Top Health Benefits of Acupuncture

Acupuncture is part of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and is practiced in many different forms which include herbal remedies, cupping, and massage, which have all been used for thousands of years. The basis of TCM is the idea of qi, the body’s vital energy.


TCM treatments promote the movement of qi throughout the body in order to help bring balance back to the body. The goal of acupuncture is to correct this imbalance which can cause a variety of ailments and conditions that you may currently have.


Acupuncture uses very thin needles (which have been compared to being as small as cat whiskers) that stimulate pressure points and other areas of your body. It stimulates qi by placing needles in specific spots, often along meridians. Meridians are the channels that qi travels in the body.


Acupuncture can help with many health conditions, including:

●  Arthritis

●  Chronic pain, including joint pain

●  Depression

●  Headaches and migraines

●  Trouble sleeping and insomnia

●  Nausea and digestive trouble

●  Back pain and sciatica

●  Stress and anxiety

●  Tinnitus (ringing ears)

●  Weight loss

Below are the top five ways that acupuncture can help

1. Relieves Pain.  Acupuncture can help alleviate many types of pain that may range from headaches and migraines to neck and back pain. These studies have shown its effectiveness in treating lower back pain, migraines, tension headaches, and knee pain. Acupuncture works differently for everybody. For some, a single treatment can alleviate symptoms for several months while others need a more routine treatment schedule.

2. Improved Sleep Another thing that Acupuncture can help improve is sleep and insomnia. Scientists believe that acupuncture increases the production of brain chemicals that promote relaxation, thus allowing for better sleep.

3. Uplift Mood Acupuncture can help with improving mood, including helping with depression, stress, and anxiety. The needles from acupuncture treatment release endorphins in the body. Endorphins are hormones that provide a boost in mood, encouraging happiness and relaxation.

4. Help the Heart Acupuncture is also good for your heart due to the relaxation and stress reduction that one achieves from the treatments, which are also known to reduce blood pressure. Stress and high blood pressure are commonly related to heart attacks and heart disease.

5. Support the Immune System Research has shown that acupuncture can boost immune system function. The placement of acupuncture needles can release immune-boosting cytokines. Cytokines are messenger cells that regulate the body’s immune response. By triggering the immune system, acupuncture can help fight infections or illnesses like colds and the flu.

If you deal with any of the above symptoms or think that acupuncture may be right for you- schedule an appointment with us! We’d be happy to find your unique one-of-a-kind acupuncture treatment that’s made just for you.

Dr. Bishara Wilson, DACM, L.Ac.

nysportsacu.com

888.375.5444

Patient Help Sheet – Respiratory Issues

Patient Help Sheet – Respiratory Issues

Our lungs are incredibly important. Without properly functioning lungs, we cease to exist. In the United States alone, nearly 200,000 people die every year from forms of respiratory disease. Respiratory diseases include both acute and chronic conditions, everything from the flu to emphysema. While many of these ailments can be prevented, there are others not avoidable due to things like genetics.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the lungs play a very strange role because they are considered the most external of the internal organs. With every breath taken, the lungs come into contact with the outside world. Also, any part of the body that has anything to do with breathing can be considered part of the respiratory system. This includes the nose, bronchi, sinuses, the diaphragm and even the skin, to some degree.

What’s nice about TCM, is it approaches the treatment of any condition on a very individualized basis. Every person gets a different treatment protocol depending on their symptoms and diagnosis. There are also accessory modalities like cupping that can help pull toxins out of the lungs and herbal formulas that can be added to treat almost any respiratory condition. Here are some ways that TCM can help those suffering with respiratory issues.


Acupuncture for Respiratory Issues: Acupuncture helps build or tonify the energy within the respiratory system. This energy is called Qi (pronounced “chee”). When lung Qi is strong and the body is balanced, then respiratory issues rarely become an issue. Acupuncture stimulates blood flow which carries oxygen to every cell in the body. The increase blood flow boosts the immune system, dilates the bronchioles and produces anti-inflammatory agents that help improve breathing by relaxing the muscles. 

Acupuncture Points for Respiratory Issues:

· Kidney 27 – This point is located bilaterally on the chest, just below the collarbone. Kidney 27 is used to open the lungs, reduce coughing and encourage full breathing.

· Lung 5 – Lung 5 is located at the end of the outer crease of the elbow, just to the outside of the tendon. This point opens up the airways and the throat, while reducing coughing and wheezing.

· Ren 17 – This point is located in the middle of the chest, midway between both nipples. It is used to open the chest, loosen up congestion, stop coughing and encourage full breathing. 

Chinese Herbals Formulas for Respiratory Issues: Combinations of herbs, known as formulas are used frequently in TCM. One of the most commonly used individual herbs is Wu Wei Zi, also known as Schisandra. This herb is used to treat asthma, wheezing, and boost immune function.

A popular formula choice of TCM practitioners is Bi Yan Pian. This formula works to clear the nasal passages and it usually accomplishes this within five days to a week. The herbs in Bi Yan Pian work to disperse wind, expel toxins, relieve inflammation and dissolve phlegm.

Nutrition for Respiratory Issues: For the lungs and respiratory system to be strong, they need proper nourishment, just like the rest of the body. Certain foods are good for increasing immunity, while also opening up the lungs and increasing circulation. 

Foods like garlic and onions reduce inflammation and fight off infections. Chili peppers open up the nasal passages, stimulating the mucus membranes and fighting invasion of nasty bacteria and viruses. Carrots and pumpkin are rich in vitamins A, C and lycopene. All of these vitamins affect lung health by lowering the chances of developing lung disease. 

As you can see, TCM is a great way to deal with respiratory issues. If you are having difficulties dealing with these types of conditions, contact me and we will see what we can do to get you back on track. 

New York Sports Acupuncture

Dr. Bishara Wilson

www.nysportsacu.com

888.375.5444

CITATIONS:
https://sunwarrior.com/healthhub/foods-for-lung-health

https://www.modernacupuncture.com/news/2017-07-05-breathe-deeply-acupuncture-for-respiratory-issues-allergies-45

https://www.acufinder.com/Acupuncture+Information/Detail/Energetics+of+Foods+for+Health+and+Healing+-+Part+II

https://www.livestrong.com/article/69650-chinese-herbs-strengthing-lungs/

http://www.modernreflexology.com/acupressure-points-to-treat-lung-diseases/

http://acupuncturewellness.net/respiratory-diseases-and-chinese-medicine/

http://www.touch2cure.com/acupressure-points-for-asthma/

TCM and Cystic Fibrosis

TCM and Cystic Fibrosis 

Cystic fibrosis is an inherited disease that disrupts normal function of the epithelial cells in the body. Epithelial cells line the passageways of many of our vital organs, including the lungs, liver, kidneys, reproductive system and the skin. Those who have cystic fibrosis have a defective gene that impairs epithelial cell function. This can lead to a buildup of sticky mucus throughout the body that may eventually lead to lung damage and chronic coughing, affecting how patients with cystic fibrosis breathe and filter air, digest their food and absorb the nutrients from that food. In the United States alone, there are nearly 12 million people who suffer from this disease. Unfortunately, there is no known cure and most of those affected with the disease only live into their 20s and 30s. Current modern medicine treatments focus on increasing the quality of life by managing symptoms.



Traditional Chinese Medicine, TCM, can help cystic fibrosis sufferers. This medical system uses multiple modalities to treat the symptoms of cystic fibrosis. Everything from acupuncture to cupping can be utilized to help the patient and decrease the buildup of mucus throughout the body.



From the 400-plus acupuncture points on the human body, many are especially helpful for expelling phlegm and mucus, decreasing pain and helping to calm the central nervous system, all of which are symptoms of cystic fibrosis. If a cystic fibrosis patient is suffering from chest pain due to excessive phlegm buildup in the lungs, then regular acupuncture treatments can help decrease that pain and make it easier for the person to breathe.



In traditional Chinese medical theory, people are born with a limited amount of Qi (pronounced “chee”) or vital energy, and over time it is depleted. However, Qi can be regenerated by incorporating healthy living choices, like regular exercise, proper sleep and a healthy, balanced diet. Those who suffer from cystic fibrosis begin life with a smaller supply of Qi and this means it is vital for them to save as much Qi as possible. Because cystic fibrosis attacks the lungs and gastrointestinal tract, these areas immediately become deficient and weak. Regular acupuncture treatments can help by stimulating the body’s own healing mechanisms to preserve Qi.



Another modality frequently used in TCM is cupping. To perform cupping, oxygen is sucked out of a vessel, often a glass cup, creating negative pressure and then that vessel is placed on the body. The negative pressure will act like a suction cup and it will draw oxygen-rich blood into the tissues, which facilitates healing. Cupping can also draw out toxins and create drainage, which can help break up any phlegm in the lungs, thus decreasing pain in the chest area.



For those suffering from cystic fibrosis, combining TCM with conventional medicine can be a huge blessing, improving patients’ overall quality of life.


New York Sports Acupuncture
Dr. Bishara Wilson, DACM, L.Ac.
www.nysportsacu.com
888.375.5444

Patient Helpsheet: Sciatica

Patient Helpsheet: Sciatica 

Sciatica is the pain caused by pressure or irritation of the sciatic nerve, which runs from the lower back to the sole of the foot. The irritation can lead to pain anywhere along the sciatic nerve, and it can also create a lack of muscle power to the legs and cause sensations in the legs, buttocks and low back to change. Current statistics show that up to 10 percent of the population between the ages of 25 to 45 are dealing with or have experienced sciatic pain.

The sciatic nerve is the largest nerve in the body. It consists of a large bundle of smaller nerves that begin in the low back region of the spine, travel down the buttocks and move through the leg. Symptoms of sciatica include radiating pain, numbness and tingling. Irritation of the sciatic nerve can be caused by muscle spasms, spinal disc compression or slipped spinal discs.

In traditional Chinese medical theory, blood stagnation is the most common cause of sciatica. Blood stagnation can affect the soft tissue of the lumbar spine, hips and pelvis. This is what causes the muscles to spasm, then creating extra tension that triggers the shooting pain associated with sciatica.

Traditional Chinese medicine suggests several treatment modalities for managing sciatica.

Acupuncture for sciatica: Many studies have shown acupuncture is more effective at relieving the pain, numbness and tingling associated with sciatica than modern medicinal treatments. Acupuncture treatments can help to reprogram the muscles to stay in a relaxed position. Acupuncture treatments can also help treat sciatica by releasing natural painkillers like endorphins and enkephalins from the brain and neurologic system.


Acupuncture points for sciatica:

Urinary bladder 23: This point is located on the lower back, halfway between the lowest ribs and the hip bone and on either side of the muscle group that runs right up the spine. This point reduces muscle tension and provides relief from low-back pain.


Urinary bladder 40: Ths point is located directly in the middle of the crease at the back of each knee. This point treats all the major pain sensations felt along the spine. It also helps to control muscle spasms, knee stiffness, arthritis, leg pain and it helps to dissipate excess heat trapped in the body.


Urinary bladder 62: This point is located just below the ankle bone on the outer side of each ankle. This point is great for relieving lumbar spine tension as well as anxiety.


Dietary and Lifestyle Recommendations for Sciatica: Adding potassium to your diet can help you heal from sciatica. Bananas, oranges, potatoes and spirulina are all good sources of potassium. Dark, leafy vegetables and legumes, such as black beans, kidney beans and soybeans are also beneficial when dealing with sciatica. Avoid foods that create dampness in the body, such as spicy, greasy or fried foods and dairy.


Incorporating daily exercise and stretching into your life can also help. The low back and lumbar spine may become weak if they are neglected, so sitting for long periods of time without getting up can be very detrimental. This also has a way of weakening the muscles of the lumbar area, which then can lead to slipped discs. Stretching and moving throughout the day, even after the pain has subsided, is vital to a healthy back.

New York Sports Acupuncture

Dr. Bishara Wilson, DACM, L.Ac.

www.nysportsacu.com

888.375.5444

3 Acupressure Points for Low Back Pain

3 Acupressure Points for Low Back Pain 

Statistics show that almost eight out of 10 people experience low back pain at some point during their life. Seeking medical treatment for back pain is very common. Typically back pain is fleeting and can be easily resolved with rest, heat and an occasional anti-inflammatory like ibuprofen. However, once the damage is done, the recurrence of back pain can be as high as 50 percent. Part of this is because as we age, things like muscles and tendons become less flexible and pliable. This can also be attributed to the fact that many people suffer from low-grade dehydration because they don’t drink enough water and they don’t ingest enough healthy fats that keep the muscles and tendons loose. It is also very well known that in the United States, people are too sedentary, and this leads to excess weight gain that can create added pressure on the body, especially the low back.


Studies have shown acupuncture stimulates the body to produce natural steroids that reduce inflammation. Acupuncture also increases the production of endorphins, which are helpful in reducing pain. In this way, acupuncture can be very helpful in preventing costly surgeries or prescription pain medication addiction. If a person seeks out acupuncture treatments when the low back pain is acute, it can potentially help them avoid chronic pain.


Along these lines, there are also some things that can be done at home to help with low back pain. Acupressure uses the same concept of acupuncture without the needles. By applying pressure to specific acupoints with either a finger or a smooth rounded instrument, it is possible to decrease low back pain until an acupuncture treatment can be scheduled. Here are three acupoints that can be used to help with low back pain.


• Large Intestine 4 – This point is located bilaterally on the back side of the hand, in the webbing between the forefinger and the thumb. When the hand is made into a fist, the point can be located in the center of the mound of flesh that is created. This point is used for relieving pain anywhere in the body.

• Gallbladder 34 – This point is found bilaterally on the outer side of the lower leg. It can found in the depression that is in front of and below the head of the fibula. This point is known as the influential point of the tendons. 

• Urinary Bladder 40 – This point is located bilaterally on the crease behind the knee, right in the center, directly behind the knee cap. This point helps relieve pain along the spine. It is helpful for relieving muscle spasms and reducing pain associated with sciatic nerve involvement, which stems from the low back.


Self-acupressure is an effective way to help relieve low back pain when you are unable to get in for a treatment. These three points can also be used on a regular basis in between acupuncture treatments to help keep low back pain at bay. Regardless, chronic low back pain should be evaluated to make sure that there are no structural issues that may require surgery. Ask me about acupressure if you’re curious!

New York Sports Acupuncture

Dr. Bishara Wilson, DACM, L.Ac.

www.nysportsacu.com

888.375.5444

The Science of Back Pain, part 2- deficiency pain

The Science of Pain, part 2- deficiency pain 

In Chinese medical theory, the most basic distinction between types of pain is whether they are due to 'deficiency' or 'stagnation,' both at the site of pain and systemically.

In this article, we’ll look at what deficiency pain means.

Deficiency Pain

Deficiency refers to a lack of one or both of Qi and blood. Each of these can be deficient in a couple of ways themselves.


Qi deficiency
A deficiency of Qi can be expressed as the inability of a muscle to fully contract and then relax, or as a functional pattern of imbalance due to neurological habituation.

Neurological habituation causes a communication line between some part of the body and the brain to become weak. In this case, Qi can be seen as the impetus of nerve signaling and the ability of the tissue to communicate with its environment.

For example, when sitting at a desk, our bodies don't generally demand the gluteus muscles to activate (we are just using them as cushions), so after a period of time our brains tend to ignore those muscles in favor of more actively used body parts such as the low back, hands and eyes. Over days, weeks and years of this pattern of inactivity, the neurological connection between our brain and our glutes becomes less robust, and it becomes more difficult to 'fire' those muscles when we really do need them, like when running.

This sets up a pattern of a different muscle activating (say, muscles of the low back) to try to perform functions which another muscle is best suited for (say, the glutes). This then leads to the overuse of the low back, but this overuse is actually due to a deficiency in another location. So pain might manifest in the low back or in the glutes (as a referral of pain from the tense low back), all because the original neurological signaling network has been compromised.

Another type of Qi deficiency, the type disallowing the muscle to truly contract and then relax, is tied into general deficiency of the body tissues. This type of deficiency manifests as people age and the muscles become more tense by default, losing the full responsiveness, flexibility and easy range of motion that we experience as children.


Blood deficiency

Blood deficiency can be due to multiple factors as well, but the two main ideas are either lack of blood flow to the site of pain, or lack of proper oxygenation and nutrition within the blood to power the full potential of the tissues.


An inability of the blood to perfuse the site of pain is compounded by many factors. Some tissues naturally receive more blood than others. For example, skin and muscle tissue have many capillaries providing blood to the tissue, while tendons, ligaments, all kinds of connective tissue and bone often have very little access to fresh blood.


The Chinese medical theory of blood deficiency includes the inability to move the blood to the correct sites at the correct times, and a lack of energy to allow the blood to reach all of the tissues in an optimal way. This impacts the rate of recovery from daily stresses on the tissues. Over time, as these stresses do not repair, they initiate dysfunction and inflammation, which may irritate or impinge nearby nerves.


Once the blood flow has been compromised and pain sets in, the ability of the area to recover blood flow is directly related to how quickly the pain will dissipate and how long it will take to recover completely. The less blood flow, generally the longer the recovery time.


Deficiencies of the content of the blood are related to the function of the organ systems as well as dietary habit. Most famously, magnesium deficiency can cause muscle cramps, so athletes are often advised to eat things like bananas and avocados, fruits high in magnesium.


However, there are many nutrients necessary for optimal function of the musculoskeletal system. According to Chinese medical theory, the ability of the blood to deliver collagen-building material to the connective tissues is just as important as the ability of the blood to deliver magnesium to muscles. Both can lead to major pain if not carried out.

New York Sports Acupuncture

Dr. Bishara Wilson, DACM, L.Ac.

www.nysportsacu.com

888.375.5444

The Science of Pain- stagnation issues

The Science of Pain, part 1- stagnation pain 

Most of the stagnation-types of pain involve traumatic injury or a palpable-pathogenic process. This is an area where acupuncture and its associated modalities truly shine, treating traumatic injury such as fractures, sprains, infection of tissue and acute pain efficiently and gently. After an acute injury has been assessed by urgent or primary care, go to your acupuncturist for a complete plan of care for immediate physical recovery when other modalities such as physical therapy are not yet indicated.



1) Starting from the most superficial type of stagnation, Qi stagnation involves a type of movement that becomes stuck. Most often it manifests as a tendency to have shoulder and neck pain due to stress which goes away with conscious relaxation and mild exercise. In this case, the muscle tissue itself has not yet been affected. The most common treatments for Qi stagnation involve stress-relieving acupuncture, trigger-point and motor point acupuncture, massage and exercises. Qi stagnation is a component of all the other types of stagnation as well.



2) The next level of stagnation involves the blood. A common example of blood stagnation is a muscle that has been tense and has formed a series of knots in the tissue, disallowing the full relaxation of the muscle, often present in low back and shoulder muscles. Blood stagnation is treated with strong local acupuncture, cupping and gua sha to physically move the blood. It often presents in combination with heat, cold, damp and phlegm stagnation.



3) Heat is part of the inflammatory process, along with redness, swelling and pain. Heat stagnation can be a secondary effect of lingering blood stagnation that starts to become inflamed, or it can be a rapid onset inflammation or infection. Heat stagnation is treated with cooling techniques, using acupuncture distally to relieve heat and inflammation while applying cooling herbal poultices and/or liniments topically. Internal herbs can be used to treat infection and inflammation concurrently. Heat is often combined with damp and blood stagnation.



4) Cold stagnation can either have a fast or a slow origin of onset, with the fast type of onset a physical exposure to cold causing the tissues to tense and the local cellular metabolism to slow down. This causes sharp stabbing pains similar to muscle cramps, accompanied by a deep ache. This can be seen with low back pain after a long bike ride with the low back improperly covered, riding through a cold and rainy environment. Cold stagnation is treated with warming topical liniments and poultices as well as heat packs and moxibustion combined with acupuncture to relax and warm the area. Cold stagnation is often combined with blood or phlegm stagnation.



5) Damp stagnation involves swelling that is still soft, as in the puffiness after a sprain or around a repetitive-motion injury. This can be found around the shoulder blades from overuse of the arms or across the whole low back after intense physical labor. Dampness is treated with cupping, heat poultices, local acupuncture and constitutional body points for eliminating dampness.



6) The most bizarre and deep-seated type is phlegm stagnation: a type of hard nodule or mass the center of a deep bruise, a fatty lipoma, or the swelling of vertebrae involved in arthritis. Blood and Qi stagnation must both exist prior to the formation of phlegm stagnation. This potentially takes the longest to resolve due to the need to diminish the tissue accumulation. Strong local acupuncture, plum-blossom acupuncture, cupping, gua sha, moxibustion and topical plasters and soaks are all used to treat this more difficult type of stagnation.



These six types of stagnation interact with each other and change over the course of an injury or illness.


New York Sports Acupuncture
Bishara Wilson, DACM, L.Ac.
www.nysportsacu.com
888.375.5444

How Stress Physically Affects Your Body

How Stress Physically Affects Your Body

Stress. It’s not a word that makes most of us feel elated or excited. However, stress, by design, is the body’s way of signaling for help or a break in the routine. If we don’t listen to these signals, we can develop imbalances in our bodies, which can then lead to illnesses.

The dictionary defines stress in multiple ways, but there is only one that matters when we discuss how stress affects our physical bodies. The definition is this, “stress is a physical, chemical or emotional factor that causes bodily or mental tension”. The definition itself indicates stress can affect our bodies.

One of the most visible way stress affects our bodies is our appearance. People who are under chronic pressure and stress tend to look older and fatigued. This happens because cortisol, the stress hormone in our bodies, builds up, which then increases the number of free radicals in skin cells. Free radicals damage the skin cells causing them to become dull and dehydrated. Women typically show this more than men.

Another big player in the stress game is digestion. Many people today suffer from heartburn and an upset stomach on a regular basis. These symptoms can be caused by excess stress. Stress causes the body to alter gastrointestinal motility by moving blood normally used in the digestive process, away from your belly and midsection, as part of the “fight or flight” response that usually occurs when you are stressed. Thus, the lack of blood and fluids in the gastrointestinal tract can lead to increases in stomach acid, causing stomach upset and heartburn.

Minor stress will stimulate the immune system which helps us heal from illness and disease. However, chronic stress can actually compromise the immune system, once again due to the cortisol hormone. Chronic stress sufferers tend to get sick more often and the illnesses may last longer. This is also a factor in people who develop terminal illnesses like cancer.

Excess stress can cause your heart to work too hard and usually for too long a period. These factors can then lead to sustained increased blood pressures or hypertension. Hypertension puts more stress on your blood vessels, which can increase your possibility of a stroke or heart attack.

Chronic stress can also be detrimental to your muscles and can then lead to chronic aches and pains. Muscles are supposed to tense up when under stress. But when you are constantly stressed, the muscles never get the chance to completely relax. Tight muscles result in headaches, back, neck and shoulder pain. Over time, those tight muscles and chronic pain can cause many to seek pain relief through prescription pain medications.

That’s the bad news. The good news is you can address and treat stress naturally. Getting proper nutrition and removing stressors will help greatly. Acupuncture is also a wonderful tool for fighting stress. As few as two needles can reset your body and decrease your daily stress levels. Another method is to couple acupuncture with practices like qigong, tai chi, and/or meditation. 

Call us now to find out how to resolve your stress the natural way.


Bishara Wilson, L.Ac., DACM

New York Sports Acupuncture

www.nysportsacu.com

888.375.5444

Research Update: Acupuncture and Sports Injuries

Research Update: Acupuncture and Sports Injuries

In a study conducted by researchers from the Physical Education Institute at Zhengzhou University, Traditional Chinese Medicine was investigated to see how it affected athletes suffering from motor impairment due to injury. Participants in the study suffered from a limited range of motion in a number of joints, including the neck, upper and lower limbs. The researchers administered acupuncture and herbs, alone or in combination, to their different groups. The participants reported an increased range of motion and decreased soreness after receiving treatment. Those who received herbs and acupuncture reported greater healing and relief, with a total effectiveness rate of 84.4 percent overall. This study shows the combination of acupuncture and herbs is highly effective for the treatment of physical mobility impairment caused by participating in sports.

Sports injuries occur frequently from participating in organized sports, competitions or even backyard games. These injuries can range from minor to severe and they can occur for a multitude of reasons.

Sports injuries are typically categorized as acute or chronic. An acute sports injury is usually one that involves a single blow or application of force, like being tackled. Chronic sports injuries occur when an area is overused or abused for long periods of time. This can happen with sports like tennis, weight lifting, running, etc. Sprains and strains around joints tend to be the most common types of sports-related injuries.

Most people who suffer from sports-related injuries implement the use of R.I.C.E. (rest, ice, compression, elevation) almost immediately after the injury occurs. And while all of these may be necessary for the beginning, using ice long-term is actually detrimental to the tissue because it impedes blood flow. This is where acupuncture can be very beneficial in treating sports injuries.

Many athletes, professional and amateur, are now utilizing acupuncture and some of the other modalities associated with Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) to help them heal more quickly. Acupuncture has a very successful history of treating sports-related injuries and many professional teams now have licensed acupuncturists on staff. Using acupuncture to treat injuries has been around for centuries. It began with martial arts and it is still one of the primary means of healing used.

Acupuncture can help reduce swelling, decrease pain, decrease inflammation and increase blood flow to the injured area. Recent studies, like the one above, show that acupuncture is very effective at treating sprains, strains, aches, pains, swollen muscles and even shin splints. And as an added bonus, regular acupuncture treatments can improve performance and give athletes a competitive edge.

New York Sports Acupuncture

Bishara Wilson, L.Ac., MSTOM, DACM(c)

www.NewYorkSportsAcupuncture.com

888.375.5444

Research Update – Electroacupuncture for Pain

Research Update – Electroacupuncture for Pain

A study published in Anesthesiology: The Journal of the American Society of Anesthesiologists, Inc., tested electroacupuncture for its effectiveness in treating persistent pain. Although the subjects used in the study were animals, the findings can be easily translated and adjusted so the same methods can be used to treat human beings. The studies showed that electroacupuncture can greatly decrease several types of pain, including neuropathic, inflammatory, cancer-related and visceral pain. The studies showed solid evidence that electroacupuncture can indeed be used for analgesia in patients that are suffering from chronic pain, regardless of the type of pain.

http://anesthesiology.pubs.asahq.org/article.aspx?articleid=1917956#66563380

Acupuncture is a modality used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) in which a practitioner inserts hair-thin, solid, stainless steel needles into the body, under the skin along energetic pathways. These energetic pathways, or meridians, are invisible lines that run throughout the body. These meridians allow energy or Qi (pronounced “chee”) to flow throughout the body, keeping the body in balance and alignment. For optimal health to be achieved, Qi must flow freely without any blockages. Blocked or stagnant energy can result in disease or decreased vitality.

Electroacupuncture is a variation on acupuncture. Electroacupuncture works the same way as regular acupuncture, but it uses the needles as conduits that administer small jolts of electricity that invigorate the skin and muscles of the body. Electricity increases the effects of acupuncture. This can lead to increased energy, pain relief, and much, much more. The electrical charges encourage additional physiological processes that go beyond the mere stimulation of Qi. Acupuncture coupled with electricity, encourages the body to release neurotransmitters that can act as natural painkillers. Because of this, electroacupuncture is becoming more common in the treatment of pain.

Electroacupuncture is especially useful for conditions in which there is an accumulation of Qi, such as chronic pain. This type of acupuncture can be used as a pain reliever for muscle spasms, neurological disorders and possibly even heart disease. There is evidence that electrical stimulation of acupressure points can activate the endorphin system. This can actually lower blood pressure and decrease the risk of heart disease.

Electroacupuncture produces a rhythmic, non-painful muscle twitch just below the needle through the use of a very small milliamp current. This stimulation triggers perfusion of blood flow locally. This blood flow carries essential nutrients that promote muscle regeneration. The use of electroacupuncture can break pain cycles, while smoothing the way for a person’s own pain-relieving mechanisms. Electroacupuncture also relaxes muscles.

Electroacupuncture does come with risks and it is not appropriate for everybody. Anybody who has a history of seizures, epilepsy or stroke, would not be an ideal candidate for the use of electroacupuncture. Also, it is not recommended for people who have pacemakers, as it can interfere with the electrical current of the devices. Before trying electroacupuncture, the practitioner should verify that you are not at risk. If they do not, it is vital for the patient to bring this up to avoid any complications. 

New York Sports Acupuncture

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

www.nysportsacu.com

888.375.5444

Ear Acupuncture

Auricular Acupuncture

Traditional Chinese Medicine is a medical system that dates back nearly 4,000 years. Auricular acupuncture was first mentioned around 500 B.C. in the Yellow Emperor’s Classic of Internal Medicine, which is the equivalent of the Bible for TCM practitioners. However, the method in which auricular acupuncture is practiced today is actually based upon discoveries that occurred in France in the 1950s. Modern auricular acupuncture is based upon the work done by Dr. Paul Nogier of France. 

Auricular acupuncture is the stimulation of the external ear for the diagnosis and treatment of health conditions. These health conditions may be taking place anywhere throughout the body. The stimulation of these acupuncture points can be done manually, with an acupuncture needle, a laser, magnets or ear seeds. Regardless of the means of stimulation, auricular acupuncture can be a very powerful addition to regular acupuncture treatments. 

The current form of auricular acupuncture came about after Dr. Nogier noticed a scar on the upper ear of some of his patients. When he inquired about the scar, he found out a local practitioner had been treating his patients for sciatica pain and she was cauterizing this specific area on the external ear to relieve their low back pain. Dr. Nogier conducted similar tests on his own patients and found their low back pain was also relieved. He tried using other means of stimulation as well, such as acupuncture needles and found it to be just as effective as cauterizing the area. So Dr. Nogier theorized if an area of the upper external ear is effective on treating low back pain, then perhaps other areas of the ear could treat other parts of the body. This led to the model now used when teaching auricular acupuncture. The ear is thought to represent the whole anatomical body. However, it is upside down in orientation, so the head is represented by the lower ear lobe, the feet are at the top of the ear and the rest of the body is in between. According to history, the Chinese actually adopted this model of auricular acupuncture in 1958.


Auricular acupuncture is considered a microsystem, in that the ear is like a microcosm of the whole body, meaning one part of the body, the ear in this instance, represents the whole body. Microsystems also appear on foot and hand reflexology, facial acupuncture and scalp acupuncture.


This system has been practiced in Asia, albeit in a different form, for over 2,000 years. Auricular acupuncture has been used in Europe for the past 40 to 50 years. And it is finally starting to take root in the United States. The U.S. military, over the past 5 to 10 years, has started utilizing auricular acupuncture for its battlefield personnel. This form of battlefield acupuncture is used to help soldiers deal with PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) brought on by being in combat.


Since auricular acupuncture allows for every part of the external ear to connect through the microsystem to every part of the body, many conditions can be treated using only a few very tiny needles. Not only can PTSD be treated using auricular acupuncture, but also things like chronic pain, drug addiction, high blood pressure and nausea. And for those who are a little needle-shy, auricular acupuncture is a great way to treat them because they will never see the needles and they will still get the help they need to achieving health and wellness. 

New York Sports Acupuncture

Bishara Wilson, MSTOM, L.Ac, S.Ma

www.nysportsacu.com

888.375.5444

7 Ways to Detox After the Holidays

7 Ways to Detox After the Holidays

Oh the holidays! You either love them or hate them. There is rarely any gray area. But, one thing is almost certain, everybody feels sluggish after the holidays are over. Thanks to all the cookies and milk, cakes and candy. And, most people feel the same way about dieting as they do about the holidays themselves, either love them or hate them. So why not detox instead of diet and maybe shed some pounds in the process? Seems a little easier to handle. So let’s explore some ways to detox after the holidays.

1. Drink green tea with ginger.

Green tea is becoming more popular in the West, but it has been used in areas such as Asia for centuries. Green tea with ginger is thought to increase digestion, so it helps burn off those extra calories just by ingesting it. Have a cup or two a day and see how you feel.



2. Exercise regularly.

Yes, we know. UGH! Many of you are not a fan of going to the gym and that’s ok. Exercising doesn’t have to be something you dread though. You can get a decent workout in the comfort of your own home. Yoga is much harder than it looks and it can work up a sweat too. Tai chi and qigong are also great ways to lose weight without putting lots of impact on your ankles, knees and hips. But the best way to lose a few pounds is to be more active than you normally are. So get online and find a practice that you connect with.



3. Drink lots of water.

On top of all the green tea with ginger, add in numerous glasses of water throughout the day. Water helps cleanse the system and get you back on track. A normal person should be drinking at least 64 ounces of water per day. If you’re doing some intense exercising, it should be even more. So drink up!



4. Sit in a sauna.

Saunas and steam rooms are great for shedding a couple of extra pounds of water weight. But they can also help your body to detox by sweating out the toxins. Going for a couple of days after the holidays might be just what you need to kick start the rest of your detoxification plan.



5. Eat lots of fiber.

After indulging in all the sweets and alcohol, the digestive tract needs to be kick-started back into action. Having a bowl of oatmeal in the morning is a great way to do just that. And it’s healthy for you too.



6. Ditch the sugar for vegetables.

We all need the vitamins and nutrients found in wholesome-organic vegetables. And what better time to boost those nutrients than right after the holidays? Green vegetables are best. Things like kale and romaine lettuce are loaded with valuable nutrients. Also things like onions and garlic, will help eliminate any residual toxins in your system. So reach for the salad instead of the cookie.



7. Get poked.

Believe it or not, acupuncture can help you detox. There is a whole system called the NADA system that is specifically designed to help people detox. It can help with alcohol as well as weight issues. And it’s only a few little needles in the ears. Typically, you will need to go through several sessions, but you’ll be amazed at the way you feel afterwards.


These are just a few of the many ways to help you detox after the crazy holiday season. There are many other ways out there too, including doing a full-on cleanse program. You just have to find what works best for you and go for it. But one thing is certain, you will definitely feel better after ridding your body of the toxins and getting back to a normal routine. There’s no better time than now.

New York Sports Acupuncture

Bishara Wilson, L.Ac., MSTOM

www.nysportsacu.com

888.375.5444

The Bladder in Chinese Medicine

The Bladder in Chinese Medicine


In Traditional Chinese Medicine, the bladder is one of the six yang organs, paired with one of the six yin organs. The yin organs store vital substances (such as Qi, blood, yin, and yang), whereas the yang organs are more active and have a function of constantly filling and emptying. The bladder is a perfect example of a yang organ. Its main physiological function is to remove water from the body in the form of urine. To do this, the bladder uses Qi (energy) and heat from its paired yin organ, the kidneys.


Urination is an essential component to the functioning of our bodies, and as such, the bladder plays a vital role through its filling and emptying of urine.


However, the bladder system in TCM has far more influence in the body than just over fluid transformation and excretion. As mentioned above, each yang organ is paired with a yin organ, and the bladder is paired with the kidneys. The kidneys are one of the most important energy systems in TCM, they store some of our deepest levels of energy, being the root of all yin and yang in the body and hold our essence. The kidneys often exert an effect on the bladder system when there is a weakness, this means that sometimes problems with the kidney energy can be detected and treated sooner by treating the bladder or the bladder channel. An example is low back pain. The kidneys in TCM govern the low back and the knees. The bladder meridian runs down the length of the back in not one but two trajectories on either side of the spine. Most forms of low back pain can be treated with bladder points on the back, as well as bladder points on the backs of the legs.


In acupuncture, one of the most essential aspects of the bladder channel is treating the back. The bladder channel runs from the inner canthus of the eye, over the top of the head, down the neck and the back on either side of the spine, through the sacrum and down the back of the leg to the knee. Then the channel travels back up to the top of the back and begins its downward trajectory again, tracing another trail down the length of the back, more lateral than the first. It then continues down the back of the leg to the outside of the pinky toe. The bladder channels trajectory makes it a powerful channel for treating most kinds of neck, back, sacral, hamstring, calf and achilles pain. It is particularly helpful when there is a pain condition affecting more than one of these sites.


Every energy system in TCM exerts an effect on both the physical body and the mental/emotional self. The kidneys are associated with fear - this means excessive fear will weaken the kidneys, but irrational fear can also be a symptom of a kidney imbalance. As the bladder is linked to the kidneys, it can be used to support the kidneys in treating fear. When the bladder itself is out of balance, there may be negative emotions such as jealousy, suspicion and inability to let go of grudges.


To take care of the bladder, make sure you drink plenty of non-caffeinated, non-sugary beverages throughout the day to optimize its water transforming function. Eating a kidney-nourishing diet will also help the bladder energy. To keep energy flowing optimally through the bladder meridian, make sure to stretch! Create a daily stretching routine that includes stretches for the whole posterior portion of the body. You might think about including foam rolling, massage, myofascial release, cupping, gua sha or tuina.

New York Sports Acupuncture

Bishara Wilson, L.Ac., MSTOM

www.nysportsacu.com

888.375.5444

Research Update – Acupuncture and Improved Bladder Function

Research Update – Acupuncture and Improved Bladder Function


http://www.healthcmi.com/Acupuncture-Continuing-Education-News/1684-acupuncture-helps-bladder-control-stops-leakage


A study published by Healthcare Medicine Institute has demonstrated acupuncture may hold promise in treating urinary incontinence. The study incorporated two different treatment protocols. The first used just acupuncture alone and the other used acupuncture plus electrostimulation. The results varied, but were positive in both trials. There was a 54 percent total efficacy rate in the trial that utilized acupuncture only and an 86 percent efficacy rate in the trial that used acupuncture plus electrostimulation. This holds great promise for those suffering from chronic urinary incontinence.


According to the World Health Organization, urinary bladder control problems affect nearly 200 million people worldwide. Women tend to be more likely to be affected by urinary bladder dysfunction than men. The most recent reports show more than fifty percent of older Americans struggle with urinary incontinence. This is just one of the many urinary problems that plague people all around the world. Urinary bladder dysfunction can mean anything from enuresis (urinary incontinence) to bladder stones. Many of these illnesses are preventable or treatable.


The urinary bladder is part of the filtration system in the human body. The bladder stores and excretes urine from the kidneys and really only has this one function as an organ. However, in Traditional Chinese Medicine the bladder is viewed somewhat differently. As an energy system, the bladder is very closely related to the functions of the autonomic nervous system. The bladder energetic meridian runs along both sides of the spine from head to heel. The autonomic nervous system is responsible for the control of the unconscious bodily functions, such as breathing and digestion.


Acupuncture, part of the nearly 3,000 year old medical system of TCM, has been shown in numerous studies to be effective at treating multiple urinary issues. Acupuncture elicits an autonomic response that applies a modulation effect on the nerves that control bladder function. Acupuncture has also been shown to positively influence the immune system, as well as the psychological well-being of the patient. This benefits the individual who might be suffering from urinary bladder issues.



The general premise of TCM and acupuncture is that when the energies of the meridian are not flowing properly, then something is out of balance. This can manifest as either an excess or a deficiency. Regardless of excess or deficiency, the energy has to be balanced for it to flow properly and allow the organ to function as it should. The acupuncture needles modify the flow of energy, creating balance and harmony. There are over 400 acupuncture points on the body and 67 of those exist on the bladder energetic meridian alone. This makes it one of the most commonly used meridians in TCM and it is used to help treat various different conditions.


It is recommended that those suffering from debilitating urinary issues consider combining the use of both Western and Eastern medicine to achieve the best possible results. Always seek out a properly trained and licensed acupuncturist when considering using TCM. Licensed acupuncturists will be qualified and trained to differentiate any bladder problems, while also assisting the patient in understanding what treatment options may be best for their situation.


New York Sports Acupuncture

Bishara Wilson, L.Ac., MSTOM

www.nysportsacu.com

888.375.5444

Five Ways to Increase White Blood Cell Count with TCM

Five Ways to Increase White Blood Cell Count with TCM

Leukopenia is a term used when there are less than adequate white blood cells in the bloodstream. This condition may make those suffering from it susceptible to infections. Leukopenia is often seen in diseases such as AIDS, cancer and lupus, as well as in common occurrences like the flu or a cold. Leukopenia can also be medically induced, as is often the case for cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy and radiation. While there are several prescription medications available to battle this condition, most of them also have multiple adverse side effects. But there are alternative natural methods that can increase white blood cell count without the side effects. One of these is Traditional Chinese Medicine.

Traditional Chinese Medicine is a medical system that has been around for thousands of years and incorporates multiple modalities to treat the body holistically. Acupuncture is one of the modalities utilized by TCM practitioners that can help increase white blood cell count. In fact, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends and endorses acupuncture for treating leukopenia. Research has demonstrated acupuncture can increase immunity, while improving both red and white blood cell counts.

Traditional Chinese Medicine considers the spleen to be a very important component of immune function in the body. In TCM, the spleen is responsible for removing nutrients from food and then using those nutrients to build up blood. Patients with low blood cell count tend to suffer from fatigue. This can be countered by receiving regular acupuncture treatments that not only increase immunity, but also boost the production of blood cells.

One very important modality of TCM is herbs and herbal formulas. Specific herbs and formulas can actually increase white blood cell count and improve immune function in the body. The peony root, for example, is used in at least three different forms to boost or tonify the blood. In single herb form, peony root is known as Bai Shao, Chi Shao and Shao Yao. All of these forms are known to tonify blood, which ultimately increases immunity.

Tai chi and qi gong are not technically part of TCM, but they are ingrained in Asian history and used by millions of people worldwide. Studies have shown these forms of low-impact exercise can be very beneficial to those suffering from leukopenia. In fact, the studies confirm blood cell count can be increased by practicing tai chi or qi gong on a regular basis. There have even been cases where tumors have completely disappeared after the patient began practicing these ancient martial arts.

Diet and nutrition are other important areas when battling leukopenia. In TCM, nutrition is vital for overall health. One of the superfoods in TCM is Shiitake mushrooms. These mushrooms are recommended because they are known to enhance immunity. Shiitake mushrooms contain lentinan, which is an antiviral substance that has strong immune-stimulating properties. This mushroom is used as a meat substitute in TCM nutrition. And when combined with other immune-boosting foods, this in itself can make for a very healthy meal.

Lastly, a practice known as meditation should be considered when low white blood cell count is present. While meditation is not specific to TCM, it is frequently prescribed and used by TCM practitioners. Mediation is a practice that helps calm the mind and the nervous system. When the nervous system is overstimulated, it creates metabolic stress within the body. Metabolic stress causes the immune system to become weakened, thus decreasing the number of white blood cells in the body. Meditation can help reverse this problem.

While Western medicine may be the current line of defense in fighting leukopenia, it is very feasible that alternative medicine may offer more without harmful side effects. The two forms of medicine can be used in conjunction, allowing the patient to have more options and more control over their treatment regimen. 

Call Today for a Free Boost Longevity Evaluation

888.375.5444

New York Sports Acupuncture

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

www.NewYorkSportsAcupuncture.com

Three Ways to Get Negative Ion Benefits

Three Ways to Get Negative Ion Benefits

Negative ions produce many benefits for our everyday health. From helping cure allergies to decreasing the amount of airborne viruses, the benefits are vast and diverse. You may be wondering how to get more negative ions in your life. Well, don’t worry, it isn’t that hard. Check out these three ways you can receive the benefits of negative ions in your life today.

1. Go to the Ocean

Negative ions are the most abundant in wild places, especially by the sea. Wherever there is moving water expect negative ions aplenty. So go to the beach and soak up some negative ions in addition to soaking up the sun.

2. USB Stick Ionizers

Technology never ceases to amaze. If getting out into nature is too hard for you because of your daily commute and job, don’t worry, there is a simple a solution. USB stick ionizers plug right into your computer and you can reap the benefits of negative ions even while at your office.

3. Ionic Light Bulbs

Another miracle thanks to the tech industry is ionic lightbulbs. Ionic light bulbs can be used in a variety of different locations: the home, the office, the garage, your workshop, really anywhere with a light source is a good place to put on ionic light bulb. These light bulbs will produce negative ions whenever they are turned on and have you feeling revitalized in no time.

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

www.NewYorkSportsAcupuncture.com

888.375.5444

Call to Schedule a Free Eliminate Poor Digestion Evaluation. We will get to the root of the problem, discover the hidden blockages that slow down your healing process and create a plan to bring you back to balance.  You will leave feeling re-energized, rejuvenated and ready to get rid of poor digestion once and for all.

Ionization of Waves Near the Beach

Ionization of Waves Near the Beach

Negative ions can provide surprisingly positive effects on the body and mind. The negative ionization of waves near the beach, and other forms of moving water are known to cleanse both body and soul due to some unique scientific properties.

Negative ions have been proven to enhance mood, improve the appetite, quell allergic reactions, stop headaches and provide essential relief for a number of other ailments.

Let’s take a look at the science behind the positive absorption of negative ions.

By stimulating the reticuloendothelial system negative ions spark the defense cells in this system in order to bolster and increase our resistance to disease. In addition to bolstering our disease defense system, negative ions increase the amplitude of our brain waves, which contributes to an overall higher awareness level throughout our body.

Ion counts exist in many different areas on earth, especially those with high quality fresh air, but the negative ion counts are highest near moving water. Visiting and spending time next to waterfalls and waves is the best way to absorb the rejuvenative powers of negative ions. In a place with fresh air there is generally between 2,000 to 4,000 negative ions per each individual cubic centimeter. In a place with moving water there can be over 100,000 negative ions per cubic centimeter.

Cities can be detrimental on your negative ion count. For example, due to most cities experiencing an ample amount of pollution, negative ion counts can be as low as 100 negative ions per cubic centimeters in urban areas. So what is the solution to overcome this? Get outside of course! Make sure to create some time to leave the city, decompress and reap the positive benefits of absorbing negative ions.

There are some neat tricks to getting your dose of negative ions when you can’t make it outside. Get a negative ion generator, put a fountain or moving water source in your home or even just taking a shower can increase the negative ion count around you.

It is important to absorb negative ions regardless of how you get them. Their healing and rejuvenating properties are beneficial for everybody.

Getting Some Negative Ions at Niagara Falls

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

www.NewYorkSportsAcupuncture.com

888.375.5444