I have received many emails and phone calls about the deal, services I provide, and scheduling of appointments. I will try to answer all of you personally but please be patient while waiting for a reply as I am just a one lady operation.

I am very excited to work with each of you and promise to give you all my undivided attention once you are in the treatment room. In the meantime I will answer some general questions here.

1. This Groupon is for an acupuncture session that will include either cupping, gua sha, or a mini Asian style massage. The treatment usually goes like this: 15 minutes or so of discussion of your current and past medical history and explanation what it means in terms of Oriental Medicine. Needles then get inserted and left in place for 30 minutes. The remainder of the treatment includes either cupping, Asian tension releasing massage, or Gua Sha. I will also answer any questions you have regarding herbs and follow up treatments.
2. This Groupon is NOT good for an hour massage, nor is it good for an hour acupuncture treatment plus an hour massage treatment.
3. Appointments are booked by the hour. Please note this means that there is no make up time for those who arrive late. If you are late, then you may miss out on important parts of your treatment. Please allow time for traffic, parking, and finding the location.
4. It is very important that you show up on the the day and time of your appointment. If you don’t show up or cancel your appointment the same day then you will lose your Groupon. Please call at least 24 hours in advance if there is any chance you can’t make your appointment.
5. These sessions are private but if you would like to schedule your treatment at the same time as your partner then this can be arranged. Please let me know in advance that you would like to do this. Send an email to dawnaara@gmail.com. Please note that all services will be provided by Dawna Ara, there will not be a second acupuncturist onsite. Total time for 2 people at once is approximately one and half hours.
6. If you have questions about my professional history then you can find the answer to those questions here.
7. When you are ready to schedule your appointment please book online and follow instructions. Don’t forget to include your groupon voucher code along with your name, phone number, and email address.
8. On the day of the treatment please bring with you a print out of the Groupon with the redemption code at the bottom under the barcode.

Again I look forward to working with each and everyone of you!

Not only can acupuncture decrease your back pain but it could also help you to sleep better, be happier, and even give you more energy!

How can acupuncture do all this in just one session? The answer is simple. Chinese Medicine brings the body into balance, or in other words, homeostasis.

Once balanced circulation improves, tension melts away, and your body is able to heal allowing you to enjoy a new sense of well being.

So why not come in and see what all the buzz is about. ACUPUNCTURE WORKS!

Book online to schedule the next available appointment with Dawna Ara, L.Ac.

What is Neck Pain?

Neck pain is defined as pain or discomfort in the region above your shoulders and below your head. It could result from many reasons including physical abnormalities, poor posture, emotional stress, vascular diseases, vertebral compression or subluxations, thyroid disease, esophageal disease, and nerve pain.

Medical doctors will diagnose neck pain by asking the patient questions about the pain and possibly palpating the region.

Pain killers like ibuprofen, Advil, Motrin, Tylenol, and vicodin are often prescribed to ease the pain. Although they may provide temporary relief, over the counter pain killers can have serious side effects such as ulcers and stomach bleeding. Stronger prescription painkillers like vicodin can become highly addictive and hard to come off of.

Oriental Medicine & Treatment of Neck Pain

In Oriental or Chinese Medicine no single ailment is treated without simultaneously treating the whole person. In other words, your entire being, lifestyle, diet, spirituality, emotional, and physical health are all taken into consideration.

So if you come into my office with neck pain, I will not only treat the manifestation (neck pain), but I will treat the root which could be causing other aliments as well. Many patients have said that not only did the pain disappear, but they can sleep soundly through the night now too! Oriental Medical doctors do this by utilizing a variety of techniques such as acupuncture, herbs, cupping, gua sha, qi gong, and massage in order to bring the person into balance.

How Acupuncture Works for Neck Pain

Acupuncture is a great way to relive neck pain. Acupuncturist treat neck pain by diagnosing the root cause of the pain and needling acupoints that not only treat neck pain but treat the underlying condition causing the pain.

For instance, many acupoints on the wrist and ankle treat neck pain but if the pain is coming from stress, poor diet, a cold or flu, physical or emotional blockages then those conditions need to be addressed as well in order to truly resolve the issue. By doing so, acupuncturist are able to treat a wide variety of aliments in just a few short treatments.

You Are Your Best Doctor

I teach all my patients about the importance of self care. People who can learn to recognize patterns and symptoms in their body before they manifest into full blown diseases can treat themselves and steer clear of unnecessary hospital visits. Below is a list of 5 things you can do on your own to decrease neck pain:

1. Stretch. This is an easy one. Gently tilt your head over to your right shoulder. Place your right hand over the left side of your head and the left hand on your left shoulder. Now gently pull your head away from your left shoulder. You should feel a nice stretch on your left side. Repeat this exercise on the other side.
2. Manage your stress. Activities like yoga, meditation, and creative expression can help you to manage your stress. Getting adequate sleep and food intake will also help you manage your stress and in turn, manage your pain.
3. Replace your pillow every 6 months. Overtime pillows can flatten and lose shape causing them to stop providing support. Be sure your pillow is suitable for the position you like to sleep in whether you are a back or side sleeper.
4. Keep your neck covered. Wind and cold can cause neck pain. Make sure to always keep your neck covered with a scarf, turtle neck, or collared shirt.
5. Correct your posture. Look at yourself in the mirror. If your head rolls forward and your shoulders droop down then your posture is bad. You can correct this by lifting and rolling your shoulders back and also pushing your neck back. Try to picture a string connected to the top of your head pulling your head, neck, and spine up to the sky.

As always consult your primary care physician before making any major health decisions.

To schedule an appointment Call 310.363.0039 or email dawnaara@gmail.com.

The best part about smoothie making is that they are superduper easy to make. Throw your favorite fruit in a blender with some milk and ice and VOILÀ!!! Out pours the smoothie of your wildest dreams!

Fruits that make good smoothies include bananas, strawberries, blueberries, pineapple, mango, peaches, avocado, coconut, blackberries, and raspberries.

Using real fruit keeps the sugar levels low but don’t be fooled, sugar in it’s natural form is still sugar! The advantage of using real fruit is that it also has other natural elements like fiber, water, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Fiber will slow down sugar absorption. If you are a diabetic adding protein powder or fats like almond butter, avocado, or coconut oil will also slow down the rate sugar gets released into your bloodstream. You can bump up your smoothie power by adding a protein powder like Spiru-Tein, green powders like Vitamineral Green or Spirulina, or a handful of spinach or kale.

Here are a few of my personal favorite recipes. Feel free to alter the recipes according to your tastebuds.

Kai’s Favorite Strawberry Smoothie

• 2 cups frozen strawberries
• 2 cups milk of your choice
• 1 scoop vanilla Spiru-tein protein powder

blend on high for 30 seconds – 1 minute
makes 2 servings

Strawnana Berry Smoothie

• 1 frozen banana
• 2 cup frozen strawberries
• 1/4 cup frozen blueberries
• 2 cups of liquid of your choice (apple juice, milk, or water)
• optional – 1 scoop protein powder and/or 1 scoop green powder

blend on high for 30 seconds – 1 minute
makes 2 servings

Hawaiian Dream Smoothie

• 1 cup frozen mango
• 1 cup frozen pineapple
• 1 frozen banana
• 2 cups coconut milk

blend on high for 30 seconds – 1 minute
makes 2 servings

Green Machine Smoothie

• 2 frozen bananas
• 1 cup ice
• 1 handful spinach
• 1 kale leaf
• 1 bunch of mint
• 1 tbsp green tea powder
• 1 scoop of protein powder
• 2 cups of apple juice, orange juice, or milk

blend on high for 30 seconds – 1 minute
Makes 2 servings

Monkey Gone Bananas!

• 2 frozen bananas
• 1 cup ice
• 1 scoop cocoa powder or nibs
• 2 tbsp peanut butter
• 2 cups coconut milk

blend on high for 30 seconds – 1 minute
makes 2 servings

Depending on how advanced your cooking skills are, asparagus can turn out tasting like stale cardboard, or become a satisfyingly delicious meal fit for a king.

Asparagus is a rockstar of a veggie and I am going to show you how to make yours become a true legend with my personal favorite recipe for creamy asparagus soup.

Creamy Asparagus Soup

• 1 bunch asparagus
• 1 onion
• 1 carrot
• 1 bulb of garlic
• 2 stalks celery
• 1 potato
• 1 tbsp butter
• 1 1/2 cups of broth or milk of your choice
• celtic sea salt
• white pepper
• thyme

Wash and rough chop veggies into one inch or so pieces. Stir fry onions in butter until they become translucent. Add garlic, carrot, celery, potato, and asparagus and cook until soft. You may need to add a little water to the pan to keep the veggies from becoming dry. Once soft let the veggies cool down a bit and then add them to your blender. As you are blending the veggies slowly add the broth or milk, celtic sea salt, white pepper, and thyme to taste. Once creamy pour soup into pot and reheat.

Grilled Asparagus Spears

• 2 Bunches of asparagus
• olive oil
• celtic sea salt
• fresh ground pepper

Trim and cut off hard ends of stalks. Turn grill up to medium high. Lightly brush spears with olive oil, salt, and pepper and place them on the grill. Keep turning over spears until they become slightly soft and blackened. The key is you want them grilled on the outside but crisp on the inside so don’t grill them for too long. If you are feeling extra sassy drizzle some balsamic vinegar on them as soon as you take them off the grill. YUM!

For more delicious asparagus recipes, check out asparagusrecipes.net.

What is your favorite veggie recipe? Post a comment to let me know.

A headache is defined as pain or discomfort in the head, neck, or scalp. Western medicine recognizes 2 main types of headaches, primary and secondary. Primary headaches are headaches independent of other diseases. Primary headaches include migraine, cluster, and tension headaches. Secondary headaches are headaches that are caused by another disease or are symptoms of another pathology. Secondary headaches can be caused by an infection, substance induced, trauma, facial or cranial, emotional disturbance, or vascular changes.

In my clinic we use natural methods like acupuncture, Chinese medical herbs, massage, and dietary therapies to relieve headaches.  Headaches are usually a symptom of an underlying condition. Most people will treat their headache with over the counter or prescription medication given to them by their doctors. The pain may temporally subside but will often return hours or even days later. Many patients have told me that their migraine medication that used to provide relief has stopped working for them. This is because the pattern of disease that is causing the headache has not been addressed.

In Chinese Medicine we treat the underlying condition, not just the symptom which will provide longer lasting, and often permanent relief from the pain. Patients who originally came in to see me for a headache will often report feeling less anxious, more relaxed, and being able to sleep better after the acupuncture treatment. This is because the same pattern that has been causing you that annoying headache, could be causing your anxiety and insomnia too.

I know that I can help make acupuncture and health-care affordable enough for you to come in and get help you deserve without having to worry about finances. In the meantime, here are a few helpful things that you can do at home to help alleviate your headache:

1. Eat a diet based on whole foods. Your food should be in its natural from without additives.
2. Eliminate processed foods. Foods like breads, sugar, canned, packages, or food in jars will most likely have additives and can trigger a headaches.
3. Drink more water. Water will help flush out toxins from your system.
4. Meditate. Just find time to do it. It will help relieve stress and tension. Start with at least 5 minutes a day.
5. Sleep. Get it. The importance of sleep is underrated in our society. The average person needs 7 hours of sleep a night. If you are not getting that then its time to see your acupuncturist.

As always consult your primary care physician before making any major health decisions.

To schedule an appointment Call 310.363.0039 or email dawnaara@gmail.com.

Come in and treat your mom (and yourself) to a soothing, relaxing, pampering, and way affordable massage or acupuncture treatment. I’m offering acupuncture treatments for $39, and one hour massages for only $49. Seriously, if you are not her favorite kid now, you will be after sending her my way.

Offer good all month long so even if you forget to get her a gift, you don’t have to stop at the quickie mart on the way to the Mother’s Day Dinner (that your dad is paying for) and buy her a shabby bouquet of flowers. You can just say, “Mom, I scheduled you an appointment with SoCal’s most revered and intuitive acupuncturist, herbalist, and massage therapist.” That will blow her lipstick off!

Now how slick is that?

To schedule an appointment Call 310.363.0039 or email dawnaara@gmail.com.

$45 One Hour Massage
$35 Acupuncture Treatments

Schedule an appointment with me between the hours of 9:00am – 3:00pm Monday or Wednesday and pay only $35 for acupuncture! What a steal of a deal! And for those of you who would like massage Im offering a full body one hour massage for only $45! You won’t find rates this affordable in Old Town so hurry up and treat yourself before the month is over.

Office Location

74 N. Fair Oaks Ave Pasadena CA 91103 (map)

Free 90 minute Parking

There is a free 90 minute parking garage on the corner of Green and Fair Oaks one block south of Colorado. There is also a free 90 minute parking garage on Walnut and Raymond. Your choice!

To schedule an appointment Call 310.363.0039 or email dawnaara@gmail.com.

If you are having these feelings it is important to know that you are not alone. There are literally thousands of people with symptoms of hypothyroidism with blood tests that do not reveal anything out of the ordinary. Why is this happening to so many people and what can be done for those who have no explanation for their symptoms?

Basic Anatomy & Physiology

The thyroid gland resides in the neck just in front of the larynx. It produces hormones that play a role in just about every bodily function. One of the reasons why it is so hard to diagnose a thyroid condition is because it is only a small part of a complex and intricate matrix called the endocrine system. The endocrine system consists of 8 main glands and secondary sex glands.

The hypothalamus, pituitary, adrenal, thyroid, parathyroid, pancreas, pineal, thymus, ovaries in women, testes in men, and the placenta in pregnant women are all apart of the endocrine matrix. The endocrine system is responsible for regulating hormones. If there is a shift in balance in any part of the endocrine system, then all of the endocrine structures will be affected. The key is targeting where the glitch in the system lies.

Hypothyroidism: The Western View

Hypothyroidism is defined as the circumstance of having inadequate thyroid function. Persons with hypothyroidism have a slow or under active thyroid gland in which little or no hormones are produced. The thyroid produces 2 main hormones, Thyroxine T4 and Triiodothyronine T3. Both T4 and T3 direct cellular metabolism (4. p18). T4 is the most abundant thyroid hormone in the blood stream. It is large and slow acting. It is broken down in the liver to T3.

T3 is faster acting and smaller so it can easily pass through the nuclear pores and bind to DNA (4. p34). Thyroid hormones regulate how your cells use oxygen as an energy source. Other important hormones include Thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH). TRH is released from the hypothalamus, which directs the pituitary gland to release TSH.

Symptoms of hypothyroidism are high cholesterol, fatigue, lethargy, headaches, moodiness, slow weight gain, feelings of cold, and memory and cognition difficulties. A regular allopathic western doctor will use a thyroid panel that includes anywhere from 1 – 10 thyroid related hormone test. Proper western drug therapies include administration of synthetic or natural hormone replacement therapies. Hypothyroidism is not easy to diagnose because most patients will not have all of the symptoms.

What makes it even harder to diagnose is that some people have symptoms but their blood test do not reveal an under active thyroid. In fact so many people are wrongly diagnosed as having chronic fatigue syndrome or fibromyalgia who actually have a thyroid imbalance. Doctors call this “subclinical disease” in which there are no detectable clinical characteristics of the disease.

Hypothyroidism: The Eastern View

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, symptoms of a thyroid imbalance are indications of an imbalance of yin & yang in the body. Yin qualities are darker, heavy, night, moon, feminine, inactive, slow, moist, cold, and receptive. Yang qualities are lighter, warmer, daytime, masculine, fast, active, and dry. What makes the Chinese Medical system work so well is that it’s the entire person that is being treated, not just the disease. An oriental medical doctor does not need to read lab tests in order to diagnose a patient. Instead, the patient’s color, tongue, pulse, scent, signs, and symptoms are all carefully observed by the practitioner. In general, hypothyroidism can be diagnosed as an over abundance of Yin with Yang Deficiency.

According to diagnosis, we would use formulas such as Jin Gui Shen Qi Wan to warm the yang and tonify qi, Si Ni Tang which warms the interior, Zhen Wu Tang to tonifiy kidney yang, or Tou Gui Wan to nourish kidney yang. In laboratory studies, certain yang tonic herbs were proven to the raise body temperature of mice (3.). Using tonification technique and or moxibustion, points on the San Jiao and Pericardium channel are commonly used for hypothyroidism. Herbs and acupuncture are particularly useful for symptoms such as feelings of cold, cold hands & feet, fatigue, body aches, poor memory & concentration, foggy thinking, melancholy, depression, insomnia, trouble waking up in the morning, weight gain, constipation, and dryness.

Hypothyroid patients will often have faint, slow, and weak pulses. Their tongues could be wet, swollen, and pale. Some research has shown that acupuncture can stimulate the release of TSH and ACTH and other pituitary hormones (4. p140). Other research has shown moxibustion was able to reduce antibodies in the peripheral blood of patients with Hashimoto’s disease and bring their thyroid back into balance (1. p14).

Hyperthyroidism, being the opposite of hypothyroidism, would generally be diagnosed as an overabundance of Yang with Yin Deficient Heat. According to diagnosis, good herbal remedies include Liu Wei Di Huang Wan to tonify liver and kidney yin, Zhi Zi Qing Gan Tang or, Tian Wang Bu Xin Dan to nourish heart and kidney yin. Using the dispersion technique, acupuncture is incredibly useful in treating hyperthyroid symptoms such as racing heart, palpitations, anxiety, feelings of heat, weight loss, and jumpy moods like anger and irritability. Hyperthyroid patients generally have red tongues with rapid and big or rapid and thin pulses.

Integrative Medicine

The future of medicine will be a combination of both western and eastern medicine. Persons with clinical hypothyroidism in which their blood test reveal a thyroid imbalance would do best by taking a western thyroid supplement along with chinese herbs and a weekly acupuncture treatment (2.). Patients who have symptoms of a thyroid imbalance with normal blood results may not need to take a hormone replacement. These patients may improve just by using traditional Chinese medicine and alternative therapies.

A weekly acupuncture treatment can help balance hormones and alleviate stress. Alternative therapies such as herbs, acupuncture, dietary modifications, and engaging in stress relieving activities such as yoga, meditation, or exercise have already been proven to be beneficial.

Simple dietary habits that could improve the thyroid’s function include increasing your intake of selenium, including foods that contain iodine like fish and sea veggies, eating foods like meat and fish that contain the amino acid l-tyrosine, restricting raw cruciferous vegetable intake, taking a good multivitamin that includes A, C, D, E, Zinc, and the B vitamins, and of course eating plenty of fiber rich fruits, veggies, and whole unprocessed grains.

It is my belief that we must educate the patient on the importance of life long proper dietary habits, the importance of exercising daily and having good stress relieving tools, and most importantly the power of positive thinking. We must first educate the patient to take control of their own health by using preventative measures now to keep their bodies functioning optimally as long as possible, and to not leave their destinies up to a stranger in a cold and sterile operating room.

References

1. A study on the clinical effects and immunololgical mechanism in the treatment of Hashimoto’s thyroiditis by Moxibustion. Hu G., Chen H., Hou Y., Cheng Z., Wang R. Shanghai research Institute of Acupuncture & Meridian. Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine. March 13, 1993 pg 14 – 8.
2. Chinese herbal medicines for hyperthyroidism. Zen XX., Yuan Y., Liu Y., Wu TX., Han S. Cochrane Database Systematic Reviews. April 18, 2007. Pg. CD005450
3. Effects of yang-restoring herb medicines on the levels of plasma corticosterone, testosterone, and triiodothyronine. Kuang A., Chen J., Chen M. Zhong Xi Yi Jie He Zi Zhi. December 9, 1989. Pg 710, 737-8.
4. Thyroid Balance: Traditional and alternative methods for treating thyroid disorders. Rothefeld G., Romaine D. Adams Media Publishing Co. 2003

As always consult your primary care physician before making any major health decisions.

To schedule an appointment Call 310.363.0039 or email dawnaara@gmail.com.

Headaches from sinus pressure are common as well as runny nose, itching, sneezing, and coughing. Before you go to the drug store and purchase antihistamines here are 5 natural things you can do to keep your allergies in check this season:

1. Get a netti pot.

When suffering from nasal allergies a netti pot can save your life. Use it twice daily to irrigate your nasal system and clear out unwanted allergens from your nose. A netti pot can wash away allergens, lessen mucus, and and relieve sinus pressure. They cost about $10 at your local drugstore.

2. Increase your intake of horseradish, chili peppers, and hot mustard.

These foods are natural decongestants. They cause your nose to run and therefore expel allergens. Add them to your diet by cooking them in your favorite dishes.

3. Replace your air filters with high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter attachment.

HEPA filters can trap dust and mold spores and stop them from circulating in your home. Use them with your vacuum and air conditioner system.

4. Get a weekly acupuncture treatment.

Acupuncture works by balancing the body and strengthening the immune system. A weekly acupuncture treatment will not only help keep allergy symptoms away but it can also help other symptoms not related to allergies. You may notice that after your treatment you can sleep better, you are less stressed, and the back pain that has been bothering you for weeks has practically disappeared!

5. Use herbal and natural supplements instead of over the counter antihistamines or prescription steroids.

When it comes to allergies and herbal medicine you have plenty of options. Here are just a few natural supplements you can take:

• Astragalus otherwise known as huang qi, is an amazing Chinese herb that can strengthen your immune system. You can buy it in single herb form or in a formula with other immune boosting Chinese herbs.
• Ginseng aka ren shen is probably the most famous Chinese herb. It too strengthens the immune system and can be taken alone or in a formula with other Chinese herbs. Ginseng will also give you a natural boost of energy and help combat stress.
• Quercetin a bioflavanoid, can block the release of histamine and prevent inflammation.
• A daily multivitamin is a good start but if you want added defense against allergies then especially increase your intake of vitamin A, vitamin C & vitamin B complex.
• CoQ10 is also an immune booster that counters histamine.

As always consult your primary care physician before making any major health decisions.

To schedule an appointment Call 310.363.0039 or email dawnaara@gmail.com.