Center for Complementary Medicine

Until now, options to eliminate wrinkles and look younger included filler injectibles which could lead to hardening of one’s features (duck lips and exaggerated cheekbones), Bo-tox, in which toxins are injected directly into your face to temporarily paralyze the muscles (expressionless face), and expensive, cosmetic surgery – all which alter the original look of YOU.

A toxin-free alternative to eliminating fine lines and wrinkles

Cosmetic Acupuncture merely regenerates your own muscles and collagen to naturally return you to your original appearance so you still look like YOU, only younger!

Traditional Chinese Medicine has long held that your outside reflects the status of your health on the inside. It is the delicate balance of Yin & Yang and the free flow of Qi & Blood through your meridians that can help keep your face and skin vibrant and glowing. Most Western cosmetic procedures only address the outside and some may be bad for your health. It makes sense that the most effective way to get and maintain a youthful appearance is to work from the inside out or, work on both the inside and the outside. Cosmetic Acupuncture does just that. Treating imbalances inside the body that cause aging and it effects(wrinkles, sagging, etc.) in conjunction with treating the face using acupuncture is simply the best anti-aging medicine available.

It’s probably safe to say that most people could care less whether the procedure improves their health or whether it is healthy at all. However, choosing Cosmetic Acupuncture as your cosmetic procedure allows you to get the best of both worlds. Along with improved overall health there is the possibility for you to receive the following results:

• Improved elasticity of facial muscles and improved collagen formation. Collagen is one of the main proteins in our skin that gives it strength and elasticity.
• Skin becomes more delicate and fair
• Reduction of wrinkles
• Erasing of fine lines and reduction of deeper lines
• Reduction of sagginess
• Lifting of droopy eyelids
• Clearing or reduction of age spots
• An overall rejuvenation that is not confined to your face. That means you’ll feel better all over – or that your health has actually improved!

A study in The Journal of Clinical Acupuncture shares that, with cosmetic acupuncture, 90% of clients have marked improvement in their faces and experience an overall rejuvenation that is not confined to the face.

So as it declines with age, our skin sags and wrinkles. The potential to improve collagen formation comes from the fact that the acupuncture needles cause little micro-traumas in the skin. When the skin perceives a trauma, fibroblasts of collagen and elastin come to the site to heal it. The body’s wound healing process involves collagen and elastin. Think about how a cut heals to make your skin whole again. It’s the same process.

So there is the possibility that your collagen and elastin stores get more abundant from the needling. Reducing collagen breakdown and increasing its supply is the only way to minimize wrinkling and sagging. Unfortunately as we age our skin loses it capability to replace damaged collagen so we need to have “procedures” to help boost collagen repair. Additionally, the facial needling brings more Qi and Blood to your face. According to the theory of Chinese Medicine this will create a more vibrant appearance, enhance the health of your skin, and nourish facial muscles.

So what is a treatment like? The practitioner uses special face needles for the cosmetic part of the treatments. They are inserted very shallowly into the face painlessly. The goal is to place the needle through the epidermis into the dermis and no further. In Chinese Medicine this is referred to as “shallow needling”. The combination of epidermis and dermis can be about 3 mm thick. Placing a needle 3 mm or less into the skin is considered fairly shallow by many practitioners of Chinese Medicine. Our goal is to impact the dermis with these needles, to create those micro-traumas that encourage the activity of fibroblasts of collagen. Needling only into the epidermis, which has no regenerative properties, may help the skin look temporarily different but our goal is to get more long lasting results.

The Cosmetic Acupuncture system is a series of 10 treatments. They are scheduled twice a week for 5 weeks. Your body needs time for the treatments to create a longer lasting result. And it takes time for collagen and elastin to repair and rebuild. That can take at least 4 weeks. Some people may need a few more than the usual protocol of 10 treatments. It depends on the state of your general health, your skin, and how much wrinkling or sagging is already present. That is something you will talk over with your practitioner as your treatments progress. After you complete the series, it is recommended that you do maintenance treatments 1x monthly or a minimum of 2 treatments every 6 months to maintain the results you have obtained.

Cosmetic Acupuncture treatments cost $105 each. We can help you determine if your health insurance covers acupuncture. You will also be given nutritional advice, skin care recommendations(like doing a moisturizing mask at least once a week), or using other at home skin care items like a jade roller. The impact of time passing can be minimized by our good treatment of ourselves. It takes some time and effort to keep looking young just like it takes time and effort to have a fit, healthy body. Who better to care for than ourselves?

Yours in health,

Rick J. Bernard, L.Ac.

Low back pain is one of the most common complaints that bring people to acupuncture. Conventional medicine simply does not offer adequate solutions that address this condition. Medical doctors can only write prescriptions for anti-inflammatories or pain killers which camouflage the problem. Additionally, pain meds have deleterious effects on our health, most notably on our kidneys and liver. An alarming percentage of the people who are on kidney dialysis, end stage kidney failure, are there because of the overuse of these pain meds.

Diagnostics including MRI’s often reveal bulging discs, or degenerative discs which are then targeted as the cause of the back pain. This, however, is a grievious error in my opinion and is rarely the actual cause of the pain. In 80-90% of people with back pain, the cause is muscle related. Even in cases where bulging discs or degenerated disc space is present(most people I’ve found have this so some degree)seldom is this the source of the pain. If you address the tenseness in the muscle group in this lower quadrant, you will be at least be addressing the cause of the problem. Success will be determined by how effective the modality is at relaxing these muscles.
A Harvard study took 100 people asymptomatic for low back pain and gave them all Mri exams. Two-thirds of the group tested positive for either multiple disc protrusions or degenerative disc disease, yet none of them had any pain. As a physician in Kaiser Permanente’s chronic pain clinic for the past 12 years, I see this all of the time. People come to me diagnosed with a similar pathology and feel they are doomed to a life of pain. After a few weeks of treatment they are amazed that their pain has diminished. Do not be alarmed if you have been diagnosed through x-ray of some type of disc related problem. It is my experience that this is irrelevant and not something to be alarmed about, and in fact, not even the cause of your pain.

Twenty two years ago I was in chronic pain and diagnosed with bulging discs at L-4 and L-5/S1. I also had severe degenerative disc disease. I was treated for months with physical therapy and chiropractic and showed only slight improvement. I was on disability for 7 months and didn’t feel like I’d ever get better…and that’s when I tried acupuncture. Within three treatments my pain had reduced 75% and completely recovered with 3 months. I haven’t required a treatment for my back since then, even though I still have the bulging and degenerative discs. So what changed? What changed was the level of muscle tension that was once present. Acupuncture, particularly electro-acupuncture has a profound anti-spasmodic effect on soft tissue. By placing a hair thin needle into the belly of a muscle in spasm, the muscle(referred to as trigger point)simply unfolds and opens up. When the muscle spasm relaxes, pressure on the nerves is diminished, and blood flow is restored which carries with it oxygen and nutrients that a healthy muscle requires.

How can it just be the muscles that cause the pain? It is our muscular system that reacts to emotional stressors in our life. It has been discovered, that certain muscle groups are more reactive, and tied into our emotional system. Muscles in the lower abdomen and lower back have particular “eaves-dropping” capability. Even western medicine speaks to this hardwiring and this mind/body relationship. Irritable bowel syndrome is, in fact, viewed as a functional problem caused by emotional stress. This girdle of tension wraps around the body and includes the muscles of the lower back. As we feel stress in our lives we subconsciously tense our bodies and these lower muscles become the target. A secondary muscle group that is is also highly reactive to stress is the trapezius muscles. These are the muscles that lie between our shoulders and neck and allow you to shrug your shoulders. It is the second most common pain site that I see in clinic.

Remember, when muscles become tense for a sustained amount of time, blood flow to them becomes restricted. Therapy must be directed at relaxing these muscles, restoring blood flow to the tissues, and restoring function.

There is no medical system in the world as effective as acupuncture for relaxing tense muscles and relieving pain. When you connect an electrical source up to the needle(electro-acupuncture)the positive results are magnified ten-fold. The electrical stim vibrates the needle causing the muscles to relax. It also stimulates the peripheral nerves and sends a message to the brain to release enkephalins, which are a morphine-like substance and aids in pain relief. In China they use electro-acupuncture in lieu of anesthesia during many surgical procedures.

What else can you do for low back pain? I generally recommend two things. A tool called a “knobble” can be purchased online for approximately $12. By laying on this tool you apply sustained pressure to these tense muscles which helped them to relax. It can be done at home on a daily basis and only takes a few minutes. Secondly, it is important to strengthen these low back muscles. By laying on the floor, supine, slowly raise your shoulders up by utilizing the lower back muscles. Do a few sets of 8-10 repetitions and within a few weeks these muscles will better be able to support this vulnerable area. Sit-ups are secondary support muscles and not nearly as important as the muscles that run parallel with the spine.

If you have had low back pain and nothing has helped, or helped only temporarily as chiropractic often does, you need to try electroacupuncture. Within 3-4 treatments you will become a believer in this form of medicine that has been in existence for over 5,000 years.

Yours in health, Rick J. Bernard, L.Ac.

If you have sustained a significant injury with bruising and swelling, or are facing surgery of any type, you need to be aware of the benefits of high dose homeopathic Arnica. Homeopathic remedies are something I have been studying the past 6 months primarily because I was introduced to a high dose Arnica product after a surgical procedure I underwent. Low dose Arnica is a very commonly used remedy found in most health food stores. I have not found it to be particularly helpful in clinical use. Benefits are very random and do not produce significant changes. High dose Arnica, however, is another story entirely. It can have a dramatic effect on reducing both bruising and swelling, and improve recovery times ten-fold with many surgical procedures.

One high dose remedy with the brand name Sinecch, is absolutely amazing post surgery. I have a friend who underwent nasal surgery and was told by his surgeon to expect two black eyes and significant swelling and discomfort, which was typical for his procedure. The day of his surgery he began taking Sinecch(and the following 3 days per dosage instructions) and literally had no discoloration or swelling. None. The doctor was totally blown away by this and now recommends it for all of his surgery patients. In fact, Sinecch is a very popular product for plastic surgeons, and is often an integral part of their treatment protocol because of the enhanced healing times and reduced symptoms.

What is homeopathy? Homeopathy is a system of medicine that uses very small doses of medicines, or remedies. These remedies are prepared from substances found in nature including plants, minerals, and other substances. The homeopathic doctor chooses the proper remedy by following a special rule of nature called the Law of Similars. This law states “like cures like”, or that a medicine can cure a sick person if it can cause similar sickness in a healthy person. Any plant, mineral or animal substance can be used as a remedy. The original substance is diluted in liquid repeatedly, and vigorously shaken with each dilution. Unusual as it sounds, these very small amounts of remedies can act very strongly when used properly. Also, because the remedies are very diluted, they are extremely safe. The clinical experience of homeopathy shows that the micro-dose is effective: It works upon comatose people, infants and animals.
Trauma is just one area which homeopathy can be helpful. Many dermatological conditions respond miraculously as well. I have seen Sulphur, for example, work miracles on the most pustulent eczema you can imagine.

So remember Arnica if you are planning surgery or have sustained any acute injury. It is solely for acute situations with significant trauma, not for chronic pain. For best results, take as soon as possible after the injury or surgery. I gurarantee you, you will be amazed at the benefits this can provide.

Yours in health,
Rick J. Bernard, L.Ac.

As brilliant as Western (allopathic) medicine is at emergency medical procedures and various surgical techniques, this makes up a very small percentage of what people see doctors for. Both infectious disease and more chronic degenerative disease are treated with drugs that are aimed at symptom suppression, and bring with them vast deliterious side-effects. With the development of antibiotics in the 1940′s, the pharmaceutical industry became the major player in the world of medicine, but it does not, and has not, pursued methods to tap into and activate the innate healing powers of the human body. The focus of allopathic mediine is on the symptoms, and not the root cause of the dis-ease. Interestingly, the treatment of infectious disease became the strength and backbone of Western medicine, but no infectious disease has been eliminated by the use of antibiotics. We have come to the woeful realization that the use of these antibiotics has even contributed to the recent phenomenon of emerging infections which are antibiotic-resistant. In short, these meds are creating a super bacteria. Pain meds have even more dire consequences on the liver and kidneys, and an alarming percentage of people on kidney dialysis; end stage kidney failure, are there because of the use of these analgesics.

Today, the use of drugs is the dominant resource used by the medical mainstream to treat most conditions of humankind. 70% of the world’s prescriptions are written by U.S. doctors. According to a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Associatio(JAMA) in 1998, deaths due to legal drugs in hospitals were the fourth leading cause of death in the U.S. The other major medical option is surgery. It is estimated that as much as 50% of all surgeries performed today are unnecessary. It seems that Western medicine has abandoned the famous Oath of Hippocrates, the Father of Medicine, which simply states medicine should “Do No Harm”.

Oriental medicine seeks to find the root cause of one’s “imbalance”. But even more that that, it’s primary objective is to promote a level of health to keep one as vital, energetic, and balanced as possible so that they don’t get sick in the first place. This preventive approach is now being referred to as Wellness medicine, and implies more than just an absence of disease. An acupuncturist seeks to discover the underlying energetic imbalances that if not treated, eventually manifest in a disease process. It can much more readily, in many instances, determine disease that can potentially occur later if these imbalances are not addressed. The acupuncturist is also interested in restoring Function rather than just suppressing symptoms. To take a pill for a headache is literally robbing you of the opportunity to learn why you are getting the headache in the first place, and from determining what needs to be done to address the cause of the problem. Afterall, to treat a dying tree you don’t just snip off the yellow leaves. Rather, you address the condition of the soil and the roots, and see if the tree is getting too much water, or too little. This “root” therapy approach is the essence of Chinese medicine.

Chinese medicine has been practiced for over 4,000 years and is the most utilized health care system in the world today. The reason that it has survived for so long and adapted to different cultures is that it offers a vast and potent repertoire of healing benefits that are so widely needed in our modern world. Acupuncture has enjoyed an enormous surge of interest lately, as the media is really catching onto the widespread benefit that this treatment option is offering to so many people. There are literally hundreds of studies validating its efficacy for treating such things as pain, nausea, infertility, digestive complaints, and many respiratory and neurological ailments. The World Health Organization recognizes over 30 conditions for which acupuncture may be beneficial. Most importantly, there are no side effects, other than a good night’s rest. Most insurance companies cover at least a percentage of the fees. So try it, you have nothing to lose!

Yours in health,

Rick Bernard, L.Ac.

Carpal tunnel syndrome is one of the most poorly treated conditions in medicine today. Carpal tunnel is a common source of hand numbness and pain due primarily to repetitive hand movements required in typing and mousing. However, any overuse activity can lead to this condition. I have seen it prevalent in pregnant women and new mothers who are carrying extra water weight, or who have to transport their babies in a car seat.

The carpal tunnel is a narrow, funnel-like structure in the wrist. The median nerve travels from the forearm into the hand through this tunnel in the wrist. This nerve controls feeling in the palm side of the thumb, index finger, and middle finger. The tendons that allow you to bend your fingers and thumb also travel through this tunnel. In short, when the tendons become irritated from overuse, the tissue around these tendons, called synovium, swell and put pressure on the median nerve causing tingling, numbness, or pain. Some people are born with a smaller carpal tunnel making them more susceptible than others to develop this problem.

Treatment for carpal tunnel may involve:
*Bracing or splinting. A brace or splint worn at night keeps wrist in neutral position which prevents the nightly irritation of the median nerve when the wrists are curled during sleep.
*Medications. Anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen.
*Steroid injection. Cortico-steroid injection can provide short term relief.
*Physical therapy. P.T. will sometimes prescribe an exercise routine which often serves to aggravate the condition. These tendons require rest, not more use.
*Surgery. Commonly surgery which cuts the transverse ligament in the wrist to make more room for the median nerve is employed. Complications-bleeding, infection,nerve injury,scar tissue,additional surgery.
In my opinion carpal tunnel surgery is one of the most over-used, inappropriate methods to treat this condition.Certainly if this has been a very long standing condition where there is constant numbness and wasting of the thumb muscles is present, surgery is appropriate as a last measure. True healing can only occur by dealing with the increased tension in the flexor muscles and tendons of the forearm and wrist, which have caused this condition. Massage and acupuncture are the only two techniques which actually address and alleviate this built up tension. Together, they relax these overused tendons, reduce the swelling of the surrounding tissue, and restore the integrity of the underlying structures. When the soft tissue is relaxed, blood flow is restored and the symptoms subside.

There is a self massage technique that I teach so patients can work on themselves while at their desks, and only takes a few minutes. Furthermore, the proteolytic enzyme, serrapeptase has shown very encouraging results in reducing inflammation in the soft tissue. I recommend a product called Zymactive, which has twice the potency of anything on the market today.

Final thoughts…Carpal tunnel surgery is not something to jump into without exhausting more conservative therapies. Often, this surgery is not successful, and you are left with some undesirable complications, including a possible second surgery. Remember, any therapy chosen should address the real cause of this condition. Cutting a ligament in the wrist does nothing to alleviate the tension of soft tissue of the forearm and wrist. Eventually this can lead to this problem re-occuring, or another condition such as medial epicondylitis from developing.

Yours in health,
Rick J Bernard, L.Ac.

Serrapeptase is an enzyme that comes from the silkworm. When the silkworm is ready to emerge from it’s cocoon it produces an enzyme that dissolves that very hard shell so that this delicate little creature can enter into a new world. Histological studies reveal powerful anti-inflammatory effects of this naturally occuring enzyme. Serrapeptase digests non-living tissue, blood clots, cysts, and arterial plaque and inflammation in all forms. It has been used in Europe and Japan for more than 25 years for inflammation, post-surgical swelling, carpal tunnel syndrome, and ear, nose, and throat disorders, with good clinical research behind it.

I have used this enzyme extensively with patients with sinus infections and carpal tunnel with sometimes amazing results. It can also provide dramatic relief for some types of low back pain marked by a “burning” inflamed sensation.

Dr. Hans Nieper, a German doctor and scientist, discovered that only a small amount, if taken every day for 18 months, would complete the healing of clogged arteries and they would be almost entirely cleared of arterial plaque. A virtual roto-rooter of any dead tissue anywhere in the body. Dr. Nieper also reported that serrapeptase dissolves blood clots and causes varicose veins to shrink or diminish.

The most potent serrapeptase I have found is called Zymactive by Natural Factors. It is more than twice as potent as the leading brand, and I keep it stocked due to its wide ranging benefits. One pill 3x daily is the appropriate dosage for maximum benefit. If you know someone afflicted with one of these conditions, tell them about the “Miracle” gift the silkworm has provided for us.

Yours in health,

Rick J. Bernard

Now that Winter has officially arrived it is time to utilize the knowledge and wisdom of Chinese Medicine that has been honed and tested for over 4,000 years. The ancient Chinese believed that human beings should live in harmony with the natural cycles of their environment. The cold and darkness of Winter leads us to slow down. This is the time of the year to reflect on our health, replenish energy, and conserve our strength.

If you feel tired and drained your are not alone. “Lack of energy” is one of the top three complaints that doctors hear in their offices. According to Oriental Medicine, the cold months of Winter are the perfect time to recharge your battery and generate vital energy, what the Chinese refer to as “Qi”, in order to live, look, and feel your best.

Winter is ruled by the Water element, which is associated with the Kidneys, Bladder, and Adrenal glands. The Kidneys are considered the source of all energy or Qi within the body. They store all of the reserve Qi so that it can be used in times of stress and change, or to heal, prevent illness, and age gracefully.

During the Winter months it is particularly important to nurture and nourish our Kidney Qi because this is the time that it can be most easily depleted. Our bodies are instinctively expressing the fundamental principles of Winter-rest, reflection, conservation, and storage.

The Nei Ching, and ancient Chinese classic, advises people to go to sleep early and rise late(good luck explaining this to your boss)after the sun’s rays have warmed the atmosphere a bit. This preserves your own Yang Qi for the task of warming the body when presented with a cold environment.
Winter Diet:

• Stop drinking ice drinks and coffee. Choose instead warm herbal teas. Coffee increases “dampness” in our bodies which leads to feelings of fatigue and sluggishness.
• Eat more root vegetables, such as potatos and yams. They are a great base for soups and stews. Whole grains an nuts help to warm the body’s core and to keep us nourished.
• Water-Drink plenty of it at room temperature; no ice please…
• Kidney shaped foods:Black beans and kidney beans are excellent examples of kidney shaped fods that benefit Kidney Qi.
• Blue & Black foods: The colors blue and black correspond to the Water element of the Kidneys and are thought to strengthen the Water element. Include blueberries, blackberries, mulberry and black beans in your diet.
• Seeds: Flax, pumpkin, sunflower and black sesame seeds relate to fertiliy and growth which is governed by Kidney Qi.
• Nuts: Walnuts and chestnuts have been found to be especially effective for increasing Kidney Qi.
• Vegetables: Dark, leafy green vegetables are th best choice for Kidney Qi. Other Kidney Qi boosting veges include asparagus, cucumber, and celery.

Seasonal acupuncture treatments in Winter are directed toward nurturing and nourishing Kidney Qi which can greatly enhance the body’s ability to thrive in times of stress. Points are chosen to keep the immune system strong and keep your energy in a balanced state.

If you do catch a cold the formula “Not So Well” by Get Well Natural is the best cold formula I’ve ever taken. If caught early many times it will completely knock out that cold. If it includes a sore throat try zinc lozenges. I actually like “cold eeze” which you can purchase at you local drug store. Zinc kills viruses in the throat and also stimulates the thymus gland which is the master immune gland of the body.

Staying happy, healthy, and energetic is possible in the winter.

Happy Winterizing, Rick J Bernard, L.Ac.

As I look forward to what 2010 has to offer – Whew! Thank god we all survived 2009 – I feel so fortunate to be part of such a great profession and have such wonderful patients that truly feeds my soul. I am so blessed to be able to participate in the lives of so many and contribute in some small way to making their lives a little better. I get to wake up every day and actually look forward to going to WORK. What a concept. I always thought work was supposed to be a burden, some lousy endeavor that was thrust upon us when we were finally handed our diploma.

So for me, I simply need to count my lucky chickens and figure out ways to improve and expand on what I do in 2010. This past year I’ve been studying homeopathy and hope to utilize it for certain auto-immune and dermatological conditions which I find it most helpful for. I also plan to significantly expand my weight loss program as I have done extensive research in this area. You will be hearing more about that soon. Finally, I will attempt to provide you, on a more regular basis, with health tips that may be of value to you, family members, or friends. This has been my most difficult endeavor in the past, as it is so easy to get side-tracked with other responsibilities. (Those of you that have young children know what I’m talking about). But that’s my goal for 2010 so look forward to receiving little health tid-bits in the weeks to come.

My blessings to all of you for a happy and healthy 2010.

Yours in health, Rick Bernard

I have been practicing acupuncture for 16 years and the most common question I get is, “Do you help with weight loss?” My answer has always been “no, but I know of many acupuncturists who do.”

It’s not that I didn’t believe that acupuncture could help people lose weight. I have read many research papers that validated its ability to suppress appetite. It was more that I didn’t feel it was a complete enough solution for what can be a very complex problem, that requires a more multi-faceted approach. I am embarrased to say that I didn’t view obesity as a real health problem, with many associated health risks.

It is safe to say I have come to view obesity as an epidemic, particularly in developed countries like the U.S. It is now, in fact, regarded as the major cause of death n the U.S. I have also witnessed repeatedly weight issues overlap many of the other health issues I was treating people for, most notably, infertility and pain. One of the greatest obstacles I have found for preventing women from becoming pregnant is excess weight. As I began to view this issue through a different lens, and began to research ways to combat this growing health problem, I discovered a scientific breakthrough product that will revolutionize the field of weight loss. (more…)

I’d like to welcome you to my Health Tips Report. This Report will provide you with natural remedies for common, every day problems, as well as solutions for more complex, difficult conditions that you may not have realized Chinese Medicine could address. (more…)