Acupuncture

Julie Shindler-Cohen Celebrates 10-year Anniversary

February 11, 2019 By Julie Shindler-Cohen Leave a Comment

10 Years in Practice: A Reflection

Happy New Year, everyone! 2019 signifies my 10th anniversary as an acupuncturist. I cannot believe it has been a whole decade. As I gear up to celebrate my 10th year, I am very reflective on my experience thus far. I remember that when I first started practicing acupuncture, I couldn’t wait to have more years “under my belt”. The beautiful thing about practicing acupuncture and Chinese medicine is that the longer we practice, the MORE insight and knowledge we gain. I am slightly restrained in my celebration, as I hope that 10 years is merely the beginning of a very long practice. [Read more…]

Tips for Avoiding Colds and Flu

January 16, 2019 By Julie Shindler-Cohen Leave a Comment

It’s that time of year again! That time where EVERYONE seems to be getting sick with the common cold, flu and worse. Conventional medicine has few options to treat these maladies and we all suffer through the runny nose, sneezing, fatigue and sore throat. But you don’t have to!
No one really has the time to get sick. For me, the thought of getting a cold is like striking a raw nerve. So, I want to share my tricks to avoiding and beating our winter-time illnesses.
Here are some remedies that I have found to be helpful (for me): [Read more…]

Eating Right For The Season

October 31, 2018 By Julie Silver Leave a Comment

Most of us eat foods because they are pleasurable and we enjoy their smell, taste and textures.
Eating is a very personal experience as it is both a source of nutrition as well as a tool for social gathering. Most of us are also well aware of the
nutritional value of food. Eating whole grains (vs. enriched white flours), fresh (vs. canned) vegetables and healthy fats (vs. trans fats) are
cornerstones of many diets. It is also valuable to look at our bodies, the importance of the temperatures and flavors of foods, and the best season to eat them
in. [Read more…]

Acupuncture’s most Frequently Asked Questions

October 2, 2018 By Julie Silver Leave a Comment

When I tell someone I am an Acupuncturist, they respond with curiosity and questions! Below are answers to some of the most commonly asked questions in our clinic~

What is the goal of Acupuncture?

The goal of Acupuncture is to restore balance in our body by working with our body’s own Qi Energy. Acupuncture uses very thin, solid, sterile stainless steel needles to “activate” specific acupuncture points throughout the body, restoring balance and order to the Qi energy.

What is Qi? (pronounced chee)

Qi is a life force or energy that is in our body and in the universe. It is an invisible force known by its effect. We cannot see Qi. Qi underlies organic life in our body. Qi is the source of all movement in the body. Qi protects the body. Qi travels throughout the body via pathways called meridians. [Read more…]

Labor Day!

August 31, 2018 By jackie Leave a Comment

Michigan Associates of Acupuncture and Integrative Medicine Labor Day 2018

Michigan Associates of Acupuncture and Integrative Medicine provides whole-body choices that are safe, beneficial, and professional. We offer acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, and CranioSacral therapy to help patients heal. The key to our success lies in our team of caring professionals.

America has officially celebrated the efforts of its labor force for over 120 years. We would like to join others across the country in acknowledging their contributions. Thank you to all workers for helping to build and strengthen every town, city, and suburb across our nation.

Summer Fire and Healing Heart Energy

July 21, 2018 By Julie Silver Leave a Comment

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, each season is represented by one of the elements of nature (such as wind, cold, damp or heat). The element associated with summer is heat or FIRE!

Fire energy is considered YANG Energy. Yang is big, yang is expansion yang is excess. As you know, summer is all about expansion. The flowers are in full bloom, the days are long, we spend lots of time outside doing physical activity.

In TCM, every element is also associated with an organ. The organ associated with Fire is the Heart.

When we think about the summer and taking good care of our “heart” we should be thinking about the following.

The Heart Energy (qi energy) is thought to rule our spirit. We call this the shen. The shen oversees cognitive function and mental activity. The shen also oversees the seven main emotions (joy, anger, sadness, grief, fright, apprehension, worry). Oftentimes, emotional imbalances are associated with the Heart. [Read more…]

Dr. Tan’s Balance Method

July 10, 2018 By Karen Siegel Propis Leave a Comment

Karen Siegel-Propis , MSOM, MPH, R.Ac. Dipl CH, RD

A Different Take on Classic Acupuncture

Dr. Richard Tan was a practitioner and teacher of acupuncture. He brought old and new schools of thought together to create a powerful healing method. His family celebrates a long tradition of Chinese medicine, which gave Dr. Tan an understanding of ancient practices. He combined that knowledge with his education in engineering to create a new method that provides immediate relief for many patients.

How Does the Balance Method Work?

Chinese medicine utilizes an energetic model to provide healing and relief. Each organ in the human body and corresponding energy channels are connected to form a complex network. That means that one area can affect another.

The Balance Method requires deep knowledge of these channels to achieve a stronger effect whether the practitioner is using acupuncture, herbal medicine, or a combination of the two. For example, this method uses points associated with the channels causing discomfort. Pain on one side of the body may be treated by inserting needles into a point on the opposite side.

What is the Best Acupuncture Method for Me?

Knowing how to apply acupuncture requires significant knowledge and experience. There is a lot of potential for pain and symptom relief when working with a professional acupuncturist. The first step is scheduling an appointment with someone who understands traditional medicine and its applications. Contact Michigan Associates of Acupuncture and Integrative Medicine in West Bloomfield, Michigan today to talk to and make an appointment with an expert. We can provide advice and make suggestions for holistic treatment options that could help you find a solution that best works for you.

Acupuncture for Arthritis

July 10, 2018 By Julie Silver Leave a Comment

Julie Silver, MSW, R.Ac.

Holistic Medicine Can Help Reduce Symptoms

Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese Medicine that has been used for thousands of years. It is based on the theory that our body has its own ability to promote healing through balancing an energy in our body called “qi”.

The acupuncture process involves the placement of very thin needles into acupuncture points along energy pathways (called meridians) that run throughout the body. This process restores the flow of qi to allow healing and to improve health.

How Does Acupuncture Provide Arthritis Relief?

The root of arthritis is inflammation. Arthro = joint and itis = inflammation. Joint pain and swelling are among the most common symptoms of arthritis. Inflammation can occur in many parts of our body. It is well known that Acupuncture helps to reduce inflammation. According to the Health Medicine Institute, Acupuncture successfully down regulates a pro inflammatory biochemical which results in anti-inflammatory responses and acupuncture signaling stimulates anti-inflammatory effects.

Should I Try Acupuncture for Arthritis?

One of our skilled acupuncturists can help. Most professionals recommend starting with bi weekly treatments for the first couple weeks, until patients begin to experience benefits. Once there is an improvement, you can decrease visit frequency.

Acupuncture is often chosen by patients who have tried other conventional methods without success. You do not need to wait until you exhaust other avenues. If you are experiencing new pain or symptoms, or have had chronic pain, consider visiting an acupuncturist to help relieve your symptoms. Many patients have reported arthritis relief. Contact Michigan Associates of Acupuncture and Integrative Medicine in West Bloomfield, Michigan for an appointment today.

Summer Cold Treatment

June 10, 2018 By Editor Leave a Comment

Summer colds make you feel miserable and can linger for days or weeks. They can ruin your plans to enjoy the season. Chinese medicine takes a holistic approach to cold prevention and treatment. Rather than worry about viruses and bacteria, it is best to focus on fortifying ourselves so that these invaders are not able to take hold.

Letting the Body Fight Summer Colds Naturally

There are several things you can do to help your body fight off a summer cold naturally. They include:

Maintain Your Qi

Qi, or healing energy, should be maintained in abundance. That means avoiding overdoing it, eating properly, and making sure you are getting sufficient rest.

Eat Well Every Day

Food has a powerful influence over your body’s ability to heal and remain balanced. Stick to regular small meals and avoid over-consuming chilled, frozen, or raw foods.

Take Care of Your Lungs

Lungs are an essential component within your immune system. They are also the first area to experience illness. Perform deep breathing exercises and make sure you rest your voice as needed.

Holistic Treatment for a Summer Cold

What should you do if you already have a summer cold?

Avoid dairy, ice, and sugar. These foods suppress immunity and produce phlegm.
Enjoy homemade chicken soup with garlic in the broth.
Try a natural bee pollen throat spray to relieve discomfort without chemicals.
Take Echinacea and Goldenseal. Increase potency by taking as an alcohol-based tincture.
Promote circulation and waste elimination with acupuncture.

Chinese medicine provides us many ways to prevent and treat summer colds. Contact Michigan Associates of Acupuncture and Integrative Medicine today to make an appointment and learn more about holistic treatment options.

The Benefits of Acupuncture Support Post Surgery

June 4, 2018 By Monica Mae Leibson 2 Comments

Monica Mae Leibson, R. Ac., Dipl. Ac.

While surgery may be necessary, it can cause discomfort and limit the patient’s ability to move and function for a period of time. Some turn to acupuncture as a way to help the healing process after undergoing a surgical procedure. What are the modern benefits of this traditional Chinese treatment?

Acupuncture Can Boost Your Immune System

If you have to stay in the hospital after surgery, then you need a healthy immune system to help you recover and fight off any germs in the area. Acupuncture helps normalize immune response so that you are better equipped to overcome illness.

Acupuncture Can Decrease Postoperative Pain

Pain after surgery is normal. Acupuncture can help you stay comfortable so you require fewer pain medications while you recover. That also means you’ll experience fewer side effects often associated with pills.

Acupuncture Can Help Reduce Surgical Scars

Scarring can happen after a surgery, especially those that require multiple or larger incisions. An acupuncturist can work under the scar. A procedure known as moxibustion may be used. This needleless treatment uses the herb Artemisia vulgaris, or mugwort, to bring qi, warmth and blood flow to the surgical region to promote healing. It is also used to fortify the immune system.

Schedule Acupuncture for Surgery

Acupuncture can also be used pre-op to help calm anxiety. To learn more about the benefits of acupuncture before or after surgery, contact Michigan Associates of Acupuncture and Integrative Medicine in West Bloomfield, Michigan. We are available to help you decide if this is the best treatment option for you.