Old Bridge Acupuncture & Wellness, LLC - Blog

Old Bridge Acupuncture Featured on 107.7 FM The Bronc Radio Podcast!

7/7/2022

Gregory Carey, L.Ac. was featured in this July 2022 107.7 FM The Bronc Radio Podcast. Radio Host Jillian LaFeir discussed the topic of Mental Health and how acupuncture can be of service to those suffering from mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression, PTSD and psycho-emotional traumas. Listen to our Clinic Director Gregory Carey, L.Ac. discuss these important health issues in detail at:

https://anchor.fm/john-mozes5/episodes/Mental-Fitness-Acupuncture-e1jfbd9/a-a822fqm

The Power of Sour & Lichen Planopilaris

29/9/2021

In Western Culture, we may not pay much attention to incorporating different food flavors into our daily meals. Whatever is fast and easy is the order of the day when it comes to busy households. Traditional food preparation methods, on the other hand, took time and considered different flavors. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, flavors impact our Internal Organs differently and can even have a medicinal and therapeutic effect when utilized purposefully. This article is going to focus on the Sour flavor and include our own Clinical Case Study which resolved a stubborn symptom of the Dermatological Disease, Lichen Planopilaris.

Before we discuss the Sour Flavor further, we shall touch upon the Internal Organ that the Sour Flavor most impacts: The Liver. In Chinese Medicine, the Liver is the Body’s Regulator, overseeing all of the Body’s diverse processes. The Liver Organ is tasked with the smooth flow of energy and blood throughout the Body. The Liver is powerful, associated with outward growth – giving us the power to go forward through life by means of effective action. The Liver stores, maintains and cleanses our blood, regenerating while we sleep and rest. The Liver is a source of our Stamina- so we should take care of it!

Some methods to take care of our Liver and to ensure its proper function and vitality include regular physical activity, a balanced diet rich in green vegetables, and incorporation of the Sour Flavor into our diets. In Chinese Medicine, the Sour flavor is astringent- having the function of preserving body fluid or moisture. The Internal Organ that the Sour flavor influences is the Liver/ Gallbladder system. Sour flavors may also be “cleansing” by promoting routine Liver function and circulation. Some examples of Sour foods are: Salt pickles (sauerkraut/ cabbage), Plain/ low sugar yogurts, Citrus fruits and Vinegars in cooking. Pro Tip: We particularly recommend the brand: Hawthorne Valley Sauerkraut (look for it in Whole Foods).

A Sign that your Liver Organ is stressed and not functioning smoothly is that you will feel irritable, agitated or angry. Women who are experiencing Pre Menstrual Symptoms may fit the common picture. If you’re a woman who has experienced PMS symptoms- ask yourself- have you craved Sour flavors to soothe your symptoms? It’s no coincidence! The Liver organ dominates the Menstrual cycle and many women will crave Pickles or sour foods just prior to or during menstruation to help their body function optimally.

Now for our Clinical Case Study: An elderly woman presented to our Clinic with a difficult diagnosis: Lichen Planopilaris. Lichen Planopilaris is an inflammatory skin disease most commonly found in post Menopausal women. Symptoms include progressive inflammation of the scalp and hair follicles, producing scarring, permanent hair loss and severe itching. Our patient had previously been to “top Dermatologists who specialized in Lichen Planopilaris” at a University Hospital. They could only offer her temporary relief with high dose oral steroids and local steroid treatments.

Our patient decided to come off her steroid therapy, but when she did, her Scalp’s terrible itching resumed. Desperate, she came to us for help. Since she was already on a number of other Pharmaceuticals for pre-existing conditions, Oral herbal medicine was not an option. So we came up with an elegant treatment: Utilize the Power of Sour to regulate her skin. In Chinese medicine, the Liver organ regulates the Interstices- the pathway of flow of body fluids, energy and blood. They connect the superficial layers of the body with the Internal Organs. The interstices nourish and warm the skin and muscles.

Our treatment protocol for our Lichen Planopilaris case? 1 tablespoon of Apple Cider Vinegar, 2-4 times per day, as needed and to tolerance. Results: Our patient reported a DRAMATIC DECREASE in her severe scalp itching- without the need for topical or internal steroids! When she stopped her Apple Cider Vinegar regimen, her scalp started to itch again- so she stayed on it. A big win for Old Bridge Acupuncture and the Power of Sour!

Stroke and Neurological Rehabilitation With Acupuncture

28/2/2020

Stroke, or sudden “Brain Attack,” is a serious, leading cause of long term disability in the United States. According to the National Stroke Association, there are over 6.8 Million Long Term Survivors of a Stroke. Another way to understand the term stroke is that there is damage or injury to the brain or spinal cord as a result of a sudden problem with the body’s blood supply.

The types of Stroke and causes of Stroke are both varied. The image above indicates two common patterns of Stroke: Ischemic Stroke and Hemorrhagic Stroke. Ischemic stroke means damage to brain or spinal cord due to a blockage or restriction of normal blood supply to the affected area. Hemorrhagic stroke means damage to neurological structures due to a rupture of the blood supply, which typically results in excessive bleeding. Data show that 8/10 of all Strokes are Ischemic, where as 2/10 are hemorrhagic. Source: Kaplan, L.R. (2016). Caplan’s Stroke: A Clinical Approach.

According to the American Stroke Association, over 800,000 Americans per year suffer a stroke. 2/3 of those cases receive ongoing Post Stroke Rehabilitation. However, the standard of care for Post Stroke Rehabilitation leaves much to be desired in terms of outcomes. In fact, of those who suffer chronic symptoms Post Stroke, only 46% go on to achieve a recovery.

Dr. Shi Xue Min, National Treasure of Chinese Medicine and Stroke Rehabilitation

China has developed a Center of Excellence for Stroke Treatment located at the 1st Tianjin Teaching Hospital. The Stroke Center for Excellence, led by Dr. Shi Xue Min, has instituted a research focused approach to Post Stroke rehabilitation for 50 years. Acupuncture is at the center of Post Stroke Rehabilitation treatment in China. Compared to Western Models of care, Acupuncture protocols developed by Dr. Shi have an 86% success rate at rehabilitating Stroke patients with chronic symptoms (compared to 46% clinical success rate in America).

Dr. Shi’s team discovered that the secret to success in rehabilitating the Brain Post Stroke was stimulating Neuroplasticity with Acupuncture. In fact, Acupuncture is one of the few known systems of treatment in the World that has been repeatedly proven in both research and clinical settings to rehabilitate an injured brain post stroke.

Western and Chinese Doctors both agree that stimulating and achieving neuroplasticity is essential Post Stroke to achieve successful recoveries. Dr. Wuwei Shi, a nationally recognized Stroke researcher at the Medical University of South Carolina wrote that the #1 priority for Stroke Research is: “how to harness brain plasticity to maximally preserve, protect and recover brain function.”

Gregory Carey, L.Ac. has been extensively trained in Post Stroke and Neurological Rehabilitation Protocols developed by Dr. Shi Xue Min and used at China’s Stroke Center for Excellence, the 1st Tianjin Teaching Hospital. At Old Bridge Acupuncture and Wellness, LLC, we have already achieved success rehabilitating Stroke patients using Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine. The system that Gregory Carey, L.Ac. uses for Post Stroke recovery is notable for its ability to achieve rapid, successful clinical outcomes such as improved motor use of limbs, mental clarity, reduction of emotional problems and improved circulation to limbs affected by stroke.

Stroke recovery is an intensive process. Applying the specialized Acupuncture system that Gregory Carey, L.Ac. is trained in not only improves recovery outcomes, but shortens recovery duration. Our patient demonstrate rapid clinical improvement and progress when combined with current Physical Therapy regimes compared to Physical/Occupational therapy alone.

For further information on our Post Stroke Rehabilitation Program, please contact our office. Acupuncture presents one of the best treatments in the World for regenerating your brain and nervous system Post Stroke. Isn’t it time you got serious about your neurological recovery?

IBS-C, IBS-D, IBS-Mixed (Irritable Bowel Syndrome)

29/11/2019

Irritable bowel syndrome indicates a state of functional disease of your digestive tract. IBS symptoms are centered around two primary categories: 1) Abnormal Defecation and 2) Abdominal Pain.

Individuals suffering abnormal defecation will have problems surrounding bowel regularity or frequency (too few bowel movements or too many). If bowel movements are too frequent (loose stool or diarrhea), bowel urgency may occur. If bowel movements are too infrequent (constipation), tenesmus (feeling like bowels are not completely empty) is more likely. The other issue surrounding abnormal defecation is abnormal stool quality. Stools may vary in size, shape and texture, from loose to dry and hard, or they may present in pebble shape.

Abdominal pain is very common in individuals suffering from Irritable Bowel Syndrome. Abdominal pain frequently includes regular abdominal bloating, gas and feeling full. Abdominal pain may increase or decrease with any number of variables including stress, dietary factors, bowel urgency or constipation, or even the type of clothes worn (tight fitting is usually the worst).

Taken together, the Abnormal bowel movements and Abdominal pain are enough to make anyone miserable. What's worse, IBS can often be unpredictable. An evening out with friends or a work lunceon may feel like a tremendous burden if your bowels are not going to cooperate.

Acupuncture has long been used in the successful treatment of Gastrointestinal Disease, dating back millennia. Acupuncture has more recently been shown to be highly effective at treatment of IBS. In a 2018 Network Meta Analysis evaluating Acupuncture treatment of IBS-D, acupuncture treatment was found to be superior to pharmaceutical drugs, with minimal side effects. Drugs that were compared to acupuncture were: pinaverium bromide, eluxadoline, alosetron, ramosetron, rifaximin, all of which had higher risk/ side effect profiles than acupuncture. For further reading, the above referenced Acupuncture study is available here: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5994265/

Chinese Herbal Medicine has likewise been used for thousands of years in the successful treatment of Gastrointestinal disease. More recently, a 2018 Randomized clinical trial compared a traditional Chinese herbal formula vs. Placebo in the treatment of IBS-D. After a 4 week trial, the Chinese herbal medicine group demonstrated results superior to placebo in the treatment of IBS-D, with low side effects. For more reading on the above referenced study, please see: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/apt.14817

At Old Bridge Acupuncture & Wellness, we utilize a unique system of acupuncture and herbal medicine to achieve real results in stubborn, chronic Gastrointestinal symptoms, including those of Irritable Bowel. To have a conversation with us about your unique healthcare needs, please contact us today and begin the first step on your Personalized Bridge to Wellness!

Heel Pain, Plantar Fasciitis

20/10/2019

Pain in the heel may develop from a number of factors, including biomechanical problems, repetitive strain, and Achilles tendonitis or bursitis. Heel pain may be complicated by Plantar Fasciitis. A physical assessment and detailed history will help indicate which of the above problems are involved.

Heel pain left untreated may become chronic, leading to inflammation, swelling and irritation of the local tissues involved. Routine daily activities may feel quite painful as a result and pain may spread to involve other areas of the body, including calf muscles, knees and the other foot.

In a systematic review published in 2012 researchers found good evidence that demonstrated that acupuncture treatment can be an excellent option for heel pain and plantar fasciitis. The evidence for acupuncture treatment of heel pain and plantar fasciitis was equal in strength to conventional treatments for heel pain, including corticosteroids. Reference: https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1136/acupmed-2012-010183

If you're suffering heel pain and or plantar fasciitis and need relief, Old Bridge Acupuncture & Wellness has successfully treated many stubborn cases of heel pain and plantar fasciits! Don't wait to walk your customized Bridge to Wellness. Call us today.

Menopausal Hot Flashes

14/9/2019

Suffering from terrible night sweats, daytime sweats and frequent hot flashes? If you have menopause, you're not alone. These disturbing symptoms may persist for YEARS if left untreated. Unfortunately, menopausal hormone therapy has been confirmed to be linked to breast cancer. See the following evidence: https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/917439?fbclid=IwAR3OAFMYPk28h30QIWKDkl3fW_VvdiXzvSBew7olIuMnc2E8WOMwppJoVKo .

There is a better way! We can reduce and or eliminate menopausal hot flashes and sweating with acupuncture and herbal medicine. Our unique system at Old Bridge Acupuncture and Wellness has restored normal function to many women and eliminated uncomfortable menopausal symptoms. Curious if there is evidence to support our claim? You're in a luck! A study from Denmark confirms acupuncture can reduce menopausal symptoms:

https://blogs.bmj.com/bmjopen/2019/02/19/acupuncture-may-ease-troublesome-menopausal-symptoms/?fbclid=IwAR2OnflJpVKV1DsRaVA-pWu4G2lobYcu25RHj3ZGdVlWy8wf8DcK40_Mr5o

If you are suffering and experiencing troublesome menopausal symptoms, don't hesitate. Get in touch with our Office and learn how we will create a customized Bridge to Wellness and ease your difficult menopausal symptoms.

Migraine & Tension Headaches

14/9/2019

Suffer from a recurrent form of headache that knocks you out? We can help! We have treated many stubborn, chronic forms of both migraine and tension headache (or a combination thereof) successfully with our UNIQUE acupuncture treatment system. We have taken individuals suffering form 2 migraines every single day (despite oral pharmaceutical treatment) to zero migraines per day with acupuncture. (By the way, this individual patient no longer requires oral headache medication due to their phenomenal improvement).

The research on acupuncture treatment for headaches including migraine and tension headache supports our approach to treatment. Indeed, from the Journal of Neurology: Systematic review and meta-analysis demonstrates that acupuncture decreases migraine episodes over propranolol with fewer adverse events. See the specific research below:

https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00415-019-09510-x?fbclid=IwAR1ckH79LylD2L1Fnn58TO1dhhZgQamb5N9QhJ_AJGEXV1fHoBzNy49p1mA

For more information on our unique system of acupuncture to STOP and FIX your stubborn headaches, please contact our office and get started on you own personalized Bridge to Wellness.

Lyme Disease Complications

8/8/2019

Lyme disease is a common insect borne disease that is typically transmitted by a tick bite. Specifically, spiral shaped bacteria called Borrellia are transmitted from the tick to the human during a bite. Unfortunately, not all individuals develop any signs of a tick bite or infection after getting bit by a tick. Furthermore, bloodwork to detect exposure to Lyme disease is frequently inaccurate (false negatives).

Diagnosing Lyme disease is a massive clinical challenge for healthcare professionals due to poor education in the signs and symptoms of Lyme disease (Borrelliosis). Notably, tick borne infections are not limited to Lyme disease and may also include other chronic parasitic infections such as Babesia or Bartonella, both of which are also frequently not screened for and poorly understood by healthcare professionals.

Typical of Lyme disease, there are 4 common groups of symptoms that routinely occur, together or separately. They cpertain to the following: Neurological, Joint arthritis, Gastrointestinal, Musculoskeletal.

1. Neurological Symptoms of Lyme Disease. People with a history of exposure to Lyme disease frequently suffer from neurological symptoms including anxiety, dizziness, vertigo, fatigue, frequent headaches, eye problems, memory problems, difficulty concentrating, palsy (Bell's Palsy), and neuropathy.

2. Joint (Lyme) arthritis. People with Lyme disease may have one or more joints in the body that are swollen, inflamed and painful. Symptoms mimic osteoarthritis. In fact, if joint fluid was biopsied from an affected joint, it would be positive for Borrellia bacteria, which has been shown in research studies.

3. Gastrointestinal Symptoms of Lyme Disease. People with Lyme disease have a history of food sensitivies, GERD, Silent Reflux, Irritable bowel and poor digestion.

4. Musculoskeletal Symptoms of Lyme Disease. Typical symptoms of Lyme disease are wandering, travelling pain throughout your arms, legs or torso. These pains come and go without any rhyme or reason.

At Old Bridge Acupuncture & Wellness we have restored health to individuals suffering with complications of Lyme disease. We use a unique combination of herbal medicine and acupuncture to detoxify, strengthen and balance the body and mind. If you are suffering and need of a serious improvement in your health, do not hesitate to get in touch with our Office. We are your Bridge to Wellness!

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

3/7/2019

Have hand pain that is waking you up at night or makes it difficult to hold your cup of coffee or open doors? Have numbness and tingling affecting your fingers? You may be experiencing Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS).

Carpal tunnel syndrome often develops as the result of repetitive stress on your wrists, hands and forearms. Type at a computer a lot? You could develop carpal tunnel. At Old Bridge Acupuncture, we're experts at treating and fixing Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. You can expect a gradual resolution of your hand pain and numbness and a return to normal hand, wrist and finger function with acupuncture treatment.

In fact, there's good evidence to support the use of acupuncture treatment for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. In a randomized clinical trial comparing Acupuncture vs oral corticosteroids for treatment of Carpal Tunnel, Acupuncture provided superior relief at one year follow up. For more info: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21111685/.

Furthermore, it was recently demonstrated that not only does Acupuncture improve nerve conduction through the carpal tunnel, it also resolves negative changes in the patient's brains that co-occur with carpal tunnel! These positive changes were documented via fMRI of patients' brains. For more info: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28334999 .

Once again, if you are suffering and in serious need of a change in your health condition, carpal tunnel or otherwise, contact the experts at Old Bridge Acupuncture & Wellness. We're you're Bridge to Wellness.

Neck Pain

5/6/2019

Neck pain is an extremely common complaint that we see at Old Bridge Acupuncture & Wellness. The individual health histories and symptoms that are associated with neck pain are wide and varied. They range from suddenly waking up with a stiff neck to chronic neck pain from a traumatic injury to your cervical spine or even after brain surgery. We've treated it all. Successfully.

Neck pain symptoms can be localized to the back of the skull, may radiate up or down your spine or even affect your hands and arms. People may experience numbness in their extremities from a neck injury or from chronic muscle tension in your upper back. We'll evaluate your individual case and provide an individualized treatment plan that gets your neck back in shape.

One case that I'm particularly proud of involves a young woman who had brain surgery. After the surgery she suffered neck pain for over 12 months. Her surgeon couldn't explain her chronic pain. After failing to feel better with pharmaceutical medicine or Physical Therapy, she came to Old Bridge Acupuncture and Wellness. We designed a custom treatment plan of acupuncture. After visiting us once a week for four weeks, she saw noticeable improvement in her neck pain. We worked with her until treatment concluded and the patient's neck pain had resolved completely. We strongly believe surgeons should inform their patients who experience post surgical pain: go see your acupuncturist.

About the Author

Gregory Carey, L.Ac. is the founder and Director of Old Bridge Acupuncture & Wellness, LLC. Board Certified in both Acupuncture & Herbal Medicine, he brings many years' experience to bear on complex disease patterns to achieve excellent results in collaboration with his patients.

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