SAN FRANCISCO INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE
  • Specialties
    • Acupuncture
    • Dry needling
    • Pelvic Floor Pain
    • Digestive Health
    • Micro-Needling Cosmetic Acupuncture
    • Womens health
    • Emotional Health and General Health
  • New to SFIM
    • ** BOOK NOW **
    • Fees & Insurance
    • Insurance Verification
    • Practitioners
    • FullScript
    • About >
      • What To Expect
      • FAQS
      • Celluma Light Therapy
      • Modalities
      • Long Distance Consultation & Treatment
  • ** BOOK NOW **
  • Blog
  • Contact us

Thyroid Health and Acupuncture

1/14/2017

0 Comments

 
Picture
​Thyroid disease is now estimated to affect one in five women, and one in eight men. In fact, current estimates indicate that up to 60 million Americans likely suffer from thyroid disease--many going undiagnosed. Synthroid (or synthetic thyroid hormone T4) is currently the number one prescribed medication in the United States
Have you noticed that you are tired all of the time? Do you have trouble concentrating? Are you cold and achy? Maybe that you have you been gaining weight even though you eat right and exercising? Are you depressed or do your emotions seem off? If you are having these feelings it is important to know that you are not alone and your symptoms could be the result of a dysfunction in your thyroid
​

​When functioning properly, the thyroid gland secretes just the right amount of thyroid hormone to regulate almost all the metabolic processes in your body. Too much or too little of these vital body chemicals and it can drastically influence energy levels, body weight and your mental health. With over 20 million Americans living with some form of thyroid disease, much attention has been given to the many ways that acupuncture and Oriental medicine can treat thyroid problems.


What is the thyroid?
The thyroid is a butterfly shaped gland that sits in the front of the neck. It is responsible for energy, metabolism, hormone regulation, body weight and blood calcium levels. Thyroid disorders stem from either an overproduction (hyperthyroidism) or underproduction (hypothyroidism) of thyroid hormones. When your thyroid is not functioning properly, your body can experience a variety of symptoms:

Hyperthyroidism:
•  Weight loss despite increased appetite
•  Increased heart rate, heart palpitations, higher blood pressure, nervousness, and excessive perspiration
•  More frequent bowel movements, sometimes with diarrhea
•  Muscle weakness, trembling hands
•  Development of a goiter (an enlargement in your neck)
•  Lighter or shorter menstrual periods

Hypothyroidism:
•  Lethargy, slower mental processes or depression
•  Reduced heart rate
•  Increased sensitivity to cold
•  Tingling or numbness in the hands
•  Development of a goiter (an enlargement in your neck)
•  Constipation, heavy menstrual periods or dry skin and hair

Hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism can be diagnosed by testing the levels of thyroid hormones in your blood. Hormones secreted by the thyroid are measured, as well as thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), a chemical released by the pituitary gland that triggers hormone production in the thyroid. Some milder forms of hypothyroidism can also be detected by a consistently low basal body temperature.

How can acupuncture help?
Both Western and Eastern medicine offer various methods to restore thyroid hormone levels. Western treatments rely mainly on drugs and surgery while Eastern treatments aim to restore immune function as well as balance the production and release of thyroid hormones through a variety of approaches ranging from acupuncture and herbal remedies to lifestyle changes and special exercises.  Acupuncture can be used to restore hormonal balance, regulate energy levels, smooth emotions and help manage sleep, emotions and menstrual problems. There are several powerful acupuncture points on the ear and the body that can be used to regulate the production of thyroid hormones. Treatments take all of your symptoms are taken into account and are aimed at balancing the energy within the body to optimize health.

When it comes to lifestyle changes, a diet rich in protein, calcium, magnesium, and iodine helps support thyroid function while certain foods known as goitrogens may interfere with thyroid hormone production and should be limited. These include cruciferous vegetables (such as cauliflower, cabbage, and Brussels sprouts), peanuts, and soy. Stress reducing exercises such as yoga or tai chi can also be beneficial.

If you have a thyroid problem or have a question, call for a consultation. A custom-tailored treatment plan will be created to suit your individual needs so that you can feel better!


0 Comments

2017 Year of the Fire Rooster: What is in Store for Us?

1/14/2017

0 Comments

 
Picture
After the year of the monkey comes the
YEAR OF THE FIRE ROOSTER
January 28th 2017!

The Rooster being the sign of the Dawn and Awakening, triumph and success can be achieved with hard work and patience in 2017.

The energetic quality for 2017 is the Fire element which expresses inner warmth and insight, as well as the quietness of privacy and family ties.

According to Chinese astrology, a Rooster year is anything but laid-back. Much like its symbolic bird, it’s a year that will be a real wake-up call.  That being said, Rooster years are rarely ever boring, so it'll be a year with a lot of action. That means the year will see its fair share of both drama and productivity. The best advice is to stay organized and don't slack off: "The Rooster favors those who put in the hard work and stick to a plan." 

Although we're transitioning from the Year of the Monkey to the Year of the Rooster in 2017, this year will share its representative element with 2016: fire. That's right, this will be yet another super-charged year.  The same element can affect each sign differently. The Fire Rooster, specifically, is an already-intense sign with an extra side of focus and drive. To say that this year will move at top speed is an understatement.

So, if you were expecting to get a break this year, luck might not be on your side. But that doesn't mean 2017 will be totally thankless, either. Take it as a challenge to meet — and even exceed at — hard work, planning and, hope will help you succeed.  

                     
"The Rooster respects those with strong opinions and a good work ethic.
                                       Be thoughtful about what’s in your heart and go with it."


Are you a Rooster? (1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2017)

Strengths
They are deep thinkers considered to be honest, bright, communicative, ambitious, capable and warm-hearted. They have strong self-respect and seldom rely on others. As most roosters are born pretty or handsome, they prefer to dress up. They have a quick mind and hot temper. They like to be busy and neat. They are not reluctant to fall behind others and hate dawdlers.
 
Weaknesses
They might be enthusiastic about something quickly, but soon might be impassive. They are often a bit eccentric and have difficulty relating with others. They are critical and think they are always right. Like their fortunes, their emotions swing from very high very slow. They can be positive but selfish, caustic and too outspoken. They are narrow-minded and vain. They probably refuse suggestions but would like to lecture others. If they can overcome their arrogance being sincerely in speaking, they will make more progress.


0 Comments

Winter's Wonders - Top Picks For Produce

1/14/2017

0 Comments

 
Picture
Root vegetables are the stars of winter cooking. The key to delicious and healthy food this winter season is knowing a little about what makes these vegetables shine. 

One big bonus to root vegetables is their incredible shelf life.  As the root of the plant, these vegetables are strong and hearty. Meaning they can last for weeks at a time.  These vegetables also store up nutrients, in the form of starch, to sustain the plants during the winter months. 

​

Picture
Celeriac
NPR calls celeriac the "the unsung frog prince of winter vegetables,". Its unique nutty flavor will definitely liven up your routine roasts. Try it as mash, in big-flavored, slow-cook dishes, or in its classic form, and as they do in France, as a remoulade.
Picture
​Parsnip
Like a milder carrot, they go great in roasted vegetable medleys, and they make excellent winter soups. Mashed parsnips are also a great alternative to mashed potatoes. Parsnips are nutrient rich, especially potassium and B vitamins.
Picture
Beets
Beets are a real gem. Beets are a unique source of phytonutrients called betalains. Betanin and vulgaxanthin are the two best-studied betalains from beets, and both have been shown to provide antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and detoxification support.
Picture
Carrots 
​Carrots are under appreciated. Incredibly versatile, they're glorious on their own, puréed into soups and roasted until caramelized.
 
Picture
Sweet Potatoes 
Orange-fleshed sweet potatoes may be one of nature's unsurpassed sources of beta-carotene. Several recent studies have shown the superior ability of sweet potatoes to raise our blood levels of vitamin A
                                                                             More Great Winter Produce 
There are many tasty options for winter produce that are easy to incorporate into your favorite dishes. Produce that’s at its peak in the colder months includes:
  • Citrus fruits, including grapefruit, lemons, oranges, tangerines, and mandarins
  • Kiwis
  • Pears
  • Brussels sprouts
  • Kale and collard greens
  • Dates and date plums
  • Several varieties of squash, including butternut, buttercup, sweet dumpling, and delicata
  • Passion fruit, persimmons, pomegranates, and maradol papaya
0 Comments

S.M.A.R.T Goals!  Helping To Make Resolutions Reality

1/8/2017

0 Comments

 
Picture
​Many of us spend the time around January 1st thinking about all the possibilities the New Year can holds. 

But shaking old habits isn't easy and if you've noticed that past New Year's resolutions have gone unresolved, you're not alone.  

Here's a great tip to organize your goals and help you stick to them in 2017!
​
  • S - Specific: What do you really want to accomplish? Describe your goal in precise terms so there is no confusion as to what needs to be accomplished.  Try answering the "W's"  Who, what, where, when, and why.

  • M - Measurable:  Being able to measure our progress helps us know were getting things done. Make sure you include ways to judge your progress towards achieving your goal.

  • A - Attainable:  Do you have enough control to make it happen? To be realistic, a goal must represent an objective which you are both willing and able to work on.

  • R - Relevant:  Is this goal consistent with your aspects of your life? Does it fit in with immediate or long term plans?  Goals are an important element in the overall plan of achieving your mission and seeing your vision through. Meaningful goals align with your convictions and dreams. Your goals should relate to attaining something that is necessary, of value, and supports your vision. 

  • T - Timing:  What is the evaluation deadline for this goal?  Determine a date, time frame, or schedule for your goal. 
0 Comments

    Archives

    January 2023
    November 2022
    May 2022
    March 2022
    January 2022
    December 2021
    September 2021
    July 2021
    May 2021
    February 2021
    December 2020
    August 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    October 2019
    August 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    November 2018
    August 2018
    June 2018
    April 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    October 2017
    August 2017
    May 2017
    March 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    May 2015

    Categories

    All
    Acupuncture
    Breech
    Chinese Medicine
    Chinese New Year
    Emotional Health
    Emotions
    Health Break
    Herbal Medicine
    Herbs
    Moxa
    Pain
    Pre Natal Health
    Recipes
    Women's Health

    RSS Feed

Proudly powered by Weebly
  • Specialties
    • Acupuncture
    • Dry needling
    • Pelvic Floor Pain
    • Digestive Health
    • Micro-Needling Cosmetic Acupuncture
    • Womens health
    • Emotional Health and General Health
  • New to SFIM
    • ** BOOK NOW **
    • Fees & Insurance
    • Insurance Verification
    • Practitioners
    • FullScript
    • About >
      • What To Expect
      • FAQS
      • Celluma Light Therapy
      • Modalities
      • Long Distance Consultation & Treatment
  • ** BOOK NOW **
  • Blog
  • Contact us