Acupuncture for Hand Tremors
Almost all people now and then experience hand tremors and it’s a perfectly normal thing to do. Medical science has two classifications of hand tremors: action tremors and rest tremors.
Hand Tremors Causes and Treatments
Action tremors happen when the hand is performing a voluntary action like writing on a paper or typing on a keyboard. They also may happen when the hand is holding or grasping onto something. There are three kinds of action tremors: kinetic, postural and isometric. Action tremors are usually associated with certain types of disorders and diseases, including multiple sclerosis, stroke and Parkinsonism.
Rest Tremors, on the other hand, can be seen as some type of hand twitching that usually comes about while the body is at rest. One example of rest tremor is that while your hands are resting on a table, they begin to shake involuntarily. This type of tremor is usually related to mental stress you may be undergoing at that time.
The likelihood for experiencing hand tremors increases when you drink a lot of coffee or when you don’t get enough sleep. You may experience a mild vibration or shaking on your hands and may also find it hard to strongly hold on to something. Normally, hand tremors are transitory if their causes are due to fear, fatigue or stress,
You can likewise have hand tremors when you are in a withdrawal state from chemical addictions like nicotine and drugs. The state of withdrawal of an individual going through detoxification often entails his/her experiencing hand tremors as well as body tremors. However, it is important to remember that these withdrawal side effects are just temporary.
You need to consult with your doctor if your hand tremors seem to be prolonged and do not go away. These persistent and enduring tremors may be symptoms of a far worse underlying health problem. The condition may have got to do with problems in your nervous system or brain that causes the hand to shake. One neurological issue called dystonia often causes symptoms of hand tremors. Other peripheral neurological issues can also produce hand tremors symptoms. There are many possible causes that may lead to the development of hand tremors.
Unfortunately hand tremors can be also a symptom of a really bad disease such as brain tumor. Hand tremors that seem to persist are usually ominous warnings of serious neurological conditions. If such is the case, your hand tremors may also come with involuntary twitches in the legs, face or hands. A combination of intermittent or prolonged hand tremors and involuntary muscle twitches at some regions of your body should be solid reasons to have yourself checked right away. For a complaint of intermittent or prolonged hand tremors and involuntary muscle twitches, a brain scan is usually recommended by doctors to see if tumors have developed in the patient’s brain. As mentioned, Parkinson’s disease and multiple sclerosis are common neurological problems that cause hand tremors. If the doctor suspects you of having any of these problems, he will request a brain scan for you in order to correctly diagnose your condition. If you have hand tremors that seem to be transitory, you can have yourself checked by your doctor if you just want to be on the safe side. Mild or the slightest strokes can also lead to the development of hand tremors since a blood clot may have developed in your brain. It is very important to have your doctor extract the clot as soon as possible, possibly within four hours of your stroke; if not, you may potentially develop serious health problems that can permanently and seriously impair your mobility.
Hand tremors are usually experienced by seniors although their tremors may not necessarily involve any brain problems. Aging has caused their muscle mass to decrease resulting in loss of control over their hands and their dexterity. These problems can be prevented by eating foods rich in antioxidants and foods that are highly nutritious. Antioxidants help in preventing the cells from aging.
Treatment for Hand Tremors
In treating hand tremors, your doctor needs to diagnose their cause first. Hand tremors that come about not due to medical conditions can be treated effectively with natural types of treatment. One type of tremor called essential tremor is usually found in artists, musicians and individuals whose job entails the frequent use of their fingers and hands. PC encoders and typists who encode and type for 8 hours a day are also likely to develop hand tremors. One of the best natural treatments for hand tremors is acupuncture.
For thousands of years, the ancient Chinese have used acupuncture to remove the blockages of vital energy the Chinese call Chi in the body to enable it to flow freely all over the body. According to traditional Chinese medicine, problems like hand tremors occur when Chi in the hand is blocked due to over use. Although this type of medical theory is not yet proven by western medicine, numerous individuals have improved their condition using acupuncture. People who have been treated with acupuncture in Vancouver of their hand tremors have had substantial reduction of their tremors or even have been completely cured of it.
Sometimes, massaging your hands can also reduce your hand tremors, particularly if you are fatigued or stressed out. The blood flow in your hands improves by massaging them and can help also in the improvement of the dexterity and control of your hand. Furthermore, massaging has been scientifically proven to relax the body as well as the mind. Massage can effectively relieve your fatigue and stress and can calm the nerves that help lessen your hand tremors.
Acupuncture for GERD
Heartburn and acid reflux are considered aspects of GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease). GERD develops when the sour gastric acid flows back to the esophagus oftentimes even up to the mouth. Heartburn means the burning sensation caused by acid reflux that wells upward to the throat.
Symptoms of GERD can include vague hunger, nausea, abdominal distention and stomach pain. In chronic GERD, the acid escaping the stomach can injure the esophagus leading to problem in regurgitation and/or swallowing as well as hoarseness and sore throat; if the acid escapes to the lungs, it can cause asthma or bronchitis or even worse cancer or Barrett’s Esophagus.
What causes GERD?
Lifestyle – Causes can include stress, overeating or eating on the go or at odd hours. Stress can slow down Qi flow and invade the Stomach causing it to “rebel upwards.” When Qi stagnates, it causes constipation that back up the intestines causing Qi to “rebel more.” Other factors that can cause Qi to stagnate are unresolved, unexpressed emotions that can accumulate in the gut.
Diet – “hot” foods like chocolate, alcohol, spices and chili as well as overly acidic foods like garlic, onions, radishes, uncooked peppers, tomatoes and citrus fruits and a very restrictive type of dieting, antibiotics, and raw or cold foods can all impair the function of the digestive system.
TCM Patterns That Can Cause GERD
Liver and Stomach Yin Deficiency – chronic abundant heat (due to overly heating foods and stress among others) in the abdomen can damage the Yin. Symptoms include heartburn that gets worse with stress, acidity, constipation, dry stools, and dry throat and mouth. When GERD is the result of irregular eating or overeating combined with a sedentary lifestyle, the symptoms that manifest may include diarrhea or constipation that soothes the pain, bad breath, burping out undigested foods and vomiting after a large meal that relieves the pain
Stomach- Spleen Yang/Qi Deficiency – this is caused by chronic digestive weakness that impairs the normal movement of food in the GI tract. Symptoms may include intolerance to cold, loose stools, fatigue, poor appetite, sour belching, drooling, post-meal bloating, stomach pain soothed by pressure and warmth, heartburn during sleep, bending or increased stomach pressure. This condition can be exacerbated with the consumption of raw or hard to digest foods.
Food Stagnation – This may come about due to irregular eating and frequent over-eating particularly when combined with a sedentary lifestyle. Symptoms include diarrhea or constipation that lessens the pain, bad breath, and pain after a large meal that is relieved by burping up or vomiting undigested foods.
Damp-Phlegm Accumulation – this can be caused by chronic deficiency in Spleen Qi causing Dampness that affects blood flow and more production of Phlegm. This leads to the slowing down of Stomach Qi and disrupts its downward direction. The symptoms include pain and discomfort may be experienced at night (1 AM to 2 AM) with burping and sour reflux, a musty body odor, headaches and dizziness, mucus, excess weight, poor concentration, heavy limbs, fatigue, loose stools and a lowered sensation of taste.
Liver and Stomach Heat – this can be caused by Liver Qi Stagnation and can be worsened by too much intake of heating foods where GERD symptoms are most noticeable just after a meal. Pain and discomfort may be experienced at night (1 AM to 2 AM) with burping and sour reflux.
Liver Qi Stagnation Invading the Abdomen – this can be caused by stress and emotions. Symptoms include neck and shoulder tension, cold extremities, PMS, tension headaches, anxiety, depression, irritability, frequent burping or sighing, appetite loss, alternating diarrhea and constipation, bloating, and epigastric tenderness and hypochondriac.
What can I do about it?
Foods that do not cause or exacerbate GERD or can help alleviate symptoms can include raw potato juice or aloe vera juice mixed with water thrice a day, apple cider vinegar (1 Tbsp) in water with food. Lying on your left side to maintain the abdomen below the esophagus, no eating three before sleep, and taking HCL acid-free digestive enzymes just before meals are also helpful. Prescription medications for GERD include Tagamet, Pepcid, Protonix, Prevacid, Nexium, and Zantac and over-the counter drugs include Advil and Aspirin. Deglycyrrhizinated Licorice (DGL) can also be used to treat GERD.
Liver and Stomach Yin Deficiency – remedies include flaxseed oil, rich colored veggies, beans and seeds that can moisten, stews and soups and nourishing root. Avoid stimulants like caffeine, coffee and overly spiced foods.
Stomach- Spleen Qi/Yang Deficiency – foods you can eat can include broths, stews and soups, and lightly cooked veggies. Eat more frequent meals and smaller portions, eat simpler combination of foods, thoroughly chew your food and avoid raw foods; for Yang Deficiency, same as Qi Deficiency with more consumption of warming foods. Avoid raw cold foods. Garlic, cloves, ginger and cinnamon are good for Yang Deficiency.
Damp-Phlegm Accumulation – Avoid or limit consumption of raw foods, oils and fats, sweets and sugars and carbs (apart from millet and rice barley). Recommended foods include pepper, horseradish, mustard, garlic and ginger and other warming acrid spices.
Liver and Stomach Heat- recommended foods include raw foods like veggies and fruits, and pungent, cool and bitter foods. Limit or avoid consumption of alcohol and coffee, greasy or fried foods, complicated meals and overly spiced or spicy foods.
Food Stagnation/ Liver Qi Stagnation – consume complex carbs, veggies, eat dinner earlier, exercise, pre-meal digestive enzymes, ginger tea, and smaller portions. Cope with stress and limit heavier proteins and fats.
Chinese Herbal formulas and Acupuncture – there are times when changing your diet are not enough to resolve GERD symptoms. Acupuncturists can customize a plan of treatment to address your specific needs. This may entail using a combination of modalities like lifestyle and nutritional counseling, Chinese herbal medicine and acupuncture.
Over-the-counter antacids can provide relief from GERD symptoms but their long-term use can result in long-term problems. These drugs do not really target the underlying cause of the problem and also their side effects can include nausea, gas, belching, diarrhea and constipation. Aluminum-based and calcium drugs, for example, can cause constipation, calcium carbonate lead to rebound effect (stomach acid reflux), sodium bicarbonate produces bloating and gas while magnesium may serve as a laxative. Antacids are ineffective for bloating and gas, impair proper digestion and nutrient absorption and can lead to electrolyte imbalance.
Needles & Moxa Wellness Center
700 S Red Rd
Miami, FL 33144
Ph: (305) 265-5265
http://www.needlesandmoxa.com
Acupuncture for Low Blood Pressure
Low blood pressure also known as hypotension is not as prevalent as high blood pressure although the damage it can do to the body can be as serious as that caused by high blood pressure. Suffering from blood loss or being dehydrated can result in drop in blood pressure as can prone or sitting position to standing or sudden movement. There are also certain health issues that can lead to persistent episodes of hypotension. You need to go for medical treatment for hypotension but you can also complement this treatment with an effective non-invasive alternative treatment like electronic acupuncture.
What is Hypotension?
Hypotension occurs when a person’s blood’s pressure heart rate is lower than normal. Typically when you have low blood pressure, your heart is not pumping with enough force to circulate blood all over the body to supply oxygen to all the body organs. This results in the telling signs of nausea, dizziness and in severe cases, shock. Blood pressure reading ranging from 90/60 to 120/80 is considered normal but when your pressure drops less than 90/60, you then are considered to have low blood pressure.
Medicines such as surgical anesthesia, anti-anxiety drugs, alcohol, narcotic painkillers and anti-depressants can cause low blood pressure. Medical conditions such as Parkinson’s disease, stroke and coronary disease contribute also to this disorder. If you continuously experience hypotension that compels you to avail of medical treatment, then electronic acupuncture is one great treatment that can help.
Blood Pressure and Electronic Acupuncture
According to traditional Chinese medicine, the human body is divided into several microscopic vessels that spread throughout the body known as meridians where life energy the Chinese call Qi or Chi travels through. Sometimes some of these meridians develop blockages which lead to health issues like low blood pressure, illness and pain. Acupuncture is an ancient form of treatment that has been used for thousands of years to aid the body in removing meridian blockages to allow Chi to flow unimpeded once more.
Traditional acupuncture often entails multiple sessions for treatment of a condition and this can be quite expensive. Also, a lot of people are scared at the thought of needles being inserted in their body. These factors can be a deterrent for them to consider this wonderful alternative therapy for their low blood pressure. The great news is that they have another way to gain the benefits of this wonderful natural safe treatment and this way is through electronic acupuncture.
An electronic acupuncture device generates the same healing benefits that acupuncture needles give. Electromagnetic energy pulses are elicited into the body using the small wand of the device. These pulses of energy are transmitted into strategic acupuncture points located on the palm and hand that are related to certain body functions. This type of treatment is a very convenient, painless and easy way to receive the benefits of acupuncture in the comfort of your own home and in your own time. You need just a few sessions of electronic acupuncture to regain the normal flow of Chi and thus treat your low blood pressure. The important thing to note though is to remember to talk to your doctor first prior to embarking on electronic acupuncture treatment for your low blood pressure.
Manhattan Acupuncture Clinic
900 Broadway, Suite 404
New York, NY 10003
Ph: (917) 968-6456
http://www.manhattanacupunctureclinic.com/
Acupuncture for Cervical Dysplasia
Cervical Dysplasia or CD is seen as an abnormal change in the cells on the surface of the cervix. CD is not cancer but it can help develop cancer of the cervix if the condition is not addressed promptly. Cancer of the cervix is a very common cancer causing 16,000 incidents as well as 5,000 deaths each year in the United States. Women need to undergo a cervical dysplasia diagnosis as soon as possible if they suspect themselves of having one. For moderate and mild cases of CD, however, traditional Chinese medicine procedures along with a healthy lifestyle can help fight CD effectively.
The primary cause of cervical dysplasia is the Human Papilloma Virus or HPV. This is a common virus that is usually transmitted by means of sexual contact. HPV can have different kinds. Traditional Chinese Medicine or TCM is not capable of diagnosing HPV or CD. If you suspect yourself of having HPV, It is very important to get a Pap smear exam since this test is the only way to ascertain if the cells in your cervix is normal or to guarantee that you have a healthy cervix.
Western medicine sees the following as factors that can heighten your risk of developing CD:
Smoking
Using medications or having sicknesses that weaken your immune system
Possessing more than one sexual partner
Not getting regular Pap smear tests
Becoming active sexually before 18 years of age
Physicians are uncertain why the likelihood of being infected with HPV is high in females 18 years or below who are already sexually active. They opine that a female is likely to have more than one sexual partner at these ages. They may also see that the cells of the cervix change over time through a process known as metaplasia. This is the reason why the exposed part of the cervix (the columnar cells) is termed as the “transformation zone”. Over several years, squamous cells, replace the columnar cells. The likelihood of developing pre-cancer is enhanced if the transformation zone is infected with a sexually transmitted carcinogen during the time of maximum cellular activity during adolescence. This jibes with the Traditional Chinese Medicine perspective that sexual activity at an early age is harmful to the Penetrating and Directing Vessels (related to the female reproductive organs) since at those ages, the uterus is still quite vulnerable. For TCM, adolescence is quite a delicate phase for a female and any disease she may incur at this time can bring about extreme consequences. Other diseases may also play a role in the rise of cervical dysplasia among young females. During the time of puberty, emotional problems can deeply affect a young female’s health; it may lead to a slowdown in the flow of her qi in the liver that can easily impact the female’s genital system.
Treating Cervical Dypslasia and HPV using TCM
Traditional Chinese Medicine considers the entire body when treating any disharmony and disease. A specific detailed intake process can aid TCM practitioners in determining the underlying cause of the disharmony. The initial intake process assesses the patient’s condition internally and also his/her habits, environment and lifestyle. Furthermore, the process of diagnosis process depends on the evaluation of the tongue and the palpation of the stomach and pulse. TCM practitioners consider all of this information to help diagnose the pathways and underlying problem of the disharmony, using the diagnostic patterns of procedures of TCM. After successfully diagnosing the condition, the practitioner will craft a plan of t treatment that considers the unique constitution of the patient.
Treatment often entails the use of dietary and lifestyle modifications, Chinese herbal medicine and acupuncture. Eastern diet therapy is very important for the plan of treatment since studies have revealed that women suffering from CD also suffer from nutritional deficiencies. Women with cervical dysplasia were particularly lacking in vitamin B6, vitamin C and beta-carotene. TCM practitioners help patients by enabling them to know what foods are quite beneficial for them; these practitioners accomplish this by using an eastern nutrition profile. Foods that help improve the constitution of the patient can aid in healing and rejuvenating the body.
The duration of the treatment is determined by any preexisting conditions the patient has, the patient’s overall health and the degree of severity of his/her HPV infection. They all are considered during the first meeting of the patient with his/her TCM practitioner.
Harmony Wellness Center
110 N Orlando Ave
Maitland, FL 32751
(407) 234-6454
http://www.harmonywellnesscenter.com/
Acupuncture for Urinary Tract Infection
There are about 11 million Americans who suffer from acute urinary tract infection each year. Urinary tract infection (UTI) affects men but most of its cases involve women. Any part of the urinary system can potentially be affected with UTI. This disease is caused by bacteria that have entered the urethra where it starts to rapidly multiply. It is seen as a debilitating condition and the pain it generates may sometimes be more painful the childbirth according to some women who have been affected by this condition.
The most commonly used conventional western treatment for UTI is antibiotics. However, the increasing resistance of the bacteria towards antibiotics forces UTI patients to cease taking antibiotics and just allow the infection to gradually go away. This often results in the rise of worse conditions in the body. Moreover, women who have a high chance of developing UTI usually utilize large doses of antibiotics before the infection actually sets in; this merely accelerates the resistance of the bacteria to the drugs.
The danger of antibiotic resistance has prompted researchers to look into other natural and alternative ways to help lessen the duration and frequency of urinary tract infections. A study done in October 2002 in Norway involving the use of acupuncture to treat gynecological conditions showed results (which were published in the American Journal of Public Health issued October 2002 issue) favoring acupuncture therapy – it showed that the rate of infection decreased by more than a half after 6 months of acupuncture treatment.
The study involved 94 women ranging 18 to 60 in age. All of these women have had urinary tract infection at least 3 times for the past 12 months with a minimum of two infections having been diagnosed as UTI and resolved by a doctor. All the women were diagnosed based on traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) protocols. Then they were divided into two groups: the acupuncture and control groups. The control group was not given any treatment while the acupuncture group was treated on acupuncture points in the back, lower stomach and lower extremities based on the TCM diagnosis. The treatments were performed two times a week for four weeks.
Results
The researchers observed a substantial lessening of the group treated with acupuncture. About 73% of subjects treated with acupuncture reported no symptoms of UTI during the six-month followup visit. In contrast, the control group only had a 52% improvement of their symptoms. The acupuncture group exhibited more than half (55%) of a decreased risk of incurring another UTI infection in the six months after the last treatment session.
The subjects given acupuncture also had a 51% improvement in the average amount of urine that remained in their bladder during the six-month examination compared to baseline. The untreated subjects showed no major change in residual urine.
Acupuncture for Pre-Menstrual Syndrome
About 90% of women undergoing their menstrual cycle can experience the effects of an approaching period either every month or some months. PMS or pre-menstrual syndrome (PMS) is also sometimes called PMT or pre-menstrual tension. PMS can manifest in a number of ways from mood swings, to headaches and painful cramping among many others. Symptoms can range as minimally irritating to very painful and conventional modalities like prescription drugs may not always be as effective as you want them to be. You may want to try electronic acupuncture if you have PMS or PMT and you’re not entirely satisfied with the relief given by conventional drugs.
Electronic Acupuncture
The very old Chinese healing art of acupuncture has been utilized since time immemorial for the resolution of pain and other health problems. Acupuncture is part of a collection of oriental modalities known as traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). TCM believes that the body contains several energy pathways called meridians interconnected via connective tissues. If you begin to feel headaches, cramping and other symptoms of PMS, some of these meridians may be blocked impairing your body’s life energy from traveling to the blocked areas. Acupuncture is done by inserting sterile and very small needles into strategic spots in the body called acupuncture points or acupoints for short, to remove the blockages in these meridians.
Acupuncture has been used for many decades now in many Western countries and is considered a great treatment option that a lot of insurance companies are now willing to cover in their policies. The problem is when you have a fear of needles or when repeated sessions of acupuncture are out of the question because you cannot afford them. One solution to this problem is to buy a portable electronic acupuncture device that has been approved by the US FDA. This device follows the same principles of traditional acupuncture healing without using needles at all.
The advantage of having an electronic acupuncture device is that you can use it right in the comfort of your own home and on your own treatment schedule. The electronic acupuncture device has a wand-like component that conveys electromagnetic impulses to certain acupuncture points in the palm, wrist and hand that are associated to specific areas of your body. If, for example, your PMS causes bloating and cramping in you, you may want to place the wand to the acupuncture point associated with the ovaries and uterus to remove the blockage in the meridians causing pain. You can apply the same principle to your mood swings and headaches which are usually caused by hormones.
When you buy an electronic acupuncture device, it usually comes with a very useful acupoint hand map that you can use as reference for treating yourself of your PMS symptoms. The ability to treat yourself can enable you to lessen your dependency on prescription drugs, more so if these medicines have ingredients that can cause nasty side effects. When the pain and symptoms of your PMS causes you so much distress and discomfort, acquiring an electronic acupuncture device may just be the one thing that will help you deal much better with your PMS problem.
Before deciding to purchase an electronic acupuncture device, you need to consult with your doctor regarding your PMS symptoms first. There are certain types of PMS that may need medical intervention. One thing is certain and that is your electronic acupuncture device will not only help you cope much better with your PMS, it will also help you address your other health conditions as well.
Acupuncture for Itching
Acupuncture is a very unique type of oriental healing technique that is very effective in relieving itch. If you are considering using it for the first time, you need to consult with your doctor first.
Causes of Itching
There are many causes of itching and they can range from damaged nerves to dry skin. The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology categorizes itching into four types:
Psychogenic – This type of itch can be caused by imbalances in levels of norepinephrine and serotonin in your body. Psychogenic itching is usually treated with antipsychotic and antidepressant medicines.
Neurogenic – This type of itching happens with kidney and chronic liver disease
Neuropathic – This can be caused by problems in the nervous system
Pruriceptive – This can be due to skin damage resulting from conditions like inflammation, eczema and drug reactions
Acupuncture Treatment for Itching
In treating itching acupuncturists first need to evaluate the symptoms of their patients to customize treatments that address their patients’ particular needs. Acupuncture is uniquely customized that each patient usually gets different treatment even if they have the same medical complaint. Acupuncture points identified for a specific type of itch can be different for another type of itch. For example, an acupoint for the Gallbladder organ located on the thigh indicates for itchy, red skin is needled. An acupoint associated with the Urinary bladder located in the back near the spine is treated if the patient is suffering from eczema. For generalized itching, acne and hives, acupoints connected to the Urinary bladder is treated.
Effectiveness
Studies published in the 2010 edition of the Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology & Venereology showed that acupuncture treatments lessened the duration, distribution and intensity of itching. The journal also noted that the studies involved low numbers of episodes or single-case studies which imply that even if acupuncture showed its efficacy for treating itch, more testing and research are required to verify its effectiveness.
Considerations
There is not doubt that acupuncture is now a popular type of treatment in the United States. It is considered to be a safe procedure with few side effects, if any at all. However, if done by an inexperienced or untrained practitioner, acupuncture can have negative effects that can include punctured organs due to incorrectly placed needles or infections from unsterile needles. If you want to make sure you are given safe care, check the credentials of your acupuncturist and never select an acupuncturist who possesses no traditional medical training.
Vital Gate Acupuncture
107 W 82nd St
New York, NY 10024
(212) 873-4244
http://www.vitalgate.com/
Acupuncture for Low Back Pain
In terms of injury and/or muscle soreness, back pain is the most widely reported complaint. Most people will experience back pain at some point in their life and so it is important to discuss this condition and learn how to resolve it and even prevent it since you may suffer from it in the future if you haven’t already.
One of the best treatments of most types of body pain bar none is the ancient Chinese healing art of acupuncture. Acupuncture is one component of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). Other TCM modalities such as moxibustion or cupping therapy have also demonstrated outstanding results for treating low back pain. Acupuncture is versatile enough to be utilized in combo with any type of natural or conventional therapy.
Your lower back broadly encompasses the part of your body below the rib cage including the buttocks. When pain emanates from the sciatic nerve, it can travel down to one leg or the other but oftentimes only one leg is affected. According to TCM, lower back pain can be the result of a pathogenic infiltration, zero or little exercise, overwork, pregnancy and labor, too much sexual activity or excessive physical work. When the underlying cause of your low back pain (LBP) has been identified, a diagnosis based on TCM principles is then attained. It is important to note that you avail yourself of treatment to a qualified TCM practitioner even if you only want acupuncture treatment for your LBP. An LBP diagnosis based on TCM usually involves chi deficiency of the Kidney system. This deficiency is either due to the stagnation of blood and chi in the kidney meridian or a pathogen invasion such as accumulation of Damp-Cold in the affected area.
Chi deficiency in the Kidney often manifests in chronic low back pain as well Cold-Damp. This condition can develop from frequent infiltration of Cold-Damp in the body that eventually leads to the Kidney energy deficiency and thus to low-back pain. Other symptoms of LBP besides the pain can include knee pain, night sweats, relief from the pain but recurring during work or sexual activity, and a cold feeling in the lower back.
Damp-Cold invasion likewise can manifest in acute low-back pain cases. The pain generated by this infiltration is at its worse in the morning and acts up during cold or damp weather. The pain can be resolved by the application of heat. If you suffer from Cold and Dampness infiltration, one often predominates the other. You may sometimes experience symptoms of Dampness more than cold or vice versa. If Cold infiltration is stronger, you can find relief by walking around or being active rather than resting; the heat from your movement will alleviate the pain. If you feel the effect of Dampness more than Cold, some swelling may develop as well as feel a heavy sensation in your back.
LBP caused by blood and chi stagnation is often associated with Kidney deficiency (in chronic cases) and the result of muscle strain (in acute cases). Blood and chi stagnation comes with symptoms such as stabbing and sharp pain that becomes worse with excessive exertion or even with rest. The LBP caused by blood and chi stagnation is usually tender making it difficult for the sufferer to sit or stand. This type of pain is accompanied by severe muscle rigidity and stiffness and is not affected by the application of heat or changes in the weather.
After your TCM practitioner has diagnosed you with LBP, he may suggest an acupuncture plan of treatment. The duration of the LBP treatment may be determined on how long you’ve been suffering from it. Acute LBP cases tend to have a quicker treatment time than chronic cases. The acupuncture points to be treated will be based on your diagnosis though more often than not certain points on your back are included. Western medicine diagnosis for LBP may not focus on its underlying cause but will instead concentrate on the symptoms. Whatever the case, you need to consult with your doctor to at least determine that you are not suffering from any structural problems in the back such as, for example, a prolapsed lumbar disc or osteoarthritis.
Acupuncture for Itching
An itching sensation ensues when the skin starts to tingle and the urge to scratch is very strong. Most cases of itching are not serious but the uncomfortable sensation can eventually result in too much scratching that can injure the skin. Acupuncture is a Chinese healing modality thousands of years old that can help relieve the itching sensation. It is recommended that you talk with your doctor first before getting acupuncture treatment.
Causes of Itching
There may be so many possible causes of itching – some may be caused by dry skin and in some severe cases, it may be due to damaged nerves. There are four classifications of itching according to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, these are psychogenic, neurogenic, neuropathic and pruriceptive. Chemical imbalances in the body, especially the ones involving norepinephrine and serotonin may lead to psychogenic itching. This type of itching may be relieved with antipsychotic and antidepressant drugs. Neurogenic itching can occur when the patient suffers from kidney or chronic liver disease, neuropathic itching can result from damage to the nervous system, Pruriceptive itching can be caused by damage to the skin due to conditions such as inflammation, eczema, drug reactions and hives.
It is the job of acupuncturists to evaluate the symptoms of their patients in order to customize a plan of treatment that will treat their patient’s specific needs. Since acupuncture treatment is really based on the symptoms and physiology of the patient, patients may get different treatments for basically the same health problems. Acupuncturists can identify the acupuncture points that are often utilized to stop itching. The Gall Bladder point 31 point, for example, situated on the thigh is needled to address itchy red skin. The Urinary Bladder 17 point is essential for itchy skin problems such as eczema, and is found on the back near the spine. The Urinary Bladder 13 point, very near to the Urinary Bladder 17 point, is treated to address acne and hives as well as generalized itching.
Effectiveness
The Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology & Venereology posted studies in 2010 assessing case studies and scientific research on the treatment of acupuncture for itching. The studies stated that acupuncture therapies decreased the duration, distribution and intensity of itching. The conductors of the study, however, said that since the studies only involved low numbers of episodes or were single-case studies, they weren’t the kind of studies that can truly validate acupuncture’s effectiveness in treating itching. More testing and research are needed to prove acupuncture’s effectiveness.
Considerations
In spite of the millions of Americans who get acupuncture treatments, very few cases of side effects have been reported. Acupuncture is considered to be a safe treatment although it can have adverse effects if it is performed by an inexperienced or untrained acupuncturist. The effects may include punctured organs due to improperly placed needles or poor sanitation. To guarantee safe care, you need to check the credentials of the acupuncturist and stop relying on a diagnosis from an acupuncturist who has no traditional medical training.
Scott Paglia is a licensed and board certified acupuncturist in Bellingham, WA and provides master level pulse diagnosis, Chinese herbal medicine and acupuncture in Whatcom County, WA.