Alfalfa Tea lowers bad LDL cholesterol

Alfalfa plant and especially alfalfa leaves are very rich in minerals like calcium, potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, zinc, iron, and have very rich group of vitamins, including vitamin C, vitamin K, vitamin D, vitamin A, vitamin B1 and vitamin B6. Besides, very important health benefits of alfalfa tea are derived from a very high content of chlorophyll, which is known for stimulating detoxification (especially of heavy metals), improved healing properties of the body, improved magnesium absorption in the body, and strengthening body tissues.

Alfalfa Tea Benefits

Alfalfa leaf tea is a great natural solution for everyone who needs to strengthen the function of the immune system and prevent a great deal of common diseases.

Those who want to lower their bad LDL cholesterol level should consider using alfalfa tea as a great natural remedy. According to the report in the Pakistan Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, alfalfa tea consumption is linked to reduced risks of fat buildups in the arteries, along with decreased risks of serious diseases like Stroke (Apoplexy), Atrial Fibrillation, Pericarditis. Health benefits of alfalfa tea also include lower risks of cancer, according to the findings of the scientists at the American Association for Cancer Research. The study has shown that alfalfa tea benefits embrace excellent antioxidant properties of this natural remedy. Other researchers say that this herbal tea can be of a great help to those who suffer from various kidney problems or want to prevent this kind of health conditions, because alfalfa of a great diuretic recommended for reducing fluid retention and swelling.

Anti-inflammatory health benefits of alfalfa tea are considered very powerful and this natural remedy can be used to treat a great deal of infections, starting from intestinal infections and ending up with arthritis. By the way, external application of alfalfa infusion can help reducing swellings and joint pains related to arthritis. However, drinking alfalfa leaf tea is also good for those who suffer from this disease. This remedy is known as a great natural blood and liver cleanser, natural appetite stimulant, or a great natural solution for minor digestive disorders. Finally, alfalfa is known for its amazing natural properties to lower blood glucose levels being a perfect natural help to those who suffer from Diabetes. 

Alfalfa leaf tea should be made by steeping in boiling water for 10-15 minutes.

Acupuncture & Herbs the natural ways to lower Cholesterol and reduce the risk of heart attack or a stroke.... 

Chinese Medicine Acupuncture for sub-health conditions ROCKs

Let's start from Mars500

  “Mars500” is an international experiment project to explore Mars initiated by Russia and participated by many countries.It is the first time for human being to simulate the whole process of manned experiment flying to Mars, around the Mars and landing in Mars and back to Earth. The experiment was carried out in Moscow. Six volunteers stayed for 520 days in sealed cabin and overcame difficulties and completed the simulation experiment.

        China’s project was“Mars500 TCM syndrome differentiation study in sealed environment for long time”. Daosh four diagnostic instrument was selected by expert team as the only TCM equipment.

what's sub-health conditions?

Why  do I feel weak while my health examination shows nothing wrong?

Astronaut health and job performance are required assessment to ensure safety in long term manned flight. However, in the long interstellar flight, astronaut will face such a health problem: my western medicine indicators are good, but why did I feel uncomfortable? Such as bad appetite, Insomnia, Anxiety, Uclers, Emaciation, Gaunt...

                              Bad appetite,insomnia,anxiety,ulcers,emaciation,gaunt...etc. sub-health conditions not only happen to our Astronauts but also very popular in lots of people while western  medicine indicators show normal.

Traditional Chinese Medicine(TCM) emphasizes " The concept of holism" and " Syndrome differentiation and treatment" , and has unique features and advantages in the assessment of function and health conditions.

In Mars500 experimetns, six volunteers in the mild to moderate fatigue state, the overall autonomic nerve function is more exciting, still at a fairly balanced state, showing varying degrees of sub-health conditions, but no disease. After well-tried, there were signs of recovery in the late stages of the trial. Signs of this dynamic change can be recorded in a responsive vein, which can show the health of the volunteers and can be used as a reference for health assessment.

By TCM four diagnosis, it shows that "Qi" deficiency is the basis of the long airtight environment throughout the card type. All 6 volunteers had "Qi" deficiency syndrome throughout the experiment; it is accompanied by different degrees of liver depression, spleen deficiency, dampness or Yin deficiency.

So TCM focus on Qi deficiency syndrome, combining with the astronauts individual physical differences, targeting to individualized Chinese Medicine and non-drug intervention of TCM nursing measures, to improve the level of overall health in long-term manned missions.

For more than thousands of years, Traditional Chinese Acupuncture have been used for treating Qi deficiency syndromes etc. sub-health conditions, and it Rocks. 

Benefits of Naturopathy

• What's the benefits of Acupuncture,Massage Therapy(Chinese TuiNa), Moxibustion,  Shiatsu,Reflexology,Cupping, Osteopathy etc. naturopathy?
• In general, 
• Safe and Effective Treatment
  The main goal of naturopathic practice is to treat disorders and to restore normal body function by enhancing the body's own natural healing abilities.
• Health Promotion
  By identifying and removing obstacles preventing a cure, the body is able to heal itself and move back toward optimal health.
  
• Disease Prevention
  Naturopathic therapists work with their patients to find the cause of the disease and to address the factors that are affecting a patient's health.
• Individualized Treatment
  Every patient has a unique history, lifestyle, dietary habits, genetics and associated health concerns so we create an individualized treatment plan.
• 

How Long the Sleep Time is the Safest to our Health

'Over time, you incur a sleep debt which you can never fully repay,' says doctor

 In 2010, Statistics Canada found 46 per cent of Canadians cut into the time they spend sleeping in order to complete other activities. About 40 per cent of Canadians will experience a sleep disorder during their lifetime, which can lead to serious health risks over time. Less sleep or sleep disorder can have drastic long-term effects on the mind and body, from heart problems to stroke, to an increase risk of car accidents, work performance errors,  more fatigue during the day, anxiety,even obesity......Lack Of Sleep Doubles Risk Of Death.

But does that mean the longer sleep better?

A new study suggests that individuals who sleep eight hours or more a night actually have an increased death rate compared with those who average just six or seven hours. The findings appear in the Archives of General Psychiatry. 

It is not hard to believe that lack of sleep cause lots of health problems, but how come longer sleep(over 9 hours) is not good to our health either? Studies didn't tell us why, but 2000 years ago, the ancient Chinese medicine pioneer has told us that " Stay too long on the bed(Sleep too long time) hurt 'Qi'(energy)" in his book"Huangdi Nei Jing" or "The Inner Canon of Huangdi"

So balance is the key. For all different kind of sleep disorder such as Insomnia or wake up problem, acupuncture or cupping massage therapy definitely is a great option to improve the sleep quality and improve your general health. 

With Jarry(Chinese acupuncturist since 1989) 28 years clinical experience, you will feel the difference.

五劳所伤：久视伤血，久卧伤气，久坐伤肉，久立伤骨，久行伤筋，是谓五劳所伤。（《黄帝内经·素问·宣明五气篇》）

久卧伤气：适当的睡眠对人是非常有益的，睡眠少则会伤身，气血得不到补养。但睡眠太多对健康是不利的，不管是健康人，还是病人，过度的睡懒觉缺乏运动，会削弱人的阳气，会使人精神萎靡，肺气虚弱，体弱无力。也会造成人体气机不畅，气滞则血瘀，经络越来越不通畅久而久之便会患上疾病如：动脉粥样硬化、脑血栓、心梗、高血压等。俗话说得好：“活人睡个病人，病人睡个死人”。生命在于运动，做适当的运动能生发人的阳气，能推动气血的运行，滑利关节。气行则血行，气滞则血瘀所以做适当的运动对人是非常有益的。气虚的人容易疲劳无力，少气懒言，经常喜欢卧床。气虚者常吃一些补气之品如：人参、党参、黄芪、西洋参、山药、大枣，还可以服用四君子汤、补中益气丸。四君子汤，配方：人参12克 白术12克 茯苓12克 甘草6克。水煎服一日两次，血压高者加钩藤10克 天麻10克，功效：补气健脾。

FAQs of Direct Billing for your Extended Health Insurance

Extended Health insurance plans often include alternative and complementary medical services, such as Acupuncture,Massage therapy that you would otherwise have to pay for out of pocket.

Common services that extended health insurance plans might include are:

• Acupuncture
• Massage Therapy
• Naturopathic Medicine
• Physiotherapy
• Chiropractic
• Custom Foot Orthotics
• Counselling and Psychotherapy
• Dental
• Eye care and glasses
• Fitness Spending
• Discretionary funds to use how you like!  You need to ask about this!

Typically you will receive a certain dollar amount (i.e. $300 – 500) toward a particular service.  

How is Direct Billing done and what's the benefits?

Before direct billing came available, it used to be that the only option for getting these services paid for was to pay for them yourself upfront, submit the receipt either by mail or online, and then wait for a cheque in the mail (or a direct bank deposit).  The turnaround time to get the money this way can be prohibitive for people who are tight on cash.  

Most of the insurance companies provide the eClaims portal to clinics like ours or the healthcare providers to submit the eCalims for our clients and get paid directly, reducing your out of pocket payment and saving you the hassle of both submitting and waiting for your money!  

The insurance companies or providers that Oriental Acupuncture Clinic can direct billing to: 

• Blue Cross
• Chambers of Commerce 
  
  
• Cowan
• CINUP
• Desjardins
• First Canadian Benefits
• Great West Life
• Green Shield
• Industrial Alliance
• Johnson Inc
• Johnston Group
• Manulife Financial
• Maximum Benefit
• RBC insurance
• SSQ Financial Group
• Standard Life
• Sun Life
• Veterans Affairs Canada
• Canadian Armed forces
• Veterans Affairs
• RCMP: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

This is great news!  All you have to do is bring your policy and plan numbers (you should have a wallet card) on your first visit and sign up the consent forms, so we can start the eClaims for you. 

Will I ever have to pay up front?

3 cases that you have to pay upfront:

1. If your plan only covers a portion of the visit (i.e. 80%) you will have to pay the difference to the clinic,
2. If your company does not do Direct Billing at all or for specific types of services (so call your insurance company to find out if you not sure)
3. If it’s the first time using Direct Billing Services the Insurance Company sometimes blocks the first transaction because they want to make sure a real person can verify that it’s legitimate.  This does mean that you will have to pay up front on your first visit, but it usually clears up for follow-ups. 

Common Questions to ask your Insurance Company:

Being prepared for direct billing before you come in for your first visit for is always a good idea.  Do to privacy issues, you are the only one who can ask about your plan!  Plan to make a quick phone call and ask the following questions:

1. What is my coverage period?
2. What Categories am I covered for? Acupuncture or Massage therapy etc.
3. Do I have an annual deductible?
4. What are my maximums for each category?  (dollar amount)
5. Up to what amount is covered per each visit?  Is it different for initial visits versus follow-ups?
6. Do I need a referral from an MD to obtain any of these services?
7. Do I have separate “health spending account” or “fitness account” that can be used for other health care services not listed above?

Book an Appointment with our Therapists online 

Call Oriental Acupuncture Clinic  at 416-800-3978 

or Text:416-655-1311

to set up your first appointment!

Healing from the root, beyond treating symptoms.

So you can experience greater health and well-being!

With Jarry's 28 years clinical experience, you will feel the difference.

Does Acupuncture Really Induce Labor?

The summer has been the top season for birth, so recently, at Oriental Acupuncture Clinic,  more and more pregnant women come for acupuncture for labor preparation. At the same time, we got lots of questions about it. Here's are some of the FAQs about the acupuncture for inducing labor:

 Does Acupuncture Really Induce Labor? 

Acupuncture to induce labor is a subtle but effective treatment option to prepare baby and mom for a safe and smooth delivery . It is also considered as “labor preparation” because it naturally preps the mom and baby for the birthing process by relaxing the nervous system and reducing stress and anxiety, while stimulating hormone release and uterine contractions. Many of the acupuncture points we are unable to use during pregnancy due to their stimulating effects on the body are the exact ones we do use during labor induction. Some of these points are in areas that by this time in the pregnancy are already sore like the upper shoulders and low back. Because it is not a strong medication or harsh manual process, the treatment feels good and is quite relaxing.  The extra boost of rest is important for the energy needed for labor and delivery.

 How Quickly Does It Work? 

Acupuncture works differently for every person and every situation. Sometimes the mom and baby are completely ready to go and just need that one special “push” to get things going. But in most cases, it needs 2-7 treatments in 1 to 2 weeks. The study showed that 70% of the women who received acupuncture went into labor on their own, compared to 50% who received standard care.  The research also showed that using acupuncture to stimulate labor in overdue mothers to be had a success rate of 88%.

Is Induction Acupuncture Safe For Me And The Baby? 

Absolutely,  we always say the worst thing that can happen is that nothing happens. (And by ‘nothing happens’, that’s usually no contractions but a better night’s sleep and less pain and discomfort), compared to the Western methods to induce labor such as manual “breaking of the water,” manual “sweeping” of the membranes around the cervix, and the use of drugs like oxytocin (Pitocin), or hormones such as prostaglandins or relaxin. These drugs are quite effective but can cause very strong contractions and speed up the process before the baby or mom’s body is ready. The use of drugs often leads to a cascade of additional interventions such as epidurals, episiotomy, vacuum delivery or C-section. Side effects from the drugs can include dizziness, headaches, nausea, and vomiting. And, the recovery time after C-section and episiotomy is also typically longer than natural births.

Acupuncture for inducing labor, this natural release of hormones creates a gradual onset of labor, often leading to a smoother, less painful, less stressful and faster delivery. 

What If I Have An Existing Medical Condition, e.g. High Blood Pressure Or Gestational Diabetes? 

Every relevant pre-existing medical condition will be asked after in your initial visit and will be represented in the diagnoses, these conditions often respond very well to acupuncture as well, so if there are early signs of such conditions we can help with the management of the symptoms. Acupuncture has been shown to be a very effective complementary medicine often improving the response to the standard medical treatment.

 Is Induction Acupuncture Suitable For Someone Who Has Had A Previous Caesarean?

Yes. If this person is seeking to have a VBAC(Vaginal birth after caesarean )
then acupuncture should form a part of their strategy. Acupuncture can be started at any stage and different Dr’s (CHM) will have different opinions and preferences. As it constitutes a treatment for the scar, it’s better to get the sessions underway earlier rather than later if the option is there! 

Can I do Acupressure At Home?

Yes. There are a few easy-to-get-to and easy-to-remember acupuncture points you or your partner can stimulate to help with the process. Usually pressing 3-5 minutes per point, per side, 2 or 3 times per day.

1.  Large Intestine 4 (LI4 He Gu 合谷穴): Locate the webbing between your index finger and thumb on one of your hands. You will be focusing on the fleshy area towards the middle of your hand. Use the opposite hand to grab the fleshy part with your thumb and index and squeeze in little pumps for a few minutes. Repeat on opposite hand.
   
2.  Gall Bladder 21 (GB21 Jian Jing肩井穴): Locate the area at the top of your shoulders, directly in the middle of your upper trapezius. It’s the area where most people have tension from life and hours at the computer. To get a good amount of pressure, I recommend that the patient sit in a chair where someone can easily stand behind them. The person standing can use an elbow to press down at the top of the shoulder with as much or little pressure that the woman desires. Repeat on the other shoulder.
   
3.  Spleen 6 (SP6 San Yin Jiao 三阴交穴): Put your four fingers together so there is no space in between them as if you were waving. Locate your ankle bone on the inside of your ankle, put your pinky on the bone, and SP6 is where your index finger lies on the fleshy part just under your shin bone. Repeat on both sides.
   
4. Bladder 67 (BL67 Zhi Yin 至阴穴）:This point lies on the little toe, just on the outside aspect of the toenail.Usually acupuncture on this point is contraindicated in pregnant women, but it is a well known empirical point for turning a malpositioned fetus during labour through the use of moxa.
   
   Need a licensed and experienced acupuncturist for acupuncture for inducing labor , book appointment online at Oriental Acupuncture Clinic or call 416-800-3978 for your appointment. 

Cupping therapy FAQs

Since last Olympics the top-notch Olympians, like Michael Phelps,Stephanie Rice used cupping therapy to treat their sore muscles, at Oriental acupuncture clinic, we have received more and more calls inquiring about cupping therapy.

Cupping therapy is not only one of the oldest and most used natural medical treatment in China. but also in Egypt , ancient Greece, the middle east countries( where it's practiced as wet cupping called Hijama - meaning suction in Arabic) and all over Europe. Below are some FAQs about cupping therapy:

What types of cup are used for cupping therapy?

In ancient times, Animals Horns, Bamboo and pottery (clay) cups were initially used. Nowadays, glass or plastic/silicone cups are the most common types used in clinical practice.

What's the Most Common Cupping Therapies?

• Fixed Cupping: a single or multiples cups are placed on a painful area or acupuncture points and are retained for 5 to 15 minutes. To expel pathogens(ie: 1 cup on Du 14 Da Zhui 大椎穴). To help respiratory issues such as asthma and bronchitis (ie: many cups on upper Back-Shu points such as BL 13 Fei Shu 肺俞穴). To calm the mind for anxiety (ie: cup BL 15 Xin Shu 心俞穴. To relieve menstrual pain (cup the lower abdominal region).

• Quick Cupping: Placed on an acupuncture point and removed immediately, then repeating this process many times for 1 to 3 minutes. This is used for people who are deficient and weak.

• Moving Cupping: Oiling a large area and moving the cup back and forth while the suction is in effect. Often used for fascia release and lymphatic draining. Or for muscular pain or to improve blood circulation.

• Needle Cupping: Placing a cup over a needle which has been inserted on an acupuncture point. To enhance the action of a point. 

• Wet Cupping (Blood letting cupping): placing the cup over an acupuncture point that has been pricked by a lancet needle prior to cupping it, and then drawing blood from the body with the cup. Used mostly to detoxify.Fire Cupping: 

• Fire cupping uses a flame to create suction in the cup - you'll see a flame in the cup - and then, we'll apply the cup to the body                        

                                   

What can cupping therapy do for my body?

• Moves Blood & Qi and breaks up obstructions

• Detoxifies

• Relieves Acute or Chronic Pain

• Expels External Pathogens

• Releases fascia, helps lymphatic drainage, and improves circulation

• Relief of Inflammation

• Loosened Adhesions

• Stretching Muscles and Connective Tissue

• Breaking up and Expelling Congestion

• Strengthening the Immune System

• Sedating the Nervous System

Cupping therapy can help many conditions:

• Arthritis & Rheumatism
• Common cold, asthma, bronchitis, and allergies etc. respiratory Problems
• Anxiety , Depression, Insomnia, stress and long standing emotional trauma.

• Headaches, Neck Pain, muscle tension and stiffness, arthritis, sports injuries

• Sciatica & Back Pain

• High Blood Pressure

• Fibromyalgia & Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Are there any adverse side effects?

Nausea, headaches, and light dizziness are common during detoxification initiated by cupping therapy for some people who lack of "Qi" or energy.  Please remember these side effects are most intense when beginning to receive cupping treatments, and lessen dramatically as your body becomes accustomed to cumulative treatments.There are no adverse side effects.The most common misunderstanding or concerns about Cupping therapy, is the marks that sometimes result.

When injuries occur deep in the muscle, bleeding often occurs causing deep bruises. There will also be edema in the area involving the coagulation of sticky proteins. The combining presence of these elements usually results in stagnation of circulation to the area - resulting in pain, dysfunction, and chronic conditions.

The vacuum formed by Cupping draws up the old non-circulating stagnant blood and sticky fluids from the area, bringing them up to the surface and away from the injury so that healthy free circulation can be restored to the affected area, thus creating space for oxygen, living cells and nutrients for faster recovery.

Where there is dead, static blood, lymph, cellular debris, pathogenic factors, and toxins present in the body, Cupping can leave marks which indicates that the stagnation or disease has been moved from the deeper tissue layers to the surface.

The color and pattern of the marks depend on the level of stagnation in the area, and range from a bright red to dark purple, usually lasting 3 days to a week - sometimes longer if the person is very sick or sedentary. If there is no stagnation present, there will be only a pink marking which disappears in a few minutes to a couple of hours.

If the person receiving treatment sweats a lot on a daily basis - no marks may ever occur.People who live/work/play in toxic environments (or were exposed to a heavy dose of toxic material) may consistently mark.

Sites where there is old trauma or injury may require multiple Cupping treatments to remove all stagnation. You will find in follow up treatments the marks will be progressively lighter as the pathogens are systemically removed from the body.

Once people understand what these marks are, and feel the results - the concerns disappear.

Shoulder pain, neck stiffness patient after moving cupping treatment felt instantly relief of the pain and stiffness, the cupping marks / skin reaction showed below: 

Is cupping suitable for everybody?

NO, Cupping is NOT recommended on sensitive skin, ulcer or broken skin, on the lumbar and abdominal region of pregnant women, or on people with excess hair (especially moving cup or fire cup). 

Can I have bath or shower or go swimming after cupping?

After cupping treatment, you should avoid exposure to cold, wet, and/or windy weather conditions, swimming, hot showers, baths, saunas, hot tubs and aggressive exercise for 24 hours.

Also keep in mind, Prior to your cupping session, it is beneficial to drink lots of room temperature water, get plenty of rest, avoid caffeine, alcohol, sugary foods and drinks, and eat less or no processed foods, dairy, and meat a few days prior to session.  This will assist the body in adjusting, flushing, and processing the treatment. Any questions and concerns about cupping therapy, please feel free to call Oriental Acupuncture Clinic at 416-800-3978 for free consultation.

Cupping is very similar on the muscles as a deep tissue massage.  The pulling force of  the suction  places a stretch on the muscle  when massaged  with a cup.  It elongates  the muscle and  helps break down adhesions in the tissue.  This intern  increase  circulation  and  blood  flow to decrease  pain.

Recommendations for treatment: Cupping massage can be used 1 - 2 times a week when clients are first introduced to cupping  treatments  for a specific condition . It is recommended  to come for a 30 min session 1 time a week for the first 4 weeks. Then spread  the  treatments  out to 2 times a week . If the client is responding well to the treatment. eventually the client will only need 1 treatment a month to feel the benefits.

GOAL

The goal of cupping is to activate the body's self-healing. The suction from the cups creates negative pressure. Which cause strong irritation to the area. This activates the bodies local and general healing powers, creating a anti-inflammatory effect which in turn supports rapid recovery from any disease caused by inflammation.    This is stimulates the lymphatic system, increases blood flow to the muscles and skin to loosen adhesions. The increase in circulation to the area allows for a faster elimination of pain causing substances and as a result pain is reduced.

Book with our experienced therapists online today 

or call 416-800-3978 to setup your appointment.