Acupuncture can be more effective than medication in reducing the severity and frequency of chronic headaches, according to a new study conducted by Duke University Medical Center researchers. “We combed through the literature and conducted the most comprehensive review of available data done to date,” says Tong Joo Gan, M.D., a Duke anesthesiologist who led the analysis. Researchers analyzed data from trials evaluating acupuncture for adults with chronic headaches. “Acupuncture is becoming a favorable option for a variety of health conditions because people experience significantly fewer side effects and it can be less expensive than other options,” Gan says. “This analysis reinforces that acupuncture also is a successful source of relief from chronic headaches.” While everyone experiences an occasional headache, more than 45 million Americans (one in six) suffer from chronic headaches, 20 million of whom are women. Medication remains the mainstay of treatment with varying levels of success. Steps to relieve headache: • Identify the cause of the headache. Hunger, dehydration, eye strain, stress, and tobacco smoke are common triggers. • Remove yourself from the trigger. • Take time to relax, which can speed recovery. • Massage your temples, neck and face. Muscle tension can cause headache. … Read More

Yoga combines physical postures, breathing exercises and meditation to increase relaxation and balance the mind, body and spirit. Heart rate variability, a sign of a healthy heart, has been shown to be higher in yoga practitioners than in non-practitioners, according to a recent study. Yoga for heart health can regulate the heart via the autonomic nervous system, through the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems. While the former causes a rise in heart rate, the latter slows it. When these two systems are in balance, the heart rate is steady. The ongoing variation of heart rate is known as heart rate variability (HRV), or the normal changes in heart rate. Healthy individuals have a high level of HRV compared to those with cardiac abnormalities, who experience a low HRV. The recent study from the Indian Institute of Technology evaluated two groups of participants to assess whether yoga practice can improve heart health. Prior studies have indicated that yoga practice may improve heart health through relaxation, meditation, breathing exercises, postures, and stretching. The researchers examined HRV variations in heart rate from participant electrocardiograms. The first group of 42 healthy individuals who were not yoga practitioners were compared with the second group of 42 experienced yoga practitioners. Findings showed that in participants who regularly practiced yoga, parasympathetic activity was stronger, indicating better autonomic control over heart rate as well as a healthier heart. Yoga is among the top 10 complementary and alternative modalities used, according to a recent National Health Interview Survey. In addition to improving heart health, people use yoga for a variety of health benefits. Yoga can: • Reduce heart rate and blood pressure • Combat stress • Improve flexibility • Increase lung capacity • Aid in the treatment of anxiety, depression and insomnia An advantage of yoga is that it combines key elements of exercise -- aerobic, strength training, core stability, flexibility, and balance – into a unified approach. For information about Acupuncture & Massage College’s Oriental Medicine and Massage Therapy programs call Joe Calareso, Admissions Director, at (305) 595-9500. Nov.15. … Read More

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A traditional Chinese herbal remedy called "thunder god vine" reduces inflammation in people with rheumatoid arthritis, according to a new study. The herbal remedy is an extract of the medicinal plant known in China as “lei gong teng,” and has been used for centuries to treat a variety of inflammatory disorders. … Read More

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