healthbriefs
Stress and Acupuncture A
by Sharon McDermott, MS, LAc
cupuncture induces what is called the “relaxation response.” It allows the nervous system to calm down
by decreasing blood pressure and heart rate. Acupuncture increases circulation, metabolism and the immune system response. Let us start with understanding what stress is.
Stress is a wear and tear on our bodies as we adjust to a continually changing environment. The primary stress hormone cortisol regulates heart, lungs, circulation, me- tabolism, immune system and skin (i.e. physical response). Other hormones, such as catecholamines, release neurotransmitters in the brain to trigger an emotion- al response. These physical and
emotional effects can create positive and negative feel- ings. Positive stress can pro- pel us into action and gain new perspectives. Negative stress can result in feelings of distrust, rejection, anger
and depression. This can lead to health problems: upset stomach, insomnia, fatigue, headaches, high blood pressure, heart disease and stroke. Can you totally eliminate stress? No. The goal is not to eliminate stress but to know how to manage it and use it to help us. What is stressful for one person may not be stressful for another. 1. Identify unrelieved stress. 2. Reduce or change stressors for short-term exposure. 3. Reduce your intensity of emotional reactions to stress by identifying your perception or expectations about a situation. 4. Moderate physical reac- tions by practicing breathing and meditative techniques. 5. Build and maintain your physical and emotional reserves. Go to your acupuncturist on a regular basis! Practice
various movement and breathing exercises, such as yoga, tai chi and qigong. Other relaxation methods include meditation, muscle relaxation, massage, reflexology and biofeedback.
Source: Sharon McDermott, MS, LAc, of Healthy Healing, located at 433 Maple Ave., Westbury. For more information, call 516-410-4297 or visit
HealthyHealingLI.com. See ad on page 13.
rary measure while preparations are made toward a more permanent option, such as a crown. Again, a common fix for many dentists for a fractured tooth may be to crown it, probably after performing a root canal. In both cases, there is minimal regard for conservation of sound tooth structure when carious lesions are being removed. Biomimetic dentistry embraces the belief that the tooth is at its optimum strength and functionality when it is in its most natural state, in structure and composition. Biomimetic dentistry therefore focuses principally on removing only decayed or diseased portions of a tooth and replacing the removed portions with the most naturally compatible restorative agent while maintaining the natural morphology of the tooth. Not only is this a relatively fast method of restoring damaged teeth, but also the biomimet- ic materials used in the restoration process have protective features to prevent further damage to the underlying pulp tissue. This branch of dentistry breaks the inevitable dental
Biomimetic Dentistry S
by Linda J. Golden, DDS
ome conventional dentists are of the opinion that restorations or fillings on teeth are usually a tempo-
cycle of teeth where once a tooth becomes diseased and a restoration is done, pulp tissue will also become diseased eventually due to leaking bacteria or increased stress on the underlying tissues from the nonmalleable restorative material. The cycle continues where a root canal must be performed to “save”’ the tooth, followed by crowning, both of which severely weaken the tooth further. In severe instances, the tooth may be lost altogether and must be replaced with an implant or a prosthesis. Science has proven in many ways that mimicking na-
ture provides effective results. Biomimetic dentistry, in the same vein, allows for the naturally intended structure and function of teeth to be maintained for optimal strength and durability. It therefore succeeds in ultimately safeguarding the long-term health of teeth.
Source: Linda J. Golden, DDS, of Golden Dental Wellness Center, located at 444 Community Dr., Ste. 204, Manhas- set. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 516-627-8400. See ad on page 21.
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Long Island Edition
www.NaturalAwakeningsLI.com
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