Pacific College of Oriental Medicine News & Events

When the Ten Thousand Things are seen in their Oneness, We return to the Origin where we have always been. - Sengtan

Awards/Recognition

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Oriental Medicine Newspaper

NEWS RELEASE

October 16, 2003

For More Information Contact: Rebecca Wilkowski, Phone: (800) 729-0941

Pacific College Offers Relief to San Diego Fire Victims

As a result of the San Diego wildfires that have destroyed over 1,100 homes and burned over 500,000 acres, many local residents find themselves stressed about both their homes and their health. Acupuncture and massage can provide relief for those who are stressed and are now facing respiratory problems.

Approximately 10 million Americans suffer from generalized anxiety disorder on a daily basis, and according to the American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA), as much as 80 percent of disease is stress-related. With fires raging throughout the county, the stress levels in San Diego have reached unhealthy proportions.

Acupuncture and massage can alleviate stress symptoms by releasing endorphins, the body’s own natural painkillers, and improving the circulation of blood and lymphatic fluids, which brings fresh oxygen to body tissues. This increased oxygen flow eliminates waste products from inside the body and enhances recovery from diseases. Chinese acupuncture and massage also decrease the stress hormone cortisol, lower blood pressure, reduce heart rate, and relax muscle tissue.

The fact that acupuncture and massage release endorphins can also help with respiratory problems caused by an excess inhalation of smoke. Bronchospasms associated with asthma and other breathing problems result from over-stimulation of the parasympathetic nervous system. The release of endorphins as a result of acupuncture and massage can calm this reaction and allow the patient to breathe easier. Patients can therefore experience both a physical release from bronchial constriction, and also an emotional or psychological release from the fear of constriction and suffocation.

Pacific College of Oriental Medicine faculty, alumni and students will be volunteering acupuncture and massage services to those affected by San Diego fires at locations throughout the county. In an effort to extend these services, Pacific College will also be offering discounts in its community clinic for those directly affected or displaced by the fires. Patients experiencing respiratory problems and stress will receive two free acupuncture treatments (does not include herbs or massage) until Wednesday, November 5.

" Pacific College, like every good healthcare provider, has a history of trying to help its community when it can," Pacific College President Jack Miller said. "It’s our experience that Oriental medicine can be very beneficial in treating the stress caused by emergency situations, as well as the respiratory problems that this particular situation has caused. We hope that we can help people find relief in this time of need."

For more information on the volunteer efforts of Pacific College, please call (800) 729-0941. To make an appointment in our clinic, please call (619) 574-6932.

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