Acupuncture De-Stresses You As Well As Drugs

Put Down the Chill Pills: Acupuncture De-Stresses You As Well As Drugs

Acupuncture is usually dismissed in the alternative medicine category, despite many who extol its benefits for relieving a variety of conditions. Now a new study shows that the ancient Chinese practice mimics the same changes in the body that occur from taking stress-relief drugs.

Researchers at Georgetown University Medical Center (GUMC) found that acupuncture calms stress in rats using similar mechanisms to anti-depressant and anti-anxiety drugs. The study, which stressed rats by chilling them in ice water before returning them to their cages, showed that acupuncture prevents release of 'stress' hormones. This could be a step towards vindication of acupuncture as a valid medical treatment.

"The benefits of acupuncture are well known by those who use it, but such proof is anecdotal," senior investigator and associate professor Ladan Eshkevari told GUMC News. "This research demonstrates how acupuncture might work in the human body to reduce stress and pain, and, potentially, depression."

In one experiment, a single needle was stuck in the rats' stomach meridian (point ST36, which in humans is just below the knee). This is one of the most powerful points in acupuncture, associated with chronic pain, the immune system, mood, and emotion. In the experiment, Eshkevari and her team found that this reduced activity in the hypothalamus pituitary adrenal (HPA), which in turn stopped production of stress hormones.

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Following Classics

 Following Neijing

The "Acupuncturing the Superficial Luo" chapter is used to support new ideas in the practice of acupuncture. Some modern teachers reference this chapter as the source of divergent channels theory, not the luo mai. There is one reference to "bie" in the chapter. Bie means diverts. The meaning is the same as branches. If you read this chapter, you will see many references to the luo mai (more than 20 luo references in the chapter) and only one for bie. One of the supporting arguments for this theory is the pathology listed in chapter 63 includes conditions in the big joints (articulations), and the big joints are where the divergent channels mostly originate, the luo mai do originate there or primarily flow there.
This theory ignores one main aspect of the luo mai: pathogens can transfer from the luo mai to the main channels and the internal organs. This chapter is explaining this type of transfer through the body. Chapter 63 states: "In general, when a pathogen invades the body, it first enters the skin level. If it lingers or in not expelled, it will travel into the micro luo. If it still not expelled, it then travels to the regular luo channels. From here it proceeds to the main channels, connecting to the five zang organs, and finally to the intestines and stomach. At this stage, everything may be affected."

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Acupuncture for COPD

Acupuncture for COPD

A study was conducted to evaluate the clinical effect of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation over acupoints (acu-TENS) on patients with stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). This is a prospective, single-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study. Settings/Locations: Outpatient center of West China Hospital, Sichuan University. Fifty patients with stable COPD enrolled in the study. Patients were randomly assigned to one of two groups: the acu-TENS group (n=25), who underwent acu-TENS over acupoints of bilateral EX-B-1(Dingchuan), BL-13 (Feishu), BL-23 (Shenshu), ST-36 (Zusanli), and the placebo acu-TENS control group (n=25), who had the same electrode placement but no electrical output. Treatments were performed for 40-minute sessions every 2 days for 4 weeks. Lung function (forced expiratory volume in 1 second, percentage predicted (FEV₁% predicted); forced vital capacity, percentage predicted (FVC% predicted), 6-minute walk distance (6MWD) and oxygen saturation (SpO₂), COPD assessment test (CAT), and Dyspnea Visual Analogue Scale (DVAS) were assessed before and after the intervention. Compared to control group, FEV₁% predicted was improved and CAT score was decreased significantly in the acu-TENS group after treatment (p<0.05). The DVAS score decreased significantly in the acu-TENS group (p=0.039), with a slight but insignificant improve in 6MWD, SpO₂, and FVC% predicted after treatment. Acu-TENS over acupoints of bilateral EX-B-1 (Dingchuan), BL-13 (Feishu), BL-23 (Shenshu), and ST-36 (Zusanli) improved FEV₁% predicted and reduced DVAS and CAT scores on patients with stable COPD. This may be a novel treatment strategy in COPD.

Source: Liu X, Fan T, Lan Y, Dong S, Fu J, Mao B. Effects of Transcutaneous Electrical Acupoint Stimulation on Patients with Stable Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: A Prospective, Single-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Study. J Altern Complement Med. 2015 Jul 28.

Acupuncture Helps Fertility Issues

Acupuncture Helps Fertility Issues

The traditional Chinese method of healing known as acupuncture has been used successfully to enhance fertility and reduce painful and irregular menstruation. Offering an effective, time-tested approach, it is used alongside conventional reproductive medical care.

Dr Heinz-Peter Becker, head of the Pain Clinic, says studies conducted and repeated internationally have demonstrated the effectiveness of acupuncture for women taking fertility drugs or using reproductive technology techniques.

"Acupuncture has been shown to regulate hormonal activity by improving follicular development and ovarian function, and support healthy menstruation and pregnancy," Becker said. 

Acupuncture has also been known to treat a number of fertility disorders such as fibroids, reduce nausea and morning sickness, lower miscarriage risk, and reduce the duration of labour by up to 18 per cent.

In men, acupuncture improves sperm motility, quality, morphology as well as increases libido.

"Clinical observations from the Berkley Center for Reproductive Wellness suggests that the most effective fertility treatments involve a combination of acupuncture and herbal medicines used alongside traditional medical interventions," he said.

Becker's complementary and alternative medicine offers a range of skills gleaned over a lifetime of passionate interest in health and harmony of mind, body and spirit. Acupuncture is particularly helpful with women who have failed cycles or who are 35 years and older. It has been reliably shown to safely and effectively improve success rates across all patient demographics.

Acupuncture can also help to reduce endometriosis naturally. Endometrial cells growing outside of the uterus affect between six and 10 per cent of women between the ages of 25 and 45. Becker's Aphrodite's Elixir contains herbs that have an impact on excessive levels of estrogen that is believed to be the contributing factor of endometriosis and have been proven to relieve endometriosis and symptomatic pain.

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Acupuncture Inhibits Scar Formation

Researchers discovered that a type of acupuncture, referred to as electroacupuncture, is effective for inhibiting hypertrophic scar formation. Electroacupuncture is a form of acupuncture wherein an electric current is run between the needles. A hypertrophic scar is a cutaneous condition involving excessive collagen deposits during wound healing. This affects aesthetic appearances and may result in various forms of psychological dysfunction in serious cases. Although different treatment strategies targeted at hypertrophic scars are practiced, there is yet to be a definitive treatment protocol for this condition. The results demonstrate that electroacupuncture regulates and impedes regeneration of fibrous tissues, prevents adhesions during recuperation, and improves blood circulation at scar areas. Also, electroacupuncture is effective in softening and lightening scars, decreases the size of scars, and reduces scar thickness.

A recent experiment was conducted by researchers at Yantai Binzhou Medical University to investigate acupuncture’s ability to prevent scar formation. A total of 18 New Zealand rabbits were randomly distributed into 3 groups. The control group received manual acupuncture. Group A received electroacupuncture using continuous frequency current. Group B received electroacupuncture using electrical current with alternating frequencies.

- See more at: http://www.healthcmi.com/Acupuncture-Continuing-Education-News/1504-electroacupuncture-inhibits-scar-formation#sthash.PORvKBb8.dpuf

Acupuncture Inhibits Scar Formation

on 27 July 2015.

  TumblrStumbleUpon Reddit

Researchers discovered that a type of acupuncture, referred to as electroacupuncture, is effective for inhibiting hypertrophic scar formation. Electroacupuncture is a form of acupuncture wherein an electric current is run between the needles. A hypertrophic scar is a cutaneous condition involving excessive collagen deposits during wound healing. This affects aesthetic appearances and may result in various forms of psychological dysfunction in serious cases. Although different treatment strategies targeted at hypertrophic scars are practiced, there is yet to be a definitive treatment protocol for this condition. The results demonstrate that electroacupuncture regulates and impedes regeneration of fibrous tissues, prevents adhesions during recuperation, and improves blood circulation at scar areas. Also, electroacupuncture is effective in softening and lightening scars, decreases the size of scars, and reduces scar thickness.
A recent experiment was conducted by researchers at Yantai Binzhou Medical University to investigate acupuncture’s ability to prevent scar formation. A total of 18 New Zealand rabbits were randomly distributed into 3 groups. The control group received manual acupuncture. Group A received electroacupuncture using continuous frequency current. Group B received electroacupuncture using electrical current with alternating frequencies.

- See more at: http://www.healthcmi.com/Acupuncture-Continuing-Education-News/1504-electroacupuncture-inhibits-scar-formation#sthash.PORvKBb8.dpuf

Acupuncture Inhibits Scar Formation

on 27 July 2015.

  TumblrStumbleUpon Reddit

Researchers discovered that a type of acupuncture, referred to as electroacupuncture, is effective for inhibiting hypertrophic scar formation. Electroacupuncture is a form of acupuncture wherein an electric current is run between the needles. A hypertrophic scar is a cutaneous condition involving excessive collagen deposits during wound healing. This affects aesthetic appearances and may result in various forms of psychological dysfunction in serious cases. Although different treatment strategies targeted at hypertrophic scars are practiced, there is yet to be a definitive treatment protocol for this condition. The results demonstrate that electroacupuncture regulates and impedes regeneration of fibrous tissues, prevents adhesions during recuperation, and improves blood circulation at scar areas. Also, electroacupuncture is effective in softening and lightening scars, decreases the size of scars, and reduces scar thickness.
A recent experiment was conducted by researchers at Yantai Binzhou Medical University to investigate acupuncture’s ability to prevent scar formation. A total of 18 New Zealand rabbits were randomly distributed into 3 groups. The control group received manual acupuncture. Group A received electroacupuncture using continuous frequency current. Group B received electroacupuncture using electrical current with alternating frequencies.

- See more at: http://www.healthcmi.com/Acupuncture-Continuing-Education-News/1504-electroacupuncture-inhibits-scar-formation#sthash.PORvKBb8.dpuf

Acupuncture in Texas

Acupuncture and deep massage therapy go mainstream in Central Texas

ROUND ROCK, Texas (KXAN) — The ancient Chinese medical art of acupuncture only began to be legalized in American states in the 1970s. The FDA gave it the okay in 1996 and now some 8-million Americans are using it for treatment. It is going mainstream in Central Texas now. Baylor Scott & White is introducing acupuncture and deep massage therapy at two clinics in south Round Rock and Avery Ranch, and patients approve.

Shane Casey was out riding one day in Liberty Hill when her horse throw her, fell on her and broke her pelvic bone in four places. Doctors were not encouraging, She says, “They told me you are very lucky. 50% to 60% of people do not survive an accident like that. So I chose to take medicine to be able to walk and just enjoy life.” But the medicine worried her. “I was in a wheelchair, then a walker, then a cane, so I decided to look at a different method. Because I didn’t know what the long term effects would be. What was going to happen to me when I was 80 after taking it for so long?”

She met Kendall Burleson, a licensed acupuncturist. A high school basketball injury led to Kendall getting acupuncture treatment and eventually she entered the field. She knows some folks are skeptical, “I think that’s how most people find acupuncture. It’s like one of those things, whatever, I’ll try it, or I have nothing left I’ll give it a go. You’re always skeptical when you try something new, especially something like this when it is clouded in a tiny bit of mystery.”

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