It’s not every day I get to feature a post from Elisabeth Collazos. Nor is it every day I get to feature something about acupuncture. Acupuncture has gained great popularity in the health treatment of people will all kinds of health issues. It’s often used by some patients who seek to maintain a good health and find that acupuncture is useful in maintaining that delicate balance. In case you don’t know exactly what acupuncture is or how it’s used, the key treatment done by licensed acupuncturists is the insertion of very fine needles at locations on the body that are defined as meridians (think of a road-map on the body) that help restore balance of the “chi” of the body.
Acupuncture is an effective form of medical treatment that has evolved into a complete holistic health care system. Practitioners of acupuncture and Chinese medicine have used this noninvasive treatment method to help millions of people become well and stay well.
Acupuncture promotes natural healing. It can enhance recuperative power and immunity, support physical and emotional health, and improve overall function and well-being. It is a safe, painless and effective way to treat a wide variety of medical problems.
Quote courtesy of Westside Acupuncture and Wellness Center
Lissy (Elisabeth) Collazos, had an opportunity to interview Ricardo Miranda of Westside Acupuncture and Wellness Center to about acupuncture and his practice in Los Angeles, CA! This is her guest blogger post!
Awaken Your Body, Mind and Soul with the Westside Acupuncture and Wellness Center
By Elisabeth Collazos
Since I have always been extremely curious about acupuncture and its effects I was very excited to meet and interview Ricardo Miranda L.Ac. of the Westside Acupuncture and Wellness Center.
Warm, knowledgeable and extremely passionate about his patients and lifelong learning, Ricardo explained the logistics and benefits of acupuncture; but more importantly, we got to discuss a few key topics in relation to acupuncture: genetics, hormonal imbalance, and Methylation Imbalance treatments. Honestly, it was inspiring to listen to him explain the mechanics of how he works and the dedication he puts into his practice and patients.
It all sounds super scientific but Ricardo broke it down in a simplistic manner.
Elisabeth Collazos: What do the majority of your patients come to you for?
Ricardo Miranda::
Well, many patients that visit want to be treated for pain. Plain and simple…Sports injuries, arthritis, joint pain, etc. Then, there is a second group of patients where the patient’s ailment is a bit more in depth. These are the patients that come in for fertility treatment, weight loss, anxiety and depression and a host of other ailments.
EC: As a person that has never experienced acupuncture, how would you describe it?
RM: Simply put, acupuncture stimulates the flow of oxygen and blood. This goes for every ailment/problematic area. For example: many patients that come in do not take hormonal balance into consideration, which is very important to finding what is happening with your body.
– Interesting in the sense that Ricardo then becomes an instrumental factor in trying to put the pieces of a puzzle together to produce a diagnosis and proper treatment. –
EC: For a first time patient, what takes place first? Please explain the process.
RM: On the first visit, I take your pulse (without looking at any previous medical history). I do not look at the patient’s previous medical history because I do not want to be biased in my conclusions. I also do extensive blood work and cellular assessments. I am very thorough and rule everything out until I can make a diagnosis.
EC: Obviously it is not as simple as sticking in needles?
RM: Absolutely not. This is where we get into the relationship between the MTHFR gene and Methylation. MTHFR is the key gene with a major role due to its ability to turn on or off methylation.
EC: What does MTHFR stand for?
RM: MTHFR stands for “Methylene tetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) and is the rate-limiting enzyme in the methyl cycle. There is additional information at http://www.mthfr.com
EC: How would you describe methylation?
RM: Methylation is a process by which methyl groups are added to a molecule. Methylation modifies the function of the molecule.
EC: How does MTHFR turn on/off methylation?
RC: MTHFR metabolizes folate (folic acid) and folate is the key for the process of methylation to occur successfully. This is why I am constantly promoting foods rich in folate as essential to the body.
EC: Can you please explain further what are the critical factors in order for methylation to occur properly?
RM: The two major functions are intracellular detoxification and secondly methylation regulates gene expression and can turn genes on and off. For example, “Just because everyone in your family has diabetes, does not mean you will also get it.” This comes down to making sure there is no mutation on the MTHFR gene and therefore stimulating the methylation in addition to taking care of your body and making the necessary lifestyle changes. This being said, it comes down to a combination of elements based off the individual. MTHFR is almost always one of the most specific causes of various conditions – Other factors go into it but is always an essential element and if you leave that out… you could be missing an important piece of the overall puzzle.
EC: What are the three most important life factors to overall health and individual well-being?
RM: Happiness is number one! Everyone thinks I am going to mention diet first but being happy and doing what you love is first. Happiness comes from within. Secondly would be exercise. We are not meant to be sedentary. The third would be a healthy diet.
EC: In terms of Western versus Eastern medicine and treatment, do you feel the gap is being bridged a bit?
RM: I do. I feel more and more western doctors are asking themselves “Why is this medication not working?” Possibly they are realizing that there might be a missing part of the picture that has been overlooked. Therefore it is encouraging.
The Westside Acupuncture and Wellness Center is located in West Los Angeles. Additional information on Ricardo can be found on his website: http://www.acupuncture.cc
His website is wonderful and filled with informational articles.
Thank you to Elisabeth (Lissy) Collazos for this great interview with Ricardo Miranda. Check out more about his practice on his website:
http://www.acupuncture.cc
Location:
Westside Acupuncture and Wellness Center 310-914-1624
11860 Wilshire Blvd Ste 300
Los Angeles, CA 90025
Mon – Fri 7:00a – 7:00p
Follow Westside Acupuncture and Wellness Center on these social platforms:
FacebooK https://www.facebook.com/WestsideAcupunctureWellnessCenter
Twitter: https://twitter.com/wsacupuncture
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wsacupuncture/
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/WSAcupuncture/
Google Plus: https://plus.google.com/115890185817795081287/about
Stevie Wilson,
LA-Story.com
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