Acupuncture flourishes here in New Port Richey, because the top employers are in the health care industry, such as: hospitals, nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and Hospice. Chronic pain is the major complaint among most of these residents, and acupuncture is well known for reducing pain without taking drugs or as a complimentary therapy. Acupuncture helps relieve painful joints, pain from an automobile accident, chemotherapy and surgery, to mention just a few.  Dr. Laura’s Acupuncture & Holistic Practice is just a few miles north of New Port Richey, so patients can easily travel to Hudson where her office is located. Many “snow birds” arrive in the New Port Richey during the winter, and they are able to continue their acupuncture treatments with Dr. Laura.

What do you know about New Port Richey?  It is a small suburban city, with a population of about 15,000, located in Pasco County. The Pithlachascotee River, flows through the middle of the city, and New Port Richey has a small beach, with all the other well-known beaches, such as Clearwater and St. Pete being very close. Most of the major attractions on both coasts, as well as, excellent shopping are easily accessible from New Port Richey.

One of the lesser known facts about New Port Richey is that in the early 1920s, it became a destination for Hollywood celebrities, musicians, playwrights, and famous golfers. Unfortunately, the Great Depression put an end to the “”Hollywood era” in New Port Richey.

Many patients choose acupuncture as an alternative to taking OTC (over the counter) medications, opiates or other prescriptions, because these medicines can have an adverse effect on the body, such as:  organ damage, constipation, rash, brain fog, and can possibly lead to a stroke or heart attack.

Acupuncture has been duly recognized by the WHO (World Health Organization) and NIH (National Institutes of Health) because of their reviews of positive results from many controlled studies.

Acupuncture can treat many conditions other than pain, such as:

• Cardiovascular
• Eye, Ear, Nose & Mouth
• Gastrointestinal
• Gynecological
• Musculo-skeletal
• Neurological
• Psychological
• Respiratory System
• Other–Go to drlauraacupuncture.com for a detailed list.

Laura Bertoncini is a nationally board certified (NCCAOM) Acupuncture Physician and Doctor of Oriental Medicine.  Call 352-340-7471 to schedule an acupuncture consultation and/or appointment.

Dr. Laura’s Acupuncture and Holistic Practice is located only a few miles south of Spring Hill, and is very important to the residents and vacationers in Spring Hill.  Vacationers and part-time residents are able to continue their acupuncture treatments in Spring Hill while here, and many of them have insurance that covers this alternative medical treatment.  We love acupuncture; Spring Hill residents agree.  Many Full-time residents who choose acupuncture over more invasive treatments or using dangerous medications can have their health needs met, as well.  Acupuncture treatments are probably best known for pain relief; however, acupuncture is successful for allergies, stress, insomnia, digestive issues, anxiety, circulation, menstrual disorders, erectile dysfunction, just to mention a few.

Where on earth is Spring Hill, Florida? That’s what most people exclaim when they hear the name of this small town.  It is located in Hernando County just north of the Tampa Bay Area.  Spring Hill has a population of approximately 99,000 and is basically a working class community with many small businesses.  Spring Hill is not located on the beach, per se; however, it has several beaches that are close by.  Pine Island Beach, which caters to families, is probably the most notable beach, located approximate 15 miles north.  Because there are many bayous and salt water marshes, the Spring Hill area is a great place for canoeing, kayaking, hiking, birdwatching and observing other abundant native wildlife.

This area is popular with Canadians, senior citizens and others from the Northern USA who come for vacation and to spend the winter, thus escaping, ice, snow and frigid weather. There are many resorts, hotels and vacation homes for rent.  It is easy to travel to all the Orlando attractions, as well as, the Tampa Bay Area attractions, such as:  Tampa Aquarium, Busch Gardens, and of course, all the gorgeous beaches.

When choosing an acupuncture physician, be sure to choose one that is experienced, board certified and has excellent referrals.  In the state of Florida, a licensed acupuncture physician can also be your primary care physician. Laura Bertoncini, Acupuncture Physician, Doctor of Oriental Medicine meets all of these requirements.

Would you like to look and feel younger while lowering high cholesterol, helping eliminate the possibility of diabetes, and dramatically improving your overall health? Many of my patients have used a “super supplement” with verifiable and documented success.

Scientific research has validated oxidative stress—damage to our body’s cells by free radicals—as the root cause, at the cellular level, of aging. When an apple slice turns brown or food decays, these are a result from a natural process called oxidation or aging. It happens to all cells in nature including the ones in our body. When our body needs to put up its best defense, especially true in
today’s environment, antioxidants are crucial to our health. To help our body protect itself from oxidation, it is important to eat antioxidants which are found in varying amounts in fruits, nuts vegetables, whole grains and legumes.

Since the 1950s, antioxidants have increased in popularity, because they work in the body to fight oxidants, known as free radicals. “Free radicals” is a term often used to describe damaged cells, because they are missing a critical molecule. As the damaged cells increase, this creates the seed for disease and possible changes in DNA. Normal cell functions produce a small percentage of free radicals; however, those free radicals are generally not a big problem. They are kept under control by antioxidants that the body produces naturally. Antioxidant enzymes are our first line of defense.
Although the antioxidants we eat in our food eliminate free radicals, they only eliminate one at a time. Our bodies have 300 septillion free radicals, and eliminating them one at a time is like throwing a glass of water on a forest fire. Only on the spot where the water is thrown, the fire goes out, but the rest of the forest continues to burn.

After more than 40 years of research, there is now a “super supplement” that can eliminate free radicals at the rate of 1 million per second, every second of every day. This supplement activates our body’s antioxidant defense mechanisms, detoxification mechanisms, immune balancing mechanisms and anti-stress mechanisms—mechanisms that slow down cellular aging and reduce the risk of degenerative diseases. It helps our body implement what it is already programmed todo—naturally.

If you would like to know more about this “super supplement” and how it can work to improve your overall health, or if you have any questions regarding this article, have please call my office at 352-340-7471. At Dr. Laura’s Acupuncture and Holistic Practice, our services includeAcupuncture, Hypnotherapy Aromatherapy, Nutritional Counseling and Reiki.

Laura Bertoncini, AP, DOM

Do you suffer from insomnia?

I am truly surprised at how many people suffer from insomnia. At one time or another, 30%-50% of the population suffers from chronic insomnia. Insomnia could be a sign of possible medical conditions or psychological problems.

Insomnia may be caused by physiological issues such as pain, congestive heart failure, heart disease, GERD, COPD, menopause, asthma, sleep apnea, Alzheimer’s or other degenerative diseases. Possible psychological problems can trigger insomnia, such as depression, anxiety, stress or bipolar disorder. Other causes of insomnia can be over-the-counter medications, i.e. cold medications, or prescription drugs. Be sure to check with your doctor if you suffer from insomnia to rule out all these possible issues.

If you decide to take a prescription drug for insomnia, it is very important to understand that taking sleeping medications regularly increases your chances to be in an accident by 50%.

Here are some tips and solutions to help eliminate or reduce insomnia:

Keep your bedroom as dark as possible.
Do not watch TV; instead read a book for pleasure.
Use your bedroom for sleeping or sex; no other activities.
Set a schedule for the time you sleep; also, set a time to wake up.
Do not take a nap in the afternoon or evening.
Do not drink alcoholic beverages prior to going to bed.
Do not smoke before sleeping; cigarettes stimulate the body.
Do not engage in strenuous exercise before sleeping; exercise heats up your core causing insomnia.
Do not eat before going to sleep; this causes indigestion which causes insomnia.
Clear your mind before going to sleep; listen to relaxing music or read a pleasant book.
Do not watch scary movies before going to sleep; if you are frightened, your cortisol levels can increase causing anxiety and insomnia.

But wait! Here are more healthy alternatives for insomnia:

Place lavender oil on a cloth near you on your night stand, or use a diffuser with lavender.
Drink chamomile or sleepy time teas; no caffeine.
Take supplements such as magnesium, Acetyl Glutathione or CO Q 10.
Have acupuncture treatments by a licensed acupuncture physician.

I have had many patients who suffered from chronic insomnia, and we were able to resolve their insomnia.
Please call my office at 352-340-7471 if you have any questions regarding this article. At Dr. Laura’s Acupuncture and Holistic Practice, our services include Acupuncture, Hypnotherapy Aromatherapy, Nutritional Counseling and Reiki.

Laura Bertoncini, AP, DOM

According to the American Heart Association nearly one out of three adults in the United States has high blood pressure. Normal blood pressure is 120/80 or less; however, keep in mind that the pharmaceutical companies have an influence on these “normal” ranges.

Before visiting your primary care physician for blood pressure medicine, there are several important facts to consider.

Taking blood pressure medication increases your cardiovascular incidents.
Your doctor may not inform you that blood pressure medicine could cause erectile dysfunction.

However, if you are taking blood pressure medication, I suggest adding the supplement Co-Q-10, because studies show that taking 300 mg of Co- Q-10 daily reduces your cardiovascular incidents by 50%. Would you agree it may be wiser to check out some natural cures?

Here are a few suggestions to lower your blood pressure naturally:

Consider weight-loss.
I have treated patients for weight-loss, and they were able to stop taking their blood pressure medication. Please keep in mind that I do not suggest stopping blood pressure medication without the supervision of your doctor.

Reduce caffeine intake.
Coffee increases your blood pressure. An alternative to coffee is green tea which can actually reduce blood pressure.

Reduce salt intake.
We all need salt; however, eating large amounts of salt increases fluid retention, thus increasing blood pressure. I suggest eating natural foods instead of processed, packaged or fast foods.

Reduce consumption of alcohol.
Overconsumption of alcohol is raises blood pressure. Moderate consumption of alcohol is a better choice; however, drinking red wine in moderation is a much better alternative.

Take Omega-3 supplements.
These are polyunsaturated fatty acids which are essential nutrients for health. Omega-3s reduce blood pressure; however choose them carefully by making sure they are mercury free.

Use garlic.
Garlic appears to reduce blood pressure. There are garlic supplements available if you do not regularly use garlic in your cooking.

Use these modalities to reduce blood pressure:

Yoga is another modality that has been shown to reduce your blood pressure.

Meditation has been shown to reduce your blood pressure by 50%. Has anyone been the doctor and had doctor suggest meditating to reduce your blood pressure?

Qi Gong and Tai Chi are a part of Ancient Chinese medicine. These exercises are known as moving meditation.

Acupuncture can reduce blood pressure. Studies show acupuncture acts directly on your energy levels (Qi) to bring them into balance, thereby promoting optimum health.

Hypnotherapy could reduce your blood pressure. Hypnosis and hypnotic suggestions have played a major role in healing for thousands of years.

Reiki is another modality that may decrease your blood pressure by working in conjunction with all other medical or therapeutic techniques to relieve side effects and promote recovery.

Aromatherapy can also help reduce blood pressure, especially essential oils such as lavender, peppermint, lemon, bergamot and eucalyptus.

Please call my office at 352-340-7471 if you have any questions regarding this article. At Dr. Laura’s Acupuncture and Holistic Practice, our services include Acupuncture, Hypnotherapy Aromatherapy, Nutritional Counseling and Reiki.

Laura Bertoncini, AP, DOM

Acupuncture and Chinese medicine have proven to either treat or relieve the symptoms of:

A-Addiction, acid reflux, acne, allergies, amenorrhea, anxiety, arthritis, asthma, anti-aging

B-Backache, bladder problems, bone spurs, bronchitis, bursitis

C-Carpal tunnel, chemo side effects, cholesterol, common cold, constipation, cysts, Crohn´s disease

D-Depression, dermatitis, diabetes, diarrhea, dizziness, dysmenorrhea

E-Eczema, edema, emphysema, endometriosis, enuresis, epilepsy, erectile dysfunction

F-Fatigue, fever, fibromyalgia, flu, fractures, frozen shoulder

G-Gastritis, GERD, gynecologic disorders

H-Headache hemorrhoids, herniated disc, herpes, hot flashes, hypertension

I-Incontinence, infertility, insomnia, irritability, IBS

J-Jaw pain, joint pain

K-Kidney stones, knee problems

L-Lactation, laryngitis, leucorrhea, lower back pain, lupus

M-Mastitis, menopause, migraine, miscarriages, muscle spasms

N-Neck pain, nervousness, neuralgia, neuropathy, numbness, nausea

O-Obesity, osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, otitis media, ovarian cysts

P-Pain, palpitations, paralysis, peripheral neuropathy, planta fasciitis, PMS

Q-Quality of life through palliative care, quit smoking

R-Rash, renal disease, respiratory problems, rhinitis

S-Sciatica, shingles, shoulder problems, sinusitis, sprains, stroke

T-Tendonitis, tennis elbow, tinnitus, TMJ, tremors, trigeminal neuralgia

U-Upper respiratory infections, uterine bleeding, UTI

V-Vaginal thrush (candida), vascular disease, vertigo, viral infection, vomiting

W-Water retention, weakness, weight loss/gain, wheezing, whiplash, wrist pain

Please call my office at 352-340-7471 if you have any questions regarding this article. At Dr. Laura´s Acupuncture and Holistic Practice, our services include Acupuncture, Hypnotherapy Aromatherapy, Nutritional Counseling and Reiki.

Laura Bertoncini, AP, DOM

Could you eliminate some of the pain you have by what you eat? Nearly all patients that come to my office for pain share one common mistake. They consume inflammatory foods. You may be surprised to know which types of food cause inflammation.

The five types I cover in this article are sugar, cow´s milk, sodium and salt, red meat and white flour.

Sugar is found in soft drinks, fast foods and even processed fruit juice. You may be surprised to find out that salad dressing and lunch meat are loaded with sugar, as are many of our packaged and processed foods. What are some healthy alternatives to sugar? I suggest using stevia, honey, agave or natural molasses. The rule of thumb is the more natural the product, the better it is for your health.

The truth of the matter is that cow´s milk is not good for the human body, because it causes inflammation. Mother´s milk is best for babies to drink. Milk and milk products (cheese, yogurt, ice cream, etc.) cause excess phlegm. So your question may be; how do I get my calcium? These days there are so many healthy alternatives to milk, such as unsweetened almond milk which has 50% more calcium; coconut milk; or rice milk. Personally, I prefer the unsweetened almond milk made by Silk.

Excessive sodium or salt can cause inflammation. I what to clarify that I do not believe in a no salt or low sodium diet; however, there are certain foods that are very high in sodium, such as packaged and processed foods. There are many soups, canned or fresh, which may be high in sodium, as well. Our bodies need some sodium, so my choice is to use Himalayan natural salt.

Red meat can trigger an inflammatory response, because it may take anywhere from 3 to 4 days to be digested. Red meat has been linked to cancers, especially colon cancer. This includes processed meats which have been smoked, cured, salted or chemically preserved. What are some healthy alternatives? Turkey, chicken and wild caught fish are some good options. If you are a steak person, I suggest organic beef that has been fed a vegetarian diet.

Most of the bread and pasta in the supermarket use processed white flour. These refined grains may cause inflammatory response. So, what is a healthy alternative? I suggest sprouted bread found in our health food stores and in some supermarkets in the freezer section.

This list does not include all inflammatory foods; however, it highlights the top five.

Please call my office at 352-340-7471 if you have any questions regarding this article. At Dr. Laura´s Acupuncture and Holistic Practice, our services include Acupuncture, Hypnotherapy Aromatherapy, Nutritional Counseling and Reiki.

Laura Bertoncini, AP, DOM