Self-Care

“Do More in 2024” for Your Health & Your Future

At last, the new year is upon us. Will we live our best lives and manifest our fullest potential? What we do with all that potential, is always up to us.

One way to hone in on our resolutions, our health and wellness goals is to try something new, like acupuncture. Although acupuncture is technically anything but “new” being over 3,000 year old system of medicine originating from China, it may be a new experience for you.

Acupuncture is truly an excellent treatment approach for many ailments for several reasons. First, there are no side effects to acupuncture like there are with medications or surgery. Second, it is actually a very pleasant experience for most people, as most patients fall asleep during their session, and it is considered non-invasive. Third, it can treat multiple health concerns at the same time. Many times a patient will come in for their chronic pain, for example, and also see lasting improvements with their lifelong anxiety or insomnia, digestive issues or migraines. It even helps couples get pregnant who are struggling to start a family, or help with menopausal concerns and reproductive health.

Anything you would consider taking a pill for, you could try acupuncture.

With the New Year, many folks even use acupuncture to quit smoking, or use acupuncture to lose weight.

At Cloud 9 Acupuncture & Integrative Medicine, we take an integrative approach looking at many ways to naturally support your health and wellness, utilizing acupuncture, electro-stim, ATP Resonance BioTherapyTM, O3 Regenerative TherapyTM, and custom nutritional support.

While we specialize in complex, chronic conditions that are difficult to treat such as neuropathy, autoimmune conditions, infertility, migraines, and women’s health, we do treat many other conditions (and all ages) as well.

Interested in seeing what acupuncture can do for you?

Call 410-847-4766 to begin with a consultation with Dr. Laura Parks, our medical director who has over 13 years experience using acupuncture to change lives.

Acupuncture for Epstein Barr Virus: Can It Help?

Epstein Barr virus (EBV) is a common virus that can cause a range of symptoms, including fatigue, fever, sore throat, and swollen lymph nodes. In some cases, EBV can also lead to more serious complications, such as mononucleosis or chronic fatigue syndrome.

While there is no cure for EBV, there are a number of treatments that can help to relieve symptoms and improve quality of life. One of these treatments is acupuncture.

What is acupuncture?

Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) practice that involves inserting thin needles into specific points on the body. These points are believed to be connected to energy meridians, which are channels that flow through the body.

When needles are inserted into these points, they are thought to stimulate the flow of energy and promote healing.

How can acupuncture help with EBV?

There is some evidence to suggest that acupuncture can help to relieve symptoms of EBV. For example, one study found that acupuncture was effective in reducing fatigue and improving quality of life in people with chronic fatigue syndrome, which is a condition that can be caused by EBV.

Another study found that acupuncture was effective in reducing the severity of symptoms and the duration of illness in people with mononucleosis.

How does acupuncture work for EBV?

The exact way that acupuncture works for EBV is not fully understood. However, it is thought that acupuncture may help to boost the immune system, reduce inflammation, and improve circulation.

Is acupuncture safe for EBV?

Acupuncture is generally considered to be safe for people with EBV. However, it is important to see a qualified acupuncturist who is experienced in treating this condition.

How many acupuncture sessions will I need?

The number of acupuncture sessions you will need will vary depending on the severity of your symptoms and your individual response to treatment. However, most people see improvement after a few sessions.

Can acupuncture be used alongside other treatments for EBV?

Yes, acupuncture can be used alongside other treatments for EBV, such as medication or lifestyle changes.

If you are considering acupuncture for EBV, talk to a qualified acupuncturist. They can help you to decide if acupuncture is right for you and answer any questions you have.

Call us today to schedule an appointment and learn more about how acupuncture can help you with EBV.

Acupuncture for Chronic Pain, Failed Surgeries, and Autoimmune Conditions

If you’re suffering from chronic pain, failed surgeries, or an autoimmune condition, you’re not alone. Millions of people around the world struggle with these conditions, and they can be incredibly debilitating.

Traditional Western medicine often doesn’t offer much relief for these conditions. In some cases, surgery may be an option, but it’s not always successful. And even when surgery is successful, it often doesn’t address the underlying cause of the pain or condition.

That’s where acupuncture comes in. Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medicine treatment that has been used for thousands of years to treat a variety of conditions, including chronic pain, failed surgeries, and autoimmune conditions.

Acupuncture works by stimulating specific points on the body with thin, stainless steel needles. This stimulation helps to improve the flow of qi, or vital energy, throughout the body. When the flow of qi is restored, the body is better able to heal itself and reduce pain and inflammation.

There is a growing body of scientific evidence to support the use of acupuncture for chronic pain, failed surgeries, and autoimmune conditions. For example, a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that acupuncture was effective in reducing pain and improving function in people with chronic low back pain.

Another study, published in the Annals of Internal Medicine, found that acupuncture was effective in reducing pain and improving quality of life in people with rheumatoid arthritis.

If you’re considering acupuncture for chronic pain, failed surgeries, or an autoimmune condition, it’s important to find a qualified acupuncturist. A qualified acupuncturist will have extensive training in Chinese medicine and will be able to assess your individual needs.

Acupuncture is a safe and effective treatment for chronic pain, failed surgeries, and autoimmune conditions. If you’re looking for a natural way to relieve your pain and improve your quality of life, acupuncture may be a good option for you.

acupuncture consult

The Best Way to Find the Best Acupuncture Clinic for You

Whether you’re suffering from low back pain, or neuropathy, infertility or headaches, you’ll want to find the best acupuncture clinic that suits your needs the best.

The very best way is to call and speak with the receptionist of your clinic of interest and ask them if they have experience in or specialize in your primary condition you are seeking care for. While most acupuncturists have trained extensively for 3-5 years in graduate level study acupuncture programs, and receive a Master’s degree or a Doctorate (also known as a Acupuncture Physician), it’s still best to work with an acupuncturist or clinic that has experienced success in treating your condition.

Some questions you can ask when you phone a prospective acupuncture clinic:

Has the acupuncturist treated my type of condition before?

What is the success rate of treating my condition at this clinic?

How many years of experience does the acupuncturist have?

Do you offer any additional therapies beyond acupuncture to help address my condition?

What can I expect during my first visit? (Is it just a consultation, or will I receive treatment that day?)

Most of our patients are referred by word of mouth, from former patients who have also experienced success. Our acupuncturist Dr. Laura Parks does specialize in chronic, complex conditions and has been practicing for over 13 years. She received her acupuncture doctorate from Five Branches University, and acupuncture masters from Maryland University of Integrative Health (formerly Tai Sophia). Dr. Parks has been treating Fertility patients for over 13 years and specializing in neuropathy for over 4 years, with over a 85% success rate.

Four Reasons Self-Care Should be a Priority in Your Life

Self-care has become a trendy buzzword in the post-Covid era but the benefits to practicing regular self-care are undeniable. But first, let’s talk about what self-care is and what it isn’t. Self-care is taking steps to address your physical and emotional health needs to the best of your ability. Self-care is not being selfish or self-indulgent.

And nobody knows the importance of self-care better than moms. Yet moms are usually the first to put themselves at the bottom of the list in terms of self-care. But we don’t all have to be moms to have an overwhelming to-do list that depletes us mentally and physically. Just like a healthy diet and regular exercise, self-care is the next key to great physical and mental health.

The best part about self-care is that it includes a variety of activities that can range from exercise, yoga, hiking in nature, or bike riding, to quieter outlets like reading, meditation, prayer, or a warm bath. It really is up to you to determine what outlet is best for you. continue reading »