Acupuncture & Massage BLOG

AMC hosts Acupuncture Day with Free lectures and treatments

On Saturday October 28 the Acupuncture and Massage College held its annual Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine Day festivities. This event has been a tradition at the college for the past four years. In attendance were approximately 40 to 50 individuals from the Miami community. The event stared at 10 AM and closed at 4 PM.

The seminar began with an introductory talk by the college president Dr. Richard Browne, followed by a wonderful Taoist meditation. Dr. Browne has been a student of the famous Taoist Master Mantak Chia so he taught the introductory Taoist Meditation the Inner Smile.

Being that the event was geared to educate the general public on the art and science of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine most of the lecture were given by second and third year students.

Dr. Danilo Bravo an MD from Nicaragua gave a presentation on Hypertension. David Colon a PA gave a talk on the Five Element theory. Anjili Brahmbhatt spoke on the Eight Principles. Maria Blanco a local practitioner gave a presentation on Feng Shui and Dr. Gordon Xu one of our Clinical instructors closed the program with a discuss on Chinese herbs. All the attendees were treated to a lunch and mini massages.

The Acupuncture and Massage College sponsors bi-monthly lecture on Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine which is always free to the public. If you are interested in joining us for the next presentation call (305) 595-9500 for further information.

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License. It can be used as long as credit is attributed to the author by including the following section :

“Written by Rev. Dr. Richard Browne

http://www.amcollege.edu

http://www.acupuncturistmiami.com”

ACUPUNCTURE IMPROVES OSTEOARTHRITIS CONDITIONS

Acupuncture plus routine medical care can relieve knee and hip osteoarthritis pain and improve joint function within three months, a new study published in the November issue of Arthritis & Rheumatism indicates. The researchers, led by Claudia Witt of the University Medical Center in Berlin, designed the study to reflect general medical practice and was one of the largest acupuncture trials to date.

Assessing 3,553 osteoarthritis patients, the researchers compared 322 patients given up to 15 acupuncture sessions in the initial three-month period with 310 who received no acupuncture for the first three months. A third group of 2,921 patients who did not consent to randomization received the same treatment as the acupuncture group. All patients received routine primary care. Assessment with a pain/function index scale and health-related quality of life survey was given three times over the course of the study.

After the initial three months, the researchers found that those receiving acupuncture experienced less pain and joint stiffness. “Patients with chronic osteoarthritis of the knee or the hip who were treated with acupuncture in addition to routine care showed significant improvements in symptoms and quality of life compared with patients who received routine care alone,” the authors noted.

In an accompanying editorial, Tao Liu and Chen Liu of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China suggest that acupuncture could be an important element of a multidisciplinary approach to treating OA. “In real-world primary care, few patients with osteoarthritis seek acupuncture as the sole treatment, and due to the inconclusive information regarding its efficacy, acupuncture is very likely an undervalued treatment option as an element of a multidisciplinary integrative approach to treating this disorder,” they wrote.

According to the Arthritis Foundation, osteoarthritis is the most prevalent form of arthritis, causing more than 7 million physician visits per year, second only to cardiovascular disease as the cause of adult chronic disability

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License. It can be used as long as credit is attributed to the author by including the following section :

“Written by Rev. Dr. Richard Browne

http://www.amcollege.edu

http://www.acupuncturistmiami.com”

LOW GLYCEMIC INDEX DIET MAY HELP WOMEN PREVENT WEIGHT GAIN

Glycemic index (GI) is a measure of how quickly a food causes blood sugar to rise. Foods with refined sugars and simple starches, like white bread and cookies, have a high glycemic index, while those with more complex carbohydrates and greater fiber content, such as whole grains and vegetables, have a low glycemic index. A GI value, on a scale of 0-100, determines how rapidly a particular carbohydrate turns into glucose.

Dr. Helle Hare-Bruun of Copenhagen University Hospital and colleagues reported in a recent study published in the October 1 issue of the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition that a high GI diet, or a diet based primarily on foods ranked on the glycemic index scale from 73-100, was directly associated with an increase in weight, waist circumference and body fat in women, particularly sedentary women. Glycemic index had no effect on weight gain in men.

Hare-Bruun and colleagues used existing data to examine the relation of dietary GI with changes in body weight and composition over a 6-year follow-up period in 376 men and women aged 35 to 65, to see how dietary glycemic index might affect weight over time. A high GI diet could make a person feel hungry faster and eat too much as a result, the study finds.

“A low glycemic index diet may protect against increases in body weight and general and abdominal obesity in women—especially those who are sedentary—which suggests that physical activity may offer protection against diet-induced weight gain and obesity,” the researchers conclude.

A low GI diet focuses on changing eating habits so that the majority of foods consumed are from the low GI food group, on the scale ranking less than 55. These foods take longer to break down into glucose in the body. Low GI foods include fruits, vegetables, legumes, lean meat, fish, and whole grains. This produces a more even level of glucose throughout the day and minimizes cravings. As the holiday season approaches, a good GI diet plan can be effective in weight control as well as, according to health experts, may prevent onset of diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License. It can be used as long as credit is attributed to the author by including the following section :

“Written by Rev. Dr. Richard Browne

http://www.amcollege.edu

http://www.acupuncturistmiami.com”

EXERCISE HELPS PEOPLE QUIT SMOKING

Regular exercise combined with nicotine replacement therapy may help in smoking cessation as well as make you healthier, according to a study released on Tuesday by the American College of Chest Physicians. Smokers who use transdermal patches or nicotine gum and exercise regularly are more likely to quit than those who receive nicotine replacement therapy with no fitness program.

Ralf H. Zwick, MD, and colleagues at the Otto Wagner Hospital in Vienna, Austria enrolled 68 smokers in a three-month study and randomly assigned them either a treatment program that included exercise or one that only used nicotine replacement therapy. Of those who exercised, 80 percent had quit smoking after the three-month period, while 52 percent of those in the group that did not exercise had quit.

The study concluded that those who combined exercise with smoking cessation aids were able to kick the habit more easily. “Exercise training is an effective therapy without side effects and aids in smoking cessation,” the researchers reported at the CHEST 2006 meeting of the American College of Chest Physicians, held Oct. 21-26 in Salt Lake City. Those who exercised were more likely to reduce their cigarette smoking if they did not quit.

Acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine have been found to be effective in smoking cessation. Acupuncture directed to selected points on the ear and body that affect smoking-related organs such as the lungs and mouth may help to curb smoking. During the acupuncture treatment, natural endorphins of the body are stimulated, which helps to reduce nicotine cravings. Smoking cessation may occur after 6 to 10 treatments.

When combined with acupuncture, herbs can help in the smoking cessation process. Astragalus is commonly found in herbal formulas used to treat smoking addiction, shortness of breath and smoking withdrawal symptoms. Kava kava can minimize anxiety and licorice may reduce the stress experienced in the withdrawal

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License. It can be used as long as credit is attributed to the author by including the following section :

“Written by Rev. Dr. Richard Browne

http://www.amcollege.edu

http://www.acupuncturistmiami.com”

U.S. FLU VACCINE SUPPLY ESTIMATED AT 115 MILLION DOSES

Flu shots may currently be difficult to get, but the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says there is currently no shortage, and they do not expect there to be one this season. CDC increased its estimate of the flu vaccine supply for this season to 115 million, the most ever, but said many healthcare providers don’t have their full supply yet because of distribution issues.

Manufacturers have already begun to ship this season’s influenza vaccine, with almost all of the vaccine expected to be shipped and distributed in October and November. “Given the number of manufacturing plants in the U.S. and the large number of doses currently being produced each year, it isn’t possible to complete the production and distribution process prior to the vaccination season,” said Dr. Jeanne Santoli, deputy director of the CDC’s Immunization Services Division.

According to Santoli, 40 million doses had already been distributed as of the second week of October. By the end of October, a total of 75 million doses will have been distributed. Healthcare providers should start vaccinating as soon as they get vaccine supplies and keep offering inoculations as late as January and beyond, CDC advises. “Flu season typically peaks in February or later and even when disease is present in the community, an individual can benefit from vaccination, Santoli added.

Acupuncture can provide an alternative to safeguard against this season’s flu. Four acupuncture treatments administered during the summer-fall change of seasons can boost the immune system and protect against constitutional weakness that can lead to onset of flu symptoms. Acupuncture works best as a preventative healthcare method. With the flu season peak occurring in February or later, there is plenty of time to plan ahead for acupuncture treatment, which may occur on a weekly basis over a month’s time span.

When combined with herbal remedies to prevent catching the flu, acupuncture strengthens the Wei Qi, or energy that protects against illness. The Jade Windscreen Formula, (Radix Astragalus, Atractylodis Macrocephalae and Radix Ledebouriellae) and Yin Qiao San, (Lonicera and Forsythia Formula) are two Chinese herbal formulas commonly used during the flu season that can strengthen the immune system and reduce fever, sore throat and coughing.

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License. It can be used as long as credit is attributed to the author by including the following section :

“Written by Rev. Dr. Richard Browne

http://www.amcollege.edu

http://www.acupuncturistmiami.com”

ACUPUNCTURE EFFECTIVE IN TREATING LOW BACK PAIN

Acupuncture is effective in treating low back pain, although headaches are the most common symptom of acupuncture patients the second most common ailment is back pain and sciatica.

Back pain is the second most common neurological ailment in the United States. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), up to 80 percent of the general population in the United States will suffer an episode of low back pain during their lifetimes.

A British study examining acupuncture’s effect on nonspecific low back pain appearing in the September 15 online issue of the British Medical Journal found that patients treated with 10 sessions of traditional Chinese acupuncture over three months reported less pain at a 24-month follow-up than patients who did not get the therapy. “If you offer acupuncture to someone with back pain on average it is expected you are likely to benefit, not just in the short term but particularly in the longer-term of 12 and especially 24 months,” said University of York scientist and co-author Hugh MacPherson, PhD, according to a post-study interview.

The researchers compared the impact of adding the acupuncture sessions to the normal treatment for back pain, which includes medication, physiotherapy and exercises. Study participants included 241 back pain sufferers aged 18 to 65 years receiving treatment at three private acupuncture clinics and 18 general practices in York. Findings indicated increased patient satisfaction with acupuncture care, reduced concerns about back pain, and reduced use of analgesics in those receiving the acupuncture course of treatment.

The data indicated acupuncture could be effective in the primary care management of persistent non-specific low back pain. “Our study contributes evidence for a short term acupuncture intervention compared with usual general practitioner care for non-specific low back pain,” the authors conclude.

Acupuncture treatment intervention to reduce back pain is most effective with frequent initial sessions followed by weekly treatments as the pain minimizes. In acute cases of low back pain the average patient will recover in less than 12 treatments, but for the chronic patient you can expect to have from 12 to 24 treatments. Additionally, with the use of the correct Chinese herbal formula you can expect to see greater recovery.
Exercises such as Tai Chi, and basic stretching will increase the benefits of strengthening the muscles and tendons.,

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License. It can be used as long as credit is attributed to the author by including the following section :

“Written by Rev. Dr. Richard Browne

http://www.amcollege.edu

http://www.acupuncturistmiami.com”

Democrats look to reform healthcare after the elections.

After the demise of President Bill Clinton’s plan for universal coverage, Senator Waxman said he concluded that “the health care system can be fundamentally changed only when there’s strong public support for a specific proposal.” Democrats will use the next two years to build such support before the 2008 presidential election.

Expecting to gain seats in Congress, Democrats are drafting an ambitious health care agenda to carry out their campaign promises with legislation to lower drug costs for older Americans, provide more money for children’s health insurance and expand research using embryonic stem cells.

For 12 years, House Democrats have felt powerless to shape the health care agenda. Now they sense a major opportunity. They are not only using health care as an issue in the midterm elections, but also plan to use it to set the stage for the 2008 presidential campaign.

In Ohio, the Democratic candidate for the Senate, Representative Sherrod Brown, repeatedly points out that the number of uninsured has increased by more than five million since President George W. Bush took office.

In a television commercial, Representative John Sweeney, a four-term Republican from upstate New York, boasted that he has “come through for every hospital in this part of New York - every one.” Senator Lincoln Chafee, Republican of Rhode Island, and Representative Deborah Pryce, Republican of Ohio, boasted that they split with Bush and voted for research using embryonic stem cells.

Embryonic stem cell research has been a defining issue in Senate races in Arizona, Maryland and Minnesota. Republicans are not ceding those issues to Democrats.

On Capitol Hill, the Democratic agenda faces three significant constraints: fiscal reality, industry resistance and Bush.

Let us pray that they will also take this opportunity to pass Rep.Hinchey’s bill for Acupuncture coverage. The Federal Acupuncture Act has been tossed around since 1994.

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License. It can be used as long as credit is attributed to the author by including the following section :

“Written by Rev. Dr. Richard Browne

http://www.amcollege.edu

http://www.acupuncturistmiami.com”

CHEMO MAY HAVE LONG TERM EFFECTS ON MEMORY

Findings from a new study may help to explain “chemo brain”, the memory and concentration difficulties experienced by cancer survivors who have undergone chemotherapy. Researchers at UCLA compared PET scans of 21 women who had surgery to remove breast tumors in the last five to 10 years, 16 of which had received chemotherapy.

The research team gave the women short-term memory tests during the scans, and found that the women who had been treated with chemotherapy regimens had changes in the way the frontal cortex functioned, the area associated with memory, and had to work harder to remember information on the memory tests.

The study findings indicated that chemotherapy causes changes in the brain’s metabolism and blood flow that can last at long as 10 years after treatment. The study appears in the Oct. 5 online edition of the journal Breast Cancer Research and Treatment. Chemo brain affects an estimated 25 percent of chemotherapy patients.

Acupuncture can reduce many of the symptoms associated with cancer and cancer treatment. Patients who use acupuncture in conjunction with a chemotherapy regimen can better tolerate treatment and experience fewer side effects. Acupuncture is often used to reduce fatigue from chemotherapy and relieve cancer pain.

Chinese anti cancer herb formulas, in combination with acupuncture, can be used to relieve nausea in chemotherapy patients who are unable to tolerate standard analgesic medications. Formulas may be composed of a foundation base of herbs including: ganoderma, radix ginseng, cordyceps sinensis, radix astragali membranaceus, radix angelicae sinensis, and fructus lycii, all of which are immune-stimulating agents that have been shown to enhance the body’s defense mechanisms.
For further information contact Dr. Browne at 305-595-9500

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License. It can be used as long as credit is attributed to the author by including the following section :

“Written by Rev. Dr. Richard Browne

http://www.amcollege.edu

http://www.acupuncturistmiami.com”

National Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine Day

The Acupuncture and Massage College will be hosting a fantastic day of FREE seminars to celebrate the National Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine Day. In addition to FREE seminars we will be offing FREE mini massages and a FREE lunch. Tell your friends and come join us in the celebration Saturday October 28th from 10AM to 3PM. It is advised that you call to reserved your space.

Originally this national day of celebration was set at October 24th, however due to the fact that it fall on a Tuesday we have scheduled Saturday October 28th. as the best time to have our community come and have some fun with us. We will also have a tarot card reader, an astrologer and a feng shui advisor at hand. In addition this year we have decided to offer one FREE consultation and Acupuncture treatment to all participants. The Free consultation and treatment can be arranged for the following week or within the next 30 days at our low cost Community Clinic.

In the United States, the use of acupuncture and Oriental medicine is at an all-time high. According to a recent study conducted by the National Institutes of Health’s National Center for Complementary & Alternative Medicine (NCCAM), an estimated 36 percent of U.S. adults use some form of alternative therapy, and 25 percent have tried acupuncture. According to recent research, 64 percent of physicians have referred patients to certified practitioners of alternative therapies, including acupuncture and oriental medicine.

To join our celebration or for more information please call (305) 595-9500.

MARIJUANA MAY SLOW PROGRESSION OF ALZHEIMER’S

The active compound in marijuana, delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, can help treat the symptoms and slow the progress of Alzheimer’s, finds a new study reported in the October 2 issue of the journal Molecular Pharmaceutics, a publication of the American Chemical Society. Investigators from the Scripps Research Institute found that THC appears to block an enzyme that causes the formation of amyloid plaques in the brains of people with Alzheimer’s disease.

The study findings indicate THC is also effective at blocking clumps of protein that can inhibit memory and cognition in Alzheimer’s patients. The researchers note that THC may provide a “drug lead”—a model for developing new and more effective prescription drugs for treating AD. THC may provide an improvement in treatment for both the symptoms and progression of Alzheimer’s disease, the researchers concluded. Alzheimer’s is the leading cause of dementia among the elderly. The Alzheimer’s Association estimates 4.5 million Americans have Alzheimer’s disease.

Diagnosis of AD in traditional Chinese medicine indicates there may be many possible causative factors for the disease, categorized as lao nian xing chi dai, or senile dementia. This disease is characterized by an insufficiency of Qi of the Zang-Fu organs in addition to obstruction by stagnations of phlegm and blood stasis.

Acupuncture can be effective in promoting normal mental activity in people who have Alzheimer’s through removal of obstructions in meridians and collaterals, and regulation of Yin and Yang of the Zang-Fu organs. Acupuncture points effective in the treatment of Alzheimer’s are selected from the Yin channels, including main points: Neiguan (P 6), to nourish the heart and promote circulation of Qi and blood, renzhong (Du 26) to stimulates the brain and sanyinjiao (Sp 6) for kidney nourishment. Local points effective in AD treatment are Jiquan (H 1), chize (Lu 5), weizhong (UB 40), and hegu (LI 4), which have the benefit of opening up channels and collaterals and improving circulation of Qi and blood.

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License. It can be used as long as credit is attributed to the author by including the following section :

“Written by Rev. Dr. Richard Browne

http://www.amcollege.edu

http://www.acupuncturistmiami.com”