Research Update - Acupuncture for Improving Kidney Function

Research Update - Acupuncture for Improving Kidney Function


A study published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine establishes acupuncture as a feasible treatment for improving kidney function in those suffering from chronic kidney disease. The study followed 59 patients with chronic kidney disease over a twelve week period, in which they each received acupuncture treatments using the same acupuncture points plus electrostimulation. The serum creatinine levels and estimated glomerular filtration rates were monitored to determine the successfulness. The study concluded the serum creatinine levels dropped and the estimated glomerular filtration rates increased, which indicates acupuncture holds promise in the treatment of chronic kidney disease and improving overall kidney function.

http://online.liebertpub.com/doi/abs/10.1089/acm.2016.0119

Kidney disease is the ninth leading cause of death in the United States, with an estimated 31 million people suffering from chronic kidney disease. Decreased kidney function can be either acute or chronic. Acute kidney injury can be caused by a sudden drop in blood flow to the kidneys, damage from medications or infections. Chronic kidney damage can be caused by autoimmune diseases, genetic diseases, sexually transmitted diseases or even chronic urinary tract infections. Regardless of the cause, decreased kidney function can be deadly if not detected or left untreated.


Traditional Chinese Medicine offers multiple methods to help battle decreased kidney function. The kidneys function to filter and purify blood throughout the body. Inadequate blood flow to the kidneys can lead to a host of problems. The most prevalent form of TCM is acupuncture. Acupuncture has been shown to increase blood flow into areas that are lacking, thus allowing the transport of vital nutrients that keep the tissues healthy and functioning properly. Acupuncture can help relieve clinical symptoms of kidney disease, such as fatigue, back pain, headaches, nausea, and vomiting.


According to TCM, the kidneys are the source of yin and yang. Yang is fire and yin is water. When the fire of yang is weak or the water of yin is not nourishing the body, then the kidney function must be addressed. The kidneys also house essence or jing in TCM. Jing is similar to our DNA. Since the kidneys are the most deep-seated of the internal organs, they are responsible for providing the tools to fulfill the deepest needs, such as survival and reproduction. While the kidneys house the deep reserves that fuel the body, they are also the organs damaged the most by stress. The body’s bones and marrow are governed by the kidneys in TCM. So even illnesses like osteoporosis can be related to the kidneys and as such, when treating a person with these ailments, the kidney meridian must always be included in the treatments.


Regular acupuncture treatments can greatly improve the health of the kidneys and keep them strong. But it is also important to keep stress levels at a minimum. This is where things like meditation, tai chi, and qi gong can come into play. All of these practices help calm the mind and relieve stress. It is also recommended that fear be avoided, as it can deplete the energy of the kidney meridian. Physically, the kidney meridian manifests in the lower back and knees. Therefore proper stretching and exercises to strengthen the back and leg muscles are extremely helpful in supporting overall kidney health. Certain foods can also help improve kidney health. In particular, dark foods like black beans, black walnuts, as well as seafood are all excellent kidney tonics.


All of the aforementioned items can be provided by a properly trained and fully licensed acupuncturist. So if you or somebody you know is suffering from decreased kidney function or kidney disease of some sort, it would be beneficial to contact a local acupuncturist. TCM coupled with Western medicine can help anybody suffering from these kinds of issues. The two modalities complement one another nicely and allow for the patient to lead a more normal life.

New York Sports Acupuncture

Bishara Wilson, L.Ac., MSTOM

www.nysportsacu.com

888.375.5444

Food for Type 2 Diabetes

Food for Type 2 Diabetes 

When diagnosed with type 2 diabetes it is imperative to watch your diet. Eating a healthy and balanced diet can greatly improve your way of life, and help you avoid potential health complications. Those with type 2 diabetes know it can be hard to create a healthy diet just right for their constitution. But if you focus on obtaining a balanced amount of healthy carbs, fats, sugars, and salts, you can live a more active and vibrant life.

Here is a list of food tips every person should consider adding to their diet, regardless of type 2 diabetes diagnosis.

Focus on the fiber - Fresh fruits and vegetables are a must for every healthy diet. Incorporate these into your diet to promote healthy blood pressure and promote circulation

Healthy fats are important - Limit your amount of trans and saturated fats, choose lean cuts of meat, low-fat cheeses, and milk

Less is more - Use little amounts of salt in your cooking. You can still make your food delicious without dousing it with heavy amounts of salt.

Carbs with a purpose - Healthy carbs are good carbs. Make sure to stock your diet full of healthy carbohydrates such as cereals, nuts, and whole grains.

New York Sports Acupuncture

Bishara Wilson, L.Ac., MSTOM

www.nysportsacu.com

888.375.5444

Type II Diabetes and Traditional Chinese Medicine

Type II Diabetes and Traditional Chinese Medicine

Complications from diabetes mellitus affect millions of Americans. By using acupuncture and herbal formulas, you may be able to stave off some of the devastating effects of this disease.

Xiao ke, or wasting-thirst disease, is what the three basic symptoms closely associated with diabetes is called in pinyin. The three basic symptoms are frequent urination, great thirst and excessive hunger. These symptoms do not necessarily indicate that one has diabetes, however, they are simply an indicator in a rather extensive history and diagnosis. Other symptoms may include weight gain, weight loss, fatigue and numbness of the extremities due to high blood sugar.

Insulin lowers the amount of sugar in the bloodstream and makes it possible for glucose to be taken in by cells. Glucose is energy for cells and fuel for the brain. When there is too much glucose in the blood, it means there is not enough insulin and the cells are not receiving the glucose. Complications from diabetes include eye, foot, skin, heart and kidney problems.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, xiao ke is divided into the upper, middle,and lower parts of the body. For the upper body, the lungs are affected, this is where the excessive thirst and dryness becomes manifested. The middle section of the body is the stomach, where the great hunger arises. Finally, the kidneys in the lower part of the body are symptomatic with frequent urination, or polyuria. As stated above, these symptoms are symptomatic of the Chinese medical diagnosis of xiao ke, but to diagnose diabetes one would have to check the blood sugar, and if it is abnormally high, only then would it be diagnosed as diabetes specifically.

In Chinese medicine, xiao ke is considered internal heat consuming fluids and affecting the lung, stomach and kidneys. It is considered a yin deficiency. A deficiency of yin would mean more dryness and heat; a deficiency of yin makes yang more dominant. The body is continually achieving balance between the yin and yang.

The treatment protocol would include an herbal formula that might include such herbs as Korean ginseng and others that moisten, clear heat and dry mucus. Paramount to the treatment would be a lifestyle change to your diet, where one would add more cooling foods to nourish the yin. In addition to changing your diet you should incorporate a gentle exercise such as qi gong or tai chi. Exercise lowers the blood sugar by moving sugar into the cells for extra energy. In addition, acupuncture and moxibustion (heated mugwort) would be implemented to move energy in the body, increase circulation and fortify affected organs.

Risk factors for diabetes include obesity, insulin resistance, ethnicity, gestational diabetes and age. Check with your doctor if you have high blood sugar and get an official diagnosis before undertaking any new health care regimens, as it is not recommended to self-diagnose and take herbs without consulting a qualified professional.

Bishara Wilson, L.Ac., MSTOM

New York Sports Acupuncture

www.nysportsacu.com

888.375.5444

3 Quick Facts Acupuncture and Type 1 Diabetes

3 Quick Facts Acupuncture and Type 1 Diabetes 

Type 1 diabetes can be an extremely debilitating disease, and those diagnosed with this form of diabetes face many challenges along the way to living a healthy life. When somebody is diagnosed with type 1 diabetes it means their body can no longer produce insulin. This requires those affected by type 1 diabetes to take insulin shots regularly to balance the insulin levels in their body.

Acupuncture and other forms of Traditional Chinese Medicine produce beneficial effects for those experiencing type 1 diabetes. Although acupuncture cannot completely cure type 1 diabetes, it can make it easier for those battling the disease to manage it.

Check out these important facts about acupuncture and type 1 diabetes.

1. Acupuncture has been shown to increase insulin levels in the blood plasma. Research shows acupuncture and electroacupuncture have both increased the amount of insulin found in a patient’s blood plasma.

2. The use of acupuncture on patients with type 1 diabetes lowers blood glucose levels and can assist in regulating the patient’s endocrine function.

3. Improved circulation, decrease in depression, a bolstered immune system and reduction in anxiety are all benefits of receiving acupuncture. These benefits can be critical in improving the life of someone living with type 1 diabetes.

Bishara Wilson, L.Ac., MSTOM

New York Sports Acupuncture

www.nysportsacu.com

888.375.5444

Acupuncture and Type 1 Diabetes

Acupuncture and Type 1 Diabetes

Many people may not be aware there are multiple types of diabetes. Type 2 diabetes is the most common and most frequently talked about. However, type 1 diabetes is also very prevalent and one that can be very dangerous for those that have it. Type 1 diabetes affects more than 200,000 people in the United States every year. It is not specific to an age group, sex or ethnicity, but it tends to be more common in children and young adults. In type 1 diabetes, the body does not produce insulin and the person suffering from the disease is dependent upon daily insulin injections to stay alive.

While this may sound quite daunting and miserable, there are many people worldwide living happy, healthy lives with this disease. Although the cause of type 1 diabetes is still unknown, it is usually managed through the use of insulin therapy. What happens is that the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas become damaged due to an autoimmune response within the body. Type 1 diabetics are unable to produce insulin and therefore it must be supplemented daily. Without insulin, the body can’t metabolize glucose needed for everyday bodily functions.

Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine can help type 1 diabetics in various ways. Balancing food intake, specifically sugars, is vital for diabetics. Too much sugar and not enough insulin can be dangerous for anybody, but it can be deadly for diabetics. Studies have shown acupuncture and electroacupuncture can actually increase the insulin levels in blood plasma. This means even though a type 1 diabetic is required to take insulin to survive, the amounts they take may be less when they are being treated with acupuncture. Acupuncture treatments can also help balance the blood glucose levels in type 1 diabetics.

Another area where regular acupuncture treatments can benefit type 1 diabetics is stress. Excessive stress has been proven to wreak havoc on the body. Added stress can cause a cascade of stress hormones, which signals the liver to dump more glucose into the bloodstream. This can be fatal for a diabetic who doesn’t recognize the symptoms. Acupuncture is very relaxing and actually lowers stress levels in most people. For a type 1 diabetic, keeping stress levels to a minimum is crucial.

Traditional Chinese Medicine considers diabetes to be a “thirsting and wasting” disorder caused by deficiencies in the kidney system. Acupuncturists focus on strengthening the body and managing long-term symptoms, specifically those associated with the kidney system. This may be accomplished with both regular acupuncture treatments, as well as Chinese herbs, nutritional coaching and even things like tai chi or qi gong that help balance the body overall.

If you or somebody you know is suffering from type 1 diabetes, please consider Traditional Chinese Medicine as an adjunct to the current medical treatments. It can be quite beneficial in maintaining a healthy lifestyle. 

Bishara Wilson, L.Ac., MSTOM

NewYork Sports Acupuncture

www.nysportsacu.com

888.375.5444

Research Updates – Superfoods for Diabetes

Research Updates – Superfoods for Diabetes

A recent article published by Sepalika.com provides information from multiple research studies that confirm the best way to manage diabetes is through proper diet. More specifically through the use of “superfoods.” The multiple studies showed various superfoods such as oily fish, broccoli, blueberries, beets and chia seeds can all help in the fight against diabetes. These foods have been shown to lower blood sugar levels, improve insulin sensitivity and improve blood sugar control. This is very promising for those suffering from diabetes because it may ultimately help them reverse this disease.


https://www.sepalika.com/type-2-diabetes/8-top-research-backed-diabetes-superfoods/


With diabetes being the seventh leading cause of death in the United States, the research never seems to end. Over 29 million Americans suffer from this disease and the numbers aren’t getting any better. Diabetes is caused by a dysfunction of the pancreas. There are two forms of diabetes, Type 1 and Type 2. Type 2 can be reversed through the use of proper diet and exercise. This is where superfoods come into play.

Superfoods are defined as foods thought to be nutritionally dense and thus good for one’s health. There is no set criteria for determining what is truly a superfood though. Superfoods don’t have their own food group, as they can be either plant-based or animal-based. Popular superfoods have very large doses of vitamins and minerals that can help us fight off diseases and live longer lives. Some of the nutrients found in certain superfoods include antioxidants, healthy fats, fiber and phytochemicals. However, just because a food is considered a superfood, that doesn’t mean that one should eat unlimited quantities. For example, many superfood juices are still high in sugar and should be used in moderation.

For those suffering from diabetes, superfoods can provide a plethora of nutrients that can help balance blood sugar levels and improve insulin sensitivity, which may ultimately provide for disease reversal.

Here are some examples of superfoods that are very beneficial for diabetics to consume. Beans are a great source of protein and they are high in soluble fiber, which lowers blood glucose levels. Berries have been shown to decrease insulin resistance due to the content of compounds known as anthocyanins, which are members of the phytochemical family. Flaxseed has been shown to decrease fasting blood glucose levels.

Non-starchy vegetables are low in carbohydrates, which means a little goes a long way when it comes to filling up the gut and fighting hunger. Polyphagia or the urge to excessively eat is a common symptom in diabetics. Non-starchy vegetables may be the answer to this problem. These veggies are also high in vitamins, minerals, fiber, and phytochemicals. Non-starchy vegetables include artichokes, asparagus, broccoli, and beets. The American Diabetes Association also endorses most non-starchy vegetables as low glycemic index foods, which means diabetics can eat them with abandon and still avoid excessively high blood glucose levels.

As with anything, moderation is the key. But the use of these superfoods may be very helpful for those suffering from diabetes. In most cases, Type 2 diabetes is reversible. The question becomes what does the patient desire more. This will ultimately determine the outcome.


New York Sports Acupuncture

Bishara Wilson, L.Ac., MSTOM

www.nysportsacu.com

888.375.5444

Research Update – Acupuncture and Diabetes

Research Update – Acupuncture and Diabetes

A study published by the Healthcare Medicine Institute found acupuncture can effectively decrease symptoms of diabetes. This study actually looked at two clinical trials and determined both showed improvement for the participants. The first trial focused primarily on the usage of acupuncture, coupled with moxibustion. The second trial aimed to study diabetic gastroparesis and how it can be treated using acupuncture. Both trials concluded the overall symptoms of diabetes sufferers can be greatly decreased through the use of acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine. The trial that used both acupuncture and moxibustion yielded an 84.78 percent efficacy rate for those diagnosed with yin deficient diabetes and a 69.75 percent efficacy rate for those diagnosed with yang deficient diabetes.

http://www.healthcmi.com/Acupuncture-Continuing-Education-News/1666-acupuncture-alleviates-diabetes-outperforms-drugs

Diabetes is now labeled as an epidemic in the United States, with nearly 29 million Americans suffering from the disease and another 86 million on the verge of becoming diabetic, as they deal with prediabetes. According to the Centers for Disease Control, diabetes is the seventh leading cause of death in the United States and the leading cause of kidney failure, lower limb amputations, and adult-onset blindness.

Diabetes is caused by dysfunction of the pancreas. There are two forms of diabetes, type 1 and type 2. Type 1 diabetes is a chronic condition in which the pancreas produces little or no insulin. Type 2 diabetes is the most common and it affects the way the body processes blood sugar or glucose. While Type 2 diabetes is usually reversible through proper diet and exercise. The usual treatments include daily injections of insulin and blood sugar monitoring. But due to the standard American diet (SAD), many people in the U.S. are constantly struggling and unfortunately, losing the battle. This is where TCM may be able to help.

In numerous studies, TCM has been shown to lower blood sugar levels, decrease the symptoms of polyphagia (urge to eat constantly), polydipsia (excessive thirst) and polyuria (excessive urination), improve microcirculation and enhance blood flow to the peripheral areas of the body.

Acupuncture, one of the many modalities used in TCM, uses hair-thin, solid needles to trigger the body’s regulatory systems that then release chemicals that stimulate the secretion of hormones, reduce pain and inflammation and help the body restore homeostasis. The blood glucose lowering effects of acupuncture are due to the down-regulation of cortisol. Cortisol is a stress hormone that encourages the liver to create glucose, which is thought to be the reason that insulin sensitivity is increased.

Another facet of TCM that can help greatly with diabetes patients is diet and herbal formulations. There are many foods and herbs that have showed significant hypoglycemic action. These include mung beans, rehmannia, astragalus, lycium bark and fruit, ginseng and even asparagus root.

TCM offers hope for those suffering from diabetes without the adverse side effects frequently associated with the prescribed medications. If you or somebody you know suffers from diabetes, consider contacting a fully licensed TCM practitioner to see what they can do for you.


New York Sports Acupuncture

Bishara Wilson, L.Ac., MSTOM

www.nysportsacu.com

888.375.5444

The Positive Side Effects of Acupuncture

During an initial session of acupuncture, most practitioners began with an extensive health intake that goes over all of the systems in the body. We use this to determine certain patterns of imbalance, allowing us to treat the root cause of issues. This is one way we differ from Western medicine.

I have learned throughout the years when someone makes an appointment to deal with their pain, this is all they are concerned about. I understand completely. If I pulled a muscle in my back and went to a doctor who gave me medication to help with digestion, I would be confused and annoyed he wasn’t dealing with the issue I came in with. So, when I see patients, I focus on their presenting issue. I know once this problem has resolved, they will likely see other beneficial side effects from the treatment, such as:

● A reduction in stress or anxiety. Acupuncture is incredibly calming, and when you get acupuncture on a regular basis, that feeling of peace and well-being tends to become your new norm. Life’s little stresses just seem easier, somehow.

● You don’t get sick as often. Acupuncture boosts the immune system, and patients who come consistently often comment on having lesser colds and illnesses throughout the year.

● Better sleep. I’ve had some of the best night’s sleep of my life after a session. It promotes a deep, restorative sleep that can’t be matched by anything else I have tried. Acupuncture is very effective for insomnia, but even those without sleep issues look forward to a fantastic night’s sleep after a treatment.

● Less painful periods. When the blood and energy of the body flows as it should, pain and stiffness disappear. Acupuncture moves the blood, lessening cramps and even alleviating the symptoms of PMS.

● Happier digestion. Again, acupuncture is moving, so it creates movement within the digestive tract too. If you are prone to constipation, this medicine can get you unstuck. And if you fall on the other end of the spectrum and suffer from frequent or loose bowel movement, acupuncture can help to regulate that as well.

● More energy. When your body is in balance, you have the appropriate amount of energy to get through your day without dragging. Patients who get treatment regularly tell me that they feel more energized and alert throughout the day.

● Increased fertility. Studies have shown getting regular acupuncture increases your chances of getting pregnant. It regulates the hormones and lowers stress levels.

● Better relationships. I know it sounds strange, but hear me out. Acupuncture helps to regulate the emotions. It can vent your anger, ease your grief and help you to let go of negativity you’ve been holding on to. Irritated or frustrated? Try a treatment. You will immediately feel those emotions slipping away. When your negative feelings begin to transition into a lighter, calmer place, you will connect with people around you in a very different way. 

New York Sports Acupuncture

Bishara Wilson, L.Ac., MSTOM

www.nysportsacu.com

888.375.5444