Chuck Sullivan, Acupuncturist serving Memphis, Bartlett, Germantown, and Collierville TN

Dry Needling Part 2: How "Dry Needling" got it's name?

2014-06-10T12:06:00.001-07:00

In a nutshell....

The founders of trigger point therapy in America were Drs. Travell and Simons. She was President Kennedy's physician. She and her associates started noticing pain associated with sensitive points in the body. They eventually came up with trigger point therapy after manual stimulation of the painful points in the body. Initially they injected lidocaine into points. However, after awhile they started injecting saline solution into the points and continued to see results. To see what would happen they began puncturing the trigger point using a needle without any lidocaine or saline solution. Dr. Travell still achieved results in managing the pain of their patients. The needle was used dry and thus "dry needling" was born in America.

Next installment..."What is a tender point? How does it relate to acupuncture?"

Acupuncture Sports Medicine Story

2014-06-04T15:08:00.004-07:00

Acupuncture and Sports Medicine
Really interesting story on the Texas Rangers use of Acupuncture.

Dry Needling in Memphis

2014-06-04T13:23:00.002-07:00

The scoop on "Dry Needling".

Let me set the record straight...the core issue is a political one regarding laws and the scope of practice of physical therapists. By calling the practice of putting an acupuncture needle into the body to bring about a therapeutic result something other than acupuncture, physical therapists can now go through the legal process to add "dry needling" to their scope of practice. Period. End of story. All other debates as to whether dry needling is different from acupuncture are hair splitting affairs done by people with little knowledge of the subject.

Many of my patients at Acupuncture and Healing Arts Medical Group have asked me about dry needling. They want to know what the differences are and if it is the same as acupuncture. The short answer is that dry needling is really just a basic form of acupuncture. A senior acupuncturist, Mark Seem, has been teaching this form of acupuncture including the muscle twitch response for probably 15 years. In fact he wrote a book entitled Acupuncture Physical Medicine that I have read many many times. He thoroughly researched the roots of Travel and Simons work on tender points and developed an integrated model of treatment with acupuncture long before PT's thought about Dry Needling. It is not a new form of physical therapy. An acupuncturist can dry needle but dry needling does not fully represent the strength of acupuncture as a whole.

Unlike my colleagues, I have no beef with physical therapists practicing dry needling in the context of physical therapy. They have training in a very limited use of acupuncture. Most PT's are extremely knowledgeable, compassionate and professional. I do not see them as competition. I find that I receive patients who have had dry needling for pain management from a PT and then want to explore other uses of this ancient and comprehensive modality. The difference is that they have received limited training to use on a very specific pattern of disharmony in the body. Whereas an acupuncturist receives comprehensive training that address a wide variety of health issues other than just pain.

With in the next few days I will write a follow up post giving a brief history on dry needling and how it came by it's name.

New Owner of Acupuncture and Healing Arts Medical Group

2014-06-04T13:00:00.000-07:00

WOW!!!
It has almost been a year since I bought Acupuncture and Healing Arts Medical Group. I can't believe how fast this last year has gone. The transition from independent contractor to business owner has been a real challenge. A whole set of skills had to be learned. Dare I say ... that I did make some expensive mistakes but after a year I am starting to get the hang of things.

We made a ton of changes to the clinic. The office was professionally painted. The concrete floors were stripped and restrained. They came out amazing. Our herb pharmacy was relocated into the front office where people check in and out. Please check out our awesome new website ww.acupuncturememphis.com.

Our massage therapist, Jeanne, got a brand new room with more space.

I am proud to say that we did not lose any staff in the transition. Our front office staff is really doing well these days. We currently have Sandy, Carrie, Bunny and Candace keeping everything running. Don't know what I would do without them.

Future improvements include implementing online scheduling to make it easier for our patients to book appointments when we are not in the office. We do have it set up that you need to call us if the change is within 24 hours. That should be going live within a week or two.
I have a contract ready to make a custom carved crystal sign for the front office. It is going to look amazing in the waiting room. Other upgrades include replacing the waiting room furniture by the end of the year.

I love the challenges of running the office as well as seeing patients.

Please come by to say hello to see the place if you haven't been here in awhile. We would love to see you.

Acupuncture and Migraines

2013-02-19T07:44:00.003-08:00

There is absolutely no need to suffer from migraines. Odds are if you are reading this post you know the signs and are looking for relief. Acupuncture can help many people with this type of headache as well as tension headaches and sinus pain.

Please take a look at this article found at WebMD that states that traditional acupuncture provides long term relief from chronic migraines.

Give me a call at the office (901 763-0909) to schedule an appointment if you would like some help.

The Importance and Function of Fiber in the Diet

2012-10-01T14:03:00.002-07:00

1. Fiber stimulates chewing which in turn eventually stimulates gastric secretions.
2. It's bulk provides a sense of fullness in the stomach.
3. Fiber decreases intraluminal colonic pressure by increasing the volume of stools.
4. Fiber dilutes the intestinal contents which dilutes endotoxins in the bowel.
5. Fiber decreases Bowel Transit Time which also reduces the exposure time to endotoxins.
6. Fiber slows the absorption of glucose.
7. Fiber increases the excretion of endogenous estrogens by binding them and allowing the body to excrete them in stools.

Source: Medical Nutrition From Marz.

What does acupuncture feel like? Does it hurt?

2012-10-01T13:53:00.001-07:00

The level of discomfort from acupuncture is minimal. It ranges from no pain at all to the type of pain you might feel from a mosquito. Very occasionally it will feel worse than that. Once the needles are in the patient feels a pleasant state of euphoria and often fall asleep.
Here is a vid of a patient getting some acupuncture:

Build A Better Colon (Part 3) Take Your First Steps

2012-10-01T12:39:00.003-07:00

Part Three is going to focus on some simple things to do to help you move things a long. For most of us colonics or enemas are not necessary. They are beneficial but are not essential. It is more important to put quality components in the front end than try to remove the crap from the back end.

The three most important things that you can do are relatively cheap and have a profound effect on the body and bowel transit time.

1. DRINK WATER - half your weight in ounces each day. Wake up and drink a glass water that you put by our bedside the night before. It will help flush your kidneys as well as get your hydration started. Water is extracted from the colon. You want to have enough in there to keep things moving along.

2. Eat 35 - 50 grams of fiber each day. There are two types of fiber to consider: Soluble and Insoluble.
Insoluble is what we need to work on if you have a slow Bowel Transit Time. This type of fiber does not dissolve in water and helps the materials pass through the large bowel.

Sources of insoluble fiber: whole grains, seeds, nuts, barley, brown rice, zucchini, celery, broccoli, cabbage, onions, tomatoes, carrots, cucumbers, green beans, dark leafy vegetables, grapes, and other fruit.

3. Move. Exercise at least 30 minutes 3 times a week. More is better.

Build A Better Colon (Part 2) - Why?

2012-10-01T11:32:00.000-07:00

Straight Medical Doctors attribute some slow bowel transit time and constipation issues to the following conditions:
Hemorrhoids
Anal Fissures
Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Diverticulitis
Abnormal Growths

Complimentary and Alternative Practitioners will often attribute additional problems like allergies, low functioning immune system, head aches, lower abdominal pain, and skin issues to constipation.

Regardless of what philosophy you want to go with having a healthy vital colon positively affects your health. It is best not to lose the forest for the trees.

Build A Better Colon (Part One) - How to Check Your Bowel Transit Time

2012-10-01T10:32:00.005-07:00

Many alternative health practitioners throughout history have said that good health starts in the colon.
The first thing you need to do on your path is to test your bowel transit time. Bowel transit time is the amount of time it takes for food to get from your mouth to the toilet. If your Bowel Transit Time is longer than 16 hours you are constipated. The longer stuff sits in your colon the more trouble it causes.

The bowel transit time will change with the type of food you consume. However, if you do tend to be longer than 16 hours you have some issues. If you are only having a bowel movement a few times a week it is time to start figuring out what is holding you up.

In order to check for your Bowel Transit Time some M.D.s will have you swallow some radioactive tabs and then xray your abdomen to track their progress. A low tech version would be to swallow activated charcoal tabs available from the local health food store. Take note of time that you swallowed the pills and then their exit.

How to Speed Up Your Metabolism

2012-08-30T15:16:00.001-07:00

Bone Fracture Protocol

2012-08-23T10:28:00.001-07:00

Herb and Supplement protocol for a Bone Fracture

See M.D. or Acupuncturist before taking this protocol. Do not use any supplements if taking blood thinners until after consulting you doc.

1. Resinall E (Health Concerns) first week then "Tendon and Bone Healing Formula" for the next two weeks.
2. Tumeric 1500 mg 2/day
3. Hypercium 30c 3 pellets 3xday
4. Vitamin K 5mg 2xday
5. Cal/Mag supplement
6. Acupuncture (e-stim)

Nutrition and the Finger Nails (Part 1/2) - Western Nutritional Paradigm

2012-08-20T08:42:00.001-07:00

Many of my patients wonder why I look at their nails. The reason is that the finger nail can point to many different patterns of disharmony in the body. This blog post will be the first of a two part series. The first article in this series comes from a "Western"/Naturopathic paradigm. The other is the "Traditional Chinese Medicine" or "Eastern" paradigm. As with all posts on AcuMemphis.com, do not use this to diagnose yourself. Please see a physician,acupuncturist, or other qualified medical practitioner before starting any new supplements.

Here are a list of nail issues with corresponding vitamin/mineral solutions:

Flat angle and or spooning of the nail - Fe deficiency

Soft poor growth - multiple mineral deficiencies, hypochlorhydria

Cuticle Inflammation - Zinc Deficiency

Brittle Nails - hypothroid issue, decreased HCL in body, Protein or Mineral deficiency

Acrodynia (red tips with abnormal nail growth) - Hg toxicity

Ridging - consider decreased mineral absorption, or decreased HCL

Stunted growth with nail deteriorating and thinned out - look for yeast or fungal infection, avoid caffeine, simple carbohydrates, apply topical ointment

Source: Medical Nutrition from Marz

Please be sure to check back soon for Part 2.

TCM Foods To Get Ready For Fall

2012-08-15T08:44:00.002-07:00

Well, we are coming up on the end of summer and moving into fall. The body reacts to the change in climate. Long summer months usually require us to eat foods that are cooling. We have had a good share of hot weather. If we ate our cooling foods like melons, cukes, fish, and stayed away from hotter foods like beef, lamb, peppers, etc. the transition would be easier. Dryness is a characteristic of Fall weather. You will notice that the air will make your skin dry and itchy. What we need to do from a TCM standpoint is to start eating foods that nourish the fluids of the body to alleviate some of that dryness that came from the heat of the summer. These foods include: Fruits: apricot Asian Pear lemon mango persmimmon strawberry watermelon Vegetables: cabbage carrot celery cucumber green bean parsley squash turnip Protiens: Mung beans tofu soymilk

2012-08-14T10:53:00.001-07:00

Do you have a combination of Chronic Fatigue, Depression and Weight Gain? Call us! We can help you sleep better and have an improved sense of well being.

2012-08-01T11:40:00.002-07:00

A potential patient recently contacted the clinic via phone and requested some information regarding Lyme disease. Please check out this article if you or a friend would like to know how TCM can help. Lyme Disease treatment link http://www.integrativepractitioner.com/article.aspx?id=6780

Acupuncture and Cancer Treatment

2011-02-07T09:18:00.000-08:00

Acupuncture has been proven a useful adjunct therapy for patients going through chemo. Here is an ABC news article about this topic. Barrie Cassileth, Ph.D, Sloan Kettering Jan. 13, 2010 b>Question: Is it safe to have acupuncture if I'm undergoing cancer treatment? If so, how might it help? Answer:Acupuncture is a wonderful complementary therapy that can be used actually prior to cancer treatment or during cancer treatment or after it. It helps in many different ways. Acupuncture can reduce nausea and vomiting, which these days is not as commonly associated with chemotherapy as it was years ago. These days there are very good antiemetics, anti-nausea agents that are given along with chemotherapy. So that it is rare or much rarer than it was even a few years ago for patients to experience nausea and vomiting, but acupuncture does a great job of that and can be used along with and during chemotherapy. A side effect of chemotherapy, when the nerves are damaged either by surgery or chemotherapeutic agents, is a tingling painful sensation in the nerves called neuropathy, and acupuncture can do a very good job of treating that as well. Acupuncture's also useful for a variety of other things.

Chronic Fatigue

2011-01-17T11:13:00.000-08:00

People diagnosed with Chronic Fatigue don't know where to turn. Depression is accompanies this debilitating condition. Insomnia and Weight Gain can compound the misery.
Fortunately, acupuncture can help. Give me a call at 901-763-0909. Make sure to ask for Chuck.

Here are some studies and links for you to research:
http://www.acupuncture.com/newsletters/m_may07/chronic_fatigue_syndrome.htm

Here is a great article written by someone at the University of Maryland that outlines many of the complimentary options for treating Chronic Fatigue.
http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/chronic-fatigue-000035.htm

Acupuncture and Anxiety

2010-02-02T07:41:00.000-08:00

Acupuncture Point, Yin Tang, Relieves Children's Preoperative Anxiety
By: Diane Joswick, L.Ac., MSOM
A study published in the September issue of Anesthesia & Analgesia found that stimulation of the acupuncture point, Yin Tang, alleviated preoperative anxiety in children.

According to the researchers, this could be of great clinical importance due to the fact that excessive preoperative anxiety contributes to operative delays and heightens the pain response.

Fifty-two children participated in the study, where an adhesive bead was either placed on Yin Tang (located between the eyebrows) or on a sham acupuncture point (a spot above the left eyebrow that hasn't been linked to any clinical effects) before a gastrointestinal endoscopic procedure. The researchers found that stimulation of Yin Tang reduced anxiety by 9% during the preoperative waiting period whereas anxiety continued to rise 2% for children who got sham acupressure. Anxiety levels were measured by the State Trait Anxiety Inventory for Children questionnaire, considered the "gold standard" for pediatric assessment.

According to the researchers, this could be of great clinically important due to the fact that excessive preoperative anxiety contributes to operative delays and heightens the pain response.

While traditional acupuncture on Yin Tang has been shown to relieve anxiety in adults before surgery, the researchers wanted to study the efficacy of stimulating the point with an adhesive bead which would be much easier to incorporate into a preoperative treatment protocol, especially in children.

Source: Anesthesia & Analgesia September, 2008; 107: 811-6

Treating Chronic Fatigue with Acupuncture

2010-02-01T12:52:00.000-08:00

An article from Acupuncture.com

Treating Chronic Fatigue Syndrome with Acupuncture: Let the Energy Flow
By Mark Giuliucci

It's all about the chi.

For thousands of years, practitioners of Chinese medicine have believed that blockages in the body's "life energy" — chi — are responsible for illness and disease. Acupuncture and other traditional Chinese treatments seek to restore the natural flow of chi and return the body to harmony.

Yet you don't have to believe in ancient theory to believe in the power of acupuncture. Many Western researchers contend that acupuncture's benefits can be explained in their terms. Acupuncture needles may stimulate nerve endings under the skin, sending impulses to the brain that result in the release of pain-easing endorphins and other hormones. Some researchers using brain scans have found that acupuncture increases blood flow to the thalamus, which is responsible for relaying pain messages to the rest of the body.

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the World Health Organization (WHO) formally recognize acupuncture as a method of pain relief. An NIH advisory panel has concluded that acupuncture is a useful treatment for fibromyalgia, headache, asthma and other conditions. Hundreds of acupuncture studies are underway to determine just how effective acupuncture may be for conditions ranging from arthritis to CFIDS.

"I have been treating chronic fatigue syndrome with Chinese medicine,
including acupuncture, since 1985," says Maoshing Ni, PhD, DOM, a
doctor of oriental medicine in Santa Monica , Calif. "I have seen it work. Certainly, people have different beliefs about how it works, but the bottom line to me is that it is effective."

Stick-y Treatment
The main tool in acupuncture is a hair-thin, flexible needle. Skilled practitioners insert a series of needles in specific points just under the skin. In Chinese medicine, these points are located along meridians, the channels through which chi flows. These points correspond to body systems or organs — the heart, the kidneys or the spleen, for instance — that may be suffering from blockages of chi.

Western acupuncturists use many of the same points; although they may
not agree with the meridian theory, practice has shown that the points
can be effective for relieving pain and other symptoms. The treatment is, by nature, somewhat invasive. Insertion of the needles can be a little uncomfortable for some people, although they rarely cause serious pain. Some patients may also feel mild tingling or burning sensations once the needles are in place.

The placement and duration of the needle insertions varies by symptom.
Generally, a dozen or so needles are used during each treatment, and they may remain in place for anywhere from 10 to 40 minutes. Practitioners may move needles or twist them slightly during treatment to achieve desired effects.

Sessions are usually held weekly. A typical series of treatments may last for several months. In some cases, the treatment is ongoing, as in chiropractic regimens.

Putting it Together
The first time you visit an acupuncturist, expect him or her to take a
thorough medical history. You'll be asked about your symptoms, current medications and other health conditions that may conflict with treatments. In traditional Chinese medicine, acupuncture is practiced in conjunction with a number of other treatments, including herbal remedies, meditation and dietary changes. Dr. Ni says that he devises an individualized program for each patient.

"A typical diagnosis for chronic fatigue syndrome would involve kidney-adrenal exhaustion, spleen-stomach digestion deficiency, liver stagnation and blockage, and then a disturbed spirit," Dr. Ni says. "Mainly I think we're looking at the overtaxation of one's vital energy resources. Treatment with Chinese medicine would involve trying to resolve those issues."

A typical CFIDS patient would begin a new dietary regimen — including
organic foods supplemented with digestive enzymes. Herbal remedies
will also be a part of the protocol, as well as meditation and treatment for sleep disorders. Gentle exercise will also be introduced according to the patient's ability to handle it. But of all the treatments, Dr. Ni says, acupuncture seems to deliver the most immediate benefit. "The other things take more time. But patients can often feel a more immediate change with acupuncture. After they get off the table, they get more of an immediate energy boost."

Self-Help Points
If you're interested in checking out acupuncture, you can start with a little self-administered routine. It doesn't involve needles — just a little pressure.

"Not everyone has access to acupuncture, but certainly they have a finger they can use," Dr. Ni says. "It will stimulate in much the same way as an acupuncture needle."

Stomach point #36 is located just below the knee. Dr. Ni says he uses it to help increase immune function in his patients. This point is found about three inches below the outside of the knee. Feel for the head of your shin bone, and then apply pressure just behind it. Press steadily for about one minute, just hard enough to feel a little tenderness.

Kidney point #3 is located in the ankle. "This fortifies the kidney-adrenal system, which is so important in people with CFS," Dr. Ni says. "The kidneys and adrenal systems have virtually become exhausted." The point is in the inside back of the ankle, between the Achilles tendon and the ankle bone. Again, apply firm pressure for about one minute. The third area, known as large intestine #4, is a common point used to relieve pain. It's located in the web of the hand, between the thumb and index finger. To find it, make the "OK" sign and feel for the bump of muscle on the back of the hand. Press on that point firmly for about one minute. Dr. Ni says this point helps fight bacterial, fungal and microbial problems as well as pain.

Chinese Herbal Medicine: Reishi Mushroom

2010-01-30T14:48:00.000-08:00

This is the first in a series of posts that will start to introduce my patients and interested community members, herbalists and acupuncture patients to Chinese Herbal Medicine. High quality tinctures of these herbs are available to my patients at Acupuncture and Healing Arts. These are made by me in order to be able to guarantee high quality fresh herbs and in an appropriate concentration. Tinctures of this quality made in Memphis are rare.

The first herb that I would like to introduce to you is called Reishi. It is a mushroom used extensively through out Asia. Reishi is actually the Japanese name. Ganoderma lucidum is the latin name.

Here is a photo:

It is a non toxic herb that has many healing properties. Reishi can help build the immune system and boost your energy. Also go to this wiki page for more information. Here is what it says about Reishi or Lingzhi in chinese.

Lingzhi research and therapeutic usage

Lingzhi may possess anti-tumor, immunomodulatory and immunotherapeutic activities, supported by studies on polysaccharides, terpenes, and other bioactive compounds isolated from fruiting bodies and mycelia of this fungus (reviewed by R. R. Paterson[4] and Lindequist et al.[7]). It has also been found to inhibit platelet aggregation, and to lower blood pressure (via inhibition of angiotensin-converting enzyme[8]), cholesterol and blood sugar.[9]

Laboratory studies have shown anti-neoplastic effects of fungal extracts or isolated compounds against some types of cancer. In an animal model, Ganoderma has been reported to prevent cancer metastasis,[10] with potency comparable to Lentinan from Shiitake mushrooms.[11]

The mechanisms by which G. lucidum may affect cancer are unknown and they may target different stages of cancer development: inhibition of angiogenesis (formation of new, tumor-induced blood vessels, created to supply nutrients to the tumor) mediated by cytokines, cytoxicity, inhibiting migration of the cancer cells and metastasis, and inducing and enhancing apoptosis of tumor cells.[4]

Additional studies indicate that ganoderic acid has some protective effects against liver injury by viruses and other toxic agents in mice, suggesting a potential benefit of this compound in the treatment of liver diseases in humans,[12] and Ganderma-produced sterols inhibit lanosterol 14α-demethylase activity in the biosynthesis of cholesterol .[13] Ganderma compounds inhibit 5-alpha reductase activity in the biosynthesis of dihydrotestosterone.[8]

Besides effects on mammalian physiology, Ganoderma is reported to have anti-bacterial and anti-viral activities.[14][15] Ganoderma is reported to exhibit direct anti-viral with the following viruses; HSV-1, HSV-2, influenza virus, vesicular stomatitis. Ganoderma mushrooms are reported to exhibit direct anti-microbial properties with the following organisms; aspergillus niger, bacillus cereus, candida albicans, and escherichia coli.
[edit] As weight loss aid

Some oriental preparations containing Lingzhi extract are marketed as a weight loss aid. They are advertised as a "slimming formula"[4] in Japanese markets and Lingzi is combined with other herbal extracts. Research is scarce to show the validity of these claims in terms of Lingzhi as a weight loss aid.

What Makes Our Clinic Different?

2010-01-28T09:56:00.001-08:00

Personal Attention with lots of interaction with the acupuncturist.
We won't shuffle you through the office.
Strong Communication Skills.
Friendly professional staff.
Reasonably priced services with no hidden fees.
Patient centered care. Clear communication.

Breathwork Class

2010-01-20T10:49:00.000-08:00

A breathwork class focusing on methods from the Taoist tradition will be taught here in Memphis. The seminar will be four weeks long. Homework will be assigned each week. The class will focus on using the breath as a tool for self transformation and healing. We will discover methods of breathing that calm the mind, massage the internal organs, and free up the spine. Meditative breathing will be discussed in depth as well as the mechanical aspects. Exercises, self massage and stretches that free up the rib cage and spine will be covered extensively. Class will be held this March 2010. Tentative location is Pema Karpo Meditation center. Cost will be $75.00. Contact Chuck at memphistcm@gmail.com or 901.338.1635 for more information or to register.

Future classes include intermediate meditation, Tibetan Yoga, advanced "savasana", qigong, cupping (CEU's for Massage Therapists) and zen shiatsu,

Meditation Seminar Series offered in Herndando, MS

2010-01-20T10:45:00.000-08:00

A series of 4 classes will be held in Hernando, MS starting on Jan. 14, 2010.
It will focus on using meditation as a tool to overcome daily life stress. Instead of pushing away unpleasant experiences like anger meditation can be used as a means to deal with our issues. In this way we can truly know ourselves.

Eyesight Care (esp. Macular Degeneration): Herbal Support

2009-08-14T14:11:00.001-07:00

Bilberry (aka European blueberry) has been shown to have a beneficial effect on eye-related diseases. Laboratory studies have provided preliminary evidence that bilberry consumption may inhibit or reverse eye disorders such as macular degeneration. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial on 50 patients suffering from senile cataract showed that a combination of bilberry extract and vitamin E administered for 4 months was able to stop lens opacity progress in 97% of the cataracts.

^ Fursova AZh, Gesarevich OG, Gonchar AM, Trofimova NA, Kolosova NG (2005). "[Dietary supplementation with bilberry extract prevents macular degeneration and cataracts in senesce-accelerated OXYS rats]" (in Russian). Advances in Gerontology 16: 76–9. PMID 16075680.

A great supplement that I recommend to patients often Eyesight Tonic made by bioessence.

Here is the product information from the company:

Price: $22.00
Item Number: BE67
Quantity:

Eyesight Tonic TM
Eyesight Tonic is a specially-designed nutritional and herbal supplement. It contains a powerful balanced blend of antioxidants and photo-protective ingredients and herbal extracts that provide nutrients to protect the eyes against many primary degenerative conditions.
Natural and artificial lights impact our eye tissue and its function. In order to maintain normal healthy eyes, the body needs to provide the eye tissue with optimum nutrients and to transport the metabolic wastes out quickly and smoothly. When we age; stare too long at artificial light sources, such as TV, computer monitors; or eat an unbalanced diet, our eyesight can also degenerate. Exposure to ultraviolet intensity from the sun, emission from electromagnetic fields by electric appliances, and artificial light sources have increased the risks to our eyesight. The retina is very susceptible to free-radical damage because of its high oxygen consumption, high content of polyunsaturated fatty acids, and exposure to light. It may be difficult to change our life-style to use our eyes less and let them rest more. But we can still protect the eyes from damage by their most fearful enemies, free radicals caused by the external environment and our own internal metabolism.
Recent articles in the most prestigious medical journals have clearly demonstrated and confirmed the positive benefits of antioxidants and special nutrients for the protection of the eyes against cataract and glaucoma formation and the development of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Bio Essence has incorporated these nutrients into a powerful, well-balanced formula designed to nourish the eyes and to protect them from these degenerative conditions. Many of the ingredients are antioxidants that offer strong protection against free radicals and oxidative stress. It can also used as supplement with so-called Computer Vision Syndromes, such as eye fatigue, headache, eye strain, blurred vision, light sensitivity, dry and irritated eyes.

Many vitamin supplements that you may find at stores like Walmart, Target, GNC, etc. may already contain bilberry. However, if it is not from a company like the one previous mentioned, odds are there is not enough bilberry in the supplement to make a difference. You may want to consider adding this product from Naturemade.

As always, please consult your physician or a qualified herbalist before adding this or other supplements to you diet.

Stay tuned for a food list that is beneficial for your eyes. If you live in Memphis and want to take care of your eyesight issues naturally with herbs, nutrition and acupuncture please contact our office and ask for Chuck.