Relieve Pain Naturally

If pain is keeping you from living your life to the fullest, acupuncture can help. Pain is a symptom. It is our
body’s way of “getting our attention” so we can take corrective action. This is true of emotional and physical pain, whether chronic or acute.

Corrective action can range from reflexes (flinching, limping, crying), to semi-conscious decisions (adjust your posture, rub a sore muscle, change sleep pattern), to conscious decisions (stop what you are doing, take medication, ask for help).

Different medications have side effects. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are the largest class of medications used for pain and headache and can cause idiosyncratic liver toxicity.[1] NSAIDs, like ibuprofen, can cause serious upper gastrointestinal disorders.[2] Acupuncture is a very safe method of encouraging the body to promote natural healing and improve function that rarely causes serious side effects. Many people feel a brief stinging sensation, like a pinprick, during insertion of the needles. It is also common with the first one or two treatments to have a sensation of deep relaxation or even mild disorientation immediately following the treatment.

Acupuncture can be helpful for all types of pain, regardless of what is causing the pain or where the pain is located. Some studies have shown the pain relief it provides can last for months.

Medication can reduce pain and provide some relief but this only masks (or hides) the problem, it does not cure it and, as we saw in the ibuprofen example, can create new problems. Acupuncture treats pain without causing more problems. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain before and after acupuncture treatment for pain shows dramatic decreases in activity in the pain centers of the brain - up to 70%.

Acupuncture treats the root (cause), while pain medication only treats the branch (symptom/manifestation)

The pain reducing effects of acupuncture can last months because acupuncture hastens the healing process by increasing circulation and attracting white blood cells to an injured area. It relieves the bruising, stiffness; puffiness and tenderness from the injury and can help in forming new bones in case of fractures. Acupuncture shortens the healing time of surgeries[3] and sports injuries, putting you back on track faster.[4]

Acupuncture helps correct the underlying cause for the pain. For PMS, acupuncture balances the hormones; for headaches, acupuncture releases stress and increases blood circulation to the head. Other chronic pain-causing conditions, like arthritis or stomach ulcers, involve chronic inflammation and can benefit form acupuncture as well. When the body function is restored to normal or “wellness” - there is no pain.

Wellness is an active commitment to live a balanced and fulfilled life. Acupuncture and TCM are powerful tools, by themselves or as a supportive treatment in conjunction with western medicine. At Point I coach both children and adults on how to create their own Place of Wellness. Most people focus on their immediate pain, failing to see the underlying issues. My main goal is to guide you through clear and simple steps that will improve your physical, mental and spiritual well being.

----------

[1] “Preventive Care In Chronic Liver Disease”; JOURNAL OF GENERAL INTERNAL MEDICINE; November 1999, 14(11): 699–704; Thomas R Riley, MD and Jill P Smith, MD;
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1496761/
doi: 10.1046/j.1525-1497.1999.11188.x.
PMCID: PMC1496761

[2] “Toxicity Of Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs. An Overview Of The Epidemiological Evidence”; DRUGS; 1993; 46 Suppl 1:243-8, Carson JL, Willett LR.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/7506183
PMID: 7506183 (PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE)

[3] “Case Study – Wisdom Teeth Extraction”; APLACEOFWELLNESS.BLOGSPOT.COM; July 28, 2008; Meyuhas, S.

[4] "Depression", "Low Back Pain Remedy", "Swollen Glands"; APLACEOFWELLNESS.BLOGSPOT.COM; Meyuhas, S.

Case Study - High Risk Pregnancy

OBSERVATIONS

A 37 years old 20 weeks pregnant women walked into my office with the main problem of severe pain in the low abdomen which increase at night. The combination of the pain and the baby’s rapid movement at night time caused anxiety attacks for her. These anxiety attacks were characterized by a fast heart beat and chest pain. She also experience throbbing headaches. Her other concern is her daily nausea, vomiting and watery diarrhea that didn’t stopped since the beginning of the pregnancy. She is now eating only white rice and chicken.

DIAGNOSIS: Kidney Yang Deficiency and Qi and Blood Deficiency
(Restless Fetus or Threatened Miscarriage)

“Threatened Miscarriage” is the western medical term for my patient’s condition. In Chinese Medicine, it has three corresponding conditions, Vaginal Bleeding During Pregnancy (Tai Lou), Restless Fetus (Tai Dong Bu An), and Miscarriage (Duo Tai, Xiao Chan/Ban Chan, or Hua Tai). These reflect different stages of the same process.

The Chinese term Restless Fetus literally means the fetus is not at peace because it doesn’t get the nourishment it needs to grow properly and miscarriage can result. Some movement of the baby is normal but excessive movement or a change from quiet baby to rapid movement is pathology. 

The blood vessels that supply the uterus fall under the Directing (Ren Mai) and Penetrating Vessel (Chong Mai) and a weakness there is associated with a deficiency of the Kidneys.

TREATMENT

Treatment included acupuncture, soft tissue manipulation and Chinese herbs. 

Acupuncture was prescribed twice a week to tonify the Kidneys, strengthen the Governing (Du Mai), Directing and Penetrating Vessels and calm the fetus. The points that were used:

• Du 20 to raise Qi to counteract the downward movement of the fetus.
• UB20 and St36 to tonify the Spleen and raise Qi.
• UB23 and KI3 to tonify the Kidneys.
• Qimen with Moxa to strengthen the uterus and prevent miscarriage.
• UB17 with Moxa to tonify Blood.
• LIV8 to nourish liver blood.
• PC6 to relieve nausea and anxiety.

Moxa was used in combination with other points as well.

The patient was instructed to breathe into her low abdomen allowing the pain and contraction to ease and to reduce her anxiety. Chinese herbal supplements were prescribed.

OUTCOME

The patient was under my care for the rest of her pregnancy. With treatment, she could get through the night’s contractions with more ease. The intensity reduced and her headache and diarrhea were alleviated. She was able to introduce different food into her diet, which helped nourish her and the baby. The baby’s rapid moments also reduced.

At 41 weeks, she gave birth to a healthy boy.

GOING FORWARD

I recommended continued care while nursing because her kidneys still need the support. Spleen and Kidney Yang Deficiency is a chronic condition characterized by diarrhea and a weak digestive system and can worsen during pregnancy (as seen with this patient). While nursing, she is still trying to produce enough nourishment for herself and the baby which further weakens the mother. 

It is highly recommended that she continue regular acupuncture treatments and take Chinese herbs. There are Chinese Herbal formulas that help with normalization of the uterus. Safe to take while nursing, they are given for four to six weeks following childbirth or even twelve weeks in cases of hard or prolonged labor. These formulas treat combinations of Qi/Blood Deficiency and Blood Stasis. This patient needs a postpartum formula combined with a Kidney Tonic to replenish Jing lost during labor.

“Postpartum fatigue is a common presentation after childbirth. For many women, it may be the underlying cause of Qi and Blood Deficiency that lasts throughout the rest of their life.”

Pregnancy creates powerful changes in the body. How you balance and support your body during the pregnancy and afterward can lay the foundation for your baby’s and your health going forward.

Wellness is an active commitment to live a fulfilled life. I am happy I could alleviate my patient’s anxiety and pain so she could deliver a full-term, healthy baby.

New Year's Resolve Fading? How Acupuncture can help you reach your goals (part 5 of 5)

This week was the start of the Chinese New Year and is my last post in a series about keeping New Year's Resolutions throughout the year.

Resolution 5: Eliminate Stress

Stress reduction is always on the top ten list for New Year’s resolutions and for a good reason. Each day we juggle challenges and opportunities (from work, family, friends) or different stressors; how we manage them determines if "stress" has a positive or negative effect. An inability to manage stress is often the cause of illness and the deterioration of health. Numerous studies have demonstrated the substantial benefits of acupuncture in the treatment of stress, anxiety [1] and lowering blood pressure [2].

In addition to acupuncture, Traditional Chinese Medicine offers a whole gamut of tools and techniques that can be integrated into your life to reduce stress and keep it in check. These tools include Tui Na, Qi Gong exercises, herbal medicine, dietary therapy, meditations and acupressure that you can administer at home or your office. You can click the links or search this blog for more articles about these practices.

If the stress in your life is throwing you off balance, consider coming in for a treatment to regain peace of mind and stay healthy. Wellness is an active commitment to live a balanced and fulfilled life.

--

[1] "Auricular Acupressure as a Treatment for Anxiety in Prehospital Transport Settings," ANESTHESIOLOGY; June 2003, V 98, Issue 6, Pg 1328-1332; Alexander Kober MD, Thomas Scheck MD, Barbara Schubert BS, Helmut Strasser BS, Burkhard Gustorff MD, Petra Bertalanffy MD, Shu-Ming Wang MD, Zeev N. Kain MD, Klaus Hoerauf MD

[2] "Randomized Trial of Acupuncture to Lower Blood Pressure," CIRCULATION; June 4, 2007; Frank A. Flachskampf MD*, Joachim Gallasch MD, Olaf Gefeller PhD, Junxue Gan MD, Juntong Mao MD, Annette B. Pfahlberg PhD, Alois Wortmann MD, Lutz Klinghammer MD, Wolfgang Pflederer MD, and Werner G. Daniel MD
doi: 10.1161/CIRCULATIONAHA.106.661140
http://circ.ahajournals.org/cgi/content/abstract/CIRCULATIONAHA.106.661140v1

New Year's Resolve Fading? Acupuncture Can Help... (Part 4 of 5)

As we approach the Chinese New Year (Feb 15), it’s not “too late” to make your New Year’s Resolution. Keeping this week’s resolution will lower your blood pressure, increase lung function, and decrease to half your excess risk of coronary heart disease.[1]

Resolution 4: Quit Smoking

Acupuncture has turned a growing number of cigarette cravers into permanent ex-smokers. Some researchers say that acupuncture is a promising treatment for all types of addiction from cigarettes to heroin because of its ability to curb withdrawal symptoms and manage cravings.

In one study, a team from Yale University successfully used auricular (ear) acupuncture to treat cocaine addiction[2]. Results showed that 54.8% of participants tested free of cocaine during the last week of treatment, compared to 23.5% and 9.1% in the two control groups. Those who completed acupuncture treatment also had longer periods of sustained abstinence compared to participants in the control groups.

Acupuncture treatment for smoking cessation is a two-fold program. The first step focuses on acute withdrawal symptoms (jitters, cravings, irritability, and restlessness) commonly complained about trying to quit. The second step addresses the more chronic conditions by correcting the damage caused by smoking[3]. A combination of Traditional Chinese herbs and acupuncture points on the body and ear (auricular acupuncture) are used to stimulate the Lungs and Liver.

The length, number and frequency of treatments will vary. When treating any condition in the acute stage, multiple treatments are required – 6 to 8 treatments within the first 2 weeks. As the acute symptoms reduce, the number of treatments needed each week reduces also. Chronic conditions can be alleviated in 4 to 6 months.

The Rule of Thumb for treating chronic conditions is: For every year you’ve had a condition, it will take a month of treatments to clear it.

Acupuncture is not a panacea or a magic cure-all in the treatment of any addiction, including smoking. But, acupuncture is effective in making it easier to quit and remain smoke-free. If you are highly motivated and ready to quit, acupuncture can empower you to take control and begin a healthy and smoke-free life!

--

[1]“After The Last Cigarette: The Benefits of Quitting Smoking Begin,” ABOUT.COM (Health); May 13, 2009; Martin, Terry
http://quitsmoking.about.com/cs/afterquitting/a/after_quitting.htm

[2]“A Randomized Controlled Trial of Auricular Acupuncture for Cocaine Dependence,” ARCHIVES OF INTERNAL MEDICINE; August 2000; Vol 160 No 15 Pg 2305-2312; S. Kelly Avants; Arthur Margolin; Theodore R. Holford; Thomas R. Kosten
http://opa.yale.edu/news/article.aspx?id=3397
http://archinte.ama-assn.org/cgi/content/full/160/15/2305

[3]“Electro-acupuncture promotes survival, differentiation of the bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells as well as functional recovery in the spinal cord-transected rats,” BMC NEUROSCIENCE; April 20 2009, Vol 10:35
doi:10.1186/1471-2202-10-35
http://www.biomedcentral.com/1471-2202/10/35

New Year's Resolve Fading? Acupuncture can help you reach your goals (Part 3 of 5)

My previous posts in this series have discussed how acupuncture can help you lose weight and improve your memory. This week, I will explain why acupuncture can help with another strategy to improve your health:

Resolution 3: Relieve Pain Naturally

If pain is keeping you from living your life to the fullest, acupuncture can help. Pain is a symptom. It is our body’s way of “getting our attention” so we can take corrective action. This is true of emotional and physical pain, whether chronic or acute.

Corrective action can range from reflexes (flinching, limping, crying), to semi-conscious decisions (adjust your posture, rub a sore muscle, change sleep pattern), to conscious decisions (stop what you are doing, take medication, ask for help).

Different medications have side effects. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are the largest class of medications used for pain and headache and can cause idiosyncratic liver toxicity.[1] NSAIDs, like ibuprofen, can cause serious upper gastrointestinal disorders.[2] Acupuncture is a very safe method of encouraging the body to promote natural healing and improve function that rarely causes serious side effects. Many people feel a brief stinging sensation, like a pinprick, during insertion of the needles. It is also common with the first one or two treatments to have a sensation of deep relaxation or even mild disorientation immediately following the treatment.

Acupuncture can be helpful for all types of pain, regardless of what is causing the pain or where the pain is located. Some studies have shown the pain relief it provides can last for months.

Medication can reduce pain and provide some relief but this only masks (or hides) the problem, it does not cure it and, as we saw in the ibuprofen example, can create new problems. Acupuncture treats pain without causing more problems. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain before and after acupuncture treatment for pain shows dramatic decreases in activity in the pain centers of the brain - up to 70%.

Acupuncture treats the root (cause), while pain medication only treats the branch (symptom/manifestation)

The pain reducing effects of acupuncture can last months because acupuncture hastens the healing process by increasing circulation and attracting white blood cells to an injured area. It relieves the bruising, stiffness; puffiness and tenderness from the injury and can help in forming new bones in case of fractures. Acupuncture shortens the healing time of surgeries[3] and sports injuries, putting you back on track faster.[4]

Acupuncture helps correct the underlying cause for the pain. For PMS, acupuncture balances the hormones; for headaches, acupuncture releases stress and increases blood circulation to the head. Other chronic pain-causing conditions, like arthritis or stomach ulcers, involve chronic inflammation and can benefit form acupuncture as well. When the body function is restored to normal or “wellness” - there is no pain.

Wellness is an active commitment to live a balanced and fulfilled life. Acupuncture and TCM are powerful tools, by themselves or as a supportive treatment in conjunction with western medicine. At Point I coach both children and adults on how to create their own Place of Wellness. Most people focus on their immediate pain, failing to see the underlying issues. My main goal is to guide you through clear and simple steps that will improve your physical, mental and spiritual well being.

----------

[1] “Preventive Care In Chronic Liver Disease”; JOURNAL OF GENERAL INTERNAL MEDICINE; November 1999, 14(11): 699–704; Thomas R Riley, MD and Jill P Smith, MD;
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1496761/
doi: 10.1046/j.1525-1497.1999.11188.x.
PMCID: PMC1496761

[2] “Toxicity Of Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs. An Overview Of The Epidemiological Evidence”; DRUGS; 1993; 46 Suppl 1:243-8, Carson JL, Willett LR.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/7506183
PMID: 7506183 (PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE)

[3] “Case Study – Wisdom Teeth Extraction”; APLACEOFWELLNESS.BLOGSPOT.COM; July 28, 2008; Meyuhas, S.

[4] "Depression", "Low Back Pain Remedy", "Swollen Glands"; APLACEOFWELLNESS.BLOGSPOT.COM; Meyuhas, S.

New Year's Resolve Fading? How Acupuncture can help you reach your goals (Part 2 of 5)

Last week I blogged about the number one resolution Americans make each New Year's, losing weight. This week I can share with you how acupuncture can maintain or improve your cognitive skills and memory.

Resolution 2: Stay Sharp

Maybe you want (or need) to learn a new language or take a class at your local college. However you choose to exercise your brain, acupuncture can help. Numerous studies [1, 2, 3] suggest that acupuncture can help improve memory, mental clarity, concentration and cognitive function.

Studies show how acupuncture can be used to treat memory impairment induced by chronic pain [4], diabetes, and cerebral ischemia [5]. Other studies have looked at how acupuncture affects the performance of students during an exam, women experiencing post-menopausal "brain fog", patients with Alzheimer's disease and the effects of vascular dementia. The results, thus far, show acupuncture has a positive effect on memory and cognitive function.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, memory and cognitive function is associated with Kidney function. Over the years the energy of the body declines, resulting in reduced circulation. By tonifying the Kidneys, the "body essence" is balanced. In this context, "body essence" refers to hormones and neurotransmitters which regulate body function.

Acupuncture and TCM are powerful tools, by themselves or as a supportive treatment in conjunction with western medicine. At Point-A Place Of Wellness, we offer herbal consultations as well as acupuncture treatment.

---
Resources
[1] "Repeated 2 Hz peripheral electrical stimulations suppress morphine-induced CPP and improve spatial memory ability in rats"; EXPERIMENTAL NEUROLOGY, Vol 194, Issue 2, August 2005, Pages 550-556; Ji-huan Chena, Jing Lianga, Gui-bin Wanga, Ji-sheng Hana and Cai-lian Cui

[2] "The role of the endogenous opioid system in the effects of acupuncture on mood, behavior, learning, and memory"; MEDICAL HYPOTHESIS, Volume 50, Issue 6, June 1998, Pages 475-478; Sher, L.

[3] "Acupuncture prevents cognitive deficits and oxidative stress in cerebral multi-infarction rats" NEUROSCIENCE LETTERS, Volume 393, Issue 1, 23 January 2006, Pages 45-50; Cun-Zhi Liua, Jian-Chun Yua, Xue-Zhu Zhanga, Wei-Wei Fub, Tong Wanga and Jing-Xian Han

[4] "Cognitive impairment in patients with chronic pain: the significance of stress"; CURRENT PAIN HEADACHE REPORT, Vol 2, 7 April 2003, Pages 116-26; Hart RP, Wade JB, Martelli MF

[5] "Electroacupuncture restores learning and memory impairment induced by both diabetes mellitus and cerebral ischemia in rats"; NEUROSCIENCE LETTERS, Vol 443, Issue 3, 10 October 2008, Pages 193-198; Xiang-Hong Jinga, Shu-Li Chena, Hong Shia, Hong Caia and Zhi-Gao Jina

Photo Credit: http://flashfree.wordpress.com

Case Study - Depression

OBSERVATIONS

A 14 year old boy comes with his mother to my office. His mother is concerned because her son has been depressed for 3 months. They visited her family before his depression became noticeable. Sometime after returning home, she found her son crying. He started seeing a psychologist which helped until he took Sudafed™ to relieve cold symptoms.1 The depression became worse than before.

During the family visit, the boy was to undergo a fat-reduction procedure on his chest. He and his mother were going to stay with her family while he recovered. While there, he witnessed a family fight. The result of the fight was his mother had to find friends to stay with at once.

Another stressor for the boy is he just moved to a new, bigger school after going to the same school for 8 years.

The boy complained of daily headaches centered at the occipital area. He was fatigued and would vomit clear fluids every morning since the surgery. For the past year, he has been getting shots for his allergies which reduced his asthma. He also has a tendency to develop sore throats.
He was quiet and his mother did most of the talking for him.

His tongue was red, no coating, and his pulse was rapid and superficial. Palpation of his neck, shoulders and chest reveal tenderness and spasm of his muscles.

DIAGNOSIS: Wind Heat Attacking The Lung/Sinus

His Lung function was already compromised, as evidenced by his asthma, allergies, and sore throat. This was compounded by the sense of loss created by the situation with his mother’s family and leaving his old school. Any unresolved or suppressed anger will also turn into sadness and reduce immune (TCM: Lung) function.

His headaches resulted from sinus inflammation. Autumn weather is dry and increases mucus membrane sensitivity resulting in increased mucus secretion. Post nasal drip during the night caused the vomiting in the morning. Allergies (inflammation of the mucus membranes) overwork the immune system leaving him tired and unable to deal with his emotions.

The surgery created more inflammation in the muscles of the chest. The physical and emotional stressors manifest as a heavy sensation and constriction of his chest. Crying is the natural release.

TREATMENT

Treatment included acupuncture, soft tissue manipulation and Chinese herbs.

I needled his chest (R17) and he felt immediate relief. I also massaged his neck, face, scalp, upper back and his arms and hands along the Lung and Large Intestine meridians. This reduced the inflammation, improved lymph flow/drainage and relaxed the chest, neck and back. While treating, I emphasized deep breathing. Even breathing helps him to let go of the emotions he is holding. Deep breathing creates an “internal massage” allowing the intercostals (rib muscles) to fully relax. This improves lung function.

I demonstrated how he can improve his own Lung function with Qi Gong tapping along his Lung and Large Intestine meridians. I instructed him to do this every day; it would enhance his immune system. I am empowering him to take part in his healing and learn to deal with his emotions instead of holding them in.

I also prescribed an herbal formula to alleviate his allergies and reduce the post nasal drip.

OUTCOME
He came back a week later and said he is not vomiting since the visit. He feels less depressed and his chest and upper back are less sore. He didn’t have any headaches this week.

He manages to take the herbal formula only once a day instead of the recommended three times daily.

GOING FORWARD

My objective is to give the boy tools to deal with his depression and any other health issues.

Two percent of preteens and 5% of adolescents suffer from depression.2

The first step is to make him aware of his physical sensations and how he can change them. I encouraged him to use breathing and Qi Gong tapping to create more space in his chest to change his physical and emotional patterns.

Wellness is an active commitment to live a fulfilled life. I am happy I could initiate the healing process for him.

===
1 In TCM sadness resides in the lungs (each emotion manifests in different areas of the body). He needed to strengthen his lungs to relieve his symptoms instead of using Sudafed which suppresses his natural lung function.
2 www.about-teen-depression.com/