
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.Second, when … Read more

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

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

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 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

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

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

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

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 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

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

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 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…

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…

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 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 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..

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

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

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

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

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?