Acupuncture Can Address the Symptoms of Cancer and the Side Effects of Cancer Therapies
Studies less than five years ago have revealed that acupuncture is able to help control certain side effects and symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, dry mouth, pain, and fatigue associated with some forms of cancer and their corresponding treatments. Researchers from the Integrative Medicine Service of the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center who have either reviewed or performed several of those studies, advise that cancer patients considering acupuncture therapy should consult with a licensed or certified acupuncturist who has past experience working with individuals with cancer or has the right training.
Acupuncture
A part of a traditional Chinese medicine, acupuncture is a 2500 year-old ancient therapeutic technique that involves the stimulation of one or more preselected points on the body, known as acupoints, with needles to generate a healing effect. The treatment may be augmented with electricity, pressure, or heat to amplify the effect of the needles. Based on traditional Chinese medicine theory, energy circulates like blood throughout the body through “meridians” or energy channels. The needles in the acupoints stimulate the flow of energy and blood along different channels throughout the body to a particular an organ, tissue, or organ system.
The treatment is always tailored based on each patient’s specific symptoms. The treatment usually lasts about 30 minutes and uses 10 to 20 sterilized stainless steel filiform needles. Most patients treated with acupuncture do not complain of pain from the needle insertions. The treatment is completely safe with very little risk of injury; in fact, fewer than one adverse event in more than 10,000 treatments has been reported.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, each year there are more than eight million Americans who get acupuncture treatment for various types of ailments. Several researches indicate acupuncture’s efficacy in treating a lot of health issues unrelated to cancer like hot flashes, infertility, high blood pressure, osteoarthritis, chronic headaches, and back pain, among many others. Recent reviews and studies have investigated acupuncture’s use for the treatment of side effects and symptoms of a number of cancers.
Acupuncture in Tarzana for Neck and Head Cancer
In the United States, greater than 100,000 people are diagnosed with neck and head cancer each year. The cancer usually metastasize (spreads) from its original location to lymph nodes in the neck. This can result in the removal of the affected lymph node and nerves known as spinal accessory nerves that in turn, can result in shoulder function problems.
In April 2010 the Journal of Clinical Oncology published a study performed by Memorial Sloan Kettering researchers who sought to see whether acupuncture could alleviate dysfunction and pain in people with cancer of the neck or head who underwent a surgical removal of lymph nodes in their neck. A total of 58 people who suffered from dysfunction or chronic pain caused by neck surgery participated in the study. The subjects were randomly divided into two groups for four weeks: one group received conventional treatments such as anti-inflammatory and painkilling drugs as well as physical therapy while the other group received weekly acupuncture treatments.
The results of the study showed that when compared to the patients who received conventional care, the people in the group treated with acupuncture experienced marked reductions in dysfunction and pain. The acupuncture group also showed significant improvement in extreme dry mouth or xerostomia, a condition experienced by patients who have undergone radiation therapy
Leukemia and Acupuncture
Hoping to improve their treatment outcome or at least manage their symptoms, a lot of leukemia sufferers try treatments other than the conventional care they are receiving. A study that was published in Expert Reviews Anticancer Therapies in September 2009 and again conducted by researchers at the Memorial Sloan Kettering analyzed the outcomes from available studies that tested the efficacy of such approaches. They state that acupuncture is extremely beneficial for the management of symptoms among the adjunctive treatments used to reduce side effects and symptoms.
Cancer chemotherapy can be damaging to the peripheral nervous system of some leukemia patients (it can cause neuropathy), which leads to symptoms such as muscle weakness, swelling, tingling, numbness, and pain in various parts of the body, especially in the feet and hands. In certain instances, physicians need to lower the chemotherapy dose in order to halt the further progression of the neuropathy. Acupuncture has shown to reduce these burdensome symptoms, making it possible to use the maximum amount of chemotherapy, thus improving the patient’s chance for a successful outcome.
This treatment has also shown to lower the effects of nausea that a number of chemotherapy agents for leukemia induce. Studies reveal that timing the acupuncture sessions one to two days prior to chemotherapy procedures and continued weekly throughout the chemotherapy regimen produce the best outcomes. Moreover, the authors state that acupuncture is safe for patients taking heparin, Coumadin or other anticoagulation medications during leukemia therapy.
The writers of the review say that, generally speaking, distinguishing between complementary treatments (therapeutic massage, meditation, yoga, self-hypnosis, and acupuncture) and other alternative treatments that are ineffective and unproven is important because these alternative therapies may interfere with conventional cancer therapies.
Breast Cancer and Acupuncture
Several types of breast cancer have receptors for the estrogen hormone. These receptor-positive breast tumors that exploit the dependence of the cancer cells on hormones to develop are highly likely to respond to anti-estrogen drug therapy. People with these tumors are usually given treatment that halt the manufacture of estrogen, which hopefully, will slow down the development of the tumor. These therapies can lead to early menopause, resulting in symptoms such as excessive perspiration, fatigue, and hot flashes. Doctors usually prescribe Effexor (venlafaxine) or other antidepressants because hormone replacement therapy that is usually used to treat such symptoms is contraindicated for these women.
The Journal of Clinical Oncology in its February 2010 issue published a study that observed whether acupuncture can relieve some of the typical side effects and help lessen the adverse effects of antidepressants. In the study 50 women with hormone-receptor positive breast cancer were divided into two groups. One group was treated with venlafaxine while the other group received acupuncture treatment for 12 weeks.
Quality-of-life symptoms such as depression and hot flashes significantly decreased in both groups. The venlafaxine group, however, began re-experiencing the symptoms a couple of weeks after discontinuing drug therapy. In the acupuncture group however, a total of 15 weeks went by before the symptoms returned. Moreover, during treatment, the acupuncture group members experienced no significant side effects, compared to the venlafaxine group that reported 18 incidences of adverse effects, including anxiety, dizziness, dry mouth, and nausea.
Searching for the Right Acupuncturist for Cancer Patients
The NCCAOM or National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine gives a list of practitioners who are certified nationally in Asian bodywork therapy, Chinese herbal medicine, acupuncture, and Oriental medicine. The Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center Integrative Medicine Service has trained thousands of acupuncturists from several other countries and across the United States. A list of acupuncturists who are cancer-trained is kept by the Integrative Medicine Service. All integrative medicine specialists emphasize how important an acupuncturist who has training in working with cancer patients and who is NCCAOM licensed or certified is in the treatment of cancer.
When Compared To Western Medicine, Chinese Medicine And Acupuncture Can Save You Money
It is a fact that when compared to Western medicine, Chinese medicine and acupuncture can save you money. These alternative treatments are much less costly than conventional western medicine in a couple of ways. First, in terms of actual treatments costs, Western medicine is significantly less cheaper than Chinese medicine and acupuncture. Second, Chinese medicine and acupuncture are mainly preventative types of treatment which means it keeps you from falling into disease or illness which helps you avoid spending on treatment for health condition when it does occur.
Actually, numerous studies have already been done on how much money one can save by using acupuncture and not just on how well the treatment works in the resolution of a disease. One very good example of this was a study published in the 1992 edition of Acta Anethesiol Scand showing that because of acupuncture, seven out of 29 patients awaiting surgeries were able to avoid their date with surgery helping save $9000 for each patient.
The 1994 issue of Neurology published a study showing that when acupuncture was used on patients who suffered from stroke, it helped cut their hospital stay by almost 50% helping the patients save $26,000 each.
Another study showing how acupuncture can save people a ton of money was published in 1980 in the Journal Spine. In the study, 18 of the 29 people given acupuncture treatment in Boca Raton for low back pain were able to return to work compared to only four out of the 27 patients given conventional Western treatments. For the people returning to work, this meant less debt and for companies, this meant savings in terms of lesser medical insurance cost.
Also when you visit a medical doctor, you may need to spend as much as $265 for just one visit. This can go even higher (as high as $325) when you see a specialist. On the other hand, a visit to an acupuncturist would only cost an average of $65. This means that a visit to a specialist is five times more expensive than a visit to an acupuncturist.
As mentioned a while ago, acupuncture can help you save money more than Western medicine by helping prevent your body from falling ill. Acupuncture is a preventative type of treatment which is the opposite of Western medicine which is merely preoccupied in repairing things that are malfunctioning and broken. Western medicine pays very little attention to preventing disease and staying healthy. Pharmaceutical drugs are designed to be mere palliatives for symptoms and have become the primary means of treatment in Western medicine. Under the pretense of preventive medicine, your doctor will likely prescribe low doses of the same medications that he/she uses to address the condition when it is fully developed if he/she believes that you might develop hypertension or diabetes.
Preventative medicine is a very important aspect of healing to an acupuncturist. Disease prevention is actually the highest level of Chinese medicine. Before the imbalance gets too severe or too big, your acupuncturist will determine the reason why your body got out of balance in the first place, and then will strive to repair the problem as quick as possible. If the imbalance has been in the body for a long time or if it has gotten too big or severe, the result is illnesses and diseases. This restoration of balance and prevention is achieved through the use of exercise, diet changes, Chinese herbal medicine, and, of course, acupuncture. What’s so great about this approach is that food, exercise, herbs, and acupuncture are much, much less expensive than high blood pressure, diabetes, and cancer treatments and has no side effects to boot!
The most important point is that Chinese medicine and acupuncture treatments are much cheaper than modern Western treatments. Also, you need not have to undergo medical treatments for health issues and you are able to stay healthy longer. And did I mention that acupuncture and Chinese medicine are virtually side-effect free?
Powerful Chinese Medicinal Herbs That Can Treat The Symptoms of Menopause
Managing the confusing and complex array of symptoms of menopause can become easier with Chinese herbal medicine, a type of traditional Chinese medicine treatment that is based on the premise that everything moves or changes. The circulation of vital energy (Chi) animates and invigorates the organs and the rest of the body. This circulation depends on maintaining equilibrium between the complementary yet opposing forces of Yin and Yang. The development of disease may imply an imbalance between Yin and Yang and/or that the flow of Chi has been disrupted.
In traditional Chinese medicine, the human body has twelve main meridian channels that are responsible for the health of the body. Because it stores Jing (Kidney energy), the Kidney meridian–organ system is extremely important in the treatment of menopausal symptoms. The Jing is where Yin and Yang originate and they regulate the movement of Qi through all the other organ-meridian systems.
The importance of the Kidney organ-meridian system in women with menopause is due to its governance of the adrenal glands, ovaries, skeletal structure, brain, teeth, kidneys, inner ear, urethra, fluids, hormones, and other substances produced by the kidneys, adrenals and ovaries, as well as the physiological functions of growth fluid, reproduction, and balance during all ages.
Menopause – Its Signs and Symptoms
Menopause usually starts by the age of 45. This is the time when few primordial follicles stay in the ovaries to produce egg (mature ovum). As a result, there is not enough production of progesterone and estrogen to bring about a normal monthly cycle.
When menopause starts, the first sign may be a change in a previously regular menstrual cycle, either in a missed period duration or volume; onset of hot flushing, excessive perspiration and sweaty palms or clamminess; moods changes including depression and anxiety; the exacerbation or occurrence of pre-menstrual symptoms (headaches , breast pain, and fluid retention); changes in the skin (dryness and lessened elasticity particularly of the vagina resulting in dyspareunia or pain during intercourse); cramps and numbness especially at night; changes in body shape, loss of sexual desire, and joint pains.
Chinese Herbal Medicine for Treatment of Menopausal Symptoms
The focus of Traditional Chinese management of menopause is in balancing yin and yang and restoring Jing to regulate the functions of various tissues and organs that the Kidney organ-meridian system governs. According to Western medicine, this approach aims to
? Relieve mood swings, mild anxiety, insomnia, and irritability
? Treat profuse sweating and hot flushes and regulate hormonal function
? Resolve vaginal and skin dryness
? Boost genital sensitivity and sexual vitality
? Enhance bone integrity
The Chinese Herbs Used in Alleviating the Symptoms of Menopause
Kudzu (Pueraria lobata) – This herb is infused with isoflavonoids and phytoestrogens which have specific health benefits during menopause. In postmenopausal women, Kudzu prevents or slows down bone loss and relieves hot flushes. Its extract has estrogenic effects on vaginal tissue to address dyspareunia and vaginal dryness and to bring back vaginal membrane or epithelial integrity.
Anemarrhena asphodeloides – This herb contains steroidal saponins that improve hormone function. It can also be used as a tonic for the Kidney Yin that possesses nourishing (tonic), moistening (mucogenic), and cooling (refrigerant) qualities that can help reduce profuse sweating and hot flushes, lubricate vaginal dryness, and reinforce the adrenal glands to replace ovaries as the producer of hormones in the body after the cessation of menstruation.
Morinda officinalis and Epimedium sagittatum – They are used to tonify Kidney Yang. When used together, these two herbs reinforce Yang, provide warmth to the Kidney organ-meridian, and strengthen Yang. Both herbs have hormone regulating activity that assists in restoring sexual vitality, psychological motivation, and physical drive. Both Morinda officinalis and Epimedium sagittatum are urogenital tonics and aphrodisiacs that besides helping dispel sexual disinterest also resolve urinary incontinence and bladder weakness. Being an adaptogen, Morinda gives the body the ability to boost its resistance to stress. Epimedium is deemed biphasic which means that while it tonifies Kidney Yin, it also fortifies Yang preventing it from rising and causing flushing and heat in the upper body.
Angelica polymorpha – In Chinese medicine, this is a very popular herb, and is used for so many female health issues. Because it invigorates and nourishes Hsue (Chinese word for ‘blood’), angelica polymorpha is also considered a ‘female ginseng.’ It also harmonizes Chi which is helpful in the treatment of low vitality, fatigue, recuperation from childbirth, pelvic pain, and dysmenorrhea (painful menstruation). Studies have shown that Dong Quai is best used when combined with other herbs. It is an ideal remedy for people suffering from Yin deficiency, a condition that usually develops in menopause (frequency and intensity of hot flushes).
Dr. Nelya de Brun, AP, DAOM
Classical Oriental Medicine, LLC
3459 Woolbright Rd
Boynton Beach, FL 33436
(561) 932-3905
http://www.acu-wellness.com/
Acupuncture Can Help Improve the Function and Health of Your Eyes and Mouth
You heard the saying the “eyes speak a lot”. The eyes can completely reflect your thoughts and feelings. It can even give an indication of how healthy your body is. The eyes play such an important role in a person’s life as it is primarily the organ through which we see the universe. Therefore, it is necessary that we keep them healthy. The mouth, on the other hand, helps us communicate with people and is a very important part of our body as our eyes. Acupuncture in Boca Raton can be a very beneficial treatment for these body parts as it can keep our eyes, mouth, teeth, and gums healthy and functioning at their best. A lot of eye and mouth disorders can be addressed with this ancient Eastern healing remedy without the need for harmful medications. Acupuncture treatment works by stimulating the energy channels or meridians in the body with thin solid stainless steel sterilized to initiate the body’s healing processes.
Acupuncture treatment for the eyes involves needling specific acupuncture points around that area. When a needle is inserted into a point, it increases the flow of energy along the chi channels helping move more blood to the eyes. The carries all the hormones and vital nutrients to the eyes making them strong, health, and free of disease. The common acupuncture points used for the treatment of eye problems include the Urinary Bladder 1 (UB 1) located in the inner corner of eye, UB- 2, found at the depression of the eyebrow’s inner end as well as the points found at eyebrow’s midpoint, outside of the eyebrow and at the corners of the eyes.
These acupoints are quite useful in treating eye problems such as photophobia, facial paralysis, pain and swelling, excessive tearing, redness, sore eyes (conjunctivitis), blurred vision, night blindness, cataract, and others. Besides acupuncture, you can proactively take part in the care of your eyes in general. Some of the ways you can take care of your eyes include:
? Drinking eight glasses of water every day to keep your body hydrated.
? Blinking frequently while working on your computer or watching TV
? Quitting smoking
? Regular exercise
? Proper nutrition
The last includes daily intake of special nutrients in your diet such as essential minerals, omega-3 fatty acids, carotenoid compounds, bioflavonoid, and vitamins A, B, & E. These are all simple but worthwhile efforts can make your eyes healthy and clear and could make them speak a lot about you.
Our facial muscles are all connected to each other, and so if any disorder arises in one part of the face it affects the whole face as well. In the treatment of eye problems acupuncture points that are associated with the eyes can also be used for treating mouth disorders. This is also true with various ear and neck acupoints that are sometimes used to treat mouth problems. The mouth disorders that acupuncture can address are:
Gingivitis
Gingivitis is a condition in which the gums in the mouth become inflamed resulting in acute pain, mouth odor, redness, and bleeding. This develops because of blood and nutrient deficiency in the gums and mouth. Acupuncture enhances blood flow to those regions helping to heal the symptoms and addressing the underlying cause of the symptoms.
Pharyngitis
Pharyngitis comes from the words “pharynx” which is the throat and “itis” which, in Latin means inflammation. Thus, pharyngitis simply means throat inflammation or simply, sore throat. Children are the most prone to this condition due to their still undeveloped immune system making them easily susceptible to infection. Acupuncture dispels the cough and converts phlegm to help clear the respiratory tract. It also helps prevents the recurrence of infection by strengthening the immune system.
Toothache
Toothache can range from slight to mild pain to severe pain that can make it very difficult to chew, eat, laugh, and speak. Acupuncture treatment is usually performed near the problem area leading to the detoxification and enhanced energy and blood flow in the meridian of that area. This treatment is very good at removing pain.
Acupuncture treatment for problems in the eyes and mouth requires the skill of a licensed acupuncturist who specializes or has extensive experience in handling these types of disorders. So, be sure to choose an acupuncturist who is well versed with the required techniques and who will take into account all the necessary precautions that will lead to a safe and successful outcome.
Handling The Symptoms of ADHD with Acupuncture
From time to time, anyone may experience difficulties tuning and focusing out distractions but for adults and children with attention deficit hyperactive disorder (ADHD), this is a frustrating battle they have to deal with every day.
Behavioral therapy and drugs are the common Western conventional modes of treatment for ADHD symptoms. Now, these symptoms can likewise be eased through an alternative form of medicine with ancient roots.
The Mayo Clinic conducted a recent study showing that 7.5 percent of all school-age children in the United States manifest varying degrees of ADHD symptoms.
Some children struggle with hyperactivity, impulsivity, distractibility, or focus or a combination of them.
Allison Bower, licensed acupuncturist states “ADHD is looked at by Western conventional medicine as a dysfunction of the brain, specifically a dysfunction of brain chemistry.” “ADHD, in Eastern medicine is seen as a malfunctioning of certain organs that causes the dysfunction of the brain.”
Bower, who has been a practicing acupuncturist for over two decades, sees both adults and children with ADHD and according to her, acupuncture is a complimentary form of medicine for most of those people.
Acupuncture works well when integrated into other therapies, such as nutritional plans and behavioral therapy. According to Chinese medicine, which acupuncture is a part of, the energy of the body known as qi (pronounced chee) moves freely within the body when you are well. But, from to time, it can be weakened or blocked.
To restore the free flow of energy, filamentous needles are inserted into the skin at predetermined points in the body. Bower explains “If the qi or energy of the organs systems of the body can be balanced, then the brain chemistry can adjust”.
Besides helping calm the disruptive nature of ADHD, acupuncture can also offset or ameliorate the side effects of the drugs used to treat ADHD.
At age 11, Peter Henson was diagnosed with ADHD.
He admits “Social anxiety, impulsivity, and distractibility has always been an issue for him.” Those are quite common symptoms for children with ADHD.
Besides the symptoms of ADHD other issues ranging from facial tics, to depression or social anxiety can also occur. According to the Executive Director and Founder of the Attention Center, Jill Zupon, “ADHD is usually accompanied by some anxiety and/or depression. And since we know acupuncture addresses these conditions, it will most certainly address ADHD.” The Attention Center is a facility that is devoted to the exclusive care of adults and children with ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder) and ADHD.
Apart from coaching, testing, nutritional services, and therapy, Zupon saw the benefits of acupuncture which was the reason why she brought Bower on board.
Zupon explains “Our facility is not a provider of homeopathic medicine. But to those who are not too keen on using medications, we knew that acupuncture would be a good alternative”.
Peter Henson’s parent’s tried ADHD drugs on Peter, but that it didn’t work for him. His parents decided to bring him to the Attention Center to help ease his symptoms. When his parents found out the center offered acupuncture, they decided to give it a try.
Henson claims that he felt more like himself than he had in a whole year and it was just the biggest relief for him and his parents.
There was a time when Peter went two months without any acupuncture treatment. During that time, he had lost two sets of keys in recent weeks, and says he had difficulty with his thought processes and organization.
For Peter, the beneficial effects of acupuncture worked almost instantaneously.
He told us, “The treatment really works. My attitude and manner of speaking is different in a positive way”.
As the treatment starts, Peter and Allison are seated at a table. Allison speaks to Peter first asking him a series of questions related to his emotional and physical well-being and his health. Once the interview was done, Peter is told to lie on a table, while Allison palpates a series of six different pulses in each of Peter’s hands.
Once she has gathered the necessary information, Allison sticks four needles on each of Peter’s ears. Then, she also applies needles in the acupuncture points located on Peter’s hands, feet, arms, and legs, as needed. Once all the needles are inserted, Peter is allowed to rest quietly for 20 minutes, undisturbed.
Peter says, “I am organized. I am thinking clearly. I am centered”.
Ear acupuncture or auriculotherapy can be either used in combination with body acupuncture or as a standalone treatment. Ear acupuncture is a much preferred treatment for children since the acupoints in the ear are non-invasively stimulated.
Acupuncture aids in calming the impulses that make it hard for a person with ADHD to stay still. It also can be used to boost the immune system and enhance the concentration and energy of the patient that can address both the hyperactivity usually experienced by patients with ADHD and the sluggishness often seen in ADD patients.
Zupon opines that from the time a patient walks into Allison’s clinic, to the moment the patient walks out, a transformation takes place. She says “. We witness a person go in one way and come out another way. It’s remarkable”.
The use of acupuncture in Cleveland for controlling and managing the symptoms of ADHD is still a fairly new procedure. There is still no scientific study to prove its benefits. Nevertheless, for patients like Peter, this millennia-old therapy has made a huge difference in their lives.
Peter does not use any kind of ADHD medication. But for those who do, acupuncture can be used to help reduce or offset the typical adverse side effects of the medications such as dry mouth, insomnia, and poor appetite.
Podiatric Acupuncture and Its Various Applications
As with all acupuncture procedures, foot acupuncture involves the application of extremely thin sterile single use needles into acupuncture points on the skin stimulating the meridian channels to enhance the flow of energy or Chi. For various podiatric issues, acupuncture points on the lower limb (from the hip below) are used to relieve pain. Foot Acupuncture can be accompanied with other podiatric treatments or can be used as a standalone therapy to treat a number of foot conditions.
Is Acupuncture Safe?
Again, as with all acupuncture procedures, foot acupuncture in Bellmore is an extremely safe therapy although there may be a few potential side effects such as bruising around the site of the needle insertion, (syncope) fainting, and drowsiness. Most people however, go through the treatment experiencing no adverse side effects. The effect they usually derive is a positive one and involves a feeling of being reenergized. Compared to several prescription medications, the side effects of acupuncture are substantially low. Before the treatment begins, the podiatrist will take a full medical history of the patient.
Podiatric Acupuncture – Its Uses
There can be several uses for podiatric acupuncture. It can be used to boost well-being and overall health as well to treat musculoskeletal conditions and to better manage chronic foot pain. It accomplishes all this by helping the body’s defense system heal itself.
Podiatrists
Podiatrists are mainstream medical professionals who have been through several years of training. They closely cooperate with other professionals in the healthcare industry to provide assistance and medical care in issues concerning the foot. Their practice is regulated by the Health Professions Council. They have to keep updating their skills through Continual Professional Development. They adhere to a strict professional and ethical code.
How many treatments are required?
The answer to this varies and will depend on the condition being treated. On the average, however, the podiatrist will recommend a treatment course of three to eight sessions.
Will acupuncture only work if I believe it will?
Acupuncture will work if your body responds to its effects whether you believe in it or not. A positive attitude however can help boost the effect of the treatment.
Summary
• The needles used in acupuncture are sterile and used only once.
• Foot Acupuncture is a relatively painless and very safe type of treatment.
• Foot Acupuncture can be used in combination with other podiatric treatments or it can be used as a standalone modality.
• Acupuncture has few or zero adverse side effects
• Acupuncture activates the body to help the body heal itself.
• Podiatrists are medical trained professionals who closely cooperate with other healthcare professionals to provide.
Acupuncture Can Help Control and Manage Temporomandibular Disorder (TMD)Symptoms
In the United States, temporomandibular disorder (TMD) affects about 10 million people. It is marked by pain in the muscles of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ).
Myofascial pain is distinguished by hypersensitivity of certain spots in tight muscle fibers (myofascial trigger points). Those trigger points can be caused by muscle overload from repetitive activities or trauma that result in increased stress on certain muscle groups. Symptoms experienced by TMD sufferers include weakness, muscle stiffness, limited range of movement of the jaws, headaches, and tenderness.
Each year millions of Americans with chronic pain avail themselves of acupuncture treatment; however, many mainstream doctors are still questioning its therapeutic value and they argue that the treatment in nothing more than placebo. But studies in TCM or traditional Chinese medicine have proven otherwise – acupuncture has proven to work and work well in the resolution of myofascial pain and temporomandibular disorders.
How Does Acupuncture TMD Treatment Work?
Although there is still no clear cut answer as to how acupuncture relieves TMD pain, traditional Chinese medicine practitioners believe that the ability of acupuncture to restore the balanced flow of energy or Qi has something to do with it.
Recent clinical studies have yielded scientific explanations as to why acupuncture has proved successful as treatment for a lot of painful conditions. Western medical records in the 1970s indicate that acupuncture lessens the sensation of pain through the direct stimulation of the nerve and this alters the quality of signaling in nerve cells.
Research efforts actually show that acupuncture has the ability to inhibit the spinal dorsal horn and nociceptive trigeminal nucleus caudalis neurons by regulating the release of neurotransmitters and neuropeptides.
Additional studies provide credence to the idea that acupuncture directly activates the release of neurotransmitters and endorphins and other biological actions. Neurotransmitters and endorphins are the body’s own substances that help block and dampen the brain’s perception of pain. More studies are required to further analyze the workings behind acupuncture since many of its effects still are difficult to explain.
What may be more important is simply the proof that acupuncture does work regardless if it is through the quality of Qi flow or through body chemicals. The NCCIH (National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health) states, “The outcomes from several studies imply that acupuncture is able to relieve knee pain/osteoarthritis, neck pain, and chronic low-back pain. It may also prevent migraine headaches and aid in the lessening of tension headache frequency”.
Western medicine is now only starting to understand how effective acupuncture is. The NCCIH noted “Recent data suggests that several factors such as belief and expectation that are not associated with traditional acupuncture may be one of the factors that bring about the beneficial effects of acupuncture pain treatment”.
TMD and Acupuncture
A treatment that constantly produce positive results, acupuncture for the treatment of TMJ and TMD is a long term plan of treatment, in which studies have revealed the most optimal treatment protocol for the treatment of TMD symptoms: treatment sessions lasting 30 minutes each one session per week. Acupuncturists treating TMD usually diagnose excess in the GB (gallbladder) meridian and a deficiency in the liver (Lv) meridian.
The site of the pain may be stuck with needles. This may include the area around the jaw and ear. But due to the interconnecting channels between the meridians, the needles can also be applied on the big toe, knees, and near the elbows. These are called distal acupoints and they as well, can change the flow of Qi through the jaw to alleviate inflammation and pain. To address identified disharmonies in the body, additional acupoints may be used. Rectifying the overall energy circulation in the body can help alleviate stress and other factors that contribute to TMJ disorders.
Researchers in Portland, Oregon and Tucson, Arizona performed a study in 2012 that involved 168 adults all suffering from TMD. At first, all the subjects attended a class on TMD. At the second week of the study, the researchers assigned a self-care or traditional Chinese medicine therapy to patients who had the worst TMD pain. The traditional Chinese medicine therapy required 20 visits within a year. Treatment was customized based on the needs of the patient and included lifestyle guidance, massage, Chinese herbs, and acupuncture. The self-care group was given cognitive behavioral therapy, stress management, relaxation therapy, jaw-stretching exercises and patient education as well as a self-help manual.
It was discovered that is traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) provided short-term pain relief that was significantly greater than self-care. Furthermore, the TCM group experienced a greater decrease in social activity interference. The researchers concluded that this type of community-based, stepped-care approach using TCM is safe and could lead to a better quality of life and short-term relief of pain for TMD patients. In terms of long-term results, more studies are forthcoming that will provide a clearer picture of the effect of this treatment approach.
Combined Therapies
For the management of TMD, medical interventions currently utilized by doctors include home self-care, physiotherapy (massage), drugs, jaw appliance therapy (bite guard or stabilization splint), and surgery. Acupuncture can be used as a complementary treatment to the other approaches or as a standalone treatment. Drugs for TMJ disorders may include muscle relaxants, antidepressants, opioids (painkillers), and NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs). For extreme cases, local injections of corticosteroid injections may be prescribed. Acupuncture is often used often as a replacement to these modalities without the risks of side effects. Furthermore, it doesn’t interact with those current medical therapies.
Pharmaceutical therapies unfortunately are only able to provide temporal relief of TMD symptoms unlike acupuncture that zooms in on the root cause of the problem and thereby can potentially cure the condition completely. Acupuncture addresses the underlying cause of a condition by restoring balance to the body and mind through stimulation of energy pathways called meridians. This results in the relaxing of the neuromuscular tension in the jaw. TMD is oftentimes caused by muscle contraction in the face and jaw or too much stress in the jaw. Acupuncture relieves TMD discomfort by relaxing those muscles and lowering the overall levels of stress in the body.
Lifestyle changes are also important for the long-term care of TMD. Depending on any underlying disharmony the acupuncturist may identify, dietary changes may be also required. When there is an issue with teeth clenching or teeth grinding, the patient may need to wear a mouth night guard prescribed by a dentist to prevent them from occurring during sleep. Any misalignment can be rectified with bite plates.
All these behavioral approaches (altering chewing habits, jaw stretching exercises, relaxation methods, and stress reduction) have been proven to work very well. To treat TMJ discomfort, your acupuncturist can instruct you with these lifestyle changes.
For the management of TMD, you can use acupuncture either as part of an integrated plan of treatment or as a stand-alone therapy. It can provide you with an effective and really substantial alternative to occlusal splint treatment, which most probably is more preferable for patients who aren’t able to tolerate these splints very well. One study revealed TMD symptoms were significantly decreased with the use of both occlusal splints and acupuncture.
For people who don’t respond well to splint treatment, they could include acupuncture as an additional part of their treatment. When bruxism at night continues to be a problem, one option is to use acupuncture initially to get much better hold of the symptoms then use an occlusal splint to control symptoms on a long-term basis later on. Acute and chronic types of TMD can be very well addressed with acupuncture. How well the patient responds depends on how long the patient has had the condition. Normally, for acute TMD, the length of treatment would be much shorter than chronic cases.
Acupuncturists who have treated lots of cases of neuromusculoskeletal pain and TMD conditions have found these acupuncture points to work very well in the treatment of neck, head, and facial pain: GB 20, Yangbai (GB 14), Bl 10, Neiting (St 44), St 8, Li 4, , ST-6, and ST-7. These acupoints are typically stimulated for 10 to 20 minutes along with needling of Li 4 and some other acupoints, bilaterally, depending on the area affected and the severity of the pain. Electrical stimulation is added onto the needles to augment stimulation. Proof of this method’s effectiveness requires the close observation of the change in the pain perception of the patient.
Contraindications
The following is a list of precautions and guidelines when considering the use of acupuncture treatment:
1. If there is a strong possibility of getting an infection at the site intended for needle insertion, then acupuncture treatment should not be used
2. Acupuncture treatment would not be advisable for patients who cannot remain still during the entire treatment session.
3. If the needle insertion causes intolerable pain or discomfort for the patient, then the needle should be removed
It’s very important to follow safety precautions in an acupuncture treatment. They include only using disposable sterilized needles; utilizing aseptic methods for insertion of needles; closely monitoring the patient for any signs of bleeding; counting needles prior to and post treatment; needling the patient in supine position; and instructing the patient not to drive after treatment.
Conclusion
Acupuncture in general, is a very useful mode of treatment for the management of TMD symptoms. It can be used as a useful, simple, efficacious and quite safe complementary and standalone therapy in the management of TMD.
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The Use of Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Treatments for Post-Partum Problems
Chinese Medicine’s potency stems from its ability to deal with the underlying roots of disharmonies, that when treated allow for long-term results. Some of the issues women in post-partum delivery experience include:
o Insomnia
o Inadequate Lactation
o Back Pain
o Post-Traumatic Stress
o PND (Post Natal Depression)
o Night Sweating
o Post-Partum Bleeding & Persistent Lochia
o Mastitis
o Tiredness, Fatigue
Insomnia
Insomnia may turn into an unremitting cycle and may contribute to other conditions such as anxiety, natal depression, and tiredness/fatigue. According to Chinese Medicine, the blood houses the Shen or spirit. When the body has inadequate amounts of blood to house shen, then it brings about disturbed insomnia and other symptoms and amongst other maladies. Usually this inadequacy is due to fluid loss (sweat) and blood loss as well as heat in the system that dries up the blood that can arise during child delivery pregnancy and/or after delivery. To remove blood stagnation and heat, rebalance qi, tonify yin, and balance the system support may come in the form of acupuncture, herbal remedies, and diet.
Treatment and acupoints are chosen based on the classification that’s determined in Traditional Chinese Medical diagnosis.
Inadequate Lactation
Acupuncture is quite effective in treating inadequate lactation. In a depleted state, the body has inadequate resources to provide and maintain sufficient milk production during breast feeding. After birth, this is a common experience especially when blood and qi are depleted. Systemic support and nourishment through herbs and acupuncture to rebalance the blood and qi is a very good way of addressing inadequate lactation naturally.
Back Pain
Back pain acupuncture treatment is one of the most widely used applications of acupuncture. Postpartum women are especially susceptible to ailments in the back due in part to kidney qi depletion for the development of the baby. The kidney is the organ system that controls the lower back. Support can come in the form of acupuncture and herbs to tonify kidney qi and blood, and rebalance the system.
A qualified and experienced acupuncturist who may be referred by your doctor, chiropractor, or osteopath can diagnose and differentiate the causative factors of your back pain.
Post-Traumatic Stress
Acupuncture in Pembroke Pines can be effectively applied on post-traumatic stress. The treatment assists in the removal of energetic trauma that has arisen in the body, supports the normal functioning of organs, and calms the nerves and the shen. It is a very good complement for counseling therapy.
PND or Post Natal Depression
According to Chinese Medicine, various factors can cause PND. Support through acupuncture and herbs to rebalance the treat blood inadequacy and stagnation, and remove heat and damp are ideal ways of restoring the body back to health and vitality. Acupuncture and herbs are also very effective therapies when combined with counseling.
Night Sweating
A common problem that occurs during postpartum is night sweating. In Chinese medicine, this is symptomatic of too much heat in the system, or blood or yin deficiency. Any loss in fluid, whether by tearing, urination, or sweating can be a cause or a sign of an imbalance and needs to be properly addressed. Common night sweating-associated patterns of disharmony include qi stagnation, jing deficiency, stagnant heat, accumulation of damp and heat, accumulation of toxic heat, blood and qi deficiency, and yin deficiency. Your acupuncturist needs to differentiate and treat these patterns in order to rebalance your body system. This can be accomplished with Chinese herbs and acupuncture bringing about long-lasting results. During your initial consultation guidance and advice will be given by your acupuncturist based on your health status.
Post-Partum Bleeding & Persistent Lochia
Binding or keeping body structures in place (i.e. blood in the vessels) is one of the functions of qi. If qi is weak, prolapses or leakages can occur. When there is too much heat in the system, bleeding may also occur.
Postpartum bleeding (in small amounts) is normal for up to four or six weeks; if after this time bleeding still persists, from the viewpoint of Chinese medicine, this is already considered pathological. When postpartum bleeding continues for a considerable period of time, it severely depletes the body and needs to be stopped before more serious complications arise. Herbal and acupuncture treatment can be used to rectify this issue efficiently and quickly.
Mastitis
From the perspective of Chinese Medicine, mastitis can be the result of several factors. To restore balance to the system, treat blood stagnation, clear heat and damp, and boost the flow of blood and qi, acupuncture and herbs can be used.
Antibiotics may be necessary if this issue is not addressed early enough.
Tiredness, Fatigue
Tiredness, anxiety, and fatigue are very common experiences in postpartum women. To tonify blood and qi, Chinese herbs and acupuncture are recommended to return your body to a state of vitality and health.
Acupuncture and the Consequences of Enhanced Globalization
In the hands of a well-trained practitioner, acupuncture can have much broader applications than just being merely a great way to control pain. It is part of the Chinese health care system that can be traced back at least 3,000 years. The underlying premise of acupuncture is the idea that patterns of energy flow (Qi) exist through the body that are indispensable for health. A disturbance of this flow is believed to be the cause of health issues. The aim of the treatment is to regain the individual’s health and well-being. A lot of people may find it a bit bizarre to find a treatment that treats illnesses by inserting needles into specific points in the body. Acupuncture is only meant to be performed by qualified and licensed practitioners in this field of alternative healthcare. It is a technique that encourages the body to heal itself as well as to improve function naturally. Acupuncture can be used successfully as a treatment in itself or used adjunctively to other forms of medical treatment in various surgical and medical disorders. One should always plan their activities is such a way that they can get some rest after treatment. For the initial visits, this is especially important. Prior to or after treatment do not immediately consume an unusually large meal.
With increased exchange of views and globalization, the system of medicine also strives to enter into the others’ territories. This process is ongoing and it results in providing world class treatment techniques that eventually leads to a better way of healing. Still, there are no assurances that a specific medical system will ultimately be successful in providing relief to the patient despite the many cases that purport to show successful treatment results by one system of medicine in order to establish itself as superior. There are attempts that still go on in justifying the supremacy of a specific medicine system and it applies to all the world’s medical systems. Enhanced globalization is to blame for all this.
There are hard-core Western pharmaceutical adherents who associate Chinese Medicine with being hocus-pocus and think that it is confined to magic. In their ignorance and blindness, they consider this system as primitive and since the basis of Chinese Medicine traces its origins to acupuncture and herbs, they attribute its effects to a term known as the placebo effect. They don’t think Chinese Medicine ever works at all when it comes to the curing or treatment of illnesses and diseases. Besides that, they see Chinese Medicine as being more inclined to spiritualism, and erroneously places it under the category of religious healing practices.
The fact of the matter is totally opposite. Chinese Medicine in Cleveland is an independent system of thought and actually is coherent. The way it is currently practiced has taken quite a long time to evolve. Chinese Medicine attempts to restore the human body back to its optimal state of health through natural, safe and very effective means. This is the reason why it has gained immense popularity not only in the countries where it is already established but also in the far-flung regions of the world.
Study Shows That Acupuncture Treatment Can Lead to the Repair of Spinal Cord Injury
According to the Mayo Clinic, several factors can cause nerve damage: exposure to toxins, infections, and injuries. Nerve damage can lead to symptoms like loss of sensation, burning and/or tingling sensation, and pain. Having been the subject of numerous scientific studies regarding nerve regeneration, acupuncture has proven to be an effective method to repair damaged nerves. To ensure proper care, discuss acupuncture with your doctor first before visiting a practitioner.
Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture
For thousands of years acupuncture has been used by traditional Chinese medicine practitioners as a way to resolve illnesses and bring balance to the body. It is part of an Eastern medical tradition known as TCM or traditional Chinese medicine. According to TCM, illness is believed to be caused by imbalances in the energy flow of the body. Acupuncture is a procedure that uses mall thin needles stuck into the skin at body areas known as acupuncture points to restore health and rebalance energy. Today, in the United States, there are thousands of licensed acupuncturists, dentists, and medical doctors who practice this 5,000 year-old treatment.
Spinal Cord Injury Acupuncture Treatment in Austin
Paralysis can ensue when there is damage to the nerve fibers of the spinal cord. In 2011, the medical journal “Experimental and Toxicologic Pathology” published a study showing how the use of electro-acupuncture led to the regeneration of nerve cells in rats who had suffered injuries to their spinal cord. It was shown that when used in conjunction with other therapies, electro-acupuncture was able to restore partial function to paralyzed limbs in the injured rats.
Peripheral Neuropathy Acupuncture Treatment
A 2009 publication of the European Journal of Neurology featured a study that show acupuncture being able to immediately resolve the symptoms of patients suffering from peripheral neuropathy. This is a condition involving damage to the nerves. The patients in this study were treated with traditional Chinese acupuncture. Each patient was started on a customized treatment plan after consultation with an acupuncturist. They were treated with acupuncture at various acupoints as suggested by the acupuncturist. Besides experiencing symptomatic relief, the patients treated with acupuncture demonstrated enhanced nerve conduction over the course of the ten-week study, causing the authors of the research to conclude that acupuncture treatment caused the nerves to regenerate.
Points to Remember
Acupuncture is widely known as a safe treatment, having fewer risks compared to conventional medical modalities. However, when it is performed without adequate training, acupuncture can lead to serious complications. Electro-acupuncture is contraindicated for the following patients: patients with a history of seizures, epilepsy, stroke, and heart disease and those with pacemakers. Before receiving acupuncture, the NCCAM (National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicines) has recommended that you check the credentials of the acupuncturist first to make sure that he or she is qualified.