In this issue you will find:

• Important PCOM Dates
• North American Acupuncture & Oriental Medicine Day 2007
• Boost Immunity the Natural Way
• Traditional Chinese Medicine and Psychiatric Disorders
• Chinese Wisdom: Quote of the Day

Important PCOM Dates

• October 3 (Wednesday): 
  Chicago All Programs Open House 6-8pm

• October 24 (Wednesday):
  San Diego/New York/Chicago Campus North American Acupuncture & Oriental Medicine Day 2007 Celebration featuring complimentary and discount treatments

• October 24 (Wednesday):
  New York Campus Open House

North American Acupuncture & Oriental Medicine Day 2007

To increase understanding and appreciation of acupuncture and Oriental medicine, Pacific College of Oriental Medicine will celebrate North American Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine Day at all three of its campuses, San Diego, New York, and Chicago on October 24, 2007. Each campus will observe the day with various events.

Pacific College’s San Diego and Chicago campuses will be offering complimentary treatments for first time patients as well as $10 off treatment for current patients on Wednesday, October 24, 2007.  This offer needs to be mentioned or coupon surrendered at time of treatment for offer to be valid.

Pacific’s New York Campus will be hosting a free Open House for the public from 3:30 to 5:30 pm with featured activities that teach about acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, and Oriental body therapy. On that same day from 5:30 to 8:00 pm, there will be complimentary acupuncture for balance, as well as stress acupuncture and qi gong workshops.

Acupuncture has been used to treat (or relieve the pain of) dozens of ailments. The national institute of health recognizes its usefulness in treating addiction, fibromyalgia, headaches, cramps, back pain, osteoarthritis, carpal tunnel, asthma, and more. According to www.acupunctureschool.com’s  careers statistics, employment in the alternative therapy and non-mainstream medicine fields is expected to increase by 48.8% from 2002 to 2012.

For more information on North American Acupuncture & Oriental Medicine Day, or on any of these celebrations, please call Pacific College at (800) 729-0941.

Traditional Chinese Medicine and Psychiatric Disorders

By Kathleen Rushall

While mental health is often considered a separate issue from one’s physical well-being, the two have always been linked in the practice of traditional Chinese medicine. In TCM, emotions and thoughts are considered to have a direct impact on the physical health of a person, and furthermore, mental and physical health are equally valued.  Because of the importance placed on the mind in traditional Chinese medicine, there are many methods available within the profession that are geared toward the renewal, healing, and upkeep of mental wellness.
           
Over 28 million Americans take antidepressant and anti-anxiety agents, and depression is considered among the most common of behavioral disorders. While there are a myriad of prescription drugs and therapists available for disorders such as depression, there are also some interesting Oriental methods available for this affliction. Peace-providing physical exercises such as Tai Ji and Qi Gong have been known to help align the energetic forces of the body and soothe anxiety. Massage therapy is a well-known stress reliever, and consistent breathing and meditation exercises can have long-term effects on high-strung individuals.
READ MORE ...

Boost Immunity the Natural Way

By Michelle Fletcher

For centuries, herbs and spices have been used in food and as medicine. Ranging from mint tea to common ingredients in pharmaceutical drugs, herbs play an important part of our everyday life.

The increased use of medicinal herbs among the general public has encouraged further examination of herbs’ effects upon humans. Recently, much research has focused upon certain herbs that possess hypolipidemic, antiplatelet, antitumor,  or immune-stimulating properties, which may be useful in preventing colds, avoiding infection, and even reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease and cancer. A wide variety of phytochemicals in these herbs has been identified which contain these immune system-stimulating properties.

Astragalus, Echinacea, Ginseng, licorice, and green tea are among those herbs which play a role in providing antioxidants, stimulating the activity of protective enzymes in the body, or inhibiting nitrosation (a class of chemical compounds considered carcinogenic, or “cancer-causing”). “Many of these herbs contain potent antioxidant compounds that provide significant protection against chronic diseases,” said Winston Craig from the Department of Nutrition at Andrews University. “The volatile essential oils of commonly used culinary herbs, spices, and herbal teas inhibit mevalonate synthesis and thereby suppress cholesterol synthesis and tumor growth.”
READ MORE ...