By this point in our technological development, we’ve learned a lot about healthy ergonomics for computer and phone usage, but cell phones, tablets, and even laptops? Not so much. These technologies are still new, and represent the new frontier of repetitive stress injuries due to technology. A Repetitive Stress Injury, or RSI, is caused by repeated movements which ultimately damage tendons, nerves and soft tissues. Pain in the thumb, forearm, wrist, and elbow can all be caused by using technology and the frequency at which we’re using it.
Read moreNorthwest Battle Buddies
Every day in the United States 22 Veterans die from suicide, due in part to PTSD. That’s over 8,000 lives lost each year. After serving in combat as part of a close-knit unit facing challenges and terrors together, many people find the transition to civilian life difficult and lonely. Traumatic memories follow them home. Northwest Battle Buddies empowers combat Veterans with PTSD by partnering them with professionally-trained, specifically matched service dogs. Supporting our troops when they come home is the least we can do to say thank you.
Read moreUpper Back Pain
Most workplaces put some effort into providing their employees with an ergonomic set-up, but literally overnight many people had to start working from their living room, their kitchen counter or their dining table. With more people working from home and sitting in unusual or suboptimal positions, we’ve been seeing a lot more patients with upper back pain.
Read moreAsk an Acupuncturist: Moxibustion
When you think of acupuncture, most likely you think of needles, however acupuncture treatment may incorporate a variety of modalities known to Traditional Chinese Medicine such as cupping, scraping (gua sha), herbal supplements, and moxibustion. As part of our “Ask a Provider” series, this month we spoke with our acupuncturist, Suzanne Chi, to learn a little bit more about moxibustion and it’s role in acupuncture treatment.
Read moreStyles of Acupuncture
Did you know that there are many different acupuncture styles and techniques? How acupuncture evolved in different regions of Asia reflects the culture and history of each region. Acupuncture’s beginnings are traced back to ancient China. Chinese practitioners brought the treatments to the surrounding countries where techniques were adapted and evolved based on the political and cultural events in the country.
Read moreFeed the Mass
The pandemic has increased food insecurity by as much as 70%, meanwhile restaurant closures or adaptations have caused food chain disruptions resulting in good quality food going to waste. From March 20 - December 31, 2020 The Fed Project made 118,364 meals for those affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and the forest fires. From February 1-28 join us in donating to this inspiring organization.
Read moreNew Study from OHSU
As an integrative practice, we love living and working in a city filled with cutting-edge scientists and healthcare professionals who are innovating every day to improve the lives of others. A particularly exciting development for the world of autoimmune and neurodegenerative diseases was recently revealed: a new compound developed at OHSU has big implications for the future of Multiple Sclerosis treatment.
Read moreBuild a Better Morning Routine
If the first thing you do when you wake up in the morning is check your phone it might be time to make a change. By scrolling through emails, checking social media and the news, you send your brain straight into beta brainwaves, used for active, busy (some might say anxious) thinking, and intense concentration. It’s a little like being rudely awakened before your alarm went off, except in this case you’re doing it to yourself. So, if you’re not looking at your phone in the morning what should we do instead?
Read moreHack Your Happiness
Eating chocolate, craving cuddles, compulsively checking social media… Are these all bad habits? Or your body trying to get the essential things it needs? Sometimes our habits or cravings are trying to tell us something important about how to care for ourselves. Here’s how to feel happier on demand.
Read moreEquilibrium in Action: Lines for Life
We are still in the thick of COVID-19’s challenges. As the virus peaks again across the country, more people are experiencing pandemic fatigue and many people who were emotionally fine in the early months are now feeling the long-term strain of worry and isolation. This month please join us in supporting Lines for Life, a regional non-profit dedicated to preventing substance abuse and suicide, and promoting mental health for all.
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