Natural Balance

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Attacking the Root of Allergies with Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (PDF)

As quickly as spring’s new life appears on trees and other plants, so do seasonal allergies.  The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology estimates that 20 percent of the US Population suffers from allergy symptoms on a regular basis. And according to the National Center for Health Statistics, about 26 million Americans endure chronic seasonal allergies, while the number of people with milder syptoms may be as high as 40 million.

Commonly called hay fever or allergic rhinitis, seasonal allergies are a reaction to a trigger that is present seasonally, such as the plethora of pollen carred by the wind each spring and ragweed’s pollen in the fall. People who are allergic to pollen are often sensitive to dust mites, animal dander and mold as well, making them vary familiar with the gamut of symptoms: runny nose, sneezing, coughing, asthma, headaches and watery, itrritated eyes.

Unfortunately, many Western medications available to treat these common symptoms come with side effects such as drowsiness, immune system suppression and an over-reliance on medication.

More than ever, people are turning to natural therapies to manage their allergies, and several studies incdicate why so many of them choose acupuncture and Oriental medicine …

Click here to read the rest of the article (PDF)

Acupuncture Benefit Seen in Pregnancy

By SHIRLEY S. WANG

Acupuncture designed to treat depression appears to improve symptoms in pregnant women, suggesting it as an alternative to antidepressant medication during pregnancy, a study found.

The study, published Monday in the journal Obstetrics & Gynecology, is the largest to date examining the effectiveness of acupuncture to treat depression in pregnant women. It was funded by a grant from the government’s Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. “Acupuncture that we have tested works for pregnant, depressed women,” said Rachel Manber, a study author and professor at Stanford University. However, “no single study is enough to make policy recommendations,” she said.

Depression in pregnancy is a risk factor for postpartum depression. Postpartum depression is associated in some studies with poorer cognitive and emotional development in children. Some have linked depression in pregnancy and low birth weight.

As many as 14% of pregnant women are thought to develop a significant depression at some point during their pregnancy, according to the study authors, comparable to numbers who suffer from postpartum depression. Antidepressants are generally considered safe for use in pregnancy, but research has been limited and concerns continue to grow, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. One study showed that the risk of persistent pulmonary hypertension, a potentially serious lung condition, is significantly greater in newborns whose mother took antidepressants later in pregnancy. The Food and Drug Administration recommends that patients and physicians “carefully consider and discuss together” the benefits and risks taking antidepressants during pregnancy.”Antidepressants are not an attractive option for many women,” said Dr. Manber. “Many women are concerned about using antidepressant medication during pregnancy.”

Acupuncture, based on ancient Chinese medicine, attempts to treat conditions by stimulating points on the body, most often with needles stuck in the skin and moved by hand or electrical stimulation, according to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine.

In the study, 150 clinically depressed pregnant women who weren’t previously taking antidepressants were randomly assigned to get either acupuncture for depression, acupuncture not specifically designed for depression, or massage for eight weeks. Those who got acupuncture targeting depression had a significantly greater decrease in depressive symptoms, compared with the other women. Some 63% of women in the acupuncture-for-depression group responded to treatment, compared with 44% in the other groups.

There wasn’t a difference between the groups in full recovery from the depression. Though this study didn’t compare acupuncture for depression with another active treatment, the response rates are comparable to those rates from other depression treatments in studies of non-pregnant individuals, Dr. Manber said. And future work needs to examine how acupuncture for depression compares with standard treatment like antidepressants or psychotherapy, as well as who responds to treatment and what the optimal dose of the acupuncture treatment should be.

Write to Shirley S. Wang at shirley.wang@wsj.com

Link to WSJ article

A recent study published in the British Medical Journal concluded that women who have an elective (planned/non-emergency) Caesarian section put themselves, and their babies, at risk for serious complications and death. Women having planned C-sections were three to five times more likely to die as compared to vaginal birth.  Risk of having a hysterectomy after Caesarian was four times higher than after natural birth.  Admittance to the intensive care unit, requiring a hospital stay of greater than seven days was twice as high in C-sections as compared to vaginal deliveries.

The only time that a Caesarian was found to be better than natural birth was during a breech presentation.  For normal cephalic (head first) presentations natural birth was found to be the best, with a one-and-a-half times higher chance of severe complications or fetal death for those who elected to have a C-section.

Nearly 25 percent of all births are C-sections that may cause severe complications or death to mother and/or baby.  It is important for the health of mothers and babies to reserve Caesarian deliveries for true emergencies.

Rather than taking a chance with a planned Caesarian, more focus should be placed on preparing the body for the best and most efficient birthing experience possible.  More women are turning to acupuncture and acupressure for helping their bodies ready for labor.  It has been researched and concluded that acupuncture treatments starting at 36-37 weeks gestation aid cervical ripening, promote optimal position of the baby, reduce the number of Caesarian deliveries, reduce the number of inductions, and reduce the need for an epidural.  These treatments also promote the best energy and stamina for women entering labor.

The decision to have a C-section should not be taken lightly.  It is major abdominal surgery requiring a prolonged hospital stay, pain medication, reduced mobility, increased problems breast feeding, no driving/heavy lifting, and a recovery time of six weeks. Acupuncture offers women a relaxing environment where they can prepare their bodies and minds for a positive birthing process.  With better experiences giving birth, women will bond more easily with their new babies.

REFERENCES

British Medical Journal.  2007 Nov 17;335(7628):1025. Epub 2007 Oct 30
Betts D, Lennox S.  Acupuncture for prebirth treatment:  An observational study of its use in midwifery practice.  Medical acupuncture 2006 May; 17(3):17-20

Research Link

Obstetrics: “The branch of medical science concerned with the care of women during pregnancy, childbirth and the period of about six weeks following the birth”.
–Oxford Medical Dictionary

Obstetric acupuncture offers women the opportunity to safely and effectively be treated during pregnancy, in some instances with greater efficacy than the current conventional western medical care available. Traditionally trained as a registered nurse and in Oriental medicine, Elizabeth Wilson, RN, L.Ac. has completed Obstetrics acupuncture certification with Debra Betts. She graduated from East Carolina University in Greenville, North Carolina and Pacific College of Oriental Medicine in San Diego, California. Elizabeth is in private practice in Wilmington, North Carolina, and enjoys treating pregnancy related issues and women’s health. In Elizabeth’s practice treatment is provided for:

• Miscarriage
• Nausea and vomiting
• Constipation
• Heartburn
• Hemorrhoids
• Urinary tract infections
• Musculoskeletal conditions
• Fatigue and exhaustion
• Anemia
• Insomnia
• Anxiety and depression
• Sinusitis
• Thrush and abnormal vaginal discharge
• EdemaItching during pregnancy
• Pregnancy-induced hypertension
• Small for date babies
• Breech and posterior positioned babies
• Induction
• Prebirth treatment to prepare the body for an efficient labor
• Acupressure for pain relief during labor
• Postpartum recovery

Prebirth treatment consists of a series of weekly treatments starting at week 36 of the pregnancy. Treatment is chosen based on the woman’s constitution and pregnancy history. These treatments aid cervical ripening, promote optimal position of the baby, and promote the best energy and stamina for women to enter into labor.

Prebirth acupuncture treatments have been researched and it has been concluded that there was an overall 35% reduction in the number of inductions (for women having their first child this was a 43% reduction). There was a 31% reduction in the epidural rate. The emergency caesarean deliveries were reduced by 32%. Normal vaginal births were increased by 9%. The prebirth treatments did not result in an increase in the onset of early labor.

For more research on acupuncture and pregnancy go to:

http://acupuncture.rhizome.net.nz/Pregnancy-Reasearch.aspx

Breech babies are best treated between 34-36 weeks gestation. This usually includes one treatment and education for the patient about how to use a moxa stick at home. Moxa or mugwort is an herb that has been packed into a cigar-like stick. The moxa stick is lit and held over specific acupuncture points to help stimulate the body. For more information on moxa therapy to treat breech presentations go to: http://acupuncture.rhizome.net.nz/Pregnancy-Reasearch.aspx

There are several physical and emotional issues that may arise during pregnancy. Acupuncture, acupressure, moxa and dietary recommendations are all helpful during pregnancy and the postpartum period. Traditional Chinese medicine can be used in the early stages of pregnancy to promote maternal and fetal well being. The use of acupuncture has allowed a greater number of women to have normal, more natural births leading to a more positive birth experience overall. During your acupuncture treatment(s) you will feel a deep sense of relaxation. Most women notice their sleep and energy are improved. The treatments last approximately 1 hour and include education on how to use acupressure to induce labor, if necessary and relieve pain during labor. Partners are welcome to come to the treatments too.

Acupuncture is well known for its superb pain relief ability. Pain is something experienced by most everyone at some point in time. The causes of pain are numerous, and there are many pain control techniques available to the public today but none are quite as helpful as acupuncture for pain relief and correcting the underlying problem.

There are many things to consider when treating pain. At Natural Balance Acupuncture & Herbs, LLC, we thoroughly assess each patient to determine how to successfully treat the condition. Was there a trauma or accident that led to the pain? Did the pain develop over a long/short period of time? Does the pain respond favorably to heat/cold and exercise/rest? What is the quality of the pain (sharp, dull/aching, radiating/shooting)? The characteristics of pain help to indicate its cause. Once the pain is noticed, it’s important to address the underlying cause, not just mask the pain. By treating the cause, the pain will be reduced or eliminated.

Healing the Body with Acupuncture

There are many pain relief techniques available today, but most of theses techniques mask the pain symptoms and do little to correct the underlying problem. Acupuncture works to correct the underlying problem and eliminate pain. The body’s healing response and nerve pathways are stimulated during a treatment to reduce pain.

Acupuncture:

• Increases circulation to enhance the healing process
• Decreases inflammation and swelling
• Stimulates endorphin release to control the pain response
• Relaxes muscles and relieves spasms

Treatment Plan

This is determined by considering each individual patient’s condition, age, lifestyle, pain level, and goals. Acute problems (less than 3 months duration) usually resolve quickly with a series of treatments close together. Chronic problems respond best to consistent regular treatments to achieve sustained relief. Once the pain is relieved and the problem corrected it is best to maintain regular monthly or seasonal treatments to prevent reoccurrence.

Other Benefits of Acupuncture

Pain is aggravating to anyone who has experienced it, causing stress, insomnia, and irritability. The other benefits of regular acupuncture treatments include deep relaxation, decreased stress, improved sleep, and increased energy. Relaxation and decreased stress are important to aid the healing process and for pain relief. Acupuncture brings balance to the whole person, creating feelings of calmness and peace with NO negative side effects. Other recommendations regarding lifestyle, diet, exercise, and stress management may be given on an individual basis to aid in the healing process and prevent future problems.

For those reluctant to accept that acupuncture has a real effect on the body, a physicist offers some surprising high-tech evidence.

By Catherine Dold
DISCOVER Vol. 19 No. 09 | September 1998 | Mind & Brain

Five years ago, while visiting his native Korea, physicist Zang-Hee Cho took a tumble down a hiking trail. “We were in the mountains for a picnic, and my shoes were not quite correct,” recalls the 62-year-old professor from the University of California at Irvine. “I was thinking, as usual, and I fell down. It was like a flight, like a big jump down the mountain. The next day I returned to California and tried to stand up after 12 hours on the plane. I couldn’t stand up. I said, ‘Uh-oh, big trouble.’”

Eventually, Cho hobbled off the plane and made his way home, and later he began to look for some relief from the pain in his back. Relatives suggested he try acupuncture. Though he initially scoffed at the idea-as an educated person, he says, he didn’t believe in acupuncture-he tried it. And much to his surprise, it worked. “After about ten minutes I felt the pain melting away.”

Cho’s unexpected relief prodded his professional curiosity. As a physicist working in radiology, Cho develops ways to image the complex inner workings of the body; one of his inventions was a prototype PET scanner around 1975. How, he wondered, could inserting needles into seemingly random points on the body possibly affect human health? So he decided to take a closer look, and what he found astounded him. While sticking needles into a few student volunteers, he took pictures of their brains and discovered that by stimulating an acupuncture point said to be associated with vision-but that is nowhere near anything known to be connected to the eyes-he could indeed trigger activity in the very part of the brain that controls vision. There just might be something to this acupuncture thing, he figured.

Continue reading at discovery.com >

http://www.healthworks2000.com/Medicine for Menopause.htm
http://www.ashi-research.com/Download/DangGui.pdf

Healthy Alternative for the Uncomfortable Symptoms of Menopause

The article Learn About Menopause & Hot Flashes by Kathleen Fackelmann is not new information. For thousands of years Asian women have used herbs to ease their transition into menopause. Menopause is an issue all women must face, but you have a choice as to how you deal with it. With the recent cardiovascular and breast cancer issues associated with synthetic hormone replacement therapy or HRT, it is comforting to know there are some valid alternative treatments. There are herbs with natural estrogen-like activities that do not cause the dangerous cardiac problems, or the uncomfortable symptoms of bloating, nausea, and weight gain that HRT poses. These herbs stimulate your body to function naturally. Acupuncture is another modality that helps by working with your body’s energetic system to stimulate the release of endorphins and seretonin to regulate hormone function.

The herbs dang gui (Angelica sinensis) and gan cao (Glycyrrhiza uralensis/licorice root) are Chinese herbs that have been used to combat the uncomfortable symptoms of menopause including: hot flashes, night sweats, insomnia, emotional instability, and vaginal dryness.

There are many studies being conducted on Chinese herbs to further prove their efficacy and safety. Just recently published in FEBS Letters, a high-impact international journal in biomedical research, is a study conducted on a very popular Chinese herbal formula: dang gui bu xue tang. This herbal formula has been used for many years in China to counter menopausal symptoms. It has been proven in the recent study (Gao et al., 2007) that dang gui bu xue tang acts on estrogen receptors to boost their functioning without causing the dangerous cell proliferation that HRT presents. This is important because cell proliferation spreads breast cancer cells.

It is reassuring to discover that women going through menopause have a safe alternative to HRT. The use of these herbs can ensure quality of life in the golden years. Chinese herbs have created a lot of attention in recent years. From their use in products like the popular Airborne cold remedy to the antioxidant effects of gogi berries, also known as the Chinese wolfberry, it is clear that herbal medicine is a valid choice for many health concerns. Before using any herbs you should speak to a trained herbalist, especially if you take prescription medications. I am so proud to be a traditional Chinese medical practitioner in such exciting times!