How does an acupuncturist know where to put a needle?

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11-26-2019

Watch video: https://vimeo.com/254552743

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Needles 101

Find out more about acupuncture needles
11-26-2019

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It's so hot outside! How can I cool down?

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11-26-2019

Since I have been living in the Greater Phoenix area in Arizona for almost 20 years, I am used to hot summers. But sometimes, it can be just too hot! Here is a specific acupressure point that helps to cool down the body:
Watch video: https://vimeo.com/222400535
Key points of this video:
- Du 14 or Governor Vessel 14 is an acupressure point that cools you down, or as we say in Chinese Medicine “vents heat”.
- It is located on the midline, at the base of the neck, where the head attaches to the rest of your body; just below the notch that you feel.
- Applying a couple of drops of Peppermint Essential Oil helps to cool down your body.
- You can also activate this point by rubbing it with your finger or fingernail. You can even use something like a credit card to rub that area.
Applying a couple of drops of Peppermint Essential Oil just below the notch at the base of your neck helps to cool down your body.

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What does my tongue tell?

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11-26-2019

The tongue is an important diagnostic tool, especially for acupuncturists and practitioners of Chinese medicine. I always look at the tongue when I talk to my patients, because it gives me a better idea of the underlying causes.
https://youtu.be/FwX0XKV-87A
Key points of this video:
- The tongue is an important diagnostic tool
- The “geography” of the tongue is as follows: the tip represents the heart and behind the Heart is the Lung area. The center of the tongue represents the Stomach and Spleen. The back or root of the tongue represents the intestines, Urinary Bladder and Kidneys. The sides of the tongue represent the Liver and Gallbladder.
- The color of the tongue should be pink, but it can be pale or red or even have a purple tinge.
- The coat of the tongue should be thin and white, but it can also be thick, with yellow color, or also sparse or completely missing.
- The sides of the tongue should be pink, but it can be red, pale or sometimes even orange.
- Ideally, the tongue should not be puffy or very thin. I there are teeth marks, then there are often some digestive issues.
- If the tongue is quivering, it often means that a person needs more nourishment, rest and tonification.
- Ideally, a tongue should not be cracked, but sometimes cracks can be congenital. If there are cracks, then this can mean that the person is lacking what Chinese medical practitioners call “yin”.
The tongue is a good representation of your health. Take a look at it from time to time. If you notice any major changes, see a medical practitioner for further examination.

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Which acupressure point helps with anxiety?

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11-26-2019

Anxiety can feel so overwhelming, I know this from personal experience. I can get really frustrated when I unsuccessfully try to calm my mind mentally. That’s when I use Heart 7, an acupuncture point that works really well for anxiety.
Watch video: https://youtu.be/QPl7DVepwi4
Key points of this video:
- There are often ingredients in our diet that can contribute to the feelings of anxiety.
- The consumption of caffeine, Energy Drinks and Mountain Dew can make anxiety worse.
- Sugar can also cause anxiety. Keep in mind that sugar is lurking in many processed foods. And even processed foods may contain some ingredients that can make anxiety worse.
- Minerals have a mild sedative effect. They can be found in whole foods, such as vegetables and fruits.
- Mindfulness helps with anxiety, but what if you’re so anxious that even this is difficult to do. Just focus on your breath (try to time 4 or 6 breaths per minutes and listen to your favorite playlist. Immerse yourself in one of your favorite songs.
- Disconnect from time to time from your electronic devices. There are apps that will do that for you. And, there are also apps that help you meditate.
- The acupuncture point Heart 7 can be stimulated to help with anxiety.
- Heart 7 is located in your wrist area, just below the round bone (also called pisiform bone; similar to a pea).
- Press and massage this point with your finger, fingernail or pen (avoid the ink!) for 20 seconds several times a day.
Heart 7 is located in your wrist area, just below the round bone (also called pisiform bone; similar to a pea). Press and massage this point with your finger, fingernail or pen (avoid the ink!) for 20 seconds several times a day.

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Which acupressure point helps with low back pain?

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11-26-2019

Low back pain can really put a damper on daily activities. Unfortunately, it is very common and often has to do with a previous trauma. But it can also be a red flag for some internal issues if it has been going on for a long time and doesn’t seem to get better.
Watch video: https://youtu.be/IqMdPO7GSQk
Key points of this video:
- Low back pain is often due to some fall or accident that happened in the past.
- It is always a good idea to get it checked out to find out if there are problems with the vertebras or internal issues with kidneys.
- Take a look at your mattress and see this might be the cause due to an uneven or too soft or too hard surface.
- Notice your posture during the day - do you stand evenly on both feet or do you cross your legs when sitting?
- Constipation can often cause low back pain. You should have a bowel movement at least once per day.
- The acupuncture point DU 26 can be stimulated to help with low back pain.
- DU 26 is located in your face, between your nose and upper lip, right in the middle.
- Press and massage this point with your finger, fingernail or pen (avoid the ink!) for 20 seconds several times a day.
Notice your posture during the day - do you stand evenly on both feet or do you cross your legs when sitting?

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Which acupressure point helps with neck pain?

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11-26-2019

Neck pain is actually quite common. Did you know that looking at your smartphone is like placing 4 bowling balls on your neck?
Watch video: https://youtu.be/eSpZpH1d30w
Key points of this video:
- Neck pain can often come from sleeping wrong (experiment with different pillows), posture problems (check your posture when at the computer or smartphone).
- Ladies: check your handbags! You might overloading your back and/or the strap is putting a strain on your shoulder, neck and upper back area.
- Often, we tend to carry our problems in the neck and upper back area. Notice if you start tensing up during the day when dealing with problems or challenges.
- A warm neck wrap helps relax the muscles. If you feel that icing helps, then always alternate the icing with heat packs.
- The acupressure point called Small Intestine 3 can help with neck pain.
- It is located at the outside of your hand, just below the small finger. Use your finger, fingernail or a pen to stimulate this point for 20 seconds, several times a day.

The acupressure point called Small Intestine 3 can help with neck pain. It is located at the outside of your hand, just below the small finger. Use your finger, fingernail or a pen to stimulate this point for 20 seconds, several times a day.

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Which acupressure point helps with sadness and grief?

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11-26-2019

Our dog, Snoopy, was 14 years old when we died. Even though he was quite sick and we were expecting his trip over the rainbow, it was still very difficult to deal with his sudden absence. Also, it was the first time in 20 years that I didn’t have a dog at my side when studying or getting ready in the morning, so I massaged the grief acupressure point quite a bit.
Watch video: https://youtu.be/EdDTQRGdH54
Key points of this video:
- There is a specific acupuncture point that helps with grief.
- This point is helpful for feelings of sadness, crying and weeping.
- This grief point is called Lung 3 and associated with the Lung organ meridian network.
- Lung 3 is located on both arms and can be really tender.
- It can be found close to where the biceps attaches and is about ⅓ from the elbow to the armpit.

Lung 3 is located on both arms, close to where the biceps attaches and can be found about ⅓ from the elbow to the armpit. It is definitely a tender point if you experience grief. Massage Lung 3 for 10 seconds several times a day, if you experience sadness and weeping.

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