Get rid of stuffed or running nose without drugs...

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.

To read the full article please click here

 

Re-posted by Sharon Wyse L.Ac.

Acupuncture for induction of labour (Review)

 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."

To read more about this study, please click here 

If you have any questions related to this blog, please feel free to contact me at SharonWyse.L.Ac@gmail.com or via phone at 917.603.8081

Acupuncture education at your fingertips....

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.

Acupuncture’s Molecular Effects Pinned Down

"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

The treatment of infertility with Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM)

Reprinted from acupuncturemediaworks.com
The treatment of infertility with Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) dates back 2,000 years. These ancient, time-tested techniques improve fertility rates and support a woman’s whole body, unlocking unlimited potential for health, healing and childbearing.
A landmark study published in the medical journal Fertility & Sterility (1) found that acupuncture dramatically improves the chances of becoming pregnant when used in conjunction with other assisted reproductive techniques. Researchers from Weill Cornell Medical Center (2) in New York reviewed studies and concluded that acupuncture helps to:

• Increase blood flow to the uterus, which improves the chances of an ovum implanting on the uterine wall
• Reduce anxiety, stress, and the hormones that are secreted during stressful situations that can significantly decrease fertility
• Normalize hormone and endocrine systems that regulate ovulation, especially in women with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)
• Regulate the menstrual cycle

In a study published in Human Reproduction Journal (3) an ultrasound was used to evaluate blood flow to the uterus during acupuncture treatments. The study found blood flow increased during the treatments.  Dr. Nancy Snyderman stated “when acupuncture needles are placed correctly, it can affect the nervous system. The idea is that is you stimulate the nervous system, you can make the uterus quiet and allow blood to flow”.  Relaxing the uterus and increasing blood flow allows for the successful implant of an embryo within the uterine lining. Another study appearing in the British Medical Journal (4) concluded that “acupuncture can be offered as a significant, clinically relevant adjunct to in vitro fertilization”.

Acupuncture and TCM can raise the fertility potential for women by affecting the quality, balance and flow of Qi and blood. When Qi (pronounced “chee”) or vital energy, and blood are circulating freely throughout the body, every cell, tissue and organ is properly nourished and functioning well. When this occurs, a woman’s health and fertility are increased.

According to the theories of acupuncture and TCM, infertility is caused by the imbalance of Qi and blood affecting one or more of the Organ Systems (Please keep in mind that the Organs described below reflect Chinese medical theories and philosophies)

Kidney organ System: The release of an ovum is controlled by the Kidneys. The Kidneys also create a substance called Jing Qi which is required in order to have a healthy body, mind and pregnany. If an imbalance exists within the Kidneys, Jing Qi may be inadequate in supply and infertility may be a result.

Spleen Organ System: An adequate supply of blood is required by a woman’s body to sustain a normal menstrual cycle, a growing fetus, and a healthy pregnancy. A disharmony within the Spleen can result in an inadequate supply and imbalance of blood. Acupuncture and Chinese herbs can build and nourish blood, in order to promote a healthy flow of blood to the uterus.
Liver Organ System: In order to conceive and have a healthy pregnancy it is important to have a free flow of Qi and blood throughout the body. The Liver is in charge of facilitating the smooth flow of Qi and blood. When it is out of balance, areas of the body will not receive the required supply of Qi and blood. The imbalance can lead to depression, anxiety, stress and increased infertility.
Acupuncture and TCM provide a safe, effective, drug-free, and natural approach to treating infertility and enjoying a healthy pregnancy. Here are a few reasons to try acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine:

• An acupuncturist does not treat just the symptoms and sign, but instead activates the body’s natural healing potential by treating the root causes that have lead to the problem or disease.
• Acupuncture and TCM are completely natural. No drugs are ever used. In the Western treatment of fertility, undesired side effects and accumulated toxicity from invasive procedure and drug therapies may occur.
• Acupuncture and TCM can be used to strengthen, support and balance overall health and well-being so that other fertility procedures (such as IUI and IVF) are more effective.
• The practice of acupuncture and TCM is over 3,000 years old and has helped millions of people become well and stay healthy.
• It works!

Also consider acupuncture during your pregnancy and birth! According to the World Health Organization (WHO), acupuncture has been found useful for relieving labor pains, nausea, vomiting and significantly reducing the duration of labor. There is also strong evidence that acupuncture can help with a breech birth (5,6)

1. Paulus W, et. Al., Influence of acupuncture on the pregnancy rate of patients who undergo assisted reproductive therapy. Fertility and Sterility, volume 77, April 2002, 721-724
2. 5 Ways Acupuncture Can Boost Fertility. Prevention.com, 2002
3. Human Reproduction Journal, Volume 11, Number 6, 1996
4. Manheimer,E.,et. Al. Effects of acupuncture on rates of pregnancy and live birth among women undergoing in vitro fertilization:  systematic review and meta-analyses. BMJ February 2008;336: 545-549
5. Acupuncture: Review and analyses of reports on controlled clinical trials. World Health Organnization, Geneva, 2002, www.who.int/medicines
6. A manual of Acupuncture. Page 326. Peter Deadman & Mazin Al-Khafaji

 Posted by Sharon Wyse L.Ac.
WyseAcupuncture.com

Acupressure at SP 6 (San Yin Jiao) Found Helpful for Dysmenorrhea (Painful Menstruation/Cramping)

In the past 5 or 6 years I have really focused my attention and expertise into specializing in women's health. So when I come across certain research studies that show the efficacy of how acupuncture can help I always like to share....

Researchers from Northern Khorosan University in Bojnoord Iran recently conducted a study evaluating the effectiveness of acupressure in menstrual pain/cramps.  Researchers recruited 86 students who were experiencing menstrual pain/cramping (dysmenorrhea).  Acupressure was utilized on the acupuncture point san yin jiao (SP 6) and pain levels were assessed before intervention, at 30 minutes, 1 hour, 2 hour and at the 3 hours following the intervention.

The study found that this relatively simple acupressure technique reduced pain in women experiencing menstrual pain/cramps.  All in all this is an entirely safe and effective treatment that can easily be done on oneself or with the help of family or friends.
Further studies should be done comparing needling to acupressure to help illustrate any differences between the relative strength of the techniques.

Posted by Sharon Wyse
If you have any questions please feel free to contact me via email Sharon@WyseAcupuncture.com or cell 917.603.8081 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting            917.603.8081      end_of_the_skype_highlighting
WyseAcupuncture.com

Acupuncture Effective for Undetermined Illness

Here is an article I recently came across showing the benefits of acupuncture on undetermined illnesses. I find that acupuncture seems to help a lot of western "syndromes" such as irritable bowel "syndrome", chronic fatigue "syndrome".. It seems that nowadays "syndrome" in western medicine translates to "I don't know whats causing this!"

"Despite the advances of modern medicine, one in five patients has symptoms that are unexplained and untreated, contributing to  stress for both the provider and individual.
Further, studies have shown that the cost of managing the treatment of a patient with medically unexplained symptoms can be twice that of a patient with a diagnosis.
In an effort to provide a solution, a UK research team performed a clinical randomized controlled study on the efficacy of acupuncture for the undiagnosed disorders. Included in the research design was a linked interview of each patient’s subjective opinion of the intervention.
Some 80 patients from GP practices across London were selected to have five-element acupuncture added to their usual care.
The results of the research are published in the British Journal of General Practice."
To read this full article please click here
Posted by Sharon Wyse L.Ac.