Tag Archives: wellness

Nutrition and Prostate Health / Acupuncture in Point Pleasant, NJ

March 30, 2012 By in acupuncture, benign prostatic hyperplasia, BPH, Chinese Medicine, diet, food, health, nutrition, pain management, pain relief, prostate, TCM, wellness Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine can do a great deal to slow prostate growth, restore normal urinary function, and alleviate other symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).

In addition to regular acupuncture treatments and administration of herbal formulations, one’s diet plays a key role in maintenance of a healthy prostate.

Below are some dietary and nutritional suggestions for maintaining a healthy prostate:

Foods to Avoid

  • Coffee, alcohol, corn oil and canola (use olive oil instead)

Foods to Limit

  • Dairy products (especially butter and margarine)
  • Spicy foods
  • Red meats

Recommended Supplements & Foods

  • Vitamin C: Red & hot chili peppers, guavas, bell peppers, fresh thyme & parsley, kale, mustard greens, broccoli, cauliflower, brussel sprouts, kiwi, papaya, oranges, tangerines, and strawberries
  • Zinc: Oysters, toasted wheat germ, veal liver, sesame seeds or tahini, low-fat roast beef, roasted pumpkin seeds & squash seeds, dried watermelon seeds, dark chocolate & cocoa powder, lamb (mutton), and peanuts
  • Selenium: Brazil nuts, sunflower seeds, fish (tuna, halibut, sardines, flounder, salmon), shellfish (oysters, mussels, shrimp, clams, scallops), meat (beef, liver, lamb, pork), poultry (chicken, turkey), eggs, mushrooms (button, crimini, shiitake), grains (wheat germ, barley, brown rice, oats), onions, and brown rice
  • Lycopene: Tomatoes, guava, watermelon, pink grapefruit, dried parsley & basil, persimmons, asparagus, liver (Pâté), chili powder, and red cabbage

Other GOOD foods include; mackerel, trout, spinach, chicory, pumpkin, berries, cherries, apricots, peaches, bananas, pears, grapes, green tea, and red wine (in moderation).

Remember: VARIETY is the spice of life!

Eat a wide variety of foods containing essential vitamins, minerals & nutrients… and, ORGANIC foods are always better. It is also important to exercise regularly and to avoid stress as much as possible.

NOTE: There are some studies, which have shown that patients who used the western herbal supplement ‘Saw Palmetto’ did not endure side effects such as decreased libido and impotence compared to those using the drug Finasteride. There are no known drug interactions with saw palmetto, and reported side effects are minor and rare.

Patients seen by appointment only.

Acupuncturist in Ocean County, NJ

Acupuncture 101 by Jersey Shore Acupuncturist Rob Vena

March 2, 2012 By in acupuncture, addiction, arthritis, asthma, Chinese Medicine, facial rejuvenation, menstrual cramps, pain relief, TCM Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

As a practitioner of acupuncture and Chinese medicine, I am often asked questions about what it is that I do. By far, the most common questions that I am asked are; “What is acupuncture?” “Is it safe? “Does it hurt?” “What can it treat?” and “How can I find a reliable acupuncturist in my area?”

In this article, I have outlined answers to these questions in an effort to introduce you to and familiarize you with this amazing healing art. It is my hope, that this medicine will one day be as familiar to westerners as it is to the peoples of Asia who have long benefited from its effectiveness in preventing disease and promoting health and well-being.

What is acupuncture?

Acupuncture is just one facet of the much broader field of Chinese Medicine – all of which is rooted in the philosophy of Taoism.

Underlying the practice of this ancient medicine is a unique view of the human body and of health. This view greatly differs from Western medical thought, and is based on the concept that we human beings are microcosms of the larger universe – firmly positioned between heaven and Earth, linked with nature, and subject to her forces. The aim of this medicine is not in treating health problems in isolation, but rather in addressing the individual (body and mind) as a whole, while taking one’s surrounding environment into consideration, and bringing it all back into harmony to create a balanced state of health.

Acupuncture originated in China over 5,000 years ago and stands strong as one of the oldest healing practices in the world. Over the past several thousand years, more people have been successfully treated with acupuncture than with all other modalities of healing combined.

Acupuncture promotes the body’s natural healing abilities. It is a modality of healing that involves the insertion of very fine needles into specific body points located along channels of energy known as meridians. The meridian system connects all of the major organs and body parts, and circulates the body’s vital life energy, known as Qi (pronounced ‘chee’).

According to Chinese medical theory, illness arises when the cyclical flow of Qi through the meridians becomes unbalanced or blocked. Acupuncturists use the point/meridian system to access and activate the Qi, to promote the body’s natural healing abilities and restore balanced health.

Is it Safe?

Acupuncture is a safe and effective natural therapy. It has been safely employed on billions of patients for thousands of years. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the use of acupuncture needles by licensed acupuncturists in 1996 and require that they follow strict safety guidelines. Modern acupuncture needles are sterile, single-use, disposable, and should never be reused.

Does it hurt?

Acupuncture needles are tiny, thin, and flexible, and the sensation caused by insertion varies from patient to patient. The needles are 25 – 50 times thinner than hypodermic needles. So thin in fact, that several acupuncture needles can fit inside the middle of a hypodermic needle. Most people feel nothing at all upon insertion of an acupuncture needle, while others may experience a brief moment of discomfort as the needle penetrates the skin.

What can it treat?

Patients may see an acupuncturist for any number of conditions ranging from musculoskeletal to fertility issues.

Some of the major benefits of Acupuncture are that it is a holistic approach to health and healing, assists in preventing disease, and provides drug-free pain relief.

Acupuncture can effectively treat many common ailments. In fact, the World Health Organization (WHO) currently lists quite a few conditions that have been proven through clinical trial to be effectively treated by acupuncture:

Adverse reactions to chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy

Allergic rhinitis (including hay fever)

Biliary colic (gallstones)

Depression (including depressive neurosis and depression following stroke)

Dysentery, acute bacillary

Dysmenorrhoea, primary

Epigastralgia, acute (in peptic ulcer, acute and chronic gastritis, and gastrospasm)

Facial pain (including craniomandibular disorders)

Headache

Hypertension, essential

Hypotension, primary

Induction of labour

Knee pain

Leukopenia (a decrease in the number of white blood cells)

Low back pain

Malposition of fetus, correction of

Morning sickness

Nausea and vomiting

Neck pain

Pain in dentistry (including dental pain and temporomandibular dysfunction)

Periarthritis of shoulder

Postoperative pain

Renal colic (pain caused by kidney stones)

Rheumatoid arthritis

Sciatica (pain, weakness, numbness, or tingling in the leg caused by injury to or compression of the sciatic nerve)

Sprains

Stroke

Tennis elbow

* Preceding information taken from World Health Organization http://apps.who.int/medicinedocs/en/d/Js4926e/5.html

Other Commonly treated conditions include: Acne, ADD/ADHD, Addiction (Smoking Cessation, Drug/Alcohol Problems), Allergies, Anxiety, Arthritis, Asthma, Back Pain, Cancer Related Fatigue, Chronic Diarrhea, Common Cold, Constipation, Crohn’s Disease, Dental Pain, Depression, Digestive Disorders, Facial Pain, Facial Rejuvenation, Fatigue, Flu, Gallstones, Gastritis, GERD, Gynecological Disorders, Hair Loss, Headache, Hypertension & Hypotension, IBS, Immune Disorders, Infertility, Insomnia, Irregular Menstruation, Joint Pain, Kidney Stones, Menopause, Migraines, Morning Sickness, Orthopedic Disorders, Nausea & Vomiting, Neck Pain, Neuropathy, Sciatica, Stress, Pain Syndromes, PMS, Postoperative Pain, PTSD, Reflux, Respiratory Disorders, Rosacea, Sinusitis, Skin Problems, Stroke Rehabilitation, TMJ, Ulcers, Weight Loss / Weight Gain, Women’s Health Issues, and much more.

How can I find a reliable acupuncturist in my area?

The best guideline for choosing an acupuncturist is to ask friends and family for referrals. Once you have found an acupuncturist in your area, you should verify his/her qualifications. Be sure to check for state licensure and training credentials.

Not all states require an acupuncturist to be licensed, but an acupuncturist must possess a certificate of course completion from an accredited institution such as the National Commission for the Certification of Acupuncturists (NCCAOM). You can find or verify an NCCAOM certified practitioner in your area online at http://www.nccaom.org/.

Rob Vena is a Licensed Acupuncturist (L.Ac.) in the States of New York and New Jersey and is nationally board certified in Oriental Medicine (Diplomate Oriental Medicine) by the NCCAOM. He completed the intensive 4-year Master of Science of Traditional Oriental Medicine (MSTOM) program at Pacific College of Oriental Medicine in New York City and currently practices Acupuncture in Pt Pleasant, NJ.

Click on the link below to see this article as published in the The Jewish Standard (New Jersey, January 2012):

Acupuncture 101

Patients seen by appointment only.

Acupuncture in Pt Pleasant, NJ

Facial Rejuvenation & Anti-Wrinkle Foods / Acupuncture in Ocean County, NJ

February 13, 2012 By in beauty, Chinese Medicine, diet, face lift, facial rejuvenation, nutrition, skin care, TCM Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Anti-Wrinkle Foods in Chinese Medicine

According to traditional Chinese medicine, the following foods can have a positive effect on the condition of the skin and help with the prevention of wrinkles:

Bee Pollen

Black Mushrooms

Black Sesame Seeds (sprinkle over food like pepper)

Black Soybeans

Cherries (eaten or crushed with juice applied to the skin)

Chinese Cabbage

Chinese Dates / Jujube Fruit

Cucumber

Fish

Honey (1 teaspoon each morning on an empty stomach)

Lotus Root

Olive Oil

Peanuts (fresh peanuts)

Pine Nuts

Reishi Mushrooms

Royal Jelly

Squid (calamari)

Tomato

Walnuts (1 handful every day)

Wild Yam

Be sure to include these anti-wrinkle foods as part of your regular diet. This, in combination with regular visits to your acupuncturist, can go a long way towards helping to keep your skin looking as smooth and wrinkle-free as possible… without the need for surgical procedures.

Patients seen by appointment only.

Acupuncture in Pt Pleasant, NJ

Acupuncture and Weight Loss in Ocean County, NJ

November 27, 2011 By in diet, TCM, weight control, weight loss Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , 1 Comment

One of the most common questions I get when people learn that I’m an acupuncturist is, “Can acupuncture help me lose weight?”

In short, the answer is yes, it can help.

Acupuncture can help curb the appetite… it can help reduce cravings… and it can stimulate the body’s metabolism to help with weight loss.

But what should be stated up front is that acupuncture is not a ‘silver bullet’ solution for weight control, and it should be used in conjunction with a weight loss or weight management program that is suited to your individual needs.

Most licensed acupuncturists should be able to help not only through use of the acupuncture needle, but also by providing you with informed counseling and guidance on diet and nutrition. He/she should also be able to advise on exercise and relaxation techniques designed to help you get through the physical and emotional trials of the weight loss process.

Weight loss is never easy, and successful long term weight loss is incredibly difficult for most people to achieve. Acupuncture is a perfectly natural way to boost your weight loss efforts, and there are no harmful side effects or chance of addiction, as may be encountered with certain medications.

Jersey Shore Acupuncture

Acupuncture for Smoking Cessation in Pt Pleasant, NJ

November 19, 2011 By in addiction, Auricular Acupuncture, smoking, TCM Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Kick the Habit!

Did you know that smokers are more likely than non-smokers to catch colds… and that their symptoms may even be worse? Just being around secondhand smoke increases your chances of catching a cold.

Do you, or someone you know need help kicking the habit?

Acupuncture can help with permanent smoking cessation by lessening the cravings and reducing withdrawal symptoms. Moreover, there are no side effects and it enhances your overall health.

Acupuncture in Pt Pleasant, NJ

The Discipline of Qigong by Jersey Shore Acupuncturist Rob Vena

November 11, 2011 By in martial arts, motivational, philosophy, qigong, TCM Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

“Discipline is the bridge between goals and accomplishment.” ~ Jim Rohn

Discipline: Training that corrects, molds, or perfects the mental faculties or moral character.

Qigong: The art and science of using breathing techniques, gentle movement, and meditation to cleanse, strengthen, and circulate life energy, or Qi (pronounced ‘chee’).

Last week, my teacher spoke to the students of his weekly Qigong class about character building, and of the positive effect it has on the overall health of the human body.

In not so many words he explained that each time you discipline yourself, you build character… and that this, in turn, helps build better Qi and leads to improved health.

Well, my teacher’s words struck a cord deep within me that day, and they have ever since been rolling around and round in my head like a ferris wheel… until they appeared again here on this page.

It’s amazing how certain teachers can have this kind of effect on us…

This simple teaching of his caused me to reflect back on my life, and on the role that discipline has played in it… and it has become very clear to me, that the times I exercised the most discipline in life, have by far been the most productive, happy, and healthy of of them all.

As stated in the quote above by Jim Rohn, “Discipline is the bridge between goals and accomplishment.”

Of this there can be no doubt.

It is oh, so very important to discipline ourselves if we ever wish to reach the goals we set… not just in Qigong, or other martial arts practices, but in every aspect of our lives.

I wish you great success in reaching your own goals. May you have the discipline required to easily transform them into realities.

Patients seen by appointment only.

Pt Pleasant NJ Acupuncturist

Fall is Pear Season ~ Acupuncture in Ocean County, NJ

October 15, 2011 By in Uncategorized Tags: , , , , , ,

Fall is the season of the pear, and therefore this is the best time of year to benefit from this fruit’s healing properties.

Traditionally, in Chinese medicine, the pear is taken for its therapeutic and nutritional value. Considered to be sweet, slightly sour, cool, moistening, and detoxifying in nature, it is often prescribed for relief of coughs, sore throat, difficulty swallowing, indigestion, difficult urination, and constipation.

Because of its viscous quality, the pear helps to moisten the lungs and stomach, providing a natural relief from some of these conditions. The pear is also a great source of dietary fiber, vitamin C, copper, and vitamin K.

Pears are very perishable once ripe, and the pears found in grocery stores are typically unripe, and still require a few more days of maturing. Try to find pears that are firm, but not too hard. The skin should be smooth and free of punctures, bruises, and dark soft spots. Brown speckles on the skin are acceptable and may even indicate a more intense flavor. Pears should be left at room temperature and are considered ripe and ready to eat once the skin yields to gentle pressure.

Following are several easy preparations of pears for use in relief of certain conditions. But please, remember… these preparations are suggested to provide relief only, and should never be taken in place of proper medical care. It is always recommended and advised that you seek proper care from your healthcare provider for any of these conditions.

* For relief of cough and thirst from fever, drink a glass of fresh pear juice in the morning and evening.

For relief from the following conditions, soak fresh unpeeled pears in vinegar:

* Indigestion – Peel 2 vinegar soaked pears and eat them.

* Sore throat and difficulty swallowing – Squeeze the juice out of 2 vinegar soaked pears and drink in the morning and evening.

Patients seen by appointment only.

Pt Pleasant NJ, Acupuncturist

Catch that Cold before it Catches You / Jersey Shore Acupuncture in Pt Pleasant, NJ

October 9, 2011 By in acupuncture, acupuncture benefits, acupuncture insurance coverage, acupuncturist in new jersey, acupuncturist manhattan, acupuncturist new york city, Chinese Medicine, health, insurance, TCM, wellness Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Prevention has always played an important role in the practice of Chinese medicine, which can not only help prevent colds and flu, but can also help treat these illnesses once symptoms appear.

The key to effective treatment is early intervention, and patients can greatly benefit from treatment prior to the arrival of cold and flu season.

In Chinese Medicine, autumn has always been considered a very good time of year to improve health, balance and strengthen the body, and boost the immune system before the colder months of winter settle in.

So, why not set up an appointment to see your acupuncturist now… before cold and flu season arrives?

Remember… The sooner treatment is received for flu-like symptoms, the faster and more effective that treatment can be… But, prevention is always better!

Acupuncture in Pt Pleasant, NJ

Cupping Therapy Explained by Jersey Shore Acupuncturist Rob Vena

October 7, 2011 By in acupuncture, acupuncture insurance coverage, acupuncturist in new jersey, acupuncturist manhattan, acupuncturist new york city, Chinese Medicine, cupping, health, insurance, pain management, pain relief, TCM, wellness Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Cupping Therapy is the method of using glass or plastic cups to create localized pressure by a vacuum.

The Chinese have been using this technique since ancient times by using heat inside glass or bamboo cups.

The suction from the cups can penetrate deep into your tissues causing the tissues to release harmful toxins. It triggers the lymphatic system, clears the blood vessels, and stretches and activates the skin.

Cupping therapy has been found in ancient records dating back 3500 years and is still used today.

In this office, cupping therapy involves the application of glass cups and heat to create a vacuum effect on specific areas of the body in order to promote circulation, relieve pain, and revitalize tissues. The appearance of a “reddish, elevated, millet-like skin rash’ (aka petechiae) results.

It is important to note, that this modality does not involve burning of the skin.

Patients seen by appointment only.

Acupuncturist in Ocean County, NJ

Miso Soup: An Ancient Remedy for the Common Cold

September 24, 2011 By in acupuncture, acupuncture insurance coverage, acupuncturist in new jersey, acupuncturist manhattan, acupuncturist new york city, Chinese Medicine, diet, food, health, insurance, nutrition, TCM, wellness Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

The people of Asia have long been aware of the health benefits of soybeans and scallions.

Documentation of the use of these ingredients as medicine dates as far back as the 3rd or 4th century, when the famous Chinese doctor Ge Hong (283–343 CE) included them in his medical handbook, ‘Emergency Formulas to Keep Up One’s Sleeve’.

Dr. Hong’s Chinese herbal formula, known as ‘Cong Chi Tang’, or ‘Scallion and Prepared Soybean Decoction’, is still used today as a way to help stop the common cold in its tracks. And today, we have easy access to this herbal formula in the form of a traditional Japanese soup.

Most westerners are now familiar with the dish known as miso soup. This tasty soup’s main ingredients, miso (fermented soybean paste) and scallions (green onions, spring onions, or shallots), make it an excellent choice as a home remedy for those looking to ward off the common cold. The soup is most effective in this capacity when taken at the very onset of a cold… just as indications such as a mild fever, slight chills, headache, and stuffy nose first appear.

It is important that the soup be taken immediately, within just 4 – 6 hours of the appearance of the first signs of a cold coming on. The soup can help to knock out the cold during this early stage, but any later, once the cold has further developed, is too late, and other cold remedies will be required.

The soup should be taken hot, in an effort to induce a sweat that can help to expel the cold pathogen that has invaded the body.

After drinking down the soup, it is recommended to immediately get into bed and bundle up under blankets until a sweat appears. Once a good sweat has been produced, get out of bed, towel the sweat off the body, change into dry clothes, and get back into bed to rest.

Fresh miso soup can be purchased at most Japanese restaurants or sushi houses, but it is also easy to make at home. The ingredient ‘miso’ can be found in most health food stores and in grocery stores that stock foods from around the world. Instant miso soup is also available in single-serving packages, but many of these products contain high levels of sodium and monosodium glutamate (MSG), so be careful with your selection.

There are many delicious recipes for miso soup that can be found online or in cookbooks, but here is a simple one, using only the basic ingredients:

Miso Soup

Bring 2 – 3 cups of water to a boil

Add 2 tablespoons of miso paste and allow it to dissolve

Cook for 5 – 10 minutes over a low flame

While the soup is simmering, chop 3 – 5 stalks of scallion and sprinkle them into the soup just prior to removing it from the heat.

Remove from heat and serve hot.

Enjoy and Be Well.

Patients seen by appointment only.

Acupuncturist in Ocean County, NJ