According to University of Michigan Health, bunions (also known as hallux valgus) and big toe pain is misalignment of the first metatarsal in relation to the big toe.

Big toe pain according to TCM

According to TCM, big toe pain is caused by a pattern of qi and blood stagnation. This means that the energy is stuck in the big toe, preventing oxygen rich blood from flowing smoothly through the joint. The treatment principle would be to move qi and blood in the joint in addition to treating underlying imbalances.

What TCM therapies can be used to treat bunions?

Adjunct TCM therapies for the treatment of bunion big toe pain include electrical stimulation, tuina massage, topical liniments and foot soaks. Bunions can be helped enormously by massage and foot soaks and the great thing about these therapies is that anyone can perform them at home. You should feel empowered to read about and try the techniques mentioned below. If you would like to purchase any of the products or herbs listed, feel free to order them here.

Electrical stimulation can help to increase local blood flow to the foot and areas of pain. Acupuncturists use machines like the E-stim II that are connected to needles during treatment. Patients can TENS units like the Medvice TENS unit and apply the patches to the areas of the foot and ankle. Check out this Youtube video on proper placement of TENS unit for foot pain from physical therapists Bob & Brad.

I always incorporate topical liniments such as Zheng gu shui or Dr. Bob’s Medicated Oil in my health acupuncture appointments. They are great at releasing muscle tension and easing pain. And they smell wonderful, too!

Warming Foot Soak Recipe

This recipe can be found in Tom Bisio’s book, A Tooth from the Tiger’s Mouth, and is meant for EXTERNAL USE ONLY. It is not meant for initial inflammatory phase of injury. This recipe treats injuries that are sensitive to cold or hurts more in cold weather.

Apply this soak twice a day for 7-10 days. A batch can last up to 10 days. This foot soak recipe is very warming, relaxes muscles and tendons that are in spasm and increases local circulation.

• 9 grams Chuan wu (Sichuan Aconite)
• 9 grams Cao wu (Wild aconite)
• 9 grams Chuan jiao (Sichuan pepper)
• 9 grams Tou gu cao
• 9 grams Ai ye (Mugwort leaf)
• 9 grams Cang zhu
• 9 grams Du huo
• 9 grams Gui zhi (Cinnamon twig)
• 9 grams Fang feng
• 9 grams Hong hua (Safflower)
• 9 gramsShen jin cao (Clubmoss)
• 9 grams Liu ji nu (Artemsia)

Western therapies to treat bunions

Western therapies include surgical and non-surgical treatment. Non-surgical treatment includes:

• Physical therapy exercises (writing out the ABCs with the toes, Flexing/extending the toes). Check out the “Stretches for foot pain” article from FootWearNews.com
• Shoe modifications – wearing comfortable shoes with a wider and taller toe box
• A shoe stretcher or ball and ring stretcher – allows modification to current shoes to prevent irritation
• A toe spacer and/or bunion sleeve– can be used to treat symptoms; however, they will not affect the size of the bunion or prevent progression of the disability

Small changes make a big difference

Lifestyle changes can be implemented at home to address big toe pain. I have worked with a number of clients with toe pain and we have come up with a couple of additional solutions:

• While driving, ensure that the ball of the foot, rather than the toes, are making contact with the gas pedal. Relax the muscles and tendons of the toes by resting the heel on the car floor and bringing the driver seat closer to the wheel.
• Wear thick soled shoes, such as New Balance or Danskos, especially when experiencing pain.

Book an acupuncture appointment to treat foot and bunion pain

We specialize in treating pain at Healing Acupuncture Clinic. We have 3 locations in the Denver Metro area for your convenience- Parker, Colorado, North Denver, Colorado and South Denver, Colorado. Book your next service with Stephanie and harness your body’s ability to heal.

 

What is yoni steaming?

A Yoni steam is a steam bath therapy used with or without herbs for your pelvic bowl. It is a universal practice that is mainly utilized for the promotion of postpartum vaginal health and rejuvenation. The practice is not just for women, however. Men can benefit from steaming, too. Yoni steaming is not a standalone treatment but rather an adjunct therapy to acupuncture, diet and herbs. It is something that you can practice safely in your own home and it feels amazing and delivers fast, effective, direct results. Yoni steaming is used for postpartum healing, treating prolapse, easing genital herpes, yeast infection and hemorrhoid discomfort. Steaming also calms digestive upset and eases constipation.

Where does Yoni steaming come from?

Yoni steaming is an ancient therapy that has been practiced for thousands of years. It has roots in many cultures and continents- Asia, South America, Africa and Europe. Yoni steaming has been called many other names. The practice of vaginal and rectal steaming has also been known as “Steaming the Jade Gate” and “vaginal rejuvenation.” No matter what you call it, it’s still used as a therapy to heal the body.

What is the mechanism of action of Yoni steaming?

Yoni steaming softens masses, lifts and tones muscles, detoxifies and purifies and calms the nervous system. According to TCM, yoni steaming promotes genitourinary health by promoting systemic circulation of qi and blood.  It also has influence over metabolism since it affects body temperature. It has numerous systemic benefits and improves gynecological and genitourinary health. Steaming has a softening effect and is great at reducing discomfort associated with hemorrhoids, fibroids and cysts. Steaming also releases tension and softens the pelvic floor muscles. It’s great at reducing pain associated with cramping. Steaming also warms the womb and calms the nervous system. For this reason, steaming is great at increasing fertility.

What are the benefits of Yoni steaming?

Yoni steaming is mainly utilized for the promotion of postpartum vaginal health after childbirth. Steaming has a lifting and toning affect on the vaginal muscles and helps the canal return to its original size. It helps to lubricate and detoxify and purify by helping to shed old tissue that becomes lodged in the uterine lining. This is a key reason why it is used for postpartum health. Steaming can be used as a preventative health measure to regulate menstrual flow and ease discomfort and cramping. Women can track their cycles and steam 3 days prior to and after the onset of their monthly cycles.  When you feel your PMS symptoms becoming heightened or aggravated, you can turn to yoni steaming therapy to self heal. Yoni steaming is not just for women. Yoni steaming has influence over the rectal area and lower digestive tract and the large intestine. Steaming can help men to improve libido and address erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation. It can also help address digestive complaints of colitis, constipation and infection.

Is Yoni steaming safe for everyone?

Yoni steaming is not for everyone. Women who are pregnant should not perform steaming. Men should take caution not to expose the scrotum to heat. Consult with your acupuncturist to see if steaming is right for you. Those experiencing the following symptoms should not perform steaming:

• genital itch or burning
• women who are pregnant
• women who are actively bleeding/on their period
• women who are actively experiencing hot flashes (not during a hot flash)
• women who are trying to conceive during the time of ovulation
• women who have had their tubes tied
• women with IUDs and contraceptive arm implants
• women who experience spontaneous or continual bleeding between periods
• women who experience 2 periods per month
• people with a tendency toward mouth/genital sores
• high blood pressure
• low blood pressure

What do I need to perform a Yoni steam?

The basic tools needed to perform a Yoni steam include: a pot, 1-2 quarts of boiling high quality FILTERED water, 1/2 teaspoon of sea salt and a cloak of some kind to trap the steam. Herbs are not necessary. A chair is not necessary- modified child’s pose is sufficient. The optimal chair would be one that has an opening in the middle of the chair to allow for optimal absorption through the rectal and vaginal canals. A basic steam is performed by sitting over a pot of steaming salt water for about 10 minutes. Watch this Youtube video entitled, How to Properly Steam at Home for more information and clarity.

What should I expect to happen after steaming?

Yoni steaming has a powerful effect on the large intestine and genito-urinary system. After performing a steam, clients may experience discharge or an urge to empty their bowels. These effects are perfectly normal and should not cause alarm. Sex is ok after a steam.

Common herbs used for yoni steaming

While herbs are not necessary for yoni steaming, there are some common herbs that can be used for therapeutic effect:

• Nettles
• Red raspberry leaf
• Motherwort
• Rose petals
• Chamomile
• Rosemary
• Lavender
• Hawthorn leaf
• White sage
• Peppermine
• Spearmint
• Lemon balm
• Yarrow
• Orange peel

Yoni steaming for self care

Yoni steaming is a great self-care practice. Utilizing yoni steaming therapy at home allows you to take your health into your own hands and can be a source of empowerment.  Yoni steaming can help you increase awareness of your body and the many nuanced symptoms experienced on a day to day basis.

You may have recently heard about cosmetic acupuncture and are wondering, “how does cosmetic acupuncture work?” or “does acupuncture hurt?” This article will discuss what to expect during a cosmetic acupuncture treatment, how it works and results of treatment.

During a cosmetic treatment, a licensed acupuncturist places small filiform needles on the face as well as on the body. Needles on the face will target facial motor points as well as your areas of concern, such as wrinkles below the eyes, frown lines between the eyebrows or acne scars on the cheek. Needles inserted at points on the body will address any constitutional imbalance that has given rise to skin imperfections, such as a weakened digestion or excess heat in the stomach or lungs. These body points will help to promote optimal physiological functioning by balancing the organs that contribute to beautiful skin (the stomach, lungs and liver) and sedating factors that have given rise to issues manifesting on the skin (dampness, heat, stagnation, stasis).

When a needle is inserted below the surface of the skin, it induces the body’s healing response. This healing response starts with a cascade of chemical mediators (fibrin, oxygen, macrophages, growth factors, collagen) sent to repair the tissue damage. This response also increases blood flow to these areas, bringing oxygen and nutrients to the site of repair, and strengthening the structural matrix with increased collagen. Results of treatment are increased tissue density, diminished lines and wrinkles and even moisture balance of the skin. These things together help to create a beautiful, lustrous appearance.

Cosmetic acupuncture targets specific facial motor points to help balance muscle tone to even out tissue density. Sometimes, wrinkles can be caused by an overuse of facial muscles. Your cosmetic acupuncture treatment will address those areas by calming your nervous system and relaxing the muscles. Other times, sagging can be caused by underuse or lack of function in facial muscles. Acupuncture works to reset the nervous system and create balance of muscle tone and nervous system function.

Cosmetic acupuncture works at many levels: chemical, physiological, structural and energetic. Cosmetic acupuncture works on a physiological level by promoting smooth blood flow to the face and throughout the body and removing stagnations/adhesions. It also works on a chemical level by inducing collagen, elastin and fibroblast production. These increased chemicals strengthen the structure and increases the integrity of the skin. Lastly, cosmetic acupuncture works on an energetic level by addressing the emotions that may be contributing to the repeated expressions that contribute to wrinkles and fine lines- skepticism leading to horizontal lines on the forehead, anger leading to lines along the nose or sadness leading to vertical lines along the cheek. Read more about the emotions and their representation as lines on the face here.

If you are interested in cosmetic acupuncture treatment to address signs of aging or acne, please book an appointment here. If you are not sure if acupuncture is right for you, please feel free to book a free 15 minute phone consultation to get the chance to have your questions answered. You can also check out my FAQs page to see some commonly asked questions. I look forward to working with you!

Written by Stephanie Salinas, Licensed Acupuncturist

I’m Stephanie, a licensed acupuncturist and dog mom in Denver, Colorado. I specialize in cosmetic acupuncture because it enables me to truly help others. By addressing skin concerns, I help to cultivate patient self-esteem. Helping people is my passion and I work to help patients find a natural approach to their health. Acupuncture, skin care and nutrition are my solutions.

My Approach

My approach to treatment includes examining the skincare regimen, identifying mental-emotional imbalances and addressing nutritional deficiencies. Chinese medicine works to find balance in the whole being- mind, body and spirit. We will talk about movement, lifestyle, nutrition and ways to give our bodies what it needs to stay healthy.

Using acupuncture, in addition to the patient’s immune system, I work to address signs of stress and aging- sagging, wrinkles, redness, dryness and acne. Results of treatment include lifted and tighter facial muscles, smoother skin texture and a more luminous and even skin tone. Above all, patients experience more even qi, blood, lymph and emotional flow. It’s all about keeping you and your body’s processes flowing smoothly.

In addition, I also specialize in the treatment of emotional imbalances. We tend to wear our emotion on our faces and, when particularly strong or prolonged, these emotions will have a semi-permanent impression on the face. During your treatment, I will visually assess the lines of the face and place needles in order to reduce their appearance in addition to treating the underlying emotion. Through my patient-centered approach, patients will find added value, confidence in their appearance and overall well-being.

Why start a wellness blog

I am starting a wellness blog to inform others of Chinese medicine solutions to health concerns. I have studied Chinese medicine for about three years now, and continue to learn new things everyday. Chinese medicine has a rich history with a focus on whole body health. Mind, body and spirit are tenets acupuncture and Chinese medicine.

My superpower is research. I read daily about Chinese medicine and health. Each new patient is a new opportunity to prepare for and become familiar with specific conditions and treatment. I am fascinated by the human body. And if you knew all that I do, you would be, too!

Get in touch

I love reading, yoga and weight lifting. I am always available for marketing collaborations. If you want to chat about acupuncture, fitness or anything else, don’t hesitate in reaching out!

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