Local company offers free treatments

Acupuncture is a common alternative medicinal treatment for a variety of ailments. This ancient Chinese tradition is now an option for those seeking relief from pain. Athletes sometimes incorporate the practice into their regimen and women wanting to conceive have also used it with success.

Echo Hobbs, a Salem acupuncturist and owner of Jade Earth Acupuncture, offers free treatments that will focus on healing pain this December 5. Hobbs will spend about five minutes on each person, focusing on one area of pain.

Hobbs employs a technique in her work called the balance method. Needles are placed at sites away from the location of the symptoms and patients should feel immediate relief. On her Web site, Hobbs explains the reaction as "similar to flipping a switch on a wall and having a light turn on across the room. If I am getting the right points, you should feel at least a 50-percent decrease in your symptoms."

Jade Earth Acupuncture is located at 1745 Commercial Street. Treatments are on a first-come, first-serve basis, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Free treatments are offered on the first and third Fridays of the month.

Support group offered for food allergy sufferers

Salem Hospital provides numerous resources for patients who suffer from a number of chronic or fatal diseases. Salem Food Allergy Group is a resource offered by Salem Hospital for families with a member who has food allergies. A meeting is planned for December 14.

For adults and children who have food allergies it can be difficult to alter a diet by eliminating staple items or food groups. Milk, nuts, wheat and shellfish are common food allergies.

Those who experience allergic reactions most often see or feel the effects on their skin or in their intestines. Some allergic reactions also manifest in respiratory problems, such as wheezing. According to the Allergy and Asthma Foundation of America, stress and anxiety may cause airways to constrict more if a patient already has asthma or allergies. Various techniques can help patients relax, reduce anxiety or control breathing. Massage, yoga, and acupuncture treatments may provide some benefit in relieving symptoms.

Salem Food Allergy Group provides a place to network, educate, raise public awareness and advocate change. Meetings are held at Salem Hospital in Conference Center Room B from 3-4 p.m. Participants may attend their first meeting for free; membership is $25 per year.