A migraine headache is defined is a severe, pulsating, one-sided headache, lasting from 4 to 72 hours and which is aggravated by routine physical activity.  Migraines are often accompanied by nausea, vomiting and/or sensitivity to light and sound.  In addition, visual disturbances (auras) lasting from 4 to 60 minutes, may occur either before or during a migraine headache.

One of the best alternative therapies for a migraine headache is acupuncture combined with the ancient practice or “cupping”.  Cups are round vessels, 1″ to 3″ in diameter, which are applied to the body with vacuum suction.  The vacuum is created either by means of heating the air inside the cup or by a mechanical pump.  The result is that the cup sticks to the body and creates a local area of low pressure, which causes the blood to gather under the cup near the surface of the body.  The result is an immediate improvement of circulation.  In particular, cupping helps to regulate the tension in the arteries…helping to relax overly tense arteries and tighten those that are too lax.  Cupping certain areas on the back can produce this regulating effect throughout the entire body.

There are several different types of migraine headaches. One type in particular comes on a regular basis and can be predicted with accuracy. For example, they might come only once every three months or as often as once a week. If you suffer from this kind of headache that comes with a predictable regularity, there is a high probability that you would benefit from a specific diet therapy for migraine headaches. In particular, there are certain foods that can act as a migraine trigger. The most common problem foods are:

- tannins in tea, red wine and apple cider
- chocolate
- aged cheese
- other dairy products
- nuts, especially peanuts
- poultry, including eggs
- caffeine in coffee, tea and cola drinks
- sulfites in processed meats and seafood
- beef
- wheat
- yeast from yeasted bread, beer, wine, etc.
- food additives such as MSG, artificial sweeteners (especially those containing Aspartame) and food colorings
- heavily processed or packaged foods
- citrus fruit, including pineapple and mango

If you suffer from headaches that occur with predictable regularity, I recommend the following dietary regiment.

Beginning 3 days before your headache is expected, follow a strict diet of brown rice, mung dal (thick split mung bean soup), steamed vegetables, sea salt and olive oil. During this time, no other spices, foods or supplements  should be consumed except pure, room temperature water.

My clients who follow this regiment find in many cases that the headache does not come at all. Or, the headache still may come with normal regularity, but is much less severe and shorter in duration than before.

This diet will not only reduce the frequency and severity of your headaches, but it’s very cleansing while at the same time, nutritious and satisfying. Remember, you are only on this diet for three days before the expected headache and during the normal headache duration. If no headache comes, remain on the diet for the duration of a typical headache. For example, if you typically get a headache every three weeks and it lasts foe 2 days, you should begin this diet three days before the expected headache and remain on it for 5 days. Follow this regiment every three weeks.

Thank you for visiting my blog. If you have questions about acupuncture and shiatsu, or if you have a specific health concern, please contact me at:

Bart Walton, L.Ac.
Licensed Acupuncture & Shiatsu
Portland, Oregon
503/939-5805

This self-massage program will help to increase the circulation of Qi energy throughout the body.  Daily application will improve overall health and help to prevent indigestion, insomnia, constipation, headaches, colds and flu.

Follow the sequence prescribed here for best results.  Pressure is applied in only one direction for all linear movements unless otherwise noted.  Repeat each motion 36 times to begin with while applying 81 repetitions to troublesome areas.

1) Eyes
Place the base joint of each thumb at the inner end of the eye brow and massage in one smooth circular motion moving outward following the upper edge of the orbital bone and then inward following the lower edge of the orbital bone to complete the circle. One revolution should take about two seconds.

2) Nose
Interlock the fingers of both hands with the thumbs touching at the tips and separated at the base. Clasp the hands in this position so that the base of each thumb is just above the root of the nose. Move the hands downward so that the nose gradually causes the thumb tips to separate and move apart. Continue the downward movement until the tips of the thumbs reach the tips of the nostrils. Then move upward, without pressure, to the original starting position. Each up and down motion should take about one second.

3) Ears
First, place the palms of the hands flat on the ears and massage in a counterclockwise circular motion. Only light pressure is needed here.  Second, place the hands so that they straddle the ears with the index finger behind the ear and the middle finger along the line formed by the anterior portion of the ear. Move downward toward the earlobe where the index and middle finger will almost touch before moving upward (without pressure) to the starting position. Each up and down motion should take about one second.

4) Wind Mansion
Use either hand and place three fingers as to cover the depression just below the occipital protuberance, with the middle finger in the center of the depression. Massage in a clockwise circular motion without leaving the point.

5) Wind Pool
Repeat the same procedure as for Wind Mansion but this time use the right hand on the right depression just lateral to the trapezius muscle and the left hand on left depression. The right hand circles clockwise and the left hand counterclockwise.

6) Neck
Next, place the two hands fingertip to fingertip behind the head and rub the line of the three wind points left and right 36 times. One time is defined as a left and right combination. The friction of this massage should be hard enough to warm the back of the neck but not cause skin pain. One back-and-forth motion should take about one second.

7) Abdomen
With the right hand massage the entire abdomen (from the bottom of the rib cage to the top of the pubic bone) in a clockwise direction.

8) Kidney Area

Place the backs of both hands on the lumbar area on either side of the spine.  Using the back of the hands and wrists, rub inward and downward toward the spine and then upward and outward.

9) Sacrum
Rub up and down over the Ba Liao region, applying pressure when rubbing so that hands remain in contact with the skin, but do not cause pain. Rub up and down about two hundred times until the skin feels hot.

10) Left Sole
Start with the palm of the right hand on the sole of the left foot and in a single motion, rub down to the heel and back over the balls of the foot. Equal pressure is applied to both strokes. Each back-and-forth motion should take about one to two seconds. Since there is little danger of irritating the skin on the soles of the feet, slightly more pressure can be applied here than at other places on the body.

11) Right Sole
Use the left palm to repeat the same procedure on the right sole.

Thank you for visiting my blog. If you have questions about acupuncture and shiatsu, or if you have a specific health concern, please contact me at:

Bart Walton, L.Ac.
Licensed Acupuncture & Shiatsu
Portland, Oregon
503/939-5805

About 50 million years ago, the Indian sub-continent collided with Asia, causing the Tethys Sea bed to be pushed up and eventually form the Himalayan Mountains. Today, these mountains continue to grow at a rate of about one centimeter a year.

During the early period of this transition, the mineral rich Tethys Sea bed gave rise to a dense tropical jungle. Over centuries, as the ground continued to rise, a great deal of organic plant material was trapped between layers of rock where it remained preserved for millions of years.  Due to microbial action and tremendous pressure over millions of years, this plant material was eventually transformed into a dense, viscous, mineral rich tar.

Early Himalayan villagers noticed monkeys chewing a semi-soft substance that flowed from between layers of rock during warm months of the summer. The villagers eventually tired it themselves and discovered the substance provided a number of health benefits, including greater energy, improved digestion, increased sex drive, improved memory, reduced allergies and an overall improvement in the quality of life. Over the years, this substance came to be known as Shilajit; literally, “Destroyer of Weakness”. The Latin name is Asphaltum.

In Ayurvedic medicine, Shilajit is considered to be a “master herb” and is used to treat a wide range of health conditions, including: genitourinary diseases, diabetes, chronic bronchitis, asthma, gall stones, jaundice, hemorrhoids, epilepsy, enlarged live and spleen, digestive disorders, parasites, renal and bladder calculi, nervous debility, sexual dysfunction, hysteria, anemia, hypertension, obesity, bone fractures and fatigue. And, in addition to its general ability to increase strength and energy, Shilajit helps to reduce the pain of arthritis and remove toxins from the body. It has been said that there is hardly any curable disease which cannot be assisted with the aid of Shilajit.

Shilajit contains over 85 different minerals, many of which, in trace form, are important to human health. Unfortunately, over the centuries, much of our soil has been depleted of minerals. As a result, modern diets do not provide enough of the important minerals required for optimal health. The health benefits of Shilajit are attributed, in part, to its high mineral content, as well as its ability to remove toxins from the system.

High quality and purified Shilajit can be obtained from http://www.expertvedicastrology.com/Shilajit.php When taking Shilajit, dosage is very important. Begin with about 100 mg per day and increase gradually over 10 days. Also, I recommend taking a one month break from Shilajit every 3 or 4 months.

Thank you for visiting my blog. If you have questions about acupuncture and shiatsu, or if you have a specific health concern, please contact me at:

Bart Walton, L.Ac.
Licensed Acupuncture & Shiatsu
Portland, Oregon
503/939-5805

Many scholars believe that acupuncture evolved out of the ancient Chinese practice of bloodletting and that it did not appear on the scene in its present form until after the first century A.D.  While the archeological evidence found in China supports this conclusion, it fails to acknowledge the influence of other neighboring cultures around China during the period in question.  Although the geographical barriers certainly created a natural isolation in ancient China, it is important to acknowledge that China is not an Island.  It is a fact of life that people move about and in so doing, exchange goods, services, technology and ideas, as well as cultural information.  In his book, Tao and Dharma, Robert Svoboda relates this story as evidence of the exchange of information between India and China prior to the first century A. D.

“An important historical event occurred sometime during the third and fourth century B. C. that clearly establishes that these two societies were indeed in communication with each other.  At that time, India already possessed a highly evolved literary society which had produced scores of texts on such topics as religion, astrology and medicine.  The preeminent Ayurvedic text Charaka Samhita was already many hundred years old, while the landmark Huang-ti Nei-ching was only then being compiled in China.  During this period, reports started to circulate in China about Soma, the psychotropic plant…which played a central role in the Rig Veda, a scripture that appeared prior to 1000 B. C.  Soma was promoted in China as possessing power to bestow immortality, and the persistent and enticing reports eventually led Emperor Qin Shi (reigned 221 – 207 B. C.), the first Emperor of a unified China, to order the procurement of this wondrous plant.  Other evidence suggests that there had been contact between these two ancient Asian cultures before the 4th century B. C.  For example, there are some remarkable similarities between their ancient systems of astrology.”

Mr. Svoboda goes on to postulate that the texts on Ayurveda were spread throughout China not only with the arrival of the Buddhist monks during the first century A. D., but in fact, much earlier.  There is ample evidence that this was the case.  For example, the Chinese surgeon Hua Tuo (110 – 208 A. D.) is recorded as the first physician in China to use a decoction of hemp as surgical anesthesia.  Yet Ayurvedic medicine has a sophisticated history of surgery dating back as early as 600 B. C. to the Indian text Sushruta Samhita, where the use of hemp as surgical anesthesia was first recorded.  In his book, Mr. Svoboda goes on to point out countless similarities in medicine, religion, astrology, art and alchemy providing abundant evidence that the exchange of ideas between India and China was a constant occurrence starting as early as 400 B. C.

In his book, The Lost Secrets of Ayurvedic Acupuncture, Dr. Frank Ros provides evidence that one particular volume of an ancient Ayurvedic text known as Suchi Veda is translated as “the art of piercing with a needle” and deals entirely with acupuncture. Likewise, Dr. Ros goes on to point out that the terms “needling” and “burning” (moxibustion) were utilized by Charaka, the ancient Ayurvedic physician, not only with reference to surgery but also to non-surgical medical modalities.  Likewise, the ancient Ayurvedic text written by Charaka, Charaka Samhita outlines the location and medical use for Marma (vital points) many of which correspond exactly to traditional Chinese acupuncture points. This Ayurvedic text was written sometime around 1000 B. C.  There is evidence that this text was taken to China with the Buddhist monks in the first century A. D. or even earlier by other travelers. The carefully guarded Tibetan medical text, 4th Shastra, indeed explains that Tibet received knowledge of Acupuncture and herbal medicine from India.

If these influences from India did in fact occur, why have scholars largely ignored Ayurvedic literature in their search for the roots of acupuncture in China?  One possible explanation is that the ancient Ayurvedic texts refer to their use of acupuncture in the category of surgery and the acupuncture terminology is not distinct from surgical terminology.  In contrast, the Chinese texts separate the two modalities into two distinct arts with separate terminology.

Based on the above, there is evidence to suggest that acupuncture evolved both from the ancient Ayurvedic system of India and the extensive application and observation of the art by the medical experts in China during the first century A. D.  Also, archeological evidence suggests that prior to the first century A. D., the use of needles for bloodletting was widely practiced in China but acupuncture, as we know it, had not yet appeared on the scene.  Therefore, at some point during the first century A. D., there was a quantum leap in the use of needles from purely a means of bloodletting to the practice of acupuncture as a means of accessing and regulating the subtle energy of the body.  Unfortunately, historians have very little information which would explain how this quantum leap occurred.  This gap in the story only supports the theory that this leap in technology may have been sparked or facilitated by ideas coming from the outside.  Perhaps India and China were working along two parallel tracts which converged in China during the first century A. D.

There can be no argument that medicine in China, over the last 3000 years, has evolved through a rich exposure to countless influences, both from within and without.  I believe it is fair to say that any meaningful examination of the origins of acupuncture would be incomplete without a thorough discussion of the influences from India, Tibet and perhaps other neighboring populations.

References:
Robert Svoboda and Arnie Lade;   Tao and Dharma, Lotus Press, 1995
Dr. Frank Ros; The Lost Secrets of Ayurvedic Acupuncture, Lotus Press, 1994
D. C. Epler, Jr.; “Bloodletting in Early Chinese Medicine and its Relation to the Origin of Acupuncture”; Bulletin of the History of Medicine, 54; 1980, pp. 337 – 367

Thank you for visiting my blog. If you have questions about acupuncture and shiatsu, or if you have a specific health concern, please contact me at:

Bart Walton, L.Ac.
Licensed Acupuncture & Shiatsu
Portland, Oregon
503/939-5805

Castor oil (Ricinus Communis) has been around for a long time. The Ebers Papyrus, one of the oldest medical textbooks in the world, describes the topical use of castor oil by the early Egyptians, as far back as 1550 B.C. Likewise, the oil of the castor bean has been used in India and China for thousands of years. In medieval Europe, the plant was given the name Palma Christa, since the leaves resemble the human hand.

Taken internally, castor oil is a reliable laxative, especially effective as a treatment for food poisoning and intestinal parasites. But actually, it’s the external application of castor oil that has the most remarkable healing properties. Present day health care practitioners prescribe the application of castor oil packs in order to:
- improve elimination
- stimulate the liver and gallbladder
- dissolve adhesions
- dissolve stones or lesions
- relieve pain
- relax the nerves
- remove toxins
- increase circulation of blood and lymph
- improve digestion
- reduce inflammation and swelling
- stimulate the endocrine system.

Castor oil is used externally in three ways. First, castor oil may be applied directly to the skin for dryness, rashes, hives, fungus, infections, boils, furuncles, liver spots (age spots), warts, benign skin cancers, etc. Also for infection or fungus in the finger or toe nails. Apply castor oil directly and gently rub into the area for a minute or two. Repeat this application 2 or 3 times a day for a few weeks or up to two months in the case of stubborn warts.

Second, the application of castor oil packs can bring significant relief for any kind of trauma, sprain or degenerative joint disorder. In the case of a painful joint, apply a pack and secure it with an ace bandage. Keep the pack on the body continuously and reapply castor oil every 24 hours.  For back pain, lay on a castor oil pack for 90 minutes every day for 5 days. (See instructions below.) In severe cases, you may have to repeat this course 3 times over a period of 3 weeks.

Third, castor oil packs are used for cleansing and regulating the internal organs. For disorders relating to the digestion, intestines, liver, lungs or reproductive organs a series of castor oil packs on the abdomen for 90 minutes a day can have remarkable effects.

How the castor oil pack works is not fully understood. Some practitioners attribute the healing properties to the relaxation of the muscles and the improved circulation of blood and lymph produced in the local area. In addition, it is known that certain fatty acids in the oil help to nourish the tissues and stimulate the healing a cellular level. In addition, it is my opinion that castor oil works on the level of vibrational medicine. My experience is that cold pressed castor oil resonates with living tissue on a subtle level, helping to restore the circulation of Qi or Life energy within the tissues. When the flow of Qi and blood are improved, the healing process is dramatically accelerated.

Directions for applying a castor oil pack

A castor oil pack is made from cotton flannel or disposable cotton padding which is used to absorb and hold the castor oil during application. The flannel is saturated with cold-pressed castor oil and applied directly to the area being treated. Common areas of application are the abdomen, the low back, or sprained muscles or joints of the arms and legs.

To make a castor oil pack, you will need the following supplies:

- Disposable under-pads or bed liners, available at most drug store. These should have a plastic liner on one side and a layer of cotton flannel on the other.
- Cold pressed castor oil
- One or two old bath towels
- Electric heating pad – I recommend the kind that will automatically shut off after one hour.
- Paper towels
- Plastic bag

1. Place the heating pad on the bed and turn it on to a low setting.

2. Place a full size disposable bed liner, with plastic side down, on top of the heating pad for protection.

3. Cut another section of bed liner approximately 10” X 14”, if doing an abdominal pack, or 8” X 14” for the low back, or a smaller section as needed for other parts of the body. Apply the castor in the middle of the flannel side, with the plastic side against the heating pad. Apply enough castor oil to soak the flannel but not so much that it will run over the edges. Place this cut section, plastic side down, on top of the larger liner but aligned with the heating pad underneath.

4. Apply castor oil to the abdomen or low back…enough to cover the area but not dripping. Wipe your hands with paper towels that are close by.

5. After a few minutes, when the castor oil pack has become warmed, lie down on the bed and flip the pack and heating pad on to your abdominal area and relax. Or, for the low back, lie down on the pack and adjust your position so that the pack covers the area from the sacrum to the waist. The heat should be comfortable but not too hot. It’s best to use a low setting to avoid a burn in case you fall asleep during the treatment.

Usual application time is 90 minutes.

After your session, wipe the area clean with paper towels. It’s ok to leave a thin film of oil on your body. Or, you may take a shower.

Carefully fold the castor oil pack and liner and store in a plastic bag between uses. Be sure to keep the pack out of the sun and in a cool dark place. Castor oil packs made from disposable liners may be used 8 to 10 times.

After 3 days of using the castor oil pack take about 1 teaspoon of olive oil (NOT castor oil) by mouth. This is best taken in the evening before bed.

To order castor oil and other supplies, go to www.Baar.com, or call 1-800-269-2502.

Precaution: Always consult with your health care provider before using a castor oil pack. DO NOT use a castor oil pack on the abdominal area or low back during pregnancy or menstrual flow.

Thank you for visiting my blog. If you have questions about acupuncture and shiatsu, or if you have a specific health concern, please contact me at:

Bart Walton, L.Ac.
Licensed Acupuncture & Shiatsu
Portland, Oregon
503/939-5805

Tea is by far the most widely consumed beverage in the world and is enjoyed by people in every country. Regardless of the variety, all tea is an infusion made from the leaves of Camellia Sinensis.

Green teas are subject to a variety of processing methods, which may include steaming, pan roasting and rolling. Black and Oolong teas are further processed through fermentation. By contrast, the term “white tea” refers to tea leaves in their raw, natural state. After picking, the leaves are simply arranged and allowed to dry, without processing. White and green teas both contain antioxidants and other valuable nutrients, some of which are diminished during the fermentation process involved in making black teas.

Another important nutrient in tea, particularly in green and white tea, is L-theanine, an amino acid which produces a feeling of calmness together with increased mental clarity and alertness. Theanine content is highest in young, tender leaves and diminishes as the tea leaves mature.

Most people who make green or white tea for the first time, mistakenly use boiling water. But high temperature (above 176 degrees, 80 C) brings out more of the tannins and caffeine which produce a bitter taste and diminish the calming effect of Theanine. So, the secret of getting the health benefits of green or white tea, along with a sweeter taste and a calm mood, is to brew your tea with cooler water, ideally between 150 and 170 degrees. (For detailed instructions for proper brewing, see article titled, The Healthy ‘High” of Green and White Tea)

Here are a few of the reasons why green and white tea are valuable for your health.

Antioxidants – The antioxidants in green and white tea are 100 times more effective than vitamin C and 25 times more than vitamin E. This helps to protect cells from damage linked to cancer, as well as aging.

Heart Health – Green and white tea reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke by helping to lower cholesterol and blood pressure. They also improve the ratio of good vs. bad cholesterol. And if a heart attack does occur, drinking green or white tea will help speed the recovery and repair of heart cells.

Weight Loss – Green tea promotes weight loss. Four cups a day can help you burn 70 to 150 extra calories per day. That’s 7 to 15 pounds in a year. If you are on a healthy diet, exercise regularly and drink green tea, it’s unlikely you’ll be overweight.

Joint Health – Green tea has a beneficial effect on several types of arthritis by helping to block the enzyme that destroys cartilage.

Bone Health – Because of their high fluoride content, green and white teas help to maintain bone density.

Glucose Metabolism – Green and white tea help reduce diabetes by improving lipid and glucose metabolisms. Also, polyphenols and polysaccharides in tea help to lower blood sugar levels.

Brain Function – Green and white tea help to boost memory and slow the decline of acetylcholine in the brain, which is a contributing factor in Alzheimer’s. In addition, the antioxidants and the L-theanine  in green and white tea can prevent cell damage in the brain and increase dopamine production. Both of these factors can protect against Parkinson’s disease, or help to reduce symptoms for those who have it.

Immune Function – The polyphenols and flavenoids in green and white tea help boost the immune system and increasing resistance to viruses and infections. Likewise, the EGCG (Epigallocatechin Gallate) found in tea reduce allergies. From this perspective, green and white tea help to balance both overactive and under-active immune systems. In addition, scientists in Japan have found that EGCG in green and white tea can stop HIV from binding to healthy immune cells.

Lung Health – The theophylline in green tea relaxes the muscles which support the bronchial tubes, reducing the severity of asthma.

Oral Health – Green and white tea reduce bacteria in the mouth, which contribute to many dental diseases as well as bad breath.

Mental Health – L-theanine, an amino acid in green and white tea, produces a calming effect which can significantly reduce stress and anxiety.

Thank you for visiting my blog. If you have questions about acupuncture and shiatsu, or if you have a specific health concern, please contact me at:

Bart Walton, L.Ac.
Licensed Acupuncture & Shiatsu
Portland, Oregon
503/939-5805

Below is an excerpt from an article by  Bruce Berkowsky, N.M.D., M.H., H.M.C.  To read the entire article, go to: http://www.naturalhealthscience.com/blog/natural-health-science/the-morning-cool-water-g-i-tract-reviver/

Introduction

Due to modern man’s propensity for eating highly challenging foods in improper combination—many times while under a great deal of emotional stress—the human gastrointestinal tract is most often the primary site of physical derangement. Constipation, colitis, diverticulitis, stomach and intestinal ulcers, chronic indigestion, gastric reflux, food sensitivities and related disturbances are so common that they now threaten to gain acceptance as a normal and inevitable occurrence of adult life.

Debilitated gastrointestinal function is one of the most important predisposing factors in mental and physical deterioration, and the subsequent development of chronic disease.  If we are to regain or maintain vigorous health, it is essential that the workings and environment of the digestive canal and its associated organs be maintained or restored to optimal efficiency.

Drinking Cool Water Upon Rising
One of the simplest yet most effective ways to contribute significantly to the process of cleansing and repairing the gastrointestinal tract is the daily drinking of 3 cups of cool, pure water on an empty stomach each morning upon arising.

Cool does not mean cold water and certainly not ice water. Excessively cold or ice water shocks and suspends stomach activity whereas moderately cool water (usually room-temperature water is sufficiently cool) stimulates and promotes it.  The cool water should be taken at a slow-to-moderate pace over the course of about 5 to 10 minutes, and not administered in one continuous chain of swallows.

Why Cool Water Is Superior To Warm Water Upon Arising
Why not warm water upon arising?  Warm water drunk freely upon arising will, like cool water, dilute the acid residues that result from the fermentation of foods in the stomach, diffuse bacteria from the stomach lining and produce a mild osmotic draining of the blood vessels of the stomach.

However, warm water does not exert a stimulating effect upon the muscular activity, nor the mucous membranes (i.e., the lining) of the stomach.  Therefore, if water is taken first thing in the morning as a therapeutic measure, it should always be accompanied by a vigorous self-massage of the abdominal organs to secure the stimulation that warm water fails to supply. But let’s face it: in this modern, fast-paced era, no one will usually take the time to do that.

Due to its lack of stimulating power to the muscular layers of the digestive canal, the tonic, or strengthening, effect of warm water is far inferior to that of cool water. Warm water relaxes the muscles of the stomach, and in some cases can produce nausea, especially if the effect of quantity is added to that of temperature.  Lukewarm water excites upward peristalsis of the intestines, which is why it is often used as an emetic (inducing vomiting). These days one of the primary digestive complaints that adults report is gastro-esophageal reflux disorder (GERD), which is clearly a manifestation of a tendency toward reverse peristalsis.

The concentrated introduction of 3 cups (24 oz.) of cool water into the stomach upon arising is directly stimulating to the nerves found within the stomach lining. Not only is the activity of the stomach muscles incited, but, as a reflex reaction, the body, seeking to distribute this cool fluid over a greater area so as to moderate sudden stimulation, will rapidly expel it into the small intestine, thus effecting a cleansing of the stomach.

Also, in reaction to the perception of coolness, the body rushes warming blood to the stomach’s mucosal lining, which then becomes suffused with blood, resulting in dilation of its pores. Similar to stimulating perspiration in order to achieve a thorough cleansing of the skin and its blood supply, the drawing of blood to the stomach’s mucous membrane (and the subsequent dilation of its pores) affords increased opportunity for sanitizing the stomach of the food residues and microorganisms that encourage gastrointestinal derangement and the development of disease.

Laxative Effect Of The Morning Cool-Water G.I. Tract Reviver
Cool, pure water taken on an empty stomach upon arising exerts a mild laxative action.  Water taken at this time can move relatively unimpeded (due to absence of a large mass of semi-digested food) all the way to the descending colon (i.e., left side of the colon; the rectum is the lowest portion of the descending colon) and, through its presence there, stimulate colon activity.

Be sure to delay eating after drinking the cool water. Ideally, you should allow 45 minutes to an hour for the water to do its work. If food is ingested before the water leaves the stomach and makes its way down through the intestines, much of the therapeutic effect of this procedure won’t have time or the proper conditions to develop.  On the other hand, if the cool water is not obstructed by the soon introduction of food and the subsequent firing up of the digestive processes, it can freely course through the entire digestive canal, not only cleansing the stomach and intestines, but also exerting a soothing anti-inflammatory effect upon the gastrointestinal lining.

Note: In the interest of time, one could have ready a container of cool (room-temperature) water at the bedside, and drink it upon awakening.

A Simple Way To Begin Healing The G.I. Tract
One of the most basic and efficient measures for helping to ameliorate chronic constipation and inflammation of the stomach and intestines is this simple Morning Cool-Water G.I. Tract Reviver. This invaluable technique may also prove of good service in cases of chronic indigestion due to atony (lack of tone and strength) of the muscles of the stomach and intestines. Cool water stimulates and tones the muscles, nerves and blood vessels of the entire digestive canal.

For those who are not troubled by any noticeable digestive problem or constipation (2 to 3 easy, full bowel movements per day is the goal), the Morning Cool-Water G.I. Tract Reviver is still an important permanent feature of the health-conscious individual’s morning routine since its cleansing, soothing and strengthening effects can help to maintain optimal functioning of the digestive system over the long term.

Thank you for visiting my blog. If you have questions about acupuncture and shiatsu, or if you have a specific health concern, please contact me at:

Bart Walton, L.Ac.
Licensed Acupuncture & Shiatsu
Portland, Oregon
503/939-5805

Most modern diseases of the industrialized world are related to diets which include too many unhealthy fats (from meat, dairy products and heavily processed fats, like margarine and hydrogenated oils) and not enough of the healthy fats (Omega-3 oils from seeds and fish).  “Omega-3″ is a chemical nickname for a group of fatty acids which include Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA).  These nutritional fats are remarkable for the wide range of benefits they bestow to the body.  To name just a few, they help to thin the blood, clean the arteries, lower blood pressure, reduce inflammation, prevent heart attack and stroke, improve circulation, regulate the immune system, improve eyesight and nourish the brain.

DHA is a major building block of brain tissue.  Studies show that DHA is particularly important in early brain development and learning ability.  For this reason, it is especially important that pregnant mothers and children maintain adequate levels of DHA in their diet.  In Great Britain and Europe, the use of Omega-3 supplementation is starting to replace conventional anti-depressant therapy for mild to moderate depression and ADHD.

On another level, inflammation in the body is a subtle but insidious killer. Inflammation in the G.I. tract can impair digestion and nutritional absorption.  Inflammation in the nervous system can lead to MS and in the brain, can lead to Alzheimer’s disease. Inflammation in the arteries is a major factor leading to heart disease and stroke.  Inflammation in the lungs or bronchial tubes can result in asthma.  Inflammation in the skin shows up as eczema, psoriasis, hives or acne.  Over the course of time, the damage from inflammation is perhaps the single greatest health risk that we face.  By increasing our intake of ALA and EPA and reducing the unhealthy fats, we can dramatically reduce inflammation  in the body.

Researchers have also found that Omega-3 oils assist the body’s immune system in a number of different ways.  In cancer patients, these nutrients actually help to strengthen the healthy cells and destroy cancer cells.  Omega-3′s are also important in the area of auto-immune disorders.  They seem to have a regulating effect on the immune system by boosting immune function where it is needed and reducing inflammation in the healthy tissues.

One of the primary causes of heart disease and stroke is atherosclerosis; a degenerative disease in which the arteries become brittle, clogged with plaque and subject to inflammation.  It has been demonstrated that a diet rich in Omega-3 oils (along with other dietary and lifestyle changes) can reverse this process and help restore normal arterial blood flow.

The most concentrated sources of EPA and DHA are cold water fin fish.  An ideal diet would include 7 or more servings of fresh fish every week.  However, these days, due to pollution in the oceans and inland waters, it is not a good idea to eat that much fish.  For this reason, a good quality fish oil supplement is the best approach.  I recommend Nordic Naturals available at www.nordicnaturals.com or 1-800-662-2544. Their products are manufactured under the highest standards of purity and freshness.  And the taste is mild and very pleasant.

* Caution: If you are pregnant, currently taking blood thinning medication, have diabetes or a bleeding disorder, consult with your health care professional before taking fish or flax seed oil supplements.

Thank you for visiting my blog. If you have questions about acupuncture and shiatsu, or if you have a specific health concern, please contact me at:

Bart Walton, L.Ac.
Licensed Acupuncture & Shiatsu
Portland, Oregon
503/939-5805

Coconut oil has been very misunderstood over the last four decades.  Although early studies concluded that all saturated fats are harmful, we now know that all saturated fats are not the same.

Most experts now agree that the real culprits of dietary oils are polyunsaturated oils, trans fats and hydrogenated vegetable oils, such as margarine, shortening or other highly processed oils found in cookies, candies, baked goods, boxed to bake items, canned foods and most restaurant foods.  These oils are easily oxidized within the body, thus creating a toxic residue which contributes to many degenerative diseases, including heart disease, diabetes, senility and dementia, obesity, hypertension, stroke, depression, hypoglycemia, thyroid disorders and cancer.  In contrast, natural virgin coconut oil is easily digested and does not undergo significant oxidation, even if left at room temperature for a year or longer

In two separate studies on traditional tropical populations, researchers concluded there is no evidence that saturated fat from coconut oil has a harmful effect on these populations. Below are some other reasons why coconut oil should be considered as a healthy alternative when it comes to dietary oils.

Unsaturated fats from seed oils are predominately made of long chain triglycerides. During the process of digestion, they must be broken down into shorter pieces in order to be used in the body.  This conversion is accomplished with the help of bile salts produced in the liver and stored in the gallbladder.  In contrast, coconut oil is more easily absorbed through the small intestines without the need of bile from the liver. People without gallbladders or who cannot digest fats (like those with cystic fibrosis) can usually enjoy coconut oil without difficulty.

Most seed oils will oxidize easily and actually become toxic when they are exposed to high temperatures.  In contrast, coconut oil resists oxidation, even at high temperatures.  From this perspective, coconut oil is one of the best choices for cooking.

The medium chain triglycerides (MCT’s) in coconut oil are metabolized very efficiently in the body and burned as fuel rather than stored as fat. By adding coconut oil to their diets, people often discover they have more energy than before.

Many people in the US are diabetic or have some degree of insulin resistance. Even though they are eating, they are not getting optimum energy from their food.  Coconut oil is not dependent on insulin and burns very efficiently as a high quality fuel in the body.  Recent studies show that MCT’s are linked to improved insulin sensitivity and researchers are studying the possible benefits of coconut oil for diabetics.

Lauric acid, which makes up about 50% of the fatty acids in coconut oil, will dissolve the lipid envelope that protects many pathogenic bacteria, viruses, yeast and parasites. Lauric acid is the major fat in human breast milk which helps nursing infants fight off these pathogens.  Using coconut oil as the dietary staple can help the body resist a wide range of viral diseases, including yearly ‘flu’ and measles.

Coconut oil is also known to have strong anti-inflammatory properties and has long been used in Ayurvedic medicine for inflammation in the G.I. tract and on the skin.  As a moisturizer, coconut oil produce a slightly acidic pH, ideal for keeping the skin healthy and free from pathogens and inflammatory conditions.

In her book, titled Know Your Fats, lipid scientist Dr. Mary G. Enig, states, “Recently published research has shown that natural coconut oil in the diet leads to normalization of body lipids, protects against alcohol damage to the liver and improves the immune system’s anti-inflammatory response.”

Thank you for visiting my blog. If you have questions about acupuncture and shiatsu, or if you have a specific health concern, please contact me at:

Bart Walton, L.Ac.
Licensed Acupuncture & Shiatsu
Portland, Oregon
503/939-5805

It is estimated that over 70% of people over the age of 50 have hemorrhoids, which are swollen or inflamed vascular structures in the rectum and anus. Internal hemorrhoids are usually painless but can cause some rectal obstruction and may bleed. External hemorrhoids can protrude outside the anus and are usually painful. As an acupuncturist in Portland, I see a lot of cases of hemorrhoids. Acupuncture and moxibustion can provide relief. But the best treatment for the long term includes home treatment, which includes the following:

1) Increase fiber in the diet. Soluble fiber is best, in the form of psyllium seed husks. There are a number of excellent psyllium products on the market or simply buy bulk psyllium seed husks from any natural food store.Begin with 1/2 teaspoon mixed in a glass of water and follow with an additional glass of water. Over several weeks, gradually increase to one teaspoon twice or three times a day, as needed for comfortable daily bowel movements.

2) Between meals, drink plenty of pure, warm or room temperature water on an empty stomach. As a general guideline, divide your weight in pounds by 2. The result of this equation is the number of ounces of water you need to drink every day. The best times to drink are upon rising in the morning and between 3:00 and 5:00 in the afternoon. Juice, green and herbal teas can be included in this amount.

3) Take the Ayurvedic herb Triphala – 2 capsules with a glass of warm water about 2 hours after your evening meal or an hour before breakfast in the morning.

4) Sacrum rubs -  Rub up and down along side of the sacrum region, applying pressure when rubbing so that hands remain in contact with the skin, but do not cause pain. Rub up and down about two hundred times until the skin feels hot. Do this before bed at night.

5) The best topical ointment for hemorrhoids (and the least expensive) is ordinary zinc oxide ointment (at least 25% zinc oxide) available at any drug store, usually in the baby or diaper supplies.

If these recommendations do not help to clear up hemorrhoids within 3 to 4 weeks, you should see a naturopathic doctor who can treat your hemorrhoids with direct current procedure known as the Keesey Technique. This is a painless procedure that permanently removes internal hemorrhoids. External hemorrhoids that do not heal on their own should be surgically removed by means of a minimally invasive procedure that is relatively painless and with a very short recovery period. In Portland, see Dr. Brett Hubbard, N.D. for either of these procedures.

Thank you for visiting my blog. If you have questions about acupuncture and shiatsu, or if you have a specific health concern, please contact me at:

Bart Walton, L.Ac.
Licensed Acupuncture & Shiatsu
Portland, Oregon
503/939-5805