Acupuncture for Pain Management

When it comes to managing pain, acupuncture offers an approach that has stood the test of time. Drawing on the principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine, acupuncture is renowned for its ability to provide effective pain relief. However, modern scientific understanding has shed light on the physiological mechanisms behind acupuncture's effectiveness.

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Shamus ClanceyACU 585
East to West: The Evolution of Acupuncture in the Western World

Acupuncture, an ancient healing practice rooted in traditional Chinese medicine, has captured the curiosity and interest of the Western world in recent decades. While its origins date back thousands of years in East Asia, the journey of acupuncture to the West has been one of adaptation, integration, and growing recognition. Below we’ll delve into the captivating story of how acupuncture has evolved and found its place in the Western healthcare landscape.

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Shamus ClanceyACU 585
Understanding Yin Yang Theory

In the realm of Classical Chinese Medicine (CCM), the concept of Yin and Yang stands as a cornerstone of understanding the universe, the human body, and the dynamic balance between them. Yin and Yang are more than mere opposites; they are fundamental forces that shape all aspects of existence. This article delves into the heart of Yin and Yang theory, shedding light on its significance in CCM and its application to holistic well-being.

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Shamus ClanceyACU 585
Understanding the Stress Response and How Acupuncture Can Help

In today's fast-paced world, stress has become an inevitable part of our lives. Our bodies respond to stress through the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems, collectively known as the autonomic nervous system (ANS). While stress is a natural survival mechanism, chronic stress can take a toll on our physical and emotional well-being. Acupuncture, a time-tested healing modality, offers a gentle and effective way to rebalance the autonomic nervous system, promoting relaxation and alleviating stress. Let's explore the stress response and how acupuncture can be a valuable option for treatment.

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Shamus ClanceyACU 585
Acupuncture and Micro-Needling for Scar Tissue Treatment

Scars can serve as lasting reminders of past injuries or surgeries, affecting both physical and emotional well-being. If you're seeking a natural and effective approach to minimize the appearance of scars and promote tissue healing, acupuncture and micro-needling can be transformative therapies. With their ability to break up hardened scar tissue, stimulate collagen production, improve blood flow, restore tissue elasticity, and target hyperpigmentation and acne scarring, these modalities offer a comprehensive solution for scar tissue treatment and revitalized skin.

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Shamus ClanceyACU 585
Understanding Bi-Syndrome in Eastern Medicine: A Unique Perspective on Pain

In the realm of Eastern medicine, the concept of Bi-syndrome holds significant importance when it comes to understanding and treating pain. Derived from ancient traditions, Eastern medicine offers a distinct viewpoint that approaches pain from a holistic perspective, considering the interplay of various factors within the body. Below, we will delve into the concept of Bi-syndrome, exploring its understanding and implications in relation to pain in the Western physiological sense.

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Shamus Clancey
Sugar Cravings, Stress + Dopamine

In today's fast-paced, crazy world, stress has become an integral part of our lives. Whether it's work-related pressure, personal challenges, or simply the demands of everyday life, stress can significantly impact our well-being. Many of us find ourselves seeking solace in sugary treats during stressful periods. This phenomenon of craving sugar as a response to stress raises intriguing questions about the underlying mechanisms at play.

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Shamus Clancey
Good Eats: Sardines

Just hear us out on this one … sardines are a superfood. Some of you reading this might already know the deal and love them, or have grown to love them. For the others, this might seem like a hard sell. Sardines are often overlooked but are amazing for a number of reasons.

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Shamus Clancey
Central Nervous System + the Stress Response

In our fast-paced and demanding world, stress has become a common experience for many people. Whether it's due to work, relationships, or other life challenges, our bodies have evolved a remarkable response system to cope with stress. At the center of this intricate process lies the central nervous system (CNS), which plays a vital role in orchestrating our body's response to stressors. Below we’ll explore the functions of the CNS and how it influences the stress response.

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Shamus Clancey
The Evidence-based Influence of Sound on Deregulating the Central Nervous System

Most of us have experienced the profound, therapeutic power of sound first hand, scientific research is now also revealing the remarkable influence of sound on deregulating the central nervous system. Calming music has been found to reduce stress and induce relaxation by modulating the autonomic nervous system —so the next time you seek relaxation or stress relief, consider harnessing the power of sound and let it work its magic on your central nervous system.

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Shamus Clancey
Impact of Scars on Surrounding Tissue

Scars are a common consequence of various injuries and surgeries, and while they may be seen as mere marks on the skin's surface, they can have a profound impact on the surrounding tissue. In this article, we’ll explore some of the effects that scars can have on nearby tissues and their implications for overall health and recovery.

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Shamus ClanceyACU 585
The Endocannabinoid System

It seems as though every corner now has a “CBD” shop, and every CBD product has a long list of health claims. We’ll explore the anecdotal, science and evidence-based claims in future blog posts, but for now - we’ll explore the underlying physiology that the cannabis plant works through - The Endocannabinoid System.

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Shamus Clancey
The Physiological Sigh

Are you one who sighs when you get stressed? It’s actually a good thing, whether your realize it or not, your body is looking out for you. And you can actually use sighing intentionally, to your advantage. A “physiological sigh” is a deep inhalation followed by a prolonged exhalation that occurs naturally in the body. It is a reflexive mechanism that helps to regulate the levels of carbon dioxide and oxygen in the body, and it is also thought to play a role in reducing stress and promoting relaxation.

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Shamus Clancey
Benefits of N.A.C.

N-acetylcysteine (NAC) is a popular supplement that has been widely used for its numerous health benefits. NAC is a derivative of the amino acid cysteine and is known for its antioxidant properties. In this article, we will explore the importance and benefits of NAC supplementation.

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Shamus Clancey
Huberman's "Sleep Cocktail"

Sleep is a crucial component of our overall health and wellbeing. It is during this time that our bodies repair and rejuvenate, allowing us to function at our best during the day. Unfortunately, many people struggle to get the recommended seven to nine hours of sleep each night. This can have a negative impact on both physical and mental health.

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Shamus Clancey
Dopamine: 101

Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that plays a crucial role in the brain's reward and motivation system. It is often referred to as the "feel-good" chemical because of its association with pleasure and positive feelings. But dopamine does much more than just making us feel good; it also plays a critical role in various aspects of everyday life. Understanding it’s role and function can be a key part of taking control of your cravings, motivation and more.

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Shamus Clancey
What is Qi Gong?

Qi Gong (pronounced “chee-gong”) is a form of traditional Chinese exercise that combines physical movements, breathing techniques, and meditation. It is one of the oldest and most complete systems of Chinese health care, dating back to more than 5,000 years ago. The word Qi Gong is made up of two Chinese characters: "Qi" which means life energy, and "Gong" which means cultivation or skill. Therefore, Qi Gong can be translated as the skill of cultivating life energy.

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Shamus ClanceyACU 585
Chinese v. Japanese Acupuncture

Acupuncture is not a one-size-fits-all therapy, and different styles of acupuncture have evolved over time, each with its own unique approach and techniques. In this article, we will explore two widely practiced styles of acupuncture: Chinese acupuncture and Japanese acupuncture.

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Shamus ClanceyACU 585
Male Fertility and Zoloft

If you and your partner are considering trying to conceive, it's important to be aware of any factors that may affect your fertility. One such factor is medication use, including the use of antidepressants like Zoloft (sertraline) in particular. Here are a few things to consider about Zoloft and its potential effects on male fertility.

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Shamus ClanceyACU 585
Zinc For Male Fertility

Zinc is an essential trace mineral that plays a critical role in male fertility and hormonal health. Like all nutrients, it is found in semen in trace amounts and is important for the proper formation and protection of sperm. Studies have shown that zinc levels in seminal plasma are correlated with sperm count and normal morphology in male test subjects. Fertile men generally have higher levels of zinc in seminal plasma compared to infertile men, and smokers tend to have a lower zinc status.

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Shamus Clancey