Acupuncture & Massage BLOG

In a revealing report on new techniques to reduce the adverse side effects from taking post-operative morphine after surgery, researchers found that using acupuncture before and during an operation cuts a patient’s need for the painkillers.

The report on Revolution Health, said that doctors could reduce the amount of morphine given to a patient, significantly, and improve the quality of analgesia.

About eight out of 10 patients typically experience side effects such as itchiness, dizziness and nausea from postoperative morphine. The analysis also found that acupuncture treatment reduced post-op itchiness by 30 percent, nausea by 50 percent and dizziness by 60 percent.

Another important benefit of acupuncture treatment is that acupuncture can significantly reduce urinary retention, which is uncomfortable for the patient. Using a catheter to relieve it only increases the possible risk of infection. By using acupuncture to treat post-operative urinary retention, doctors can minimize that risk.

For more information on acupuncture treatment for post-operative pain call Dr. Richard Browne at 305.595.9500 or visit www.acupuncturistmiami.com.

Good news for couples trying to get pregnant through in vitro fertilization! A recent Fox News
report said that in vitro fertilization, or IVF, is maximized by complementing it with acupuncture treatment.

A scientific review funded by the National Institutes of Health’s National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) suggests that acupuncture might improve the odds of conceiving if done right before or after embryos are placed in the womb.

In acupuncture therapy for fertility, the body experiences an increase blood flow to the uterus, a relaxing the cervix and actually helps the body inhibit the production of “fight or flight” stress hormones that make it tougher for an embryo to implant. The study reported that the odds of conceiving went up about 65 percent for women given acupuncture.

IVF treatments typically run about costs around $12,000 per attempt, with patients making a minimum of three, so a treatment that improves its effectiveness will save couples thousands of dollars.

Fertility specialists are excited that this relatively inexpensive and simple treatment ca be integrated easily with modern methods.

The Results were published Friday in the British medical journal, BMJ.

Individuals who receive acupuncture for joint pain syndromes experience a significant reduction in the number of tender joints and measurable decrease in joint pain, stiffness and swelling. Acupuncture for joint pain syndromes, when used in conjunction with disease modifying agents, can provide beneficial pain relief for those with otherwise intractable joint pain.
Study findings indicate that acupuncture for joint pain syndromes can be an effective adjunct therapy. Acupuncture for joint pain syndromes can be an important element of a multidisciplinary approach to treating joint pain syndromes. Individuals who are treated with acupuncture for joint pain syndromes in addition to routine care often show significant improvements in symptoms and quality of life compared with individuals who receive routine care alone.
Within a three month initial acupuncture for joint pain syndromes treatment plan, individuals receiving acupuncture experience less pain and joint stiffness. A balanced, varied diet can also help ease the pain of joint pain syndromes by providing vitamins and minerals that keep joints healthy. Treating joint pain syndromes with acupuncture for joint pain syndromes should be seen as a long-term process, especially if the condition is chronic. Acupuncture for joint pain syndromes offers a safe non-drug alternative for individuals who cannot tolerate the currently available non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs prescribed to relieve inflammation in joints.
Traditional Chinese Medicine therapies, including acupuncture for joint pain syndromes and Chinese herbal medicine, are most important when conventional therapies are far from ideal. Most people over 50 show some signs of joint pain syndromes. Joints naturally deteriorate over time, resulting in loss of normal movement. Acupuncture for joint pain syndromes treats the specific symptoms that are unique to each individual. Acupuncture for joint pain syndromes has been found to be effective at alleviating the pain and inflammation associated with all types of joint pain syndromes. Acupuncture for joint pain syndromes often results in reducing dependence on pharmacotherapy and improves functional ability.
For more information about acupuncture for joint pain syndromes call Dr. Richard Browne, Acupuncture Physician and Homeopath, at (305) 595-9500. For Oriental Medicine and Massage Therapy program information ask for Joe Calareso.

When headaches occur more than a few times a month, acupuncture for headaches and migraines treatment is recommended. Chinese herbal formulas prescribed in conjunction with acupuncture for headaches and migraines are effective in maintaining health and preventing headache reoccurrence. Acupuncture improves cerebral circulation, allowing the afflicted area to obtain sufficient blood flow, oxygen and nutrition.

Acupuncture for headaches and migraines can reduce the intensity and frequency of headaches and migraines as well as analgesic consumption, and is frequently effective in cases where individuals receive little pain relief from medication. Acupuncture activates the parasympathetic nervous system to decrease stress and treat the causes and symptoms that are unique to each individual. Headaches and migraines may be accompanied by stress and may be complicated by other health conditions causing pain such as degenerative arthritis, structural or chemical abnormalities in or around the brain, spine disease, and musculoskeletal dysfunction.

Acupuncture for headaches and migraines releases endorphins (natural painkillers) and stabilizes levels of serotonin, a chemical messenger in the brain. After as few as 12 acupuncture for headaches and migraines treatment sessions, individuals experience fewer headaches and migraines. Acupuncture is also effective in the treatment of mixed headache disorders, in which tension, sinus and migraine headaches arise at different times and under different circumstances.
Although headaches and migraines are frequent health conditions leading to medical visits, allopathic treatment may be ineffective in pain management.

Acupuncture for headaches and migraines reduces occurrence of headaches by regulating the body’s flow of energy and reestablishing equilibrium. Holistic treatment programs for headaches and migraines often integrate acupuncture for headaches and migraines, Chinese herbal medicine and massage.
For more information about acupuncture for headaches and migraines call Dr. Richard Browne, Acupuncture Physician and Homeopath, at (305) 595-9500. For Oriental Medicine and Massage Therapy program information ask for Joe Calareso.

Acupuncture for depression targets specific acupuncture points on the body, resulting in a reduction in depressive symptoms. Individuals typically experience reduced depression symptoms and benefit from the mood elevating effect of acupuncture for depression therapy. Acupuncture for depression can alleviate the physical symptoms occurring in conjunction with depression. Insomnia, fatigue and other symptoms of depression can be reduced with acupuncture for depression treatment.
Acupuncture for depression can also treat cases of reactive depression due to a medical illness such as chronic pain, chronic fatigue, arthritis, cancer, anemia, and endocrine abnormalities. If you are taking anti-depressants, acupuncture for depression therapy can prescribe Chinese herbal medicine that works synergistically with your medications to address symptoms. An acupuncture health plan may consist of an initial therapy of one to two months of weekly treatments.
Acupuncture for depression may also utilize additional Traditional Chinese Medicine modalities such as tai chi energetic exercises and tui na massage therapy in acupuncture for depression therapy plans. Acupuncture for depression can also be utilized as a stand-alone primary treatment modality for depression for those who do not prefer allopathic therapies. Acupuncture for depression is also effective in the treatment of stress-related depression.
In conjunction with Chinese herbal medicine, acupuncture for depression can be an effective depression treatment modality that corrects the internal imbalance or root origin of the disease. While acupuncture for depression can resolve depression symptoms, in order to sustain the positive results of treatment your acupuncture physician may recommend diet and lifestyle modifications. Many individuals cannot tolerate the side effects of antidepressant medications and seek alternative management therapies, such as acupuncture for depression. Acupuncture for depression is viewed by many individuals as a safe, non-drug option.
For more information about acupuncture for depression call Dr. Richard Browne, Acupuncture Physician and Homeopath at (305) 595-9500. For Oriental Medicine and Massage Therapy program information ask for Joe Calareso.

Acupuncture for allergies usually results in less frequent colds, sinus headaches and congestion and increased energy. Improvement in allergy symptoms occurs after the first four to six acupuncture for allergies treatments for perennial or chronic allergy sufferers. Acupuncture for allergies minimizes asthma, fatigue, sinus headache, and other allergic reactions.

Acupuncture for allergies focuses on symptom relief while aiding the body’s capacity to regulate antigen-antibody reactions and process allergens. As a primary therapy modality or in combination with conventional medication, acupuncture effectively addresses the root cause of allergies by correcting the underlying immune system imbalance. Acupuncture for allergies is an effective alternative for those who cannot tolerate medications.

Allergy symptoms are frequently treated with antihistamine agents (antihistamines, nasal corticosteroids, allergy shots, and decongestants), which often treat symptoms by immune system suppression. Although allopathic medicine is effective at treating the allergic response, side effects such as drowsiness and insomnia cause many to seek alternative approaches, such as acupuncture for allergies, for allergy management.

By focusing on immune system balance, acupuncture can result in long-term allergy management. Acupuncture produces biochemical balance, which enhances the body’s natural healing abilities. Chinese herbal medicine and dietary modification may be prescribed in conjunction with acupuncture to lessen the effects of allergies. Itching, discharge and nasal congestion are often relieved during the first acupuncture for allergies treatment.

Acupuncture should be used preventatively when allergic reactions are not occurring. For some individuals, allergies can be managed with acupuncture for allergies maintenance treatments during seasonal changes. Individuals experiencing seasonal allergies should seek treatment a month prior to the start of the allergy season to lessen the effects of allergies.

For more information about acupuncture for allergies call Dr. Richard Browne, Acupuncture Physician and Homeopath, at (305) 595-9500. For Oriental Medicine and Massage Therapy program information ask for Joe Calareso.

Many symptoms of fatigue respond to acupuncture for fatigue therapy. Acupuncture for fatigue can strengthen a weakened immune system, enhance vital energy, increase lymph circulation, and nourish blood. Acupuncture for fatigue may be utilized as a stand-alone therapy or may be integrated into allopathic treatment for individuals with fatigue.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) uses a combination of acupuncture for fatigue, moxibustion, Chinese herbal medicine, and lifestyle changes to treat fatigue. A series of weekly treatments for four to six weeks is recommended followed by progress assessment, to reduce fatigue levels and increase functional capacity. Various malfunctions in the endocrine, cardiovascular and digestive body systems that may cause fatigue are treatable with acupuncture for fatigue.
Acupuncture points chosen during acupuncture for fatigue treatment address the root of the problem, such as qi deficiency, while other selected points reduce occurrence of specific symptoms, such as headache. Your acupuncture physician may recommend an additional series of acupuncture for fatigue treatments to normalize and balance the immune system in cases of chronic fatigue syndrome. Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is the current name for a disorder characterized by debilitating fatigue and a variety of associated physical, constitutional and neuropsychological complaints.
Because there is no known cure, there is no defined therapy for generalized and chronic fatigue. Allopathic medications such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, antihistamines and decongestants can reduce the symptoms of fatigue, including diffuse pain and feverishness. Acupuncture for fatigue can work in conjunction with allopathic medications by improving mood and stabilizing disordered sleep cycles. Acupuncture for fatigue utilizes moxibustion to stimulate affected organs from their depleted state while increasing vitality. Acupuncture for fatigue can also treat many of the root origins of fatigue, including stress, insomnia and depression.

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

Acupuncture can lower blood pressure, according to a new study released by the Susan Samueli Center for Integrative Medicine at the University of California, Irvine. Findings indicate that acupuncture can help normalize blood pressure –lower pressure when it is elevated or raise pressure when it is too low—and complements treatments for cardiovascular patients. The study found that acupuncture combined with low levels of electrical stimulation can lower elevations in blood pressure by as much as 40 percent.
The Center also found once-weekly 30-minute acupuncture sessions will give substantial pressure reductions in three or four weeks. Though drug therapy and healthy lifestyle changes related to diet, exercise and weight loss are typically used to treat high blood pressure, some patients are looking for alternative solutions, such as acupuncture. The Center’s research also found that acupuncture has a slow onset and prolonged effect. If treatments were stopped, the pressure would stay down for another month before rising again over a period of weeks.
Acupuncture can become part of a therapeutic long-term health-care regimen for hypertension and other cardiovascular conditions. Acupuncture can be an excellent complement to other medical treatments, especially those for treating the cardiac system. Acupuncture applied to specific wrist, inner forearm and leg acupoints triggers release of brain opioid chemicals that reduce excitatory cardiovascular system responses. Acupuncture to these specific sites results in heart activity/oxygen intake decrease and lowered blood pressure. Acupuncture can be beneficial for various cardiac ailments.
Anti-hypertensive effects of acupuncture are best for treatment of mild or first stage hypertension. Acupuncture works through regulation of the nervous and endocrine systems. Therapy activates central endorphin pathways that elicit decreases in sympathetic nerve activity and blood pressure. Acupuncture is especially suitable for hypertensive individuals with existing liver or kidney complications that have low tolerance levels for anti-hypertensive medications.
For more information about acupuncture for normalizing blood pressure call Dr. Richard Browne, Acupuncture Physician and Homeopath at (305) 595-9500. For Oriental Medicine and Massage Therapy program information ask for Joe Calareso.

Benefits of acupuncture include the effective treatment of several health conditions and ailments. Back pain, headache, stroke rehabilitation, tennis elbow, fibromyalgia, myofascial pain, osteoarthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome, and asthma are among the health conditions that can improve with benefits of acupuncture. One of the benefits of acupuncture is that acupuncture may be useful as a stand-alone treatment or may be integrated into a comprehensive management program.
Efficiency of acupuncture in adult postoperative and chemotherapy nausea and postoperative dental pain are also benefits of acupuncture. Benefits of acupuncture focus on a holistic, energy-based health concept rather than a disease-oriented diagnostic and treatment model. One of the benefits of acupuncture is that the incidence of side effects is significantly lower than the adverse effects that may be experienced from allopathic medications or other conventional medical procedures.
Benefits of acupuncture may strengthen efficacy for smoking cessation. Reduction of acute and chronic pain with acupuncture is one of the benefits of acupuncture in cases of diverse pain conditions. Additional health conditions that improve with benefits of acupuncture are treatment of anxiety, insomnia, digestive problems, menstrual cramps, weight loss, and infertility. Benefits of acupuncture include strengthening of general constitution. Many individuals receive the health and wellness benefits of acupuncture without experiencing any particular health condition.
Increase of energy, strength and vitality to a recovering patient is one of the benefits of acupuncture. Benefits of acupuncture may also include a boost to the immune system, reduction of pain medication intake and reduction of stress symptoms. One of the benefits of acupuncture is that it can be utilized as a preventative form of medicine and can be beneficial in preventing illness from occurring. As a non-invasive therapy for joint pain, the benefits of acupuncture result in a significant pain decrease in acute and chronic joint pain conditions.
Acupuncture & Massage College’s Masters of Oriental Medicine and Massage Therapy programs prepare graduates for careers as acupuncture physicians and massage therapists. For program information call Joe Calareso at (305) 595-9500. For acupuncture and homeopathic therapy, request Dr. Richard Browne, Acupuncture Physician and Homeopath.

Acupuncture for sleep disorders and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), with their focus on treating syndromes as well as individual symptoms, is widely used to treat sleep disorders. Acupuncture for sleep disorders can correct imbalances causing the disorder and increases production of certain chemicals in the brain, including serotonin, which appear to aid sleep. Acupuncture for sleep disorders can reduce the chronic pain that may exacerbate sleep disorders.
Sleep disorders may be caused by deficiency of endorphins; acupuncture for sleep disorders can increase levels of endorphins. Common noted benefits of acupuncture for sleep disorders include deeper breathing and better sleeping patterns. Acupuncture for sleep disorders can treat many of the health conditions that lead to sleep difficulties, including sciatica, neurological disorders, hormonal imbalances, digestive disorders, cardiovascular conditions, and stress.
Allopathic therapies for sleep disorders are aimed at symptomatic treatment and often have the side effect of sleeplessness. For individuals hesitant to take medication, acupuncture for sleep disorders is a safe alternative. Acupuncture for sleep disorders also clears obstructions in the muscle and nerve channels and facilitates flow of qi. Acupuncture for sleep disorders is particularly indicated for reharmonizing a disturbed sleep-wake cycle and has a calming effect on the nervous system.
Used in conjunction with acupuncture for sleep disorders, Chinese herbal formulas can aid in enhancing the immune system, reducing occurrence of insomnia, and providing symptom relief while addressing the underlying origin of the imbalance. If frequent sleep difficulties or daytime fatigue occurs, an insomnia and herbal treatment health plan should be recommended for you by your acupuncture physician. Acupuncture for sleep disorders is commonly one component of a health regimen which may also include yoga, hypnosis and other relaxation techniques that can effectively treat sleep disorders.
For more information about acupuncture for the treatment of sleep disorders call (305) 595-9500 and ask for Dr. Richard Browne, Acupuncture Physician and Homeopath. For Oriental Medicine and Massage Therapy program information ask for Joe Calareso.