What Are the Best Ways to Treat Plantar Fasciitis? | U.S. News interviews Dr. Tom Ingegno, DACM, LAc

"In many cases, acupuncturists can treat the condition with little to no pain," says Tom Ingegno, a licensed acupuncturist with Charm City Integrative Health in Baltimore. "The course of treatment varies depending on the severity and the patient's general health, but most people may see significant improvement within the first few treatments."

Please visit https://health.usnews.com/health-care/patient-advice/articles/tips-to-manage-plantar-fasciitis?src=usn_tw to read more!

Baltimore Acupuncture: Three Reasons Why We Need More Acupuncture In Baltimore By Dr. Tom Ingegno, DACM, MSOM, LAC

In Shudo Denmei’s “Finding Effective Acupuncture Points” Textbook, you’ll find on the inside cover in Shudo Sensei’s own beautiful calligraphy the classical acupuncture phrase, “Acupuncture is the expression of humanity.”  

While scholars propose several different ideas, its core concept is addressing the interactions between people. It is the interaction between the individual acupuncturist and the patient as well as the patient with society. Seriously Baltimore, couldn’t we all use a boost to our interpersonal interactions. 

Even pre-pandemic, a lot of people in Baltimore were stressed and worn out.  

Here are three simple ways that Acupuncture can help us all feel better as a whole.  

1) Acupuncture helps regulate neurotransmitters. 

Specifically, acupuncture helps with serotonin, dopamine, oxytocin, and anandamide levels.  These neurotransmitters play important roles as the “feel good” chemicals that float around in your brain.  Studies show that within 15 minutes of acupuncture levels of these compounds begin to normalize.  A recent comparative study showed that a course of acupuncture was as effective as a course of talk therapy for helping with Anxiety and Depression. Couldn’t Baltimore as a whole use a mood boost?

2) We may not be known as the city that never sleeps, but Baltimore definitely has its share of sleeping problems. 

Several studies have shown that acupuncture can have a positive impact on sleep, including helping switch people out of fight or flight and into rest and digest.  

Acupuncture’s effect on relaxation and sleep is usually reported by patients within a few minutes of starting treatment.  Everyone could use a great night's rest, right?|

3) Baltimore’s drug problem is not new and neither is its underused treatment. 

That’s right - acupuncture has been shown to be more successful than methadone centers at treating heroin addiction.  

In fact, Tupac Shakur’s stepfather, Dr. Mutulu Shakur, was an acupuncturist who pioneered an ear acupuncture treatment protocol at the Lincoln center in the Bronx to help his community.  There are several National Acupuncture Detoxification Association Centers still working here in Baltimore.  In our Acupuncture clinic, we use the same protocol to treat other addictions like smoking.

There are plenty of other reasons why Baltimore needs acupuncture, but this is a good start. 

Have questions about acupuncture? Please reach out. 

Let’s interact! 

Dr. Tom
tom@charmcityintegrative.com

Creating a New "Normal"

Hello Everyone,

“May you live in interesting times” is an expression of debated origin and represents both a blessing and a curse. While overused, it reflects the thoughts and feelings of everyone this year.  

I cannot think of another time that is both terrifying and shows the possibility of significant positive change. 

The “new normal” has us questioning our values and the value we place on external systems.  With all of these concurrent events, it is essential to remember that we must take things as they come and stay present. 

In truth, there is one thing we can be in control of ourselves. Keeping ourselves up and running by developing good health habits can help us get through this. While our services can help improve your immune system, I’m not just referring to that. I’m talking about self-care to keep your mind together. With the amount of stress we are all feeling, now is the perfect time to prioritize your health. Not only can it help keep you up and running, but it will make you a better human. Right now, we all need to be better humans.    

I am happy to say that we are back open for nearly all our services, and have re-opened our membership programs. We are still following strict social distancing, mask-wearing, and cleaning protocols, but we are here for you. If you’re looking to come back now, go ahead and book online or give the office a call. Please understand that we are keeping staffing to a minimum now and may not answer but will return every voicemail as soon as possible.

If you’re not ready to come back yet, that’s okay. We still have several options for you. Our medical cannabis certifications, performed by Marijane Consults and our nutritionist, Caitlin Self, can work with you via telehealth. If you’re looking for IV therapy, you can come to the office, or our partners at Thrive Mobile IV can come to you. If you do reach out to any of them, please let them know that we sent you. 

If you’re looking to start or continue a meditation practice, I put together a free meditation course on Udemy. I have some more courses coming out soon.  I’m also keeping some telehealth appointments available as well, including a short “Just Talk”  appointment in case you need me.

I’m always trying to improve and add to our services here and I’m working on another “secret” project that will be of tremendous value and allow people to receive multiple services at once.  Consider this a teaser as I’m still working out the details and hope to roll this out late fall, early winter.  

If you need anything, please reach out.  We need to be there for each other more than we ever have.  

Dr. Tom
443-869-6584

Ask Dr. Tom: Want to Just Talk?

Hi, Everyone,
Currently, only Virtual Consultation Appointments are available at Charm City Integrative Health until COVID-19 is under control, but we do have some Telehealth options to help support you during this challenging time.

Online Health Consultation with Dr. Tom - Initial session
We can do a deep dive into your health. This is the perfect time to discuss all of your health concerns and goals. We can put together a customized supplement, herbal, mediation, and exercise program
30 minutes @ $50.00

Online Cannabis Consultation with Dr. Tom
This is NOT an MMCC certification or recertification. This is to discuss dosages, strains, delivery methods, and health issues for cannabis use. Clients must be already MMCC certified. We can help you figure out what strains are best for your needs and will help you find nearby dispensaries. A detailed report will be furnished for you within 24 hrs of the appointment.
30 minutes @ $50.00

Home Health Equipment Setup with Dr. Tom
Are you looking to add some health-improving equipment to your home? We can discuss adding these services. Dr. Tom will help you put together a selection of services based on your space, budget, and individual needs. Dr. Tom will work with his brokers with various supply companies to help you get the best services at the best prices. This price is for the initial consult, and an estimate based on the time needed will be furnished in 24 hours if you wish to proceed.
1 hour @ $100.00

Setup your own Clinic-Consultation with Dr. Tom
Are you an entrepreneur, health care practitioner or biohacker looking to open up a center like ours? Are you interested in franchising a CCIH in your area? Choose this option and we will discuss your vision and see if we can be of service. This is for an initial consultation. If we proceed we can discuss a contract to help you fulfill your dreams.
1 hour @ $250.00

1 on 1 virtual Meditation Session with Dr. Tom
Tom has been meditating and helping teach others since 1994. We can discuss meditation and how to incorporate it into your life. Tom will guide you through each session and then set up a realistic schedule to help you with your training. Follow-ups can be scheduled as needed.
30 minutes @ $40.00

Follow-Up Health Consultations
This is to check in with Dr. Tom about your previous appointments.
15 minutes @ $25.00

Ask Dr. Tom: Just Talk (20 minutes)
We are in uncharted territory. All of us are anxious, myself included. I'm offering these appointments for FREE, just to listen. If I can help, I will, but sometimes, just having someone's ear can help you work through things. This appointment is free and open to anyone, so long as I have time. We can get through this together.

Charm City Integrative Health: Clinic Status Update

March 14, 2020

Hello Everyone,

I wanted to update you on our current clinic status. We are open and will remain so until we either feel we cannot safely ensure your health or we are mandated to close. While no one knows the exact impact of this disease we hope that everyone remains as calm as possible. The general panic and rush to clear shelves at grocery stores is a testament to how this pandemic is adding to everyone’s stress levels.  

In the office, we already had a cleaning procedure for anything that would be in contact with patients/clients. We have reviewed our procedures and have added additional cleaning and safety precautions to better ensure your health.  We have a Purell dispenser as you enter and leave our office and we have been wiping surfaces like light switches, door handles and equipment between clients and throughout the day. We have talked with our cleaning crew about implementing some additional safeguards when they clean. Aurora has offered to expand acupuncture hours on both Friday and Saturday afternoons to help better accommodate clients in order to help as many people as we possibly can.  

We ask that if you feel under the weather, please call us to cancel, but if you are able to, please keep your appointments. Many of the services we offer here have been demonstrated to improve immune system function and may help you to stay healthy.  While we cannot speak to coronavirus specifically, as it is too new, we are confident we can help you tonify your immune system prior to getting sick. Many of our services also help relax and calm which also has been shown to keep your immune system in optimal health. I am telling you these things not to have people rushing in, but to let you know that we wish to be of the best possible service during these stressful times.  

As a small business owner and human with a family, I understand your fears, anxiety and stress.  The staff and I are going to be closely monitoring the situation and making necessary arrangements whenever needed.  For however long we need to we will post some online content that may be useful for stress reduction and general health and immune system tips.  

If you have any questions or requests please do not hesitate to reach out to us at 443-869-6584

While there is clearly nothing good about a pandemic, I’m hoping that during this time of “social distancing” we can realize how we are all interconnected to humanity and the planet as a whole.  

Please stay safe and calm and know that all of us at CCIH will continue to serve you as best as we can.  

Sincerely,

Dr. Tom