As 2019 comes to a close, I wanted to reflect and give thanks for all this year has brought to Morningside Acupuncture. I am grateful for all of my patients since they allow me to practice acupuncture and Chinese medicine in my own way. I learn and grow from each unique case both as an acupuncturist and also as a person.

Meditiation can be helpful for chronic pain and emotional regulation. Studies have shown that meditation can be as effective as medication for some people suffering from chronic pain.

A recent Men’s Health article highlighted growing research that shows ice can hinder the healing process for soft tissue (muscular) injuries rather than help it. The ideal remedy during the early stages of an injury would reduce swelling while also promoting circulation.

Acupuncture can help balance the nervous system which in turn leads to better health. The vagus nerve is especially important to nervous system regulation.

Carpal tunnel syndrome can cause reduced function, numbness, and tingling in the hand and arm due to median nerve compression or entrapment.

According to 2017 research published in Brain, functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) studies showed lasting changes in the brain after acupuncture treatments for carpal tunnel syndrome.

It’s almost a given that most of us will overeat on Thanksgiving. Many people look forward to indulging in a multi-course feast filled with a wide range of food and drinks that can span hours. Many people have pepto-bismol or tums ready to go to combat the side effects of such a large feast. Chinese medicine offers a solution in the form of an herbal formula called Bao He Wan or “Preserve Harmony Pill.”

In 2012, the Journal of Pain estimated that 25.3 million Americans suffer from daily pain and that 14.4 million suffer from level 4 pain, or the highest level of pain.

The American Pain Society has endorsed the use of acupuncture for chronic pain, highlighting that, “Acupuncture is effective for the treatment of chronic musculoskeletal, headache, and osteoarthritis pain. Treatment effects of acupuncture persist over time and cannot be explained solely in terms of placebo effects.”

Acupuncture and Chinese medicine can help with numerous digestive issues.

Acupuncture can be helpful in relieving stress and anxiety and is a common reason people seek acupuncture treatments. Learn more the physical symptoms and how acupuncture can help.

Acupuncture has been shown to be an effective treatment for sciatica without the side effects of prescription pain medications like NSAIDs and muscle relaxers. It is also a safe, non-surgical treatment option that can relieve sciatic pain.

Shoulder pain can be caused by an acute injury or a chronic condition like frozen shoulder, arthritis, fibromyalgia, or rotator cuff tendinitis.

Acupuncture helps relieve pain, reduce inflammation, release tight muscles, and increase range of motion for a variety of shoulder problems.

Acupuncture is gaining popularity among all types of amateur and professional athletes. Here are six reasons why athletes use acupuncture to optimize their performance and recovery (with supporting research).

Knee pain can have several causes including surrounding muscle tightness, acute injury, and chronic pain due to arthritis and joint deterioration. Acupuncture can help.

Insomnia or having difficulty sleeping is a common reason people seek acupuncture and Chinese Medicine. Many patients are looking for non-drug alternatives to treating insomnia and sleep disorders since sleep drugs often come with their own side effects.

As we approach the peak of New York City marathon training season, I am seeing more runners coming in for acupuncture treatments. The most common causes of running injuries are structural/muscle imbalances, muscle weakness, and overtraining.

Low back pain is the most common reason that people come in for an acupuncture treatment. Acupuncture helps address both the acute pain symptoms as well as the underlying issues associated with back pain.

Learn how to release tight muscles and relieve muscle tension.