- Tahoe Neuro HealingVan Harding, LAc, Dipl.OM
Truckee, CA Life's A Journey. Make It A Healthy One.
Articles by Van Harding
How Does Acupuncture Work?
Acupuncture has been studied for years in the west to scientifically understand how these little needles provoke healing. Here are a few of the conclusions:
1. Acupuncture increases the circulation of blood- reducing pain and swelling
2. It causes the release of certain neurotransmitters- benefitting mental health
3. Acupuncture stimulates the natural release of opioids- reducing pain
4. A reaction with the central nervous system occurs- benefitting overall health.See the Scientific Research section under FAQs.
Why Herbs & Nutraceuticals instead of pharmaceutical drugs?
Herbs and Nutraceuticals correct the underlying dysfunctional biological mechanism that causes the symptoms whereas drugs only seek to alleviate the symptom.
Herbs and nutraceuticals are safer than drugs. According to the CDC there are “0” deaths annually due to herbs and nutraceuticals whereas prescription drugs cause approxiamtely 250,000 deaths annually.
2010 Drug Overdose Deaths: 38,329 and of that 30% were Anti-anxiety meds and 18% were Anti-depressant.
2008 Pain Relief Medication deaths: 14,800
2007 NIH: Surveillance of prescription drug-related mortality using death certificates
Military Pokes Holes in Acupuncture Skeptic’s Theory
by Blake Farmer Feb. 16, 2012The US Army has begun to make Acupuncture more widely available to troops returning home for P.T.S.D, Traumatic Brain Injury and back pain.
Traditional Chinese Medicine
How Acupuncture Combines with Adjunctive Therapies for Holistic Wellness
You might not think of combining acupuncture with other holistic wellness practices, but it is a great option to pair with a variety of adjunctive therapies. Let’s look at three different options to see how they might compliment each other and benefit a patient’s overall health and wellness journey.
Perhaps the easiest way to express this concept is through
Finding Balance: How Acupuncture Eases the Side Effects of Cancer Treatment
When someone receives a cancer diagnosis, it can feel like the world has tilted on its axis. The whirlwind of medical appointments, chemotherapy sessions, and the relentless tide of side effects can leave patients drained. Nausea, fatigue, and neuropathy can cloud the difficult days of treatment, making each step forward feel heavier than the last. Many oncologists are becoming
The Benefits of the Anti-Inflammatory Diet
When people face a variety of health challenges or simply changes in how they feel and their relationship to food, they may change their philosophy and look to food as medicine. And for those diligent enough to do the research, they may discover the anti-inflammatory diet—a nutritional approach that some say has transformed their life.
Shallow vs. Deep Acupuncture Needling
Acupuncture has been practiced for thousands of years, originating in ancient China as a method to restore the body’s balance and promote healing. While the fundamental premise — stimulating specific points on the body to affect energy flow or “qi”— remains consistent, practitioners have developed varying techniques, including shallow and deep needling. Each method has its own strengths, applications,
The Benefits of Eating for the Seasons
Restaurants that have revolving seasonal menus have gained in popularity in recent years. The concept of seasonal eating has deep roots. Before the advent of modern agriculture and global trade, people naturally consumed foods that were locally available during specific times of the year. But today, the convenience of supermarkets allows us to eat almost any fruit or vegetable
Explore the Benefits of Facial Cosmetic Acupuncture
We all eventually hit the age where those fine lines and wrinkles around our eyes, nose, and mouth seem to become a bit more prominent than we would like. There are countless products and procedures out there for men and women, touting the benefits of reducing or even eliminating those pesky fine lines and wrinkles. Despite a diligent skincare
Five Transformative Health Benefits Acupuncture Provides for Overall Health
As more insurance plans and more allied health practitioners begin to embrace what has traditionally been known as “alternative medicine” treatments, acupuncture has enjoyed a surge in popularity with potential patients desperate for a drug-free alternative for their overall health and wellness.
Acupuncture, an ancient practice rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), has been gaining traction in modern healthcare
Enjoying The Ancient Art of Tai Chi
When walking the dog through a local park in the early morning, you may have noticed a group of people moving gracefully and effortlessly, like a river flowing around rocks. They are practicing Tai Chi, an ancient Chinese martial art that combines slow, deliberate movements with deep breathing and mindfulness. Tai Chi, which was once reserved for warriors and
Acupuncture as a Treatment for Allergies
Allergies affect millions of people worldwide, causing symptoms ranging from mild discomfort to life-threatening reactions. Conventional treatments typically involve antihistamines, corticosteroids, or immunotherapy, but these approaches often address only the symptoms rather than the root cause. As people seek more holistic and natural treatments, acupuncture has emerged as a popular alternative therapy for managing allergies.
Using Acupuncture as an Alternative Approach to Managing Menopause Symptoms
Menopause is a natural phase in a woman’s life, marking the end of her reproductive years. While this transition is entirely normal, it often comes with a range of challenging symptoms, including hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, and sleep disturbances. For many women, these symptoms can significantly impact the quality of life. Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) has long