Acupuncture has been used for thousands of years as an effective therapy for regulating pain and managing many other functions of the body. A number of different types of acupuncture have come into use over the centuries. Electroacupuncture was developed around the mid-1900s and has been shown to significantly enhance traditional acupuncture treatments.
Electroacupuncture uses the same points as acupuncture, and operates on a similar principle. The difference is that the needles are attached to a device that sends electrical currents or pulses into the body. Electrical currents have stimulating effects, which can influence the cells, tissues and entire systems. While most electrotherapy techniques are transcutaneous, only allowing the electricity to flow over the skin, Electroacupuncture channels it into the body with pinpoint precision.
In clinical studies, Electroacupuncture has shown to be effective in treating a variety of conditions, particularly those that are chronic. The most obvious are pain, muscle spasms and neurological issues. But because the electrical stimulation of acupuncture points can be used to activate a variety of systems within the body, Electroacupuncture can be used to treat conditions as wide-ranging as heart disease, hypertension, nausea, weight gain and even skin problems.
A typical Electroacupuncture treatment lasts for a minimum of 30 minutes. The frequency and intensity of the electricity used by the practitioner varies, based on the patient and the condition being treated. During EA, you may experience tingling or mild involuntary muscle twitches. These are normal, temporary effects of the electricity entering the body.
Electroacupuncture is very safe for most people; however it is not recommended for patients with a pacemaker or a history of seizures or epilepsy. Also, Electroacupuncture is generally not used at higher intensities in the head or across the midline of the body. As with any type of therapy, you should always have a solid, highly individualized treatment plan mapped out by a highly skilled practitioner.
Standard acupuncture techniques, in the hands of a skilled practitioner, can be very powerful and may provide all of the relief you need. Electroacupuncture could be looked at as an amped-up form of acupuncture. Ask your practitioner if electroacupuncture may be right for you.
Source: The Dr Oz Show
Original article and pictures take www.corespirit.com site
Alternative Treatment Options for Alzheimer's Disease
Herbs help in toning and strengthening the body systems. Like all the other therapies, it is necessary for you to understand its significance and you must consult your health care provider about this. You may use herbs like tinctures (alcohol extracts), dried extracts (capsules, powders, teas) and glycerites (glycerine extracts).
American ginseng (Panax quinquefolium) helps in improving the flow of blood to the brain. You should be cautious while consuming this drug, if you are suffering from high blood pressure.
Studies have revealed that lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) helps in improving the mental functioning in people who are in the mid stages of Alzheimer's. It may act as a mild sedative for relieving the pain.
Bacopa also known as Brahmi is used in Ayurveda for improving the functioning of the brain and facilitate learning. Bacopa should not be consumed by people who are suffering from intestinal problems, emphysema and stomach ulcers.
Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba) has been significantly effective in treating Alzheimer's disease in the early stages. It is also known for treating vascular dementia. This herb will require a prescription from your doctor if you are already taking blood thinning medications like clopidogrel (Plavix), aspirin and warfarin (Coumadin).
Huperzine A, a chemical made from the plant Huperziaserrata, will help in improving memory in cases of vascular as well as dementia that is associated with Alzheimer's. This herb may interfere with other medications and can decrease your heart rate. It is recommended to avoid consuming this drug if you are suffering from liver disorder or are about to be subjected to anesthesia.
Massage Therapy for Alzheimer's Disease
Frustration and anxiety may be an associated symptom of Alzheimer's disease as people are unable to communicate or cope up with the spoken language. It may be helpful to use massage or touch as a part of nonverbal communication. It was speculated that people who got massages often showed lower pulse rates and did not involve themselves in any ambiguous behavior. Professionals are under an impression that massage not only helps in relaxing the muscles, but is also a kind of social interaction.
Music Therapy for Alzheimer's Disease
Music therapy uses music to heal and calm the senses. This cannot reduce or reverse dementia. It may, however, improve the quality of living of a person who is suffering from Alzheimer's diseases. There are evidences which show that this therapy can relieve the mind from stress and keep it stable at all times. It also elevates the production of certain brain chemicals that are necessary for sleeping and easing anxiety.
Natural Remedies for Treating Alzheimer's Disease
Coconut Oil: Coconut oil is a form of healthy and necessary fat. It helps in restoring the nerve lining, which facilitates the communication in the brain and improve its functioning in an unusual way.
Turmeric in Curries: Evidences have shown that curcumin, which is found in turmeric can be used in preventing Alzheimer's disease. This itself explains why India has lower rates of people who are suffering from AD.
Ginger is used for stimulating poor appetite. Drinking ginger tea or chewing a mixture of ginger, salt and lime juice can help in increasing thirst as well as appetite
Lemon oil: Mix a few drops of peppermint or lemon oil in warm water and breathe in. This can help in alleviating depression and lethargy that is often associated with AD.
Basil can be mixed with Sage in a cup of warm water to relieve the depression.
Baking soda forms a part of every home's kitchen and is known to be the best remedy. A mixture of salt and baking soda can be used instead of toothpastes that are available in the market. This helps because it does not have aluminium that is found in other toothpastes which are available in the market.
Meal supplements: Such canned meals can be easily consumed as they are equipped with minerals and vitamins.
Sesame, Sunflower and Pumpkin Seeds can be used as a pastime snack as they are full of fatty acids, which improve the brain functioning.
Ayurveda has identified the perks of using sesame oil. Alzheimer's sufferers are often struck with depression and a few drops of warm sesame oil in the nostrils may relieve it.
Vinegar: Like all other home remedies, Vinegar can be used for many functions. During the sufferers of Alzheimer's disease, lose the ability to control their urination, vinegar can be used to help with the hygiene.
Vitamin A: Carrots are a rich source of beta-carotene and are a safer way to fill the body with Vitamin A. When the body is deficient in Vitamin A, it can affect memory and nerve health tremendously. Consuming supplements of Vitamin A may give rise to toxicity.
Vitamin C: An anti-oxidant which renders protection to the nerves of the brain. Citrus fruits are loaded with this vitamin. Vegetables like sweet potatoes, peppers and leafy vegetables including some berries have a rich amount of C-Vitamin.
Fatty Acids are essential for better brain functioning and fish is considered to be a rich source of it. It is advisable to include fish in the diet at least two times a week. Fishes like anchovies, salmon, light tuna, salmon, lake trout and sardines can be a good choice for flushing the body with fatty acids. Fishes that are high in mercury content must be ditched and these include swordfish, king mackerel, shark and tile fish.
Leafy Vegetables: Spinach, Swiss chard, Kale along with all the other leafy vegetables are rich in folic-acid as well as may help in stimulating the cognitive function as well. Beets, Brussels sprouts, and legumes also have sufficient quantities of folic acid.
Consuming Orange juice alternatively is also a great way to improve your intake of Vitamin C. You should never mix it with aspirin. When this is done, it can result in formation of aluminium nitrate, which is five times more body-absorbent than normal aluminium.
Soy Protein contains isoflavones that may help in protecting post-menopausal women from suffering with Alzheimer's disease. Use tofu instead of cream cheese and ricotta in your diet. Try tofu frozen treats, soy meat substitutes, and soy milk over cereal.
Natural Remedies for Treating Alzheimer's Disease
Homeopathic Treatment for Alzheimer's Disease
Homeopathy can interfere with the development of this disease and ease its symptoms as well. However, there is no single remedy for the disease and several remedies in combination may be used.
Alumina has proved to be an outstanding remedy for treating depression in people who are afraid of losing their mind. They are often confused with their own identity and may have associated mood swings as well. Such people are always in haste and are constipated as well as chilly at times.
Baryta Carb is found to be effective in treating those patients who have relapsed into childish behavior. They may often lack confidence; shy, timid and fearful as well show some memory loss. Some might also suffer from chronic glandular disorders.
NatrumSulf can help in relieving the symptoms that are stuck with events from the past that disturb their mind. They often feel sad, aloof and can be associated with self pity feeling as well. Such sufferers have painful joints and headaches.
Nux Vomica is prescribed to patients who are quarrelsome, angry and insensitive. They can easily become hurt or feel insulted when someone is mean to them but they can be very insensitive to others.
The above-mentioned remedies are clearly understood and listed. They have shown some significant changes and improved the lifestyle of the people who are suffering from AD. The patients should, however, not treat them and it is recommended to consult a physician who is aware of the associated medications in Alzheimer's disease.
Lifestyle Changes for Patients with Alzheimer's Disease
The following lifestyle changes may alter the behavior of people suffering from Alzheimer's disease in a positive way:
Going for a long walk with a trustworthy friend or a caregiver can help in improving the communication skills and stabilize the brain extensively.
Music: The brain cells can be boosted, reduce wandering and improve the behavior of a sufferer in a positive way.
Pets can also help in improving the behavior.
Exercises along with relaxation training can help in focusing or gaining attention as well as be socially active. It can also help one in performing various tasks easily.
In USA, the Alzheimer's Association started the Safe Return Program, which supports wallet cards, identification bracelets and clothing labels for the Alzheimer sufferers. All the information is stored in the database and the dignitaries can use them to locate a person when he or she is missing.
Also Read:
Original article and pictures take www.epainassist.com site
Allergies, acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine
Allergies, acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine
Acupuncture and Chinese medicine can help us manage and reduce our allergy symptoms by balancing our energies, circulation and all the organs and systems of our bodies.
As the seasons change, many people begin suffering from various allergies. With all our recent rainfall, this is an unusually lush spring, causing many of us to experience more sinus headaches, runny noses and itchy eyes than usual. These symptoms of environmental seasonal allergies can weaken our immune systems, causing us to become energetically and systemically unbalanced.
Acupuncture and Chinese medicine can help us manage and reduce our allergy symptoms by balancing our energies, circulation and all the organs and systems of our bodies. In this way, we are able to cope and deal with our allergy symptoms without simply masking them.
These methods can prepare us in advance to cope with these allergens in a way that greatly reduces or eliminates future symptoms. Acupuncture and Oriental medicine enable a state of energetic balance for our organs and the systems within us.
Energy is what makes everything in us work. Addressing issues like allergies without the use of medicine helps us become balanced energetically, helping us get and remain well physically, emotionally and spiritually.
Drs. Steven Cooner, O.M.D., PhD., L.Ac., L.M.T., and Helene Cooner, O.M.D., L.Ac., L.M.T., are doctors of Oriental medicine, state licensed acupuncturists and licensed massage therapists in Scottsdale, Ariz. www.wellnesssolutionsaz.com or 602-625-6612.
Reprinted from AzNetNews, Volume 24, Number 2, April/May 2005.
Original article and pictures take www.naturalhealingnews.com site
Pulse Diagnosis Acupuncture Poster 18" X 24" (Laminated or Photo Paper)
Classical Traditional Chinese Medicine Diagnostic Method
Pulse diagnosis is one of the more important diagnostic tools used in Chinese and Japanese acupuncture and herbal medicine. While tongue diagnosis provides valuable clinical information, the pulse can be used to gain a deep understanding of the patient on many levels. "Mastering" pulse diagnosis is difficult without the guidance of a skilled teacher. However, even at basic levels, the pulse provides the practitioner with immediate and specific information that can help clarify contradictory diagnostic information and symptomology.
Key Features • 28 most commonly used pulse qualities • Pulse qualities classified into 6 groups • Finger placement for taking pulse • Clinical significance of the pulse at varying levels • Seasonal influences and factors that influence the pulse • Hand images shown as patient would present them
18" X 24"Pulse Diagnosis Poster Close-Up
This poster shows the patients hands from the doctors perspective, making learning pulse diagnosis much easier. The chart contains the pulse location on both right and left hand with Chinese name. Placement of the doctors fingers for reading the pulse, a brief description of the pulse charateristics on the front with a detailed description of the 28 pulse characteristics on the back of the chart. Pluse influences that affect the pulse such as seasonal changes.
Pulse Diagnosis Poster 18" X 24" (Laminated or Photo Paper)
Please check your shipping address before completing your transaction with Paypal!
Money back guarantee on all orders.
Pulse Diagnosis Poster - 18" X 24"
Semi-Gloss Photo Paper
$16.00 + Shipping
Pulse Diagnosis Poster - 18" X 24"
Laminated
$20.00 + Shipping
Shipping Rates USA - USPS Priority Mail Shipping Cost = $5.95
Shipping Rates International - USPS First Class International Mail Order Total up to $15.00 = Shipping $13.75 Order Total $15.01 to $75.00 = Shipping $22.75 Order Total $75.01 to $120.00 = Shipping $26.75 Order Total $120.01 to $500.00 = Shipping $35.75 Order Total $500.01 and up = Shipping $42.75 Import taxes and customs duties may be levied by the destination country.
Color poster showing the relationship between the meridians, teeth, body organs and functions. The chart is indexed by: Meridians, Sence organs, Muscles, Joints, Spinal cord segments, Vertebrae, Organs (Yian & Yang), Endocrine glands. Contains images for muscle tooth relation ship and organ tooth relationship. List of additional relationships for each tooth.
Color Five Element Acupuncture Poster 18" X 24" The five element theory is the cornerstone of acupuncture and meridian therapy. This chart clearly shows the relationship of the five elements (Fire, Earth, Metal, Water and Wood).
Original article and pictures take www.acupunctureproducts.com site
The Sponsored Listings displayed above are served automatically by a third party. Neither the service provider nor the domain owner maintain any relationship with the advertisers. In case of trademark issues please contact the domain owner directly (contact information can be found in whois).
Acupuncture Volunteering in Peru with Project Buena Vista
Let’s talk about volunteering your acupuncture skills in underserved areas today, shall we? What does this have to do with marketing? It’s related-ish. Keep reading.
Most acupuncturists I know are in this business because they want to give back, yes? You could say that’s the exact category of career we’ve chosen: the business of giving back.
And many of us have thought to ourselves at some point in our careers – where can I volunteer with acupuncture? How can I reach all the people who can’t afford acupuncture, but who would clearly benefit from it? How can I give more of the skills that I have?
The short answer is acupuncture can take you all over the world to treat patients in need. Peru, Nepal, India, Thailand, Mexico, the list goes on and on. How exciting is that?!
Cusco, Peru
Acupuncture is a low-cost, low-risk, profoundly effective medicine that has the capacity to impact a huge range of illnesses – all without the need for tons of medical equipment or medication. (But you knew all that already.) This makes it an ideal medicine to deliver in remote parts of the world.
I’d like to share my personal experience volunteering in Peru with the nonprofit Project Buena Vista as a firsthand look at where your acupuncture skills and compassion can take you. (With muchos pictures, of course.)
This is a topic that’s near and dear to my heart. After an incredible trip to Peru with Project Buena Vista, I decided to volunteer as a board member for the nonprofit, so I can keep contributing to their cause even when I can’t make it to Peru.
At the bottom of this post, I’ve provided a list of many international (and domestic) organizations that you can travel with, all over the world, to deliver free acupuncture to those in need. So scroll on down there if you’re not into pictures. (You’re not into pictures?!)
Before I dive into Peru and my incredible experience with Project Buena Vista: What does volunteering in underserved areas have to do with marketing, and why is it important?
1) Acupuncture Volunteering can benefit your practice:
The fundraising efforts and press releases that often accompany volunteering abroad can bring positive attention to your acupuncture business. Now, I’m not saying you should volunteer to provide acupuncture in underserved countries just so you can get good press. Volunteering in another country is a lot of work and takes serious commitment. You have to be in it for the right reasons, and publicity is not the right reason. Rather, publicity is a wonderful side benefit that will boost interest in and support for your practice.
The fundraiser I hosted for Project Buena Vista in my office landed us on the front page of the local newspaper, for example. Great exposure for everyone.
2) Acupuncture volunteering can benefit you as an acupuncturist (which in turn benefits your practice):
The learning curve is steep on many medical outreach trips – in a good way. Most volunteer opportunities in underserved countries involve community-style acupuncture that is jam-packed with patients from the moment you open the doors until the moment you close them. High volume clinics teach you how to be efficient: to know what’s important, to determine which treatment protocols are best, and to give your best to every patient, in a very limited time frame. This makes you a better practitioner, which will translate to your practice at home. You won’t forget what you’ve learned.
3) You can usually get Continuing Education (PDA) points for acupuncture volunteering:
According to the NCCAOM Recertification Handbook, you can get one PDA point for every 2 hours spent volunteering acupuncture services to people in underserved or low-income populations, the military, or for disaster relief. You can earn up to 10 PDA points per 4-year recertification cycle. There may be specific learning requirements that have to be met, but the organization you plan to travel with should be able to fill you in on those.
4) Personal growth:
Well, this one is a no-brainer, but I think it’s worth mentioning. Many people go on these kinds of trips to reconnect with acupuncture and remind of them why they are acupuncturists in the first place: to help people, to put patients first, and give of yourself for the greater good. It’s also incredible to see how differently other people live from us, and how happy they are without modern amenities, without fancy clothes, without a dream of ever owning a car. It can be refreshing and profound, if you let it.
Project Buena Vista is a small nonprofit based in Oneonta, NY and the Manu Biosphere Reserve (aka, the rain forest) in Peru. Founded by Laura and Florian Reyda, their goals are to help preserve the rain forest through providing education and health care to the local people who live there.
Laura and Florian originally went to Peru as college freshmen for a summer class, and fell in love with the area and the people. They’ve been traveling in and out of Peru for the last 20 years and purchased property in Manu, Peru about 5 years ago. Shortly after that, they set up the nonprofit Project Buena Vista.
They are the best tour guides and travel companions you can ask for. After spending so much time in Peru over the years, they’re well-known in the area, well-connected, and very familiar with the needs and goals of the local people.
Felipe, the boat driver, tour guide, and groundskeeper at Buena Vista Lodge
Laura, a licensed acupuncturist and massage therapist, leads the medical outreach portion of Project Buena Vista. I went with Laura to Peru in April 2013, with one other volunteer, Caitlin, to treat patients. It’s an experience I can’t wait to repeat. I love traveling, and traveling to give back to others – what could be better?
We spent two days in the gorgeous city of Cusco to purchase supplies and pick Caitlin up from the airport before taking a bus down into the jungle, which was about an 8-hour trip.
Cusco Cathedral in Cusco, Peru (one of many)
On our first day of clinic, in a town called Pilcopata on the edge of the rain forest, we treated 92 patients. I never imagined it would be possible to treat so many people with just two acupuncturists and one assistant. I was so proud of what we accomplished and the number of people we had the pleasure and honor of helping. I’ll be honest, it was hard, hard work, but it was worth it.
We took the next day off for travel deeper into the rain forest, to the Project Buena Vista property.
The kitchen and bunk house at Buena Vista Lodge
After some rest in the gorgeous, green jungle, we then spent the rest of our time treating patients in the rain forest town of Salvacion. Salvacion is across the river from Project Buena Vista’s property, and we took a boat to the opposite shore every morning. Then we had a 40 minute hike from the shore to the small town.
The beautiful hike to clinic in Salvacion
In Salvacion, over the rest of the week, we treated another 110 people. The pace was slower than in Pilcopata, but consistent. Our presence was announced on the local radio, as well as by one friendly guy with a loudspeaker in the center of town.
The people were kind, generous, and open-minded. Patients brought us water and ice pops as thank you gifts for treatment, to help alleviate the heavy jungle heat. Some patients showed up at our door because they heard there was “free pain treatment” but had no idea what acupuncture was. They were brave and let us treat them anyway.
I took a lot of things away from this trip, including new perspectives on treating patients. It was great to get to work with Laura and learn efficiency as well as to see how she approaches treatment. I feel like whenever you get the chance to practice alongside someone else, you learn so much.
The thing that sticks with me the most from Manu, of course, was the people the fact that I got to ride a dirt bike through the jungle like Indiana Jones! Woop! Okay, no, it really was the people!
They were open, trusting, and kind. I brought a copy of my acupuncture license thinking I would have to show proof of my training, but not a single person asked for it. We set up shop in a tiny hospital (with no MD) in Pilcopata, and the lead nurse never asked us to prove that we were who we said we were. It was as simple as this: we said we were there to help, so they let us help. If only the rest of the world was so trusting and straightforward!
The people in the rain forest had more than I imagined they would, but they still had much less than the volume of “stuff” that other countries (ahem, USA) think is important. And yet it mattered not at all. They were still kind, still funny, still sweet and generous. I try to carry that lesson with me always.
I look forward to returning to Manu, Peru so I can keep learning; I’m certain that every time I go, something new will surface. And I feel confident that most acupuncture volunteering trips are similar to this one, in that you’ll learn things you never expected.
If you want to travel with Project Buena Vista, check out their website at www.ProjectBuenaVista.org or feel free to shoot me a message on the Contact Page. Project Buena Vista travels to Peru twice a year, in late April and October. Laura’s next trip is October 9th, 2014, and she’s still accepting volunteers. Even if you’re not an acupuncturist, you can still be incredibly helpful.
Or, you can donate to Project Buena Vista if you’re so inclined.
And, as promised, here’s a list of the (mostly international) acupuncture volunteering groups that I’ve heard of. If you know of any that I’ve left off this list, please let me know so I can add them.
Acupuncture Volunteering Opportunities – Abroad and Domestic:
Pan-African Acupuncture Project (Mexico and Africa). Teach people in Mexico and Africa how to administer acupuncture to help manage AIDS and other conditions –www.GlobalAcupuncture.org
Acupuncture Ambassadors, for those more interested in the research side of acupuncture volunteerism abroad – http://AcupunctureAmbassadors.org
Have you traveled to treat patients in underserved or low-income areas, or for disaster relief? What was your experience like? Have you always wanted to travel abroad to treat new populations?
Original article and pictures take www.modernacu.com site
