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    A car accident knocked Nancy off the road she was on and introduced her to Holistic medicine. There were days, she couldn’t walk, months she couldn’t drive. Work became impossible. Doctors couldn’t explain what was going on, other than soft tissue damage. Lacking solutions, they told her that she might have to learn to live with these limitations for the rest of her life. When she refused to accept this bleak prognosis, she was told she was in denial.
    Eight months after the accident she learned of a school of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), near her home. Figuring she had nothing to lose, she scheduled an appointment at the clinic. After the first treatment she could move her neck more than she had been able to since the accident. And, for the first time she had explanations, and solutions for her symptoms. Several months of treatments enabled her to enroll in school for (TCM). She was also able to begin internship at the school clinics. School included learning about Chinese Medical theory, Acupuncture, Nutrition, Tui Na (the Chinese medicinal massage), and Chinese Herbology. In addition, she attended seminars, and did more internship to incorporate Kinesiology (Muscle Testing), Homeopathy (Combination as opposed to Classical), and more Nutrition and Nutritional Therapy.
    Acupuncture treatments and her continued studies helped her resolve other chronic conditions she had been dealing with most of her life.
    Enjoying good health is now a lifestyle she shares with her patients. Resolving symptoms is great. Knowing what to do to minimize or eliminate reoccurrence of symptoms, is better. Through free lectures, articles, and recommendations during treatments, she provides tools for people to reclaim their health.

Nancy Burton, L.Ac. is a Licensed Acupuncturist. She incorporates Acupuncture, Herbs, Tui Na (Chinese Medicinal Massage), Homeopathics, Nutritional Supplements, Muscle Testing, and Nutritional Counseling and Therapy in her practice. Her goal is to give patients the tools they need to achieve and maintain good health.

Changing the World : One Chip at a Time

Fifty years ago, the US rated top in the world for the health of its citizens. Now it rates below every major industrialized country and three third world countries. One drastic change, over the last five decades, is our food, or what now passes as food. Chemicals, hormones, antibiotics, hydrogenated oils, sugars, dairy, corn and wheat in their many processed and packaged forms are killing us. Eating the wrong things, and too little of the right things, is robbing us of our health and resources.

To regain our health, personally, nationally and globally, we need to eat more as we did fifty years ago. Free range or organic animal products, fish, good oils, organic fruits and vegetables are what the body needs to function and heal. Buying locally reduces fuel costs in processing and distribution, and reduces packaging that deplete lumber and oil resources, resulting in land fills and adding to recycling costs.

The Standard American Diet, otherwise known as the SAD diet, includes little in the way of healthy protein and vegetables. It is laced with toxins and indigestible oil. Consequently people are not getting the nutrients they need to enable their bodies to function and heal. A wide range of colors and textures in vegetables means more nutrients. The SAD diet is like jumping in a car with little gas to go on a long trip. With lack of gas, the car won't go the distance. With lack of nutrients, our bodies experience energy peaks and crashes throughout the day, fatigue, poor concentration, lethargy, low immune systems, and an accumulation of toxins. This sets the stage for weight gain, chronic health problems and disease.

Nutrients (protein, vitamins, and trace minerals) are distributed by the blood to all parts of the body. If the food we eat doesn't provide enough of these, the blood will borrow from the tissues, bones, or organs to distribute where needed. In time, if the body fails to ingest what is required, it cannibalizes itself, causing pain and illness. Today, this nutrient depletion is obvious in much younger people, as children are growing up without the food they need for health development. There is as much malnutrition in the US as in third world countries because of the wrong choice of foods, as opposed to a lack of food.

Once again the food pyramid has been changed, this time advocating moderation. In the past, the corporate food industry has funded research for and distribution of dietary recommendations. Their motivation, to sell their products. They have convinced the American public, through massive ad campaigns, that it is OK to send our children off to school, and to go to work after eating processed cereal, pastries or “energy” bars. They have convinced the public that packaged, frozen dinners are healthy choices. They have convinced the public that fast food is food, and that candy, sodas, energy drinks and snack foods are appropriate pick-me-ups for the energy crashes people are experiencing all day long from the junk they consume.

Using the food groups in the food pyramid is one way to view the corporate interference in every aspect of our diets today.

OILS: Hydrogenated oils are oils that are heated and compressed. This process is what makes petroleum oils into plastics. This same process is used to make vegetable oils into plastics too. Look at the plastic boxes of mixed greens in the grocery store. Many of them now state they are made of corn oil. This is the same process that is used to make the hydrogenated oils that go into most of the processed “foods” in the stores today. The advantage to the corporations is that hydrogenated oils are plastic, they are no longer food, and therefore do not spoil, extending shelf life. Unfortunately for the consumer, hydrogenated oils/ plastics are indigestible and therefore cause health problems.

Good oils are necessary in our diets. Good fats slow down the assimilation of glucose and actually help us lose weight. Good fats, Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids, in organic animal protein, fish, certain whole fruit and vegetables, unprocessed nuts and seeds, are the building blocks for hormones and essential to good health. The low fat, high carb diet that was advocated a few years ago has contributed to weight gain and health problems in the US.

ANIMAL PRODUCTS (meat, poultry, eggs, dairy): The corporate answer to producing fatter poultry and animals, and increase quantities of milk and eggs is artificial female hormones (estrogen). Good for the 'food' industry, good for the pharmaceutical companies, bad for consumers. Main stream media proclaimed several years ago that artificial female hormones were causing cancer. Doctors are therefore no longer automatically prescribing artificial estrogen for women after menopause, but it is still being put in our food. Estrogen dominance makes animals and humans gain weight around the middle, the breasts, stomach, hips and thighs. The huge amounts of estrogen in our food is one of the reasons the US is the fattest nation in the world. Other countries refuse to import our animal products, considering them toxic, due to all the chemicals used here.

Birds and animals raised in crowded, filthy conditions, or packed into crowded, filthy feed lots, are given enormous doses of antibiotics each day just to enable them to live long enough to be slaughtered. Antibiotics interfere with their digestive systems, as they do ours, making animals and the people eating them, gain weight. When we ingest these antibiotics, they kill off harmful and essential bacteria in the small intestines, depleting the immune and digestive systems. It takes six months for the essential bacteria to regenerate. One side effect is the over growth of the harmful bacteria, creating an environment for Candida. Typical symptoms of Candida include uncontrollable sweet, empty carbohydrate or alcohol cravings, (all of which feed Candida), resulting in fatigue, body aches, mental fogginess, memory problems, urinary tract infections, yeast infections, acne, an impaired immune system, depression, and lethargy.

Pesticides are often used in feed lots to control insects. The spray is absorbed through the skin of the animals as well as being ingested with their food and water. Toxins are stored in fat cells of all animals. People ingest even more pesticides by eating animals that are not free range, or organic, than when they eat vegetables that are not organic, adding to toxic build up in the body and contributing to hormone disruption and disease.

FRUITS & VEGETABLES: Corporate farming of fruits and vegetables utilizes extensive use of chemical fertilizers, herbicides, and pesticides. Crop rotation, which enriched the soil is a thing of the past. On huge corporate farms, chemicals are added to the soil to ensure the size and color of the crops, instead of building the soil with organic nutrients. Fruits and vegetables grown this way don't taste like they used to, nor do they have the nutritional value that they used to. Eating organic is not only essential to avoid the pesticides and herbicides, it is essential to obtain the wide range of nutrients our bodies need.

GMO food, (Genetically Modified Organisms) is another grand step forward for corporations. Altering the size, taste, and looks make their products more marketable. Making crops pest and disease resistant make them more profitable. But how do they get the genes from one species into another? What actually penetrates cells, and is used to piggy-back the chosen genes? Viruses and bacteria! What long term effects will this have on the health of animals and humans who ingest it? Since these corporations were able to by pass FDA regulation, by stating that they were just growing food, no different from growing other food, they also by-passed the tests for public safety. And yet, they were able to get patents on their products, on the basis that it was different than anything created before. What is frightening about these patents is the law suits by the GMO corporations against farmers who had seeds blow into their fields from surrounding GMO fields, or even off the trucks carrying GMO seed. These small independent farmers are being strong armed into using GMO products or go out of business. If these practices are permitted to continue, it is conceivable that the global food market could be patented, and monopolized by a few companies. Modified not to reproduce more seeds from GMO produce, farmers must repurchase seeds each growing season, instead of producing their own seeds from their own crops. And if their seeds fail? Historically certain crops can be annihilated by nature, such as the potato famine of Ireland, where a nation relied too heavily on one type of crop to feed its population. If GMO companies succeed in cornering the world food market, what potential disaster are we globally setting ourselves up for? Under the circumstances, going organic is more important than ever.

GRAINS: Whole grains in the last food chart, before the most recent change, was the largest section on the bottom of the food pyramid. The corporations were advocating huge amounts of whole grains, three time a day. Of course what they considered whole grain meant originally whole until highly processed. Corn and wheat, the most commercialized and hybrid grains, cause insulin insensitivity in most blood types, contributing to weight gain and diabetes. The average American eats some form of corn or wheat at least three times a day, and often continuously through out the day, including the corn syrup, or high fructose corn syrup, that is in the majority of processed foods, candy, mints, gum and drinks sold. High fructose corn syrup now has such a bad name, companies are changing it on their labels it to corn sugar. Unfortunately changing the name doesn't make it any less harmful.

To get animals fattened for market, even before the use of hormones, farmers fed them grains, instead of just grass and weeds (cow vegetables) that they naturally eat. Grains are more difficult to digest and more readily stored as fat than vegetables. Grains make animals fat quickly and does the same to humans. The exception are people who are physically active. In the past this meant farmers, laborers, and children. Our country used to be populated with physically hard working people. Walking and biking were the norm instead of riding in cars. Kids ran, rode bikes and played physical games. Many of the traditional foods brought to this country were peasant food. Breads and pastas that kept hard working people going all day. Grains were the fuel, stored in the fat cells until burned by physical activity. In our sedate lifestyles large quantities of these foods are no longer appropriate. Sweets and baked goods used to be for special occasions as opposed to every day. Now we eat as if everyday is a feast day.

The US consumes more resources than any other country in the world. The real food, and good clean water that does go into the chips, sodas and snack foods that are killing us, could go a long way to feed humanity.

All to often when conversation turns to the state of the world, the environment, corporate greed, and the health care crisis in the US, there is a over whelming sense of helplessness. What can we do? How can we change anything? How can so many problems of such proportion ever be dealt with? Change, first from within, can be a powerful thing, powerful enough to change the world, one chip at a time.

Health and Happiness,

Nancy Burton, L.Ac.
534 Washington St.

Ashland, OR 97520
For appointments : 541-201-2658

Nancy Burton, L.Ac. is a Licensed Acupuncturist. She incorporates Acupuncture, Herbs, Tui Na (Chinese Medicinal Massage), Homeopathics, Nutritional Supplements, Muscle Testing, and Nutritional Counseling and Therapy in her practice. Her goal is to give patients the tools they need to achieve and maintain good health.

Overcoming Colds &Flu

If the immune system is strong people don't get sick, which answers the question why some people get ill and others do not. The following article is cold and flu explained from a Traditional Chinese Medical perspective. This information is meant to be used as a tool, both to learn to avoid

getting colds or flu, and to quickly contain, or minimize the effects of viruses, if contracted.

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has been effectively treating colds and flu for thousands of years

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    Viruses cause colds and flu,which result in the formation of mucous. When mucous accumulates in the sinuses, or the lungs, it can create an environment for bacterial growth. This bacteria is evident by the mucous becoming colored: yellow, green or brown.
    TCM considers colds and flu to be the same thing, but divided into two categories, Wind/Cold or Wind/Heat, Wind being the pathogen or virus.
    Wind/Cold is often accompanied by any combination of chills, or chills with fever, (chills being predominant), body aches, clear or white mucous, profuse mucous, pale tongue, fatigue, or headache. Often a headache that lasts several days, or longer, is Wind/Cold, a virus.
    Wind/Heat is evident in heat signs, including any combination of fever, or fever with chills, ( predominantly fever), irritability or restlessness, sore throat, deep red tongue / cheeks / lips, earaches, and colored mucous. A headache can also be present. Wind/Cold can evolve into Wind/Heat.
    Chinese herbal formulas kill viruses and specifically address Wind/Cold or Wind/Heat. Antibiotics do not kill viruses, they kill bacteria. If phlegm accumulates in the sinuses or chest there are specific formulas, and Acupuncture treatments, that dispel the phlegm. There are hundreds of Chinese herbal formulas, and Acupuncture protocols for treating specific types of phlegm, whether it is in the sinuses or the chest, thick or thin, profuse or scanty, causing a productive or unproductive cough. There is even a formula for the phlegm stuck in the throat at the end of a viral episode. ( Something every vocalist should know about.) There are other formulas for inflammation of the sinuses or lungs, headache, sore throat, earaches and infections. There are also herbal formulas, and Acupuncture protocols, for stomach flu, and resolving the fatigue caused by a long bout of flu. And of course there are wonderful formulas and Acupuncture treatments to build up the immune system to prevent colds, flu, allergies, asthma, bronchitis, pneumonia, and sinus infections. Most patients feel immediate relief after an Acupuncture treatment from symptoms of these assorted respiratory problems.
    The following are Chinese herbal formulas for the initial stages of viral and bacterial infection. These are very old formulas and are therefore available in many brands. One should look for the GMP rating, which is an international certification, insuring purity and the integrity of the product. Plum Flower is one brand with GMP rating, offered in tablet form. The following formulas are available in pills, or liquid ( from a practitioner) that can be added to juice for children, or people with difficulty swallowing pills.

Jade Screen is a formula that can be taken all year long to build up the immune system of someone prone to viral infections, taken just during flu season, or when exposed to viruses.
Gan Mao Ling is a formula to treat Wind/Cold or Wind/Heat. It kills viruses. If taken at the very first signs or symptoms of a virus, illness can often be avoided.

Yin Chiao is a formula for Wind/Heat. Pills can be swallowed, but if chewed, can sooth a sore throat on contact, and enter the blood stream quicker for faster results. Sore throat, fever, or colored mucous would be indications for this formula.

Chuan Xin Lian acts as a herbal antibiotic. Again, antibiotics do not kill viruses but if mucous becomes colored, indicating bacterial growth, this formula should be added to the viral formulas. If a bacterial infection starts, flu becomes more serious and prolonged.
    If taken soon and every 3-4 hours during the day, these formulas can usually prevent serious illness. If phlegm develops in the sinuses, ears or chest, go to an Acupuncturist for treatment, for specific formulas, and relief of symptoms. This can shorten the duration of discomfort and down time.
    Keeping these formulas on hand, and learning to use them, can help keep people healthy throughout cold and flu season. These formulas are available from Acupuncturists, from the Ashland Food Co OP, and Shop N Kart.
    In addition to the above mentioned Chinese herbal formulas adjunct therapies include:

Sea Salt water : Phlegm in nasal passages can be remedied by snorting warm sea salt water up first one nostril and then the other, until it is felt running down the throat, blowing the nose between each application. (Sea Salt is available in most Health Food Stores.)

Ginger Tea can be effective for alleviating chills, and the body aches that accompany them, in initial stages of Wind/Cold. Ginger, is a herb used in Chinese formulas to warm the entire body, dispel clear or white phlegm, and sooth the stomach. Phlegm in the stomach is one cause of nausea. Ginger should be avoided in cases of Wind/Heat, since it is a warming herb.

Mint cools the body. Mint tea is soothing for sore throats and fevers. It should be avoided in cases of Wind/Cold.

Garlic is antiviral, antibacterial, and anti-fungal. (Prolonged cases of sinus or lung infections are sometimes fungal. Using garlic with herbal formulas helps with these cases.) Garlic was used by the Roman legions to keep soldiers healthy, explaining their nick name, Garlic Eaters. It was said the Roman army could be smelled down wind from a mile away.

Dairy products produce mucous, and should therefore be avoided at times of flu and cold.
Each year viruses mutate, so this year’s viruses may be different from last year’s strain. Colds and flu are the body’s way of spring cleaning. When too many toxins accumulate in the body and one more virus, pollen, dust particle, pollutant, etc. comes along the body says, “That’s it…EVERYONE OUT!” Nasal discharge, fever, diarrhea, rashes, vomiting, colds and flu and allergies, are ways the body has of pushing toxins out fast. By stopping these symptoms, without treating the root cause, with over the counter medications the body is forced to retain the toxins.
After attempting to treat a flu bug with over the counter medications and/or antibiotics many people experience a re-occurrence of the “same flu” in a relatively short amount of time. They have not contracted another virus. The body is trying to push the old virus out, which the medications have forced it to retain. This often results in more medications that prevent the body from healing and leads to a build up of toxins in the body.

“I never get colds or flu!” is something heard quite often either from people with strong immune systems, or from people with chronic health problems, diseases and cancer. When toxins are pushed down in the body and not appropriately resolved, over time, they will manifest in other ways. The body no longer has the strength to do spring cleaning and serious illnesses can result.
    Pharmaceutical antibiotics cause the additional problem of killing off beneficial bacteria in the body. Some bacteria is there for a reason. It is necessary for the digestive and immune systems. It takes six months to re-establish the positive bacteria in the body and in that amount of time, due to a depleted immune system, people often contract colds and flu again, then use more antibiotics which starts the cycle all over. JAMA (Journal of American Medical Association) and the New England Journal of Medicine, the top U.S. medical journals, have been warning doctors, well over ten years, not to give out antibiotics for viruses at the risk of depleting the immune system. At times antibiotics are necessary for bacterial infections, but over-use can seriously deplete their effectiveness when needed.
    People can ingest up to 52 different antibiotics a day if they are eating meat, eggs and dairy that is not free range or organic. This also builds up a tolerance for antibiotics, so if they are needed, they don’t work, which is one reason for rampant staph infections in U.S. hospitals, and the "Super Flu's “ we are seeing today.
    GMO (Genetically Modified ) foods are likely another culprit. How are cells penetrated to insert DNA of one species into another? Viruses and bacteria! (Call me old fashion, or just down right paranoid, but I have no desire to eat food that has been infused with either.)
    What can be done to prevent colds and flu?
    Unfortunately, a magic pill is not always the answer for a depleted immune system. Strengthening the immune system is the answer in preventing colds, flu, allergies, and chronic disease. A healthy diet, as opposed to the SAD (Standard American Diet), exercise, and stress reduction, builds and protects the immune system. As we are all biochemically individual, a healthy diet for one person might not be so for another. Immune challenged individuals, including those with Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Chronic Fatigue, or Fibromyalgia, would benefit from seeing a Licensed Acupuncturist. Aside from taking Jade Screen, diet plays an essential role in a healthy immune system. Eating animal products free of antibiotics and artificial estrogen, that's used to increase animal weight and the production of milk and eggs, organic fruits and vegetables, as opposed to GMO and nutrient depleted foods, a wide range of many colors and textures of vegetables, which facilitates detoxification, while avoiding sugar, processed foods, and an excess of dairy products, can all help prevent illness. Digestive problems are a sign that food isn't being assimilated, leaving the body deprived of the nutrients necessary for good health. Digestive issues should be addressed by a Holistic practitioner.
    Managing stress also plays an important role in a healthy immune system. Yoga, Tai Chi, and Qi Gong help relieve stress, as does meditation, and Acupuncture, by enabling the body to go into an relaxed Alpha state, in which the body can heal at an accelerated rate. Other exercise, including walking, running, biking, swimming, and sports increase the flow of Qi, or energy, in the body including the energy that protects the body from colds, flu and other pathogens.
    It is possible to stay healthy throughout cold and flu season, even when exposed to viruses. Becoming familiar with these tools is a step on the road to reclaiming our health.


Health and Happiness,

Nancy Burton, L.Ac.
534 Washington St.