More Mainstream Physicians Suggesting Acupuncture

I Found this great article By Julie Deardorff of the Chicago Tribune.
January 19, 2009

For years, Dr. Ali Keshavarzian ignored "alternative" therapies because his Western-trained brain wanted more evidence that they actually worked.But Keshavarzian also knew conventional medicine often needed some assistance. And when he learned his patients were seeking out natural products, acupuncture, meditation and massage, he took a deep breath and dived in.

Ten years later, Keshavarzian straddles both worlds, using Western treatments along with a variety of alternative approaches, a combination known as complementary and alternative medicine, or CAM. "CAM is looking at a patient as a human being, rather than a disease," said Keshavarzian, a gastroenterologist at Rush University Medical Center. "Instead of treating 'ulcerative colitis,' I treat 'Mr. Jones.'"

To read the full article click here

Chinese Herbs Reduce Post-Chemo Nausea

This article is from acufinder.com

By: Sam Gaines

One of the most common side effects of chemotherapy, nausea, may be most effectively treated by traditional Chinese herbs, according to a recent study.

Researchers from Hong Kong, China, and England’s University of Birmingham evaluated the effects of Chinese herbal medicine prescribed by a trained herbalist on 120 patients with early-stage breast or colon cancer. Each patient was assigned to one of three Chinese herbalists to have their needs assessed. One group received a Chinese herbal treatment based on their individual needs, while the other group received an inactive placebo.

The researchers found that mild to medium levels of nausea were found in 14.6 percent of patients treated with Chinese herbs, as opposed to 35.7 percent of the control group. Neither group experienced a significant difference in side effects.

The study’s authors recommended further study to determine an effective dosing regimen for Chinese herbs, but noted that the use of Chinese herbal medicine may “have a significant impact on control of nausea.”

Source: Annals of Oncology, March 2007

A Chinese Face Reading for Ex Governor Blagojevich

The art of face reading has been used in China since the days of Confucius. It has been utilized as an aid to diagnose conditions and understand a patientʼs personality. I learned about face reading in graduate school and from Dr. Tan. I thought you might enjoy some insights into famous personalities of the day.

Today we will look at our embattled ex Governor Blagojevich, who lives right here in Chicago. His most marked features are his eyes, lips and hair (I know everyone always talks about his hair).

The governorʼs upper lip is non-existent; it almost faces inward, a sign that he prefers to receive rather than to give. (The State's Attorney already knows this)

His eyes are very small, usually indicating a lack of sociability, even holding back. His eyes are also very deep set which means an even greater level of holding back. Finally, Blagojevichʼs eyes are close together which shows a character who is detailed, nervous, sensitive, and who doesnʼt trust people easily.

His eyebrows indicate that he makes his decisions based more on emotion than reason and, because his brows are relatively thin, he probably doesnʼt see the big picture as well as he sees smaller details.

The Governorʼs famous hairline is unclear which shows him to be a person who has unfinished business with his parents, especially his mom.

On the positive side, his big earlobes denote a long life.

Be sure to check back as I plan to to analyze a few more popular figures in the future.

Happy Chinese New Year!

It's The Year of The Ox

Albert Einstein on Daring Speculation

"I think that only daring speculation can lead us further and not accumulation of facts."

Albert Einstein

Famous Physicist who developed E=MC2 and won the Nobel Prize in 1921

Hinchey Reintroduces Legislation to Expand Acupuncture Coverage

This Article is from Empire State News

WASHINGTON - Congressman Maurice Hinchey (D-NY) has reintroduced legislation that would make acupuncture a covered service for Medicare and the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) program participants.

The congressman's Federal Acupuncture Coverage Act would provide access to acupuncture for Medicare's 44 million beneficiaries and the 8 million federal workers, their dependents and retirees who are covered under the FEHB.

"Acupuncture has long been credited with relieving pain, nausea, digestive problems, and many other ailments. It is entirely unacceptable that Medicare and the Federal Employees Health Benefits program don't cover acupuncture treatment and thus force plan participants to forego acupuncture or pay for it entirely out of their own pocket," Hinchey said. "The majority of private insurers cover acupuncture, yet the federal government's health plans continue to ignore this very valid and effective form of medical treatment. In a country as great as ours no American should ever be denied access to any legitimate forms of medical care that can make them healthier and more comfortable."

Hinchey has introduced the Federal Acupuncture Coverage Act since 1993, his first year in Congress. Hinchey previously advocated for acupuncturists at the state level, where as a member of the New York State Assembly, he introduced and secured passage of legislation to license acupuncturists in the state.

"Passage of this bill would provide 52 million Americans with health coverage for acupuncture services. This is the humane thing to do and I encourage my colleagues to pass this important piece of legislation," Hinchey said.

Acupuncture May Improve IVF Pregnancy Rates

In October I posted British Medical Journal Reports that Acupuncture Increased the Chances of Pregnancy with IVF by 65% here is some more information on the exciting study that came out in 2008.

From the BMJ Group, Monday 11 February 2008

What does the new study say?

The new study found that having acupuncture either just before or just after an embryo is transferred into a woman's womb increases the overall chances of getting pregnant by 65 per cent. The chances of staying pregnant and having a baby were also increased by a similar amount.

The study found that:

19 in 100 women who had IVF alone had a baby
31 in 100 women who had acupuncture along with IVF had a baby.

Tell me more about the study's findings

The researchers looked at the results from seven good-quality studies (called randomised controlled trials), which involved a total of 1,366 women who were having IVF. In the studies some women had IVF together with acupuncture, while some had IVF with pretend acupuncture (for a placebo) or no extra treatment. All the acupuncture sessions lasted 25 to 30 minutes

The researchers also suggested a number of ways in which acupuncture may work. They said it could influence a woman's menstrual cycle, or stimulate blood flow to the womb; or it may lower the body's stress response to IVF by stimulating natural, painkilling chemicals.

Only two of the studies reported on the possible side effects of having acupuncture. Both studies found there were no serious side effects. The researchers pointed out that previous research has shown acupuncture to be safe among women at various stages of pregnancy.

Where does the report come from?

The study was done by researchers from the University of Maryland School of Medicine, Georgetown University School of Medicine in Washington, D.C. and the University of Amsterdam. It was published online in the medical journal BMJ (British Medical Journal).

to read the full article click here

Acupuncture Effective for Allergic Rhinitis

As an acupuncturist in Chicago with all the season changes. I often treat people for allergies and other sinus problems, with great success. So I was happy to read about the following study.

The American Journal of Epidemiology recently published a study that showed acupuncture can significantly relieve allergic rhinitis symptoms.

By: Diane Joswick, L.Ac., MSOM

In this German study, 5,237 men and women were analyzed to evaluate the effectiveness of acupuncture in addition to routine care in patients with allergic rhinitis compared with treatment with routine care alone. In this randomized controlled trial, patients with allergic rhinitis were randomly allocated to receive up to 15 acupuncture sessions during a period of 3 months or to a control group receiving no acupuncture. Patients who did not consent to random assignment received acupuncture treatment.

All patients were allowed to receive usual medical care. The Rhinitis Quality of Life Questionnaire (RQLQ) and general health-related quality of life (36-Item Short-Form Health Survey) were evaluated at baseline and after 3 and 6 months. Improvements were noted at the 3 month and the 6 month evaluation. The authors of this trial concluded that treating patients with allergic rhinitis in routine care with additional acupuncture leads to clinically relevant and persistent benefits.

Source: American Journal of Epidemiology. 2008 Nov;101(5):535-43.

This article is from acufinder.com

President Obama

A Chicago Acupuncturists Tips on Apples

The information below is taken from the website the worlds healthiest foods.

According to the latest research, the old saying, "An apple a day keeps the doctor away," is fact, not just folklore. The nutritional stars in apples-fiber, flavonoids, and fructose-translate into apples' ability to keep us healthy.

Cardio-Protective Fiber

Apples contain both insoluble and soluble fiber. One medium (5 ounces)unpeeled apple provides over 3 grams of fiber, more than 10% of the daily fiber intake recommended by experts. Even without its peel, a medium apple provides 2.7 grams of fiber.

Apple's insoluble fiber works like bran, latching on to LDL cholesterol in the digestive tract and removing it from the body, while apple's soluble fiber pectin reduces the amount of LDL cholesterol produced in the liver. Adding just one large apple (about 2/3 of a pound) to the daily diet has been shown to decrease serum cholesterol 8-11%. Eating 2 large apples a day has lowered cholesterol levels by up to 16%!

A study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine confirms that eating high fiber foods, such as apples, helps prevent heart disease. Almost 10,000 American adults participated in this study and were followed for 19 years. People eating the most fiber, 21 grams per day, had 12% less CHD and 11% less CVD compared to those eating the least, 5 grams daily. Those eating the most water-soluble dietary fiber fared even better with a 15% reduction in risk of CHD and a 10% risk reduction in CVD.

LDL cholesterol isn't the only harmful compound on apple's removal list. Pectin grabs toxins like the heavy metals lead and mercury, and ushers them out of the body. Both the soluble and insoluble fibers in apples have cancer-protective activity since they relieve constipation and send potentially toxic substances out with the stools.

When it comes to bowel regularity, apple's two types of fiber tackle the job-no matter what it is. Both the insoluble fiber in apples and their soluble fiber pectin help relieve constipation (thus helping to prevent diverticulosis and colon cancer). The insoluble fiber works like roughage, while the pectin, which is found primarily in the skin, acts as a stool softener by drawing water into the stool and increasing stool bulk. On the other hand, because pectin firms up an excessively loose stool, it's also used to treat diarrhea.

Cardio-Protective Flavonoids

A type of pigment in apples that helps provide their color, flavonoids have been extensively researched and found to help prevent heart disease. Researchers in Finland followed over 5,000 Finish men and women for over 20 years. Those who ate the most apples and other flavonoid-rich foods (such as onions and tea), were found to have a 20% lower risk of heart disease than those who ate the least of these foods.

Juice Ranked among the Highest in Antioxidant Activity

Fructose for Stable Blood Sugar Levels

Apples derive almost all of their natural sweetness from fructose, a simple sugar, but one which is broken down slowly, especially when combined with apples' hefty dose of fiber, thus helping to keep blood sugar levels stable.

Prevent Kidney Stones

Want to reduce your risk of calcium oxalate kidney stones? Drink apple juice. A study published in the British Journal of Nutrition found that when women drank ½ to 1 liter of apple, grapefruit or orange juice daily, their urinary pH value and citric acid excretion increased, significantly dropping their risk of forming calcium oxalate stones.

Tip

To prevent browning when slicing apples for a recipe, simply put the slices in a bowl of cold water to which a spoonful of lemon juice has been added.

"The Tao" ~ "The Way"

"The Tao" also called The Tao Te Ching , "The Dao" or Dao De jing, was written by Lao Tzu, an ancient Chinese philosopher. The Tao literally translated is " the way". It is the source of some famous Chinese sayings such as "Even a 1,000 mile journey starts with a single step".

The Tao is often compared to water: clear, colorless, sometimes it is a wave and sometimes a little trickle, yet all beings depend on it for life, and even the hardest stone cannot stand in its way forever.

The Tao emphasizes the idea of maintaining balance, which is also a basic guiding principle in Chinese Medicine, Acupuncture and my Chicago practice.

Greyhounds Get Acupuncture at Derby Lane

Posted on 10 connects.com

By: Angela Jacobs

St. Petersburg, FL- As soon as greyhound owner Catherine D'arcy laid eyes on Orla, a red brindle puppy, she had to buy her.

"Her pet name is Orla, which is Irish for gold," says Catherine.

As she watched the dog become a racer for her father's kennel, she became very attached to the beautiful three year old. You can imagine her concern when a muscle problem began to slow the greyhound who raced as Greys Touch Gold.

Catherine D'arcy: "And because she was mine, I thought I would do anything to make her feel better." Enter Dr. Diane Giordan with some inch-long needles.

"We're gonna treat her for some muscle strain and sprain." says Dr. Giordan who treats patients at Millennium Medical in St. Petersburg. "We insert them into certain points in the body to help the energy flow, or the chi, flow freer.

"The freer the chi, the healthier the dog says Giordan, who treats humans and dogs and is a greyhound owner herself. She believes the combination of acupuncture, massage, and herbs helps injuries heal quicker. It's a weekly 15 minute process Orla seems to savor. "If anything system off a little bit, we can get them running," says Dr. Giordan. "And everything flowing, get the energy flowing, so that they have much better results with what they do- which is run.

After a year of Dr. Giordan's therapy this patient recovered to win nine races including the 2008 St. Pete Derby. "I think it's been amazing," says Catherine. What Diane has done is remarkable. You can see the improvement. Even in her coat, like her coat's gotten better. "

Kennel Owner Mick D'arcy says he likes seeing how acupuncture makes the dogs happy. "To me, (that) is the main thing. You know when Diane comes into the kennel, there's no such thing as a dog not coming out of the crate. He comes bouncin' out to her, so we know it's not hurting them.""Acupuncture is five thousand years old and it's gotta be around for some reason. I mean, it's actually working," says Dr. Giordan. "It works on people, it works on dogs, and anything I can do to help the dogs, I certainly will. And I think that alternative medicine is a very good answer to many of their injuries and illnesses."

Approaching her fourth birthday, Greys Touch Gold was retired in October. She finished her career with 27 top four finishes.

Click here for more on Dr. Giordan and Millennium Medical.
For more on Derby Lane racing, click here.

'Alternative' Medicine is Mainstream

From the Wall Street Journal 1/9/09

By DEEPAK CHOPRA , DEAN ORNISH , RUSTUM ROY and ANDREW WEIL

'Alternative' Medicine Is Mainstream
The evidence is mounting that diet and lifestyle are the best cures for our worst afflictions

In mid-February, the Institute of Medicine of the National Academy of Sciences and the Bravewell Collaborative are convening a "Summit on Integrative Medicine and the Health of the Public." This is a watershed in the evolution of integrative medicine, a holistic approach to health care that uses the best of conventional and alternative therapies such as meditation, yoga, acupuncture and herbal remedies. Many of these therapies are now scientifically documented to be not only medically effective but also cost effective.

President-elect Barack Obama and former Sen. Tom Daschle (the nominee for Secretary of Health and Human Services) understand that if we want to make affordable health care available to the 45 million Americans who do not have health insurance, then we need to address the fundamental causes of health and illness, and provide incentives for healthy ways of living rather than reimbursing only drugs and surgery.

Heart disease, diabetes, prostate cancer, breast cancer and obesity account for 75% of health-care costs, and yet these are largely preventable and even reversible by changing diet and lifestyle. As Mr. Obama states in his health plan, unveiled during his campaign: "This nation is facing a true epidemic of chronic disease. An increasing number of Americans are suffering and dying needlessly from diseases such as obesity, diabetes, heart disease, asthma and HIV/AIDS, all of which can be delayed in onset if not prevented entirely."

The latest scientific studies show that our bodies have a remarkable capacity to begin healing, and much more quickly than we had once realized, if we address the lifestyle factors that often cause these chronic diseases. These studies show that integrative medicine can make a powerful difference in our health and well-being, how quickly these changes may occur, and how dynamic these mechanisms can be.

Many people tend to think of breakthroughs in medicine as a new drug, laser or high-tech surgical procedure. They often have a hard time believing that the simple choices that we make in our lifestyle -- what we eat, how we respond to stress, whether or not we smoke cigarettes, how much exercise we get, and the quality of our relationships and social support -- can be as powerful as drugs and surgery. But they often are. And in many instances, they're even more powerful.

Our "health-care system" is primarily a disease-care system. Last year, $2.1 trillion was spent in the U.S. on medical care, or 16.5% of the gross national product. Of these trillions, 95 cents of every dollar was spent to treat disease after it had already occurred. At least 75% of these costs were spent on treating chronic diseases, such as heart disease and diabetes, that are preventable or even reversible.

To read the entire article click here

You only live once...

“You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough.”

Mae West

Acupuncture Beneficial For Shoulder Pain

This article is from Round Town News a UK publication for Costa Blancas and the Canary Islands

Written by Robert Vandevelde, Former President Australian Acupuncture and Chinese medicine Association (AACMA)
Friday, 09 January 2009

'Acupuncture Beneficial For Shoulder Pain'

The shoulder is a very complex set of joints involving bones, muscles, ligaments and tendons, allowing for the largest range of motion in the body. This range of motion allows us to lift, throw, push, pull, reach and twist and to raise or lower our arms. This flexibility has a price, however, in a lack of stability that leads to a propensity for shoulder pain and injury.

Shoulder pain is highly prevalent within the general population, second only to lower back pain. The bones of the shoulder are held in place by muscles, tendons and ligaments. The tendons are tough cords of tissue that attach the shoulder muscles to the bone and assist the muscles in movement of the shoulder. Ligaments attach shoulder bones to each other, providing stability to the shoulder. Most shoulder pain involves the soft tissues, muscles, tendons and ligaments rather than the bones. Most shoulder problems fall in one of the following categories.

• Tendonitis• Bursitis• Injury• Arthritis

Occasionally, shoulder pain may involve nerve related problems, infections, or tumours.

TENDONITIS: there are several types of tendonitis in the shoulder.

• Acute tendonitis is a result of repetitive movements and overuse, such as butterfly stroke, ball throwing in cricket or other work related activities.

• Chronis tendonitis is more as a result of natural wear and tear, or the result of a degenerative disorder.

• Tearing of tendons can result from an acute injury or degenerative changes due to overuse or aging. The tendons actually develop a tear in the fibres.

BURSITIS: A bursa is a small fluid filled sac located around joints. It cushions the movement between the bones, tendons and muscles near the joints. Bursitis is an inflammation of the bursa, usually due to repetitive movement. It is probably one of the most painful shoulder problems, limiting any movement so the shoulder becomes very stiff.

INJURY: sometimes, bones in the shoulder are forced out of their normal position (dislocation) Recurring dislocations can cause pain and unsteadiness when the arm is raised or moved away from the body, they also loosen the tissue around the joint, making future dislocations more likely.

ARTHRITIS: this is a combination of wear and tear in the joint combined with inflammation, causing swelling, pain and stiffness. In Chinese medicine, we have the 14 major channels or meridians that carry Qi (energy) and Xue (blood) around the body. When energy and blood circulation gets blocked, it results commonly in different sorts of pain and even inflammation. If not treated in the early stage, the reduced flow of energy and blood will also result in insufficient nutrients to the shoulder, causing muscle atrophy. There are a number of meridians going through the shoulder and so different symptoms will involve different meridians. Small fine needles are placed in specific points locally and sometimes down the arm or leg. The needles may be connected to an electro stimulator. Other Chinese medicine modalities like Moxa and/or cupping may be used as well as tuina massage.

FROZEN SHOULDER: Although some of the above conditions are sometimes referred to as frozen shoulder, probably because of the restriction in movement, they are not. The medical term for frozen shoulder is Adhesive capsulitis. It is probably the result of an inflammatory process that causes the capsule surrounding the shoulder joint to thicken and contract. Patients will experience immense pain at the early stage. A decrease in pain, whilst more comfortable for the patient, may actually indicate further damage and indicates the patient going into the late stage of frozen shoulder development. Scar tissue and collagen are formed and wrap around the shoulder capsule. This gives rise to restricted movement and the shoulder becomes stiffer and stiffer. In Chinese Medicine, the name for frozen shoulder is ‘50 year shoulder’ and has three distinctive syndromes:

1. The early stage: Painful stage. Pain that may change with the weather. Treatment: Warm the channel to expel cold and remove blockage to remove pain.

2. Middle stage: Frozen stage. This is the chronic stage where the pain is constant and there will be severe limitation of movement. Treatment: Activate the channels involved, remove blood stasis and muscle stiffness and relieve pain.

3. Late stage: The main complaint is a vague shoulder pain. There could be muscle atrophy and still limitation of movement.

Treatment: Relieve muscle stiffness and tonify Liver and Kidneys. (Liver controls muscles and tendons and Kidney controls bones in TCM).

A recent trial in Sweden showed Acupuncture to be more efficient than traditional treatments such as Physio and Ultrasound. 85 adults, aged between 30 and 65, who were identified as having some form of shoulder impingement syndrome for at least 2 months were qualified for the study. Randomly they were allocated to receive Acupuncture or Physio.

The Acupuncture group received 10 treatment sessions over a 5 week period. The Physio group received ultrasound therapy twice a week over the same 5 weeks. Additionally, a home exercise program was regularly performed and logged by both groups.

Testing of the patients at the end of the 5-week period demonstrated more rapid improvement in the Acupuncture group. And, while members of both groups continued to improve in tests conducted in the year to follow, the Acupuncture group continuously showed greater improvement.

If you are suffering shoulder pain, please contact the clinic and we will endeavour to help you recover. Relief is possible, so don’t delay!

A Chicago Acupuncturist’s Open Letter to President Obama

As a fellow resident of Chicago, I join many others and support your message of change. You have been making important appointments to your cabinet. Well, in the spirit of change, I would like to humbly propose an official new White House Appointment, First Family’s Acupuncturist.

Why do you need an acupuncturist in the White House?

1. We know that you are famous for being calm and collected. But let's face it, you are headed into unprecedented global challenges. You can expect some tension and acupuncture is wonderful for stress relief.

2. With your regular basketball games, you must occasionally suffer a few aches, pains and muscle strains. Bring Arne Duncan along for needles. Acupuncture is well known for pain relief.

3. We have all heard through Michelle that you still struggle with a smoking habit. Acupuncture is effective in reducing cravings and can curb withdrawal symptoms.

4. Moving to a new place, going to a new school, and meeting the Lincoln ghost, Sasha and Malia will be exposed to the flu, common colds and the spirit world. Chinese Medicine can be great for preventing and easing the symptoms of colds and flus. You may want to check out my previous post on the immune boosting benefits of astragalus.

You have promised a different approach to healthcare. Traditional Chinese Medicine can be an important part of that plan. My needles will point you in the right direction.

I await your call to become the First Family’s Acupuncturist.

Jennifer Dubowsky L.A.c.

What Foods are Best for Reducing Depression?

This article is taken from the website The Worlds Healthiest Foods, this is a great site for information about healthy eating choices and much more.

While food and depression can be linked, it's difficult to make food recommendations in the case of depression and affective disorders because there are so many different underlying patterns that can be involved with these diagnoses. Some statistics show that very close to 10% of the U.S. adult population may have regular symptoms of depression-meaning that 29 million people are affected. It would be normal to find many different underlying physical causes in a problem this widespread.

Most of the broad-spectrum dietary aspects of depression remain controversial. For example, there is some evidence of blood sugar and insulin imbalance in studies on depression, and some research on the benefits of a diet low in processed foods and low in refined sugar. In this same context, a series of five to six small, relatively frequent "mini-meals" may work better than a three-large-meal approach to food.

There is one area of our metabolism, called methyl metabolism, which may be deficient and contribute to depression from a biochemical standpoint. Since B vitamins such as folate, B6, B12, and choline are heavily involved in methyl metabolism, it can sometimes be helpful to increase intake of foods that are rich in these B-complex vitamins.

Even though many of the recent clinical studies involving B vitamins and depression focus on dietary supplements rather than food, we are confident that food changes can be helpful in this context because, when combined, many of the World's Healthiest Foods can provide doses of these vitamins in amounts similar to the amounts used in research studies.

Adequate protein is important in healing from depression since the amino acids in protein are needed to make the nervous system messaging molecules that are involved with this aspect of mental health. It can also be helpful to spread out protein intake over the course of the day and to include 5-10 grams (if possible) whenever you eat a meal or snack.

Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids would also be important to include in a list of foods potentially helpful with depression. Several recent research studies have shown positive results in this regard. Once again, these studies have usually focused on dietary supplements rather than food, but we believe that similar results can be possible when using whole foods, especially foods like salmon that can provide several grams of omega-3 fatty acids per serving.

Remember that all of the non-food issues-like exercise, fresh air, cares and worries, and others-can play as great or greater a role in depression than your meal plan. While we definitely encourage you to experiment with your diet and see what might be helpful, we also encourage you to explore and get support in these other areas, including discussing this with your health care practitioner.

For information on how Chinese Medicine can help depression check out my previous post Acupuncture and Depression: An Old Answer for an Old Problem

For more information on this topic, see:

Folate
Vitamin B6
Vitamin B12

References:
Bourre JM. Dietary Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Psychiatry: Mood, Behaviour, Stress, Depression, Dementia and Aging. J Nutr Health Aging. 2005;9(1):31-8.
Jacka EN, Pasco JA, Henry MJ, et al. Dietary Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Depression in a Community Sample. Nutr Neurosci. 2004;7(2):101-6.
Miyake Y, Sasaki S, Tanaka K, et al. Dietary Folate and Vitamins B(12), B(6), and B(2) Intake and the Risk of Postpartum Depression in Japan: The Osaka Maternal and Child Health Study. 2006 Nov;96(1-2):133-8.
Silvers KM, Woolley CC, Hedderley D. Dietary Supplement Use in People Being Treated for Depression. Asia Pac J Clin Nutr. 2006;15(1):30-4.
Takenaka M, Kanada S, Hamazaki T, et al. Dietary Supplementation With N-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids Attenuates the Depression of Food-Motivated Behavior During Zymosan-Induced Peritonitis. Biol Pharm Bull. 2005;28(7):1291-3.
Tolmunen T, Hintikka J, Ruusunen A, et al. Dietary Folate and the Risk of Depression in Finnish Middle-Aged Men. A Prospective Follow-Up Study. Psychother Psychosom. 2004;73(6):334-9.

What is Electro-Acupuncture ?

Electro-acupuncture is similar to traditional acupuncture except that, after the needles are inserted, they are attached to a device that generates continuous electric pulses. It is often used to treat pain and relax muscular tension as well as to provide extra stimulation to specific points. The sensation is comfortable and most patients find it
relaxing.

Why Acupuncture? From the Mayo Clinic

This article is from SunSentinel.com

By Ronald Reimer M.D., Neurosurgery, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville
December 31, 2008

Dear Mayo Clinic: What do you think of acupuncture as a treatment for various ailments? How does it work?

Acupuncture, which has been used and studied throughout the world for more than 4,000 years, can be utilized to rebalance the flow of energy (Qi) in the body and effectively treat many conditions. At Mayo Clinic, acupuncture has been used successfully for pain management, postoperative nausea, anxiety relief, drug addiction, insomnia and headaches, to name a few.

Acupuncture is administered by inserting up to a dozen or more tiny needles into very precise locations (points) determined by symptoms. The needle insertion points are based on a series of points along meridians or channels that interconnect throughout the body, each with a different function. There are 12 principal meridians within the body, containing almost 400 acupuncture points.

Patients rarely have any discomfort with needle insertion. Needles remain in place for 15 to 45 minutes. During a treatment, the acupuncturist may gently stimulate the needles manually, apply heat with a ceramic lamp at a safe distance, or attach low-frequency electrical stimulation. The goal is to improve energy flow in the body, thus relieving pain and other symptoms, allowing people to improve their quality of life.

For some conditions, one treatment provides rapid relief. Other situations, such as chronic pain management, may require a series of treatments. In some cases, symptom relief is not always immediate and may require a period of two to three days for the positive effects to be noted. This is in part related to delayed secretion of endorphins. While some patients and providers remain skeptical of its therapeutic value, acupuncture is becoming more mainstream in Western medicine as a stand-alone treatment or as one element of a comprehensive treatment plan.

As a practicing neurosurgeon, I can cite several examples of acupuncture's beneficial effects. These stories from our patients illustrate the scope of acupuncture's benefits.

Post-surgery nausea

Nausea and vomiting after surgery can be a serious side effect of anesthesia for some patients. It can slow recovery and require some patients to remain in the hospital for weeks on IV fluids. Potential complications of extended bed rest include increased risk of pneumonia and blood clots. One acupuncture treatment can abate the nausea.

A colleague of mine needed neck surgery and had a history of postoperative nausea that resulted in prolonged hospital stays. We performed acupuncture within an hour of surgery. At that point, she was already developing nausea. Following one treatment, she didn't need anti-nausea medication, slept well and sailed through her recovery. She and her husband considered the benefit dramatic. We also have seen dramatic results in liver and heart transplant patients with relief of nausea and quicker recovery.

Tennis and golf elbow (epicondylitis)

Another patient, an avid tennis player, thought he was permanently sidelined because of elbow pain. Aggressive physical therapy and steroid injections hadn't helped. With one acupuncture session, his pain was eliminated, and several days later he played in a doubles match — and won. Studies have shown that, for this type of pain, acupuncture can be more effective than steroid injections or physical therapy alone.

Cancer recovery

Another patient had difficulty bouncing back after surgery — an esophagus resection to treat cancer. Like many patients, he had problems eating, lost weight and wasn't able to work or exercise. After he'd lost almost 50 pounds and nothing else helped, he tried a series of acupuncture treatments. He says the acupuncture gave him his life back. He has returned to work and more normal activities, has gained needed weight and works out regularly with a trainer.

Growing acceptance

Granted, these are anecdotes. Not everyone will experience similar results, nor might everyone even be a candidate for acupuncture. Acupuncture has an excellent safety profile, with negligible risk of infection or bleeding. It can safely be performed on patients who are on blood thinners, unlike many other pain management modalities. Patients should seek treatment by physicians who've received extensive training in the art and science of acupuncture.

*Please Note

The majority of acupuncturists are not M.D.'s but are highly qualified to perform acupuncture. Most Acupuncturists have obtained a A Master's degree in Chinese Medicine from an accredited four year program and passed a National exam.

Overall, an ever-growing body of research confirms the benefits of acupuncture. One treatment can cost from $100 to $200, and most insurance companies do not cover acupuncture.Coverage is slowly becoming more common, as insurers see that acupuncture can help reduce health-care costs when fewer pain medications are needed and patients can be discharged more quickly from the hospital.

Send questions to medicaledge@mayo.edu or Medical Edge from Mayo Clinic, c/o TMS, 2225 Kenmore Ave., Suite 114, Buffalo, NY 14207. For more information, go to mayoclinic.org.

Chinese Medicine; Winter Diet Suggestions

The cold damp winter season has arrived in Chicago and across most of the country. Chinese Medicine believes that cold invades our body, exposing us to chills, colds, and headaches. To drive out the cold and phlegm and keep you at your best this season. Try acupuncture, Chinese herbs, and include the following foods in your diet.

SWEET POTATO

TURNIP

ONION

SHRIMP
NUTMEG

CHICKEN

SQUASH - click here for recipes with Squash

MUTTON

CAPERS

GINGER - click here Why This Chicago Acupuncturist Loves Ginger

GARLIC

COCONUT MILK

Eat warm hearty soups, especially those made from vegetables. Rich stocks made from animal bones are also nourishing in this season. Eat whole grains, roasted nuts, squashes, root vegetables, winter greens, apples, pears, and citrus fruits. Also include foods that are harvested in the fall and dried for the winter, such as beans and grains. Eat fewer eggs in the winter and minimize raw and cold temperature foods. Bodies crave warmth so nourish yourself with slow cooked, warm foods.

A Chinese Herbal Solution for Staying Healthy

Jade Windscreen is a one thousand year old Chinese herbal formula. This is a popular and classic formula that has a great reputation for boosting the immune system.

It is made up of just three herbs: Huang Qi/Astragalus (to read more about Astragalus click here), Bai Zhu/Atractylodis Macrocephalae , and Fang Feng/Radix Ledebouriellae. These three powerful herbs combine together to boost the immune system, strengthen the digestive system (so that we can be sure to gain the nutrients from our food), and fortify the body so that we can fight off wind-borne viruses and bacteria. Jade Windscreen is great for people who are prone to colds,flu's,ear infections and allergies. It is also a great preventative formula if you're flying or have been around a lot of sick people. Many Chinese herbal formulas need to be purchased from licensed health professionals but this one can often be found at Whole Foods or other health food stores.

Sciatica Treatment with Acupuncture

By: Joseph Alban, L.Ac.

The sciatic nerve can literally be a huge pain in the butt. It is the largest nerve in the body, which consists of a large bundle of smaller nerves that begin in the lumbar spine, travel down the buttocks, and move through the leg. Technically, sciatica is not a disease, but a group of symptoms that affect the region of the sciatic nerve. Radiating pain is one of the more common and intense symptoms associated with sciatica. There can also be numbness and tingling starting in the lower back radiating down the leg.

What Causes Sciatica?

Sciatica occurs when something pushes on the sciatic nerve. This can be a muscle spasm, the spinal discs, and sometimes even the spine itself. Most often this pain is due to muscle spasms or a slipped disc, but it can also be a sign of serious illness and it is important to go to you doctor for a diagnosis.

Spinal Disc herniation, often referred to as a slipped disc, is when a small portion of the spinal disc bulges out of the spinal column. This disc then pushes on the sciatic nerve causing pain. In some severe cases, spinal stenosis, or a narrowing of the spinal canal, can push on the nerve and cause pain. Another serious cause of sciatica is spinal tumors, which require immediate medical attention.

Muscle spasms are also a common cause of sciatica. Most often it is the piriformis muscle, but it can be other muscles in the lower back and pelvic region.

What is Piriformis Syndrome?

The sciatic nerve runs under or, in some people, through the piriformis muscle. This muscle is located in the pelvis. It is connected to the bottom of the spine and the top of the femur, or thighbones. If the piriformis muscle starts to spasm or becomes tight, it can put pressure on the sciatic nerve and cause the pain as well as the radiating symptoms. This persistent spasm of the piriformis muscle is called piriformis syndrome. It can be caused by an injury or sedentary lifestyles in people who don’t stretch or exercise. Particularly if you sit all day at a desk or computer, this can be a problem.

How Does Chinese Medicine View Sciatica?

Chinese medicine states that the body is interconnected; no one part can be separated from another. The diagnosis and treatment is based upon identifying specific imbalances in the muscles and the body as a whole. Correcting the imbalance does not just treat the symptoms or mask the condition, but rather corrects the root of the problem by encouraging self-healing of the body. The most common imbalance in acute sciatica is qi and blood stagnation in the back channels. But it is also important to treat the underlying imbalance, which may be causing the qi and blood to stagnate.

Qi and blood stagnation in the channels often affects the soft tissue of the lumbar, hips, and pelvis. This is what causes the muscle spasm and tension that triggers the intense shooting pain of acute sciatica.

Some common underlying imbalances are kidney qi vacuity, spleen qi vacuity with dampness, and liver qi stagnation. By treating the underlying imbalance, you can prevent the sciatica from returning.

Kidney Qi Vacuity: if your back feels very weak and it does not get better with a lot of rest, the underlying imbalance may be kidney qi vacuity. Other symptoms include weakness of the knees, extreme fatigue, ringing in the ears, dizziness, and a weak pulse.

Spleen Qi Vacuity with Dampness: For those with spleen qi vacuity with dampness, you will also have fatigue and weakness, but the back feels better with rest. Your body may feel very heavy and you may have poor digestion.

Liver Qi Stagnation: Liver qi stagnation causes your muscles to be very tight and in spasm when you become angry or frustrated. Also, you may suffer from frequent headaches and, in women, painful menses.

How Does Chinese Medicine Treat Sciatica?

It is best to approach sciatica using combination style treatment. An effective therapy many include acupuncture, Tui Na (Chinese medical massage,) cupping, electric stimulation, and stretching. The back, hip, and pelvis are very interconnected and the treatment should incorporate all of them. Overall, the treatment should relax and stretch the tendons and fascia while strengthening the muscles. This will help release the spastic muscles and strengthen them, allowing the back to naturally heal. It can even encourage an out of place disc to go back into place, depending on severity.

Acupuncture will help to reprogram the muscles to stay relaxed. In effect, this is working to help the body heal itself. Chinese massage, or tui na, works to foster the acupuncture by releasing any extra tension in the fascia and connective tissue around the muscles. The technique called rolling is very important to deeply relax the muscles and improve circulation at the same time. After the pain is gone, it is important for you to keep up you own back. Stretching is essential. Stretching will help keep the muscles healthy and relaxed. And it is the best way for you to maintain your own back. Also, doing tai chi, the Chinese exercise and meditation, is very effective to strengthen the lower back and relax it.

To read more on acupuncture and back pain click here

Joseph Alban, L.Ac.
http://www.albanacupuncture.com/

This article is from http://www.acufinder.com/

A Leading Practitioner's Search Led Him to This Ancient Chinese Remedy - With Amazing Results.

How I discovered the finer points of acupuncture
By Anton Michael Rocke

November 1st, 2008

With growing clinical evidence of its effectiveness in treating everything from post-operative pain and nausea to backache, acupuncture has gained acceptance in mainstream medicine.

But to those who have never tried it, the treatment, in which the skin is pricked with needles at key points of the body, may still seem strange and mysterious. According to acupuncture theory, points lie along meridians of the body - or channels - through which chi, a vital energy, is said to flow.

Say chi: Acupuncture is said to channel an energy force through vital points in the body. Although there is no physical basis for this concept in Western medical terms, over thousands of years (and patients) Chinese doctors have discovered certain effects when a needle is inserted into these points.

And the British Medical Association, it seems, agrees. In 2000 it approved acupuncture for conditions that included back and dental pain - and it is routinely offered on the NHS.

I first visited a Chinese doctor ten years ago. I was 25, a yoga teacher, and despite countless tests, dermatologists could find no cause for the eczema I had suffered for eight years on my face, back, chest and legs.

Anton Michael Rocke was so amazed by acupuncture that he took up the study of Chinese medicine. I hoped acupuncture would provide what I was looking for. But needles scared me and I hated blood tests. After my first session I could barely believe it. I'd hardly felt a thing. I walked out with seven bags of 'herbs', which I was to brew up like tea and drink twice a day. The acupuncture cost £35 and the herbs, to last a week, were a further £30.

After six weeks my eczema began to clear up. I visited a doctor for acupuncture once a month for two years and the treatment ended when I decided my condition was under control.

It was this incredible experience that led me to train as a practitioner of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) at the University of Westminster in London. I worked as an acupuncturist at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, treating HIV and AIDS patients, before moving into private practice.

Life at the sharp end

Q: What does 'acupuncture' mean?

A: It comes from the Latin acus, meaning 'needle', and pungere, to 'prick'. The technique is more than 2,000 years old, although there is evidence of similar practices from the early Bronze Age, around 3,000 BC.

Q: How does it work?

A: Some studies suggest that the pain-killing action is associated with the release of natural endorphins, and others that inserting needles into certain points 'switches off' electrical nerve pathways that make the brain recognise pain. Despite more than 10,000 published papers there is no conclusive answer.

Q: What does acupuncture treat?

A: It can be effective in the treatment of chronic lower back pain, neck pain, post-operative nausea and vomiting, headaches, and other nerve pain relief. Combining acupuncture with conventional infertility treatments such as IVF greatly improves the success rates. In China, it is used to treat skin conditions, digestive or sleeping problems, depression and stress.

Q: Does it hurt?

A: No. The needles are much finer than those used to draw blood. A dull ache or heaviness around the needle is a normal sensation to expect. It should never feel sharp.

Q: What are the needles made of?

A: Traditional needles were made of bone, stone, or metal. Modern disposable ones are made of stainless steel with a smooth rounded end.

The rest of this interview can be found at The Daily Mail online a UK publication

Why Meditate ???

In my Chicago practice,I often tell my patients to find ways to limit the stress in their lives. Meditation is a great way to do that. Why? That is the question David answers below.


By David Tucker L.Ac LMP
http://thezenofhealing.com/blog/

This is a wonderful question. One in which that has just as equally wonderful answers. I was inspired to write about this from a story I just heard about an acquaintance of mine who was on the train from Portland while someone was having a heart attack. While most people were stunned, scared, and uncertain… Ryan was calm and collected, and proceeded to administer CPR until the next stop on the train. What does this have to do with meditation? To be honest, I don’t even know if he meditates or not, but there was very obviously a presence of mind that then translated into ‘right action’. To me, this is the greatest goal or benefit to having a regular meditation practice.

Sure, there is a lot of research now correlating meditation with relieving stress, high blood pressure, anxiety, etc. But when a great zen teacher was asked, “Through all your wisdom, knowledge, and experience of being a great zen master, what is the essential teaching you have learned?”. His reply was simply, “An appropriate response.”

What does this mean? It means, that in every moment of every day, you perceive and respond with the utmost of clarity. What is ACTUALLY happening right here, right now? A perception and response that is free from old patterns and behaviors or projections onto the future. A perception and response which is free from duality, attachments, expectations, and suffering.

The practice of meditation at its most superficial level is the practice of doing Nothing. Nothing, but observing, which in our Western culture is very rare and sometimes even looked at negatively. Observing your breath, thoughts, feelings, emotions, sensations, and what is just in front of you in the moment. In Zen, we meditate with our eyes open. We do this, so not to block off any part of our sensorial experience. It also helps to minimize day-dreaming and/or falling asleep! Some have the misconception that we are trying to suppress all thoughts, feelings, and emotions… a sort of apathy. But this couldn’t be further from the truth, these things are all part of being human after all. What we are trying to create is a still mind. What is the difference?

Think back to when someone said they were going to call you back and they never did or at least not when they said they would. What the vast majority of us do is think to ourselves something like, “Hmmm… I haven’t heard back from so and so, I wonder why?” and this one thought turns into an entire melodrama into how and why they completely blew us off! The next day you find out your friend simply fell asleep watching TV. These storylines of our mind come from the patterns of our hurt, our traumas, our social and familial programming, etc. Having a still mind results in simply observing your sadness, anger, frustration, fear, worry, etc. around your friend not calling you back but then not feeding it with a storyline that has no roots in reality.

When we are simply sitting on a cushion and observing the world around us, there is a conditioning of the mind that is going on. You condition your body at the gym, in sports, martial arts, or yoga… this is a direct conditioning of the mind, our greatest and (sometimes) most troublesome muscle!