April 3, 2024 by Stacy Lauren-Kon, Lac MSOM
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, each season of the year is associated with an organ/channel – and Spring is the time of the Liver.
Spring is the time of year that our Liver energy begins to rise and move outward. We come out of Winter "Yin-Hybernation" which is characterized by the Kidney Channel with stillness, darkness, and slow energy.
Spring signifies a rebirth of active energy and a burgeoning of Yang. The color associated with the Liver Channel is green and in Spring there is a flood of green growth!. That growth and boost of energy is not just happening on the trees outside, but also within ourselves.
This shift can sap of us energy and be a little shock to the system. So come into Mend for a Spring tune-up and energy boost. Acupuncture and an Herbal Formula can support your Liver and help your body adjust to the new season.
November 7, 2023 
Autumn marks the beginning of Yin. It’s the time of the year when our bodies go into a little “hibernation” and turn inward. A stark reversal from the Yang of Summer.
What is Yin? Yin is blood, fluids, tissue. Yin is responsible for moistening and regulating our bodies. Throughout the years of overwork, lack of sleep, eating poorly…. we burn through our Yin. This is when we see symptoms of illness popping up. These issues need to be addressed BEFORE the symptoms present themselves and effect your day to day. And that is where MEND comes in. A Dr. of Eastern Medicine is trained to detect if you are heading down this path toward illness. We strive to keep you within the wellness spectrum and head illness off at the path.
Yin deficiency affects a person's ability to balance organs and fluids (diabetes, high cholesterol, inflammatory disorders, regulate brain chemicals (anxiety and depression), sleep, digest… the list is long. One major clinical manifestation of Yin deficiency is Menopausal symptoms. Dryness, insomnia, anxiety, hot flashes, weight gain, brain fog…. all symptoms that can be managed so you can celebrate this change in life and not dread it.
There are many types of Yin Deficiency expressed through different organ systems of the body is out of balance.
- Yin Deficiency of the Kidneys: Brain fog, bone loss, dizziness and/or vertigo, poor memory, tinnitus, low back pain, menstrual abnormalities, or fertility issues.
- Yin Deficiency of the Lungs: Dry mouth with cough. Repeated or long term cold or flu, asthma-like loss of breath.
- Yin Deficiency of the Stomach: Lack of appetite, fry tongue, lips, and mouth with bad breath, heartburn, gas and bloating, and weight gain.
- Yin Deficiency of the Heart: Palpitations or tightness in the chest, insomnia, excessive worry, and anxiety.
- Yin deficiency of the Liver: When Liver Yin becomes deficient, the yang becomes too abundant and “rises up.” In TCM we call the Liver yang Rising and can lead to headaches, vertigo/dizziness, tinnitus, anxiety, anger and behavioral issues.
So at this time of year we all need to make changes and embrace the cycle of the seasons of life so we do not burn through our Yin.
Come in to Mend and reset your Yin. We offer Acupuncture, Herbal Pharmaceuticals (instead, of or in harmony with, the more harsh Western drugs), Behavior Modification, and Nutritional Consultation to get you through this time of year with grace and good health!
September 8, 2023 by Stacy Lauren-Kon, Lac MSOMPain Management and
The Safer Alternatives We Offer
Many of my patients have been using over the counter anti-inflammatory NSAIDS on a weekly or even daily basis. Studies have proven that Advil, Ibuprofen, and Aleve, cause damage to the kidneys when taken regularly. And Tylenol, or Acetaminophen, can easily cause major liver damage with regular use.
A recent study showed that incorrect use of NSAIDs is estimated to account for 107,000 hospitalizations and 15,600 deaths annually in the United States. These medications are purchased without a prescription and are assumed perfectly safe by most people. However, these medications are indeed very serious and can cause damage to your body slowly, without notice.
Did you know that a toxic dose of Aspirin is a mere 200 to 300 mg/kg (milligrams per kilogram of body weight), and ingestion of 500 mg/kg is potentially lethal. And in chronic over use a lower level of aspirin in the body can result in serious illness.
These medications, if up for FDA approval today, would have much more severe restrictions. But Traditional Eastern Medicine has been offering safe and easily absorbed pain medication for centuries with no danger of organ or tissue damage. There are many different patented formulas, each designed for a specific type and location of pain. So if you have a migraine you would take a different TCM Formula than you would if you have lower back pain. There are specific ingredients that send the anti-inflammatories to the exact location you need the relief!
One of my favorite formulas to prescribe for PMS and painful cramping is Xiao Yao San. Xiao Yan San has been around for thousands of years and contains ingredients to relieve abdominal distention and pain, gas, tightness in the chest, depression, irritability, irregular periods, and breast tenderness.
Mend keeps many other formulas in stock for common ailments such as migraines, back pain, sciatic pain, arthritis, sinus pressure, etc…… So call us today for a an Herbal Formula to compliment your Acupuncture Treatment. Used together, these two modes of Traditional Eastern Medicine are quite powerful and effective with no negative side effects.
August 11, 2023 by Stacy Lauren-Kon, Lac MSOMWhat exactly is Sciatic Pain? Sciatic Pain can present in a few different ways, mainly Sciatic Pain is an ache or stabbing pain that starts in the lower back or upper buttocks region and radiants either down the back, side or front of the leg to the knee and sometimes down to the toes. The pain that travels down the leg could be a sensation of weakness, numbness, or an electrical shock-like sensation. These symptoms may be a sign of a herniated disk or simply the side effect of sitting too much – all placing pressure on the sciatic nerve.
Most people go to the ER, Urgent Care, or their General MD for help and are surprised that there is not much offered other than prescribed steroids, Gabapentin, or NSAIDS and told to rest. With severe cases, steroid injections are offered. Some patients do experience some relief from Western Medicine but more often than not they continue to seek help elsewhere.
As we are all getting back to heavier work schedules after Covid, we are all sitting and driving much more than we have in the past few years. Sitting is a major contribution to this disorder. Mend gets calls several times a week from desperate patients asking if Eastern Medicine and Acupuncture can offer help. The answer is YES! And while I do not have a magic wand, treating Sciatic Pain is one of my favorite treatments to perform on patients because the results are sometimes so immediate. It is a joy to see the look of relief on patient's faces when they walk out my door.
So what does Acupuncture and its accompanying modalities (Cupping, Tui Na Massage, Physical Adjustments, Moxa, and E-stim) do for Sciatic Pain?
- It relaxes tight muscles that may be compressing the nerve;
- It increases blood flow or blood circulation for quicker, more complete healing;
- It reduces inflammation;
- It decreases pressure on nerves;
- It stimulates the nervous system to release endorphins and other biochemical that ease the severity of pain; and
- It promotes regeneration of the sciatic nerve;
Most patients who come in for a Sciatic Pain treatment will lie face down on the treatment table with their face in a cushioned cradle. The Distal Acupuncture points for sciatic pain are located on the arms, hands, calf, ankles, and the gallbladder and bladder meridians in the feet. Needles are also placed in “Ai Shi” points and “Trigger Points” which are more local to the pain. And often I like to add E-Stim (Electronic Stimulation) to the treatment to help with nerve conduction and inflammation. No part of this treatment is painful in any way. You will fell a gentle massaging sensation from the inside out.
After the 28 minute Acupuncture Treatment (28 minutes is how long it takes for your body's energy, or Qi, to circulate throughout your body) I then like to do some Tui Na Massage and Adjustments on the affected region to bring the skeletal structure into alignment and relieve pressure off of the nerve. When the patient is dressed and off the table we then go over some Therapeutic Exercises that they can do at home to further the process of healing.
I also send my patients home with Chinese Herbs that additionally reduces inflammation, decreases pain, increases blood flow to the specific region, and keep muscles loose and pliable.
Each patient that comes into Mend is treated individually based on their specific constitution, symptoms and needs. But the above is a good idea of what you can expect when you come in for a treatment.
Please feel free to give me a call to discuss your issue and we can plan a treatment protocol for you to reduce your pain and get you back to a better normal.
Book an Appointment Today!
July 8, 2023 by Stacy Lauren-Kon, Lac MSOMSummer and TCM
The seasons play a significant role in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Each season is believed to have its own characteristics and effects on certain organs, so living in harmony with these changes is essential for maintaining optimal health. That includes making changes in sleep patterns, adjusting one’s diet, and one’s level of activity.
Each season is aligned with either Yin or Yang, one of the Five Elements (Fire, Water, Metal, Earth, Wood), and a Yin and Yang paired organ/meridian system (Yin: Heart, Lung, Spleen, Liver, and Kidney and Yang: San Jiao, Large Intestine, Gallbladder, and Urinary Bladder). Summer is associated with Yang, the element of Fire, and the Heart and Small Intestines. It is considered the most Yang time of the year when nature and Qi (energy and life force) is at its peak of activity and growth. Yang is associated with light, high energy, solid material, it is an expansive time where there is vibrance and outward-moving energy.
The Heart is considered the ruler of all organs and plays a vital role in maintaining emotional well-being, sleep, and circulation. Since it is a Yin organ it is taxed during the Yang season of Summer. The Small Intestine is a Yang organ and is responsible for separating pure and impure substances, both on a physical and emotional level.
The Summer is associated with joy, enthusiasm, and exuberance in TCM. It is a time for expressing oneself, being social, and engaging in activities that bring happiness and fulfillment. However, an imbalance during Summer can lead to an excess of joy, which throws the Shen (spirit) off. Since the Shen resides in the Heart, this imbalance can lead to manic or hyperactive behavior. Maintaining emotional balance and nurturing positive emotions are essential during this season.
Eastern Medicine places great emphasis on diet and nutrition. Since each season corresponds with a different organ, specific recommendations are made for each new season and Summer is definitely no exception. The nutritional focus is on light, refreshing, and cooling foods that help counteract the external heat. Foods such as watermelon, cucumber, mint, and green leafy vegetables are commonly consumed to cool and hydrate the body. Normally TCM recommends keeping raw foods to a minimum in the colder months. But in the Summer, cold raw foods is preferable.
The summer season encourages outdoor activities, exercise, and spending time in nature. However, it is easy to overdue it and tax your Qi. Engaging in gentle exercises such as walking, swimming, or yoga can help balance the body's energy during this time. Protecting oneself from excessive heat, staying hydrated, and getting adequate rest are also extremely important.
Overall, the significance of Summer in Eastern Medicine lies in aligning oneself with the seasonal energies and making appropriate lifestyle and dietary adjustments. By doing so, it is believed that one can enhance overall well-being, prevent imbalances, and promote harmony within the body and mind.
Watermelon Cucumber Mint Salad
I fell in love with this recipe when a friend brought this to a dinner party I was hosting. It is permanently on my “favorites” list! Thank you, Rachel.
Ingredients:
1 small red onion, halved and sliced into thin half-moons
2 tablespoons lime juice, or more to taste
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 seedless watermelon, cut into cubes
3 baby cucumbers, seeded and cut into cubes
1 cup crumbled feta cheese
½ cup mint leaves, sliced thinly
Directions:
Mix red onion with lime juice in a bowl; set aside to marinate at least 10 minutes. Stir olive oil into mixture.
Toss watermelon, baby cucumbers, and feta cheese together in a large bowl. Pour red onion mixture over watermelon mixture; toss to coat. Sprinkle mint over the salad; toss and enjoy!
July 6, 2023 by Stacy Lauren-Kon, Lac MSOM
Teenage acne, also known as Acne Vulgaris, is primarily caused by hormonal changes during puberty and adolescents and can have long-term damaging socio-emotional ramifications for teenagers.
Acne often negatively affects teenagers' self-esteem and body image. They may feel self-conscious about their appearance, leading to decreased confidence and a negative perception of themselves. The low self-esteem can then lead to Social Anxiety and Isolation and avoidance of social interactions or situations that draw attention to their skin.
Some teenagers may develop unhealthy coping mechanisms in response to their acne, such as excessive skin picking or attempting to cover up their skin with heavy makeup. These behaviors can further exacerbate the problem.
When desperate, many parents turn to Western drugs for their children. However, many Western drugs are quite damaging to the liver and also can cause dangerous psychological harm. The minor side effects of Western treatment are dryness, flaking, sensitivity to light, diarrhea, nausea and dizziness. However the more serious side effects can be infertility, genital numbness, liver damage, depression, psychosis, suicide, seizures, bone degradation, heart attacks, and strokes. These are not theoretical side effects. I personally have treated many kids who have experienced one or many of these side effects. Accutane currently has thousands of lawsuits filed against it.*
Considering even the minor reactions, it seems foolhardy to not try Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) BEFORE turning to the Western drugs! Traditional Chinese Medicine is safe, gentle, has little to no side effects and gets to the root cause of the acne – not merely treating it topically.
There are many root causes of acne. Some of them being hormonal fluctuations, genetic factors, excessive sebum production, Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes) bacteria, blocked hair follicles, inflammation caused by stress, medications, or dietary factors.
Whatever the cause, TCM (which includes Acupuncture, Behavior Modification, Nutritional Consultation, Physical Bodywork, Cupping and Chinese Herbal Formulas) are proven to be beneficial for treating acne. TCM, is a holistic approach in that it addresses the underlying imbalances in the body that contribute to acne. This approach aims to restore balance and harmony to the body as a whole, rather than simply treating the symptoms.
TCM is wonderful at regulating the body's inflammatory response, potentially reducing the redness, swelling, and pain associated with acne breakouts. It also regulates the hormonal imbalances which cause many flare-ups, and, upon insertion, the needles stimulate and improve blood circulation to the skin, aiding in the delivery of nutrients and oxygen and promoting the removal of toxins, potentially helping to clear acne.
The best benefit of Acupuncture, in my book, has always been its' amazing ability to reduce stress. Acupuncture is known to have a calming effect on the nervous system by training the brain to not be in Fight or Flight constantly. Stress is a common trigger for acne breakouts, so managing stress through acupuncture is a great way to improve acne symptoms.
When a patient comes into Mend, I take an individualized approach to their personal situation. I first assess the patient's unique constitution, symptoms, nutritional and behavioral patterns, and overall health to create a personalized treatment plan that targets their specific underlying causes of acne. I then begin the Acupuncture treatment with very fine needles that are designed to glide through the surface of the skin seamlessly with absolutely NO pain.
Sometimes it is appropriate to perform Cupping Therapy on cystic acne. In particular, I like to do Wet Cupping. In TCM lingo, acne is often caused by heat, dampness, and stagnation. Wet Cupping, in particular, removes heat and stagnation. Wet Cupping pulls the bacteria, toxins, and pus to the surface and helps the body clear it from the system faster.
If appropriate, afterwards I then apply numbing cream to the affected area and perform a 10 minute Microneedling treatment. Microneedling is a wonderfully effective tool to dissipate acne and help heal and prevent new scarring. Microneedling is a cosmetic procedure that involves using a device with many (30-60) tiny needles to create tiny punctures in the skin. While it is commonly used for anti-aging it can also be beneficial for teenage acne due to its ability to break up existing scars, enhance absorption of healing topical treatments, reduce pore size, and improve overall texture and tone of the skin.
After treatment most patients are then offered a patented TCM herbal formula to work systemically on the cause of the acne. There are many formulas and I hand pick the most appropriate one for each patient depending on many factors. All formulas are cost effective, made in the USA, and FDA approved. The herbs are also encapsulated and easy to swallow.
I also send each patient with acne home with a sample bottle of my Mend Everything Oil - Acne Formula. It contains Hyaluronic Acid, Vitamin C, Niacinimide, Sea Buckthorn, Rose Essence, Saffron, Argon Oil, and Vit E. All of these ingredients are truly magical in the skin healing process and do not clog pores or irritate the skin further. .
So now that you know how beneficial all of the modalities of TCM are in treating acne, I hope you turn to this beautiful 3,000+ year old medicine to help you or your child heal in a healthy and productive way. I look forward to seeing you and your child at Mend and helping you both through this healing journey!
Click here to book and appointment!
* https://www.millerandzois.com/products-liability/drugs/other-drug-cases/accutane/#:~:text=Thousands%20of%20lawsuits%20have%20been,%2C%20heart%20attacks%2C%20and%20strokes.
May 9, 2023 by Stacy Lauren-Kon, Lac MSOM
I was 24, 94 pounds, beautiful as hell, and a tender new transplant to Los Angeles. One steamy June day I remember walking into a Chinese Pharmacy downtown to buy a bar of sandalwood soap for my then boyfriend. A man in a white lab coat took me by the arm and asked if I wanted to see the Dr. as he steered my towards the back of the store.
The “Dr.” I met with was an old man who worked out of a tiny broom closet. This sweet man treated me for every ailment from UTI’s to depression and anxiety for the next 4 years with amazing results. One day, I gathered up the nerve to ask, “How old are you?”. “89 this month.”, he smiled back. I was slack-jawed. The man in front of me had the skin of a 50 year old woman. Absolutely glowing with not a single dark spot – only pearlescent white skin with NO wrinkles. This was 1993 - before lasers and Retin A were available. No smoke and mirrors. I was stunned. He moved with the quick grace and agility of a 30 year old. I was so confused.
I asked hopefully, “How do you stay so young?” He giggled, “You Americans love stress. I don’t worry like you. Meditation, cherry juice for skin, Tai Qi, herbs - every day - every day, and Acupuncture. Lot of Acupuncture. Acupuncture so important. So important.” I left in a very confused state.
That was 1993. I giggle when I think back at the 24 year old who sat in that closet office in awe. Now I am 55 and thanks to Eastern Medicine have sailed through menopause and am on the other end feeling and looking pretty good. He was right… Meditation, Exercise, Herbs, and Acupuncture are a fantastic combo for elegant aging!
For the sake of this article I am going to focus on the main 2 modalities of Eastern Medicine – Acupuncture and Herbs. There is so much research to support these statements, and I have cited some of it at the end, but Eastern Medicine is still struggling for its full acceptance and integration in our culture. I hope reading further will help you embrace it into your daily life to enjoy a more graceful aging process.
Acupuncture can help with aging by stimulating the flow of Qi in the body, which boosts circulation and reduces inflammation. Facial rejuvenation Acupuncture, in particular, can help plump and tighten the skin, target wrinkles, and reduce fine lines. By stimulating the facial muscles, Acupuncture can help restructure the edges and ridges that fit along the cheek bones and potentially reverse some of the effects of aging.
Eastern Medicine And Memory Loss
Many Acupuncture points increase the acetylcholinesterase reactivity in the hippocampus, lower cortisol levels, and increase neurogenesis which greatly improves learning and memory ability. So many studies have shown the effectiveness of Acupuncture in the prevention of memory loss and cognitive decline when used as an alternative or in combination with other treatments. And new findings indicate that even mild cognitive impairment can be improved and sometimes reversed with Acupuncture.
Sources:
https://alzheimers.newlifeoutlook.com/acupuncture-for-memory-loss/
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/312144
http://www.acupuncture.com/newsletters/m_jun15/memory.htm
Eastern Medicine and Skin Rejuvenation
Acupuncture stimulates the flow of Qi and blood in the body, which boosts circulation, reduces inflammation, and forces your body to produce more collagen. As we age we naturally produce less and less collagen with each year that passes. Topically applying collagen will not reverse aging. However, facial rejuvenation Acupuncture helps plump and tighten the skin, target wrinkles, and reduce fine lines by tricking your body into thinking it is being damaged and forcing it to repair itself with a burst of collagen. And in addition to the collagen burst, by stimulating the major facial muscles Acupuncture helps restructure the muscles and fascia along the cheek bones, chin, and eyes.
One might ask, “Does this hurt?” I mean, you are sticking needles in someone’s face, right? But NO. Facial Acupuncture does NOT hurt. We use hair-thin needles that are slightly thicker than the human hair and are designed to seamlessly glide into the skin almost imperceptibly. It does not hurt!
There are also so many herbs and patented formulas to augment Facial Rejuvenation Acupuncture. For thousands of years Chinese patented formulas have been around to help increase muscle tone, increase blood flow, and improve overall glow.
Eastern Medicine and Incontinence
Acupuncture is a wonderful way to treat urinary incontinence and bladder control issues due to aging or disease. According to many studies, there is no significant difference between the use of Acupuncture and Western drugs for overactive bladder in adults. Eastern Medicine has been accelerating the recovery of bladder function for centuries. It has no side effects, is cost effective, super convenient, and incredibly safe in comparison to surgery.
Acupuncture and Eastern Medicine is a beautiful alternative to surgery for women after labor and delivery, women going through menopause, men suffering from prostate issues, and spinal injury patients. In my own practice I have even found Acupuncture to be a wonderful treatment for bedwetting.
Sources:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31433197/
https://journals.lww.com/md-journal/Fulltext/2020/08140/Efficacy_and_safety_of_acupuncture_for_urinary.31.aspx
https://www.bladderandbowel.org/conservative-treatment/acupuncture/
https://www.healthcmi.com/Acupuncture-Continuing-Education-News/1684-acupuncture-helps-bladder-control-stops-leakage
Eastern Medicine and Menopause
Acupuncture has been found to be very effective in alleviating many symptoms of menopause. Acupuncture helps to boost and balance hormones that are leveling off during the aging process and provides relief for hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, anxiety, insomnia, vaginal dryness, and pain. Acupuncture also stimulates the central nervous system and regulates the vagus nerve which is essential for controlling depression and anxiety that is exacerbated during menopause.
Acupuncture and Eastern Medicine is not only a great tool for female menopause, but also is a great resource for male aging, as well. Lack of testosterone, lower libido, and sexual dysfunction are issues that plague the aging man. Acupuncture and Eastern Medicine help balance male hormones, as well, help raise Kidney Yang (libido) and help improve both Primary and Secondary Erectile Dysfunction (ED).
Sources:
https://www.healthline.com/health/menopause/acupuncture-for-menopause-how-this-alternative-therapy-brought-me-relief
https://www.evidencebasedacupuncture.org/acupuncture-menopause/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28350757/
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/324481
Eastern Medicine and Weight Loss
Weight gain is the result of many dysfunctions in the body. Acupuncture stimulates the body’s Qi (energy flow) by focusing on the adrenals, endocrine system, kidneys, spleen, and thyroid glands. By stimulating these organs and systems (meridians), your body is encouraged to increase metabolism, improve insulin and leptin sensitivity, stimulate endorphins, reduce appetite, and improve lymphatic drainage and inflammation.
Now I know you are thinking, can’t I just take an Ozempic and lose the weight? Sure, you can. However the moment you stop taking the drug your appetite will return and you will become less insulin sensitive and the pounds will return. Acupuncture and Eastern Medicine gets to the root of the issue and trains your body to make lasting change. The goal is to lose it slow and steady and train your brain and body to work together for more permanent results. Also, Ozempic’s side effects include: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, pancreatitis, and kidney damage. There are NO side effects from Acupuncture.
Sources:
https://www.healthline.com/health/acupuncture-for-weight-loss
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/acupuncture-for-weight-loss
https://www.verywellhealth.com/acupuncture-for-weight-loss-5088178
https://health.usnews.com/wellness/articles/2019-02-14/can-acupuncture-help-you-lose-weight
Now after reading about all the health benefits of Acupuncture and Eastern Medical treatments you may be asking, "Can I afford this?" The answer is – “Yes”.
Here is a breakdown of some things you spend money on in a year…..
Starbucks Latte 1x a day 5 days a week $1,300
Annual Gym membership $1,200
Average Cable Bill/Streaming Costs $2,400
Ordering In 2xs a Week for 2 people $10,000
Average Surgery Cost $5,000 - $200,000
1 Acupuncture Visit every Other Week* $3,250
* Many Insurance plans reimburse for Acupuncture Treatments.
So as you can see, Acupuncture is extremely cost effective when you look at the big picture. It is an investment in your happiness, health, and overall quality of life. I am so grateful I bumped into that beautiful old man in the broom closet over 30 years ago. Not only is my own quality of life so much better than it would have been otherwise, but I have found a profession I am passionate about and which I can help others live better lives, as well.
* Read more studies on Acupuncture and Eastern Medicine for age related conditions.
