Chronic Back Pain Treated with Acupuncture

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23 November 2020

Chronic Back Pain Treated with Acupuncture

Musculoskeletal Disorders, Chronic Pain

Acupuncture is indeed an effective and safe way to help relieve chronic back pain. 

How Acupuncture Works
The modern scientific explanation is needling the acupuncture points stimulates the nervous system to release chemicals in the muscles, spinal cord, and brain, including endorphins, encephalin and other neurochemicals. These natural chemicals may either change the pain experience or trigger the release of other chemicals and hormones that influence the body’s own internal regulating system.

This can bring about a normalizing effect on neuroendocrine (nerve and hormone) function. The improved energy and biochemical balance produced by acupuncture results in stimulating the body’s natural healing abilities, and in promoting physical and emotional well-being.

References 

Liu L, Skinner M, McDonough S, Mabire L, Baxter GD. Acupuncture for low back pain: an overview of systematic reviews. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2015.

Furlan AD, Yazdi F, Tsertsvadze A, Gross A, Van Tulder M, Santaguida L, Cherkin D, Gagnier J, Ammendolia C, Ansari MT, Ostermann T, Dryden T, Doucette S, Skidmore B, Daniel R, Tsouros S, Weeks L, Galipeau J. Complementary and alternative therapies for back pain II. Evid Rep Technol Assess. 2010 Oct;(194):1-764. 
20 November 2020

Secrets about Smoking

Quit smoking

It has been known for decades that smoking can cause cancer, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, premature aging, and a variety of other problems. But there is a well-kept secret that the smokers do not know…

There are over 600 ingredients and 4000 chemicals contained in a cigarette. In addition to tar and nicotine, cigarettes can contain formaldehyde, ammonia, DDT, arsenic, butane, propanone and even cadmium.

The good news is that the human body can recover from almost anything. Even after prolonged smoking the body will begin to repair itself on the day smoking cessation begins. Self-Healing begins almost immediately, within minutes of the final cigarette.

Once the last cigarette is extinguished, blood pressure and heart rate return to normal almost immediately. Twenty-four hours later, carbon monoxide levels are not found in the blood. Inflammation begins to decrease and oxygen floods the body. Over time, the body will return to normal and repair itself, often to the stage before smoking.

But what about e-cigarettes? Is it safe? E-cigarettes also contain a host of additives and chemicals and can make a smoker even more addicted.

The real goal is to quit smoking right away. Do it easily with Medical Acupuncture at Satory Acupuncture Center and you will be on the path to improved health and well-being regardless of time.

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20 November 2020

Holistic Medicine

ACUPUNCTURE, Alternative Medical Therapies, Health and Medicine News

The term “holism” and holistic come from the Greek word “olon”. The term holistic describes the field of medicine that examines health issues at all levels and the human being as a whole. It is based on the knowledge that man is not only a biological machine of separate organs, but a multilevel being, a psycho-organic whole.

Holistic medicine creates ground for redefining human nature and helps one to be relieved of illness, but also to know ones inner self. Growing evidence in science, recent research and studies highlight the effectiveness of alternative medicine. The therapeutic goal of most alternative medical methods is very simple, as it aims at the body’s self-healing ability, thus, gently stimulating the brain, causing a positive response in hormonal  balance and release of other neuropeptides resulting in self-healing.

Holistic medicine includes both modern pharmaceutical and surgical treatments as well as alternative therapies. The doctor finally evaluates all the data and recommends a personalized treatment regimen which may consist of acupuncture, therapeutic laser, aromatherapy, phytotherapy, etc.

Acupuncture is the most comprehensive and ancient treatment on our planet. Acupuncture has been known since 2698 BC, and it’s based on Chinese philosophy and cosmology. It consists of the placement of a needle in the appropriate acupuncture points which in turn causes the smooth flow of energy that circulates in the meridians, restoring the mental and physical balance of the organism.

Phytotherapy is the science in which the healing properties of herbs are used to help with various problems.

Aromatherapy uses essential oils that are gained from the core of the plant which is the vital force of the plant and once they are medically certified can be used as an external treatment, oral or inhaled therapy.

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18 November 2020

Acupuncture improves Fertility and chances of conception

Uncategorized

Acupuncture allows one to cross the line from infertile to fertile by helping the body function more efficiently, which in turn allows other, more modern reproductive treatments, like IVF, to also work more efficiently. Acupuncture works to restore the flow of Qi– your essence, your body energy — so with regards to infertility, treatment has a calming, restorative effect that increases a sense of well- being and ultimately helps the body to accept the creation of life.

Because of the delicate balance between the hypothalamus, pituitary, and reproductive glands, stress is capable of preventing a woman from ovulating entirely. This can contribute to the cause of female infertility. Stress can also create spasms in both the fallopian tubes and the uterus, which can interfere with movement and implantation of a fertilized egg. In men, stress can alter sperm counts, motility, and cause impotence.

Acupuncture infertility treatment:

  • relieves stress and anxiety
  • increases the blood flow to reproductive organs
  • balances the hormones

Acupuncture stimulates nerve endings deep below the surface of the skin, thus the nerves are activated, helping the body release substances called endorphins. This can have positive effects on fertility and also stress relief.

References

Xu J, Zuo Y. [Efficacy of acupuncture as adjunctive treatment on infertility patients with polycystic ovary syndrome]. Zhongguo Zhen Jiu. 2018 Apr 12;38(4):358-61. 

Zhu J, Arsovska B, Kozovska K. Acupuncture Treatment for Fertility. Open Access Maced J Med Sci. 2018;6(9):1685-1687. 

Cochrane S, Smith CA, Possamai-Inesedy A, Bensoussan A. Acupuncture and women’s health: an overview of the role of acupuncture and its clinical management in women’s reproductive health. Int J Womens Health. 2018

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16 November 2020

Acupuncture for Endometriosis

ACUPUNCTURE > GYNECOLOGICAL DISORDERS

Endometriosis is a condition that occurs when the endometrium — the tissue that lines the uterus — grows outside the uterus. Endometriosis typically involves the tissue lining the pelvis, ovaries, or fallopian tubes and rarely spreads beyond the pelvic organs and is often quite painful. The heavy bleeding, backache, severe cramping, and abdominal pain and swelling that often accompany endometriosis are very receptive to acupuncture treatments. Acupuncture restores flow to the blood and the Qi, thus, relieving the stagnation.

HOW DOES ACUPUNCTURE TREAT ENDOMETRIOSIS?
According to current research, acupuncture seems to promote blood circulation and regulate hormones. It also has an anti-inflammatory effect and is effective for pain relief because of its effect on blood chemistry and in particular endorphin levels. Some research has even found acupuncture to be more effective than hormone drug therapy for the treatment of endometriosis, that is Acupuncture:

  • Relieves menstrual pain due to endometriosis,
  • Reduces the size of pelvic masses,
  • Lowers CA125 levels, and
  • Reduces the recurrence rate of endometriosis. 

 

References 

Liang, R., Li, P., Peng, X. et al. Efficacy of acupuncture on pelvic pain in patients with endometriosis: study protocol for a randomized, single-blind, multi-center, placebo-controlled trial.

Xu Y, Zhao W, Li T, Zhao Y, Bu H, Song S. Effects of acupuncture for the treatment of endometriosis-related pain: A systematic review and meta-analysis. PLoS One. 2017;12(10).

Shen Q, Lu J. Clinical Observation of Acupuncture-moxibustion for Endometriosis J. Shanghai Journal of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, 2017, 36 (6).
16 November 2020

Benefits of Acupuncture Therapy for Women

ACUPUNCTURE > GYNECOLOGICAL DISORDERS

Studies consistently show that ancient Chinese medicine and acupuncture can help alleviate many health problems modern women face today. Acupuncture and Oriental medicine can address symptoms associated with menstruation, whether they are emotional or physical, or a combination of both. Young women suffering from dysmenorrhea (menstrual pain) and premenstrual syndrome can be relieved with acupuncture therapy. Symptoms such as abdominal pain, cramps, acne, amenorrhea,  breast pain, depression and excessive irregular periods can be successfully addressed with acupuncture treatments.

Acupuncture contributes to women’s better quality of life of , as it normalizes the menstrual cycle and also helps to reduce the number and intensity of symptoms caused by the  premenstrual syndrome.

Several studies have found that women trying to conceive, who get acupuncture treatments, whether to treat infertility conditions or to increase the chances of a successful IVF have a higher rate of pregnancy and births. An overview of the use of acupuncture in gynecology states that acupuncture regulates blood flow to the uterus and ovaries, and also regulates the release of neurotransmitters, which in turn can stimulate the secretion of the gonadotropin releasing hormone, thereby affecting the menstrual cycle, ovulation and fertility.

Acupuncture can relieve the lower back and pelvic discomfort associated with pregnancy, as well as the morning sickness. After delivery, many women find acupuncture treatments essential for rebuilding their Qi and blood, increasing milk supply, and dealing with postpartum depression. After a birth, acupuncture will help restore and replenish the new mother’s energy.

For menopausal women, hot flashes, night sweats and sleep disturbances can be greatly reduced so that the woman can glide smoothly into this transition in life. Acupuncture therapy achieves the cessation of excessive sweating, the restoration of calm and relaxation and enhances the quality of sleep.

References

Napadow V, Ahn A, Longhurst J, Lao L, Stener-Victorin E, Harris R, Langevin HMJ The status and future of acupuncture mechanism research. Altern Complement Med. 2008 Sep; 14(7):861-9.

Ma YX, Ye XN, Liu CZ, Cai PY, Li ZF, Du DQ, Guo G, Chen SZ, Zhao JP, Liu JJ, Yi HQ, Gao SZJ Ethnopharmacol. 2013 Jul 9; 148(2):498-504).

Suzanne Cochrane , Caroline A Smith, Alphia Possamai-Inesedy and Alan Bensoussan Int J Womens Health. 2014; 6: 313–325. Published online 2014 Mar 17.

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13 November 2020

Acupuncture Alleviates Coughing Symptoms

ACUPUNCTURE > UPPER AND LOWER RESPIRATORY INFECTIONS Post a Comment

Are you troubled by a constant cough ???

Our body responds to irritants in the throat and respiratory tract, by paroxysmal coughing. If coughing becomes a persistent symptom for a long duration of time it may become unpleasant and tiring, and may affect our daily life and ruin our sleep. Chronic cough can usually be resolved by treating the underlying cause, however the difficulty lies in finding the cause.

The most common causes of chronic cough are:

  • postnasal secretions,
  • asthma and
  • gastroesophageal reflux, but can also be caused by
  • medication,
  • bronchitis,
  • or an infection.

How Acupuncture alleviates this irritating symptom:

Acupuncture reduces the symptoms and stimulates the body’s self-healing abilities. Acupuncture promotes the alteration of the bronchus mobility and regulates the production of secretions and the contraction of the bronchi.

Advantages of acupuncture in cough:

  • Reduction of coughing bouts
  • Balances the body’s chemical imbalances
  • Strengthens the immune system
  • Absence of side effects
  • Significant long-term benefits
  • Improves sleep (cough free)

Auricular Acupuncture can also be used to treat cough:

Auricular acupuncture is one of the most widespread microsystems, in recent years.  It has received international recognition, is taught in many countries and the World Health Organization recognizes it as a therapeutic system with a wide range of applications, good results, safety and ease of application.

Βιβλιογραφία

  • Kim AR, Choi JY, Kim JI, Jung SY, Choi SM. Acupuncture treatment of a patient with persistent allergic rhinitis complicated by rhinosinusitis and asthma. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2011.
  • Suzuki M, Yokoyama Y, Yamazaki H. Research into acupuncture for respiratory disease in Japan: a systematic review. Acupunct Med. 2009 Jun;27(2):54-60.
  • Hu J. Acupuncture treatment of cough. J Tradit Chin Med. 2007 Sep;27(3):233-5.
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9 November 2020

Pain Management with Therapeutic Laser

Acu-LLLT, Alternative Medical Therapies, Musculoskeletal Disorders

Low level laser therapy (LLLT) is a very popular therapeutic method which is continuously evolving.

How does LLLT therapy work?

LLLT (Low Level Laser Therapy) affects the cells directly and causes biostimulation, it also has anti-edematous properties and offers complete cellular and tissue recovery. It improves the body’s interactions with the peripheral nervous system in order to reduce joint and muscle pain and ultimately heal them. LLLT cause photochemical reactions through the absorption of LLLT light rays by the tissues. As the laser light increases the energy levels of the cells and tissues, they are also called biostimulating LLLTs.

They do not cause a thermal reaction and are completely safe.

LLLT therapy is extremely effective in pain management and joint mobilization from the very first session, offering immediate relief and the beginning of rehabilitation.

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6 November 2020

Acupuncture Therapy for Chronic Pain

Chronic Pain

Pain lasting more than three months is generally described as “chronic”. It is believed that after this period, the pain ceases to be protective, but, due to the persistence of the initial damage / inflammation, a chemical environment has been formed that now enhances it. The brain plasticity theory, which is the ability of the nervous system to change, depending on the stimuli it receives from the environment, explains part of the physiology of chronic pain.

Acupuncture has long been recognized as an effective treatment for chronic pain. In 2012, a study found acupuncture was better than no acupuncture or simulated acupuncture for the treatment of four chronic pain conditions, such as:

  • Back and neck pain
  • Osteoarthritis (“degenerative joint disease” or “wear and tear arthritis)
  • Chronic headache
  • Shoulder pain

Acupuncture and electroacupuncture are therapies that are most popular in all the pain clinics in the modern world.

References

Vickers AJ, Cronin AM, Maschino AC, et al. Acupuncture for Chronic Pain: Individual Patient Data Meta-analysis. Arch Intern Med. 2012;172(19):1444–1453.

MacPherson H, Vertosick EA, Foster NE, Lewith G, Linde K, Sherman KJ, Witt CM, Vickers AJ. The persistence of the effects of acupuncture after a course of treatment: a meta-analysis of patients with chronic pain. Pain. 2017 May;158(5):784-793. 

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3 November 2020

Acupuncture for Sports Injuries

Uncategorized, Musculoskeletal Disorders

Many professional, college and high school athletic teams and athletes are using acupuncture treatment for sports injuries. Sports injuries are injuries that typically occur while participating in organized sports, competitions, training sessions, or organized fitness activities. These injuries may occur for a variety of reasons, including improper training, lack of appropriate footwear or safety equipment.The injuries are of two general types. The first type is called an acute traumatic injury. These injuries usually involve a single blow from a single application of force. The second type of sports injury is called an overuse or chronic injury.  Chronic injuries are usually the result of repetitive training, such as running, overhand throwing, or serving a ball in tennis.

Acupuncture treatment has a very successful record with sports injuries. Many professional sports teams have acupuncturists on staff to decrease healing times and resolve stubborn ailments. The use of acupuncture to treat acute injuries from intense or repetitive physical activity began centuries ago. It was, and still is, one of the primary means of quick healing for the martial arts. Specific acupuncture styles and techniques stop pain and dramatically increase recovery time. 

In ancient China, the use of acupuncture to improve athletic performance and to heal related injuries was primarily directed at lords, warriors, and sacred dancers. This tradition continues today and its use has expanded into competitive athletics that result in similar injuries. Nowadays the effectiveness of acupuncture in the rehabilitation of sports injuries is well documented.

Acupuncture significantly improves the athlete’s physical condition and self-concentration during training or competition, thus improving his performance and giving him a competitive edge.

References

  • Tantivesruangdet N. Acupuncture Treatment for Acute Ankle Injury in the Emergency Department: A Preliminary Case Report. J Med Assoc Thai. 2016 Feb;99.
  • Bell AE, Falconi A. Acupuncture for the Treatment of Sports Injuries in an Austere Environment. Curr Sports Med Rep. 2016 Mar-Apr;15(2):111-5.
  • Cox J, Varatharajan S, Côté P, Optima Collaboration. Effectiveness of Acupuncture Therapies to Manage Musculoskeletal Disorders of the Extremities: A Systematic Review. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2016 Jun;46(6):409-29.