Blog by Melissa and David Sokulski, L.Acs.

Tuesday, January 11, 2011

Groupons Honored Through Jan 31


It's groupon week at the Birch Center!

Our groupon expires Jan 15 and it is wonderful to have so many people calling for appointments!

And now the snow....

So don't worry if you can't get in this week, we will honor the groupon through Jan 31, 2011.

Just give us a call to set up an appointment: (412) 381-0116...we see clients Monday through Friday, 9 am through 9 pm.

Thanks so much!

In health,

~ David and Melissa Sokulski, L.Acs.

Licensed Acupuncturists
The Birch Center for Health
(412) 381-0116

Please sign up for our monthly newsletter! We have raw recipes, information about Acupuncture and Chinese medicine, and overall wellness information. Sign up today and receive your free gift: 10 Ways to Improve Your Health Right Now. We'd love to stay in touch. Thank you!

Sunday, January 9, 2011

Sinus Issues Respond Powerfully to Traditional Chinese Medicine

by Melissa Sokulski, L.Ac. of the Birch Center

Sinus issues and infections are a problem for many people. As the nose becomes congested from cold weather, allergies, a cold or the flu, infection and inflammation often occurs. Acupuncture points, herbs, and lifestyle suggestions can keep the sinuses clear and infection-free.

Sinus issues may be acute or chronic, and are typically considered viral infections which last ten days. Many people suffering from chronic sinus infections go for months with headaches, teeth and jaw pain, low energy, and nasal congestion, among other symptoms.

Acupuncture often offers relief. Using a combination of local and distal points acupuncture can clear the sinuses and boost the immune system making it less likely for sinus infection to return. Points on the arms and legs such as Large Intestine 4 (hand), Large Intestine 11 (outside elbow crease), Lung 7 (wrist), and Stomach 36 (leg, below the knee) can open the meridians which run through the sinuses as well as boost the immune system. Local points on the face such as Large Intestine 20 (side of the nose), Stomach 2 (on the cheek bone under the eye), and GV 23 (start of the hairline) help to physically clear the sinuses.

Bi Yang Pian is an ancient Chinese herbal formula which is available at the Birch Center. It clears the sinuses and relieves headaches and other symptoms such as red itchy eyes, sore throat and sneezing which can be related to sinus issues. Bi Yan Pian contains herbs such as magnolia flower, forsythia flower and chrysanthemum flower which are said to clear heat from the sinuses and help clear infection.

Using a neti pot to clear the sinuses with salt water can also clear the sinuses, improve overall health and increase energy. Using one cup of body-temperature water and mixed with 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of sea salt, pour gently into one nostril and have it flow through the sinuses and out the other nostril. This can be done throughout the day until the sinuses are clear, and then repeated once or twice a day to keep healthy, especially if prone to sinus issues.

If you have more questions or would like to schedule an appointment, please call the Birch Center at (412) 381-0116.

In health,

~ David and Melissa Sokulski, L.Acs.

Licensed Acupuncturists
The Birch Center for Health
(412) 381-0116

Please sign up for our monthly newsletter! We have raw recipes, information about Acupuncture and Chinese medicine, and overall wellness information. Sign up today and receive your free gift: 10 Ways to Improve Your Health Right Now. We'd love to stay in touch. Thank you!

Saturday, January 8, 2011

Four Pack of Acupuncture Treatments

Happy New Year!

We have extended our special indefinitely!

You can continue to buy a 4-pack of acupuncture treatments for just $200, it's our new year's gift to you!

You can buy them below, on the store page or at the Birch Center (the website or the actual Center on East Carson Street.)




4 Acupuncture Treatment Package for $200





Here's to BEST HEALTH in 2011!

~ David and Melissa Sokulski, L.Acs.

Licensed Acupuncturists
The Birch Center for Health
(412) 381-0116

Please sign up for our monthly newsletter! We have raw recipes, information about Acupuncture and Chinese medicine, and overall wellness information. Sign up today and receive your free gift: 10 Ways to Improve Your Health Right Now. We'd love to stay in touch. Thank you!

Thursday, January 6, 2011

Flax Fenugreek and Fennel Strongly Protect the Lungs and Large Instestine

Happy New Year!

I drank the 3-F Tea (flax, fenugreek, fennel...plus nettles and mint, I used spearmint) all day yesterday...it's delicious and makes me feel great! The recipe is at the end of the article.

Flax, Fenugreek and Fennel Strongly Protect Lungs and Large Intestine
by Melissa Sokulski, L.Ac. of the Birch Center

In Traditional Chinese Medicine the Lungs and Large Intestine correspond to the metal element. Drinking a tea made from three common herbs and spices - fennel, flax, and fenugreek, is a wonderful way to strengthen and rejuvenate these organs.

Signs that the lung and large intestine may be taxed and would benefit from rejuvenation include: (...read whole article, including recipe)

We have some great things for you coming up this new year! We are so excited to unveil our latest project...stay tuned!

What are your plans for 2011? Write them down, make them happen!

In health,

~ David and Melissa Sokulski, L.Acs.

Licensed Acupuncturists
The Birch Center for Health
(412) 381-0116

Please sign up for our monthly newsletter! We have raw recipes, information about Acupuncture and Chinese medicine, and overall wellness information. Sign up today and receive your free gift: 10 Ways to Improve Your Health Right Now. We'd love to stay in touch. Thank you!