Acupuncture & Massage BLOG

LOSE WEIGHT WITH ACUPUNCTURE

Weight gain is one of the most frequent complaints from adults. Combined with a reduced calorie diet and exercise, acupuncture can provide the extra leverage that assists dieters with their weight loss plan. As an adjunct therapy for weight loss, treatment protocol consists of a combination of primarily auricular and selected additional body points that regulate the body’s metabolism and reduce hunger.

Acupuncture releases endorphins that affect the digestive and hormonal systems, rebalancing the organ systems that are running too slow (metabolism). Endorphins lower insulin and lipid levels in the bloodstream and less insulin is converted into body fat.

Auricular acupuncture points from both the TCM and Nogier systems are effective in weight loss. Acupoints on the ear trigger electrical pulses that suppress appetite and minimize overeating. Ear points selected for treatment may include: Zero Point location (curbs appetite and increases metabolism), mouth, stomach, small intestine, endocrine, and Shen Men (eating, digestion, absorption, metabolism, and calming effect). The qi associated with needling these points helps the body to function against weight gain.

Body points selected during the first few sessions may include: Four Gate points (LI 4, Liver 3) for qi circulation, Ren 12, the front collecting point of stomach energy and Stomach 36 to tonify qi and circulate oxygen and blood with an emphasis on the stomach. Additional body points may be included which regulate the metabolic rate.

For the average patient who wants to lose between five to ten pounds, treatments twice weekly until the target weight is reached is optimal, followed by maintenance treatments biweekly for the next few months to attain permanent weight loss. Acupuncture treatments must be given in conjunction with a reduced-calorie diet (2000 calories) and increased physical exercise. For more information on acupuncture and weight loss contact
Dr. Richard 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”

LESS ADDICTIVE SLEEPING PILL MAY CAUSE FEWER SIDE EFFECTS

Researchers at The Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore note in a recent study that a new sleeping pill, Rozerem (known generically as ramelteon), approved last year for insomnia treatment does not appear to have any characteristics that might cause dependence. Acting in a similar way to the natural sleep-inducing hormone melatonin, ramelteon may be less addictive and have fewer side effects by working through a different pathway in the brain involving melatonin receptors.

Dr. Roland Griffiths and colleagues conducted the study involving 14 patients with a history of sedative abuse, over a period of 18 days in a residential research unit. In random order and on different days, the participants received three different doses of ramelteon, three different doses of the sedative triazolam, or a placebo. Motion control and cognitive performance measures were taken to determine medication effects, including psychomotor and memory tests and a standing balance task. Ramelteon had no significant effects on cognition or movement control and no apparent potential for abuse, according to the report findings. The study appears in the October issue of the journal Archives of General Psychiatry.

“Ramelteon represents a useful alternative to existing insomnia medications that could have broad appeal to patients who are otherwise reluctant to use such compounds,” Griffiths concluded. About 10 to 15 percent of adults regularly experience chronic insomnia, according to the study. Pharmacists filled 43 million prescriptions for sleep drugs in 2005.

Traditional Chinese Medicine views almost all sleep disorders as originating from either a deficiency or an excess of qi in body organs, primarily the kidneys and heart. Chinese herbal medicine can be effective for both long-term chronic and transient insomnia.

Jing herbal tonics may be used to strengthen the kidneys. For chronic insomnia the Chinese herbal remedy ‘six-flavored tea’ (Liu wei di huang wan) may be effective in rebalancing the sleep-wake cycle. Chinese herbal insomnia remedies can be tailored to treat individual symptoms. Herbs for insomnia commonly prescribed may include sour jujube seed, golden thread, longan fruit, fossil bone, mimosa bark, or polygonum vine.

Shen formulas or tonics for the heart and digestive system can also be effective in treating insomnia. Several formula base foundations include the Chinese healing herb biota, (bai zi ren). Biota seeds have a sedative effect. When used as a formula component, it relieves fatigue and stress. Another common formula that contains biota is ginseng and zizyphus (tian wang bu xin dan). This formula treats anxiety-induced insomnia, disruptions to the sleep-wake cycle caused by restlessness and disturbed sleep patterns such as frequent nocturnal awakenings.

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”

GREEN TEA MAY REDUCE STROKE RISK AND HEART DISEASE MORTALITY

Japanese adults who consume more green tea have a lower risk of stroke and CVD mortality, according to the findings of a new study published in the September 13 issue of The Journal of the American Medical Association. The study suggests antioxidants, known as polyphenols, found in green tea may improve cardiovascular health and prolong life.

The 11-year study tracked a large participant base of 40,530 Japanese adults aged 40 to 79, examining associations of daily green tea consumption (one to five-cup-a-day categories) and mortality rate due to all causes, CVD, and cancer. Lead researcher Shinichi Kuriyama, M.D., Ph.D., of the Tohoku University School of Public Policy, Sendai, Japan, and colleagues concluded that green tea consumption is associated with reduced all-cause and cardiovascular disease mortality but not with reduced cancer mortality.

In comparison to those who drank little or no green tea, all-cause mortality rates were 16 percent lower in participants who consumed five or more cups a day over the entire study span. During the first seven years, the percentage rose to 26 percent. Both men and women in the five-cup-a-day category had a substantially lower risk of stroke, 42 and 62 percent respectively.

Heart disease and stroke mortality rates in Japan are about 30 percent lower than that of the United States. The study findings point to the possibility that green tea may be a causative factor. Japanese people consume green tea as a favorite beverage, unlike Americans who prefer black tea, coffee or soda. Other factors such as a healthier Asian diet including tofu, fruits, rice, vegetables, and fish may also have an impact, in comparison to the less nutritious Western dietary choices. The specific health benefit green tea offers in association with improved cardiovascular health remains undetermined and further clinical trials are required to pinpoint exact cause-and-effect.

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”

HYPNOTHERAPY MAY AID IN LESSENING NON-CARDIAC CHEST PAIN

Hypnotherapy may relieve severe chest pain that is not caused by a heart condition, known as non-cardiac chest pain (NCCP), suggests a small study in the September issue of the medical journal Gut. The cause of non-cardiac chest pain is unknown, although common factors include acid reflux, panic disorders, anxiety, and depression. Hypnotherapy may be beneficial in reducing non-cardiac chest pain through suggestive relaxation techniques.

Researchers at Wythenshawe Hospital in Manchester divided 28 patients with the condition into two groups. One group received 12 sessions of hypnotherapy over 17 weeks; the other group was given “supportive therapy” plus a placebo. Hypnotherapy was administered to 15 of the patients, induced by eye closure, followed by progressive muscular relaxation and standard deepening techniques. Chest-focused suggestions for pain reduction and health improvement were integrated into sessions. The 13 patients receiving supportive therapy were encouraged to discuss physical symptoms and emotional issues.

Twelve (80 percent) of the 15 hypnotherapy patients experienced an improvement in pain compared with only three of 13 (23 percent) receiving supportive therapy. This was associated with a significantly greater reduction in pain intensity although not frequency, the researchers reported. Hypnotherapy also produced a significantly greater improvement in self-assessment of overall well being for 73 percent of the hypnotherapy patients compared with 23 percent of supportive therapy patients.

Hypnotherapy was also effective in reducing the use of medication prescribed to treat the condition, although it had no effect on anxiety or depression. “The fact that such clear-cut differences in the chest pain outcome favoring hypnotherapy, despite the relatively small size of the study, indicates that this form of treatment could have considerable potential in NCCP,” the authors concluded.

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 MAY ALLEVIATE PTSD SYMPTOMS

Classified as an anxiety disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can result from the experience or witnessing of traumatic or life-threatening events such as terrorist attack, violent crime, torture, genocide, natural disaster, and military combat.

Symptom clusters of PTSD include re-experiencing of the event (intrusive memories, flashbacks), emotional numbing and/or behavioral avoidance of trauma-related stimuli and hyper-arousal (difficulty sleeping, irritability, being easily startled).

PTSD has multiple categorizations. Persons whose work exposes them to traumatic events or who treat trauma survivors may develop secondary PTSD (compassion fatigue). These occupations include emergency medicine specialists, police officers, firefighters, search-and rescue personnel, and disaster investigators. Complex PTSD, also referred to as ‘disorder of extreme stress’ results from exposure to prolonged traumatic circumstances, such as the ongoing threat of insurgent attacks among military personnel currently in active deployment.

According to the National Center for PTSD (US Department of Veterans Affairs), about 30 percent of the men and women who have spent time in recent war zones experience combat-induced PTSD, a categorization of PTSD more difficult to treat than PTSD caused by other traumas. Most individuals with PTSD have dual diagnoses with depression, anxiety and/or panic disorders. The most effective treatment modalities include cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT-exposure therapy, anxiety management) and medication. Treatment is complex, due to the myriad of trauma possibilities.

Acupuncture can be an effective addition to treatment regimens for PTSD, alleviating symptoms including insomnia, stress, anxiety and depression. It can also reduce body pain without medication side effects. Use of complementary therapies (acupuncture, massage, and herbal/food supplements) is widespread among active military veterans.

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”

Shiatsu Massage
By Kelly burke

Shiatsu is a contemporary type of massage therapy with roots in oriental medicine. This treatment uses points that lie on invisible meridians which are pathways of energy between the surface of the body, and the organs; muscles and all other parts of the body. This energy within these 12 meridians is referred to as Qi. Qi is present in all living things. Illness can occur when the energy flow along one or more meridians is blocked or out of balance.
Shiatsu, directly translates into Shi (finger) and atsu (pressure), and has a goal of helping the body’s ability to heal itself and promote overall health. The pressing on the vital points opens the pathways for the body’s flow of Qi.
Touch is the essence of Shiatsu. Touch of any kind can be of different quality. It can range from aggressive and abusive to nurturing and intuitive. Shiatsu uses a caring touch to help us with self-healing. It also uses gentle stretching and manipulation techniques.
In contrast to Swedish massage, Shiatsu uses rhythmic and gradual pressure to the meridians. Sometimes light holding techniques will be used. Swedish therapy, on the other hand, uses long flowing hand movements to pull and knead the muscles. Both are excellent therapeutic methods, but Shiatsu’s focus on restoring the energy flow to the patient creates a more spiritual experience for both the patient and practitioner, therefore being a rewarding experience for both.
Though there is only one type of Shiatsu, there are several variations of it. Shiatsu’s beginnings can be traced back to ancient Japan, around 2000BC. It was established as Shiatsu by Tokujiro Namikoshi in 1912. He was only 7 years old at the time. He realized that by using his thumbs to press on his mothers ailing body he was able to relieve her stiffness and pain. He was able to cure his mother of rheumatism through his gentle touch.
Shiatsu has become a respectful alternative therapy in Western countries and is offered in many hospital settings. It is a safe and effective treatment. It can help to alleviate depression, anxiety, headaches, arthritis, cramped muscles, swollen joints, sleeplessness, and many other things. The pressure points lying on the meridians are palpated using fingers, knuckles, thumbs, palms, toes, or elbows. Light massage is done with these appendages to feel which points are soft and tender.
In Shiatsu physical touch is used to assess the distribution of Qi throughout the body and correct any imbalances. By stimulating the person’s immune system Shiatsu can treat the body as a whole and help to restore physical functions of the nervous and circulatory systems, musculoskeletal structures, and internal organs.
Whether your Qi has been disturbed through eternal trauma, such as injury, or internal trauma such as depression or stress, Shiatsu can help. This is when symptoms like aches and pains start to occur and we start to experience a state of disease. If the body is not performing efficiently, the system can turn inwards upon itself and deplete the body’s reserves of basic energy. From all viewpoints, this is unhealthy. For the patient, it would leave him less able to cope with future illnesses, or future situations which require energy if he is to survive. In time such depletion can lead him to the inability to cope with even the normal demands of life.

Kelly Burke is a student at the Acupuncture and Massage College. AMC is the oldest school of Massage Therapy that specializes in shiatsu. For mare information contact Joe Calareso the Admissions Director 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”

Shiatsu the Japanese art of massage.
By Showanna Butler

Shiatsu is a Japanese form of massage therapy. It has been practiced in Japan for over 2000 years. Shiatsu was officially recognized as medical therapy in the mid 1950’s, but has been systemized during the 20th century.

Shiatsu means “finger pressure” in Japanese, “shi” meaning finger and “atsu” meaning pressure; which is also described as direct pressure. This massage usually lasts 45 minutes to an hour and is done on a mat on the floor fully clothed comfortably.

Before shiatsu massage takes place, the therapist takes a medical history exam, which involves knowing the client’s lifestyle, past illnesses, diet, and exercises habits. She/He also observes the client’s physical and emotional characteristics. After the medical history examination, the therapist touches certain areas to locate the client’s tension points to decide how he/she will lessen and restore energy flow.

In this particular method of massage therapy, the therapist uses fingers, thumbs, palms, elbows, knees, and feet to apply pressure to the body’s main energy pathways. In the Zen Shiatsu, they use their whole bodies to apply pressure.

Being maintenance of health, Shiatsu prevents diseases and illnesses. Also promotes health and healing by correcting imbalanced energy and releasing it through the body. This typical massage lowers the levels on adrenaline and other stress hormones. It is known that if a therapist is working on areas caused by emotional upset, the client may feel like crying, this is not unusual. The therapist will act compassionate and supportive.

Shiatsu massage also relieves pain from arthritis, back, neck, and shoulders. Other benefits are improvement in headaches, which usually takes about 4 to 8 treatments, depending on the intensity level. Others are insomnia, constipation, and nausea. Overall, Shiatsu treats over 250 acupoints in the body.

In conclusion, Shiatsu massage therapy is more than just a massage, it’s a way through life: stress and pain free!

Showanna Butler is a student at the Acupuncture and Massage College (AMC). AMC is one of the oldest Massage Schools in Florida to offer Shiatsu as its mainstay for its Massage Therapy program. For further information contact the Joe Calareso the Admission Director 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”

What is Shiatsu?
By Andre Couture
Shiatsu is a Japanese form of massage combining ancient massage (Anma), acupressure, stretching, as well as Western massage and sciences. Shiatsu was originally formed when the Chinese medial theory of acupuncture was introduced to Japan in the mid-1800s. Although it has a surprising amount of knowledge in anatomy and physiology as well as many western sciences it differs in its treatment methodology. Shiatsu follows the Chinese meridian system, which are basically the energy pathways in the body. This is done in order to restore balance to the persons whole being.
The word Shiatsu means finger pressure and uses mostly fingers, palms, and thumbs although there are various forms, which incorporate other techniques. Massage and pressure are applied to various energy pathway points of the body as well as the musculoskeletal system in order to achieve physical and mental well-being. Shiatsu has been described as needle-free form acupuncture. The essence of Shiatsu is diagnosis and therapy combined since a therapist can detect irregularities, such as stiffness on the surface of the body, and to properly correct or heal these problems. Since Shiatsu is derived from Chinese medical theory it can therefore be described as holistic since it treats the whole person instead of only specific complaints.
Shiatsu has a very strong reputation for reducing musculoskeletal pain as well as reducing stress and all of its many symptoms. Most people simply aren’t aware of the symptoms of stress as they include any and all kinds of pain, headaches, fatigue, sleep disorders, mood swings, sinus and allergies, digestive disorders, as well as reproductive issues. Shiatsu has been proven to eliminate these symptoms over time as well as the reversal or regression of many current problems. It has long been believed that shiatsu is believed to enhance physical vitality and emotional well-being.
As we age we begin to experience muscular and skeletal pain. They are caused by several factors such as physical inactivity, overuse of muscles, poor posture, and age. These factors lead to what is known as Arthrosis, which is the hardening of soft tissue, muscles, tendons, and ligaments in the body. Shiatsu is an ideal form of massage for these kinds of problems, as they tend to not only work on the musculoskeletal problem at hand but also on the person as a whole. Although these are only a few of the many issues that shiatsu can address, the therapeutic effects can go on and on. Look again at those symptoms of stress and ask yourself how many of them you see in yourself, your friends, and your family. Like any form of therapy one session is simply not enough to address problems that took years to develop in the first place. See for yourself what Shiatsu can do for you by visiting a therapist yourself, sitting down and talking with them about what is troubling you, and feeling the benefits that so many others have already felt.

Andre Couture is a massage student at the Acupuncture and Massage College (AMC). AMC offers a 71/2 month Diploma program in Massage Therapy which has a specialty in Shiatsu from the Hoshino Schools of Shiatsu. For more information contact the Admission Director Joe Calareso 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”

ACUPUNCTURE CAN STRENGTHEN THE IMMUNE SYSTEM

Acupuncture can strengthen a weakened immune system by increasing red and white cell counts, T-cell count and enhancing humoral and cellular immunity in patients with immune-related illness. Acupuncture therapy has the potential to treat a wide range of health conditions, including immune deficiency, by stimulating and balancing the immune system.

A compromised or dysfunctional immune system is a major component of most chronic diseases. Poor nutrition, stress and exposure to harmful agents all lead to a declining immune system. Once compromised, a weak immune system results in frequent colds, allergies, and reoccurring infections. Immunity related disorders include: Common colds and allergies, asthma, chronic fatigue, hepatitis, AIDS, autoimmune disease, cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, psoriasis, and immune deficiency syndrome.

Most allopathic health care is directed toward relieving symptoms rather than treating the underlying cause of the disease, which may include toxins, chronic viral infections, or a combination. Conventional treatments for overactive immune system disorders such as allergies and autoimmune diseases such as arthritis often include treatments aimed at suppressing the immune system through medication, which is useful for limiting symptoms and managing pain, but does not result in a cure. Side effects and other adverse symptoms may develop after long-term use of these suppressive drugs.

Acupuncture can regulate immune function and treat the underlying cause of the disease by reducing symptoms, speeding up the healing of infection and normalizing the body’s immune response. It works by stimulating specific portions of the autonomic nervous system through selected acupoints, which in turn causes responses in the immune system. Acupuncture can cause a rise in levels of interferon, on of the immune system’s messenger hormones. Regular acupuncture therapy can be effective in treating asthma, allergies, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, colds, and infections. For more information contact a licensed Acupuncturist in your area or call Dr. Richard 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”

CLASSICAL NEI JING NEEDLING TECHNIQUES
The Nei Jing (The Yellow Emperor’s Classic of Internal Medicine), compiled during the period of Huang Di-The Yellow Emperor (2697-2597), includes The Ling Shu or Spiritual Axis, an acupuncture section relevant to contemporary clinical applications.

Included in The Ling Shu is the “five needling approaches,” a five-tissue layer needling method corresponding to the five zang organs. This method focuses on needling in the cutaneous region for skin conditions, near the vessel for vascular diseases, at the tendon level for tendon conditions, along the muscle for muscular conditions, and along the bone for skeletal conditions. This needling method is used to treat at the tissue level and also to treat the five corresponding organs—correlating as: skin-lung, vessel-heart, tendon-liver, muscle-spleen, and bone-kidney. Five different kinds of needling therapy are utilized, respectively.

Ban Ci. Needling involves shallow, rapid insertion of the needle; the needle is not retained and the muscle is not contacted. The Ban Ci method brings blood up to the skin layer and treats dermatology conditions by regulating qi and blood. This technique is suitable for lung-related illness such as cough, asthma and fever.

Bao Wen Ci. Indirectly needling around a selected acupoint to pierce the collateral vessels, Bao Wen Ci pricking therapy focuses on inserting the needle into the blood vessel, or alongside the artery to treat blood vessel diseases. An effective method for high fever, arteriosclerosis, and heart disease.

Guan Ci. Guan Ci needling method involves inserting the needle to or along the tendon. This needling therapy can treat spasms, stiffness and weak tendons. Pricking tendons around the joints can treat joint pain and stiffness. Guan Ci is effective in treating liver and gallbladder 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”