Anti-inflammatory Mechanism of Acupuncture

Anti-inflammatory Mechanism of Acupuncture

Previous anti-inflammatory strategies against sepsis, a leading cause of death in hospitals, had limited efficacy in clinical trials, in part because they targeted single cytokines and the experimental models failed to mimic clinical settings. Neuronal networks represent physiological mechanisms, selected by evolution to control inflammation, that can be exploited for the treatment of inflammatory and infectious disorders. Here, we report that sciatic nerve activation with electroacupuncture controls systemic inflammation and rescues mice from polymicrobial peritonitis. Electroacupuncture at the sciatic nerve controls systemic inflammation by inducing vagal activation of aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase, leading to the production of dopamine in the adrenal medulla. Experimental models with adrenolectomized mice mimic clinical adrenal insufficiency, increase the susceptibility to sepsis and prevent the anti-inflammatory effects of electroacupuncture. Dopamine inhibits cytokine production via dopamine type 1 (D1) receptors. D1 receptor agonists suppress systemic inflammation and rescue mice with adrenal insufficiency from polymicrobial peritonitis. Our results suggest a new anti-inflammatory mechanism mediated by the sciatic and vagus nerves that modulates the production of catecholamines in the adrenal glands. From a pharmacological perspective, the effects of selective dopamine agonists mimic the anti-inflammatory effects of electroacupuncture and can provide therapeutic advantages to control inflammation in infectious and inflammatory disorders. 

Torres-Rosas R, Yehia G, Peña G, Mishra P, del Rocio Thompson-Bonilla M, Moreno-Eutimio MA, Arriaga-Pizano LA, Isibasi A, Ulloa L. Dopamine mediates vagal modulation of the immune system by electroacupuncture. Nat Med. 2014 Mar;20(3):291-5.

Acupuncture and Pain

Acupuncture and Pain

So many people are plagued with pain. According to a national survey, more than one-quarter of adults in the U.S. experience pain lasting more than a day. It is the number one reason Americans seek medical care. It is also one of the leading causes of disability, and billions of dollars per year are spent on associated costs to control it. It reportedly affects more Americans than the "major three" - diabetes, cancer and cardiovascular disease - combined.

Most people complain that they hurt so badly, they feel there's no choice but to take pain medications. Most don't want to. They don't like feeling groggy, irritable and drugged-up. They don't like the side effects, nor the possibility for addiction, but what else is there to do?

Acupuncture. Acupuncture has been around for thousands of years because it works. According to the National Institutes of Health, National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM), acupuncture is used for a variety of types of pain - back, joint, neck pain and headache or migraine being the most common.

But it works for many other areas of pain, as well. Sciatica, shingles, Tic Douloureux (aka Trigeminal Neuralgia), peripheral neuralgia (many types of neuralgia), knee pain, tennis elbow, sprains and strains. The list of types of pain that acupuncture has been effective in alleviating is much more extensive than just that.

Arthritis, osteo-arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are commonly treated by acupuncture. Fibromyalgia, carpal tunnel, many kinds of facial pain, and even menstrual pain and cramps, post-operative dental pain and pain following any kind of surgery commonly utilize acupuncture to control or resolve pain.

According to the 2007 National Health Interview Survey, an estimated 3.1 million Americans used acupuncture within that year. They found that seven of the 10 reasons people sought acupuncture was for pain.

Acupuncture, though commonly used for musculo-skeletal types of pain, is also used for internal types of pain. Examples involve the digestive system: Crohn's Disease, Ulcerative Colitis, IBS, and pain from heartburn or reflux. They are naturally responsive to acupuncture, as well.

People are frequently worried about trying acupuncture because they are afraid that it might be...well...painful! The most common response I get when people finally decide they've had enough, that the pain is affecting their lives too much and they finally try acupuncture, is, "Oh my gosh! If I had any idea how painless this was, I would have been here eons ago!"

Acupuncture has withstood the test of time. Its effectiveness now is no different than it was a few thousand years ago. Except a thousand years ago with the ancient needles they used - well, just be glad we only use hair-thin ones today!

Acupuncture for pain? You bet! It is one of the most effective ways to eliminate pain, whatever the source.

The source of this article is here.

Cosmetic Acupuncture

Acupuncture for Skincare

It’s being hailed as the most innovate weapon in the anti-aging war. But is cosmetic acupuncture really capable of turning back the clock?

If you ask Madonna and Gwyneth Paltrow, the answer is a resounding yes. They’re just some of the celebrities who have reportedly shunned invasive wrinkle-fighting procedures in favor of facial needles.

So how exactly does acupuncture work? Acupuncture is a form of ancient Chinese medicine in which pin-like needles are inserted into the skin at certain points on the body. It originated more than 2,000 years ago, and is used to treat everything from backache to migraines and fertility problems.

Facial acupuncture sees these needles being inserted into various acupuncture points on the face, such as wrinkles or frown lines. The stimulation brought on by the needles is meant to make blood rush to the face, causing it to become flushed. When needles are inserted at pressure points, energy and endorphins are released. This minor trauma improves blood flow and stimulates cell re-growth.

Plus, facial acupuncture actually promotes the development of new collagen fibers under already-present wrinkles, in effect filing them in - making them appear less visible. The idea is that after several sessions the eyes will begin to brighten, skill will become firmer, and lips will become plumper.

It is also supposed to remedy blemished skin. Practitioners claim acupuncture can reduce wrinkles, eliminate fine lines, lift sagging skin and improve skin color and texture. Its effects last for about three months, and it only takes about 45 minutes.

 
Source of the story is here.

New Book: Bioacupuncture

Biopuncture: The Management of Common Orthopedic and Sports Disorders by Jan Kersschot

As a new publication from Thieme, Biopuncture written by the creator of the biological injection technique,  is a practical guide to the therapeutic use of biopuncture in treating musculoskeletal disorders. It provides detailed discussions of therapeutic strategies, contraindications, and expert advice on dealing with complications.

Key Features of Biopuncture:

• Includes the following injection strategies: mesotherapy, myofascial trigger point therapy, neural therapy, and prolotherapy
• Written by a practitioner with more than 20 years of clinical experience in the effective application of biopuncture in orthopedic medicine
• Expands the interventional treatment options for physicans who care for patients suffering from musculoskeletal disorders by offering reliable therapeutic strategies

All general practitioners, orthopedists, and physicians treating patients with sports injuries will find this book to be a valuable guide to the use of biopuncture to treat musculoskeletal disorders.