A bill to require California based health insurance policies to provide acupuncture coverage has been introduced this year into the California State Assembly by Assemblyman Mike Eng. The bill includes all healthcare insurance policies, including disability insurance policies, with the exception of HMOs (Health Maintenance Organization) and those that are “specialized health care service plan contracts.” If signed into law, the bill will take effect on January 1, 2012.
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A similar acupuncture bill was shot down with a veto in 2008 by then Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger. Schwarzenegger was also responsible for dissolving the California Acupuncture Board, leaving the profession without oversight for nearly an entire year until public pressure forced him to reinstate the California Acupuncture Board. Now, with Governor Jerry Brown in office, the bill may survive the legislative process. In 1975 during his first term, Governor Jerry Brown signed a law legalizing the practice of acupuncture by licensed acupuncturists and the California Acupuncture Board was created.

Assemblyman Eng notes that acupuncture is an “effective treatment for a number of conditions” and further states that acupuncture is “cost effective and typically much cheaper than the surgeries for which it is often an alternative.” Assemblyman Eng’s statements are supported by substantial research including studies showing that acupuncture is effective for the treatment of plantar fasciitis, retinitis pigmentosa , anxiety, chronic sinus congestion, sleep apnea, bedwetting, autism , back pain, headaches and migraines, menstrual cramps, tennis elbow, and knee pain. Assemblyman Mike Eng represents the cities of Alhambra, El Monte, Monterey Park, Rosemead, San Gabriel, San Marino, and South El Monte.

The civilian population is slowly gaining access to acupuncture health insurance coverage. On the other hand, the military has been one area of the government which has been an early adopter of acupuncture as part of standard health care. The US Air Force runs a full time acupuncture clinic at Andrews Air Force Base in Maryland. Col. Richard Niemtzow, an Air Force physician, first offered acupuncture in 1995 at McGuire Air Force Base in New Jersey.

Doctors at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington now recommend acupuncture for the treatment of physical pain due to injuries. Dr. Stuessi (a Navy sports medicine physician who works in a special concussion restoration care center that utilizes acupuncture) notes, “I’ve found phenomenal, off-the-charts results doing acupuncture for sleep, for dizziness and headaches.”

Also, the Navy has an acupuncture training program for doctors at Camp Pendleton in California. Dr. (Maj.) Ronald White, director of pain services at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center, performs acupuncture in the US military and comments on its usefulness, “There’s no risk; it gives you benefit. Our goal — my end result — is function. If you come to me complaining that you can’t play with your kids, you can’t sleep at night, you can’t work… six months later, I have you playing, sleeping and back to work….” by healthcmi (c)

If you have any questions about your insurance coverage please let us know and call evolve wellness at 310-289-1155 . We are more then happy to check if your acupuncture treatments are covered .

Healthcare reform may include alternative medicine therapy language. In a town hall meeting this year in St. Louis, MO, President Obama noted that he supports acupuncture.

A licensed acupuncturist noted that the National Institutes of Health and the Wold Health Organization have “discovered through their studies that alternative medicine is often more cost-effective and very effective”. The President replied, “it is pretty well documented through scientific studies that acupuncture, for example, can be very helpful in relieving certain things like migraines and other ailments — or at least as effective as more intrusive interventions”.

He also discussed the challenges of integrating preventative medicine into policy making noting that the new Secretary of Health and Human Service, Kathleen Sebelius, former governor of Kansas, is charged with the task of implementing effective healthcare solutions.

In the St. Louis meeting, Obama noted that policymakers are reticent to invest in preventative medicine because the political payoff is long-term and therefore does not help with immediate re-election concerns. The President further commented that “in the private sector insurance system, oftentimes insurers make the same calculation. Their attitude is, well, people change jobs enough for us to pay for the preventive medicine now when the problem may not crop up for another 20 years and they’ll be long out of our system, so we don’t want to reimburse it because it will make things more costly. That’s the logic of our health care system that we’re going to have to change”. Obama went on to state that the “recovery package put a huge amount in prevention”.

Acupuncture first received national attention in 1972 when President Nixon went to China and New York Times reporter James Reston successfully received acupuncture resulting in successful post-operative pain control. In 1997, the US National Institutes of Health published a report supporting the safety and effectiveness of acupuncture treatments for a wide range of healthcare issues. Under the Clinton administration, the White House Commission on Complementary and Alternative Medicine Policy was formed and The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) became part of the US National Institutes of Health (NIH), Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS).

Great Britain recently added acupuncture into its national healthcare system. Private insurers in the US including AETNA, United Healthcare, Blue Cross, and Blue Shield offer acupuncture insurance coverage options in their policies. However, it is unclear at this stage whether or not acupuncture and alternative medicine regulation will appear in federal law. Technically, the Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor and Statistics (BLS) does not list acupuncture as a unique profession in the US Standard Occupational Classification codes. Rather, acupuncture is listed only as a modality. This technical glitch prevents acupuncture by licensed acupuncturists from inclusion into Medicare and Medicaid along with insurance coverage for federal employees. The National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM) has collaborated with other national organizations to fix this omission.

Acupuncture is already practiced in several major hospitals including Cedars Sinai, UCSF, Maui Memorial, Clifton Springs, and Novato hospitals. The Harvard Medical School Osher Institute also supports the use of acupuncture and conducts ongoing studies. The advent of healthcare reform sheds light on the cost-effectiveness issue. Given the research and practical application supporting acupuncture as an effective means to control pain and treat illness, the federal government may open the door to alternative therapies in an attempt to reduce healthcare costs. by Adam White, L.Ac., Dipl.Ac (c)

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About the Author: Adam White, L.Ac., Dipl.Ac. is an Acupuncture Continuing Education provider with the Healthcare Medicine Institute (HealthCMI).

(published article from USA TODAY)

Brooke Akin underwent three rounds of artificial insemination at $3,000 a pop. She took fertility drugs that made her feel moody. Yet, after three and a half years of trying, she still wasn’t pregnant.
Akin, 29, of Hermitage, Tenn., says her doctor recommended that she undergo in vitro fertilization (IVF), which costs roughly $15,000. But after some initial skepticism, Akin decided to put modern medicine aside and try the ancient practice of acupuncture.
“I was pregnant by the third month. It was awesome,” says Akin, who gave birth to her son, Hudson, in October. “He’s my little acupuncture baby.”

It’s estimated that 10 percent of all women are unable to become pregnant after trying for a year. It’s a problem of special interest to the growing number of women who have waited until their late 30s and early 40s to have children.

Spurred, in part, by reports of celebrities such as Mariah Carey, Celine Dion and Khloe Kardashian trying it, more and more of these women are turning to acupuncture — the practice of inserting thin needles into the skin to relieve pain or promote healing — to address fertility issues.

Some women turn to acupuncture after not being able to conceive naturally. Others do it in conjunction with IVF or other medical treatments. Or as a last-ditch effort after trying everything modern medicine has to offer.

Science is untested
While these anecdotal stories sound promising, Dr. Esther Eisenberg, professor of obstetrics and gynecology at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, says there hasn’t been a large comprehensive study looking at whether acupuncture really helps women become pregnant.
“We don’t know the answer,” she says.

Eisenberg says she’s more likely to recommend that women do things that have been proven to increase the likelihood of pregnancy, such as exercising regularly, maintaining a healthy body weight, and staying away from cigarettes.
She did note that women who want to try acupuncture should rest assured that it isn’t going to hurt them in any way.

“Well, it might hurt your pocketbook,” she joked.
Akin says the relatively low cost of acupuncture compared to IVF is actually one of the reasons she decided to try it. Costs typically range from $60 to $120 per treatment. Akin underwent weekly treatments for three months before getting pregnant. “IVF is so invasive and so costly,” Akin says. “I just wasn’t ready for it.”

An ancient practice
Akin was surprised that she looked forward to getting pricked by needles every week.
Initially, she worried it would hurt, but she says the needles are so thin that she could barely feel it when 15 or so were inserted in her head, stomach, arms and legs. With the soft music and dim lighting, Akin says she found the experience to be pretty relaxing. “It’s kind of like being in a spa,” Akin says, adding that afterward she felt a lot healthier than she did taking fertility drugs.

Polycystic ovarian syndrome is the leading cause of infertility. And according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, most cases of female infertility are caused by problems with ovulation, which is typically marked by irregular or absent periods.

Acupuncturist Mark Shprintz, owner of Nashville Healing Arts, explains that acupuncture is thought to improve the blood supply to the ovaries, which may improve their quality and function. Shprintz says acupuncture has been used to treat such fertility problems for more than 2,000 years. It’s nothing new, he says. “When people hear about the Khloes and the Mariahs, it sparks an interest,” he says.

“I was pregnant by the third month. It was awesome,” says Akin, who gave birth to her son, Hudson, in October. “He’s my little acupuncture baby.” (c) USAToday

…and evolve wellness is proud to say , that there are a couple evolve babies out there as well. ” It makes you so proud when you hear about it ” says an evolve wellness practitioner.

Just in case you got inspired reading this, schedule your appointment at evolve wellness next, and see what the practitioner has to say about your health. CALL 310-289-1155 .

e v o l v e w e l l n e s s
ACUPUNCTURE CENTER
607 N. HUNTLEY DR.
WEST HOLLYWOOD, CA 90069
310-289-1177

‎..and evolve wellness is proud to say , that there are a couple evolve babies out there as well. ” It makes you so proud when you hear about it ” says a practitioner.

Just in case you got inspired reading this, schedule your appointment at evolve wellness next, and see what the practitioner has to say about your health. CALL 310-289-1155 .

‎// African Red Tea products & sample Tea Bar// are coming soon to evolve wellness in West Hollywood . Perfect supplements with your Acupuncture treatments – stay tuned . www.evolvewellness.com

Acupuncture is the ancient Chinese practice of inserting very fine needles into the skin to relieve pain and treat diseases. Since many children are terrified of needles, acupuncture is not commonly offered for children. It is up to each physician, but generally children over the age of 8 are treated with acupuncture. Children under age 8 can receive acupressure or be treated with ear seeds .

“Acupuncture offers another dimension of care in addition to traditional medicine, Children respond very well to the treatment, often better than adults.”

The Chinese believe that there is an energy flow called Qi running throughout the body, and that acupuncture restores the balance of this energy flow, therefore eliminating the pain or symptoms of a disorder. There is limited Western scientific explanation as to how acupuncture works.

The University of Maryland’s Complementary Medicine Program is currently researching its mechanism of action.

Acupuncture is used to treat a variety of illnesses, including attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, arthritis, back pain, asthma, upset stomachs and depression. The number of sessions needed varies, depending on the disorder.

“For a temporary condition like diarrhea or fever, only one or two treatments may be needed. Other problems like an eating disorder or depression may require 10 sessions or more. Each session lasts 30 minutes.

Almost two years ago, research from Children’s Hospital in Boston touted the benefits of acupuncture. Seventy percent of children who took part in the study said acupuncture did indeed help their symptoms. Fifty-five percent of their parents agreed. Only one child said acupuncture worsened the symptoms. Most of the children were being treated with acupuncture for migraine headaches.

For more information please contact evolve wellness at 310-289-1155. Consult with a practitioner, if acupuncture is maybe good for your child .

e v o l v e w e l l n e s s
ACUPUNCTURE GROUP
607 N. Huntley Dr.
West Hollywood, Ca 90069
310-289-1155

// Coming soon to evolve wellness. “Organic African Red Tea” for sale and sample tea bar in the garden . Soothing & Healing Organic Kosher Rooibos Red Tea & African Herbs. Stay tuned. www.evolvewellness.com //

Serious Thoughts Regarding Movement Disorders
by Michelle E. Gamerl, L.Ac.

Most people wouldn’t really know what to think when hearing the words “movement disorder”, yet if I said Parkinson’s Disease, Restless Leg Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, or tremors, I’m sure a clearer picture would come to mind (Katharine Hepburn was diagnosed with Essential Tremor; Michael J. Fox with Parkinson’s Disease).

One in seven people today live with some sort of movement disorder. This is twice the number of people with diabetes. It’s predicted that 80% of all people worldwide will present with a movement disorder before their 65th birthday. These are staggering statistics.

Several movement disorders have a genetic connection such as Huntington’s Disease. Others arise from various things such as injury to the brain during an accident; from a tumor; from the use of drugs, prescription or otherwise, but most notably antidepressants; or viral or bacterial infection, to give some examples.

This information comes from having attended a lecture on this topic by world-renowned functional neurologist and founder of the Carrick Institute for Graduate Studies in Clinical Neurology, Dr. Frederick Robert Carrick. This man is truly making miracles happen: the blind to seeing, the wheel-chair bound to walking, the comatose back to cognition. No joke, Dr. Carrick has a waiting list of people all over the world to get them out of coma.

Much of the lecture revolved around Parkinson’s Disease since it is probably the most well-known movement disorder. I am disturbed to learn hat 70% of people with Restless Leg Syndrome will get Parkinson’s Disease if not intercepted. I was disappointed to learn that Parkinson’s Disease will progress much more rapidly in vegetarians. I was startled to learn that the earliest signs of Parkinson’s Disease are loss of the sense of smell, constipation, and shoulder pain which, as you can probably guess, usually go unheeded and usually preceed any sign of tremor by 20-30 years.

What I have learned, however, makes me even more in awe of acupuncture. Dr. Carrick is a chiropractic functional neurologist, so these courses are not designed for the acupuncturist, but while acupuncture may not be the “cure” for any given movement disorder, I have seen acupuncture itself create miracles. I have personally treated people with facial spasms, tremor after stroke, Restless Leg Syndrome, walking difficulty due to multiple sclerosis, and various palsies to name a few. In all of these cases, the symptoms abated with acupuncture treatments. Now I am better equipped to know why the problem has manifested in the first place and where the problem may lie in the brain (which, interestingly, isn’t absolutely necessary to know in order to make a correct differential diagnosis and beneficial treatment plan according to Oriental Medicine). It is good, however, to understand the anatomical and physiological basis according to Western medicine so that I can be sure I am providing the best care I can and not overlooking when a patient would best be referred out to a functional neurologist.

I am excited to continue my education in the field of functional neurology and look forward to addressing any concerns you may have if you or anyone you know has issues which I have brought up here.

I invite you to allow me to treat you so that you can begin the journey to optimal health and ongoing wellness.

Michelle Gamerl, L.Ac. may be reached at 310-289-1155 at evolve wellness.

Anorexia, Bulimia – Acupuncture can help
by Norah McIntire, L.Ac.

Several years ago I wrote an article about how Chinese medicine can help those struggling with eating disorders. Since that time a new pilot study has been published that confirms what those of us who work with these disorders already knew: Acupuncture helps improve the quality of life for those with anorexia or bulimia, especially in the areas of anxiety and perfectionism. (Complement Ther Med. 2010 Dec;18(6):233-40. Epub 2010 Oct 18.) Acupuncture and Chinese medicine can be invaluable additions to a person’s treatment plan because they uniquely address the emotional and physical discomforts of eating disorders.

The mental/emotional discomforts include often anxiety, depression, insomnia, mood swings, and obsessive thinking. Physical complaints often include stomach and abdominal pain, reflux, nausea, IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome), headaches, and gynecological issues. Acupuncture and Chinese medicine can help with all these issues, lessening them as obstacles to recovery.

Acupuncture and Chinese medicine are not replacements for therapeutic counseling and Western medical monitoring. They are, however, very powerful tools to help repair physical and emotional damage, as well as help relieve the distress of fighting an eating disorder. Regardless of whether you are struggling with binge eating, bulimia, or anorexia, Chinese medicine can be useful because it support recovery with minimal side effects and offers a holistic dimension that treats body, mind, and emotions simultaneously. Adding this medicine to your recovery plan creates a comprehensive treatment to help reclaim your body, thoughts, and life.

For more information, please call Norah at Evolve Wellness (310) 289-1155 You can read her original article on her website: (http://www.acuadvantage.com/articles/eating-disorders-chinese-medicine)

Dear John and the fantastic team at Evolve,

I have been very fortunate and grateful to have amazing massages at Evolve Wellness. I have a sports massage (deep tissue) from Jesse Jordan and a Shiatsu from Xavier each one every other week. Both are fantastic and I could not recommend them highly enough.

One thing that I think people do not understand is the difference between the two types of massage and there is a difference. Both are amazing, beneficial, and unique. It is like comparing a trip to Paris, Rome, or London. Each city is beautiful, unique, and amazing. I don’t need to explain a deep tissue massage as that is what most people experience. Shiatsu is much different.

First of all, I relax in a very different way. The process is about pressure and alignment. You are clothed in a loose fitting short and top garment and the massage takes place without much hand to skin contact. Once again, a very different procedure, but very relaxing and calming.

Second of all, I feel like I am having a “body tune up”. Xavier spends time on key joint areas like the knees, feet, neck, and shoulders. Also, digestion benefits from the Shiatsu massage which is very crucial to overall well being. When I say “tune up” I really mean that. I feel as if I have been rejuvenated from the inside out.

Finally in my opinion the massage feels very meditative. My mind is put at ease and my body basically goes limp for Xavier to give me the most beneficial well being from the Shiatsu. My sleep benefits as well as my overall health.

I was surprised from my first Shiatsu massage and immediately made it a part of my regime. I also feel that Xavier’s experience is a huge part of why I responded so well to the treatment.

~ Dan Leroy, patient

patient Lisa Grundhoffer wrote:
I just received the best EVER massage from Jesse last week! Very unique technique…as he infused a variety of massage styles to provide a customized and most perfect experience. Jesse has a true natural gift and such joyful energy. Can’t wait for another! Thank you (again), Jesse!!
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An Eastern philosophy is gaining acceptance and popularity in Western medicine.

Transcendental meditation is not just for hippies anymore. Studies show meditation can lower blood pressure, reduce stress, even help kids with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and now there are proposals pendong to bring meditation to Massachusetts schools.

Classes at a middle school in Detroit begin with 15 minutes of meditation — no school bells or class announcements.”It keeps me stress free. It helps me concentrate better in class. If I miss a day of meditation, I lose concentration easier,” one student said.

Transcendental meditation, or TM, was considered the realm of the 1960s flower child, but research is beginning to show how a few minutes of quiet meditation twice a day can benefit the body, mind and soul.”TM reduces heart disease. It lowers blood pressure — any stress-related disease is going to be helped because what you’re really getting is deep rest,” TM teacher David Rottenberg said.

In fact, a nine-year study by the University of Michigan found meditating students were happier, managed stress better, and fought less with their peers. Now there’s talk of bringing meditation to schools in the commonwealth.

The Massachusetts Committee for Stress Free Schools is a nonprofit group of educators and meditation specialists who believe TM can help students deal with stress, improve their grades and spark their creativity.”The student is able to achieve more and think more clearly, so this has a tremendous benefit for students,” M

Massachusetts Committee for Stress Free Schools spokeswoman Rosalind Stowe said. TM may even help pump up your brain muscle. Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital compared brain scans of 15 experienced meditators with 15 people who do not meditate. They found meditating actually increased the thickness of the cortex in areas of the brain dealing with attention and sensory processing.

Other studies show meditation could be a drug-free solution for kids with ADHD. “Children with ADHD need to be able to focus more on what’s pertinent in the classroom and be able to settle down better,” Newton Wellesley Hospital Dr. Lori Gara-Matthews said. Most doctors agree more research needs to be done on the benefits on TM. But Roxbury Charter High and several other schools in Massachusetts are considering incorporating meditation into the school day.

Copyright by TheBostonChannel.com.

Read more:

http://www.thebostonchannel.com/health/9322474/detail.html#ixzz1VAN7WfjS

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ACUPUNCTURE GROUP
607 N. Huntley Dr.
West Hollywood, Ca 90069
310-289-1155

from ancient tibetan bells to high tech sound meditation -

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Enjoy yoga and meditation with Andrea, Kyona and Ulrik , or join us for ACUPUNCTURE HAPPY HOUR on Thursday and meet the acupuncturists :

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Evolve-Wellness-Center/115522430970?sk=events

Stay tuned for evolve’s fall program schedule . To book 1on1 classes please call 310-289-1155 for appointments ,

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ACUPUNCTURE GROUP
607 N. Huntley Dr.
West Hollywood, Ca 90069

310.289.1155