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The Reliable Ally in Implantation: Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine Accompanying IVF One of the most critical stages in the In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) process is the implantation of the embryo. Recent studies have shown that acupuncture and herbal medicine treatments can assist this process and increase the success rate of implantation. Let’s examine how these treatments help impla

  Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) is one of the serious complications that can occur during the IVF process. It is caused by excessive ovarian stimulation and is accompanied by symptoms such as abdominal bloating, pain, nausea, and vomiting. In severe cases, OHSS can be life-threatening, requiring careful attention. In these situations, acupuncture and herbal medicine treatments a

The Role of Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine in Improving Ovarian Function and Egg Quality In the IVF process, the number and quality of eggs are crucial factors that greatly influence the success rate. However, many women face difficulties due to poor ovarian response or decreased egg quality. In these situations, acupuncture and herbal medicine treatments are being suggested as complementary

Acupuncture Relieves Heel Pain 🦶🏻 Can Acupuncture help?   This is a thick, fibrous ligament that runs along the bottom of the foot and connects the heel to the front of the foot Chronic bottom of heel pain, especially when you first get up in the morning? Heel pain can be due to plantar fasciitis, an inflammatory condition of the plantar fascia. This is a thick, fibrous ligament

      Pain is a warning our body sends to itself. Our bodies are sending signals to our brains. I personally think the signals are like, “there seems to be a problem with this part, so keep an eye on it”. There are different types of pain, but I’m going to discuss the common muscle pain that many people experience. In myalgia, the nerves connected to the muscle fibres ar

  Back Pain, Psoas Major Muscle? Quadratus Lumborum Muscle? Hello, this is Dr. Jang. Back pain is one of the main complaints of many patients who visit our clinic. The lower back is the center of our body; hence, it becomes very uncomfortable if you have lower back pain. It is uncomfortable to be in any position such as lying or sitting down – quite literally, impossible to move comfort

What is the correct posture? What causes pain?   When I meet my patients, the question they often ask is “what is the correct posture?”. Looking back, it seems that most of us have never been educated on proper posture in our more than 12 years of compulsory education. As everyone knows, the cause of the pain can be split into two parts: an internal factor caused by increased muscle fati

Electro-Acupuncture? How effective is it? Conventional electric acupuncture refers to a form that provides constant stimulation by inserting a needle into a common acupuncture point and connecting an electric stimulator to the needle. In the traditional acupuncture treatment method, constant stimulation is applied to obtain good results by inserting acupuncture points into the acupoints. You can t

  Panic Disorder : Sympathetic & Parasympathetic nervous systemA caucasian woman in her early 50s visited our clinic with the interest of receiving treatment after her daughter was previously treated at an acupuncture clinic. She stated she was suffering from panic disorder and after much thought, she became interested in treating her mental illness through acupuncture and herbal medicin

Panic Disorder     A Canadian woman in her late 30s visited our clinic. She was taking care of her child who was sick for some time but suddenly a few days after, her own heart started to beat rapidly while sweating intensely which then was followed by a huge wave of anxiety. Her symptoms got better in the afternoon and even better in the evening, but when she woke up the next morning,

  Panic Attack – Can You Treat It With Acupuncture & Herb Treatment? A woman in her mid-30s visited our acupuncture clinic. She had surgery a month ago to remove her cholecystitis, but ever since the surgery, she faced panic attack. Her heart pounded extremely fast, her face was heating up as she was sweating, and she faced a fear that she was going to die. At first, she thought the

      David was suffering from severe depression and even attempted suicide in the past. It is quite easy to notice when depressed patients come into our clinic as they usually have very few facial expressions, which was the case with David. With an emotionless face and drooping shoulders, David sat next to me and explained to me his condition. He stated he experienced trauma durin

“Your Qi is weak.” “Your Qi is stagnated.” If you have ever been treated with Eastern medicine, you have most likely heard of these statements at least once in the past. We do not mention this on purpose nowadays, but when we first started our clinical practices, this was something that was brought up to our patients quite frequently. The reason why we started to avoid this term is that i

In today’s society, it seems to be difficult to avoid getting into one or two car accidents, including those that involve light contact with cars. However, it is common to not be fully aware of the symptoms from accidents other than the general fact that they cause severe pain. It is important to first understand where in the body you feel pain in order to be fully treated. In this blog, we will

  “How can acupuncture treat anxiety?”   This is the common question that patients and anyone who wonders about acupuncture often ask. While general mechanisms are scientifically proven, Acupuncture is still unrevealed or not fully explained yet, and maybe this is why people keep asking questions about Acupuncture. So I am trying to approach it from a different angle, hoping

  Overview   Elizabeth(pseudonym) has been stressed from relationships between her co-workers lately. She often feels heat flaring up to her face and palpitation during meetings, which makes her hard to converse normally. Even after she comes home, it is hard for her to calm down and it takes her 1-2 hours before she falls asleep. She also experiences frequent heartburn and occasional

      Happy Holidays! If you’ve been taking time to enjoy the Holiday season then you’ve probably spent valuable downtime with loved ones, and indulged in one or many holiday dinners. Although balancing work with relaxation and pleasure is an important part of maintaining a healthy life in Eastern medicine, overindulging can lead to an upset digestive system, bloating, and disco

  In Eastern medicine, one of the main principles is the concept of Qi. Qi is the internal energy that constantly flows through you, and when this energy is blocked or unbalanced, your body is thrown out of its optimal state known as homeostasis. When this occurs health conditions can begin to develop. Furthermore, in Eastern medicine, your organs also have their own Qi, as well as a primary

    The holidays are here! That means celebrations, family time, and Christmas dinners. This time of year is incredibly important as in Eastern medicine balance is the key to good health, and this time of year is when most people finally get the chance to wind down and de-stress from all of their work and personal responsibilities. The challenge here is avoiding the temptation to go over

    When learning about Eastern medicine, you’re going to come across the term Qi, pronounced “chee”, a lot. This is because many of the principles of Eastern medicine are based on the concept of Qi, or your internal energy, and keeping it balanced in order to maintain good health. In this blog post, we will be going over the concept of Qi, the different types of Qi, as well as 4 t

    We need our hands to perform an incredible amount of tasks every day, which is why we must address and treat any condition that impedes one’s ability to use their hands as soon as symptoms can be recognized. One of the more common conditions that affect one’s ability to utilize their hands is carpal tunnel syndrome. In this blog post, we will be covering the risk factors and caus

    Turmeric is a common spice that is found throughout different Asian cuisines, and it is also a powerful medicinal herb used in Eastern medicine. In this blog post, we will be covering how this spice is used in Eastern medicine, as well as its benefits from the perspective of Western medicine.   Turmeric in Eastern Medicine In Eastern medicine, Turmeric, otherwise known as Jiang

    Every year, hundreds of thousands of Canadians are diagnosed with some form of cancer, and although treatments have advanced to improve rates of remission, patients often experience a variety of negative side effects during and post-treatment or surgery. Patients who undergo cancer treatment or surgery, can experience a number of side effects including pain, inflammation and swelling

    After the most decorated Olympian of all time, Michael Phelps, attended the 2016 Rio Olympic Games with dark purple circular marks all over his body, the world became aware of an ancient healing technique that has been used in Eastern medicine for thousands of years known as cupping.    But what is it, and how exactly does it help? Keep reading to find out!   How it works

    Using Acupuncture For Athletic Recovery If you’re an athlete, you know that recovery is a crucial component of your training that is necessary for you to perform your best on the field, court, or track. In a previous blog post, Eastern Medicine for Sports Performance, we covered how the health of your joints, bones, and muscles are directly related to the health and function of you

    Insomnia is no joke! If you’ve experienced it, then you know all about the restless nights and the following day’s fatigue.    Insomnia is a sleep disorder that can make it incredibly difficult to fall asleep and stay asleep. It can also cause you to wake up early, and make falling back asleep very challenging. For some, stress or trauma can cause them to have difficulty sl

    Premenstrual syndrome, otherwise known as PMS, is a condition that affects over 90% of women menstruating. When women are experiencing this, they can undergo changes to their emotions, physical health, and even behaviour. Just as every woman has a unique menstrual cycle, the symptoms of PMS also affect every woman differently. Its symptoms can range from causing slight discomfort, to

    Have you ever had a difficult time focusing on tasks? Whether your lack of focus affects your schooling, career, or personal life, it’s a frustrating problem that can be incredibly discouraging. Instead of using external tools, stimulants, and willpower to improve your focus, you should solve this problem from within. By making changes that set you up for success with Eastern medic

      As the season’s change and temperatures get colder, one thing that returns to mind is the common cold. While some people are able to soldier through the symptoms of the common cold, for many, symptoms of the common cold can significantly impact their ability to enjoy their routine days.   That is why in this blog post, we will be sharing how you can prevent the comm

      One of the many benefits of herbal treatments from Eastern medicine is that they can be used to treat your conditions and symptoms with little-to-no side effects. However, another aspect of herbal medicine that differs from typical prescription medication from Western medicine, is that some of the herbs you use to treat your specific conditions can be used to promote your over

    Has coffee lost its magic?   If you start your day like most of us, that means a cup of coffee is one of the first things you reach for during your morning routine. After many mornings and countless cups of coffee, you have probably had to increase your caffeine intake just to overcome your tolerance.    In the short term, it has a number of benefits that can help you get

    From the perspective of Eastern medicine, your internal energy known as Qi, can influence your physical and mental well-being. It constantly flows through you, and when your Qi is compromised you can develop a number of conditions.   In this blog post, we will be covering just one of the many conditions that may be caused by a Qi deficiency, chronic fatigue. Keep reading to lear

    From the perspective of Eastern medicine, when every factor of health is in a balanced state, one has the highest chance to get pregnant. One of the most important factors of health is eating a balanced diet of whole foods.   In this blog post, we will cover what foods to incorporate into your diet, and how they can improve your chances of pregnant.   Fats As a result of mi

    There are many ways to improve your sports performance, however, one method that is often overlooked and misunderstood is utilizing Eastern medicine. Unlike other methods of athletic development which tend to focus on muscular hypertrophy, as well as strength and speed, to utilize Eastern medicine to improve your sports performance you must understand the role of your organs.  

    Stress is more than just pressure from work, school, and relationships, or when you’re uncomfortable in unfamiliar or dangerous environments. Stress is a physiological response to these things, and when your body is constantly responding to stress over extended periods of time, your health can be affected.   In our last blog post we covered 5 Self-Acupressure Points For Stress

    5 Self-Acupressure Points For Stress Relief Acupressure utilizes the same concept of acupuncture but in a less invasive way. Similar to acupuncture, acupressure is used to stimulate the flow of Qi by applying pressure to specific points throughout the body to removing blockages. Most importantly, unlike traditional acupuncture, you can use acupressure massage techniques on yourself

    From the perspective of Eastern medicine, your kidneys are responsible for balancing your Yin and Yang energy, and Jing which is another form of energy linked with reproductive health and aging.   In this blog post, we will cover the role of your kidneys in Eastern medicine, and 3 ways you can promote kidney health.    While other organs contain their own respective Yin an

    One of the most important components of your overall health is your digestion! Without healthy digestion, you can’t absorb the energy and nutrients from the food you consume, and this can lead to a wide range of symptoms and conditions. Furthermore, from the perspective of Eastern medicine, your digestive system and the organs within it are all interconnected with each other and th

    The Szechuan Lovage Root, otherwise known as Chuan Xiong, is a herb used in Eastern medicine primarily due to its ability to invigorate blood, move qi, and dispel wind.   In Eastern medicine, proper blood flow and circulation is a crucial component of health. If your circulation is compromised you can experience a variety of symptoms, and develop a number of conditions. When you

    The Basics of Tongue Diagnosis How your body looks and feels can be a great indication of your health, but did you know your tongue can say a lot about your health too?   In Eastern medicine, a tongue diagnosis is used as one of the techniques to assess your health, as its shape, coating, and colour can reflect imbalances occurring in your body. Specific areas of the tongue can

    Gastroesophageal reflux, otherwise known as acid reflux, is a condition that is typically caused by eating too much, or eating certain foods. As a result of poor eating habits, acid from your stomach can move up into your esophagus which can cause discomfort or chest pain, known as heartburn.   From the perspective of Eastern medicine, acid reflux and the following heartburn is

    Did you know that strokes are the leading cause of long-term disability in Canada, and the third leading cause of death?   They are a severe occurrence that can leave someone with temporary or even permanent disabilities. Luckily their risk factors can be controlled, and acupuncture can be implemented to reduce the likelihood of having a stroke. In addition, when acupuncture is

    Whether it’s because summer is here and you want to be looking your best for a trip to the beach, or you’ve noticed you’ve gained some extra weight during the Coronavirus pandemic, or anything else, weight loss can be an intimidating and confusing challenge!    In addition to the overwhelming amount of information available today in regards to fitness, nutrition, and weig

    Although essential, we often take our ability to breathe regularly for granted until we come down with a runny nose and cough. Without the ability to breathe properly, even the most mundane tasks can become a physical challenge. Luckily Eastern medicine has a variety of herbs that can be prescribed to strengthen the lungs with little-to-no side effects.   In Western medicine, yo

    Developing an addiction and dependence to nicotine is considerably more difficult than losing one. If you’ve ever tried quitting smoking, you know that it’s a tough battle with constant successes, failures, and temptation. However, quitting smoking is also one of the most important things you can do for yourself and for the people around you. In this blog post, you will learn abo

    Do you suffer from dull or sudden sharp pains in your neck? Then you’ve experienced neck pain and understand the impact it can have on your day-to-day activities. Today, more and more people of all ages are experiencing this yet solutions from Western medicine remain limited.   It is typically caused by two things, bad habits sustained over long periods of time, or through spe

    Astragalus is a herb that has been used in Eastern medicine for thousands of years, and can be found throughout different regions of Asia. When Astragalus is prescribed as herbal medicine, it can be ingested in several forms, including powders, teas, capsules, or even liquid extracts. In addition, it has been proven to contain antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which make

    Rejuvenate Your Skin With Facial Acupuncture Eastern medicine has used acupuncture for thousands of years to treat a variety of conditions and diseases. But, did you know that acupuncture can also be used for skincare? Unlike other skincare treatments such as Botox, facial acupuncture can be used to improve the overall appearance and health of your facial skin without harmful side ef

    Far too many of us suffer from headaches. Whether that means you experience an uncomfortable dull-nagging-pain, or a debilitating stabbing-migraine, any headache can negatively affect your mood and get in the way of your daily activities. Not only do headaches have a wide range of severity in regards to symptoms, but they also have a wide range of causes.   In Eastern medicine,

  Although acupuncture is an ancient practice, more and more people from pro athletes to average fitness enthusiasts are using it to treat injuries and improve their performance. When treating injuries, acupuncture can speed up the healing process and relieve pain, and when used to improve performance, acupuncture can increase coordination and enhance sport-specific skills. Treating Injur

    Chinese Motherwort, or Yi Mu Cao, is an ancient herb native to Asia and South Eastern Europe. For thousands of years it has been used for medicinal purposes to treat a variety of conditions including heart disease, anxiety, and infertility. Although it has been used as medicine for almost 2000 years, it is still commonly used in China, and is gaining popularity in North America. &nbs

  When your GI tract is filled with air or gas bloating occurs in your abdomen. When this happens, your stomach may feel full or tight, and it may appear larger. Symptoms of bloating can result in a range of slight to severe discomfort. In Westen medicine, causes of bloating include: Eating foods that produce more gas, or trigger sensitivities e.g. lactose intolerance Overeating Swallow

    Atopic dermatitis, more commonly known as eczema, is a condition that irritates one’s skin. There is currently no definitive cure, but there are a variety of methods Eastern medicine uses to encourage homeostasis and treat symptoms.   Typically, one develops eczema as a child and “outgrows” it into adulthood. However, some people continue to experience varying degrees of e

    Zi Su Ye, otherwise known as Perilla Leaf, is a herb that naturally grows in Asia. It can be found in China, Korea, India, and throughout Southeast Asia. In addition to being consumed to treat a variety of ailments, it is also consumed in a variety of Asian cuisine.   When used as medicine, it can treat symptoms that affect the digestive and respiratory systems including:  

Period pain or menstrual cramps, is an experience women all over the world go through. The pain itself can range from a mild yet manageable discomfort, to a debilitating pain that can interfere with one’s everyday activities. Unfortunately for many, it simply becomes a part of their standard routine. From the perspective of Eastern medicine, it is caused by an obstruction of Qi and blood. While

    Tui na is an acupressure massage technique that originated in Ancient China. It utilizes rhythmic compression along the energy channels of one’s body, as well as a variety of other techniques that focus on manipulating and lubricating one’s joints. By directly affecting the flow of energy at acupressure points, Tui na is able to treat a variety of conditions. Some common ones inc

What is IBS?   IBS or Irritable Bowel Syndrome, is a common condition that affects the digestive system. Individuals who have IBS typically experience symptoms for the entirety of their lives. Some symptoms of IBS include:   Stomach cramps Bloating Diarrhea Constipation Gas/Bloating   Someone with it can experience these symptoms for days, weeks, or months at a time. However, the

Seasonal Allergies   Spring is approaching, and for many of us that means experiencing itchy and swelling eyes, a runny nose, and a scratchy throat. These symptoms are the result of your body reacting to allergens such as pet dander, mold, dust mites, and pollen. In response to these allergens, your body’s immune system releases inflammatory substances such as histamines resulting in many c

  Healthy blood flow is one of the most crucial parts of the human body. Without proper blood circulation, numerous health issues can arise such as numbness, muscle cramps, throbbing pain to more serious issues like atherosclerosis, which occurs when plaque builds up in blood vessels. It essentially keeps us alive as blood carries fresh oxygen, hormones and nutrients throughout our body. A la

    Liver in Eastern medicine is widely associated with stress. High levels of stress directly affect our liver qi and can cause the qi flow to become stagnant. The liver is viewed as an important factor in our health as it is in charge of the smooth flow of qi in our body. Therefore, untreated or constant stress can have a detrimental effect on our overall health. Stress is one of the m

    Fatigue can occur for a number of reasons. Whether you are not getting enough sleep, overworking your body, exerting too much physical activity or not eating the right nutrients, your body may become too stressed and result in displaying signs of fatigue. The list of causes does not end here. It comes in many forms and has many causes. Other causes of fatigue include obesity, adrena

    When people say Eastern medicine, the first thing that usually comes to mind is acupuncture or herbal medicine. However, moxibustion is a very big component of Eastern medicine with so many great healing benefits. Though not quite as popular as acupuncture or herbal medicine, moxibustion is highly effective and is especially great for treatments that require warming up the body. Moxa

    Herbal medicine is a vital component of Eastern medicine and has been used for thousands of years as a form of treatment. Herbs are considered a fundamental source of therapy for many acute and chronic conditions, and is highly popular in many East Asian communities. Herbal medicine is effective in treating various kinds of ailments and conditions that range from something simple as

    Low back pain is by far the most common reason people seek a health care practitioner, with 80% of the world’s population reporting back pain at least once in their lives. In the United States, chronic low back pain is the single highest category of scheduled doctor visits.   The main causes of back pain come from strains (tears in muscles caused by sudden force), sprains (ove

    Anxiety occurs from a number of factors but the most common reason is high levels of stress. Stress can happen from conflict, being in crowded areas, overworking, and more depending on the individual. However, these days, many people are becoming more and more stressed due to the pandemic and the need to constantly stay indoors. With the rise in the number of people becoming anxious,

    Teenage years are usually when you are most susceptible to severe and visible acne, while adult acne may also be a common problem for some. Regardless of the age, acne is undesirable and can leave many feeling vulnerable and self-conscious. These feelings of sensitivity can lead to other more damaging issues to the body, such as depression and anxiety, which can have an adverse effec

    As summer turns to fall and fall turns to winter, we experience various changes in our lives. From shorter daylight hours to colder temperatures and less motivation to get outdoors, some people are affected by these changes more than others. Seasonal affective disorder, also known as SAD, is a condition that is considered as a form of depression. SAD is a relatively common condition

    The Liver plays an important role in overall health and wellbeing. The role of the Liver is different in Eastern and Western medicine. In Western medicine, the Liver is in charge of regulating the body’s digestion, metabolism, detoxification and immune modulation. In Eastern medicine, the Liver has a much more complex role in the human body.   Eastern medicine views the Liver

    Insomnia is a form of sleep disorder that refers to an interference in normal sleep patterns. A person with insomnia will experience difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep. Symptoms of insomnia include frequently waking up during the middle of the night and having trouble falling back asleep. In Eastern medicine, insomnia is recognized as an imbalance of energy, also known as th

    We discussed the importance of the spleen qi in our previous blog post, now let us talk about some helpful tips to strengthen yours. In Eastern medicine, different organ systems in the body have different responsibilities, and each works in conjunction with one another to keep the body healthy as a whole. One of those organs is the spleen. It is one of the most commonly weakened orga

  Spleen Qi Deficiency in Eastern Medicine Eastern medicine looks at the body as a whole with various inter-connected systems working together in harmony. Problems in one part of the body may be a result of a lack of energy flow or qi through the entire body. While the spleen in human anatomy refers to the immune system and is responsible for the production of white blood cells, it means some

    Many of us have felt anxious at one point in our lives and for some, anxiety may be a recurring condition. Anxiety, which refers to excessive worrying that can lead to difficulties in daily life, can be hard to control alone. Especially now with the ongoing pandemic, mental health issues and anxiety in particular, may be a common problem that many of us are struggling to overcome. Ac

    The aftermath of a car accident can be painful to deal with and debilitating for some if left untreated. Acupuncture has shown to be an effective method of treatment for those sustaining auto injuries. This gentle and safe form of treatment helps to alleviate pain and speed up the healing process to get you on your road to recovery as quickly as possible. Acupuncture’s approach to

  Acupuncture for the Winter Season Transitioning from summer and fall to winter may be more difficult for some than others. With winter comes the cold and the darkness that may put many people in a sluggish and depressed state. This feeling is normal and is simply our body’s natural cycle and response to the environment. As our surroundings seem to slow down, utilizing this time to recharg

Vote for Greenleaf Clinic for the Best of Vancouver! The Best of Vancouver 2020 Reader’s Choice Awards has returned!   The Georgia Straight is hosting its annual Best of Vancouver Reader’s Choice Awards this year where locals can vote for their favourite people, places and businesses that they believe deserve the recognition and support. The winners of the Best of Vancouver Reader’s Cho

    Boost Your Immune System It’s not a lie when we say the key to good health is having a strong immune system. Your body is constantly fighting with bacterias, viruses, and other toxins that we inhale or eat every day. The goal of traditional Eastern Medicine is to create a balance in the body, helping the body’s qi or energy force. When the qi is an imbalance, the body is more p

    June is Pride Month. LGBTQ+ communities and LGBTQ+ supporters from all over the world celebrate together for the LGBTQ+ social and self-acceptance, legal rights, achievements, and pride. Every year, Vancouver sunbathes in the warm afterglow of Pride Month as well. Here at GreenLeaf Clinic, we also take this time to reflect on the importance and interpretation of LGBTQ+ friendly pra

    Rhinitis Diagnosis & Treatment   Overview   A 23-year-old male named Mason, visited our clinic with symptoms of hay fever. Whenever the weather got cold, he experienced the following symptoms: a runny nose with clear mucus, sneezing, nasal congestion, and coughing. Symptoms got worse in the mornings after he woke up from sleep or when the weather was windy and chilly.

    Cure Depression & Insomnia By Treating Shortness of Breath   Overview   A 26-year-old woman, Mia, visited our clinic with symptoms of depression and insomnia. Ever since she was young, she always experienced symptoms of depression and bipolar disorder. She had issues falling asleep and when she did fall asleep, she slept usually around 5 AM. Therefore, she was often n

      Overview   Logan, a 74-year-old man, visited our clinic mainly for the symptoms of insomnia. He had issues falling asleep and even when he did fall asleep, he would wake up often during his sleep. According to Logan, his recent day to day life looked like this: He would feel angry very easily and had difficulty controlling the anger. Also, whenever he got angry, his hand

  Hypermetabolism & Excessive Sweating Overview   Liam (pseudonym), a 32-year-old man, visited our clinic, saying that every summer he feels exhausted and tired to an extent where it is difficult for him to live his daily life. Thanks to his healthy and strong physique and stamina, he believes he does not feel particularly tired in any other seasons. Yet, whenever the weather gets h

  Overview   Adrian (pseudonym), a 36-year-old man, visited the hospital for symptoms of heartburn. He often suffered from indigestion, but even though he never overate or was under a lot of stress, the symptoms of heartburn and feeling stuffed would get worse. There were times he felt nauseous and would vomit. He would also often experience diarrhea and watery stools, and these symptoms

    The biggest challenge faced when teaching Eastern medicine to students in school is that the physiological functions of liver, bowels, heart, and spleen described in Eastern medicine are told differently from what modern medicine has discovered. For example, in modern medicine, the function of a liver is to detoxify and discharge various toxic substances, process and store the food i

    What is Yin and Yang in the body?   Yin and Yang are the philosophical and scientific terms of ancient Asia. A book would not even be sufficient to contain all the concepts of the yin and yang so in this article, we will be only mentioning how the concept of yin and yang was created from certain phenomena or symptoms inside a human body.   Yin essentially talks about body f

    A famous celebrity chose to drop out of all running programs due to his symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder. On one talk show he appeared on in the past, he discussed about himself which made it easy to notice that he was emotionally unstable, but it was hard to imagine that he was in a much more difficult situation. However, come to think of it, how honest can a celebrity reall

    A lean caucasian woman in her 40s visited our clinic due to difficulties sleeping at night. Insomnia does not occur suddenly without showing any other problems in the body. As soon as we asked the patient if she had any other symptoms, she began to list them all out hastily. The first problem was difficulty digesting food. She often experienced indigestion, acid reflux and frequent b

  What Happens to the Body When It’s Stressed? When asking “Do you have a lot of stress?” a common answer given to us at consultations is “Is there anyone who doesn’t?” Obviously it is impossible to be completely without stress since it is a reaction to the various stimuli we are exposed to simply by living. However, it is important to remember that the body’s response to st

    Julie is a working woman in her 20s. She is very ambitious when it comes to her work so she always has the urge to fulfill all tasks by herself in a perfect manner. She knows how to take care of tasks fully by herself and has a strong sense of self-esteem. Starting from a few months back, Julie became generally tired and began to lose her appetite. This was a clear result of her stre

    Phillip, who called last week to ask about gastrointestinal issues, finally visited our clinic. We were expecting Phillip to describe symptoms of indigestion or heartburn based on our phone call, but in the one week between his visit and our phone call, his symptoms evolved into vomiting. Phillip further explained that while he expected to vomit when eating food, he found that he als

    Many people who have neuropsychological symptoms such as insomnia and anxiety commonly complain of heartburn. Conversely, patients who come to our clinic for heartburn end up diagnosed with insomnia and anxiety. This is because gastrointestinal and neuropsychological disorders are inextricably linked. People who say “I have heartburn” will burp frequently and say that they are ex

    This is one of the most common complaints we receive at the clinic. However, because digestion can have many causes, it is crucial to have a more in-depth discussion with the patient. Indigestion is caused either by the congestion and inflammation of the solar plexus or by the bloating of the chest which induces a feeling of stuffiness. The first step is for the doctor to determine i

    Mary had terrible menstrual cramps. Even with painkillers, the first and second days of her menstruation would always negatively impact her regular daily activities. Her menstrual blood was dark and contained a lot of blood clots. Mary had an office job and a large portion of her stress came from her work. She found it difficult to have any sense of freedom at her job most likely due

    1. What can I do to prevent myself from getting a cold?   First off, it is safe to assume that the cold virus is present wherever and whenever. Due to a virus’ complex nature and its constantly mutating genetic structure, complete defense against a virus is difficult even with a vaccination. As we all know we are most prone to sickness when our immune system weakens. So the qu

    We had a patient named Mike (alias) who suffered from severe diarrhea. Every time he ate a meal or endured a stressful incident, he would experience diarrhea. Given these circumstances, he strangely still had an appetite for food and ate regularly. It was difficult for us to identify any signs of stomach aches or an upset stomach for Mike. His situation seemed to be limited to the la

Anxiety Symptoms & Treatments for Youth   A highly reserved male high school student visited our acupuncture and herb clinic with his father. The student was always an athletic individual, but one day when he entered the gym, his heart began pounding and his legs started shaking. This reaction would consistently appear every time he entered the gym, which resulted in the student being una

    A college student came to our acupuncture clinic after feeling chest tightness and congestion. As the student was explaining the hardships, her voice tone was not very high and she did not talk that much. It turned out, she was also experiencing severe depression and was having trouble sleeping at night. She explained how her face was often hot with a fever and she would often lose h

  Acupuncture Treatments for Recurrent Cystitis   Cystitis is a common inflammation among women to the point where it is safe to say that very few women have probably never experienced it in their lifetime. Women are more susceptible to this infection than men because they have much shorter and straighter urethrae, which results in a greater likelihood for germs to enter. There are many

    There are many prescriptions for colds. Many people also develop their own remedies that have been proven to be useful from personal experiences. The most common solution to fighting colds is to drink lots of water, eat fruits rich in vitamin C and get a lot of rest. If that is the case, how does Eastern medicine approach colds and cure them? For this blog, we will talk about such vi

    There was a female patient who came back to Vancouver after completing university in Toronto. A strange environment, difficult relationships with peers, study hardships, and more, contributed to the challenging times there. Eventually, at some point, her heart began beating rapidly, she was always nervous and her hands began to tremble. She was always an athletic individual but afte

  Example 1. A 26-year-old woman visited the hospital saying she was suddenly experiencing indigestion. She stated that she has never experienced indigestion to this extreme before. With her indigestion, she also experienced severe constipation and her face would become heated. Her menstruation came with severe pain as well as large clots of blood. Example 2. A 37-year-old woman visited an

The Relationship Between Stress, Anxiety & Diarrhea   Rose, who was in her mid-30s, had been suffering from diarrhea for 5 years, with the cause being unknown. Her diarrhea, which started for no particular reason, still continued about three to five times a day. She felt as though her stomach was full of gas and when she felt stressed, the gas seemed to get worse in addition to a stomacha

  Heartburn & Claustrophobia Jim (false name), who is in his late 40s, has been suffering from severe heartburn for years. He has been taking one Zantac pill a day and barely soothing his heartburn. Jim is a well-motivated businessman with a lively personality. He has a good physique and strong stamina, but starting from not long ago, he began experiencing an accelerated heart rate and sh

  A man in his 40s visited our clinic complaining about insomnia and anxiety not long after we started our business. After hearing his story, we came to understand that the man was kidnapped when he was a child. He came to be our first PTSD patient. PTSD describes symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) after being psychologically traumatized in an accident that has been physica

    In her early 20s, Emilie (false name) had been suffering from severe depression for two years. Having trouble adapting to school and a new environment, she sighed frequently, experienced stuffiness (tightness) from the pit of her stomach to all around her chest, loss of appetite when she was stressed, indigestion and dizziness after eating. She experienced hot flashes and had�

  Panic Disorder Resulting From Hyperactive Amygdala Maggie (false name), in her early twenties, experienced panic disorder after a robbery incident a few years ago. She was fine in general, but when she was stressed or alone in a quiet area, she started to feel breathless, her heart was pounding and she felt trembly. Since this didn’t happen very often, she thought it would get bett

    Jessica (false name), in her early 30s, had been suffering from anxiety disorder for two years. When she was stressed or nervous, she experienced palpitations, became breathless and especially experienced digestive issues in which she became bloated and nauseated frequently. Daily errands, such as getting groceries were difficult for Jessica because she felt nauseous and experi

    Elizabeth (pseudonym) had been stressed from relationships between her co-workers. She often felt heat flaring up to her face and palpitations during meetings, which made her hard to converse normally. Even after she came home, it was hard for her to calm down and it took her 1-2 hours to fall asleep. She also experienced frequent heartburn and occasional abdominal pain.  

  In the last three articles about insomnia, we detailed the types of insomnia characterized by difficulty falling asleep. Today, we will shift focus to insomnia that causes a sleeping person to wake up frequently throughout the night, or to wake up and remain awake, unable to fall back to sleep. Insomnia marked by interrupted sleep may not seem as severe as insomnia that inhibits falling as

    In the book, “The Highly Sensitive Person,” author Elaine Aron presents criteria used to self-identify as a sensitive person.  A subset of statements, caught our attention:   I am very sensitive or have a low tolerance to pain. After a busy day, I need to hide in bed, a dark room, or other place where I can be alone in a low stimulus setting. I am especially sensit

    In the last article (Can Eastern Medicine Treat Insomnia?), we explained in general terms that insomnia may be initiated by either a hyperactive Sympathetic Nervous System (SNS) or an under-performing Parasympathetic Nervous System (PSNS). Today, we will talk in more detail about SNS initiated insomnia, as well as the treatment for it. But first, it’s helpful to understand t

    Insomnia is an extremely oppressive condition to live with, attacking both our physical and mental well-being. Unfortunately, many people continue to suffer unnecessarily. Their concerns may be dismissed by people who have not personally suffered from insomnia, and who usually fail to fully appreciate just how life-affecting it can be. Some may dismiss the seriousness of insomnia by

    To answer the question, understanding why we have pain is important. Pain is a protective reaction and warning to let us know that something needs correction. Poor posture and overstraining tired and weakens your muscles.         For instance, looking down at your phone for a long time or repeating a motion that can overstretch and misuse your muscles will cause

Stress, anger and anxiety     Overview   Elizabeth(pseudonym) has been stressed from relationships between her co-workers lately. She often feels heat flaring up to her face and palpitation during meetings, which makes her hard to converse normally. Even after she comes home, it is hard for her to calm down and it takes her 1-2 hours before she falls asleep. She also experiences fr

LBP (lower back pain) accounts for a large number of population in North America. Acute pain becomes a chronic pain, and it often leads up to an irritable, grumpy and depressed character, and I kindly use that as an excuse to keep calm and be nice when I associate with such characters. Why not change up the mind and when you happen to cross someone who is irritable and negative, enlighten the pers

  [vc_row][vc_column][vc_empty_space][vc_message message_box_style=”solid” style=”square” message_box_color=”mulled_wine” icon_fontawesome=”fa fa-check”]Foods that do not help with digestion and interfere with the absorption of herbal medicine.[/vc_message][vc_column_text] Pork belly, flour, radish, mung beans and coffee will likely reduce the

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] Overview A patient has been visiting our clinic who has been suffering from a digestive disorder. She underwent an endoscope, but nothing conclusive was found in the results. Generally if nothing is found through the endoscope, the next step would be to assess the patient’s emotional and psychological state.   If someone has a digestive disorder, anxiety

Anxiety after a car accident [vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]There are many things that can cause anxiety. A car accident is also one of them. Car accidents cause not only physical pain but also mental damage, such as insomnia and anxiety. These mental symptoms are called post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).   When I see a patient with PTSD, I always check the gallbladder meridian, which

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]At my clinic, I commonly see patients who complain about axiety problems. Modern society creates complicated situations and accordingly this can cause more stress. Therefore the modern human is prone to have anxiety disorders and or attacks. Here is a typical case of an anxiety attack. I’d like to explain how acupuncture and herbal medicine are working together

People suffer from insomnia always have other symptoms like depression, anxiety, anger issue and anemia, and etc. When I see those insomnia patients, I have to differentiate insomnia types. Here is a typical insomnia case which has other symptoms.   She was in her early 30’s. She hardly fell in sleep and also waked up frequently during sleep. She felt fatigue all the time. Indigestion probl

Common mistake for ankle sprain treatment When I was in school for Eastern Medicine, I also had to study a lot about Western Medicine. At that time, My teacher, who is western doctor, told us for the first 36-48 hours post-injury we put ice pack on the ankle. However she also told us we had to change from ice pack to hot pack after 48 hours. Otherwise, ice pack prevent blood circulation and delay

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] Meridians is the most important concept of acupuncture. My patients often ask me “Even though pain is generating shoulder, why you put acupuncture on my feet?” If you understand meridians, you can find an answer easily.   Energy(I call Qi, pronounced “chee”) is circulating the body. There is the pathways which the energy circulates.