Research Update – Acupuncture Related to Liver Health

Research Update – Acupuncture Related to Liver Health

The College of Oriental Medicine at Daejeon University conducted and published a study that shows acupuncture can reduce liver toxicity, while protecting the liver and its functions. While this study was conducted on laboratory rats, the information collected shows great promise as to how it can be used in humans. The rats were injected with an olive oil solution into the abdomen to create an injury to the liver. They were then treated using a specific acupuncture point (Gallbladder 34). The gallbladder and liver meridians are linked through an interior-exterior relationship. Blood work was monitored throughout the study and specific liver values were shown to improve as the acupuncture treatments continued, thus helping to balance the liver and keep it functioning properly.

          

Traditional Chinese Medicine looks at the human body quite differently from Western medicine. In TCM there are energetic pathways associated with specific organs in the body. When these pathways and the energy flowing through them are out of balance the body may become diseased.

In TCM, the liver and its corresponding meridian are responsible for the smooth flow of Qi (pronounced “chee”) or energy, blood and emotions. The liver is easily affected by excess stress and uncontrolled emotions. The liver is paired with the gallbladder and the two work very closely as a unit. When one is imbalanced, the other may display the symptoms. For instance, if a person is consistently stressed, this may cause the liver Qi to become blocked. When this happens, the gallbladder may become affected. It is not uncommon for people in high stress jobs to end up with gall stones. This happens because the liver becomes blocked and the emotions remain bottled up inside, which then manifests in pain and possibly stones.

Anger is the emotion commonly associated with the liver and gallbladder. If a person is frequently irritable, gets angered easily, has difficulty relaxing or letting things go, and is unreasonable, it is safe to guess that the liver Qi isn’t functioning properly. There are many methods of balancing liver Qi and returning proper energy flow throughout the body. Learning to stay calm and channel one’s anger appropriately is a good place to start.  Practice some deep breathing, meditation, yoga or even take a walk.  All of these things are great for balancing stagnant liver Qi.

Acupuncture is another great way to balance the liver energies. Regular acupuncture treatments help balance the body holistically and without any real side effects. During the spring, the liver is especially taxed due to the intense new energies that occur. This makes spring time a wonderful time to begin acupuncture treatments. Be sure to find a fully licensed and properly trained acupuncturist who can help guide you through balancing the energy of the liver meridian.

New York Sports Acupuncture

Bishara Wilson, L.Ac., MSTOM, C.SMA

www.NewYorkSportsAcupuncture.com

888.375.5444

Sources: http://www.acupuncture.com.au/articles/viewarticle.html?id=027

ACUPUNCTURE: NOT JUST NEEDLES

ACUPUNCTURE: NOT JUST NEEDLES

Most people have heard of the field of acupuncture by now, but did you realize the scope of the practice encompasses Chinese medicine, which includes so much more than needles? Let’s explore this ancient therapy.

First of all, the practice of Chinese medicine starts with a diagnosis. The practitioner asks many questions to build a history; this includes the answers to digestion, appetite, diet, sleep patterns, bowel movement urination, pain, lifestyle, and stress level, for example. The acupuncturist will also be noting the voice pitch, hair luster, skin color and tone, as well as posture and mood of the patient and any significant odor. After that, there is a pulse and tongue analysis to determine where the pattern and root are, primarily. Finally, blood pressure is measured and other applicable tests done, including palpation of the body. After this history, a diagnosis and treatment plan is determined. What might be included in this plan?

Needles: Acupuncture needles are very fine, sterile, painless and safe. They are, of course, the main component of the treatment plan. They are placed into certain acupuncture points on the body, either locally (at the pain site) or distally (away from the pain). The needles are retained anywhere from 20 to 40 minutes and most find the treatment to be relaxing and calming.

Herbal formulas: Chinese medicine includes herbal formulas for the most part. The herbs and acupuncture needles work together to bring the body into harmony naturally. Herbal formulas come in either patent formulas, or the practitioner will make you your own formula. What is special about formulas is that they are designed to not overdo the amount of one herb that might cause harm in another part of the body; for example, if you are trying to get rid of heat, there will be herbs to clear heat (by promoting urination perhaps) but also herbs to mitigate the strong effects a heat-clearing herb might have on other organs. In this way, there is always a balance. Herbal formulas treat not only the symptoms but also the root cause.

Nutritional counseling: In Chinese medicine, food is medicine, and if you don’t get an herbal remedy, you will probably get dietary advice tailored to your specific constitution. For example, if someone has a pale tongue with a white coating, and it is puffy with teeth marks on the side, this might indicate this person has too much cold in the stomach, which is hampering the digestive fire. Chinese medicine rates food according to its temperature, season, color, shape and whether it’s right for your individual body. Cold foods include too many cold, raw vegetables, iced drinks and smoothies. A food such as ginger might be a nice addition to one’s diet in this case.

Cupping and Gua Sha: Cupping uses glass cups heated with a small flame to create a suction on the skin. This dissipates stagnation of blood and lymph fluid, promotes blood flow, eases stiffness, encourages better circulation to muscles and tissues, and feels great. It leaves a purple bruise and “cup” mark, only temporarily.

Gua sha uses a flat edged tool that is scraped in one direction on the skin, usually on large areas such as the back. Gua sha is used for many ailments, but especially for pain and stiffness. It removes blood stagnation and promotes the smooth flow of oxygen and blood. Waste and toxins are removed, and the scraping helps circulate fluid and nutrients, encouraging microcirculation in soft tissue. Gua sha can be used on the face for health and beauty, as well.

Moxibustion: Moxibustion is heated mugwort and comes in many forms. Usually this smoky herb is held over an area of the body to warm and circulate. It’s great for menstrual cramps and chronic pain. Smoky moxibustion is used less nowadays due to shared office space and its smoky quality, but there are plenty of practitioners who still use it; find one and you’ll be happy you did. Alternatives to the smoke are smokeless moxa sticks and oil moxa.

As you can see, the wide practice of acupuncture is much more than just needles. In addition to the above mentioned supplements to treatment, some practitioners use massage techniques, a form of manipulation called Tui Na, or acupressure.

Bishara Wilson, L.Ac., MSTOM, C.SMA

www.NewYorkSportsAcupuncture.com

888.375.5444

Acupuncture for Neck Pain

Acupuncture for Neck Pain

A study conducted by the Tzu Chi University in Taiwan demonstrated that cupping, a modality of Traditional Chinese Medicine, provided significant pain relief for chronic neck and shoulder pain. The participants in the study received a total of four cupping therapy treatments that lasted 10 to 15 minutes. They also received acupuncture and massage. The effects were measured using skin surface temperatures, blood pressures and pain intensity levels of each participant. Overall, the surface temperatures increased, indicating better blood flow to the area, while the blood pressure measurements and the pain intensity levels decreased. This study confirms acupuncture and specifically, cupping therapy, can be provide effective pain relief without the harsh side effects of pharmaceuticals.

         

Neck pain is one of the most widely noted ailments in the world. Chronic neck pain is generally a type of musculoskeletal pain that occurs most commonly in middle and older aged people. This type of pain can be quite debilitating and it can affect a person’s life in multiple ways. Neck pain can prevent people from exercising, getting proper rest and even interacting with friends and family. The effects of chronic neck pain can be physical, mental and emotional.

                    

In the past, neck pain has been treated with over-the-counter painkillers or prescription painkillers, plus anti-inflammatories. However, there is currently a severe opioid crisis facing the United States and because of this, prescription opioids and the doctors that prescribe them are under scrutiny. Also, over-the-counter painkillers, like ibuprofen, are known to deteriorate the lining of the gastrointestinal tract increasing ailments such as acid reflux and ulcers. As an alternative, acupuncture and cupping are highly recommended, as they are natural and have virtually no side effects.

                    

The toolbox of the TCM practitioner is filled with many items that allow for holistic treatments of the patients. Acupuncture is one of the tools that works very well at decreasing and eliminating chronic neck pain. But another modality has recently come into the spotlight and it is known as cupping therapy.

                    

Cupping therapy is a very old technique. Traditionally, a flame is inserted into a glass cup, drawing out the oxygen and creating negative pressure. The cup is quickly placed on the area affected to form suction. The sucking action of the cups draws out toxic blood and waste products, while drawing in oxygen-rich blood. The oxygen-rich blood being drawn into the muscles allows for faster healing of the affected area. The increased blood flow into the area also allows for the tissues to heal and become less tense. When cupping is added to regular acupuncture treatments, the results can be amazing.  Acupuncture also stimulates blood flow throughout the body, while reducing muscle spasms and decreasing pain.

                    

Many people hold stress and tension in their necks, shoulders and upper backs. By incorporating TCM techniques into a regular wellness plan, chronic neck pain, stress and tension can all be relieved and managed. Always remember to seek out a properly trained and fully licensed acupuncturist when needing healing. The results that an acupuncturist can provide may just change your life.

Bishara Wilson, L.Ac., MSTOM, C.SMA

www.NewYorkSportsAcupuncture.com

888.375.5444

Sources: https://www.hindawi.com/journals/ecam/2016/7358918/

Seven Ways Acupuncture Can Help Mothers

Seven Ways Acupuncture Can Help Mothers

One of the best gifts you can give your mother this Mother’s Day is the gift of acupuncture. Acupuncture can help with an abundance of health problems and get you feeling one hundred percent again. Mom’s make the world work, it’s a known fact. So this holiday season you should give your mother the gift of acupuncture, here are seven reasons why.

1. Acupuncture is great for pregnancy. In the first trimester of pregnancy, many women turn to acupuncture when they are looking for a non-medicated way to treat what ails them. The number one reason women seek acupuncture in their first trimester of pregnancy is morning sickness.

2. Acupuncture can help cure and alleviate stress. Mom’s have to deal with a lot of stress, so what is better than getting a cure for that this mother’s day? Send your mom to an acupuncturist so she can reap the benefits of calming stress relief.

3. Acupuncture is a great cure and preventative measure for anxiety. There are many acupuncture points on the body to calm the mind and bring us down from our stresses and anxieties. Such as Pericardium 6, Liver 3 and Stomach 6.

4. Acupuncture is very beneficial for those experiencing arthritis. There are different types of arthritis and different treatment plans which include acupuncture, herbs, changes in diet and exercise. Traditional Chinese Medicine  just might be able to help you move better and find relief.

5. Kiss migraines goodbye. Acupuncture is a great cure for migraines, it also can help prevent them from happening too. It is possible to stop a migraine in its tracks if one is able to see an acupuncturist during the acute stage of migraine.

6. Acupuncture can alleviate insomnia. We all know that mom’s have to put up with so much throughout the day, by being overworked and overstressed it may cause them to get insomnia. Acupuncture needles are strategically placed on points that will calm the mind, balance hormones and settle the nervous system. Most people will notice some change after just one treatment, but to get the full effect and truly eliminate insomnia, you should commit to several treatments.

7. It improves digestive function. Acupuncture is effective in improving the digestive function within individuals. There are numerous acupuncture points on the body that can help with digestion. Two of the best are located on the stomach energetic meridian, Stomach 25 and Stomach 36.

Bishara Wilson, L.Ac, MSTOM, C.SMA

www.NewYorkSportsAcupuncture.com

888.375.5444