Acupuncture Can Help Pets

This article is from Oregonlive.com
by Jacques Von Lunen
May 05, 2009

The two people in the small treatment room practically squeal with delight when Scooter tries to jump up on a little bench. What's so special about a bouncy dachshund-mix trying to get up on the furniture?

Not that long ago, Scooter couldn't walk. Half of her body was numb, paralyzed, limp. Now she's strong enough to push herself into the lap of the acupuncturist who changed her life.

While alternative treatments have entered the mainstream in human medical practices, many still consider them an eccentric luxury for pets, one reserved for the pampered. But acupuncture, massage and chiropractic treatments can be effective cures for common pet ailments -- sometimes with dramatic results.

to read the full article click here

Drug Court Requires Acupuncture Treatment For Addicts

Albuquerque, New Mexico has had a Drug Court since 1997 and acupuncture is a part of the treatment for some offenders who have between two and five alcohol- or drug-related convictions. The goal is to help offenders overcome their addictions. Acupuncture eases the symptoms of withdrawal, helps them relax, and stick to the drug program.

There was a recent report in the Albuquerque Journal that for the people who opt into Metropolitan Court's Drug and DWI court, one of the requirements is 16 hours of acupuncture treatment. The article quotes Daniel Blackwood, executive director of The Evolution Group Inc., a counseling center as saying, "It opens them up and gives them a clearer mind."

The symptoms of withdrawal can include insomnia, difficulty concentrating, extreme emotional reactions and physical coordination difficulties, all of which can interfere with their counseling. Acupuncture helps these symptoms and more.

Acupuncture is used in hundreds of drug courts around the country, although it is reported that most offenders are initially reluctant to undergo acupuncture treatment. They have the sessions when withdrawal symptoms are most acute. After the needles are placed, offenders sit together in the room and relax for an hour before the needles are removed. Offenders often request acupuncture for additional problems and come back for more treatments at nominal cost.

Martin Luther King Jr. On Taking The 1st Step

“You don’t have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step.”

Martin Luther King, Jr.

What Are The Best Foods For An Anti-Inflammatory Diet?

In my Chicago acupuncture practice I often recommend that my patients include anti-inflammatory foods in their diet. Anti-inflammatory foods help reduce stress,pain and of course inflammation in the body.

This post is from The World's Healthiest Foods a great resource for information about healthy food choices.

Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids are considered anti-inflammatory. That is because this class of nutrients serves as precursors for compounds in the body (such as certain prostaglandins and leukotrienes) that have anti-inflammatory activity.

Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids include: fish such as salmon, sardines, tuna and other cold water fish; nuts and seeds, notably flaxseeds, hemp seeds and walnuts; and other foods, including soybeans and winter squash.

Extra virgin olive oil is another food that contains healthy fats (monounsaturated fats), and one that has been found to have anti-inflammatory benefits. Some of these benefits seem to come through its unique antioxidant phytonutrients, such as oleuropein and hydroxytyrosol. It's important to note that these phytonutrients are more concentrated in extra virgin olive than other types of olive oil.

Flavonoid and carotenoid phytonutrients also have strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties and therefore deep colored fruits and vegetables would be a great inclusion in an diet geared towards controlling inflammation.

Great choices here would be berries, cherries, beets, leafy greens and other richly colored foods. Pineapple also contains a proteolytic (protein-digesting) enzyme called bromelain that has anti-inflammatory activity.

Women Turn To Acupuncture To Conceive

This Article is from The Washington Times
By ASSOCIATED PRESS
May 24, 2009

HAGERSTOWN, Md. (AP) | Kelly Morton, 37, of Hagerstown, said she and husband Jason wanted to give their daughter Meredith, 6, a sibling.

But after nearly three years of trying to get pregnant and suffering through several miscarriages, Mrs. Morton said she turned to two intrauterine insemination procedures as well as an in vitro fertilization procedure.

All three were unsuccessful, leaving Mrs. Morton physically and emotionally spent, and she and her husband still without another child.

That's when, Mrs. Morton said, she read an article about how, for some women, acupuncture could help with fertility.

She found Susan L. West of Acupuncture Associates in Hagerstown in the phone book. She said she saw that she was board certified and was listed under fertility. A friend who had acupuncture for her back recommended her.

Now Mrs. Morton and her husband are the parents of 8-week-old Sadie. The little girl's picture has been added to the bulletin board of other acupuncture babies Ms. West has hanging in her practice's waiting area.

to read the rest of the article click here

Happy Memorial Day!

Acupuncture Provides Relief For U.S. Soldiers and Veterans

This post is from BUSINESS WIRE
5/20/09

--In wake of the recent tragedy of an American serviceman gunning down fellow troops in Baghdad, a 3,000-year-old medicine has emerged as a remedy for soldiers dealing with the psychological impact of war. Free community-style acupuncture, provided by volunteer-based organization Acupuncturists Without Borders (AWB), has been the relief that many soldiers have been searching for to combat the immense stress and trauma associated with war.

Having provided relief to Hurricane Katrina victims, AWB also launched the Military Stress Recovery Project (MSRP) for active soldiers, veterans and their families throughout the country and has been implemented through local clinics nationwide. Treatments by AWB are based on the National Acupuncture Detoxification Association (NADA) ear protocol, which has proven to alleviate symptoms of stress and trauma. Treated military personnel are reporting improved mental clarity, less anxiety and a reduction in stress. The Walter Reed Medical Center is also investigating acupuncture as a viable treatment modality for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) in returning veterans and the military.

Diana Fried, Executive Director of AWB, believes, “History has shown that the long-term impact of war takes a tremendous toll. By providing free acupuncture treatments to soldiers and veterans, we can play a part in preventing history from repeating itself.” Marc Loi, an Army journalist serving in Iraq, e-mailed his sister, an acupuncturist and volunteer with AWB, and shared how, “You have no idea how important your work (weekly acupuncture clinic for military) is...because the trauma and stress levels soldiers face here are enormous.”

The National Certification Commission for Acupuncture an Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM), the certifying body for professional acupuncturists, has teamed up with AWB to promote the benefits of acupuncture treatment for mental health issues faced by soldiers and veterans. Dr. Kory Ward-Cook, CEO of NCCAOM asserts, “By bringing public awareness to this most crucial issue facing our military personnel today, we can potentially improve and even save thousands of lives with the proven efficacy of acupuncture treatment for stress, trauma, and psychological issues. The NCCAOM can also serve as a resource for those seeking a nationally certified acupuncturist in their local community by going to www.nccaom.org and utilizing the NCCAOM Certification Registry Search Engine.” Active duty military, reservists, veterans and their families can find local free acupuncture clinics by going to www.ACWB.info or calling AWB at (505) 266-3878.

"The mission of the NCCAOM is to establish, assess, and promote recognized standards of competence and safety in acupuncture and Oriental medicine for the protection and benefit of the public."

“Acupuncturists Without Borders (AWB) provides immediate disaster relief and recovery to communities that are in crisis resulting from disaster or human conflict. AWB is committed to creating alliances with local community based organizations and treating all who have been affected - survivors, first responders, emergency personnel and other care providers.”

Contacts

NCCAOM
Mina Larson, Director, Communications & Marketing
571-201-5744
mina.larson@nccaom.org

Anger, The Wood Element and Chinese Medicine

This Post is by David Tucker
From his blog The Zen of Healing

Being Clear With Anger....

According to the theory behind Classical Five Element Acupuncture, each of the five elements has a particular emotion related to it. The emotion of the Wood Element is Anger. First let me say that all five of the emotions are healthy to feel and express… despite our Western culture being particularly hard on Anger and Fear (the emotion of the Water element). Though like everything else, can manifest to an excessive degree, a deficient or repressed degree, or as we talk about in Zen… finding the Middle Way. So looking at anger for example… anger in excess may come out as sheer rage, or perhaps holding a grudge for too long or have you known someone to just seem angry ALL the time no matter what they’re doing? Unexpressed or what we may term as “lack of anger” isn’t balanced either. Perhaps you know someone who always just appears to be seething underneath, ready to blow their top at any moment. Or on a more a subtler note, we have passive aggression… which was new to me being from NY!

As I said earlier, anger can absolutely be a healthy emotion. If someone steals from you, hurts someone you love, you get wrongfully fired from your job, etc. Of course, no one would expect you to be jumping for joy. If that were the case, I’d be more concerned about how your Fire meridians were functioning, but that’s a whole other story. So when it comes to all emotion I find it helpful to keep two things in mind - how are you keeping your mind and how is the emotion expressing itself? In reality, the former will usually dictate the latter. When the mind is still and not latching onto any one thing (idea, preference, opinion), our situation can appear before us more accurately, then allowing for just the right amount of anger, fear, sadness, etc. to show up, be communicated to those involved, and then let go. Sounds nice, doesn’t it? Of course, it’s easier said than done, but this is why it is so important to be engaged in body/mind/spirit practices, because it takes “practice”.

Let’s take a peak at Nature… the tree is a wonderful and ideal representation of the Wood Element. Its nature is to be strong and forward moving, with an energy that is outward and expansive… I liken it to being “assertive”.

In bamboo, while possessing many of the great qualities of the Wood element we can also see an assertiveness turning into an anger-like energetic. If not appropriately taken care of or controlled, bamboo can run rampant, often resulting in difficulty for the surrounding plants but also frustration and anger for those growing it! The key here is flexibility - if we hold ourselves too rigid, we will break and crumble… if we are too loose and wobbly, then there is no growth and real potential for change. So a key point to finding the Middle Way within the Wood Element is in our ability to be flexible. Flexible, but engaged. Remember the Wood Element is also a time for Rebirth, Vision, Planning and Decision-Making… big changes happen during this time of year. So we must be assertive yet flexible, and continuously have our eyes on what is truly in front of us!

Wood is the element of spring to read David's post on Spring Planning and Envisioning…click here

Paula Abdul Uses Acupuncture For Pain Relief

Well it's down to the wire for the popular show American Idol. In a recent interview Paula Abdul not only talked about who she thinks will win, but also mentioned her use of acupuncture!

Check it out...

Paula Abdul On Adam Lambert's 'Idol' Chances & Getting Herself Off Medication
Access Hollywood - May 5, 2009

Paula also took time to talk to Billy Billy Bush about her recent interview on "Nightline" with Cynthia McFadden, which the "Idol" judge says was edited heavily, especially with regards to the question of whether she drinks or does drugs.

Paula said the only drugs she takes are prescription ones dealing with nerve regrowth, related to her severe spinal cord injury. Other than that, she sticks to acupuncture, which she undergoes several times a week.

To read the whole interview click here

Do You Want To Change The World?

“Let him that would move the world first move himself.”

Socrates

A Classical Greek Philosopher

Probably his most important contribution to Western thought is the method of inquiry, known as the Socratic Method. The influence of this approach is most strongly felt today in the use of the Scientific Method, in which hypothesis is the first stage.

The Yin and Yang of The Menstrual Cycle

In Chinese Medicine, a woman’s monthly menstrual cycle is another example of how yin and yang works in the human body to maintain balance. From a Chinese medicine viewpoint, the menstrual cycle has 4 phases and there is a progression from yin to yang during the cycle.

Yin represents the feminine, a cool nature and stillness. Yin properties of the body include the fluids, such as blood, cervical mucus (4-6 days before ovulation women will have a sticky,egg white type discharge), and semen. The yin part of the cycle is during the menstruation and follicular phases. The influence of yang rises as ovulation approaches. Ovulation is the transformational phase from yin to yang. The second half of the cycle, the luteal phase, is considered to be yang.

Yang is considered masculine,warmth and movement. Note that a woman’s temperature rises with ovulation and stays elevated if she becomes pregnant. This shows the yang (warming) influence on her body. Yang properties of the body also include the movement of blood, ejaculation and the motility of sperm.

LA Times Article: Acupuncture Works For Back Pain

Stick a needle in your back

From The Los Angeles Times
May 11, 2009

More than 600 adults with chronic low back pain agreed to get one of the following:

* individualized acupuncture -- using person-specific needling sites, number of needles, depth of insertion and the like;
* standardized acupuncture -- using 8 points found effective in treating low back pain;
* simulated acupuncture -- involving a toothpick and some skillful handling;
* routine care -- think medications and physical therapy.
And ... acupuncture works!

Like a charm. Those getting individualized, standard -- and, this is the thing, fake -- acupuncture treatments all were more likely to report improvements in their ability to function than were those in the standard-care group.

The study was published today in the Archives of Internal Medicine.

Here's the summary of the study, published in the Archives of Internal Medicine. And here's what the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, part of the National Institutes of Health, has to say about acupuncture in general. That center funded the study, also known as the SPINE (Stimulating Points to Investigate Needling Efficacy) trial.

To read the entire article click here

Chinese Face Reading – President Barack Obama

Chinese Physiognomy, commonly known as Face Reading, has a 3,000 year history. It has been used to help practitioners of Chinese Medicine to diagnose their patients’ imbalances. Today, many people use Face Reading to learn more about themselves and others.


First, let’s look at President Obama’s entire face. It is a very well balanced face; his features are matched and no single feature is excessively prominent or outstanding. This indicates a balanced person. Looking at Obama’s individual features, we see a large upper lip which means he is a giving person. Contrast this with former Governor Blagojevich’s lack of an upper lip. ( to read more about the former Governor’s face, click here. )

President Obama has an interesting square hairline, slightly receding, which signifies determination. His deep philtrum, the indentation above the upper lip, indicates healthy kidneys and reproductive/sexual interest. Obama’s thick eyebrows suggest that he is more of a big picture guy than a man involved with details. Finally, his large ears stick out and that feature signifies that he is a person who tells you what he thinks. Also, the top of his ears are higher than his eyebrow line which indicates his intelligence, especially in academics.

To read Chinese Face Reading: Jen Aniston vs. Angelina Jolie click here

Acupuncture Eases Dry Mouth Caused By Radiation Treatments

This article is from Reuters UK

By Will Boggs, MD

NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - When people with head or neck cancer are treated with radiation, a common side effect is dry mouth, and now researchers have shown that the problem can be relieved by acupuncture.

Excessive dryness of the mouth is technically termed xerostomia. Dr. Mark Chambers and colleagues from The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, conducted a pilot study to see if radiation-induced xerostomia resulting from radiation therapy for cancer in the head and neck region can be reversed using acupuncture.

Among 19 patients treated twice weekly for 4 weeks, scores on a standard xerostomia assessment scale improved significantly at the end of acupuncture treatment, as well as at 8 weeks after the start of treatment, the researchers report in the medical journal Head and Neck.

However, significant increases in average saliva volume or saliva output were not apparent, they note.

Nonetheless, at week 5 and week 8, there were significant improvements in total quality-of-life scores, as well as improvements in physical well-being at week 8.

"This pilot study demonstrates that acupuncture can improve the subjective symptoms of dry mouth in patients with radiation-induced xerostomia as early as two weeks after starting treatment, and the benefits can remain at least one month after treatment ends," the authors conclude.

"These results are very promising," Chambers told Reuters Health. "However, further research is needed." The team is planning formal clinical trials in China and in the US.

SOURCE: Head and Neck, April 17, of 2009.

To read the original article click here

Spring Planning and Envisioning…

This Post is by David Tucker
From his blog The Zen of Healing

Though it may not feel like it for those of us in Seattle… (or for those of us in Chicago) the tulips, daffodils, and crocuses are telling us loud and clear that Spring is here. With that, comes all of the very powerful energetics of the Wood element and the meridians that govern that energy within us, the Liver and Gallbladder.

We’ve had a few months of turning inward, cultivating a kind of energetic potential that only comes with the depth and stillness of the Water Element. But then as the seed pushes through the ground to show itself, as is our responsibility to as well. The “movement” of this time of year is forward, outward, and expansive - an explosion of rebirth and vibrancy. Its time to take whatever you have been mulling over and/or insights gained over the past several months and put them into action.

On a psycho-emotional-spiritual level the Liver meridian is our divine architect… the Planner. And the Gallbladder meridian, the foreman carrying out our cosmic blueprints. This extends far and wide - helping not only our ability to plan our day-to-day activities, but to help guide the way toward manifesting our authentic self and highest destiny.

This is the time of year to stretch our branches in an entirely new way and to greater lengths than ever before. The sensorial organ of the Wood Element is the eyes. So this is the time to nourish our vision on all levels… physiologically yes, but more importantly on the other levels of sight - hindsight, foresight, insight!

How do we go about doing this? Well, there are many, many ways… but here are some suggestions. If you’ve been journaling, dig it out… and see what things you can take from the paper and put into action. Or if you’ve been using the same journal for a while, perhaps refresh your envisioning process with a brand new one that brings with it the vibe of a more current “YOU”. Start a vision board - get a whole bunch of magazines, and cut out words, pictures, articles of things/people/activities: you currently love and are grateful for, those that inspire you, and finally those that you’d like to manifest more of in your life. I like using a cork board because you can then move them around if you want to… allow it to change, as you change. Perhaps consult with someone that has particular gifts in communicating with and/or exploring the Universe beyond our small self. There is a lot to be gleaned from those properly trained in astrology (of various traditions), shamanic medicine, and the I-Ching.

Most importantly, just get out there and start to show up in new ways. Bring a new intention, a new momentum, a new wisdom to everyday life! And truly SEE what shows up in front of your beautiful eyes…

Happy Mother's Day!

Happy Mother's Day!

With a special shout out to my mom

Love Ya!

Treating Irritability and Moodiness with Acupuncture

This article is from Acufinder.com
By: Diane Joswick, L.Ac., MSOM

Everyone suffers from irritability and moodiness from time to time, but if you find that a short temper and frustration are becoming a constant issue for you, then acupuncture may be able to help.

Often irritability and moodiness are the consequence of chronic stress in your life. Over time these emotions can progress into more serious emotional conditions such as anxiety and depression as well as other health conditions such as digestive problems, trouble sleeping and the tendency to get sick more frequently.

Liver Qi Stagnation and Emotions

Within Oriental medicine, emotional disorders can be associated with a number of different patterns of disharmony; however, anger, irritability, and frustration are all signs that our qi (life force) is not flowing smoothly. The liver is responsible for the smooth flow of qi throughout the body and for smoothing our emotions. When the liver’s function of moving qi is disrupted, qi can become stuck. This is referred to as liver qi stagnation.

Liver qi stagnation is one of the most common patterns of disharmony seen in today’s patients. In addition to irritability and moodiness, signs and symptoms may include: distending pain in the area below the ribs, stuffiness of the chest, sighing, abdominal distention, nausea, sour regurgitation, belching, diarrhea or constipation, feeling of a lump in the throat, irregular periods, painful periods and distention of the breasts prior to periods. Liver qi stagnation is commonly associated with PMS.

Acupuncture is excellent at relieving liver qi stagnation. Treatment for irritability and moodiness associated with liver qi stagnation focuses on moving qi and supporting the liver and spleen organ systems with acupuncture, lifestyle and dietary recommendations and perhaps an herbal formula.

Move Your Qi!

The liver is responsible for the smooth flowing of Qi (life force) throughout the body. When the liver functions smoothly, physical and emotional activity throughout the body also runs smoothly. So, for optimum health, move your Qi!

Stretch - The liver controls the tendons. According to Oriental medicine, the liver stores blood during periods of rest and then releases it to the tendons in times of activity, maintaining tendon health and flexibility. Incorporate a morning stretch into your routine. Try yoga or tai qi.

Eye Exercises - The liver opens into the eyes. Although all the organs have some connection to the health of the eyes, the liver is connected to proper eye function. Remember to take breaks when looking at a computer monitor for extended periods of time and do eye exercises.

Eat Green - Green is the color of the liver. Eating young plants - fresh, leafy greens, sprouts, and immature cereal grasses - can improve the liver’s overall functions and aid in the movement of qi.

Try Something Sour - Foods and drinks with sour tastes are thought to stimulate the liver's qi. Put lemon slices in your drinking water, use vinegar and olive oil for your salad dressing and garnish your sandwich with a slice of dill pickle.

Do More Outdoor Activities - Outside air helps liver qi flow. If you have been feeling irritable, find an outdoor activity to smooth out that liver qi stagnation. Try hiking or take up golf.

Enjoy Milk Thistle Tea - Milk thistle helps protect liver cells from incoming toxins and encourages the liver to cleanse itself of damaging substances, such as alcohol, medications, pesticides, environmental toxins, and even heavy metals such as mercury.

Get Acupuncture Treatments - Acupuncture and Oriental medicine can help improve the overall health of your liver as well as treat stress, anger and frustration, which are often associated with liver qi disharmony.

Signs and Symptoms of Liver Qi Stagnation

Periodic acupuncture treatments can serve to tonify the inner organ systems and can correct minor annoyances before they become serious problems.

Here are some of the symptoms commonly associated with liver qi stagnation:

• Pain or discomfort anywhere along the sides of the body
• Depression
• Mood swings
• Sighing
• Hiccups
• Frustration
• Inappropriate anger
• Sensation of a lump in throat
• Difficulty swallowing
• Bitter taste in mouth
• Constipation or diarrhea
• Abdominal distention and discomfort
• Stomachache that improves after massage
• Stomachache that worsens with anger
• PMS with irritability or swollen breasts
• Irregular or painful periods
• Poor appetite
• Churning sensation in stomach

Constance Marie Did Acupuncture During Her Treatment For Infertility

Constance Marie, 43, best known as George Lopez's wife on "The George Lopez Show," Recently opened up about her struggle to get pregnant.

Here is an excerpt from a recent article on People.com's Celebrity Baby Blog

"Constance Marie has been open and honest about her struggle to conceive daughter Luna Marie, 3 months, and in a new interview with MomLogic she offers advice to other women experiencing infertility"

"Constance — who conceived Luna on her third IVF trial after two miscarriages and an unsuccessful attempt with Clomid — also credits a “detox” for helping her to become pregnant. “I did acupuncture throughout the process, started eating organically, cut out fish because of the mercury, did a liver-gall bladder detox cleanse, and stopped drinking out of plastic bottles and got rid of all my Tupperware,” she explains, citing BPA concerns. ”I also tried Japanese enzyme baths, where you get buried up to your neck in wood shavings and enzymes, which pull toxins out of your body when they’re heated — you feel amazing afterward!”

To read the whole article click here

A Mind Only Functions When it's Open

“Minds are like parachutes: they only function when they are open.”


James Dewar (1842 – 1923)
Scottish Chemist and Physicist

Traditional Chinese Medicine Effectively Treats Eczema

This post is from Chinese Medicine Times

New research where traditional Chinese medicine was found to safely and effectively treat patients with persistent atopic dermatitis - or eczema, as it's commonly known - could lead more physicians to prescribe complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) to treat the allergic condition.

In the study presented at the 2009 Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI), researchers at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York analyzed 14 patients with persistent atopic dermatitis who received traditional Chinese medicine at Ming Qi Natural Health Center in Manhattan between August 2006 and May 2008. The treatments consisted of Erka Shizheng Herbal Tea, a bath additive, creams and acupuncture.

The study authors utilized two measures: the SCORAD index to gauge atopic dermatitis severity and the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) to calculate impairment to life quality.

Baseline median scores for SCORAD and DLQI were 89 and 17, respectively. After a median of eight months treatment, the median scores fell to 11 for SCORAD and 1 for DLQI.

In all but one patient, SCORAD measures decreased between 60 to 90% after 3.3 months of treatment. More than 50% improvement in DLQI scores was documented in all but one patient after 2.4 months of treatment.

Patients also reported a reduction in the use of steroids, antibiotics and antihistamines within 3 months of being treated with traditional Chinese medicine. There were no abnormalities of liver and kidney function observed.

While the researchers concluded that the use of traditional Chinese medicine is safe and effective for patients with persistent atopic dermatitis, especially those with a severe case and significant life quality impairment, it is still recommended to speak with a physician before taking any complementary or alternative medicines.

The AAAAI represents allergists, asthma specialists, clinical immunologists, allied health professionals and others with a special interest in the research and treatment of allergic disease. Established in 1943, the AAAAI has more than 6,500 members in the United States, Canada and 60 other countries.

Notes

- This study was presented during the 2009 Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI) on March 13-17 in Washington, DC. However, it does not necessarily reflect the policies or the opinions of the AAAAI.

- A link to all abstracts presented at the Annual Meeting is available on the AAAAI Web site

Kind regards,

Attilio D'Alberto
Bachelor of Medicine (Beijing, China)
BSc (Hons) TCM MBAcC MATCM MBFS
Editor
Chinese Medicine Times
+44 (0) 1189 612512
attilio@chinesemedicinetimes.com
Chinese Medicine Times

Relieve Trigeminal Neuralgia with Acupuncture

This article is from NaturalNews.com
April 26, 2009
by: Adrian Baume L.Ac., citizen journalist

Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medical technique that involves the insertion of extremely fine needles on carefully chosen points throughout the body for therapeutic benefit. A recent study in the journal Medical Acupuncture demonstrated a significant beneficial effect when acupuncture treatments were administered to patients who were suffering from Trigeminal Neuralgia (TN). Trigeminal Neuralgia (TN) manifests as a severe stabbing or electric shock-like pain along the path of the trigeminal nerve. The discomfort is usually felt on only one side of the face, generally in the area of the cheek, eye, and lower portion of the face. The mechanism of pain production is not fully understood, but studies suggest that TN is often associated with demyelination of trigeminal sensory fibers.

While some patients respond to moderate doses of single-drug therapy and microvascular decompressions (MVD`s), many others suffer through prolonged unsuccessful treatment approaches. This includes large doses of medications with adverse effects, complications related to surgery, and postoperative relapse of symptoms. The side effects of the various antiepileptic medications often prescribed for TN patients include dizziness, ataxia, nausea, vomiting, hematological abnormalities, and cardiac arrhythmia. In addition, a high proportion of TN patients take pain medications including narcotics.

All 7 female participants and 4 of the 5 men in the study responded favorably to acupuncture. Five of the patients were even able to discontinue their medications following complete remission of the TN. One of these 5 participants required only 2 acupuncture treatments to reach complete remission, while the others required from 3 to 9 treatments to get this result.

Acupuncture has been recognized by the National Institutes of Health as a scientific therapeutic modality with an effective pain-relieving ability. The beauty of acupuncture treatments is that they are virtually devoid of side effects, non-invasive and extremely safe. It is postulated that the insertion of acupuncture needles causes enhanced blood flow to the affected area. With multiple acupuncture treatments, the cumulative effect may actually lead to nerve repair in the case of the demyelinated trigeminal sensory fibers mentioned in the first paragraph.

Herbal medicine can also be used together with the above acupuncture protocol to enhance the effect. An often used Chinese Herbal Formula for TN patients is known as xue fu zhu yu tang. This combination of 11 Chinese herbs includes peach kernel (Persicae Semen), safflower petals (Carthami Flos), Szechuan lovage root (Chuanxiong Rhizoma), and Chinese angelica root (Angelicae sinensis Radix) as the first 4 herbs. These herbs are considered in the Traditional Chinese Medicine theory to have a strong invigorating or circulating quality, and serve the role of alleviating pain by eliminating blockages or stagnations in the body.

The TN study mentioned above concludes that acupuncture treatment should be considered before more invasive intervention is attempted. This agrees with clinical results that many acupuncture clinics have been reporting. However, it should be noted that this particular study had a relatively small group of participants, and did not employ a randomized, double-blind format. It will be useful to seek further scientific validation of the effect of acupuncture in TN treatment.

Sources for this article:

http://www.liebertonline.com/doi/ab...

Chinese Herbal Medicine Materia Medica, 3rd edition, by Dan Bensky, et al.

Handbook of Oriental Medicine, 3rd edition, by Hyunbae Kim.

What Did Hippocrates Think About Healing?

“Natural forces within us are the true healers of disease.”


Hippocrates
(460? - 370? B.C.) Greek physician