The Rise in East Asian Medicine in Healthcare
It’s the 21st century and more people are turning towards medicine that is over 5,000 years old in the form of East Asian medicine also known as Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). This form of medicine encompasses therapies such as acupuncture, cupping, gua sha, moxibustion, and herbal medicine.
So why is TCM gaining increasing popularity in recent years? Is it because Western medicine has failed us? There’s a greater need and desire to utilize a more natural approach, that doesn’t involve numerous negative side effects. While East Asian medicine has spent thousands of years developing and refining its approach to treating people, the more recent advancements of biomedicine are relatively young and still under development.
In Western medicine, the approach involves understanding the specific biological responses of how the body functions and responds to various forms of treatment. In the development of biomedicine, various drugs and treatments have been discovered to have certain effects on the body without explanation. As a result, you have medications that are prescribed for off-label use, such as antidepressant medications like amitriptyline and trazodone, that are used to help people sleep. The medication known as Chantix is used to help stop smoking without knowing how the biological mechanisms work. Western medicine can’t fully explain all the biological effects of TCM, which has resulted in some skepticism while promoting research.
As TCM has proven to be effective in helping treat people, Western medicine has adopted the various TCM therapies, often with different names. Western medicine implements dry needling, myofascial release, Graston technique, myofascial decompression, and nutritional supplements. Dry needling uses the same type of needles, points, and some of the principles of acupuncture without all the theories developed over the centuries as acupuncture. The down side to dry needling is that it’s often a course requiring about a hundred hours of training versus over the three thousand hours that licensed acupuncturists receive over the course of about 4 years along with the completion of in-depth board exams. Myofascial release done with specialized tools and the Graston technique utilize the same techniques as gua sha, just using different style tools and without the same theories and extensive training that acupuncturists receive. Supplements or nutritional therapies make use of individual herbs and vitamins that have specific effects on parts of a person’s physiology, used in a similar manner as medications. Chinese herbal medicine utilizes herbal formulas that have been developed over centuries where all the herbs work synergistically to have an effect to treat the whole person, while addressing the underlying condition without a multitude of adverse effects of the body.
There is a considerable difference of how Western medicine and East Asian medicine view and treat people. When it comes to treating people, Western medicine looks at a fraction of the puzzle. This is seen in drugs that affect specific receptors and not addressing the other problems that are connected and even cause adverse side effects requiring additional medications. When even adopting TCM, biomedicine doesn’t fully understand it and uses pieces that they feel that they can explain and deem beneficial. East Asian medicine looks at the entire person. The explanations in TCM are philosophical in nature but provide explanations to certain connections and responses in the human body that biomedicine doesn’t understand. The principles and concepts of East Asian medicine can be addressed with a scientific mindset that accepts the information in terms of a scientific theory. While TCM can’t be fully explained by science, it’s a medicine that has withstood the test of time over thousands of years. There are explanations in TCM that connect various symptoms and processes that is not fully understood by science. Some herbs are used in the development of medications, biomedicine doesn’t connect the side effects of the medications where it makes sense according to TCM.
If TCM is so great, then why did biomedicine develop? There is a place for both medicines. It’s a matter of knowing when and how to use each properly. If there is an infection, it’s important to utilize proper antibiotics instead of allowing the infection to spread and cause more harm. Pain doesn’t always have to be managed with addictive medications. Acupuncture is well known and accepted in the Western medical community to help alleviate pain. The additional benefit of East Asian medicine is that it gets to the root of the problem instead of masking the symptoms. Acupuncture and Herbal medicine can readily strengthen the immune system. It is effective in preventing the onset and decreasing the duration and severity of a cold. The benefit of the rising use of East Asian medicine is that people can integrate the different medicines as needed with the goal of achieving optimal health and wellbeing. TCM can be used to treat a multitude of conditions, while also being used as a natural form of preventative medicine.
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Don’t Let Insomnia Adversely Impact Your Daily Life
Sleep is one of the most important things that people can do for their health. We all need our sleep, and many people often don’t get enough sleep. For so many people, being able to sleep properly can be a more serious problem than being too busy or having a poor sleep environment. Not getting enough sleep can adversely impact a person’s health and daily life. It impacts the immune system, the body’s ability to cope with stress, mental clarity, and influences one’s mood. Often people are prescribed medications or take something over the counter that leaves them feeling groggy and not well rested. Some of the natural supplements such as melatonin, valerian root, or magnesium are not always effective in helping people sleep. Whether its trouble falling asleep, difficulty staying asleep, dream disturbed sleep, or waking early, there’s an underlying cause that specific to each person. The root cause of insomnia can be due to a variety of patterns, and when treated properly with acupuncture and herbs, a person can get a better night’s sleep that leaves them feeling rested instead of still being tired throughout the day. Acupuncture helps the body to produce the hormones that it makes naturally to promote sleep and helps the body readjust to a natural circadian rhythm. In addition, acupuncture treatments are extremely relaxing helping the body to destress and even allowing people to take naps their treatments. There is a wide array of herbal formulas that can helps promote a restful night’s sleep without the adverse effects of sleep medications. Because the cause of insomnia differs for each person, a combination of acupuncture and Chinese herbal formulas can be personalized to address an individual’s root cause of insomnia. It is possible to get a good night’s sleep and wake up feeling rested through all-natural means with traditional Chinese medicine.
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Don’t Let The Pain Of Frozen Shoulder Stop You
The shoulder is the most mobile joint of the entire body, making it susceptible to various injuries. From frozen shoulder to tendinitis to bursitis to impingement to arthritis, there are numerous ways that the shoulder can be adversely affected. Shoulder joints are extremely complex. Each shoulder is made up bones, muscles, tendons, and ligaments that form the joint that allow it to move in numerous directions. When one part of the shoulder is injured, it affects the entire joint. An injured shoulder isn’t just painful but can impair mobility making daily tasks such as carrying groceries or driving seem difficult. It can be impossible to even pick up one’s kid or grandkid without severe pain. Doing yoga, playing golf, swimming, playing tennis, or water skiing can all be impossible activities to enjoy due to shoulder pain. Injections may provide temporary relief, and surgery may not necessarily fix the problem and can result in reduced mobility. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) in the for of acupuncture and complimentary therapies can help to alleviate pain while e promoting healing. Acupuncture is extremely effective in releasing the body’s own natural pain killers and promotes circulation to help heal an injured shoulder. It also promotes the production of synovial fluid which helps to prevent friction of the articular cartilage within the joint. In addition, cupping can help to increase microcirculation to reduce pain and promote healing as well. These TCM therapies can help with the various components that make up the shoulder joint. Often after just one acupuncture treatment, people experience increased mobility and reduced pain. With a personalized treatment plan, the shoulder can heal through all-natural treatments using acupuncture and cupping without adverse side effects.
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Stop Hiding Behind The Mask Of Anxiety And Depression
People aren’t just in physical pain these days. The emotional pain of anxiety and depression have become an all too common occurrence for millions of people. Many medications help mask the emotional pain while leaving people a shell of themselves and out of touch with reality. For some people the proper medications are crucial and after finding the proper balance of medications, they can function normally. Often the medications are meant to be temporary solutions that a person can be weaned from under the supervision of his or her doctor. Some people are content being on their medications but need some additional help in balancing their mood. Other people’s moods are affected but don’t feel comfortable with the medications, or their symptoms aren’t as severe warranting medications. The problem is that the body isn’t making the proper amount of the various mood hormones, that it makes naturally, or people easily become triggered into a constant state of distress. People’s bodies just don’t know how to naturally return to that state of homeostasis. Fortunately, there are natural solutions without the harsh side effects of many medications. By stimulating specific points on the body, acupuncture helps to retrain the body to release the endorphins and various hormones naturally. Treatments are very relaxing and help the body to heal itself. Herbal formulas are another natural means of addressing the whole person and not just the symptoms of stress and anxiety. They help to get to the root of the problem instead of masking the symptoms. By addressing additional aspects of one’s lifestyle from proper diet, exercise, hydrating properly, and breathing, the body is further able to return to that proper state of homeostasis. A person can work with their medical doctor throughout the process to reduce or discontinue medications if they desire. Other people may need to stay on medications but could use extra help balancing out their bodies. The entire process of incorporating TCM is straightforward when following a properly laid out plan to an individual’s needs. Utilizing acupuncture and adjunctive therapies allow a person to not live behind a mask of anxiety and depression or that of the side effects from medications.
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Ice Not So Nice For Injuries
Many of us were taught to ice an injury as part of R.I.C.E. (rest, ice, compression, and elevate). Grabbing an ice pack is usually one of the first reactions when someone gets injured. While icing an injury may help to numb the pain, research is showing that reducing the inflammation can inhibit healing. The healing factors that the body creates can’t reach the area of injury as readily because circulation is slowed down by the application of ice. Using ice doesn’t always reduce pain as some people experience increased pain when ice is applied to an injured area. Direct exposure to ice over time can cause a burn as well. Aside from recent research, the principles of East Asian medicine (aka Traditional Chinese Medicine) along with some of the basic laws of physics can explain why ice not beneficial to use on an injury. Not using ice on an injury is a widely accepted practice in East Asian Medicine. Pain occurs as a result of stagnation when circulation is inhibited. Since cold inhibits circulation, ice would ultimately inhibit the healing process. This concept of temperature affecting healing can be applied using the basic principles of physics. When something is cold, it is moving more slowly, congeals, and becomes stagnant. While if something is warm or hot, it moves faster and more freely. By icing an injury, vessels contract reducing circulation and preventing the healing cells of inflammation from reaching the site of injury. While ice may help to numb the pain, ice ultimately slows down the healing process. It is more beneficial to not use ice on injuries in order to promote quicker healing times. Other treatments such as acupuncture and adjunctive therapies can help to alleviate the pain while promoting healing.
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Learn more on how ice inhibits healing:
https://www.stack.com/a/leading-doctor-changes-tune-says-you-shouldnt-ice-injuries-or-for-recovery
http://www.drmirkin.com/fitness/why-ice-delays-recovery.html
https://life.spartan.com/post/is-r-i-c-e-all-wrong
https://www.active.com/cycling/articles/is-using-rice-for-recovery-wrong
Acupuncture Helps Heal The Source Of Chronic Back Pain
Back pain has become so prevalent that if you don’t suffer from back pain, you likely know someone who has suffered from back pain in some point of their life. There are many causes to back pain. The truth is that a person can even have a strong core and use poor body mechanics, resulting in a back injury. Often the solution is medications that mask the symptoms as often there isn’t much else that can be done. The problem is that these medications don’t promote healing but mask the pain. Acupuncture is great for not just alleviating the back pain but promoting healing as well. Addition therapies, such as cupping or gua sha, can be used to promote the microcirculation and reduce the inflammation. Moxibustion is another form of therapy that can be implemented to warm the area while alleviating pain. Heat is beneficial to the healing process while ice should be avoided. More research concurs with East Asian medicinal theory and is showing that ice inhibits healing. The combination of acupuncture and complimentary therapies used during treatment is determined by assessing each individual person based on his or her specific needs. One of the problems with back pain is that people may have trouble lying in certain positions. Acupuncture treatments can be versatile by making sure each person is able to relax in a comfortable position during treatment. The points used don’t have to be located at the source of the pain to illicit a healing effect. The points and complimentary care utilized can be adjusted to the person without compromising the treatment. While back pain has become a prevalent problem, it can be resolved naturally while allowing the body to heal itself instead of just masking the pain.
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Acupuncture for Allergy Relief
Allergies have become far too common, affecting millions of people in the U.S. each year. People seek various types of relief including various medications and even shots. For some people these biomedical interventions might work while others may seek a more natural approach. The problem is with over the counter allergy medications, people become dependent upon them to alleviate their allergy symptoms. For some people, the allergy medications stop working overtime. There is good news that there isn’t just one way to treat allergies. Allergies don’t have to be a constant nuisance impacting one’s life due to various allergens in the environment. It’s possible to achieve relief that is lasting and not be subjected to having to make trips to the pharmacy for pharmaceuticals. People don’t have to be subject to pharmacy hours that prohibit purchasing certain allergy medications requiring identification. Acupuncture has proven to be effective in alleviating allergies and improve one’s response to allergens in the environment over time. The symptoms of cedar fever and other seasonal allergies can be significantly reduced through stimulating acupuncture points to release the body’s own natural antihistamines without the side effects of many allergy medications. Since acupuncture needles are so fine and virtually painless, an acupuncture treatment can hurt less than an allergy shot, is more relaxing, and doesn’t illicit a potential reaction like an allergy shot can. In addition, Chinese herbal medicine on its own or in conjunction with acupuncture is extremely effective in treating allergies. Even the use of ear seeds to stimulate certain acupuncture points can be extremely effective in alleviating allergy symptoms. Runny noses, itchy eyes, foggy head, coughing, and sneezing can all be treated effectively, safely, and naturally through acupuncture and herbal formulas without the adverse side effects of medications. It’s possible to alleviate allergies naturally while giving your body and opportunity to relax during an acupuncture treatment.
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Natural Pain Relief Through Acupuncture and Complimentary Therapies
Pain has become an all too prevalent problem in today’s society, affecting millions of people each year. It’s important to resolve the source of the pain and not just mask the symptoms. Biomedicine often uses various medications to alleviate pain. Unfortunately, these medications mask the pain and don’t get to the root of the problem that’s causing the pain in the first place. In addition, some of the medications prescribed lead to addiction especially when not used according to the doctors’ instructions. Does this mean taking an opioid will lead to addiction? When a person takes medication as directed by their doctor, it is not likely that a person will become addicted to pain killers. However, there are people with genetic predispositions who can become addicted to pain killers easily despite following the directions. The medical doctors don’t necessarily know exactly how each person will react to various pain killers. Fortunately, there are safe alternative means to releaving pain that also gets to the root of the problem as well. Acupuncture has become widely accepted among the medical community for its efficacy at relieving pain. Many people pursue acupuncture to alleviate their pain and experience additional benefits from better sleep to increased energy to improved mobility. In addition to acupuncture, additional therapies in East Asian medicine (aka Traditional Chinese Medicine) can help with pain as well. Cupping is known to improve microcirculation and reduce inflammation, while alleviating pain. Another therapy, known as gua sha, has a similar effect to cupping in relieving pain and can help boost the immune system as well. Various Chinese herbal formulas can help alleviate pain while addressing the underlying cause of the pain. A properly trained acupuncturist can determine the right acupuncture treatment and complimentary therapies when it comes to help alleviating a person’s pain. The added benefit is that these therapies are natural and safe. The only side effect one might have to worry about is enjoying how relaxed he or she feels during an acupuncture treatment.
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Food As Medicine
“Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food.” These words were spoken by Hippocrates. These words still reign true today. We are what we eat and drink, as it has a huge impact on our overall health. When we eat properly, we are able to properly care for our bodies. Does this mean you can never eat that piece of cake on your birthday or cocktail beverage when you go out or that big juicy burger that you’ve been craving all week? Unless you have some allergy or disease that prohibits certain foods in your diet, it doesn’t mean you can’t allow yourself a treat on occasion. Afterall, what are holidays and birthdays for? Every day is not a holiday or birthday. It does mean that on a daily basis your diet is a lifestyle choice, and you should watch what you put into your body.
In general, we should eat a balanced diet that isn’t processed and full of chemicals. While each person differs on specific needs, it’s important to eat meals containing plenty of fiber, some protein, and a little fat. Often a balance of various colors from leafy greens and red, orange vegetables don’t just hold a visual appeal but a balance of the necessary vitamins and minerals that your body needs.
Eating unhealthy and then taking hundreds of dollars’ worth of supplements doesn’t constitute a healthy diet. Some supplements are essential, if your diet is deficient such as with iron for a vegetarian, or women over thirty should be taking calcium regularly, if they are not getting enough calcium in their diets. Taking too many, unnecessary, or the wrong supplements, means that the supplements won’t get properly absorbed into the body and end up becoming excreted as waste. It’s important to develop healthy eating habits and nourish your body with a balanced diet before loading your body full of supplements. Often, the supplements that are the most effective are natural food sources such as turmeric or fish oil as opposed to synthetic vitamins. If you can get the proper nutrients from food, that’s the first step, then determine where your diet is lacking and making the necessary adjustments. It’s not as complicated to maintain a healthy but involves some thought, consideration, and even a bit of work to prepare healthy means on a regular basis.
In addition, there are healing properties of various foods. This is stated by Hippocrates clearly and simply that food is medicine. It’s not just a matter of proper diet. We need to incorporate certain foods on occasion to help our bodies heal. Traditional Chinese medicine understood these principles and that’s why many foods are considered Chinese herbs for their medicinal benefits. These herbs have been incorporated in different herbal formulas and can also be consumed as part of one’s diet as well. One example is ginger. It is well known for its properties to soothe an upset stomach and alleviate nausea. Ginger is commonly used in a multitude of Chinese herbal formulas. So ultimately, Hippocrates was saying that a proper diet can help keep you healthy, and food can have many of the benefits of medicine when used properly.
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* Individual results vary. No guarantee of specific results is warranted or implied and your results will depend on many factors (full disclaimer).
Your initial consultation is free. Come meet us in person and learn more.
Or, just call 512-766-3049 and we'll be happy to answer your questions.
Read more about: Our Philosophy | Our History | Our Awesome Staff | Testimonials and Success Stories
* Individual results vary. No guarantee of specific results is warranted or implied and your results will depend on many factors (full disclaimer).
How can we help YOU today?
Chronic Pain
Gain relief from the pain impacting your life.
Joint Pain
Don't let joint pain keep you from enjoying the activities that you love.
Hormone Imbalances
Free yourself of the hormone imbalances affecting you.
Digestive Disorders
Take control of your digestive health.
Back Pain
Resolve your pain and improve your mobility naturally.
Sciatica
Don't let sciatic pain control your life with all natural treatments.
Anxiety & Depression
Don't allow your emotional pain hold you back any longer.
Migraine Headaches
Reduce the severity & frequency of migraines naturally.
Carpal Tunnel
Be able to use your wrists without constant pain.
Frozen Shoulder
Regain full range of motion without pain, naturally.
Tennis Elbow/
Golfer's Elbow
Lose the pain while regaining your swing with natural treatments.
Knee Pain
Improve your mobility while alleviating your pain.
Shingles Nerve Pain
Don't continue to suffer in constant pain and sensitivity due to shingles.
Plantar Fasciitis
Be able to stand up without the fear of shooting pain in your foot.
Lupus
The pain of lupus doesn't have to keep you from enjoying the activities that you love.
Gout
Don't be stuck living with the pain and swelling due to gout.
Arthritis
Be active and go about your day without constant joint pain.
Bursitis
Regain joint mobility and move without pain.
Fibromyalgia
Live without constant pain and enjoy your day
Tendinitis
Alleviate your pain, while improving your mobility.
Neuropathy
Enjoy your day without burning pain, numbness, and tingling.
Lymphedema
Regain mobility and and don't get weighed down by fluid retention.
Bell's Palsy
Find your smile again.
Stroke Recovery
Regain your life back from the effects of your stroke.
PCOS
Don't let the problems of PCOS impact your life.
Perimenopausal Symptoms
Prevent hot flashes and night sweats from keeping you up at night.
Endometriosis
Don't allow the pain of endometriosis keep you from time with your family and friends.
PMS
Your pain, mood swings, and fatigue can be controlled naturally each month.
Fertility
Get the family you always dreamed about having one day.
Thyroid Disorders
Balance your hormones with natural medicine.
Insomnia
Be able to fall asleep and stay asleep with all natural remedies.
Restless Leg Syndrome
Don't let restless legs prevent you from being able to sleep.
Ulcerative Colitis
Take control over your ulcerative colitis symptoms.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Alleviate your digestive problems naturally.
Gallbladder Symptoms
Don't allow gallbladder symptoms to impact your daily life.
Crohn's Disease
Take control of the pain and digestive upset of crohn's disease.
Vertigo
Don't let the world continue to feel like it's spinning around you.
Salivary Stones
Don't let the pain and discomfor of salivary stones disrupt your day.
Weight Loss
Increase your energy and boost your metabolism.
Smoking Addiction
Take charge of your life and don't allow withdrawal symptoms to control you.
Cedar Fever
Don't let your allergies prevent you from enjoying the great outdoors.
Immune Support
Boost your immune system naturally and effectively, so you don't get sick or recover quicker if you already are sick.
Rosacae
Allow your true complexion to shine through.
Facial Rejuvination
Allow your inner beauty to shine outward even more.
Your initial consultation is free. Come meet us in person and learn more.
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* Individual results vary. No guarantee of specific results is warranted or implied and your results will depend on many factors (full disclaimer).
THIS STUFF WORKS.
Our unique blend of holistic medical therapies gets ALL your body's healing resources going in the same direction...
Acupuncture
Calms stress, clears neuroendocrine pathways, affects neurotransmitters, and promotes circulation.
Cupping
Promotes microcirculation, relieves tension, and helps release toxins.
Herbal Therapy
Transmits nature’s intelligence to heal damaged cells and tissues.
Gua Sha
Breaks up scar tissue and connective tissue, reduces inflammation, and improves circulation.
Moxibustion
Promotes circulation, alleviates tension, and helps reduce inflammation and swelling.
Relaxation & Stress Reduction 
Focus on calming the mind and emotions to maximize your body’s healing resources.
Your initial consultation is free. Come meet us in person and learn more.
Or, just call 512-766-3049 and we'll be happy to answer your questions.
Read more about: Our Philosophy | Our History | Our Awesome Staff | Testimonials and Success Stories
* Individual results vary. No guarantee of specific results is warranted or implied and your results will depend on many factors (full disclaimer).
OUR PROFESSIONAL STAFF IS PASSIONATE ABOUT WHAT WE DO
You'll always feel welcome and cared for here.
Dr. Katrina Giangarra, DACM, L.Ac., Dipl. O.M.
Licensed Acupuncturist, Founder, & Clinic Director
Calliope (aka Callie) Giangarra
Unofficial Mascot
Your initial consultation is free. Come meet us in person and learn more.
Or, just call 512-766-3049 and we'll be happy to answer your questions.
Read more about: Our Philosophy | Our History | Our Awesome Staff | Testimonials and Success Stories
* Individual results vary. No guarantee of specific results is warranted or implied and your results will depend on many factors (full disclaimer).
Located in Spicewood
Karma Zen Acupuncture is located in a serene spot off of Highway-71 in the Bee Creek Business Park as part of the Bee Creek Clinic. Whether you live locally in Spicewood or in the surrounding areas of Briarcliff, Marble Falls, Lakeway, Bee Cave, Austin, or Dripping Springs, we are happy to provide a peaceful and relaxing environment as we help you on your path to better health. The location is a hidden gem as it’s great for those locally, not wanting to travel far, and for those wanting to escape from the more chaotic and busier areas.
Your initial consultation is free. Come meet us in person and learn more.
Or, just call 512-766-3049 and we'll be happy to answer your questions.
Read more about: Our Philosophy | Our History | Our Awesome Staff | Testimonials and Success Stories
* Individual results vary. No guarantee of specific results is warranted or implied and your results will depend on many factors (full disclaimer).
