I have often recommended elimination diets to patients, but this was only the second time I tried it for myself. The first time I was living in Austin, TX., the home-base of Whole Foods and many other small and large natural food stores. My exploration of Pittsburgh’s offerings was new. Hopefully this blog will share some insights into places to go and yummy food to eat as well as my experience with the Elimination Diet.
First of all, I will be the first to admit that cutting out food staples like dairy, gluten, soy and sugar (OK maybe sugar isn’t a “staple” per say) is HARD! For me, cutting out eggs was the worst. I love eggs. When I went into labor I had poached eggs as my comfort protein meal. I love going out to breakfast too, and for me that means omelets or huevos rancheros. I will stop before I make myself hungry. Cutting out eggs was made worse by cutting out soy (hello! tofu scrambler = vegan egg like meal). In fact, I tried to hold onto soy at first, but found I was depending on it too much.

The places I found most helpful in meeting my new dietary needs was (in order) East End Coop, Whole Foods and Trader Joe’s. East End has a gluten free aisle and many yummy choices to make you think you’re eating glutenous products when you are not. Whole Foods does not have an aisle, but there are nice little green “Gluten Free” tags throughout the store. The nice thing about East End is you can get a Wheat grass shot while you’re there (does not contain gluten) or sometime get something warm and fulfilling from their food bar – although for elimination diet people the Whole Foods hot bar is much better. You’ll notice Giant Eagle is not on my list.

More later . . .

My answer to both questions is “Absolutely!”

Acupuncture and Chinese medicine naturally bring your body, mind and spirit into balance and a state of homeostasis.  With acupuncture and herbs, lifestyle and dietary counseling, we treat the whole person and not just the area of pain, or main complaint you walk in with – although that is definitely addressed.  For example, by strengthening your “wei qi” or defensive energy before you are ill, your body is better able to defend against bacteria and viruses.  Also, by increasing your blood flow and ensuring good circulation you will heal faster and better after any injury or trauma.  By balancing hormones and mood your emotional life will be healthier and happier with less stress and improved capacity to live each day to the fullest.

Considering all of these preventative health benefits and the small cost of acupuncture compared to more invasive or emergency procedures, insurance companies would actually save money by covering acupuncture!  This seems like a good deal for all involved. You are saved from a severe illness and all of the discomfort and money that treatment may entail, and insurance companies are spared the high cost of hospital coverage and expensive prescription coverage.   While many insurance companies do extend coverage to acupuncture, Pittsburgh and Western PA are sadly behind the times.  This will only change when customers/patients (i.e. you) tell insurance carriers that they want acupuncture to be covered.  When this insistence hits critical mass, insurance providers will make the change.

So call us today for a free preventative screening at Wholistic Acupuncture.  Then call your insurance company and request coverage for acupuncture!