Archive for the ‘Rebecca Rice L.AC’ Category

The Value of Home

Tuesday, July 6th, 2010

By: Rebecca Rice, L.AC
Change, whether it is physical through location or state of health, emotional, mental, job related, etc., can challenge our sense of stability and connectedness.  As a simple notion, change is considered growth by some and can be interpreted in a negative perspective as well.  All in all change is a catalyst for the ebb and flow of life, an instrument in the natural cycle of creation and destruction. 
In Chinese theory we look to the yin aspect to ground us, create stability and placidity.  And in the presence of change (yang aspect) this is an exaggerated necessity.  One of the goals of Chinese medicine is to create a balance of yin (grounded-ness/non-changing) and yang (motion/change).  The goal is not to remove one aspect for the benefit of the other. 
   A simple thing to do when having periods of change, whether it is dramatic or ordinary, is to do some grounding exercises for 5-10 minutes/day.  To do this, sit in a chair with your feet on the floor, back straight, hands resting on your thighs.  Close your eyes, sit without fidgeting or distractions, breathe into the lungs so that you can expand your diaphragm to push your belly out slightly, exhale all the air out, and continue breathing this way.  Then imagine roots coming out of the bottoms of your feet and connecting you to the earth….this is home…

Posted in Acupuncture, Mind Body Medicine, Preventative Health, Rebecca Rice L.AC, Stress Management, Traditional Chinese Medicine | Click Here to Add a Comment »

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) Can be Treated with Chinese Medicine

Wednesday, October 28th, 2009

By: Rebecca Rice, Licensed Acupuncturist in Traditional Chinese Medicine

In my practice I have worked with a number of patients who have this diagnosis and are trying to conceive.  I chose to write about this topic because it’s a very common condition; and one which can be positively affected by Chinese medicine.    

The prevalence of PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome) is estimated at about 5%-10% of women who are seeking treatments for infertility.  This may be a small representation of the estimated 20% of the population actually effected by the disease. 

In Chinese medical theory PCOS is marked by a picture of “dampness.”   This occurs when fluids in the body are ineffectively synthesized and accumulate to form cysts.  As explained in western medicine, there is also a hyper-secretion of insulin and testosterone.  This gives rise to abnormal follicular development also characterized by anovulatory cycles. 

Acupuncture and Chinese herbs are beneficial to those with PCOS in the following ways.
1. Acupuncture and Chinese herbs can regulate the cycle.
2. Lifestyle changes based on concepts in Chinese medicine help manage weight and promote healthy eating habits.  This is so important because 30% – 50% of obese women with PCOS develop diabetes.
3. Acupuncture and herbs are known clinically to improve egg quality.

In Chinese medicine we focus much of our treatment protocol on the lifestyle changes patient make.  For PCOS, as mentioned above, diet is very important.  Common foods to avoid are those that promote dampness; these are dairy (especially cheese), refined sugar, excessive sweets, and greasy foods.  These will essentially promote weight gain and support the increase of excess insulin and testosterone in the body.

Posted in Acupuncture, Preventative Health, Rebecca Rice L.AC, Traditional Chinese Medicine, Women's Health | 3 Comments, Click Here to Add Yours »

Is it Possible to Have Acupuncture Covered by Insurance?

Monday, August 31st, 2009

By: Rebecca Rice, L.Ac
Is it possible to have acupuncture covered by insurance?Yes! In light of the plethora of news about the reformation of health care, where does Chinese medicine stand?  Many practitioners in the field of holistic and complementary medicine are trying to encourage lawmakers to include services such as acupuncture into the new health care plan.  The national governing bodies for Oriental Medicine, the NCCAOM and the AAAOM are backing this measure.  To support acupuncture coverage please visit:  http://www.aaaomonline.org/  
For information on President Obama’s statement on preventative health care visit:
http://www.acupuncturetoday.com/mpacms/at/article.php?id=31983

Posted in Acupuncture, Healthcare Reform, Rebecca Rice L.AC, Traditional Chinese Medicine | 2 Comments, Click Here to Add Yours »

The Heart is Emperor

Wednesday, July 1st, 2009

by: Rebecca Rice, L.AC

In Chinese medical theory summer is related to the heart, the emotion joy, the sound of laughter, the ability to sleep, and the function of speech and memory. In western medicine we understand the function of the heart to be related to pumping the blood to supply the body with nutrients and oxygen. In Chinese theory we recognize this along with the concept that the heart is the Emperor and houses the mind. The entire human body can be seen as a kingdom where the center of our being is the heart and the other organs are part of the whole functional dynamic, each with their own unique and necessary roles for the proper maintenance of the kingdom.

The nature of the heart as Emperor is to make its decisions based on clarity. When the heart/mind is clear we sleep well and we are present in conversation. Decision making is easier because we are focused. Things that are harmful to the heart and cloud its ability to “rule” are excessive alcohol intake, anxiety, stress, late nights, and over-thinking; which diminish and stagnate the heart qi causing conditions like insomnia, mania, confusion, poor memory, high blood pressure or depression.

To remedy these symptoms it’s important to clear the mind. This can be cultivated through meditation, quiet contemplation and a lifestyle that allows you to manage the stressors of life. Try being present, listening to your spouse, children, and friends. When they are sharing something with you about their life, look them in the eye and avoid the rustle of thoughts in your own mind. Meditate daily. Clear your mind by beginning the day with 5 minutes of meditation in the morning (for beginners, 30-60 minutes for seasoned meditators). This will give your ‘heart’ a sound ‘throne’ to sit on for the rest of the day.

Posted in Acupuncture, Preventative Health, Rebecca Rice L.AC, Traditional Chinese Medicine | Click Here to Add a Comment »

Qi: Going With the Flow

Thursday, May 28th, 2009

by: Rebecca Rice, M.S, L.Ac.

Often patients come to the Center for treatment and say to me, “my qi is out of whack….” Or “Can you fix my qi?…”  To me this relates to a whole slue of different diagnoses in Chinese Medicine, requiring different acupuncture point combinations and herbal recommendations.  The cause of “blocked qi” is related to different symptoms, stemming from stress to shoulder pain, infertility to migraines.  The commonality of all of these symptoms is the basic idea that qi is blocked: it is not flowing to areas where it ought to, or there is a buildup of qi.

Aside from acupuncture specifically, there are things to keep in mind that will help keep the flow of qi running smoothly.  By following the guidelines of Chinese nutrition, eating foods that are known to create blockages should be avoided.  These are foods that are too spicy, too greasy or fatty, and high in sugar.  Also eating too much or too little food is not advised.  We know that exercise is crucial for musculoskeletal strength and function as well as cardiovascular health; a body that moves regularly will keep qi moving as well.

The state of our qi and health is also related to the emotions.  We will experience all emotions at certain points in our life, some more frequently than others.  However if sadness, anger, concern, fear and even bliss become a more constant state, qi will become stagnant (blocked) as these ‘natural emotions’ turn into their unhealthy counterparts (depression, rage, anxiety, paranoia, and mania or bitterness).

A healthy state of qi is also influenced by thermodynamics, or the natural order of things.  If we are to deny the next step based on need or destiny, then qi can also become blocked. For example, if at 11pm I ignore the fact that my body needs to sleep, staying up until 1 or 2am, then I will deplete my reserves leading to lassitude the following day.  All in all, go with the flow! When the mind is clear the heart will flourish …

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