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Have you been considering acupuncture in Clearwater, Florida but aren’t sure of its benefits and whether it would be right for you? At Dawn Potter Acupuncture, we are dedicated to providing natural healing options for those in our community. Today, we’re discussing acupuncture and the various benefits of the treatment. For additional questions or to schedule acupuncture nearby you, feel free to reach out. We are always happy to help. Benefits of Acupuncture Nearby You Wondering what the benefits of acupuncture treatment in Clearwater may be? There are quite a few, including but not limited to: Acupuncture treatment in Clearwater is drug-free. For those interested in reducing pain, discomfort or even stiffness, acupuncture can be a wonderful, natural option that does not involve narcotics, painkillers or even NSAIDs. Acupuncture involves inserting tiny needles into the body, producing a variety of effects depending on placement and other factors. Clearwater acupuncture treatment can reduce pain. As mentioned above, acupuncture can be a wonderful way to reduce pain experienced by patients. Even those with orthopedic issues, such as arthritis can benefit according to some recent research. Acupuncture in Clearwater can improve respiratory issues. Do you or a loved one suffer from respiratory issues such as allergies, asthma or even bronchitis? Research has shown that acupuncture can actually reduce inflammation, having a direct impact on respiration and issues related to it. Clearwater acupuncture can reduce depression, anxiety and other mental health symptoms. For those that suffer from anxiety, depression or other mental health issues, acupuncture treatment can be a wonderful option. Acupuncture reduces stress and can provide similar benefits to cognitive behavioral therapy according to research. Schedule Clearwater, Florida Acupuncture Today Interested in starting your acupuncture treatment in Clearwater, Florida? Contact Dawn Potter Acupuncture today, we’re always welcoming new patients at our clinic and would be happy to get you on our schedule.

Are you interested in a more natural approach to your teenager’s healthcare? Considering acupuncture in Clearwater but aren’t sure if it would be right for your teen? At Dawn Potter Acupuncture we are proud to offer acupuncture nearby along with various other treatments that can be perfect for addressing various issues your child may experience. Interested in a consultation for teen acupuncture in Clearwater? Feel free to give us a call, we’d be happy to answer any questions and are always welcoming new patients at our practice. Acupuncture for Depression Changes in hormones can have a big impact on teenagers, resulting in depression for some. Acupuncture can be a wonderful treatment for depression that helps to avoid medications with some serious side effects. Acupuncture for Anxiety High school and teenage life in general can be quite stressful these days, more and more teenagers are suffering from anxiety and need relief. Acupuncture is a medication-free way to help reduce anxiety and stress for teenagers. Acupuncture for Digestion Digestion and gut health is an extremely important part of development and optimal health, acupuncture for teenagers in Clearwater can help aid in digestion and actually help the digestive system regulate itself better. Acupuncture for Sleep Did you know your teenager needs about 8-10 hours of sleep to properly function? Many teens these days are sleep deprived, affecting their ability to learn, build relationships and enjoy life. Acupuncture can be a wonderful treatment option for improving sleep without the use of medication. Acupuncture for Immunity Various studies have shown that acupuncture can be a wonderful treatment option for boosting the immune system and keeping the body healthy. Whether it is colds, asthma, allergies or even the flu, acupuncture can help to reduce your child’s risk. Schedule Acupuncture for Teenagers in Clearwater, Florida Think that Clearwater acupuncture may be the right option for your teenager? Contact Dawn Potter Acupuncture today to schedule your appointment, we would be happy to get your child on our schedule.

Do you or a loved one suffer from narcotic or alcohol abuse or addiction? Trying to kick your cigarette habit for good? Worried your friend or family member may be an addict? Dawn Potter Acupuncture is proud to offer acupuncture for addiction in Clearwater, Florida. Acupuncture can be a wonderful tool to use in combination with other treatment options to increase the chances of recovery and staying sober. Today, we’re discussing Clearwater acupuncture and how it can have an impact on addiction recovery. If you have any additional questions about acupuncture, addiction or our other treatment options, please contact our practice. We would be happy to answer any questions you may have. About Addiction Acupuncture Acupuncture is the practice of inserting thin solid needles into specific points of the patient’s body to treat different conditions, diseases and disorders. Although acupuncture has been practiced in China since around 2500 BC, it has recently gained popularity in Western countries as an alternative medical intervention. Acupuncture is also growing in popularity worldwide as an alternative treatment option for a variety of ailments, including addiction. Acupuncture for addiction is typically used in conjunction with other treatment options, including therapy, peer support groups and even medication-assistance. Acupuncture & Addiction Treatment Acupuncture works by inserting needles into specific points in the body, stimulating the nerves and other systems, also producing endorphins in the body. Acupuncture can reduce stress and anxiety while providing a calming feeling, this can assist with addiction and trauma. Auricular acupuncture or acudetox involves inserting needles into the ear, easing the symptoms of withdrawal and addiction. It is important to note that acupuncture is not a cure all and should be used in conjunction with other addiction treatment options to improve results of long-term success. Start Addiction Acupuncture in Clearwater, FL Today Are you or a loved one interested in acupuncture for addiction in Clearwater? Feel free to contact Dawn Potter Acupuncture to schedule your appointment, we would be happy to discuss your addiction to determine if acupuncture could help with your recovery.

Dawn Potter Acupuncture in Clearwater, FL, treats a variety of conditions, including infertility. Many of her patients ask if they can continue acupuncture after they have successfully become pregnant, and the answer is yes! In fact, it is beneficial to do so; Acupuncture helps to increase circulation of fresh nutrients and oxygen to the growing fetus, and supports the mother’s health in many ways, including reducing nausea and vomiting, pain, fatigue, and other pregnancy-related symptoms. You do, however, want to make sure that your acupuncturist is properly trained and licensed, because there are certain acupuncture points that are best avoided during pregnancy. Studies on Pregnancy Acupuncture There are many studies showing that acupuncture is beneficial for nausea and vomiting in pregnancy. And a few cases have followed the moms afterward, to determine the impact of the acupuncture on the final pregnancy outcomes. For instance… Pregnancy Outcome Following Women’s Participation In A Randomized Controlled Trial of Acupuncture to Treat Nausea and Vomiting in Early Pregnancy. This study is the largest to date on the subject, and it involved almost 600 women who received acupuncture for their nausea and vomiting. The study compared 4 groups of women…those who had received regular acupuncture, formula acupuncture, “sham” acupuncture or no acupuncture at all. The study concluded there were no differences between the 4 groups, in perinatal outcomes, including miscarriage, birth abnormalities, or complications during pregnancy. This lead the researchers to concluded that there are no serious negative effects from acupuncture administered during pregnancy. For more information on the benefits of acupuncture on pregnancy, please visit this page. Finding a Licensed Clearwater Acupuncturist As mentioned previously, it is important to work with an experienced, trained and licensed pregnancy acupuncturist. If you are in Clearwater, Florida, Dawn Potter is Nationally Certified, State Licensed and has over 15 years experience with pregnancy acupuncture. Schedule Pregnancy Acupuncture in Clearwater, Florida Today Are you interested in acupuncture for pregnant women in Clearwater? Contact Dawn Potter Acupuncture today to schedule your appointment, we would be happy to help you!

In addition to the acupuncture, cupping, massage, herbs, nutrition and self-care guidance, I am now also offering Medical Qigong Treatment. This is a perfect and very useful complement to what I already offer. I am incorporating it into each acupuncture treatment, as well as offering it as a stand-alone treatment session. What is Qigong: Qigong, or Qi Gong (pronounced “Chee Gung”) is one of the 8 branches of Oriental Medicine. In Chinese, it means “Energy Cultivation”. This is the same energy that we work within acupuncture treatment. To learn more about Qi, visit my Oriental Medicine page. Qi gong is a slow, meditative series of exercise movements. Its purpose is to deliberately move energy (Qi) through the body in specific ways, to benefit health on many levels. You may be familiar with Tai Chi and its many benefits for body and mind. In fact, Tai Chi is one form of Qi gong. Here is a great article by a friend and colleague of mine which talks about the many wonderful benefits of Qigong. https://www.huffpost.com/entry/10-reasons-to-get-to-know_b_7942018 Qigong is quite easy to learn, as there are one or two movements that are repeated 5 to 18 times before moving on to another exercise movement. And each Qi Gong exercise has a very specific intention for building and/or moving Qi through the organs, body systems and energy meridians. (The same energy meridians used in acupuncture treatment.) In many parts of China, it is very common for people to have a regular morning routine of Tai Chi or Qigong. In fact, you will often see groups of people practicing in the parks, on any given morning. This is because a routine practice will enhance all aspects of health and longevity, as well as help to balance the mind and emotions. In today’s modern world, full of stress-inducing elements, a regular Qi Gong practice can be a very valuable piece of self-care and health cultivation. There are many great teachers of Qigong exercises…both locally and online. For instance, this is a very nice Eight Brocades practice that also describes how each movement is benefiting the energies of the body…. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3K-0JpiJu-o&t=23s I also like many of the videos created by YoQi… https://www.yoqi.com/free-videos/ What is Medical QiGong Treatment: Practitioners of Qigong, in addition to self-care exercises, can also be trained to use the energies cultivated in their personal Qigong practice to assist others in balancing their own energy flow, to promote all aspects of health. Much like acupuncture, only without needles, this practice involves a practitioner performing energy treatments on a client, who is typically lying down on a massage or acupuncture treatment table. This is a practice that I’ve been studying with Qigong Awareness, LLC. Because I have already noticed a big difference in my client treatments using the Medical Qigong, I am now incorporating 5 to 10 minutes of Medical Qigong into most acupuncture treatments, at no extra charge. I am also offering 25-minute Medical Qi Gong treatments by themselves, without acupuncture included. These 30-minute treatments are $65. What can you expect from a Medical QiGong treatment: You are simply expected to lie on a treatment table, and to relax. You do not need to disrobe. If you are also receiving acupuncture treatment, I will do the Qigong once your needles are in place. I will ask you to take some deep breaths. You will hear me breathing deeply as well. I will touch various parts of your body, usually starting at your feet or ankles, and perhaps moving on to your torso, neck, shoulders, arms and/or legs. Most patients fall into a deep relaxation on the table, and some fall asleep. The feedback I’ve so far received from patients is that the Qigong helps them relax more quickly into the acupuncture treatment, and more deeply. And that they sleep wonderfully after the evening after treatment! If you are interested in Medical Qi Gong Treatments, reach out to us anytime for a consultation!

This recipe is vegan, paleo, gluten-free, sugar-free and dairy-free: This evening I was craving something cold and sweet. Rather than running out to find some sugar-filled, coconut-milk-based ice cream, I decided to see what I could whip up in my blender. So, I gathered: 1/2 to 1 cup unsweetened almond milk (you could use any milk alternative here) 1 cup of frozen berries (you could also use frozen mango, peach or banana) 1/2 hass avocado (to add creaminess. Don’t worry, you won’t taste the avocado) 5 drops of liquid stevia, or other natural sweetener to taste Blend this all together for 8 to 10 seconds in the Blendtec (or Vitamix) blender, and Voila! Fruit sorbet! Perfect for that summer-time ice-cream craving! If you want a chocolate version, try adding a scoop of chocolate flavored, pea-protein powder, such as Orgain. Enjoy! Dawn

Happy Thanksgiving! Once again, I am inspired to write a Thanksgiving post, since this is my favorite holiday. As I’ve said before, connecting to gratitude in our lives is an incredibly healing force that impacts all aspects of our bodies and minds. You may have noticed that the title of this post is “A Few of my Favorite Things.” I wish to clarify this. Like the majority of people, my VERY MOST favorite things are not things at all, but instead are… …people: my husband, my family, my 4-legged furry babies, my friends, people that inspire me for various reasons; …places: the paradise that is Florida in November, or the mountains of New Mexico in the summer; the smell in the Autumn air of Minnesota and Ohio in October, as the sugar maple leaves glow in golden brilliance, seeming to return the sun’s summer rays before surrendering to Winter. …beauty: the beauty in life that shows itself in various forms, including people with ideas, actions and words that are based in love for others and for future generations, even amidst all the political and social confusion and conflict surrounding us lately; like the proverbial lotus flower arising from the mucky waters to blossom in glorious color. While I am grateful for all of these non-things, this post is about actual THINGS I have discovered this year which have provided me with assistance or enjoyment. Things that you may find useful yourself, or that you might put on your Holiday shopping list. By the way, I do not get any compensation for my endorsement of these things. 1. Mountain Rose Teas – if you enjoy loose leaf teas, like I do, you will appreciate the selection of amazing organic teas at Mountain Rose. Unlike more commercial loose leaf teas, such as Teavana & David’s Tea, Mountain Rose teas are more affordable, all organic, and don’t have any added mystery flavors, such as “natural and/or artificial flavors.” They contain only organic herbs, spices, tea leaves and extracts. So far, my favorites include Hibiscus High Tea and Turmeric Chai. 2. Podcasts –  I’ve actually been listening to podcasts for several years, as I find them a wonderful source of free entertainment and education. This year I have been enjoying a new one that I wish to recommend. It is A Healthy Curiosity, hosted by my friend, classmate & colleague, Brodie Welch. In it, Brodie and guests discuss various topics related to natural health, Chinese medicine and self-care strategies. I feel that Brodie is supremely talented at taking foreign concepts that can be difficult to understand and making them accessible for everyone. I find each of her episodes to be valuable and insightful. You can find her podcast on iTunes, Google Play, iheartradio and Stitcher. 3. The Dirt Tooth Powder – I’ve been brushing with this stuff all year, and feel that it is superior to any toothpaste I’ve tried, including “natural” pastes, which usually leave me with a thick, sticky coating. While it takes some getting used to brushing with a powder that doesn’t foam up, and spitting something that looks like mud, it is actually great at gently whitening teeth, and getting my mouth squeaky clean. I also find that the naturally-antibacterial cinnamon, nutmeg and clove make my gums feel good. 4. Austin Air Healthmate Plus Air Purifier – many of you know we did some major remodeling to our home this year. Part of the remodel was replacing our old laminate flooring in the common areas with the new “luxury vinyl tile” (LVT) that is supposed to be water-resistant and durable while looking like actual wood or tile. We bought a brand that was supposedly free of VOC’s and formaldehyde, and was to be adhered with a low-VOC glue. Well, the Friday evening after the installation, I was completely overwhelmed by the smell. Even after opening all the windows and running all the fans, I still woke up the next morning with a severe sore throat, loss of voice, cough, and puffy face. I was obviously reacting to something the new floor was emitting. I stayed with friends for the weekend (Thank you Diana & Bob!) We aired out the house for 3 full days, but it didn’t help. Finally we had the installers remove the new floor. Unfortunately, the glue, which was still tacky, was impossible to remove. We had to wait for it to completely dry, continuing to emit its own fumes, before we could install ceramic tile. The fumes were so noxious that I could not live in my house. So, I researched and found the Austin Air Healthmate Plus which filters air for particles and for chemical fumes. Within 24 hours of turning it on, my house was livable again! 5. Foobot air quality monitor -concurrent to the flooring debacle described above, I also researched air quality monitors. I settled on the Foobot, and I have been very happy with its performance. It indicates the levels of particulate matter in the air, as well as VOC levels. Incidentally, for floor glue that was supposed to be low-VOC, the Foobot measured VOC’s in the 9000 units, which is 30 times higher than the recommended limit! After the Austin Air Healthmate Plus had been running for 24 hours, that number came down to 200! 6. Sonos music system – my old EOS music system at the clinic finally needed to be replaced. I loved that it had allowed me to play the same music throughout all the clinic rooms without having to install speakers and wiring into the walls and ceiling. But I didn’t love that the Bluetooth speakers would get crackly and fuzzy sounding, and the volume nobs would stop working. I already had replaced 2 of the 4 speakers. So, when I was faced with replacing 2 more, I looked at other options. I decided on the Sonos system, and it is awesome! The speakers are well made with sound quality far exceeding that of my old system. It uses an app that you download to your wi-fi enabled device; through which you can stream any music service you wish, including iTunes, Apple music, Spotify, Pandora, Sirius XM, Google Play music, Amazon music and others. It has made playing music at the clinic much simpler and more enjoyable! Have a wonderful Thanksgiving! Dawn #teas #health #podcasts #indoorairquality #favoritethings #gratitude

Interested in healthy weight loss? The holidays are fast approaching and we all will be tempted by high-sugar, high-fat treats. On average, people gain 7 to 15 lbs over this time of the year. Not only that, but this high sugar intake depletes our immune systems, leaving us more vulnerable to seasonal colds and flu’s. This guideline is meant to encourage you to stick to your healthy eating plan, to stay healthy, and to avoid the weight gain, or even drop some unwanted pounds. Causes of Weight Gain In addition to taking in too many calories for our bodies’ needs, excess weight can be caused by several different factors. Most people with weight struggles have a combination of these: liver stress / toxicity, adrenal / thyroid fatigue, and digestive deficiency. (In Oriental Medicine diagnostics, these would equate to Liver Qi Stagnation, Damp-Heat in the Middle, Spleen deficiency with Dampness, and Kidney deficiency.) Steps to Successful Weight Loss In addition to the appropriate acupuncture and herbal regimen, the following guidelines are essential to help correct these imbalances, and shed excess weight. The more of these steps you follow, the more you will benefit. Reduce your stress levels: Take up yoga, meditation, prayer-work, breath-work; whatever helps you manage your stress. This is #1 for a reason. If reducing your stress means changing your career / job, relationship, or residence, then you should consider doing so. Why? Aside from halting weight loss, and promoting fat gain, stress is a killer! It is a major precipitator of all forms of disease and dysfunction in the body. Stress puts a burden on the adrenals, which weakens the thyroid, and causes cortisol release, wreaking havoc with hormonal balance, and adding belly fat. Stress also impedes the processes of the liver, which is vital for detoxification, blood sugar balance, hormonal balance and metabolism. Lastly, stress makes us crave junk food & refined / processed carbs and leads to overeating. Sleep 8 hours every night: Why? Enough sleep allows the body to recharge and renew itself. Without it, the adrenals, thyroid and liver become depleted. Too little sleep also adds more stress into the system. Plus, we tend to crave junk food and overeat when we are tired. Walk at least 30 minutes every day, after a meal: after lunch or dinner, or both. This is in addition to any other exercise you are currently doing. Why? The light, low-impact, rhythmic movement of walking after meals promotes digestion and stokes metabolism. This is not about burning a lot of calories, so you don’t have to walk fast. Drink enough water: Women, 64-96 oz daily. Men, 80-112 oz daily. This should be filtered or purified water. No added flavors other than fresh squeezed lemon, lime or sliced cucumber. (After about 10 days, your body will get used to the water, and you won’t have to run to the restroom so often.) Why?  Studies show that increasing water consumption boosts metabolism, aids in detoxification of liver and kidneys, assists hormonal balance, decreases aches and pains (inflammation) and calms excessive hunger. Have a snack between meals: Do not allow yourself to get too hungry: If you are feeling hunger pangs between meals, eat a handful of nuts, some fresh fruit, a clean protein shake, or some fresh veggie sticks. Why? Allowing ourselves to get very hungry drops blood sugar too much, causes adrenal and liver stress, and leads to poor food choices and overeating when we do eat again. Limit caffeine intake: to 1 cup daily of organic coffee or tea, before 10 am. Why? More than this stresses the adrenals and liver, releasing stress hormones that throw off blood sugar levels, making us crave sugar and adding belly fat. Follow the “50/25/25 meal plate” at your 3 main meals per day: Visualize dividing your plate into 4 quarters: 50% (2 quarters) of your meal is vegetables: raw, steamed, sautéed, stir-fried, roasted – it doesn’t matter – it just needs to be vegetables (not corn or peas). Do not add cheese or creamy dressings to your vegetables. You may add dressing made of balsamic vinegars, herbs, spices and raw flaxseed oil or hot sauces (if they don’t contain sugar.) For roasting or sautéing use grass-fed ghee, sesame oil, coconut oil or authentic virgin olive oil. Why? Vegetables are nature’s perfect health & diet food; Low in calories and fat, while being high in fiber, vitamins, minerals and anti-cancer properties, as well as countless phyto-nutrients that assist the thousands of processes that our bodies and organs must perform everyday. 25% (one quarter) of your meal is clean protein: (about 4-6 oz) all animal protein must be ORGANIC and GRASS-FED or FREE-RANGE. Any fish must be WILD CAUGHT. You may also choose gluten-free, vegetarian protein options such as whole cooked beans, nuts, organic tempeh/tofu, or a clean sugar-free protein powder. Any dairy must be ORGANIC and GRASS-FED. Any eggs must be ORGANIC and CAGE-FREE. Why? Animal-based foods that are not organic, grass-fed, free-range and wild-caught have higher concentrations of antibiotics, hormones, pesticides, PCB’s, dioxins and other toxins, due to the biomagnification of fat soluble toxins as they travel up the food chain. All soy products must be organic because non-organic soy is genetically-modified. 25% (one quarter) of your plate is either Wheat-free, Whole-food Starch or Fresh Whole Fruit: Wheat-free, whole-food starches include: Baked sweet potato, yam, acorn squash, butternut squash, spaghetti squash; or Slow-cooked brown rice, wild rice, quinoa, buckwheat, or oatmeal. Why? These are the most healthful, lowest glycemic starchy carbs. Contrary to popular fad “low carb” diets, our bodies actually need high quality whole-food starches to perform optimally. Low-carb diets stress the liver, gallbladder, thyroid, adrenals and hormonal processes. Eliminate: alcohol, sugars of all types (except for whole fresh fruit), sweets and sweeteners of all types (other than stevia), hydrogenated and partially hydrogenated oils (a.k.a. trans fats), all flour-containing products such as breads, tortillas, chips, pretzels, crackers, as well as instant oatmeal or other instant cereals/grains. Also avoid all artificial colors, flavors and preservatives (as much as possible!) Why? All of these products burden the liver and adrenals, and wreak havoc with blood sugar balance, slowing down or halting fat burning, and making us crave junk food. Notice if you are sabotaging your own weight loss: If you find that you are eating in response to negative emotion, then seek counseling or coaching to help you resolve the emotional issue, and find healthier ways to manage stress. Why? Many emotional-eaters have experienced an abuse, major loss or trauma in the past that precipitated overeating. If this is true for you, you must address and resolve this before you will be able to shed the weight for good. Taking it to the Next Level Those who are the most successful at dropping and maintaining their weight also incorporate these things: Use the free My Fitness Pal to track calorie intake. It includes a program to determine how many calories you need per day. In general, meals should be between 300-400 calories (women) or 500-600 calories (men) and snacks between 100-200 (women) or 200-300 (men). More than this at any one sitting usually gets stored as fat. Plan your meals! Know each day what and when you are going to be eating. Get creative! Try new tasty, vegetable-heavy recipes, such as salads, soups, stir-fries, and green smoothies. Maintain a positive attitude. Realize this is a day-by-day process. Successful, long-term weight loss is not a quick fix. You will slip up, and hit plateau’s. It is important to stay positive and keep on going. Stick with it. It can sometimes take 2-3 months on this program before you see significant change. This is because you are feeding your body vital nutrients and rest that it may have been lacking for many years; often the body needs time to heal and detoxify before it is “willing” to release excess weight. Be patient. Have faith, know that you doing the right thing for your body. Even if you can’t see the changes externally yet, your body is getting healthier. Add a regular routine of resistance training, cardio and/or yoga. A regular fitness routine will help tremendously. Building muscle revves up the metabolism, tones the body, greatly helps to balance blood sugar, and decreases the aches and pains of everyday life. It also keeps us more mobile and able to do things as we age. Best wishes to you and your family for a wonderful and healthful Holiday Season! #food #health #nutrition #weightloss

Ode to the Gallbladder “You who do so much to help me digest fats and such, occasionally seem to be quite unhappy, causing me to feel more than a little crappy. In the middle of the night, you wake me up to pick a fight bringing on symptoms that are rather gross and putting me in a mood that could be called morose. Just when I least expect it, my day – you’ve gone and wrecked it!” Okay, I admit my poetry writing skills have slipped a bit since my creative writing days. But anyone who has had their gallbladder wake them in the night, with the tell-tale signs of pain in the right rib area and a host of other symptoms, might actually appreciate this poem. In this post, I’m going to share a few tips that could help someone in the midst of a gallbladder attack. In my clinic, I treat many types of gallbladder problems, and have helped people eliminate the need for gallbladder removal, greatly improving the function of the gallbladder, while reducing the frequency and severity of attacks to the point that they rarely experience any symptoms. What is the gallbladder? First, a quick tutorial on the gallbladder: this is a small pouch-like organ that is tucked up under the liver. It stores a light green, alkaline fluid called bile, which is made by the liver and consists of bile salts, cholesterol and lecithin. The main function of bile is for adequate digestion of fats. When you eat food that contains fats, it first passes through the stomach. Once in the small intestine, the gallbladder is triggered to squeeze out some bile into the small intestine via a small network of ducts. When working correctly, it releases just the right amount needed to emulsify and break down the fats in the food. Unfortunately, several things can go wrong with the gallbladder: Gallstones: Gallstones are the most widely known gallbladder malady causing gallbladder pain. The cholesterol in the bile can be too concentrated or build up, creating thick,“sludgy bile” and eventually gallstones. This is especially true if the body is exposed to a high fat, low fiber diet. Other risk factors are obesity, rapid weight loss, pregnancy, and being an overweight female over 40 years old. These stones can clog up the gallbladder, creating irritation and inflammation, and disrupting the gallbladder’s ability to secrete the correct amount of bile at the appropriate times, compromising the process of digesting dietary fats. Gallstones can also get lodged in one of the ducts when bile is released for digestion. This causes a painful cramping, twisting or sharp sensation in the upper right abdomen or rib area, radiating to the upper back. This is the classic gallbladder pain attack. These attacks often strike in the middle of the night, or following a meal that contained high fat foods. Stress can also be a contributor. The pain can be accompanied by burning in the stomach, sweating and nausea with vomiting. The attack can last several hours. This condition has the potential to be an emergency surgery situation, if the stone is too large to pass through the duct. Another possible complication of gallstones is pancreatitis, since the bile and the pancreas share a common duct into the intestine. If it is obstructed by a stone, then pancreatic enzymes cannot pass through, and back up into the pancreas causing pancreatic inflammation and pain. For these reasons, it is important to get a gallbladder ultrasound if you suspect gallbladder symptoms, to determine if you have stones, and how large they may be. Gallbladder spasms: Gallbladder spasms, or biliary dyskinesia, is a lesser-known gallbladder pain condition that I see in my clinic with some frequency. It is often diagnosed as irritable bowel syndrome, or patients are simply told there is no reason for them to be experiencing pain in the gallbladder region. This is because in this condition, the ultrasound shows no gallstones, and all lab tests could be normal. But the person still experiences gallbladder attack-like episodes, often in the middle of the night, or after a meal containing typical gallbladder trigger foods. They will have the classic pain in the upper right abdomen or rib area, radiating to the upper back, burning pain in the stomach, as well as nausea with vomiting, and/or severe intestinal cramping with diarrhea. If there are no stones, what could cause this condition? There may be bile sludge, or very tiny stones or crystals that are not visible in ultrasound, yet are still irritating to the gallbladder. It could also be a result of toxins that are dumped into the bile by the liver for disposal. Certain toxins or waste products have the potential to irritate the gallbladder. This irritation, like stones, can trigger spasm or over-reaction when bile release is stimulated. As a result, too much bile may be expelled into the intestines, causing intestinal irritation, leading to  cramping and diarrhea. Because there are no observable gallstones, many patients who come to me with these symptoms have a diagnosis of “irritable bowel syndrome” from their M.D. This is especially true if the patient has frequent constipation with occasional bouts of painful diarrhea. (Indicating that the gallbladder could be under functioning much of the time, causing constipation, and then over-reacting in acute episodes, causing painful diarrhea). If there is burning in the stomach (which could be from reflux of bile into the stomach), many doctors consider this to be acid-peptic disease or GERD and treat with antacids. Click For more info on bile reflux. Click For more info on Gallbladder spasms. What is the treatment? Western medicine has no treatment for gallbladder stones, except to remove the gallbladder entirely. In situations where the stones are very large, or there is danger of a rupture or emergency, then removal is absolutely necessary. In other, less severe cases, most people don’t realize that they have other options. Removal of the gallbladder does not ensure that the pain will be completely gone, or that the patient will not experience bile reflux. And after gallbladder removal, fat digestion is never really optimal, as bile is no longer stored for when it is needed. Rather, it slowly drips into the small intestine as the liver produces it. While some people don’t have many symptoms associated with this, others do. I have had patients with chronic intestinal irritation as a result. As mentioned above, Western clinicians usually diagnose gallbladder spasms as irritable bowel syndrome or acid-peptic disease. Eastern medicine, on the other hand, can address all types of gallbladder pain issues, including stones and spasms. I have helped many people avoid gallbladder surgery, and others to recover from lingering symptoms after surgery. Treatment to resolve stones is a rather intensive 6 to 12 week period of acupuncture, herbal medicine, and dietary therapy as we soften, dissolve, and safely expel the stones, cleaning up the gallbladder. For those without stones, we use a combination of acupuncture, herbal medicine and nutrition to regulate the function of the gallbladder, to address the patterns of under-functioning and over-reacting, by smoothing out the energy (Qi) of the Liver and Gallbladder, while harmonizing the relationship between the Liver/Gallbladder and the rest of the digestive system. Of course, in all cases, dietary indiscretion can still trigger attacks, but with treatment, the body does become more tolerant. What to do during an attack: When you are in the midst of an attack, there are several things you can do to help minimize the pain and duration of the attack: (Note: If you have stones, and your pain is very severe, this could mean you are in an emergency situation, so it would behoove you to seek an emergency room.) First, I recommend sipping peppermint herbal tea. Peppermint is anti-nausea as well as anti-spasmodic. It will reduce nausea as well as the spasms in the gallbladder and/or bile duct that are causing the cramping/twisting pain. Deep, slow breathing techniques can also help ease the spasms. Once the nausea has subsided, I recommend taking 300-400 mg of magnesium citrate or magnesium glycinate. Magnesium is a natural muscle relaxer. Here we are targeting the smooth muscles of the gallbladder and bile ducts so that they stop spasming (further reducing pain) and perhaps even dilate (allowing small lodged stones to pass.) If you are having intestinal cramping and/or diarrhea, I also recommend making a bowl of plain, old-fashioned oatmeal, cooked with water. Why oatmeal? Because your intestinal linings are irritated from the large amount of bile that was released into them. Real, old-fashioned oatmeal is very soothing to the intestinal lining, much in the same way that is it soothing to skin irritations. (You’ve heard of oatmeal baths for skin rashes, right?) And the soluble fiber in the oatmeal can “sop up” any extra bile that might be lingering in the intestines, causing irritation. Do not add anything to your oatmeal: no spices, sweeteners, fruit, nuts or milk. Once your symptoms have passed, eat very plainly for the next several days. Eat oatmeal, sweet potatoes, winter squashes, brown rice, cooked vegetables, beets, cucumbers, apples, grapes, clear-broth soups, avocados, and flax seed meal. Avoid the most common gallbladder triggers: eggs, meats, all dairy including cheese, yogurt and ice cream, oils, nuts, nut butters, and for some people, beans. Continue to drink peppermint or chamomile tea. Continue to take supplemental magnesium (200-400 mg once or twice daily, to bowel tolerance) until you can get to the health care provider of your choice. One Last Note: I do not recommend the olive oil with lemon juice “gallbladder flush’ that is common in many natural medicine circles. It is too extreme, and can cause an emergency surgery situation if you manage to get a large stone lodged in a duct. Also, for many people, it produces poor results, and makes people feel very sick. There are better ways to clear the gallbladder and address gallbladder pain. #gallbladdertreatment #Gallbladder #gallstones #gallbladderattack #gallbladderspasm

First thing every morning, I partake in a lovely 20 minutes of rejuvenation with the Five Tibetans. They wake me up gently, work out my kinks, get my blood flowing and my energy moving. I really enjoy my daily practice with them, and you can too… THE FIVE WHO? The Five Tibetans, also called the Five Tibetan Rites, are a group of 5 exercises practiced in a specific sequence to affect benefits to your body that are said to include everything from core strengthening, spinal flexibility and circulation to endocrine balancing, weight loss and anti-aging. I first learned of them when a patient was talking about wanting to make a routine of The Five Tibetan Rites every morning. She said this was a practice her mother was doing, and it completely reversed her need for eye glasses. I’d never heard of this practice before, so I decided to look it up. It turns out this is a very old exercise regimen, that supposedly came out of a Buddhist monastery in Tibet, and has been practiced for as many as 2,500 years, though this is difficult to confirm. These practices were first introduced in the west in 1939, in a book entitled “The Eye of Revelation” by Peter Kelder, who gleaned his information from a retired British army colonel, who claimed to have traveled through Tibet, and been taught these movements at a Buddhist monastery where he lived for a time. THE BENEFITS: The Five Tibetan Rites, when practiced daily, are said to be beneficial in myriad ways. It is obvious from the movements that they increase strength and flexibility in the core (abdominal and spinal muscles), arms, shoulders, legs and hips. From a TCM viewpoint, this practice is sure to move stagnant Qi (reducing the effects of stress and sedentary lifestyle on the body) and it appears to “work” most of the acupuncture energy meridians with a pump-like action; which reminds me of many Kundalini Yoga practices. Also, claims have been made regarding The Five Tibetans creating effects of anti-aging, weight loss, hormonal balancing, benefits to eye sight, skin, hair and much more. While it is hard to say how many of these claims are valid, I decided to give it a try, to see what sort of benefits I noticed. I’d been looking for a daily practice that would be easy to learn and remember, and that would only take about 20 minutes to complete; this fit the bill. THE PRACTICE: Be sure to check with your doctor before starting this or any exercise program. It is best to start with 3 repetitions of each Rite. Then increase by 3 repetitions each week as your body feels stronger, until you have worked up to 21 of each. Remember, if it feels better to do so, you can put your hands under your hips in Rite 2, and keep your knees slightly bent. Do not do anything that feels painful. The easiest way to learn The Five Tibetan Rites is to watch some videos of it. There are many to check out, but these are my favorites: This lady does a great job of breaking down all the movements and breathing after showing you a quick demo. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nCRY8AUJxVw Maryse does a lovely job as well, and does all 21 repetitions of each, so you can practice along with her video once you feel you can do all 21 reps of each Rite. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2qLKhvsfQKc And gentlemen, lest you think only women practice the Five Tibetans… https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2gWJo2mpI-w Also, the original book says that doing more that 21 could have counteractive effects on your endocrine glands, so don’t do more than 21 repetitions of each Rite per day. WHAT I HAVE NOTICED: I’ve been doing these Five Tibetans almost every morning for about 2 months. I absolutely love it. It is the first thing I do (after feeding the cats) upon waking. I have worked up to 21 repetitions of each Rite.  Because there are several yoga poses that help keep the 3 bulging discs in my low back from becoming problematic, I have added them to the end of my Five Tibetan routine. The whole thing takes about 20 to 25 minutes. It is a bit of a workout… my muscles are working and my heart rate and respiration increase during the practice, especially if I put a little pace on the movements. And I feel amazing afterward. My daily aches and pains are nearly gone, and my body feels stronger. I am finding that I look forward to the practice; it is my favorite part of the morning. Plus my energy is better; I no longer require any caffeine to get me going. I am curious to see what other benefits show up as I continue this practice. Let me know if you start the practice, and what benefits you notice! #detoxify #corestrength #energy #weightloss #dailypractice #yoga #flexibility #stressrelief #hormonebalance

Do you suffer from chronic pain? Are you going through cancer treatment? Suffer from headaches or migraines? Interested in a different approach to your healthcare? Considering oriental medicine in Clearwater, Florida? At Dawn Potter Acupuncture we proudly offer a range of oriental medicine for our patients. Oriental medicine has been used throughout history and various studies have found it to be effective in treating a wide range of ailments. About Oriental Medicine Oriental medicine has been used over thousands of years, evolving as time has gone on. Oriental medicine practitioners use a wide range of body and mind practices (such as acupuncture, Chinese herbs, manual therapies, nutrition, and more) to address a wide range of health ailments and diseases. Acupuncture Acupuncture is a form of oriental medicine that uses fine, sterile, one-time-use needles that are inserted into specific points around the body. Doing so regulates the flow of energy in the body, allowing the mind and body to re-balance and heal. Nutrition Guidance We’ve all heard “you are what you eat” and it couldn’t’ be more true. Nutritional guidance is another form of oriental medicine that focuses on the diet of a patient. When it comes to nutrition, having a healthy diet can provide the energy and nourishment your body needs to sustain and heal itself. Dawn Potter will work with you on your dietary needs to ensure your body has what it needs to function best. Chinese Herbal Medicine Traditional Chinese herbal medicine has been around for thousands of years and utilizes substances derived from mineral, animal, and even plant sources. These herbs can come in the form of tea, soup, extracts, tablets, lotions, creams, and more. Manual Therapies Manual therapies are another form of oriental medicine that can be used to heal the body. These therapies include massage, cupping, gua sha and moxabustion. These therapies improve circulation and can speed up healing. Schedule Oriental Medicine in Clearwater Today Ready to schedule Clearwater oriental medicine? Contact Dawn Potter Acupuncture today, we’d be delighted to provide a consultation and get you added to our schedule for an appointment.

Have you been considering acupuncture treatment in Clearwater, Florida? Want to know the benefits before you begin? We completely understand. Acupuncture has been used for many many years to address a wide range of health complications. Various studies have been done around the world that support the notion that acupuncture can be used to address a range of ailments and conditions. Today we’re discussing acupuncture, what it is and how it can benefit your overall well being. About Acupuncture Acupuncture is a form of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) that has been practiced for thousands of years. Acupuncture is based on the premise that a blockage in the flow of the life energy of the body, or “qi,” can lead to health issues and ailments. During acupuncture treatment, an acupuncturist inserts tiny needles to acupuncture points throughout the body. This is done to promote relaxation, stimulate healing and restore the flow of qi in the body. Uses of Acupuncture Acupuncture can be a wonderful treatment option for a wide range of conditions, including but not limited to: Addiction Anxiety Arthritis Chronic Pain Depression Infertility Insomnia Headaches Migraines Nausea Sciatica Sinus Congestion Stress Tinnitus Weight Loss The Benefits of Acupuncture When performed safely by a trained professional, acupuncture can have various benefits, including the fact it has very few side effects, can be combined with other treatment options and can help patients for whom medication may not be suitable or where other treatment options have failed. Starting Acupuncture Treatment Interested in starting acupuncture treatment in Clearwater, Florida? We recommend scheduling a consultation with Dawn Potter Acupuncture, from there we can learn about your health history and determine the best treatment options possible for you at our practice in Clearwater. Schedule Acupuncture in Clearwater Today Ready to schedule your appointment with Dawn Potter Acupuncture in Clearwater? Reach out today, we would be delighted to get you added to our schedule for an appointment.