Acupuncture & Massage BLOG

MENOPAUSE AND ACUPUNCTURE

TCM differentiates menopause as a variety of syndromes (patterns of energy disharmony). The most typical cause for the symptoms associated with menopause is the slowing of the flow of yin (Chinese concept of the cooling, moist element within the body). Kidney yin deficiency results in overactive yang (hot, dry element) and produces the menopausal symptom complex of hot flashes, night sweats, delayed menstruation, hair loss, dryness, mood swings, and insomnia.

The symptoms of menopause are caused by changes in estrogen and progesterone levels. While allopathic medicine commonly prescribes combination (estrogen plus progesterone) hormone replacement therapy (HRT) to alleviate acute menopausal symptoms, these medications may increase the risk of certain cancers, blood clots and strokes. Acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine can be used instead of or in conjunction with HRT for the treatment of menopausal symptoms and provide safer alternatives.

TCM treatment may include a combination of acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, massage, dietary suggestions, and/or specific exercises that enhance vitality/qi flow (qigong, tai chi) and reduce the fatigue associated with energy imbalance. Acupuncture treatment regulates unstable hormone levels during menopause, balances qi and strengthens internal organ systems. Acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine may be used in conjunction to reestablish the balance between yin and yang by increasing yin. Once the yin or cold, moist component is strengthened, the individual experiences fewer hot flashes, night sweats, dryness, and other menopausal symptoms.

Chinese herbal formulas can address the general patterns associated with the menopausal transition. Anemarrhena phellodendron & rehmannia formula (zhi bai di huang wan) and artemisia & turtle shell decoction (qing hao bie jia tang) have demonstrated an effect on the endocrine system to alleviate menopausal symptoms.
For more information about acupuncture treatment and Chinese herbal medicine for menopause 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”

REIKI HEALING TECHNIQUE

Reiki, or “universal life force energy,” is a Japanese energy healing system, often categorized with massage therapy therapeutic techniques in many massage school programs offered at massage schools. Developed in the early 1900s, reiki principles are closely aligned with those of shiatsu massage therapy and massage training. Reiki is based on the main premise similar to that of shiatsu massage therapy; that we have a life force energy flowing through our bodies.

This energy flows along pathways, known in massage therapy training and massage therapy programs as meridians. Reiki channels universal life force energy, or Japanese ki, through the Reiki practitioner to the recipient. Like shiatsu massage therapy, reiki seeks to balance energy within the body. Similar to shiatsu massage therapy training taught in massage school programs, when this energy is out of balance in the body, or is depleted, then an individual becomes susceptible to physical and emotional ailments.

In a Reiki session, the practitioner places hands over key areas of a recipient’s body, with the intent to channel universal life force energy through his or her hands to the recipient to induce healing. Several massage therapy training programs instruct on how this hands-on touch can be combined with massage therapy techniques and visualization in a bodywork session for a powerful synergistic effect. The channeled reiki energy is effective in opening up meridians and improving energy imbalance, similar to the intent of shiatsu massage therapy acupressure techniques taught at massage schools which instruct on how to balance energy in the body.

Practitioner intent is an important aspect in the practice of reiki, and is closely related to the massage therapist’s focus on patient healing taught in shiatsu massage therapy training in massage therapy programs. The places where ki flow is restricted results in physical organs at these locations becoming restricted in their functioning. If these energy blockages are not eliminated, illness results. Reiki can be combined with conventional medical treatments without contraindications. Dr. Browne is a certified Reiki Master. He give Reiki treatments and Reiki Attunements both private and group classes for more information contact him 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 REDUCES FIBROMYALGIA SYMPTOMS

Acupuncture can reduce symptoms of fibromyalgia, a musculoskeletal disease that causes chronic pain, joint stiffness, sleep disturbance, fatigue, and other symptoms, a recent Mayo Clinic study finds. Acupuncture not only offered pain relief for fibromyalgia patients, but it significantly improved fatigue and anxiety symptoms, the scientists reported in a recent issue of the Mayo Clinic Proceedings.

David Martin, M.D., and Mayo Clinic colleagues tested 50 fibromyalgia patients for whom other symptom-relief treatments (analgesic medication, antidepressants, muscle relaxants) were ineffective to determine if acupuncture improved their symptoms. Half were treated with acupuncture, half with simulated acupuncture (acupoint bandages affixed with needles that stuck out of the bandage but did not pierce the skin). The patients got six treatments over a two- to three-week period.

Based on answers to the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire, symptoms were greatly improved in the acupuncture group compared with the control group during the study period. Maximum benefit occurred at one month. “We found that acupuncture significantly improved symptoms of fibromyalgia. Symptomatic improvement was not restricted to pain relief and was most significant for fatigue and anxiety,” the researchers wrote. Martin suggests that patients interested in acupuncture should ask their doctors about it and request referrals to qualified acupuncture physicians.

“This study shows there is something real about acupuncture and its effects on fibromyalgia,” said Martin. “It’s my speculation that if acupuncture works for these patients with recalcitrant fibromyalgia—where previous treatments had not provided satisfactory relief—it would likely work for many of the millions of fibromyalgia patients.” The researchers concluded that acupuncture could fill a gap in available therapies for the disease as something additive to medication and may have a more primary role in the symptomatic treatment of patients who are unable to tolerate medication side effects. For more information about acupuncture for the treatment of fibromyalgia symptoms 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”

CHINESE FOOD THERAPY

Chinese dietary medicine is used to nourish qi and blood and restore organ/meridian functioning. Based on yin/yang and five element theory, each food is characterized by its energies, therapeutic actions and flavors. TCM food therapy utilizes the belief that hot (yang) and cold (yin) food properties affect different energies in the body.

Both types of food should be included in the diet to keep the body in balance. Yang foods increase the body’s heat and raise metabolism while yin foods lower body heat and metabolism. Individuals susceptible to yin diseases (anemia) or yang deficiencies should include additional yang foods in their diet. Yang infections (measles, sore throat) or yin deficiencies can be treated with yin foods. Intake of food should also be balanced according to the season. Summer (yang) should have more yin foods in the diet and winter (yin) should include more yang foods.

Related to yin/yang, food properties are further divided into four energies (cold, cool, hot, warm) with an additional neutral category for foods that have no energetic temperature. Cold/cool foods (tofu, raw vegetables, melon-type fruits) reduce inflammation of the kidneys, clear heat and eliminate toxins. Hot/warm foods (chicken, garlic, ginger, plums, chili pepper, onion, most meats) strengthen spleen/stomach/kidneys, eliminate cold, invigorate blood and warm meridians. Neutral foods (glutinous rice, tuberous vegetables) improve lung/kidney systems and act as diet harmonizers. Hot treats cold conditions, cold treats hot conditions.

Food flavors correspond to five element organ functioning and should be balanced in the diet. Fire (bitter/heart/small intestine/yin) foods are cooling, earth (sweet/stomach/spleen/yang) foods are strengthening, metal (spicy/lungs/large intestine/skin/yang) foods are warming, water (salty/kidneys/bladder/yin) foods are cooling, and wood (sour/liver/gallbladder/yin) foods are cooling. Food intake should correspond to the elements and related organ systems that require strengthening.

These TCM dietary factors should be tailored to individual constitution to preserve health and prevent and treat illness. Fore more information on Chinese food therapy 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”

MEDITATION THE ART OF INTROSECTION

Most well known systems of meditation are of Eastern origin. Meditation systems fall into two divisions: Concentrative and mindfulness. Concentrative meditation focuses on breath, image or sound (mantra) for clarity, awareness and to still the mind. Mindfulness meditation emphasizes increased mental clarity and awareness through detached nonjudgmental observance of sensations, thoughts and images occurring in daily routine.

All meditation practices focus on turning attention inwards and minimizing external sensory input or “static.” Breath and naval meditation, two of the oldest forms dating back to both China and India, work with breath flow and abdomen expansion/contraction to develop one-pointed awareness (undistracted state of mind which allows for intuitive insight). Meditation practitioners believe there is a direct correlation between breath and state of mind. Deep, slower breathing is linked to a calm and composed mind. Twenty-minute meditation once or twice a day can lead to enhanced creativity, improved health/longevity and a heightened state of consciousness.

Meditation is effective in balancing physical, emotional and mental states. It has been used as an aid to treat various medical conditions (hypertension, heart disease) and has shown the ability to decrease heart rate, blood pressure, respiratory rate, pulse rate, plasma cortisol (a stress hormone), and cholesterol levels. Meditation improves learning ability/memory, perceptual ability, and produces an alpha brainwave associated with a level of consciousness that promotes healing.

Regular practice leads to training of the two temporal mind states of emotion and intent. Natural therapies and exercise that incorporate elements of meditation include: Biofeedback, self-hypnosis, visualization, yoga, guided imagery, tai chi, qigong, massage therapy, and acupressure. By suspending the stream of thoughts that normally occupy the mind, meditation produces a state of mind/body integration that improves awareness of the present moment, or the ability to live fully in the present. 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”

QIGONG FOR HEALTH AND WELLBRING

Qigong or “energy cultivation” is a system of breathing and movement exercises practiced for health maintenance and increased vitality. Forms of traditional Chinese qigong consist of focused intention, physical movement, and mind-body integration to increase the flow of qi.

Qigong forms were originally created in ancient China and descended through various schools (Taoist, Buddhist, Confucian, Neo-Confucian, Chinese medicine, and traditional Chinese martial arts). Modern qigong practices can be categorized as medical, martial or spiritual with overlap between the branches. All styles have similar principles: Posture, breathing techniques and mental focus.

Healing qigong (medical) is the preventative aspect of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Medical qigong is taught for primarily health maintenance purposes but may be tailored for curative intervention. Various forms of qigong are also taught in conjunction with Chinese martial arts, and are prevalent in advanced internal martial arts training. Spiritual qigong developed from Taoism and Buddhism and emphasizes tranquility and self-awareness.

Qigong body movements draw on natural range of joint motion as well as movements in replication of various animals. Health benefits of regular qigong practice include: Improved balance, flexibility, concentration, circulation, increased strength and energy, reduced stress and lowered blood pressure, slower respiratory rate, decreased obsessive-compulsive Type A tendencies, and prevention of illness. Qigong may be beneficial for various diseases and ailments (cardiovascular disease, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, headaches, arthritis, and asthma).

A consistent practice of qigong promotes longevity and has a long-term effect of reestablishing the body/mind/soul connection. Consult the yellow pages for martial arts academies. The National Qigong Association (www.nqa.org) has a directory of regional instructors. For additional information 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”

ACUPUNCTURE FOR WEIGHT LOSS

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 bloodstream insulin and lipid levels 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 improve digestion and absorption, increase metabolism and have a calming effect. The qi associated with needling these points helps the body to function against weight gain. Body points selected tonify qi and circulate oxygen and blood with an emphasis on the stomach. Additional body points may be included which regulate the metabolic rate.

An effective weight loss program includes acupuncture, nutritional counseling, exercise, stress reduction (tai chi, yoga), and lifestyle modification. The acupuncture physician can assist with nutritional counseling and individually tailor a diet regimen that the patient can maintain long term.

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). For more information on acupuncture for weight loss and nutritional counseling 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”