Acupuncture of Iowa Iowa City header flower

Get The Help You Need! Call (319) 341-0031

Menu
Call (319) 341-0031

Laura

About Laura

Posts by :

Acupuncture Beats Antihistamines for Allergic Rhinitis

, , , , , ,

Acupuncture Beats Antihistamines For Allergic Rhinitis

German researchers confirm the effectiveness of acupuncture for the treatment of allergies and sinus disorders. In an eight week clinical trial, patients receiving acupuncture required less medications and had fewer seasonal allergic rhinitis symptoms than control groups. Likewise, quality of life scores were significantly better in the acupuncture group than in either control group. Based on the evidence, the Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin researchers conclude that “acupuncture treatment was more effective than the symptomatic drug intervention.”
The researchers screened 1,588 patients and accepted 414. Eligibility was determined at the outset of the local pollen season (i.e., March–May). All patients had seasonal allergic rhinitis for a least two years. The inclusion age range was limited (16–45 years). Participants in both the verum acupuncture treatment group and the sham acupuncture control group were blinded to treatment group allocation. The patients did not know whether they received real or sham acupuncture. An additional control group received only antihistamine medication (i.e., cetirizine). Two patients also took methylprednisolone.

A total of 60% of acupuncture patients self-administered antihistamine medications during the eight week treatment intervention period. A total of 71% of patients in the sham control group self-administered antihistamines and 82% self-administered antihistamines in the drug-only group.

Patients in the acupuncture group used antihistamines 8.92 days on average during the intervention period. Sham acupuncture group patients used antihistamines for an average of 13.41 days and the drugs-only group for an average of 18.07 days.

Acupuncture patients did not increase use of drugs from onset to the peak of pollen season. Patients in the other control groups increased antihistamine consumption. The researchers add, seasonal allergic rhinitis “symptoms decreased significantly in the acupuncture group compared with the other study groups.” Patients receiving verum acupuncture were needled at the following acupuncture points:
  • LI4 (Hegu)
  • LI11 (Quchi)
  • LI20 (Yingxiang)
  • Yintang (extra)
At a minimum, three of the following eight acupuncture points were added during each treatment session:
  • Bitong (extra)
  • GB20 (Fengchi)
  • LV3 (Taichong)
  • LU7 (Lieque)
  • ST36 (Zusanli)
  • SP6 (Sanyinjiao)
  • TB17 (Yifeng)
  • BL13 (Feishu)

In addition, at least three more acupuncture points were added per each acupuncture session. The acupuncture treatment group received eight weeks of true acupuncture treatment. In summary, patients receiving acupuncture had less drug intake and less symptoms than patients in the medication-only or sham acupuncture control groups.

The researchers provided a general background. They note that allergic rhinitis (inflammation of the nasal mucous membranes) is common, affecting approximately 23% of European adults. Allergic rhinitis usually presents with other symptoms triggered by allergens including sneezing, itching, nasal obstruction, or rhinorrhea (i.e., runny nose). The antihistamine cetirizine was chosen because it is “one of the most prescribed antihistamines” in Germany. Possible cetirizine adverse effects include drowsiness, headaches, dizziness, fatigue, or sore throat.

The researchers reference a report by Schäfer et al. noting that 18% of seasonal allergy patients in Germany have had acupuncture for the treatment of the condition. The results of the current investigation “showed significant changes in favour of acupuncture treatment, including improvements in RQoL [rhinitis-specific quality of life] and SAR [seasonal allergic rhinitis] symptoms scores.” The research team notes that 38% of patients receiving acupuncture did not use any antihistamines and only 16% of patients in the drugs-only group did not use antihistamines. They add that acupuncture reduces antihistamine use and “can therefore be considered a valuable, additional treatment option for patients with SAR.”

Prior research by Reinhold et al. is consistent with these findings, concluding that “Acupuncture is an effective intervention that results in improved quality of life in patients with SAR.” An investigation by Brinkhaus et al. produced similar findings, “In patients with allergic asthma, additional acupuncture treatment to routine care was associated with increased disease-specific and health-related quality of life compared to treatment with routine care alone.”

Zheng et al. tested the efficacy of acupuncture for the treatment of allergic rhinitis with a different approach. They chose a laboratory investigation. Acupuncture was applied for a total of one minute, once per day, for 10 days. They conclude, “Warm acupuncture can improve the symptoms of AR [allergic rhinitis] rats, which may be associated to its effect in inhibiting the expression of serum IgE, IL-1 β and TNF-α.” The acupuncture intervention was the application of warm needle acupuncture to the following acupoints:
  • GB 20 (Fengchi)
  • Yintang (extra)
  • LI 20 (Yingxiang)

Acupuncture outperformed the control group and the medication group (fluticasone propionate) for both reduction of symptoms and downregulation of serum IgE, IL-1 β, and TNF-α. These substances are proinflammatory mediators. IgE is an antibody that functions in immunity but is also involved in hypersensitivity related to asthma, sinusitis, and allergic rhinitis. IL-1 β is a proinflammatory cytokine with pyrogenic (fever producing) properties. TNF-α is another cell signaling protein (cytokine) with proinflammatory actions. It is involved in systemic inflammation, acute reactions, and is an endogenous pyrogen. Results were confirmed with enzyme linked immunosorbent assays.

Modern research supports the use of acupuncture for the treatment of allergic rhinitis. Patients interested in learning more about acupuncture as a treatment option are encouraged to contact local licensed acupuncturists to learn more.
References

Adam, Daniela, Linus Grabenhenrich, Miriam Ortiz, Sylvia Binting, Thomas Reinhold, and Benno Brinkhaus. “Impact of acupuncture on antihistamine use in patients suffering seasonal allergic rhinitis: secondary analysis of results from a randomised controlled trial.” Acupuncture in Medicine (2018): acupmed-2017, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin.

Reinhold, Thomas, Stephanie Roll, Stefan N. Willich, Miriam Ortiz, Claudia M. Witt, and Benno Brinkhaus. “Cost-effectiveness for acupuncture in seasonal allergic rhinitis: economic results of the ACUSAR trial.” Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology 111, no. 1 (2013): 56-63.

Brinkhaus, Benno, Stephanie Roll, Susanne Jena, Katja Icke, Daniela Adam, Sylvia Binting, Fabian Lotz, Stefan N. Willich, and Claudia M. Witt. “Acupuncture in patients with allergic asthma: a randomized pragmatic trial.” The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine 23, no. 4 (2017): 268-277.

Zheng, X. L., Y. P. Tian, H. Y. Luo, Y. D. Zhao, X. Y. Liu, Y. Jiang, C. X. Ma, M. J. Wang, and M. Liu. “Effect of Warm Acupuncture on the Levels of Serum Immunoglobulin E, Interleukin-1 β and Tumor Necrosis Factor-α in Rats with Allergic Rhinitis.” Zhen ci yan jiu= Acupuncture research 43, no. 1 (2018): 35-38.
from Health CMI news

Acupuncture Repairs Knee Arthritis Cartilage Damage

Acupuncture Repairs Knee Arthritis Cartilage Damage

 

Acupuncture stimulates cartilage repair for patients with knee osteoarthritis. Using MRIs, researchers have quantified the therapeutic effects of acupuncture. Within four weeks, acupuncture successfully improves the condition of cartilage in the anterior medial and lateral tibial regions of the knee. In addition, Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) scores document that acupuncture reduces pain and stiffness levels while simultaneously improving physical function.

In a controlled trial (Zhang et al.), acupuncture was compared with the therapeutic benefits of physical therapy. The MRIs demonstrate that acupuncture improves cartilage in the knee region. Physical therapy did not stimulate cartilage repair. Pain, stiffness, and physical functioning improved with both therapies. However, acupuncture significantly outperformed physical therapy across all three WOMAC indices (pain, stiffness, and physical functioning).

MRI Results
The researchers used T2 MRIs (magnetic resonance imaging) to measure changes in knee cartilage integrity. The researchers selected T2 (transverse relaxation time) imaging because T2 pulses enhance visibility of fat, water content, and other anatomical structures in the body. The researchers note, “In the earliest stage of OA [osteoarthritis], collagen matrix of cartilage breaks down and cannot immobilize water protons, resulting in an elevation in T2 relaxation time.” The researchers confirmed the findings with “Sagittal T2 Mapping images for the medial and lateral tibiofemoral joints.” The T2 MRIs produced quality resolution documentation that acupuncture “improves medial tibial sub-region (MTa) and anterior lateral tibial sub-region (LTa)” cartilage.

Acupuncture
One group received physical therapy and another study group received acupuncture. For the acupuncture group, electroacupuncture was administered by licensed acupuncturists with a practice experience in excess of twenty years. Acupuncture was applied once, every other day, for a total of four weeks. Needle retention time per acupuncture session was 20 minutes.

The needles used in the study were Hanyi brand disposable stainless steel filiform needles, size 0.30 × 40 mm. The depth of insertion ranged from 0.8–3.5 cm. Manual needle stimulation was applied to elicit a deqi response for each needle. Additionally, medial and lateral Xiyan received 20 Hz electroacupuncture stimulation to patient tolerance levels. The acupoints used in the study were the following:

  • MN-LE16 Neixiyan (medial Xiyan)
  • ST35 Dubi (lateral Xiyan, Waixiyan)
  • EX-LE2 Heding
  • SP10 Xuehai
  • SP11 Jimen
  • ST34 Liangqiu
  • ST36 Zusanli

Medial and lateral Xiyan and Heding were chosen as the primary acupoints for all participants. Supplementary points were added to benefit local tissues. A total of 126 patient were screened for inclusion and 47 patients participants with 94 treated knees completed the clinical trials.
The researchers note that Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) principles were used to make the acupoint selection for the study. Local points were used to benefit local tissues and ST36 located on the stomach foot-yangming channel was selected because this channel “is full of energy and nutrition.” The focus of ST36 stimulation was to invigorate qi through the channel.

The researchers note that acupuncture and physical therapy produced positive patient outcomes, especially for pain, stiffness in the morning, and joint dysfunction. The researchers note, “acupuncture treatment showed better curative effect than physiotherapy, suggesting that acupuncture may be a superior non-operative treatment for KOA [knee osteoarthritis] compared with physiotherapy.”

Integrative Medicine
Tuina massage, qigong, and taiji are traditional approaches to aspects of physical and movement therapy and have long been important modalities within TCM. Given that both acupuncture and physiotherapy produced positive patient outcomes in the study and that TCM includes physiotherapy within its scope of practice, integration of physiotherapy with acupuncture may produce greater positive patient outcomes than either treatment modality as a standalone therapy. This combination is consistent with TCM historical approaches to patient care.

Morphology and Detection
The researchers note that osteoarthritis is a degenerative disease involving  articular cartilage degradation. They add, “With the influence of age, wearing, biochemical and genetic factors, natural extracellular environment no longer exist because of damaged collagen scaffold and degraded proteoglycans in the chondrocyte matrix, leading to decreased cell counts and abnormal distribution. Attenuated cartilaginous layers, bony cleft and even bone defect will then appear along with biomechanics changes.”

Based on these morphological conditions, the researchers note, “As the quantitative MRI method, increased T2 values, to some extent, could represent damages of the cartilage collagen scaffold. T2 image could thus be used for the discrimination of the OA severities, which has been considered to be a sensitive method for detecting articular cartilage changes and curative effect evaluation in OA patients.”

The researchers note that high stress regions are important factors relating to articular cartilage degeneration in knee osteoarthritis. Two naturally occurring regions of high stress due to weight bearing loads are the medial tibial sub-region (MTa) and anterior lateral tibial sub-region (LTa). The researchers add that medial and lateral Xiyan reach both of these sub-regions and were therefore chosen as primary acupoints for the study. MRIs reveal that acupuncture improved the conditions of the MTa and LTa, “This study revealed significant differences in T2 values before and after acupuncture in MTa and LTa, while no significant difference in T2 value was detected in the physiotherapy group.”

The MRIs demonstrate that acupuncture “improves medial tibial sub-region (MTa) and anterior lateral tibial sub-region (LTa)” cartilage. The research team commented that prior research may give us clues as to the biochemical mechanisms responsible for acupuncture’s therapeutic and curative actions. “Previous studies have proved anti-inflammatory action of acupuncture by influencing expression of interleukin-1β, tumor necrosis factor-α, matrix metalloproteinase and tissue inhibitor. Additionally, acupuncture may play roles in improving cartilage repairing by influencing expression of transforming growth factor-β1 and basic fibroblast growth factor.”

The research confirms that acupuncture reduces pain and inflammation due to osteoarthritis of the knee. The MRI documentation demonstrates that acupuncture initiates cartilage repair. Patients seeking advice regarding acupuncture are advised to consult with local licensed acupuncturists.

Reference
Zhang, Yan, Fei Bao, Yan Wang, and Zhihong Wu. “Influence of acupuncture in treatment of knee osteoarthritis and cartilage repairing.” American journal of translational research 8, no. 9 (2016): 3995.

From www.healthCMI.com

Menopause and Sweating-Acupuncture and Herbs Ease Transition

Menopause and Sweating

Acupuncture and Herbs Ease Transition

 

Acupuncture and herbal medicine have long been used for the treatment of menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, irregular menstruation, dysmenorrhea, difficulty with sleep and mental restlessness. One of the most interesting phenomena is that the combination of acupuncture and herbal medicine has a multiplicative therapeutic effect. Each therapeutic modality is capable of treating these conditions but together they are significantly more effective.

Acupuncture efficiently opens channel pathways and herbal medicine powerfully nourishes Yin and Yang. Acupuncture points LI11, HT7, P7, K3 and auricular acupoints uterus, liver and kidney combined with the herbal formula Tian Wang Bu Xin Dan complement each other for the resolution of many menopausal conditions. They are but one example of an effective combination and represent important tools to prevent Qi depletion and bone demineralization associated with menopause.

The synergistic effects of the herbs within Tian Wang Bu Xin Dan have the ability to address both Kidney and Heart Yin deficiency, vacuity. Night sweats are not only uncomfortable but are one of the pathological forms of sweating that deplete the body’s internal essence. Night sweating is typically due to Yin deficiency and is classified in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) as a form of stealing sweating. All forms of stealing sweating have one characteristic in common, they occur when one is not aware of it. Tian Wang Bu Xin Dan, Heavenly King Tonify the Heart Special Pills, nourishes the Yin and Blood while simultaneously harmonizing the Kidney and Heart. Naturally, modern variations of this formula do not contain Zhu Sha because of its toxic properties. This ancient formula helps not only to halt night sweating but also to resolve palpitations, mental restlessness, anxiety, irritability, difficulty with concentration and improves the memory. Its cooling properties help to control hot flashes and reduces instance of ulcerations in the mouth and tongue. The Sheng Di Huang is effective in cooling the Blood and addressing Heat in the Blood. It also helps to move the stool and the overall effect of the formula treats the condition of dry stools.

Night sweats are but one type of pathological sweating. Spontaneous sweating is usually due to Wei Qi deficiency or a depletion of the entire body’s Qi. Head and face sweating is the type that is usually caused by excess intake of hot and spicy foods or by upper jiao damp-heat. Fighting sweating occurs when the good Qi and pathogenic influences clash. The fighting sweat may involve shaking of the body or convulsions. A good outcome would be a fighting sweat followed by a lowering of a fever that had been causing seizures. A poor outcome would be if the disease process deepened into one expressed by a rapid, deficient and slow pulse. This is often present when Shaoyang and Yangming stage illnesses deepen into the Taiyin stage. Alternately, Qi level heat may deepen into Ying level heat. Worldwide, malaria is a major cause of the fighting sweat. The cold sweat is watery and is often involved in Qi and Yang deficiency. This is common in hypoglycemia. Perhaps one of the most severe types of sweating is end sweating. This type of sweating occurs when Yin and Yang collapse. Yin collapse is manifest in a watery and profuse sweat. Yang collapse presents with a salty, profuse, sticky, oily sweat and the limbs remain warm due to the false heat being kicked to the surface. In biomedicine, shock is commonly a cause of end sweating. The half side sweat is one where only one side of the body sweats. It is common when phlegm, dampness and other pathological influences block one side of the body. Another type of sweating is the absence of sweating when it is appropriate. This blockage of the channels is due to a variety of influences and prevents the normal ventilation of the body.

From HealthCMI.com

Acupuncture Plus Herbal Medicine PCOS Finding

Acupuncture Plus Herbal Medicine PCOS Finding

 

Acupuncture plus herbal medicine increase the clinical effective rate of drug therapy for the treatment of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). In research conducted at the Hubei Maternal and Child Care Service Center, drug therapy using cyproterone acetate/ethinylestradiol and letrozole produced an 72.5% total effective rate. Using both drugs and herbal medicine produced an 85.0% total effective rate, and the rate increased to 95.0% when acupuncture was added to the treatment regimen.

Cyproterone acetate/ethinylestradiol is a commonly used medicine for the treatment of PCOS. Letrozole is an aromatase inhibitor used to stimulate ovulation in women with PCOS.

The following parameters were used to evaluate treatment efficacy: menstruation improvements, body weight, body mass index (BMI), luteal hormone (LH), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), LH/FSH ratio, total testosterone (T), and estradiol (E2)]. An enzyme linked immunosorbent assay was adopted to determine the content of anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) and inhibin B (IHNB).

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, PCOS falls under the Yue Jing Hou Qi (delayed menstruation), Bi Jing (amenorrhea), or the Bu Yun (infertility) class of disorders. Kidney deficiency is one primary cause. Binding of qi, phlegm, and stasis is a secondary cause. The treatment principle is to supplement the kidney essence, boost the liver and spleen, promote blood circulation, and dispel phlegm. Let’s take a look at the treatment protocols that achieved clinical success in the study.

A total of 120 patients from Hubei Maternal and Child Care Service Center participated in the study. They were diagnosed with PCOS between January 2012 and December 2016. The following selection criteria were applied:

  • Patients meeting the diagnostic criteria of PCOS acknowledged by Rotterdam (2003) conference [2]
  • Age between 20 – 40
  • No organic disease of the genital tract
  • Patent bilateral fallopian tubes detected via radiography
  • A normal semen analysis of male partners

The following exclusion criteria were applied:

  • Genital tract malformations, uterine amenorrhea, and other organic diseases
  • Severe primary and concomitant cardiovascular, liver, kidney, digestive, or hematopoietic diseases
  • Premature ovarian failure, insensitive ovary syndrome and other disorders with high gonadotropin levels
  • Adrenal disease, thyroid disease, diabetes, and other endocrine disorders
  • Infertility of male partners

Participants were randomly divided into three groups: group A, group B, and group C. All three groups were equivalent in all relevant demographics (P>0.05), setting the basis for a fair comparison of results. Group A had 40 patients, mean age 28 ± 3 years, mean course of disease 2.0 ± 1.5 years, mean height 1.62 ± 0.04 m. Group B had 40 patients, mean age 28 ± 3 years, mean course of disease 1.8 ± 1.1 years, mean height 1.61 ± 0.04 m. Group C had 40 patients, mean age 28 ± 4 years, mean course of disease 1.9 ± 1.1 years, mean height 1.62 ± 0.03 m.

For group A patients, one cyproterone acetate 2.00 mg with ethinylestradiol 0.035 mg coated tablet and one letrozole 2.5 mg tablet were given. Group B and C received identical drugs plus herbal medicines (Tiao Jing Qu Tan Fang). Group C also received acupuncture treatment. The herbal formula used in this study (Tiao Jing Qu Tan Fang) contains the following ingredients:

  • Yin Yang Huo 15 g
  • Tu Si Zi 15 g
  • Zi Shi Ying 10 g
  • Cang Zhu 15 g
  • Chen Pi 12 g
  • Fa Ban Xia 12 g
  • Yi Yi Ren 15 g
  • Fu Ling 15 g
  • Dang Gui 15 g
  • Bai Shao 15 g
  • Chuan Xiong 10 g
  • Xiang Fu 12 g
  • Zhi Zhi Ke 15 g

The researchers note that the ingredients help the body to sooth the kidney and liver, promote blood circulation, transform stasis and phlegm, and remove dampness. The herbal formula was decocted and brewed once per day. Patients consumed 200 ml of the decoction, twice per day. The primary acupoints selected for group C patients were the following:

  • CV6 (Qihai)
  • CV4 (Guanyuan)
  • Ex-CA-1 (Zigong)
  • ST25 (Tianshu)
  • ST36 (Zusanli)
  • ST40 (Fenglong)
  • SP6 (Sanyinjiao)
  • SP9 (Yinlingquan)
  • SP10 (Xuehai)

Patients were treated in the supine position. Size 0.30 mm x 40 mm acupuncture needles were used. After disinfection, needles were perpendicularly inserted into each acupoint, reaching a depth of 1.0 – 1.5 cm. Manipulation techniques differed among acupoints. For Qihai, Guanyuan, Zigong, Tianshu, and Zisanli, the mild attenuating and tonifying (Ping Bu Ping Xie) manipulation technique was applied.

For Sanyinjiao, Yinlingquan, Xuehai, and Fenglong, rotating with attenuation (xie) was used. Upon achieving deqi, an electroacupuncture device was used. Tianshu and Zusanli were respectively connected to the positive and negative electrodes. A dense-disperse wave was used for 20 min at 10 Hz with a 0.5 ms pulse width. One acupuncture session was conducted every two days. Treatment was paused during menstruation. Each treatment course spanned 3 months. All patients received 2 treatment courses in total.

Like the herbs, local acupoint selections are implemented to regulate the meridians, expel phlegm, and supplement the kidney and spleen. The Ren meridian is also called the Sea of the Yin Meridians, which governs the Bao Tai (uterus and fetus). Needling the acupoints Qihai and Guanyuan, which are located on this meridian, supplements original qi and regulates the qi flow of the lower jiao. Zigong is an extra acupoint and enhances fertility in women. Tianshu, Zusanli, Fenglong, Sanyinjiao, Yinlingquan, and Xuehai strengthen the stomach and spleen. According to the Rotterdam’s Consensus on the Efficacy Assessment of PCOS Treatments, the treatment efficacy for each patient was categorized into 1 of 3 tiers: [2]

  • Recovery: Absence of symptoms. Normal menstrual cycle. Normal serum hormone levels. Mature follicles and discharge of the ovum for three consecutive months detected via B-scan ultrasonography, or pregnancy during treatment.
  • Effective: Symptoms, menstrual cycle, and serum hormone levels showed improvement. B-scan ultrasonography detected at least one time of the dominant follicle within three consecutive months.
  • Not effective: Symptoms, menstrual cycle, and serum hormone levels showed no improvement. B-scan ultrasonography detected no dominant follicle within three consecutive months.

The results indicate that acupuncture plus herbs are effective for increasing the efficacy of the medication treatment regimen. Researchers from the study conclude that acupuncture plus herbs cause no significant adverse effects and that the TCM protocol is safe and effective for the treatment of PCOS.

 

References
1. Yin Y, Zhang YC, Zhang H, Jiang DS, Guo GR. Clinical therapeutic effects of acupuncture combined with Chinese herbal medicine on infertility of polycystic ovary syndrome in the patients with ovulation induction with letrozole [J]. Chinese Acupuncture & Moxibustion，Jan. 2018，Vol. 38 No. 1

2. Rotterdam ESHRE/ASRM-Sponsored PCOS consensus workshop group. Revised 2003 consensus on diagnostic criteria and long-term health risks related to polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)[J]. Hum Reprod, 2004, 19(1): 41-47.

From HealthCMI.com

Acupuncture Found Effective For Bell’s Palsy

 

Acupuncture reverses facial paralysis due to Bell’s Palsy. Researchers from the General Hospital of People’s Liberation Army (Beijing) compared two types of acupuncture for the treatment of infranuclear facial paralysis affecting the facial nerve (cranial nerve VII). One treatment protocol achieved a 98% total effective rate and the other acupuncture protocol achieved a 90.7% total effective rate. [1] Based on the data, acupuncture is recommended for the treatment of facial paralysis due to Bell’s Palsy.

Infranuclear facial paralysis without a biomedically known etiology is often designated as Bell’s Palsy, which is distinct from infranuclear facial paralysis due to trauma, neoplasms, cerebrovascular infarctions, and facial paralysis that is secondary to diseases including diabetes, amyloidosis, and multiple sclerosis. The researchers note that modern Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) sources indicate that Bell’s Palsy involves inflammation of cranial nerve VII affecting regions of the stylomastoid foramen or the facial canal and ancient references indicate Yangming and Shaoyang channel obstruction. Guiding treatment principles are to dredge the channels, expel external pernicious influences, and to improve blood circulation. A macroscopic TCM view indicates that localized stimulation of facial muscles promotes recovery.

Scientists now posit that Bell’s Palsy involves neurodegeneration of neurons due to ischemia and edema, although many cases are not ascribed a known etiology. The researchers note that the work of Chen et al. helps to explain, in part, how acupuncture restores normal movement to facial muscles for patients with Bell’s Palsy and other forms of infranuclear facial paralysis. Chen et al. demonstrated that electroacupuncture has the ability to upregulate nerve growth factor, thereby restoring neurons. [2] The Healthcare Medicine Institute (HealthCMi) offers several courses related to nerve repair and restoration of functional mobility. For additional information beyond the scope of this article, visit HealthCMi’s acupuncture continuing education course on the topic of Bell’s Palsy:

 

Bell’s Palsy Online CEU Course >

 

Acupuncture Treatment
Let’s take a look at the treatment protocols that achieved clinical success in the study. A total of 93 patients were randomized into two groups, each receiving different acupuncture protocols. The first treatment protocol, achieving a 98% total effective rate, is as follows. The focus was application of acupuncture to local acupoints related to facial expression muscles that were paralyzed. Acupuncture was applied to GB14 (Yangbai) and acupoints within 3 cm. Acupuncture was applied to the orbicularis oculi muscle region. Acupuncture was also applied to SI18 (Quanliao) and ST3 ( Juliao) at the zygomaticus major. The levator labii superioris was needled at EX-HN8 (Shang Yingxiang) and LI20 (Yingxiang). The orbicularis oris muscle was needled at Jiashuigou, MHN18 (Jiachengjiang), and ST4 (Dicang). The needles were inserted superficially and manipulated to enter the muscular layer.

Mild reinforcing and attenuating manipulation techniques were used to induce a deqi response. Next, the intensity of a pulsating electroacupuncture current was adjusted until facial muscles were slightly and rhythmically twitching. Only one group of facial muscles were stimulated at a time. The needle retention time was 20 minutes. ST7 (Xiaguan), GB20 (Fengchi), TB17 (Yifeng), and LI4 (Hegu) acupoints were perpendicularly inserted without connection to an electroacupuncture device.

The other group achieved a 90.7% total effective rate with the follow treatment protocol. Unilateral acupuncture was applied to the side affected, paralyzed side. Acupuncture was applied to the following acupoints:

  • GB14 (Yangbai)
  • MHN9 (Taiyang)
  • GB1 (Tongziliao)
  • ST6 (Jiache)
  • ST4 (Dicang)
  • SI18 (Quanliao)
  • Jiashuigou (0.5–1 cun lateral to Shuigou, GV26)
  • Jiachengjiang (1 cun lateral to Chengjiang, CV24)

For patients with acute mastoiditis pain, TB17 (Yifeng) and GB20 (Fengchi) were added. For patients with severe deviation of the mouth, ST7 (Xiaguan) and LI4 (Hegu) were added. After the arrival of deqi, electroacupuncture was applied with a disperse-dense wave. The electrical intensity was adjusted until slight and rhythmic facial muscle twitching was induced. The needle retention time was 20 minutes. Both groups received treatment once per day, five treatments to complete one course of treatment, with a 2-day break between each course of treatment. In total, the patients received eight courses of treatment. In the above research, both treatment protocols were effective, with the first protocol outperforming the second.

 

Acupuncture with Drug Therapy
In a related two week investigation, Third People’s Hospital (Chongqing) researchers (Wang et al.) conclude that acupuncture plus infrared heat therapy combined with medications significantly improves positive patient outcome rates for patients with facial paralysis. Patients receiving only medications had a 60.42% total effective rate. The addition of acupuncture and infrared therapy increased the effective rate to 91.67%. [3] The primary acupuncture points use in the study were the following:

  • Jiache (ST6)
  • Xiaguan (ST7)
  • Dicang (ST4)
  • Yifeng (TB17)
  • Taiyang (MHN9)
  • Zanzhu (BL2)
  • Hegu (LI4)
  • Fengchi (GB20)

The secondary acupoints selected were the following:

  • Yangbai (GB14)
  • Yingxiang (LI20)
  • Renzhong (GV26)
  • Sibai (ST2)
  • Chengjiang (REN24)

Acupuncture was administered once daily for 14 consecutive days. Infrared therapy was administered using an infrared light therapy device with a 640 nm wavelength emission. The paralysis side received infrared heat from a distance of 30–35 cm and the skin surface temperature was maintained at 40 degrees Celsius or to patient tolerance levels. The infrared heat therapy therapy was applied for 20 minutes, two times daily, for 14 consecutive days. The facial paralysis medications were as follows:

  • Dexamethasone. Intravenously injected, once daily, for 10 consecutive days.
  • Vitamin B12 (0.5 mg), Vitamin B1 (100 mg). Administered through muscle injection, once daily, continuously for 14 consecutive days.
  • Brain glycoside injection fluid (3 ml). Administered through muscle injection, 2 times daily, for 14 consecutive days.
  • In cases of viral infections, the patient was given acyclovir tablets (0.4 g), taken orally 3 times daily, for 10 consecutive days.

The researchers obtained a 31.25% increase in total treatment efficacy by adding acupuncture and infrared therapy to the medication therapy protocol. In all cases mentioned in this article, patients responded with improved patient outcomes for recovery from facial paralysis. As a result, the researchers from these studies conclude that acupuncture is an appropriate treatment option for patients with facial paralysis.

 

Notes:
1. Jiang YB, Feng Y. (2014). Therapeutic Effect of Special Acupuncture in the Treatment of Facial Paralysis. JCAM. 30(1).

2. Chen YC, Qi WL & Kong KM. (2006). Rat Acute Spinal Cord Injury: the Effect of Electroacupuncture on the Level of Nerve Growth Factor and Its Receptor. Chinese Journal of Clinical Rehabilitation. 10(11): 129-131.

3. Wang, X., Jin, T. & Ma, S. L. (2014). Red glow with acupuncture and medication curative effect observation of 96 cases of facial paralysis. Laser Journal. 35 (2).

From HealthCMI.com

Acupuncture Knee Arthritis Pain Relief Confirmed

,

 

Researchers find acupuncture effective for the treatment of knee osteoarthritis pain and joint dysfunction. Three independent studies confirm the benefits of acupuncture. One study finds acupuncture effective for increasing the efficacy of celecoxib treatment. Another finds acupuncture effective for increasing the positive patient outcome rates for patients taking Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) herbs. A third study compared two different types of acupuncture and determined that centro-square needling is exceptionally beneficial for the treatment of knee osteoarthritis. Let’s start with a brief overview of knee osteoarthritis and acupuncture before reviewing the independent investigations.

Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is a common degenerative joint disease. It often develops from knee joint cartilage degeneration and bone hyperplasia, causing pain and limited joint movement. Long-term use of anti-inflammatory and analgesic oral medications, or intra-articular sodium hyaluronate, may lead to liver and kidney toxicity, as well as gastrointestinal damage. [1–2] It is therefore worthwhile to explore treatment methods to prevent these adverse effects.

The pathogenesis of KOA in TCM is often categorized as a combination of wind, cold, and dampness, together with heat-dampness and phlegm stagnation, all of which culminate in obstructed meridians and poor circulation of qi and blood. [3–4] The disease was first recorded in the “Huangdi Neijing (Yellow Emperor’s Inner Canon),” where systematic documentation of its cause, pathogenesis, symptoms and other related conditions were recorded. According to TCM principles, KOA stems from internal Zheng-qi deficiency, which allows external pathogens or injuries to damage meridians, leading to stagnant blood and consequent pathological responses. [5] The overall pathogenesis of KOA is often attributed to kidney and liver blood deficiency, external injuries, or external invasion of wind, cold, and dampness. [6]

Renowned Chinese TCM physician, Professor Jin Rui, uses a protocolized group of acupoints for treating KOA, named Xisanzhen (three on the knee): Xuehai (SP10), Liangqiu (ST34), Xiyan. Xisanzhen’s main clinical indications are knee pain, swelling, or weakness. Xuehai and Liangqiu regulate blood and qi flow, while Neixiyan and Waixiyan are special acupoints that reduce redness and swelling of the knee. [7]

In important type of acupuncture for KOA is warm needle acupuncture. Warm acupuncture is especially helpful for the treatment of KOA with cold-dampness origin. This type of acupuncture warms the meridians, dispels cold, removes wind and dampness, circulates blood and qi for the purposes of relieving swelling and pain. Fire acupuncture has a similar therapeutic effect.

Centro-square needling, a method of acupuncture wherein extra needles are inserted surrounding the main acupoint, is useful for treating cold-type arthritis. The increased stimulation from the extra needles strengthens the clearing, warming and qi stimulating properties of acupuncture. Centro-square needling is commonly utilized for the treatment of musculoskeletal diseases. [8–10] Centro-square needling to appropriate depths stimulates blood and lymph circulation, promotes the absorption of inflammatory exudates, and calms muscle spasms, thereby aiding tissue regeneration and pain relief. [11]

 

Zhengzhou Orthopedic Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine
A study by Li Jian (Zhengzhou Orthopedic Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine) determined that acupuncture enhances patient outcomes for patients taking celecoxib, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication. [12] The study compared KOA patients receiving both acupuncture and celecoxib with KOA patients receiving only celecoxib. Acupuncture provided more significant and longer-lasting pain relief.

To evaluate treatment efficacy, patients were scored based on a KOA grading system and a Visual Analog Scale (VAS). The KOA grading system allocated a total score based on the severity of KOA symptoms. The VAS measures pain intensity levels. KOA and VAS scores were taken thrice throughout the course of the study, once before treatment, once immediately after treatment, and once 8 weeks after treatment. The differences in KOA and VAS scores before and after treatment were recorded.

 

Results
The improvement in KOA scores for the acupuncture plus drug group was 13.9 ± 2.86 immediately after treatment, while that of the drug group was significantly less (P<0.05) at 12.1 ± 3.51. Eight weeks after treatment, the acupuncture plus drug group maintained a significant improvement of 12.7 ± 2.99, while the drug only group declined (P<0.05) and only achieved a final improvement of 6.51 ± 2.66.

The VAS scores showed a similar trend. Immediately after treatment, the acupuncture plus drug group recorded a VAS improvement of 5.78 ± 0.98, significantly higher than that of the drug group, which was 4.59 ± 1.45 (P<0.05). Eight weeks after treatment, the final VAS improvement of the acupuncture plus drug group was 5.09 ± 0.95, while that of the drug only group fell to 2.40 ± 1.01 (P<0.05). The researchers conclude that acupuncture significantly boost treatment efficacy for patients taking the NSAID celecoxib.

 

knee structure

 

Design
The study was set up as a two-arm experiment. A total of 70 liver and kidney deficient KOA patients from Zhengzhou Orthopedic Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine participated in the study. They were diagnosed between March 2014 and October 2016. KOA diagnoses were made based on both TCM and biomedical diagnostic criteria. TCM differential diagnostics were used to diagnose liver and kidney deficiencies and biomedical diagnostic criteria were used to diagnose KOA. TCM diagnostic criteria for liver and kidney deficiency and joint-meridian obstruction were in accordance with the 2002 edition of “Guiding Principles for Clinical Study of New Chinese Medicines.” [13] The TCM guidelines included the following:

  • Primary symptoms: Joint pain, soreness/weakness in lower limbs.
  • Secondary symptoms: Restricted movement, reddish tongue, thin or white tongue coating, slippery or taut pulse.
  • Biomedical diagnostic criteria for KOA were in accordance with “Guidebook for Diagnosis and Treatment of Osteoarthritis” stipulated by the Chinese Orthopedic Association in 2007. [14] The criteria were the following:
  • Recurring knee joint pain for ≥1 month.
  • Osteophyte (bone spur) formation, subchondral sclerosis and/or cyst formation, joint space narrowing detected via standing/weight-bearing imaging.
  • ≥2 synovial fluid analyses performed, synovial fluid clear and sticky with white blood cell count of <2000 cells/ml.
  • Morning stiffness ≤30 minutes.
  • Crepitus upon movement.

The following selection criteria were also applied:

  • Fulfilled both aforementioned TCM and biomedical diagnostic criteria.
  • Duration of illness between 4 months and 15 years.
  • Discontinued usage of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, steroids, and other relevant drugs ≥90 days before start of study.
  • Complied fully with prescribed treatment during study.

The following exclusion criteria were applied:

  • Major orthopedic diseases such as torn meniscus, ligament rupture, vascular/nerve damage, bone tuberculosis and bone tumors.
  • Severe psychological or cardiac diseases.
  • Pregnant or lactating.

Participating patients were randomly divided into the treatment group and the control group. Both groups were comparable demographically. The treatment group had 35 patients, 10 males, 25 females, aged 46–69 years, mean age 53.7 ± 3.9 year, duration of illness 0.6–14 years, mean duration of illness 5.03 ± 2.23 years. The control group had 35 patients, 9 males, 26 females, aged 45–72 years, mean age 54.2 ± 3.8 years, duration of illness 0.7–16 years, mean duration of illness 4.96 ± 1.3 years.

Both groups were treated with celecoxib. In addition, the treatment group received Xisanzhen acupuncture. Treatment lasted for 6 weeks. During the entire course of treatment, patients discontinued any non-prescribed medications other than those for heart, high blood pressure, diabetes, or infectious diseases.

 

Acupuncture Treatment
The following acupoints were selected for the treatment group (on the afflicted side):

  • Xuehai (SP10)
  • Liangqiu (ST34)
  • Neixiyan
  • Waixiyan

Forty millimeter acupuncture needles were used. Acupoints were located with the knees bent. Xuehai and Liangqiu were vertically pierced 25–30 mm deep, until deqi was achieved. Neixiyan and Waixiyan were pierced inwards, to a 25–30 mm depth, avoiding the joint cavity. One acupuncture session was conducted every other day, thrice per week. Celecoxib capsules (Pfizer Inc., 0.2 g x 6 capsules/box) were orally administered to all patients. The prescribed dosage was 0.2 g each time, once per day, every other day. The results indicate that the addition of acupuncture to a protocol of celecoxib significantly enhances treatment outcomes. Acupuncture provides great pain relief and lasting results.

 

Nujiang Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine
Wang Qirun (Nujiang Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine) finds that adding warm needle acupuncture to herbal treatment produces superior positive patient outcomes to using only herbal medicine. [15] The study compared two groups of KOA patients, one receiving only TCM herbs and the other receiving both herbs and warm needle acupuncture. The addition of warm needle acupuncture produces greater pain relief, knee mobility, and knee function.

Three parameters were used to evaluate treatment efficacy: knee pain, knee function, and knee mobility. [16] The Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NRS) was used to provide a quantifiable measure of the intensity of knee pain. From a scale of 0–10 (10 represents the most intense pain), patients selected an integer representing their perceived pain. Knee function was measured using the Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) score. Finally, knee mobility was recorded as the greatest angle that patients could bend their knee (0°–130°). In addition to the above parameters, each treatment was also given an overall treatment effective rate. Based on clinical symptoms, the treatment efficacy for each patient was classified into 1 of 3 tiers:

  • Significantly effective: No knee pain and swelling. Significant improvement in knee mobility.
  • Effective: Knee pain and swelling subsided. Improvement in knee mobility.
  • Ineffective: No improvement in knee pain, swelling or mobility.

 

Results
The treatment effective rate for each patient group was derived with the following formula: [Significantly effective + Effective] / [Total number of patients in group] * 100%. The treatment effective rate for the acupuncture plus herbs group was 95.45%, significantly higher than that for the herbs only group (P<0.05), which was 80.95%. The outcome rates show that acupuncture generally strengthens the efficacy of TCM herbal treatment for KOA.

Before treatment, the three parameters of quantification did not differ meaningfully between both groups (P>0.05). The mean NRS scores were 6.73 ± 0.85 and 6.63 ± 0.54 for herbs only and acupuncture plus herbs respectively. The respective mean HSS scores were 45.33 ± 6.74 and 45.42 ± 6.83. The respective mean knee mobility angles were 105.33 ± 6.74 and 105.42 ± 6.83. Both groups started out at a statistically comparable level.

After treatment, both groups showed a marked difference across all 3 parameters. The mean NRS score was reduced to 2.47 ± 0.18 after acupuncture with herbs, while standalone herbal therapy also produced pain reduction (P<0.05), with a final mean NRS score of 3.52 ± 0.64. To the same effect, acupuncture with herbs led to a greater improvement in knee function over the use of herbs as a standalone therapy (P<0.05). The mean HSS scores were 78.52 ± 9.33 and 61.85 ± 7.44 for acupuncture plus herbs and herbs only respectively. Patients had greater knee mobility with acupuncture plus herbs therapy compared with herbs only (P<0.05). The mean knee mobility angles were 128.52° ± 9.33° and 111.85° ± 7.44° for acupuncture plus herbs and herbs respectively.

 

Design
The study was designed as a double-arm experiment. A total of 43 KOA patients from Nujiang Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine participated in the study. Patients were randomly divided into two groups: herbs and acupuncture plus herbs. For an unbiased comparison, the study ensured that both groups were equivalent in demographics at the outset of the investigation (P>0.05). The herbs group had 21 patients, 13 males, 8 females, between 34–76 years, mean age 48.14 ± 2.24 years, duration of illness 1–15 years, mean duration of illness 6.29 ± 0.21 years. The acupuncture plus herbs group had 22 patients, 14 males, 8 females, between 34–74 years, mean age 48.34 ± 2.63 years, duration of illness 1–15 years, mean duration of illness 6.24 ± 0.12 years.

Both groups were given a modified Yi Shen Tong Luo Fang decoction. In addition, the acupuncture plus herbs group received warm acupuncture. The following acupoints were applied with warm needle acupuncture:

  • Neixiyan
  • Waixiyan
  • Zusanli (ST36)
  • Heding (MLE27)
  • Liangqiu (ST34)
  • Xuehai (SP10)
  • Yinlingquan (SP9)
  • Yanglingquan (GB34)
  • Sanyinjiao (SP6)

Size 0.3 mm x 40 mm Hwato brand disposable acupuncture needles were used. Acupuncture was administered with patients in a seated position, knees bent at 90°. Needles were perpendicularly inserted then moderately manipulated by rotation, applying reinforcement-attenuation techniques, until deqi was achieved. For Neixiyan, Waixiyan, and Zusanli, a 2 cm moxa cigar cutting was attached to the end of each inserted needle, then lit. A new moxa cigar cutting was affixed once the previous cigar extinguished. A total of 2 moxa cigars were used for each acupoint per session. During warm needle acupuncture, the acupuncturist ensured that the distance between the skin and moxa cigar cutting was 2–3 cm. To avoid burns, the area surrounding the acupoint was covered with cardboard. All needles were retained for 30 minutes. One acupuncture session was administered per day. One treatment cycle comprised 10 consecutive days of acupuncture, with a 3-day break before the next cycle. [17] Treatment was administered for 2 treatment cycles. The Yi Shen Tong Luo Fang decoction consisted of the following ingredients:

  • Tusizi (20g)
  • Niuxi (20g)
  • Nuzhenzi (15g)
  • Gouqizi (15g)
  • Buguzhi (15g)
  • Chuanxiong (15g)
  • Danggui (15g)
  • Roucongrong (10g)
  • Yinyanghuo (10g)
  • Taoren (10g)
  • Honghua (10g)
  • Zelan (10g)
  • Lujiaojiao (10g)
  • Paoshanjia (6g)
  • Xixin (3g)
  • Shenggancao (6g)

Secondary ingredients were added based on TCM differential diagnostics on an individual basis. For phlegm stagnation, the following herbs were added:

  • Cangzhu
  • Banxia
  • Chenpi

For qi-blood deficiency, the following herbs were added:

  • Huangqi
  • Fuling

For liver-kidney deficiency, the following herbs were added:

  • Duzhong
  • Xuduan
  • Guiban

For wind-cold-dampness obstruction, the following herbs were added:

  • Jianghuang
  • Rougui
  • Fuzi

For wind-damp-heat stagnation, the following herbs were added:

  • Huangbai
  • Rendongteng
  • Xuanshen

One brewing of the decoction was ingested per day. Each brew was divided into two equal portions, one taken in the morning and the other at night. One treatment cycle comprised 10 consecutive days of consumption, with a 3 day break before the next treatment cycle.

Acupuncture plus herbs produced an NRS score of 2.47 ± 0.18 and standalone herbal therapy produced a final NRS score of 3.52 ± 0.64. This demonstrates that adding acupuncture to the herbal medicine protocol enhances the analgesic effects of treatment. Knee function also improved, with a mean HSS score of 78.52 ± 9.33 and 61.85 ± 7.44 for acupuncture plus herbs and herbs only respectively. Mean knee mobility angle improvements were 128.52° ± 9.33° and 111.85° ± 7.44° for acupuncture plus herbs and herbs only respectively. The results indicate that acupuncture plus herbs produces significant positive patient outcomes for patients with knee osteoarthritis.

 

China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences
Wang et al. (China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences) compared the efficacy of two types of acupuncture. [18] Fire acupuncture with centro-square needling and standard acupuncture both produced significant results for patients with KOA, with centro-square needling producing slightly better outcomes.

Pain intensity and osteoarthritis severity were assessed to evaluate clinical efficacy. A VAS was used to measure pain intensity. The Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) were used to provide a quantifiable measure of KOA severity. [19] Patients were scored on five aspects: pain, joint stiffness, joint physiological function, socialization, and mood. The higher the score, the greater the KOA severity. Based on the WOMAC scores, the improvement rate for each patient was calculated using the following formula: [Score before treatment–Score after treatment] / [Score before treatment] * 100%. The WOMAC improvement rates were then used to categorize the treatment efficacy for each patient into 1 of 4 tiers:

  • Clinical recovery: Symptoms completely absent. Normal mobility. WOMAC improvement rate ≥ 95%.
  • Significantly effective: Symptoms largely absent. Joint mobility not restricted. WOMAC improvement rate ≥70% but <95%.
  • Effective: Symptoms mostly absent, albeit occasional recurrence. Joint mobility slightly restricted. WOMAC improvement rate ≥30% but <70%.
  • Ineffective: No noticeable improvement in symptoms and mobility. WOMAC improvement rate <30%.

Based on the number of patients in each tier, the treatment total effective rate for each patient group was calculated using the following formula: [Clinical recovery + Significantly effective + Effective] / [Total number of patients in group] * 100%. The treatment significantly effective rate was calculated using the following formula: [Clinical recovery + Significantly effective] / [Total number of patients in group] * 100%. Patient evaluations were conducted four times: before treatment, 2 weeks into treatment, 4 weeks into treatment, and 1 month after treatment.

 

Results
The VAS scores showed significant improvement in both groups after treatment. For the fire centro-square acupuncture group, the VAS score was 6.94 ± 1.64 before treatment, with a steady reduction throughout treatment. The VAS scores were 3.88 ± 1.25 two weeks into treatment, 2.29 ± 1.13 four weeks into treatment, and 1.73 ± 1.11 one month after treatment. Similarly, for the filiform acupuncture group, the VAS score was 6.89 ± 1.83 before treatment, 4.83 ± 1.91 two weeks into treatment, 3.09 ± 1.82 four weeks into treatment, and 2.55 ± 1.55 one month after treatment.

Both groups saw consistent improvement throughout the course of treatment for all datapoints. The VAS scores one month after treatment also illustrate that the therapeutic effect of acupuncture for KOA lasts beyond the treatment time-frame, showing that patients experience pain relief even after they discontinue treatment. At the same time, the fire centro-square acupuncture group achieved greater improvements than the filiform acupuncture group at all three datapoints after treatment.

The WOMAC scores display a similar trend. For the fire centro-square acupuncture group, the WOMAC scores were 89.97 ± 23.04 before treatment, 52.83 ± 20.85 two weeks into treatment, 29.44 ± 16.81 four weeks into treatment, and 22.03 ± 17.21 one month after treatment. This demonstrates that KOA symptoms were consistently lessening throughout the treatment period and continued to improve even after treatment ended (P < 0.01). The filiform acupuncture group also showed a stable decline in WOMAC scores (P < 0.01). The scores were 88.53 ± 26.77 before treatment, 59.92 ± 23.80 two weeks into treatment, 39.83 ± 23.46 four weeks into treatment, and 31.83 ± 21.16 one month after treatment. From 4 weeks into treatment onwards, the fire centro-square acupuncture group achieved lower WOMAC scores than the filiform acupuncture group (P<0.05). Both groups achieved significant positive patient outcomes.

The treatment effective rates are reflective of the VAS and WOMAC results. Two weeks into treatment, the fire centro-square acupuncture group had a 2.8% significantly effective rate, and an 88.9% total effective rate. The filiform acupuncture group had a slower initial improvement (P<0.01), having a 0% significantly effective rate and a 61.1% total effective rate. Further along into the treatment at 4 weeks, the significantly effective rate of the fire centro-square acupuncture group increased to 66.7%, bringing the total effective rate to 97.2%, while the filiform acupuncture group had a 41.7% significantly effective rate and a 91.7% total effective rate. At 4 weeks into treatment, more patients saw significant efficacy with fire centro-square acupuncture than conventional filiform acupuncture (P<0.05). One month after treatment ended, the data reflects that patient symptoms continue to improve. The significantly effective rate of the fire centro-square acupuncture group was 83.3%, and the total effective rate remained at 97.2%. This was greater than the conventional filiform acupuncture group (P<0.01), which had a significantly effective rate of 44.4% and total effective rate of 94.4%.

 

Design
The study was designed as a double-arm experiment. A total of 72 KOA patients from the Acupuncture and Moxibustion Hospital (Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion of China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences) participated in the study. Patients were divided into either the fire centro-square group or the conventional filiform acupuncture group, with 36 patients in each group. Both groups were equivalent (P>0.05) in gender, age, and duration of illness prior to the investigation to ensure a fair comparison.

The fire centro-square group had 16 males, 20 females, aged between 40–75 years, mean age 59 ± 9 years, duration of illness between 0.8–240 months, mean duration of illness 39.8 ± 53.1 months. The filiform group had 9 males, 27 females, aged between 40–75 years, mean age 56 ± 11 years, duration of illness between 1.0–240 months, mean duration of illness 42.8 ± 53.4 months. All 72 patients were included in the final results and no subjects were disqualified for non-compliance with treatment or severe side effects during the study.

The diagnostic criteria for KOA were in accordance with those published by the American College of Rheumatology, which were recommended in the “Osteoarthritis Diagnosis and Treatment Guide” drafted by the Rheumatology Committee of the Chinese Medical Association. [20] These criteria were the following:

  1. Frequent knee joint pain (most of the time) within the recent month.
  2. Presence of crepitus.
  3. Knee joint morning stiffness lasting ≤30 minutes.
  4. ≥40 years old.
  5. Swelling around knee joint.
  6. Bone spurs around the bone edges of the knee, detected by X-ray.

The diagnosis was confirmed if the patient fulfilled both conditions 1 and 6, or conditions 1 through 5. The following selection criteria were applied to choose trial participants:

  • Fulfilled the diagnostic criteria.
  • Did not receive any KOA treatment, or other treatments that may affect the study results, within the recent month.
  • VAS score of ≥3.
  • Signed informed consent.

The following exclusion criteria were applied:

  • Knee synovitis, meniscus injury or cruciate ligament injury.
  • Rheumatoid arthritis, metabolic arthritis or other non-osteoarthritic diseases that may cause knee pain.
  • History of knee surgery or severe knee injury.
  • Other diseases with complications affecting the joints, such as psoriasis, syphilitic neuropathy, ochronosis, metabolic bone diseases, acute trauma etc.
  • Severe cardiac, neurological, hepatic, renal, respiratory, hematopoietic or mental diseases.
  • Prone to spontaneous bleeding.
  • Pregnant or lactating.

Acupoint selection was identical for both groups. Three acupuncture sessions were administered per week. Sessions were administered one day apart from another, with Sunday being a break day. One treatment cycle was comprised of six acupuncture sessions, and a total of two treatment cycles were administered. The following primary acupoints were selected and applied to the afflicted side):

  • Xuehai (SP10)
  • Liangqiu (ST34)
  • Neixiyan
  • Dubi (ST35)
  • Zusanli (ST36)
  • Yanglingquan (GB34)
  • Yinlingquan (SP9)
  • Ashi

The patients rested in a supine position during acupuncture. Size 40 mm length needles were used on most acupoints. The following protocol was observed for the fire centro-square group. Needles were heated using an ethanol lamp untill the tip and body were red-hot, then perpendicularly inserted into each acupoint in a swift motion, to 20–30 mm depth, and retained for 3–5 minutes. For Neixiyan and Dubi, 25 mm length needles were used instead, inserted swiftly 5 mm deep and not retained. Centro-square needling was carried out on the Ashi acupoints. Additional needles were inserted around each Ashi acupoint, at 4 centro-square points, each deviating 1–1.5 inches away from the Ashi acupoint: above, below, left and right.

At each centro-square point, a heated needle was inserted at a 30–40° angle toward the Ashi acupoint, to 20–30 mm depth, then retained for 3–5 minutes. If an Ashi acupoint was located near the edge of the kneecap or either end of the knee joint where the flesh was thin, a 25 mm long needle was used, and the depth of insertion was adjusted to 10–20 mm. Apart from the Ashi acupoints, two of the other selected acupoints (barring Neixiyan and Dubi) were targeted for centro-square needling in one acupuncture session, and a different pair was targeted in every session. After needle removal, the pierced acupoints were immediately cupped, retaining the cups for 3–5 minutes. The following measures were observed during treatment:

  • After fire acupuncture, the treated areas were disinfected with iodine.
  • Patients were advised to avoid showering on the day of acupuncture, and to keep the treated areas dry.
  • Patients were instructed to refrain from scratching the treated areas after acupuncture, as slight reddening, itching, or swelling are normal reactions.

The following protocol was observed for the filiform group. Conventional filiform needle acupuncture was administered after disinfection. Upon achieving deqi, the needles were manipulated with reinforcement and attenuation (Ping Bu Ping Xie), then retained for 30 minutes. Ashi acupoints, as well as two of the other treated acupoints, were immediately cupped after needle removal. A different pair of acupoints were cupped in each session. Both types of acupuncture achieved significant positive patient outcomes.

 

Summary
Knee osteoarthritis is often a painful and disabling disorder. Research confirms that acupuncture is an effective treatment modality for short and long-term relief. Patients with knee osteoarthritis are advised to consult with local licensed acupuncturists to learn more.

 

References
1. Le ZQ, Tao P, Le SS, et al. Clinical efficacy observation of warm acupuncture combined with Yishentongluofang brew in treating KOA [J]. Guangming Journal of Chinese Medicine, 2016, 31(5): 618-620.

2. Huang Y. Clinical efficacy observation of warm acupuncture combined with TCM herbs differential treatment of KOA [J]. Inner Mongol Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 2015, 34(1): 66-67.

3. Yu QY, Huang W. Discussion of pathogenesis and symptoms of KOA from the perspective of “Bi” [J]. Rheumatism and Arthritis, 2015, 4(3): 40-43.

4. Zhang L, Wang YP, Yin YS, et al. Musculoskeletal ultrasound observation of soft tissue changes after needle-knife acupuncture in treating KOA [J]. China Journal of Orthopedics and Traumatology, 2014, 27(1): 17-20.

5. Li C, Jiang B, Jin J. Progress of research on TCM medicine in treating KOA [J]. Hunan Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 2013, 29(1): 136-137.

6. Tang XP, Hu Y, Wang F. Experience of Professor Hu Yinqi in diagnosing rheumatoid arthritis [J]. Journal of Basic Chinese Medicine, 2013, 19(2): 220-222.

7. Zhang HY. Clinical research on TCM herbs combined with acupuncture in treating KOA [D]. Jinan: Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 2013.

8. Li XH, Li DJ. Efficacy observation of using mainly centro-square needling of Dazhui acupoint in treating cervical spondylosis [J]. Chinese Acupuncture & Moxibustion, 2004, 24(7): 13-14.

9. Zhong MY, Wu SP. Clinical observation of centro-square needling of movement pain points combined with function training in treating adhesive capsulitis [J]. Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine University of Hunan, 2015, 35(3): 60-63.

10. Yao CY. 128 cases of treating rheumatic arthritis with mainly centro-square needling [J]. Journal of Practical Traditional Chinese Internal Medicine, 2005, 19(5): 483.

11. Gao YX, Liu XX. 46 cases of treating lumbar disc herniation with centro-square acupoint injection combined with iontophoresis [J]. Shandong Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 2007, 26(1): 37-38.

12. Li J. Clinical Observation on Knee Tri-Acupuncture in the Treatment of Knee Osteoarthritis for 35 Cases [J]. Guangming Journal of Chinese Medicine, 2017, 32(10): 1458-1460.

13. Zheng XY. Guiding Principles for Clinical Study of New Chinese Medicines [M]. Beijing: China Medical Science Press, 2002: 349.

14. Chinese Orthopedic Association. Guidebook for Diagnosis and Treatment of Osteoarthritis (2007 edition) [J]. Chinese Journal of Clinical Medicine, 2008, 36(1): 28-30.

15. Wang QR. Clinical research on warm acupuncture combined with Yishentongluofang brew in treating KOA [J]. Asia-Pacific Traditional Medicine, 2017, 13(20): 137-138.

16. Li CQ. Warm acupuncture combined with TCM herbs differential treatment of KOA 80 cases [J]. Journal of Community Medicine: Professional Medicine, 2010, 12(26): 125.

17. Lan SX. Efficacy observation of warm acupuncture combined with TCM herbs differential treatment of KOA [J]. Inner Mongol Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 2013, 32(30): 80-81.

18. Wang B, Hu J, Zhang N, et al. Clinical study of fire acupuncture with centro-square needles for knee osteoarthritis [J]. Chinese Acupuncture & Moxibustion, 2017, 37(5): 463-476.

19. Bellamy N, Buchanan WW, Goldsmith CH, et al. Validation study of WOMAC: a health status instrument for measuring clinically important patient relevant outcomes to antirheumatic drug therapy in patients with osteoarthritis of the hip or knee [J]. Rheumatol, 1988, 15(2): 1833–1840.

20. Rheumatology Committee of the Chinese Medical Association. Osteoarthritis Diagnosis and Treatment Guide (Draft) [J]. Chinese Journal of Rheumatology, 2003, 7(11): 702-704.

 

From HealthCMi news articles.

Influenza

, , , ,

Where we are, here in Iowa in January of 2018, the influenza is at epidemic levels. There is a shortage of IV fluid all over because of the hurricane in Puerto Rico, where much of it is made. I’ve had super healthy friends come down with flu and end up hospitalized for serious lung infections. People have told me something that I’ve always secretly thought, that a foreign enemy could make our country powerless with a virus like influenza.

You know its influenza when you lie in bed for several days aching, chilling and feverish, with no appetite, and no energy at all. You can barely find the strength to get up and drink water, much less take care of family members and pets. Everything in the house comes to a stop when you are that sick, and you can certainly not take care of others who are sick.

Many people end up with serious lung infections after this stint of being bedridden for several reasons, one of which is that the immune system is completely busy with influenza virus, secondly, lying still and sleeping for so many hours keeps us from moving fluids through our lungs. Phlegm sits there and stuff grows. lastly, we are nutritionally depleted and just don’t have the resources to fight infections because we have not been eating.

In our community, in some of the retirement communities people are quarantined to their rooms, having meals brought to them. They are feeling isolated and bored without contact. In hospitals where patients are chronically housed, flu is spreading and taking down many.

If you have been through this lately, you know exactly what I’m speaking of. It is devastating to have influenza. You are so fatigued even after the initial bout is past, that you cannot work full time, cannot get chores done, and cannot do normal routines for a while. It can take 2-3 months to get back to normal energy and activity levels. And even very healthy people are finding themselves in this situation.

And lastly, this year’s flu shot did not have the coverage we’d hoped for. People who were inoculated still got sick anyway. And everyone seems to have a cold.

So, what does natural medicine have for this?

Prevention is always the best for infection, especially influenza. SO that means keeping the immune system healthy with good sleep, hydration, and moderate exercise and reduced stress if possible. Very frequent hand washing is critical, and avoiding being around sick people is important if possible.

Next is EARLY intervention. That means at the first sign of a sore throat or excess fatigue, we start with treatment for the virus. My preferred regimen is to take 50,000 IU of Vitamin D3, and begin antiviral treatment immediately, using Orthomolecular Product’s Viracid. The dose is 2 capsules every one to two hours till you reach twelve caps, and then wait. This product includes many of our old favorites for immune boosting, plus some you may not have heard of, such as andrographis, a powerful herb originating in India. After two days, one can get back to 5000 IU of D3 per day. Sleep is also critical here, and one should try for at least 8-9 hours per day, plus a nap if possible.

If the infection manages to get through anyway, then I recommend Chinese herbal formulas at the earliest time. We using a staging system called the Shang Han Lun to determine which formula is correct at which stage of the infection. We usually begin with something like Cinnamon Twig formula, and move into something more powerful such as White Tiger decoction if there is a high fever and big sore throat. Aggressive treatment with Chinese herbs can really help move through the process faster and without the long-term depletion that often follows flu.

Call our office, or your local natural health clinic for help with Chinese herbs. They are not appropriate for self prescription, due to their complexity.

Remember, early intervention is KEY for influenza.

Laura Christensen, MA, MAc, LAc, DiplAc(NCCAOM)   Jan 2018

Acupuncture facts! Give it to me straight!

Acupuncture facts

We are here to give it to you straight. Acupuncture facts that people are looking for!

  • Acupuncture has been shown to be effective for the treatment of nausea and vomiting in adults following surgery or taking chemotherapy and post-operative dental pain.
  • Acupuncture may be effective in treating a number of other conditions.
  • More research is needed to define more precisely the role of acupuncture in health care.

Image result for acupuncture

What is acupuncture?

Acupuncture is a component of the health care system of China that can be traced back at least 2,500 years. The general theory of acupuncture is based on the premise that there are patterns of energy flow (Qi) through the body that are essential for health. Disruptions of this flow are believed to be responsible for disease. Acupuncture may, it has been theorized, correct imbalances of flow at identifiable points close to the skin.

The practice of acupuncture to treat identifiable pathophysiological (disease) conditions in American medicine was rare until the visit of President Richard M. Nixon to China in 1972. Since that time, there has been an explosion of interest in the United States and Europe in the application of the technique of acupuncture to Western medicine.

Acupuncture is a family of procedures involving stimulation of anatomical locations on or in the skin by a variety of techniques. There are a variety of approaches to diagnosis and treatment in American acupuncture that incorporate medical traditions from China, Japan, Korea, and other countries. The most thoroughly studied mechanism of stimulation of acupuncture points employs penetration of the skin by thin, solid, metallic needles, which are manipulated manually, or by electrical stimulation.

How does acupuncture work?

Here are current thoughts from the National Institutes of Health on the manner by which acupuncture might produce beneficial health results.

Many studies, in animals and humans, have demonstrated that acupuncture can cause multiple biological responses. These responses can occur locally, i.e., at or close to the site of application, or at a distance.  Mediated mainly by sensory neurons to many structures within the central nervous system. This can lead to activation of pathways affecting various physiological systems in the brain, as well as in the periphery. A focus of attention has been the role of endogenous opioids in acupuncture analgesia. Considerable evidence supports the claim that opioid peptides are released during acupuncture, and that the analgesic effects of acupuncture are at least partially explained by their actions. That opioid antagonists, such as naloxone, reverse the analgesic effects of acupuncture. This further strengthens this hypothesis. Stimulation by acupuncture may also activate the hypothalamus, and the pituitary gland.   This results in a broad spectrum of systemic effects. Alteration in the secretion of neurotransmitters, neurohormones, and changes in the regulation of blood flow, both centrally and peripherally, have been documented. There is also evidence that there are alterations in immune functions produced by acupuncture. Which of these and other physiological changes mediate clinical effects is at present unclear.

Image result for acupuncture points

Despite considerable efforts to understand the anatomy and physiology of the “acupuncture points,” the definition and characterization of these points remains controversial. Even more elusive is the scientific basis of some of the key traditional Eastern medical concepts, such as the circulation of Qi, the meridian system, and other related theories. Which are difficult to reconcile with contemporary biomedical information, but continue to play an important role in the evaluation of patients and the formulation of treatment in acupuncture.

Some of the biological effects of acupuncture have also been observed when “sham” acupuncture points are stimulated. Thus, highlighting the importance of defining appropriate control groups in assessing biological changes purported to be due to acupuncture. Such findings raise questions regarding the specificity of these biological changes. In addition, similar biological alterations, including the release of endogenous opioids and changes in blood pressure, have been observed after painful stimuli, vigorous exercise, and/or relaxation training.  It is at present unclear to what extent acupuncture shares similar biological mechanisms.

It should be noted also that for any therapeutic intervention, including acupuncture, the so-called “non-specific” effects account for a substantial proportion of its effectiveness, and thus, should not be casually discounted. Many factors may profoundly determine therapeutic outcome. This is including the quality of the relationship between the clinician and the patient, the degree of trust,  and the expectations of the patient. Also, the compatibility of the backgrounds and belief systems of the clinician and the patient, as well as, a myriad of factors that together define the therapeutic milieu.

Read more about acupuncture benefits and safe »

Although, much remains unknown regarding the mechanism(s) that might mediate the therapeutic effect of acupuncture.  It is encouraging that a number of significant acupuncture-related biological changes can be identified and carefully delineated.

Further research in this direction not only is important for elucidating the phenomena associated with acupuncture, but also has the potential for exploring new pathways in human physiology not previously examined in a systematic manner.

Are there standards for acupuncture needles?

After reviewing the existing body of knowledge, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) removed acupuncture needles from the category of “experimental medical devices.” The FDA now regulates acupuncture needles, just as it does other devices such as surgical scalpels and hypodermic syringes, under good manufacturing practices and single-use standards of sterility.

 

Image result for cupping

What is cupping?

Cupping therapy is usually used as part of acupuncture or body work treatment.

Cupping therapy involves heating the air inside a glass cup, which removes some of the air from the cup. The cup is then quickly placed on the skin, and the resulting vacuum pulls the skin part of the way into the cup. The cup may be left in place for several minutes, and then removed. Thus, leaving behind a bright red, circular welt. The theory behind cupping is that it moves or stimulates the body’s natural energy – also called qi.

Image result for acupuncture

What is Moxibustion?

Moxibustion is a form of heat therapy in which dried plant materials called “moxa” are burned on or very near the surface of the skin. The intention is to warm and invigorate the flow of Qi in the body and dispel certain pathogenic influences.

There are so many different types of moxibustion that practitioners have many choices in the application and form of “moxa” used with patients. Moxibustion as a healing practice is as old as acupuncture itself; in fact, the Chinese word for acupuncture, zhenjiu, refers directly to this technique. Moxibustion is believed to have originated in China over 2,500 years ago, though it is likely that more rudimentary forms of moxibustion may actually predate acupuncture.

Image result for moxibustion

Like all traditional Chinese treatments, the goal of moxibustion is to bring the body into balance and ensure a consistent flow of qi. In this case, balance is achieved by the burning of moxa (ai ye in Chinese herbal medicine), or dried mugwort (artemesia vulgaris in Latin), close to or directly on the skin. This powerful medicinal herb has a long history in both China and the West, and is perhaps best known in America for its close association with the “witches” of Medieval Europe. This is because of its frequent use in folk remedies, particularly to ease stomach pain, menstrual irregularities, anxiety, and itchy skin.

Image result for electro-acupuncture

What is electro-acupuncture?

Electro-acupuncture is quite similar to traditional acupuncture in that the same points are stimulated during treatment. As with traditional acupuncture, needles are inserted on specific points along the body. The needles are then attached to a device that generates continuous electric pulses using small clips. These devices are used to adjust the frequency and intensity of the impulse being delivered, depending on the condition being treated. Electro-acupuncture uses two needles at time so that the impulses can pass from one needle to the other. Several pairs of needles can be stimulated simultaneously, usually for no more than 30 minutes at a time.

According to the principles of traditional Chinese medicine, illness is caused when qi does not flow properly throughout the body. Acupuncturists determine whether qi is weak, stagnant or otherwise out of balance, which indicates the points to be stimulated. Electroa-cupuncture is considered to be especially useful for conditions in which there is an accumulation of qi, such as in chronic pain syndromes, or in cases where the qi is difficult to stimulate.

What are the possible side effects of acupuncture?

The most common serious injury reported from the needles of acupuncture has been accidental puncture of the lung. This can result in a partial collapse of the lung called pneumothorax. The most common infection reported from acupuncture treatments is viral hepatitis, a potentially serious infection of the liver. Other side effects include bacterial infections locally at the site of needle insertion in the skin, and elsewhere in the body. Generally, side effects seem to relate to poor hygiene and training of the acupuncturist.

For what conditions has acupuncture treatment been found helpful?

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) Consensus Development Program was established in 1977 and is designed to assess health technology. The program organizes major conferences that produce consensus statements and technology assessment statements on controversial issues in medicine important to health care providers, patients, and the general public. The following statement is from the NIH Consensus Development Statement on Acupuncture on November 3-5, 1997.

Acupuncture, as a therapeutic intervention, is widely practiced in the United States. There have been many studies of its potential usefulness. However, many of these studies provide equivocal results because of design, sample size, and other factors. The issue is further complicated by inherent difficulties in the use of appropriate controls, such as placebo and sham acupuncture groups.

Image result for acupuncture needles

However, promising results have emerged.  For example, efficacy of acupuncture in adult post-operative and chemotherapy nausea and vomiting, and in post-operative dental pain. There are other situations, such as addiction, stroke rehabilitation, headache, menstrual cramps, tennis elbow, fibromyalgia, myofascial pain, osteoarthritis, low back pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, and asthma, where acupuncture may be useful as an adjunct treatment An acceptable alternative or be included in a comprehensive management program.

Findings from basic research have begun to elucidate the mechanisms of action of acupuncture. This is including the release of opioids and other peptides in the central nervous system, as well as the periphery and changes in neuroendocrine function. Although, much needs to be accomplished.  The emergence of plausible mechanisms for the therapeutic effects of acupuncture is encouraging.

The introduction of acupuncture into the choice of treatment modalities that are readily available to the public is in its early stages. Issues of training, licensure, and reimbursement remain to be clarified. There is sufficient evidence, however, of acupuncture’s value to expand its use into conventional medicine.  Also to encourage further studies of its physiology and clinical value.  This statement is representative of the opinions of current standard medical practice.

To learn more from Laura herself, please view our new videos. http://acupunctureofiowa.com/public-videos/

Everything You Need To Know About Acupuncture (And Its Benefits)

,

Acupuncture is more than just sticking needles into the body. Sure, it does involve needles, but there is an intricate art to make sure it offers you all the potential benefits. Therefore you need to see a professional when you want to go through the process of acupuncture.

There are many questions that people have when it comes to the Chinese medicinal practice. Will it hurt? How long will it take? What’s it for?

Here’s a look at everything you need to know about acupuncture and just how you will benefit from having it.

What Is Acupuncture?

 

You will likely know that acupuncture is a holistic approach to many medical problems. It’s a Chinese medical practice, using absolutely no pharmaceutical drugs to treat conditions. A trained practitioner will place thin needles in certain pressure points within the body. They can be in the head, back, legs, and more.

The needles are usually placed where pain or problems are experienced. However, this isn’t always the case. It will depend on the reason for your pain or ailment.

Out of all Chinese medical practices, acupuncture is the most popular within the Westerns world. It’s a complimentary treatment, which means you can go through it while following other Western medical treatment plans. Over centuries acupuncture has developed into what it is today, and the Chinese continue to develop the treatment to make sure it is safe and beneficial.

While many people will think of acupuncture to treat pain, it isn’t just for this. It can help to relieve stress and treat some diseases. It’s often mixed with other types of Chinese or herbal therapies to make the most of the treatment.

Does Acupuncture Hurt?

I can understand why you would ask this question. You have needles placed into your skin. When you go for blood tests, you will likely feel the needle breaking your skin. It can be a sharp pain, and for some people, the pain lasts for ages.

Isn’t acupuncture supposed to treat pain? Why would it involve something that hurts?

Well, the truth is that acupuncture doesn’t hurt. While needles are used, they don’t go deep enough to affect the nerves. They are also tiny needles that you will barely feel breaking the skin. Many patients share that they have no idea the needles have been placed until the practitioner leaves them to relax.

One of the biggest reasons people will get acupuncture is to treat chronic pain. The pressure from the needles on strategic points helps to boost the blood flow and reduce inflammation. Instead of experiencing more pain, you can feel the pain leave your body.

It’s not just the practitioners and patients that say this. Studies have shown that acupuncture doesn’t hurt. It helps to solve painful conditions instead.

Do Western Doctors Recommend It?

There is a common issue with holistic practices in the Western World. While many treatments can help, doctors will refuse to recommend them. There is a range of reasons for this, but one of those is linked to the lack of proof that the treatments will work.

This isn’t the case when it comes to acupuncture. This is an herbal treatment that is often highly recommended by doctors, depending on the condition. It can be highly recommended for those suffering from chronic pain, some chronic conditions, and inflammation. However, doctors will only recommend it when the studies have been positive or are looking positive.

There are still many studies into the treatment option. Scientists want to know if this can help with a range of mental disorders since it helps to reduce stress in patients. There are hopes that it can help cure depression, anxiety, and other conditions.

In most of cases, doctors will recommend the treatment. If they don’t recommend it, they will often back your idea to try it. There are no risks associated with the treatment, which makes it a safe option to test. However, doctors will often recommend it alongside your normal Western treatments.

While going through acupuncture, your doctor will also recommend other holistic methods of treatment. It’s all about a healthy lifestyle, which includes a good diet and exercise.

Is Acupuncture Safe?

As mentioned, there are no risks involved with acupuncture. However, this is only when you follow some guidelines. You will want to make sure that any practitioner is licensed and trained. There are many people who claim to be practitioners. Remember that you’re having needles stuck into your skin.

It’s essential that any place you visit is clean and reputable. The practitioners will have guidelines that they need to follow to ensure the workspace and needles are sterile.

If you are in doubt, you can always ask about how the needles are cleaned and cared for. If a practitioner is going to dodge your question, find a better person.

Because of the success of acupuncture, the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) does regulate the needles. They are classed as medical supplies, which means that they must be sterile and toxic free. This offers you some extra protection, as there are some limits on the type of people who can buy them.

Is It Safe During Pregnancy?

 Most of treatments available aren’t suitable for expectant mothers. The great news is that this isn’t the case when it comes to acupuncture. The treatment is considered safe for pregnant women.

However, you will need to make sure you hire a professional practitioner. There will be certain pressure points that a licensed practitioner will want to avoid during pregnancy. They can cause problems for the baby and bring on pre-term labor.

You will need to do your research. Your doctor or health practitioner may be able to recommend a reputable place for your acupuncture. There are certainly some benefits during pregnancy to having this holistic treatment done.

What Are the Benefits of Acupuncture?

Now that you know about acupuncture and what it entails, it’s time to look at the benefits that the Chinese therapy is supposed to help with. Just how could you gain by going through the process on a regular basis. There are multiple benefits to going through acupuncture. Here’s a look at the biggest ways, with the scientific research that backs up patient and practitioner claims.

Reduce migraines and headaches. One of the biggest benefits is surrounding migraines and headaches. If you regularly suffer from migraines, you’ll know how debilitating they are. This isn’t just a headache that goes away after a couple of Tylenol. Migraines knock you for six, leaving you feeling exhausted, sick, and in agony. Just light makes it worse, and even the sound of breathing can make you feel bad.

Of course, you can also suffer from severe headaches. They’re not quite as bad as migraines, but they don’t go away easily. Tension headaches are among the worst offenders.

Studies have shown that acupuncture can help to get rid of headaches and migraines. These studies involved patients who had frequent tension headaches of a chronic nature. The patients didn’t need any pharmaceutical products to get rid of their chronic pain.

Clinical trials have even compared real acupuncture to a placebo-type version. The clinical trials also included those who received absolutely no treatments. Throughout the trials, it was those who received the real deal that saw an improvement in their lifestyle. They had a reduction in their symptoms and suffered fewer migraines and headaches daily. Those who had the placebo method saw no changes at all.

During follow up assessments, the benefits continued in those who had the real acupuncture. It’s not clear if these patients continued to seek the treatment or stopped after the clinical trial.

The great news from this is that chronic headaches daily can be a thing of the past. The study hasn’t explained just why it happens, but it may be linked to the reduction in stress, which is a benefit within itself.

Improve chronic pain elsewhere in the body. It’s not just your head that benefits from acupuncture. Studies have also found that acupuncture can help to reduce chronic pain in other parts of the body. This has been especially the case in those who have neck or back pain or have arthritis in the joints.

This benefit was noted in an earlier study than the headache benefits. The initial tests were in patients with lower back pain, and patients found that they didn’t have as many symptoms after going through eight weeks of acupuncture.

There have been more studies over the years, considering all the other types of chronic pain patients can face. Studies show results in those with arthritis, shoulder pain, and even upper back or neck pain. Almost 20,000 patients were involved in the most recent studies showing the benefits.

Like with the studies involving headaches, the patients would either get a placebo type or the real acupuncture. Those who receive the placebo type didn’t see the same results, making it clear that this isn’t all in mind.

Because of the studies, many more doctors are recommending acupuncture to their patients. There is nothing to lose when it is a complimentary treatment.

Slowing down cognitive decline. A major benefit that has been noticed in the past is the ability to prevent and slow down cognitive decline. Acupuncture has proven beneficial to slow down the development of Parkinson’s disease. Acupuncture has even shown the ability to reverse some of the conditions. In fact, 85% of patients in the trials showed that some symptoms were relieved. Not all the same symptoms were relieved in every patient, due to the development of the disease. It is a good sign, though.

Scientists have found that acupuncture can help to generate a neural response within the brain. It’s the decline of the neural responses that can lead to diseases like Parkinson’s disease. Patients found that they lost their tremors and found it easier to sleep or walk. They didn’t have as much pain, and their mental health improved since their symptoms did.

The best news is that acupuncture showed now negative effects. Doctors are more likely to recommend it since there is nothing to lose but a lot to gain.

One of the downsides to the study is the lack of information on the Parkinson’s stages before and after the trial. Those who are in later stages may not see the same benefits.

While the neural response was improved, there are no signs that acupuncture can help with other mental and cognitive problems yet. There are still ongoing studies to see if it can help treat depression, anxiety, and more.

Improve postpartum health. Pregnant women are often recommended acupuncture, if they think carefully about their practitioner. It’s not surprising that the treatment can help to relieve the pain from pregnancy, especially as the joints start to loosen off.

However, it’s not just pregnant women who can benefit. After giving birth is a painful and stressful time. Acupuncture can be extremely useful then.

The treatment helps with the balancing of hormones. It reduces the stress, which can also help ease anxiety. This is something that can even be used during labor to help naturally deal with the pain and reduce anxiety surrounding giving birth. It is best used before labor to prepare.

After the birth, it is possible that it can help reduce the onset of postpartum depression. There are no full studies into this just yet.

Reduce your stress levels. One of the most powerful things about acupuncture is that it balances your hormones. It can help to get rid of anxiety and stress from your body. You may have stress without even realizing it. This is a problem that will affect your overall health.

Stress will upset your digestive and immune systems, prevent you from sleeping, and cause pain in your neck and shoulders. It can increase your blood pressure and put you at higher risks of developing various diseases and conditions.

While there are medications that you can take, acupuncture has proven more successful. After all, the medications treat the symptoms of stress. The acupuncture treats the stress itself. This is best with a good diet, exercise, and focus on managing your stress levels yourself.

Can Acupuncture Help Prevent Cancer?

There are some theories that acupuncture is good for preventing and treating cancer. This isn’t quite the case. While studies have considered it, they’ve mostly focused on how acupuncture can help with the recovery process.

The treatments don’t affect your cancerous cells. Patients have still been through chemotherapy and other treatments to kill the cancer cells. What the acupuncture does is make the side effects from the treatments easier to handle.

Studies have shown that acupuncture can leave patients to feel less nauseous after their treatments. They feel like they have more energy and are more themselves. Their stress levels aren’t as affected, which means their immunity is better.This then helps to prevent other diseases affecting the body, making it harder to fight against cancer.

Acupuncture can help to protect the healthy cells, preventing cancer from spreading. However, it doesn’t quite remove cancer from the body. The treatments do that, but they get to work more effectively because of the acupuncture.

Remember that this is a complimentary treatment. There have been no side effects shown by using acupuncture with other treatments.

Are You Going to Opt for Acupuncture?

You may be surprised at all the ways this Chinese treatment can help. There’s a reason why the Western World has opted for it more. Doctors have noticed that this is something that offers a range of benefits and not just of a placebo nature. More and more chronic pain patients are finding pain relief without medications.

This doesn’t mean you should just jump right into treatments. It’s worth discussing your condition with your doctor and finding out more about how acupuncture could help. You should also discuss getting the treatment alongside your current medication.

When you do decide to opt for this treatment, find out more about the practitioners in your area. You want one that is fully licensed and trained. While there are no adverse effects noted, this is based on using a professional. There are still many risks involved with using unsterile or toxic needles in the skin.

Chinese Herb Formulas

, , ,

Image result for pics of chinese herbs

Today we are going to talk about Chinese Herb formulas for common ailments. Chinese herbal formulas are backed by over 2000 years of recorded use as well as modern research and clinical practice. These are just some simple Chinese herbs to keep on hand for simple things. These are for things like heartburn, bruises, sleep aids, digestion, flu, cold, sore throat, and ect. We call it the Chinese Medicine Chest.

 Pain

*Tieh Ta Wan:  Used for acute traumatic injuries and sports injuries. It alleviates pain, reduces swelling, and aids in the rapid resolution of the injury. Used for bruises, strains, sprains, dislocations, torn ligaments, fractures, ect.

*Tou Pian: Relieves headaches and sinus pain. It is a safe alternative to over-the-counter pain relievers.

*Shu Jing Huo Xue Tang: Excellent formula to address chronic pain and pain associated with aging. It is especially beneficial for leg pain, sciatica-type pain, joint pain.

*Du Huo Ji Sheng Wan: Low Back Pain

*Ching Wan Hun: Ointment for Burns

 Sleep Aids

*An Mien Pian: Used for insomnia when it is difficult to fell asleep. This formula’s sedative action natually calms the mind to aid in a good night’s sleep. It can also be beneficial for anxiety, panic attacks, palpitations, and depression.

*Suan Zao Ren Tang: Treats insomnia when there is difficulty staying asleep. Frequent waking and limited ability to fall into deep sleep are primary indications for this formula. Night sweats, restlessness, and irritability may often be present a well.

 Emotional Support

*Chai Hu Jia Long Gu Mu Li Tang: Commonly used for acute anxiety attacks, tight chest, palpitations, restlessness, and irritability. It is great to keep on hand for high-stress situations and the feeling of being overwhelmed by life.

*Xiao Yao San: One of the most popular Chinese herbal formulas in the world. One reason for its popularity is its wide range of applications. This formula helps regulate moods, treating conditions ike depression, irritability, pent up anger, restlessness, and anxiety. It helps with digestive discomfort, bloating gas, poor appetite, bowel irregularities, constipation, ect. It also addresses menstrual issues, such as irregular or painful menstruation, breast tenderness, and PMS.

Image result for pics of chinese herbs
Indigestion/Digestion Problems

*Tao Ren Cong Rong Wan: Moistens the intestines and promotes healthy regular bowel movements. This formula addresses constipation with dry, hard, and difficult-to-pass stools.

*Jia Wei Kang Ning Wan: An Excellent formula to keep on hand for acute digestive distress. It is used for a variety of digestive complaints, including nausea, stomach upset or stomach flu, abdominal discomfort, indigestion, diarrhea, loose stools, belching, excess flatulence, and morning sickness.

*Po Chai Pills: Traveler’s Diarrhea

*Curing Pills: Heartburn

Skin

*Zhen Zhu Yu Rong Fang: Used for the treatment of facial acne, and to help prevent future acne blemishes. It improves the texture and appearance of the skin. It can also be used for hives, eczema, and red or itchy skin rashes. It is suited for both adolescents and adults.

 Cold/Cough/Sinus/Allergies/Flu

*Gan Mao Ling: Excellent formula to stave off the common cold. It is best to start taking this formula upon the first signs of feeling under the weather-helping to prevent or reduce the severity of the common cold. If a cold is going around the office or school, take this formula as a preventative to give your immune system an added boost.

*Yin Qiao San: Used for the common cold where the primary symptoms are a sore throat, fever, and chills–with sore throat being predominant–cough, and stuffy nose with yellow mucus.

*Watermelon Frost: Sore throat

*Gui Zhi Tang: Used for the common cold where the primary symptoms are cough with thin white sputum, body aches, chills, and fever–with chills being predominant–fatigue, nasal congestion and/or drainage that is white in color. Also, symptoms that are unrelieved by sweating.

*Chuan Bei Ban Xia Tang: This is an excellent cough suppressant. It soothes the throat and arrests the cough, especially for the loud barking or rattling coughs. Also helps if you are expectorating yellow, sticky sputum. It is available as a tablet or syrup.

*Xin Yi San: Used for allergy symptoms manifesting a sinus congestion with sinus discharge that is clear or white in color, sinus pressure and pain, post-nasal drip, and sinus headache.

*Cang Er Pian: Treats allergies, hay fever, and acute sinus infections. Symptoms will present as sinus congestion, sinus discharge that is yellow or green in color, sinus head ache, and/or sinus pain. For recurrent sinus infections, this is a must-have formula to keep on hand.

*Yu Ping Feng Jia Cang Er San: This formula addresses seasonal allergies and hay fever. It boosts the immune system to help resolve allergy symptoms. It’s especially beneficial for those individuals, besides having allergies, who feel run down, fatigue, shortness of breathe, and who easily catches colds.

*White Tiger Decoction: Influenza with a high fever

The following are formulas for children.

*Huo Xiang Zheng Qi Gao: Can be used for acute stomach upset caused by stomach “flu”  manifesting as nausea, vomiting, and stomach discomfort.

*Xiao Er Zi Yu Fang: Excellent formula for children who need a boost to their immune sytsem. This formula helps enhance the body’s natural defenses. It reduces the severity and frequency of colds, allergies, and respiratory infections that are common among children.

*Xiao Er Zi qing Fei Fang: Used for a loud barking cough or any cough with sticky yellow or  green phlegm. NOTE: This formula is note appropriate for a dry cough, or when phlegm is white or clear.

*Hai Er fang: Used for acute, painful, or inflamed ear infections. This formula is taken orally, and is a nice alternative to Western antibiotics. It is effective for adults as well as children.

 

Well, there you go. This is your guide to create your very own Chinese Herbal Medicine Cabinet. These are tried and true Chinese Herbal formulas to address common, everyday health issues.

To get help putting these together, go to a Certified Chinese Herbalist. Laura is Certified in this area, and is a great source to come to for all your Chinese Herb questions. Call and set up an appointment with Laura to get your Chinese Herbal Medicine Cabinet started.

For more Chinese Herb Formulas, Click on the following link:             http://www.liferising.com/product/product.html

To learn more about Chinese Herb History, click on the following link:  http://www.chineseherbshealing.com/

 

 

 

 

 

 

Load More