use: Hangovers & migraines

Mental/Spiritual Use: Helps accomplish high pressure decision making

Point Name Translation: Bird Catcher’s Valley

Gall Bladder Acupoint #8 is a fabulous point for treating hangovers and migraines. That being said, it can do even more.

Acupoint names always reflect deeper meaning. Most acupoints can multiple issues. Acupoints referencing “birds” always mean the point supports your spirit in an important way. For example the Chinese character for “valley” in Gall Bladder 8’s name refers to a military term for an area in which there can be no advance or retreat for whomever is down in the valley. It allows the military to destroy a dangerous enemy. “Slaying” a stressful decision which is causing you spiritual distress is a welcome bonus.

Modern day use:  Perfect for strengthening your resolve when you need to make a tough decision.

Location:  In the hairline, approximately ½ inch above the highest point of your ear. Can be tender to touch.

 

 

Gall Bladder 8 Acupoint is useful for treating hangover, migraines and challenges with decision making.

Gall Bladder 8 Acupoint is useful for treating hangovers, migraines and even challenges with important decision making.                            

You can massage Gall Bladder 8 or have an acupuncture session to activate it.

 

Your point-for-the-day, brought to you by

Karen Reynolds Acupuncture

Treatments for Women with Positive Antiphospholipid Antibodies

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Antiphospholipid antibodies contribute to high levels of inflammation. Acupuncture reduces inflammation.

Acupuncture & specific medications reduce inflammation if you have antiphospholipid antibodies

Welcome back to my Autoimmune Fertility series. This blog discusses common treatments for women with positive antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL). In the blog prior to this one, you will see information about how aPL associates with both blood clotting, pregnancy complications and Antiphospholipid syndrome.

My name is Karen Reynolds and I have specialized in acupuncture for women’s health and infertility for 18 years and have been a critical care RN for 29 years. I have fertility patients on various medications to address low levels of antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL) as well as women with a bona fide diagnosis of Antiphospholipid syndrome. Medications are thoughtfully selected by your medical doctor based upon your health history including laboratory testing, your reproductive history and your pregnancy history.

In this article, I want to share information on typically used aPL medications as well as acupuncture. Both are treatments for women with positive anti-phospholipid antibodies  (aPL). Both are also key with improved pregnancy outcomes.

What types of medications treat women with positive antiphospholipid antibodies or with Antiphospholipid syndrome?

Below you will find commonly prescribed medications for aPL or Antiphospholipid syndrome. Broadly speaking, most agents address prevention of blood clots or reduction in inflammation. Please note there are multiple medical approaches with respect to treating aPL. There is also agreement among experts that more research is needed in this area.

A word about anticoagulant medications

Because aPL are intimately connected to blood clot risks or “thrombotic events”, anticoagulant medications are most frequently prescribed by doctors. Historically it was believed that aPL contributed to blood clotting in the placenta which then resulted in pregnancy loss.1 However, over time and examination of placentas, doctors were not finding evidence of this. It is now believed that anticoagulant medications like Heparin or Lovenox help by indirectly reducing inflammation. Specific types of inflammation in your immune system can target and attack fetal cells.2

What specific medicines are used to treat aPL?

There are varieties of medications that are used and these are selected by your doctor. Please note that these may not be the same for each woman owing to different health, reproductive and pregnancy histories.

Pharmaceuticals used to treat aPL

Common Treatments for Antiphospholipid Syndrome

Common Treatments for Antiphospholipid Syndrome

  • Low Dose Aspirin (LDASA)
  • Anticoagulants such as Unfractionated Heparin (UFH) or Low Molecular Weight Heparin (LMWH) (see below for more information on Heparin)
  • Prednisone or Betamethasone
  • Hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil)
  • Chloroquine
  • Indomethacin
  • Intravenous Immune Globulin (IVIG)
  • Pravastatin (can be used in instances of preterm pre-eclampsia)3

 

Why are there different types of Heparin used to treat aPL or Antiphospholipid syndrome?

Unfractionated Heparin (UFH)

This type of Heparin is the oldest in use but is considered limited with respect to aPL treatment. UFH binds more generally to body proteins beyond those in the blood clotting cascade. Dose-response is quite variable person to person too. This means frequent blood draws are needed to monitor bleeding times and a there is a higher risk for bleeding side effects. I have seen intravenous drips of this style heparin emergently used in intensive care units when patients have developed large clots.

Low Molecular Weight Heparin (LMWH)

LMWH products have precise molecular weights which determine specifically where in the blood clotting cascade they work. LMWH are specific also in length of time in which they are active in the body. This means the dose-response is more reliable; so, there are fewer risks for bleeding. Lovenox is the type of LMWH which I most frequently see prescribed by doctors to my patients.

 

So why is an acupuncturist so interested in writing about autoimmune related fertility topics? How can I help and why listen to me?

Acupuncture has been shown to reduce inflammation in autoimmune conditions

Acupuncture has been shown to reduce inflammation in autoimmune conditions

Firstly: at heart, I am a science nerd. At any given time, my home office has at least 2 banker’s boxes stuffed full of research studies which span many topics. I have a passion for studying research, pulling the demonstrated medical facts as we know them at this time, and helping my patients apply that information to make them healthier and happier. My nursing background gives me a solid foundation for understanding what I am studying.

Secondly: there is substantial research showing that acupuncture has the ability to drop levels of inflammation in the body4,5,6,7. This is key for patients with autoimmune diagnoses such as aPL, Lupus, ANA, MTHFR, thyroid and connective tissue issues to name just a few. Reducing inflammatory factors floating around your system is key to a healthy pregnancy. Acupuncture together with conventional medicine optimizes your fertility!

Additional information on Antiphospholipid syndrome can be found here:

https://www.uptodate.com/contents/the-antiphospholipid-syndrome-beyond-the-basics

Thank you for reading!

  • Please leave any questions you may have here and I am happy to answer them.
  • If you found this article helpful, I would appreciate liking my Facebook page at:

https://www.facebook.com/KarenReynoldsLAc

All content here is written personally by me in with the goal that it is be helpful to you. As long as you include the link for this blog entry to credit me as the author, it is fine to repost or share if you wish.

 For scheduling information and appointment availability, do please visit my website at: https://karenreynolds.wpengine.com/

Be well!

~Karen Reynolds, RN, MS, LAc

1Pantham, P., Abrahams, V. M., Chamley, L. W. (2106). The role of anti-phospholipid antibodies in autoimmune reproductive failure. Reproduction, 151, R79-R90.
2De Jesus, G. R., Agmon-Levin, N., Andrade, C. A., Andreoli, L., Chighizola, C. B., Porter, T. F., Salmon, J., Silver, R. M., Tincani, A., & Branch, D. W. (2014). 14th International Congres on Antiphospholipid Antibodies Task Force Report on Obstetric Antiphospholipid Syndrome. Autoimmunity Reviews, 13, 795-813. Retrieved from http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.autrev.2014.02.0031568-9972/
3Pantham, P., Abrahams, V. M., Chamley, L. W. (2106). The role of anti-phospholipid antibodies in autoimmune reproductive failure. Reproduction, 151, R79-R90.
4 McDonald, J.L., Cripps, A.W., Smith, P.K. (2015). Mediators, Receptors, and Signaling Pathways in the Anti-Inflammatory and Antihyperalgesic Effects of Acupuncture. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, Volume 2015, Article ID 975632, 10 pages.
5Xiao, Q.S., Ma, M.Y., Zhang, X.S., Deng, M.H., Yang Yan, Z. (2015). Effect of Acupuncture on Prognosis and Immune Function of Sepsis Patients. Zhongguo Zhong Xi Yi Jie He Za Zhi, Jul; 35(7): 783-786.
6Kim, S K, Bae, H. (2010). Acupuncture and immune modulation. Autonomic Neuroscience: Basic and Clinical, 2010-10-28, Volume 157, Issue 1, Pages 38-41.
7 Ding, S.S., Hong, S.H., Wang, C., Guo, Y., Wang, Z.K., Xu, Y. (2013). Acupuncture modulates the neuru-endocrine-immune network. Quarterly Journal of Medicine, 107, 341-345. doi: 10.1093/qjmed/hct196
Statements have not been evaluated by the food and drug administration. All information on this site is provided as education and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. No information on this site is intended to replace or delay the use of any conventional medical treatment.

 

 

Perimenopause symptoms: 7-Easy Actions You Can Take to Feel Better {Part II of II}

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Did you have any “yes” answers to yesterday’s quiz ?

(See Part I if you missed it.) Perimenopause symptoms can be associated with inflammation. Any yes answers indicate inflammation. Inflammation can be temporary or can be chronic and can often be improved with diet and lifestyle changes.
One way to look at this “silent” inflammation is that it is like oil build-up inside your car engine. Your engine needs oil to lubricate your gears. However, if the oil is dirty, build-up occurs, your gears are stressed, and things may grind to a halt. You might drive around for a long time before your car acts up; but ultimately there is an impact to your vehicle. Your body is like this with respect to inner inflammation. In the beginning you may not be aware it is mounting until joint or vascular changes occur. Atherosclerosis (fatty build up inside blood vessels) is one common example of a vascular issue connected to chronic inflammation.

7 Steps you can take right now to reduce inflammation and reduce perimenopause symptoms:

1.)Avoid environmental and nutritional things to which you are sensitive.

perimenopause symptoms

Photo courtesy of David Castilla Dominici at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

It sounds simple, right? Most of us know we don’t tolerate specific foods or beverages. Yet we still “try them” now and again. It’s like poking a bear with a stick. It’s not worth it. If curry always does a number on your digestive tract: it’s not worth the stress to your system. If you have suddenly become reactive to a wine or a spice or a fruit, it’s really better to avoid it as opposed to mourning that it was once in your diet.

2.)Give up gluten in your diet… ALL gluten.

Even if you are not formally allergic to gluten, there are multiple reasons to avoid it.
Firstly, gluten is highly inflammatory. It is like tossing gasoline onto any inflammation fire inside your body. Professional athletes will avoid gluten after injuries in order to speed wound healing and not burden their systems while trying to heal. If this method works for people in the greatest shape of their lives, it will benefit you too.
Secondly, gluten found in the typical American diet is a hybridized and genetically modified (GMO). It is a foreign substance to our bodies kind of like margarine.
Lastly, gluten is consumed in too much and too often. Gluten will substantially ramp up any inflammatory process happening in your system. A wealth of availability currently exists on gluten-free foods; so do some research.

Specifically avoid:

Wheat, Spelt, Semolina, Barley, Bulgur, and Rye.
Some women can substitute these complex carbohydrates into their diet:
Rice, Potatoes, Quinoa, Wheat-free oats.

 Corn is a wild card. It is a possibility but keep in mind that most corn products in the U.S. are also GMO like wheat (so a foreign substance to our bodies). Corn is also highly inflammatory though, not to the degree of wheat.
The newest research is finding that ALL grains contain gluten-like substances, which can trigger reactions. Many women, myself included are finding that with hormone changes the ability to digest grains becomes problematic.

3.)Weigh yourself each day.

Perimenopause

This photo courtesy of stockimages at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

If you notice an appreciable increase (for example 2 pounds overnight) after eating a certain food you are witnessing inflammation first hand. It is an indicator of intolerance which may be temporary or may not depending upon your unique system. Sometimes cutting an offending food or beverage out for 3-6 months will desensitize your system and you may be able to reintroduce it later.

4.)Increase in your muscle mass and decrease in your body fat.

This does not mean hours and hours in the gym. Even modest shifts in body fat and muscle greatly reduce your tendency to make inflammatory substances. Incorporating weight bearing exercise like free weights will build muscle mass, burn fat and will also strengthen your bones.

5.)Give your body antioxidant rich foods and supplements like:

Berries,
Broccoli,
Carrots,
Tomatoes, ID-100351263
Red grapes,
Garlic,
Spinach,
Green tea.
Vitamin C,
Vitamin E,
Selenium,
Beta Carotene.

6.)Increase your intake of Omega-3 Fatty Acids like:

Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and Gamma Linolenic Acid (GLA). You can also supplement with Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) but this Omega-3 is sometimes harder to absorb if you have multiple inflammatory signs.
Dietary sources of Omega-3’s:
Salmon,
Mackerel,
Tuna,
Flaxseed oil,
Algal oil,
Krill oil.

7.)Get acupuncture!

Research consistently shows that acupuncture reduces inflammation, speeds healing, and reduces things like cortisol levels which ramp up with stress. For scheduling information and appointment availability, do please visit my website at: KReynoldsAcupuncture.com.
Thank you for reading!
  • Please leave any questions you may have here and I am happy to answer them.
  • If you found this article helpful, I would appreciate your like for my Facebook page at: Karen Reynolds, LAc, RN Acupuncture for Optimal Health
  • All content here is written personally by me in with the goal that it is be helpful to you. As long as you include the link for this blog entry to credit me as the author, it is fine to repost or share if you wish. Be well! Karen Reynolds, RN, MS, LAc

Perimenopause symptoms: 7-Easy Actions You Can Take to Feel Better {Part I of II}

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Real comments from clients with perimenopause symptoms:

Perimenopause symptoms

Photo courtesy of stockimages at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

  • “Gail”: Don’t mind me: I’m having my own private summer over here. Rapid disrobing in a seat near you soon.
  • “Ann”: Why is my waist size growing but my diet has not changed?
  • “Lynn”: My body has decided there is apparently no sleeping between the wee hours of 1:30AM and 4AM.
  • “Stephanie”: It’s safe to say I can never sneak up on anyone anymore, because my joints click so much it’s like I have a jingle bell around my neck.
  • “Julie”: I think I need to park a broom outside my front door because I am being such a witch to my poor family!

‘Sound familiar? In my acupuncture clinic, I address both perimenopause symptoms every day. Many problems occur due to hormone shifts, but the other key issue is inflammation. Inflammation is the silent menopausal change you want to consider. The good news is that there are many things you can do to address it.

 

What does inflammation have to do with perimenopause symptoms and feeling better?

Perimenopause symptoms

Photo courtesy of lekkyjustdoit at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

During peri-menopause, hormone levels bump up and down. At menopause, estrogen remains reduced and other organs, such as the adrenals, kick in to make estrogen-like substances. This is a normal process.

While estrogen naturally drops, inflammation naturally increases during peri-menopause. Estrogen is protective for the female body. When it changes: inflammation can and does frequently occur. It might show up as joint pains like frozen shoulder or arthritis or circulation issues like plantar fasciitis or numbness and tingling of the feet. These too are common complaints that respond well to acupuncture.

Inflammation in one respect can be like a scraped knee. There is redness, swelling, pain and heat, right? There are obvious, visual changes. However inflammation in another respect can exist inside your body. Though it’s not visible, it still has an impact. It shows up with things like changes in metabolism, cardiovascular issues, and joint or skeletal problems.

All of this being said: don’t be alarmed. Just be informed. Inflammation serves a valuable purpose of fixing tissue damage; so it’s not all bad. In fact our bodies require it in manageable amounts. For example: exercise creates tiny muscle tears (small inflammations) which actually stimulate growth and health. Tissue repair is important and necessary. However ongoing or raging inflammation, which does not resolve, is problematic. Remember you always have options and action to guide your body from being more inflamed to less inflamed. That is what this blog post will help you to do.

Take this quick quiz below to see if you may have any internal inflammation.

Do you have any of the following?

  • Allergies which may be getting worse?

    Menopause symptoms helped by acupuncture

    Photo courtesy of Stuart Miles at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

  • Popping or clicking joints?
  • Redness or broken blood vessels in your face or neck?
  • Increasing sensitivities to foods or things in your environment?
  • High blood pressure?
  • Elevations in your cholesterol?
  • High blood sugar?
  • Cravings for sugar?
  • Drowsiness after meals?
  • Extra weight around your mid section?

Yes to any of the above, indicates inflammation.

Part II of this blog will post tomorrow. Stay tuned for steps you can take feel better!

Thank you for reading!

  • Please leave any questions you may have here and I am happy to answer them.
  • If you found this article helpful, I would appreciate you liking my Facebook page at:Karen Reynolds, LAc, RN Acupuncture for Optimal Health

  All content here is written personally by me in with the goal that it is be helpful to you. As long as you include the link for this blog entry to credit me as the author, it is fine to repost or share if you wish.

For scheduling information and appointment availability, do please visit my website at: KReynoldsAcupuncture.com.

Be well!

Karen Reynolds, RN, MS, LAc

Car Accidents, Acupuncture & Your Rights~6 Myths U Need 2 Know (Part II)

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I hope this blog post will clarify some common assumptions and keep you safer in the event that you or a loved one is in a car accident. Injured people benefit from acupuncture after car accidents because it reduces pain, speeds wound healing and helps with overall stress. Too frequently, I find that people are not aware of their legal or insurance rights after an accident. Being in pain and stressed out makes decisions much more difficult too. This 2 part interview with personal injury attorney, Scott Kauffman has been inspired by the needs of my car accident patients. The goal is to share commonly held, but hugely inaccurate, myths about what happens in the aftermath of accidents. This is a timely interview with Scott. I trust him. He is smart, experienced, and makes it his life work to help people who have suffered in accidents get the best care possible and best options possible for recovery.

scott-kauffman

 

 

Karen Reynolds, Acupuncturist in Corte Madera, CA:What if I am involved in an accident with an uninsured motorist?  What are my rights?”

Scott J. Kauffman, Personal Injury Attorney in San Rafael, CA: Myth #4 If you purchased uninsured motorist coverage, you have the right to make a claim against your own company for injuries, wage loss and pain and suffering damages experienced following an accident.  

 

Karen Reynolds, Acupuncturist in Corte Madera, CA:I have had patients ask me this question too: “My health plan paid for all of my medical treatment after my car accident and they just sent me a letter requesting to be reimbursed out of my injury settlement.  Do I have to pay them back?”

Scott J. Kauffman, Personal Injury Attorney in San Rafael, CA: Myth #5 Most people do not realize that health insurance companies such as Blue Cross or Cigna, or even Kaiser Permanente always seek to recovery reimbursement for medical expenses related to your accident and paid on your behalf out of your injury settlement.  An experienced lawyer can either secure significant reductions or a waiver of these health insurance claims.

 

Know Your Rights Handwritten on Chalkboard. Time Concept. Composition with Chalkboard and Stack of Books, Alarm Clock and Scrolls on Blurred Background. Toned Image.

Karen Reynolds, Acupuncturist in Corte Madera, CA:I have had patients say they can settle their own injury claims. On the internet it says that insurance carriers will simply pay a multiple of medical bills ie if medical bills total $2,500, they will pay out $7500.00 to resolve the case. Is this accurate? courage

 Scott J. Kauffman, Personal Injury Attorney in San Rafael, CA: Myth #6 No, this is no longer the case. Today, Insurance carriers look at many factors including the type of treatment received, extent of injuries, consistency and length of medical treatment, property damage, mechanism of injury, and many other factors.

For more information or to speak with Scott Kauffman personally, please see his contact information below:

Kauffman & Associates, PC

Personal Injury Attorneys
633 Fifth Avenue
San Rafael, CA 94901
Tel: (415) 507-0507
Fax: (415) 721-7005

http://kauffmanlaw.com

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