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Research: Acupuncture Effective for Vertigo and Neck problems

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A new study concludes that acupuncture effectively treats vertigo caused by a disorder of the neck.

 

Researchers made an interesting discovery during the study. Two phenomena occurred simultaneously as a result of acupuncture treatments. Vertigo decreased and blood supply to the vertebral arteries improved significantly.

Researchers investigated the effects of acupuncture on patients with cervical spondylosis, a degenerative condition of the neck between the bodies of the vertebrae. Acupuncture was applied to acupuncture points on the abdomen: CV12 (Zhongwan), CV6 (Qihai), CV4 (Guanyuan), CV10 (Xiawan), KI17 (Shangqu), ST24 (Huaroumen). Acupuncture was administered at a rate of once per day for five days.

Color ultrasonography was used to measure variations in blood flow to the cervical arteries. Significant improvements were measured in vertebral artery diameter and blood flow rate. The blood flow rate improved in both mean velocity and flow per minute. The researchers concluded that this acupuncture point prescription in the abdominal region relieves clinical symptoms of cervical spondylosis, including vertigo, and improves arterial blood supply.

A similar study found acupuncture effective in the treatment of cervical spondylosis. This condition often results in a variety of symptoms including pain, numbness and weakness of the limbs. The researchers compared two approaches to determine if one was a more effective acupuncture treatment protocol than the other.

The patients in group A received a three pronged approach to care. First, they were needled at acupuncture points Bailao (Ex-HN15), Ht7 (Shenmen) and SI4 (Wangu). Following stage one acupuncture, they received moxibustion treatment at GV14 (Dazhui), UB15 (Xinshu) and UB23 (Shenshu). The final stage of the acupuncture treatment protocol employed intradermal acupuncture needling at Bailao (Ex-HN15), UB15 and UB23. Group B received a distinctly different treatment regime. First, they received acupuncture at Bailao and TB3 (Zhongzhu). In a second and final prong of care, they received intradermal acupuncture needling at Bailao and SI15. Some interesting data resulted from the comparison.

Group A and Group B demonstrated clinically significant improvements as a result of the applied acupuncture treatment protocols. However, one group showed a significant spike in efficaciousness for patients over the age of 45. Group A was found to demonstrate clinically superior efficaciousness for that age segment. As a result, the researchers suggest that patients over 45 years of age received the group A protocol for the treatment of chronic cervical spondylosis over the group B protocol.

Reference:
Ai, Z., G. D. Liu, X. C. Xiong, and F. B. Hou. “[Impacts on vertebral arterial blood flow of cervical spondylosis of vertebral artery type treated by abdominal acupuncture].” Zhongguo zhen jiu= Chinese acupuncture & moxibustion 33, no. 7 (2013): 601-604.

Zhongguo Zhen Jiu. 2012 Sep;32(9):769-75. [Chronic neck pain of cervical spondylosis treated with acupuncture and moxibustion in terms of the heart and kidney theory: a randomized controlled trial]. Xu SJ, Liang ZH, Fu WB. Acupuncture-Moxibustion Department of Guangdong Hospital of TCM, Guangzhou, China.

– See more at: http://www.healthcmi.com/acupuncturist-news-online/828-vertigocv12cv6#sthash.cjex4mfC.dpuf

Research: Acupuncture and Herbs Successfully Treat Ulcerative Colitis

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New research finds a very powerful Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) herb effective in resolving ulcerative colitis. The patients examined in the study published in the World Journal of Gastroenterology suffered from intractable ulcerative colitis and were unresponsive to conventional drug therapy. After use of the herbal medicine, 6 of the 7 patients in the study were able to completely discontinue the use of anti-inflammatory medications. This included the use of aminosalicylates, corticosteroids and azathioprine. Endoscopy and symptomatic responses showed everything from significant clinical improvements to a complete resolution of the condition.

Herbal Powder
The patients orally self-administered 1 gram of Qing Dai (Indigo Naturalis) powder, 2 times per day for 4 months. The results of the herbal program demonstrated significant clinical and objective improvements such that 6 of the 7 patients completely discontinued the use of prednisolone, a corticosteroid used to control ulcerative colitis. The researchers examined Qing Dai to learn more about its effective mechanisms of action. Using electron spin resonance, they discovered that Qing Dai has potent hydroxl radical scavenging activity. This discovery prompted the researchers to recommend further investigation into the mechanisms of Qing Dai’s anti-inflammatory effects.

This research coincides with other recent research demonstrating that acupuncture and herbal medicine are effective in the clearing of chronic ulcerative colitis. Published in the Clinical Journal of Chinese Medicine, the study showed that a combination of herbal enemas consisting of Ku Shen and Bai Tou Weng combined with an acupuncture treatment regime was significantly more effective than taking antibiotics for resolving ulcerative colitis.

The Qing Dai study examined the oral administration of Qing Dai in its powdered form. Qing Dai has received a great deal of attention in modern research. One recent research study found that I3M, synthesized from the indirubin found in Qing Dai, downregulates cancerous tissues when applied topically to oral cancer. This shows great potential for the treatment of oral cancer. Historically, TCM documents Qing Dai as an important herb in the treatment of ulcers in the mouth and tongue. TCM also documents the use of Qing Dai as a topical paste for the treatment of acne and topical ointment for the treatment psoriasis. HealthCMi recently published instructions on how to prepare the anti-acne topical paste in its blog section. Visit the Healthcare Medicine Institute’s blog to learn more.

The I3M study cited the TCM formula Dang Gui Long Hui Wan as an historically important herbal compound for the treatment of chronic myelocytic leukemia. Many sources include Qing Dai as one of the ingredients in this formula that contains Dang Gui, Long Dan Cao, Zhi Zi, Huang Lian, Huang Bai, Huang Qin, Lu Hui, Da Huang, Qing Dai, Mu Xiang, She Xiang and Sheng Jiang. The researchers suggest that the indigo dye found in Qing Dai is partially responsible for the herbal formula’s efficaciousness given the modern research demonstrating that indirubin powerfully inhibits several types of human cancer cells. The Qing Dai researchers noted that modern studies demonstrate that indirubin has anti-inflammatory effects by suppressing interferon-alpha, interleukin-6 and nuclear factor. They added that Qing Dai has been shown to exert anti-inflammatory “effects on human neutrophils based on its ability to suppress superoxide generation.”

Clinical Highlight
The Qing Dai study highlighted specific clinical results of its participants. One patient vignette was of a man suffering from ulcerative colitis with hematochezia, the passage of fresh blood through the anus. This patient had taken antibiotics and prednisolone to control the hematochezia. However, he was unable to reduce the dosage of prednisolone without the return of hematochezia. Over time, the patient needed to increase the drug dosages to maintain clinical results and he showed no clinical improvements in his baseline condition. After 3 years, he began the Qing Dai treatments and after one month the hematochezia resolved completely. Objective testing also showed a marked decrease in serum C-reactive protein levels. The patient was able to discontinue the use of all drugs. Endoscopy revealed that his ulcers completely disappeared. A follow-up confirmed that the therapeutic effect of Qing Dai therapy lasted for more than 2 years.

The researchers note that other related research finds important clinical results from the use of Qing Dai. Yuan, et al, discovered that Qing Dai enemas are clinically effective for the treatment of chronic hemorrhagic radiation proctitis. Given the recent research combining acupuncture with herbal medicine demonstrating that enemas of Ku Shen combined with Bai Tou Weng are effective for the treatment of ulcerative colitis, it may be consistent that adding Qing Dai to the enema will enhance its therapeutic effects.

Distinct from Qing Dai used as a one herb formula for the treatment of chronic ulcerative colitis is its use within herbal formulas within the scope of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Differential diagnostics within the TCM system recognise Qing Dai’s appropriate application for this biomedically defined disorder in cases of Heat in the Blood, Damp Heat and Heat and Toxins. However, some clinical presentations of chronic ulcerative colitis may be due to cases of cold and deficiency. In these instances, herbal medicines with very different biological functions may exert more effective clinical actions for the treatment of chronic ulcerative colitis.

 

– See more at: http://www.healthcmi.com/acupuncturist-news-online/814-ulcerativecolitis67#sthash.XT6A1ozh.dpuf

Acupuncture Cuts Heroin Cravings and Anxiety

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(adapted from Healthcare Medicine Institute, Aug 15 edition)

Research comparing 60 heroin-addicted patients—two groups of 30 patients each—cite electroacupuncture at Jiaji points as being more successful in achieving better clinical results in 30 patients than did Methadone and Doxepin in group B, also consisting of 30 patients. The article, titled “Acupuncture Cuts Heroin Cravings and Anxiety—New Research,” was authored by Mu, Jing-ping, Li Liu, Heng Liao, Huan-gan Wu, and Ping Xu (“Effect of electroacupuncture on anxiety and craving in heroin addicts during detoxification.” Journal of Acupuncture and Tuina Science)

Researchers concluded that, “Electroacupuncture at Jiaji points can effectively alleviate anxiety and craving intensity in heroin addicts during detoxification.” The other recent study measured the ability of electroacupuncture to regulate opioids within the body. Investigators note that, “Acupuncture does release endogenous opioids….” and that evidence is very strong regarding electroacupuncture, although there is also evidence demonstrating that manual acupuncture has this effect.

Laura Christensen’s response: Previously, we have thought that ear acupuncture, or auriculotherapy was the best treatment for addiction, but this provides a new tool for us to use in our work with folks in withdrawal from opiates, and probably also other drugs. We have found the Jia Ji points are very helpful for a number of conditions. They are located about 1/2 inch lateral to the spinous process of each vertebra. Even massage on these points is beneficial.

 

 

New evidence points to intestinal “leaky-ness” as root of many illnesses including mental health problems and allergies

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New research in the field of gastroenterology is showing that there is a close relationship between the function of the brain and the gastrointestinal physiology including the nerves that control the gut. When the brain does not send proper signals to the gut, the gut can develop many disorders, including larger than normal spaces between the cells that line the small intestine. This is commonly referred to as ‘leaky gut syndrome’. Leaky gut can also be the result of chronic imbalances of the proper microbes that should inhabit the gut, in cases like candida yeast overgrowth. People with the antibody to gluten can easily develop this porous gut lining as well. We have recently heard that as many as 1 in 8 people has an antibody to gluten.

We see many patients every day who show evidence of this basic pathology as a root cause of many of their problems. Symptoms can include: Allergies, food sensitivities, multiple chemical sensitivity syndrome, fibromyalgia, arthritis, inflammation, headaches, frequent infections, auto-immune problems, digestive symptoms of all kinds, thyroid and adrenal problems, depression, anxiety, insomnia, autism, schizophrenia, and more.

There are many ingestible materials that can help heal the lining of the gut and normalize the microscopic creatures that inhabit the gut. In the field of Chinese medicine, there are specific formulas of herbs that can help to heal the gut lining. In Euro-American herbalism there are well-known herbs that can help heal the gut lining. In the field of nutrition, we have many supplements and protocols that help heal the gut lining.

The GAPS diet (Gut and Psychology Syndrome diet) is often used to heal the lining of the small bowel and discourage the growth of inappropriate organisms.

Eating ‘lactofermented’ veges such as sauerkraut and pickles, and probiotic cultures such as home made yogurt, kefir, and water kefir is also essential to restoring the chemistry and flora of the gut.

At Acupuncture of Iowa we can help you with Leaky Gut using many different tools, including acupuncture to help the immune system and gastrointestinal function, Chinese and Western herbs and nutritional supplements, as well as advice on dietary changes that may be of help to you.

Summer Gut Infections

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Over the past month we have seen quite a few cases of diarrhea and cramping.

The Iowa Department of Public Health says that symptoms that started after July 1 are NOT cyclospora. However, we have heard that there are several “gut bugs” going around in our area. Regardless of the cause, we can help.

At Acupuncture of Iowa we have herbal remedies that can immediately relieve your cramps and diarrhea. We use anti-viral, anti-biotic, and anti-fungal herb formulas in time-tested recipes to help your gut get back to normal. We might follow with a course of probiotics as well, to restore your intestinal flora.

One of the advantages of herbal treatment for these “bugs” is that very few microbes have become resistant to the chemical components of herbs, like they have with Western drugs. We also have anti-viral herbs, which Western medicine cannot match.

Acupuncture can also help to alleviate pain and cramping, as well as reducing general malaise and the immune challenges of this infection.

As a last note, be sure to thoroughly wash all fruits, vegetables, and meats before cooking. Even if lettuce is “prewashed” you should wash it again. I like to fill the sink with water and a little splash of vinegar or bleach, and dump all my fruits and veges in when I get home from the grocery. You can also use a vege wash product, but for my money, vinegar is the best. Just soak and swish a few minutes, then put them in the dish drainer to drip dry. Do not put them back into their original plastic bags, use new ones for storage in the fridge, in case there was contamination on the plastic bags they came home in. For meat, dry with paper towels and wrap well before refrigerating or freezing.

And of course, wash your hands all the time. Consider using hand sanitizer on your way out of the grocery store or when you get to your car.

Let us know if we can help, we have lots of tools for these illnesses and many other summer ailments.

Acupuncture for Allergies and Sinus

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We are seeing many patients now for summer allergies and sinus infections. Acupuncture is very effective at calming down allergies and assisting the immune system to clear up sinus infections. Often we might combine herbs or supplements to assist the acupuncture treatments.

One of the important supplements that can really help respiratory inflammation is Quercitin. Along with Rutin and Hesperidin, these bioflavenoids reduce the histamine secretion that causes redness and swelling in tissues that are irritated, such as in a bug bite. Taking these, along with other materials such as turmeric and ginger can really help the reduce the sensitivity to allergens and respiratory irritations that come along with summer. We recommend Flavonoids, from Intensive Nutrition Services, or D-Hist from Orthomolecular Products for this problem. They have become very popular items in the clinic for this problem.

Sinus infections also often involve a fungal component. Yes, it is an awful thought that you might have fungus in your nose, but this explains why, after a course or two of antibiotics you may still have the swelling and discharge from a sinus infection. Research shows that nearly 80% of all sinus infections have a fungal component. We recommend Sinatrol from Orthomolecular Products for this problem.

Be sure to prepare for fall allergies now instead of waiting till they are full blown with ragweed and falling leaves and mold. Call us for a consultation or to set up an acupuncture treatment.

New Study–Acupuncture and Herbs Protect Pregnancy, Prevent Miscarriage

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http://www.healthcmi.com/acupuncturist-news-online/780-miscarriageoregon

New research published by the Oregon College of Oriental Medicine demonstrated the efficacy of acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine for the treatment of recurrent pregnancy losses. A team of acupuncturists combined Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) therapies in a clinical study of a 42 year old female in Bellevue, Washington suffering from chronic, recurrent pregnancy losses.

TCM Protects Pregnancy

The outcome of the study suggests that a combination of acupuncture and herbal medicine enhances fertility and prevents miscarriages. The clinical study tracked the progress of the patient from six months prior to conception to the successful delivery of a healthy boy at full term using Traditional Chinese Medicine as the therapeutic modality to achieve a positive clinical outcome. As a result of these findings, the researchers suggest more research to confirm the level of effectiveness of the procedures.

According to Traditional Chinese Medicine theory, chronic miscarriages may be due to a variety of differential diagnoses including: kidney deficiency, Qi and blood deficiency, heat in the blood, trauma and disorders of the Dai, Chong and Ren channels. While there is overlap with biomedical diagnoses, there are many differential diagnostics in the TCM system not found in conventional biomedicine. Several herbal formulas throughout history have been indicated in the TCM system for the protection of the fetus to full term. Shou Tai Wan (Fetus Protecting Pill) is a classic TCM formula for the treatment of kidney deficiency. Tai Yuan Yin (Decoction for Fetus and Essence) is indicated for the treatment of Qi and blood deficiency. Bao Yin Jian (Yin Protecting Decoction) is a classic herbal formula for the treatment of heat in the blood. Si Wu Tang, perhaps one of the most common herbal formulas in TCM, is indicated for the treatment of trauma affecting a fetus. The aforementioned herbal formulas are indicated for a threatened abortion and also for colporrhagia, hemorrhaging from the vagina, during pregnancy. Bu Shen Gu Chong Tang (Kidney Reinforcing and Chong Channel Consolidating Decoction) is also a common herbal formula for the treatment of women suffering from chronic miscarriages.

Given the positive outcome of this recent study on the benefits of acupuncture and herbal medicine in protecting pregnancies, today’s spotlight is on Bao Yin Jian. This herbal formula is comprised of Sheng Di Huang, Shu Di Huang, Bai Shao, Shan Yao, Xu Duan, Huang Qin, Huang Bai and Gan Cao. The Traditional Chinese Medicine function of the formula is to nourish Yin, cool the blood, clear heat and calm the fetus. Indications for use of this formula are bright red colored bleeding during pregnancy, red cheeks and lips, a feeling of excessive heat in the palms & soles, concentrated urination, dry mouth, dry throat and scanty urination. The tongue is usually red with a dry, yellow coating and the pulse is typically slippery and rapid.

Reference:
Hullender Rubin, Lee, Dara Cantor, and Benjamin L. Marx. “Recurrent Pregnancy Loss and Traditional Chinese Medicine.” Medical Acupuncture (2013).

– See more at: http://www.healthcmi.com/acupuncturist-news-online/780-miscarriageoregon#sthash.Y8PZL1Em.dpuf

Acupuncture Research for Low Back Pain Shows Good Results

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New research demonstrates that acupuncture is effective for the treatment of chronic lower back pain. Researchers studied back pain patients in an inpatient rehabilitation clinic in Germany. Two groups of patients were compared. Group 1 received acupuncture plus conventional rehabilitation services. Group 2 received only rehabilitation services. The researchers discovered that patients willingly accepted acupuncture as a means of care and showed significant improvements in physical functioning, overall health and energy levels and improvements in emotional well-being over the conventional care only group. Notably, the acupuncture group also demonstrated significant improvements over the conventional care only group in the area of pain reduction.

 

Low Back Acupuncture

Acupuncture significantly reduced pain levels and reduced radiculopathy experienced as a prickling sensation in the hands and feet. The acupuncture patients had less pain upon sitting, standing and carrying loads of 10kg or greater. The researchers concluded, “Acupuncture was highly accepted and had positive effects in patients with chronic low back pain. These results show that acupuncture can be an effective, well-tolerated therapy with no major adverse events.”

This research is supported by that of investigators in Calgary (Alberta, Canada). In this study, the researchers discovered that acupuncture is effective for the treatment of lower back pain and is also cost-effective. Patients receiving acupuncture for the treatment of lower back pain required approximately 50% less visits to an M.D. than patients who did not received acupuncture. The investigators discovered, in the course of the study, that patients receiving acupuncture spent 37% less on total medical services. Patients not receiving acupuncture had only a 1% drop in medical expenses for the treatment of lower back pain. The researchers concluded that utilizing acupuncture for the treatment of lower back pain reduces overall healthcare spending.

The emergence of new research demonstrating acupuncture’s beneficial effects for the treatment of pain extends to many body parts and conditions. Research published in Clinical Rheumatology finds acupuncture effective for the treatment of fibromyalgia (FMS). The researchers note that acupuncture provides “beneficial effects” for the treatment of fibromyalgia. Another study from the University of Maryland School of Medicine (Baltimore) concludes that “real acupuncture is more effective than sham acupuncture for improving symptoms of patients with FMS.” Another study published by the Mayo Clinic College of Medicine (Rochester, Minnesota) concludes, “We found that acupuncture significantly improved symptoms of fibromyalgia. Symptomatic improvement was not restricted to pain relief and was most significant for fatigue and anxiety.”

Combination therapies have also shown that acupuncture provides significant relief. Researchers concluded that, “Electro-acupuncture coupled with conventional treatments provided a success rate of 80% in chronic planar fasciitis which was more effective than conventional treatments alone.” This type of finding is consistent with the newer integrative medicine model wherein standard rehabilitation care is provided and then augmented with acupuncture therapy. The results demonstrate a synergistic effect and the combination produces significantly better patient outcomes.

References:
Weiß, Johannes, Sabine Quante, Fuping Xue, Rainer Muche, and Monika Reuss-Borst. “Effectiveness and Acceptance of Acupuncture in Patients with Chronic Low Back Pain: Results of a Prospective, Randomized, Controlled Trial.” The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine (2013).

Deutsche Zeitschrift für Akupunktur. Volume 55, Issue 3, 2012, Pages 25–26. Reduced health resource use after acupuncture for low-back pain. S Moritza, MF Liub, B Rickhia, b, c, TJ Xua, P Paccagnana, H Quand.

An overview of systematic reviews of complementary and alternative medicine for fibromyalgia. Rohini Terry, Rachel Perry and Edzard Ernst. Clinical Rheumatology?Volume 31, Number 1 (2012), 55-66, DOI: 10.1007/s10067-011-1783-5.

Berman BM, Ezzo J, Hadhazy V, Swyers JP. Complementary Medicine Program, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore 21207, USA. The Journal of Family Practice [1999, 48(3):213-218].

Mayo Clin Proc. 2006 Jun;81(6):749-57. Improvement in fibromyalgia symptoms with acupuncture: results of a randomized controlled trial. Martin DP, Sletten CD, Williams BA, Berger IH. Department of Anesthesiology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, Minnesota.

The American Journal of Chinese Medicine, An International Journal of Comparative Medicine East and West. Efficacy of Electro-Acupuncture in Chronic Plantar Fasciitis: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Wipoo Kumnerddee and Nitsara Pattapong. Volume 40, Issue 06, 2012.

Shi Ping Zhang, Tsui-Pik Yip, and Qiu-Shi Li.  Acupuncture Treatment for Plantar Fasciitis: A Randomized Controlled Trial with Six Months Follow-Up. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative, Medicine, Volume 2011 (2011), Article ID 154108.

Next >

– See more at: http://www.healthcmi.com/acupuncturist-news-online/779-lowerbackjacm#sthash.C1aqnURY.dpuf

Acupuncture Better than Drugs for Eye Twitching

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http://www.healthcmi.com/acupuncturist-news-online/738-acupunctureeyedrug

A new study concludes that acupuncture is more effective than anticonvulsant drug therapy for the treatment of blepharospasms, an abnormal contraction or twitch of one or more of the eyelids. In severe cases, the eyelids may clamp shut and cause functional blindness. Acupuncture had over a 93% success rate for the treatment of blepharospasms whereas medications had a 75% success rate.

 

The main focus of the study was comparing the effective rate of acupuncture versus anticonvulsant medication. However, interesting patient vignettes emerged wherein the study participants had tried other procedures without successful long-term results. In one case, the study noted that a patient had tried botox injections to control the eyelid spasms but the results only lasted three months. The acupuncture treatments successfully resolved the condition for the patient.

The anticonvulsant medications used in the control group were benzhexol hydrochloride and baclofen. Clonazepam was added to the treatment regime on an as needed basis. Acupuncture points used in the study were LI4 (Hegu), GB20 (Fengchi), DU20 (Baihui), UB2 (Zanzhu), TB23 (Sizhukong) and Taiyang (Ex-Hn5). Ahshi point were added for local spasms of the orbicularis oculi muscles. The ashi needles were 0.25mm in length and Ahshi points were spaced at a distance of 0.3cm between needles. Up to 2 or 3 rows of needles were applied to the muscles as needed with up to 5 needles per row. Sedation technique was applied to LI4 and GB20 after the arrival of Qi. All other primary acupuncture points were stimulated with even reinforcing-reducing manual techniques. The needles were administered up to one treatment per day and needle retention time was 30 minutes.

The acupuncture treatment group had a total of 46 randomly chosen patients of which 32 were completely cured. A total of 7 had marked relief with only increased blinking due to external stimuli, 4 experienced partial relief marked by only a mild quivering of the eyelids and no functional impairment and 3 patients did not respond to treatment. The drug therapy group consisted of 32 patients of which 19 were cured, 4 showed marked improvement, 1 showed partial relief and 8 did not respond to treatment.

Acupuncture Shop Talk
Many studies only test one acupuncture point for its efficaciousness whereas other studies such as this investigate an acupuncture point prescription. Acupuncturists use a variety of acupoints such as SI6, LV3 and GB37 for the treatment of eye disorders. The points chosen for the study represent a standard acupuncture treatment in that the point selection is in common use. Let’s take a look at some of the acupuncture points used in the study.

TB23 (Sizhukong), translated as silken bamboo hollow, is located in the depression at the lateral end of the eyebrow. It is traditionally indicated for the treatment of headaches, eye disorders and facial paralysis. This point is particularly effective for the treatment of eye disorders due to wind-heat. A branch of the main acupuncture channel separates behind the ear, enters the ear and then emerges in front of the ear where it then intersects SI19, GB3 and finally crosses the cheek to terminate at TB23, the final acupuncture point on the triple burner (Sanjiao) channel. This point is needled transversely either medially or posteriorly along the eyebrow.

UB2 (Zanzhu), translated as gathered bamboo, is located in the supraorbital notch at the medial extremity of the eyebrow. Together, TB23 and UB2 effectively needle both ends of the eyebrow as a matched pair. Like TB23, UB2 is indicated for the treatment of headaches and eye disorders.

LI4 is also indicated for headaches and eye disorders but is also a Source Point and Entry Point. LI4 disperses wind, relieves exterior conditions, suppresses pain and clears the channels. LI4 is also commonly used for the treatment of toothaches, deafness, facial edema and paralysis, sore throat, trismus and for febrile conditions. LI4 may be connected to SP6 with electroacupuncture to induce labor. LI4 is also combined with HT6 for the treatment of night sweating and with K7 to induce diaphoresis. LI4 is also combined with LU7 in a Source-Luo point combination.

Reference:
Du, Hai-ying, and Xing-yuan Yu. “Clinical observation on aligned needling in treating idiopathic blepharospasm.” Journal of Acupuncture and Tuina Science 11.2 (2013): 101-103.

Acupuncture Reduces Seizures from Cocaine Withdrawal

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http://www.healthcmi.com/acupuncturist-news-online/748-cocained3

New research demonstrates that acupuncture reduces the incidence of cocaine related seizures and death. Seizures occur at a rate of approximately 2-10% of cocaine users. High doses of cocaine are lethal. In addition, cocaine use is linked to cardiac arrhythmias and cerebral hemorrhages.

 

US Navy Seizes CocaineAcupuncture has a long history in the successful treatment of epilepsy, which prompted researchers to investigate its potential to control cocaine induced seizures. Modern research suggests that this protective effect is due to acupuncture’s ability to increase concentrations of inhibitory amino acids to decrease nitric oxide levels in the central nervous system. The researchers were also interested in the effects of acupuncture based upon findings that acupuncture reduces symptoms associated with morphine and nicotine withdrawal. Specifically, acupuncture administered at acupoint HT7, located on the wrist crease, regulates dopamine releases in the brain via GABA receptors.

The study involved induction of cocaine induced seizures in mice needled at acupuncture points GV14 and GV20. The researchers found that mice receiving acupuncture had less seizures, “Pretreatment of animals with EA [electroacupuncture] (50 Hz) significantly reduced seizure incidence.” A study on the effects of high doses of acupuncture was also tested. Mortality rates dropped significantly in test groups receiving electroacupuncture (2 Hz) to acupuncture points GV14 and GV20. A sham study group receiving acupuncture at acupuncture point SI11 showed a minor decrease in the mortality rate but it did not rise to a statistically significant level. The control group that did not receive any acupuncture showed a significantly higher mortality rate. In an interesting finding, while 2 Hz electroacupuncture showed significant drops in mortality rates, electroacupuncture set to 100 Hz did not exhibit this protective effect. The researchers noted that 2 Hz electroacupuncture “reduced seizures and mortality induced by a high dose of cocaine.”

The investigators note that they have discovered that there is dopamine D3 receptor involvement in the anticonvulsant effects of electroacupuncture. The D3 receptor is a protein encoded by a gene that plays a role in cognitive and emotional functions. D3 agonists demonstrate antidepressant effects. Pharmaceutical drugs target the D3 receptor for the treatment of schizophrenia, drug addiction and Parkinson’s disease. In this research, it has been found that the beneficial effects of electroacupuncture are due, in part, to its regulatory actions on the dopamine D3 receptor. These findings are consistent with other recent research demonstrating that acupuncture enhances antidepressant drug therapy and that acupuncture combined with paroxetine (Paxil, Sereupin, Aropax) is more effective than paroxetine alone. In yet another study conducted at the University of Arizona (Tucson) researchers discovered that “acupuncture can provide significant symptom relief in depression, at rates comparable to those of psychotherapy or pharmacotherapy.” One common theme emerging is that the biochemical effects of acupuncture for the treatment of depression is similar to that of medications. Acupuncture has the ability to increase levels of monoamines. These include the neurotransmitters serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine.

Just recently, an investigation published in the Journal of Psychiatric And Mental Health Nursing discovered that ear acupuncture reduces anxiety and other symptoms brought on by drug and alcohol addiction. The researchers followed protocols established by NADA (National Acupuncture Detoxification Association) and found that subjects receiving acupuncture experienced increased relaxation and a sense of well-being. In another closely related study, researchers found that acupuncture applied to acupoints HT7 and P6 successfully controlled heroin withdrawal symptoms. Much of this research was prompted by a Yale University School of Medicine investigation on human subjects demonstrating that acupuncture is significantly effective in the treatment of cocaine addiction and that acupuncture treatment reduces recidivism.

Acupuncture Point Shop Talk
Let’s take a look at the Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) usages of the acupuncture points used in the study. GV14 is located below the spinous process of C-7, approximately at the level of the shoulders. GV14 is the intersection point of all Yang meridians and functions to release exterior pathological conditions, open the Yang, clear the brain and calm the spirit (Shen). GV14 is commonly indicated for treating neck and shoulder rigidity, malaria, febrile diseases, seizures, epilepsy, tidal fevers, afternoon fevers, coughing and asthma.

GV20 is located on the head midline, 7 cun above the posterior hairline and approximately on the midpoint of the line connecting the apex of the auricles. GV20 is a Sea of Marrow point and functions to clear the senses, calm the spirit, extinguish Liver wind and stabilize the ascending Yang. GV20 is commonly indicated for the treatment of headaches, vertigo, dizziness, tinnitus, nasal congestion, coma, shock, mental disorders, prolapsed rectum and prolapsed uterus.

References:
Chen, Yi-Hung, Boris Ivanic, Chieh-Min Chuang, Dah-Yuu Lu, and Jaung-Geng Lin. “Electroacupuncture reduces cocaine-induced seizures and mortality in mice.”

Qu, Shan-Shan, et al. “A 6-week randomized controlled trial with 4-week follow-up of acupuncture combined with paroxetine in patients with major depressive disorder.” Journal of Psychiatric Research (2013).

Allen, John JB, Rosa N. Schnyer, and Sabrina K. Hitt. “The efficacy of acupuncture in the treatment of major depression in women.” Psychological Science 9.5 (1998): 397-401.

Bergdahl, Lena, A. H. Berman, and Kristina Haglund. “Patients’ experience of auricular acupuncture during protracted withdrawal.” Journal of psychiatric and mental health nursing (2013).

Journal of Acupuncture and Tuina Science. Volume 10, Number 3 (2012), 155-159. Therapeutic efficacy observation on acupuncture for post-withdrawal syndrome of heroin dependence. Yan Liang, Lei Zong, Yu Li, Bo Cheng, Jing Xu and Yue-lai Chen.??Psychopharmacology. Effects of acupuncture on stress-induced relapse to cocaine-seeking in rats. Seong Shoon Yoon, Eun Jin Yang, Bong Hyo Lee, Eun Young Jang, Hee Young Kim, Sun-Mi Choi, Scott C. Steffensen and Chae Ha Yang.

Arch Intern Med. 2000;160(15):2305-2312. Randomized Controlled Trial of Auricular Acupuncture for Cocaine Dependence. S. Kelly Avants, PhD; Arthur Margolin, PhD; Theodore R. Holford, PhD; Thomas R. Kosten, MD. Yale University School of Medicine and Department of Psychiatry. New Haven, Connecticut.

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