One of the most under-utilized techniques in the acupuncturist’s tool belt is manual therapy (Tui Na). This modality can be an extremely effective tool to decrease pain and increase range of motion immediately for a patient. Manual therapy is a modality every acupuncture practitioner spent a fair amount of time learning in school. Of course, […]
When patients receive trigger point needling for the first time it is often a significantly different experience than acupuncture treatments they have had in the past. The world of acupuncture is quite diverse with those practicing and favoring a variety of techniques based on their own clinical experience. Many patients that have experience with acupuncture
When we think of treating shoulder, elbow, and hand pain, many practitioners do not often consider Brachialis, however, it can be a very effective trigger point to treat. Considered a prime mover for elbow flexion, brachialis lays under the more commonly thought of biceps brachii. Brachialis originates from the lower half of the humerus (anterior
When we teach our courses one of the most common questions is about the intensity of needling. Specifically, how much mechanical irritation is needed to relieve a trigger point. This is, of course, a loaded question. There is a great deal of research that is done to try to answer this. The research will also
Type “paleo diet” into Google and you’ll find countless threads talking about it and most have a very strong opinion towards it. Some of these sites quite literally say it is the “healthiest way to eat,” while others talk as if it’s poison every ounce of your being. Very few of these sites present the
1) Make a habit of not taking the easy route: Most people will wait for someone to pull out of that front spot in a parking lot so they can take it and get into the store as quickly as possible. Don’t be that person. Park further away and get a quick walk into your
Getting an extra boost is always desirable for a workout. Whether you are looking for an edge on a big day or just dragging a bit and need a pick me up, energy drinks have become a quick grab for both the athlete and those trying to get through the workday. As always, it comes
As a hand-balancing instructor, I work with CrossFit enthusiasts regularly to help them improve specific gymnastic skills. As a Bellevue acupuncturist, I see CrossFit enthusiasts with injuries some avoidable, some not. Regardless of my relationship with the athlete, I’ve learned they enjoy taking their health and fitness seriously and want to reach their full potential.
Sports nutrition is often designed without a vegan lifestyle in mind. To be honest, many sports nutrition diets are designed without long term health in mind. That is the difference between a diet and a lifestyle, the latter is sustainable while the former is a temporary approach. That doesn’t mean temporary dieting is bad, done
If you are an athlete of any kind then you have probably been inundated with suggestions on what supplements will get you to become the best athlete you can. From claims of magical pills to drinks containing vitamins (that you will never absorb), the market is full of options. A very large portion of them