Acupuncture & Massage BLOG

Acupuncture reduces chronic neck pain, according to a recent systematic review of research literature completed by a group of Canadian Cochrane review authors to determine whether there is evidence that it is effective in treating neck disorders. The review was part of a series designed to summarize current scientific evidence on treatments for neck disorders due to whiplash, muscle strain and other “mechanical” causes.

The review included 10 trials (661 participants) that examined the effects of acupuncture on chronic neck pain (lasting at least three months). One study included individuals with neck pain that lasted for at least six weeks but considered chronic. Some trials compared acupuncture to sham acupuncture, waiting list or other sham treatments (sham laser) while others compared acupuncture to other treatments (mobilization, traction, massage). Most of the studies included at least five treatment sessions.

The authors concluded that for chronic mechanical neck disorders, there was evidence that acupuncture was more effective for pain relief measured immediately post-treatment and at short-term follow-up when compared to some sham controls (laser, acupuncture needles placed in the wrong acupoints). For chronic neck disorders with radicular symptoms (pain symptoms radiating to the arms), there was evidence that acupuncture was more effective for pain relief than a wait list control at short-term follow up. “The specific effects of acupuncture have important clinical treatment benefits,” conclude the review authors.

“What we need now are some trials that include greater numbers of people and look at the long-term effect of the treatment,” said lead review author Kien Trinh, M.D., of McMaster University in Canada. Trinh calls for larger and longer trials, preferably at least 500 patients and follow-up after a year or more, to further determine benefits of acupuncture treatment. Acupuncture is effective in treatment of chronic neck pain but there is no cure for the musculoskeletal system disorder. For some patients, acupuncture may be the best treatment, while different combined therapies may work best for others. For more information on acupuncture treatment for neck disorders contact Dr. Richard Browne at (305) 595-9500.

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.

DIABETES CAN BE TREATED WITH CHINESE HERBAL MEDICINE

Berberine, a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) herbal component, has been reported to have beneficial effects for people experiencing type 2 diabetes. A collaboration between Chinese, Korean and Australian scientists at Sydney’s Garvan Institute has revealed that the natural plant product could be a valuable new treatment.

Berberine (plant alkaloid) is found in the roots and bark of a number of plants used for medicinal purposes including wound healing and has been documented as having anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial and anti-tumor properties. Berberine is a component of goldenseal, marketed in the combination herbal supplement of echinacea and goldenseal. It has been used in TCM as a remedy for diabetes (among other medicinal purposes) and documented in Chinese literature as having glucose-lowering properties when administered to diabetics, but its mode of action was unknown.

The study, published in a recent issue of Diabetes, investigated the metabolic effects of berberine in two models of insulin-resistance and insulin-responsive cell lines. “Our studies in models of diabetes show that berberine acts in part by activating an enzyme in the muscle and liver that is involved in improving sensitivity of the tissue to insulin—this in turn lowers blood sugar levels. In addition, it seems berberine can reduce body weight,” said Garvan scientist Jiming Ye, M.D. The next step is to investigate how berberine activates the enzyme that mediates these ‘insulin-sensitizing’ effects.

Type 2 diabetes is a growing health concern that requires development of new therapy treatments. A large number of patients cannot tolerate current medications (metformin) and the TZD group of drugs cause weight gain. “Berberine has been used for decades, if not centuries, with few reported side effects. Given the limitations of existing medicines we are excited to have evidence that berberine may be a new treatment for type 2 diabetes,” said Professor James, head of the Garvan’s Diabetes & Obesity Research Program and co-author of the Diabetes paper. For more information about TCM treatment for diabetes contact Dr. Richard Browne at (305) 595-9500.

Chinese Medical Cupping Therapy

What is Chinese Medical Cupping?

Chinese Medical Cupping is an ancient practice in which a jar or cup is attached to the surface of the body. The method of attaching the jar to the skin can be accomplished either by using a flame to suck out the air or by use of a pump that removes the air thus causing a partial vacuum.

When the vacuum is established the cupping begins. In some cases the cups are left in place, in another technique the cup may be moved while the suction of skin is active, causing a pulling of the skin the technique is called gliding cupping.

Chinese Medical Cupping therapy has been practiced for thousands of years for the treatment of disease and pain. Typically cupping has been used to move bad blood that is stagnant blood. In Chinese medicine pain is said to be caused by qi stagnation. This stagnation can be a result of injury or stress. Chinese Medical Cupping is used to reduce the pain of stagnant Qi and blood. Cupping stimulates the flow of Qi and blood. Its uses include relieving pain in the muscles, back pain, shoulder pain and stiffness. Cupping therapy has been used to clear congestion in the chest, due to cold, flu and asthma.

How is Chinese Medical Cupping done?
The Acupuncturist takes a number of glass cups, which are heated with a flame. The cup is then quickly applied to the skin. This creates a vacuum. Generally, the cup is left in place for about 10 minutes (typical range is 5-15 minutes). The skin becomes reddened due to the congestion of blood flow. The cup is removed by pressing the skin along side it to allow some outside air to leak into it, thus equalizing the pressure and releases it. After the treatment there is usually a decrease of pain in the area that was cupped. There are number of conditions in which cupping contraindicated, such as high fever, skin disease or tendency to bleed easily. For more information about cupping or acupuncture treatment you can contact Dr. Richard Browne at 305.595.9500.

SCIATICA TREATABLE WITH ACUPUNCTURE
Back pain is one of the leading reasons people see a health care provider. While there is no definitive therapy to treat low back pain and sciatica, acupuncture can play an important role in the reduction of back pain by reducing recovery time and preventing a chronic condition from developing.

Sciatica is pain in the lower back or hip that radiates down into the back of a leg, often caused by a herniated vertebral disc pressing on the sciatic nerve. The sciatic nerve runs from the pelvis through the hip area and down the back of each leg. When the sciatic nerve is pinched, inflamed, or damaged, pain may radiate along the length of the sciatic nerve to the foot. Sciatica may occur anywhere along the nerve, but usually follows a path from the low back through the hip area to the back of the thigh and calf.

Most cases of sciatica are treatable with physical therapy and pain medication. Allopathic medicine most often treats back pain with pain relief prescriptions or NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti inflammatory drugs). NSAIDs provide pain relief but also have potential side effects such as liver damage and gastric irritation. Back pain can be reduced with acupuncture, decreasing the use of painkillers or other medications that can cause side effects.

Acupuncture causes the body to produce natural steroids and promotes the production of natural endorphins.
Steroids decrease inflammation, while endorphins produced by the body reduce pain. Generally its advisable to have frequent acupuncture treatment initially and decrease sessions as the pain diminishes. Acute pain may resolve in a few sessions. More treatments may be necessary if there is reoccurring chronic pain, or sciatica.

The National Institutes of Health states that acupuncture is an acceptable alternative to conventional therapies for low back pain. It has been estimated that up to 80% of the world’s population experience back pain at some point in their lives, with the lower back as the most common location of pain. Acupuncture can maintain treatment outcomes for up to six months or longer without the negative side effects that occur with traditional treatment regimes. Look in your local yellow pages for a licensed acupuncturist for treatment of sciatica. For more information on Acupuncture trreatment contact Dr. Richard Browne at 305.595.9500.

CDC LAUNCHES CHRONIC FATIGUE SYNDROME AWARENESS CAMPAIGN

The CDC launched the first national campaign on chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), designed to increase awareness among the public of the disease affecting an estimated 1 million Americans. Previously not considered a legitimate physiological disorder, the cause of CFS remains unknown and is possibly a common endpoint of disease resulting from multiple causes. “We are committed to improving awareness that this is a real disease,” says Julie Gerberding, M.D., director of the CDC.

Up to 80 percent of people with chronic fatigue do not know they have it. Women are four times as likely to be affected as men, commonly within the age group between 40 and 59 years of age, according to the CDC. Symptoms include unexplained prolonged fatigue lasting six months or longer combined with muscle and joint pain, headaches, cognitive impairment, sore throat, tender lymph nodes, post-exertional fatigue, and unrefreshing sleep.

There is no diagnostic test or biomarker to identify the disease, making diagnosis difficult. CFS shares symptoms with many other diseases, and diagnosis must be made on an exclusionary basis, first ruling out diseases with similar symptoms, including fibromyalgia, chronic Lyme disease, lupus, multiple sclerosis, primary sleep disorders, and chronic mononucleosis. No two CFS patients have the exactly the same symptom set, which previously contributed to the belief that the disease could be due to a psychological disorder. “While the evidence is not definitive, it goes against long-held notions that chronic fatigue syndrome is a figment of patients’ imaginations,” says Anthony Komaroff, M.D., a professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School.

Because there is no known cure, there is no defined therapy. Treatment is aimed at symptom relief and improved function through prevention of overexertion, reduced stress, dietary restrictions, stretching, and nutritional supplementation. Alternative therapies recommended for CFS include acupuncture for pain management, massage therapy, and stretching and movement therapies (tai chi, yoga). For more information, visit the new CFS website, www.cdc.gov/cfs, which provides educational tools for patients and health care professionals. For more information contact Dr. Browne at 305.595.9500.

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HYPERTENSION AND ACUPUNCTURE

Hypertension (high blood pressure) may have no known cause (essential/primary hypertension) or be associated with other diseases (secondary hypertension). Essential hypertension (more than 90% of cases) is likely due to a combination of factors including: Smoking, high cholesterol, high sodium diet, stress, and obesity. Secondary hypertension is commonly associated with kidney and endocrine disorders. Symptoms manifest when the condition is severe and may include: Fatigue, headache, chest pain, nausea, and excessive perspiration.

The allopathic treatment regimen of lifestyle modification, diet and blood pressure medication lower risk for associated complications (heart disease, kidney damage, stroke, and blindness). Pharmaceutical anti-hypertensive drugs often have side effects.

TCM differentiates multiple syndrome patterns that lead to hypertension. Often imbalances manifest as insufficiency/excess of liver and/or kidney yin and yang but may also indicate heart and digestive system dysfunction. Treatment supplements insufficiencies and reduces excesses through acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine without side effects, regulates the whole body and lowers blood pressure.

Acupuncture is an effective complementary modality for essential hypertension for both prevention and treatment. Anti-hypertensive effects of acupuncture are best for treatment of mild or first stage hypertension. Acupuncture works through regulation of the nervous system and endocrine system. Therapy activates central endorphin pathways that elicit decreases in sympathetic nerve activity (SNA) and blood pressure. Acupuncture is especially suitable for hypertensive individuals with existing liver or kidney complications that have low tolerance for anti-hypertensive medication.

Hypertension is a major risk factor for heart attack and stroke. Only a quarter of adults receive adequate hypertension treatment and close to 70 percent are unaware that they are hypertensive. For more information on acupuncture for the treatment of hypertension contact Dr. Richard Browne at (305) 595-9500.

GINSENG MAY REDUCE CANCER-RELATED FATIGUE

Ginseng reduces fatigue and increases vitality in cancer patients, according to a new Mayo Clinic study, one of the first studies to evaluate a Wisconsin species of ginseng as a possible therapy for cancer-related fatigue. Many cancer patients experience extreme fatigue after diagnosis and during treatment. Other than exercise, there is no current solution available for patients to minimize fatigue.

“We hope that Wisconsin ginseng may offer us a much-needed treatment to improve our patients’ quality of life, and we look forward to further evaluation,” says Debra Barton, Ph.D., a Mayo Clinic cancer researcher and the study’s primary investigator. “Cancer-related fatigue is one of the most profound and distressing issues patients face. This unique type of fatigue can have dozens of causes, and for patients who have completed cancer therapy, fatigue is among their foremost concerns, second only to disease recurrence.”

Ginseng may be an effective addition to currently available therapies. Cancer patients experience psychological and physiological stressors ranging from diagnosis to chemotherapy and radiation. . More than 90 percent of people with cancer suffer from extreme lethargy and low energy levels before, during or after treatment. Traditional Chinese Medicine recognizes ginseng’s therapeutic potential. As an adaptogen, ginseng contains a substance that aids the body in overcoming effects of environmental stress.

The investigators enrolled 282 patients with breast, colon and other types of cancer in a randomized, placebo-controlled eight-week trial. Patients who received large daily doses of ginseng showed improvements in overall energy levels, reporting higher vitality levels and less interference with activity from fatigue in comparison with patients receiving low doses or placebo. They also reported an improvement in overall mental, physical, spiritual, and emotional well-being.

Traditional Chinese Medicine, including acupuncture and Chinese herbal therapy, can effectively treat many common health conditions. For more information contact Dr. Richard Browne at (305) 595-9500.

ACUPRESSURE DECREASES AGITATED BEHAVIOR IN DEMENTIA

Massage could offer a drug-free way to treat agitation and depression among dementia patients, according to a review that appears in a recent issue of the Journal of Clinical Nursing. Researchers at the National Yang-Ming University in Taiwan found that providing 15-minute treatment sessions twice a week for five days a week yielded considerable benefits, including reductions in verbal and physical attacks and wandering.

“Agitated behavior in people with dementia is a major concern for caregivers,” says co-author Professor Li-Chan Lin from the Institute of Clinical Nursing at National Yang-Ming University, Taiwan. “It can endanger patients and others, make it necessary for them to be moved from familiar surroundings and demoralize and psychologically distress caregivers.” Twenty patients were studied over six weeks, including one week before the treatment started and one week after it finished. All lived in dementia units at a long-term care facility.

Of the patients, 70 percent suffered from severe behavioral disturbances, with a further five per cent suffering from extremely severe impairment. The remaining 25 percent were classed as medium. An average pre-treatment score of just over 79 was recorded on a specialist scale developed to measure agitation levels. After four weeks’ treatment this had fallen to just under 60. Pre-treatment agitation was highest in the 59-65 and 80 plus age groups.

In week one, before the acupressure treatment began, physical attacks were given an average score of 5.53. These included pushing, beating, scratching, and pinching. By week two, when the treatment began, the physical attack score had fallen to 1.46. By week five, the last week of treatment, the score had fallen to 0.53. In week six, when the treatment had stopped, the figure rose to 2.17. Similar patterns were recorded for verbal attacks and non-physical and non-verbal agitation, which included wandering, stealing, undressing, and tearing things.

“Our study showed that providing patients with acupressure twice-daily for five days a week significantly reduced agitated behavior and wandering,” says Lin. For more information about AMC’s 7-_ month Massage Therapy diploma program contact Joe Calareso at (305) 595-9500.