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Source: Health CMi
http://www.healthcmi.com/Acupuncture-Continuing-Education-News/1278-acupuncture-point-signals-neurological-pathway
A new discovery demonstrates that acupuncture needle stimulation translates into neurological signaling with the help of a special protein receptor. TRPV1 is an important gene in converting mechanical to neurological signals.
The new research helps to explain how physical stimulation of an acupuncture point with a needle activates powerful biochemical responses relating to human health. Western blotting, immunoflourescence and other scientific procedures reveal that a special protein receptor, gene and cation channel are involved in the effective actions and signaling pathways of needling acupuncture point ST36 (Zusanli).
TRPV1, a transient receptor potential cation channel, is a gene and related receptor that forms a mechano-sensitive ion channel. The receptor is activated by changes in temperature and other forms of mechanical stimulation. TRPV1 is “highly expressed at ST36” according to the new research. Calcium wave propagation (CWP) components were also highly expressed in the TRPV1 related tissues at ST36.
Acupuncture continuing education and research into the mechanisms by which acupuncture exerts its medicinal effects is advanced with this new finding. The research demonstrates that CWP is activated during acupuncture. The results of the investigation “suggest TRPV1 might act as acupuncture-responding channel by sensing physical stimulation from acupuncture and conducting the signaling via CWP to nerve terminals.”
Yin YangThe researchers note that the investigation provides important insight into the methods by which physical stimulation from acupuncture needles activates neurological signaling.
– See more at: http://www.healthcmi.com/Acupuncture-Continuing-Education-News/1278-acupuncture-point-signals-neurological-pathway#sthash.KdNWZhV6.dpuf
Source: Fox News
http://kdvr.com/2014/03/13/cu-hospital-uses-accupuncture-as-part-of-cancer-treatment
DENVER — Things are changing in the medical world. Doctors are now including acupuncture as part of their treatment strategy for cancer patients, merging the ancient practice with powerful modern medical techniques.
The University Of Colorado Hospital is leading the way in providing a wider range of choices for patients.
Joseph VanZale is receiving acupuncture on a regular basis as part of his cancer treatment. He says it is already helping him to cope with the side effects of chemotherapy.
He says, “My energy and my weight was going down at an incredible level.” But after weeks of acupuncture treatment by Dr. Ban Wong things have improved.
VanZale says, “I’m walking without a cane, longer distances, the other day I got on a treadmill.”
Dr. Wong, a University Of Colorado Hospital Chinese medicine specialist, says acupuncture can restore “balance” which can rejuvenate patients battling nausea and other side effects.
He says, “Studies using functional MRIs show when we do acupuncture our brain actually responds and different areas of the brain light up.”
VanZale says acupuncture is crucial to relieving stress and the interaction with Dr. Wong lifts his spirits and he also says, “We do laugh a lot. We talk about different things including Kung Fu Panda.”
Many say creating innovative medicine has been a long time coming. It’s something that gives the patient the best of both worlds.
Jordan Mann, who works in the Integrative Medicine branch of the hospital says, “Traditional ancient medicine with western current medicine are bringing people the best chance they have to get well and stay well and prevent illness in the first place.”
Joseph’s wife Monica says she can’t believe the difference in her husband of 48 years and is grateful that the University Of Colorado Hospital is “modern” enough to bring these two practices together for the good of patients.
She says, “We have a really good normal life. Our new normal is great.”
Source: ITV
http://www.itv.com/news/2014-03-15/owl-receives-life-saving-acupuncture-treatment/
A lucky owl had her life saved when vets used acupuncture to treat injuries from a road accident.
Vets at the Hawk Centre in the US state of Arkansas were considering putting the owl, named Enola after the town where it was truck by a car, to sleep before a colleague suggested trying the alternative treatment.
The acupuncture seems to have paid dividends, according to Lynne Slater, the executive director of the Hawk Center where Enola was treated:
From her being unable to stand and her falling over on one side now she can stand and perch on a branch and she can actually move her foot some.She’s even self-feeding she wasn’t even able to feed herself.
Vets expect Enola will be released back into the wild in a few months’ time.
Source: Air Force
http://www.afmc.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123402789
ROBINS AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. — When it comes to pain relief, sharp objects aren’t often the remedy most consider first. But with the realized benefits of battlefield acupuncture, that perception is quickly changing, one pin prick at a time.
Physicians and other health care providers from the 78th Medical Group attended a training session March 1 at the Robins Medical Center as part of an effort to get personnel acquainted with, and ultimately credentialed on, the practice — which could soon become an alleviating addition to the base clinic.
Dr. Tom Piazza, one of three physician acupuncturists at Andrews Air Force Base, Md., led the day-long course in which students received hands-on instruction by performing the procedure on each other, as well as other volunteers seeking reprieve from persistent pain.
The story of how acupuncture found a home in the Air Force began at Andrews where Piazza’s colleague, Dr. Richard Niemtzow, created battlefield acupuncture while on active duty in 2001, and he has since carried the lesson of its benefits to doctors around the world.
Master Sgt. Michael Dougherty, 78th Medical Group independent duty medical technician, had been in contact with Niemtzow for the past three years on a mission to bring battlefield acupuncture to Robins.
Though still in the planning stages, Dougherty said interest is already high among medical staff and others. Last week’s class represented another milestone in that effort.
“We’re still working out the details,” he said. “I see somewhere inside four weeks that we really start getting some traction on this. I think once this gets out, the demand is going to outstrip the supply of providers.”
The ultimate vision is that the clinic will soon have the ability to devote half a day each week for battlefield acupuncture.
Battlefield acupuncture, widely considered pain-free, is an oracular therapy specific to the surface of the ear and consists of five small needles that remain in place for two to four days before they are removed or fall out on their own. Though performed in minutes, results of the procedure are often felt within seconds.
Piazza pointed out how important these distinct locations in the ear are in relation to pain affecting various regions of the body.
“We’re not training people to be acupuncturists; we’re training them for this one particular technique,” said Piazza. “And, we’ve found that about 80 to 86 percent of patients respond, and some of those are truly dramatic responses.”
Dougherty’s advocacy for the non-traditional therapy rests largely on his view that any alternative to medication is worth the Air Force’s time. Formerly assigned to special operations, Dougherty was embedded in work where potentially mind-numbing narcotics and critical duties couldn’t mix.
“Some can no longer control or fly because of those medications,” he said. “So we looked for ways we could treat their pain without taking them off status, and acupuncture was one. If it works and this lets an Airman take even one fewer pill a day, that’s a victory for us.”
Though utilized for thousands of years, any brand of acupuncture — still viewed by some as too unconventional or medically unsubstantiated — has more than its share of doubters, some of whom changed their minds during last Saturday’s session.
Staff Sgt. Tabitha Loomis, 78th Medical Group medical technician, had been suffering chronic pain due to a dislocated collarbone.
“This was my first time, and I was completely skeptical,” said Loomis, who volunteered for battlefield acupuncture at the event. “And, I haven’t been this pain-free without medication in years. I’m a believer.”
Source: Acufinder
https://www.acufinder.com/Acupuncture+Information/Detail/The+Spirit+of+Renewal+Spring+and+Traditional+Chinese+Medicine
Spring: It is the long-awaited change of winter to spring. Seeds sprout, flowers bloom, and the sun warms the earth. There is a sense of renewal and new life all around.
While winter was a time to conserve energy and reduce activity, spring is a time of regeneration, new beginnings, and a renewal of spirit.
The Principle of the Five Elements
The five elements refer to wood, fire, earth, metal, and water in Eastern philosophy. The Principle of the Five Elements (known as the Wu Hsing in Chinese) describes the flow of Qi and the balance of yin and yang.
According to the principle, all change – in the universe and in your body – occurs in five distinct stages. Each of these stages is associated with a particular time of year, a specific element in nature, and a pair of organs in the body. Change links together the seasons of the year, aspects of nature, and your body’s organs and bodily processes. A practitioner of traditional Chinese medicine uses this principle to diagnose and treat health problems, linking specific foods, herbs, and acupuncture points to the restoration of yin-yang and Qi.
Spring is the ideal time for cleansing and rejuvenation for overall health and well-being. As spring is represented by the wood element and includes the liver and its complementary organ, the gallbladder, these two organs are usually the primary targets for springtime cleansing and health regimens.
Element: Wood
Color: Green
Nature: Yang
Organs: Liver, Gallbladder
Emotion: Anger
Put Some Spring into Your Step
Spring corresponds to the “Wood” element, which in turn is conceptually related to the liver and gallbladder organs. According to the philosophy of Chinese medicine, the liver is responsible for the smooth flowing of Qi (energy) throughout the body. When the liver functions smoothly, physical and emotional activity throughout the body also runs smoothly. So, for optimum health this spring, move your Qi!
Stretch – The liver controls the tendons. According to Chinese medicine, the liver stores blood during periods of rest and then releases it to the tendons in times of activity, maintaining tendon health and flexibility. Incorporate a morning stretch into your routine. Try yoga or tai qi.
Eye Exercises – The liver opens into the eyes. Although all the organs have some connection to the health of the eyes, the liver is connected to proper eye function. Remember to take breaks when looking at a computer monitor for extended periods of time and do eye exercises.
Eat Green – Green is the color of the liver and of springtime. Eating young plants – fresh, leafy greens, sprouts, and immature cereal grasses – can improve the liver’s overall functions and aid in the movement of qi.
Taste Sour – Foods and drinks with sour tastes are thought to stimulate the liver’s qi. Put lemon slices in your drinking water, use vinegar and olive oil for your salad dressing. Garnish your sandwich with a slice of dill pickle.
Do more outdoor activities – Outside air helps liver qi flow. If you have been feeling irritable, find an outdoor activity to smooth out that liver qi stagnation. Try hiking or take up golf.
Enjoy milk thistle tea – Milk thistle helps protect liver cells from incoming toxins and encourages the liver to cleanse itself of damaging substances, such as alcohol, medications, pesticides, environmental toxins, and even heavy metals such as mercury.
Get Acupuncture treatments – Acupuncture and Oriental medicine can help improve the overall health of your liver as well as treat stress, anger and frustration, which are often associated with liver qi disharmony.
Source: Global Acupuncture
http://globalacupuncture.org/about.html
On 30 March 2003, three licensed acupuncturists from the United States began an intensive, two-week acupuncture training program in Kampala, Uganda. The trainings were conducted at the KISWA Health Centre, a clinic that focuses on care for those who are HIV+. The trainee class of 13 local health care providers included midwives, physiotherapists, a traditional healer, and medical doctors.
This event, the first training program conducted by the Boston-based PanAfrican Acupunture Project, was the culmination of two years of preparation and the expression of a dream to bring acupuncture to the people of the African continent who are struggling with HIV/AIDS.
The PanAfrican Acupuncture Project trains local healthcare workers to use simple and effective acupuncture techniques that enable them to treat the symptoms associated with HIV/AIDS, malaria, TB, and other delibilitating conditions.
The Project is modeled after a successful program that continues to help people in Guatemala. The Project also mirrors what in China has been called the Barefoot Doctor. At the core of the Project is the training of local community healthcare providers so that they can provide the treatments. This is a very important aspect of this Project in that it empowers the people themselves. To accomplish this, we have written an manual that in clear and simple terms explains the theory of acupuncture and the techniques associated with it. The bulk of the manual is the presentation of specific acupuncture protocols associated with the signs and symptoms manifested by HIV, malaria, TB, and other conditions and the side effects from the medications used to treat them.
The Project trains licensed acupuncturists on the use and teaching of the manual. These acupuncturists travel to specific target communities in the African continent and train the local individuals. The Project maintains contact with the communities to provide ongoing support through direct contact and via our web site.
Source: Health CMi
http://www.healthcmi.com/Acupuncture-Continuing-Education-News/1272-acupuncture-for-heart-attack-recovery-new-research
Acupuncture improves the functional and physical health of the heart in cases of chronic heart failure (CHF). Research published in the American Journal of Physiology, Heart and Circulatory Physiology demonstrates several major clinical benefits provided by acupuncture in cases of CHF. One of the most important discoveries is that acupuncture reduces the physical size of damage to the heart, infarct size, due to heart failure.
The researchers note that CHF is associated with significant neurohumoral responses including excess sympathetic nervous system activity. In this laboratory experiment, acupuncture demonstrated significant homeostatic regulatory effects on sympathetic nervous system responses. Excess cardiac sympathetic afferent reflexes resulting in overactive sympathetic tone combined with deficient parasympathetic activity is contributory towards heart failure and the risk of sudden death. Acupuncture successfully demonstrated regulatory responses on these systems to improve overall cardiac health.
Echocardiography and other scientific tests demonstrated that acupuncture reduces infarct size and improves important aspects of cardiac function including ventricular ejection and fraction shortening. Acupuncture demonstrated several other important cardiovascular benefits. Acupuncture significantly lowered blood pressure, successfully inhibited sympathetic afferent reflexes (CSAR) and was also effective in reducing renal sympathetic nerve activity (RSNA). Other benefits include “dramatically increased” left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), left ventricular fraction shortening (LVFS), a reversal of left ventricular end-systolic dimension (LVESD) enlargement and left ventricular end-diastolic dimension (LVEDD).
Acupuncture significantly reduced infarct sizes and electroacupuncture significantly regulated excess sympathetic nerve stimulation of the cardiovascular system. The researchers note that the beneficial cardiac function effects are long-term. The researchers concluded that acupuncture is a “potentially useful therapy for treating CHF.”
The researchers note that prior research demonstrates that electroacupuncture at acupoints PC5 and PC6 is effective in regulating “cardiovascular sympathoexcitatory reflex-induced” responses. As a result, these acupuncture points were chosen for this controlled laboratory investigation. Based on the important findings in this study, the researchers recommend continued investigation into the mechanisms and applications of acupuncture for improved cardiac health.
Source: Health CMi
http://www.healthcmi.com/Acupuncture-Continuing-Education-News/1264-acupuncture-points-revealed-by-x-ray
New X-ray images of acupuncture points show that unique structures exist. New technology makes acupuncture point structures visible to CT scans. This and other incredible acupuncture research marks the start of the Year of the Horse. Additionally, new research confirms that acupuncture is effective for the treatment of depression, anxiety and hypertension. Moreover, the anti-inflammatory effects of acupuncture can avert sepsis and save lives. Let’s take a look at these discoveries.
Scholars were amazed at the new CT (computerized tomography) scans of acupuncture points. The CT X-rays, published in the Journal of Electron Spectroscopy and Related Phenomena, reveal clear distinctions between non-acupuncture point and acupuncture point anatomical structures. New in-line phase contrast synchrotron radiation CT techniques reveal that acupuncture points have a uniquely high density of micro-vessels and contain a large amount of involuted microvascular structures that are not present in non-acupuncture points.
Acupuncture points have microvascular densities with bifurcations that “can be clearly seen around thick blood vessels” but non-acupuncture points show few thick blood vessels and none show fine, high density structures found in true acupuncture points. The researchers note that “the high brightness, wide spectrum, high collimation, polarization and pulsed structure of synchrotron radiation” facilitated the discovery. The research team concluded, “Our results demonstrated again the existence of acupoints, and also show that the acupoints are special points in mammals.”
These findings emerged at a time when the academic community had recently learned that acupuncture points have higher oxygen pressure levels. Using an amperometric oxygen microsensor to detect partial oxygen pressure variations at different locations on the anterior aspect of the wrist, researchers discovered something astonishing. Acupuncture points have measurable and unique oxygen characteristics. This evidence is scientifically repeatable and the oxygen sensor imaging exactly corresponds to all acupuncture points in the region: LU9, LU8, LU7, PC7, PC6, HT7, HT6, HT5 and HT4. Non-acupuncture points do not demonstrate these qualities. Additional acupuncture continuing education research reveals important clinical findings.
Source: Health CMi
http://www.healthcmi.com/Acupuncture-Continuing-Education-News/1266-new-microscopy-proof-acupuncture-restores-heroin-addict-brain-cells
New immunohistochemical electron microscopy reveals that acupuncture protects brain cells in cases of heroin addiction. Acupuncture reduces heroin related withdrawal symptoms and restores brain chemistry. In controlled laboratory experiments of heroin addiction related brain damage, acupuncture restored nerve cells, endoplasmic reticulum and mitochondria in the brain’s hippocampus and frontal lobe. The research team noted that they produced evidence demonstrating that acupuncture can partially reverse the effects of heroin related brain injuries.
Re-addiction is the process in which addicts become addicted, withdraw and detoxify and then become addicted again in a repeated cycle. This may lead to extensive and sometimes irreversible damage to the brain by causing excessive apoptosis and nerve demyelination. The researchers studied the effects of needling acupuncture points GV20 (Baihui) and GV14 (Dazhui) based on prior research demonstrating that this point combination “reduces neuronal loss and attenuates ultrastructural damage in cerebral ischemic rats.”
The National Institute on Drug Abuse states that 4.2 million people in the USA have used heroin at least once. It is estimated that 23% of these individuals become addicted. The majority of heroin users are under the age of 26. Overdoses, unregulated purity and potency and chronic pathological damage are common consequences of illicit heroin use.
The researchers note that acupuncture produced several important beneficial effects. First, “the pathological damage in the hippocampus and frontal lobe was significantly reduced….” In addition, acupuncture significantly upregulated Bcl-2 and downregulated Bax expression. These two proteins are responsible for regulating cell preservation and cell death respectively.
Heroin addicts undergo a pathological decrease of Bcl-2 and increase of Bax. Acupuncture effectively regulated Bcl-2 and Bax in the study’s heroin re-addiction rats. The researchers noted, “Electron microscopy results showed that acupuncture can prevent brain cell apoptosis in heroin readdicted rats, which is most likely mediated by altering cell ultrastructure, regulating the expression of the apoptosis-related genes Bcl-2 and Bax, and changing Bcl-2/Bax ratio.” Also, the researchers discovered that “acupuncture has the potential to maintain mitochondria and rough endoplasmic reticulum function, promote the transport of proteins synthesized by membrane-bound ribosomes, and help to synthesize ATP, which are conducive to providing energy for a variety of physiological activities of cells and restoring the function of nerve nuclear groups in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex.”
The goal of the study was to explore the neuroprotective effects of acupuncture on the brain. The researchers noted that “our study has provided a partial mechanism for the neuroprotective effect of acupuncture on brain cell death in heroin readdicted rats, and provided insights on the possibility of using acupuncture for the treatment of heroin readdiction.”
Heroin Withdrawal
Related research concludes that acupuncture is effective for the treatment of withdrawal symptoms and anxiety associated with heroin addiction. Researchers studied 60 males undergoing heroin withdrawal. A control group was compared with two acupuncture treatment groups. Group one received acupuncture at HT7 (Shenmen) and group two received acupuncture at PC6 (Neiguan). Both points demonstrated significant positive clinical benefits.
Cocaine Addiction
Another study of cocaine addicted lab rats discovered that acupuncture at point HT7 (Shenmen) had a “markedly reduced reinstatement of cocaine-seeking” with an 86.5 percent successful inhibition rate. The mechanism by which acupuncture prevents cocaine addiction relapse may be due to the ability of acupuncture to regulate “neuronal activation in the NAc shell.” The NAc (nucleus accumbens) is an area of the brain important in motor function, rewards and emotions. The researchers note that the NAc is “a brain structure implicated in stress-induced reinstatement of drug-seeking behavior.”
Acupuncture for the promotion of addiction recovery received public attention over a decade ago when Yale University researchers stated that auricular acupuncture is effective for the treatment of cocaine addiction. In the human controlled study, the acupuncture group tested 54.8 percent free of cocaine while the two control groups were 23.5 percent and 9.1 percent free of cocaine following treatment. Importantly, the acupuncture group demonstrated a lower recidivism rate.
Source: Health CMi
http://www.healthcmi.com/Acupuncture-Continuing-Education-News/1269-herbs-help-dolphin-overcome-ulcerative-stomatitis-lesions
Research published in the American Journal of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine documented that herbal medicine helped a bottlenose dolphin overcome ulcerative stomatitis. This study shows that dolphins benefit from herbal medicine. A differential diagnosis was made of excess stomach heat and blood heat. An herbal formula was then powdered and put in fish that were fed to the dolphin. The dolphin showed significant improvements and no adverse effects occurred.
The bottlenose dolphin had multiple ulcerative lesions in both the gingiva and hard palate. A combination of antibiotics and anti-fungal medications did not affect the condition. Based on the Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) diagnosis, an herbal formula consisting of Mu Dan Pi, Mai Men Dong, Xuan Shen, Di Fu Zi, Huang Bai, Sheng Di Huang, Chi Shao, Dan Shen and Yu Jin was prepared. The dose was 4 grams of powdered herbs placed in fish and fed to the dolphin at a rate of 2 times per day for 6 months.
Nearly all lesions disappeared within 4 months and by 9 months all lesions resolved completely. The herbal medicine was discontinued but 4 months later a flare-up occurred. Another six months of the herbal formula was administered, however, a small number of lesions remained. Upon re-examination, stomach yin deficiency was added to the diagnostic pattern. The herbal formula was changed to Qing Wei San. This formula, translated as clear the stomach powder, consists of Huang Lian, Sheng Ma, Mu Dan Pi, Sheng Di Huang and Dang Gui. Qing Wei San clears stomach heat, cools the blood and nourishes yin. It is commonly used in TCM for the treatment of toothaches, bleeding gums, gingiva inflammation and bad breath. After six months, nearly all lesions resolved with the exception of a few on the mandible.
Reference:
Clemons-Chevis, Connie L., and Huisheng Xie. “Treatment of Ulcerative Stomatitis in an Atlantic Bottlenose dolphin, Tursiops truncatus, with Chinese Herbal Medicine.” American Journal of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine 8, no. 2 (2013).
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