Acupuncture & Massage BLOG

Mind-body techniques like yoga and meditation that put the body in a state of deep rest, known as the relaxation response, can change how genes respond to stress, according to the findings of a new study by researchers at Benson-Henry Institute for Mind/Body Medicine at Massachusetts General Hospital and the Genomics Center at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center. The study appears online in the journal PLoS One.

The relaxation response is often seen by health experts as the counterpart to the “flight or fight” stress response that has been shown by previous studies to have a distinct pattern of gene expression changes. The present study examined the concept that the relaxation response also produces similar changes in gene expression.

The study recruited three groups of people. In the first group there were 19 individuals who were long-term practitioners of yoga, repetitive prayer and meditation (practices which produce the relaxation response.) The second group consisted of 19 people who were not daily practitioners. The third group consisted of 20 people who were not daily practitioners but participated in eight weeks of relaxation response training.

The researchers assessed the gene expression changes of the individuals in all three groups from blood samples. Both groups of long-term and short-term practitioners of the relaxation response exhibited similar gene expression and physiological changes.

“The study provides the first compelling evidence that the RR [relaxation response] elicits specific gene expression changes in short-term and long-term practitioners,” the researchers concluded. “Consistent and constitutive changes in gene expression resulting from RR may relate to long term physiological effects.”

“Now we’ve found how changing the activity of the mind can alter the way basic genetic instructions are implemented,” said Dr Herbert Benson, director emeritus of the Benson-Henry Institute and co-senior author of the study.

Study findings indicated that the relaxation response changed the expression of genes involved with inflammation, programmed cell death and the handling of free radicals. Free radicals are byproducts of metabolism that the body neutralizes in order to stop damage to cells and tissues.

“Changes in the activation of these same genes have previously been seen in conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder; but the relaxation-response-associated changes were the opposite of stress-associated changes and were much more pronounced in the long-term practitioners,” said co-lead author Dr. Jeffrey Dusek.

The researchers found that it didn’t matter which mind-body technique was utilized. Meditation, yoga, breathing, and repetitive prayer all acted via the same underlying mechanism. The study findings will be applied to future studies to see if stress-related disorders can be treated with relaxation response practices.

For more information about yoga and meditation for health and wellness call Dr. Richard Browne, Acupuncture Physician, at (305) 595-9500.

According to The National Institute of Mental Health, nearly 1 million men and women in the United States suffer from eating disorders. The two most common types of eating disorders are anorexia and bulimia. Anorexia is characterized by extreme weight loss; bulimia is characterized by binge-eating and compensatory factors such as purging and fasting.
Both anorexia and bulimia involve a perception distortion of body shape and weight. Conventional therapies for eating disorders include medical and psychological evaluation, medication and nutritional counseling.

One of the most effective healing traditions in the treatment of eating disorders is traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) which includes acupuncture, moxibustion, Chinese herbal medicine, massage, and dietary therapy. In addition to allopathic therapies, TCM, especially acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine, can aid in regaining emotional and physical health.

The medical complications of eating disorders can affect multiple body systems, including the digestive, endocrine and cardiac systems. Eating disorder symptoms are often associated with the digestive system, one of the most affected systems of the body. Depending on the specific eating disorder, symptoms may include acid reflux, abdominal bloating, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), nausea, constipation, diarrhea, and abdominal discomfort.

General health eating disorder complaints, such as dry skin, fatigue, concentration difficulties, anemia, muscle cramps, hair loss, insomnia, anxiety, and low energy are among the symptoms that acupuncture addresses. As either a primary or adjunct therapy for eating disorders, acupuncture speeds recovery of the affected body systems and aids in stress reduction through the release of endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers.

Auricular (ear) acupuncture points are effective in harmonizing digestion, absorption and metabolism. Acupuncture body points selected can tonify Chi and circulate oxygen and blood with an emphasis on the stomach. By restoring Chi energetic balance, acupuncture can manage uncontrollable appetite and reduce cravings.

Acupuncture treatment can correct the energy imbalances that often are underlying factors in eating disorders. Acupuncture nourishes related organs and can contribute to the healthy functioning of the digestive system. TCM for eating disorders utilizes a combination of holistic modalities to regain health, including acupuncture, moxibustion, Chinese herbal medicine, massage, and dietary therapy.

For more information about Traditional Chinese Medicine for the treatment of eating disorders call Dr. Richard Browne, Acupuncture Physician, at (305) 595-9500.

The Florida Marlins anticipate building of a new 37,000-seat retractable-roof ballpark to begin in November. Auto dealer Norman Braman objects to the funding plan to finance the new Florida Marlins stadium and has brought a lawsuit against the funding plan.
Braman testified Monday during the first day of the trial, outlining that the public should have more input in deciding upon the plan, which was developed by Miami-Dade County and the city of Miami.

The plan aims to raise millions of property tax dollars to fund the $515 million ballpark which will be located at the site of the Orange Bowl. The plan is also intended to pay down debt on the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts. The funding package, referred to as the megaplan, is a $3 billion plan that also includes other projects, such as a tunnel to the Port of Miami. The plan was endorsed by city and county commissioners earlier this year.
Braman is suing the county, city of Miami and the Marlins over the plan. Attorneys for the county, city and Marlins argue that the plan is legal and does not require a public referendum.
Braman’s dealership is in the Omni Community Redevelopment Agency district, an area outlined to fund some of the plan’s projects, which is the focus of Braman’s lawsuit. During questioning by Braman attorney Roberto Martinez, Miami-Dade County Manager George Burgess stated the Florida Marlins will receive all revenues generated by the new ballpark as well as advertising, naming and broadcast rights.

“I believe that these TIF [tax-increment financing] funds should be spent in the Omni area, where they were meant to be spent …. It’s just been an almost uninhabitable area,” said Braman. “These are ad valorem taxes — taxes designed to help people — shouldn’t go to help to pay baseball players that are making a million dollars a year.” Braman’s testimony concluded the first day of the trial.

Earlier in the day, a videotaped deposition of Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos Alvarez included statements indicating Alvarez had never seen financial statements for the Marlins before approval of public funding for the stadium and that he had no evidence the Marlins could pay for the required cost overruns.

One of the key points in Braman’s lawsuit and argument is that the city and county have no evidence that the stadium and other projects will result in a positive economic impact on the local neighborhoods. Martinez presented evidence indicating that the county and city had no definite information about the Marlins’ financial position and no proof that the stadium would be able to succeed financially.

Burgess testified in Miami-Dade Circuit Court on Wednesday that he had never requested the Marlins’ financial statements or any documents that proved the team could finance the $515 million ballpark. Martinez argued that the county is providing the Marlins with an exclusive business operation by illegally using taxing power.

For information about Acupuncture & Massage College’s Oriental Medicine and Massage Therapy programs call Joe Calareso, Admissions Director, at (305) 595-9500.

Hay fever (allergic rhinitis) is a chronic inflammation of the sinuses, nose and throat. It is typically caused by pollens and other external irritants carried in the air. While grass pollen induces summer hay fever, autumn and spring hay fever are related to weed and tree pollen. Other air-borne substances that can produce an allergic reaction include molds, plants, dust, spores, and chemicals, among others.

These allergens, or air-borne substances, cause the body to produce antibodies which release histamine. Histamines cause allergic reactions which produce hay fever symptoms such as sneezing, itchy eyes, sore throat, nasal congestion, running nose, fever, headaches, chest congestion, asthma, and wheezing.

Decongestants, antihistamines, corticosteroid sprays, allergy injections, and bronchodilator inhalers are among the conventional medications that address symptom relief. However, these medications often cause side effects such as drowsiness and dryness of the nose and throat and do not treat the underlying imbalances that cause the allergies.

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) views the cause of allergies as an organ system imbalance. This imbalance can be caused by poor digestion, dietary choices, hormonal changes, and stress. Treating these organ imbalances with acupuncture often results in reduced itching, discharge and nasal congestion during the first acupuncture treatment. A series of six to ten acupuncture treatments often provides lasting relief of hay fever symptoms.

Acupuncture stimulates the nervous system to release chemicals in the body that influence the body’s own internal regulating system. Acupuncture stimulates the body’s natural healing abilities while improving biochemical balance and increasing energy.
From the TCM perspective, hay fever is diagnosed according to the patient’s condition, which is characterized as predominantly hot or cold. A patient with a hot type of hay fever may experience symptoms of red and inflamed eyes and a colored nasal discharge, while a patient with a cold type of hay fever may experience sensitivity to cold and a clear nasal discharge. Acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine are tailored to treat the patient’s individual condition and constitution.

Acupuncture treatment for hay fever selects local acupuncture points, often near the sinuses. When stimulated, local acupuncture points open the congested area and strengthen vital energy, or chi, which results in improved overall health. Acupuncture effectively treats the underlying cause of the allergic condition as well as alleviating the symptoms.
Treatment for hay fever should begin a month before seasonal allergic symptoms typically occur. A course of acupuncture treatment for hay fever may be integrated with dietary and lifestyle modifications recommended by your acupuncture physician.

For more information about acupuncture for hay fever call Dr. Richard Browne, Acupuncture Physician, at (305) 595-9500. For information about Acupuncture & Massage College’s Oriental Medicine and Massage Therapy programs ask for Joe Calareso. .

August is a great time to enroll in Acupuncture & Massage College’s Massage Therapy program. Students seeking a rigorous professional natural care education will find quality and excellence in August is a great time to enroll in Acupuncture & Massage College’s Massage Therapy program. Students seeking a rigorous professional natural care education will find quality and excellence in AMC’s Massage Therapy program.

AMC’s Massage Therapy diploma program offers a comprehensive curriculum of massage techniques. The program is designed for students seeking a career in the field of bodywork as well as practitioners who want to offer additional modalities to their patients.

The Massage Therapy program’s specialization in Japanese Shiatsu enables students to develop experience working with a range of techniques within Asian systems of medicine. Students complete courses in Shiatsu, Swedish and Medical massage and the biosciences. The program enrolls applicants on a monthly basis.

The number of individuals receiving massages has more than doubled in the last decade and the profession has consistently been one of the fastest growing in the country in recent years. More than 39 million Americans received a massage in the last year, according to an annual survey commissioned by the American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA). More than half (53 percent) who discussed massage with their healthcare providers say their doctor recommended they get massage therapy.

Massage therapists work in an array of settings including: private offices, hospitals, fitness centers, nursing homes, sports medicine facilities, airports, spas, physicians’ offices, cruise ships, clinics, and wellness centers. Self-employed massage therapists consist of the largest group in this career field. According to Salary.com, the median salary for a massage therapist is $49, 865, with a scale range from approximately $41,000 to $58,000.

Health care providers and medical insurance companies are beginning to recognize massage therapy as a legitimate treatment and preventative measure for several types of injuries and illnesses. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, massage therapy employment is expected to grow faster than average over the 2006-16 period as more people learn about the benefits of massage therapy.

AMC’s Massage Therapy program is a 720-hour, 8 _-month program which includes 164 hours of hands-on supervised clinical practice. In the program, students learn energy work as well as structural bodywork modalities, Eastern as well as Western theory and technique and how to treat specific pain and dysfunction as well as promote health and healing. The program exceeds standards set by national certification, and by most state and municipal governments for licensing.

For over twenty-five years, Acupuncture & Massage College has propagated and developed the practice of massage therapy in the South Florida area, training and certifying many of the local massage therapists in practice today.

For information about Acupuncture & Massage College’s Masters of Oriental Medicine and Massage Therapy programs call Joe Calareso, Admissions Director, at (305) 595-9500. For information about AMC’s Stop Smoking and PTSD acupuncture study programs, which are currently registering participants, ask for Dr. Richard Browne, Acupuncture Physician

September is a great time to enroll in Acupuncture & Massage College’s Master’s of Oriental
Medicine Degree program. Students seeking a rigorous professional natural care education will find quality and excellence in AMC’s Oriental Medicine program.

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is one of the fastest growing health care professions in the United States today. The Oriental Medicine program trains students to enable them to practice as primary health care providers. Students complete courses in Chinese Medicine, Acupuncture, Herbology, Tui Na, and Qigong.

AMC’s Oriental Medicine program is a 151-credit, four-year program. The program is designed and delivered by faculty with extensive clinical and research experience. Students receive comprehensive training in the TCM foundational knowledge and skills necessary to work competently in private practice.

Licensed acupuncturists are independent health care providers, the majority of whom have private practices. Acupuncture physicians may also work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, treatment centers and community health centers. In acupuncture practice, acupuncture physicians may share workspace with other health care providers who have different types of training in the field of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Acupuncture physicians may work in specialist and complementary health care clinics.

Other career options for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (AOM) practitioners include teaching, publishing and research. The prospects for finding employment in the field of AOM are excellent for the foreseeable future.

Employment in the alternative therapy and non-mainstream medicine fields (which includes acupuncture, podiatry, chiropractic, and more) is expected to increase by 48.8 percent from 2002-2012.

According to a recent article in the Miami Herald, acupuncture physicians can expect to earn from $30,000 to $150,000 in private practice; at hospitals $70,000 to $90,000…,” says Patty Hutchinson, an AMC Oriental Medicine program graduate, and Department Chair at Mercy Hospital. As with allopathic doctors, advancement comes with building a practice.

Our comprehensive curriculum allows graduates to apply for licensure in most states that license and regulate acupuncture and Oriental medicine. Acupuncture is a licensed medical profession in over 40 states and the District of Columbia.

At Acupuncture & Massage College, you’ll benefit from both a career-focused education in acupuncture and Oriental Medicine as well as the sense of community that a close-knit campus can provide. Oriental Medicine program graduates receive a Bachelor of Science degree in Health and a Master’s of Oriental Medicine degree that prepare for a successful career in acupuncture and Oriental Medicine upon graduating.

As a fully-accredited Oriental Medicine school in Miami, we pride ourselves on the quality and depth of our Master’s degree program, and we invite anyone who is interested in acupuncture and Oriental medicine to visit our campus for a tour of the school and to receive an information presentation.

For program information call Joe Calareso, Admissions Director at (305) 595-9500.

Transcendental Meditation can effectively reduce high blood pressure, according to a recent meta-analysis of 107 published studies on high blood pressure and stress reduction programs. The study appears in a recent issue of Current Hypertension Reports.
The Transcendental Meditation technique produces a significant reduction in high blood pressure that is not found with other forms of stress management, meditation or biofeedback. The new meta-analysis reviewed trials of all relaxation and stress reduction methods in participants with high blood pressure that have been published in scientific journals.

Blood pressure reductions for the Transcendental Meditation technique included an average of 5.0 points on systolic blood pressure and 2.8 on diastolic blood pressure, according to the review. Significant changes in blood pressure were not produced with the other relaxation and stress reduction programs.
Among participants in the Transcendental Meditation program, blood pressure changes associated with Transcendental Meditation practice were consistent with other studies showing improved markers of heart disease, reductions in cardiovascular risk factors and reduced mortality rates.

The recent meta-analysis was conducted by researchers at the NIH-funded Institute of Natural Medicine and Prevention at Maharishi University of Management and the University of Kentucky College of Medicine.
The findings of the review contradict a July 2007 report sponsored by the NIH-National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, which concluded that the majority of research on meditation found little evidence that any specific stress reduction method effectively lowers blood pressure. The recent meta-analysis included high quality studies on stress reduction interventions published through 2006.
Most of the Transcendental Meditation studies were funded by grants from the National Institutes of Health and were conducted at five independent medical institutions and universities.

“The magnitude of the changes in blood pressure with the Transcendental Meditation technique are at least as great as the changes found with major changes in diet or exercise that doctors often recommend,” Anderson said. “Yet the Transcendental Meditation technique does not require changes in lifestyle. Thus many patients with mild hypertension or prehypertension may be able to avoid the need to take blood pressure medications–all of which have adverse side effects. Individuals with more severe forms of hypertension may be able to reduce the number or dosages of their BP medications under the guidance of their doctor.”

“This is important to everyone because cardiovascular disease is the number one cause of death in the U.S. and worldwide,” said Anderson. Long-term reductions in blood pressure indicated by the findings of the Transcendental Meditation studies are associated with at least a 15 percent reduction in rates of stroke and heart attack.

The recent meta-analysis identifies the Transcendental Meditation program as more effective in reducing blood pressure when compared to other scientifically studied techniques, according to Dr. Robert Schneider, director of the Institute of Natural Medicine and Prevention and study co-author.

“In addition, related studies show an integrated set of positive ’side benefits’ of Transcendental Meditation such as reduced stress, reduced heart disease levels and longer lifespan with this technique; restoring balance in the cardiovascular system, mind and body,” said Schneider. “For those 100 million Americans with elevated blood pressure, here is a scientifically documented, yet simple and easy way to lower blood pressure without drugs and harmful side effects.”

For more information about Transcendental Meditation for health and wellness, call Dr. Richard Browne, Acupuncture Physician, at (305) 595-9500.