"A new report published in the online version of the British Medical Journal has found that acupuncture is a useful, cost-effective treatment for chronic headaches, particularly migraines. The report found that over a 12-month period, headache patients who received regular acupuncture sessions reported fewer headaches, had a higher quality of life, missed fewer days from work, used less medication, and made fewer visits to a general practitioner than patients given standard treatment for headaches.
The research was conducted at a series of single acupuncture practices and general practices in Wales and Great Britain. In the study, the authors recruited 401 patients who suffered from chronic headaches, predominantly migraine headaches. The patients were randomized to receive either acupuncture or "usual care" from a general practitioner. In the acupuncture group, subjects standard care for headaches, and were also treated with acupuncture up to 12 times over a three-month period. Treatment patterns were individualized to each patient, and different points were used based on the discretion of the acupuncturist providing care. In the usual care group, patients received standard headache care from their general practitioner, but were not referred out for acupuncture."
Recent Study Shows Acupuncture Effective for Chronic Pain
A new study published last month in the Archives of Internal Medicine demonstrates that acupuncture is more effective for chronic pain than “sham acupuncture,” which is a placebo version of the treatment. This study has been touted as one of the largest, most rigorous and robust analyses to date on the effectiveness of acupuncture treatments for the amelioration of pain.
This study received major news coverage from news entities all over the world, proving that acupuncture has been and will continue to be used for pain management effectively throughout the world. The NCCAOM used the momentum created by this important news to send out a nation-wide press release to promote the safe and effective practice of acupuncture by NCCAOM certified Diplomates with special attention to how to find a certified Diplomate via the NCCAOM website. You can read the press release via the NCCAOM website
A recent study shows that acupuncture
as a treatment for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) has immediate effects
in reducing nocturnal respiratory events, sleep disruptions, and
desaturations (low oxygen levels in the blood). The researchers
hypothesize that this improvement is due to acupuncture’s effects on
serotonergic pathways and also acupuncture’s anti-inflammatory effects.
Both manual acupuncture and 10Hz electro-acupuncture techniques were
found effective. Both techniques produced superior clinical outcomes
compared with 2Hz electro-acupuncture. Discussion of Acupuncture and Airflow The
researchers note that the acupuncture points of the neck are of
specific interest because they stimulate the genioglossus muscle
(secondarily, the mylohyoid muscle) on deep insertion. They note that
stimulation of this lingual muscle affects airflow dynamics and may be a
key reason as to why acupuncture is effective for improving the
symptoms of patients with sleep apnea. To read the full article please click here Posted by Sharon Wyse L.Ac
"Ever wonder why acupuncturists choose certain points? The AcuTake“Why Are You Doing That Point?” series has the answer.
So far we’ve looked at Liver 3 and Large Intestine 4, two popular acupuncture points that are frequently used together; Stomach 36, known for its energizing qualities; and Governing Vessel 20, a conversation-starter located on the top of the head.
This time we’re looking at a very widely used point called Spleen 6.
Spleen 6—also known as Sanyinjiao (Chinese name), Three Yin
Intersection (English translation) and SP6 (acupunk lingo)—is located on
the inside of the lower leg.
To find it yourself, place the pinkie-side edge of your hand against
the high point of your medial malleolous (the big bone on the inside of
your ankle). Spleen 6 is directly above the malleolous, at the other,
index-finger edge of your hand (see picture below).
Spleen 6 Is a Three-for-One Deal
The location of Spleen 6 is what makes it so widely used. Spleen 6 is
the point at which the Spleen, Liver and Kidney meridians
intersect—hence the name, Three Yin Intersection.
This means it can be used to address issues having to do with any of the three channels. And that means Spleen 6 is used an awful lot.
John Pirog, in his great book The Practical Application of Meridian Style Acupuncture, says that naming all of Spleen 6′s indications would “require an entire text.”
In A Manual of Acupuncture, author Peter Deadman calls Spleen 6 “one of the most important and widely used of the acupuncture points.”
It’s not just that Spleen 6 is a three-fer. Moreover, Spleen, Liver
and Kidney—arguably more than other channels—are principally important
in a significant number of functions throughout the body.
Westerners in particular, plagued by our overworked and stressed-out
lifestyles, are disproportionately afflicted with patterns that affect
the Liver and Spleen meridians. For this reason, Spleen 6 is included in
almost all acupuncture treatments for general-wellness, balancing, and
stress-reduction.
We could all use a little more Spleen 6 in our lives.
Ladies, Remember This Acupuncture Point
Although Spleen 6 is used for many, many conditions, there are a few
for which it is known to be especially effective. Gynecological
conditions are at the top of the list.
Anything gynecological—PMS, irregular or painful menstruation,
infertility, delayed or difficult labor, genital pain or itching—is from
an acupuncture perspective directly related to Spleen, Liver and
Kidney. Gynecological issues can stem from any (or all three) of these
systems, so a point that influences them all is efficient and effective.
In fact, Spleen 6′s effect on a woman’s reproductive health is so powerful that the point is contraindicated during pregnancy.
Spleen 6 also addresses reproductive health in men. It is frequently
used on men who complain of impotence, seminal emission and genital
pain.
Spleen 6 Is A Lot to Digest
After gynecology, digestion is the next best-known area that warrants love from Spleen 6.
Often used in combination with acupuncture point Stomach 36, Spleen 6 is particularly focused on resolving digestive and abdominal problems due to what is known as Dampness.
As it pertains to digestive disorders, Dampness can cause diarrhea,
undigested food in the stool, abdominal distention or fullness, and weak
appetite. Many of these symptoms are seen in that overworked and
stressed-out Westerner mentioned above, because Dampness often is a sign
of deficiency in the Spleen caused by an overactive Liver.
Spleen 6, in addition to being chosen when digestive or abdominal
symptoms suggest Dampness, also is a go-to point for women whose
digestive disturbances are accompanied by gynecological problems.
Other uses for Spleen 6 include difficult or painful urination,
insomnia, dizziness, low back and knee pain, as well as ankle and foot
pain because of its location.
As the connection point for the body’s Spleen, Liver and Kidney
energies, Spleen 6 is multifaceted and powerful in its effects. Don’t be
surprised if you see it pop up in your next acupuncture treatment.
Next up on “Why Are You Doing That Point?” is Yin Tang. Look for it."
BySara Calabro
Reposted by Sharon Wyse L.Ac
Not to worry if you do not carry either of these insurances as I will always give you a medical HCFA form to submit to your insurance carrier for reimbursement!
"Acupuncture has been used to treat seasonal allergies for centuries with great success. According to traditional medicine, treatment is directed toward clearing the nasal passages, supporting the immune system and strengthening the systems of the body to prevent allergic reactions from recurring. What Are Seasonal Allergies?
Commonly called hay fever or allergic rhinitis, a seasonal allergy is an allergic reaction to a trigger that is typically only present for part of the year, such as spring or fall. Pollens that are spread by the wind are usually the main cause of seasonal allergies. People who are allergic to pollens are also often sensitive to dust mites, animal dander, and molds.
Spring is traditionally the main season when allergies blossom because of new growth on trees and weeds. Fall, which ushers in a whole different set of blooming plants, as well as leaf mold, is a close second. Airborne mold spores can be found almost year round, along with other common allergens such as dust, dust mites, and animal dander.
About 26 million Americans endure chronic seasonal allergies, while the number of people with milder symptoms may be as high as 40 million, according to the National Center for Health Statistics.
Seasonal allergies are caused by the body's hypersensitivity to substances in the environment. Symptoms primarily involve the membrane lining the nose, causing allergic rhinitis, or the membrane lining the eyelids and covering the whites of the eyes, causing allergic conjunctivitis.
While there are many Western medications to treat the symptoms of seasonal allergies, these treatments can cause unwanted side effects, such as drowsiness and immune system suppression as well as an over-reliance on medications. These side effects have motivated many people to search for alternative approaches like acupuncture and Oriental medicine to manage their allergies."
To read more of this article please click here
For more information on how Acupuncture and TCM (traditional Chinese medicine) can help with seasonal allergies and asthma please click here
"Nausea during pregnancy is often dismissed as a minor disorder of pregnancy. As it can be compared to the experience of having persistent food poisoning it is not something that one would volunteer to endure for 12 to 16 weeks. As nausea is estimated to affect one third of all pregnancies it is worth considering the alternatives.
In traditional Chinese medicine, although the nausea associated with pregnancy can arise from a variety of conditions, these all involve the stomach’s energy. If pregnancy interferes it affects not only the process of digestion but also the stomach’s energetic nature of aiding the movement of food downward through the digestive tract. Strong upward rebellious energy or a weakness in this down bearing function results in the nausea and vomiting.
While acupuncture treatment is aimed at strengthening the energetic function of the stomach and correcting any underlying disharmonies, dietary advice is directed at reducing the energetic workload of the digestive system."
To read the full article on how TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) can help with nausea during pregnancy please click here
re-posted from the Essential Guide to Acupuncture in Pregnancy and Child birth
Traditional Chinese medicine has long been used to ease pain and treat disease. Now researchers have found it can also boost fertility if used in combination with fertility treatments. A team led by Dr Shahar Levi-Ari from Tel Aviv University compared the success rates of couples using intrauterine insemination (IUI) both with and without Chinese herbal and acupuncture therapies. IUI involves a laboratory procedure to separate fast moving sperm from more sluggish sperm. The fast moving sperm are then placed into the woman’s womb close to the time of ovulation when the egg is released from the ovary in the middle of the monthly cycle. The results, which have been published in the Journal of Integrative Medicine, show a significant increase in fertility when the therapies are administered side-by-side.
Discipline of General Practice, School of Population Health & Clinical Practice, The University of Adelaide, South Australia. Karin.ried@adelaide.edu.au
Abstract
OBJECTIVES:
To assess the effect of Traditional Chinese Herbal Medicine (CHM) in the management of female infertility and on pregnancy rates compared with Western Medical (WM) treatment.
METHODS:
We searched the Medline and Cochrane databases and Google Scholar until February 2010 for abstracts in English of studies investigating infertility, menstrual health and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). We undertook meta-analyses of (non-)randomised controlled trials (RCTs) or cohort studies, and compared clinical pregnancy rates achieved with CHM versus WM drug treatment or in vitro fertilisation (IVF). In addition, we collated common TCM pattern diagnosis in infertility in relation to the quality of the menstrual cycle and associated symptoms.
RESULTS:
Eight RCTs, 13 cohort studies, 3 case series and 6 case studies involving 1851 women with infertility were included in the systematic review. Meta-analysis of RCTs suggested a 3.5 greater likelihood of achieving a pregnancy with CHM therapy over a 4-month period compared with WM drug therapy alone (odds ratio=3.5, 95% CI: 2.3, 5.2, p<0.0001, n=1005). Mean (SD) pregnancy rates were 60±12.5% for CHM compared with 32±10% using WM drug therapy. Meta-analysis of selected cohort studies (n=616 women) suggested a mean clinical pregnancy rate of 50% using CHM compared with IVF (30%) (p<0.0001).
Acupuncture has been found helpful for a variety of psychiatric issues including depression and anxiety. Depression is a common reason for working with an acupuncturist, particularly for those where western medicines either have too many side effects, were not effective or were not desirable for any number of reasons. While we see benefit both in clinical studies and in practical day to day observation, the underlying mechanisms for how acupuncture helps with depression are not well understood. Researchers from the Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine within Xiamen University in China recently conducted an animal study to evaluate biochemical changes from electro-acupuncture to better understand how acupuncture helps.
Serum levels of copper, zinc, calcium and magnesium have relationships to psychiatric imbalances. In this study electro acupuncture was used to see how these levels changes from treatment to help evaluate why it is helpful in a human patient. Researchers used 40 male rats with depression and were divided into a control group, an electro-acupuncture group and a maprotiline group (a western tricyclic antidepressant medication). Acupuncture points used were GV 20, Yintang, ST 40 and LV 3 for 15 minutes each session every other day for 3 weeks. Then serum levels were checked.
Researchers found that electroacupuncture led to decreases in serum copper levels (associated with better psychiatric states) and increases in serum zinc levels (the copper/zinc ratio being related to mental health) with no significant changes in calcium or magnesium levels. Researchers conclude that by regulate zinc and copper levels electroacupuncture may be helpful for depression.
Reposted from yinyanghouse.com
Nasal congestion, stuffy nose, runny nose – these are common problems experienced by everyone, usually many times a year. We generally disregard it, if it’s on moderate levels but can get very annoyed when they are strong and require our attentions.
Yes, you could use a nasal spray to depress it for a while. But there are some problems with the sprays:
•First, they are drugs (chemicals), might have side effects and are somewhat addictive.
•Second, they cost money.
•Third, once you start taking the medications you may need to continue with them (which usually then results in dry mucus membranes)
This technique is based on Traditional Chinese Acupressure points.There are only 4 easy points to massage, so it’s very easy to remember and can be done at anytime (I suggest doing it in the mornings while showering, as the steam will also help open up your sinus cavities)
Here how it goes:
1.Perform the below routine 3 times:
1.Perform 10 pressures on a cavity at the corner of the nostrils (point 1). You should almost close and open the nostrils when you do the round movement.
2.Perform 10 pressures on a cavity just below the corner of the eyes near the nose (point 2)
3.Perform 10 pressures on a cavity just below the ear, behind the earlobe (point 3)
4.Massage the earlobe 10 times (point 4)
2.After performing the above 3 times, you should feel immediate relief of your nasal congestion. It is advised to return on the above procedure again in about 10 minutes to make it more permanent or the congestion could return.
Additional instructions: The pressures are actually round movement. Look at the pictures for exact motion.
Here is an interesting study on how acupuncture can help induce labor in women that have gone over their due date. I usually educate women on how acupuncture 6-8 weeks before their due date is optimal, as it has also been researched that acupuncture a few weeks before labor helps to shorten the duration of a vaginal labor. Many women in the study also reported that labor pains were diminished with the administration of certain acupuncture points.
"In a study acupuncture with and without electrical stimulation
was used to induce labor in 12 pregnant women with
a gestational age from 19 to 43 weeks (Tsuei 1974). The success
rate was 83% and average induction to delivery time was 13.1
hours. In the third study, 34 termand post termwomen and seven
women with an intrauterine fetal death were induced using electro-
acupuncture. Labor was successfully induced in 32 (78%)
women (Tsuei 1977). The limited observational studies to date
suggest acupuncture for induction of labour appears safe, has no
known teratogenic effects, and may be effective. The evidence regarding
the clinical effectiveness of this technique is limited."
I am a strong believer in educating my patients about Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and how it can help them in their lives both physically and emotionally. I recently came across a free online book that describes Acupuncture and the concepts behind TCM in a way that I believe patients will understand.
Questions such as "How is TCM different from western medicine?", "What is qi?" and "What should I expect from my acupuncture session?" can all be read in this online version by clicking here
This online book is intended to be a source of information on the subject of acupuncture to patients, prospective patients,prospective students and lay-people in general.
As always, please feel free to contact me if you have any questions on how acupuncture can help you by emailing me directly at SharonWyse.L.Ac@gmail or via phone at 917.603.8081
Posted by Sharon Wyse L.Ac.
"Scientists have taken another important step toward understanding just how sticking needles into the body can ease pain.
In a paper published online May 30 in Nature Neuroscience, a team at the University of Rochester Medical Center identifies the molecule adenosine as a central player in parlaying some of the effects of acupuncture in the body. Building on that knowledge, scientists were able to triple the beneficial effects of acupuncture in mice by adding a medication approved to treat leukemia in people.
The research focuses on adenosine, a natural compound known for its role in regulating sleep, for its effects on the heart, and for its anti-inflammatory properties. But adenosine also acts as a natural painkiller, becoming active in the skin after an injury to inhibit nerve signals and ease pain in a way similar to lidocaine.
To read the full article please click here
Posted by Sharon Wyse L.A.c
