Sustain Community Acupuncture

Acupuncture for Gout

admin — Fri, 15 Mar 2013 16:30:44 +0000

Gout can present in a number of ways, although the most usual is a recurrent attack of acute inflammatory arthritis (a red, tender, hot, swollen joint).The metatarsal-phalangeal joint at the base of the big toe is affected most often, accounting for half of cases. Other joints, such as the heels, knees, wrists and fingers, may also be affected. Joint pain usually begins over 2–4 hours and during the night.The reason for onset at night is due to the lower body temperature then.Other symptoms may rarely occur along with the joint pain, including fatigue and a high fever.

Long-standing elevated uric acid levels (hyperuricemia) may result in other symptomatology, including hard, painless deposits of uric acid crystals known as tophi. Extensive tophi may lead to chronic arthritis due to bone erosion. Elevated levels of uric acid may also lead to crystals precipitating in the kidneys, resulting in stone formation and subsequent urate nephropathy.

In a randomized controlled trial, blood-pricking acupuncture was compared with conventional medication (allopurinol). The acupuncture group showed greater improvement than the allopurinol group. In addition, a similar reduction of uric acid levels in the blood and urine of both groups was noted (60). Plum-blossom
needling (acupuncture using plum-blossom needles), together with cupping (the application to the skin of cups which are then depressurized), has been
recommended for treating gouty arthritis

Located in San Diego between the Hillcrest and North Park neighborhoods, Sustain Community Acupuncture offers affordable Acupuncture, Herbal Therapy and Therapeutic Massage. To schedule a consultation please call 619.358.9508 or contact us here.

Spring Time Garden

admin — Thu, 14 Mar 2013 22:00:41 +0000

It is Springtime and its time to plant some herbs and other consumables in your garden. Many patients come to their acupuncturist for treatment of pain, digestive and sleep help and for fertility and general wellness. Often our patients leave with a bottle or two of some helpful Chinese herbs to safely treat their condition. And while it may not be possible to grow some of the exotic plants we put in our formulas, it is possible to plant lots of herbs that can flourish locally provide us with healthy antioxidants, health promoting essential oils and a little extra flavor for our culinary experiments.

Here are a few that might be fun:

Chocolate mint: There is chocolate, and there is chocolate mint. If you have ever been fortunate enough to smell a patch of chocolate mint, you know the distinction that I am making. Chocolate mint smells like a peppermint patty, or an after dinner chocolate mint wafer. It smells like mint with an edge of chocolate. The smell is more chocolatey than the taste. However, chocolate mint is an excellent addition to iced tea, mixed drinks, and desserts. An aggressive perennial that spreads quickly, it is best to plant chocolate mint in a container so that it does not invade your yard and garden.

Lemon basil: The smell of lemon basil is unbelievable. Both citrusy and with the spicy edge of basil, it is one of the most fragrant herbs that you could plant in your garden. This pungent plant with small green leaves prefers well-drained, rich soil. One whiff of lemon basil growing in the sun of your garden, and you’ll be hooked on growing it for life.

Epazote: Epazote is difficult to find in American supermarkets, but it is a dominant herb in Mexican cooking. Though it is delicious, it is an invasive plant that should be planted in containers away from other plants. It grows with minimal maintenance in hot, dry climates. At once peppery and minty, epazote will add a delicious and authentically Mexican flavor to beans and stews. Medicinally, it is said to reduce flatulence.

World Health Organization on Acupuncture

admin — Wed, 13 Mar 2013 16:30:44 +0000

The therapy of acupuncture has a long history. In its 2500 years of development, a wealth of experience has been accumulated, attesting to the wide range of diseases and conditions that it can effectively treat. In the past two decades, there have been extensive studies on acupuncture and great efforts have been undertaken to conduct controlled clinical trials, including the use of “sham” acupuncture or “placebo” acupuncture controls.

This publication is a brief review of the current literature on acupuncture practice, which may provide information about the effectiveness of different aspects of acupuncture therapy based on existing clinical data. Since the methodology of clinical research on acupuncture is still under debate, it is very difficult to evaluate acupuncture practice by any generally accepted measure. In this publication, only the results of controlled clinical trials that were formally published through the year 1998 (and early 1999 for some journals) are collected and reviewed.

In order to promote the appropriate use of acupuncture in those Member States where acupuncture has not been widely used, this document is annexed with a brief abstract of each relevant reference for the assessment of acupuncture practice. The clinical conditions covered in the existing data are also included. It must be emphasized that the list of diseases, symptoms or conditions covered in this publication is based on collected reports of clinical trials and, so, can serve only as a reference. Only national health authorities can determine the diseases, symptoms and conditions for which acupuncture treatment can be recommended.

Read the full review here.

Can acupuncture boost my fertility?

admin — Wed, 06 Mar 2013 16:45:05 +0000

A BabyCenter.com article discusses the positive effects of Acupuncture on fertility. What is really amazing are the comments!

Research suggests that acupuncture may be helpful to couples undergoing in-vitro fertilization (IVF), but the verdict is still out on whether it can improve fertility in general. Although smaller studies show promising results, more research is needed before we can say for sure that this age-old therapy can help you get pregnant.

Acupuncture is based on the theory that vital energy (or “qi,” pronounced “chi”) flows through the body along certain pathways. Acupuncturists try to balance this energy and restore health by stimulating specific points along the pathways with thin needles. Although it has been a staple of Chinese medicine for some 5,000 years, acupuncture has gained acceptance in the American medical community only in the past few decades.

In 2002, a team of German researchers discovered that acupuncture significantly increased the odds of pregnancy among a group of 160 women who were undergoing IVF treatment. Forty-two percent of the women who received acupuncture got pregnant, compared to 26 percent of those who didn’t receive the treatment. The researchers speculated that acupuncture helped increase blood flow to the uterus and relax the muscle tissue, giving the embryos a better chance of implanting. The whole article here.

Testimonials about fertility and acupuncture:

I have an irregular cycle and had tried for months to get pregnant without success. I started acupuncture and became pregnant that first cycle – two times, three years apart, with different acupuncturists. I’m definitely convinced it helps!!

After 3 horrible miscarriages, many doctor appointments and medical exams I discovered acupuncture. One 20 minute conversation with an Oriental Medicine Acupuncturist she gave me so much hope. After visiting the clinic I discovered I had 8 of the 10 symptoms that Oriental Medicine suggests recurring miscarriages. Not one of the the symptoms was recognized by Western Medicine. The good news was that Oriental medicine suggested I needed to raise my basal body temp by .5 degree…that was done quickly with acupuncture. I enhanced my health with eliminating caffiene and sugars. I am currently 35 weeks pregnant with a son that is measuring full term – he’s healthy and so am I! I have no swelling, my blood pressure is excellent. I give all the kudos to Oriental Medicine. My obgyn is now a believer in acupuncture!

After trying to get pregnant for 2 1/2 years we decided to give acupuncture a try before all the other fertility procedures. The acupuncturist not only provided me weekly treatments, but changed my diet, introduced meditation and recommended a few chinese herbs. After 3 months of treatment, we got pregnant on our first try. I certainly believe it was the acupuncture and our positive approach towards it that got us pregnant so quickly…defenitely a believer!

We had been trying to conceive for three years, had 2 heartbreaking miscarriages,and 4 failed IUIs, dozens of tests to a fertility clinic that was a 4-hour round road trip and overly busy to give any personal care. I was tired and becoming hopeless. I was recommended a wonderful Acupuncturist whose care was not only personal, but hopeful. She never talked about my low odds or my mature age (36) – she only talked about what we could do and how we could improve my health and that I was still very young. Six months later I am finishing up my 1st trimester. I agree with a lot of posts here. Western medicine, as well as insurance companies, need to see Eastern medicines as a valid fertility treatment that can enhance ‘traditional’ treatments.

We tried for almost six years with 2 IUIs. We lost 2 babies, got pregnant on our own, lost the third. I started going to accupuncture. She said she could help with my grief, regulate my cycles, and my weight, but that Western mendicine and God would have to take care of the chromosomal translocation I have. We were pregnant within 2 monthes! Tomorrow, we will be 5 1/2 monthes along! Whether it was accupuncture or God, or God using accupuncture, we have hope again. I recommend accunpuncture to anyone who will listen. The effects are subtle, but we are so happy with the results. God bless anyone who is in our situation and/or considering accupuncture!

Heads up kids, acupuncture works. Wifey & I tried for four years on our own. Nothing. We went to a doctor twice to have my guys strategically placed for optimum conception. Nothing. Three or four acupuncture sessions and some electrode treatment on the day she was ovulating, KABLAMO! We’re now at 5 weeks and hoping all goes well.

Tax Season Tax Deductions

admin — Fri, 01 Mar 2013 16:30:09 +0000

While Acupuncture can relieve the stress of tax season and even help with the tired eyes and sore muscles associated with sitting and crunching through last years tax documents we unfortunately don’t currently have a treatment for the IRS. Instead, here is an article about some possible health related tax deductions.

If you’re like many Americans, doing your taxes is a confusing chore. Deductions are crucial elements to filing taxes, especially if you’re expecting a return. However, few people know about all their options, especially their health deductions. And as we move into 2013, the new Affordable Care Act will cause even more changes to health deduction section of your tax forms, but not as much as you might think right away. Read the whole article here.

HIIT the High Intensity Interval Training

admin — Thu, 28 Feb 2013 23:30:10 +0000

According to new research from Liverpool John Moores University and the University of Birmingham, high-intensity interval training can be a time-saving alternative to endurance training. So even though HIIT takes half the time, it can result in the same health benefits that we get from endurance activities

Researchers recruited 16 young sedentary males with an average age of 21 to compare the effects of endurance training and sprint interval training. Some of the participants did six weeks of endurance training, (40 to 60 minutes of cycling five times per week). The rest did high intensity interval training, (four to six repeated 30-second “all-out” sprints on bikes interspersed with 4.5 minutes of low-intensity cycling, three times per week). In the next phase of the study, researchers took muscle biopsies before and after participants completed 60 minutes of cycling.

It turns out that both forms of exercise — five hours of endurance training and just 90 minutes of HIIT — helped reduce aortic stiffness (which affects how quickly blood travels through the arteries) and increase whole body insulin sensitivity (how efficient the body is at processing glucose). That’s important because it means HIIT and endurance training were equally effective at helping decrease the risk of heart disease, hypertension, and diabetes.

Read the full article here.

Acupuncture may be antidote for allergies

admin — Wed, 27 Feb 2013 16:30:03 +0000

Acupuncture already helps to relieve pain in some patients, and the latest study hints that it might relieve sneezing and itchy eyes as well.

Most patients plagued with sniffles brought on by seasonal allergies turn to antihistamines for relief, but when they don’t get relief, some opt for alternative treatments like acupuncture, in which tiny needles inserted just under the skin at specific points in the body are used to reduce certain symptoms.

In a study published in the journal Annals of Internal Medicine, researchers examined 422 people who tested positive for pollen allergies and had allergic nasal symptoms such as a runny nose. The participants reported their symptoms as well as what medication and doses they used to treat them.

The researchers then divided them into three groups; one received 12 acupuncture treatments and took antihistamines as needed, a second group received 12 fake acupuncture treatments (needles placed at random, non-meaningful points in the body) and took antihistamines as needed, while the final group only took antihistamines for symptoms.

After two months, the researchers asked the patients about their symptoms and how much medication they used. The participants who received the real acupuncture treatments with their antihistamines showed a greater improvement in their allergy symptoms and less use of antihistamines compared to the other groups. (Read the whole article here.)

Acupuncture Found to Up IVF and Treat Infertility

admin — Fri, 22 Feb 2013 16:45:51 +0000

Acupuncture has been found to increase live birth rates for women receiving IVF, in vitro fertilization. Researchers discovered that acupuncture increases the chances of producing a successful pregnancy for women receiving acupuncture on the day of the embryo transfer of donor eggs. Normally, acupuncture point selection is customized to the individual patient’s biological needs. However, a set of standardized points were applied to all women in the study. Prior to the IVF procedure, a special set of acupuncture points were applied. Next, another set of points were applied after the embryo transfer of donor eggs. The results were tabulated and the researchers found a significant boost in fertility and live birth rates for women receiving this standardized acupuncture protocol.

Acupuncture for IVFIVF is the process of fertilizing an egg with sperm in vitro, in glass. This is distinguished from IUI, intrauterine insemination, which is artificial insemination by introduction of semen into a female’s vagina or oviduct. Success rates for IVF are measured by favorable outcomes: pregnancies and liver births. Eggs are either donated by another woman or harvested from the potential mother-to-be for use in the procedure. Donor eggs are either fresh or thawed. In general, fresh donor eggs have a significantly higher live birth rate compared with thawed embryos.

The acupuncture points applied prior to IVF were: DU-20, REN-6, ST-29, SP-8, P6, LIV-2. Auricular acupuncture was also applied. The left ear was needled at the Shenmen and Brain acupuncture points. The right ear was needled at the Uterus and Endocrine acupuncture points. After the embryo transfer, a different set of acupuncture points were applied. The body style points were: LI-4, SP-10, ST-36, SP-6, K-3. Auricular acupuncture to the left ear was applied to the Uterus and Endocrine acupuncture points and the right ear was needled at the Shenmen and Brain acupuncture points.

The research team comprised members of the Oregon College of Oriental Medicine (Portland, Oregon), Northwest Center for Reproductive Sciences (Kirkland, Washington), and University of Washington (Seattle, Washington). The study design was a retrospective analysis using chart review and the research was conducted at a private infertility clinic. The researchers discovered that live birth rates are significantly increased for women using donor egg IVF when this specific acupuncture protocol, as outlined in this article, is followed.

Another recent study discovered that the application of acupuncture points SP6 (Sanyinjiao), CV4 (Guanyuan), CV3 (Zhongji) and Zigong (Ex-CA1) increases fertility in women. For men, it was recently discovered that electroacupuncture applied to GV20 (Baihui), CV4 (Guanyuan), ST36 (Zusanli) and SP6 (Sanyinjiao) for ten acupuncture sessions increases sperm motility. These are a small sample of the studies showing the effects of acupuncture on fertility.

The mounting evidence of acupuncture’s success led to a study of acupuncture experts. A survey was taken of prominent licensed acupuncturists to determine whether or not a consensus could be reached on acupuncture points of high priority for the treatment of infertility. The researchers discovered that consensus could be reached but that pre-embryo transfer and post-embryo transfer points varied. Consensus on pre-transfer points was on acupuncture points: SP8, SP10, Liv3, ST29, CV4. Consensus on high priority post-transfer points led to the selection of the following acupuncture points: GV20, K3, SP6, P6, K3. In addition, it was agreed that auricular points Shenmen and Zigong were of high priority.

A recent biochemical discovery demonstrated that electro-acupuncture improves pregnancy rates and live birth rates for women receiving IVF. This study was able to isolate a specific and measurable response in women’s blood as a result of electroacupuncture. The researchers found that electroacupuncture increases blood levels of HLA-G (human leukocyte antigen) “and the level of HLA-G secreted in embryos for the patients in the process of IVF-ET.” Presence of the HLA-G protein is predictive of higher pregnancy and live birth rates. For women with Kidney deficiency and Liver Qi stagnation, the HLA-G levels were significantly higher during embryo transplantation as a result of electroacupuncture and directly corresponded to improvements in the “high-quality embryo rate.” The researchers team noted that “the pregnancy outcome and the pregnancy rate are improved” for all women when electroacupuncture is applied.

A major cause of infertility is pelvic inflammatory disease, PID. Acupuncture and herbal medicine have long been used to resolve chronic pelvic region infections that result in conditions such as cervicitis, oophoritis, salpingitis, endometritis and broad ligament infections. The Centers for Disease Control, CDC, notes that approximately 100,000 U.S. women become infertile due to PID annually. One way that PID causes infertility is by causing scar tissue formation in the fallopian tubes that blocks healthy egg movement. In biomedicine, PID is inflammation of the female pelvic organ and/or connective tissues, usually caused by an infection such as chlamydia or gonorrhea. In Chinese medicine, PID is classified as the invasion of damp-heat and toxins causing Qi and Blood stasis in the lower burner. Deficiency syndromes often complicate this diagnosis when PID becomes chronic.

Common acupuncture points for the treatment of chronic PID are: ST36, ST25, ST38, SP10, SP9, GB26, GB27, GB28, CV6, CV4 and CV3. Chronic fallopian tube infections are often treated with a modification of the classic herbal formula Gui Zhi Fu Ling Wan. The modified formula contains Gui Zhi, Fu Ling, Mu Dan Pi, Tao Ren, Chi Shao Yao, Huang Qi, Zao Jiao Ci, Xiang Fu, San Leng and E Zhu. If there is heat, add Bai Jiang Cao. This formula is never used when a woman is pregnant due to its blood invigorating properties. However, it is these invigorating properties that help to clear blockages in the fallopian tubes to help restore fertility.

There is an incredible wealth of modern studies, carefully documented case histories and classic texts that demonstrate that acupuncture and herbal medicine contribute to healthy pregnancies and enhanced fertility. The Healthcare Medicine Institute (HealthCMi) offers written texts with detailed information on the treatment of both infertility and PID for acupuncture continuing education credit. In addition, HealthCMi hosts live webinars on the treatment of PID and infertility. The goal is to create awareness and provide quality educational materials for licensed acupuncturists to ensure that reproductive health is optimized and that women may enjoy a happy, healthy pregnancy.

Three Alternative Solutions for Chronic Pain

admin — Fri, 22 Feb 2013 00:45:47 +0000

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) millions of Americans suffer from chronic pain. Pain lasting more than 24 hours is reported to affect one-quarter of American adults and is the second most common reason people seek out a doctor.

Pain is considered chronic if it persists for six months or longer. Chronic pain often continues in spite of conventional drug treatment. Drugs prescribed to reduce pain also have severe side effects. Current research reports that alternative therapies such as yoga, acupuncture, and medical marijuana (cannabis) can offer natural relief from chronic pain.

Though controversial, medical marijuana use has been approved in 18 states and Washington D.C. In November 2012, Colorado and Washington became the first states to legalize marijuana for recreational use.

Yoga Helps Relieve Chronic Pain
Acupuncture Pain Relief
Cannabis Helps Combat Pain

Read Elaine Gavalas full article here.

Tea Lowers Stroke and Tumor Risk

admin — Wed, 20 Feb 2013 16:45:46 +0000

Chinese medicine classic texts and licensed acupuncturists have been extolling the virtues of tea drinking for many years. Now, modern research points to important benefits of drinking tea including lowering the risk of stroke, tumors of the brain and ovarian cancer. Apparently coffee was not to be left off the table or cup holders either. A recent study also shows that combination of tea and coffee drinking is directly associated with a decreased risk of brain and spinal cord tumors.

Tea LeavesThe research on the benefits of tea drinking is extensive. A massive ten year study of over 74,000 men and women shows that drinking black tea reduces the risk of stroke. The researchers found that high black tea consumption intake reduces risks for both cerebral infarction and hemorrhagic stroke. The research is relatively new but acupuncturists have recognized the health benefits of drinking tea for well over a thousand years.

Read the rest of the article here.

Reference:
Ann Epidemiol. 2013 Mar;23(3):157-60. doi: 10.1016/j.annepidem.2012.12.006. Epub 2013 Jan 5.

Stephen J. Duffy, MB, BS, PhD; John F. Keaney Jr, MD; Monika Holbrook, MA; Noyan Gokce, MD; Peter L. Swerdloff, BA; Balz Frei, PhD; Joseph A. Vita, MD. Short- and Long-Term Black Tea Consumption Reverses Endothelial Dysfunction in Patients With Coronary Artery Disease. Circulation. 2001;104:151. Clinical Investigation and Reports. American Heart Association, Inc.

Malerba, Stefano, Carlotta Galeone, Claudio Pelucchi, Federica Turati, Mia Hashibe, Carlo La Vecchia, and Alessandra Tavani. “A meta-analysis of coffee and tea consumption and the risk of glioma in adults.” Cancer Causes & Control 24, no. 2 (2013): 267-276.