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MANAGING HEARTBURN, GERD & HIATAL HERNIA WITH ACUPUNCTURE & HERBS

6/24/2020

 
Many people are surprised to learn that acupuncture, herbs and CranioSacral Therapy in conjunction are helpful treatment methods for hiatal hernia, acid reflux, GERD and heartburn and that I regularly treat patients for these concerns at my acupuncture clinic in Sebastopol. I thought it would be helpful for people suffering from these conditions and symptoms to learn about some of the suggestions that I offer to my patients to supplement their individualized treatments here.
 
REGARDING FOODS 
Avoid the following, as these foods are either acidic and will increase symptoms, or will relax the lower esophageal sphincter allowing the stomach acid to rise into your esophagus causing a burning sensation and are best avoided.
  • Citrus foods: oranges, grapefruits, lemons and tomato-based foods like red sauce
  • Fatty, greasy, rich and fried foods (including fatty meats)
  • Garlic and onions
  • Chocolate
  • Spicy food
  • Peppermint and spearmint
  • Coffee, tea (including decaf) and alcohol
  • Carbonated beverages and Canned Foods
  • Dairy (Sheep or goat cheese can be better options in moderation)
  • High sugar foods including granola bars, cereals and candies
Each person is unique in their response to foods.  A good option is to avoid all of the above foods for a short time, perhaps a few days, to see if your symptoms will subside. If they do, then add back in each of the foods one at a time to see if they cause discomfort and if they do then you know to avoid consuming them.
 
Consider increasing alkaline foods in your diet, such as the following:
  • Vegetables: Beets, Broccoli, Cabbage, Celery, Cucumber, Kale, Lettuce, Spinach, Kelp, Green Sprouts like alfalfa, pea, etc.
  • Fruits: Raw coconut water, Avocado
  • Spices/herbs: Basil, Parsley, Celtic or Himalayan Salt,
  • Research alkaline diet for more foods to increase or avoid.
 
REGARDING HERBAL OTC REMEDIES
Patients have reported positive responses to bringing these natural alternatives into their diet to reduce symptoms and heal some of the damage to the tissue by the stomach acid. Take when symptoms arise or try as prevention.
  • DGL Licorice: take as directed on bottle. Chewable has faster response for some.
  • Vitamineral green, blue green algae or spirulina: a Tablespoon mixed in with ½ c water is very alkaline and can provide immediate relief.
  • Marshmallow Root tea: Cold infusion – fill a jar ¼ of the way with herb and fill with lukewarm water then rest for 4 hours or overnight. Strain and drink for quick relief, a few sips or a glass.
  • Chamomile tea, coconut water, aloe juice (caution with aloe, it acts as a laxative. If you don’t need help promoting bowel movements, then use the formula that has the laxative removed)
Other notes
  • Tums and other antacids can have harmful side effects, especially when used long-term. It is best to avoid or minimize their use and try the above options.
  • Avoid smoking
  • Maintain a healthy weight, excess weight increases the pressure on your lower esophageal sphincter.
  • Eat slowly with smaller bites and chew thoroughly.
  • Some patients find propping their bed up to sleep with head and chest higher than waist helps to relieve some symptoms at night so they might sleep better.
  • It is important to manage the symptoms; repeated esophageal reflux can lead to Barrett's esophagus - a condition where tissue that is similar to the lining of your intestine replaces the tissue lining your esophagus. Barrett's esophagus may develop into a rare cancer.
 
Hiatal hernia, acid reflux, GERD and heartburn are all distinct patterns within Chinese Medicine, and with a thorough intake I will find what it is that is at the root of your imbalance, and we will use acupuncture and herbs to create balance and relieve your symptoms and promote healing. If you live in Sonoma’s West County, Sebastopol, Occidental, Graton, Guerneville, Forestville, Bodega or surrounding areas, you can book online now to receive acupuncture for your condition. I hope these tips are useful! If you have any questions, call for a 15 minute free consultation and schedule your appointment with Chase Desso, Licensed Acupuncturist at True Nature Wellness in downtown Sebastopol. 

Acupuncture for Tennis Elbow

6/10/2020

 
Tennis elbow, aka ‘lateral epicondylitis’, is a painful condition that can be very tricky, or even impossible, for common western methods to treat. It’s a condition of trauma to the tissues on the lateral (outside part) of the elbow. If you are having it on the inside part of your elbow, it’s a similar condition, but known rather as ‘golfer’s elbow’, or ‘medial epicondylitis’. Both conditions are very treatable with acupuncture and massage or CranioSacral, both of which you can receive in one treatment with me in my acupuncture practice near downtown Sebastopol.
 
I have had many patients come in after months of physical therapy and pharmaceutical medications, desperate for relief. I haven’t had one patient leave without feeling better, even after the first treatment. Typically patients complain of not being able to sleep well, the arm pain waking them up with sensations of tingling or aching or numbness. Many times there is weakness and inability to perform simple daily activities like opening a jar. There are typically sharp shooting pains that come and go when making a fist or motions like shaking a hand and soreness or tenderness around the elbow or travelling down to the hand. Epicondylitis is easily diagnosable with some simple orthopedic exams; your doctor may do some imaging, but typically it’s not necessary for diagnosis.
 
Many times the injury is due to repetitive stress. For example, someone that is using a keyboard and mouse for many hours daily for work, massage therapists, ultrasound techs, weightlifters, knitters. Other times it can be from a short period of overuse, like spending a week digging in the garden and overusing the muscles and tendons in the area. Whatever the cause, treatment with acupuncture and other adjunct methods such as CranioSacral, massage, liniments, and herbal prescriptions can help relieve the pain and support the tissues in healing.
 
As far as treatment goes, a few methods will be employed based on your particular circumstances.
 
  1. Acupuncture to relieve stagnation and muscle spasms, ensuring the qi and blood to flow freely and heal the microscopic tears in affected tendons.
  2. Massage to the local area with analgesic liniments that promote healing and ease the pain.
  3. CranioSacral therapy to help your body unwind from the trauma, and help soothe your nervous system, decreasing healing time.
  4. Herbal prescriptions to help with the pain and healing. Meridian Comfort from Kan Herbals is a wonderful formula that I like to prescribe for elbow pain. Taking a high quality turmeric supplement is also very beneficial to decrease inflammation.
  5. If you are not already working with a physical therapist, when the time is appropriate we can review some simple yet effective stretches and exercises for the tennis elbow or golfer’s elbow.
 
In summary, if you live in West County, or even Santa Rosa (I have quite a few patients that travel from Bodega, Graton, Occidental and other Sebastopol surrounding areas) and you are experiencing some elbow pain, please make an appointment today! The sooner that the pain is addressed the more quickly you will heal. I look forward to helping you heal your body! I offer 15 minute consultations to answer any questions you may have. Come visit True Nature Wellness in Sebastopol!

    Chase Desso, Lac

    Acupuncture Wizard, Whole Food Fanatic, Nature Lover, Subtle Body Devotee

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707-861-8930
523 S. Main Street
Sebastopol, CA  95472

chase@truenatureheals.org

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  • Home
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