518 Acupuncture @518acupuncture - Tumblr Blog

Posts

There is a belief in Chinese medicine that you should treat any symptoms or imbalances first by eating the right foods; and if that fails, only then should you turn to acupuncture and herbs for a cure.

Best Fall foods according to Chinese medicine: the ones at our local farmers markets! Do yourself a flavor and pick up some veggies today!

#diet

How Traditional Chinese Medicine treats low back pain

By Ashley Wells, LAc., 518 Acupuncture

July 3, 2015

According to the US National Library of Medicine back pain affects 8 out of 10 people in our country at some point in their lives. Because of this, acupuncturists often treat this sort of pain. How acupuncture works to alleviate this distress is a foreign concept to many of us: acupuncture encourages the free flow of qi and blood in the body.

Qi is substance that flows through the body with the blood. Some of the actions of qi include metabolism, creating warmth, and transforming food and fluid into nourishment. When there is proper flow of qi and blood, the body can create balance within itself and function optimally. Pain is a result of this flow being blocked. Injury, lack of movement or insufficiency of these substances due to malnourishment can result in disruption of the flow of qi and blood.

Acupuncturists insert fine needles at acupoints within areas of pain as well as along the affected channels or meridians. This stimulation encourages movement of qi along the channel, allowing for a decrease in pain. Moving these stuck substances also allows for the arrival of nourishment to these areas where flow was previously hindered.

Tui na, or Chinese medical massage, is a modality of Chinese medicine that is often used along with acupuncture. Tui na means “push pull” in Mandarin. This form of bodywork uses acupressure and musculoskeletal manipulations to benefit the flow of qi in the body. Certain exercises may also be taught according to tui na theory to encourage proper alignment of the skeletal system.

After experiencing extreme back pain of her own, an acupuncturist by the name of Esther Gokhale decided to look into why we have so much of this pain as compared to other cultures. She traveled to observe indigenous populations that reported practically zero back pain. Combining her observations with anthropological findings and physiotherapy methods, she noticed that the shapes of spines are different between American culture and traditional ones. Americans have a more “S” shaped spine compared to those of a “J” shape, who experience very little back pain.

The protocols that are used in tui na to treat the back encourage the proper alignment of the spine and this more beneficial “J” shaped curve. There are other factors involved with chronic back pain. Extra weight being carried in the abdomen and lack of muscle tone can result in greater curvature of the lumbar vertebrae and therefore a decrease in stability.

The World Health Organization officially recognizes acupuncture as an effective treatment for back pain. Combining acupuncture with tui na and beneficial lifestyle habits can further increase the effectiveness of treatments.

If you have back pain, a non-invasive treatment such as acupuncture to get those substances unstuck might be the right option for you.

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/backpain.html

http://www.npr.org/sections/goatsandsoda/2015/06/08/412314701/lost-posture-why-indigenous-cultures-dont-have-back-pain?utm_source=facebook.com&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=npr&utm_term=nprnews&utm_content=20150608

#back pain #acupuncture

August 2015 issue of Natural Awakenings Magazine (NY Capital District Edition).

Page 18: How Traditional Chinese Medicine Treats Low Back Pain by Ashley Wells, LAc. (That’s me!)

Website and online scheduling update

The 518 Acupuncture website has been updated along with the online scheduling for community acupuncture. For those of you that have attended community acupuncture before, you are welcome to schedule online at www.awellslac518.appointy.com. See you there!

You are not alone: emotions behind and statistics regarding miscarriage

"In fact, between 15 percent and 20 percent of clinically recognized pregnancies end in miscarriage, defined as a pregnancy loss earlier than 20 weeks of gestation."

http://www.npr.org/blogs/health/2015/05/08/404913568/people-have-misconceptions-about-miscarriage-and-that-hurts

#pregnancy #child rearing

The “low” on artificial sweeteners

Recently, researchers have been looking into the effects of artificial sweeteners on the body and what they have discovered is concerning, especially for those with diabetes and glucose intolerance. These sweeteners have shown to alter gut microbes, more specifically those that have been associated with type-II diabetes. The shift to the consumption of artificial sweeteners has actually coincided with an increase in obesity and diabetes epidemics, as noted by Suez, et al. in their research from August 2014 titled, “Artificial sweeteners induce glucose intolerance by altering the gut microbiota.”

http://www.scientificamerican.com/article/artificial-sweeteners-may-change-our-gut-bacteria-in-dangerous-ways/?WT.mc_id=SA_Facebook

#diabetes #glucose intolerance

Spring Balancing Treatments

The seasons create a cycle that our bodies are physiologically affected by. Our long, extremely cold winter (dare I say the word), gave us a chance to slow down, recharge and build strength. As we enthusiastically move into warmer weather, our bodies must also adjust. Illnesses are more likely to occur during these periods, making the change of season a great time for a balancing treatment.

Spring is a time of rebirth and growth, which we can see all around us. According to traditional Chinese medicine, spring correlates to the element wood and dominates function of the liver.

To celebrate the coming of spring, I'll be providing balancing acupuncture treatments to promote the proper function of the liver and assist the body with corresponding physiological adjustments.

After your treatment you will be provided with an information packet with simple, effective dietary and lifestyle suggestions for the spring season.

Treatments will take place in the community acupuncture setting on March 20th from 3pm-6:30pm and April 8th, 9am to 3pm. Please make an appointment, as space is not guaranteed with a walk-in. Cost is $15. Cash or check. Credit is not accepted for this service.

http://www.518acu.com/spring-balancing-treatment.html

photo courtesy: http://fitsweb.uchc.edu/student/selectives/atolsdorf/tcm.html

"How many treatments will I need?"

Many people come into 518 Acupuncture and ask how long it will take or how many treatments will be necessary to resolve a health issue. This is a great article that helps to explain this question. Thanks Paul Ross Kerzner.

https://www.aboveandbeyondacupuncture.com/how-many-acupuncture-treatments-acupuncture-scottsdale/

#acupuncture #TCM

The 12 primary channels according to traditional Chinese medicine and a little bit about acupuncture and sleep.

This video shows the locations of the channels as well as the order of qi/energy flow through the body. The ying or nutritive qi spends two hours per day in each of the 12 channels (completing a 24 hour day) nourishing the organ that corresponds to that channel during that time.

This video starts with the Liver channel. The ying qi travels the Liver channel from 1am to 3am. At this time the Liver is nourished and detoxification occurs. The Liver is also responsible for the free coursing of substances through the body. When we get stressed out, we tend to tighten up, the Liver is stagnated and so the substances become stagnated. Some people tend to wake during the hours of 1am to 3am nightly. This is because the qi is stuck and having a difficult time moving on to the next channel, the Lung channel. If you are one of these people, you might notice that you tend to wake up between these hours more often when you are feeling a bit more stress. You might also tend to wake at this time if you've had a few glasses of wine before bed, or if your Liver is working extra hard to detoxify the body for another reason. Acupuncture can treat this type of waking pattern by treating the Liver channel. Enjoy!

https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=10205145315366899&fref=nf

https://www.facebook.com/518acu

Acupuncture and Chinese herbs in the treatment of ulcerative colitis

This is a short read on a study that was conducted to investigate the effectiveness of acupuncture and herbs in treating ulcerative colitis. Acupuncture is a great way to address all sorts of digestive disturbances. Acupuncture creates balance and encourages the body to heal itself. No drugs with harmful side effects. No dependence on chemicals.

http://www.healthcmi.com/Acupuncture-Continuing-Education-News/1318-acupuncture-herbs-relieve-ulcerative-colitis-new-study

#acupuncture #ulcerative colitis

How Acupuncture Treats Arthritis

By Ashley Wells, LAc. of 518 Acupuncture

About one in every five adults has been diagnosed with arthritis. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, it is the nation’s most common cause of disability.

There are two main forms, osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Osteoarthritis is the most prevalent form and occurs when cartilage that protects the ends of the bones naturally wears down causing friction, inflammation and pain. There may also be stiffness and loss of mobility in the joints.

Rheumatoid arthritis is classified as an autoimmune disease in which the body attacks the capsule and cartilage of the joints, sometimes causing malformation. The organs may also be affected including the lungs and heart.

According to traditional Chinese medicine, arthritis occurs when the free flow of qi and blood are inhibited. (They’re stuck!) This limitation is due to blockage or insufficiency of blood and fluids to nourish the joints.

Arthritis is classified as a Bi Syndrome, or Impediment Pattern. There are four types of Impediment Patterns: wind, cold, damp and heat. These patterns are differentiated from one another by symptoms, pulse, and tongue diagnosis. Once a pattern is identified, it can be treated accordingly. For example, if you have arthritis that is exacerbated by cold weather, you might be diagnosed as having cold bi/impediment. Acupuncture points are used to remove the stagnation, which is causing pain, and heat is applied to address the root of the problem; cold.

Some people have arthritis that is more pronounced when exposed to heat. In this case, acupuncture points are used to clear heat from the body, while others are used to remove the blockage. The symptoms and cause of the condition are addressed. Furthermore, steps can be taken to address the constitutional reason why the disease pattern exists. Traditional Chinese medicine is powerful because it compliments the body’s natural ability to heal itself.

In Chinese, biao ben means root and branch and refers to treating both the symptoms and cause of disease. This important concept shows the inherent wisdom of Chinese medicine as a whole.

In reference to arthritis, acupuncture is used to remove blockages, encourage the flow of nourishment to the effected area, and address the underlying cause.

Ashley Wells is a licensed acupuncturist and owner of 518 Acupuncture in Clifton Park, NY. She holds a Master of Science in Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine as well as a Master of Science in Biology. Her passion is combining both of these disciplines to fully understand a condition and treat effectively.

#acupuncture #arthritis

A Web MD article: Acupuncture is working so well, that scientists are trying to find out how it does.

Arthritis, cancer side effects, pelvic pain, infertility, stroke... a great article about the pros of acupuncture and some of the conditions it can treat. Check it: http://www.webmd.com/pain-management/features/acupuncture-pain-killer

Anxiety and Acupuncture

ICCM, the International Community of Chinese Medicine in Israel, recently published a scientific paper review regarding the use of a single acupuncture point to treat anxiety. Anxiety comes in all shapes and sizes, and sometimes it is difficult to explain how one is actually feeling when they become anxious.

The study looked at neuropeptide Y, a neurotransmitter found in the brain and nervous system of humans and other animals. Neuropeptide Y is mostly investigated in regard to food intake and stress reduction. Neuropeptide Y has been observed to be decreased when someone is feeling anxious. The study compared acupuncture at 3 points on the body. Heart-7, Pericardium-6 and a non-acupuncture point. Pericardium-6 and Heart-7 are often used in the treatment of anxiety. In this case, however, Heart-7 was the only point that reversed the reduction of neuropeptide Y in the anxious state. Interestingly, a behavioral change was also observed: acupuncture at Heart-7 significantly increased the amount of time that rats spent in the open space portion of an elevated maze. Rats have a natural fear of open and elevated spaces.

The fact that Percardium-6 did not cause a change in the level of neuropeptide Y or behavior in the rats, shows that PC-6 acts in a different way than Heart-7, and thus illustrates the importance of informed point selection during treatment.

In this study, anxiety was induced by creating ethanol withdrawal in rats, providing evidence that acupuncture may also help to curb withdrawal symptoms from substance abuse.

Involvement of amygdaloid neuropeptide Y in the anxiolytic effects of acupuncture during ethanol withdrawal in rats (Zhao et al., Neurosci Lett. 2014 May 1;567:19-23)

Picture: http://www.nature.com/mp/journal/v18/n6/fig_tab/mp2012101f2.html

#anxiety #acupuncture #withdrawal

Acupuncture migraine remedy found

http://www.healthcmi.com/Acupuncture-Continuing-Education-News/1407-acupuncture-migraine-remedy-found

Truth! I have experience with this- acupuncture is amazing for treating headaches!

The results of this study conclude that traditional acupuncture treatments work better than both the control acupuncture group and the group of people receiving flunarizine hydrochloride as treatment. Traditional acupuncture treatments follow a diagnosis that is made from understanding traditional Chinese medicine theory. Points are chosen that reflect the diagnosis. Not all migraines are treated the same under this system of healing.

The acupuncture points for the control group were chosen from another means than the traditional theory. This study illustrates how traditional Chinese medical theory and diagnosis allows for better treatments than non-traditional diagnosis and treatment. Adding some tui na (Chinese medical massage) further increased the effectiveness of treatments and resulted in a 94% total effective rate. Yeah, Chinese medicine!

This study also shows that acupuncture was MORE EFFECTIVE than treatment with flunarizine hydrochloride, which resulted in a 63% total effective rate. Flunarizine hydrochloride, a prescription drug used to treat migraines, has been found in recent years to cause parkinsonism and depressive symptoms, especially in the elderly.

After you weigh your options, it seems like getting a treatment from a licensed acupuncturist, who has studied Oriental medicine theory, is a MUCH better option than risking side effects. And, why not experience the bliss of an acupuncture treatment?

Good luck! And get those migraines taken care of!

Here is an article citing the study: http://www.healthcmi.com/Acupuncture-Continuing-Education-News/1407-acupuncture-migraine-remedy-found

Cover your Wind Gate!

According to traditional Chinese medicine, your wind gate is located on the back of your neck, just below the 7th cervical vertebrae (which is right about where your neck and your back meet). This is the first place where wind and cold enter the body and cause sickness, or what we refer to as a "cold." In order to protect your body against this invasion, where a scarf! This is especially important during the winter months, or if you are prone to getting sick.

My acupuncturist is always talking about "qi." What the??

Qi, pronounced chee, is sometimes referred to as the circulating life force in the body. According to Chinese medicine, qi flows with the blood (Blood is the mother of qi and qi is the commander of blood.) Some refer to qi as energy, however this might not be accurate if you abide by the law that energy is neither created nor destroyed.

The Chinese character for qi is this: 氣. The bottom star-like symbol means rice. The top symbol is steam or vapor. So, qi is essentially made through the digestion of food, called the rottening and ripening of food, by the Stomach and Spleen. That would make this "qi" a substance.

When you get acupuncture, you might experience sensations of heaviness or aching, tingling, itching - these are all qi sensations, and means that the qi has been accessed. Acupuncturists can also feel whether they have accessed this qi through needling technique. Weird stuff, right? That's why I like it! Here is a neat article about qi.

~Chicken Soup For Breakfast~

It's getting colder. Okay, it's COLD. Eating warm, cooked foods especially in the winter months is great for digestion and promoting efficient metabolism for good energy. Instead of that cold cereal and juice, try chicken soup! I know it's not typically part of our western diet, but it is soup-er easy! Put chicken, broth, celery, carrots, onions in a crock pot on low. Go to bed. Wake up and have chicken soup! You will be amazed how nice it feels. Enjoy!

Trending Blogs

Recently Viewed Blogs

518 Acupuncture