Acupuncture & Massage BLOG

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.

“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.

“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.

“Written by Rev. Dr. Richard Browne

http://www.amcollege.edu

http://www.acupuncturistmiami.com”