IBS: Relief with Traditional Chinese Medicine
Irritable Bowel Syndrome, otherwise known as “spastic colon,” is a common disorder that affects the colon and causes many disruptive symptoms. Many of these symptoms can be managed with a simple change in diet and lifestyle. Chinese herbal medicine and acupuncture may be able to help.
IBS symptoms may include gas, bloating, alternating constipation and diarrhea, pain, mucus, an uncomfortably full feeling and abdominal cramping. Most of these symptoms develop over time, and there is no structural or anatomical change that can be detected as cause. Doctors are unsure of the origin, though stress and diet are said to be triggers of distressing symptoms. Women suffer from IBS more frequently than men.
One of the most common diagnosis of IBS in Traditional Chinese Medicine is what is known as a “liver-spleen disharmony” due to stress. Normally, the liver is in charge of the free flow of energy (or vital force), blood and oxygen to the spleen and stomach, the organs who do their job of digesting food by transporting and transforming food and descending energy downward. When the liver energy becomes stagnant through emotions such as stress, frustration, anger, moodiness and tightness in the body (the liver is sensitive to these emotions), this encumbers proper digestion and what can result is acid, belching, nausea, abdominal distention and bloating. Diarrhea or constipation can occur or irregular bowel movements. Other common symptoms of stagnant liver energy are PMS, cramping with clots and irregular menses. Easing stress would be the most important aspect of the treatment plan to get to the root of the issue.
Another common cause of IBS is food sensitivity. Eliminating trigger foods has been shown to help symptoms tremendously. Here are some things to consider eliminating:
Too many cold, raw vegetables: Eating too many cold, raw vegetables dampens the digestive fire and leads to malabsorption. Cook vegetables instead and eat them warm.
Cruciferous vegetables and legumes: These are healthy but can cause gas and bloating in sensitive individuals.
Dairy: Lactose intolerance can lead to digestive ailments. If you aren’t sure, try eliminating dairy such as milk, yogurt and cheese.
Eating fast, while angry or hurried: When you eat or drink quickly, you might be inhaling too much air and eating too much. Eat slowly and mindfully.
Other triggers: Sensitivities might include chocolate, carbonated drinks, artificial sweeteners, caffeine, greasy food or processed food. Hormonal changes could also be a factor in increased IBS symptoms.
How to know for sure? It is best not to self-diagnose symptoms, so see your medical provider to see if you have IBS and not something more serious. Your Chinese medical practitioner can help you by diagnosing the symptoms according to a more eastern perspective, administering acupuncture and perhaps prescribing an herbal formula, and adjusting your diet to eliminate triggers that are irritating for your particular constitution.
Some remedies for IBS include acupuncture to improve flow in the abdomen and ease stress, herbs, increasing fiber (gradually, or it could worsen symptoms), massaging the abdomen (9x clockwise, 9x counter-clockwise), exercise to move things around such as tai qi or qigong, and probiotics to increase good bacteria in the stomach. Peppermint, magnesium, and chamomile can soothe and ease symptoms.
New York Sports Acupuncture
Bishara Wilson, L.Ac., MSTOM
www.NewYorkSportsAcupuncture.com
888.375.5444
Natural solutions to eliminate pain and promote physical health and longevity.
Tuesday, June 13, 2017
Thursday, June 8, 2017
Research Update: Acupuncture for Weight Loss
Research Update: Acupuncture for Weight Loss
An article published in the Journal of Acupuncture and Meridian Studies, substantiates the usage of acupuncture and traditional Chinese herbal formulations can help in the treatment of obesity and weight loss. The article reviewed four clinical studies and 16 animal studies on the effects of traditional Chinese medicine for treating obesity. There were different methods, but the results were ultimately the same. Obesity can be a result of total body inflammation or hormonal imbalances, and because of this, all the studies that were reviewed, had different approaches for treating the disease. All of the studies confirmed obesity can be managed utilizing Traditional Chinese Medicine techniques.
Obesity has become an epidemic in the United States. As many as one quarter of all Americans are considered overweight. And because of this, nearly $33 billion will be spent annually on weight loss programs. However, almost 85 percent of those trying to lose weight, will fail. There are many reasons why Americans are getting larger waistlines, but ultimately, the burden falls upon the individual. There are methods that can help people lose pounds and maintain a healthy weight though.
TCM is a non-invasive, safe and effective method for helping with weight loss. Unfortunately, a vast majority of people tend to look for the “quick fix” and this is definitely not what TCM provides. But, if a person is willing to take control and be held accountable for their actions and decisions, then TCM can be quite helpful with regards to shedding pounds.
Multiple studies have shown when TCM modalities, such as acupuncture and herbal formulas, are combined with traditional methods of weight loss, the patients actually lose more weight. TCM views the body and how it functions differently than Western medicine. Everything in TCM is based upon the fact that every cell in the human body is a form of energy. When there is an imbalance of energies throughout the body, then disease or illness may arise. Obesity is a disease that requires balancing. When it comes to weight loss, there are two or three main areas that TCM practitioners focus on, the spleen, liver and kidney meridians.
The three areas that focus on weight loss in TCM, the spleen, liver and kidney meridians, are the powerhouses of the body. The kidney meridian equates to the endocrine system and this is treated to reduce water retention and to rebalance hormone levels. The spleen meridian is targeted to regulate sugar metabolism. The liver meridian is treated to reduce stress, which can lead to binge eating and other unhealthy eating habits. Increased levels of stress can also deplete the hormones that are responsible for metabolism in the body.
Acupuncture for weight loss is not a silver bullet and traditional methods should be used in conjunction with acupuncture. Obviously monitoring the diet and getting proper exercise and rest are all crucial when trying to lose weight. But if all these things are done together, losing weight should not be extremely difficult. It will still take time, but it can be achieved.
New York Sports Acupuncture
Bishara Wilson, L.Ac., MSTOM
www.NewYorkSportsAcupuncture.com888.375.5444
Obesity has become an epidemic in the United States. As many as one quarter of all Americans are considered overweight. And because of this, nearly $33 billion will be spent annually on weight loss programs. However, almost 85 percent of those trying to lose weight, will fail. There are many reasons why Americans are getting larger waistlines, but ultimately, the burden falls upon the individual. There are methods that can help people lose pounds and maintain a healthy weight though.
TCM is a non-invasive, safe and effective method for helping with weight loss. Unfortunately, a vast majority of people tend to look for the “quick fix” and this is definitely not what TCM provides. But, if a person is willing to take control and be held accountable for their actions and decisions, then TCM can be quite helpful with regards to shedding pounds.
Multiple studies have shown when TCM modalities, such as acupuncture and herbal formulas, are combined with traditional methods of weight loss, the patients actually lose more weight. TCM views the body and how it functions differently than Western medicine. Everything in TCM is based upon the fact that every cell in the human body is a form of energy. When there is an imbalance of energies throughout the body, then disease or illness may arise. Obesity is a disease that requires balancing. When it comes to weight loss, there are two or three main areas that TCM practitioners focus on, the spleen, liver and kidney meridians.
The three areas that focus on weight loss in TCM, the spleen, liver and kidney meridians, are the powerhouses of the body. The kidney meridian equates to the endocrine system and this is treated to reduce water retention and to rebalance hormone levels. The spleen meridian is targeted to regulate sugar metabolism. The liver meridian is treated to reduce stress, which can lead to binge eating and other unhealthy eating habits. Increased levels of stress can also deplete the hormones that are responsible for metabolism in the body.
Acupuncture for weight loss is not a silver bullet and traditional methods should be used in conjunction with acupuncture. Obviously monitoring the diet and getting proper exercise and rest are all crucial when trying to lose weight. But if all these things are done together, losing weight should not be extremely difficult. It will still take time, but it can be achieved.
New York Sports Acupuncture
Bishara Wilson, L.Ac., MSTOM
www.NewYorkSportsAcupuncture.com888.375.5444
Tuesday, June 6, 2017
Research Update – Acupuncture and Lung Cancer
Research Update – Acupuncture and Lung Cancer
In a study conducted and published by the National Center for Biotechnology Information and in conjunction with the National Institute for Health, patients suffering from lung cancer showed improvements in several areas after being treated with acupuncture. Pain was decreased, appetite increased, nausea and nervousness decreased, and overall, the patients well-being was improved. The study showed that 61 percent of patients reported less pain and 33 percent of the patients reported an increase in their total well-being. Those participants who received more acupuncture treatments reported that their well-being was positively affected and it was determined that a minimum of six acupuncture treatments were required for a 70 percent chance of clinical improvements regarding the overall well-being.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3671020/
Lung cancer is the leading form of cancer in the United States, according to the American Lung Association. As with most forms of cancer, lung cancer is non-discriminatory in nature and can affect anybody, at any age. However, it is more prevalent in smokers, those exposed to secondhand smoke and people who have asbestos poisoning. Most lung cancer patients have multiple symptoms, including pain, fatigue, depression, difficulty breathing and anxiety. Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine can be very useful tools in treating the symptoms of lung cancer, as well as decreasing the side effects of radiation and chemotherapy.
Every single person on the planet has cancer cells in their body. Those cancer cells only proliferate or duplicate when there is the perfect storm of conditions in the body, such as decreased immunity, prolonged stress and anxiety and improper dietary habits. When the body is balanced, the immune system attacks and destroys renegade cancer cells before they can become malignant. But an unbalanced immune system, will often fail to defend the body from the cancer cells.
TCM and specifically, acupuncture, has shown great promise in helping lung cancer patients deal with the many symptoms they encounter. One of the most important ways regular acupuncture treatments can help lung cancer patients, is by boosting the immune system. The acupuncture needles are homeopathic in nature, but when they puncture the skin, the needles are perceived as an enemy by the body. This causes the body to send an immune-mediated response to the area, which in effect, retrains the body’s immune system to attack the intruders. The needles can be placed near or around the area of the cancerous tumor, which allows the defensive action of the immune system to be channeled to the cancer site itself.
Acupuncture can also be very effective at treating the other common symptoms of lung cancer. Symptoms like fatigue, depression and anxiety, can be managed with multiple acupuncture treatments that balance hormones in the body. When these are decreased, the immune system and the overall body will become stronger.
As with any form of cancer, having the proper diagnosis and treatments are essential. But adding complementary therapies, such as acupuncture, can increase the probability of success at defeating the disease.
New York Sports Acupuncture
Bishara Wilson, L.Ac., MSTOM
www.NewYorkSportsAcupuncture.com
888.375.5444
In a study conducted and published by the National Center for Biotechnology Information and in conjunction with the National Institute for Health, patients suffering from lung cancer showed improvements in several areas after being treated with acupuncture. Pain was decreased, appetite increased, nausea and nervousness decreased, and overall, the patients well-being was improved. The study showed that 61 percent of patients reported less pain and 33 percent of the patients reported an increase in their total well-being. Those participants who received more acupuncture treatments reported that their well-being was positively affected and it was determined that a minimum of six acupuncture treatments were required for a 70 percent chance of clinical improvements regarding the overall well-being.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3671020/
Lung cancer is the leading form of cancer in the United States, according to the American Lung Association. As with most forms of cancer, lung cancer is non-discriminatory in nature and can affect anybody, at any age. However, it is more prevalent in smokers, those exposed to secondhand smoke and people who have asbestos poisoning. Most lung cancer patients have multiple symptoms, including pain, fatigue, depression, difficulty breathing and anxiety. Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine can be very useful tools in treating the symptoms of lung cancer, as well as decreasing the side effects of radiation and chemotherapy.
Every single person on the planet has cancer cells in their body. Those cancer cells only proliferate or duplicate when there is the perfect storm of conditions in the body, such as decreased immunity, prolonged stress and anxiety and improper dietary habits. When the body is balanced, the immune system attacks and destroys renegade cancer cells before they can become malignant. But an unbalanced immune system, will often fail to defend the body from the cancer cells.
TCM and specifically, acupuncture, has shown great promise in helping lung cancer patients deal with the many symptoms they encounter. One of the most important ways regular acupuncture treatments can help lung cancer patients, is by boosting the immune system. The acupuncture needles are homeopathic in nature, but when they puncture the skin, the needles are perceived as an enemy by the body. This causes the body to send an immune-mediated response to the area, which in effect, retrains the body’s immune system to attack the intruders. The needles can be placed near or around the area of the cancerous tumor, which allows the defensive action of the immune system to be channeled to the cancer site itself.
Acupuncture can also be very effective at treating the other common symptoms of lung cancer. Symptoms like fatigue, depression and anxiety, can be managed with multiple acupuncture treatments that balance hormones in the body. When these are decreased, the immune system and the overall body will become stronger.
As with any form of cancer, having the proper diagnosis and treatments are essential. But adding complementary therapies, such as acupuncture, can increase the probability of success at defeating the disease.
New York Sports Acupuncture
Bishara Wilson, L.Ac., MSTOM
www.NewYorkSportsAcupuncture.com
888.375.5444
Tuesday, May 30, 2017
Research Update – Acupuncture Related to Liver Health
Research Update – Acupuncture Related to Liver
Health
The College of Oriental Medicine at Daejeon
University conducted and published a study that shows acupuncture can reduce
liver toxicity, while protecting the liver and its functions. While this study
was conducted on laboratory rats, the information collected shows great promise
as to how it can be used in humans. The rats were injected with an olive oil
solution into the abdomen to create an injury to the liver. They were then
treated using a specific acupuncture point (Gallbladder 34). The gallbladder and
liver meridians are linked through an interior-exterior relationship. Blood
work was monitored throughout the study and specific liver values were shown to
improve as the acupuncture treatments continued, thus helping to balance the
liver and keep it functioning properly.
Traditional Chinese Medicine looks at the human
body quite differently from Western medicine. In TCM there are energetic
pathways associated with specific organs in the body. When these pathways and
the energy flowing through them are out of balance the body may become
diseased.
In TCM, the liver and its corresponding meridian
are responsible for the smooth flow of Qi (pronounced “chee”) or energy, blood
and emotions. The liver is easily affected by excess stress and uncontrolled
emotions. The liver is paired with the gallbladder and the two work very
closely as a unit. When one is imbalanced, the other may display the symptoms.
For instance, if a person is consistently stressed, this may cause the liver Qi
to become blocked. When this happens, the gallbladder may become affected. It
is not uncommon for people in high stress jobs to end up with gall stones. This
happens because the liver becomes blocked and the emotions remain bottled up
inside, which then manifests in pain and possibly stones.
Anger is the emotion commonly associated with the
liver and gallbladder. If a person is frequently irritable, gets angered
easily, has difficulty relaxing or letting things go, and is unreasonable, it
is safe to guess that the liver Qi isn’t functioning properly. There are many
methods of balancing liver Qi and returning proper energy flow throughout the
body. Learning to stay calm and channel one’s anger appropriately is a good
place to start. Practice some deep
breathing, meditation, yoga or even take a walk. All of these things are great for balancing
stagnant liver Qi.
Acupuncture is another great way to balance the
liver energies. Regular acupuncture treatments help balance the body
holistically and without any real side effects. During the spring, the liver is
especially taxed due to the intense new energies that occur. This makes spring
time a wonderful time to begin acupuncture treatments. Be sure to find a fully
licensed and properly trained acupuncturist who can help guide you through
balancing the energy of the liver meridian.
New York Sports Acupuncture
Bishara Wilson, L.Ac., MSTOM, C.SMA
888.375.5444
Thursday, May 25, 2017
ACUPUNCTURE: NOT JUST NEEDLES
ACUPUNCTURE: NOT JUST NEEDLES
Most people have heard of the field of
acupuncture by now, but did you realize the scope of the practice encompasses
Chinese medicine, which includes so much more than needles? Let’s explore this
ancient therapy.
First of all, the practice of Chinese medicine
starts with a diagnosis. The practitioner asks many questions to build a
history; this includes the answers to digestion, appetite, diet, sleep
patterns, bowel movement urination, pain, lifestyle, and stress level, for
example. The acupuncturist will also be noting the voice pitch, hair luster,
skin color and tone, as well as posture and mood of the patient and any
significant odor. After that, there is a pulse and tongue analysis to determine
where the pattern and root are, primarily. Finally, blood pressure is measured
and other applicable tests done, including palpation of the body. After this
history, a diagnosis and treatment plan is determined. What might be included
in this plan?
Needles:
Acupuncture needles are very fine, sterile, painless and safe. They are, of
course, the main component of the treatment plan. They are placed into certain
acupuncture points on the body, either locally (at the pain site) or distally
(away from the pain). The needles are retained anywhere from 20 to 40 minutes
and most find the treatment to be relaxing and calming.
Herbal formulas: Chinese medicine includes herbal formulas for
the most part. The herbs and acupuncture needles work together to bring the
body into harmony naturally. Herbal formulas come in either patent formulas, or
the practitioner will make you your own formula. What is special about formulas
is that they are designed to not overdo the amount of one herb that might cause
harm in another part of the body; for example, if you are trying to get rid of
heat, there will be herbs to clear heat (by promoting urination perhaps) but
also herbs to mitigate the strong effects a heat-clearing herb might have on
other organs. In this way, there is always a balance. Herbal formulas treat not
only the symptoms but also the root cause.
Nutritional counseling: In Chinese medicine, food is medicine, and if
you don’t get an herbal remedy, you will probably get dietary advice tailored
to your specific constitution. For example, if someone has a pale tongue with a
white coating, and it is puffy with teeth marks on the side, this might
indicate this person has too much cold in the stomach, which is hampering the
digestive fire. Chinese medicine rates food according to its temperature,
season, color, shape and whether it’s right for your individual body. Cold
foods include too many cold, raw vegetables, iced drinks and smoothies. A food
such as ginger might be a nice addition to one’s diet in this case.
Cupping and Gua Sha: Cupping uses glass cups heated with a small
flame to create a suction on the skin. This dissipates stagnation of blood and
lymph fluid, promotes blood flow, eases stiffness, encourages better
circulation to muscles and tissues, and feels great. It leaves a purple bruise
and “cup” mark, only temporarily.
Gua sha uses a flat edged tool that is scraped in
one direction on the skin, usually on large areas such as the back. Gua sha is
used for many ailments, but especially for pain and stiffness. It removes blood
stagnation and promotes the smooth flow of oxygen and blood. Waste and toxins
are removed, and the scraping helps circulate fluid and nutrients, encouraging
microcirculation in soft tissue. Gua sha can be used on the face for health and
beauty, as well.
Moxibustion: Moxibustion is heated mugwort and comes in many forms. Usually this
smoky herb is held over an area of the body to warm and circulate. It’s great
for menstrual cramps and chronic pain. Smoky moxibustion is used less nowadays
due to shared office space and its smoky quality, but there are plenty of
practitioners who still use it; find one and you’ll be happy you did.
Alternatives to the smoke are smokeless moxa sticks and oil moxa.
As you can see, the wide practice of acupuncture
is much more than just needles. In addition to the above mentioned supplements
to treatment, some practitioners use massage techniques, a form of manipulation
called Tui Na, or acupressure.
Bishara Wilson, L.Ac., MSTOM, C.SMA
888.375.5444
Monday, May 22, 2017
Acupuncture for Neck Pain
Acupuncture for Neck Pain
A study conducted by the Tzu Chi University in
Taiwan demonstrated that cupping, a modality of Traditional Chinese Medicine,
provided significant pain relief for chronic neck and shoulder pain. The
participants in the study received a total of four cupping therapy treatments
that lasted 10 to 15 minutes. They also received acupuncture and massage. The
effects were measured using skin surface temperatures, blood pressures and pain
intensity levels of each participant. Overall, the surface temperatures increased,
indicating better blood flow to the area, while the blood pressure measurements
and the pain intensity levels decreased. This study confirms acupuncture and
specifically, cupping therapy, can be provide effective pain relief without the
harsh side effects of pharmaceuticals.
Neck pain is one of the most widely noted
ailments in the world. Chronic neck pain is generally a type of musculoskeletal
pain that occurs most commonly in middle and older aged people. This type of
pain can be quite debilitating and it can affect a person’s life in multiple
ways. Neck pain can prevent people from exercising, getting proper rest and
even interacting with friends and family. The effects of chronic neck pain can
be physical, mental and emotional.
In the past, neck pain has been treated with
over-the-counter painkillers or prescription painkillers, plus
anti-inflammatories. However, there is currently a severe opioid crisis facing
the United States and because of this, prescription opioids and the doctors
that prescribe them are under scrutiny. Also, over-the-counter painkillers,
like ibuprofen, are known to deteriorate the lining of the gastrointestinal
tract increasing ailments such as acid reflux and ulcers. As an alternative,
acupuncture and cupping are highly recommended, as they are natural and have
virtually no side effects.
The toolbox of the TCM practitioner is filled
with many items that allow for holistic treatments of the patients. Acupuncture
is one of the tools that works very well at decreasing and eliminating chronic
neck pain. But another modality has recently come into the spotlight and it is
known as cupping therapy.
Cupping therapy is a very old technique.
Traditionally, a flame is inserted into a glass cup, drawing out the oxygen and
creating negative pressure. The cup is quickly placed on the area affected to
form suction. The sucking action of the cups draws out toxic blood and waste
products, while drawing in oxygen-rich blood. The oxygen-rich blood being drawn
into the muscles allows for faster healing of the affected area. The increased
blood flow into the area also allows for the tissues to heal and become less
tense. When cupping is added to regular acupuncture treatments, the results can
be amazing. Acupuncture also stimulates
blood flow throughout the body, while reducing muscle spasms and decreasing
pain.
Many people hold stress and tension in their
necks, shoulders and upper backs. By incorporating TCM techniques into a
regular wellness plan, chronic neck pain, stress and tension can all be
relieved and managed. Always remember to seek out a properly trained and fully
licensed acupuncturist when needing healing. The results that an acupuncturist
can provide may just change your life.
Bishara Wilson, L.Ac., MSTOM, C.SMA
888.375.5444
Tuesday, May 9, 2017
Seven Ways Acupuncture Can Help Mothers
Seven Ways Acupuncture Can Help Mothers
One of the best gifts you can give your mother
this Mother’s Day is the gift of acupuncture. Acupuncture can help with an
abundance of health problems and get you feeling one hundred percent again. Mom’s
make the world work, it’s a known fact. So this holiday season you should give
your mother the gift of acupuncture, here are seven reasons why.
1. Acupuncture is great for pregnancy. In the
first trimester of pregnancy, many women turn to acupuncture when they are
looking for a non-medicated way to treat what ails them. The number one reason
women seek acupuncture in their first trimester of pregnancy is morning
sickness.
2. Acupuncture can help cure and alleviate
stress. Mom’s have to deal with a lot of stress, so what is better than getting
a cure for that this mother’s day? Send your mom to an acupuncturist so she can
reap the benefits of calming stress relief.
3. Acupuncture is a great cure and preventative
measure for anxiety. There are many acupuncture points on the body to calm the
mind and bring us down from our stresses and anxieties. Such as Pericardium 6,
Liver 3 and Stomach 6.
4. Acupuncture is very beneficial for those
experiencing arthritis. There are different types of arthritis and different
treatment plans which include acupuncture, herbs, changes in diet and exercise.
Traditional Chinese Medicine just might
be able to help you move better and find relief.
5. Kiss migraines goodbye. Acupuncture is a great
cure for migraines, it also can help prevent them from happening too. It is
possible to stop a migraine in its tracks if one is able to see an
acupuncturist during the acute stage of migraine.
6. Acupuncture can alleviate insomnia. We all
know that mom’s have to put up with so much throughout the day, by being
overworked and overstressed it may cause them to get insomnia. Acupuncture
needles are strategically placed on points that will calm the mind, balance
hormones and settle the nervous system. Most people will notice some change
after just one treatment, but to get the full effect and truly eliminate
insomnia, you should commit to several treatments.
7. It improves digestive function. Acupuncture is
effective in improving the digestive function within individuals. There are
numerous acupuncture points on the body that can help with digestion. Two of
the best are located on the stomach energetic meridian, Stomach 25 and Stomach
36.
Bishara Wilson, L.Ac, MSTOM, C.SMA
888.375.5444
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)