Alternative Medicine

Acupuncture treatment is one of the most effective treatments in Chinese medication. In such a way, fibromyalgia acupuncture treatment is one of the popular treatments currently. You may have observed the increasing demand of this kind of treatment. You can now easily find an acupuncture treatment center nearby your home. If anyone is suffering from the painful disease of fibromyalgia, he can easily go for a treatment. Fibromyalgia is the disease in which an individual suffers from pain in different parts of the body. This pain may be accompanied by various other symptoms. These other symptoms may include gastro intestinal problems, muscle strain and stiffness in joints of the body, fibromyalgia acupuncture treatment can be helpful in relieving all these symptoms. There may be different options and varieties in this type of treatment. These varieties may include the traditional and electroacupuncture.

I will start fibromyalgia acupuncture treatment from the traditional methods to deal with the disease. In this traditional method, therapist inserts the special needles in the specific parts of the body. According to this approach, energies blocked in various parts of the body may cause disease and pain for an individual.

A session for fibromyalgia Acupuncture Treatment will include the insertion of needles in the energy points of the body. Later on, the therapist will apply manipulation techniques on the needles. These techniques during the treatment may involve gentle twisting of the needles. The basic approach is to relieve the accumulation of the energy from one point. These manipulations of needles will be effective for regulation of endorphins and many other neurotransmitters. These neurotransmitters are helpful in regulating the pain in the brain.

The treatment includes the modern methods of treatment, as well.

Electroacupuncture is the example of modern fibromyalgia acupuncture treatment. All the procedures are same in this new method. The only difference is the addition of electric currents in the procedure of needles manipulation.

In modern fibromyalgia acupuncture treatment, the therapist will attach the needles with a device. This device passes the electric current in the needles. Some people may think that these methods of inserting needles in the body may be painful for the people. Evidences are contradictory to all these findings. Actually, the needles that a therapist uses are highly flexible and thin. These needles can be easily inserted in the skin and tissues of the body. People may experience heaviness and tingling feelings during treatment. These feelings are not long-lasting and get replaced with the feelings of calmness at the end of the therapy session. An individual may have to wait for two to three weeks to get full results.

The length of a treatment generally depends on the condition of the patient. As it is a painless procedure, anyone suffering from fibromyalgia can easily undertake the procedure.

Acupuncture is a form of Chinese medicine that encourages natural lower back pain relief while healing and improving body functions. This treatment is administered by insertion and manipulation of hair thin needles into the body and by applying electric stimulation at particular acupuncture points. This procedure is widely used today in the west as a solution for pain relief for the back.

How the procedure works
The typical Chinese medicine explanation for acupuncture is that it relays energy in regular modes through and over the body’s surface. These channels act like streams of water flowing through the body to hydrate and nourish the cells and tissues. A hindrance to the free movement of the energies behaves like a blocked dam. These channels can be influenced by inserting needles that help unblock the “dam” blockages and reinstate the regular flow of energies through the channels. This procedure helps correct imbalances in digestion, energy production activities, absorption, and the overall energy circulation through the channels.

It is scientifically explained that acupuncture needle points stimulate the nervous system releasing chemicals to the muscles of the spinal cord and brain resulting in pain relief for the back. The chemicals work by changing the whole pain experience or trigger the release of other hormones and chemicals that influence the body’s internal regulating system. In the end, the body’s natural healing abilities are enhanced promoting ones overall well being.

Conditions best suited to treat with acupuncture
The procedure is performed by specially trained practitioners either as stand alone form of treatment or in combination with other methods of treating lower back pain. This treatment influences three major areas of an individual’s health; these include illness prevention, treatment of various conditions and promotion of the overall health.

This treatment is related to lower back pain control while it has broader medical applications that can be explained in clearer details by an acupuncture practitioner.

These are:

• Menstrual, urinary, and reproductive disorders
• Respiratory conditions like sore throat, sinusitis, bronchitis, recurrent chest infections, and asthma
• Digestive tract conditions like, diarrhea, spastic, colon gastritis, and hyper-acidity
• Muscular and neurological disorders that include headaches, neck pains, lower back pain frozen shoulder, facial tics, sciatica, osteoarthritis, tennis elbow, and various forms of tendinitis.
• Emotional and tension related physical problems.

Benefits in pain relief for the back
When one is looking for pain relief for the back, then they may consider acupuncture which has a track record running over 2000 years. The procedure relaxes the body muscles relieving lower back pain while stimulating the body to heal itself. Daily stresses accrued to the body through lack of exercise trauma and poor diet weaken the immune system leaving one susceptible to illnesses and bodily pains and aches. Acupuncture helps in improving blood circulation removing blockages to the affected areas that are functioning insufficiently and easing lower back pain.

Pregnancy discomfort consisting of pelvic and lower back pain are also treated effectively with acupuncture. Studies have shown that about 25% of pregnant women seek medical attention for lower back pain related to pregnancy. The basic treatment given that may include physical therapy has proved to be effective in relieving lower back pain during pregnancy and after delivery. Acupuncture is a great alternative to conventional treatments for pain relief for the back and has very limited risks to it.

If you are reading this article right now, you have probably noticed how stress has become a permeating factor in your daily life. You may have noticed that you cannot shut your mind off and enjoy life. It may seem to you that time is moving faster and faster and it is hard to keep up. This can create some emotions of anxiety and stress, and if continued over a long period of time can take a toll on our physical health as well.

Well the good news is that there are some safe, natural and effective solutions and techniques that have been used for thousands of years. One of the techniques I favor is Chinese medicine, which includes acupuncture, herbs, diet and stress relieving movement therapies (Tai Chi and Qi Gong).

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Acupuncture has been shown reduce the signs of stress. Some of the signs and symptoms of excessive stress are poor memory, easily frustrated, muscle tension and pain and lowered immune system. While stress is a relatively modern health concern, acupuncture has been used for all the above signs and symptoms for thousands of years. In fact, many empirical studies have shown acupuncture to be effective for what we now label as stress.

Now what you may find surprising, but in fact is true, is that most people find acupuncture to be extremely relaxing. Many of my patients, after having their initial health concern relieved, now come in just for the relaxing effect and stress reduction. What they have also found is they get the most benefit when they make some modifications in the way they live their daily life, like addressing addictive behaviors, utilizing other stress reduction techniques such as meditation, and becoming more aware on a daily basis.

Chinese medicine suggests that any strong emotion, such as stress, will interrupt the flow of energy in our bodies. In Chinese medical theory, energy flows through meridians, which are just like rivers. Stress acts as dam in the river, blocking the free flow of energy.Acupuncture works to correct these energetic imbalances that give rise to the signs of stress. Whereas, most other forms of healthcare are dealing with just the physical symptoms. Acupuncture addresses the root of the problem in a natural and very effective way.

Acupuncture is safe and gentle and has been used by thousands of people all over the world. If you a seeking help with stress and have not found a solution I encourage you to try acupuncture as soon as possible!

When I treat someone, I generally get a shadow of whatever they are being treated for. If someone comes in with a headache, I usually have a slight one by the time the session is over. When I treat back pain patients, my back always throbs afterward. When someone comes in with gastrointestinal issues, I’ll get a flutter of stomach pain that leaves when they leave the office. I know that part of it is the effort I expend-when I am working out the kinks in someone’s back, I’m REALLY working, putting strain on my own in the process-but that doesn’t explain all of it. It’s just another sign of the energetic exchange that takes place between patient and practitioner.

From the start, we acupuncturists are taught to shield our energy, to avoid getting sick. Sometimes this is easier said than done. When I’m treating, I am focusing every bit of mental energy I have on getting that patient better. When I’m in that zone, it becomes very difficult to protect myself. Hopefully it will become easier in time; but at this point I simply accept the fact that, while my patient may leave the office pain-free, I will not. And I must admit that I almost relish the discomfort, since it is evidence that the treatment was powerful enough to affect us both!

These small annoyances are tolerable. What I find really difficult, however, is working with vampires. You probably know some yourself. These vampires don’t have fangs, but they still manage to suck away at your energy and will. Although I fortunately enjoy being around all of the patients I am currently treating, I have had my fair share of these vampires in the past. They used to drain me dry, leaving me feeling absolutely awful after putting needles in them…until I learned a valuable lesson. Vampires, emotional or otherwise, always need something to latch onto. Whether it’s your neck or your energy, if they have nothing to cling to, they can’t work their way in.

In my life as an acupuncturist, these vampires have many faces. Some come in full of demands, dictate the treatments, and attempt to get as much as they can for as little as possible. Other vamps smile sweetly and try to passive-aggressively manipulate the entire treatment from beginning to end. Then there are some who are so full of hate and negativity, you can almost see the black cloud circling around their heads. From the moment they walk in the door, they are full of complaints about everyone and everything. Whatever form these vampires take, they all have one thing in common: they feed off the energy of everyone around them.

In your day to day life, you probably don’t think in terms of qi and energies, but you still know when a vampire is around. You know that person in your life who constantly exhausts you? You may love them or hate them; either way, when you are around them you feel like you are slowly being drained of spirit. You might always feel depressed after a conversation with this person, or they might leave you with a lingering sense of unexplained guilt. Guilt is usually a trademark of these vampires. If you know someone who ALWAYS makes you feel badly about yourself, it’s the work of a vampire who is draining your spirit of confidence in order to boost their own!

So, how do you protect yourself from these people? In my field, I focus very hard on maintaining a sort of energetic bubble between myself and the patient. Remember, give them nothing to latch onto. If my own qi isn’t out there, intermingling with theirs, it can’t be snatched up. In your life, the concept remains the same. Refuse to get sucked into an argument-that is what they want! Those words of anger or defense from you are their way in. Don’t respond or get drawn into their neediness and negativity. Build an emotional wall between you and their fangs.

What Are the Acupuncture Points?

The English translation of ‘acupuncture points’ is not very accurate. Acupuncture is one of the many healing methods used in traditional Chinese Medicine. It inserts fine needles into the sensitive points on the body to stimulate Jingluos (meridians) to cure diseases. These sensitive points are called ‘Shuxue’ or ‘Xuewei’ in Chinese Medicine, meaning ‘the transmitting points’. However, this name has been so widely used, there is no point to change it now for our discussion.

Acupuncture points are the responsive points or sensitive points on the meridians and other parts of the body. They are the special locations where energy is transmitted between the inner structures and
the surface of the body. These spots can reflect disease or unhealthy conditions by giving forth painful sensations when touched or pressed. These points are (but not limited to) where the therapists apply
treatments. When the body is deficient of positive energy, negative or harmful energy will be able to invade the body through these spots, causing illness. Stimulating the related points can boost and mobilize the positive energy, balance Yin/Yang energy and cure the disease. There are three types of points:

1. 14-main-meridian points
2. Extraordinary points
3. ‘Yes’ points.

The 14-main-meridian points are the spots on the 12 main meridians plus the spots on the governor and conception vessels. Each spot has a unique name and a fixed location. They are the main acupuncture
points.

The extraordinary points are the points that have names and fixed locations. These locations are not on a particular meridian.

‘Yes’ points are also called pain points, but they don’t have names or fixed locations. They are the sensitive points related to the diseases. The ‘yes ‘name came from a story. When treating a patient, the doctor pressed a spot unintentionally, and the patient uttered ‘oh yes’.

There are approximately 360 acupuncture points in total on the human body. With so many tiny points to remember, one can easily be intimidated. As a matter of fact, for self -healing and caring purposes, we don’t have to memorize all these points. We only need to remember roughly 20 most used and effective points. If you need to use more points, just look for them using the meridian and acupuncture point charts. Each point has a unique and meaningful name, which gives some key information about this particular point, such as main  function, usage, location, or other. In English, the English spelling of the Chinese names are directly used. For people who don’t understand Chinese, it is hard to comprehend the significance of each name and, therefore hard to remember all the foreign sounding names.The format of the international symbols for acupuncture points is fairly easy. Since most of the points belong to one specific meridian (Jing), it only makes sense that their symbols are associated with those meridians. You can take two abbreviation letters of that meridian’s name and number all the points along the way, from the starting point to the end point. For example: the name of the Xue-hai point means ‘the sea of blood’ in Chinese and can be used for blood-related issues. Its English symbol is SP10, because it belongs to the spleen meridian and is the 10thpoint from the start.

How to Find an Acupuncture Point?

When considering an acupuncture point as a tiny point, it might be really difficult to find it. However, if you think of it as a small precise area, it becomes quite easy. To locate a subject on a 2D plane, you need 2 coordinates. To locate an sensitive point, we use a reference point and a distance. The reference point is a known location on the body, such as ‘the tip of the nose’, ‘the highest point of the ankle bone’ etc. The distance is measured by your own hand. The unit is ‘cun’. The width of your thumb at the mid joint is one ‘cun’, the width of middle three fingers at the mid joints is two ‘cun’, the width of the four fingers (without the thumb) at mid joints is three ‘cun’.

How do you know if you have found the right point?

When you press on it, if you feel kind of sore and sense a little pain (acute pain means you are not well somewhere), then you are on the right spot. Every main meridian has a primary point. That is the point
where the primary energy of this meridian originates. Stimulating this point is one of the most effective ways to boost the positive energy found in this meridian.

Let’s face it, our lives are getting more and more stressful. And popping a pill just doesn’t do it anymore. Conventional doctors have begun to see the affects of stress on our bodies and health. Stress is a leading cause of high blood pressure, which is the leading cause of heart attacks. Stress is also responsible for a variety of other ailments, from headaches to digestion problems, to cancer. Acupuncture is an excellent tool to help support the proper functioning of your body and protect against the damaging effects of stress. Many people are successfully using acupuncture for physical distress, but how many know that it can be very helpful in reducing mental and emotional stress?

The ancient Chinese believed that Chi or energy travels in our bodies through channels called meridians and as long as it flows freely, we remain healthy but once the flow is blocked, the system is disrupted and problems occur. When we are anxious and stressed, it causes an imbalance in the body’s energy and it makes it to flow improperly. The Chi becomes blocked or stagnant. When this happens, energy backups and deficiencies are created and can lead to symptoms of pain and illness in other parts of the body.

Moreover, if left untreated, it can lead to more serious problems like tension headaches, depression, fatigue, and digestive upset. With acupuncture, the Chi can be unblocked so it can flow freely and restore balance in our bodies. Acupuncture can also help in relieving the symptoms associated with stress. Many patients report feeling more relaxed after only one or two sessions. By stimulating the points through the proper and delicate insertion of fine, hair-like metal needles, acupuncture relaxes your body and allows your blood to flow freely, bringing a fresh supply of oxygen to the tissues.

The calm and relaxation during your acupuncture treatments help manage stress and anxiety. Because when the body and mind are relaxed, the heart rate lowers, blood pressure decreases, and the muscles release their tension, all of which promote a calmer, healthier, and happier state of body and mind. People want to know how many treatments they should have for stress relief. Though here is no one answer, most patients get immediate relief for a short time and subsequent sessions make the relief last longer. The number of acupuncture treatments will vary from individual to individual, and is based on many factors. On occasion, specific herbal supplements help facilitate alleviation of stress symptoms between acupuncture treatments.

The most common question I am asked by my clients is “so… how does acupuncture actually work?”

My response goes something like this: Basically, acupuncture works in many different ways.

• On a physiological level acupuncture works on stimulating the bodies natural immune response. For example, If you have a splinter in your finger, your body goes through a series of natural immune response’s whereby it sends healing (white blood cells) to that area, increases blood circulation, and brings nutrients to the surrounding tissue and muscles. All of this happens with out you even knowing. Acupuncture works in exactly the same way except the acupuncturist is directing where the healing will take place.
• Acupuncture also initiates a release of hormones called endorphins. Endorphins have positive effects on the body and also the mind. When endorphins are released, as they are during an acupuncture session, it can induce a sense of deep relaxation and well-being, it helps to lower blood pressure, helps to boost the immune system and acts as a strong painkiller. This is the bodies natural painkiller that will kick in as soon as there is trauma or injury. Acupuncture is a gentle way in which to stimulate the body’s innate healing capabilities.

If you look closely at a chart that represents the Nervous System and Circulatory System we can see that their pathways are very closely related to the Meridian System. In seeing this relation, it makes sense that by stimulating one area, it can have a ripple effect through the body via this amazing network of nerves and vessels.

So far we have been looking at very physical effects and ways to explain how Acupuncture actually works, so now lets look at the more subtle explanations.

In Chinese medicine the meridians are like rivers that flow all through the body, instead of water the meridians carry Qi which loosely translated means energy. So just like a river whose water flows from one side of the country to the other, the Qi or energy flows through the body feeding and nourishing the areas it passes through.

The acupuncture points are pools of energy where the electromagnetic force is stronger then in other areas they are like reservoirs and can be stimulated to help more energy flow or reduced if there is too much. As the Qi level drops in one area so it does along its meridian and therefore has the ability to effect more then just that part. If there is a blockage of energy along a meridian it can cause energy to get stuck in that area, causing the blood to stagnate and pain to arise. Placing acupuncture needles along the meridians can help unblock this stagnation restoring the body back to health.

Acupuncture has been around for over 5000 years, and is currently being used by Acupuncturist’s, Physiotherapist’s, Doctor’s, Chiropractor’s and in Hospitals around the globe. Its still going strong, in fact there are more and more ways in which acupuncture is being effectively used then ever before. Even though there has been research into the workings of acupuncture and research proves that acupuncture actually does work, there are still a lot of things that can’t be rationally explained by science as to how exactly it can work in so many different ways. Stay tuned for more posts about the benefits of Acupuncture, what acupuncture can treat and information on commonly used Acupuncture points that you can use at home just by pressing on the points your self.

After several months of not being able to conceive a child, John and Linda became discouraged and ended up finding themselves arguing over small things because of their disappointment. After going to a fertility clinic, and they realized that because of infertility problems, one of the only options for them ever to conceive is by using in vitro fertilization. Although very costly and somewhat painful, this particular treatment did hold out hope for them to have a child of their own that they would bring into the world. Not wanting to lose any possibility of actually conceiving the child through in vitro fertilization, they also look to the possibility of adding acupuncture to their treatment process.

One thing that acupuncture has been used for and has actually gone through testing is for increasing a person’s fertility rate. As a matter of fact, in a controlled study those that went through in vitro fertilization along with acupuncture had a 10% greater chance of conceiving a child than those that did not have acupuncture. Those are amazing results and according to those, you may be able to increase your odds as well. This can be especially comforting considering what you have to go through in order to have an IVF in the first place.

Acupuncture has even been shown to increase the natural fertility that people have and may increase their odds of conceiving a child even without the use of in vitro fertilization. If you are already dealing with IVF, however, using acupuncture may help you to bring about the natural balance state within your body and to conceive a child with the help of medical science. Although it is not a 100% guaranteed cure, even a 10% increase in the success rate is well worth the effort considering all that you get out of treatments through acupuncture.

Most people are nervous over the needles that are used, mainly because they are accustomed to being hurt by needles at the doctor’s office. The fact of the matter is, the needles that are used during an acupuncture treatment are much smaller than those that can deliver vaccines to us. Whenever they are inserted into the skin, more often than not, nothing is felt at all. If there is some pain, it is very slight and goes away quickly.

The best thing that you can do for yourself if you’re apprehensive about visiting an acupuncturist is to go in for an initial consultation. You will see that they are not some kind of weird doctor but they are actually in the medical profession and willing to help you medically. By talking to them face to face, you will no doubt find the confidence that you need in order to go ahead with the treatment. Acupuncture has been around for about 5000 years but it really has only become popular in the United States in the past couple of decades. It is increasing in popularity, however, and millions of people are introducing themselves to this natural way of healing on a yearly basis. The process of acupuncture has more to do with the energy that resides in all of us than with the actual inserting of needles. If the energy that is within our bodies is out of balance, it can be readjusted and put back into a balanced state through acupuncture.

Acupuncture is good for treating many conditions and uncomfortable issues associated with being pregnant.

Prevent miscarriage. Treatments 1-2 times per week help prevent miscarriage or early pregnancy loss by reducing the activity of the sympathetic nervous system, reducing stress, and encouraging blood flow to the developing embryo.

Spotting (sub-chorionic hematoma). Acupuncture employed with a technique called moxibustion can help reduce or eliminate bleeding from the uterus (depending on the cause).

Nausea or morning sickness. Depending on the severity of the nausea, 1-5 acupuncture treatments per week may be necessary to restore quality of life and the ability to eat. Often acupuncture is very effective for this condition, especially if combined with the knowledge and practice of keeping blood sugar levels consistent throughout the day.

Headaches. Many women experience headaches toward the end of their first trimester. Acupuncture is known better for the relief of pain than for any other ailment. If you are experiencing headaches that are not just obviously associated with dehydration or fatigue, then try acupuncture.

Depression. The balancing of many emotional conditions is a primary principle of treatment when pregnant women come to my practice. Acupuncture combined with singing lessons administered by singing teacher proficient in proper breathing techniques is quite effective for pregnancy or post-partum related depression. Sing the blues away.

Stress. Hormones secreted by the adrenal glands cause anxiety and stress. During pregnancy, this can affect the amount of life giving blood flow feeding the embryo. Therefore reducing stress or using techniques such as acupuncture to alleviate stress is important.

Restless legs. Acupuncture has shown some promise in relieving the sometimes agonising frustration associated with restless legs. If you have it you understand all too well the agony mentioned. You may also need more calcium in your diet.

Back pain. Again, acupuncture is fundamentally one of the best choices humans have for relieving pain of any kind. Cupping and moxibustion may also be administered when back pain is effecting a woman that is pregnant.

Breech presentation. Studies have shown that moxibustion can be effective at turning a baby that is presenting breech. Is is most effective if done daily for 10-14 days between the weeks of 34-36.

Labour preparation or cervical ripening. Between the weeks of 37-40, acupuncture given once per week helps prepare a woman for labour by boosting vital energy and ensuring smooth flow of emotions and blood during the process. Induction is most often not needed when women commit to the cervical ripening acupuncture protocol.

Induction of Labour. Many women move swiftly into active labour after just one acupuncture induction treatment. Sometimes 2-3 are required within 1 week post due date.

Mastitis. Blocked milk duct. Acupuncture given quickly enough, along with somewhat aggressive self-massage and herbal compresses, can help hasten the recovery from a mastitis infection. This infection can progress quickly so do not hesitate to get treatment and do everything you can at home as well.

Lack of breast milk. Acupuncture and Chinese herbs, when given alongside a Guinness beer per day has shown moderate to good results with increasing the amount of milk production.

Acupuncture is one of the ancient methods approached in the world for healing a person out of any disease. This system of healing is mainly followed in China. It is a customary medical practice to cure diseases with the use of acupuncture for a typical person who is born and brought up in China. It is believed that, by stimulating the particular spots in the body, acupuncture brings back the health and preserves it in the body. Having originated in ancient China, the acupuncture is spreading into the other areas of the world. In recent days, medical experts in United States are making the use of acupuncture as a substitute for English medicine.

Besides China, acupuncture has been used for healing by many Asian countries for eons. Japan and Korea are the other countries which practiced this system of treatment, next to China. Recently there are many studies conducted to know the effectiveness of the acupuncture in many hazardous conditions of the health. There are very high chances for side effects, if it is not effectively practiced by a skilled and expert professional in the field. Before undergoing acupuncture therapy, patient has to give a clear cut picture of his or her health and other systems of medical practice he used, to avoid any serious damages to his or her health.

In this procedure of treatment, some spotted areas in the body of a patient, are pricked with sterilized needles as a therapy which alleviates their ailments and produces local anesthesia. In the system of acupuncture practice, professionals of this medical practice, classify body into two parts Yin and Yang. The Yin part of the body stands for cold and the Yang corresponds to hot. These are also known as passive principle and active principle respectively. By maintaining balance in both the principles, perfect health can be sustained.

When the disparity arises in the Yin and Yang internally, then it leads to disease, as the imbalance blocks the essential energy which also known as qi in China, from flowing in the body. With the effective treatment with acupuncture techniques, the balance in the Yin and Yang can be restored. The straits, which connect the body, are called as meridians.

The number of these meridians could be from 14 to 20. These meridians are interlinked in the like a web. These connections hold the 20000 spots of acupuncture. It was in 1971, when acupuncture became very popular in the United States.

As per the reports of National Institute of Health or NIH in 1997, it is clearly affirmed that, a good many of health professional in different fields such as, dentists, EN&T specialists, physicians, and many other specialists have extensively been practicing the techniques of acupuncture in their therapeutic treatments. Most of the patients take acupuncture therapy, to get rid of their body pains. As per the records in 2007 of National Institute of Health, more than 3 million adults and 150,000 children were given the treatment of acupuncture therapy for different health problems in 2006 in United States.