Acupuncture can be a very effective solution when treating most neck and shoulder problems.
Neck pain is the second most prominent musculoskeletal disorder affecting North Americans after the lower back pain. While there are a number of drugs and traditional treatments available for musculoskeletal pain, many individuals are now seeking the assistance of trained acupuncture specialists.
Acupuncture is currently the most common alternative treatment for body pain. It involves the insertion of thin stainless steel needles at specific points on the neck at varied depths, to accomplish a desirable result. Studies have revealed that it has a significant effect on neck pain, especially on those caused by whiplash. Individuals suffering from degenerative neck conditions like cervical spondylosis and ankylosing can also benefit from the services of a skilled acupuncture professional; acupuncture tends to work in most cases where conventional treatment methods fail.
Some professionals will use herbal medicines and acupressure in conjunction with acupuncture for treating patients who are experiencing neck pains. Acupressure helps to reduce muscle spasms and minimize pain along the neck, resulting in a more relax state of being. Herbal medicines are generally recommended to lessen muscle contractions and to improve blood circulation throughout the body.
How Acupuncture Helps to Reduce Neck Pain
When there’s a pain in your neck, you rub it. It’s a natural instinct to treat the area where the pain started rather than somewhere far away and this is how acupuncture works to ease pain. The basic theory is that pain occurs in different parts of the body due to the stagnation of blood or Qi (life force or energy). Pain that occurs when blood is stuck is generally intense, sharp and unbearable, while pain caused by Qi stagnation is often very mild. Both cases can be treated with acupuncture because it helps to improve blood circulation as well as control the flow of Qi throughout the body.
Acupuncture specialists work to normalize the circulation of Qi in meridians to alleviate neck pain. Meridians are invisible energy channels that ‘relay’ life energy/Qi throughout the body. The body has twelve major meridians, each of which is linked with a major internal organ. The bladder meridian, which relates to personal trauma and fear, runs across the base of the neck and is therefore primarily involved in acupuncture treatment for neck pain. Deep seated emotional fear is common among individuals suffering from neck pain, mainly from whiplash due to a traumatic accident, or tedious daily tasks. Qi often gets stuck along the base of the neck which is the primary point for relieving anxiety and fear.
Closing Note
Select an acupuncture specialist who will make the treatment process gentle and relaxing, even if the needles are manipulated to stimulate the neck. In some cases the treatment can be done without touching the neck but by stimulating distal points on the body that are linked to the bladder and other meridian points.
The number of treatments that are needed may vary with everyone but most people will start seeing improvements after the first treatment. Individuals with long-standing chronic neck pain may need to visit their acupuncturists twice per week to experience quick improvement. Fewer visits are required for patients with acute symptoms, usually eight visits are enough. Generally, your acupuncturist will present you with a personalized treatment plan during your first visit.
Related Terms: Chronic fatigue and immune dysfunction syndrome, CFIDS, CFS, Myalgic encephalomyelitis
Chronic fatigue syndrome is a complex illness affecting the brain and multiple body systems. It is defined by incapacitating fatigue that is not relieved by rest, and at least four of the following symptoms for at least six months:
impaired short-term memory of concentration which significantly affects normal activities
sore throat
tender lymph nodes in the neck or underarms
muscle pain
pain in multiple joints with no joint swelling or redness
headaches of a new type or severity
unrefreshing sleep
general malaise following physical exertion that lasts more than 24 hours
Other common symptoms include: bloating, nausea, diarrhea, night sweats or chills, brain fogginess, dizziness, shortness of breath, chronic cough, visual disturbances, allergies or sensitivities to foods, alcohol, chemicals, irregular heartbeat or palpitations, jaw pain, or eyes or mouth.
The Centers for Disease Control officially recognized this condition in 1988. Chronic fatigue syndrome is more common in women than men, and the majority of people affected are in their thirties.
Alternative Treatments for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Although alternative medicine use is quite popular among people with chronic fatigue syndrome, keep in mind that so far, scientific support for the claim that any form of alternative medicine can treat chronic fatigue syndrome is lacking.
1) Ginseng
Ginseng is an herb that has been used in Asia for centuries to increase energy and combat fatigue. A survey of 155 people by researchers at the University of Iowa with persistent fatigue found that ginseng was considered one of the more helpful treatments, with 56 percent of people who used ginseng rating it as effective.
Another study found that Panax ginseng significantly enhanced cellular immune function by peripheral mononuclear cells (blood cells that are a critical component in the immune system to fight infection) in people with chronic fatigue syndrome or acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).
A double-blind, placebo-controlled study involving 96 people with persistent fatigue, however, found that Siberian ginseng was not better than placebo at reducing fatigue.
2) Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide (NADH)
NADH is a naturally occurring molecule formed from vitamin B3 (niacin) that plays an essential role in cellular energy production.
A double-blind, placebo-controlled trial evaluated the effectiveness of NADH in 26 people diagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome. Participants received either 1 mg of NADH or placebo for 4 weeks. At the end of the study, 8 out of 26 (31%) responded favorably to NADH in contrast to 2 out of 26 (8%) who responded to placebo.
No severe adverse effects were reported. Although very promising, larger studies are needed to prove the effectiveness of this supplement.
3) L-Carnitine
Carnitine, found in nearly all body cells, is responsible for transporting long-chain fatty acids into mitochondria, the energy-producing centers of cells. It allows these fatty acids to be converted into energy.
Some studies have found that carnitine levels in the body are decreased in people with chronic fatigue syndrome and it has been linked with muscle fatigue and pain and impaired exercise tolerance. However, other studies haven’t found an association between carnitine deficiency and symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome.
One study examined the use of L-carnitine in 30 people with chronic fatigue syndrome. After 8 weeks of treatment, there was statistically significant clinical improvement in 12 of the 18 parameters, with the greatest improvement occurring after 4 weeks of treatment. One person was unable to complete the 8 weeks of treatment due to diarrhea. There was no placebo group in this study and it wasn’t blinded, so more clinical trials are needed.
Supplemental L-carnitine is generally well tolerated, however high doses of L-carnitine may cause digestive upset and diarrhea. Occasionally, increased appetite, body odor, and rash may occur.
A rare side effect that has been reported with L-carnitine use is seizures in people with or without pre-existing seizure disorders.
4) Coenzyme Q10
Coenzyme Q10 (Co Q10) is a compound found naturally in the mitochondria, the energy-producing center of our cells. Co Q10 is involved in the production of ATP, the main energy source of body cells. Co Q10 is also an antioxidant.
A survey of 155 people with persistent fatigue found that the percentage of users who found a treatment helpful was greatest for Co Q10 (69% of 13 people). For more information about Co Q10, please read the Co Q10 Fact Sheet.
5) Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA)
DHEA is a hormone secreted by the adrenal glands and in smaller amounts by the ovaries and testes. DHEA can be converted in the body to other steroid hormones, such as estrogen and testosterone. It is also involved in memory, mood, and sleep. Levels of DHEA in the body peak when a person is in his or her mid-20’s and then slowly decline with age.
Studies have shown that DHEA-s levels are abnormal in people with chronic fatigue syndrome.
DHEA is not recommended unless lab tests indicate there is a deficiency. Treatment should be closely supervised by a qualified health practitioner. Little is known about the long-term safety of DHEA.
Because DHEA is converted to estrogen and testosterone, people with estrogen- and testosterone-related conditions, such as breast, ovarian, prostate, and testicular cancer) should avoid DHEA.
Adverse effects of DHEA include high blood pressure, lowered HDL (“good”) cholesterol, and liver toxicity. DHEA can increase testosterone in women and result in male pattern baldness, weight gain, acne, deepening of the voice, and other signs of masculinization.
DHEA can interact with certain medications. For example, it has been found to increase the effect of the HIV medication AZT (Zidovudine), barbituates, the cancer medication cisplatin, steroids, and estrogen replacement therapy.
6) Essential Fatty Acids
Essential fatty acids have been used in the treatment of chronic fatigue syndrome. One theory about how they work is that viruses reduce the ability of cells to make 6-desaturated essential fatty acids and supplementing with essential fatty acids corrects this disorder.
In a double-blind, placebo-controlled study of 63 people, participants were given either a combination of essential fatty acids from evening primrose oil and fish oil (eight 500 mg capsules a day) or a placebo.
After 1 and 3 months, people taking essential fatty acids had significant improvement in chronic fatigue syndrome symptoms compared to those taking the placebo pills.
More studies are needed, however, because a later 3 month study of 50 people with chronic fatigue syndrome found that a combination of evening primrose oil and fish oil did not result in a significant improvement in symptoms.
7) Traditional Chinese Medicine
Chronic fatigue syndrome may be related to the following syndromes in traditional Chinese medicine:
spleen qi deficiency
kidney yin deficiency
essence deficiency
kidney yang deficiency
8) Ayurveda
A typical approach in ayurveda, the traditional medicine of India, may be to improve digestion and eliminate toxins with a detox program. Ayurvedic herbs may also be used, such as ashwagandha, amla, bala, triphala, and lomatium, which are combined according to the patient’s dosha, or constitutional type. The vata dosha is thought to be susceptible to chronic fatigue syndrome.
Other Natural Treatments
Digestive enzymes
Probiotics
Vitamin C
Magnesium
Beta-carotene
Licorice
Melatonin
Glutamine
Whey Protein
Folic Acid
Tyrosine
The cause of chronic fatigue syndrome is unknown and there are no specific lab tests to diagnose this condition.
Multiple triggers may be involved, such as viral infection, stress, nutrient deficiency, toxins, and hormone imbalances.
Viral Infection. Chronic infection with viruses, such as Epstein-Barr virus, human herpes virus 6, and cytomegalovirus, may contribute to the development of chronic fatigue syndrome in some people.
Immune Dysfunction. Another factor thought to be involved in chronic fatigue syndrome is immunologic dysfunction, such as the inappropriate production of inflammatory cytokines. This results in excessive amounts of nitric oxide and peroxynitrite and produces fatigue.
Hormone imbalances. Some studies have found that people with chronic fatigue syndrome have lower levels of the hormone cortisol, which is secreted by the adrenal glands. Lowered level of cortisol may promote inflammation and activate immune cells. Thyroid disorders have also been implicated in chronic fatigue syndrome.
Supplements haven’t been tested for safety and due to the fact that dietary supplements are largely unregulated, the content of some products may differ from what is specified on the product label.
Also keep in mind that the safety of supplements in pregnant women, nursing mothers, children, and those with medical conditions or who are taking medications has not been established. You can get tips on using supplements here, but if you’re considering the use of any remedy for chronic fatigue syndrome, talk with your primary care provider first. Self-treating a condition with alternative medicine and avoiding or delaying standard care may have serious consequences.
Original article and pictures take www.corespirit.com site
One of the most common ailments of the liver is Jaundice. In Ayurveda Jaundice is known as Kamala. This disorder of the liver results in the yellowing of the skin and eyes. It is caused by the increased level of bilirubin in the body.
When the liver doesn’t function properly, it further restricts hemoglobin to work out in the blood, forming bilirubin and causing jaundice. Bilirubin moves to the liver, then passes to the bile ducts and gets released in the stool. If this process doesn’t work properly then the extra bilirubin gets accumulated in the skin and it turns yellow. Even the eyes become yellow due to this situation.
Major Causes of Jaundice or Kamala
When bile acids are found in abundance in the blood.
When there is an obstruction of bile ducts due to Gallstones, Hepatitis and other reasons. Diseases like Haemolytic anaemia, Malaria, Typhoid, Yellow fever and Tuberculosis cause blockage of bile ducts.
Symptoms of Jaundice or Kamala
Symptoms of Jaundice include yellowing of the urine, skin, eyes and tongue. Other symptoms of Jaundice or Kamala include weakness, headache, fever, constipation, nausea, loss of appetite and a dull pain around the liver.
Ayurvedic Remedies For Jaundice Or Kamala
Trivari (operculina turpenthum) and Katuki are the two major Ayurvedic remedies for Jaundice. A teaspoonful (or 2) of these (powdered) mixed with hot water is suggested twice daily.
Avipattikar Churna and Arogyavardhini Vati is a famous combination of Ayurveda that relieves Jaundice. One teaspoonful of this powder or ‘churna’ with hot water is suggested twice a day.
Vasaka (Adhatoda vasica), triphala (the three myrobalans) and Kakamachi (Solanum nigrum) are some other drugs used for healing jaundice. The doses are prescribed on the basis of the client’s condition.
Natural Home Remedies For Jaundice or Kamala
Ayurveda is the safest mode for Jaundice with no side-effects. Here’s 3 simple home remedies for Jaundice.
Use of Turmeric Powder
Add 2 teaspoon of turmeric powder in a glass of water, mix it well and drink it thrice in a day.
Use of Tomatoes
Boil 4 to 5 tomatoes for 15 minutes in 500 ml of water. Peel and crush the tomatoes, use a sieve to extract their juice. Take this juice every morning on an empty stomach.
Mixture of Dates, Almonds, Cardamoms, Sugar and Butter
Soak 7 almonds, 2 dried dates and 3 small cardamoms in water for overnight. Mash them together and make a fine paste in the morning. Add 2 teaspoon of sugar into it and 1 teaspoon of butter and mix it well. Having this mixture once every day will reduce the level of bilirubin.
Jaundice in Newborn Babies
Newly born babies are prone to Jaundice as they make more bilirubin and have more turnover of red blood cells. Their livers are not mature enough to remove bilirubin from the blood. It is a matter of concern as severe jaundice can cause deafness, cerebral palsy or damage their brains in many ways.
The jaundice often found in newborns can naturally disappear in a few days. Indirect exposure to sunlight at home reduces the level of bilirubin and gradually disappears. Babies need frequent feeding to get hydrated and to excrete bilirubin from the body.
In some serious cases, the baby is given phototherapy to remove excess bilirubin from the body. Phototherapy is a light treatment used for jaundice in newborns. To avoid excessive water loss from the baby’s body, supplemental feeding is highly recommended.
When To See The Doctor
Do consult a doctor if you still find your urine dark, no changes in the color of your skin, eyes and tongue. If you feel weak, with no improvement in your appetite or suffer from headache, fever and pain around your liver then consult your doctor immediately.
The ancient science of healing, Ayurveda believes in curing naturally without using aggressive drugs.
The more you let Ayurveda and Yoga become the basis for your living, the easier living gets.
Photo: Morguefile.com
Original article and pictures take ayurvedanextdoor-ayurvedanextdoor.netdna-ssl.com site
Naomi Walker reviews the benefits of Singing Bowls Singing Bowl Image
Primarily used for a range of meditation techniques, these amazing bowls date back as far as 500 BC, Buddhist monks used them to reach the much desired state of enlightenment, promote mindfulness and reach a higher energetic vibration. Skip forward to 2015, and these beautiful objects are used in yoga classes, New Age music, people’s homes for cleansing, finding inner calm, tranquility, sending Reiki and also to clear/rebalance our chakras.
Seeing them at a Mind, Body, Spirit festival in London this year and hearing the beautiful sound radiate from them I immediately knew I needed one! I’d attempted to use one before in a shop and failed miserably, it does take a little practice and there is a knack to it. The first time I managed to achieve the vibration I had such a strong reaction I couldn’t quite believe it. Being a Reiki practitioner, the energy felt so pure and tranquil I felt hypnotised and drawn to it. I sat and practiced for a while and once I got the sound going I couldn’t stop, closing my eyes and surrendering to the power of its healing. Bearing in mind, at this point I had done no research into Singing Bowls, I wasn’t quite prepared for the reaction I had… Within minutes a dull ache began in my pelvis; my previous blog posts explain my current struggle with endometriosis and on this particular day I thought I was doing okay, having only taken two ibuprofen (yay for me), but the energetic vibration definitely triggered immediate healing as the pain worsened. I’d also felt a tired headache beginning and as soon as I started, it transformed into a full-blown migraine, waking up this morning my hands had broken out into dyshidrosis – a type of eczema my homeopath figured out is related to my hormonal problems.
With any type of holistic healing, it does tend to get worse before it gets better, and removing energetic blockages aren’t the most enjoyable experiences, as I was witnessing! The cause of most illnesses are due to energetic blockages found across our body and in our chakras, there are many ways to do this and clearly Singing Bowls are very effective. Once I did some research into their healing powers I started to use the Bowl whilst focussing orange light into my sacral chakra (to specifically focus on my endometriosis) using the colour orange helps to rebalance the chakra and with some Reiki added in too, it will hopefully help me with some powerful healing sessions, and with any luck it will work for you too!
Here are some tips for when you are using your own bowl:
Hold it loosely in your palm, don’t clutch it too tightly
Hold the wooden staff as you would a pen, not too firmly
As you stroke the sides of the bowl try to do so as evenly as possible in order to create a consistent sound
Don’t stroke the bowl too near the top, and practice, practice, practice!
Original article and pictures take www.holistictherapistmagazine.com site
Myofascial release is the term used when referring to the various techniques used for releasing restrictions in the fascial tissues. Each technique involves a gentle application of pressure that slowly allows the body’s tissues to release down to the deepest levels and let go of physical restrictions.
Fascia is a complex network of connective tissue that extends continuously from your head to toe. This web of tissue surrounds and protects every other tissue and organ of the body. Fascia is a fibrous tissue that is extremely strong but is also very flexible.
Healthy fascia is relaxed and wavy in configuration, providing a cushioning of other tissues and structures. It has the ability to stretch and move without restriction. However, when one experiences physical trauma, emotional trauma, scarring, or inflammation, the fascia loses its pliability. It becomes tight, restricted, and a source of tension to the rest of the body.
Trauma, such as a fall, sports injury, car accident, whiplash, surgery or just habitual poor posture and repetitive stress injuries has cumulative effects on the body’s fascia.
We find Myofascial Release Techniques are particularly beneficial in managing chronic complaints such as fibromyalgia, chronic pain, complex regional pain syndromes, whiplash, headaches, carpel tunnel pain, frozen shoulder and plantar fasciitis.
Each technique involves a gentle application of pressure that slowly allows the body’s tissues to release down to the deepest levels and let go of physical restrictions.
It is a mild and gentle form of stretching that has a profound effect on the body, sometimes even incorporating an emotional release.
Responses to treatment vary with each person and the area being worked on. You may feel warmth, coldness, sensations of movement, twitching, tingling, heaviness, relaxation of part or all of the body.
Original article and pictures take www.corespirit.com site
My name is Maggie, I was born in 1990 and I have a tendency to mumble. I also love crystals and the power they possess. The name Mumbles & Things celebrates my mumbling and my love for the things I create. I began Mumbles & Things in October of 2014, to encourage my passion for creating new things, my fascination with nature and my understanding of the connections found between all things. Mumbles & Things has given me an opportunity to learn and grow. It has given me control over my time and my life.
Welcome to my shop, Mumbles & Things! I design, handcraft and sell affordably-priced jewelry. I use only the best quality materials I can find. Most pieces include natural stones and crystals that enhance the well being of the body, mind, and spirit. Everything listed in my shop is 100% handmade by me, Maggie. I collect all the materials, I work the wire, I bead the string. Every piece is cleansed and charged with a personalized affirmation.
Original article and pictures take 78.media.tumblr.com site
“I was so scared of trying acupuncture but was nicely surprised that there was no pain at all. Why is this?”
Even patients who have had previous experience with acupuncture before going to the Pacific Wellness Institute Acupuncture Clinic are often pleasantly surprised at how virtually painless and more comfortable our acupuncture treatments are. There are 4 main reasons why our acupuncture treatments are so painless:
Needles: We use the thinnest acupuncture needles available on the market (0.12 mm in diameter) -they are thinner than human hair! They are also more than 2 times thinner than the needles typically used in most North American acupuncture clinics.
Guiding Tube: We use specially designed guiding tubes to insert the needle. Guiding tubes, which were invented in the 17th century by a talented and blind Japanese acupuncturist named Waichi Sugiyama, significantly decrease the pain and stinging sensation when the needle is inserted.
Our Technique: Technique plays the important role in achieving painless needling. We spend years in training refining our painless acupuncture techniques. Inserting and manipulating thin, fine and extremely soft needles without bending them requires highly sensitive skills.
Needling Depth: We specialize in a superficial acupuncture needling technique. The acupuncture needles are usually inserted less than a few millimeters in depth.
Is painless, gentle acupuncture less effective?
Some acupuncturists believe that in order to produce a significant effect one must insert needles deeper and administer a much stronger stimulation; however, we do not believe this is necessarily true. Many Japanese practitioners clinically observe significant improvement in their patients’ conditions using an extremely gentle superficial needling technique. Furthermore, my scientific study (Tanaka, et al., International Journal of Neuroscience in 1997) indicated that very gentle superficial needling stimulation produces an immensely favorable response in the human physiological system. The study demonstrated that a very small amount of superficial stimulation produces significant responses in the body when applied skillfully with consideration of the patient’s physiological condition. Our goal is to deliver the most effective treatment for a patient’s condition while providing the most comfortable treatment experience.
Is acupuncture only good for pain?
Many people, including some medical professionals, assume that acupuncture is a method of temporary pain-relief only. This misconception may have resulted from acupuncture being popularized in North America since 1978 as a form of analgesia. It is true that acupuncture is commonly utilized as a form of pain control, especially when performed by physicians, chiropractors, or physiotherapists. The main concept of acupuncture as practiced in China or Japan, however, is to harmonize internal body systems and address the cause of illness. Therefore, temporary relief of pain is only one aspect of acupuncture.
Acupuncture is a safe and effective method to deal with a variety of health conditions other than those causing pain. The WHO listed a variety of health conditions which can be treated by acupuncture, including organic illness. This is because acupuncture helps to regulate our physiological functioning. Acupuncture primarily affects our nervous system, which controls our entire visceral function.
How does your treatment (acupuncture) differ from anti-inflammatory pain medications (NSAIDS)?
NSAIDs may potentially have several well-known detrimental effects in your system such as gastric irritation and liver damage while acupuncture has virtually no side effects. In terms of the action on your muscle and joint pain, acupuncture works in a completely different manner than medication does.
Most pain-relief and anti-inflammatory medications provide excellent short-term pain-relief by blocking the production of pain-causing substances called prostaglandins. In addition to inducing pain, however, prostaglandins are vasodilators which help enhance circulation. By inhibiting the production of prostaglandins, there will be decreased sensitivity to pain but blood supply to the muscles and joints will also be decreased, thus creating problems and prolonging true recovery.
On the other hand, our acupuncture procedure produces the complete opposite effect. Except in a few very acute cases, we attempt to enhance blood circulation, especially in the area that there is pain or discomfort. This desired action can be achieved by regulating the autonomic nervous system (which is responsible for internal organ system functioning, regulation of blood circulation and production of relaxation effects) using specific acupuncture techniques. When circulation of the tissue improves, muscle relaxation occurs and in many cases immediate pain reduction follows. However, when circulation improves, the pain in the affected area occasionally intensifies, and is then followed by repair of tissue and muscle relaxation.
Here is an analogy that somewhat explains this healing recovery pain. If you have been sitting for a long time, your legs start to get tight and feel numb. This, as you know, is due to poor circulation (ischemic pain). There is some discomfort at this point, but it’s not very intense. Most of the discomfort occurs when you get up and start to walk around and blood flow is re-established (recovery pain). In some cases, it is necessary to go through some discomfort in order to get complete relief. Proper circulation in the tissue is important not only for blood to nourish the tissue but also to enhance the elimination of muscle fatigue and pain-causing substances (e.g., lactic acid) thus creating healthy tissues. On the other hand, tight muscles with poor circulation are fatigued easily and more prone to injury.
What if I am Healthy?
Any prescription for good health must include prevention, not just treatment of disease. Acupuncture has been traditionally used as a preventive medicine. Recent research has now verified that acupuncture stimulates immune functioning which increases your resistance to bacterial and viral infections. Acupuncture also increases overall vitality and energy. Many people find that regular monthly acupuncture tune-ups are the best medicine to feel “in sync” and to ensure continued good health.
“An Excellent Doctor Treats a Patient Before Disease Arises” – Bian Que (Known as the King of Medicine, 4th C. B.C.)
Do I need to believe that acupuncture will work in order for it to be effective?
Significant results have been obtained when acupuncture is used for very small children and animals, both groups being less likely to be affected by the degree of their beliefs. These studies suggested that acupuncture produces a significant physiological response regardless of your belief or faith in acupuncture. However, I cannot emphasize enough your role in your recovery. If you maintain a positive attitude with a firm belief in the treatment you are receiving and have a desire to recover, it can only help.
The powerful synchronizing effect between the action of acupuncture and your attitude makes sense since the cure comes from your own body, regardless of the form of therapy you receive. Even western medical practices are beginning to recognize the importance of the patient’s attitude towards treatment. Consequently, a growing number of modern hospitals are incorporating hypnosis or psychotherapy as a routine part of pre- and post surgery conditioning. It certainly works.
Is there any scientific proof that indicate acupuncture works?
In recent medical practice, the doctor’s personal preference or belief has played a diminishing role in selecting the medical procedure for their patient. Instead, much more emphasis has been placed on evidence from rigorous research. This is called evidence-based medicine (EBM). This trend has also influenced the practice of acupuncture and over the last decade, acupuncture has been put through serious testing according to western scientific research standards.
In 1997, the US National Institute of Health conducted a large conference where panels of expert scientists discussed the efficacy and safety of acupuncture based on current evidence. Following the meeting, NIH issued a report entitled the “NIH Consensus Statement of Acupuncture”, which acknowledged the effectiveness of acupuncture in a variety of health conditions. Furthermore, they recommended US insurance companies cover acupuncture for treatment of some recommended conditions. A research published in the International Journal of Neuroscience was one of the studies reviewed by the NIH and contributed to this positive outcome (Tanaka et al. 1997).
Do you use disposable needles?
Yes, we have been using only disposable needles since the opening of our practice in fall 1990. Each needle is discarded into a medical hazard container after single use.
Are there different grades or qualities of needles?
Yes, there are a number of different grades of disposable needles. We use only the highest quality needles on the market. They are manufactured in Japan. The average cost per needle is approximately 5 times more expensive than common brands. High quality pre-sterilized needles are guaranteed for 100% non-contamination. Additionally, the ultra-fine needle tips provide smoother insertion, ensuring much less discomfort during treatment.
Are there any side effects of acupuncture?
As with any medical treatment, there is a chance of developing unfavorable reactions after acupuncture treatment. Adverse effects of acupuncture reported in the literature include infection, nerve damage, fainting, and puncture injuries to vital organs. These complications, however, are exceptionally unusual, especially under the care of qualified acupuncturists. Tiny bruises around needling sites are not very common but occasionally occur. These usually diminish completely within a week. Compared with medical and pharmaceutical intervention, acupuncture is considered an extremely safe treatment with minimal chance of any complication.
I have tried acupuncture somewhere else before and did not feel any improvement.
It is true that not everyone responds well to acupuncture, however, it is important to remember that failure to respond to treatment from one acupuncturist does not necessarily mean that your condition cannot be helped by acupuncture. As indicated, currently in Ontario, acupuncture is provided by various individuals with a wide variety of educational backgrounds. An acupuncturist from the Pacific Wellness Institute has qualifications and extensive experience in not only acupuncture but also in a wide range of alternative therapies and applied physiology fields. Therefore he can, in many cases, offer unique insight in a variety of health conditions that previously were non-responsive to conventional medicine or other alternative approaches.
Does all acupuncture work the same way?
When we discuss acupuncture it is important not to generalize the effect and response from acupuncture treatment just like medication (for the most part, medication does provide an expected reaction from targeted populations). Physiological response from acupuncture varies greatly based on various factors such as practitioner’s skills. In fact, experimental studies indicated that an acupuncture needle inserted in the same point produces a different reaction depending on a variety of other factors such as depth of the insertion, amount of stimulation, and position of the patient. A unique acupuncture system utilized at the Pacific Wellness Institute is designed to relieve your symptoms and address the root cause of the problem simultaneously in the most effective and timely manner possible, which is based on the acupunturist’s extensive research and clinical experience.
I live very far away. Do you offer consultation over the phone or internet?
Unfortunately, we are not able to provide any specific health advice over the phone or internet. Oriental medicine has never been intended to be used in that type of format throughout the thousands of years it has been practiced. Consultations and assessments provided in clinic are very important in order to deliver accurate diagnosis and safe, effective treatments. Much more than Western medicine, Oriental medicine relies on information obtained through interpersonal face to face evaluations, which include palpation of points, pulse diagnosis, observation of skin color, tongue etc. If you are unable to come to our clinic in Toronto, we recommend that you see a practitioner in your local area.
Click here for resources and tips to find an acupuncturist in your area.
Original article and pictures take www.acupuncture-treatment.com site
