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December 17, 2014 by admin
Source: Health CMi
http://www.healthcmi.com/Acupuncture-Continuing-Education-News/1405-acupuncture-soothes-irritable-bowel-syndrome-ibs
Acupuncture and moxibustion alleviate irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Research confirms that acupuncture and moxibustion significantly reduce abdominal pain, diarrhea, and the ratio of abnormal stools. The research was conducted on patients with IBS-D, a type of irritable bowel syndrome characterized by insidious attacks of diarrhea. The total effective rate was 96.7% with many patients experiencing a complete recovery with no relapses. The positive patient outcomes for IBS-D patients suggest that additional research on IBS-C (constipation IBS) and IBS-A (alternating stool IBS) is warranted.
Over 65% of patients in the study demonstrated “marked effect.” The study’s criteria for marked effect are: completely asymptomatic, normal frequency of bowel movements, normal stools, no relapse after three months. An additional 30% of patients experienced improvements. The criteria for “improvements” are significant reductions in symptoms and relapse within three months but only with mild symptom intensity.
As a standalone procedure, acupuncture demonstrated a 76.7% total effective rate including reductions in abdominal pain, diarrhea, and frequency of bowel movements. Acupuncture combined with moxibustion increased the total effective rate to 96.7%. The researchers note that “acupuncture combined with ginger and salt-partitioned moxibustion can obtain a remarkable effect for IBS-D. This integrative therapy is simple and convenient.”
Biomedicine
The researchers note that the biomedical definition of IBS includes abdominal pain or discomfort with 2 out of 3 of the following symptoms: relief by defecation, changes in frequency of stools, changes in the form of stools (hard, loose, lumpy or watery). IBS may be further differentiated by greater than 3 bowel movements per day and urgent bowel movements. The symptoms occur for 12 weeks during a 12 month period but are not necessarily consecutive.
Traditional Chinese Medicine
The researchers note that IBS-D is differentiated into 3 patterns within Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) according to the Diagnosis and Treatment Protocol of Integrative Chinese and Western Medicine for Irritable Bowel Syndrome by Chen, et. al. Type 1 is liver qi stagnation with spleen deficiency. Symptoms may be triggered by emotional disturbances and include: diarrhea, abdominal pain, alleviation by defecation, and lower abdominal cramping. Secondary symptoms of type 1 IBS-D are: borborygmus, flatulence, mucus in stools, depression, sighing, irritability, poor appetite, and abdominal distention. Signs include a thin-white tongue coating and a wiry pulse.
Type 2 IBS-D is due to spleen and stomach deficiency. Diarrhea, especially after food intake, is a primary symptom along with loose stools, watery stools, mucus in stool, poor appetite, and abdominal distention after eating, gastric fullness and general digestive organ discomfort. Secondary symptoms include abdominal pain relieved by pressure, borborygmus, mental and physical fatigue, abdominal bloating, and reluctance to speak. Signs include a sallow complexion, a pale tongue with teethmarks, a white tongue coating, and a thready-weak pulse.
Type 3 IBS-D is due to spleen and kidney yang deficiency. Primary symptoms include early morning diarrhea, stools with undigested food, and abdominal pain with a cold sensation. Secondary symptoms include: coldness of the limbs, aching and weakness of the lower back and knees. Signs include a pale tongue with a greasy white coating and a deep-thready pulse.
The study was conducted over a 4 year period. All participants in the study were screened for exclusion criteria. Patients with organic intestinal disorders were screened from participation using stool tests, fungal smear and colonoscopy.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture was applied to a set of primary and secondary points. Primary acupoints were:
Zhongwan (CV12)
Guanyuan (CV4)
Tianshu (ST25)
Zusanli (ST36)
Shangjuxu (ST37)
Pishu (BL20)
Dachangshu (BL25)
Secondary points were added for specific conditions:
Weishu (BL21) for weakness of the spleen and stomach
Ganshu (BL18), Xingjian (LR2) for liver qi stagnation with spleen deficiency
Shenshu (BL23) for yang deficiency of the spleen and kidney
The BL (bladder meridian of foot-taiyang) acupoints were needled with the patient in a prone position and the needles were removed upon the arrival of deqi. Next, patients assumed the supine position and the acupoints were inserted to 1 – 1.5 cun perpendicularly. Even reinforcing-reducing needle technique was applied using lifting and thrusting to achieve a deqi sensation of local soreness, distention, numbness, or a radiating sensation towards the abdomen. The needles were manipulated once every 10 minutes and were retained for a total of 30 minutes per session. In addition, the abdominal area was heated using a TDP heat lamp.
Moxibustion
Moxibustion was applied with patients in a supine position. A pillar of salt was poured onto acupoint Shenque (CV8). Next, ginger slices of 0.7 to 0.8 cm thickness and approximately 4 cm diameter were placed upon the salt pillar. Prior to placement, two toothpick sized holes were made through the ginger. Moxa cones of a 3 cm diameter and a 3 cm height were placed atop the ginger and were ignited. The moxa cone was replenished once during each session. Both acupuncture and moxibustion were performed once per day and 6 treatments made up one course of care. There was a 1 day interval between courses of care and all patients received 4 courses of care.
Additional Research
The results of the study indicate that combining acupuncture with moxibustion is significantly more effective for the treatment of IBS-D than acupuncture alone. Additional research confirms the efficacy of Traditional Chinese medicine. A meta-analysis published in the World Journal of Gastroenterology concludes, “Acupuncture exhibits clinically and statistically significant control of IBS symptoms.” The study investigated all three types of IBS: diarrhea predominant (IBS-D), constipation predominant (IBS-C), and alternating (IBS-A). The researchers note “our meta-analysis of six randomized controlled trials suggests that acupuncture improves the symptoms of IBS, including abdominal pain and distention, sensation of incomplete defecation, times of defecation per day, and state of stool.”
The researchers concluded that acupuncture is both safe and effective noting that, “No serious adverse events associated with acupuncture were reported in the articles.” They aded that one study “showed that improvement in pain in IBS was positively associated with increased parasympathetic tone in the acupuncture group.” This finding indicates that acupuncture regulates the parasympathetic nervous system.
One study in the meta-analysis was conducted at the University of York and was published in BMC Gastroenterology. This randomized controlled trial included 233 IBS patients who suffered from this condition for an average of 13 years. A total of 116 patients received acupuncture plus conventional care. This was compared with another group of 117 patients receiving only conventional medical care. The group receiving acupuncture plus conventional medical care demonstrated significantly superior clinical outcomes. The researchers concluded, “Acupuncture for irritable bowel syndrome provided an additional benefit over usual care alone. The magnitude of the effect was sustained over the longer term. Acupuncture should be considered as a treatment option to be offered in primary care alongside other evidenced based treatments.”
Global Acceptance
Given the recent study of acupuncture combined with moxibustion and the meta-analysis published in the World Journal of Gastroenterology, it is reasonable to implement acupuncture in primary healthcare settings for the treatment of IBS. Dietetics ingredients for remedies. The are other sources supporting the use of acupuncture. The Mayo Clinic website notes, “Researchers have found that acupuncture may help improve symptoms for people with IBS.” The IBS fact sheet from Johns Hopkins Medicine online notes, “Several small studies suggest acupuncture provides significant relief from chronic pain. In IBS patients, there are reports that acupuncture can relax muscle spasms and improve bowel function.” IBS affects approximately 10 – 15% of the population. Scientifically based research now demonstrates that acupuncture may help patients with IBS.
December 8, 2014 by admin
Source: Pacific College of Oriental Medicine
http://www.pacificcollege.edu/acupuncture-massage-news/articles/1372-sinus-problems-and-seasonal-allergies-cured-with-traditional-chinese-medicine.html
Traditional Chinese Medicine can provide an alternative treatment for seasonal allergies and sinus problems. Most medical practitioners will recommend using decongestants, non-steroidal nasal sprays, allergy shots, antihistamines, or nasal corticosteroids to combat these sinus problems. While these options have been successful for many patients afflicted with burning throats, itchy eyes, inflamed eyes, and stuffy nose, there are many individuals that do not respond well to these treatment plans, or who would like to go a more natural route.
What is Traditional Chinese Medicine? What is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is a healing modality in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). A large component of TCM is the study of hundreds of points, known as acupoints, on the human body, each corresponding to a different organ system or channel of energy, known as ‘meridians’. In acupuncture treatments, each point is carefully chosen to correspond with the other points to treat the issue at hand. Acupuncture involves the application of fine needles to specific acupoints based on the patient’s diagnosis, to trigger the release of the body’s natural painkillers. Other alternative treatments in TCM include Chinese herbal medicines, dietary therapy, and tui na massage to balance the Five Elements and Six Exogenous Pathogenic Factors.
Can TCM Alleviate Seasonal Allergies?
According to the United States Food and Drug Administration, around 26 million people suffer from seasonal allergies that often become chronic. Nearly 40 million people suffer from non-chronic allergies. Traditional Chinese Medicine can successfully alleviate many of the symptoms associated with allergies.
Dr. Patrick LaRiccia, board member of the Medical Acupuncture Research Foundation, states “There is often a quick response to acupuncture treatment. Many patients who failed medication and allergy shots respond to acupuncture. Acupuncture can be used to treat seasonal allergies alongside western treatment and often decreases the dependence on other allergy medications.”
Can TCM Alleviate Sinus Problems?
Many individuals suffering from sinus problems are unaware of the cause of this ailment. Congestion, itchy throat, and a stuffy or runny nose, and sinus migraines can be brought on by a simple seasonal allergy, cold winter snap, or excess dairy intake. Victims suffer from stiff neck and shoulders, inflamed nasal passages, and fatigue.
Acupuncture is effective for opening up nasal passages and relieving congestion and Chinese herbal medicine, like Angelica root, field mint, and Xanthium Powder can also help. Whether used alone or in conjunction with western medicine, TCM can provide fast and effective relief for seasonal or chronic allergies, enabling you to enjoy the seasons.
December 8, 2014 by admin
Source: HealthCMi
http://www.healthcmi.com/Acupuncture-Continuing-Education-News/1402-acupuncture-soothes-fibromyalgia-and-helps-sleep
Acupuncture reduces pain and improves sleep for fibromyalgia patients. Researchers determined that “acupuncture is an effective form of treatment for individuals with fibromyalgia” in a meta-analysis of eleven studies. The investigators add that additional research can help to “enhance and extend the effective therapeutic use of acupuncture in the treatment of fibromyalgia.”
Fibromyalgia is a condition characterized by widespread pain, heightened sensitivity to pain upon pressure, exhaustion, insomnia and aching joints. Other symptoms include digestive complaints, numbness, tingling, headaches, anxiety and impaired cognition. The overall presentation of fibromyalgia is pain throughout the body and tenderness.
The researchers cited studies finding acupuncture effective for reducing pain at tender points. Overall quality of life scores improved with acupuncture including significant reductions in sleep disturbances. Patients receiving acupuncture treatments also demonstrated lower rates of relapses and significant reductions in analgesic medication dependence.
One of the studies in the meta-analysis used CT scans on the acupuncture patients treated for fibromyalgia. The CT scans revealed “increased u-opioid receptors” involved in the reduction of referred pain as a result of acupuncture treatments. The u-opioid receptors are a class of opioid receptors with an affinity for enkephalins and beta-endorphins. Activation of u-opioid receptors causes pain reduction and sedation. Another study in the scientific review found electroacupuncture especially helpful in reducing pain levels.
One study in the meta-analysis emphasized the importance of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) differential diagnostics. Mist et. al., examined a group of women diagnosed with fibromyalgia and further differentiated the disorder into TCM diagnostics: deficiency of qi and blood, stagnation of qi and blood, stagnation of liver qi. Mist et. al., concluded that TCM diagnostics can be used in conjunction with scientific investigations to “form more homogeneous groups” thereby improving the accuracy of findings. The meta-analysis also demonstrates that acupuncture is effective as a standalone treatment modality or as an adjunct modality to other forms of medical care.
Huatoujiaji points soothe fibromyalgia. Prior research published in Clinical Rheumatology concurs citing that acupuncture therapy provides “beneficial effects” for the treatment of fibromyalgia. Researchers from the University of Maryland School of Medicine (Baltimore) also concur and conclude that “real acupuncture is more effective than sham acupuncture for improving symptoms of patients with FMS (fibromyalgia).” In another study published by the Department of Anesthesiology at the Mayo Clinic College of Medicine (Rochester, Minnesota) researchers conclude, “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.”
November 20, 2014 by admin
Source: ABC News
http://abcnews.go.com/Health/close-acupuncture-pain/story?id=23411898
More than 14 million Americans have tried acupuncture, according to the most recent statistics from the National Health Interview Survey, a large ongoing study that tracks healthcare habits in the U.S. The study found that nearly six percent of Americans have allowed themselves to be pricked with dozens of slender needles to help alleviate chronic pain, up from just one percent of patients a decade ago.
“Use of acupuncture has been percolating for quite a while and it’s now becoming much more mainstream in medicine,” said Dr. Houman Danesh, director of integrative pain management at Mt. Sinai Hospital in New York.
So mainstream in fact, that it’s one of the few so-called “complimentary” or alternative medicine approaches covered by most health insurance plans. Even the military uses auricular acupuncture, a form of acupuncture that involves gently inserting small needles into various places on the ear that correspond with pain points elsewhere on the body.
Research studies consistently show that acupuncture can be an effective form of pain management, with some studies finding it even more effective than pain-relieving drugs or surgery. But exactly how it works remains somewhat of a mystery, Danesh admits.
In theory, acupuncture stimulates the body’s meridian points. By easing pressure on these energy-carrying channels, ancient Chinese physicians believed the needles corrected the body’s imbalances by allowing energy or “chi” to flow more freely. Although traditional Western medicine remains skeptical about the idea of chi, Danesh said that many of the meridian points happen to coincide with trigger points, spots on the body where pain radiates away from the center when pressed.
“Trigger points are widely accepted in modern medicine and one thought is that acupuncture may ease the stress on trigger points thereby lessening pain in that area,” he said.
Meridian points also track closely with major nerve centers, Danesh said. It could be that the needles stimulate the nerves, causing them to release feel-good chemicals known as endorphins. People in pain often have low levels of endorphins, Danesh pointed out, and a release of those endorphins can suppress the sensation of pain.
There are still plenty of Acupuncture skeptics who believe that any pain relief acupuncture offers is strictly psychological. But Danesh said he doesn’t care why it works, so long as it works.
“I’ve had lots of skeptics come in for treatment and when they get better, they believe,” he said.
Chronic pain is one of the most serious health problems in the U.S., affecting an estimated 100 million Americans, according to a 2011 Institute of Medicine report. Nearly 90 percent of respondents to an IOM survey said they coped with some level of pain on a daily basis.
November 20, 2014 by admin
Source: Health CMi
http://www.healthcmi.com/Acupuncture-Continuing-Education-News/1398-acupuncture-boosts-drugs-for-depression
Acupuncture enhances the therapeutic effects of paroxetine, a drug often given the trade name Paxil, Aropax or Seroxat. Patients receiving acupuncture plus paroxetine showed greater clinical improvements in obsessive-compulsive symptoms, depression and anxiety than patients receiving only paroxetine. Researchers discovered the synergistic effects of acupuncture combined with paroxetine plus another important advantage of adding acupuncture to paroxetine intake. Yin Tang and othe acupoints are needled here. Acupuncture sped up the effective action of therapeutic benefits. The researchers note, “acupuncture/electroacupuncture has a rapid onset of therapeutic effect and produces a noticeable improvement in obsessive-compulsive, depressive and anxiety symptoms.”
Acupuncture and electroacupuncture were found equally beneficial in overall therapeutic results. Scores in individual areas of improvement varied between acupuncture and electroacupuncture therapy when combined with paroxetine. Importantly, electroacupuncture showed significant improvements over manual acupuncture in reducing recurrent and multiple medical symptoms of no known organic cause. Electroacupuncture also demonstrated significant efficacy over manual acupuncture in reducing depression related hostility and phobic anxiety. Both manual acupuncture and electroacupuncture showed significant clinical benefits in reducing primary unipolar depression when combined with paroxetine with significant improvements over and above those of paroxetine only.
The researchers cite several important findings as the basis for the investigation. Roschke, et al. published in the Journal of Affective Disorders, “Acupuncture is more effective than oral antidepressants in improving depressive symptoms.” Yeung et al. document that acupuncture is effective for patients with “poor outcomes after antidepressant medications.” Zhang et al. confirm that acupuncture is both safe and effective for treating depression.
The study confirms three major findings. Acupuncture, electroacupuncture and paroxetine are effective in the treatment of primary unipolar depression. Acupuncture and electroacupuncture combined with paroxetine has a “rapid onset of therapeutic effect.” Additionally, acupuncture and electroacupuncture combined with paroxetine synergistically improves conditions of obsessive-compulsive behavior and anxiety in patients with depression. The results are better for patients combining acupuncture or electroacupuncture with paroxetine than those only taking paroxetine. The researchers also note that acupuncture and electroacupuncture combined with paroxetine “is a safe treatment for primary unipolar depression.”
The researchers used a standard set of acupuncture points with minor modifications for all patients in the study. This varies from customized clinical care wherein a licensed acupuncturist has more flexibility in the acupuncture point prescription based on differential diagnostics. Although the approach of using one set of acupuncture points for all patients is common in many research models, it is considered a variation from the norm according to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) principles wherein each patient receives a custom acupuncture point prescription based on an exact presentation of conditions.
The research team cited several studies finding the governing, pericardium, spleen, liver and stomach meridians effective for the treatment of depression. These findings combined with a presentation of Chinese medicine principles for the treatment of depression were given as the reasoning for the acupuncture point choices. The primary acupuncture points used in the study were Baihui (DU20), Yintang (EX-HN3), Fengfu (DU16), Fengchi (GB20), Dazhui (DU14), Neiguan (PC6) and Sanyinjiao (SP6). Minor customizations based on some indications were added. Zusanli (ST36) was added for cases involving poor appetite or fatigue. Shenmen (HT7) was added for patients with sleep disturbances. Shuaigu (GB8) was added for patients with headaches. Zhigou (TB6) was added for patients with constipation.
Wang, et al. confirm that acupuncture combined with SSRIs (serotonin reuptake inhibitors) is more effective than using SSRI medications alone. The additional research also confirms that acupuncture potentially reduces the “delay before the onset of the therapeutic action of SSRIs.” Wang, et al. note, “Acupuncture combined with SSRIs shows a statistically significant benefit over a 6-week period compared with SSRI administration only.” The research team notes that acupuncture is safe and produces no adverse effects. Wang, et al. add that acupuncture may allow for “the reduction of the dose of antidepressants and their associated adverse clinical outcome.”
The researchers note, “We showed that acupuncture combined with SSRIs produces statistically significantly larger reductions of HDRS (Hamilton Depression Rating Scale) values than SSRIs alone. This additional benefit was evident from the first week and continued throughout 6 weeks of treatment.” The investigators note that these findings are consistent with another body of research including a 6 week controlled, randomized trial of acupuncture combined with paroxetine.
Psychiatrists prescribed SSRIs to each patient in this randomized, controlled study. The acupuncture group received SSRIs plus acupuncture therapy. The control group received SSRIs only. A differential diagnosis was made for each patient by a China Association of Acupuncture and Moxibustion certified acupuncturist with a minimum of 15 years of clinical experience. The standard of care was protocolized to a given set of primary and secondary acupuncture point prescriptions. Between 6 and 10 needles were applied to each patient at each office visit. The acupuncture needles were 0.25 × 40 mm and the depth of insertion was 10 – 30 mm. Needles were stimulated until deqi arrived. The dao qi acupuncture technique was applied to the primary acupuncture points. Dao qi is lifting, thrusting and rotating the acupuncture needle with gentle and smooth stimulation.
GV14 and GV4 were needled in the seated position with a 5 minute retention time prior to removal of the needles. Next, patients were in the supine position for additional acupuncture care for 30 minutes. Treatment was applied once per day in the morning at a rate of 5 days per week for a total of 6 weeks.
The primary acupuncture points were GV24 (Shenting), GV20 (Baihui), GV14 (Dazhui) and GV4 (Mingmen). Secondary points were:
LR3 (Taichong), SP9 (Yinlingquan) for liver depression & spleen deficiency
LR3, LR14 (Qimen) for liver qi stagnation
HT7 (Shenmen), ST36 (Zusanli) for heart and spleen deficiency
KI3 (Taixi), LR3 for liver and kidney yin deficiency
CV4, CV6 for spleen and kidney yang deficiency
HT7 and Anmian for insomnia and forgetfulness
PC6 (Neiguan) for palpitations and chest tightness
ST25 (Tianshu), ST37 (Shangjuxu) for constipation
Mental illness is a serious individual and societal issue. Working towards more effective treatment protocols and greater access to care will help in the treatment of depression. Given the increasing body of evidence that acupuncture enhances the clinical benefits of paroxetine, an integrative medicine approach seems more rational than a medication only approach. Let’s look forward to acupuncture treatments becoming recommended and available to patients needing care in the treatment of depression.
November 15, 2014 by admin
Source: Dr. Oz
http://www.doctoroz.com/blog/jamie-starkey-lac/acupuncturist-can-help-keep-your-cold-bay
‘Tis the season for colds and the flu, but luckily we have ways in which we can boost our immune systems to ward off illness. Acupuncture is oftentimes thought of as a pain-relieving treatment, but did you know it could also help to naturally boost your immune system?
Acupuncture, a branch of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), has been used for thousands of years to help enhance the immune system. As an acupuncturist, I assess the health and well-being of my patients much differently than my Western Medical counterparts. I think in abstract concepts, as I look for imbalances of Qi (pronounced “chee,” which is loosely translated as vital energy) as it pertains to the universal principles of Yin and Yang.
Qi takes on many forms in our body, one of which is called “Wei Qi,” or “Defensive Qi,” better known as our immune system here in the West. The main function of Wei Qi is to protect the body from external pathogens that can make us sick. When our Wei Qi is strong, our bodies can easily ward off illness.
From a TCM perspective, your body could potentially go through six stages of sickness when you catch a cold. Depending on where you are in the progression of your cold will determine where I insert hair-thin needles to help boost your immune system, helping your body to strengthen itself so you can feel well again.
Conventional medicine has begun paying closer attention to acupuncture as there have been numerous research studies explaining the complex mechanism of action it has on the body.
Most recently, scientists have been able to determine the role acupuncture plays in boosting the body’s immune system by enhancing the production of natural killer cells, which is the primary defense mechanism against organisms that make us sick. It also acts on a complex immune building system that regulates white blood cells directly linked to the fight against infections, allergic reactions, and even autoimmune disorders.
For patients who are seeking to boost their immune system to protect them from getting sick, oftentimes a multidisciplinary approach is best. Acupuncture can easily be incorporated into your conventional treatment plan, working in tandem with your physician.
You do not have to wait until you are sick to benefit from the immune-boosting benefits of acupuncture. You can begin regular acupuncture visits now as part of your preventative regime to ward off colds and the flu. Optimally, several acupuncture treatments are needed for the body to respond, and “tune up” visits would be beneficial until cold and flu season is over.
If you are interested in a natural way to boost your immune system, you may want to consider an integrative treatment option like acupuncture.
November 15, 2014 by admin
Source: Health CMi
http://www.healthcmi.com/Acupuncture-Continuing-Education-News/1397-acupuncture-eases-pain-for-children-stanford-university
A Stanford University study finds acupuncture safe and cost-effective for relieving pain in children. Dr. Golianu, MD (Department of Anesthesiology, Stanford University), et. al., note research confirming that acupuncture is “useful in chronic pain conditions” adding that it may be clinically valuable in an integrative medical setting. A child is in a health care clinic in this photo. The research documents acupuncture’s ability to stimulate natural pain killers within the body, dynorphins and endorphins, along with several other important biological responses involved in pain management. The researchers cited multiple findings of acupuncture successfully relieving headaches, migraines, abdominal pain, fibromyalgia, pelvic pain, Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS), acute post-operative pain, and post-operative delirium.
Children Accept Acupuncture
The Stanford University research team cites findings that “53% of children were initially apprehensive of acupuncture needles, following their first needle 64% felt it did not hurt, and furthermore would recommend it to someone else.” In adolescents, 67% report acupuncture as “pleasant” and 70% report that acupuncture reduced pain levels. The receptivity to acupuncture may be due, in part, to acupuncture’s ability to induce deep relaxation in patients combined with lasting analgesic effects.
The researchers note that, “Acupuncture can be a useful adjuvant in the care of pediatric patients with painful conditions, both in the chronic and acute setting.” Citing Lin, et. al., young children and adolescents experienced significant pain relief from acupuncture treatments. The children also found acupuncture “highly acceptable.” On safety, the research confirms “that acupuncture is safe when performed by appropriately trained practitioners.” In the United States, acupuncturists are licensed medical professionals with medical board oversight in most states.
Headaches
The researchers note that acupuncture decreases headache frequency and severity across several controlled studies. In addition, acupuncture reduces the need for medications and is proven effective in treating migraines. The research team cites a randomized trial of children with migraines finding acupuncture effective in reducing the intensity and frequency of migraines. Another pediatric study meeting the review standards of the research team finds cold laser acupuncture effective for reducing the frequency of migraines and tension headaches.
Abdominal Pain
The researchers cited findings showing acupuncture in adults effective for treating IBS, irritable bowel syndrome, “a comparative effectiveness trial of acupuncture compared to two antispasmodics (pinaverium bromide and trimebutin maleate) showed acupuncture as more effective than these standard therapies for IBS.” A pediatric study found acupuncture effective for the treatment of intermittent abdominal pain. Given the prevalence of abdominal pain in children, the researchers recommend further studies investigating the “dose or frequency and duration of acupuncture treatment required.”
Fibromyalgia and Arthritis
The research team did not find randomized controlled pediatric studies on the treatment of fibromyalgia. However, adult studies find acupuncture “superior to standard care alone.” In addition, “Acupuncture was found to change cortical responses to painful stimuli in fibromyalgia patients, suggesting a complex inhibitory modulation may be active in the central nervous system in fibromyalgia patients.” The same scenario was found in the case of juvenile arthritis. No pediatric studies have been conducted but adult studies find acupuncture effective for the treatment of osteoarthritis. For fibromyalgia and arthritis, the research team recommends specific investigations on the effects of acupuncture on children.
Pelvic Pain
Pediatric studies have been conducted on the effectiveness of acupuncture. A study of adolescents with dysmenorrhea (menstrual cramping and pain) finds acupuncture equally as effective as NSAIDS, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Another study of pelvic pain caused by endometriosis finds acupuncture effective in reducing pain with residual results documented at six months following the treatment regime. Stanford University is shown here.
CRPS, Cancer and Acute Pain
Both adult studies and a pediatric study demonstrated acupuncture’s clinical efficacy for the treatment of Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS). Researchers found that 29% of young children and 36% of adolescents with cancer in Germany use acupuncture. The researchers found quality studies showing acupuncture effective for reducing nausea and vomiting related to cancer chemotherapy treatments along with a reduced need for anti-emetic medications. The researchers note that a study of children from ages 7 months to 18 years experienced significant and lasting post-operative pain relief from acupuncture. Other pediatric studies find acupuncture effective in reducing post-operative delirium, pain and agitation.
Cost-Effectiveness
The research team looked into a cost-benefit analysis of acupuncture. A study was conducted by Great Britain’s National Health Service (NHS) on patient’s with lower back pain. The randomized investigation revealed that “the addition of acupuncture to standard care led to improved pain both immediately after the treatments as well as at 24 months. Though the cost of delivering acupuncture in addition to standard care was an increase of expenditure, this cost was more than balanced by a reduction in lost days of work, and decreased medical spending in other areas including hospitalization, general practitioner or other outpatient visits.”
Based on the review of available quality research including large sample randomized-controlled studies, the researchers note that acupuncture “can be an important adjuvant in the care of the pediatric patient with chronic pain.” They add, “The evidence suggests that it is a safe and cost-effective treatment modality for pediatric pain.”
November 6, 2014 by admin
Source: Health CMi
http://www.healthcmi.com/Acupuncture-Continuing-Education-News/1395-acupuncture-eases-alcohol-cravings
Acupuncture reduces alcohol cravings in alcoholics. Researchers note that acupuncture is both safe and effective for reducing cravings in alcohol dependent patients. They add that acupuncture is an inexpensive modality of care for the treatment of alcoholism and “produces significant results.”
This study breaks from other research on this topic. Prior research focused on National Acupuncture Detoxification Association (NADA) acupuncture point prescriptions for addiction. This typically involved use of auricular acupuncture points including Kidney, Sympathetic, Shenmen, Liver and Lung. However, this study used only one acupuncture point that is located on the lower leg. The researchers note of this acupuncture point, “Traditionally, it has been used as an acupoint for detoxification.”
What’s the Point?
The acupuncture point investigated in the research is Zhubin (KI9) that is translated as “guest house.” It is located on the medial aspect of the lower leg and is 5 cun superior to KI3. It is approximately 1 cun posterior to the medial border of the tibia at the lower end of the gastrocnemius muscle. It is placed on a line drawn between KI3 and KI10.
KI9 is the Xi Cleft point of the Yinwei (Yin linking) vessel. This is the channel that connects the yin meridians of the hand and foot to the Conception channel. The Yinwei vessel may also be accessed by acupoint PC6, the confluent point of the Yinwei vessel. To achieve this, PC6 is often paired with SP4, its paired confluent point for the treatment of heart, chest and stomach disorders.
This study used only KI9, whose Yinwei vessel connection makes it especially suitable for the treatment of heart issues. In particular, this point benefits patients with heart shen (spirit) issues due to phlegm and phlegm-fire. This includes the treatment of mania, raving, bipolar disorder (manic depression) and other forms of severe mental illness. Here, there is a logical consistency with the application of KI9 for the treatment of alcohol cravings given alcoholism’s propensity for causing phlegm-fire in the heart.
The Protocol
An acupuncture treatment group was compared with a placebo controlled group in this single-blinded, randomized investigation. The acupuncturist was aware of the group allocations but the staff and patients were blinded to allocation of placebo vs. real acupuncture groups. This was made possible through the use of the Park Sham Device (PSD). Made by Acupuncture Needle Inc., Korea, this unusual sham acupuncture needle device simulates acupuncture needle insertion but never actually penetrates the skin. The researchers note, “It has a 15 mm diameter round plastic base and a shaft telescopes into the handle when downward pressure is applied. Placebo needles have blunt tips and are put into the tube to mimic the insertion of a needle.”
Exclusion criteria included drug abuse, use of psychotropic medications, cognitive impairment and other factors. The treatment procedure commenced after three weeks of patient admittance to the study to avoid intoxication and withdrawal symptom complications. All real acupuncture and placebo group patients received group therapy, education and standard hospital care. The real acupuncture group received acupuncture at KI9 using a needle guide tube with a 0.25 X 40 mm needle (Dongbang Acupuncture Inc., Korea). The Park Sham Device was used for all placebo group patients. All subjects had treatment periods of 15 minutes, twice per week for a total of 4 weeks.
Testing of cravings was performed using a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for assessment. The researchers note, “We used a horizontal line, with 120 mm in length. At the left end, the subject feels no craving for alcohol, while he feels a maximum craving for alcohol at the right end. The subject marks on the line the point that they feel represents their craving for alcohol in their current state.” Testing of cravings was performed after provoking cravings at week 1, 2 and 4 of the study. In all cases, the acupuncture group had significantly less cravings than the placebo group.
The cravings for alcohol were provoked by giving the subjects sips of liquor once every 30 seconds for 3 minutes. This was followed by a 3 minute interval and another period of sipping liquor every 30 seconds for another 3 minutes. The researchers note that the acupuncture group showed significant reductions in cravings and the placebo control group showed no improvement. The research team notes of the 4 week study, “The results showed that the acupuncture treated group had a significant craving reduction compared with the control group. Acupuncture treatment on Zhubin (KI9) was effective from the 1st week of treatment and its effect lasted through the 4 weeks.”
November 6, 2014 by admin
Source: Mother Nature Network
http://www.mnn.com/health/fitness-well-being/stories/can-acupuncture-reduce-the-symptoms-of-menopause
If you’re a woman in the throes of menopause who is experiencing any of the telltale symptoms — hot flashes, night sweats, irritability, insomnia, vaginal dryness, libido changes — you might have explored a variety of treatments for relief.
Some women try to get more phytoestrogens naturally in their diet, others try a combination of exercise and herbal formulas, and some find hormone replace therapy necessary. For others, acupuncture could be the answer.
Some studies show that acupuncture may provide relief from menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes. The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) from the National Institutes of Health agrees that there are likely some benefits to alternative therapies such as acupuncture to ease the symptoms of menopause. However, because studies are often small, NCCAM suggests that more research is necessary.
How much of this could be due to the placebo effect? In at least one study, women who were given a placebo needle had less relief than women who were given real acupuncture needles. In other studies, however, women felt no difference between real and fake needles. Another study surmised that acupuncture could be effective against hot flashes because it boosts the production of endorphins, which may stabilize the body’s temperature controls.
Scientists may be undecided about the positive effects of acupuncture, but practitioners are convinced of its healing powers.
“The beautiful thing about acupuncture and Chinese medicine is people say, ‘Oh I have this. Does acupuncture treat that?’ Well, yes, it treats everything,” says Lauren Buckley, a licensed acupuncturist at South Philly Community Acupuncture in Philadelphia.
“What we are doing is treating a pattern imbalance in the body,” she says. “And the way we treat a pattern imbalance in the body is by gathering all the symptoms you have that should be comprehensive of all systems in your body — respiratory, gynecological, digestion, cardiology, skin, hair, nails, bowel movements — all the data from your body systems. And the data is then consolidated into imbalances in chi and blood, yin and yang, interior and exterior, and hot and cold — those are the eight principals in acupuncture.”
Buckley says that women come to here, wanting to know if acupuncture can treat insomnia, night sweats or vaginal dryness. She tells them it can, but what it’s really treating is the root imbalance in the body. “Once we get to the root imbalance in chi and blood flow, then we are able to fix the symptoms. So I tell people, yeah, I’m fixing their irregular cycle, but really I am fixing a liver/spleen/blood imbalance,” she says.
Sometimes women combine acupuncture treatments with Chinese medicine — herbal medicinal formulas that may be a combination of many herbs tailored specifically to that woman’s symptoms.
Not every woman who comes in for acupuncture is 100 percent relieved of her menopausal symptoms, but people rarely leave without some type of improvement, Buckley says. The remedy isn’t a one-time gig, either, but takes eight to 12 sessions — twice a week at first then tapering off, depending on how it goes. They may have to return occasionally if symptoms flare.
November 6, 2014 by admin
Source: ABP Live
http://www.abplive.in/health/2014/11/06/article433527.ece/Breast-cancer-survivors-may-benefit-from-exercise-therapy-acupuncture#.VFvE9DTF_To
Washington: Scientists have offered hope to breast cancer survivors, who suffer from pain and swelling, by offering a set of therapies which would help in increasing their muscular strength and body image.
Two new studies from the Abramson Cancer Center and the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania offer hope for breast cancer survivors struggling with cancer-related pain and swelling, and point to ways to enhance muscular strength and body image.
In the first study, University of Pennsylvania researchers assessed patients participating in “Strength after Breast Cancer,” a Penn Medicine-developed, evidence-based exercise and education program for breast cancer survivors. The study was intended to investigate the ease and effectiveness of transporting a research-based treatment into a practice setting. The primary goal of the study was to demonstrate program effectiveness for patients after transition from research to a practice setting. The secondary goal was to understand the implementation process and identify barriers to implementation.
Building upon the team’s previous research, results of the new study show several benefits of exercise for participants, including reduced symptoms of lymphedema – a swelling condition in the upper body after breast cancer treatment that can be caused by the removal of or damage to the body’s lymph nodes. Results also showed a lower proportion of women with lymphedema onset (8 percent) or the need for therapist-delivered treatment (19 percent), improvements in upper and lower body strength (13 and 9 percent, respectively), and improvements in body image (16 percent). There were no adverse effects noted for the intervention.
The second aim of the study allowed the team, led by first author, Rinad Beidas to take the research into a new direction, and they sought to identify barriers to implementation of the program.
Beidas said that the results of this study demonstrated that an evidence-based exercise and education program for breast cancer survivors could be translated to a new setting while still remaining effective and safe. They we were also able to identify the types of barriers that should be addressed when taking this program to scale, which provided important information translating research into practice, which historically has taken up to 17 years.
In the second study, the researchers at Penn Medicine and other institutions found that electro-acupuncture helped reduce joint pain by as much as 40 percent in women with breast cancer, whether the patient expected it to work or not. The study also found that “sham” acupuncture – which involves nonpenetrative needles and no electrical stimulation – provided pain reduction as high as 80 percent if patients had a high degree of expectation that it would work. The study results provide important implications for future treatment of breast cancer patients with joint pain.
In addition, patients who reported pain relief had increased expectancy that it would continue to work over the course of their acupuncture treatment as compared with nonresponders, suggesting that positive responses during the process of real acupuncture increased the expectations of further positive outcomes-what the authors call a “bottom-up” result.
Sham acupuncture only produced clinically important pain reduction for those with high onset expectancy, and the patients with low baseline expectancy scores did not report any significant pain reduction.
The strong response seen in patients with high expectancy for sham acupuncture raises the question of whether such patients could benefit from the nonpenetrative use of needles without electro-stimulation.
The studies are published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute.
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