An old quote says that you should be courageous enough to heal yourself – even if the cure hurts. What does that mean? Well, the answer is subjective. It could mean that the cure for what ails you could be painful. Or it could mean that you should reassess your mindset about healing and what …
You might think that chiropractic and acupuncture treatments are the same, but there are subtle differences between them. Both are known as a solution for pain management as part of a physical rehabilitation program. If you are curious about chiropractic vs. acupuncture treatments, here is our ultimate guide. 13w Are you looking for an experienced …
Chiropractic vs. Acupuncture: The Ultimate Guide Read More »
This cold and flu season may seem even more unpredictable as we enter the fall and winter on the coattails of a global pandemic, thankfully many of the things we are already doing will help to prevent the viruses responsible for the common cold and flu. I doubt anyone will disagree that fastidious hand washing, …
Paving the way for a healthy cold and flu season in the midst of a pandemic Read More »
What is mindfulness and how do we bring it into our day practice? Mindfulness is the act of being present, of consciously being involved in the current moment. To practice mindfulness some people have developed meditation routines where focus on the breath or the body is maintained throughout the practice. However, mindfulness can be practiced …
5 Ways to Bring Mindfulness into Your Daily Life. Read More »
RANGE OF MOTION WARM UP Sit comfortably with your feet flat on the floor, back straight and shoulders tucked back slightly. Slowly Bend your neck forward, chin to chest. Hold for two seconds. Then extend your neck backwards and look up, keep the neck long and hold for two seconds. Rotate your neck so you …
Acupuncture has become a part of post-workout recovery and skills and strength optimization of both amateur and professional athletes. We have know for many years that acupuncture provides pain relief, reduces inflammation and relaxes muscles. Now research is showing that acupuncture can improve performance and strength too. By improving proprioception, rebalancing muscle groups and providing …
Grounding techniques are used to bring ourselves into a more stable, calm and secure state of mind. Throughout the last several weeks many of us have experienced moments of great anxiety, and have had our confidence in social structures shaken. While many of use cope well generally, we have also had moments of uncertainty. These …
In my acupuncture practice I laugh a lot! I laugh with my patients about life’s struggles, work scenarios and relationship fails. We also laugh about successes and politics. Laughter is an important part of how we emotionally process the world. Usually we need to digest what’s going on a bit before we can laugh about …
Due to COVID-19, more of us are increasingly finding ourselves working from home. Although waking up, having breakfast in bed, and then opening the laptop for work sounds enticing, it isn’t the greatest positioning for your spine. Here are a few tips that should help make working from home less of a pain in the …
5 Tips for an At-Home Ergonomic Workstation for Your Neck and Back Read More »
We’d can’t wait to be able to open our doors back up and treat all of the wonderful people we’ve served for the past 15 years! We will be open just as soon as this crazy virus has past and it’s safe to treat the community again! Millions of people in the US struggle with …
5 Acupressure Points to Relieve Stress and Anxiety Read More »
Looking for ideas about how to fill your days while stuck at home? These are all simple ideas and ways to keep you moving and active during the day. Whenever you find your self sinking too deeply into your screen time and needing a change grab one of these ideas and get going again. Walks: …
The vagus nerve is a long wandering nerve that exits from the brain and travels down through the digestive organs. The nerve is especially important to nervous system regulation. The vagus nerve regulates the internal organ functions like heart rate, respiration, and digestion. It also controls the reflex actions of gagging, swallowing, coughing, and vomiting. …
Strengthen your Vagus Nerve for Relaxation and Stress Reduction Read More »
In order for us all to avoid going completely stir crazy and spending 2 weeks in our pajamas watching Netflix here are 6 very practical ways to help us stay motivated and maintain our mental well being during our quarantine time. 6 Easy to do Practical Ideas: Get dressed : Get yourself out of bed, …
6 Practical Ideas for Mental Health During a Quarantine Read More »
Chronic illness isn’t easy to deal with, and many patients often end up scrambling for ways to relieve the pain. In our previous article on ‘Who Should I See When I’m in Pain?’, we discussed how discomfort could be caused by many reasons, and not just from the illness itself. Factors like hormones, poor diet, and vitamin …
Acupuncture Can Provide Relief for Chronic Illness Read More »
Throughout the world, musculoskeletal pain is one of the most common reasons to seek help from a medical professional and one of the leading causes of disability. Common reasons to seek medical care include: neck pain low back pain arthritis sports injuries whiplash from car accidents. Traditionally it has been normal for patients seeking care …
Lots of people start the new year with resolutions for better health and wellness, but a good number of them fail to stick with their goals. Seniors often face an even tougher challenge making these changes, especially if you’re on a fixed income. There isn’t a magic solution that makes wellness goals a breeze, but …
Affordable Ways for Seniors to Start Self-Care Habits That Last All Year Long Read More »
Dr. heather Krebsbach As a Naturopathic Doctor, I believe strongly in the healing power of nature. So as the cold and flu season approaches, there are many natural approaches to optimizing one’s immune system in order to get yourself ready for battles ahead. While sleep and stress management are fundamental to health, the foods we …
Favorite Naturopathic Foods to Prevent Winter Illness Read More »
The impact of a car accident leads to extreme force, also known as kinetic energy, being absorbed by your body. Although cars are equipped with safety features to help address this, our bodies are not made to handle the impact of these forces. Auto Accidents cause whiplash injuries:Whiplash occurs when the back and front of …
What happens to your body during a car accident? Read More »
Healthy living can mean all sorts of things, but for seniors, it can be tricky to find the right combination of diet, exercise routine, and lifestyle factors to keep up energy and remain healthy and safe. There may be mobility issues at play, or you may have a busy schedule that prevents you from doing …
Healthy Living for Seniors: Tips for Feeling and Looking Great Read More »
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When it comes to developing healthy habits, it can often feel overwhelming. However, living a healthy lifestyle can make your life much easier and enjoyable, especially during your golden years. Seniors who exercise spend 25 percent less time being injured than those who don’t, so it’s incredibly useful and important to exercise regularly. Here are …
Eight Easy Ways Seniors Can Develop and Maintain Healthy Habits Read More »
Dr. Heather Krebsbach is a naturopathic physician seeing patients at Inner Gate Acupuncture’s Halsey street location. She has been practicing naturopathic medicine in Portland Since 2006. She specializes in bio identical hormones and endocrine health. In this post she offers her insights on understanding and optimizing thyroid health. The thyroid is a little butterfly-shaped gland …
The year of the Earth Dog has past and we’ve begun the year of the Earth Pig. The Pig is the last animal of the 12 year Chinese zodiac cycle. Legend holds that the Yellow emperor held a race for all animals to determine their position in the yearly line up. The Pig was the last to cross …
How does dehydration affect low back pain? The discs in your spine are fibrous bundles with soft liquid centers. The discs are nearly 75% water. The outer ring is more fibrous and tough while the inner ring, also known as the nucleus pulposus, is mostly water. During a normal day, due to pressure, water is …
Many of us have been searching for the best diet to help us achieve optimal health. Some of us have tried plant-based diets, while others have explored eliminating certain foods. Traditional diets from all around the world, some completely plant-based and others heavily animal-based, have all produced healthy populations. All of these diets have one …
Acupuncture reduces allergies by calming and regulating the immune system and opening the respiratory tract. Precisely placed needles dilate and expand the lungs allowing you to breath more fully and open up sinuses to resolve congestion and itching. Acupuncture also calms the immune system making you less reactive to allergens in the air. Chinese Herbal …
Over the last fifteen years a clear link has been observed between Aristolochic Acids (AA) and liver damage and cancer. In the past, herbs containing these acids were regularly used in Chinese herbal medicine. As early as 2002, while still students at The Oregon College of Oriental Medicine, we learned about the mounting evidence and …
For many of us the holidays are a difficult time. Family expectations, uncomfortable political conversations, endless meal preparation, and mandated shopping all contribute to the overwhelming chaos. In the midst of the holiday fury, it’s important that we all find windows of time devoted to relaxation and “me time.” Finding just 15 minutes a day …
Gazpacho and Mojitos! Watermelons are know as Xi Gua in Chinese. In Chinese medicine they are eaten to protect against heat stroke and to maintain proper hydration and electrolyte balance during the hot summer months. Of course, watermelons can be enjoyed simply by slicing them into wedges and serving them chilled. But there are many …
You want to get fit, but going to a gym just isn’t your idea of fun, so you can’t find the motivation to actually workout. If this sounds familiar, then perhaps you need to change your idea of working out. If you find an activity that pushes your body out of it’s comfort zone and …
Inner Gate Acupuncture carries Nordic Natural brand fish oils because of their great reputation, and third party testing. The testing verifies purity, quality and establishes whether or not heavy metals are present. Inner Gate Acupuncture offers fish oils at prices lower than Whole Foods and New Seasons. We carry the Pro line of products, which …
Talk with your acupuncturist if you feel you are coming down with something and want to employ the herbal approach first. Inner Gate Acupuncture can help.
New research rejects the use of ice in injury recovery protocols. Dr. Gabe Mirkin, who coined the acronym RICE (Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation) for injury care, reversed course and begun arguing that ice actually delays healing. Dr. Mirkin is now advocating a much more limited role of ice in the recovery of injuries. After an …
Whether you are single, in a relationship, a parent to a child or a four-legged companion, spending time alone touts several benefits, and can be incorporated into your fitness journey as you strive to get off the couch and get active. Perhaps you had a sedentary winter season, or maybe you just want to get …
Getting fit is a commitment, but sometimes you just don’t have enough time to get to the gym. Fortunately, participating at the gym isn’t the only way to get fit! If you are pressed for time, or bored with your current routine, it’s time to shake it up! Exciting new ways to exercise are all …
INGREDIENTS This recipe makes 2 cups 1 cup unsweetened non-dairy milk, preferably coconut milk or almond milk 1 cup water 1 cinnamon stick 1-2 inch piece of turmeric, unpeeled, thinly sliced or crushed, or 1/2 teaspoon dried turmeric 1/2-inch piece ginger, unpeeled, thinly sliced 1 tablespoon honey (added after cooking) 1 tablespoon virgin coconut …
Stress has profoundly detrimental effects on our bodies and our lives. Many of us are under a greater amount of stress than we know. Understanding the many effects that stress has on our bodies can help us more accurately assess how much stress we are under. Effects of Stress: Headaches Anxiety, panic attacks and depression …
In traditional Chinese thought the winter season is associated with the water element. It is a time of reflection and introspection. Winter is a great time for us to think about the past years achievements and shortfalls and think of ways to improve ourselves in the coming year. Many of us will sit and …
Abdominal pain, bloating gas and heartburn are conditions that affect many of us. In fact, according to a Merck corporation survey, 7% of us suffer from abdominal pain on a daily basis! Abdominal pain is caused by many complicated issues that require careful diagnosis and treatment for lasting relief. Many of us aren’t satisfied with …
Vitamin D is naturally produced in our skin when we are exposed to sunlight. In the Pacific Northwest it is easy for us to become deficient in vitamin D during the winter months. For many of us it is crucial that we supplement vitamin D during this time. Symptoms of Vitamin D Deficiency: FatigueGeneralized aches …
In autumn many plants die back to the earth sending their energy into their roots. In traditional Chinese thought, autumn is associated with the metal element, the color white and the lung organ. The process of turning inward and returning to our roots is important after the bursting energy of spring and the fiery energy …
In traditional Chinese medicine each season is represented by a different element. The Chinese divide summer into two distinct phases. Early summer is associated with the fire element and late summer with the earth element.The earth element is associated with the digestive system, the flavor sweet and the color yellow. By late summer many of …
Late Summer & The Earth Element in Chinese Medicine Read More »
Michael phelps broke the 2168 year old record of Leonidas of Rhodes to become the most decorated olympian of all time. As he glided through the water and onto the podium the dark cupping spots on his shoulders caused quite a ripple. Now all the press and public are clambering to find out more about …
Plantar fasciitis is a common complaint characterized by pain in the heel and the bottom surface of the foot. The pain is typically worse in the morning and after periods of inactivity. Risk factors for plantar fasciitis include: Foot Over-Pronation Flat feet High arches Obesity Achilles Tendon Tension Poor Footwear Acupuncture is a successful component of …
Where is the Best Acupuncture in Portland? Inner Gate Aupuncture was named the best acupuncture clinic in Portland. So I would try them out.
Poor posture contributes to many of the chronic pains we experience on a daily basis. Imbalance in the muscles of our necks and shoulders leads directly to headaches, stiff necks, and numbness and tingling in the fingers. In the above image, the woman is shown first with an exaggeration of a common posture known as …
Cilantro Pesto Recipe Heavy Metal Detox It is important to use organic ingredients and to wash them well. This will avoid contamination with pesticides and herbicides. Ingredients: 3 cloves garlic1/3 cup Brazil nuts or macadamia nuts1/3 cup sunflower seeds1/3 cup pumpkin seeds1 cup fresh cilantro leaves1 cup parsley2/3 cup cold pressed olive oil4 tablespoons lemon …
For many years consumers have demanded and paid a premium for organic foods. Many believed that the food was somehow healthier than food produced with fertilizers, pesticides and chemicals. Others paid for the premium because it meant fewer pesticides and herbicides on their food and in the environment. The European Commission, the executive body of …
Heartburn medications, known as proton pump inhibitors or PPIs, may increase the risk of chronic kidney disease. These medications, which are common over-the-counter medications, include Nexium, Prilosec, and Prevacid. These medications have already been linked to increases in bone fractures, and pneumonia. Researchers, who followed a group of 10,000 people for almost 14 years, have …
As the cold and dark of winter settles in it’s important that we eat rich and warming foods. These foods are easy to digest , warm us from within and are good for our immune systems. Congee is a simple rice porridge found throughout Asia that fits the bill. Congee is slow cooked rice with …
BPA (bisphenol-A) is a toxin associated with plastics that has entered mainstream consciousness because it is found in many water bottles. BPA is a hormone mimic, disrupts the endocrine system and is a carcinogen. A major campaign to remove the toxin from water bottles has led to several companies offering “BPA free” water bottles. Problems associated …
A Korean study published in the journal Acupuncture in Medicine shows that ear acupuncture can help people lose weight. In the study, researchers compared the efficacy of different acupuncture treatments in helping obese patients lose weight. The researchers compared the standard Korean five point treatment with a single acupuncture point. A control group was given a “sham” treatment. …
In light of the complications and unknown risks associated with pharmaceutical medication, illuminated in the above article, it is fortunate that acupuncture and Chinese medicine offer options for natural relief from allergies. At Inner Gate Acupuncture we use acupuncture and Chinese medicine to improve immune function and reduce the inflammatory responses associated with allergies. Acupuncture works by treating …
Manage Seasonal Allergies with Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine Read More »
In a recent study, researchers hypothesized that cognitive mindfulness training and practice would be better than antidepressant medications for people suffering from recurrent depression. Mindfulness based cognitive therapy (MBCT) was developed from basic mindfulness techniques. Mindfulness techniques are designed to help people stay focused on the present moment and not dwell in the past or the …
Mindfulness Therapy as Effective as Medications for Depression Read More »
Right now young shoots of stinging neetle plants are popping up all over Oregon. They can sting you so be careful handling these pokey plants. The leaves and stems, which have small spines on them will cause mild skin irritation and itching when they touch the skin. However, it is well worth the effort to …
Image Credit: Kopiva.JPG Chickpea & Nettle Soup This is a hearty and satisfying soup. It is filling and warming, richly peppered with warm aromatic spices. This soup is a lovely addition to a cool spring evening. Ingredients:Two large sweet potatoes, peeled and dicedA baking potato, peeled and dicedTwo white onions, peeled and slicedGarlic to your …
Acupuncture is an ancient technique that promotes your body’s natural healing process through the placement of thin, sterile needles into precise acupuncture points. A patient’s signs and symptoms determine which points to use. Acupuncture is a safe and effective treatment. Clinical research continues to prove it’s validity and fuel it’s growth and acceptance. Acupuncture has …
Chinese herbal medicine is a safe alternative to pharmaceutical medications. Many pharmaceutical medications have strong and undesired side effects.
Considering whether to get a moxibustion treatment? Inner Gate Health & Wellness explains why it is an effective treatment option. Why Acupuncturists Use Mugwort (Artemisia) for Moxibustion Mugwort, or Artemesia Vulgaris, has been used throughout history for medicinal purposes. Heated mugwort produces an acrid spicy odor that also helps stimulate blood flow. The herb burns …
Image Courtesy of Pexels The body responds to stress by releasing chemicals into the blood, which increase your heart rate, your blood pressure, and your muscle tension. These chemical changes are beneficial when aiding an accident victim, preparing to speak in public, or fleeing from an attacker. However, chronically high stress levels can become pathological, …
Acupuncture and Chinese medicine are effective ways to control and eliminate seasonal allergies. Using the techniques of Chinese medicine to improve immune function and reduce inflammation our acupuncturists can help you manage your allergies naturally. Acupuncture works by treating and strengthening the lung organ system. When the lung is functioning more optimally the immune system’s …
This recipe is a basic bone broth recipe. It can be easily modified to suit your tastes and by what ingredients you have available in your home. Of course it is recommended that you use organic meats and vegetable when possible to avoid contamination with hormones, antibiotics and chemical fertilizers. Ingredients:3-4 pounds beef marrow, knuckle bones, …
All of these juices can be easily made at home. The ingredients are designed to restore the electrolytes we lose during vigorous exercise. These juices are all natural. They contain none of the chemical additives, refined sugars or artificial colors and flavors found in commercial sport drinks. Celery, Apple & Lemon Juice – Celery provides several of the …
4 Recipes To Replenish Your Electrolytes Naturally! Read More »
Physiologically speaking, electrolytes are ions of sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, chloride, hydrogen phosphate and hydrogen carbonate. They are all essential to the proper functioning of our bodies. Sodium is especially important and is involved in fluid balance and blood pressure regulation. Muscles and nerves are electric tissues. These tissues are regulated by the activity created …
There are thousands of known mushroom species in the world but only a few have been scientifically evaluated. And while only a small percentage of these have been studied for medicinal use, many that have been reviewed have shown a great capacity to stimulate the immune system. Shitake: Known in Chinese as Xiang Fu, or “Fragrant Mushroom”, …
Many research studies have confirmed that spending more time in nature has a positive effect on mood, wellness and depression. Making space in our schedules to walk, sit, read or hike through natural areas can have a deeply healing effect of our emotional health. It is a great balance to the time we spend in …
From time immemorial, a great variety of mind-altering plants and fungi have been used ritualistically and medicinally by cultures the world over. In our modern age however, the use of many of these plants and fungi, including cannabis, peyote, iboga and so-called ‘magic-mushrooms’ is illegal. In the United States, many have been classified as Schedule …
Magic Mushrooms May Help Complex Mental Disorders Read More »
Biking is good for our bodies, good for the environment and continues to get safer as advances in helmets and safe bike routes increase. Here is a list of 20 reasons to bike commute. Bicycle has virtually no carbon footprint. Bicycles increase your ability to move around town quickly and efficiently. Bicycles help maintain …
