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5 May 2023

Alzheimer’s Disease Managed with Infrared light therapy

christine ACUPUNCTURE > NEUROLOGICAL DISEASES, Acu-LLLT, Alternative Medical Therapies, Health and Medicine News, ευ LLLT, ACUPUNCTURE > Psychosomatic Disorders

Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) is a common, chronic progressive, neurodegenerative disorder slowly resulting in dementia. Furthermore, its etiology and pathogenesis is complex, with many genetic and environmental risk factors including stress and insulin resistance.

Pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s Disease

The main morbid hallmarks in Alzheimer’s disease have long been recognized as extracellular amyloid-β (Aβ) plaques and intraneuronal hyperphosphorylated tau protein, which are the main contributors to the development of pathology.

How to Manage Alzheimer’s disease?

Photobiomodulation (PBM) describes the therapeutic use of red or near-infrared light (Low Level Laser Therapy LLLT) to stimulate healing, relieve pain and inflammation, and prevent tissue from dying. Consequently, PBM has been applied for a diverse range of brain disorders. Moreover, it is frequently applied in a non-invasive manner, that is by shining light on the head.

Research has demonstrated that:

Alzheimer’s Disease

Transcranial PBM can enhance ATP biosynthesis, regulate mitochondrial homeostasis, and facilitate neurogenesis and/or neuroplasticity [1].

In addition, the clinical studies found that LLLT could improve cognition and decrease depression, anxiety, headache and insomnia in patients with chronic traumatic brain injury [2,3,4].

Several clinical studies have demonstrated its value in raising neurometabolic energy levels that can improve cerebral hemodynamics and cognitive abilities in humans [5].

LLLT can decelerate neurodegenerative disease progression and reduce amyloid β levels in the cortex [6].

References

Nizamutdinov D, Qi X, Berman MH, Dougal G, Dayawansa S, Wu E, Yi SS, Set. al. Transcranial Near Infrared Light Stimulations Improve Cognition in Patients with Dementia. Aging Dis. 2021 Jul 1;12(4):954-963.
Morries LD, Cassano P, Henderson TA. Treatments for traumatic brain injury with emphasis on transcranial near-infrared laser phototherapy. Neuropsychiatr. Dis. Treat 11(1), 2159-2175 (2015).
Henderson TA, Morries LD. SPECT perfusion imaging demonstrates improvement of traumatic brain injury with transcranial near-infrared laser phototherapy. Adv. Mind. Body. Med 29(4), 27-33 (2015).
Hamblin MR. Photobiomodulation for traumatic brain injury and stroke. J. Neuro. Res In press (2017).
Jack C. de la Torre, Treating cognitive impairment with transcranial low level laser therapy, Journal of Photochemistry and Photobiology B: Biology,
Vol.168, 2017, 149-155.
Stepanov, Y.V., Golovynska, I., Zhang, R. et al. Near-infrared light reduces β-amyloid-stimulated microglial toxicity and enhances survival of neurons: mechanisms of light therapy for Alzheimer’s disease. Alz Res Therapy 14, 84 (2022).

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10 February 2021

Auricular acupuncture treats Anxiety and Stress

christine ACUPUNCTURE > EAR ACUPUNCTURE, ACUPUNCTURE > Psychosomatic Disorders

Auricular acupuncture, also known as ear acu-therapy, for stress regulation is an effective method for dealing with chronic stress, test anxiety, overthinking and worry. Ear acu-therapy, therefore, helps the body to function by removing unnecessary stress and excessive anxiety that cause chronic fatigue, both physical and psychological

Anxiety is one of the most widespread psychological disorders of our time. It is a physical and mental reaction to a threat or may also be a preparation of the body to deal with demanding situations. Stress is a condition that all people experience and to some extent, can act as motivation.

Effects of Excessive Stress and Anxiety:

Fatigue and dizziness
Headache
Stomach problems
Hyperhidrosis
Gastrointestinal disorders
Sexual dysfunction
Acidity
Increase in pressure
Musculoskeletal problems
Tachypnea
Panic attacks
Sleep disorders
Disorder of the menstrual cycle
Depression

Auricular Acupuncture for anxiety

Auricular acupuncture

Ear acupuncture is a therapeutic technique applied to the pinna of the ear and can be used to treat many disorders and health issues, including stress. Furthermore, it is well known that there are special points on the ear that affect the psyche, stress, mood and concentration.

Acupuncture of the ear affects both the central and autonomic nervous systems, thus, achieving significant benefits in the case of stress and anxiety. It balances the sympathetic – parasympathetic nervous system and prevents and treats all the symptoms of anxiety.

There are many scientific studies that prove the effectiveness of auricular acupuncture to regulate stress. Acupuncture and ear acu-therapy are internationally recognized methods with great validity and reliability. They deal with anxiety disorders with great efficiency and are: natural, individualized, painless, well tolerated, without any side effects when performed by a doctor specialized in the method

References

Wang, Shu-Ming,, Kain, Zeev N. Auricular Acupuncture: A Potential Treatment for Anxiety, Anesthesia & Analgesia: February 2001 – Vol. 92 – Issue 2 – p 548-553.
Catharina Klausenitz,et al. Auricular Acupuncture for Exam Anxiety in Medical Students—A Randomized Crossover Investigation. PLoS One. 2016; 11(12): e0168338.
de Lorent L1, Agorastos A2, Yassouridis A3, Kellner M2, Muhtz C4. Auricular Acupuncture Versus Progressive Muscle Relaxation in Patients with Anxiety Disorders or Major Depressive Disorder: A Prospective Parallel Group Clinical Trial. J Acupunct Meridian Stud. 2016 Aug;9(4):191-9.
Stefan H, Kreiselmeyer G, Kerling F, et al. Transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation (t-VNS) in pharmacoresistant epilepsies: a proof of concept trial. 2012;53(7):115–118.

8 February 2021

Depression and Anxiety managed with Acupuncture

christine ACUPUNCTURE>EMOTIONS, ACUPUNCTURE > Psychosomatic Disorders

Acupuncture therapy used for depression and anxiety has proven effective in reducing symptoms for many patients suffering from these ailments. Alongside prescribed medications, acupuncture has been shown to reduce the frequency and intensity of patient suffering.

Depression and Anxiety

Anxiety is an emotional response to stress where you may feel fearful, worried or apprehensive about something such as starting a new job or doing public speaking.

Furthermore, feelings of dread or panic, and irrational or racing thoughts are common for those with anxiety. Quite often, anxiety sufferers will avoid certain situations or people to prevent an anxiety episode.

Depression, on the other hand, is a prevalent mental disorder and has a profound impact on an individual’s psychological and physical well-being. It is characterized by a persistently depressed mood, loss of interest, energy loss, and cognitive dysfunction.

Acupuncture for depression and anxiety

Acupuncture alleviates the symptoms

Anxiety and depression are the two most common mood disorders, and about one third of patients do not respond to traditional interventions, such as medication and psychotherapy. Acupuncture is an ancient healing practice that aims at making the entire body well. Thus, it can help alleviate the symptoms of depression and anxiety [1, 2]. There are specific meridians that can be targeted to treat these emotional responses [1]. Consequently, these pathways allow qi, or energy, to travel throughout the body and bring balance to the nervous system and the immune system.

Researchers find that acupuncture combined with antidepressants has greater effect in treating depression and anxiety than either treatment alone [3]. Moreover, there are many benefits to acupuncture therapy, including potential relief from depression and anxiety. In addition, acupuncture is very relaxing and initiates the release of endorphins which are hormones that act as a natural pain killer in the body.

When needles are inserted into sensory nerves just below the skin’s surface, the body stimulates a response in the immune system, which increases circulation to that area of the body and triggers the release of endorphins. Furthermore, acupuncture reduces inflammation, increases our energy levels and bestows upon us a sense of well being. Manual acupuncture and electroacupuncture provide patients with a greater quality of life, as assessed by the World Health Organization’s WHOQOL-BREF scale.

References

Wang T, Deng R, Tan JY, Guan FG. Acupoints Stimulation for Anxiety and Depression in Cancer Patients: A Quantitative Synthesis of Randomized Controlled Trials. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2016.
Sniezek DP, Siddiqui IJ. Acupuncture for Treating Anxiety and Depression in Women: A Clinical Systematic Review. Med Acupunct. 2013;25(3):164-172.
Amir Qaseem, Michael J. Barry, Devan Kansagara et al. Nonpharmacologic Versus Pharmacologic Treatment of Adult Patients With Major Depressive Disorder: A Clinical Practice Guideline From the American College of Physicians. Annals of Internal Medicine. 2016.

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22 January 2021

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Acupuncture

christine ACUPUNCTURE > Psychosomatic Disorders, ACUPUNCTURE > CHRONIC FATIGUE, EXHAUSTION

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is an extremely complex disorder, characterized by excessive and chronic fatigue (exhaustion), which is not interpreted by another pathological condition of the patient.

The patient’s clinical and biochemical examinations are usually normal, but they constantly feel intense fatigue, exhaustion and sleepiness that does not pass and does not improve with sleep and rest. On the contrary, it steadily worsens over time.

People with the Chronic Fatigue syndrome experience:

intense physical exhaustion with tremors,
myalgias,
headaches,
sleep Disorders,
impaired memory and / or ability to concentrate
reduced functionality,
low levels of energy.

The therapeutic technique of biomedical acupuncture in chronic fatigue syndrome is based on the painless placement of special, thin needles in specific parts of the body to activate Qi energy, balancing the body’s functions. This therapy revives the body’s energy and well-being and health.

26 April 2020

Treating Stress and Anxiety with Acupuncture

christine ACUPUNCTURE>EMOTIONS, ACUPUNCTURE > Psychosomatic Disorders Post a Comment

Stress can be caused by any disturbing situation or thought that causes frustration, anger or irritation. Anxiety refers to excessive worrying that’s hard to control and often impacts daily life.

Acupuncture reduces stress through a variety of mechanisms.

It deals primarily with the regulation of one’s vital power, the physical energy known as qi, “Qi”.
It has significant benefits to the overall functioning of the body.
It causes relaxation, reduction of tachycardia and blood pressure.
It creates a sense of calm and serenity, which is of great importance for people in stressful situations.

According to the most up to date evidence, acupuncture is an effective treatment for anxiety and stress. In 2017, The Acupuncture Evidence Project, found that acupuncture had a major effect on reducing anxiety and depression compared to conventional treatment involving pharmacological approaches and psychotherapy, with over twice the reduction in symptoms.

References

McDonald J, Janz S. The Acupuncture Evidence Project: A Comparative Literature Review. Australian Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine Association Ltd. 2017.
Bazzan AJ, Zabrecky G, Monti DA, Newberg AB. Current evidence regarding the management of mood and anxiety disorders using complementary and alternative medicine. Expert Rev Neurother. 2014;14:411- 23.
Goyata SL, Avelino CC, Santos SV, Souza Junior DI, Gurgel MD, Terra FS. Effects from acupuncture in treating anxiety: integrative review. Rev Bras Enferm. 2016 Jun;69(3):602-9.
American Psychiatric Association. Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. 5th ed. Arlington, VA: American Psychiatric Publishing. 2013.

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26 December 2019

Acupuncture effectively treats Stress-Scientific Evidence

christine ACUPUNCTURE > MEMORY-CONCENTRATION, Alternative Medical Therapies, ACUPUNCTURE>EMOTIONS, ACUPUNCTURE > Psychosomatic Disorders

Acupuncture is one of the most effective natural remedies for stress and anxiety. It restores the body to its optimal health by eliminating the stress and anxiety that has ultimately led you to constant fatigue.

The most important advantage of this natural anti-anxiety therapy is that, when practiced by a certified acupuncturist, it has no side effects.

How does acupuncture alleviate stress:

Acupuncture works by regulating the nervous system to release the neurotransmitters (biochemicals) that send a “message” to the whole body to rediscover its homeostasis and calm down. Thus, regaining both physical and mental well-being.

Scientific researchers have concluded that acupuncture for stress therapy:

Acupuncture and electroacupuncture is effective in treating anxiety disorders. Amorim, D, Amado J. 2018
Acupuncture is an effective treatment for anxiety. McDonald J, Janz S, 2017
It inhibits weight gain by controlling betatropin (a stress hormone), which does not allow stored fat to break metabolize. Bose – Oliván – Laferrère, 2010
It reduces anxiety, stress and pain. Hui 2010 and 2009
It balances the sympathetic nervous system responsible for exacerbating stress in order to reduce symptoms such as anxiety,tachycardia, severe sweating, etc. Yuxin He – Jia Chen – Zimei Pan – Zhou Ying, 2014
It controls stress reactions and regulates mood and emotions as well as energy management because it inhibits hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal and axonal Y neuropeptide values in the sympathetic nervous system. Eskevari, 2013
By regulating neuropeptide Y, which is activated in stress situations, normal blood flow to the body (relieve muscle pain, protection from hypertension, heart disease, etc.) is thus restored. Eshkevari, 2013 and Sjölund – Terenius – Eriksson, 1977
Relieves stress and improves memory. Bussell, 2013 and Kim 2011
It relaxes chest tightness that is not due to a heart problems and improves the breathing process. Macpherson, 2007

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26 September 2019

Impact of Acupuncture on Insomnia

christine ACUPUNCTURE>EMOTIONS, ACUPUNCTURE > Psychosomatic Disorders Post a Comment

Clinical studies have shown that acupuncture has a beneficial effect on insomnia!

Insomnia is one of the most common sleep disorders, with a prevalence of 40% in adults. Patients with insomnia may feel tired, tense, lazy, or have delayed reactions, distraction, or headache. Thus, the problem is perpetuated over time, causing chronic fatigue and increasing the likelihood of diseases such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes mellitus, depression, emotional instability and more.

Signs and Symptoms of sleep disorders:

excessive daytime sleepiness
irregular breathing or increased movement during sleep
irregular sleep and wake cycle and
difficulty falling asleep.

How Does Acupuncture treat Insomnia?

Not only does acupuncture help with better sleep but also can address those symptoms that are keeping you up at night and get to the root of why those symptoms are occurring in the first place. Traditional acupuncture accesses distinct points on the body to restore balance, alleviate pain, stress and anxiety, enhance sleep, and improve overall well-being. When systemic balance is restored, symptoms disappear and greater overall health is achieved. Acupuncture helps release substances in the brain such as noradrenaline which has an antidepressant action, serotonin which controls stress, β-enkephalin which has a strong analgesic effect etc. Thus, blood pressure and tachycardia are balanced, relaxation is induced and patients feel well and calm. Therefore, the quality of sleep is significantly improved.

References

Kim SH, Jeong JH, Lim JH, Kim BK. Acupuncture using pattern-identification for the treatment of insomnia disorder: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Integr Med Res. 2019;8(3):216–226.
Lin YF, Liu ZD, Ma W, Shen WD. Hazards of insomnia and the effects of acupuncture treatment on insomnia. J Integr Med. 2016 May;14(3):174-86.
Bergdahl L, Broman JE, Berman AH, Haglund K, von Knorring L, Markström A. Auricular Acupuncture and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Insomnia: A Randomised Controlled Study. Sleep Disord. 2016;2016:7057282.
Fan L, Fu W, Chen Z, Xu N, Liu J, Lü A, Su S, Wu T, Ou A. Curative effect of acupuncture on quality of life in patient with depression: a clinical randomized single-blind placebo-controlled study. J Tradit Chin Med. 2016 Apr;36(2):151-9.

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