﻿<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?><rss xmlns:itunes="http://www.itunes.com/dtds/podcast-1.0.dtd" xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/" xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/" version="2.0"><channel><ttl>60</ttl><title>A Los Angeles Acupuncturist's Point of View</title><link>http://blog.laacupuncture.net</link><lastBuildDate>Mon, 15 Mar 2010 17:01:28 GMT</lastBuildDate><pubDate>Mon, 15 Mar 2010 17:01:28 GMT</pubDate><language>en</language><copyright /><itunes:subtitle> </itunes:subtitle><itunes:author /><itunes:summary /><description /><itunes:owner><itunes:name /><itunes:email>Tamara@LAacupuncture.net</itunes:email></itunes:owner><itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit><itunes:category text="Arts" /><item><title>Coconut Oil</title><link>http://blog.laacupuncture.net/2009/11/23/coconut-oil.aspx?ref=rss</link><author>Tamara@LAacupuncture.net (Tamara)</author><description>I read today that women put a staggering &lt;a href="http://www.aolhealth.com/healthy-living/longevity/cosmetics-chemicals?icid=main%7Cmain%7Cdl2%7Clink4%7Chttp%3A%2F%2Fwww.aolhealth.com%2Fhealthy-living%2Flongevity%2Fcosmetics-chemicals"&gt;515 chemicals on their skin every day.&lt;/a&gt;&lt;br&gt; &lt;div&gt; &lt;/div&gt;&lt;br&gt;I'm shocked.&amp;nbsp; Sort of.&amp;nbsp; When I pick up beauty products in the pharmacy or even in high-end retail stores, I cannot identify most of the ingredients listed.&amp;nbsp; And up until recently, I have trusted that that was okay.&amp;nbsp; &lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;I've recently started asking myself as I read health and beauty product labels, "what would happen if I ingested this?"&amp;nbsp; If intuition tells me that I may end up in the emergency room, I put it back on the shelf.&amp;nbsp; But who has time for this?&amp;nbsp; And why should you have to read labels?&amp;nbsp; I want to make it simple for you.&amp;nbsp; I will do the investigative work for you.&amp;nbsp; &lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;So let's start with the skin, the largest organ of the body, known as the integumentary system, your first line of defense against toxins.&amp;nbsp; Pass up all of the creams, lotions, and potions.&amp;nbsp; Rather, head to the cooking oil section at your local grocery store.&amp;nbsp; Pick up a jar of coconut oil.&amp;nbsp; Read the label.&amp;nbsp; One ingredient only:&amp;nbsp; raw organic coconut oil.&amp;nbsp; I have found that it is the best skin moisturizer on the market, it is very reasonably priced, and smells divine.&amp;nbsp; It melts on contact with your skin and leaves your skin incredibly soft.&amp;nbsp; You'll have the satisfaction of knowing that you don't have a single chemical seeping into your pores.&lt;br&gt;</description><comments>http://blog.laacupuncture.net/2009/11/23/coconut-oil.aspx#Comments</comments><guid isPermaLink="false">820914a4-363a-4021-82d6-d7bd26901a33</guid><pubDate>Tue, 24 Nov 2009 05:57:00 GMT</pubDate></item><item><title>FREE YOGA</title><link>http://blog.laacupuncture.net/2009/09/05/free-yoga.aspx?ref=rss</link><author>Tamara@LAacupuncture.net (Tamara)</author><description>September is National Yoga Month.  I am ecstatic that yoga gets a full month of recognition.  I am even more ecstatic at the idea of practicing at a participating yoga studio for free for an entire week. &lt;div&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;Please click &lt;span style="FONT-FAMILY: AZBY"&gt;&lt;a href="http://yogamonth.org/yogamonthcard/" target="_blank"&gt;&lt;span style="FONT-FAMILY: AZBY"&gt;here&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/span&gt; to download your yoga voucher to redeem at a participating yoga studio in your city.  &lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;Get bendy.  Find inner peace.  Namaste.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;Thank you for reading.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;Tamara ZumMallen&lt;/div&gt;</description><comments>http://blog.laacupuncture.net/2009/09/05/free-yoga.aspx#Comments</comments><guid isPermaLink="false">bfd36754-1afe-4c87-b69b-4ae070dd8440</guid><pubDate>Sun, 06 Sep 2009 01:03:00 GMT</pubDate></item><item><title>Food, Inc.</title><link>http://blog.laacupuncture.net/2009/07/23/food-inc.aspx?ref=rss</link><author>Tamara@LAacupuncture.net (Tamara)</author><description>"If you eat food, you should see &lt;a href="http://www.foodincmovie.com/"&gt;Food, Inc.&lt;/a&gt;  " --Tamara ZumMallen.  THAT is my official review.  &lt;div&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;I sat down in the Nuart Theatre with my Mom because I like to be informed.  Especially about food and food production.  With a corporate soda in hand and legs folded under me in a comfortable &lt;a href="http://www.yogajournal.com/poses/2481"&gt;sukhasana&lt;/a&gt;, I was eager to learn but not ready for what I was about to see.  This country was built on the backs of farmers.  I was choked up on several occasions while I listened to farmer after farmer talk about how they couldn't survive anymore due to legislature that forces them to farm in ways that will completely offset the delicate balance of our ecosystem.  &lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;I'm a midwesterner so the shots of rolling farmland really appealed to me.  So beautiful.  That's God's country, I tell you.  Except it's not like I remember as a child.  Genetically modified crops, over-crowded livestock farms, and private investigators from Monsanto now rule the land.  How is this possible?  How is this legal?  In a culture where 1 in 3 people born after the year 2000 will have adult-onset diabetes, we must change.  We simply must.  &lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;object data="http://www.takepart.com/sites/default/modules/takepart/takepart_video/swf/player.swf" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" height="360" width="640"&gt; &lt;param name="flashvars" value="bc=26576134001&amp;amp;autoplay=false"&gt; &lt;param name="allowfullscreen" value="true"&gt; &lt;param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"&gt; &lt;param name="bgcolor" value="#202020"&gt; &lt;param name="wmode" value="transparent"&gt; &lt;/object&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;Please see Food, Inc.  Then get back to me with your thoughts so that we may discuss it.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;Thank you for reading.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;Tamara ZumMallen&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;p.s.  In complete disgust at how corporations dictate what happens to our farmers and their farms, I did not finish my soda.  Knowledge is power.  Don't ever forget it. &lt;/div&gt;</description><comments>http://blog.laacupuncture.net/2009/07/23/food-inc.aspx#Comments</comments><guid isPermaLink="false">1b1a80c8-3468-4d60-a08e-c3648b0d1e47</guid><pubDate>Fri, 24 Jul 2009 05:11:31 GMT</pubDate></item><item><title>Free Yoga on Beautiful Santa Monica Pier</title><link>http://blog.laacupuncture.net/2009/07/16/free-yoga-on-beautiful-santa-monica-pier.aspx?ref=rss</link><author>Tamara@LAacupuncture.net (Tamara)</author><description>What's better than yoga on the beautiful Pacific Ocean?  FREE yoga with two of the best, most knowledgeable yoga instructors in Los Angeles.  From now until the end of August, Lori Rischer and Joan Hyman are offering a free class every Saturday morning starting at 8:30 and ending at 9:30.  &lt;div&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;98.7 FM and Pre Probiotic Enhancer bring you this summer-long event.  The girls trade off Saturdays, and having taken yoga with both, I'll tell you that you are in very good hands.  Arrive a few minutes early with an ID to sign in.  Have your mat, towel, and water in hand.  Walk to the end of the pier and be prepared to move, sweat, take deep breaths, and feel at one with nature.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;Really...is there a better way to start your weekend?  You may take a look at the event announcement by clicking &lt;a href="http://www.987fm.com/pages/yogaonthepier/?_show"&gt;here&lt;/a&gt;.  And you may also find Joan on the web &lt;a href="http://joanhyman.com/"&gt;here&lt;/a&gt;.  Be sure to sign up for Joan's newsletter when you visit her site.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;Thank you for reading.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;Tamara ZumMallen&lt;/div&gt;</description><comments>http://blog.laacupuncture.net/2009/07/16/free-yoga-on-beautiful-santa-monica-pier.aspx#Comments</comments><guid isPermaLink="false">ddb21f9f-8c3c-47b5-b576-8bea66a289b6</guid><pubDate>Fri, 17 Jul 2009 04:55:00 GMT</pubDate></item><item><title>Lotus Moon - Mindful Skincare</title><link>http://blog.laacupuncture.net/2009/06/25/lotus-moon--mindful-skincare.aspx?ref=rss</link><author>Tamara@LAacupuncture.net (Tamara)</author><description>I am in possession of the best under eye gel a girl can get her hands on.  And men too, for that matter.  Everyone who knows me knows that I am a fanatic for good skincare, particularly eye creams, gels, and serums.  And the more natural, the better.  Enter &lt;a href="http://lotusmoon.biz/"&gt;Lotus Moon&lt;/a&gt;.  &lt;div&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;I have been using my Lotus Moon hydra firm eye and lip gel for two weeks.  This little tube packs a lot of power.  With just two weeks of use, the skin around my eyes is visibly firmer and brighter.  My upper lip, which was starting to get ever-so-faint vertical lines looks ten years younger.  I can't believe it!&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;I am telling everyone about Lotus Moon because not only are the products superior to anything I have tried in recent years,  but because the company philosophy is one that I can totally stand by.  Ms. Lake Louise Ziwa, Founder and President of Lotus Moon, combines her knowledge of research with her passion for holistic health and love of the planet.  And for that, I love her.  &lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;I am looking forward to using more &lt;a href="http://lotusmoon.biz/"&gt;Lotus Moon&lt;/a&gt; products in the future.  Why stop with eye and lip care when I can have cleanser, toner, moisture mist, peels, masques, and body care.  You may learn more about Lotus moon by visiting their website:  &lt;span style=""&gt;&lt;a href="http://lotusmoon.biz/"&gt;www.lotusmoon.biz&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/span&gt;, phoning 888-762-2667, or dropping an email to info@smbessentials.com.  &lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;Thank you, Ms. Ziwa for your vision.  You'll be hearing from me soon!&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</description><comments>http://blog.laacupuncture.net/2009/06/25/lotus-moon--mindful-skincare.aspx#Comments</comments><guid isPermaLink="false">165a446f-f31c-4ca2-a3d6-49ec12037424</guid><pubDate>Fri, 26 Jun 2009 04:11:00 GMT</pubDate></item><item><title>5 Reasons You Should Hire Tamara ZumMallen, L.Ac. As Your Acupuncturist</title><link>http://blog.laacupuncture.net/2009/05/16/5-reasons-you-should-hire-tamara-zummallen-lac-as-your-acupuncturist.aspx?ref=rss</link><author>Tamara@LAacupuncture.net (Tamara)</author><description>I thought about posting my resume on this blog so that you could get to know me a little better.  Then I thought.....how boring.  How about if instead I tell you why you should hire me as your acupuncturist.  I think this will be way more interesting than a boring list of educational and professional facts about me.&lt;div&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;So here goes.......&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;The five top reasons to hire me as your acupuncturist are:&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;ol&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;span style="font-weight: bold;"&gt;Empowerment:&lt;/span&gt;  Your acupuncture session may be one of your shorter appointments of the week.  However, in our brief time together I will provide you with information you will need to care for yourself the rest of the week and beyond.  I keep myself well-educated on what is new in wellness and preventative health.  I readily pass this information along to you so that you will prevent re-injury and save yourself time and money in the long run.&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;span style="font-weight: bold;"&gt;Accessibility:&lt;/span&gt;  &lt;a href="http://www.healinghandswc.com/"&gt;Healing Hands on Larchmont&lt;/a&gt;, the clinic in which I practice, is open seven days per week from 10:00 a.m. until 9:00 p.m.  It is simple to leave a message for me there or at my email address:  Tamara@LAacupuncture.net.&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;span style="font-weight: bold;"&gt;Consistency:&lt;/span&gt;  I have been practicing acupuncture at Healing Hands since November 2003.  For almost six years I have kept a consistent schedule of:  Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.  I have mentioned numerous times throughout this blog just how much I enjoy practicing at Healing Hands.  I love this place.  I'm not going anywhere!&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;span style="font-weight: bold;"&gt;Results:&lt;/span&gt;  Since acupuncture is a business of results, I will do all I can to make sure that you receive the best result possible.  If  I believe your case needs different attention, I will refer you to the appropriate medical professional.&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;span style="font-weight: bold;"&gt;Affordability:&lt;/span&gt;  It is the mission of &lt;a href="http://www.healinghandswc.com/"&gt;Healing Hands&lt;/a&gt; to provide the community outstanding service at reasonable rates.  Our rates are already lower than our competitors, but we have decided to offer an acupuncture special.  While an initial acupuncture session is $125.00 and subsequent sessions are $80.00, we are offering the initial session for $80.00 from now until June 7, 2009.  That is a savings of $45.00 off your first session.  Also, you will receive a complimentary 30-minute massage from one of our world-class massage therapists, worth $35.00, with your initial acupuncture session.  Acupuncture and massage in one stop translates into bliss for you.&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ol&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;If you have never visited Healing Hands and would like an introduction into what we are all about, please click &lt;a href="http://losangeles.citysearch.com/profile/40051115/los_angeles_ca/healing_hands_wellness_massage_center.html"&gt;here&lt;/a&gt; to watch a brief video, compliments of Citysearch.com.&lt;br&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;Please call us at 323-461-7876 when you are ready to book your initial acupuncture session.  I look forward to serving you.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;Thank you for reading.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;Tamara ZumMallen&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</description><comments>http://blog.laacupuncture.net/2009/05/16/5-reasons-you-should-hire-tamara-zummallen-lac-as-your-acupuncturist.aspx#Comments</comments><guid isPermaLink="false">2bb44704-5215-452d-b69f-4b328f719a20</guid><pubDate>Sun, 17 May 2009 03:32:00 GMT</pubDate></item><item><title>Ginger:  The Best and Most Cost-Effective Herb For Nausea</title><link>http://blog.laacupuncture.net/2009/05/14/ginger--the-best-and-most-costeffective-herb-for-nausea.aspx?ref=rss</link><author>Tamara@LAacupuncture.net (Tamara)</author><description>Fresh ginger, or sheng jiang, has been known for thousands of years to ease nausea.  It is definitely one of my favorite herbs in all of the Chinese medicinal herbs.  Why?  Because it is easy to find here in the West, very easy to prepare, and pleasant-tasting.  &lt;div&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;The American Society of Clinical Oncology is reporting the results of a federally-funded study that shows that chemotherapy patients who took ginger capsules for three days before treatment had significantly less post-chemo nausea than those who did not take ginger.  You may read more about the study by clicking &lt;a href="http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/30750328/"&gt;here&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;While the article notes that the patients took their ginger supplements in capsule form, I recommend taking the herb in fresh, raw form.  You may purchase fresh organic ginger root at any grocery store these days.  You will not have to look far, I promise.  If your regular grocery store does not carry fresh ginger, ask them to order some.  Fresh ginger root looks like &lt;a href="http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://comps.fotosearch.com/comp/BDX/BDX131/fresh-ginger-root_~bxp28610.jpg&amp;amp;imgrefurl=http://www.fotosearch.com/BDX131/bxp28610/&amp;amp;usg=__XS8B3qQ1-fdZgArvqapcKEEEyQ8=&amp;amp;h=320&amp;amp;w=256&amp;amp;sz=24&amp;amp;hl=en&amp;amp;start=14&amp;amp;um=1&amp;amp;tbnid=DGu2foZ4LzISXM:&amp;amp;tbnh=118&amp;amp;tbnw=94&amp;amp;prev=/images%3Fq%3D"fresh%2Bginger%2Broot"&amp;amp;hl%3Den&amp;amp;safe%3Dactive&amp;amp;client%3Dsafari&amp;amp;rls%3Den&amp;amp;sa%3DN&amp;amp;um%3D1"&gt;this&lt;/a&gt;.  You will pay about $4.00 for a ginger root that fits into the palm of your hand.  One fresh ginger root may yield up to 20 servings.  &lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;Dosage is 2 - 5 grams per serving.  You may safely take 2 to 3 servings per day.  To make a fresh ginger tea, slice 4 - 5 pieces the size of a quarter and steep them for 10 minutes in boiling water, like you would make a tea.  You may also grate ginger and put it in yogurt, oatmeal, stir fry, and any other dish that may need a spicy kick.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;Ginger also has antibacterial properties, tranquilizing, and anti-hypertensive effects.  Please speak with your M.D. if you are pregnant and considering taking ginger.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;Thank you for reading.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;Tamara ZumMallen&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</description><comments>http://blog.laacupuncture.net/2009/05/14/ginger--the-best-and-most-costeffective-herb-for-nausea.aspx#Comments</comments><guid isPermaLink="false">dd7c6716-9497-4774-b22c-5bdcd5273d2b</guid><pubDate>Fri, 15 May 2009 06:47:00 GMT</pubDate></item><item><title>Rewarded For Healthy Habits?  I Sure Hope So.</title><link>http://blog.laacupuncture.net/2009/05/09/rewarded-for-healthy-habits--i-sure-hope-so.aspx?ref=rss</link><author>Tamara@LAacupuncture.net (Tamara)</author><description>Finally...an idea that's time has come.  I have been saying for years, well at least all of the years that I have been studying and practicing preventative health, that people should be rewarded for being proactive about their health and well-being.&lt;div&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;Two Democratic senators, Max Baucus of Montana, and Tom Harkin of Iowa are at the helm of this initiative.  &lt;a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2009/05/10/health/policy/10health.html?src=twt&amp;amp;twt=nytimes"&gt;The New York Times&lt;/a&gt; reports this today.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;Like I always say, pay for year health on the front end.  I will definitely be following this story every step of the way.  &lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;Thank you for reading.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;Tamara ZumMallen&lt;/div&gt;</description><comments>http://blog.laacupuncture.net/2009/05/09/rewarded-for-healthy-habits--i-sure-hope-so.aspx#Comments</comments><guid isPermaLink="false">369d6b7a-1ab1-4941-b30f-9c72bdbcc6e9</guid><pubDate>Sun, 10 May 2009 01:35:00 GMT</pubDate></item><item><title>Twisting</title><link>http://blog.laacupuncture.net/2009/05/09/twisting.aspx?ref=rss</link><author>Tamara@LAacupuncture.net (Tamara)</author><description>I really enjoyed this yoga class I taught this morning.  I really enjoy teaching yoga in the spring in general.  Why, you may ask?  Because spring is all about renewal and rejuvenation in Chinese medicine.  We care for and revitalize our livers at this time.  With just a few more weeks to go until summer, I encourage you to keep twisting your torso in your yoga practice.  Like a sponge, when you twist, you squeeze and wring out your organs flushing out toxins and then flood the organ with much-appreciated, clean blood.  And with all of the deep breathing (pranayama) exercises throughout the yoga class, there is definitely an abundance of oxygenated blood to nourish your organs, particularly your liver.  &lt;div&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;Two very simple twists that any person can do are:  &lt;a href="http://www.yogajournal.com/poses/485"&gt;ardha matsyendrasana&lt;/a&gt; and &lt;a href="http://www.yogajournal.com/poses/692"&gt;parivrtta trikonasana&lt;/a&gt;.  Learn to take pleasure in twisting.  All of your visceral organs and your spine will thank you for it.  &lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;Thank you for reading.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;Tamara ZumMallen&lt;/div&gt;</description><comments>http://blog.laacupuncture.net/2009/05/09/twisting.aspx#Comments</comments><guid isPermaLink="false">42789380-f7ca-4f28-b4a8-35fe75a2ed93</guid><pubDate>Sat, 09 May 2009 23:39:00 GMT</pubDate></item><item><title>Stress</title><link>http://blog.laacupuncture.net/2009/04/28/stress.aspx?ref=rss</link><author>Tamara@LAacupuncture.net (Tamara)</author><description>Stress.  It's a catch-all term used to describe the physical and emotional state of a being when outside factors are not adding up leading a person to feel unwell inside.  A relatively new term.  And the reason for &lt;a href="http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1005349-7,00.html"&gt;60%&lt;/a&gt; of all doctor visits.  I think this is a conservative estimate.  I am quite sure that there is another huge percentage of people who do not seek medical attention for stress due to the cost of the doctor's visit.  But that's a different blog entry for a different day.&lt;div&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;As an acupuncturist, I would say that lately most of my cases are stress-related.  Sure, I still get the sciatica, carpal tunnel, and tennis elbow cases and I am happy to serve these patients.  But I am troubled by the number of stress cases that have turned into physical maladies.  Insomnia, digestive problems, anxiety and depression, migraines, gynecological disorder, erectile dysfunction, and TMJ are just a few of the cases I have taken as of late due to stress.  I have come so accustomed to working with stress that I have come up with a list of ideas that will help you take care of you, or as I like to say "control the controllables."&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;ul&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;span style="font-weight: bold;"&gt;Eat Right&lt;/span&gt;  It sounds simple but I'm surprised when people tell me how much junk food into their bodies.  And that is just what they'll admit to.  Eat 5 - 10 servings of vegetables and fruits per day, eat healthy fats like nuts, seeds, and avocados, and have small amounts of lean protein.  Flood your body with nutrition.  You will feel great doing so.&lt;br&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;span style="font-weight: bold;"&gt;Limit Caffeine&lt;/span&gt;  One caffeinated beverage early in the day is enough.  Anything more may disrupt sleep.  Sleep is essential for rest and repair of the body.&lt;br&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;span style="font-weight: bold;"&gt;Drink Water&lt;/span&gt;  It is imperative to drink water to keep vital organs hydrated.  A dehydrated person may suffer from headaches, digestive disorders and muscle fatigue.  A good rule of thumb for water consumption is to drink half of your body weight in ounces.  For example, a 150-lb. person would drink 75 ounces per day, every day.&lt;br&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;span style="font-weight: bold;"&gt;Do Aerobic Exercise&lt;/span&gt;  You must elevate your heart rate at least 20 minutes per day in order to keep your cardiovascular system healthy.  Also, creating an &lt;a href="http://www.medterms.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=10812"&gt;endorphin&lt;/a&gt; rush and balancing &lt;a href="http://www.medterms.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=5468"&gt;serotonin&lt;/a&gt; levels in the brain will help you reduce stress.&lt;br&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;span style="font-weight: bold;"&gt;Have A Confidante&lt;/span&gt;  Do not keep your emotions inside.  Get it off your chest. There is great therapy in "talking it out."  I always let the patient have the first five minutes or so to talk.  I just listen quietly and intently.  After just a few minutes, I see their faces soften, their shoulders relax, a return to a normal breathing pattern, and finally a sense of calm.  Know you are not alone.  Stress happens to everyone.  &lt;br&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;span style="font-weight: bold;"&gt;Get Acupuncture&lt;/span&gt;  I am not saying this because I am an acupuncturist.  I am saying this because I am an acupuncture patient.  I will tell you with certainty that when I receive the points &lt;a href="http://www.medicalacupuncture.org/aama_marf/journal/vol10_2/shenmen.html"&gt;shenmen&lt;/a&gt; and &lt;a href="http://www.amazinghealing.com/aiyana.php?nav=2&amp;amp;article_id=75"&gt;yintang&lt;/a&gt;, I feel physical stress leave my body almost immediately.&lt;br&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;span style="font-weight: bold;"&gt;Get Massage&lt;/span&gt;  I have the pleasure of working alongside of some of the &lt;a href="http://www.healinghandswc.com/"&gt;most talented massage therapists&lt;/a&gt; in all of Los Angeles.  I watch people walk out of &lt;a href="http://www.healinghandswc.com/"&gt;Healing Hands on Larchmont&lt;/a&gt; all day long completely blissed out.&lt;br&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;span style="font-weight: bold;"&gt;Take a Television News Sabbatical&lt;/span&gt;  The 24-hour news outlets routinely sensationalize news stories.  I encourage you to not watch them but rather log onto the internet and read the news from a reputable news outlet for facts only.  Without emotion.  And without an "expert" telling you how you should feel.  See the news for what it is and not worse than what it is.  Limit your reading to 30 minutes per day so that you stay informed but do not feel manipulated.  &lt;br&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;I am sure that if you incorporate a few, if not all, of the above ideas into your life, you will feel better and that your stress will feel more manageable.  And remember, you are not alone, stress happens to the best of us and whatever it is you are going through, this too shall pass.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;Thank you for reading.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;Tamara ZumMallen &lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</description><comments>http://blog.laacupuncture.net/2009/04/28/stress.aspx#Comments</comments><guid isPermaLink="false">5fffa917-fc41-43d5-8498-17655b507945</guid><pubDate>Wed, 29 Apr 2009 02:15:00 GMT</pubDate></item><item><title>You're Never Too Old</title><link>http://blog.laacupuncture.net/2009/04/25/youre-never-too-old.aspx?ref=rss</link><author>Tamara@LAacupuncture.net (Tamara)</author><description>As you may know by now, I moonlight as a yoga instructor when I'm not in the acupuncture office.  Why?  Because I see people get healed in yoga and I see people get hurt in yoga and I have much to say about it.  So, for the past four years I have expressed my credo that anyone, and I mean ANYONE, can and will benefit from yoga.  &lt;div&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;Excuses to skip yoga?  I have heard them all.  I'm too old.  I'm intimidated.  I'm not flexible.  It's expensive.  I once injured my _______ (fill in the blank) and I can't do that type of stretching anymore.  Well, meet &lt;a href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/worldnews/article-1172810/The-yoga-supergran-bend-backwards-age-83.html"&gt;Bette Calman&lt;/a&gt;, the 83-year-old yoga instructor who will make you think twice about who can or cannot do yoga.  What a graceful, supple, and energetic woman.  This news story broke yesterday, and by 6:00 a.m. this morning my inbox was inundated with this story, sent to me by well-meaning friends who just had to let me know about her.  I am grateful to all of my astute friends who thought to get this to me.  And even more grateful to Ms. Calman for sharing her message.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;Just start somewhere with yoga.  You can breathe, right?  Start there.  Take a deep breath into your belly and raise your hands over your head.  Now with your exhale bend forward and touch the floor.  Bend your knees if you'd like.  This pose is called &lt;a href="http://yogajournal.com/poses/478"&gt;uttanasana&lt;/a&gt;.  Congratulations, you did it.  You are practicing yoga and already experiencing the benefits.  &lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;As always, I welcome your comments and questions.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;Thank you for reading.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;Tamara ZumMallen&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;    &lt;/div&gt;</description><comments>http://blog.laacupuncture.net/2009/04/25/youre-never-too-old.aspx#Comments</comments><guid isPermaLink="false">5372ee69-1b65-4b5b-bbf5-2c37a95b25e8</guid><pubDate>Sun, 26 Apr 2009 01:16:00 GMT</pubDate></item><item><title>I'm Back On Twitter</title><link>http://blog.laacupuncture.net/2009/04/19/im-back-on-twitter.aspx?ref=rss</link><author>Tamara@LAacupuncture.net (Tamara)</author><description>Hi Everyone!&lt;div&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;After a year-long absense, I'm back on Twitter.  Apparently it's all the rage now.  So, you can now follow me around Los Angeles as I practice the coolest medicine on the planet (acupuncture), blissfully move through the yoga community, and dine at the finest health food joints in the city.  &lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;My Twitter name is:  LAacupuncture.  You may add me by reading my Twitter updates to the right of this entry then clicking on the "Follow Me" line.  And stay tuned to find the most healthy, serene, and uplifting places to go in Los Angeles.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;Thank you for reading.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;Tamara ZumMallen&lt;/div&gt;</description><comments>http://blog.laacupuncture.net/2009/04/19/im-back-on-twitter.aspx#Comments</comments><guid isPermaLink="false">645b72fe-96f8-4916-954b-ac3e561749e6</guid><pubDate>Sun, 19 Apr 2009 22:37:00 GMT</pubDate></item><item><title>www.realage.com</title><link>http://blog.laacupuncture.net/2009/04/02/wwwrealagecom.aspx?ref=rss</link><author>Tamara@LAacupuncture.net (Tamara)</author><description>I have been inspired by Facebook (yes, Facebook) to tell you about one of my favorite websites:  &lt;a href="http://www.realage.com/default.aspx"&gt;www.realage.com&lt;/a&gt;.  I was first introduced to the book "Real Age" by Dr. Michael Roizen back in 1999 while I was an acupuncture student.  I am sure that if you are a Facebook user, you too have been sucked into an afternoon of quiz-taking due to boredom, curiosity, or guidance.  Or perhaps all three.  One such quiz on Facebook is the real-age test.  It requires you to answer ten questions and tells you how old your body actually is.  I am quite sure that the inspiration for this mini-quiz comes from Dr. Roizen's original.&lt;div&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;The premise of Dr. Roizen's real age test is that certain habits and behaviors cause one's body to age faster.  Other habits and behaviors add years to one's life.  Dr. Roizen says your body has it's chronological age based on linear time and your biological age based on how you live your life.  Part of his research was asking people attending 20-year high school reunions to participate in the real age questionnaire.  He would then stand the person with the oldest biological age next to the person with the youngest biological age and they would always look like parent and child although they were both 38 years old.  Fascinating!&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;At &lt;a href="http://www.realage.com/default.aspx"&gt;realage.com&lt;/a&gt;&lt;span style="font-family: Helvetica; "&gt;, &lt;/span&gt;&lt;span style=""&gt;not only do you take the test, you are given specific instructions and guidance to reverse your biological age.  The test takes approximately 30 minutes to complete.  Answer honestly.  Take your time.  And you'll be on your way to a healthier and younger you.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;span style=""&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;span style=""&gt;And if you were wondering about me, my biological age is five years younger than my chronological age.  Not bad!  I have learned that if I would incorporate more omega-3 fatty acids into my diet, I could be even younger.  I'll get on that.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;span style=""&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;span style=""&gt;So what is your "real" age?  Keep me posted.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;span style=""&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;span style=""&gt;Thanks for reading.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;span style=""&gt;Tamara ZumMallen&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</description><comments>http://blog.laacupuncture.net/2009/04/02/wwwrealagecom.aspx#Comments</comments><guid isPermaLink="false">778a5571-c931-4a83-b889-dfa7da4fecc9</guid><pubDate>Fri, 03 Apr 2009 05:01:00 GMT</pubDate></item><item><title>Aahhhh, Spring!!!!</title><link>http://blog.laacupuncture.net/2009/03/29/aahhhh-spring.aspx?ref=rss</link><author>Tamara@LAacupuncture.net (Tamara)</author><description>Hi Everyone! &lt;div&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;I'm back.  I know it's been awhile since my last blog entry.  I have just been so busy being an acupuncturist that it has left little time to write.  That's good, right?  And that is just how it is for me:  more needling, less writing or more writing, less needling.  One day I will strike a healthy balance between the two.  Just know that if you do not hear from me it is because I am working hard and getting inspired.  But more blogs will be on the way soon.  And, by the way, I am always open to entry suggestions.  You may email them to me at:  Tamara@LAacupuncture.net.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;I hope you made it through the winter season without catching that ghastly, lingering cold that went through Los Angeles.  I did.  I am proud to say that my diligence and determination to not get sick certainly paid off.  And so we move on to spring, my favorite season to practice acupuncture and teach yoga.  Why?  Because the elements are gentle and kind to the body in spring and the body is open to change.  And when your body is open to change, your mind will follow.  It's a beautiful thing!&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;Last spring, I wrote one of my all-time most popular blog entries.  It was about what spring means in Chinese medicine and how to care for your body during this season.  You may read it by clicking &lt;a href="http://blog.laacupuncture.net/2008/05/04/what-spring-means-in-chinese-medicine.aspx"&gt;here&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;Thank you for reading.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;Tamara ZumMallen&lt;/div&gt;</description><comments>http://blog.laacupuncture.net/2009/03/29/aahhhh-spring.aspx#Comments</comments><guid isPermaLink="false">63be9139-3469-483d-9a78-5122fd266d36</guid><pubDate>Mon, 30 Mar 2009 01:20:00 GMT</pubDate></item><item><title>Winter</title><link>http://blog.laacupuncture.net/2009/01/19/winter.aspx?ref=rss</link><author>Tamara@LAacupuncture.net (Tamara)</author><description>After an intensely busy autumn and a one-month sabbatical, I am back to blogging.  And just in time to provide information on how to care for yourselves during winter.  Each season has its specific set of instructions, with winter's instructions focusing on the kidneys.  Kidneys are the root of qi.  Kidneys also store the body's essence and govern reproduction, growth and birth.  &lt;div&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;What would cause kidney pathologies?  Fear, since it is the emotion relating to kidneys, may cause kidney deficiency.  Other etiologies that may harm the kidneys are:  excessive sexual activity, chronic illness, overwork, and old age.&lt;div&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt; Kidney yang (energetic) pathologies may present as:&lt;span&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;ul&gt;&lt;li&gt;low back pain&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;frequent and pale urination &lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;chills &lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;cold hands and feet &lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;weak legs and knees&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;edema of the lower extremities&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;impotence&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;premature ejaculation&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;infertility&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;Kidney yin (fluid) pathologies may present as:  &lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;ul&gt;&lt;li&gt;heat in the hands and feet, especially in the afternoon&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;malar flush &lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;excessive thirst &lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;dark, scanty urination &lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;tinnitus&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;dizziness &lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;night sweats&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;What should you do if you suspect that you may have deficient kidneys with any of the above physical manifestations?  &lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;span&gt;     &lt;span&gt;     &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;1.  Get acupuncture.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;span&gt;    &lt;span&gt;     &lt;/span&gt; &lt;/span&gt;2.  Consider taking an herbal prescription during the winter season.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;span&gt;     &lt;span&gt;     &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;3.  Rest.  The nights are longer in winter for this reason.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;span&gt;     &lt;span&gt;     &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;4.  Get plenty of fluids.  &lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;span&gt;     &lt;span&gt;     &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;5.  Gentle yoga will keep the low back supple and twisting will wring out the organs.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;As always, I look forward to your questions and comments.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;Thank you for reading.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;Tamara ZumMallen&lt;br&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</description><comments>http://blog.laacupuncture.net/2009/01/19/winter.aspx#Comments</comments><guid isPermaLink="false">413c97a6-c366-4baa-957f-8ce70c3c5762</guid><pubDate>Tue, 20 Jan 2009 04:21:00 GMT</pubDate></item><item><title>Say "OM" instead of "Ah", An Integrative Approach To Cancer Treatment</title><link>http://blog.laacupuncture.net/2008/10/30/say-om-instead-of-ah-an-integrative-approach-to-cancer-treatment.aspx?ref=rss</link><author>Tamara@LAacupuncture.net (Tamara)</author><description>My nephew Kyle passed &lt;a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2008/10/30/nyregion/30yoga.html?pagewanted=1&amp;amp;_r=1&amp;amp;ei=5070&amp;amp;emc=eta1"&gt;this article&lt;/a&gt; along to me from today's New York Times.   I thought I'd share it with you. &lt;div&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;Ms. Donna Karan, along with her foundation Urban Zen is implementing yoga into cancer therapy at Beth Israel Hospital in New York City.  Yoga helps cancer patients with anxiety, depression, and the side effects of traditional cancer therapies.  Yoga may also shorten hospital stays therefore getting the patient back into his/her own, more comfortable surroundings. Many hospitals across the country now have integrated health services with some hospitals giving integrated health a department status.  Urban Zen and Beth Israel plan to take this department to a whole new level with yoga instructors who move from room to room and meditation areas for patients, their families, and nurses.  This is truly amazing.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;Ms. Karan founded Urban Zen after her husband passed away of lung cancer in 2001.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;Thank you for reading.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;Tamara ZumMallen&lt;/div&gt;</description><comments>http://blog.laacupuncture.net/2008/10/30/say-om-instead-of-ah-an-integrative-approach-to-cancer-treatment.aspx#Comments</comments><guid isPermaLink="false">a92e8d2e-294e-4ac4-86e6-fd66d4c5cf72</guid><pubDate>Fri, 31 Oct 2008 04:14:00 GMT</pubDate></item><item><title>October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month</title><link>http://blog.laacupuncture.net/2008/10/01/breast-cancer-awareness-month.aspx?ref=rss</link><author>Tamara@LAacupuncture.net (Tamara)</author><description>October is &lt;a href="http://nbcam.org/"&gt;National Breast Cancer Awareness Month&lt;/a&gt;.  &lt;div&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;In 1988, my 38-year-old mother was diagnosed with Stage IV breast cancer with metastasis to the axillary lymph nodes.  She found a lump with self-exam.  The tumor was the size of a pea and was against her rib in the upper lateral quadrant of her left breast.  The scariest detail of her ordeal was that the tumor did not show on a mammogram.  I tell you this not to frighten you but to encourage you to be diligent about examining your own breasts monthly.  The presence of the lump was verified with an ultrasound and diagnosis was given after a biopsy.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;If you do find a lump, please do not dismiss it as if it will go away.  See your OB/GYN immediately.  If the lump does not show on a mammogram, demand an ultrasound.  You will be required to be your own health advocate so be prepared.  Stand your ground.  It's your body.  It's your life.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;Talk about this with your friends and family.  Remember that early detection is the key to survival in all maladies.  &lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;And, in case you were wondering, my mother Sharon is well and healthy today.  She turned 58 in June.  She lives outside of Chicago and enjoys spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  She is a promoter of veganism, is very physically fit, and simply glows with inner beauty.  &lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;Thank you for reading.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;Tamara ZumMallen&lt;/div&gt;</description><comments>http://blog.laacupuncture.net/2008/10/01/breast-cancer-awareness-month.aspx#Comments</comments><guid isPermaLink="false">b14825c9-a818-4d80-a6a8-09943ec928e7</guid><pubDate>Thu, 02 Oct 2008 02:18:00 GMT</pubDate></item><item><title>My Shoulder Sprain Experience</title><link>http://blog.laacupuncture.net/2008/09/30/my-shoulder-sprain-experience.aspx?ref=rss</link><author>Tamara@LAacupuncture.net (Tamara)</author><description>I am pleased to announce that I'm back on the yoga mat.  Boy, did I miss it.  In early July, I injured my shoulder doing a  &lt;a href="http://www.yogajournal.com/poses/1711"&gt;forearm balance&lt;/a&gt;.  I came down from the pose and my right shoulder just didn't feel right.  The place where the upper edge of my scapula joins my trapezius muscle was burning and I had the urge to draw my shoulder up to my ear for hours after the incident.&lt;div&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;I thought I'd be back to yoga in a week.  I was wrong.  It was most definitely sprained and every muscle in the area became rigid and stiff.  Wisdom and experience with patients with similar injuries told me to let it rest.  I now know why patients look at me like I am crazy when I tell them they must give their sprains time to heal.  It may be a slow and frustrating process.  However, if the sprain is treated with care and caution, the patient may enjoy a full recovery.  I always advise the patient to act with care so that this temporary injury does not turn into a permanent one.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;I will admit that I am thankful for the experience so that I may be even more empathetic to patients.  I have now had the experience and I have a protocol that works.  This is what I did:&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;ol&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;span style="font-weight: bold;"&gt;Acupuncture.&lt;/span&gt;  Needles within the first 48 hours are imperative to reduce inflammation and to move qi and blood.&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;span style="font-weight: bold;"&gt;Espom Salt Baths.&lt;/span&gt;  Hot baths with large amounts (4 pounds) of epsom salts are therapeutic for the sprain site.&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;span style="font-weight: bold;"&gt;Activator Method Chiropractic.&lt;/span&gt;  Keeping your spine and ribs in alignment while healing is very important.&lt;br&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;span style="font-weight: bold;"&gt;Limit Movement of the Limb.&lt;/span&gt;  In this case, it was my right arm.  I did not lift my arm above my shoulder for the first two weeks.  After that, I began to slowly use the arm again.&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ol&gt;&lt;div&gt;With the above four instructions, I was able to heal the sprain about 90% in two weeks.  I persevered with the therapies and at six weeks, I had full range of motion.  At seven weeks, I returned to all of my previous activities as if nothing had ever happened.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;I look forward to you questions and comments.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;Thank you for reading.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;Tamara ZumMallen&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</description><comments>http://blog.laacupuncture.net/2008/09/30/my-shoulder-sprain-experience.aspx#Comments</comments><guid isPermaLink="false">33f056c6-c387-4ffd-a626-f031c18f4e7a</guid><pubDate>Wed, 01 Oct 2008 05:05:00 GMT</pubDate></item><item><title>New Season.  New Instructions.</title><link>http://blog.laacupuncture.net/2008/09/23/new-season--new-instructions.aspx?ref=rss</link><author>Tamara@LAacupuncture.net (Tamara)</author><description>It is autumn, or fall as we say here in the States.  Like every other season, fall has it's own unique set of directives with respect to Chinese medicine.  &lt;div&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;Fall's corresponding organ is the lungs.  It is imperative that one takes particular care of the lungs throughout the season.  Fall kicks off cold and flu season.  Before I studied Chinese medicine, I always thought this was just a coincidence.  Now I get it.  The lungs manifest in the nose.  Of all of the organ manifestations listed in Chinese medicine, this one makes the most sense since the nose is a portal to the lungs.  It's corresponding color is white and the flavor is pungent.  &lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;So, just how do you care for your lungs during this season?  Here's my short, but effective list:&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;ol&gt;&lt;li&gt;Practice deep breathing exercises.  In yoga, this is called pranayama.  I recommend taking a class.  Jeanne Heileman at &lt;a href="http://www.yogaworks.com/classSearch.aspx?ext=1&amp;amp;lid=&amp;amp;tid=11086&amp;amp;lvid=&amp;amp;sid=&amp;amp;dow="&gt;Yogaworks&lt;/a&gt; is one of the best in Los Angeles.&lt;br&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;Pungent, white foods supplement the lungs.  Mushrooms and jicama are good choices.&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;Keep your chest open with restorative yoga poses.&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;And, last but not least, and easier said than done is to avoid sadness as sadness diminishes lung qi.&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ol&gt;&lt;div&gt;As always, I look forward to your questions and comments.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;Thank you for reading.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;Tamara ZumMallen&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</description><comments>http://blog.laacupuncture.net/2008/09/23/new-season--new-instructions.aspx#Comments</comments><guid isPermaLink="false">a271cddc-fc66-484e-b5ef-b30e5ff14256</guid><pubDate>Wed, 24 Sep 2008 03:46:00 GMT</pubDate></item><item><title>Two Bits Of Good News</title><link>http://blog.laacupuncture.net/2008/08/18/two-bits-of-good-news.aspx?ref=rss</link><author>Tamara@LAacupuncture.net (Tamara)</author><description>&lt;span style="font-weight: bold;"&gt;First:&lt;/span&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;I am pleased to announce that we at Healing Hands Wellness Center have decided on a line of herbal supplements.  We are now carrying &lt;a href="http://www.secara.com/site/Home.html"&gt;Secara Herbs&lt;/a&gt; and I am thrilled with the products.  All of their formulas are in pill form and easy to take.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;span style="font-weight: bold;"&gt;Second:&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;I have adjusted my schedule to see acupuncture patients at our Larchmont location only.  There is finally a space for me to see patients in the evenings at that location.  I'm ecstatic about this. (Thanks Pam!)  My new schedule is as follows:&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;Monday:  1:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;Tuesday/Thursday:  10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;Saturday:  10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;Call me if you have questions:  (323) 461-7876.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;Thank you for reading.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;Tamara ZumMallen&lt;br&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</description><comments>http://blog.laacupuncture.net/2008/08/18/two-bits-of-good-news.aspx#Comments</comments><guid isPermaLink="false">cdeaa640-3446-494e-b135-5dbbcd758cd0</guid><pubDate>Tue, 19 Aug 2008 00:21:00 GMT</pubDate></item></channel></rss>