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“He who seeks medicine and neglects his diet wastes the skill of his doctors.”  – Chinese Proverb A very common topic of discussion in my clinic is nutrition:  Part of my health history intake is asking about the patient’s diet, and I very frequently make nutritional recommendations to assist their health goals. In addition, I am often asked about what is the healthiest way to eat.  It used to be mainly a weight-loss related question, but now it seems to also be people who are struggling with severe health problems such as cancer, auto-immune diseases and chronic degenerative diseases.  I find it encouraging that people are starting to acknowledge the quality of their nutrition as a fundamental source of their health or disease. Nutrition as Medicine The quality of what we consume directly affects our state of health. Depending on what we choose to eat, our diets can be medicinal or harmful. Hippocrates, the father of modern medicine, knew this. He is famous for saying “Let food be thy medicine, and thy medicine be food.” Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has also known this for centuries (actually millennia, to be more accurate). In fact, of the Eight Branches of Traditional Chinese Medicine, nutrition is one of the most powerful, and certainly is the one that each of us has the most control over on a daily basis, since we all need to eat multiple times daily. Perhaps you’ve not thought of nutrition as medicine before now, but it is an important concept in TCM. Healthy nutrition provides the foundational energy and substance which nourishes, heals and sustains our bodies in a state of vibrancy and health; poor diet depletes, harms and toxifies our bodies, causing myriad symptoms and diseases. Just as the roots of a tree need to be healthy and strong so that they can provide optimal nutrition to the rest of the tree, we need to provide our organs and systems with optimal nutrition to heal and maintain our own strength and vitality. And, just as a house must be seated upon a strong foundation in order to have integrity, we need ensure our own foundation with sound nutrition. Whole Foods Before delving into the deeper principles of health-promoting nutrition, we must first eliminate the fast food, junk food, preservatives, chemicals, and excess fats and sugars in our diets. We cannot help our bodies become and stay healthy if we are regularly eating these types of foods. It is essential to learn to read food labels, and stay away from products that contain ingredients that are not recognizable food names, and chemical-sounding names.  Like Michael Pollan says, “If a 3rd grader can’t pronounce the ingredient, don’t eat it!” The first, simplest and most profound piece of advice for building health through nutrition is to eat whole, unprocessed foods. Whole foods are those that are recognizable in their natural state: whole vegetables and fruits, such as apples, carrots, cucumbers and spinach; whole, unprocessed grains, such as brown rice, quinoa, corn and oats; whole cooked beans, whole nuts and seeds without oils or flavorings added. Whole foods contain all types of vitamins, fiber, minerals, and health benefiting phytochemicals that number in the hundreds, or even thousands, that work synergistically to nourish us.  Many of these compounds have been found by modern science to protect us from cancer, heart disease, and other degenerative diseases.  Many others of these phytochemicals modern nutritional science hasn’t yet even identified! No one yet knows what other kinds of beneficial and vital properties they carry, or how they all work together synergistically to benefit our bodies. It makes the most sense to give ourselves every advantage in the quest for excellent long-term health by consuming as much of the beneficial elements as we can in the foods we know are health-promoting. The best way to do this is by eating them in their whole-food form. In addition to the vitamins, minerals and phytochemicals, the fiber in whole foods slows the absorption of glucose, which helps keep the blood sugar steady, preventing diabetes. It also provides volume to food, to satisfy the appetite without adding calories. Fiber helps to prevent heart disease by binding cholesterol for excretion. It also absorbs toxins in the digestive tract, provides a mechanical means by which to sweep wastes out of the intestines (which decreases risk of colon cancer), provides bulk to the stool, and exercises the smooth muscle tissue in the intestinal walls to keep them toned and well functioning, preventing diverticulosis. With all of the vital functions that dietary fiber has, it makes no sense to eat foods that are refined, which means the fiber (and most of the vitamins and minerals) has been removed. Processed foods made with refined ingredients such as white flour, sugar, white rice, and oil, which include most breads, pretzels, chips, crackers, cakes, muffins, and pastries are not whole foods. Their base ingredients have been stripped of any nutritional value they once had, they have little or no fiber, and they add a lot of sugar, fat and chemicals that wreak havoc with our physical health and negatively impact our mental and emotional outlook (not to mention our waist lines.) Moderation The ancient Chinese said that moderation is the key to good health. They were not referring to a moderation of junk foods, chemically-laden foods or processed foods, because these did not exist then. For the vast majority of our existence here on earth, humans only had access to whole foods, (which were organic, by the way) and yet the ancient Chinese still preached moderation. This is interesting to consider, since many Americans think a diet of whole foods (especially organic) is extreme. So what were the ancient Chinese referring to by “moderation”?  This will be discussed in Nutrition, Part 2 where we will focus on Nutritional Therapy in Oriental Medicine, based on the physiology of digestion from a Chinese Medicine point of view. Dawn Potter, AP, Dipl.OM excerpts published in Tampa Bay Wellness, April 2011 #vegetables #vitamins #greens #fruits #fiber #weightloss #phytonutrients #nutrition #orientalmedicine

We all know we need to be eating our greens.  But, let’s face it, how many of us are getting even 2 servings of dark green leafy veggies per day, much less the recommended 4 to 5 or more? Okay, let’s back up a minute, why are greens so good for us anyway? Why Greens? It turns out that green “leafies” are actually one of the BEST foods for human beings! Why? Leafy greens are full of live enzymes, vitamins, alkalinizing minerals, antioxidants, fiber, amino acids (yes…there is protein in greens!) and chlorophyll: all of which are wonderfully nourishing and protective for human tissues and detoxifying at the same time. Chlorophyll is what gives the leaf it’s green color and, interestingly, the chlorophyll molecule is only slightly different from the hemoglobin molecule (the molecule in human blood that carries oxygen to all of our body cells).  Chlorophyll is known to stop yeast and fungus growth in the digestive tract, counteract toxins and radiation, de-activate many carcinogens, counteract inflammation, and promote healthful intestinal flora. Greens help nourish, strengthen and heal every organ system in our bodies, as well as support the natural detoxification and cleansing mechanisms that we are born with.  They give us more energy, cut cravings for sweets and stimulants, and prevent diseases such as cancer, diabetes, heart disease and arthritis. In Oriental Medicine, greens are said to build Blood and improve the functioning of the Liver, which is responsible for removing toxins that come from the external environment and from our own body’s metabolic and hormonal processes.  This results in greater energy, better hormonal profiles, less depression, less PMS, luxurious hair, strong nails and dewy skin, as well as  better overall health in general. If you are looking to lose weight in a healthy and sustainable way, greens have the highest nutrient density of any foods on the planet.  This means they pack the highest nutritional punch with the lease amount of calories. The more greens you eat, the easier it will be to lose those extra pounds. Why Smoothies? So, now that we know we need to be consuming a LOT more greens, how do we get them into our diets easily?  The answer is Green Smoothies: Green Smoothies are very tasty!  There are a lot of smoothie recipes out there.  Some are fantastic, and some are truly awful. You can do a google search to find hundreds of tried and true recipes, and you can experiment with making your own. Initially you will want more fruit than greens, in order to “hide” the green flavor. But as you become a seasoned smoothie drinker, you will likely find that you actually enjoy the refreshing green taste, and will want to experiment with more veggies and less fruit. Green Smoothies are easy to digest, because they are blended. A good blender does a far better job at chewing up the plant cellulose than people can really do themselves. Many people who can’t digest salad can often digest some green smoothie, especially if some warming digestive spices are added, such as ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamom or clove. However, in order to further assist your body in optimally digesting such a large amount of concentrated nutrition, it is advisable to drink your smoothies slowly, and mix each mouthful with some saliva, as you would if you were chewing it. Green Smoothies are convenient!  A great, “grab and run” item on your way to work or school.  They stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Green Smoothies are quick and easy to make, requiring no special or expensive kitchen equipment other than a good blender. Why Not Juices? Some health-conscious people who are familiar with green juices may be asking, “Why smoothies and not juices?” Well, there are several reasons why I prefer smoothies over juices:  the Number One dietary priority that I recommend is to consume Whole Foods.  Whole foods are those that are as close to their natural state as possible. For example, whole grain brown rice, as opposed to white rice, and 100% whole grain bread, instead of white bread, which has been stripped of its fiber and its natural vitamins and minerals.  Any type of food that has been processed or “refined” is no longer a whole food. Whole foods contain all types of vitamins, fiber, minerals, and health benefiting phytochemicals that number in the hundreds, if not thousands, many of which modern nutritional science hasn’t yet even identified.  Why not give ourselves every advantage in the quest for excellent long-term health by consuming as much of the beneficial elements that we can in the foods we know are health promoting?  The best way to do this is by eating them in their whole-food form, and this includes fruits and vegetables. While juicing does create a drink that is full of vitamins, minerals and beneficial phytochemicals, it strips the fiber out of the plant. In this modern culture, where people are already not ingesting enough fiber, it makes no sense to strip it away.  Fiber helps bind toxins and wastes that have been excreted from the liver and gall bladder (such as excess hormones and cholesterol), and it helps sweep toxins, waste products, bad bacteria, yeasts and fungus from our intestines, while toning the intestinal muscles and walls.  Fiber also slows down the absorption of the natural plant sugars, so that they don’t unnaturally spike the blood sugar. Juice does none of this. (Plus, juicer machines are very expensive and time-consuming to clean!) Basic Customizable Smoothie Recipe: I’ve been making green smoothies for myself and my family for years, and we love them. They are a regular part of our diets, often substituting as breakfast or a snack, or a light dinner. They make us feel cleaner, lighter and more energetic, and even help eliminate sugar cravings. There are many green smoothie recipes on the internet and in books.  Some are great, and some are not. I will give you my basic version here, which you can customize: 2 large handfuls greens (spinach, romaine, leaf lettuce, etc….mix it up!), 1 banana or 1/2 avocado (for creaminess), 1 cup fresh or frozen berries, peaches or pineapple, 1 cup water.  (Optional: 2 dried dates, soaked in water for 1 hr). Blend until smooth and enjoy!  They are sweet from the fruit, with no need for sugar, sweeteners or dairy products.  For a creamier smoothie, simply add more banana or ½ avocado, or 2 tsp of hemp hearts (hemp seeds).  Simple, yummy and wonderfully nutritous!  Aim to drink at least 4 cups per day (32 oz). Be sure to change up your greens every few days, so that you can benefit from the nutrition in a variety of greens. And skip the iceberg lettuce since it has significantly fewer nutrients than any other leafy greens. Lastly, try to use organic produce when possible. Organic food is less toxic, tastes better, and is more nutritious than conventionally grown produce.  But it is still much better to eat conventionally grown produce than no produce at all. For more info on Green Smoothies, check out the book & website Green for Life, by Victoria Boutenko, the website by Robyn Openshaw at www.greensmoothiegirl.com, and www.incrediblesmoothies.com. Dawn Potter, AP, Dipl.OM #vegetables #vitamins #greens #detoxify #fruits #fiber #minerals #weightloss #antioxidants #greensmoothie #chlorophyll #phytonutrients #leaf #nutrition

Playing sports is a wonderful way to stay in shape and have fun with friends. Whether you are a casual sports player, a weekend warrior or someone who trains hard everyday, acupuncture can be extremely valuable for you: it assists both acute and cumulative injury recovery, helps prevent future injuries and enhances athletic performance and endurance. Many acupuncture techniques were born from the needs of the martial arts traditions in China.  Acupuncture played an important role in keeping ancient fighters in peak condition and it continues to keep modern athletes healthy and active. Some recognizable sports names who use acupuncture regularly are Maria Sharapova, Martina Hingis, Carl Lewis, Charles Barkley and Jim McMahon. Also, many professional sports teams employ acupuncturists to treat injuries and keep players in top condition. Acute Sports Injuries: Sports are competitive in nature. When we are competing, we push ourselves beyond our normal limitations, which can result in traumatic injury. No doubt, when this happens, you will want to get back out on the court, field, rink, course or trail as soon as possible and acupuncture can help. When traumatic injury occurs, first check with an urgent care doctor to be sure that it isn’t serious; fractures, dislocations, ruptured tendons and serious internal injuries should be treated by a medical doctor or hospital. But, after you are released to rest and recuperate, acupuncture is the perfect therapy to augment your recovery, reduce your pain and speed healing time. Common traumatic injuries that acupuncture can treat are: shoulder rotator cuff tears and strains wrist sprains and strains ankle sprains and strains knee ligament and meniscus injuries (these are especially common in sports that require a lot of sudden starting, stopping and direction changing) vertebral disc inflammation in the neck or back strains (pulls) and tears of any muscle or tendon (i.e. hamstring, groin, Achilles tendon) Cumulative Over-Use Injuries: Some sports injuries are not sudden, but slowly build-up over time due to repeated over-use of a particular joint or muscle. Usually, these types of injuries start out as a nagging dull ache.  This is the best time to start getting treatment for these injuries. If you ignore them, they will build-up to become chronic and debilitating problems. Once advanced, these injuries often require more recovery time than acute, traumatic ones. How do you distinguish between the nagging ache of a cumulative over-use injury and the typical soreness that accompanies working out?  Here are 3 general guidelines to help you determine what your ache may be telling you: 1.Cumulative injuries are often felt more in joints: shoulders, knees, elbows, wrists, hip joints.  Conversely, typical “working-out” soreness is felt more in the muscles. 2. With a cumulative injury, the nagging soreness occurs during or very shortly after playing your sport, whereas, typical muscle soreness from training doesn’t usually begin until 24 to 48 hours later. 3.Cumulative injuries will repeatedly occur in the same area week after week, but soreness from working out usually will not. Common cumulative, over-use injuries that acupuncture can treat are: tennis elbow, golfer’s elbow and elbow bursitis shoulder tendinitis, bursitis, arthritis and impingement syndrome wrist tendinitis Achilles tendinitis hip bursitis illiotibial band syndrome knee arthritis How Does Acupuncture Help? From the Chinese medical point of view, the body is an energetic collection of functions, not just a mechanical collection of parts. That is to say, we contain Life Energy, also known as Qi (“chee”). One is said to be in perfect health when this energy is flowing unimpeded, and in an adequate amount throughout the entire body. Qi is the basis for the proper functioning of all body processes: it provides structural integrity and stability, physiological efficiency and the potential for healing. When you sustain an injury, the flow of energy in and around the area becomes disrupted, causing stagnation and pain. This energy stagnation also inhibits the proper circulation of blood and lymph to the area, extending healing times, prolonging swelling and bruising and increasing the need for pain medications. Acupuncture works directly to free the flow of Qi through these areas of stagnation.  This serves 3 main functions to assist healing and speed recovery: Increased circulation of Qi decreases pain, inflammation and swelling (all of which are signs of stagnation). Enhanced circulation of energy also brings increased circulation of blood and lymph.  This means that fresh vital nutrients are more readily available to tissues that need them in order to mend. Enhanced circulation also carries dead cells and cellular waste products away from the injured site. When Chinese herbal medicine is added to the acupuncture treatments, the healing and pain relieving effects are even greater.  Herbs for injuries may be applied topically and/or taken internally, depending on the nature of the injury.  Massage techniques may also be incorporated after the initial stages of recovery. Enhancing Athletic Performance: Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine focuses on regulating the flow of energy (Qi) throughout the entire body, to create optimal circulation and function. What could be possible when your heart, lungs, muscles, tendons and joints are all receiving fresh vital nutrients and being flushed of waste products quickly and efficiently?  Better physical performance, enhanced endurance, quicker recovery times and fewer incidents of injury. When added to a proper physical training program, acupuncture is extremely valuable for improving your game. This is what many professionals already know, and why they use acupuncture for injuries, injury prevention and enhanced performance. Schedule Acupuncture for Sports Injuries in Clearwater Have you been injured due to a sports-related event? Looking for a more natural approach to your pain management and healing? Dawn Potter Acupuncture and would be happy to help. We offer free 15-minute phone consultations and would be happy to discuss your overall needs and how our treatment options (including sports injury acupuncture) can help. Sources: http://sportsmedicine.about.com/od/tennisinjuries/a/tennisinjuries.htm http://sport-people.blogspot.com/2007/07/maria-sharapova-just-wanted-it-to-end.html http://www.solveyourproblem.com/natural-health/reasons_to_try_acupuncture.shtml http://learnenglish.britishcouncil.org/en/node/402 Dawn Potter, AP, Dipl.OM Published in Tampa Bay Wellness, Sept 2008 #tenniselbow #musclestrain #golferelbow #cumulativeinjury #injuryrecovery #sportsperformance #sports #injury #injuries #athleticperformance #acupuncture #acuteinjury #sprainedankle #runnerknee #pulledmuscle

I got a phone call this past week, asking if I do ear stapling for weight loss. I informed the caller that I don’t do ear stapling per se; I do ear acupuncture needling, along with body points, nutritional analysis, herbal supplementation and exercise counseling for weight loss. She was not interested in these services. She fully understood that ear stapling is a derivative of acupuncture, but had no interest in the medicine from which this technique came. She hung up in order to continue her search. Does ear stapling work? I don’t have any experience with it to know if it actually works. In my training and philosophy, in most cases, it would take more than a single staple in the ear to shift a person’s entire energy balance (homeostasis) from holding onto weight to releasing it. (This is why I combine ear acupuncture with body acupuncture, nutrition, herbs and exercise. ) But, I also don’t doubt that the power of the mind, belief and manifestation is incredible, and if a person is “ripe” for a mental shift, a staple in the ear might be enough support for them to make the changes necessary. Mental Shift: An example of this powerful mental shift is a friend of mine who was a “closet” smoker. She wanted to quit, and tried numerous times over many years. It was so difficult for her that she often found herself in tears over it…ashamed that she couldn’t overcome this addiction. Interestingly, however, the minute she found out she was pregnant, she quit smoking with ease, and without looking back. A mental shift occurred when she realized she was supporting a developing life. And it was this mental shift that made all the difference in her experience of her addiction. Any power that it once had over her was gone in an instant. Placebo? Now, in the case of the ear stapling, if it is the “mental shift” that has it be successful, this would be called “placebo” medicine. Interestingly, in Oriental Medicine there is no such thing as “placebo”. The mind, body and spirit are inseparable…you cannot affect one without affecting the others, AND there is nothing a person could possibly consume or experience that wouldn’t affect the body, mind or spirit in some way, though often not in a predictable way. So, placebo is a fallacy. In research studies involving “placebo”, it is a valid idea, but only in that there are specific results being sought and measured in comparison to something else. Though a placebo can’t exist in the big picture, when looking for a specific outcome, placebo is possible. Another word about placebo: many people consider the whole medicine of acupuncture to be placebo. This is not valid. Look at how many animals respond so well to acupuncture. It has been used on racehorses for decades with great effect. Another example is a canine friend of mine, who received acupuncture treatment for a hip injury and allergies. After a 10-minute treatment, he rose to his feet no longer limping, and didn’t sneeze again for 2 weeks. Animals don’t have the burden of a mind full of judgments, opinions and beliefs to contend with, and oddly enough, they often respond more immediately to acupuncture than most humans do. This points to the idea that people’s minds are actually retarding the healing processes that acupuncture stimulates…the opposite of the placebo effect. Dawn Potter, AP, Dipl.OM #mentalshift #earstapling #animalacupuncture #weightloss #acupuncture #placebo

When it comes to life during the pandemic, stress is high for most people. With stress comes an increased risk of getting sick and generally not feeling well. Today, Dawn Potter Acupuncture in Clearwater, Florida is providing at-home stress reducing activities you should try. Got questions? Interested in acupuncture or our other services? Feel free to reach out, so we can get you added to our schedule for an appointment. The Benefits of Less Stress Did you know that stress can wreak havoc on more than just your mind? People that are stressed are at a higher risk of getting sick and even having certain health conditions. When you are less stressed you tend to sleep better, get sick less often, get better quicker when sick and even be in an overall better mood. Interested in reducing your stress? Here are some at-home activities you can safely try. Take A Bath Taking a bath can calm your nerves along with tension in the body. We recommend adding some essential oils to your bath such as lavender which can provide another relaxing element to your bath. Even if you just have 15 minutes, that is enough time to fit in a nice relaxing bath to help soothe the soul. Exercise Exercise can actually release neurotransmitters such as dopamine and serotonin, providing the body with a nice calm feeling following any burst of activity. Whether you want to jog in place for a minute or do 50 jumping jacks, getting your heart rate up is a nice way to reduce stress. Meditate Many people find meditation to be a daunting task, but it shouldn’t be. Even just two minutes of focusing on your breathing can have profound effects on your overall stress level. We recommend finding a nice quiet place to just sit down and focus on your breathing for as many minutes as possible. Contact Dawn Potter Acupuncture in Clearwater Today Need additional help reducing stress? Interested in trying acupuncture to relieve stress? Contact Dawn Potter Acupuncture in Clearwater today to get started.

At Dawn Potter Acupuncture and Wellness we often meet patients that say they're doing everything to support their wellness. However, diet is an area where they seem to be lacking. today we're discussing the importance of diet when it comes to your overall wellness and good health. Have additional questions? Interested in scheduling an appointment? We would be happy to help with any of your needs, visit our booking site today to schedule your free 15 minute wellness consultation via the phone. What You Eat Impacts Every Part Of Your Body From your brain to your toes, every single part of your body is impacted by the things you put inside of it, including what you eat. Many foods, especially highly processed ones are known to cause inflammation, and a range of other problems within the body. inflammation throughout the body is being linked to a range of things from cancer and autoimmune conditions to mental illness and chronic pain. Add Whole Foods To Your Diet & Avoid Packaged “Fake” Foods Making sure to eat whole foods is always best. What do we mean by Whole Foods? Real food, things like fruits and vegetables, grains, nuts, and seeds, not things that come in prepackaged boxes in the middle of the grocery store for easy convenience. Meal Prepping Can Help Many people find that food preparation is an area where staying healthy is extremely difficult. We highly recommend meal prepping in advance as a way to prepare healthy meals that you can have all week. There are many people on YouTube, and various other places that offer a wealth of information when it comes to meal planning, we highly recommend you check them out. Things such as overnight oats, salads and soups can be easy to prepare in advance and take for lunch or breakfast the next day. Crockpots can be a wonderful tool for preparing a meal before you leave for work or start your day and have it ready by the time you're ready to eat without a whole lot of work at the end of the day when you're already tired. Schedule Your Appointment With Dawn Potter Acupuncture Today Think you may need some help when it comes to diet, nutrient intake, recipes or even meal prepping? Schedule an appointment with us today, we would be happy to help.

Have you been considering acupuncture treatment in Clearwater, but are worried about it being painful? Today will be discussing whether or not acupuncture treatment should be painful and how you can get started with your treatments today. What Exactly Is Acupuncture? Acupuncture is a form of treatment which uses tiny needles that are inserted into specific parts of the body to yield specific results. research has shown that acupuncture can be beneficial for a variety of conditions, including pain, stress, pregnancy, complications, gastrointestinal issues, and more. So Is Acupuncture Painful? acupuncture is different for every patient, however, it should not be painful. Minor discomfort may be felt when the needle reaches a specific depth but many patients report not feeling anything at all. If for any reason during your treatment, you feel like you're experiencing pain please let your acupuncturist know immediately. we would never want a patient to have an uncomfortable experience during their treatment with us. How Can I Start Clearwater Acupuncture Treatments? At Dawn Potter Acupuncture and Wellness we are proud to offer free 15 minute phone consultations to discuss your overall health, wellness goals, and potential treatment options. Schedule yours today to see if acupuncture might be the right treatment option for your needs. Schedule Acupuncture in Clearwater, Florida Today Ready to get started with your acupuncture appointment? Message us, call us or visit our booking site today.

Did you know that chronic inflammation in the body has been linked to a wide range of illnesses, diseases and health complications? These include cancer, diabetes, ADHD and even heart disease among many others. Luckily, with modifications to your diet you can decrease the inflammation that occurs within your body, reducing your risks of these problems. Today, Dawn Potter Acupuncture in Clearwater is discussing various anti-inflammatory herbs and spices that can help. Got questions? Interested in scheduling an appointment? Reach out to Dawn Potter Acupuncture today, we’re welcoming new patients. Turmeric (Curcumin) Perhaps one of the most discussed anti-inflammatory spices, Turmeric has long been used in Chinese medicine to aid in inflammation reduction, the treatment of digestive orders and even to address infections and certain wounds. Turmeric contains Curcumin (the compound that gives turmeric its yellow pigment) and can be added to a variety of foods and drinks. Supplements of Curcumin are also available in various forms. Chili Peppers (Capsaicin) Like a little spice in your diet? Well you’re in luck! Different kinds of chili peppers contain capsaicin (which makes it hot) and is known to have an anti-inflammatory effect in the body. All chili peppers contain capsaicin and can be used in a variety of dishes to increase the heat. Supplements are also available. Black Pepper (Piperine) Black pepper is an extremely common spice that you’ll find on the table at most homes and restaurants. Black pepper contains a chemical known as piperine (giving it the distinctive flavor) which even at low doses can reduce inflammation in the body along with reducing the perception of pain in some patients. (And it helps the body to absorb and utilize turmeric!) Ginger Ginger is another common spice that has shown great results in reducing inflammation in the body, among other things. Ginger is a wonderful addition to many dishes along with drinks. You can even make a nice strong tea using just the root. Contact Dawn Potter Acupuncture in Clearwater, Florida Today Ready to try these wonderful anti-inflammatory spices and herbs in your diet? Let us know what you think! Interested in scheduling acupuncture in Clearwater or another treatment option? Contact Dawn Potter Acupuncture today.

Are you or a loved one currently pregnant? Have you been experience certain pain due to your pregnancy such as back pain or pelvic pain? Wondering if acupuncture treatments may be able to help? Today, Dawn Potter Acupuncture in Clearwater, Florida is discussing recent analysis of research about various studies on acupuncture in relation to pain experienced during pregnancy. Have more questions? Wondering if our treatment options are right for you? Feel free to reach out! We even offer free 15 minute phone consultations and would be happy to get you on the schedule. Is Acupuncture Safe During Pregnancy? Many people often wonder whether acupuncture is even safe during pregnancy and the answer is yes, when performed properly. Dawn has vast experience working with pregnant patients and would be happy to discuss your needs to see if she can help. Studies On Acupuncture For Pregnancy Pain A recent analysis that was published in BMJ Open (an open access research journal) that looked at 10 different studies and over 1,000 patients that experienced back pain or pelvic pain during pregnancy (17-30 weeks). Participants in these studies were on average 35 years of age or younger and otherwise healthy individuals. Based upon the data from these various studies, the analysis authors concluded that acupuncture treatment can be effective for reducing back pain/pelvic pain associated with pregnancy. Acupuncture is also known to have little to no complications as well. What About Acupuncture For Other Pregnancy Symptoms? In other studies acupuncture has been found to be helpful for morning sickness (and even Hyperemesis gravidarum - an extremely severe form of pregnancy sickness), fatigue, stress/anxiety and even GI related issues. Schedule Acupuncture For Pregnancy in Clearwater, FL Today Interested in acupuncture during pregnancy in Clearwater, Florida? Visit our scheduling site, send us a message or give us a call today to get started. We’re always happy to help.

With the pandemic still raging on, it may be more important than ever to stay vigilant this cold and flu season. Do you know that there are certain things you can do to improve your immune system and stay well during this year’s flu or cold seasons? Today, we’re discussing tips for staying healthy this year. Got questions? Interested in scheduling an appointment? Feel free to reach out to Dawn Potter Acupuncture in Clearwater, Florida today. Tips for Staying Healthy When it comes to staying healthy during cold and flu seasons there are quite a few things you can do, including: 1. Going to bed early, and getting enough sleep can greatly benefit your immune system and overall health. 2. Stay active, get outside, take walks, start a new workout routine. Staying active can keep your body healthier, making you less likely to get sick in the first place. 3. Reduce your stress, try meditation or removing negativity from your life. Stress can be a big hindrance to your immune system and overall well being 4. Eating healthier may be one of the most important steps you can take. Reduce foods that lead to inflammation such as white flour, sugar and saturated fats. Instead, eat a lot of vegetables, legumes, herbs and spices. Whole, fresh or frozen fruit can also be good. If you are eating grains, opt for whole grains. Try to avoid oils, and get your healthy fats from whole food sources like avocado, nuts and seeds. And if eating animal protein, make sure it is organic, hormone-free and free-range. Most animal protein is full of inflammatory omega-6 fats, due to unhealthy rearing practices. Acupuncture for Colds & Flu? Along with lifestyle changes, certain treatments such as acupuncture have been proven to reduce the risk of cold and flu along with reducing the symptoms associated if you end up sick. Why Dawn Potter Acupuncture For Your Natural Flu & Cold Treatments? Dawn Potter Acupuncture has been providing a more natural approach to care in the Clearwater/Palm Harbor/Tarpon Springs community for over a decade. We have a range of treatment options depending upon your exact needs. Schedule Cold & Flu Treatments in Clearwater, Florida Have questions regarding diet or lifestyle changes? Interested in trying acupuncture in Clearwater? Reach out to Dawn Potter Acupuncture today, we’re welcoming new patients and would be delighted to help with your needs.

Last time we discussed some of our treatment options at Dawn Potter Acupuncture in Clearwater, Florida, including: acupuncture, moxibustion, cupping and massage. Today, we’re discussing a few more of our options that do not include manual therapies. Have questions? Ready to schedule your appointment? For any of your needs, simply reach out. Herbal Remedies, Vitamins & Supplements Along with various manual therapies, Dawn also offers various supplements, vitamins and herbal remedies that can be used for a wide range of ailments, symptoms, etc. Based upon your overall evaluation with Dawn, various treatment options may be recommend, some of which may include vitamins, herbs and supplements that are taken to aid in the healing of the body. Nutrition What you eat and drink has a big impact on the way you feel and heal. Dawn offers nutritional guidance and dietary advice that can help with the alleviation of symptoms and promotion of healing throughout the body. Based upon various factors, specific recommendations will be made. Movement/Concentration Exercises At Dawn Potter Acupuncture we also recommend concentration and movement exercises such as tai chi. Dawn can discuss these various recommendations, provide resources for properly learning, implementing, etc. Free Wellness Consultations Wondering if any of these treatment options may be right for your and your overall wellness goals? Dawn offers free wellness consultations that are conducted over the phone. During your consultation, your overall health, wellness goals, etc. will be discussed to determine if Dawn is the right fit for your needs. A new patient appointment will then be scheduled where more detailed information will be obtained and the specifics of treatment can be discussed further. Schedule Traditional Chinese Medicine in Clearwater, Florida Today Interested in scheduling a Clearwater Traditional Chinese Medicine appointment with Dawn? Send us a message, give us a call or visit our booking website today to get started. We’d be happy to help with any of your needs.

When it comes to providing a natural approach to wellness, we often get questions about what exactly our Traditional Chinese Medicine treatment options are. Today, we’re briefly discussing our different treatment options and how they can help. Have additional questions? Ready to schedule your free wellness consultation? Simply reach out to get started. Acupuncture As you can probably guess from the name of our practice, Acupuncture is one of the most common treatment options we offer. Acupuncture has been used for centuries and has shown results in many recent studies to help with a range of health ailments. Moxibustion Our Moxibustion treatment uses moxa (mugwort or artemesia) in a roll much like a cigar. It applies heat to certain areas of the body and has been shown to help with pain, injury, inflammation and more. Cupping Cupping is another manual therapy offered here, it uses cups to form a suction on the skin. This treatment is often used for pain, injury and lung-related ailments. Michael Phelps (the famous swimmer was once seen with cupping marks on his body following a treatment – this briefly made the treatment a bit more popular. Massage Massage can be done in a variety of ways, some that are more helpful than others. Dawn has been a licensed massage therapist since 1997 and offers a variety of techniques including Acupressure, Swedish, Neuromuscular, Deep Tissue, Trigger Point, Cranio-Sacral and Russian Kurashova massage. She also has training in medical Qi Gong, as well as Myofascial Release (as taught by John F Barnes). Schedule Clearwater Traditional Chinese Medicine Ready for traditional chinese medicine in Clearwater, FL? We would be happy to help, send us a message, give us a call or visit our booking website today to schedule your free 15 minute phone consultation.