A Los Angeles Acupuncturist's Point of View

Beverly Hills Acupuncturist At Your Service!

Tamara@LAacupuncture.net (Tamara) — Sat, 28 Apr 2012 00:20:30 GMT

Hello Everyone. I've moved!

My new address:

462 North Linden Drive

Suite #340

Beverly Hills, CA 90212

310.339.3179

Tamara@LAacupuncture.net

Acupuncture treatments specializing in pain management, fertility and cosmetic acupuncture. I hope to see you soon in my very own acupuncture clinic.

Thank you for reading.

Tamara ZumMallen, L.Ac.

Ayurveda with Andrea Emmerich

Tamara@LAacupuncture.net (Tamara) — Fri, 16 Mar 2012 02:36:01 GMT

I had the absolute pleasure of receiving not one, but two ancient Ayurvedic treatments from Andrea Emmerich. One was abhyanga massage and the other was shirodhara. When I left Andrea’s studio, my muscles were like jello and I was abuzz with calm, positive energy. This was yesterday and I’m anxious to tell the world about it today. Andrea is THAT skilled.

You are an Ayurvedic healthcare practitioner. Could you tell me about your training?

I received my certification as a Clinical Ayurvedic Specialist from the California College of Ayurveda in Grass Valley. After 2 years of academic studies, I did a 1-year clinical internship in practice. During this time we had to write and analyze the pathogenesis of patients and perform consultations consisting of intake, report of findings, treatment plans and follow-up visits. This was the most effective part to build a practice after finishing my studies. We documented everything and worked with an internship supervisor. This was challenging but made us very precise and detailed practitioners in our observations and hence lead to satisfying results in healing. I also completed a panchakarma training with Dr. Vasant Lad at the Ayurvedic Institute in Albuquerque, NM. Further I deepened my knowledge in pulse diagnosis taught by Dr.Lad's protege Vijaya. I continue to educate myself with workshops, literature and participating in the ayurvedic community.

What is panchakarma and why would a person need to do it?

Panchakarma is a mild, yet effective cleanse and rejuvenation program that rids the body of accumulated toxins that are stored in the deeper tissues. Even if we live a healthy lifestyle we are constantly exposed to toxins in the environment around us and from the air, water, food, cosmetics, negative thoughts and emotions. It is one of the pillars of health to seasonally detox on a cellular level to get body. mind and spirit back into homeostasis.

After I complete a panchakarma, I would most likely want to stick with some of the principles of ayurveda. Name five things every Ayurvedic kitchen must have.

Yes, when the body is back in balance it craves the things that maintain that. Balance is very dynamic and we have to take into account the seasons, our age, and physical location. Here are the things you want to always have in your kitchen: organic lemons to make a hot lemon water first thing in the morning to activate the body's detox process; fresh ginger to make ginger tea or water to sip throughout the day. It increases circulation and helps digestion; ghee (clarified butter) is best to cook with. When sauteeing spices in ghee their therapeutic properties that are lipid-soluble get released and make your food medicine. Basmati rice and mung beans are the other must-haves. Mix them with an equal portion of rice and cook a kitchari. Kitchari is often referred to as the chicken soup of India. It is a complete meal that will provide you with the needed nutrients in a perfect combination and it is very easy to digest.

How often should a person do a panchakarma?

Ideally you would do a panchakarma cleanse 2 times a year. The best times are spring and fall, after the big seasonal changes. But one time a year at least.

I loved my shirodhara and abhyanga treatments from you. Please explain it to my readers.

Shirodhara is a very powerful and rejuvenating treatment for the central nervous system. It is a stream of warm herbal oil continuously flowing over the third eye point which makes your mind and thoughts surrender and allows us to feel the deepest level of relaxation and bliss. Abhyanga is a warm herbal oil massage applying long rhythmic strokes aligning the energetic flow within the body. At the same time it mobilizes the toxins from deep within the tissues.

You may direct your questions to Andrea via email: Aemmerich@earthlink.net.

Thank you for reading.

Tamara ZumMallen

Awesome Exfoliating Product Alert!

Tamara@LAacupuncture.net (Tamara) — Sun, 11 Mar 2012 18:34:18 GMT

I have spent a fortune getting exfoliation treatments in spas. You know the drill, you get naked and a very aggressive woman scrubs, scrubs, and scrubs until all dead cells are removed and you have an all-over rosy glow. That's great but who has time to go to the spa every week. I am forever trying to duplicate the same experience at home. It gets pricey and messy. I've purchased every sugar, salt, oil, aromatherapy, and scrubbing device on the market.

I'm done with all of that. I've found the holy grail of exfoliating tools. Le Edge. It looks like this. Gentleman, they make a navy blue version also.

I love it. I use this sturdy little device with every shower. It takes two minutes from start to finish. Talk about a time and money saver! Not only has it given my skin the smooth, rosy glow of my youth, I'm quite sure that the texture of my thighs has changed for the better. The body confidence is quite a nice bonus! Thanks, Le Edge.

Get yours right here.

Thank you for reading.

Tamara ZumMallen

Why You Should Drink Cherry Juice

Tamara@LAacupuncture.net (Tamara) — Fri, 02 Mar 2012 03:51:21 GMT

If you have ever had foot pain, you know you would do anything to remedy it. It could be simpler than you think. The anthocyanins in tart cherry juice may reduce damage from oxidative stress and crystallization in joints. Tart cherry juice will reduce pain caused by gout and arthritis and even reverse these conditions.

Cosmetic Acupuncture for Marionette Lines...Again

Tamara@LAacupuncture.net (Tamara) — Thu, 18 Aug 2011 22:29:43 GMT

This lovely girl, in her late 30's, wanted to soften the lines around her mouth. Ten cosmetic acupuncture sessions over a 5-week span and she was quite pleased with the outcome.

Here are her before and after shots.

Thank you for reading.

Tamara ZumMallen

Cosmetic Acupuncture for Marionette Lines

Tamara@LAacupuncture.net (Tamara) — Tue, 16 Aug 2011 04:42:14 GMT

This beautiful lady wanted to soften her nasolabial folds, also known as smile lines or marionette lines. Ten sessions over five weeks gave her the results she was looking for. The horizontal line in her chin seems to have softened as well.

She has a lot to smile about!

Thank you for reading.

Tamara ZumMallen

Tamara@LAacupuncture.net (Tamara) — Fri, 15 Jul 2011 03:16:35 GMT

Year Three! Here we go! Lori Rischer, host of Karmaloop/SKEE TV Rockstar Health & Fitness, is back teaching the KIIS-FM and 98.7 Yoga on the Beach series. This year is sure to be the best yet with sponsors Zevia and Gladstones on board. Free yoga and free breakfast!!

Historically, class has sold out early, so be sure to sign up at marketing@clearchannel.com. As soon as your reservation is received, you will be confirmed on the list and sent an email response. Please, only one reservation per email.

Check in starts at 8:00 so get there early to sign in and get your spot. Bring your mat, towel, water, and identification. Lori brings the inspiring playlist. Since Lori is also an executive in the music business, she knows her way around the playlist, taking you on a musical journey while you enjoy the magical power of yoga. Nature brings the fresh ocean breeze and the breathtaking view. (Maybe we'll even see dolphins swimming again this year.)

And one more thing....Lori has asked ME to be her assistant this year. I'm honored!

Thanks for reading. See you at the beach!

Tamara ZumMallen

22 Days Vegan Food Bars = Yum!

Tamara@LAacupuncture.net (Tamara) — Sat, 04 Jun 2011 04:01:25 GMT

"It takes 21 days to make or break a habit. With 22 days you found the way." ~Marco Borges

I have a new favorite vegan bar. I've tried all six flavors and cannot pick a favorite though. Marco Borges, Exercise Physiologist, has created an incredibly delicious product. There are six delectable flavors: Chocolate Cherry Bliss, Enlightened Pumpkinseed, Nut Butter Buddha, Daily Mocha Mantra, Fruit Nut Karma, and Goji Mate Firecracker. There's a little something for everyone in that list!

You may buy them locally at The Vitamin Shoppe and Whole Foods markets. If you log into the website, www.22daysnutrition.com, and purchase two boxes (24 nutrition bars), you will be offered a 21 day plan to change your life! It's just four steps to a healthier, happier you. How cool is that?!?

Thank you for reading.

Tamara ZumMallen

p.s. I'm partial to chocolate cherry bliss.

Spring

Tamara@LAacupuncture.net (Tamara) — Fri, 22 Apr 2011 04:23:00 GMT

Spring is wonderful. It's time to put away your heavy sweaters and bring out your lighter fabrics and clothing colors. (For some of you it means putting away your winter black and getting out your summer black. You know who you are.) Rain cleanses the earth. Flowers start to bloom. The days become longer. It even has a ritualistic method of house cleaning named after it.

In Chinese tradition, spring has several significant attributes that I address with my patients on an on-going basis throughout the season. The liver is the organ that corresponds with spring. Liver's corresponding element is wood. Like wood, liver qi is expansive. The liver is responsible for the smooth flow of qi throughout the body and is a place for blood storage and filtration. The corresponding color for liver is green. The corresponding emotion is anger. That's right, anger can be stored in the liver. It is not uncommon to have feelings of anger come to the surface during this season. Release it. Free your body and soul. Make room for change.

The liver controls the sinews (tendons). If liver blood is sufficient, the tendons will be pliable. Since the fingernails are a by-product of sinews, if the liver is nourished, the nails will be nourished as well. The liver opens in the eyes. Bright, clear eyes are an indication of a healthy liver.

Spring is the time to implement change. It is also time to be a bit self-serving. These are some things you can do to ensure that your liver is functioning at its best:

1. Move. Qi moves blood so be sure to get enough exercise. Start small if you'd like. 20 minutes a day is a good start. Eventually you will want to move your body every day.

2. Twist. Twisting is one of the reasons I'm such a fan of yoga. You actually wring out your organs when you twist. Think of your organs as sponges. Wring out the old blood and bring in fresh, oxygenated blood. Your liver loves it.

3. Eat your greens. Green foods nourish the liver. Kale, spinach, broccoli...take your pick. In fact, add to my short list.

4. Get some rest. Remember that the liver is a filter. Lie down and let it do its job.

5. Let go of anger. Feelings of anger can and will come to the surface. Let it go. Make room in your soul for happier emotions and start to create a new history for yourself.

Happy Spring!

Thank you for reading.

Tamara ZumMallen

Well, If Dr. Weil Says So....

Tamara@LAacupuncture.net (Tamara) — Tue, 08 Feb 2011 05:46:00 GMT

I was most pleased to learn that Dr. Andrew Weil recommends facial rejuvenation acupuncture as a way to gracefully turn back the clock and reduce the signs of aging. I nod in agreement and thank him for his recent blogpost on the subject.

I, too, presented a blogpost on facial rejuvenation acupuncture back in November. Here is that blogpost again to answer your questions or refresh your memory.

The following are the most frequently questions asked of me about facial rejuvenation acupuncture, also known as cosmetic acupuncture, or the acupuncture facelift.

1. What is facial rejuvenation acupuncture?

Facial rejuvenation acupuncture is the placement of fine needles into specific points on the face to reduce fine lines, crow's feet, puffiness, and dark circles under they eyes. The needles cause a micro-trigger of qi (your body's naturally-occurring energy) and blood flow below the surface of the skin. The results are subtle, but noticeable.

2. Who should get facial rejuvenation acupuncture?

A person may wish to have facial rejuvenation acupuncture if he/she: has been under stress, wants to appear five to ten years younger, or wants a youthful, glowing complexion.

3. How many sessions should I have?

A typical course of treatment is two sessions per week for five weeks. My fee is $120 per session. Don't forget that the phenomenal clinic in which I practice, Healing Hands Wellness Center, offers you a complementary 30-minute massage with your first acupuncture session.

4. Is this something that I will need to continue?

You will not need to continue treatment, but you will probably want to. Patients are typically so happy with their results that they continue treatment once per month to maintain. In addition to being a Licensed Acupuncturist, I am a certified Traditional Chinese Nutritionist. So, I provide you with instructions on how to keep your skin in impeccable condition with diet. This part of your treatment plan is complementary and ongoing, meaning that I will be available via phone or email for as long as you like.

5. Will I bruise?

There is a possibility of bruising with acupuncture. If you are a person who bruises easily, you will want to consider that before you decide whether or not facial rejuvenation is right for you.

As always, I welcome your questions and comments. Thank you for reading.

Tamara ZumMallen, L.Ac.

De Odor Works

Tamara@LAacupuncture.net (Tamara) — Wed, 02 Feb 2011 00:43:00 GMT

I was looking for an alternative to traditional over-the-counter deodorants and antiperspirants. The packaging, the cost and the chemicals were high on my list of why I wanted to give them up for good. So, when De Odor Works offered me their product to test, I jumped at the chance.

I received my De Odor Works medical grade stainless steel wand and committed to 30 days of being antiperspirant free. To say I was a little uneasy about it would be an understatement. My first and only concern was whether or not the stainless steel would leach into by body through my pores. When I contacted customer service through email, my concerns were laid to rest. Within 24 hours, someone answered my email. No, medical grade stainless steel will not leach. Fine. I was ready to go.

For the next 30 days, I rubbed my De Odor Works wand in my underarms for 30 seconds per side whilst showering. I'm not going to lie, at the end of each day I smelled my shirts and my underarms during my 30-day experiment. No odor. This thing works! And it's super easy to hold and operate.

The verdict is in. I am happy with my De Odor Works wand. I do not think I will ever purchase another over-the-counter antiperspirant. You may find out more, and purchase the product on the website: www.deodorworks.com.

Thank you for reading.

Tamara ZumMallen