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Articles, Research, and Resources

acupuncture-migraines-blog-image.001
Find Relief from Migraines Headaches with Acupuncture

Migraine headaches can be utterly incapacitating, affecting one’s work, social life, and overall well-being. While conventional treatments such as painkillers and preventive medications can offer temporary relief, they often come with side effects and fail to address the underlying cause. Recent research* published in the British Medical Journal provides compelling evidence of acupuncture’s effectiveness in … Read more

Acupuncture is a top treatment for anxiety disorder

Most experienced recipients of acupuncture can attest to its calming, anxiety-relieving effects. Once needles are placed we settle in, gaze around the room or close our eyes, and feel our nervous systems passively reach a comfortable parasympathetic zone. These benefits aren’t just anecdotal! Research has found acupuncture is a safe, effective, reliable treatment for the … Read more

Research Highlight: Gua Sha May Boost Immune Response to Vaccination

I’m always excited to talk about gua sha, but with cold/flu/vaccine/booster season upon us, I’m especially jazzed to share this research highlight: First, research finds that gua sha treatment upregulates heme-oxygenase-1 (HO-1). HO-1 is anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and cytoprotective. In other words, gua sha boosts immune activity in the skin where it’s performed, and systemically. … Read more

Acupuncture Portland peripheral neuropathy figure
Acupuncture for neuropathy

Peripheral neuropathy, a type of nerve pain, occurs after injury or damage to nerves outside of the brain and spinal cord. Common examples include: Research provides substantial evidence that acupuncture is a safe and effective treatment for each of these types of peripheral neuropathy! Acupuncture safely manipulates opioids, cannabinoids, acetylcholine, serotonin/noradrenaline, and the activity of … Read more

Woman in pain from period
How can acupuncture help painful periods?

Dysmenorrhea affects as many as 90% of women and can have a significant and detrimental impact on their quality of life. Cramping ranges from mild to severe and may last for a fleeting moment or several days. A 2014 review reported as many as 29% of women studied experienced severe dysmenorrhea. Primary dysmenorrhea is thought … Read more

common cold
Acupuncture speeds recovery from the common cold

It’s never a good time to have a cold. Research has shown that acupuncture limits the progression of the common cold and is highly effective in treating the unpleasant lingering symptoms. How does acupuncture help treat the common cold? Acupuncture potentiates the cellular immune system by increasing levels of T lymphocytes (CD3, CD4, CD8), interleukins, … Read more

acupuncture-migraines-blog-image.001
Find Relief from Migraines Headaches with Acupuncture

Migraine headaches can be utterly incapacitating, affecting one’s work, social life, and overall well-being. While conventional treatments such as painkillers and preventive medications can offer temporary relief, they often come with side effects and fail to address the underlying cause. Recent research* published in the British Medical Journal provides compelling evidence of acupuncture’s effectiveness in … Read more

Acupuncture is a top treatment for anxiety disorder

Most experienced recipients of acupuncture can attest to its calming, anxiety-relieving effects. Once needles are placed we settle in, gaze around the room or close our eyes, and feel our nervous systems passively reach a comfortable parasympathetic zone. These benefits aren’t just anecdotal! Research has found acupuncture is a safe, effective, reliable treatment for the … Read more

Acupuncture Portland peripheral neuropathy figure
Acupuncture for neuropathy

Peripheral neuropathy, a type of nerve pain, occurs after injury or damage to nerves outside of the brain and spinal cord. Common examples include: Research provides substantial evidence that acupuncture is a safe and effective treatment for each of these types of peripheral neuropathy! Acupuncture safely manipulates opioids, cannabinoids, acetylcholine, serotonin/noradrenaline, and the activity of … Read more

Woman in pain from period
How can acupuncture help painful periods?

Dysmenorrhea affects as many as 90% of women and can have a significant and detrimental impact on their quality of life. Cramping ranges from mild to severe and may last for a fleeting moment or several days. A 2014 review reported as many as 29% of women studied experienced severe dysmenorrhea. Primary dysmenorrhea is thought … Read more

common cold
Acupuncture speeds recovery from the common cold

It’s never a good time to have a cold. Research has shown that acupuncture limits the progression of the common cold and is highly effective in treating the unpleasant lingering symptoms. How does acupuncture help treat the common cold? Acupuncture potentiates the cellular immune system by increasing levels of T lymphocytes (CD3, CD4, CD8), interleukins, … Read more

Acu-for-cancer
Acupuncture for cancer-related pain

The study included a total of 31 randomized controlled trials. Seven of these trials were sham-controlled, and acupuncture was associated with reduced pain when compared to sham acupuncture. These findings call for additional research to identify which types of cancer pain are best treated with acupuncture, and to integrate these findings into clinical practice to … Read more

Anxiety
How acupuncture can help anxiety

Whether mild or as part of bipolar disorder, anywhere on the spectrum, anxiety almost always pairs with a set of physical manifestations. Over time as our emotions affect our physiology and vice versa, the nervous system falls into a habit. Even if the source of anxiety disappears, the body may remember and be entrenched in … Read more

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Acupuncture and Holistic TCM Dermatology: Itch (pruritis)

A systematic review and meta-analysis (1) concluded acupuncture successfully reduces the intensity of itch.

Holistic TCM Dermatology
Acupuncture and Holistic TCM Dermatology: Lichen Sclerosus

Acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) dermatology provide a wealth of resources for relief and complete healing of lichen …

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Could you use a late summer posture check?

Neck pain, self-massage, and when acupuncture can help

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How does acupuncture relieve allergy symptoms?

Preliminary studies (1, 2, 3) and two randomized controlled trials (1, 2) have found acupuncture is a safe and effective treatment for se…

Can acupuncture treat systemic inflammation? | Portland Acupuncture
Harvard study finds acupuncture quiets cytokine storm in mice

Research has demonstrated how acupuncture can reduce inflammation in the context of chronic asthma, pain, Parkinson’s disease, and more…

How does acupuncture work? | Acupuncture in Portland, OR
How does acupuncture work?

Acupuncture releases blockages and restores harmonious flow. Traditional Chinese medical theory helps us understand how acupuncture points..

acupuncture-migraines-blog-image.001
Find Relief from Migraines Headaches with Acupuncture

Migraine headaches can be utterly incapacitating, affecting one’s work, social life, and overall well-being. While conventional treatments such as painkillers and preventive medications can offer temporary relief, they often come with side effects and fail to address the underlying cause. Recent research* published in the British Medical Journal provides compelling evidence of acupuncture’s effectiveness in … Read more

Acupuncture Portland peripheral neuropathy figure
Acupuncture for neuropathy

Peripheral neuropathy, a type of nerve pain, occurs after injury or damage to nerves outside of the brain and spinal cord. Common examples include: Research provides substantial evidence that acupuncture is a safe and effective treatment for each of these types of peripheral neuropathy! Acupuncture safely manipulates opioids, cannabinoids, acetylcholine, serotonin/noradrenaline, and the activity of … Read more

Woman in pain from period
How can acupuncture help painful periods?

Dysmenorrhea affects as many as 90% of women and can have a significant and detrimental impact on their quality of life. Cramping ranges from mild to severe and may last for a fleeting moment or several days. A 2014 review reported as many as 29% of women studied experienced severe dysmenorrhea. Primary dysmenorrhea is thought … Read more

Portland Acupuncture | Portland Acupuncturist billing insurance | Moda, Kaiser, Pacific Source, Regence BCBS, Providence, United Health Care
Now in-network with Moda Health

It’s important to me to offer care that is accessible, so I’m happy to share I’m now an in-network provider with Moda Health. Below is a com

Research Highlight: Gua Sha May Boost Immune Response to Vaccination

I’m always excited to talk about gua sha, but with cold/flu/vaccine/booster season upon us, I’m especially jazzed to share this research highlight: First, research finds that gua sha treatment upregulates heme-oxygenase-1 (HO-1). HO-1 is anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and cytoprotective. In other words, gua sha boosts immune activity in the skin where it’s performed, and systemically. … Read more

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In praise of cupping

Cupping is an indispensable clinical tool in my practice. I include cupping in treatments to address a wide range of health complaints …

Portland Acupuncture | Gratitude Practice
Making Gratitude A Part of Your Life

Research has shown that over time, regular expressions of gratitude can lead to improved mental health and resilience to stress.

Research Highlight: Gua Sha May Boost Immune Response to Vaccination

I’m always excited to talk about gua sha, but with cold/flu/vaccine/booster season upon us, I’m especially jazzed to share this research highlight: First, research finds that gua sha treatment upregulates heme-oxygenase-1 (HO-1). HO-1 is anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and cytoprotective. In other words, gua sha boosts immune activity in the skin where it’s performed, and systemically. … Read more

Support your immune system with qigong
Portland Acupuncture | Portland Acupuncturist billing insurance | Moda, Kaiser, Pacific Source, Regence BCBS, Providence, United Health Care
Now in-network with Moda Health

It’s important to me to offer care that is accessible, so I’m happy to share I’m now an in-network provider with Moda Health. Below is a com

How does acupuncture work? | Acupuncture in Portland, OR
How does acupuncture work?

Acupuncture releases blockages and restores harmonious flow. Traditional Chinese medical theory helps us understand how acupuncture points..

Herbal Therapy
Virtual Visits for Wellness Consultation and Herbal Therapy

In an effort to continue provide accessible, high quality holistic health care no matter where my patients are, I have launched a new off…

Acupuncture is a top treatment for anxiety disorder

Most experienced recipients of acupuncture can attest to its calming, anxiety-relieving effects. Once needles are placed we settle in, gaze around the room or close our eyes, and feel our nervous systems passively reach a comfortable parasympathetic zone. These benefits aren’t just anecdotal! Research has found acupuncture is a safe, effective, reliable treatment for the … Read more

Anxiety
How acupuncture can help anxiety

Whether mild or as part of bipolar disorder, anywhere on the spectrum, anxiety almost always pairs with a set of physical manifestations. Over time as our emotions affect our physiology and vice versa, the nervous system falls into a habit. Even if the source of anxiety disappears, the body may remember and be entrenched in … Read more

file
Could you use a late summer posture check?

Neck pain, self-massage, and when acupuncture can help

Portland Acupuncture | Portland Acupuncturist billing insurance | Moda, Kaiser, Pacific Source, Regence BCBS, Providence, United Health Care
Now in-network with Moda Health

It’s important to me to offer care that is accessible, so I’m happy to share I’m now an in-network provider with Moda Health. Below is a com

Herbal Therapy
Virtual Visits for Wellness Consultation and Herbal Therapy

In an effort to continue provide accessible, high quality holistic health care no matter where my patients are, I have launched a new off…

Six Tips to Heal Psoriasis
Holistic Dermatology: Six Tips to Heal Psoriasis

Acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine provide a holistic, safe, and effective treatment for psoriasis. The following evidence-based recommendations may improve outcomes as part of a treatment plan with acupuncture and herbal medicine. Betsy Gordon Acupuncture in Portland, OR specializes in holistic dermatology, digestive, allergic, and autoimmune conditions. She provides a treatment plan which brings together … Read more

fu ling (poria cocos)
Holistic TCM Dermatology: Chronic Fungal Infections

Most fungal infections of the skin respond well to over-the-counter antifungal creams or simple vinegar soaks, but sometimes they return and we have to treat them again. And again and again. If you experience recurring or chronic fungal infections, that’s frustrating and I’m sorry! You might wonder, why am I so vulnerable to this pest? … Read more

Acupuncture and Holistic Dermatology for Psoriasis | Acupuncture in Portland, OR
Holistic TCM Dermatology: Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a complex condition with no available cure through conventional care. Many individuals are dissatisfied with treatment options

Which sunscreens are safe for acne, rosacea, and rash? | Holistic Dermatology in Portland, OR
Holistic Dermatology FAQ: Which sunscreen is best for sensitive, inflamed, acne-prone skin?

Looking for SPF that won’t aggravate acne, rosacea, hyperpigmentation, eczema, rashes, or otherwise sensitive skin?

Acupuncture and Holistic Dermatology for Pompholyx Eczema | Portland, OR
Holistic TCM Dermatology: Pompholyx (Dishydrotic) Eczema

Pompholyx eczema, or dyshidrotic eczema, is a chronically recurring inflammatory skin condition which can fully resolve with treatment by ..

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Acupuncture and Holistic TCM Dermatology: Itch (pruritis)

A systematic review and meta-analysis (1) concluded acupuncture successfully reduces the intensity of itch.

Holistic TCM Dermatology
Acupuncture and Holistic TCM Dermatology: Lichen Sclerosus

Acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) dermatology provide a wealth of resources for relief and complete healing of lichen …

How does acupuncture work? | Acupuncture in Portland, OR
How does traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) dermatology treat eczema?

How does TCM view eczema? Why use herbal medicine to treat eczema?
How are herbal formulas produced? Is it safe to take Chinese herbal med..

Acupuncture and Holistic Dermatology for Lichen Planus | Portland, OR
Holistic TCM Dermatology: Lichen Planus

TCM has been treating inflammatory skin conditions for millennia using acupuncture, herbal medicine, and a corresponding holistic approach..

Acupuncture and Holistic TCM Dermatology for Seborrhoeic Dermatitis | Portland, OR
Holistic TCM Dermatology: Seborrhoeic Dermatitis

Seborrhoeic dermatitis, or seborrhoeic eczema, and sebopsoriasis are both common chronic conditions which can fully resolve with treatment..

Acupuncture and Holistic TCM Dermatology for Rosacea | Portland, OR
Holistic TCM Dermatology: Rosacea

Are you looking for a natural remedy for rosacea? Something less invasive or risky than laser treatments? Something more deeply effective th

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My acupuncture clinic is centrally located on NE Broadway Street in Northeast Portland, easily reachable from North, SW, and SE Portland. You’ll find easy neighborhood parking.