abbotsford – Page 2 – ROOT & BRANCH *Acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine & Shiatsu

14/12/201712/10/2018

Herbal Foot Soaks, for pain of the feet & ankles.

Foot/ heel pain relief available in clinic now.

Our feet are the connection between heaven and earth. It is easy to forget just how important they are to us, in modern day life we wear shoes and forget to re-connect with the earth. Our feet bear the weight of our entire body, 700 times each for every kilometre we walk. Each foot contains more than 7000 nerve endings, 107 ligaments, 19 muscles & 26 bones (1/4 of all the bones in the body). For many people, feet are a low priority when it comes to ongoing care…. And yet, all it takes is the slightest irritation on the smallest toe to give discomfort to our whole being!

Herbal foot soaks are beneficial to most conditions related to pain and overuse of the muscles and tendons of the feet, from diabetic foot neuropathy, plantar fasciitis, heel pain, bone spurs and achilles tendonitis. Prolonged use of herbal foot baths (> 2 weeks) may also be beneficial to general wellbeing including reduced stress levels, insomnia, migraines, fatigue, IBS and hormonal imbalances.

Western science is slowly catching up to the knowledge of traditional Chinese Medicine. In a recent study done by Harvard, a simple warm bath before you go to bed at night can significantly increase your sleep. Click here to read the study.

HOW TO: Initially 3-4 tea bags should be simmered for around 10 minutes. Next the temperature needs to be equalised when the hot tea is transferred to the bucket, ensuring that the solution is below 45 DEC C to prevent scolding. Best results are expected after >40 minutes use, a kettle of hot water kept handy can ensure the water is topped up regularly to keep the solution close to the desired 40 DEC C mark.

EVEN BETTER: Take this time to relax, read a book, meditate or listen to some guided self hypnosis.

Here is a link to a breathing technique I particularly like:

Practical tips for dealing with stress & anxiety

Eastential Chinese Medicine, David Yao Chi Guan, Four Seasons Wellness Centre, Shinma Acupuncture, Acuuncture Abbotsford Convent, Abbotsford Medical & Acupuncture Centre, Yuki Murata

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13/12/201712/10/2018

Pain Relief in a convenient adhesive Chinese Medicine plaster.

Manufacturer: Guangzhou Medicines & Health Products.

701 Dieda Zhengtong Yaogao medicated plasters provide temporary pain relief from minor aches and pains of muscles and joints, simple backache, arthritis, traumatic injury, strains, bruises and sprains. Also used to temporarily ease pain from bone spurs in areas not covered by thick muscles such as heels and shoulders.

Now available in a convenient pack of 6 plaster sheets, each measuring 10 x 12cm, affordable and super effective to reinforce acupuncture or shiatsu therapy treatments between appointments.

Ingredients include:

Borneol 4.0%
Camphor 10.0%
Eupolyphaga sinensis 8.0%
Mentha haplocalyx 5.0%
Menthol 5.0%
Methyl Salicylate 10.0%
Phellodendron chinense 8.0%
Polygonum cuspidatum 2.0%
Rheum palmatum 8.0%
Scutellaria Baicalensis 8.0%
Zanthoxylum nitidum 8.0%

Non-medicinal ingredients include:

Petrolatum
Gum resin
Paraffin
Paraffinum Liquidum leve
Latex

The plasters are based on a traditional Chinese Medicine herbal remedy which shows anecdotal pain relief of muscular tension by stimulating blood circulation.

How to use: peel off the plastic backing sheet and place the plaster over the sore area. A warming effect may be noticed initially, pain relieving effect will normally last for about 24 hours at which point it should be discarded. It is best to wait a few hours before applying a new patch, many people report a cooling sensation between applying plasters. When using on the torso it is often better to use bi-laterally even for one sided pain.

This product should never be applied over broken skin and use during pregnancy is contraindicated.

Eastential Chinese Medicine, David Yao Chi Guan, Four Seasons Wellness Centre, Shinma Acupuncture, Acuuncture Abbotsford Convent, Abbotsford Medical & Acupuncture Centre, Yuki Murata

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04/11/201708/12/2019

Topical Liniment for pain relief

There are lots of generic liniments on the market, but nothing beats the Dr’s own formula for musculoskeletal pain! The herbs which have been soaked for more than 12 months are chosen for quality & efficacy to speed up recovery, relax muscles and tendons to reduce inflammation, dispels stagnation & promotes circulation. Dit Da Jow has traditionally been used for trauma associated with martial arts, but suitable for strains, sprains, and muscular tightness and everyday aches and pains. For external use only, not suitable for open wounds.

Mark will often use the ‘Dit Da Jow’ in combination for needling of musculoskeletal conditions, sports injury and in conjunction with electronic muscle stimulation.

Eastential Chinese Medicine, David Yao Chi Guan, Four Seasons Wellness Centre, Shinma Acupuncture, Acuuncture Abbotsford Convent, Abbotsford Medical & Acupuncture Centre, Yuki Murata

What is acne in Chinese Medicine?

Acne typically occurs for the first time in puberty when hormones are surging, however for many people it can be a life long affliction. In addition to hormonal imbalances it can stem from diet, skin pathogens, hygiene, excess sebum production and even as a result of stress.

In Chinese Medicine the redness associated with pimples and pustular skin conditions is considered to be heat, the pus production is a form of ‘dampness’ and irritation is a type of toxin accumulation.

People who suffer from acne have often tried numerous remedies without a great deal of success and some even resort to ‘heavy duty’ pharmaceutical solutions. For those who would prefer a more natural solution, Dr Mark Davis (TCM) has formulated a patent herbal tincture, which has been well received by acne sufferers.

Good results have been reported with whiteheads, cystic acne, as a result of coming off the pill, hormonal and even stubborn acne which has not responded to other treatments.

The formula consists of 13 all natural herbs which work from the inside out. it is super cost effective and easy to take; it reduces the inflammation, calms the redness, and improves circulation to control localised irritation.

Each 200ml bottle is a one-month prescription, results are often visible during the first 3-4 weeks, however best results are usually reported by the end of the 2nd month.

Naturally gluten free, 100% animal product free and no testing on animals!

Not recommended to be taken while pregnant or in conjunction with blood thinning herbs. No side effects should be expected, however this is general advice and you should discuss with your practitioner if you suffer from allergies.

Eastential Chinese Medicine, David Yao Chi Guan, Four Seasons Wellness Centre, Shinma Acupuncture, Acuuncture Abbotsford Convent, Abbotsford Medical & Acupuncture Centre

You might find the following articles also interesting reading:

Facial Rejuvenation Acupuncture

Cosmetic Acupuncture

07/10/201729/01/2022

Dry Needling Ulverstone

A common question is “Do you do dry Needling?” Absolutely yes we do! Dry needling is a type of acupuncture which is rapidly gaining in popularity, it involves the insertion of a needles into tightly bound muscle fibres, trigger points or muscular knots which cause local and referred pain.

By manipulating the needle in a specific manner, Dry Needling can induce a twitch response which will desensitise the area, resolve pain and release to muscle fibres to restore natural blood circulation.

CAUTIONARY NOTE – There is a strange twist to Australian Law which requires Acupuncturists to hold a bachelor degree level qualification and be registered along side other health professionals such as psychologists, chiropractors, doctors, nurses etc,. yet body workers such as massage therapists can do a short course and qualify to use acupuncture needles for ‘dry needling!’

FINDING A PRACTITIONER YOU CAN TRUST!

Dry needling is clearly within the scope of an acupuncture Therapist, most Acupuncture Therapists spend between 4-5 years of study on acupuncture alone, plus numerous hours of professional development each year. An Acupuncture Therapist who has an interested in sports medicine should be your first choice for the proper resolution of trigger points.

Acupuncture is a holistic approach of mind and body; Dry Needling is a local needle treatment to address physical pain, a good Acupuncture Therapist will safely and effectively incorporate both aspects of wellbeing into your treatment plan to create the best outcomes for your health.

HOW DOES IT DIFFER TO ACUPUNCTURE?

The term “trigger point” was coined by Dr. Janet Travell in the 1940s, the Chinese medical literature described the phenomena of tight bands muscle bands, tender knots within muscles that refer pain to distant locations, and needling as a treatment for the problem as early as the first century BCE. Many experts and organizations, including the World Health Organization, classify dry needling as a sub-type of acupuncture.

WHAT CAUSES TRIGGER POINTS?

Trigger points, or muscular knots occur when a muscle is overloaded, either suddenly or chronically. Most people have at least a few trigger points, given that so many common situations cause them. Potential causes of trigger points include:

Maintaining an awkward position too long
Poor lifting habits
Carrying an overloaded purse
Bad posture
Sitting on a wallet in the back pocket
Hitching up your hip to carry a child
Sitting at a computer for too long
Any type of repetitive motion
Poorly designed shoes
Limping
Falls
Car accidents
Structural anomalies (short arms, one leg that is longer than the other, an asymmetrical pelvis, etc.)

Much of the stiffness and many of the aches and pains that we tend to accept as a normal part of aging are likely caused by the large collection of trigger points that most people have amassed by the time they are senior citizens.

WHERE TO FROM HERE?

Mark has a special interest in treating musculoskeletal aches and pains, he incorporates a three way approach including classic Chinese acupuncture, Modern trigger point techniques and ‘Tung’ style distal acupuncture for an all inclusive and thorough approach to resolving pain fast!

To make a booking with Mark, CLICK HERE!

Some other interesting articles here:

Dry Needling Newcastle

Eastential Chinese Medicine, David Yao Chi Guan, Four Seasons Wellness Centre, Shinma Acupuncture, Acuuncture Abbotsford Convent, Abbotsford Medical & Acupuncture Centre

19/09/201712/10/2018

Have you tried Cupping yet? Detox naturally with Chinese Medicine

Cupping is a tradition from China, but it also fins its root in many other ancient societies from the Middle-East to Southern Europe.

Now, with the Spring Solstice just around the corner, your timing couldn’t be better! We are all naturally susceptible to becoming run down around the time of seasonal changes, get in now to try it out, most people find it totally INVIGORATING!

The most common question I get is “Are those bruises healthy?”

Actually they are not bruises, but simply petechiae of non-circulating old blood which is drawn to the surface. The effect will stimulate the new production of blood, increase circulation and have a detoxifying effect. Usually the marks should be gone within 4-6 days; a darker colour means that there is a high level of toxins and stagnation in the section of the body that has been treated. In this case, the marks can last a little longer. However, if there are hardly any toxins, the coloring could be just a light pink and is likely to dissipate within a few hours.

Cupping is often beneficial when used for coughs, cold and flu, muscular pain, stress relief and even for anxiety. Cupping can be a stand-alone treatment, or incorporated as part of your Acupuncture or Shiatsu treatment.

Eastential Chinese Medicine, David Yao Chi Guan, Four Seasons Wellness Centre, Shinma Acupuncture, Acuuncture Abbotsford Convent, Abbotsford Medical & Acupuncture Centre

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20/08/201712/10/2018

Angelina Jolie Credits Acupuncture for Treating Her Bell’s Palsy!

In the current issue of Vanity Fair, Angeline Jolie is candid about how she developed Bell’s Palsy in 2016 and turned to acupuncture for treatment.

As the author Eugenia Peretz writes, “Last year, in addition to hypertension, Jolie developed Bell’s palsy, a result of damage to facial nerves, causing one side of her face to droop. “Sometimes women in families put themselves last,” she says, “until it manifests itself in their own health.” Jolie credits acupuncture for her full recovery from the condition.”

This candid revelation has led to discussions about the health conditions facing women who find themselves under constant stress, like Bell’s Palsy, and the treatment opportunities that are out there – such as acupuncture. This candor even led to a short segment on today’s Good Morning America program discussing this particular condition and the treatment options available for Bell’s Palsy, including acupuncture, massage, and antiviral medications.

There are a number of reasons why someone may develop Bell’s Palsy, whether from an infectious disease, stress, genetics or malfunctioning of the facial nerve. I have seen a number of patients come in with this disorder, due to a range of causes, and know just how effective and relieving acupuncture treatment can be. Acupuncture can help to stimulate both the facial muscles affected in the area as well as the facial nerves.

Full story available from: https://www.vanityfair.com/…/…/07/angelina-jolie-cover-story

13/06/201712/10/2018

Nukazuke (糠漬け)

Hello, I’m Shiatsu Masa. I’m a qualified Shiatsu practitionerat Root & Branch Oriental Therapies, here in Abbotsford, Melbourne Australia.

I am trying to improve my diet with fermented foods which are good for your gut flora.

Tsukemono (漬物) means pickles. Japanese people love pickled vegetables. In my home town Akita, which is at the northern part of main island of Japan. It’s extremely cold in Winter. Vegetable are traditionally preserved to use throughout the winter months.

A few month ago, I was attended a Nukazuke workshop held here in Melbourne. Nuka-zuke (糠漬け) is a type of Japanese pickles which have been fermented in flavored rice bran. (Nuka means Rice bran) Nutrient rich bran-pickled-vegetables have been supplementing important vitamins and minerals to the Japanese diet for hundreds of years. I used to make Nukazuke many years ago, but I stopped. It can be hard work the Nuka-doko (pickling bed) needs to be kneaded daily for successful fermentation.

That workshop inspire me a lot. So I stared again 🙂

Traditional Nukadoko (pickling bed) is made of equal weight of rice bran and water & Sea salt (13% in weight of rice bran). But it’s hard to get good fresh rice bran.

Today, I will explain how to make easy ‘cheats’ Nukadoko (pickling bed) at home.

My cheat version of nukadoko is made from old bread (preferable Sourdough), Beer & Sea salt (About 10~13% in weight of bread). However, this recipe doesn’t use Nuka (Rice bran) at all, so we can’t call this Nukadoko, Actually 😉

1) Make bread crumb, use food processor or you can cut them into small dices.

2) Mix bread crumb with salt in clean container. And then mix with beer for a hard mud texture. Cover and keep in a cool dark place or in fridge.

3) Once you have prepared the medium, add cleaned left over vegetables (even peel & stems) to introduce lactic acid. (If you want to more flavour add dried red chili peppers or dried kombu or even garlic).

4) For the first 3~4 days, mix the bed with your hand twice a day. After 3~4 days, discard the wilted leftover vegetables and replace with fresh vegetables.

5) About a week later, your cheat bread nukadoko is ready to pickle! Salt rub with veggies and leave it about 5min, then dry excess moisture with Paper towels. Then put them into the mixture and cover them.

It’s depend how long does it take to pickle. Hard vegetable like carrot or daikon usually It take about 1~2 days. Longer pickle time make it more salty & sour. Check the timing with your taste buds. Preferable store in fridge.

Please remember mix nukadoko everyday or every 2 days.

My Nukadoko (pickling bed) Left: Nukadoko (Sour dough), Right: Traditional Nukadoko

Usually we pickle fresh crisp veggies like carrots, cucumber, daikon or turnip.

My personal favourite is cucumber (However you should get hard & crisp one otherwise it gets very soggy pickle – Try asian type cucumber) & Stalk of Broccoli.

The workshop lecturer recommended to pickle Okra and dried Shiitake mushrooms. It’s very tasty too, and full of healthy probiotics!

Carrot, Celery, Cucumber & Red Capsicum.

Stalk of Broccoli, Carrot, Red Capsicum, Celery, Dried Shiitake Mushroom & Dried Black Fungi.

[LINK] ~Found great informations of Nukadzuke from internet

*How to make Nukazuke [hangawara]

Eastential Chinese Medicine, David Yao Chi Guan, Four Seasons Wellness Centre, Shinma Acupuncture, Acuuncture Abbotsford Convent, Abbotsford Medical & Acupuncture Centre,

*How to Make Nukadoko (Fermented Rice Bran Bed) for Pickling [Garden Betty]

*Nukadoko (Pickling Bed to Make Nukazuke) [http://japanese-kitchen.net]

My own private Miso

Easy Instant miso soup balls

Shiatsu Masa does great SHIATSU Massage Melbourne!!

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11/05/201712/10/2018

Easy Instant miso soup balls

Hello, I’m Shiatsu Masa. I’m a qualified Shiatsu practitionerat Root & Branch Oriental Therapies, here in Abbotsford, Melbourne Australia.

Shiatsu Masa try to eat good foods, like fermented foods.

I made my 1st home made miso about 4 month ago. Yesterday I made Instant miso soup balls.
Just mix together, Miso, bonito flakes, dried seaweed etc. (I’ve added black sesame seeds as well. – If you want to put vegetables in it – cook them 1st, otherwise miso soup balls will get too wet)
Wrap one big table spoon sized mixture with cling wrap and freeze it!!
easy hah?

When you want to have Miso soup, just put the ball in the bowl, add hot water!
There is no preservative or MSG, it’s all natural stuff.
Good foods & clean air make good Qi!
Good Qi makes you better!!
Have a bowl of Miso soup.
Keep warm yourself & don’t get cold 🙂
.
#healthy #rootandbranchorientaltherapies #shiatsumasa #miso #fermentedfoods #abbotsford #cliftonhill #melbourne #melbournewellness #misoballs #misosoup #natural #qi #goodfoods #misodama #misoshiru

Eastential Chinese Medicine, David Yao Chi Guan, Four Seasons Wellness Centre, Shinma Acupuncture, Acuuncture Abbotsford Convent, Abbotsford Mehttps://rootandbranchorientaltherapies.com/2016/11/shiatsu_massage_melbourne/dical & Acupuncture Centre

My own private Miso

Nukazuke (糠漬け)

Shiatsu Masa does great SHIATSU Massage Melbourne!!

11/03/201712/10/2018

Ear Acupuncture

Did you know that ear acupuncture can be similar to foot reflexology? Both areas of the body represent organ maps which can be beneficial to heath. The main difference between the two micro-systems is that while finger pressure is applicable to the plantar surface of the foot, the ear is smaller, thus it is necessary to use fine needles to elicit a reaction. The needles are almost completely painless and often we will send you away with a small sticky ear tack which can remain in pace for a few days to compliment body acupuncture treatment, and these can usually stay in place for up to 4-5 days. There is a famous protocol which was established in the early 1970’s called the ‘NADA protocol,’ which is still in use today for smoking cessation and heavily relied upon in drug and alcohol rehabilitation clinics.

Eastential Chinese Medicine, David Yao Chi Guan, Four Seasons Wellness Centre, Shinma Acupuncture, Acuuncture Abbotsford Convent, Abbotsford Medical & Acupuncture Centre