Postoperative pain resulting from surgical trauma is a significant challenge. Opioid analgesics are commonly used to treat postoperative pain; however, these drugs are associated with a number of undesirable side effects. Research indicates that certain modes of acupuncture improves postoperative pain after surgery and reduces opioid use. These findings support the use of acupuncture as an adjuvant therapy in treating postoperative pain.
Mechanistic Evidence
- Electro-acupuncture stimulates the release of β-endorphin, encephalin, and endomorphin, which in turn activates the μ- and δ-opioid receptors, key receptor sites in the management of acute, chronic, and neuropathic pain [1].
- High-frequency stimulation (100-200 Hz) provides rapid-onset analgesia that does not appear to be blocked by naloxone (a μ-opioid antagonist), suggesting it may be mediated by norepinephrine, serotonin, and dynorphins [2].
- Low-frequency (2-4 Hz) and medium-frequency stimulation (15-30 Hz) appear to produce an analgesic effect that is reversed by naloxone, suggesting it is mediated by enkephalins and endorphins [2,3]. These frequencies also appear to produce analgesia that accumulates, lasting at least an hour after treatment [2].
References
- Lin J, Chen W. Acupuncture analgesia: a review of its mechanisms of actions. Am J Chin Med 2008;36:635–45.
- Chernyak G, Sessler D. Perioperative acupuncture and related techniques. Anesthesiology 2005;102:1031–78.
- Zhao Z. Neural mechanism underlying acupuncture analgesia. Prog Neurobiol 2008;85:355–75.
The therapeutic management of chronic urticaria is very difficult. Although the disease has been associated with a variety of immune system disorders, in many cases, despite detailed investigation, the exact cause remains unknown, .
The combination of classic biomedical acupuncture with ear acupuncture, is highly effective in managing the symptoms of urticaria. Acupuncture treatments go hand in hand with complementary medications, and their main advantage is the absence of any side effects or interactions with other treatments.
In order to enhance the effect of classical medical acupuncture, at Satory medical, we perform local skin treatment with therapeutic LLLT and electroacupuncture to stimulate acupuncture points with a current of controlled intensity and frequency.
Psoriasis is a chronic, systemic, progressive, inflammatory disease that affects the skin and joints. It affects about 1-3% of the world’s population and is NOT contagious. Its main lesions are the papules which are the primary skin rashes which in large concentrations form the psoriatic plaques which are areas of inflammation from excessive skin production.
The etiology of psoriasis involves environmental, genetic, hormonal and immune factors, but the exact etiology is not known.
Acupuncture therapy for psoriasis
Early research on acupuncture for psoriasis has suggested that it can be an effective treatment for managing the symptoms and flares.
Psoriasis as mentioned above is affected by stress and anxiety. Acupuncture is an effective stress reliever and can alleviate stress-related disorders, such as sleep disorders, stress-related skin conditions, anxiety disorders, panic attacks etc. Furthermore, psoriasis is an autoimmune disease and acupuncture has been shown to help many other autoimmune diseases, including arthritis.
Acupuncture helps to restore the body’s balance, while if combined with changes in diet and lifestyle can reduce the symptoms caused by psoriasis. Finally, the number and size of plaques, redness and other symptoms of psoriasis can be reduced in a therapeutic protocol, at Satory centre, which includes acupuncture and essential oils for systemic and topical use.
Some of the first obvious signs of aging are the loss of volume from the soft tissues of the face as well as the development of expression wrinkles that remain as superficial or deeper lines. The solution lies in the non-surgical, injectable methods that will refresh, rejuvenate and revive your youthful appearance once again.
The improvement of these lines and wrinkles as well as the restoration of facial volume for a plump, youthful and smooth skin can be achieved with non-invasive methods such as injectable dermal fillers with many different techniques. Similarly, the volume of the lips may also be increased, thus improving their shape and appearance. Furthermore, the contour of the face may be emphasized such as achieving more pronounced cheekbones or delineating the chin line.
This procedure is performed by a series of intradermal injections following the application of a local anesthetic cream. It may take more than one session to achieve the desired result and should be repeated when the filler is absorbed by the body over a period of 6-12 months, depending on the product, skin type, area being treated, the technique.
At the end of the treatment the results are almost immediately visible. Occasionally there is a slight swelling or bruising at the injection site which is treated immediately with cold compresses and subsides in a few hours or days at most. The patient is usually ready to return immediately to daily activities, now enjoying, a smooth rejuvenated, healthy appearance.
Constipation is one of the most common gastrointestinal problems, which causes discomfort and tension in our digestive system. Its presence indicates that there is an imbalance in the bowel function, however this condition is usually temporary. If constipation persists then chronic constipation may have an underlying pathology.
The etiology is multifactorial. These factors include not enough fluid consumption, poor diet, lack of physical activity, various diseases, as well as long-term use of laxatives or side effects of certain medications.
According to traditional Chinese medicine, constipation is mainly due to the stagnation of internal heat and dryness of the body. This of course results in dehydration, stagnation of energy flow from emotional disorders, lack of qi or blood energy from internal injury, stress and lack of exercise.
Acupuncture is a safe and effective therapeutic approach for constipation. By accurately locating the problem and the type of constipation, the application of the appropriate personalized acupuncture treatment, corrects the corresponding imbalance and alleviates the symptoms. This not only results in the correction of the disease, but it also enhances and improves digestion.
The World Health Organization recommends Acupuncture to treat irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). This syndrome (“spastic colitis”) is a chronic, benign, functional disease of the large intestine that negatively impacts the quality of life for many patients. Increased intestinal sensitivity leading to abdominal pain, constipation and/or diarrhea are the main symptoms. Delayed bowel movement (gastrointestinal dysmotility) and bloating (flatulence) are also common among IBS patients. Moreover indigestion, heart pain, anxiety and depression may also accompany this syndrome.
Motility disorders of the digestive system, intestinal inflammation and psychological disorders are the reasons for these recurring symptoms in IBS. Certain foods, situations, stress and anxiety may trigger a flare-up of IBS symptoms. Treating IBS is difficult, as there is no known medication, so treatment is symptomatic, thus antispasmodics drugs and lifestyle changes are recommended. Thus, alterations in diet, increases exercise and stress reduction may alleviate the symptomatology.
A study published in World J Gastroenterol (1) analyzed the results of 6 quality research papers on the effect of Acupuncture on irritable bowel symptoms. Acupuncture was found to be 85% effective in relieving symptoms, while drugs improved IBS clinically in only 50% of patients. The effect of Acupuncture on the autonomic nervous system and the reduction of stress and anxiety seem to be the mechanisms that explain this positive effect.
Acupuncture therapy for Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Local acupuncture points stimulate the intestinal nervous system to regulate its motility and secretory capacity. Distant acupuncture points have a strong analgesic and sedative effect. This result occurs through serotonin in the Central Nervous System which is the most powerful pain reliever among opiates (endorphins and encephalins). Furthermore, electroacupuncture may also be performed to strengthen certain points in chronic persistent colitis.
Acupuncture has fast results in the treatment of this condition. The patient will notice an improvement not only in bowel function but will also begin to feel less anxiety and anger. What’s more he/she will be more efficient at work and happier in his/her personal life.
References
- Guan-Qun Chao, Shuo Zhang. Effectiveness of acupuncture to treat irritable bowel syndrome: A meta-analysis. World J Gastroenterol. 2014; 20(7): 1871–1877.
- Lim B, Manheimer E, Lao L, Ziea E, Wisniewski J, Liu J, Berman B. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2006 Oct 18; (4):CD005111.
- Manheimer E, Wieland LS, Cheng K, Li SM, Shen X, Berman BM, Lao L. Acupuncture for irritable bowel syndrome: systematic review and meta-analysis. Am J Gastroenterol. 2012 Jun; 107(6):835-47; quiz 848. Epub 2012 Apr 10.
- Lan L, Zeng F, Liu GJ, Ying L, Wu X, Liu M, Liang FR. Acupuncture for functional dyspepsia. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2014 Oct 13; (10):CD008487. Epub 2014 Oct 13.
- MacPherson H, Tilbrook H, Agbedjro D, Buckley H, Hewitt C, Frost C. Acupuncture for irritable bowel syndrome: 2-year follow-up of a randomised controlled trial. Αcupunct Med. 2016 Mar 15. pii: acupmed-2015-010854.
PRP (Autologous) facial mesotherapy is a revolutionary method that uses your own enriched plasma to regenerate the skin. PRP facial, combines microneedling (also known as collagen-induction therapy) with topical application of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) derived from your own blood for a skin rejuvenation treatment that creates an overall improvement to skin texture and tone. It can also reduce scars, correct hyperpigmentation, tighten skin, smooth fine lines, and minimize the appearance of pores.
In addition, it lasts up to a year longer than any other traditional mesotherapy, thanks to its autologous action. It is the ideal anti-aging technique that helps maintain a healthy and radiant skin while preventing further damage.
Specifically PRP mesotherapy:
- Promotes the production of collagen and elastin and increases cell metabolism
- Prevents wrinkles.
- Hydrates skin dramatically.
- Skin becomes radiant and supple.
- Significantly reduces hyperpigmentation.
- Improves sagging
The skin is oxygenated giving it a healthy, rejuvenated appearance. Furthermore, with the continuous production of collagen, wrinkles and imperfections will be smoothed harmoniously, until they are eliminated.
The improvement is noticeable and appears gradually and discreetly as the health of your skin is enhanced in a very natural and beautiful way, without causing sudden or intense change.
At Satory medical center, PRP mesotherapy is performed exclusively by doctors.
Aesthetic acupuncture perfectly combines the wisdom of traditional Chinese medicine with cosmetic acupuncture to rejuvenate the skin and revive facial features and appearance. Facial acupuncture addresses not only signs of aging, but also the skin’s overall health. It works internally to optimize health while simultaneously enhancing the appearance of the skin. Cosmetic acupuncture addresses multiple factors of ageing – from smoothing lines, to enhancing the firmness and volume of skin.
Acupuncture stimulate the lymphatic and circulatory system, which work together to deliver nutrients and oxygen to the skin cells, nourishing skin from the inside out. This helps even out the complexion and promote the healthy skin’s glow. The positive microtraumas also stimulates the production of collagen and elastin fobres. This helps improve elasticity, minimizing fine lines and wrinkles. Medical studies confirm that aesthetic acupuncture prevents and delays skin aging through the regulation of vascular tone and the neuro-endocrine-immune system.
More specifically, the results of cosmetic acupuncture are:
- improved skin quality,
- disappearance of fine lines,
- reduction of wrinkles,
- increased muscle tone,
- increased facial and neck muscle elasticity, resulting in straightening and tightening of the face in general,
- reduction of dark circles and puffiness around the eyes,
- tightened of skin pores,
- improved acne.
Aesthetic acupuncture is safe, without side effects, as long as it is applied as a medical procedure by a doctor, specially trained.
It is necessary to obtain a detailed medical history because many pathological problems are accompanied by dermatological manifestations. With the specific information obtained the therapeutic protocol for each patient is personalized.
Special disposable needles are used and are placed with a specific technique, in various areas of the body and then of course on the face. It is a painless and bloodless technique without side effects.
The total treatment lasts about 1 hour.
The number and frequency of sessions depends on age, skin quality, gender, hormonal profile and even the daily habits and lifestyle of the individual. It is usually 10 – 15 sessions, with a frequency once a week. It is important to follow additional maintenance sessions 1-2 times per month to accompany the reproduction of new epithelial cells.
Benefits
Aesthetic Acupuncture is becoming more and more popular because in addition to providing satisfactory aesthetic results, it is a therapeutic technique that has long been aimed at improving the state of psychosomatic well-being. It is of no coincidence that more and more stars (Monica Bellucci, Kim Kardashian, Penelope Cruz) have chosen this form of renewal to maintain their rejuvenated looks. In addition, aesthetic acupuncture bestows well-being, and a sense of relaxation. Other positive effects that may become evident are reduced stress, improved sleep and digestion, as well as reduced menopausal symptoms.
Aesthetic acupuncture is also very effective in cases of acne, rosacea, reduction of dark circles and swelling around the eyes, facial spots and cellulite.
Acu-Laser Therapy (LLLT), ie the use of therapeutic light waves are a very common therapeutic method that is constantly evolving. How does LLLT treatment work? LLLT (Light Level Laser Therapy) has a direct effect on the cells and causes biostimulation, it has anti-edematous properties and offers complete recovery. It allows for adaptation of cellular energy, thus, improving the interaction with the peripheral nervous system to reduce joint and muscle pain and ultimately heal them.
Acu-LLLT is implemented for therapeutic purposes as it causes photochemical reactions through absorption of light rays by the tissues. They have a highly tonic effect on cells and tissues, thus, they are also called biostimulating LLLTs. They have no thermal reaction and are completely safe. LLLT treatment is extremely effective in pain and joint mobilization from the very first session, offering immediate relief and the start of rehabilitation.