Acupuncture for Chronic Neck Pain – A Quick Beginner’s Guide

Neck pain is one of the most common musculoskeletal disorders affecting over 30% of American adults in any given year. About half of these people live with chronic neck pain for several years (or permanently), leading to a high demand for better treatment options.

But to find the right treatment for neck pain, it’s important to find its cause.

What Causes Chronic Neck Pain?

Neck pain that lasts for more than three months is called chronic neck pain. It can be caused by several factors, including poor posture, injury, and underlying health conditions. Some  more factors include:

• Aging

• Degenerative joints and bone diseases

• Physical strain – could be caused by poor posture, overuse of neck muscles, holding head/neck in a specific position for too long, excessively high body weight, etc.

• Injury

• Mental stress

How Is Neck Pain Treated?

Treatment for neck pain begins with identifying and eliminating/managing the underlying cause if and when possible. The next step is to relieve pain and manage other problems that a patient may be experiencing. Depending on a patient’s health, medical history, and severity of the problem, this may  include:

• Pain-relieving medications

• Muscle relaxants

• Physical therapy/exercise

• Steroid injections

• Nerve stimulation through the Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation Unit.  

• Surgery

Acupuncture is a very effective Alternative Therapy for Chronic Neck Pain

The use of alternative therapies to help loosen and relax strained muscles and relieve pain is increasingly becoming common in chronic neck pain treatment. Acupuncture is the most popular of them all for its safety and efficacy. Often recommended by primary healthcare practitioners,  as a standalone treatment or in conjunction with physical therapy, acupuncture helps ease pain by stimulating the body’s natural healing and pain relief mechanisms, promoting relaxation (both physical and mental), reducing inflammation, improving circulation, and stimulating the release of feel-good hormones.

Get Acupuncture for Chronic Neck Pain in Oakland from Jenny Crissman

Jenny Crissman is an integrative healing expert with a master’s in Acupuncture and Herbs and a licensed practitioner in the Bay Area. She has been helping people find solutions for their health issues and improve overall wellness through acupuncture, herbs, and nutrition for over 18 years.

As a traditional Chinese Medicine expert,  Jenny Crissman takes great pride in offering safe and useful solutions to a wide range of health problems. She has helped countless people overcome neck pain from a variety of causes.  Considering that neck pain can be caused by various factors, Jenny follows a  personalized approach to treating her patients. She first performs a comprehensive evaluation to understand your complaints, medical history, and lifestyle and then formulates a custom acupuncture treatment protocol to address your issues.

Dial 510-595-0700 to begin your healing journey with Jenny Crissman’s acupuncture services for chronic neck pain in Oakland.

Acupuncture for Migraines

Migraines are debilitating and prescription drugs often result in rebound headaches and over the counter drugs do not always stop the pain, leaving many searching for alternative remedies to treat these often chronic headaches. If you are looking for alternative care, know that acupuncture can help! And if you’re in Oakland or the Bay Area, Jenny Crissman has got you covered! Let’s discuss some more about both.

Acupuncture as a Treatment Option for Migraines

Acupuncture – the TCM practice of inserting very thin needles into different parts of the body – has been used successfully for a broad range of health issues for centuries. It has great reviews and positive evidence for effectiveness in migraine treatment as well.

The Evidence

Several research studies have shown acupuncture’s safety and effectiveness for migraines in reducing both the duration and frequency of migraines. Evidence shows that it’s equally or more effective than conventional drug therapy.

A systematic review of twenty-two clinical trials on the usefulness of acupuncture for migraines found that acupuncture doesn’t just help provide short-term relief but also reduces the frequency of their occurrence, providing long-term relief with effects similar to those of traditional preventive medicines. According to the analysis, 59% of the participants who received acupuncture experienced a 50% or more drop in the frequency of their migraines, with effects lasting over six months.

The Science

Researchers are still investigating how acupuncture really works to relieve migraines (or pain in general). But they believe that the needles inserted into the body – on pressure points – help activate neural pathways responsible for regulating/turning off pain signals. There’s also evidence that acupuncture helps stimulate the circulatory system, which, in part, is involved in lessening headaches and triggers the release of various pain-associated hormones, including endorphins.

Endorphins are released as a result of acupuncture and are the body’s natural pain-relieving chemicals with effects similar to opioids. Various research studies have confirmed that endorphins relieve pain faster than morphine, one of the most commonly used analgesics.

Acupuncture also helps reduce stress and inflammation, enhance immune response, regulate hormones, and relax tightened neck muscles, all of which contribute to relieving migraines.

Start Your Migraine Acupuncture Journey in Oakland with Jenny Crissman

Think acupuncture may be the right treatment for you? Get in touch with Jenny Crissman – an integrative care specialist, acupuncturist, and TCM expert who uses a holistic approach to treatment. With 20 years of experience in Traditional Chinese Medicine and acupuncture and a degree in Nutrition and Dietetics, she uses proven therapies to restore the balance and flow of energy (qi) in the body, along with giving dietary recommendations for better and lasting results. Jenny Crissman has a proven track record of successfully treating a wide range of health conditions with acupuncture, including digestive and women’s health issues, sleeplessness, allergies, mood, and autoimmune disorders, skin problems, and pain,, including migraines Call: 510-595-0700 now to book an acupuncture session for migraines with her.

Oakland Microneedling: An Effective Treatment to Achieve Flawless, Glowing Skin

Radiant and healthy skin is the dream for many. With so many skin care options and services available,  finding the ideal one with few side effects can be challenging. Microneedling is one of the most effective treatments to enhance the quality of your skin. With results seen in as little as 3 treatments and lasting up to 5 years.

Microneedling naturally boosts the production of elastin, collagen, and new tissue to tighten skin,  reduce wrinkles and fine lines, reduce scarring from acne or injury, and reduce hyperpigmentation.  It can turn back the clock on aging skin and restore it to glowing and healthy.

At Jenny Crissman's Clinic in Oakland, we provide the best microneedling services to help you achieve refreshed and healthy skin. Jenny has extensive experience providing natural treatments, like microneedling, to give your skin the boost it needs. If you are concerned about the side effects of Botox and the damage and downtime of chemically invasive treatments but want to enjoy glowing skin,  microneedling is the right treatment for you.

What Is Microneedling?

This minimally invasive treatment is a healthy alternative to Botox, fillers, and other chemical treatments. Jenny Crissman creates a personalized microneedling plan based on your skin concerns.  It just takes a few treatments to achieve glowing skin with microneedling.

Microneedling helps to enhance the production of elastin and collagen, which keeps your skin smooth and firm. This effective procedure is typically done on the face, but many people get microneedling on their neck, decollete and other areas showing signs of aging or scared/damaged skin.

When to Consider Microneedling?

Microneedling offers multiple uses to improve your skin’s condition by improving signs of aging. You  can  consider getting microneedling at our clinic if you are concerned about:

● Wrinkles or fine lines

● Tighten and firm skin

● Shrink enlarged pores

● Uneven skin tone or discoloration

● Mild scars, particularly from burns or acne

● Stretch marks

It is ideal to consult our team to determine whether microneedling is the best solution for your skin concerns.

Benefits of Microneedling

Here are some of the many advantages microneedling offers:

● Decreasing wrinkles and fine lines by boosting elastin and collagen production

● Addressing scars and acne to ensure a smooth skin texture

● Reducing sun damage, including age spots and hyperpigmentation, to rejuvenate your skin

● Enhancing skin structure to reduce loose skin and regain the lost glow

● Shrinking pores by stimulating collagen production around the pores 

● Decreasing the appearance of stretch marks

● Addressing the thickening and ruddiness of skin due to rosacea by reducing skin inflammation

● Improving the effectiveness of topical applications to clear up acne

● Little to no side effects compared to intensive chemical peels, Botox, and laser treatments

Get Microneedling Done By the Experts at Jenny Crissman’s Clinic

Jenny Crissman has offered outstanding acupuncture and Chinese medicine services since  2003  in  Oakland and  East  Bay areas.  Her team conducts an initial consultation to determine your area of concern to create a personalized plan to achieve the best microneedling results.

Book your appointment today to experience the skin of your dreams and flaunt a flawless look.

Neck and Joint Pain from Phone Use – How Acupuncture Can Help

In the recent decade, there has been an increase in the number of people visiting health professionals for neck, upper back, and joint pains. Patients seeking help for soft tissue and joint issues like tendinitis have also recorded a spike in recent years.

How Does Smartphone Use Causes Neck and Joint Pain?

Many health professionals believe that the reason for a greater percentage of the population suffering from neck and joint pain and other similar issues is the increased use of smartphones. The human body isn't evolved for short-range yet long-term movements of joints and muscles that using a smartphone requires.

When we use a phone, we often tilt our necks downwards, flex our wrists, bend our elbows, tighten our muscles from neck to hands, and constrict our fingers. All these movements in the body lead to inflammation and pain of various joints and muscles in our upper body, causing them to swell and squeeze the nerves passing through.

The Dangers to the Body by the Use of Smartphones

 The harmful effects of smartphone use on the body are not mere assumptions but facts proven by research. When left untreated, the pain and inflammation cause permanent damage to nerves, joints,  and muscles, which leads to further health issues.

Damage to nerves through smartphone use causes severe health problems by making the nerves weak.  Weak nerves do not perform properly and disrupt the patient's ability to feel and hold objects in their surroundings. Moreover, damage to brain nerves by smartphones' blue light disrupts the sleep cycle.  When not addressed, the various health issues negatively impact the spinal cord and muscles.

Those living a fast-paced, busy life, such as in Bay Area and Oakland, face a  high risk of developing permanent health issues due to their necessary use of smartphones in everyday life. According to one study, the percentage of young people suffering from neck and joint pain in the US is increasing rapidly.

How to Treat Neck and Joint Pain from Smartphone Use?

Of course, the best way to treat neck and joint pain from smartphone use is to quit its use. However,  that's not possible for everyone. Those who can quit smartphone use must also seek treatment for their pain and inflammation. The human body recovers faster with assistance in its healing proves.

Treating Neck and Joint Pain from Smartphone Use through Acupuncture

Acupuncture is the easiest and quickest way to help the body heal independently. The 3000-year-old  tried and tested practice stimulates strategic sites on the body to initiate and promote its self-healing processes.

Acupuncture involves various methods, i.e., stimulating the acupoints of the body through sterile needles, cupping, and nutrition guidance based on ancient Chinese medicine. Through these methods,  acupuncture treatment promotes the production and release of natural hormones that reduce pain and heal the inflamed site.

Initiating and maintaining the body's self-healing functions are a great alternative to introducing the same chemicals in the form of synthetic pills. The naturally produced endorphins enhance the body's ability to stay healthy in the long run.

 Choose the Best Acupuncturist in California

Opt for natural relief from neck and joint pain from smartphone use in Bay Area and Oakland by contacting  Jenny Chrissman, a trained and licensed nutritionist, dietician, and acupuncturist in California with over 18 years of experience.  Click here to book an appointment today.

Alternative Treatments for Seasonal Allergies

Seasonal allergies are highly common, affecting billions around the world.  More than 50 million Americans  suffer from them every year. While seasonal  allergies aren’t restricted to certain areas, some  regions are more likely to cause them. The Bay Area is one of them. Those living in the Bay Area are at a  significantly higher risk of developing seasonal allergies, not just due to its year-long warm climate but  also because of widespread greenery.

The Bay Area undergoes three phases or  seasons of  pollen spikes during a year . Moreover, there is a  lot  of grass and significant weed growth in many areas, both  are known allergy triggers.   A  Stanford Medicine research study  recently reported that the allergy season in the Bay Area has increased by two  months due to changing weather patterns.

While there are several over the counter antihistamines  available for seasonal allergies, many people do  not find them helpful and prefer to use alternative therapies, herbs and nutritional supplements to  benefit their immune function and lower their histamine response. They are effective and do not have  the common side effects of allopathic  allergy medicines that often cause drowsiness, which is another  major reason why many people avoid using them.

Alternative Treatments for Seasonal Allergies

If you’re one of those people who want to  avoid using antihistamines, here are some viable alternatives:

• Herbs

Herbs are an excellent natural remedy for seasonal allergies. Here are some of the most tried and tested  ones:

✔ Perilla  – An herb from the mint family, perilla helps  with sinusitis, nasal congestion, eye  irritation, and allergic asthma.

✔ Stinging Nettle  – Contains antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory,  astringent, analgesic, and  antioxidant properties.

✔ Sea Buckthorn  – The bright orange-colored berries of sea buckthorn contain over 190 nutrients.

These include organic acids, vitamins B complex, C, and E, and provitamin A. They also have  superoxide dismutase enzyme, which is vital for respiratory health. This herb is not only great for  seasonal allergies but also for chronic coughs and breathing disorders like asthma.

✔ Quercetin  - A plant pigment, antioxidant flavonoid found in onions , berries and  broccoli…known to have protective abilities and combat toxicity, inflammation and histamine  response.

Herbs and Supplements are available, efficacious and easy :

You can find them available as one single herb  or best use is  in combination with several herbs and  nutritional supplements.  They come in capsule form  or powder for ease of administration.

Acupuncture:

Reported  as a potential antidote for seasonal allergies, the ancient TCM therapy of acupuncture has  been shown to offer quick relief from its symptoms. It’s  believed  to do so by regulating the cytokine  profile of Th1 and Th2 immune cells. Try acupuncture for seasonal allergies if you frequently suffer from  them.

Contact Jenny Crissman for Quick Relief from Seasonal Allergies in Oakland  and East Bay Areas

Jenny Crissman is one of the most renowned TCM experts in Oakland and East Bay areas.

She is not only a pro at acupuncture but is also an herbal medicine expert. Dial  510-595-0700 to  schedule an acupuncture session with her and to get more recommendations for herbs for seasonal  allergies.

Cupping for Pain Management

Being in constant physical pain can be exhausting. Depending on the severity, it can incapacitate you for long periods, making it difficult to lead a happy and healthy life.

Fortunately, there are multiple methods to treat and manage acute and chronic pain.   It typically involves a combination of medical, physical, and psychological approaches. However, many people also find great relief from pain with alternative therapies such as cupping.

Let’s look at it more closely and learn why it is so effective in managing pain.

Pain Management

Pain is a prevalent problem that affects millions of people worldwide. According to the World Health  Organization (WHO), it is estimated that around  20%  of the world's population experiences chronic pain,  which is pain that lasts for more than three months.

In the United States alone, chronic pain affects more than 100 million adults, which is more than the total number of people affected by heart disease, cancer, and diabetes combined. In terms of cost, the economic burden of chronic pain in the US is estimated to be around $560-$635 billion annually due to the cost of medical treatment, lost productivity, and disability.

Individuals need to work with their healthcare providers to find the best approach for managing their pain.

Cupping for Pain Management

Cupping is a form of alternative therapy from traditional Chinese medicine that involves using either glass cups or plastic cups to create suction on the skin to help loosen and release tense muscles,  enhance blood flow, and reduce pain. Cupping is often used to relieve pain in the back, neck, shoulders,  and other areas of the body where tension and tightness are common.

Cupping is also believed to help stimulate the immune system, promoting relaxation and alleviating stress. While cupping may not be suitable for everyone, and its effectiveness as a pain management tool may vary, many people find it to be a helpful complementary therapy for managing pain.

The Origins of Cupping

Cupping and acupuncture are two forms of traditional Chinese medicine that have been used for thousands of years to promote healing and alleviate pain. Cupping has been practiced in China for over  3,000 years and is mentioned in texts from the Han Dynasty (206 BCE to 220 CE).

Acupuncture, on the other hand, originated in China over 2,000 years ago and involved the insertion of fine needles into specific points on the body to balance the flow of energy (known as Qi or chi) and promote healing. Acupuncture is based on the idea that the body is interconnected and that disruptions in the flow of energy can cause physical, emotional, and mental health issues.

Experience the Healing Benefits of Cupping Today

If you have been suffering from pain for too long, it’s time to put an end to it. Residents of Oakland and the East Bay area can now take control of their health and enhance their overall wellness by scheduling their cupping therapy sessions with  Jenny Crissman.

Jenny Crissman is a health practitioner with 18 years of experience in the ancient healing practices of acupuncture and cupping. Place your trust in her capable hands.

Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine for Cold and Flu

With the colder months already here, colds and flu are becoming prevalent. While cold and flu are common ailments and affect people of all ages, they can severely affect those with weak immunity.

Who Is At High Risk of Catching a Cold and Flu?

People at higher risk of catching a cold and flu include children, pregnant women and elderly. Among them, the symptoms of cold and flu, i.e., fatigue, fever, body aches, watery eyes, runny nose, headaches, cough, sneezing, and sore throat, can be more severe and last longer. But even healthy people can suffer from severe cold and flu symptoms. Common ailments can also lead to serious infections like asthma, wheezing, sinusitis, bronchitis, ear infection, and pneumonia. Elderly are statistically at the most risk for pneumonia and severe complications.

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, up to 20% of the US population suffers from the flu yearly. Cold and flu also result in over 31 million doctor visits and several million hospitalizations.

Hence, it is essential to take measures against cold and flu as soon as one experiences the early signs.

How to Treat Cold and Flu Early?

Despite the potential severity of cold and flu, doctors only advise resting, hydrating and over the counter drugs for symptom relief. Symptomatic relief is great, but if your immune system is compromised or you are unable to rest this generally only extends the life of the cold or flu. It also prevents the body’s natural immune system from fighting against the viruses, further weakening it. A better way to treat colds and flu onset is to strengthen immunity through natural and traditional medicines, like Chinese medicine and acupuncture. By using herbal remedies and supplements that boost immunity and simultaneously relieve symptoms your system has a good chance of a full and speedy recovery.

Chinese Medicine for Cold and Flu

Chinese medicine for cold and flu is the most effective early on, as soon as symptoms are present. It is based on the basic principle of life-giving energy, i.e., Chi or Qi. This energy represents strong immunity and is strengthened through sleeping well, managing stress, exercising, and eating well.

Specific herbal recommendations will be made according to your specific set of symptoms and based on your history of illness and recovery. TCM also encourages consuming warm cooked foods, broths, stocks and specific fruits and vegetables to aid in your recovery.

Acupuncture for Cold and Flu

Acupuncture is another traditional medical treatment that helps the body fight various illnesses. During a treatment with acupuncture for cold and flu, any blockages in the body are opened to enhance the blood flow, energy flow and strengthen QI to help fight off the virus or flu. . Points to help with sleep and stress reduction are also used.

Acupuncture for colds and flu and herbal medicine for colds and flu assist the body’s natural defense system in fighting against foreign bodies. Both methods allow the body to overcome the early symptoms and develop improved immunity to avoid any occurrence of a new cold or flu in the future.

To benefit from Chinese medicine for colds and flu in the East Bay Area or Oakland, contact Jenny Crissman MS, L. Ac. She will provide acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine formulas to help fight and prevent colds and flu. A full intake and assessment of individuals overall health and medical history will be taken to allow for enhanced effectiveness. These treatments are also designed with a patients’ allergies and current medications in mind.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month Feature: How Acupuncture Can Help

No matter where you live and who you are,  you may be affected by breast cancer. A loved one,  colleague, neighbor, family member, or friend might have been diagnosed with breast cancer at some point.

In the past few years, breast cancer awareness has saved countless lives due to early detection. Chinese medicine and acupuncture have been found to assist in managing the side effects of cancer treatment and prevention plans.

This breast cancer awareness month is vital to speak up, share stories, donate, and encourage women to get regular mammograms and genetic testing if necessary.

Prevalence of Breast Cancer

According to the  CDC,  breast cancer is the most prevalent type of cancer among women after skin cancer in the US.  Every year,  around  264,000  women in the US get diagnosed with breast cancer.  The risk of breast cancer is higher among women over 50 years of age, but younger women also get affected.

Ways Acupuncture Help Cancer Patients

There are multiple ways acupuncture can help cancer patients, including:

Managing Cancer Treatment Side Effects

Every individual reacts differently to cancer treatments. Often this treatment damages the healthy cells in your body,  resulting in mild to severe side effects. Acupuncture can help manage these side effects to ensure you a better quality of life throughout your treatment time.

 Studies have found acupuncture relieves multiple cancer treatment symptoms, including:

• Peripheral  neuropathy  –  Muscle weakness, numbness, and pain in feet or hands from chemotherapy

• Pain – Joint, muscle, or postoperative pain due to hormone therapy

• Vomiting and nausea – From radiation, surgery, and chemotherapy

• Hot flashes – Caused by hormone therapy             

• Fatigue – Due to radiation therapy and chemotherapy

• Dry mouth – From radiation therapy

Managing Chronic Pain after Cancer Treatment

Many cancer survivors deal with chronic pain for some or many days after their treatments. Studies have found that two types of acupuncture treatments can help relieve chronic musculoskeletal pain among  cancer survivors:

• Electroacupuncture: The needles are placed on the painful area through which a mild electric current is given for around 30 minutes.

• Auricular acupuncture: Small needles are placed in the patient’s ears for a few days to help with the pain.

Acupuncture has been found to benefit patients during and after cancer treatment to help with side effects and pain. Most patients find relief when the acupuncture treatment plan is established based on their needs.

Finally

Getting diagnosed with breast cancer can be devastating for the patient and their loved ones. Early detection is the key to ensuring you get the appropriate treatment. Chinese medicine and acupuncture are effective in managing the side effects of cancer treatment and increasing immune function.

 Jenny Crissman has been practicing adjunct cancer since 2003 in Oakland and East Bay areas.  She conducts a  thorough evaluation to recommend a personalized plan to manage the side effects and boost your ongoing preventative treatment. Book your appointment today to discuss your unique concerns and develop a plan.

Acupuncture for Stress and Anxiety

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has been around for many centuries. The main goal of TMC is to restore the balance in the body, thereby healing it. Many different therapies fall under TCM including herbal remedies, acupuncture, cupping and moxibustion.

Acupuncture, in particular, is a TCM therapy that has been practiced for over 2,500 years. It consists of inserting very fine needles into the skin at various depths and on different points of the body in order to promote blood circulation to the area, increase the release of pain relief hormones, and encourage healing.

The main philosophy behind acupuncture therapy is to restore balance to the body and allow the life-giving force in the body – the 'qi' – to flow freely. When the qi can flow freely through the body, it creates healing and prevents mental and physical illnesses.

Acupuncture has been used to treat various kinds of illnesses such as chronic pain, hypertension, muscle pains, etc. However, it can also be used to treat emotional imbalances such as depression, stress and anxiety.  Let’s take a more detailed look at the use of acupuncture to help treat all stress/ anxiety.

How Acupuncture Therapy Can Treat Stress and Anxiety

Many adults suffer from symptoms of anxiety such as excessive worrying,  negative thoughts, circular thinking and the feeling of being overwhelmed. While these symptoms can be treated through psychotherapy and medication, many people prefer to use acupuncture therapy to help with the symptoms and underlying causes and imbalances, making it a very popular alternative treatment.

There have actually been several scientific studies conducted that have found that acupuncture has been an effective treatment for generalized anxiety and in treating anxiety and stress. One such study found that patients that do not respond to psychotherapy and medications responded very well to acupuncture.

But how does acupuncture actually treat anxiety and stress? After a TCM diagnosis is determined based on every individual's particular imbalance.  FIne acupuncture needles are  inserted at different points in the body  to help calm the body’s central  nervous system.   It helps to balance the parasympathetic ( fight or flight)  and sympathetic ( rest and digest) nervous systems.   When it comes to treating anxiety, there are several individual  diagnoses and a few universal acupuncture point prescriptions.  These points include the DU 20, REN 17, Yin Tang, HT-7, GB-21, LV-3, and SP-6. These points help to regulate imbalances in QI related to the heart and mind. If you visit an acupuncturist that is well-versed in using the therapy to treat anxiety, they will know exactly which acupuncture  points are best to treat your specific diagnosis for anxiety and stress.

If you are someone that is looking to try acupuncture therapy to treat anxiety and stress, you should consider Jenny Crissman for the treatment. Based in Oakland, California, Jenny provides integrative healing care, which includes services such as acupuncture, cupping, nutrition, functional medicine testing, and more. Book an appointment today and get started on your journey of healing.