Vitalize Acupuncture

Cold Truth About Ice

Someone rolls their ankle. Immediately, everyone has the same reaction; “Get some ice on it!” We, as a culture, have been icing injuries since the 1970’s, but has anyone ever stopped to ask ‘why?’ 

I did. I wrote my doctoral capstone on ice, titled ‘Ice: Misused and Over Prescribed.’ After digging into the history and evidence of icing injuries I found the following; ice is great for numbing pain, slows inflammation (which is an essential part of healing), prolongs injury and recovery, and can cause damage to tissue (though this is quite rare). This means that ice is overused and overprescribed. It should only be used to manage pain or slow biochemical decay (in instances like losing a finger with the possibility of it being reattached). Ice alone should not be used to expedite the healing process. 

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Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine for Painful Periods

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Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine for Painful Periods

Painful menstruation is called dysmenorrhea, and refers the pain that occurs around the menstrual, or bleeding, phase of the cycle. There may be other associated symptoms like nausea, fatigue or diarrhea. While many people experience some cramping with their period, some have pain severe enough that it keeps them from doing their regular activities. They may rely on pain relievers and heating pads, but sometimes that is not enough. There are many possible causes for dysmenorrhea that can be explored with a gynecologist - endometriosis, adenomyosis, fibroids, cysts, hormone imbalance, heavy periods, low back injury, past or present infection, pelvic nerve compression, pelvic inflammatory disease.

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The Year of the Water Rabbit

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The Year of the Water Rabbit

We are currently transitioning into the Year of the Yin Water Rabbit according to the Chinese calendar. It’s also going to be the year 4721! As I have been enjoying reading about the coming year and learning more about my chart as well as some of yours, I am reminded that astrology can provide an interesting prompt for exploration. Many of the customs around the new year serve to give us that opportunity - to celebrate, to set goals, to consider the value of relationships and the direction of our lives. Astrology, rather than fortune-telling, is a playful mirror to explore our potential. What follows is largely summarized from Tiger’s Play Astrology. I encourage you to read more there.

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Amber's Favorite Hikes

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Amber's Favorite Hikes

Siouxon Creek, Coyote Wall, McNeil Point! Amazing hikes await you. These are a few of Amber’s favorites.

Chinese Medicine in Oregon - Doc Hay & Kam Wah Chung

Chinese Medicine in Oregon - Doc Hay & Kam Wah Chung

Although acupuncture is becoming more popular and accepted in our Western framework, it is and will always be rooted in Ancient Chinese theoretical and medical concepts. Our herbs, grown under specific conditions in particular climates and regions, still come from China. Acupuncture practiced apart from this history and worldview (as is sometimes advocated in Western medical fields), is not only less-effective, but also culturally insensitive.

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Vitalize + COVID

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Vitalize + COVID

We are currently open and serving patients with Acupuncture. Those who have been in contact with their MD’s and received prescriptions for massage may book massage as well. Starting Mid May we will also have Chiropractic services as well as expanded Acupuncture and Massage options.

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Hikes! Stay Healthy, Stay Sane.

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Hikes! Stay Healthy, Stay Sane.

Healthy lungs are those that experience exertion, deep breaths helping to circulate body fluids and nutrients along with the breath itself.

What acupuncture point is that? Pericardium 6 for a Calm Mind, Happy Tummy & Deep Breaths

What acupuncture point is that? Pericardium 6 for a Calm Mind, Happy Tummy & Deep Breaths

Each acupuncture point has a unique application.  Pericardium 6 is one of our most valuable points and it is also a useful pressure point for nausea, motion sickness, and anxiety.   

Astragalus: Get to Know this Plant Ally!

Astragalus: Get to Know this Plant Ally!

Astragalus, or Huang Qi, is a tonic herb that is useful for a variety of conditions characterized by Qi deficiency and sinking Qi:

  • Fatigue, foggy thinking

  • Allergies, including skin conditions and food sensitivities

  • Frequent infections, lowered immunity

  • Diarrhea, loose stools

  • Heavy menses, or depleted blood

  • Poor appetite, weak digestion

Safety of Herbs in Pregnancy

Safety of Herbs in Pregnancy

At Vitalize, we love working with pregnant mamas.  The conditions that arise during pregnancy are unique and the treatment options can sometimes feel limited.  There is always the extra step of asking how this will impact the growing babe. It is best to assume that anything you ingest will pass to the baby, and this includes herbs and supplements.  This certainly does not mean that you have to stop all your herbs and supplements when you get the BFP (big fat positive!). And it also doesn’t mean we can’t treat your nausea, fatigue, sinus congestion, swelling, heartburn, insomnia, etc. with herbs.  Our practitioners are informed about herbal safety and can guide you.

Do you have Blood Stagnation? What to look for.

Do you have Blood Stagnation? What to look for.

According to Chinese Medicine, many chronic conditions have stagnant circulation of blood as part of their root cause. This certainly goes for pain, but also in many cases of auto-immune conditions, digestive disorders, gynecological issues, and even mental health concerns. 

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What is CranioSacral Therapy?

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What is CranioSacral Therapy?

   CranioSacral Therapy (CST) is a gentle touch, not using more then five grams of pressure about the weight of a nickel. This very light touch is what sets it apart from regular massage or bodywork. Our bodies are interconnected and when one part is not functioning or moving correctly, it starts to influence the rest of our functions leading to pain and discomfort.   CST can help upwind and release the bodies discomfort allowing space for the body to heal.  Our bodies are self healing mechanisms.  The job of your craniosacral therapist is to allow the space for your body to unwind and self-heal. 

Coconut: From Nut to Oil

Coconut: From Nut to Oil

Do you know where your coconut oil comes from? You should. In a day and age where chemicals are readily found in our food system, and more and more labs are creating genetically modified foods, it’s important to be informed, and understand what you’re eating. Coconut oil is one of those foods that can vary greatly in processing, so know what you’re really buying and putting in your body. After all, your body is a temple! 

Common Fertility Supplements: A guide to the Natural Fertility Medicine Cabinet

Common Fertility Supplements: A guide to the Natural Fertility Medicine Cabinet

Fertility treatments are commonly centered around the use of acupuncture and Chinese Herbs.  Even so, nutrition and lifestyle counseling is also a core part of a holistic treatment plan.  Often times this includes the use of supplements.  I may suggest a supplement, people may come to me having been given supplements by another healthcare provider or they may simply be going off of a recommendation from a friend, book, or website.  It can be difficult to sort through the information about many of these supplements and very few have reliable research to back up their claims.