A study in Nature Neuroscience published just yesterday (May 30, 2010) shows one possible mechanism of pain relief through acupuncture: the release of adenosine. Adenosine is a very potent anti-inflammatory compound and most chronic pain is caused by inflammation.
For more on this new study from the University of Rochester, check out a general article on it in the UK’s Guardian newspaper by clicking here, or click here to read the study itself.
By Lilly Rogers, Pacific College of Oriental Medicine
Insomnia is more than tossing and turning. It’s more serious than an inability to fall asleep early and has more debilitating effects than are commonly recognized. An estimated 32 million people suffer from insomnia in the U.S. Oriental medicine, with its focus on healing whole syndromes rather than individual symptoms, is widely used as an insomnia remedy and has shown great success treating those who experience insomnia.
Insomnia may present itself in different ways. For some, the inability to fall asleep is the most noticeable insomnia symptom while others are unable to reach a deep level of sleep and are startled awake by every noise. Any insomnia symptom would frustrate most sleepers, but night after night for months or years, the most serious issues of insomnia accumulate – the daytime effects. These can include physical tiredness, difficulty concentrating and feeling depressed, irritable or lethargic. Oriental medicine is a great insomnia remedy . It focuses on patients’ individual insomnia symptom and builds a whole-healing plan from each symptom. It also has been widely successful in treating depression, stress and physical pain.
While these are standard symptoms of a poor night’s sleep, they are magnified by chronic conditions and can have severe negative setbacks in a person’s life. True insomnia is defined as poor sleep followed by daytime fatigue. Because sleep needs, such as number of hours, varies for different people, the real issue of insomnia is quality of feeling during the day.
Insomnia may have a number of causes, including stress, depression or anxiety; irregular work schedules; medications, drug or alcohol abuse; major life changes; chronic pain, hyperthyroidism or arthritis. Acupuncture and herbs for insomnia have high success rates with each insomnia symptom and can therefore treat insomnia at its root.
A study published recently in the American Journal of Chinese Medicine, reports that patients who received acupressure and transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation (TEAS) experienced a significant improvement in their insomnia symptom, including problems of fatigue, sleep quality and depression. The results from this study suggest that acupressure or TEAS might have an important role in managing patients with fatigue, poor sleep quality and depression.
Oriental medicine relates insomnia to the heart. Of course, an insomnia remedy would include a complete diagnosis and treatment system that would focus on each individual, and the many syndromes that are differentiated within the context of insomnia would be explored. Other organ systems and syndromes may be involved, and until the body is brought back into balance through Oriental medicine treatment such as herbs for insomnia and acupuncture, each insomnia symptom will continue.
One contributor to insomnia, stress, weakens the function of the Liver, which in turn affects the health of your nerves. According to the 5 Element Theory, the relationship between the Liver and nerves flows both ways, causing the function of the Liver to be weakened from the accumulation of things that “get on your nerves.” Stress-related insomnia is often accompanied by another nerve-induced problem: restless leg syndrome. This can make bedtime even more of a battle for sleep. When your Liver is unbalanced and being asked to deliver energy it does not have, uncomfortable symptoms are your body’s way of signaling the need to get things back into harmony, the need for an insomnia remedy .
Acupuncture has a calming effect on the nervous system. It clears obstructions in the muscle and nerve channels, facilitates the flow of oxygen-enriched energy and relaxes the system. Common noted benefits of acupuncture include deeper breathing, improved digestive abilities, better sleeping patterns, decrease in various pains and a general sense of well being, which are all excellent treatments for insomnia. General acupuncture protocol for the treatment of chronic insomnia includes 10 initial treatments at two to three treatments per week, followed by a two to four week observational period and possibly one treatment per week.
Acupuncture and herbs as an insomnia remedy can greatly improve sleeping patterns, but in order to successfully and completely resolve sleep disturbance one must address all the contributing factors. Oriental medicine helps do this by treating the whole person and focusing on bringing the entire body into balance. Other suggested actions include:
Learn to relax physically
Techniques such as yoga, meditation, biofeedback and progressive relaxation, as well as acupuncture and massage, can help your body become more restful.
Have a regular bedtime
If you are not asleep after an hour, get up, go to another room and do something relaxing until you feel sleepy. Don’t try to force yourself to sleep.
Reduce food and drinks that increase sleep problems
Heavy meals before bedtime, late afternoon or evening consumption of alcohol, chocolate, tea, coffee and caffeinated soda should be avoided. Consider adding herbs for insomnia to your diet as well.
Keep in shape
Regular exercise helps with stress and reduces fatigue, both of which can exacerbate insomnia. Systems such as Tai Chi or Qigong are gentler exercises that balance staying fit with staying relaxed.
Treat physical problems
If physical pain or discomfort is a factor in the inability to fall asleep, don’t put up with it. Acupuncture has proven successful in treating pain associated with arthritis and many other physical conditions.
Nutritional Counseling and Lifestyle Changes
Nutrition can contribute to the cause and cure of insomnia. Excess protein and the over reliance on stimulants and quick-energy foods contribute to fatigue by weighing on the liver, kidneys and intestines. Quick fix foods increase the depletion of the body-mind energy reserves. Tailoring a diet that includes foods such as whole grains, beans, vegetables and fruits to the individual replenishes energy and diffuses built-up stress.
Chinese Herbal Medicine and Supplements
Chinese herbs and herbal medications are also useful in combating insomnia. An Oriental medicine practitioner can recommend an insomnia remedy to best suit individual insomnia symptoms. Herbs for insomnia such as longan fruit, golden thread, sour jujube seed, fossil bone or mimosa bark may be prescribed.
Insomnia should not dictate when or for how long you sleep. It can be frustrating and scary when any disease or disorder takes away control. Oriental medicine will lead you back to a place of balance and calm, giving you the power to lay insomnia to rest.
An excellent article by Andrew Ellis at Spring Wind herbs in Berkeley on some truisms, as well as many misconceptions, about pesticides and sulfur in Chinese herbs. While this article was intended for practitioners, I think it has some valuable information for everyone interested in Chinese herbal medicine who may be concerned about their source.
Click here to read the article (a pdf/Adobe Acrobat file).
Check out this article by Sharon Begley of Newsweek, who writes a great article on how much money (and time) is wasted on unnecessary medical procedures…
That’s right, the computer is perhaps one of the leading causes of modern day neck, shoulder, arm and hand pain. While we cannot magically make the pain disappear without also losing that keyboard or the stress that may accompany the time you spend on your machine, ergonomic adjustments can help to make your quality of life better over the long-term.
Patients with these issues who know me know that I often refer people to my favorite local expert in ergonomics, Deedee Savant, P.T. Now Deedee is appearing in video online. She just made me aware of one that’s on Savantmd.com. For more on the ergonomic adjustments that make a positive difference, check her out at SavantMD.com, and watch the video below…
It’s not officially spring yet, but looking out from my window here in the office, it’s my favorite time: when the two trees across the street shed their white blossoms. As soon as the wind blows on a beautiful day like today, the blossoms fall like snow, covering the parking lot and all that’s around them. Especially gorgeous on a Saturday with no cars in the lots. I’ve attached a video that perhaps will show some of the blossoms as they fall. Enjoy! And remember to set your clocks forward tonight…
Trees Shedding Blossoms Across the Street from Our Office
Spring Blossoms (Video)
A common question I get from patients relates to whether or not it’s ok to take Chinese herbal medicine alongside western/modern medical pharmaceuticals. While I do not prescribe as many herbal medicines as many of my contemporaries, and while most herbs do not interact in dangerous ways with most pharmaceuticals, there are exceptions. It’s best to be well informed about herb-drug interactions, and no one I know of is more qualified to comment on this than my friend and colleague John Chen, a trained doctor of Chinese medicine as well as a doctor of western pharmacology. His response to this concern appears below (excerpted with Dr. Chen’s permission)…
Concurrent Use of Herbal Medicines and Pharmaceuticals – Pharmacokinetic Interactions
The practice of medicine is now at a crossroad: countless patients are being treated simultaneously with both Western and Oriental medicine. It is quite common for a patient to seek herbal treatment while taking several prescription medications. According to JAMA, in 1997, an estimated 15 million adults in the United States (representing 18.4% of all prescription pharmaceutical users) took prescription drugs concurrently with herbal remedies and/or vitamins.
As the general public grows increasingly more open to the use of herbs and supplements, both patients and the health professionals who care for them are becoming more alert to the potential for occasional adverse herb-drug interactions. Safety has become a major topic of discussion. Even though herbal remedies are classified as dietary supplements, it must be noted that if used incorrectly, herbs, like any substance, may adversely affect patients. The safest route of access to herbal therapy is through a well-qualified herbalist.
Although Chinese herbal medicine has been prescribed safely by professionals in the West for many years now, and a great deal of research has been amassed in China, there is still a lack of formal studies that are published in the West to document the safety and efficacy of combining herbs with prescription drugs. Some questions posed by Western healthcare professionals or patients are difficult to answer quickly with documented specifics. However, with some general insights into pharmacology, one can foresee possible interactions and take appropriate precautions to prevent incompatible combinations.
The concept of ‘interaction’ refers to the possibility that, when two (or more) substances are given concurrently, one substance may interact with another, and/or alter its bioavailability or clinical action.
The net result may be an increase or a decrease in the effectiveness of one or both substances. It is important to note that interactions may yield positive effects (achieving better therapeutic effects at lower dosage) or negative results (creating unwanted side effects or adverse reactions). Most of the possible interactions may be classified in two major categories: pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic.
‘Pharmacokinetic interactions’ refer to the fluctuation in bioavailability of herb/drug molecules in the body as a result of changes in absorption, distribution, metabolism, and elimination.
Absorption
Absorption is the term that describes the process of the physical passage of herbs or drugs from the outside to the inside of the body. The majority of all absorption occurs in the intestines, where herbs or drugs must pass through the intestinal wall to enter the bloodstream. Several mechanisms may interfere with the absorption of drugs through the intestines.
The absorption of herbs may be adversely affected if herbs are administered with drugs that may promote binding in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Drugs such as cholestyramine (Questran), colestipol (Colestid) and sucralfate (Carafate) may bind to certain herbs, forming an insoluble complex that decreases absorption of both substances. Because of the large size of the insoluble complex, few or no molecules of either substance pass through the intestinal wall.
Herb absorption may be adversely affected in the presence of drugs that change the pH of the stomach. Antacids, cimetidine (Tagamet), famotidine (Pepcid), nizatidine (Axid), ranitidine (Zantac), and omeprazole (Prilosec) may neutralize, decrease, or inhibit the secretion of stomach acids. With this subsequent decrease in stomach acidity, herbs may not be broken down properly in the stomach, leading to poor absorption in the intestines. To minimize this interaction, herbs are best taken separately from these drugs by approximately two hours.
Drugs that affect gastrointestinal motility may also affect the absorption of herbs. GI motility is the rate at which the intestines contract to push food products from the stomach to the rectum. Slower GI motility means that the herbs stay in the intestines for a longer period of time, thereby increasing the potential absorption. Conversely, more rapid GI motility means that the herbs stay in the intestines for a shorter time, which may decrease absorption. Drugs such as haloperidol (Haldol) decrease GI motility and may increase herb absorption; while drugs such as metoclopramide (Reglan) increase GI motility and possibly decrease herb absorption.
Therefore, it may be necessary to decrease the dosage of herbs when the patient is taking a drug that decreases GI motility and increases overall absorption. Likewise, it is probably helpful to increase the dosage of herbs when the patient is taking a drug that increases GI motility and thus decreases overall absorption.
Distribution
After absorption, herbs or drugs must be delivered to the targeted area in order to exert their influence. ‘Distribution’ refers to the processes by which herbs or drugs (once absorbed) are carried and released to different parts of the body. Currently, it appears that the majority of herbs and drugs do not have any clinically-significant interactions affecting distribution, and thus can safely be taken together. The exception seems to be if a drug has a narrow range-of-safety index and is highly protein-bound, in which case interaction with other substances might occur during the distribution phase. Examples of drugs that have both a narrow range-of-safety index and a high protein-bound ratio include warfarin (Coumadin) and phenytoin (Dilantin).
Unfortunately, it is very difficult to predict whether an individual herb will interact with either one of these drugs because there are no known tests or experiments documenting such interactions.
Metabolism
Once metabolized by the liver, most herbs and drugs become inactive derivatives. The rate at which the liver metabolizes a substance determines the length of time it stays active in the body. If the liver were induced to speed up its metabolic rate, herbs and drugs would be deactivated at a more rapid pace, and the overall effectiveness of ingested substances would be lower. On the other hand, if the liver were made to slow its metabolism, herbs and drugs would be deactivated at a slower pace and the overall impact of the substances would be greater.
In general, drugs that induce greater liver metabolism do not exert an immediate effect. The metabolism rate of the liver changes slowly, over several weeks. Therefore, the effect of accelerated liver metabolism is not seen until weeks after the initiation of drug therapy. Some examples of pharmaceuticals that speed hepatic metabolism are: phenytoin (Dilantin), carbamazepine (Tegretol), phenobarbitals and rifampin (Rifadin). Therefore, herbs given in the presence of one of these products may be deactivated more rapidly, and their overall effectiveness lowered. Under these circumstances, a higher dose of herbs may be required to achieve the desired effect.
In great contrast, drugs that inhibit liver metabolism have an immediate onset of action. The rate of liver metabolism may be greatly impaired within a few days. Pharmaceuticals that slow or inhibit liver metabolism include: cimetidine (Tagamet), erythromycin, ethanol, fluconazole (Diflucan), itraconazole (Sporanox) and ketoconazole (Nizoral), among others. When a patient takes these drugs concurrently with herbs, there is a higher risk of herbal components accumulating in the body, as the ability of the liver to neutralize them is compromised. If the herbs are metabolized more slowly, their overall effectiveness may be prolonged. In this case, one may need to lower the dosage of herbs to avoid unwanted side effects.
Depending on the half-life in the body of drugs that influence liver metabolism, it may be necessary to increase or decrease the dosages of herbs for weeks or even months after discontinuation of the pharmaceutical substance, along with consistent monitoring.
Elimination
While the liver neutralizes incoming drugs and herbs, the kidneys are responsible for eliminating the substances and their metabolites from the body. If the kidneys are damaged, then the rate of elimination is slowed, leading to an accumulation of active substances in the body. Important examples of drugs that damage the kidneys include amphotericin B, methotrexate, tobramycin and gentamicin. As a safety precaution, when prescribing herbs for a patient who is currently taking or has recently taken one of these drugs, it may be wise to lower the dose of herbs to avoid unnecessary and unwanted side effects.
Summary of Pharmacokinetic Interactions
The pharmacokinetic interactions listed above include both theoretical and actual interactions. Though such interactions are possible, the extent and severity of each interaction will vary depending on the specific circumstances, such as the dosages of all substances, the inherent sensitivity of each patient, individual body weight, and metabolic rate.
Summary: Concurrent Use of Herbal Medicines and Pharmaceuticals
Historically, herbs and drugs have been presumed to be very different treatment modalities that have rarely, if ever, been used together. The line that separates the use of herbs and drugs, however, has blurred in recent decades as the lay public gains increased accessibility to multiple treatment modalities. It is not uncommon for one patient to seek care from several health professionals for an ailment. As a result, a patient may easily be taking multiple drugs, herbs, supplements, and vitamins concurrently. It becomes difficult to predict whether the combination of all these substances will lead to unwanted side effects and/or interactions. It is imprudent to assume that there will be no interactions. On the other hand, it is just as unwise to abandon treatment simply for fear of possible interactions. The solution to this situation is in the understanding of pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic herb-drug interactions. By understanding these mechanisms, one can recognize potential interactions and take proper actions to prevent their occurrence.
—–
John K. Chen, L.Ac., Pharm.D., O.M.D., Ph.D.
Dr. John Chen is a recognized authority in both western pharmacology and Chinese Herbal Medicine. He teaches at the USC School of Pharmacy, Emperor’s College, Yo San University of TCM, OCOM, Five Branches, AOMA and ACTCM. Dr. Chen’s most recent published work is Chinese Medical Herbology and Pharmacology (2003, AOM Press) and Chinese Herbal Formulas and Applications (2008, AOM Press) for which he was lead author.
As you might see in my bio, I have been using the theories of neurolinguistic programming in several areas on my practice. One such area is in creating well-formed outcomes. A well-formed outcome asks what the patient will be doing and experiencing when their presenting issue is resolved, and is always stated in the positive. (Rather than “I want to have no more pain,” which focuses on the pain at the subconscious and conscious levels, a well-formed outcome may be, “I will know I am feeling better when I can touch my toes and lift over 20 lbs. comfortably.” A well-formed outcomes informs the mind of an intention in such a way that the unconscious wants to move toward rather than away from something.
When someone is having a difficult time coming up with a well-formed outcome, has some unclear goals, or wants to use hypnosis in a future session, I may have them do a writing assignment to get a well-formed outcome before the next appointment. What follows is one such assignment based on the work of Dave Elman, a well-known hypnotherapist.
What follows is the ‘homework assignment’ I’d like you to do between now and our next meeting. It’s a free-write, and you should set aside 30 minutes to do it in a quiet place with no interruptions.
Start by writing about the outcome you wish to have, and state it in the positive (i.e., “I want to be calm, confident, and clear-headed when….” rather than “I don’t want to be anxious when I….”) Be as specific as possible (i.e., “By June 1, I will feel…, and I will be….”)
Write about how you intend to get there (“…by studying x amount, meditation, etc…”).
Next, write about how you would know you have achieved it. How would it/you look, feel, move…all the physical aspects of the positive end result, as well as the emotional and perhaps spiritual experience. What is your motivation; what benefit will it give you to experience/achieve your desired outcome? You will also want to express the context of your success, quantify it. Where, when, with whom do you want it?
Try to write about your desired outcome for the full 30 minutes. When you are done, read through it and reduce the whole thing–the desired outcome, the way it looks, feels, etc., everything you wrote–reduce it down to a single, simple phrase, as concise as possible to represent it all. It could be as simple as ‘confident, competent’ or a full sentence.
Finally, once you have a concise statement or words representing your desired outcome, create or imagine a simple symbol that represents it all. Draw that picture and visualize it in your mind’s eye. We’ll use that simple, concise statement and its attendant symbol the next time you come in.
Jason is the first acupuncturist I’ve been to, but I don’t think I want to try anyone else! I have been seeing him about a pain in my heel that just won’t go away (Plantar Fasciitis). I am SO happy and pleasantly surprised (and relieved) to say that his sessions have actually really worked! He really explains everything that he is doing and lets you know what it is and why it helps. He also talks very casually about things other than what’s going on in your session- which helps make you feel very comfortable. That was especially nice for me since I had not had acupuncture before. He has been giving me herbs that I take home and soak my foot- this has really helped! He says that he is a bad businessman because he really wants you to heal and not need to see him regularly- which is helpful for your wallet! I highly recommend seeing him for any pain or concerns you may be having. He really knows his stuff and makes it such a pleasant experience!
-Diana M., Lafayette, CA
In true “Thelma and Louise” style I drove of f a small embankment and rolled my car. I ended up breaking my top two vertebrae aka breaking my neck. I was in physical therapy 3x a week, therapy, massage, and a on a hefty dose of very strong pain killers. Once I got my brace off I was in a lot of pain,still on high doses of pain meds… but also scared and sad.
I went to Jason on a family friend’s word that he was the best. I was a bit freaked out by the whole needle thing, but I was willing to try anything to find my old self/spirit back and ease my pain. Jason soon became my cure all. His bedside/table-side manner is amazing, he listens…really listens, and after getting to know you, he listens, predicts, and solves. He has ESP when it comes to what my body needs…or at least damn good skills, training, and intuition within 30 seconds of seeing me.
Jason helped my neck at first, but much more importantly he was a pivotal part of re-energizing my spirit, and helping me create my post accident self. I have continued to see him weekly, and I have been out of PT and other recovery related doctors for a half a year. His work has done many great things for me, I have listed what acupuncture by Jason Luban has done for me:
- Helped pain of broken neck and later aching back
- Helped with depression, anxiety, and fear (esp when going back to work)
-Now I am back teaching high school full time, and my body cries after stressful days…he consoles by needles
- Helped with cleaning my tortured little body after ingesting heavy doses of pain killers for months at a time
- Helped me recover in an unheard of amount of time from a mean hangover after a night celebrating my recovery
- Helps me with PMS, bloating, and other digestive issues
- Helps increase or decrease my energy to find the perfect balance
-Makes me have a love for little black dogs named Josie who play wingwoman to the acupuncturist.
-Helps my body find and hold a consistent rhythm which enables me to sleep better, and be more productive
I cannot imagine my life without these treatments. Holistic Health/Acupuncture with Jason has changed my life…He is able to deal with and heal issues that other western docs had been helping me with for years. Try it one time…I was a skeptic, now I am a true believer. AMEN!
-Shira C., Lafayette, CA
Jason is a master at what he does. I went in with a serious attack of gastritis. I was cleared within 24 hours – just from one visit to Jason and some strategically placed needles! In addition he gave me a great recommendation for kuzu root starch (twice a day) which also aided me in calming down my very irritated stomach. I can’t believe how quick that condition went away – would have been almost a full week on western medicine.
Also, he helped me with my rotator cuff problem – within 3 sessions I no longer had any rotator cuff issues. I am to the point where I would call jason with almost any of my medical needs.
-Sharon R., Lafayette, CA
Jason is an incredibly gifted practitioner of Chinese medicine. If you’re at all leery about having yourself poked with needles, he is the perfect acupuncturist for you. He demystifies the process, while somehow tapping into energies (qi) that I don’t entirely understand. He is calm, professional and soothing without being so “new-agey” that you are tempted to stab him back with his own needles. I wish I lived closer, so I could use his services on a regular basis.
-Dayan B., North Hollywood, CA
Jason Luban is the best! He’s obviously very knowledgeable in Chinese Medicine and I was impressed. (I mean, he doesn’t LOOK Chinese.. but has the KNOWLEDGE of a wise Chinese person.) I went to Jason to see if he could help me lose weight, and it worked. He was very truthful and real, which I appreciate very much (there is no magic pill). The advise and knowledge he sent me home with was very valuable; and I still use his principles today. Jason is very patient, and you know he has all his attention on you, not what’s going on outside or other. He has your health as your number 1 priority. Thanks Jason! I highly recommend Jason Luban for any ailments you may have. Or, maybe to even just visit his puppy dog.
-F.W., Berkeley, CA
Simply put, Jason is a healer – albeit a very humble one. Although I was afraid of needles and was once quite skeptical about Chinese medicine, Jason has made me a believer without fear by the very effectiveness of his treatments. He has instantly cured nausea and a severe headache (at separate times) for me, and he’s stopped a cold at the beginning stage dead in its tracks. He’s also one of the funniest people I’ve ever met, on top of having a very cute assistant – his Labrador, Josie. His talent goes beyond textbook knowledge – some would call it bedside manner, but whatever it is, it keeps me coming back, along with his very reasonable rates.
-Serena M., Oakland, CA
Jason is awesome! I have visited his beautiful and serene offices as needed for years. The latest healing was focused on internal abdomen issues, which have resulted in a total turn around. I followed the eating suggestions in addition to being treated with acupuncture and after only a few sessions noticed a change in the way I was feeling and how my body was healing past damage.
Several years ago I also had deep muscle pain in my right quadricep which would not heal with rest and massage. I had acupuncture and again, after several sessions the pain was gone. It is great to find treatments which are an alternative to taking western drugs. And Jason’s practice puts your body in balance, helping to treat the root cause rather than treating only symptoms.
Thank you, Jason!
-J.K., Lafayette, CA
I highly recommend Jason Luban as the best acupuncturist/herbalist I’ve tried. He’s helped me with everything from wrist/hand pain to getting me better faster if I’m feeling sick. My favorite thing to see him for is just relaxing and he brings my body back to balance. I leave feeling more grounded & calm. Jason’s easy-going personality makes you feel right at home. Everyone I’ve sent to him has had a great experience and they keep coming back for more.
-Kelly V., Walnut Creek, CA
After 11 years of neck pain, 2 unsuccessful surgeries, and a total disruption to my daily life, Jason successfully remedied my pain and gave me my active life back. Wow, both my wife and I are still amazed. I’ve since sent about 3 others to his practice. Not only does he deliver positive results, he’s a lot of fun to talk with while being treated. I give him 4 thumbs up (2 from me, 2 from my wife). Highly recommended.
-Bill H., Lafayette, CA
Jason is an amazing acupunturist! He really looks at the whole body to make sure he’s really taking care of your issues. I couldn’t be happier with the results! I’ve been seeing Jason for over 5 years now for various things and each time I need him, whatever is aching, he takes care of it! Also, he doesn’t just have you go for the sake of going (and spending money!). He actually gets you better and you are done! I’ve had issues with both of my shoulders, and both times he had taken care of the pain and impingements. He is also extremely pleasant, honest and you really feel like he “hears” you and gets a plan together to take care of the issues. I highly recommend him!
-Cindy K., Lafayette, CA
Accupuncture by Jason is warm and engaging. Jason listens to what you say and tries different techniques until he finds the one that helps with your problem. I am a very satisfied patient. I would recommend him first for problems with pain and stress.
-Julie G., Lafayette, CA
I met Jason earlier this year (through a recommendation I received from a good friend, who always saw me in pain) in a last desperate attempt to help heal my chronic pain. Although I do take good care of myself, I suffer from low back pain, arthritis in my neck, carpal tunnel, tendonitis, all related to my previous career as a hairdresser. If that wasn’t enough, I have had Fibromyalgia forever, since I was in my early twenties, about 15+ years ago, but I have always’ been in denial. Although I hate talking about my pain issues, Jason is very easy to talk to, he has a wonderful energy and it shows he cares about his work.
Retiring has helped tremendously with my other symptoms, but the Fibromyalgia is really bad and I can’t seem to beat it. Yet !
I have seen other acupuncturists before and I left feeling worse. Although my pain is somewhat constant, since I have been receiving treatment from Jason, I at least get some relief, for several days. Any relief for me is amazing, going a few days without chronic pain is wonderful. I’m sure as time goes on, I will get better. I can already see the difference. Jason is very intuitive, professional and very in tuned to my body. I feel very safe in his presence and I would recommend him to anyone with any pain issues. He is a wonderful healer, and will find a treatment that works best for you.
-Kyo H., Walnut Creek, CA
I have been treated by about 8 acupuncturists in my life, and, while it is difficult to make comparisons of effectiveness because of different styles and different medical conditions being treated, I am very comfortable with Jason’s approach, and I highly recommend him. Most of the other practitioners have been native Chinese speakers who trained in China. In general, their approach is to just get on with the treatment and not go into a lot of detail about what is going on or why the treatment is the way it is. Partly this is a language issue, and partly a tradition of the practice for those trained in China I think. Jason is very much the opposite, and that is a big reason why I prefer his approach, and you will too if you want to learn about why acupuncture can help you. He is a super nice guy and very patient, and he will give you as much detail as you wish regarding why he is doing things the way he is. He can explain things in such a way that even a scientific-minded person can appreciate the treatment. He can explain it in terms of chi or in terms of neurobiology, your choice. Another thing I really like about him is that he is clearly interested in becoming better at what he does since he is always doing research and taking workshops to improve his skill and effectiveness in a comprehensivie manner. Other nice things about his practice are the location (near BART), clean and pleasant environment, reasonable prices, and ability to access through Kaiser Health plans as well.
-Richard L., Oakland, CA
I’ve had atrial fibrillation for about 25 years. I been to 4 cardiologists, 2 endocrinologists and an electrophysiologists. I’ve had 2 cardiac ablations, and 6 cardioversions. I’ve tried just about every medicine that western medicine has to offer with no long term relief from atrial fibrillation. I went to Jason Luban while in atrial fibrillation and when I left the a. fib was gone. For the first treatment he took a conservative approach. It’s only been a week but I’m less often in a. fib. then ever. I still have very brief episodes but I’m sure with more treatment they will be gone. I will see him next week for a follow-up and more treatment. Not only is the a. fib. gone but it’s the best i’ve felt in a very long time. WOW!!!
-David B., Antioch, CA
When I had the worst migraine of my life, Jason came to the rescue. I wasn’t a huge fan of needles, so acupuncture never sounded like a good idea to me, but I was desperate. After one session, my migraine was gone and I was singing the praises of acupuncture and Jason. I’ve seen Jason for several issues since then, and he’s helped me every time. I’m the type of person who needs to understand what’s being done and why, and he takes the time to explain things and make sure I’m comfortable with the process. He isn’t afraid to be honest – he’ll tell you if he can’t help you, or tell you what you need to do outside of the treatments in order to make progress (i.e. dietary or lifestyle changes). He is also very down to earth and easy to talk to, and has a great sense of humor. Jason’s holistic approach and honesty make him one of the best practitioners I’ve ever been to. I highly recommend him.
-Susan R., Danville, CA
I am a physical therapist. For three years, I worked closely with Jason in two East Bay clinics. On numerous occasions, we co-treated patients–it was his acupuncture that would drop my patients’ pain levels down to the point where I could work with them. I was constantly amazed at how he was able to help my patients in ways that I could not.
His compassion, empathy, sense of humor, and far-reaching knowledge makes him the go-to-guy for acupuncture in the East Bay. I cannot recommend him highly enough.
-Chris Woods, PT, Eureka, CA
I came to Jason through a path of some of the most established, revered DOMs (Doctors of Oriental Medicine) when he was standing in for one of the biggest names in the Bay Area. I ended up never going back to the “Master” and chose Jason instead, and have never looked back!
He brings a sensitivity and enthusiasm to his practice along with a tremendous talent. His intuition is second to none, and his honesty is powerful– when he can’t help you, he won’t pretend to be able to! He’ll never sell you a treatment or an herb that you don’t need, but he always makes you feel safe and at home with him.
He is particularly good with people who are the most skeptical about acupuncture and people who are scared of needles. I want to everyone to know how amazing he is and what he has done for me, my husband, and my children because his brand of medicine can improve your life too!!! He has helped me with my back and “female issues…”
Highly recommended!!!!!
-Joni B., Orinda, CA
Jason is the first acupuncturist that I ever went to. And now that I have been to several other practitioners, I know that he is the best. He is highly intuitive, and his knowledge and expertise goes above and beyond the basic points and diagnosis taught in Chinese Medicine school. He’s successfully treated me for sciatica and whiplash among other things. I’ve also referred many friends to him and they’ve always been extremely happy with his treatments.
I once saw him work on a woman who had been plagued by chronic pain due to being struck by a car seven years prior. Within a minute of having Jason’s needles in her hand she began to weep with joy. She said it was the first time that she had had any relief from the pain in seven years–she couldn’t believe it! It almost felt like witnessing a miracle.
He’s also really cool and funny to talk to. I wish I could go to him now but I’ve moved out of the area.
-Emily K., Los Angeles, CA
