Sunday, April 21, 2013

An Overview of Acupuncture – Alternative Healing that Works

One of the oldest and most trusted forms of alternative health care practices is acupuncture, and there are many different practitioners of it in the country today. And with over two and a half million residents in DFW area, North Texas is home to many different acupuncture clinics that can help you get relief from a variety of different ailments and regain your wellness. If you’re trying to find the best possible care for the different issues that this type of ancient remedy can help, knowing a bit more about it can help you do so.

Basically, acupuncture is the process of using hair-thin needles to help promote proper flow of energy throughout the body. It’s commonly believed that issues with the flow of energy in your body can cause muscular pain, headaches, digestive pain, and a wide range of other issues. And recent studies have found that in some cases acupuncture does indeed provide relief for certain types of pain and for certain issues. By alleviating stress and helping stimulate various aspects of your wellness, many have reported less pain, more energy, and better overall well-being as a result of their treatment.

Some experts suggest that a large part of why acupuncture is so effective at helping with so many different issues is that it manages to help alleviate stress and calm the mind and body. Since stress is such a leading cause of various illnesses and issues, just the ability to reduce that stress and relax the body’s muscles can often deliver very real results that can’t be ignored. Results could be immediate or cumulative, but the millions who swear by this alternative health care treatment will tell you that they are simply too real to be ignored.

To really get the maximum benefit from your acupuncture treatment, you’ll want to use it as part of a broad-spectrum treatment. This means that you should add it to a regular exercise regimen, nutrition counseling, massage, and other options. By focusing on a wide range of different issues you’ll be able to develop the best possible results. Try to find a good alternative health care center that utilizes acupuncture along with these other treatments to ensure you find the success that you’re looking for.

Call us today at 817.835.0885

To trying new things,
Mark Tryling, L.Ac.,
Phone # 817.835.0885
www.meridianharmonics.com

Meridian Harmonics Acupuncture & Oriental Medicine
2044 Bedford Rd.
Bedford, TX 76021

Tuesday, April 16, 2013

The Ultimate Investment You Can Make…

If you're like most people, there are a few things in life that you consider to be important to invest in... your house, car, education, children's future, clothes, material items, and so on.

But if you think about it, there is one area of life that most of us DON'T invest in that is utterly critical to our overall happiness and fulfillment.

Without this, nothing else really matters...

You guessed it--your health.

Doesn't it seem ironic that we are all taught to invest in so many areas of life, but that our own basic level of health and well-being does not make it onto the top of our priority list?

Well, I want to suggest something radical here...

This may take a leap of faith on your part, or you may 'get it' already. But this has certainly been my own direct experience, along with so many of the patients I have worked with over the years.

When you invest in your health, every other aspect of your life becomes that much more abundant, fulfilling, and successful. This is because your health is the foundation for every aspect of your life.

Time and again, I have witnessed patients who commit to their health through acupuncture and the other natural approaches we offer, and almost as if by magic, they:

  • Enjoy more success in their job or business because their internal energy is more balanced and heightened, giving them more confidence and clarity
  • Attract relationships easier because they feel more beautiful on the inside and out
  • Become more productive and organized because they have less stress and racing thoughts
  • Acupuncture is a holistic form of medicine, meaning that this form of treatment is meant to improve you as a whole person, not just specific symptoms that you have. By investing in holistic treatment options, you will likely notice that every aspect of your life gets tuned up a few notches. Making your health and well-being your #1 priority will have a dramatically positive ripple effect though your entire life. Granted, most people don't do this.. But hey, most people are struggling more than they would like to, right?

So, if there's something inside of you that KNOWS how important your health is.. And how being proactive about it will only lead to amazing outcomes in very facet of your life, then we invite you to call our office today at 817.835.0885.

As they say, 'Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result.'

Try something new.. Even if it's just coming in for a free consult. There's a good chance we can help!

To making your health first,
D. Mark Tryling, LAC, Dipl. AC,CH
Phone # 817.835.0885
www.mhaom.com

Monday, April 15, 2013

New Free eBook - Now Available

I'm very excited to announce that the new FREE Vitality Living eBook is now available. To get your copy simply send an email request to info@mhaom.com

How acupuncture relieves stress.

New research suggests a mechanism for how acupuncture relieves stress.

New research published in the Journal of Endocrinology has shown how acupuncture relieves stress. Whilst it has long been believed that acupuncture relieves stress the mechanism of how it does this was unknown:

“Many practitioners of acupuncture have observed that this ancient practice can reduce stress in their patients, but there is a lack of biological proof of how or why this happens. We’re starting to understand what’s going on at the molecular level that helps explain acupuncture’s benefit,” says study researcher Dr. Ladan Eshkevari, associate professor of nursing at Georgetown University School of Nursing and Health Studies, USA.

The interplay of stress hormones of the hypothalamus–pituitary–adrenal axis (HPA) and the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) is critical in the stress response. The researchers chose to study whether electroacupuncture (EA) at point ST. 36 (zusanli) is effective in preventing stress-induced increased hormone level. They did this in a study of rats, who have the same acupuncture point in the same area of the leg.

The researchers split the rats into 4 groups. One group was a control with no added stress and no acupuncture. One group was stressed but didn’t receive acupuncture, one group was stressed but received ‘sham’ acupuncture and the fourth group was stress and received real acupuncture. The rats were stressed by exposure to cold. The EA St36 animals demonstrated a significant decrease in peripheral HPA hormones (ACTH and CORT) compared with stress animals. These effects were specific; rats receiving Sham-EA had elevation of these hormones, similar to the stress-only animals. They also investigated a peptide involved in the ‘fight or flight’ response, called neuropeptide Y (NPY). According to Dr. Eshkevari, “electronic acupuncture blocks the chronic, stress-induced elevations of the HPA axis hormones and the sympathetic NPY pathway”. This may be a mechanism for its specific stress-allaying effects.

Tuesday, April 09, 2013

Oriental Medicine for Weight Management

I receive a lot of calls from people wanting to lose weight with acupuncture. Somehow they expect to magically lose the weight that's been accumulating for months or even years with just acupuncture. Most western patients have been misinformed about how medicine works. They've been told that all they have to do is take a few pills each day or have a particular surgery and all will be well and good for them. Quite honestly, medicine doesn't work that way. It requires a partnership of the doctor and the patient to successfully overcome health challenges. Those patients that embrace this concept tend to have the most success. Those that depend on the doctor to do all the work will receive little or no benefit from their treatments.


Oriental medicine is amazing and profound in its ability to correct imbalances in the body that are responsible for both acute and chronic disorders and diseases. However, for most patients this involves a process that takes various commitments in order to see quantifiable results. At Meridian Harmonics we make a commitment to each patient to do everything in our power to help them overcome their particular health crisis. All we ask in return is that they do the same by adhering to our treatment plans and lifestyle recommendations.

In Oriental medicine the root of excess weight is an imbalance within the body caused by malfunctioning of the spleen and liver organ systems. Acupuncture points, as well as foods and herbs selected to assist with weight loss can directly influence the Qi of the spleen and liver systems and treat the imbalances that have caused weight gain.

The spleen is responsible for the proper functioning of the digestive system, ensuring that the food we eat is transformed into Qi, the vital substance of life. Disharmony of the spleen will result in symptoms such as fatigue, slow metabolism, water retention, loose stool and a feeling of heaviness.

The liver’s job is to keep the flow of your body’s Qi, blood and emotions running smoothly. Our modern, fast-paced lifestyle and chronic stress can negatively impact the liver’s ability to function properly and smoothly, which, in turn, can cause the spleen and the entire digestive system to function poorly. One result can be a decrease in your metabolism. Liver disharmony can also cause some of the “triggers” that lead to cravings and compulsive eating.

Acupuncture and Oriental medicine have been shown to have positive effects on the functioning of the nervous, endocrine and digestive systems. Treatment can help with food cravings and metabolism. These functions all help energize the body, maximize the absorption of nutrients, regulate elimination, control overeating, suppress the appetite and reduce anxiety.

A Total Health Program

Acupuncture and Oriental medicine address the issues of over-eating and low metabolism with effective tools to control appetite and increase energy. Energy imbalances are corrected and the digestive and elimination processes are improved so that there is a physical shift in the body to naturally have more energy and desire less food.

By addressing both the physiological and psychological aspects of weight management concerns, acupuncture and Oriental medicine provide a comprehensive therapy for weight issues that promote better digestion, balance emotions, reduce appetite, improve metabolism and eliminate food cravings.

Each treatment is customized to the needs of the individual patient. At Meridian Harmonics we use the Pulse Matrix diagnostic system for 1) correctly determining the underlying imbalances for each patient and 2) designing robust acupuncture and herbal treatment strategies.  Acupuncture points on the body are chosen for overall well being with the objective of increasing circulation of the blood and Qi (to stimulate the metabolism) and calming the nervous system. Treatments can include a combination of auricular (ear) and body acupuncture, ear tacks or pellets to leave on between treatments, herbs and supplements, breathing exercises, and food and lifestyle recommendations.

In addition to treating the root of the imbalance within the body, different acupuncture points may be used for each treatment as different symptoms arise. For instance, if you are experiencing a desire to overeat related to premenstrual syndrome (PMS) one week, then that can be addressed at that week’s appointment.

The herbs and foods that are chosen during a weight management treatment are for promoting healthy digestion, energizing the body, augmenting Qi, and improving elimination of water, toxins and waste products. Acupuncture can help improve digestion. It can also help with food absorption and the movement of food through the intestines.

Deep breathing with visualization can also strengthen will power and be used as a tool to curb hunger and cravings. Most patients report a marked decline in appetite and cravings with acupuncture treatment alone, but special herbs, healing foods and exercises can definitely enhance the efficacy of the treatments.

Acupuncture and Oriental medicine are powerful tools for achieving a healthy weight, by itself or as a supportive treatment in conjunction with other weight management programs. Schedule a consultation to see how acupuncture and Oriental medicine can assist you with your weight management goals and help you to live a long, healthy life!

Tuesday, April 02, 2013

Hay Fever Linked to Mold Allergies

Sneezing. Coughing. Itchy eyes and skin. Minor swelling. All of these are symptoms of Hay Fever, the annual annoyance over forty million Americans deal with every summer. Most victims of the common allergy blame pollen as the source for their sniffles. Dr. James Sublett, section chief of the pediatric department at the University of Louisville, says, “Many allergy sufferers assume their symptoms are caused by pollen, when they’re actually mold.”

Mold is a pesky fungus that grows by the colony wherever damp, humid and dark conditions are present. There are literally tens of thousands of types of mold. Mold gains its energy to grow by consuming the properties of organic items like wood, grass, carpet fibers and even newspapers. Areas like basements, attics, kitchens and bathrooms are all likely candidates to house thousands upon thousands of mold spores, seeds that reproduce into the fungus that wreaks havoc on allergy sufferers.

Mold grows outdoors as well. By consuming organic matter like dead leaves, grass, and plants, mold lingers in places that are least expected. For instance, after mowing the lawn, clippings should be raked and bagged. This will prevent mold growth on the dead grass that stays in the yard, cutting down on the risk of a Hay Fever outbreak. Outdoor occurrences that risk the integrity of the inside of the home must also be addressed. Leaky roofs, piping, drainage and walls should be repaired immediately to prevent mold from growing in the home.

What happens when mold actually does make its way into the home? Many questions can be answered by a mold expert, who has experience with mold remediation. The answers to frequently asked questions often prove to be useful when preventing mold growth in the home. However, mold remediation is necessary should the situation get out of hand.

Hay Fever, like any other hypersensitive bodily reaction, can be caused by other allergens as well. Meridian Harmonics can perform pain-free sensitivity tests to find out exactly which type of fungi is responsible for a person’s allergies. If mold happens to be the culprit, being proactive about protecting the indoor and outdoor environments of the home is crucial.

1.    Safety First – Be sure to always wear respirators, goggles and gloves when cleaning areas possibly affected by mold. If mold is found during cleaning, contact a remediation specialist immediately.
2.    Remove common organic materials like paper and cardboard from mold-prone areas. These items actually promote mold growth, providing a substance suitable for colonization. Expect these items to be completely destroyed once they are exposed to mold.
3.    Regular cleaning will help make spaces inhabitable for mold.
4.    Open windows, doors and vents regularly when the atmosphere is dry. Damp air will be forced to escape along with mold spores.
5.    Install dehumidifiers. Portable and cost-effective, dehumidifiers can help make the atmosphere less damp even if the weather is not cooperative.

Hay fever, and all of its annoyances, can be conquered after all. Ensure that after all prevention methods have been exhausted, acquiring the services of an expert mold remediation specialist is on the to-do list should the situation become more severe.

You can schedule an allergy and sensitivity screening at Meridian Harmonics  by calling 817-835-0885. The screening only takes about 30 minutes.