Research Update – Traditional Chinese Medicine and HIV

Research Update – Traditional Chinese Medicine and HIV

A study conducted at Yale University General Clinical Research Center and published by Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine shows promise for the efficacy of acupuncture in alleviating symptoms of human immunodeficiency virus, or HIV. The study, while small in numbers of subjects, allows for further study into the use of Traditional Chinese Medicine to support patients with HIV. The patients received acupuncture treatments twice a week for three weeks.

During this period of time, researchers tracked their symptoms of distress, psychological distress and overall quality-of-life. The data from this pilot study suggests the participants noticed an improvement in their symptoms and their quality of life by the time the study was completed.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome or AIDS is caused by a virus known as the Human Immunodeficiency Virus or HIV. People can contract HIV through a number of ways, but the most common is having unprotected sex with an infected partner. It can also be spread by contact with infected blood or from mother to child during pregnancy. HIV slowly weakens the immune system, making the host susceptible to multiple infections and diseases that eventually kill the host.

           

The good news is that the number of infected people in the United States is steadily declining and not everybody who is diagnosed as HIV-positive will succumb to the virus. Huge strides in modern medicine have allowed people to live normal lives despite being infected with HIV. 

          

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is probably the most commonly known alternative to modern medicine due to its long history and the fact that more and more people are seeking out ways to avoid taking over-the-counter medication and visiting hospitals.

TCM helps HIV-positive patients by boosting their immune systems, relieving symptoms and decreasing the side effects of prescription medications. Most people who are diagnosed with HIV are advised to start drug therapy as quickly as possible even though many of the medications prescribed have significant side effects.

           

Many patients report improvements in sleep, stress levels, digestion and immune function once they begin regular acupuncture treatments, and science backs this up. There are two ways the health of HIV-positive patients is monitored: their T-cell count and their overall viral load. For those who begin acupuncture treatments and are consistent with them, T-cell numbers remain high and sometimes even increase and the overall viral load in the body decreases. This helps keep their immune system functioning at a high level, while also combatting symptoms like fatigue and stress associated with the infection.

           

TCM is unique in its approach to treating HIV because it is one of the few medical systems available that addresses the whole person without compartmentalizing their symptoms. This allows for the patient to receive help in healing not just the body, but also the mind. Multiple studies confirm emotions can affect the body and actually make us sick. TCM addresses the mind-body connection and treats the person holistically, thus providing for an overall better quality of life.

If you suffer from HIV/AIDS, ask me how Acupuncture can help!

New York Sports Acupuncture

Dr. Bishara Wilson, DACM, L.Ac.

www.nysportsacu.com

888.375.5444

               

SOURCE: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10979160

Research Update – Moxibustion and Dysmenorrhea

Research Update – Moxibustion and Dysmenorrhea

           

A study conducted by Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has determined that the use of moxibustion at specific days during a woman’s menstrual cycle can decrease pain associated with menstruation. Dysmenorrhea or painful menstruation is a big problem for many women. This study used moxibustion, an accessory modality of TCM, to treat the pain associated with menstruation. The study and its systematic review showed moxibustion treatments were more effective at relieving pain only when the moxibustion began prior to the onset of actual menstruation. This is also the theory behind Traditional Chinese Medicine, that it should be used as preventive care. The efficacy of using moxibustion during the premenstrual time period holds great promise for those who are debilitated by dysmenorrhea.

Dysmenorrhea, or painful menstruation, is experienced by more than half the menstruating women in the world. It is one of the most commonly encountered gynecologic disorders and for those suffering from severe dysmenorrhea, it can mean they are incapacitated for up to three days or more every month. The main cause of dysmenorrhea is increased or abnormal uterine prostanoid production and release, which then gives rise to abnormal uterine contractions and pain. The treatment of dysmenorrhea usually involves some sort of pain medication and rest, but there are alternatives.

TCM is a medical system that incorporates numerous methods for treating disease and illness. One of the tools found in the toolbox of the Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioner is known as moxibustion.

Moxibustion is a technique that involves the burning of mugwort, known as moxa, which is an herb that facilitates healing. The purpose of moxibustion is to stimulate the flow of blood and energy throughout the body. Moxibustion creates a pleasant heating sensation that penetrates deeply into the skin, but does not create a scar or any pain. To perform moxibustion, a practitioner lights one end of a stick of moxa and holds it close to the acupuncture point for several minutes until the area turns red. There are also adhesive cones of moxa that can be applied to the skin. These are then lit and allowed to burn until the fire reaches the base, which is when they are removed to prevent scars.

Moxibustion is used to help people with cold or stagnant conditions. Burning moxa is believed to expel cold and warm the body, which creates a smooth flow of energy and blood. Moxibustion can be used to treat dysmenorrhea because it stimulates the flow and release of the hormones that cause uterine contractions. By stimulating the release of these hormones, the body can then expel them which leads to decreased pain. Moxibustion is also great for women who suffer from fibroids, which is a stagnation and buildup of blood in the uterus. The warmth from the burning mugwort actually increases blood flow and this can help decrease the size of the fibroids over time.

As with acupuncture, only a licensed practitioner should be called upon for treatments such as moxibustion. If you believe moxibustion may be helpful with your dysmenorrhea, be sure to discuss it with your acupuncturist.

New York Sports Acupuncture

Dr. Bishara Wilson, DACM, L.Ac.

www.nysportsacu.com

888.375.544

SOURCE: https://www.hindawi.com/journals/ecam/2016/6706901/

Patient Help Sheet – PMS

Patient Help Sheet – PMS

Every woman and her menstrual cycles are different. For some, menstruation is quick and easy, but for many others, it can be difficult and painful. Premenstrual syndrome is a common occurrence for many women. The premenstrual phase occurs one to two weeks prior to actual menstruation and it can be quite debilitating. Symptoms of premenstrual syndrome include emotional instability (irritation, anger, depression, etc.), abdominal bloating, breast tenderness and swelling, constipation or diarrhea, headaches, low back pain and even fatigue.

While the exact cause of PMS is not known, it is believed to be due to fluctuating hormone levels that happen prior to menstruation each month. Conventional medicine tends to focus on treating the symptoms of PMS using pharmaceuticals or over-the-counter medications. But for those who are looking for natural alternatives, there is a better choice; Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). TCM provides many ways of combating PMS. Here are just a few examples of how this ancient medical system can help.

Acupuncture for PMS

According to TCM theory, PMS occurs when the normal flow of energy and blood are interrupted. The liver system is responsible for the smooth movement of blood and energy throughout the body. This means that the endocrine system, which controls our hormones, is dependent upon the flow of energy and blood. When the blood and energy become blocked because we are not taking care of ourselves as we should, then pain and dysfunction can occur.

Acupuncture has been shown to improve circulation, thus allowing blood and energy to flow more freely. It also balances hormones in the body, while providing relaxation that many women need. When all these components are working in harmony, the chances of PMS symptoms occurring will decrease.

Acupuncture Points for PMS

·Spleen 6 – This point is located bilaterally on the inside of the lower leg. It is found 3 thumb-breadths above the medial ankle bone and just behind the tibia. Spleen 6 is frequently used by acupuncturists. It helps with abdominal pain and bloating, diarrhea, menstrual problems, edema, dizziness and insomnia.

·Ren 6 – This point is located on the midline of the abdomen, about 1 ½ thumb-breadths directly below the belly button. Ren 6 can be used to help with abdominal pain, edema, diarrhea, constipation and menstrual problems.

·Large Intestine 4 – Located bilaterally on the back of the hand. When the thumb and forefinger are brought together, this point can be found directly in the middle of the fleshy mound that is created. It is helpful with lower abdominal pain and constipation. LI4 also helps to calm the uterine muscles and lessen headaches sometimes associated with PMS.

Chinese Herbs and Herbal Formulas for PMS

Individual herbs and combinations of herbs, known as formulas are used frequently in TCM. Dang Gui is an herb that is commonly used to help treat PMS. Dang Gui is especially good at promoting the healthy flow of blood throughout the body. It also helps improve the secretion of hormones allowing for proper balancing during the monthly cycle.

There is a particular herbal formula that is used frequently in TCM to help with PMS. This formula is known as Xiao Yao San. This formula focuses on creating harmonious flow of blood and energy throughout the body.

Nutrition for PMS

Proper nutrition is vital for everyone, but when the hormones are imbalanced and working overtime, it is even more important for the woman suffering from the symptoms. When we experience pain, we tend to reach for comfort foods that are rich and full of sugar or starch. But for PMS, these can actually be more aggravating. Plants are recommended during the cycle. High fiber foods like beans, pears and avocados help combat digestive issues that are common with PMS. Foods high in calcium, like kale and broccoli, are also a good choice for reducing cramps.

As you can see, TCM is a great way to deal with PMS. If you are having difficulties dealing with your menstrual cycle, contact your local acupuncturist to see what they can do for you.

New York Sports Acupuncture

Dr. Bishara Wilson, DACM, L.Ac.

888.375.5444

www.nysportsacu.com

 

http://www.acupuncture.com/Conditions/pmsconsu.htm

https://www.healthcmi.com/Acupuncture-Continuing-Education-News/1237-acupunctureherbspmscv4cv6gb34

https://www.healthcmi.com/Acupuncture-Continuing-Education-News/1787-acupuncture-painful-menstruation-relief-finding

https://thechalkboardmag.com/acupuncture-for-pms-aculand?fbclid=IwAR2gEeX1Nsp1pxZtl_neOMskSqSL7CEXVC_mq5niHEaxgdkupqIJmGOOo7M

https://draxe.com/pms-symptoms/

https://www.everydayhealth.com/womens-health-pictures/foods-that-help-fight-pms.aspx#pop-some-pumpkin-seeds

https://www.modernreflexology.com/acupressure-points-to-treat-pms/

https://www.mindbodygreen.com/articles/acupressure-for-cramps-bloating-pms

https://www.pacificcollege.edu/news/blog/2015/01/25/pms-relief-youve-been-looking-traditional-chinese-herbs-and-acupuncture

https://cora.life/blogs/day-one/cure-pms-with-herbs

Sweet N’ Salty Food Taste in TCM

Sweet N’ Salty Food Taste in TCM

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), food is considered medicine. Herbal formulas mostly consist of food items like twigs, berries, nuts, fruit skins, roots, flowers and animal products. Food also has qualities beyond the biochemical nature assigned by Western medicine and nutritionists. Food also has elements such as taste and temperature, color and texture. These qualities go to specific organs that identify with these elements and are absorbed and benefited by them.

Let’s explore five main food tastes: sweet, salty, sour, pungent and bitter- which organs they are associated with, and how food choices can affect your health and well being.

Sweet

Sweet foods are associated with the spleen and stomach, the earth element, late summer season and the color yellow. Sweet foods help the digestive system transform and transport food. These foods tonify the body and harmonize other flavors in a formula and are also considered a tonic. Sweet foods help low energy, ease pain and relax tension.

Examples of sweet foods are yams, fruit, carrots and honey.

Salty

Salty foods are associated with the kidneys and bladder, the water element, black and winter season. Salty foods are said to soften hardenings and dissipate nodules like we see in lumps, masses and cysts. Salty food also helps with low back pain, knee soreness, fertility and is anti-aging due to the kidney association with bones, basic constitution, fertility and sexuality.

An example of a food that is salty is seaweed, which helps goiter.

Sour

Sour foods are associated with the liver and gallbladder, the wood element, green, and spring season. Sour foods are astringent and absorb, which means they hold in fluid and stop discharge, as in excess sweating and diarrhea.

Examples of sour foods are lemon, vinegar and fermented food.

Pungent

Pungent foods are associated with the lungs and large intestine, autumn, white and the metal element. These foods disperse moisture and promote circulation; they move stagnation. Pungent foods also open pores and promote sweating. They are used in colds to promote sweating and expel pathogens.

Examples of pungent or acrid foods are garlic, ginger, mint, scallions, daikon and peppers.

Bitter

Bitter foods are associated with the heart and small intestine, summer, red and the fire element. Bitter foods dry dampness (excess mucus in the body), have a cleansing action, a descending action (so they promote urination), clear heat (symptoms like insomnia restlessness, palpitations, a red tongue, rapid pulse and anxiety indicate heat), and edema.

Examples of bitter foods are kale, parsley, collard greens, endives, and sesame seeds.

How to know what to eat? It’s all about balance. It’s best to eat what’s in season and be in harmony with the rhythms of nature. It’s also a good idea not to overdo any one flavor. Too much sour in the diet hurts the liver and creates stagnation, in the same sense, too much cold-food hurts the stomach and affects the digestive fire resulting in bloating, gas, loose stools and fatigue.

These symptoms, in turn, may make one crave sweets to counterbalance the deficiency in the stomach. When an herbal formula is created for a specific ailment, there is a balance of flavors so we don’t have an overabundance of one that can create a problem elsewhere. It’s best to visit a licensed acupuncturist to get a proper diagnosis and dietary recommendations designed for you.

In the meantime, stay in season with fresh market choices, have a variety of colors in your food and experiment with a nice balance in food choices and cooking.

New York Sports Acupuncture

Dr. Bishara Wilson, DACM, L.Ac.

www.nysportsacu.com

              

Blood Flow

BLOOD FLOW

Looking to stay extra warm this winter? We all know that keeping your head and feet properly covered maintains our internal temperature, but what about when we feel like we just can’t seem to warm up, get our blood flow moving, or have a circulatory disorder that’s hindering our winter extracurriculars?

Symptoms of Poor Circulation

Symptoms of poor blood flow are easy to spot and often include having cold extremities, headaches, dizziness, or muscle cramps. The area that is easiest to spot are in the arms and legs because these are the areas that blood collects but due to poor circulation, isn’t able to properly make its way back to the heart which leads to the cold, numb and tingling sensation.

There are many ways to help aid in your circulatory blood flow including Acupuncture, changing your diet, and herbal remedies.

Acupuncture can be helpful to increase local blood circulation because it raises levels of nitric oxide around the area that the needles are entered, thus enhancing peripheral blood flow as shown in a study from the Journal Anesthesia and Analgesia. Not only does it help with blood flow, it can help with abnormalities of circulation with disorders such as Raynaud’s, high blood pressure, and hypertension.

Acupuncture and Circulation

There are multiple ways to help your circulation such as controlling your diet, adding fitness into your daily routines such as yoga poses, and even acupuncture treatments with specific points.

The point ST36 functions to regulate qi and blood flow, order the stomach and spleen and strengthen weak and deficient conditions. It is located in the lower leg and is great for combatting gastrointestinal pain, mastitis, abscessed breast, asthma, exhaustion, abdominal distention, diarrhea or constipation, indigestion, hemiplegia, neurasthenia, and mania.

Increase Blood Flow with These Foods

When it comes to what is being put into your body, Watermelon and Oranges are two fruits that are helpful in increasing blood flow and circulation in your body. Watermelon contains high amounts of lycopene, which is commonly taken to improve circulation and prevent heart disease. Oranges are also consumed for similar reasons; they are high in vitamin C and are a natural blood thinner and also strengthens capillary walls. Both of these fruits can be helpful in aiding fruitful circulation.

 

If you have already taken to acupuncture treatment there are some herbal remedies that you can use to help circulate your blood flow such as Cayenne, Butcher’s Broom, Green Tea and Hawthorn Berry. You can use any of these herbs in the form of capsules, tea, or liquid supplements. Keep in mind that liquid tinctures absorb much faster than consuming them as a tea or capsule.

New York Sports Acupuncture

Dr. Bishara Wilson, DACM, L.Ac.

www.nysportsacu.com

888.375.5444

https://www.fishertitus.org/health/foods-that-improve-circulation

https://www.healthcmi.com/Acupuncture-Continuing-Education-News/1441-acupuncture-improves-circulation?fbclid=IwAR3ez6_GPJHp1H_b-utc_dBDvquVbl67xYV5-Ot3hDnIUjSey9t0I1Ud9Ck

https://www.khromaherbs.com/blogs/news/herbs-to-improve-circulation

Acupuncture for Boosting Your Circulation

Acupuncture for Boosting Your Circulation

              

Healthy blood circulation is a vital component of life for human beings. Without proper blood flow, life would cease to exist. Blood isn’t the only thing that’s important, it’s what the blood is carrying that makes circulation so important. Blood carries fresh oxygen, hormones and nutrients that we absorb from our food. Without these components, the organs and tissues of the body become depleted, weakened and eventually stop functioning. Any blockages in the veins and arteries can deprive the brain and the rest of the body from the needed oxygen, which can then lead to a plethora of other medical issues.

A Bloodflow Overview

Poor circulation is a problem that affects thousands of people around the world, and  decreased circulation is frequently referred to as a silent killer. Many people assume that blood circulation issues aren’t a worry that needs to be prioritized until it’s too late and gets overlooked for years. Poor blood flow can cause pain, numbness, tingling, cold hands/feet and even heart rhythm irregularities.

Another complication of poor circulation is the possibility of blood clots. Blood clots can be very dangerous. They can dislodge and travel to the heart, lungs or brain and block major blood vessels that can lead to a heart attack or a stroke.

There are many causes of poor circulation including excessive cholesterol buildup in the arteries, obesity, diabetes, poor lifestyle choices, improper diet, smoking, alcoholism, pinched nerves, bacterial and viral infections and even excessive stress. The symptoms of poor circulation include weakness of the limbs, loss of sensation, extreme sensitivity, tingling, numbness, burning sensation and pain. If circulation issues are left untreated, it can eventually lead to the tissues turning black and dying, which is then a case for amputation.

Modern medicine treats poor circulation using prescription medications, angioplasty, surgical placement of stents and even amputation. All of these treatments can have serious side effects and any time surgery is done, there will be down time for recovery that may be extensive. But there are alternatives too.

TCM and Circulation

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is an ancient medical system that has been around for thousands of years. TCM uses modalities like acupuncture, acupressure and herbal formulations to treat the effects of poor circulation, while actually addressing the root cause too.

Acupuncture in particular is great for increasing blood circulation because the use of acupuncture needles stimulate nitric oxide in the body. Nitric oxide is a key regulator of localized circulation. Therefore, the more nitric oxide, the greater the blood flow and circulation to the tissues.

Acupuncture treatments have also been shown to stimulate the release of compounds like leukotrienes and antihistamines that both dilate the blood vessels, while also reducing swelling of tissues. This leads to increases in blood flow to the areas of the body deprived of oxygenated blood.

Another element of TCM is the use of herbs and herbal formulations. Foods, such as garlic, ginger, turmeric and cayenne pepper can be very beneficial for those suffering from poor circulation. However, we advise that adding these herbs needs to be discussed with a physician if you are already taking blood thinners for a circulatory problem.

Poor circulation can be painful and can even be deadly in some cases, but it doesn’t have to be. Ask me to find out how TCM and acupuncture can help you with your circulation problems.

New York Sports Acupuncture

Dr. Bishara Wilson, DACM, L.Ac.

www.nysportsacu.com

888.375.5444

Mental/Emotional Aspects related to Kidney

Mental/Emotional Aspects related to Kidney

Many years ago, when I was an acupuncture intern, I saw a patient who had lost all of his hair within a single week. All of his hair, including eyebrows, eyelashes and body hair fell out immediately after learning his unborn child was not going to survive. Miraculously, the following week, he learned the tests used on his pregnant wife were faulty and that the child would in fact be healthy. Around that time, this patient went in for acupuncture session to see what could be done for him.

Fear & The Kidneys

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, the kidney is the organ system that rules bones, teeth and hair and the mental-emotional component of the kidney is fear. It was fascinating to witness such a vivid example of how tightly the emotional and physical aspects are intertwined in this medicine. This poor man experienced such a deep level of shock and fear, the immediate physical manifestation of this disruption in kidney energy was complete baldness.

In five-element theory, kidney personality types can be introspective, enjoying time alone to philosophize. They might be seen as unconventional, perhaps a little quirky. As the element of kidney is fear, an imbalance in this energy might lead to the types of worries and anxieties that are unfounded. This type of patient might obsess about death, even though they are currently healthy or may even question their existence. Since this organ is connected to willpower, a balanced kidney type would have optimistic, realistic long-term life goals. They would feel as if their life had a purpose. Out of balance, this type might be too fearful of an uncertain future to move forward. They might exhibit an aura of being directionless, or lacking in follow-through.

Other Impacts of the Kidney

The kidney is also linked to the sex drive. Deficient kidney energy might manifest in a lack of sexual desire. On the other end of the spectrum, excess kidney energy can result in a hyperactive sex drive.

When I see patients that seem to have grown old before their time, I think of the kidney as this organ regulates the aging process. Some people maintain their youthful vibrancy throughout the years due to healthy kidney function. Other people appear to become hardened as they complain about their various aches and pains, fearful about growing old and consumed with worries about impending health issues that could manifest.

How Acupuncture Can Help

Getting an acupuncture tune-up on your kidneys won’t bring you eternal youth, unfortunately, but it can help to give you an energetic boost and reset your system. I often see patients who exhibit the “tired but wired” paradox so often caused by a mix of stress, overwork and stimulants. These patients are running on overdrive, and the kidneys take the hit. By treating the kidneys, we can stimulate your natural energy reserves while we get your body and mind back into a state of homeostasis.

Ask me how Acupuncture can help your Kidneys!

New York Sports Acupuncture

Dr. Bishara Wilson, DACM, L.Ac.

www.nysportsacu.com

888.375.5444