|
|
August 8th, 2010
Dry Eyes Benefit from Acupuncture Treatments
People who suffer from a condition known as dry eye syndrome often experience quite a number of irritations with their vision. Dryness, a burning sensation and sandy-gritty eye discomfort are just some of the symptoms that seem to increase in sensation as the day progresses.
In one such case, Rebecca had been suffering the condition for 3 years. The dry eye pain was described as excruciating during the day and caused problems with her sleep as well. At times, her eyes were so dry she literally had to peel her eyelids off her eyes, she said. Numerous trips to doctors and one to a dietitian produced no results. She decided as a last resort to try Acupuncture.
Even though the initial treatments showed no marked results, she decided to continue with her program because of confidence in the acupuncturist. After 14 treatments that included Chinese herbs as well, her condition literally improved overnight. All of her symptoms disappeared and have been gone for over a year.
That Acupuncture improves dry eye syndrome was the focus of a recent study conducted at the China Medical University in Taiwan. A group of 43 dry eye syndrome patients were divided into a control group and Acupuncture group.
All of the participants first received an artificial tears treatment. The Acupuncture group then received two 20-minute treatments. Several different measurement tools were used to determine tear production including the Schirmer’s test where strips of paper are inserted into the eye for several minutes to measure the production of tears.
A variety of test results showed that the Acupuncture treatments brought positive results. After just 4 weeks of treatment, the Acupuncture group showed improvements over the control group. Tearing in both eyes had improved during this time.
After 8 weeks of treatment, the acupuncture group continued to show improvement over the control group. Acupuncture produced significant improvement in reducing the symptoms of dry eye syndrome and also reduced the need for artificial tear application.
Rebecca, in the case study first reported in this story was so pleased with the results of her treatment that she embarked upon a study of Acupuncture. How’s that for a true convert!
Sources: Acupuncture.com, http://www.acupuncture.com/testimonials/dryeyes.htm and http://www.acupuncture.com/newsletters/m_apr06/res.htm#2 2006.
Tags: dry eyes, eye pain
Posted in Acupuncture | No Comments »
June 9th, 2010
Acupuncture Is Making Life Easier For Those Fighting Cancer
There’s nothing enjoyable about fighting for one’s life when the diagnosis is cancer. The pain, nausea and sickness that accompany the disease or the treatment just add insult to injury.
But time and time again, studies have shown that Acupuncture helps those with the pain of cancer or the sickness resulting from treatment.
In 1986, two doctors in London studied whether or not patients at a Pain Clinic in a cancer hospital could benefit from Acupuncture treatment. The results were quite promising. This study found that 82 percent of the patients treated with Acupuncture received a benefit that lasted for hours or even days. Patients who were suffering from muscle spasms or unpleasant sensations such as itching, prickling or burning were among those who received the greatest help.
In 2009, a study executed by Jeanette Ezzo, a Maryland researcher, and a research group investigated the relief that might be provided to those who were receiving chemotherapy. It is very typical for those receiving chemotherapy to suffer vomiting and nausea. Acupuncture and self-administered acupressure were tested together on this study.
The research group found that, “acupuncture has demonstrated benefit for chemotherapy-induced acute vomiting.” It also determined that, “Self-administered acupressure appears to have a protective effect for acute nausea and can readily be taught to patients.” Further studies are needed to provide complete verification of the benefits.
Then treatments such as chemotherapy produce sickness and vomiting as a side effect, the usual medical solution is to give more drugs to combat those side effects. Rather than involve oneself in a never-ending round of drug-taking, it is always wise to see if a minimally invasive and nearly painless method of treatment such as Acupuncture can help before resorting to more drugs.
Avoiding more drugs leaves the body with a maximum amount of innate healing power with which to deal with the cancer.
Source: http://www.cochrane.org/reviews/en/ab002285.html, http://www.acupuncture.com/research/cancerpain.htm, http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/pdq/cam/acupuncture/healthprofessional/allpages#Reference6.17
Tags: Acupuncture, cancer, chemotherapy, oncology, Pain
Posted in Acupuncture | No Comments »
May 30th, 2010
Check back soon for more articles…Ian Wahl
Acupuncturre’s Pain Relief Equal to Painkilling Drugs
A team of scientists from two British universities carried out brain scans on patients while they underwent Acupuncture treatment. The scans showed differences in the brain’s response to acupuncture needles compared with tests using dummy needles that did not puncture the skin.
Doctors found that the part of the brain that manages pain and the nervous system showed pain relief levels of as much as 15 per cent.
Dr. George Lewith, from the University of Southampton’s Complementary Medicine Research Unit, said the improvement is “exactly the same size of effect you would get from…real painkillers (pharmaceuticals) for chronic pain. The evidence we now have is that acupuncture works very well on pain.”
The patients in the study were put through three tests in random order, while ‘brain maps’ were created using sophisticated scans at University College London. In one test, researchers used blunt needles that pricked the skin, but which the brain registered as the sensation of touch. Dummy needles, where the tip was pushed back once it touched the skin, were then used, and in the third test the patients underwent acupuncture treatment with real needles.
The acupuncture needles had two measurable effects on the patients’ brains: as with the dummy needles, the brain released natural opiates in response to the expected effect of the needles.
But the scans showed that the real needles had an extra effect and stimulated another part of the brain called the ipsilateral insular. This improved pain relief of 10-15% was similar to the effect of taking conventional analgesic drugs.
SOURCE: http://www.nzherald.co.nz/index.cfm?c_id=5&ObjectID=10123440
Tags: Acupuncture, Pain
Posted in Pain | No Comments »
May 20th, 2010
Check back soon for more articles…Ian Wahl
Stop Smoking with Acupuncture, Chinese Herbs and Guided Imagery
Americans as well as the British seem to be trying to quit the smoking habit in greater numbers. Unfortunately, millions of them are turning to powerful drugs to ease their cravings. In fact, one such pharmaceutical product is now being accused of causing adverse reactions such as suicidal thinking and strange dreams.
Acupuncture, on the other hand, has been used successfully by many as a means of quitting smoking without drugs and the potential adverse reactions of a pharmaceutical remedy. For instance, here is what one 25-year-old had to say about his results.
“I smoked two packs of cigarettes daily. This had been going on for over two years. I’d tried nicotine gum and associated products, as well as stopping cold turkey many times. I’ve now completely stopped smoking and can’t even stand the smell or to be around it. If it wasn’t for Acupuncture, there’s one fact: I’d still be a smoker.”
An Acupuncture program to quit the habit recognizes smoking as an addiction that takes a good deal of will power and desire for the person to make it. However, the use of Acupuncture, supplemented with herbal remedies, can go a long way to help ease the process.
At the Wahls of Wellness, we focus helping a patient relieve tension, increase their will power, return proper balance to the body, relieve withdrawal cravings and diminish the appetite. We do this by combining Chinese Herbs and acupuncture with guided imagery and a home-care program complete with affirmations and a guided imagery reinforcement CD.
All of this contributes to improve the overall well-being of the patient and to heighten their resolve to break the addiction. It also provides the necessary support to get them through the tough moments when their cravings are telling them to break down and have a smoke.
One 47-year-old woman talks of her success with Acupuncture: “I smoked for 30-plus years. I no longer smoke and I owe it to the Acupuncture treatment. The treatments helped me a great deal to cope with the withdrawal symptoms associated with quitting smoking. I also had breathing and stomach problems which were also treated successfully with Acupuncture.”
And finally, one heart-lifting testimonial from a 46-year-old woman: “I have smoked since I was 16 and was able to kick the habit through Acupuncture and the use of Chinese herbs. I’d call it a miracle, but rather, it was the skill of my practitioner and the will to succeed. I feel very fortunate to have a man like my acupuncturist on my side.”
Smoking is one of the world’s toughest habits to break, but it can be done. And, it does not have to involve the use of drugs or be done by replacing nicotine with another substance. Acupuncture offers hope for anyone who truly wants to break free of the addiction. It starts with a bit of will power and the first visit to an acupuncturist.
Sources: Acupuncture.com. “Stop Smoking Support Program.” http://209.85.141.104/custom?q=cache:OR9YIdgVGuIJ:acupuncture.com/conditions/stopsmoke.htm+quit+smoking&hl=en&ct=clnk&cd=2&gl=us and Stop Smoking Testimonials.http://www.acupuncture.com/testimonials/smoking1.htm and http://www.acupuncture.com/testimonials/smoking2.htm, http://www.acupuncture.com/testimonials/smoking3.htm.
Tags: acupuncture stop smoking, quit smoking, smoking cessation, Stop Smoking
Posted in Stop Smoking | No Comments »
May 20th, 2010
Check back soon for more articles…Beverly Wahl
“God grant me the serenity and grace to accept the things I cannot change; the courage and faith to change the things I can; and the wisdom to know the difference. ~~Reinhold Niebuhr
Beverly Wahl created and leads our life changing Healing Spirit Retreats for Women.
Learn how to become open to your intuitive self. Learn how to practice, through gentle guided meditations, forgiveness, gratefulness, and grace in your life. Experience one of these transformational weekends for yourself. Click Here for more information.
Tags: angel reading, angel therapy, fertile spirit, fertilespirit, fertility retreat, healing spirit, healingspirit, retreat, spiritual retreat, women retreats
Posted in Retreats | No Comments »
May 20th, 2010
Check back soon for more articles…Ian Wahl
“Brain Fog” and Hormone Levels During Menopause Improve Markedly From Acupuncture Treatment
For many women, menopause is a difficult time. Mood swings, weight gain, depression, night sweats, hot flashes, forgetfulness – these symptoms and more can make life miserable. For some women, menopause comes and goes in a hurry. Unfortunately, for many more, the entire process can take as long as five years.
One of the symptoms of the process of menopause that is often mentioned is “brain fog.” This condition is accompanied by fluctuations in hormone levels. Symptoms may be alleviated by replacement hormones, but some of these drugs have turned out to be dangerous. Specifically, Equilin, Estradiol, Estrone and Mestranol were found to be carcinogenic after they had been prescribed to women for years.
Fortunately, a far less invasive form of treatment has been developed using Traditional Chinese Medicine. In Beijing, this treatment was tested on thirty-five women with thirty more women with similar symptoms serving as a control group. After 24 treatments over 4 weeks, the Acupuncture treatment was found to be more effective than medicine.
In the Acupuncture group, 12 cases were fully recovered, 16 cases improved “markedly,” and 6 cases improved. The total effective rate was calculated as high as 97.14 percent. Only one patient did not show any significant improvement.
What is even better is that medical tests of the hormone levels of these women confirmed that they weren’t just feeling better and thinking more clearly, their bodies and hormone levels had actually changed. Hormone tests after the course of treatment showed a shift of key menopausal-related hormone levels to more normal ranges.
At the Wahls of Wellness, we add herbal therapies to this program of treatment. The combination of herbs and acupuncture, along with essential oils and aromatherapy (when indicated) as well as working with women to enhance their inner HealingSpirit, offers the possibility of even more improvement in the lack of mental clarity and in reducing hot flashes and night sweats—those common symptoms that are so often associated with menopause.
Source: Perimenopausal Brain Fog, Acupuncture and Herbs to Stimulate Brain Activity, May 2005, http://www.itmonline.org/arts/brainfog.htm
Source: Menopause article, 18 December 2009, http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000894.htm
Source: TOXNET article on Estradiol, http://toxnet.nlm.nih.gov/cgi-bin/sis/search/f?./temp/~pqhcYF:1, 1999
Source: TOXNET article on Mestranol, http://toxnet.nlm.nih.gov/cgi-bin/sis/search/f?./temp/~xKhEH8:1, 1999
Source: TOXNET article on Estrone, http://toxnet.nlm.nih.gov/cgi-bin/sis/search/f?./temp/~QaQVi0:1, 2005
Tags: Acupuncture, depression, hormonal, hot flashes, menopause, mood swings, night sweats, pms, women's health
Posted in PMS/Menopause/Hormonal | No Comments »
May 20th, 2010
Check back soon for more articles from Ian Wahl
Acupuncture Found to be Better than Drugs for Headache Relief
If you are one of the approximately 45 million people in the United States that suffers from a chronic headache condition, there is some very good news that may help eliminate the need to take medication.
Researchers at Duke University Medical School have shown that Acupuncture is more effective than drugs in reducing both the severity and the frequency of chronic headache conditions.
“Acupuncture is becoming a favorable option for a variety of purposes ranging from enhancing fertility to decreasing post-operative pain because people experience significantly fewer side effects, and it can be less expensive than other options,” said Dr. Tong Joo Gan, a Duke anesthesiologist who lead the study. “This analysis reinforces that Acupuncture also is a successful source of relief from chronic headaches.”
It’s interesting to note that the U.S. National Institute of Health began recommending Acupuncture as a viable treatment to help people with a chronic headache condition over 10 years ago.
Duke researchers looked into more than 30 studies involving over 4,000 patients who suffered migraine headaches, tension headaches and additional headaches with multiple symptoms. All of the studies they looked at were conducted over a period of time that lasted for more than 4 weeks.
One of the main findings of the study had to do with the comparison of Acupuncture to the effectiveness of drugs. In the 17 different studies comparing Acupuncture to medication, Acupuncture provided relief to 62 percent of the patients while only 45 percent found headache relief with drugs.
With Acupuncture known to provide this type of relief, often in a matter of 5 or 6 treatments that last only about 30 minutes, it seems clear that headache sufferers should put aside their medications and seek the relief offered through his age-old treatment. “One of the barriers to treatment with Acupuncture is getting people to understand that while needles are used, it is not a painful experience,” said Dr. Gan. “It is a method for releasing your body’s own natural painkillers.”
According to researchers, over 20 million American women are among the 45 million people that suffer chronic headaches. Based on the experiences of the majority who were involved in these studies, it would be wise for drug users to consider putting away their medications. Many people could find long-term relief with some relaxing and healing visits to an acupuncturist.
Source: Duke University Medical Center. “Duke Study: Acupuncture Offers Better Headache Relief over Medication.” December 2008. http://durham.mync.com/site/Durham/news/story/20465/duke-study-acupuncture-offers-better-headache-relief-over-medication/
Tags: Acupuncture, headache, migraine, Pain
Posted in Headaches | No Comments »
May 20th, 2010
Check back soon for more articles…Ian Wahl
Acupuncture Improves Fertility in Men, Too
It’s become rather commonly known that Acupuncture has produced some very positive and even remarkable success stories in solving fertility problems in women. Now, new research shows there’s a very good possibility that Acupuncture might hold some enhancement benefits for their male counterparts as well.
Over the years, women have born all of the children as well as the brunt of criticism when they are unable to do so. In reality, men suffer from infertility issues almost as frequently as women. According to statistics from the National Infertility Association (an organization also known as RESOLVE), between 35% and 40% of infertility problems among couples are actually caused by male conditions.
Male fertility issues commonly fall into the categories of low sperm count, abnormal sperm shape, abnormal sperm size and reduced motility (capability of movement). Additional influencing factors can also fall into the areas of lifestyle, genetics and physiological changes, but these were not really major areas of consideration for this study.
Twenty-eight men who were diagnosed with idiopathic (unknown) infertility issues were chosen for this study. Sperm samples were taken from each man prior to the start of the study with each individual asked to abstain from sexual contact for 3 days prior to sampling.
A portion of the men received Acupuncture twice per week over a 5-week period, while the control group received no such treatment.
Overall, the men in the Acupuncture group showed significant improvements in sperm motility; number and percentage of healthy sperm produced; and showed significant changes in sperm structure and quality.
For instance, while median motility levels increased some in the control group, they increased from 44.5% to 50% in the Acupuncture group. At the start, the percentage of healthy sperm among men in the Acupuncture group and their sperm volume were on the low side. After 10 sessions of treatments, the healthy sperm of the average person in the group had increased four-fold, with the number of sperm per sample increased five-fold. In addition, significant changes in sperm structure and quality were seen in the samples from the Acupuncture group. There was little to no significant changes in the sperm of the control group.
The authors concluded that despite the inability of Acupuncture to significantly reduce some sperm abnormalities, the treatment could be used to improve overall sperm quality, leading to the possibility of increased fertility.
At the Natural Fertility Health Centers, one of our sister clinics, we offer our DADS program to help enhance male fertility. This simple program not only helps balance the male hormonal system, but also helps relieve stress, raise virility levels, and increases feelings of better health and well-being.
For more information on all of our fertility programs for men and women Click Here.
SOURCE: Acupuncture Today http://www.acupuncturetoday.com/archives2005/oct/10infertility.html
Tags: Acupuncture, DADS program, fertility, IUI, men's health, natural fertility health centers, sperm quality
Posted in Fertility and Pregnancy | No Comments »
May 20th, 2010
Check back soon for more articles…Ian Wahl
Reduce Fatigue with Acupuncture/Acupressure
Blockages of energy flows in the body have long been recognized by practitioners of Chinese medicine as the cause of reduced health and disease. This “life energy” that flows through the body, known as Qi (pronounced chee) is responsible for illness when it is not flowing properly. Restoring the natural flow of Qi returns the body to harmony and positive results occur. Acupressure can help to return the flow as well.
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) is one such blockage problem that can be successfully treated with Acupuncture. Whether a person subscribes to a Western definition of Acupuncture helping due to a release of endorphins in the brain, or the Eastern thinking that has Qi now flowing freely through the body’s meridians –– what’s most important is that Acupuncture helps the condition.
CFS is characterized by debilitating fatigue, plus flu-like symptoms such as sore throat, swollen lymph glands, fever, headaches and muscle pain. While a Western medicine approach would likely include medications for the problem, a Chinese medicine and Acupuncture approach would be quite different.
“A typical diagnosis for CFS would involve kidney-adrenal exhaustion, spleen-stomach digestion deficiency, liver stagnation and blockage,” says Dr. Maoshing Ni, a Doctor of Oriental Medicine who’s used Acupuncture in his treatments since 1985. Mainly, I think we’re looking at the over-taxation of one’s vital energy resources. Treatment with Chinese medicine would involve trying to resolve those issues.” Diet changes and Acupuncture would both be uses.
Now, for those who don’t have access to an acupuncturist, Dr. Ni has several self-help suggestions for persons suffering from fatigue. He suggests 3 separate Acupressure points where a person can do some “self-administered” treatment applying a little bit of pressure for several minutes a day.
Stomach point #36 improves immune function. It is located in the outside of the leg about 3 inches below the bottom of the knee cap. Feel for the outside head of the shin bone and apply steady pressure for about 1 minute, just hard enough to feel a bit of tenderness.
Kidney point #3 fortifies the kidney-adrenal system. This is very important says Dr. Ni as people with CFS have kidney and adrenal systems that are virtually exhausted. The point is located in the inside back of the ankle between the Achilles tendon and the ankle bone. Again, apply pressure for 1 minute.
Large Intestine #4 relieves pain, plus fights bacterial, fungal and microbial problems, too. It’s located in the web of the hand between the thumb and the index finger. To find it, make an “OK” sign and feel for a back of the hand muscle bump. Press there for 1 minute.
“Not everyone has access to Acupuncture, but certainly they have a finger they can use,” Dr. Ni says. “It will stimulate in much the same way as an Acupuncture needle.”
Source: Hormones, Health, and Happiness, by Steven F. Hotze, M.D. with Kelly Griffin, Greenleaf Book Group LP, Austin, Texas, 2005.
Tags: adrenal, cfs, Fatigue
Posted in Fatigue | No Comments »
May 20th, 2010
Check back soon for more articles…Ian Wahl
Insomnia? Acupuncture Provides Relief to Those in Need of Restful Sleep
Restful sleep is naturally one of mankind’s most basic needs. Without it, life isn’t much fun. A tired person may be more prone to illness. Known causes of insomnia include physical illness, anxiety, use of caffeine or certain medications, jet lag, suddenly stopping medications such as sedatives, alcohol or drug use, aging and physical discomfort.
The insomnia remedy the medical profession has relied on for years has been the benzodiazepine class of drug. These drugs are sold under the brands names Xanax, Librium®, Klonapin, Valium, Ativan and many others. In medical trials, those taking benzodiazepines did go to sleep faster and sleep longer, but benzodiazepines have been associated with unpleasant side effects such as daytime drowsiness, dizziness and memory impairment. They are also drugs of abuse and addiction.
There’s a newer class of “non-benzodiazepine” drugs, but trials for these drugs only lasted four weeks at most. There have been no studies of what happens when a person suffers from chronic insomnia and takes one of these drugs for months. As well, side effects of these drugs include headaches and dizziness. One of the drugs also caused an increased chance of hip fracture in older women taking it.
The National Institutes of Health points out that over-the-counter sleep aids that contain antihistamines may make the problem worse, not better, and may result in feeling “hung over” in the morning.
The first address to insomnia should always be the least invasive method. Common sense methods include avoiding upset, stress, alcohol or caffeine late in the day, relaxing before going to bed and exercising regularly.
If these don’t work, consider Acupuncture as a solution. In 2007, an analysis was made of several studies that used Acupuncture to help people who were having sleep problems. Those doing the analysis stated that, “Acupuncture and Acupressure may help to improve sleep quality when compared to a placebo.”
Another study measured how well Acupuncture treatment could help those suffering from HIV. Sleep disturbance often appears early in HIV disease and contributes to decrease the quality of life during the course of the disease. The study found that sleep activity and sleep quality significantly improved after five weeks of Acupuncture treatment.
Source: PubMed, “Acupuncture for insomnia,” University of Hong Kong, Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong, China, July 2007, http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17636800, PubMed, “Effects of individualized acupuncture on sleep quality in HIV disease,” Department of Administrative and Clinical Nursing, College of Nursing, University of South Carolina, January 2001, http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11211670, Medline Plus, “Sleep disorders,” http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000800.htm, Medline Plus, “Sleeping difficulty,” http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/003210.htm, PubMed: Clinical Q & A, “Comparing Newer Drugs for Insomnia,” Laura Dean, MD, National Center of Biotechnology Information (NCBI), November 2007, http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/bookshelf/br.fcgi?book=ebm∂=hypnotics
Tags: insomnia, sleep
Posted in Disturbed Sleep | No Comments »
|
|
|
|
 |
|
