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Source: Health CMi
http://www.healthcmi.com/Acupuncture-Continuing-Education-News/1355-weight-loss-herbs-acupuncture-new-report
Chinese herbal medicine and acupuncture demonstrate efficacy in promoting weight loss and body mass index (BMI) improvements. A new report on the endemic spread of obesity reveals significant evidence that acupuncture and herbs synergistically enhance fitness and dietary modification programs for the purposes of reducing excess body fat. The report highlights research demonstrating that a special herbal formula called RCM-104 promotes weight loss safely. We’ll take a look at the ingredients in RCM-104 in this article. First, let’s take a look at the acupuncture findings documented in this new report. This needle is applied to reduce stress.
The report included a meta-analysis of randomised controlled studies of Chinese herbs and acupuncture for the treatment of obesity. Acupuncture, as a standalone treatment, reduces BMI but requires an integrated program of care including exercise and dietary modifications to reduce overall weight. Acupuncture did, however, significantly enhance the efficacy of integrated programs resulting in enhanced loss of body fat. Research suggests that acupuncture helps to suppress “an excessive desire for food” and regulates bodily metabolism.
Research reveals important synergistic actions. Adding acupuncture to exercise and dietary therapy significantly prevents weight rebounding. Adding acupuncture to aerobic exercise and dietary therapy also improves weight loss, abdominal adipose tissue reduction, BMI reduction and serum leptin level reduction. Studies also demonstrate that acupuncture is safe, effective and assists in cardiovascular disease treatment and prevention. The report notes that more research is needed to confirm these findings with long term clinical trials.
The report notes that Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) studies demonstrate that acupuncture reduces BMI and abdominal adipose tissue by warming the spleen, a TCM principle. The report also notes that evidence demonstrates, “Acupuncture points along the Stomach meridian have a reducing effect on weight in obese patients with the TCM diagnosis of excess-heat syndrome.”
Chinese Herbal Medicine
Significant evidence presented in the report demonstrates that “herbal mixtures effectively promote short-term weight loss….” However, the report emphasizes the importance of investigating the long-term safety of the use of specific herbal medicines.
At the Healthcare Medicine Institute (HealthCMi), we concur with the concern. Our acupuncture continuing education courses for acupuncture CEUs and NCCAOM PDAs on Chinese medicine dietetics include this important concern. For example, purgative category herbs act as powerful laxatives. Some weight loss herbal combinations employ purgative herbs such as Da Huang to induce weight loss. Potentially, this can be deleterious to qi over the long-term. This is a photo of Da Huang slices for use in herbal formulas.
Da Huang
Alternatives such as more gentle herbs that lubricate the large intestine are recommended in our online course materials. These herbs include Jue Ming Zi and Hu Ma Ren.
The report makes mention of research supporting the use of daily dietary modifications. Studies show that pu-erh tea, a type of black tea, regulates blood fat, blood sugars and the immune system. Also, studies show that weight loss and BMI reduction is achieved with the use of Chinese herbal medicine formulas. One formula in particular, RCM-104, demonstrated significant improvements in achieving weight loss.
In one blinded randomized placebo controlled study of RCM-104, participants consumed four capsules, three times per day for 12 weeks. Each capsule contained 500 mg of concentrated herbal granules. The placebo control group had an herbal starch in their capsules. All herbal ingredients were supplied by Sen Ten Pharmaceuticals Co. Ltd. in Taiwan. The report notes, “The RCM-104 formula demonstrated effectiveness in the reduction of BW (excessive body weight), BMI and BFC (body fat composition) as well as improved quality of life compared to the placebo group.”
RCM-104 Formula
The ingredients of RCM-104 are:
Lu Cha Ye (camellia sinensis, tea) 40%
Jue Ming Zi (cassia seeds) 40%
Huai Hua (sophora japonica) 20%
No side effects are reported for Jue Ming Zi and Huai Hua. Lu Cha Ye is the common beverage known as tea. As with all caffeinated beverages, it may increase blood pressure and is contraindicated for patients with heart arrhythmias and palpitations. Excess caffeine in the diet may also lead to nausea, upset stomach and nervousness. Excess intake of tea may also lead to iron deficiency. Tea drinkers may want to include an abundance of iron rich foods in their diets.
To learn more about tea, its contraindications and medicinal values, visit healthcmi.com and take acupuncture continuing education online courses. The online course Chinese Medicine Dietetics #1 covers the medicinal uses of tea in great detail. Also, the book Chinese Medicine Dietetics is available online through Amazon.
The new report covered in this article provides significant clinical evidence documenting that acupuncture and herbal medicine synergistically enhance dietary modification and fitness programs. Given the endemic nature of obesity, this report provides important information for both licensed acupuncturists and patients with excess body fat concerns.
Source:
http://www.theepochtimes.com/n3/820361-acupuncture-helped-vincenzo-nibali-win-the-tour-de-france/
Yesterday Vincenzo Nibali of team Astana made history by winning this year’s Tour de France, Congratulations Vincenzo!
Did Acupuncture Help Him Get To The Paris Podium?
Winning team, Astana, is the only team on the Tour to have a full time acupuncturist on staff! How Marvelously Brilliant!!
Eddy De Smedt L.Ac., a Belgian acupuncturist, has been treating all the cyclists on Astana throughout the grueling three week bike race. His treatments have been used to help the racers with pain relief, recovery and rest.
Below is a short excerpt from an article by the associated press.
The Kazakh team’s acupuncturist says he believes he’s the only one on a team staff at this Tour. Eddy De Smedt said he treats all riders on the team. He arrived after the early, mostly flat stages and ahead of the mountains — when recovery matters more. The usual treatment is about half an hour after dinner, De Smedt said. Before a stage, he’ll do about five or 10 minutes, aimed to reduce stress. In the evenings, after sticking the needles into Tour leader Nibali, “I’ll leave them in for 25-30 minutes, but he falls asleep,” De Smedt said. “He’s convinced that it’s something that can help him.”
Source: Medical News Today
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/279714.php
Hot flashes, also known as hot flushes, are a sudden feeling of heat over all or parts of the body. They may also cause redness on the face and neck, red blotches on the arms, back and chest, and heavy sweating or cold shivers. Many health conditions can cause hot flashes, but they are most common among women going through menopause.
The study found that menopausal women who underwent acupuncture experienced a reduction in the severity and frequency of hot flashes for up to 3 months. The most effective treatment for hot flashes is hormone therapy – the use of medication that contains estrogen or progesterone. However, such treatment can increase the risk of other health conditions, including stroke, heart disease and cancer.
In this latest study, recently published in the journal Menopause, researchers wanted to see how acupuncture affected the regularity and severity of hot flashes a woman experienced while going through natural menopause.
Acupuncture is a form of alternative medicine that is more than 2,500 years old. It incorporates a number of procedures that stimulate anatomical points on the body as a form of healing. The most common form of acupuncture involves the use of thin, metallic needles that penetrate the skin.
The technique is most commonly used to help treat chronic pain, but past research has indicated it can help reduce inflammation and may even boost weight loss.
The research team analyzed 104 studies that assessed the effectiveness of acupuncture. The team included 12 of these studies in their research, involving 869 women between the ages of 40-60 who were going through natural menopause.
The women included in the study underwent various forms of acupuncture, including acupressure, electroacupuncture, laser acupuncture, ear acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine acupuncture.
The investigators found that women who underwent acupuncture experienced a reduction in the severity and frequency of hot flashes for up to 3 months. Furthermore, the treatment appeared to have a beneficial effect on hot flashes regardless of the number of doses, sessions or duration of treatment received.
However, the researchers note that sham acupuncture reduced the frequency of hot flashes as much as true acupuncture.
The team is unable to explain why acupuncture appears to help alleviate hot flashes among menopausal women, but they hypothesize that acupuncture may trigger a reduction in the concentration of beta-endorphin – a neuropeptide found in the cells of the central and peripheral nervous system – in the hypothalamus of the brain. They say lower levels of beta-endorphin may activate the release of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), which regulates body temperature.
Commenting on the team’s findings, Dr. Margery Gass, executive director of The North American Menopause Society (NAMS), says:
“More than anything, this review indicates that there is still much to be learned relative to the causes and treatments of menopausal hot flashes. The review suggests that acupuncture may be an effective alternative for reducing hot flashes, especially for those women seeking non-pharmacologic therapies.”
Source: Pacific College
http://www.pacificcollege.edu/acupuncture-massage-news/articles/458-acupuncture-for-insomnia-sleep-disorders.html
In today’s fast paced stressed-out world insomnia and sleep disorders are on the increase. The proverbial good night’s sleep seems more elusive than ever. So many people are facing so many sleepless nights, and yet they fear the side effects and addictive nature of sleep medications – as well they should.
TCM recognizes the importance of adequate sleep for physical, psychological and spiritual well being. Traditional Chinese Medicine sees insomnia as an imbalance of Zang (Heart) functions. Stress and poor diet produce stagnation of Qi, this stagnation of Qi travels as fire to the heart Zang, which is also the repository of the mind and spirit. The damage done by the fire results in insomnia and sleep disorders.1
Acupuncture has been used very effectively by practitioners of TCM to treat insomnia, without any of the side effects of prescription or over-the-counter sleep aids.3 Improved sleep is only one of the benefits reported by people who have used acupuncture to treat insomnia. As in all things TCM acupuncture for insomnia does not just treat a symptom – but attacks the root disharmony in the body causing the condition. Therefore those who use acupuncture for insomnia achieve not only better sleep, but also an overall improvement of physical and mental health.2
Acupuncture, as you know involves the insertion of very fine needles into specific points on the surface of the body. These points lie along the energy conduits, of Qi flow also called the meridians. With acupuncture, the points are stimulated, and flow “unblocked” producing beneficial physical and emotional changes in the body.
Sleep is critical to maintain Qi and a body in harmony. Lack of sleep causes the body to over produce “stress hormones” such as adrenaline and cortisol, which causes people to be nervous and more aggressive. Increased levels of Cortisol due to chronic stress is also linked to high blood pressure, suppressed immune system and weight gain.5 Not enough sleep leads to poor job performance, impaired judgment, and serous accidents when driving or operating machinery.
Unlike western medicine there is not one “prescription” for using acupuncture to treat insomnia. Each TCM practitioner will use acupuncture for insomnia effecting a different combination of meridians or points specific to the patient’s individual problem. Just as no two violins vibrate at exactly the same frequency and produce exactly the same sound – each persons body is considered unique in TCM with its own individual Qi flow and resonance. Therefore there are as many forms of acupuncture for the treatment of sleeplessness as there are insomniacs.
According to a study published by researchers at the Shandong Provincial Hospital of Shandong, a newer form of acupuncture known as Electro-Acupuncture has been shown to be helpful for improving the quality of sleep in patients suffering from insomnia. The study indicated that acupuncture treatment for insomnia might result in better quality of sleep than medication alone to treat insomnia.
Source: Market Watch
http://www.marketwatch.com/story/wonli-acupuncture-suggests-new-way-to-overcome-spinal-stenosis-without-bone-surgery-2014-08-04
Dr. Lee RATOC (Director, Geon-mok Lee) discovered a new treatment method for Lumbar spinal stenosis, named ‘Wonli Acupuncture.’
With increasing life span, Lumbar Spinal Stenosis (LSS) is also increasing. Despite various treatment methods, many limitations remain unsolved.
Wonli Acupuncture, the new technic invented by Geon-mok Lee at Dr. Lee RATOC, began to receive attention from academia as a new treatment method for Lumbar spinal stenosis. This technic is invented from understanding the human anatomy and ancient tools of acupuncture.
This June, the research on Wonli Acupuncture was published on journal of Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine(SCI). They investigated clinical efficacy of Wonli Acupuncture for the patients with LSS. A total of 82 patients with LSS not relieved from other treatment like injections were treated with Wonli Acupuncture. Out of those, 47 patients without exclusion criteria were selected for the following research. Pre-treatment VAS and ODI scores with one year follow-up measurements were compared and both score were statistically improved. Moreover, more than 50% of the patients’ ODI score was improved over 50%.
Technic of Wonli Acupuncture exfoliates the synechia widening the spinal canal physically with round tipped acupuncture. It can reduce the pressure on nerves and improve the symptoms without harming the nerves and vessels. Wonli Acupuncture suggests an alternative way for spinal surgery which arise many side-effects like Failed Back Surgery Syndrome.
This procedure can be applied over and over again whenever the symptom reoccurs and it is applicable not only to lateral foraminal stenosis but also to central, lateral recess, foraminal, and extraforaminal region. It is also useful to other degenerative spinal disease like HIVD and joint diseases with same mechanism.
Dr. Geon-mok Lee said “The safety of Wonli Acupuncture was proved with more than 11,000 cases. The efficacy was confirmed through research on SCI journal.”
The research can be found on Hindawi online by ‘Effects of Wonli Acupuncture procedure in patients with LSS: clinical, retrospective study.’ Wonli Acupuncture is patented in Korea, Europe, Japan, and is currently patent pending in US.
Source: Natural World News
http://www.natureworldnews.com/articles/8058/20140715/acupuncture-reduces-severity-frequency-hot-flashes.htm
For the present study, researchers looked at data from 104 earlier research papers on the subject. Out of the 104 studies, only 12 studies with 869 participants met the criteria for the current research. The studies included women aged between 40-60 years. Type of treatments for hot flashes included traditional Chinese medicine acupuncture (TCMA), acupressure, electro-acupuncture, laser acupuncture and ear acupuncture, according to a news release.
The studies reported that acupuncture reduced severity and frequency of hot flashes. There were inconsistent reports on acupuncture affecting sleep problems, mood disturbances and sexual problems.
The study doesn’t explain why acupuncture helps with hot flashes. One theory is that acupuncture reduces the concentration of β-endorphin in the hypothalamus, which leads to a drop in estrogen concentration. Lower levels of estrogen trigger release of CGRP, which affects thermoregulation.
Researchers also found that even sham acupuncture had the same effect as genuine therapy. The study results are important because as many as fifty percent of the women undergoing menopause seen alternative therapies to ease hot flashes.
“More than anything, this review indicates that there is still much to be learned relative to the causes and treatments of menopausal hot flashes,” said Margery Gass, MD, executive director of North American Menopause Society. “The review suggests that acupuncture may be an effective alternative for reducing hot flashes, especially for those women seeking non- pharmacologic therapies.”
Source: Medscape
http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/828442
Acupuncture is an effective treatment for women who are experiencing natural menopause. A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials indicates that acupuncture reduces hot flash frequency and severity and improves quality of life (QoL) in the vasomotor domain. The beneficial effects of acupuncture on hot flashes persists for as long as 3 months.
“In clinical settings, acupuncture should be considered as an adjunct treatment for reducing menopause-related symptoms, particularly hot flashes, in addition to HT and other pharmacologic therapies,” write Hsiao-Yean Chiu, RN, PhD, from the College of Nursing, Taipei Medical University in Taiwan, and colleagues in an article published online July 14 in Menopause.
The investigators analyzed 12 trials with 869 participants, 1 of which compared acupuncture with menopausal hormone therapy. Several of the studies included in the review did not use intent-to-treat analysis, and the investigators note that their conclusions may overestimate the beneficial effects of acupuncture on menopause.
Most of the studies located acupuncture points based on the practitioner’s previous experience or published protocols for treating hot flashes. In their review, the authors could not find any indication that treatment dose, number of sessions, or duration of sessions had any treatment effect. In addition, the studies indicate that sham acupuncture was as effective as actual acupuncture at reducing hot flash frequency.
The published studies found inconsistent effects of acupuncture on sleep problems, mood disturbances, and sexual problems, making it difficult to document a clear benefit in QoL domains affected by these symptoms.
“Although the beneficial effects of acupuncture on QoL in postmenopausal women have been explored in a previous meta-analysis, our study differed from the previous one in that we separately analyzed the effects of acupuncture on menopause-specific QoL in three domains. Our findings revealed that acupuncture significantly improved QoL in the vasomotor domain, but not in the psychiatric, physical, and sexual domains, whereas the previous meta-analysis demonstrated no significant improvement in overall QoL in postmenopausal women after acupuncture,” the authors write.
In their discussion, the authors explain that decreasing levels of estrogen may be associated with reduced concentration of β-endorphin in the hypothalamus, thereby causing hot flashes. They go on to suggest that acupuncture may be able to modify levels of hormones and influence symptoms, although none of the studies that they reviewed actually evaluated the effects of acupuncture on hormone levels.
Source: HealthCMi
http://www.healthcmi.com/Acupuncture-Continuing-Education-News/1342-acupuncture-herbs-best-pharmaceutical-for-headaches
A new study concludes that acupuncture combined with herbal medicine is more effective than drugs for the treatment of headaches. This confirms similar results found in a prior study wherein acupuncture was found comparable to drugs for the treatment of migraine headaches. The new study finds acupuncture combined with herbal medicine is effective for the treatment of vascular headaches whereas the prior study found acupuncture, as a standalone procedure, effective for the treatment of migraines. Scalp points are depicted in this plastic model near a red heat lamp. The results agree that acupuncture and/or acupuncture combined with herbs produce positive patient outcomes for headaches.
The prior study concluded that acupuncture is “of comparable efficiency to several proven drug therapies for the treatment and prevention of migraine(s).” The meta-analysis examined 25 randomized controlled trials involving a sample size of 3,004 patients. True acupuncture significantly outperformed simulated sham-acupuncture. In addition, true acupuncture was comparable to drug therapy for the treatment and prevention of migraines.
The new acupuncture continuing education research increased the strength of clinical care by adding herbal medicine to the Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) protocol. By combining acupuncture with the modified herbal medicine formula Huo Xue Qu Feng Tong Luo Tang (Blood Activating Wind Dispelling Meridian Unblocking Decoction), the TCM treatment was significantly more effective than nimodipine. Also referred to by its brand names Nimotop and Nymalize, this drug is a calcium channel blocker that increases blood flow to the brain by widening blood vessels. Originally developed to reduce high blood pressure, this drug is commonly used to prevent complications due to cerebral vasospasm.
Acupuncture combined with modified Huo Xue Qu Feng Tong Luo Tang is more effective than nimodipine for relieving vascular headaches. These headaches include cluster headaches, migraines and toxic headaches. Migraines involve unilateral or bilateral head pain and may combine with nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light and sound, and visual auras. Toxic headaches occur during fevers. Cluster headaches are focal and recur in severe episodes.
The researchers conducted a randomized acupuncture continuing education investigation of 92 patients with vascular headaches at the College of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) in Chongqing Medical University (Sichuan). Group #1 received oral administration of nimodipine at 40 mg per dose, three times per day. Group #2 received acupuncture and a TCM herbal formula based on Huo Xue Qu Feng Tong Luo Tang. A course of treatment for both groups consisted of two weeks and the entire treatment lasted for two courses. After the two courses of treatment, patients in both groups made considerable progress. However, patients in the acupuncture group significantly outperformed those in the drug group.
The Herbs
The primary ingredients in the modified version of Huo Xue Qu Feng Tong Luo Tang for patients in the acupuncture group were:
Tao Ren 12g
Hong Hua 12g
Dang Gui 15g
Chuan Xiong 15g
Chi Shao 12g
Sheng Di Huang 20g
Chai Hu 12g
Zhi Ke 12g
Xiang Fu 12g
Yu Jin 12g
Niu Xi 15g
Jie Geng 6g
Shi Jue Ming 30g
Zhen Zhu Mu 30g
Raw Mu Li 30g
Wu Gong 2 pieces
Quan Xie 10g
Gan Cao 5g
Modifications were made according to TCM differential diagnostics:
Add Di Long 12g for severe cases of stasis blocking collaterals.
Add Raw Long Gu 30g, Gou Teng 15g and Ci Shi 30g for cases of hyperactivity of liver yang.
Add Chen Pi 12g and processed Ban Xia 10g for cases of phlegm dampness.
Add Shan Zhu Yu 20g, Gou Qi Zi 15g and Nu Zhen Zi 15g for yin deficiency in the liver and kidneys.
Add Ren Shen 15g, Dang Gui 15g and Shu Di Huang 20g for cases of qi and blood deficiency.
The Acupuncture Points
The acupoints for acupuncture needling were chosen according to the locations of the headaches, i.e. near the affected regions and along the meridians:
For headaches primarily on the top of the head add Baihui (DU20), Sishencong (EX-HN1), Taichong (LR3), Neiguan (PC6) and Yongquan (KI1).
For headaches primarily on the forehead add Yintang (EX-HN3), Touwei (ST6), Yangbai (GB14), Zanzhu (BL2), Hegu (LI4) and Quchi (LI11).
For temporal headaches add Shuaigu (GB8), Taiyang (EX-HN5), Fengchi (GB20), Zhukong (SJ23), Waiguan (SJ5) and Yangfu (GB38).
For occipital headaches add Tianzhu (BL10), Fengchi (GB14), Fengfu (DU16), Yuzhen (BL9), Kunlun (BL60) and Houxi (SI3).
Modifications were also made based on differential diagnostics:
Add Hegu (LI4) and Lieque (LU7) for cases of external infection due to wind cold.
Add Xuehai (SP10), Geshu (BL17) and Sanyinjiao (SP6) for cases of stasis.
Add Taichong (LR3) and Yanglingquan (GB34) for cases of liver yang hyperactivity.
Add Fengrong (ST40) and Yinlingquan (SP9) for cases of wind phlegm invading upwardly.
Add Shenshu (BL23), Taixi (KI3) and Xuanzhong (GB39) for the cases of kidney deficiency.
Add Zusanli (ST36), Ganshu (BL18), Pishu (BL20) and Sanyinjiao (SP6) for cases of qi and blood deficiency.
Acupuncture Techniques
Acupuncture was applied in either the seated or lying posture. Quick insertion of filiform needles was applied with twirling reinforcing and reducing manipulation methods to acupoints on the head. Head and chest acupoints are depicted on this acupuncture doll. Lifting and thrusting was used for reinforcing and reducing methods at limb acupoints. Manual manipulation was applied every 10 minutes. The retention of needling was 20 minutes for minor cases and 30 minutes for severe cases. Acupuncture needling was applied once daily with 10 days comprising one course. There was a two day break after the first course and the entire treatment consisted of two courses of care.
After two courses of treatment, both groups achieved varied degrees of curative effects in terms of reducing headache attacks, duration of each attack and the intensity degree of headaches. The acupuncture group outperformed the drug group in all of the aforementioned indices. As a result, the researchers conclude that acupuncture combined with Huo Xue Qu Feng Tong Luo Tang is superior to nimodipine for the treatment of vascular headaches.
Source: Xovain
http://www.xovain.com/wellness/5-common-questions-about-accupuncture-does-it-hurt
Poking a sterile needle into your leg to relieve your allergy symptoms may seem like a load of “hocus pocus,” but acupuncture is an evidence-based science that has been practiced successfully to treat everything from headaches to anxiety for over 5,000 years. This Eastern technique is becoming increasingly popular in the United States and is quite effective for an array of health issues with little to no side effects.
How does acupuncture work?
Acupuncture is one of many modalities under the umbrella of Chinese medicine, which views your body as a series of energy meridians. When this energy’s flow, or qi (pronounced chi), is disrupted, health issues occur. Acupuncture seeks to restore balance by inserting a sterile needle into various preset points throughout the body.
What should I expect from a typical acupuncture session?
Prepare for your appointment by having something light to eat and wearing loose-fitting clothes. Before a typical session, a licensed acupuncturist will ask you a series of questions about your symptoms as well as look at your tongue and take your pulse. These diagnostic tools will determine how the qi is moving in your body and help your practitioner develop a treatment plan.
There are over 300 acupuncture points throughout the body, but a practitioner typically uses between four and 20 needles for each treatment. The actual insertion and removal of the needles typically doesn’t hurt or draw any blood. At worst, you’ll feel a slight pinch.
Once the needles are in, you’ll lay on a table for about 30 minutes. Many people report feeling a pleasant tingling sensation and a sense of calm. Most people take a nap during their treatment and feel relaxed and peaceful when their session is over.
How can getting pricked by needles be relaxing?
One of the biggest misconceptions about acupuncture is the size of the needles. People assume that the needles are as big as hypodermic needles (the ones your doctor uses to collect blood). That’s not the case. Acupuncture needles are extremely thin—about as wide as a thick strand of hair.
Another misconception is that acupuncture can only be used for physical issues like pain, when in fact it is highly effective in treating issues such as depression, anxiety, and fatigue. Chinese Medicine views the body as being a combination of the mind-body-spirit, so every treatment addresses these parts of ourselves.
What kind of training does an acupuncturist need?
Becoming a licensed acupuncturist in the United States isn’t easy. It requires you to complete a three-year master’s program, which includes a rigorous curriculum of Eastern Medicine, Western biosciences, and herbology. After completing a degree in Chinese Medicine, each state requires a licensing examination before an acupuncturist can practice in that state.
How do I go about finding a trustworthy acupuncturist?
Finding an acupuncturist is no different than finding any Western medical practitioner. Look for someone who is patient-centered—he or she should value your time, answer your questions to your satisfaction, and make you feel safe. Also be sure to ask practitioners whether they have experience or are comfortable treating the health issue you need addressed.
Source: Health CMi
http://www.healthcmi.com/Acupuncture-Continuing-Education-News/1332-migraine-vanishes-with-acupuncture-and-tuina
Acupuncture is more effective than medication for controlling migraines. Researchers compared a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) combination of acupuncture and tuina massage with the oral medication flunarizine hydrochloride. The TCM treatment was significantly more effective than the drug treatment for reducing pain frequency, intensity and duration due to migraines. The acupuncture combined with tuina group had a total effective rate of 93.8% whereas the medication group only achieved a 63% total effective rate. A woman with a migraine headache is depicted in this image. Additionally, the acupuncture with tuina group had significantly fewer relapses. As a result of the findings the researchers conclude, “Combining electroacupuncture and local tuina can obtain better effect and lower relapse rate than oral Flunarizine Hydrochloride capsules in migraine patients.”
Inclusion criteria for the research required patients to have headaches that lasted between 4-72 hours on one side of the head, unilaterally. Pain intensity levels needed to be moderate to severe with a pulsing sensation. The headaches must be aggravated by activities of daily living such as walking, climbing stairs, etc… or must at the very least cause avoidance of activities of daily living. In addition, the migraines need to include at least one of the following symptoms: nausea, vomiting, photophobia, phonophobia. Medical examinations must exclude organic causation including hypertension, hypotension, ENT disorders and internal organ disorders such as heart, brain and kidney disease. A total of 94 patients were admitted to the study in the outpatient department of the hospital and were randomly divided into the TCM group and the pharmaceutical medication group.
The acupuncture group received electroacupuncture at ashi points, Taiyang, ST8 (Touwei), GB13 (Benshen), Xuanlu (GB5) and GB41 (Zulinqi) on the side with focal pain. GB20 (Fengchi), GV20 (Baihui) and GV24 (Shenting) were needled bilaterally. Secondary acupuncture points were added for specific disorders. LR3 (Taichong), KI3 (Taixi) and GB43 (Xiaxi) were added for headaches due to liver yang rising. CV12 (Fenglong) and SP9 (Yinlingquan) were added for cases of headache due to phlegm-turbidity. PC6 (Neiguan), SP10 (Xuehai) and BL17 (Geshu) were added for cases of headache due to blood stasis. The treatment principle was to dredge the channels, remove pathogenic factors and stop pain.
The acupuncture treatments were applied in the seated patient position. Needles were 0.30 mm in diameter and 25-50 mm in length. Deqi sensation was evoked at the acupoints followed by 1 minute of sedating technique by either twirling or rotating. Electroacupuncture employed a sparse-dense wave and the frequency ranged between 2-100 Hz. Total needle retention time was 20 minutes and the acupuncture was applied once per day. One course of treatment consisted of 10 days. Two courses of treatment were applied with a 3 day break between courses of care.
Tuina massage was applied with several techniques. One thumb tui pushing, na grasping, an pressing, rou kneading, saosan sweeping, fen parting and ca rubbing were all used as part of the manual therapy. Regions receiving tuina massage were at Yintang, Taiyang, GV20, GB20, ST8, TB20 (Jiaosun) and BL2 (Cuanzhu). Overall, the head received tuina care including the forehead and lateral sides at the gallbladder foot-shaoyang channel. Treatment was applied with the patient in the seated position.
The treatment and results were processed at the Community Health Service Center at the Acupuncture and Tuina Outpatient Department of the hospital. Acupuncture with tuina consistently outperformed the medication group. As a result of the findings the researchers concluded that acupuncture combined with tuina is effective for the treatment of migraines and is more effective than flunarizine hydrochloride.
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