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I recently visited Kirk at Uptown Acupuncture San Diego for my first acupuncture treatment.

I have to admit that I was a little apprehensive at first because I was skeptical that it would actually work.

And there was also the whole thing about having needles placed all over my body that caused me to not be too excited.

I play the piano and after years of beating up my hands I was at a point where I was experiencing constant pain and could barely make a fist. Kirk immediately put me at ease and made me feel very comfortable. He explained the entire process and answered all on my questions. He also gave me a lot of good everyday advice I could follow to help elevate my pain.

The process itself was effortless.

He had soft music playing and after he had placed all the needles in the right spots to move my energy around, I simply closed my eyes and relaxed. After he came back in the room and removed the needles I instantly felt relief. I knew immediately that this was a wise decision.

I played the piano the next day at church and I was able to play some awesome chords and do some really quick runs that I hadn’t been able to play in years.

With a few more treatments people might mistake me for Liberace – now I just need the frilly outfits and off the Vegas I go

Thank you Kirk. I am looking forward to coming back and continuing my treatment. I really appreciated your genuine concern for me and for helping me to experience to benefits of acupuncture.

Jeff Hall   44,    2/2010

At Uptown Acupuncture San Diego, we take great pride in facilitating a great first experience for our clients. We know the idea of having needles placed in the body can be unnerving for some people. The fact that our first timers stay with us and continue treatment is just another reason why you should give acupuncture a try at Uptown Acupuncture San Diego!

For those reading on Twitter and Facebook, the full testimonial is available online at www.UptownAcupuncture.net

I have a medical condition known as stenosis, which is the narrowing of the spine.

When aggravated it can cause difficulty walking, numbness in legs and arms and severe pain. Often times my stenosis would require me to take extended time off from work due to the intolerable pain. In the past my doctors treated me with a combination of anti-inflammatory or pain medication and on severe instances with back injections.

I started seeing Kirk because there just wasn’t anything more the doctor could do for me.

I’d never had acupuncture but I was in such pain and discomfort that I was willing to try anything.

I found Kirk and Uptown Acupuncture San Diego, using my insurance directory for optional treatment.  Then I read his reviews on Yelp and felt he would be the one for me.  My doctor told me that because of the stenosis I would always have some sort of pain. So I wasn’t sure what to expect but hoped acupuncture could at the very least make the pain manageable.

What I got was much more than I could have ever imagined.

Within a few treatments not only was the pain gone but also I could feel all my fingers and all my toes again.

My doctor told me I probably wouldn’t ever get that feeling back. In addition to helping the stenosis his treatments helped me sleep better at night, which made me feel more energized during the day.  I had a history of poor sleep. So much so I would dread the night because I knew it would be another struggle to fall asleep.  Now I just LOVE sleeping and look forward to it everyday.

I’m feeling so much better that recently I started working out again.

Something I had been terrified to do because it would only be a matter of time before it would aggravate the stenosis and I’d be back to my pain pills and back injections.  Thanks to my regular acupuncture appointments, pain pills are a thing of the past.

I cannot say enough about Kirk’s treatments; he has absolutely changed my life!

I’m more active and energetic and feel healthier and stronger than I’ve ever felt. The whole experience has left me feeling renewed and revived. The only side effect I know of is that I can’t tell when it’s going to rain anymore.  And that’s a side effect I can certainly live with.  He has such a fun personality that I look forward to and enjoy our sessions.  He will walk you through the entire process so you are comfortable and at ease.

I highly recommend Kirk and Uptown Acupuncture San Diego to anyone considering acupuncture.

Dina Muller

El Cajon, CA

2/2010

December 12, 2009

Brian Downum L.Ac.,

Jade Mountain Medicine

To whom it may concern,

As a licensed Acupuncturist practicing in the San Diego area,

I have been using Su Wu Herbs as my primary pharmacy over the past several months.

This pharmacy supplies more than 90% of my Chinese herbal needs for both

my Mission Valley and Solana Beach offices.

The increased compliance and greater effectiveness of this company’s product has allowed for excellent medical results for my patients.

Furthermore, as a practitioner in North San Diego County, there are no Chinese herbal pharmacies so my patients have very few other options in herbal medicine.

Su Wu Herbs supplies a superior product,

Justin provides a fast availability for prescriptions

and conducts business in a professional manner.

To order your custom herbal formula from Su Wu herbs,

call  Justin at 563-580-9432

All granular herbal prescriptions at Acupuncture San Diego are formulated with Su Wu herbs.

Winter and Fall allergies can cause a great deal of discomfort in many people, young or old.

Symptoms include sneezing, congestion, runny nose and red, itchy eyes. Western medicine typically prescribes antihistamines, decongestants, or drugs that act on the nervous system. Dovetailing these efforts are steps to avoid the allergens altogether. While these may be effective in treating the allergic response, they often have undesirable side effects, such as drowsiness, immune system suppression or over-reliance on medications.

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) can offer an alternative to these Western approaches, treating the whole person and recognizing that people with chronic allergies often show signs of spleen or kidney deficiency,(low battery power is a good analogy) even lung problems. TCM considers allergies or hay fever as a manifestation of Wind invading the upper body. This occurs because one’s Wei (or protective Qi) or the “Force Field” as Kirk calls it, has been weakened, which explains why a Chinese herbalist may address these allergies by building up the body’s defensive Qi.

The goal is not only to treat one’s acute symptoms and provide immediate relief, but to treat any underlying immune system imbalances, which may be the real cause of one’s allergy problems.

Such treatments may take the form of acupuncture and revising one’s diet, including the addition of specific herbal formulas.

There are many holistic Chinese herbal formulas that TCM practitioners use to treat allergies.

Xiao Qing Long Wan or Minor Blue Dragon is one often-prescribed formula. It is usually taken when one suffers from a sensitivity to cold, or to treat chills, fever (without sweating), body aches, wheezing, a cough that produces clear to white mucus, congestion in the chest, and a thick white coating on the tongue. The pills should be taken with plenty of water and for short duration only.

Astra 8, another herbal formula, combines the advantages of an immune system enhancer with an energy tonic. It contains astragalus (huang qi), a herb that some believe can enhance the body’s immune system and offers some antiviral properties. What’s more, the herbs in Astra 8 are Qi tonics that support astragalus to boost the immune and energy systems. Other formulations include Pei Min Kan Wan, which can relieve the discomfort of fall allergies, and Fang Feng Xin Yi Wan, which may help those suffering from hay fever.

Besides these formulas, TCM further advocates replacing coffee with catechin-rich green tea, which provides anti-allergy actions. Even Chrysanthemum tea-made from dried flowers-can also help reduce allergy symptoms. Some TCM herbalists may recommend quercetin, a bioflavonoid, which has been shown to stabilize mast cells (this slows down the body’s release of histamine and other chemicals related to allergic symptoms). This is something that is in Aller-Essentials by Pure Encapsulation, available at Uptown Acupuncture San Diego. Lest we not forget radishes; they cool and moisten, which makes them ideal for treating dry, itchy allergy eyes. They can also help clear the sinuses, drain mucous and ease sore throats.

Those sensitive to ragweed and similar fall blooms, should boost their immune system before the fall allergy season arrives. That means seeing one’s TCM practitioner about acupuncture now, for it can take awhile for these procedures to help with allergic symptoms. People who wait until they start sneezing or suffer from a sinus headache, will find they’ve acted too late. Building immunity to fall allergies is best done weekly for four to six weeks. Those who suffer from ragweed allergies should begin treatment immediately. Individuals who can’t tolerate cedar should start treatment no later than October 1.

Washing the sinus cavities with a Netti pot and a saline solution or Simply Saline spray can wash the reactive allergens out.

When you are exposed to grasses or pollens or anything outside, it sticks in the wet nasal mucosa and will begin to irritate, causing a histamine reaction. By irrigating the sinus, you remove the reactive agent and can drastically reduce symptoms naturally.

We recommend in all cases that you consult with a trusted health care professionals like Justin and Kirk at Uptown Acupuncture San Diego before taking any nutritional supplements or discontinuing any medication.

By Alex A. Kecskes, additions by Kirk Pfeiffer M.S. L.Ac.

For those on Facebook and Twitter, the full article can be seen on www.uptownacupuncture.net, thanks for reading!
Having had a severe on the job injury about 12 years ago, I have become accustomed to regular flare ups in my neck and back about every six months. Yesterday morning I awakened to the worst neck and back pain I have felt since the initial injury. Merely moving my fingers wracked my body in pain and made me yelp out to the point where my dog was getting scared for me.

After dealing with the nightmare for half a day, and taking medications that did not work. I contacted Kirk and thought I would give his acupuncture a try, he was able to move things around and see me that day!

I had never had acupuncture before, as I am a “needle-phobe”. I was willing to try anything at that point. Kirk’s demeanor is very relaxing and he was able to find the problem spots very quickly, I actually could have stayed on the table all evening. After an hour of his treatment I was able to put my shirt back on by myself, lifting my arms over my head, with minimal discomfort.

This morning when I awoke, knowing I had 3 important appointments, I then realized I had ZERO pain, and no side effects or discomfort whatsoever.
I am no longer a “needle-phobe”, and will be a regular client of Kirk’s when the need arises in the future.

Glenn Burch, age 40

1/21/10,  Hillcrest. CA

Heike (65 yo tax preparer – Jul 14, 2009)

note:  The balance method is just one of the many acupuncture styles employed by Kirk, point selection is based on pattern differentiation and constitutional client type.

After two weeks of the most of the intense lower lumbar pain I had ever had, due to arthritis, I had to increase pain medication which was a concern to me. I had never had acupuncture therapy but was willing to do anything to relieve the pain.
I am thankful to have checked my benefit online  on his site, made an appointment,  and walked into the beautiful, serene office of Kirk at Uptown Acupuncture San Diego. He explained what he was going to do at each step, and the feelings I would have. It was a very relaxed, painless experience from which I had total relief on completion of therapy. Standing and walking out of the office pain free.
I would highly recommend Kirk to anyone who is considering acupuncture. Now I realize I have a alternative to pain medication, and that is to pick up the phone and make a appointment to see Kirk.

He is a blessing to me.

Sandra (a 63 year old female in the western health care industry)

Her insurance covered treatment and only had to play a co-pay of $15. She came for 3 visits.

My tennis elbow had been bothering me for quite a while and was getting worse.

I came to see Kirk and was welcomed into his beautiful office. His gentle and fun way put me instantly at ease.

He was able to reduce my pain after just one treatment.

The whole experience gave me such a feeling of well being , I am looking forward to many happy returns.

Thanks Kirk! -Alex

This is a simple stew which is perfect for the new cook. At Uptown Acupuncture San Diego, we encourage our clients to adapt health habits they can carry throughout life. Creating healthy food is a great way to nourish yourself and reduce the amount of preservatives and chemicals in your diet.

This recipe can also be a perfect template to add your favorite veggies to. Root vegetables like turnips and rutabagas can add a whole new dimension to the flavors. Enjoy!

Beef and Vegetable Stew

Ingredients

• 1 lb. (500 g) lean ground beef
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 medium carrots, diced
• 2 stalks celery, diced
• 1 can (28-oz/796-mL) diced tomatoes
• 4 cups (1 L) water
• 1 tsp. (5 mL) salt
• 1 tsp. (5 mL) crumbled dried basil
• 1/2 tsp. (2 mL) crumbled dried thyme
• 1/4 tsp. 1 mL black pepper
• 1 cup (250 mL) corn niblets (fresh, frozen or canned, drained)
• 1/4 cup (50 mL) barley

Cooking Instructions

1. Combine ground beef and chopped onion in a Dutch oven or other large saucepan with a cover. Cook over medium-high heat until the meat starts to brown slightly, about 6 to 8 minutes.
2. Stir in carrots and celery and cook, stirring for a minute or two. Add tomatoes with all the juice from the can, the water, salt, basil, thyme and pepper. Bring to a boil, then lower the heat to low, cover and let simmer for 15 minutes.
3. Add corn and barley. Stir and continue to cook over low heat for 50 to 60 minutes or until barley is tender.

Servings: 6

On pages 101–102 of issue 12, 2009, of Xin Zhong Yi (New Chinese Medicine), Zhou Yi-chen and Wang Bi published an article titled “Treating Fibromyalgia Syndrome Via the Liver.” A summary of this article is presented below.

Introduction

The main symptom of fibromyalgia syndrome is generalized body pain.

Most sufferers of FMS are female. In addition to specific sites of pressure pain, other accompanying symptoms include insomnia, vexation and agitation, fatigue, lassitude of the spirit, low-grade fever, and menstrual irregularities. Based on the experience of the Chinese authors of this article, they believe that this condition should mainly be treated via the liver. This is also my own clinical experience. I have never been able to substantiate the presence of externally contracted evils in the case of FMS.

Disease Causes and Mechanisms
According to some Chinese doctors, this condition is due to external contraction of wind, cold, dampness, and/or heat evils which lodge in the body. These evils block and obstruct the channels and network vessels. Hence the flow of the qi and blood is not smooth. According to this point of view, it is mainly this that leads to soreness and pain in the muscles and flesh, sinews and bones, and joints as well as heaviness, numbness, inability to flex and extend, and, if severe, joint swelling and burning heat. Such doctors categorize this condition as the sinew impediment subtype of impediment condition. However, the authors’ experience is that treatment for FMS based on impediment condition either gets no or only slight effect. In fact, after finely searching, they have not found evidence of the lodging of external evils in the body. Instead, most patients with this condition also present with frustration, chest oppression, and depression. Even during its initial stage, they commonly see rib-side discomfort, vexation and agitation, insomnia, and bodily fatigue. Only gradually later does generalized muscle pain develop and get worse. Further, due to the enduring nature of this suffering and failure to heal, the psyche becomes tense and the disease condition gets worse. Therefore, Drs. Zhou and Wang believe that FMS should be categorized as depression condition in Chinese medicine, not impediment condition.

If depression and anger are left unsoothed, the liver loses its spreading and extending and the qi loses its coursing and discharge.

Thus the liver becomes depressed and the qi becomes bound. The qi is the commander of the blood. If there is qi stagnation, this leads to blood stasis not moving, and blood stasis leads to lack of free flow, lack of construction, and ultimately to pain. If qi depression transforms fire, fire;s nature is to flame upward. This then can give rise to vexation and agitation and easy anger. If anxiety and depression are not resolved, heart yin may be consumed and damaged. In that case, heart yin is unable to provide supplies for and nourish the heart spirit. The heart spirit loses its calm and there is insomnia. If liver yin becomes insufficient, yin vacuity may engender heat. If vacuity heat harasses the spirit, then there may be heart palpitations and dizziness. Further, because “the liver is the root of resistance to fatigue,” enduring depression damaging the liver can also give rise to fatigue and lack of strength. If depression damages the heart spirit and the constructive and blood are exhausted and consumed, visceral yin becomes insufficient and vacuity yang may ascend. This may give rise to afternoon low-grade fever. If the liver and kidneys lose their nourishment, the chong and ren become dysregulated, and this may give rise to menstrual irregularity.

Treatment Based on Pattern Discrimination
Based on the foregoing, Drs. Zhou and Wang believe that FMS should be treated by coursing the liver and resolving depression, moving the qi and quickening the blood, freeing the flow of the network vessels and stabilizing pain. For this, they use Chai Hu Shu Gan San (Bupleurum Course the Liver Powder) plus Xue Fu Zhu Yu Tang (Blood Mansion Dispel Stasis Decoction) with additions and subtractions:

Dang Gui (Radix Angelicae Sinensis)
Sheng Di Huang (uncooked Radix Rehmanniae)
Tao Ren (Semen Persicae)
Hong Hua (Flos Carthami)
Mu Dan Pi (Cortex Moutan)
Chuan Xiong (Rhizoma Chuanxiong)
Chai Hu (Radix Bupleuri)
Xiang Fu (Rhizoma Cyperi)
Bai Shao (Radix Alba Paeoniae)
Zhi Qiao (Fructus Aurantii)
Yan Hu Suo (Rhizoma Corydalis)
Dan Shen (Radix Salviae Miltiorrhizae)
Ge Gen (Radix Puerariae)
Gan Cao (Radix Glycyrrhizae)

Within this formula, Dang Gui, Dan Shen, and Sheng Di Huang nourish the blood and emolliate the liver. Tao Ren, Hong Hua, Chuan Xiong, Yan Hu Suo, and Mu Dan Pi quicken and harmonize the blood. Xiang Fu, Chai Hu, and Zhi Qiao course the liver and rectify the qi. Ge Gen, Bai Shao, and Gan Cao relax cramping and stop pain. Using the combination of Chai Hu and Bai Shao, one medicinal scatters while the other restrains. Hence one is able to course the liver and resolve depression at the same time as harmonizing the constructive and restraining or constraining yin. The combination of Bai Shao and Gan Cao makes up the famous formula Shao Yao Gan Cao Tang (Peony and Licorice Decoction), which relaxes cramping and stops pain. When Xiang Fu and Chuan Xiong are used together, they are capable of pushing the depressed qi of the liver-gallbladder, which then obtain stirring (or movement).

If fatigue is severe, they add Huang Qi (Radix Astragali).

If there is insomnia and vexation and agitation, they add Suan Zao Ren (Semen Zizyphi Spinosae), Lian Zi Xin (Plumula Nelumbinis), and Shi Chang Pu (Rhizoma Acori Tatarinowii).

If there is chest oppression, they add Gua Lou (Fructus Trichosanthis) and Yu Jin (Tuber Curcumae).

If pain in the four limbs is severe, they add Jiang Huang (Rhizoma Curcumae Longae), Niu Xi (Radix Achyranthis Bidentatae), and Sang Zhi (Ramulus Mori).

If appetite is poor, they add scorched Bai Zhu (Rhizoma Atractylodis Macrocephalae), Fu Ling (Poria), and scorched Shan Zha (Fructus Crataegi).

If dampness is severe with thick, slimy tongue fur, they add Yi Yi Ren (Semen Coicis), Hou Po (Cortex Magnoliae Officinalis), Bai Bian Dou (Semen Dolichoris), and Can Sha (Excrementum Bombycis).

If the stools are dry and bound, they add Da Huang (Radix Et Rhizoma Rhei).

Also, depending on the symptoms, they may add Qin Jiao (Radix Gentianae Macrophyllae), Qiang Huo (Radix Et Rhizoma Notopterygii), Du Huo (Radix Angelicae Pubescentis), Ren Dong Teng (Caulis Lonicerae), Luo Shi Teng (Caulis Trachelospermi), and/or Shen Jin Cao (Herba Lycopodii) to soothe the sinews and free the flow of the network vessels. (Note: although Qiang Huo and Du Huo are wind-treating medicinals, Drs. Zhou and Wang use them in FMS based on the principles of soothing the sinews and freeing the flow of the network vessels, not resolving the exterior and coursing wind.)

In a representative case history, Drs. Zhou and Wang report that the patient was cured in three months of treatment with variations of the above protocol using one packet of medicinals per day.

Copyright © Blue Poppy Press, 2009. All rights reserved.

Uptown Acupuncture San Diego can make this formula for you, modify it to your personal presentations and provide acupucture to enhance it’s effects.