Acupressure Points and Techniques : Acupressure Points for Asthma & Bron...

Bronchitis

Bronchitis is a common lung disease, aggravated by cigarette smoke, industrial pollutants, and dust. It involves the irreparable destruction of lung tissue. There is often an asthmatic element in bronchitis as irritants such as smoke and dust cause the muscular walls of the breathing tubes to contract.
Acupuncture cannot rebuild lung tissue, but by opening up the breathing tubes it can allow the remaining lung tissue to function efficiently. The mechanism of acupuncture in bronchitis is probably much the same as in asthma, allowing more air to enter the lungs. Recent Chinese work has shown that about 50 per cent of bronchitics 'benefit' from acupuncture. The treatment must be repeated regularly if the effect is to be maintained.

Acupuncture and Sinusitis

Have you ever wondered about whether acupuncture can be used to treat sinusitis? Sinusitis, sinus congestion, asthma, and allergic symptoms as well as many other diseases can be helped by the use of acupuncture and herbal medicine.

Sinusitis is an inflammation of the mucous membranes of the sinus cavities, which are found around the eyes inside the skull. Both allergy and viral infections can trigger sinusitis and sinus headache, as well as exposure to directly irritating substances such as smoke and cosmetic fragrances. Sinus congestion or sinus pain can also be the result. Sinusitis and allergy symptoms are increasing in our society, and often require treatment with powerful drugs which cause a variety of side effects.

Allergy to inhaled pollutants and pollen also contribute to sinus diseases. Most modern cities have problems with air quality outdoors, and indoor air is subject to pollution by furnishings, household chemicals, cosmetics and pet dander. Casual use of lawn chemicals and pesticides have also affected a number of my patients.

Symptoms of allergy and hypersensitivity may affect the body in the sinuses, the airways, the mucous membranes, the lungs or the skin. Some individuals develop problems in all of these areas. Sinus symptoms may include sinus congestion, watery or sticky discharges, sinus pain, sinus headache and sinus pressure. Sinus inflammation can also trigger facial headaches as well as "migraine" type vascular headaches.

The use of acupuncture and dietary therapy can be very helpful to reduce or eliminate the signs and symptoms of allergic and irritant sinusitis, sinus headache, sinus pain, and sinus congestion. Patients report that they can use fewer medications and feel better.

Acupuncture therapy and traditional Oriental medicinals prepared from different herbs are very effective in relieving many complex physical disorders like sinusitis, sinus headache, sinus congestion, and sinus pain.

When you decide to undergo acupuncture for sinusitis, sinus headache, chronic sinus congestion, or sinus allergy, an individualized treatment program will be designed for your particular imbalance. At our site we give you a lot of information on treatment with traditional Oriental medicine.

Time will prove that traditional methods of treatment like acupuncture help to reduce medical cost and suffering. One secret of improving health lies in the use of traditional medicine for helping your physical and emotional imbalances.

by Dr. L.B. Grotte, M.D., Lic. Ac

Treating Anxiety ~ Natural Relief Through Acupuncture

Though many treatments are available to relieve symptoms of anxiety, acupuncture remains an effective and safe option when considering alternative treatment.


Most people experience anxiety at some point in their lives. Anxiety is an important factor in survival, triggering the fight or flight response. However, when even the simplest tasks generate an anxious response, there is cause for concern.

Symptoms of anxiety range from constant worrying to debilitating panic attacks. It can cause an increased heart rate, rapid breathing, and even dizziness and confusion.

Though certain medication may be useful to anxiety sufferers, many times, the reported side effects are disconcerting to the patient and they may seek alternative care instead.

Treating Anxiety with Traditional Chinese Medicine
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) embraces a deep and inseparable connection between mind and body. Optimal health is based on a precise balance of energy between each organ in the body.

According to TCM, energy or chi travels along pathways throughout the body. When the body experiences pain, dysfunction, or disease it means that the pathways are encountering a blockage and chi can no longer pass through.

TCM utilizes acupuncture needles to create a state of profound relaxation which promotes rest and healing for the mind and body. The needles inserted into acupoints in the body stimulate the parasympathetic system which ultimately slows the heart rate and allows the body to relax. The blockage is then removed and energy can begin to flow through again.

How an Acupuncture Treatment Works
During an initial visit, the acupuncturist asks a series of questions to determine what kind of anxiety the patient suffers from. Each physical symptom paints a kind of picture which the acupuncturist uses to diagnose and treat the patient’s particular state of anxiety.

Depending on how the anxiety presents itself to the patient, the acupuncturist will determine which organ’s energy is being depleted. Then, needle points are painlessly inserted into corresponding locations in the body to stimulate and strengthen the energy of that organ.

Generally, a patient will experience immediate relief of acute symptoms during a treatment. Once a patient begins regular treatments, symptoms will lessen in frequency and severity.

The number of treatments necessary depends on the severity of anxiety and the how long the patient has suffered. When the patient does achieve an optimal state of mental and emotional health, either monthly or quarterly treatments will be required to maintain balance.

Acupuncture, Anxiety and Research
A study performed at Yale University School of Medicine and Yale-New Haven Hospital used three randomized treatment groups to test the efficacy of acupuncture. The results indicated that, “Analyzing anxiety levels using repeated-measures analysis of variance has demonstrated a significant difference between the three treatment groups.” The study concluded that acupuncture can be an effective treatment for chronic anxiety disorders and can notably decrease anxiety levels.

More details, email to bamboowisdom@gmail.com

Acupuncture as Fibromyalgia & Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Treatment Does Acupuncture Work? If So, How?

Acupuncture treatments for fibromyalgia (FMS) and chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS or ME/CFS) are becoming much more common, either alone or as a complementary therapy.

Chinese acupuncture dates back thousands of years as traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) but only caught the attention of the American public in the 1970s. The National Institutes of Health formally recognized acupuncture as part of mainstream medicine in 1997, saying the procedure is safe and effective at treating a wide range of conditions, including fibromyalgia.

Acupuncture Studies
In the West, acupuncture has been studied more for FMS than ME/CFS, but many doctors, acupuncturists and people with ME/CFS say they've had success with it. Several Chinese studies have shown it's effective for ME/CFS. Your specific Western diagnosis likely won't be important to an acupuncturist, who uses different terminology to diagnose and treat you.

As acupuncture has moved more into the mainstream, many insurance companies have added it to their policies, and some doctor's offices and clinics have begun to offer it at their facilities. Make sure you know the details of your insurance policy before assuming it will cover acupuncture treatments.

How Does Acupuncture Work?
While multiple studies have shown that acupuncture does have the effects taught by TCM, researchers can't pinpoint exactly why it has the effects. Research suggests that it may produce complex changes in the brain and body, possibly by stimulating nerve fibers that then send signals to the brain and spinal cord to release certain hormones that block pain and makes you feel better. A study using images of the brain showed that acupuncture raises your pain threshold -- which is low in people with FMS and ME/CFS -- and therefore gives you long-term pain relief. One British experiment using magnetoencephalography (MEG) brain scans showed that acupuncture actually can deactivate part of your brain's pain matrix.

According to TCM, acupuncture works by correcting energy pathways through your body. This life-force energy is called qi or chi (pronounced "chee"). Qi flows through meridians in the body, each of which corresponds to an organ or group of organs. If you have too much, too little, or blocked qi, TCM teaches that it will create health problems.

If this is hard to understand, picture a stream. If something blocks the flow of water, pressure builds up behind the blockage and water can go spilling out over the banks. Too much water can lead to floods, while too little water can kill off plants and animals that live there. The purpose of acupuncture is to keep the stream flowing free and at desired amounts.

Benefits vs. Risks of Acupuncture
When you consider treatment options for FMS and ME/CFS, or any health condition for that matter, it's important to weigh the potential benefits against the potential risks.
According to experts, both Eastern and Western, the potential benefits of acupuncture include:

Less pain
Better sleep
Relaxation
Possible immune system boost
Better overall health
Research released in 2008 showed that after 20 acupuncture treatments, people with FMS had significant improvements in pain and quality of life that lasted for 3 months after treatment was stopped, with a gradual decline in those areas until all benefit was gone after 2 years.

Acupuncture can be much safer than other therapies, especially if you're combining several different treatments. Benefits as a complementary therapy include:

No negative interactions with other treatments, including drugs
Extremely mild side effects
Low risk
Possible risks of acupuncture are extremely rare, especially with a licensed acupuncturist. Risks include:

Infection from non-sterile needles
Organ puncture (very rare occurrence)
Nausea
Dizziness & fainting
Bruising
Licensed practitioners in the United States are required to use sterile needles and dispose of them after each use, but this is not required in all parts of the world.

An Acupuncture Exam for Fibromyalgia & Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
When you go to an acupuncturist, he/she will likely take your pulse at several points along both wrists. Don't be surprised when you're asked to stick out your tongue; in TCM, the tongue's shape, color and coating are important diagnostic tools. (Tip: When you brush your teeth that day, skip the tongue so you don't disturb the coating.)

The needles only go in about a centimeter. After inserting them, the acupuncturist will twist or gently wiggle them to get them firmly into the proper point. You might get a muscle twitch or brief ache, or you might feel nothing at all. Once all the needles are in (the amount used varies), you'll stay in place and rest for anywhere from 15 minutes to an hour. You'll probably be extremely relaxed and could even fall asleep. Afterward, the acupuncturist will pluck out the needles, which doesn't hurt at all.

A few hours after your first treatment, you could feel some aches around your body. This is normal, and practitioners say it's a sign that the treatment is working. The aches don't typically last long, and over-the-counter pain relievers will help. It's common to sleep more deeply than usual that night, which is a definite bonus for anyone with FMS and ME/CFS.

Finding an Acupuncturist for Fibromyalgia & Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Your doctor or clinic may be able to refer you to a qualified acupuncturist, and you can also check with your insurance company to see if it has a list of practitioners that participate in your health plan. Most states require acupuncturists to be licensed, so look for the title "LAc."

More details, e-mail to Bamboowisdom@gmail.com

Acupuncture Therapy : Acupuncture Back Pain Demo

Is there any proof that Acupuncture relieves pain?

Controlled studies have had varied responses (possibly because they have been too small), but most studies have produced positive results - the majority of people obtaining pain relief. Research has shown acupuncture to be especially useful in relieving nausea from chemotherapy and surgery. Acupuncture may relieve many types of pain and conditions, including low back pain, sciatica, osteoarthritis, fibromyalgia, carpal tunnel syndrome, headaches, and more.

One of the largest and longest study ever showed that an extended course of acupuncture reduced pain by 40% in those with knee osteoarthritis. The results were not immediate - after 8 weeks there was an improvement in functioning only; after 14 weeks there was an improvement in pain. This study was funded by NCCAM (National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine) and the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, both divisions of National Institutes of Health.

What to Expect from Your First Acupuncture Treatment

What is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is one of the oldest recorded forms of medicine, having been used in China for over 3,000 years! There are several theories as to how the effects are produced - research has been able to show that acupuncture stimulates the brain to produce endorphins (which are natural pain relieving chemicals.) These assist the body to heal itself and gain pain relief. There is now increasing scientific evidence to support the effects of acupuncture.

Is Acupuncture safe?
Yes. All our physiotherapists are members of the AACP (Acupuncture Association of Chartered Physiotherpists ). Members are rigourously trained to maintain the strictest hygiene levels and will only use pre-sterilised, disposable needles. All our therapists are also trained to give pain relief with their acupuncture training, which has been taken to a post-graduate level.

Will it work?
Research has shown that 70% of people will gain a significant amount of relief from pain through acupuncture. The effects of acupuncture are cumulative, with a build of effects as treatment progresses.

What should a patient expect?
Chartered Physiotherapists assess using a detailed examination and plan a treatment programme with their patients. When acupuncture is used, it may be combined with a range of other treatments. Most private health insurance schemes will cover the costs of Acupuncture carried out by Chartered Physiotherapists (check our prices page for more details).

Will it hurt?
Unsurprisingly, this is the most common question asked by patients when needles are used! When inserted the fine needles give rise to a sensation which should only be a temporary mild discomfort at the most. At times a more intense sensation is experienced. This is thought to be a positive indicator of the movement of energy at the acupuncture point, and is nothing to worry about.

Common problems treated at the clinic by acupuncture are:

•Back and neck pains
•Nerve pains
•Sports injuires
•Repetive strain injuries
•Muscle and ligament problems
•Joint pains
•Frozen shoulders
•Plus many other problems!



BambooWisdom Acupuncture ~~
More information: Email:bamboowisdom@gmail.com

"DOCTOR, WHAT'S THIS ACUPUNCTURE ALL ABOUT?"

ACUPUNCTURE: WHAT IS IT?

Acupuncture is a method of encouraging the body to promote natural healing and to improve functioning. This is done by inserting needles and applying heat or electrical stimulation at very precise acupuncture points.



HOW DOES ACUPUNCTURE WORK?

The classical Chinese explanation is that channels of energy run in regular patterns through the body and over its surface. These energy channels, called meridians, are like rivers flowing through the body to irrigate and nourish the tissues. An obstruction in the movement of these energy rivers is like a dam that backs up in others.

The meridians can be influenced by needling the acupuncture points; the acupuncture needles unblock the obstructions at the dams, and reestablish the regular flow through the meridians. Acupuncture treatments can therefore help the body's internal organs to correct imbalances in their digestion, absorption, and energy production activities, and in the circulation of their energy through the meridians.

The modern scientific explanation is that needling the acupuncture points stimulates the nervous system to release chemicals in the muscles, spinal cord, and brain. These chemicals will either change the experience of pain, or they will trigger the release of other chemicals and hormones which influence the body's own internal regulating system.

The improved energy and biochemical balance produced by acupuncture results in stimulating the body's natural healing abilities, and in promoting physical and emotional well-being.



WHAT IS MEDICAL ACUPUNCTURE? IS IT DIFFERENT FROM ORDINARY ACUPUNCTURE?

Acupuncture is a very old medical art, and there are many approaches to learning and practicing it. Medical acupuncture is the term used to describe acupuncture performed by a doctor trained and licensed in Western medicine who has also had thorough training in acupuncture as a specialty practice. Such a doctor can use one or the other approach, or a combination of both as the need arises, to treat an illness.



WHAT IS THE SCOPE OF MEDICAL ACUPUNCTURE?

Medical acupuncture is a system which can influence three areas of health care:

promotion of health and well-being,
prevention of illness,
treatment of various medical conditions.
While acupuncture is often associated with pain control, in the hands of a well-trained practitioner it has much broader applications. Acupuncture can be effective as the only treatment used, or as the support or adjunct to other medial treatment forms in many medical and surgical disorders.The World Health Organization recognizes the use of acupuncture in the treatment of a wide range of medical problems, including:

Digestive disorders: gastritis and hyperacidity, spastic colon, constipation, diarrhea.
Respiratory disorders: sinusitis, sore throat, bronchitis, asthma, recurrent chest infections.
Neurological and muscular disorders: headaches, facial tics, neck pain, rib neuritis, frozen shoulder, tennis elbow, various forms of tendinitis, low back pain, sciatica, osteoarthritis.
Urinary, menstrual, and reproductive problems.
Acupuncture is particularly useful in resolving physical problems related to tension and stress and emotional conditions.

HOW MANY TREATMENTS WILL I NEED?

The number of treatments needed differs from person to person. For complex or long-standing conditions, one or two treatments a week for several months may be recommended. For acute problems, usually fewer visits are required, and for health

ARE THERE ANY SIDE EFFECTS TO THE TREATMENT?

Usually not. As energy is redirected in the body, internal chemicals and hormones are stimulated and healing begins to takeplace. Occasionally the original symptoms worsen for a few days, or other general changes in appetite, sleep, bowel or urination patterns, or emotional state may be triggered. These should not cause concern, as they are simply indications that the acupuncture is starting to work. It is quite common with the first one or two treatments to have a sensation of deep relaxation or even mild disorientation immediately following the treatment. These pass within a short time, and never require anything more than a bit of rest to overcome.



WHAT ARE THE NEEDLES LIKE? DO THEY HURT?



People experience acupuncture needling differently. Most patients feel only minimal pain as the needles are inserted; some feel no pain at all. Once the needles are in place, there is no pain felt. Acupuncture needles are very thin and solid and are made from stainless steel. The point is smooth (not hollow with cuttingedges like a hypodermic needle) and insertion through the skin is not as painful as injections or blood sampling. The risk of bruising and skin irritation is less than when using a hollow needle.

Because your doctor carefully sterilizes the needles using the same techniques as for surgical instruments, or uses disposable needles, there is no risk of infection from the treatments.



DOES ACUPUNCTURE REALLY WORK?

Yes. In the past 2,000 years, more people have been successfully treated with acupuncture than with all other health modalities combined. Today acupuncture is practiced widely in Asia, the Soviet Union, and in Europe. It is now being used more and more in America by patients and physicians. Acupuncture treatments can be given at the same time other techniques are being used, such as conventional Western medicine,osteopathic or chiropractic adjustments, and homeopathic ornaturopathic prescriptions. It is important that your physician-acupuncturist know everything that you are doing, so he or she can help you get the most benefit from all your treatments.



DO I HAVE TO BELIEVE IN ACUPUNCTURE FOR IT TO WORK?

No. Acupuncture is used successfully on cats, dogs, horses and other animals. These animal patients do not understand or believein the process that helps them get better. A positive attitude toward wellness may reinforce the effects of the treatment received, just as a negative attitude may hinder the effects of acupuncture or any other treatment. A neutral attitude ("I don't know if I really believe in this.") will not block the treatment results.



ARE THERE ANY "DO'S AND DONT'S" FOR ME ON THE DAY OF A TREATMENT?

Yes. To enhance the value of a treatment, the following guidelines are important:

Do not eat an unusually large meal immediately before or after your treatment.
Do not over-exercise, engage in sexual activity, or consume alcoholic beverages within 6 hours before or after the treatment.
Plan your activities so that after the treatment you can get some rest, or at least not have to be working at top performance. This is especially important for the first few visits.
Continue to take any prescription medicines as directed by your regular doctor. Substance abuse (drugs and alcohol) especially in the week prior to treatment, will seriously interfere with the effectiveness of acupuncture reatments.
Remember to keep good mental or written notes of what your response is to the treatment. This is important for your doctor to know so that the follow-up treatments can be designed to best help you and your problem


IS ACUPUNCTURE COVERED BY HEALTH INSURANCE?

Some insurance companies currently cover acupuncture costs, other companies do not yet recognize the value of acupuncture. Each health policy must be reviewed to determine acupuncture benefits. More and more insurance companies are recognizing the value of providing coverage for medical acupuncture services. You can help by insisting that your insurance company offer you reimbursement for medically indicated acupuncture treatments before you accept their policy.

Obesity: Acupuncture & Ear Stapling

Obesity Acupuncture Points

The specific points used for each patient at each treatment depend on many individual factors. The acupuncture physician determines which points should be used with regard to the patient's fat distribution, emotional status, eating habits and other factors.

Weight Control Ear Staples
The use of staples in the ear for weight control is an American innovation which is often ineffective and dangerous. Only two points - one in the upper outer part of each ear - are used by this method in contrast to the ten or twenty points used in regular acupuncture treatments. The cartilage of the ear does not replace itself after injury and has little resistance to infection. Staples left in place for many days promote infection and sometimes fall out and enter the ear canal, where they can damage the ear dmm or other structures. There have been cases of people having permanent holes in the upper parts of their ear as the result of infected staples with sloughing. For these reasons, we do not recommend the use of ear staples for weight reduction.

Acupuncture - Obesity - Diet & Exercise
Diet and exercise are helpful in any program of weight reduction. Most people who come for acupuncture treatments, however, have been given diets and exercise regimens before. They may have good knowledge of what they should and shouldn't eat but they feel depressed or irritable when they try to stay on a diet. Acupuncture should relieve such problems and improve will power along with aiding in weight loss.

Acupuncture, Obesity & Weight Loss
The actual weight loss to be expected is about two to four pounds a week. Six to ten acupuncture treatments are usually sufficient, and these can be given once or twice a week. Weight loss should continue after the treatments are completed until normal weight is achieved. The effects of acupuncture usually last at least six months and sometimes a year or more. If the desire to eat excessively returns at any time in the future, a few more acupuncture treatments should relieve it.

Acupuncture for the Treatment of Depression During Pregnancy

Depression during pregnancy is relatively common, affecting about 10 to 15% of women. While there is a growing body of literature supporting the reproductive safety of certain antidepressants, many women and their physicians would prefer to avoid the use of these medications during pregnancy; thus, there is a clear need for effective non-pharmacologic treatments for women who suffer from depression during pregnancy.

In a recent study presented at the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine (SMFM) 30th Annual Meeting by Dr. Rachel Manber and her colleagues at Stanford University, the efficacy of acupuncture was assessed in a group of pregnant depressed women. In this study, 150 pregnant women with DSM-IV major depressive disorder and a score >14 on the 17-item Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HAMD-17) were randomly assigned to receive one of three treatments: acupuncture specifically targeting depressive symptoms (SPEC, n=52), an active control acupuncture (NSPEC, n=49), and massage therapy (MSSG, n=49). Participates received treatment over an 8-week period consisting of 12 sessions (25-30 min each).

Acupuncture treatments were provided in a blinded fashion. At baseline, a senior acupuncturist (non-blinded) designed a set of treatments that was individually tailored for each patient. A treating acupuncturist (blinded) needled the points that were prescribed by the senior acupuncturist. Each SPEC and NSPEC treatment consisted of the same number of acupuncture points distributed across the same general areas of the body.

The HAMD-17 was administered at baseline, 4 weeks, and 8 weeks. Responders were those with a HAMD-17 score of < 14 and a greater than 50% reduction from baseline.

At the end of the study, women in the SPEC group had lower HAM-D scores than those in the NSPIEC and massage therapy control groups. In the SPEC group, 63.0% responded versus 37.5% in the NSPEC group and 50.0% in the massage group.

The findings suggest that acupuncture may be an effective treatment for women who suffer from depression during pregnancy. Whether or not this modality is efficacious in all women, specifically those with more severe depressive symptoms or with comorbid anxiety disorders, is not yet clear; however, these results suggest that acupuncture may be an attractive option for women who wish to avoid the use of antidepressants during pregnancy.

Ruta Nonacs, MD PhD