Acupuncture is now more mainstream and is actually considered alternative or complementary medicine for certain conditions, and there is evidence that these alternatives can be very helpful to people with certain problems or conditions. Acupuncture originated in China where it is still widely used for the health of the Chinese people. These alternative or complementary medicines are now widely used in the United States and Western Europe for specific conditions or problems. Most medical professionals are trained in certain methods for maintaining and restoring the health of their patients. Few medical professionals are trained in acupuncture. Most doctors do not immediately consider acupuncture as a method for treating their patients, but there is more enthusiasm for using these methods as a complement to modern medical practices.

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According to many western medical resources depression may be the response of the body to an overwhelming and constant stress that seems to the patient to be insurmountable. Regardless of the etiology of the depression, the majority of western MDs diagnose the patient’s condition as a depression.

The Role Of Acupuncture

Acupuncture, when used with Chinese herbs, can be a very effective alternative treatment for depression, anxiety, stress-induced fatigue and emotions swings resulting in long-term benefits. The difference with acupuncture and Chinese herbal treatment is that these treatments treat the root cause of the disease-the internal imbalance caused by the exposure to external stress. Such stress, if not treated, can cause energy “blockage” or changes of the neurotransmitters such as a decrease of brain concentration of the serotonin levels-resulting in symptoms such as anxiety, poor sleep, fatigue, and eventually, depression.

Some researchers are now leaning towards the theory that depression is physiological rather than psychological. The condition often comes about when the body lacks the necessary biochemical’s’ nutrients and vitamins to enable the mind and body to work in sync and thrive healthily.

A University of Arizona study on acupuncture and depression subjected a group 38 adults who were found to be experiencing bouts of depression ranging from the mild to the moderate stages. They all attended regular twice-weekly sessions lasting for 30 days’ with reducing frequency on the succeeding months. After the study period, more than half of those treated say that they experienced no less than half of the symptoms have been reduced, if not totally eliminated.

Conclusion

Acupuncture is considered a Natural and Safe Method of Treatment for Depression, Anxiety and Stress. Depression has been perceived as a condition caused by chemical imbalances in the brain. Acupuncture is based on balancing the body’s Chi or “life energy”, which regulates spiritual, emotional, mental, and physical balance.

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If you are considering an alternative approach to healing it must be noted that this is a serious step and the individual does well to give it much thought and research. Unfortunately. there often just isn’t the background of scientific studies that can provide the needed support to indicate whether a course of treatment is safe and effective.
Holistic Healing
When faced with a diagnosis of cancer there are many people who choose to pursue alternative treatments. It is important to distinguish this from complementary medicine in that ‘alternative’ options are taken in place of conventional medicine and ‘complementary’ medicine is meant to work along with and enhance conventional methods.

In choosing to seek out an alternative approach to healing it must be noted that this is a serious step and the individual does well to give it much thought and research. Unfortunately. there often just isn’t the background of scientific studies that can provide the needed support to indicate whether a course of treatment is safe and effective.
Yoga,
Nonetheless, given some of the side effects of radiation and chemotherapy it is understandable that some choose this path after they have had the necessary surgery. It may be difficult, however, to find a supportive physician who will continue to monitor your progress. If this should prove to be the case it is recommended that an individual seek out a reputable health care professional that works in the field of holistic healing.

Most alternative treatments require a dramatic change in the way one lives. It will require commitment and discipline to achieve the best results. Many programs require a detoxification period followed by a healthful regime that includes better eating, supplementary vitamins, herbal potions, breathing exercises, massage therapy, acupuncture, and meditation to name but a few. There will no doubt be any number of products offered from others who have claimed to get successful results. While caution and research are vital, and there can be no guarantees given, no one can dispute that there have been some remarkable results with some of these non-standard approaches.

Complementary medicine, while working along with the conventional treatments taken, do not usually come with a lot of scientific grounding and research as well. As a whole, they are not used to treat the illness per se, but rather as a method to relieve some of the side effects of cancer treatments and to improve the quality of life overall.

Some of the recommended therapies involve - acupuncture and acupressure to relieve pain and stress, vitamin and herbal remedies to help build the immune system, visualization to empower the body to fight the disease, meditation to control pain and to focus on positive thoughts, aromatherapy - also to relieve pain and stress, and yoga to help strengthen the body overall.

In pursuing complementary therapies it is good to coordinate with your doctor and inform him of anything that may have a possibility of interacting negatively with the treatments he is giving you. As an example, Vitamin C is a powerful aid to boost the immune system but it can work to worsen the side effects of the chemotherapy drug methotrexate. So it may mean that you would need to wait until your treatments have concluded before adding it to your arsenal.

With the growing understanding of the benefits of these different approaches to healing more and more doctors are open to the patient’s efforts in this regard. In fact some standard hospitals are adding alternative medicine wings to complement their procedures.

In approaching your doctor with any idea, be prepared with the research you have made and be willing to take the time to discuss them frankly with him.
Breast Cancer,

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Just going by the recent guests on Oprah, you’d think that America was populated by manic-depressive people hooked on all sorts of prescription meds! Well, studies show that the number of depressed citizens has reached, at least, a whopping 8 million. What’s worse is that depression is the leading cause of suicide, with 30,000 deaths annually. And since drugs don’t seem to be helping lower that number fast enough, more people are turning to TCM methods like acupuncture for anxiety and depression.

TCM or traditional Chinese medicine has gained a following among individuals who, even if they experience healing, dislike the side effects and withdrawal symptoms normally associated with prescription antidepressants, such as Prozac, Wellbutrin, Zoflot, etc.

Since these drugs work on managing brain levels of serotonin, some people have used herbal remedies that do the same thing, the most popular being St. John’s Wort. Other people have found it beneficial to combine herbal medicine with acupuncture for anxiety and depression, as well as fatigue from stress and mood swings.

So how true are these TCM claims? An acupuncturist will probably tell you that his method treats the root cause of the depressive disorder. However, clinical studies proving this are lacking.

On the other hand, clinical research has proven that herbal remedies are indeed effective against anxiety disorders and even panic attacks and certain types of phobia.

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I can’t remember the time when a trip to the spa was not part of my monthly routine. (I know that if I don’t turn that into a more regular routine I may soon be among the unfortunate, stressed out minority.) I’ve recently noticed that at least one of the spas I frequent has started offering an acupuncture face lift procedure.

An acupuncture face lift procedure is said to rejuvenate tired skin by (HORRORS!) applying needles to certain parts of the face. Why would anyone sign up for this?

Well, consider the alternative. If your creams and potions cease to work, you may begin to consider surgery. Going under the knife is, of course, a scarier prospect for many people and they would rather endure a few minutes of pricking.

An acupuncture face lift procedure is a more intensive type of facial that supposedly not only lifts sagging skin but also aids in the overall healing of a stressed out body.

Aside from the noticeable lifting, the spa I frequent also offers acupuncture procedures that promise to add a glow to your skin. I have to remember to ask them next time if, perhaps, the “glow” is not caused by so many needles pricking your skin!

What is more attractive about the procedures I saw at my spa was the promise of less obvious bags under the eyes. Well, if my usual Retin-A and AHA creams no longer work, I would consider it… maybe.

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A news item caught my eye at the start of 2007. More American women are now experimenting with acupuncture and pain relief during labor.

Even if acupuncture for childbirth has been the subject of scientific research for many years now, it seems that its popularity on such a massive scale has only recently caught on.

Acupuncture therapy is currently used at New York’s Lutheran Medical Center. But rather than being used for healing any illness, the treatment is used to relax and soothe women who are about to give birth. Doctors say that acupuncture really does help ease the pain of childbirth.

I don’t about you, but I find it comforting that acupuncture and pain relief during labor is now being seriously considered by medical doctors at well-known hospitals. Although its fair to say, I really don’t think I want an acupuncturist poking at me when I’m pregnant.

If it’s my doctor who suggests the treatment, however, I’m willing to give it a shot. After two deliveries that have done nothing to raise my pain threshold, I’m willing to try anything – for as long as my doctor supervises, that is.

Besides, acupuncture has already been proven in clinical studies to have an analgesic effect. Doctors at Lutheran even say that acupuncture can sometimes help get labor started.

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In ancient practice, the number of acupuncture pressure points was the same as the days in a year (365). But in modern practice, that number has exploded! Even so, the majority of acupuncturists still concentrate on traditional pressure points in the 14 meridians, which are:

1. Large-intestine
Acupuncture pressure points in back of hand/between thumb & 1st finger
Pressures are for relief from pain, constipation, diarrhea, stomach cramps, etc. Also, sore throat, painful eyes, swollen lymph nodes, rashes, etc.

2. Lung
Above wrist/inside arm
Headache, stiff neck, asthma, cough, sore throat, wrist injury

3. Stomach
Front of leg/below knee
Nausea, abdominal problems, tiredness

4. Spleen
Inner leg/above ankle
Irregular menstrual cycle, impotence, urinary problems, stomachache, backache

5. Gallbladder
Acupuncture pressure points in the base of skull
Pressures are for relief of cold, flu, headache, fever, hypertension

6. Liver
Top of foot/between 1st & 2nd toes
Irregular menstrual cycle, chest pains, headaches, hypertension

7. Pericardium
Inner arm/above wrist
Heart palpitations, nausea, spasms

8. Heart
Outer wrist
Forgetfulness, insomnia, depression, heart problems, tiredness

9. Urinary-bladder
Back of knee
Backache, leg pain, stomachache, nausea, diarrhea

10. Kidney
Acupuncture pressure points in back of inner-ankle
Pressures are for relief of toothache, sore throat, lightheadedness, asthma, lower backache, irregular mens

11. Torso (called “Triple-burner”)
Outer arm/above wrist
Problems along arms and hands, head and neck

12. Small-intestine
Side of hand/below pinkie
Stiff neck, chest pain, lumbar pain, fever, night-sweats

13. Governing-vessel
Top of head
Headache, lightheadedness, nasal blockage, speech problems

14. Conception-vessel
Acupuncture pressure points slightly below navel
Pressures are for stomach/menstrual/urinary/ disorders, hernias, diarrhea

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Is it any wonder that many couples wanting to get pregnant are now exploring acupuncture infertility treatments given the high costs of in vitro fertilization?

Acupuncture infertility treatment has to do with creating a balance in the reproductive system through less invasive means than, say, ICSI (intracytoplasmic sperm injection), in which a sperm is injected directly into an egg.

Since it involves no surgery and is, as yet, on the fringes of Western medicine, it is inexpensive. But is it effective? Studies are, so far, inconclusive.

Although acupuncture claims to raise your “fertility quotient” it is hard to determine if a man’s sperm count, for instance, was not raised simply because of a certain panacea effect from the procedure.

The “hormonal adjustments” to the menstrual cycle said to be made on a woman’s reproductive system, on the other hand, may be explained by the procedure’s relaxing effect.

Even scientists will agree that the procedure may create a relaxing experience for some people. But as far as direct cause and effect between acupuncture and fertility is concerned, there is so far no scientific basis.

Since Eastern and Western medical practitioners have, for now, probably given up on convincing each other, it can only be stated that acupuncture’s healing properties (whether they have to do with inducing pregnancy or not) may work for some people.

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The Centers for Disease Control has stated that one in three Americans is affected by Arthritis which equates to a huge 70 million individuals. Arthritis is one of the top most prevalent diseases in the US and is the principal source of disability.

As people get older arthritis pain and inflammation is unavoidable for many. The majority of people over 50 have at least some indications of arthritis because joint naturally deteriorate as you get older. Despite this, arthritis can be successfully managed through acupuncture for arthritis pain and Chinese medicine.

On the contrary to common belief arthritis isn’t actually a single disease. Arthritis is a disorder consisting of over one hundred different conditions and is able to occur at any point though out a person’s life. The two top most frequent types are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Even though these two arthritis types are caused very differently, have different risk factors and affect a person’s body in different ways they in fact usually both have one symptom in common, relentless pain occurring at the joints.

Chinese medical theory says that arthritis occurs when the cyclical flow of Qi is blocked in the meridians. This blockage is known as ‘bi’ type pain which is well studied and can be successfully remedied with the use of acupuncture for arthritis pain and Chinese herbs. In fact acupuncture and Chinese medicine has been shown to be highly effective for relieving the inflammation and pain connected with all varieties of arthritis.

Traditional Chinese medicine doesn’t look at arthritis as one specific condition, rather it tries to remedy each particular set of symptoms specific to an individual through a host of methods including acupuncture for arthritis pain, bodywork, Chinese herbs, lifestyle/dietary advice and vigorous exercise routines to help re-establish imbalances through out the patients body.

During a procedure of acupuncture for arthritis pain the points used are not only over the effected areas but are situated all over the body. The small acupuncture needles may be positioned on your legs, shoulders, arms and possibly your little toe.

Acupuncture needles are so small and thin several can fit into the centre of a hypodermic needle. Suffice to say there is little or no feeling when an acupuncture needle is inserted. Some individuals do report a brief moment of discomfort when the needle is placed in the skin; however this is only for an instant and soon after most patients relax and may even fall asleep during the acupuncture treatment.

The procedure of acupuncture for arthritis pain will vary in length and frequency in which it will need to be carried out. Normally the treatment will last for five to thirty minutes and will need to be performed once to twice a week. Quite often certain symptoms are in fact calmed after just one acupuncture procedure, however, the more severe complaints will likely require many more treatments.

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There is always a constant flow of individuals trying to stop smoking and many usually find their will power shrink pretty quick. If you are a smoker or have been in the past I’m sure you can sympathise with this fact. Stopping smoking is very difficult to do and gets harder the longer you are a smoker. Nicotine is a strong addiction and the smoking habit becomes ingrained in to your daily routine. Some individuals can even find smoking to be as addictive as heroin or cocaine.

As an unconventional method for smoking cessation, acupuncture to stop smoking has been growing in popularity. Acupuncture is repeatedly instructed in courts as treatment for drug addicts due to is capacity for reducing withdrawal symptoms and aiding in control over cravings.

Studies have led to estimates that state 2 to 3 attempts at stopping smoking are usually required before a smoker finally stops smoking for good. After smokers have tried and failed at the more conventional methods such as nicotine patches or gum they start to look to more alternative methods for stopping their smoking habit. This is where smokers start to look at acupuncture to stop smoking and break their habit.

What must be realised is that acupuncture is not a magic cure or miracle solution to the addictions of any drug, including smoking. However, what acupuncture is effective in providing is the ability to aid in stopping smoking by making it easier plus it also helps an individual to stay smoke free. If a person is greatly motivated and really is ready to stop smoking, acupuncture is able to empower the individual to take charge of their habit and start a much healthier smoke free lifestyle.

How Does ‘Acupuncture to Stop Smoking’ Work?

Acupuncture is converting more and more smokers in to lasting non-smokers, however, as previously stated acupuncture to stop smoking is not a ‘cure’ or complete solution for stopping smoking. What acupuncture can do for you is lessen the cravings and lower the withdrawal symptoms often connected with quitting a drug. A successful and proper acupuncture course will require patient preparation, commitment from the patient and training regards what acupuncture can and can�t do for the acupuncture patient.

Chinese medicine tries to remedy certain symptoms exclusive to the particular individual and does so through the use of a whole host of different methods; acupuncture, bodywork, Chinese herbs, lifestyle/dietary suggestions and last but not least vigorous exercises all helping to re-establish imbalances in the patient.

Before commencing an acupuncture to stop smoking program your acupuncturist will likely interview you in order to understand you particular situation. This includes knowing your smoking habits, carrying out a physical examination which will probably involve a blood pressure test, measuring your pulse and studying your tongue. All the physical and emotional symptoms that you are undergoing aids in building a good understanding which your acupuncturist can use to construct an acupuncture to stop smoking plan dedicated to you and your particular situation.

The acupuncture to stop smoking treatments will concentrate around the cravings, jitters, restlessness and irritability usually found when a smoker is trying to stop smoking. The acupuncture treatment will also help with detoxification and relaxation in the patient.

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