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10 Fun Facts About Acupuncture

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Acupuncture of Iowa Iowa City Progress ProgramHere are 10 fun facts about acupuncture:
 
1. Ancient Origins: Acupuncture is an ancient practice, originating in China over 3,500 years ago. The earliest written records of acupuncture date back to the Huangdi Neijing (The Yellow Emperor’s Classic of Internal Medicine), which is one of the oldest medical texts in the world. Graves of ancient people have also provided early acupuncture tools made of bone or stone. 
 
2. Needle-Free Acupuncture: Not all acupuncture involves needles. Techniques like acupressure, laser acupuncture, and moxibustion (burning herbs near the skin) also target acupuncture points without piercing the skin.
 
3. World Health Organization (WHO) Approval: The WHO recognizes acupuncture as an effective treatment for a wide range of conditions, including pain, allergies, stress, and digestive disorders. They gave this approval over 30 years ago.
 
4. Animal Acupuncture: Acupuncture is not just for humans; it’s also used in veterinary medicine. Pets like dogs, cats, and even horses can benefit from acupuncture treatments for various ailments. When critics say “its all placebo” we can remind them that animals have no expectations and acupuncture still works on them!
 
5. Acupuncture and Space: Astronauts have used acupuncture to help with space adaptation syndrome, also known as space sickness, which affects balance and spatial orientation. This shows that it can affect much more than just pain; in this example it’s affecting brain function.
 
6. Acupuncture Points: There are over 2,000 acupuncture points on the human body, which are connected by pathways called meridians. These points and meridians correspond to different organs and functions in the body. All acupuncture students memorize the location and function of about 400 points. However, experienced practitioners might only regularly use about 100.
 
7. Endorphin Release: One reason acupuncture is effective in pain management is that it stimulates the release of endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers. This happens most during electroacupuncture, and shows that the treatment works on the brain and spinal cord.
 
8. Acupuncture and Western Medicine: While acupuncture is a part of Traditional Chinese Medicine, it is increasingly integrated into Western medical practices. Many hospitals and clinics now offer acupuncture as a complementary therapy.
 
9. Microsystems: There are specialized forms of acupuncture that focus on specific areas of the body as microsystems. For example, auricular acupuncture focuses on the ear, where certain  points correspond to various body parts and functions. There is also a microsystem on the hand for acupuncture. Other types of microsystems include reflexology, though reflexology points are not acupuncture points.
 
10. Electric Acupuncture: Electroacupuncture is a modern variation where a small electric current is passed between pairs of acupuncture needles. This technique is shown in extensive published research since the 1940s, to enhance the effects of traditional acupuncture. It exerts this effect mostly by supporting anti-inflammatory biology in the body, and often uses different frequencies of stimulation to improve different neurotransmitters in the brain, among other functions.

Call today to schedule a consultation! 319-341-0031

Laura Christensen, MA, MAc, LAc

Benefits of Acupuncture for Women’s Health

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Acupuncture of Iowa Iowa City home slider happy people kiteBackground
Acupuncture, a cornerstone of traditional Chinese medicine, has been increasingly recognized for its potential benefits in women’s health. This ancient practice involves the insertion of thin needles into specific points on the body to balance the body’s energy flow, or qi. While initially viewed with skepticism in the Western medical community, growing evidence supports its efficacy in addressing a variety of women’s health issues.
One of the most well-researched areas is acupuncture’s role in managing menstrual disorders. Studies have shown that acupuncture can alleviate symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and dysmenorrhea (painful menstruation). By targeting specific points, acupuncture may help regulate hormone levels, reduce pain, and improve overall menstrual health. This is particularly beneficial for women seeking a natural alternative to pharmaceuticals.

Fertility
Acupuncture has also been found effective in addressing fertility issues. It can enhance blood flow to the reproductive organs, reduce stress, and regulate ovulation, potentially increasing the chances of conception. Many fertility clinics now incorporate acupuncture as a complementary therapy to conventional treatments such as in vitro fertilization (IVF). Research indicates that women undergoing IVF who receive acupuncture may have higher success rates compared to those who do not.
Pregnancy-related conditions are another area where acupuncture has shown promise. It can help alleviate common symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, back pain, and fatigue. Additionally, some studies suggest that acupuncture may reduce the duration of labor and decrease the need for medical interventions during childbirth.

Hormone balancing
Menopausal symptoms, including hot flashes, night sweats, and mood swings, can also be managed with acupuncture. By stimulating specific points, acupuncture may help balance the body’s hormones and improve overall well-being during this transition.

Summary
Acupuncture offers a holistic and non-invasive approach to managing various women’s health issues. The Benefits of acupuncture of Women’s health are many: it can help menstrual disorders, enhance fertility, alleviate pregnancy-related discomforts, and ease menopausal symptoms and this makesit a valuable addition to women’s healthcare. As research continues to validate its effectiveness, acupuncture is likely to become an increasingly integrated part of comprehensive women’s health care plans.

Chinese medicine effective for fall allergies

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Effective Herbs for fall allergies

This fall we are having amazing results combining acupuncture with our favorite product for sniffles and itching, Rootology.

This effective formula is based on a traditional and very effective herb formula called Bi Yan Pian. The American manufacturers of Rootology have combined the traditional herbs with a couple of additional ingredients to calm the histamine reaction and support appropriate immune response. They have come up with a product that I think is even more effective than the original. You can take this product as needed, or two to three times per day during severe outbreaks. It even works for itchy eyes and even itching all over.

The acupuncture treatment that is working well is one that combines a Master Tung point combination called 4 Horses with local points to open the sinuses and calm the immune reaction. We might vary this combination depending on the exact symptoms you have.

Call for your appointment now for effective herbs for fall allergies. 319-341-0031

Acupuncture Iowa City 52240

 

Acupuncture Beats Drug For Herniated Disc Relief

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Acupuncture is effective for lumbar disc herniation treatment. A recent study conducted at Xinzheng Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital in Henan, China found that a combination of acupuncture and a modified Shen Tong Zhu Yu Tang herbal formula relieves pain and improves quality of life for patients with lumbar disc herniation. This study compared treatments of acupuncture and herbal medicine with the anti-inflammatory pharmaceutical celecoxib. Acupuncture patients experienced greater relief from pain and improvement in quality of life with a 90.69% total effective rate and no reported adverse effects. [1] In comparison, the control group experienced an 81.40% total effective rate.

Treatment was administered daily for a total of 14 days.

Results
The results of this study show that acupuncture and herbal medicine enhance the efficiency of traditional anti-inflammatory drugs like celecoxib. This treatment is not only effective, but is reported as safe as well. For more information, contact your licensed acupuncturist.

 

Reference:
[1] Ma Zhenlin (2019) “Observation on the Effect of Acupuncture Combined with Modified Shen Tong
Zhu Yu Decoction in the Treatment of Lumbar Intervertebral Disc Herniation” Asia -Pacific Traditional Medicine Vol.15 (2) pp.129-141.

 

Acquired from HealthCMi

Acupuncture Plus Herbs Alleviate Pediatric Insomnia

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Acupuncture and herbs improve sleep for children with intractable insomnia. Kaifeng Pediatric Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine researchers find that the An Hun herbal formula combined with acupuncture applied to a single acupoint is effective for the relief of intractable pediatric insomnia. In a randomized controlled investigation, a total of 104 children were recruited for the study and were randomly assigned to a treatment group or a control group. The cured, markedly effective, and effective scores were added together to determine the total effective rate. In the acupuncture plus herbs treatment group, there were 20 cured, 25 markedly effective, 4 effective, and 3 ineffective cases, yielding a total effective rate of 94.2%. [1]

 

Acupuncture and Herbs
Participants in both groups were offered guidance in the areas of sleep hygiene, family sleep management, and diet. In addition, participants in the treatment group were prescribed the An Hun herbal formula.

Acupuncture was administered to a single acupoint: Yintang.

The results of this study indicate that a combined protocol of acupuncture and herbs provide effective relief from intractable insomnia in children. The use of a single acupoint proved effective, making this treatment suitable for young children that may have difficulty sitting still.

Retrieved from HealthCMi

Reference:
1. Zhu Bao (2018) “Clinical research on acupuncture combined with traditional Chinese medicine for children with intractable sleep disorders” Chinese Integrative Medicine Pediatrics Vol. 10 (5) pp. 400-403.

Traditional Chinese Medicine Topical Acne Treatment

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Qing Dai and acupuncture help to clear the skin from acne.

External pastes for the treatment of acne complement internal herbal medicine and acupuncture. A great external paste for the treatment of acne is comprised of Qing Dai (Indigo Naturalis) mixed with either fresh bitter melon or cucumber juice.

Qing Dai enters the Lung, Liver and Stomach channels. Qing Dai clears heat and toxins, cools the blood and stops bleeding. Order Qing Dai in the powdered raw herb form. It is best to avoid raw herbs that have been processed with sulfur and phosphates, please check with your supplier.

The patient takes the paste and generously applies it to the areas where the acne is located. It is best to leave the paste on the affected regions for at least twenty minutes but longer periods are preferred. Next, the patient carefully washes off the paste. It is best to repeat this process everyday until the acne resolves.

Qing Dai imparts a temporary green color to the skin, which is not permanent. The patient should be prepared to wash thoroughly in order to remove all of the green coloring. In addition, the patient needs to know that Qing Dai stains clothing and that it is often best to wear an old shirt when applying the paste. To learn more about Traditional Chinese Medicine dietetics and the treatment of acne, visit the blog item on that topic.

Health CMI

Acupuncture Beats Drug for Post-Stroke Constipation Relief

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Acupuncture outperforms lactulose for the alleviation of post-stroke constipation and the regulation of gastrointestinal hormones. Qujing First People’s Hospital researchers investigated the benefits of a liver-soothing and qi-regulating acupuncture protocol and a drug for the treatment of post-stroke constipation. Acupuncture provided superior short and long-term relief from post-stroke constipation and improvements in relevant gastrointestinal hormone levels.

The treatment group received conventional acupuncture. The control group was given lactulose oral solutions. Both groups underwent treatment for 6 weeks with a 4-week follow-up examination.

One acupuncture session was applied every day, for a grand total of 6 weeks.

Summary
Objective and subjective data indicates that acupuncture is effective for the treatment of post-stroke constipation.

Looking at the point selection made by the research team, they chose traditional acupoints often used for the treatment of constipation and then tested it with a modern scientific method. Essentially, the clinical study attempted to adhere to traditional acupuncture techniques within the parameters of a controlled investigation seeking to limit variables.

 

References:
[1] Gao YH, Li JM, Su M, Li YL. Acupuncture with smoothing liver and regulating qi for post-stroke slow transit constipation and its gastrointestinal hormone level [J]. Chinese Acupuncture and Moxibustion, 2017,37(02):125-129.
[2] Hutson JM, Chow CW, Borg J. Intractable constipation with a decrease in substance P-immunoreactive fibres: is it a variant of intestinal neuronal dysplasia? [J]. J Pediatr Surg. 1996 Apr;31(4):580-3.
[3] Fahrenkrug J. Transmitter role of vasoactive intestinal peptide [J]. Pharmacol Toxicol. 1993 Jun;72(6):354-63.
[4] Koch TR, Carney JA, Go L, Go VL. Idiopathic chronic constipation is associated with decreased colonic vasoactive intestinal peptide [J]. Gastroenterology. 1988 Feb;94(2):300-10.
[5] Chinese Neuroscience Society, Chinese Neurosurgical Society. Diagnostic criteria for various cerebrovascular diseases[J]. Chinese Journal of Neurology, 1996, 29 (6): 379-381.
[6] The Anorectal Surgery Group of Surgery Branch of Chinese Medical Association. Constipation symptoms and evaluation of curative effects[J]. Chinese Journal of Gastrointestinal Surgery, 2005, 8(4): 355-356.

Retrieved from Health CMI

Acupuncture Heals Stomach Ulcers And Alleviates Gastritis

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Acupuncture Heals Stomach Ulcers And Alleviates Gastritis

 

Acupuncture is effective for the treatment of gastric ulcers and chronic atrophic gastritis. Two independent research teams examined these digestive conditions and determined that acupuncture is a safe and effective treatment modality.

In a study involving lab rats, acupuncture was used to treat after gastric ulcers were promoted. For the control group that did not receive acupuncture treatment, severe epithelial damage was identified. For the true acupuncture group, mild epithelial damage was identified. The microscopic images confirm that acupuncture prevents tissue damage. Acupuncture treatment commenced one day after the gastric ulcer model was established. Acupuncture was applied once per day, for a total of 7 days. Results showed via microscopic exam and biochemical markers that ulcer damage was reduced with acupuncture at Stomach 36 and Stomach 21 points.

Related Human Research
Pivoting to human clinical trials, Shanxi Provincial People’s Hospital researchers investigated the treatment efficacy of acupuncture for the treatment of chronic atrophic gastritis patients. The researchers determined that acupuncture produces better treatment results than conventional drug therapy. The researchers combined Stomach 36 with additional acupoints and successfully alleviated chronic atrophic gastritis (CAG) in human subjects. [7]

The hospital researchers compared acupuncture with a drug therapy protocol. In powerful findings, acupuncture produced superior clinical outcomes over drug therapy. Acupuncture outperformed drug therapy in symptom improvement and quantifiable microscopic results. In addition, Helicobacter pylori clearance rates were similar.

Two groups were compared. In one group, acupuncture was administered. Acupuncture sessions were provided once per day. Patients received a consecutive 5-day treatment regimen plus a 2-day break each week. In the second group, patients received 20 mg omeprazole (once per day, administered in the morning), 500 mg amoxicillin (three times per day), 400 mg metronidazole (three times per day), and 100 mg of celecoxib (two times per day).

For both groups, each treatment course consisted of 6 weeks of treatment. All patients received 2 treatment courses in total.

Results
Acupuncture had a 92.5% total symptom improvement rate, while drug therapy had a 77.4% total symptom improvement rate (P<0.05). Acupuncture had an 88.7% total improvement rate in microscopic results, while drug therapy had a 73.6% total improvement rate in microscopic results (P<0.05). Acupuncture had an 84.9% Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) clearance rate and drug therapy had an 86.8% Helicobacter pylori clearance rate (P>0.05).

The results of the aforementioned research indicate that acupuncture is an effective treatment modality for the treatment of gastric ulcers. Researchers demonstrate that acupuncture alleviates relevant symptoms while simultaneously eliciting biochemical responses responsible for providing protective effects to the gastric mucosa.

 

References
[1] Zhang Y. Liu CC, Lian LY, Shen JC, He QD, Chen JL, Ma FQ, Yang ZB. Time-effect relationship and molecular mechanism of electroacupuncture for repair of gastric mucosal lesion [J]. Chinese Acupuncture and Moxibustion, 2018, 38(07): 747-752.
[2] Lanas A, Chan F. Peptic ulcer disease [J]. Lancet, 2017, 390(10094): 613-624.
[3] Guth PH, Aures D, Paulsen G. Topical aspirin plus HCl gastric lesions in the rat. Cytoprotective effect of prostaglandin, cimetidine, and probanthine [J]. Gastroenterology, 1979, 76(1):88-93.
[4] Strzalka W, Ziemienowicz A. Proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA): a key factor in DNA replication and cell cycle regulation [J]. Ann Bot, 2011, 107(7): 1127-1140.
[5] Zhao Q, Wang CQ, Qiao JO et al. Hydrogen sulfide promotes neurogenic inflammatory response in mouse lung tissue via substance P [J]. Chinese journal of Clinical Medicine, 2015, 22(3): 262-267.
[6] Di FP, He Y, Koenig M, et al. The discovery of indole full agonists of the neurotensin receptor 1 (NTSR1) [J]. Bioorg Med Chem Lett, 2014, 24(16): 3974-3978.
[7] Zhang Y, Xue ZX, Hu W. Effect of acupuncture on chronic atrophic gastritis complicated with Helicobacter pylori infection​ [J]. Shaanxi Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 2016, 37(08): 1078-1079.

From Health CMI

Acupuncture Carpal Tunnel Relief Confirmed

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Acupuncture Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Relief Confirmed

 

Researchers find acupuncture effective for the treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), a local entrapment neuropathy affecting the wrist and hand that causes pain, numbness, and dysfunction. The research team documents acupuncture’s beneficial influence on the morphology of the median nerve and improvement of clinical symptoms.

According to researchers conducting the investigation, “while previous studies investigated the effect of acupuncture on clinical symptoms and electromyographic studies, to the best of our knowledge, its effect on median nerve morphology was not investigated before.” [1] This study demonstrates that acupuncture influences morphology of the median nerve, which opens up a host of possible future studies that may build upon this foundation of knowledge.

Median nerve compression in the carpal tunnel region of the wrist results in pain, numbness, and tingling in the fingers or hand, as well as possible weakness and atrophy of the hand muscles innervated by the median nerve. [2] More prevalent among women, it is correlated with overuse, diabetes mellitus, rheumatoid arthritis, hypothyroidism, and pregnancy. [3]

Diagnostically and prognostically, musculoskeletal ultrasound imaging has been growing in popularity for monitoring this condition because of its ease and cost effectiveness. Musculoskeletal ultrasound shows the cross-sectional area (CSA) in the wrist level of the median nerve and this study documents correlations between median nerve cross-sectional areas and electrophysiological changes within the CTS affected limb.

A total of 27 female patients (45 limbs) with CTS were diagnosed with electromyographic tests for the purposes of this investigation. The patients were similar in age, BMI (body mass index), duration of disease, and severity of CTS. Exclusionary criteria were the following: radicular pain, polyneuropathy, radial or ulnar nerve diseases, severe CTS, trauma history, prior hand surgery.

In patients with bilateral CTS, both extremities were included in the same group. All patients were informed about the study and provided consent. They were randomly divided into two groups (acupuncture and control). The mean duration of the disease was 18.3 months and 19.3 months respectively. Both groups used night wrist splints for CTS for 4 weeks, while only the acupuncture group received acupuncture treatments. The following nine acupoints were selected for the study:

  • Daling (PC7)
  • Ximen (PC4)
  • Neiguan (PC6)
  • Laogong (PC8)
  • Qingling (HT2)
  • Shenmen (HT7)
  • Shaofu (HT8)
  • Taiyuan (LU9)
  • Quchi (LI11)

The median nerve cross-sectional area was measured at the proximal carpal tunnel with musculoskeletal ultrasound, with the scaphoid and pisiform bones used as bony landmarks for the proximal tunnel where the cross section was measured. [4] Needles of size 0.25 × 25 mm were inserted into the points and were retained for 25 minutes per acupuncture session. Treatments were conducted two or three days per week for four weeks, totaling ten sessions.

 

Results
The median nerve cross-sectional area was measured by using musculoskeletal ultrasound on the patients while seated and positioned similarly (elbow at 90 degree flexion with the forearm in supination position). Cross-sectional areas of size 9 mm or greater had previously been determined as a possible diagnostic measure for CTS. [5]

Pain severity, hand function, and musculoskeletal ultrasound measurements were taken before and after treatments. The visual analog scale (VAS: 0–10 cm) measured pain severity. The Duruoz Hand Index (DHI) and Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) scores were used to assess hand functions and disability. All electrophysiological tests were performed by using a Nihon Cohden Neuropack machine.

Compound muscle action potential (CMAP: normal >6.8 mV) measured the reaction of the abductor pollicis brevis muscle to stimulation at the wrist and elbow. Sensory nerve action potential (SNAP: normal >10 uV) measured the reaction of wrist stimulation to signals traveling in the opposite direction of normal signals in the nerve fiber (antidromic) of the second finger. Motor distal latency (normal <3.8 ms), sensory nerve conduction velocity (SNCV: normal >40.4 m/sec), and motor nerve conduction velocity (M-NCV: normal >49.4 m/sec) were also measured before and after treatment.

Acupuncture group positive outcomes proved significant. The median nerve cross-sectional area decreased from 11.6 to10.6 mm, motor distal latency decreased from 4.3 to 4.1 ms, and SNAP increased from 16.7 to17.6 uV. Also in the acupuncture group, VAS decreased from 9 to 4.8, CMAP increased from 12.9 to 14.8 mV, DHI decreased from 47 to 37, Quick DASH decreased from 67.2 to 56.8, S-NCV increased from 31 to 33.2 m/sec, and motor nerve velocity increased from 57.4 to 59 m/sec.

The improvement within the acupuncture group when comparing baseline values with the results highlights the success of acupuncture in decreasing clinical symptoms of CTS. It also highlights its ability to transform median nerve morphology such that acupuncture can reduce the cross-sectional area. The results within the control group were not as significant as the acupuncture group, highlighting the efficacy of acupuncture in treating neuropathic disorders compared with night splint monotherapy.

The researchers cited several investigations showing acupuncture’s positive influence on CTS. Recent studies have used magnetic resonance imaging to show how acupuncture may alter brain activity and the limbic system of CTS patients. [6,7,8] Acupuncture produces anti-inflammatory effects in the median nerve within the carpal tunnel, as well as effects that can be compared to ibuprofen, night splints, and oral or injected steroids. [9,10,11]

 

Summary
Acupuncture generates beneficial morphological changes in the median nerve of patients with carpal tunnel syndrome and reduces or eliminates symptoms. Based on the scientific evidence, acupuncture is a reasonable treatment option. Consult with a local licensed acupuncturist to learn more.

 

References:
1 Ural, Fatma Gülçin, and Gökhan Tuna Öztürk. “The acupuncture effect on median nerve morphology in patients with carpal tunnel syndrome: an ultrasonographic study.” Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine 2017 (2017).

2. S. Tanaka, D. K. Wild, P. J. Seligman, V. Behrens, L. Cameron, and V. Putz-Anderson, “The US [musculoskeletal ultrasound] prevalence of self-reported carpal tunnel syndrome: 1988 national health interview survey data,”American Journal of Public Health, vol. 84, no. 11, pp. 1846– 1848, 1994.

3. R. J. Spinner, J. W. Bachman, and P. C. Amadio, “The many faces of carpal tunnel syndrome,” Mayo Clinic Proceedings, vol. 64, no. 7, pp. 829–836, 1989.

4. Ural, Fatma Gülçin, and Gökhan Tuna Öztürk. “The acupuncture effect on median nerve morphology in patients with carpal tunnel syndrome: an ultrasonographic study.” Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine 2017 (2017).

5. J. T. Mhoon, V. C. Juel, and L. D. Hobson-Webb, “Median nerve ultrasound as a screening tool in carpal tunnel syndrome: correlation of cross-sectional area measures with electrodiagnostic abnormality,” Muscle and Nerve, vol. 46, no. 6, pp. 871–878, 2012.

6. A. U. Asghar, G. Green, M. F. Lythgoe, G. Lewith, and H. MacPherson, “Acupuncture needling sensation: the neural correlates of deqi using fMRI,” Brain Research, vol. 1315, pp. 111–118, 2010.

7. V. Napadow, J. Liu, M. Li et al., “Somatosensory cortical plasticity in carpal tunnel syndrome treated by acupuncture,” Human Brain Mapping, vol. 28, no. 3, pp. 159–171, 2007.

8. V. Napadow, N. Kettner, J. Liu et al., “Hypothalamus and amygdala response to acupuncture stimuli in carpal tunnel syndrome,” Pain, vol. 130, no. 3, pp. 254–266, 2007.

9. M. Hadianfard, E. Bazrafshan, H. Momeninejad, and N. Jahani, “Efficacies of acupuncture and anti-inflammatory treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome,” Journal of Acupuncture and Meridian Studies, vol. 8, no. 5, pp. 229–235, 2015.

10. Ho, Chien-Yi, Hsiu-Chen Lin, Yu-Chen Lee, Li-Wei Chou, Ta-Wei Kuo, Heng-Wei Chang, Yueh-Sheng Chen, and Sui-Foon Lo. “Clinical effectiveness of acupuncture for carpal tunnel syndrome.” The American journal of Chinese medicine 42, no. 02 (2014): 303-314.

11. Yang, Chun-Pai, Nai-Hwei Wang, Tsai-Chung Li, Ching-Liang Hsieh, Hen-Hong Chang, Kai-Lin Hwang, Wang-Sheng Ko, and Ming-Hong Chang. “A randomized clinical trial of acupuncture versus oral steroids for carpal tunnel syndrome: a long-term follow-up.” The Journal of Pain 12, no. 2 (2011): 272-279.

Source: HealthCMi

Acupuncture Halts Neck Pain From Disc Degeneration

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Acupuncture Halts Neck Pain From Disc Degeneration

 

Researchers confirm the effectiveness of acupuncture for the treatment of cervical spondylosis, a painful disorder caused by intervertebral disc degeneration. The term cervical spondylosis refers to general wear and tear of the discs in the cervical spine. Often with age, the spinal discs degenerate and osteoarthritis ensues. The acupuncture point GV14 was determined effective across multiple studies for the treatment of cervical spondylosis. Based on the evidence, this acupuncture point is recommended for patients with cervical spondylosis.

Shao et al. tested the efficacy of acupuncture using the following acupuncture points:

  • GV14 (Dazhui)
  • SI3 (Houxi)
  • GV20 (Sanyangwuhui, Baihui)
  • GB20 (Fengchi)

The acupuncture needle at Dazhui was perpendicularly inserted to a depth of 13 – 20 mm and then a 15 mm moxa cone was put on the handle of the needle after deqi (the arrival of qi). Deqi was elicited at the other acupoints combined with electroacupuncture stimulation. Fengchi was connected to Houxi on the afflicted side and Fengchi was connected to Baihui on the healthy side with standard electrodes. Acupuncture was applied once per day, five times per week, for a total of two weeks as one course of treatment. The results indicate that 24 out of 25 cases improved significantly for a total effective rate of 96%. [1]

The research team of Zhang et al. produced similar results. [2] Patients in the study received acupuncture for cervical spondylosis once per day for seven days, comprising one course of patient care. The following acupuncture points were applied to all patients:

  • GV14 (Dazhui)
  • GB20 (Fengchi)
  • GV20 (Sanyangwuhui or Baihui)
  • EX-B2 (Jiaji)
  • BL10 (Tianzhu)
  • EX-HN1 (Sishencong)

A total of 53 out of 60 cases improved significantly, producing a total effective rate of 88.3%. In addition, 31.7% of all cases experienced a complete recovery from all symptoms. Li et al. conducted a clinical trial testing the effectiveness of fire needling with the following acupuncture points: [3]

  • GV14 (Dazhui)
  • EX-B2 (Jiaji)
  • BL18 (Ganshu)
  • BL23 (Shenshu)
  • SI3 (Houxi)
  • LI4 (Hegu)
  • LI11 (Quchi)
  • SJ5 (Waiguan)

In the fire needle group, 37 patients received quick needling with fire needling. In the control group, the above acupoints were inserted to 15 – 20 mm with 0.30 × 25 – 40 mm disposable filiform needles. The needles were retained for 20 minutes after manual needle stimulation with twisting, lifting, and thrusting. All patients received acupuncture 3 times per week for 6 weeks. For patients receiving fire needling, acupuncture produced a 94.6% total effective rate. Routine filiform needling produced a 78.4% total effective rate.

Qiu et al. conducted a randomized, single-blinded parallel study. A total of 284 patients were divided into two groups (acupuncture and control). The following acupuncture points were used in the acupuncture group: [4]

  • GV14 (Dazhui)
  • EX-B2 (Jiaji)
  • GB20 (Fengchi)

The acupuncture group achieved a 96.2% total effective rate. The results indicate that the aforementioned acupuncture point prescription is an effective selection for the treatment of cervical spondylosis.

 

Discussion
Researchers have tested the effective action of Dazhui (GV14) and conclude the following: [5]

  • GV14 regulates the glutamate (a neurotransmitter) content of cells supporting the restoration of nerve conduction.
  • GV14 improves free radical scavenging.
  • GV14 regulates FAK (focal adhesion kinase, PTK2) expression.
  • GV14 ameliorates excess blood viscosity in patients with cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases.
  • GV14 enhances and regulates central monoamine neurotransmitters, including the ability to protect the body from brain damage after ischemia.
  • GV14 regulates aspartate (Asp), an amino acid active in biosynthesis of proteins, especially in conjunction with its ability to regulate glutamate (Glu) for the protection of brain tissue to prevent neuronal necrosis.
  • GV14 improves blood flow to prevent ischemic damage to neurons.
  • GV14 improves the levels of NO (nitric oxide) and NOS (nitric oxide synthase) in cerebral tissue after ischemia.
  • GV14 regulates calcium ions in brain cells, avoiding pathological nerve cell apoptosis after ischemia.
  • GV14 enhances the expression of NGF (nerve growth factor), especially after central ischemia.

Across the acupuncture education research papers mentioned above, the traditional Chinese medicine view of GV14 was reviewed. The following are several important principles mentioned in the research papers. GV14 is the meeting point of the Governing Vessel (Du Mai) with the six yang channels of the hand and foot, referred to as Zhu Yang Zhi Hui. GV14 warms the yang, clears heat, strengthens the body, and dispels wind and dampness. Needling GV14 raises the lucid yang and dispels wind, cold, and dampness. GV14 invigorates blood circulation. The researchers also presented the traditional Chinese medicine view of cervical spondylosis. Cervical spondylosis is due to obstruction of the channels, involving both qi and blood stasis. Chronic cases involve kidney, liver, qi, and blood deficiency. [6]

GV14 benefits qi and blood circulation and cervical spondylosis involves obstruction of qi and blood circulation. The Chinese medicine principles indicate that GV14 is well-suited for the treatment of cervical spondylosis. In addition, the aforementioned controlled studies demonstrate that acupuncture point prescriptions containing GV14 are appropriate choices for the treatment of cervical spondylosis.

 

GV14 Wellness Combinations
At the Healthcare Medicine Institute (HealthCMi), we provide many acupuncture continuing education courses on the treatment of musculoskeletal pain and internal medicine disorders. The online courses and live acupuncture webinars for CEU and NCCAOM PDA license renewal credit feature Chinese medicine, classical acupuncture, herbal medicine, and modern research. As part of HealthCMi’s acupuncture education outreach, we present the following additional information about GV14 (DU14) to supplement the aforementioned research..

GV14 is a powerful acupuncture point used for the treatment of infections, inflammation, and immune system imbalances. The combination of GV14, GV13, GV12, LI11, and ST36 is a classic wellness acupuncture point combination and was often used by Prof. Wae Shui in his clinical practice. This treatment is often applied in the seated position.

GV14 is used in Chinese medicine to quell internal wind, expel external wind, and benefit the wei qi. GV14 is also an important point for the treatment of malaria. Notably, the research headed by Prof. Wae Shui in the 1950s demonstrated that application of the aforementioned wellness treatment (GV14, GV13, GV12, LI11, ST36) is effective for the treatment of malaria. Recent clinical work also employs the use of this acupuncture point prescription for the treatment of Lyme’s disease and associated co-infections, often in combination with the herbal formula Da Yuan Yin Wan jia Qing Hao.

 

Notes
[1] Shao YX. Clinical study on treatment of vertebral artery type of cervical spondylosis with warm needling Dazhui [D]. Guangzhou: Guangzhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 2008.
[2] Zhang ZC, Du SC. Acupuncture combined with bloodletting in Dazhui in the treatment of vertebral artery type cervical spondylosis [J]. SHAANXI ZHONGYI, 2013, 34(8): 1045.
[3] Li B, Xie XC, Feng Y. Clinical observation on the treatment of nerve root type of cervical spondylosis with fire needling [J]. Beijing Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 2010, 29(12): 920.
[4] Qiu L, Zhang M, Zhang J. Treatment of 142 cases of neck type of cervical spondylosis in pubers by acupuncture of warming yang and regulating with traction therapy [J]. SHAANXI ZHONGYI, 2007, 28(4): 475.
[5] Yan D, Chen C, Song YM. Research progress in the treatment of cervical spondylosis with Dazhui acupoint [J]. Shandong Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 2018, 37(3): 262 – 266.
[6] Ibid.

Source: HealthCMi

 

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