As we inch back to a more "normal life” – its going to be different, we need to keep in mind that the virus will still be around for a while.  Its not the time to be caught off guard and let our body and immune system get weak.

So, let’s review some tips that will help keep our immune defense mechanisms at their highest level and keep us healthy in the midst of these new changes.

Lifestyle essentials:

• A healthy immune-support diet includes a good amount of proteins and nutrient-rich fruits & veggies.
• Exercise (while respecting the social distancing orders) can boost your immune response and keep your blood oxygenated.
  • Washing your car for 45 minutes to an hour.
  • Gardening for 30 to 45 minutes.
  • Raking leaves for 30 minutes.
  • Dancing for 30 minutes.
  • Walking 2 miles in 30 min
  • Low impact biking: 5 miles in 30 min
  • Walking stairs for 15 min
• Try to decrease the stress response that brings up cortisol and adrenaline, two hormones that will impact the production of our natural killer cells. Try yoga, listening to soft music, meditation, anything that helps you relax will work.
• New to mediation? Feel like you're "doing it wrong"? If the new age spin on meditation puts you off and you are looking for a more scientific approach, we recommend the free pocast/app/youtube videos: 10% Happier. Dan Harris, the author, is a news anchor who found meditation and is a great guide for those of us who don't understand what "soften your mind" really means. 
• Get enough restorative sleep which is important to stay strong and healthy.

Supplements for immune support (available in office, mailed to you, or via wellevate):

• Our top trio Vit C / COLOSTRUM / GLUTATHIONE
• We also have tailor made medical herbal formulas to meet your exact needs. Please contact us and schedule a quick phone appointment 
• For those who don't like taking pills we've got Immuno Chews and Wellness Syrup from Taproot Medicine
• Vitamin D - researchers are trying to figure that out the benefits of Vit D. There are at least 8 studies are listed on clinicaltrials.gov to evaluate vitamin D's role in preventing or easing COVID-19. Pre-Covid we've known that vitamin D can modulate the immune system and needed for calcium absorption. 
• Peptide n1 Thymosin Alpha to boost your "natural killers cells," the “navy seals” of your immune system which are able to bind to the virus and deactivate it.
• Custom made herbal formulas to match exactly where your body is. 

Not sure what's going on with your body?  Take our Metabolic Health Survey 
 
Contact us for orders and get up to 15% off retail and the best dosage recommendations for your body - avoid Amazon and support a small business!

How Acupuncture Treats Neck Pain
TCM views all health problems holistically. We can not only treat the symptoms of neck pain and stiffness, often providing relief of sore neck and muscle spasm in neck, but will carefully consider the whole picture of symptoms and lifestyle habits that are contributing factors. We will look for the root cause of neck pain and address that, so that the pain does not return again and again. An acute condition that involves neck strain and soft tissue injury will be treated differently than a chronic condition related to the vertebrae and discs.

Patients who are new to acupuncture may be surprised when their practitioner begins inserting needles, and none of them are going into the area that hurts–in this case, the neck. But acupuncture often does not work in such a direct way. To treat neck pain, a qualified acupuncturist might be working on points in the abdomen that reduce inflammation throughout the body while strengthening Qi and Yang energy.

Acupuncture treatment is sometimes enhanced by the additional use of electrical stimulation. Wide-ranging studies have shown that many people feel an immediate improvement after the very first session, with even more significant positive effects on pain and mobility accumulating after several treatments. At SFIM we are trained in other modalities that can also be incorporated into the treatment regimen, especially forms of therapeutic massage, Kineso-taping, Dry Needling, and Graston Technique

Acupuncture is safe, natural and has no such side effects—unlike many of the medications often used to treat pain.

TCM Herbs for Chronic Neck Pain
Chronic neck pain conditions involving radicular (radiating pain) symptoms can be alleviated by the use of specific Chinese herbal formulas. Chinese herbs, both in oral and topical formulations, have been shown to be better at relieving neck pain stemming from degenerative disc disorders or cervical radiculopathy (pinched nerves or nerve damage) than NSAID type medications. Topical pain relievers such as liniment (woodlock, or Huo Luo oil) or analgesic patches can be very effective for pain relief, with no side effects.

Top 5 Tips for Neck Pain Relief  
Besides acupuncture treatment, you can also get some stiff neck relief by improving your posture, sleeping position and by practicing neck pain exercises. Here are some of the best neck pain remedies you can achieve through self care at home.

1. Acupressure Points for Neck Pain – Luo Zhen is located in the hollow on the back of the hand between the second and third knuckles. Effective for sore neck and whiplash. Gently move the head and neck to determine which side is more stiff and painful. Choose that hand, then apply gentle pressure, making small circles, pressing deeper into the tenderness, for a few minutes. Check again for improved mobility. Repeat on the other hand if necessary. GB21 – Gall Bladder meridian point, for neck pain, shoulder tension, headaches, located on the shoulder. Find by moving your finger lightly from your shoulder towards your neck until it stops and then pressing down where it is most tender.
   
2. Improve Your Posture – The muscles of the neck must work in tandem to hold the head steady as it bends and turns in all directions. When the head is bent forward at a 45 degree angle, as it so often is these days as you look down at your devices for hours at a time, the strain of carrying the weight is increased dramatically. You may not be able to get away from this problem entirely, but becoming aware of the way you sit, stand, and tilt your head downward can help improve the situation. Set up your desk with the best ergonomics you can manage, ensuring that your screen is level with your eyes. Try holding your phone higher when scrolling. Take breaks often; look up, and gently stretch the neck to release tension.
   
3. Exercise to Stretch and Strengthen the Neck Muscles – Flex your neck to point of gentle tension in each direction: first bending the head all the way down and forward, then all the way back (not so far as to cause discomfort), then tilting to the right side and the left side. Hold in each position for five breaths. This will help stretch the neck muscles and improve your range of motion. After you’ve been sitting at your desk for a while, take and break, stand up, clasp your hands behind your back and look over each shoulder toward your heel.
   
4. Best Way to Sleep with Neck Pain – The correct positioning of the head and neck during your night’s sleep is key to preventing neck pain. It’s best to sleep either on your back or side. Sleeping on your belly forces your head to turn one way or another. Most important is making sure that the neck is supported by your pillow. People often prop the head up too high on multiple pillows. If you sleep on your back, you might want to use a roll-shaped cushion under your neck and then a flatter pillow under your head. Pillows that conform to the shape of the neck and head can work well for side sleepers; you might choose a feather or buckwheat-filled pillow, or one made of memory foam. Aside from positioning, the ability to get a good night’s rest is vital for healing and preventing all types of musculoskeletal pain and inflammation. If you are having trouble sleeping, your acupuncturist may help with that at the same time as treating neck pain.
   
5. Stay Hydrated – The cartilaginous discs in the spine are made up of 80% water. As we age, we tend to lose precious water from the discs, which can contribute to Cervical disc degeneration. Drink plenty of body-temperature water throughout the day.

ACUPUNCTURE AND IMMUNITY
Can acupuncture boost your immune system? The answer is not surprising: yes, it can! In some cases, especially in China, acupuncture therapy is prescribed for immune deficiency disorders such as allergies, autoimmune diseases, chronic fatigue, psoriasis, and cancer. Since inflammation is the natural pathological progress of many diseases, many argue that the strength of acupuncture in boosting immune function lies in its ability to reduce inflammation. Studies have also shown that acupuncture can affect a rise in immune interferon levels. Interferons are the chemical messengers used by the immune system to communicate between cells.

The acupuncture point named Stomach 36 (ST36) is well known for its immune-boosting effects. Stimulation of this point (located just below the kneecap on the outer part of the leg) is believed to regulate the activation of Natural Killer cells (NK cells) known for their ability to attack and kill cancer cells.

The human immune system consists of the white blood cells produced by bone marrow; antibodies made in the thymus and tonsils; and the spleen and the lymphatic system, which removes dead cells and materials from the system. These systems interact and communicate to coordinate the body’s defense system. First, white blood cells detect foreign particles in the body. In response, the body launches a defense in the form of fighter cells and antibodies. It keeps a record of infections, so future immune reactions are faster and more effective. If any of these aspects are weakened due to illness or bad lifestyle choices, our immune system is compromised.

Research and scientific evidence from clinical trials show that acupuncture can regulate immunity and promote anti-inflammatory effects. In one study, early stimulation of acupuncture point ST36 resulted in an increased concentration of the antibody SIgA, as well as T-lymphocytes in the intestinal mucosa. It resulted in lowered mortality due to sepsis.

In conjunction with moxibustion, acupuncture helped restore the balance between immune cell subsets during treatment of Crohn’s disease patients (Liang et al. 2015).

Additionally, prevention and early treatment of disease is a big part of TCM. Acupuncture is often used before the onset of an illness to boost immunity, thereby potentially bypassing disease altogether.

WHAT TO EXPECT FROM ACUPUNCTURE TREATMENT
Your first treatment with an acupuncturist may last for up to an hour. We will carefully evaluate your particular case and decide on the correct combination of acupuncture points to stimulate and the duration of the treatment. A total of 361 acupuncture points are located all over the human body, including the hands, feet, and ears, where points are more concentrated. Follow-up treatments tend to be shorter, typically between 20-30 minutes, and may be necessary depending on the specific case.

The skin is disinfected with alcohol before a very thin sterilized needle or disposable needle in inserted precisely at each specific acupuncture point. Once inserted, the acupuncturist may adjust the position of the needles, heat them, or even electrically energize them for an enhanced effect. Treatment is not painful or uncomfortable, although a slight prick may be felt on insertion, followed by tingling or warming around the site.





photo credit - genengnews.com

We want to share with you below what we are doing to help maintain a healthy and safe environment, in addition to following guidelines from the CDC and regional public health agencies. 

• You are pre-screened on the phone when making an appointment for possible COVID-19 symptoms, air travel history, exposure to anyone who has symptoms of COVID-19 regardless of testing, and recovering status if you had COVID-19. If you are symptomatic, we will schedule you an immediate telemedicine appointment with one of our practitioners.
• When you arrive for your appointment, we will pre-check you for temperature,pulse and oxygen saturation as well as asking you the above questions again.  We will give you an opportunity to sit and relax in our specifically designed physical distancing waiting room. We will usher you promptly to your treatment room when possible. 
• Our practitioners and front desk staff will be wearing masks during your visit for your protection.  We frequently disinfect all surfaces throughout the office. We disinfect each treatment room after every single visit or use.
• Every employee, including practitioners, goes through the pre-check process just like you at the beginning of their workday.
• We have rearranged our office space to ensure and encourage social distancing for both our employees and our patients. 
• We are asking for credit cards to be on file for all appointments and herb orders for faster and touchless checkout. We are also asking for your email address so we can email you receipts/superbills and communicate important information.

• Please dress properly for your treatment including using a face mask out on the street for your own protection.  We may not be able to provide you with a facial mask since we have a limited supply. 

Thank you for collaborating with us in providing a safe and healthy environment for all. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to ask.

COVID-19 and Traditional Chinese medicine
Traditional Chinese medicine has played a role in fighting viruses and pandemics in its long history. SARS, H1N1 and more recently, COVID-19. Hospitals in China have integrated the use of Chinese medical herbology with Western medicine in its fight of COVID-19. Chinese herbal medicine helps to strengthen the immune system and it not only assists in mild cases, but more severe cases as well.

Click Here to watch a short video 

Thank you for all that you’re doing to help slow the spread of COVID-19 in our community. We recognize the immense personal sacrifices that everyone has made during this time to respond to the pandemic. We miss seeing our team in the office each day, we miss seeing you, and we miss the opportunity to share in the highs (and lows) of supporting your wellness journey. 

Fortunately, in the Bay Area it seems that we are winning in our goal to flatten the curve. We greatly appreciate the support we received from so many of you regarding our decision to pause in office treatments, and today, we are happy to share that we will tentatively begin seeing patients in office on a limited basis starting MAY 5TH.

We plan to start slowly and will be prioritizing the acute cases first. We are passionate about providing the highest caliber of care, and we look forward to continuing our mission to partner with patients to achieve their goals, safely and responsibly.

How has the situation changed?
We faced tremendous uncertainty around how the rate of infection would progress in the Bay Area. Fortunately, early actions have proven effective at managing community transmission, and our hospitals and critical care centers are not under stress.

Acupuncture is defined as essential by the state of California and as a standalone private practice (not part of a larger hospital or clinic), we can operate without diverting needed resources like personal protective equipment (PPE), ventilators, or skilled staff from the pandemic response at a larger hospital system. 

What does this mean for me?
We greatly appreciate your continued support and patience as we make every effort to resume clinic operations as safely and as seamlessly as possible. As the COVID-19 pandemic evolves, we are also updating our precautionary measures to help keep our patients, providers, and staff healthy and safe.

• Temperature Check: If you are scheduled to come into the clinic for an appointment, your temperature will be taken upon arrival. If you have a fever >100.0⁰F, your appointment will be rescheduled. 
• Personal Protective Equipment: Please bring your own mask to all appointments. Masks help protect you and are mandatory to enter The Flood Building and the office waiting area. 
• Social Distancing:  As we resume operations, we will do so at a reduced capacity. We have extended appointment times to minimize any unnecessary in-person interaction between patients. We will limit the number of patients in the waiting area at any given time to accommodate the recommended six feet of physical distancing, we are asking for all patients to avoid bringing guests (including partners or children), and please do not arrive more than 5-10 mins early to your appointment.
  
• Telehealth: We will continue to rely on video and teleconferencing to support all patients not needing immediate care. Click here for more info
• What Are We Doing: We are taking every precaution within our office to protect our patients.  We will be wearing masks, in office only uniforms, wiping down all surfaces between patients, taking temperatures before our shifts, air filtration in the treatment rooms to pull particulate downward, and our receptionist will be working remotely.

We are doing everything in our power to keep both our patients and staff healthy, safe, and advancing towards their goals. Nothing that we do would be possible without the immense trust that you place in us, and we look forward to continuing to partner with you.

In health,
Elanita and Jennifer

There are two main reasons we appreciate NIAW (National Infertility Awareness Week – April 20 - 25):

1. Infertility can feel like lonely and isolating but you are NOT alone! One in eight couples in the United States struggles to build a family. They range from your friends, coworkers, neighbors and family members.
2. Offers hope by building a community. 

Because infertility can be so devastating and overwhelming we find that hope is one of the most precious things that we can offer our fertility patient. We know the statistics can seem dire at times but there is reason for hope. Statistics improve when you stick with it and hope because as you get healthier physically and mentally with Chinese medicine and lifestyle practices, your odds go up.

Chinese medicine isn’t just about acupuncture and Chinese herbs, it is lifestyle medicine. How you live affects your health and these are aspects of your health we can work on.  We are here to help you with the physical aspects of the medicine (the herbs, the acupuncture) but also be that much needed cheerleader when you begin making these healthier choices because change can be hard and when you have support, anything is possible. 

Infertility is so common and the struggles are shared by many. If you have a story to tell, feel free to send it and we can post it (with or without your name), to give hope or at least to let people know that they aren’t alone.

Let’s shine a light on infertility and support those struggling during this week and every week.

5 Quick Tips for Picking A Prenatal 
​1. Observe Daily Serving Size
This means how many pills you'll be taking per day. Servings can range from one to even up to six pills daily.  Confirm that the daily number of pills listed is realistic for you.

2. Avoid a Gummy Option
Gummy vitamins may be easier (and more fun) for some but ,many essential nutrients are either missing or they are provided at a lower than recommended dose. Iron is not at all found in a gummy vitamin. In addition, key prenatal nutrients like DHA, iodine, zinc and others are also not adequate in a gummy.

3. Consider your personal preferences and/or medical needs, ie. cultural, religious, or medical. Options are available.  For example: Does the prenatal need to be vegan/vegetarian, kosher, gluten free, allergen-free?

4. Compare Cost
Keep in mind that some bottles will only cover one month or many times 2-6 months. Sometimes what appears to be a higher cost is actually the best deal!

5. Look for the following key nutrients on the label:
In addition to folate, growing research is supporting the importance of many essential vitamins and minerals in pregnancy.  See more below!​

WHEN
Prenatal vitamins are very beneficial taken daily prior to fertility treatment, pregnancy, and preferably 3 months (or more) before conception. If you’re actively trying to conceive, start the prenatal regimen now.

​Here are a few tools we are offering via a tele-medicine (phone or zoom) appointment. We are able to offer assistance with:  

• Tailored herb and supplement protocols
• Touch base on health goals
• Support around anxiety, sleep, and immunity or other concerns
• Instruction for acupressure and self massage at home
• Nutritional and lifestyle support Yoga, qi gong, and stretching therapies
• Mental health support
• There is new testing option for covid19 that we just learned about, click here to read more about it.  Its not a test for everyone but an option for those unable to meet the current criteria 
• Local resources you might need help tracking down 
• If any of these apply, don't hesitate to click here to book a time

How to schedule:

• Book online. Choose "Telemedicine Follow Up" as the appointment type. 
• Email sfim.officemgr@gmail.com or call our front desk: 415-362-4600
• Email Elanita (elanita.sfim@gmail.com) or Dr Bezjak (jen.sfim@gmail.com) directly

Fees:

• Complimentary 15 min check in 
• Extended consultation 15-30 mins $45
  • If you have insurance: we do not know at this time which insurance carriers will pay for Telemedicine, this is very unclear new territory to us.  We will be billing in full at this time and giving a superbill to seek reimbursement.  

Economic hardship: we obviously recognize that many people are undergoing economic hardships and uncertainty. Please be in touch if you are needing sliding scale consideration.
What to expect: 

• Calls can be conducted via video conference or phone
• You will receive information about how to access the video chat after making your appointment. 
• A card will be held on file and charged after your appointment

Curbside Pick up
We are also doing curbside pick up of herbs/supplements on Ellis St on Mondays and Fridays if there is anything you need.  For online orders we're using Wellevate 

1. Practice self-compassion. Know that your feelings are normal and valid, and that it’s OK to feel whatever you’re feeling. Remind yourself that what’s going on is temporary and try to find comfort in knowing that we are all going through these tough times of uncertainty together.

2. Lovingly renegotiate your personal space. At this time, you may be spending your entire day in a home with your partner, children, or multiple roommates. This is a time to discuss boundaries and needs within the spaces we share. When we are proactive about re-negotiating our space, there’s an opportunity to get on the same page and mitigate conflict. 

3. Stay connected. In times of high stress, staying connected with our loved ones and our communities is crucial. Just because we are physically isolated, doesn’t mean we have to be socially isolated. Fortunately, we live in a time where there are many ways to stay connected via technology. Take advantage of them!

4. Maintain routine. Routines keep us steady. These actions seem small, but a little peace and comfort can go a long way. In times like these it can be easy to throw your routine out the window, but routine is what keeps us level-headed when things are shifting around us. As best you can, keep your same wake-up and bed times, brew your favorite drink in the morning, put on new clothes, do an at-home workout, and read a chapter in your favorite book at night.  The key is to find the balance of keeping a regular routine and over scheduling yourself. 

5. Limit your media exposure. While most of us want to stay informed, the constant talk about the virus in the news and on social media can be overwhelming and can feed into our fears and anxiety. Limit the amount of information you consume by intentionally setting boundaries around what you watch and read.

We've been using Diagnostic Solutions as our go to lab for comprehensive gut evaluation.  We were so excited to see that they just rolled out a COVID19 testing option for providers. 

Read below to get the most up to date information on this testing option.  

We are now ordering these tests for patients that meet the criteria - click here to book a phone or video consultation with us.