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Pain

Pain affects 116 million Americans  according to the Institute of Medicine of the National Academies and almost 1/3 of these people experience chronic back pain. Drugs to treat pain are highly addictive and carry uncomfortable side effects. Surgeries can be risky, costly and sometimes have little impact on the pain.

Acupuncture can help. Regular treatments impact pain receptors in the brain and decreases muscle tension around stressed tissues. Pain reduction is often immediate and pain resolution is often achieved after a series of regular treatments. Research shows:

  • Meta-analysis conducted in 2015
  • 20,827 patients data included from 39 trials
  • Conditions included musculoskeletal pain, osteoarthritis, chronic headache, and shoulder pain 
  • Pain levels and improved function were measured
  • Acupuncture was better than sham and no acupuncture for each pain condition (all P < .001) 
  • “We conclude that acupuncture is effective for the treatment of chronic pain, with treatment effects persisting over time.” (Vickers, et al., 2015)

Vickers, A. J., Vertosick, E. A., Lewith, G., MacPherson, H., Foster, N. E., Sherman, K. J., … Linde, K. (2017, December 2). Acupuncture for Chronic Pain: Update of an Individual Patient Data Meta-Analysis. Retrieved November 8, 2019, from https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1526590017307800. 

Arthritis

About 27 million Americans suffer from pains of arthritis. Joint and muscle pain in areas like the spine, hips, and fingers makes this issue one of the major causes of disability  in adults.

Acupuncture can help. A study by the National Institutes of Health revealed a 40% decrease in pain and improvement of joint function from baseline after only 14 weeks of treatments.

Headaches

Over 50 million people experience some form of severe headaches at some point in their lives. A minor headache, let alone a more severe one can lead to to lost valuable time out of partaking in life. Drugs may work quickly and temporarily, however they do not address the root cause(s) and when used for long periods of time can produce unwanted side effects.

Acupuncture and Chinese herbs can help. It addresses the multitude of factors that contribute to headaches including body constitution, hormone imbalances, emotional health, excessive stress, and/or physical trauma. Regular treatments can reduce the severity and frequency and many times eliminate them completely.

Insomnia

It is estimated 32 million people in the U.S. suffer some form of insomnia- whether it is difficulty falling or staying asleep. As the body’s need to heal and recuperate is during sleep, disturbances can have a major impact on health. 

Oxygen-enriched blood flow increases with acupuncture and so the muscular and nervous systems are calmed preparing the body for sleep. Chinese herbs can also treat disturbances that prevent restful sleep such as breathing and digestive issues.

Click here to read more about how acupuncture helps improve sleep and the research supporting it.

Smoking Cessation

Acupuncture can be used to reduce the side effects of withdrawal and cravings experienced when quitting smoking. A study here published in the American Journal of Public Health reported that when ear acupuncture was combined with smoking cessation education, patients were more likely to stay smoke free post treatment (than just education alone).

The ear acupuncture used for smoking cessation is called the NADA (National Acupuncture Detoxification Association) or the 5 Needle Protocol combined with other points selected according to your body unique needs.

If you are ready to quit smoking, consider acupuncture. It is recommended that patients receive at least two treatments a week to help with anxiety, cravings and other symptoms of withdrawal. Nutritional and herbal supplements can also be prescribed to help you along. After you quit, acupuncture can be reduced to maintenance treatments.

Stress

Over time stress takes a toll on our bodies. When threatened, the sympathetic nervous system is designed to activate, causing the heart rate to quicken and blood to flow to the extremities while shutting down other important functions like digestion. In addition, the adrenals secrete cortisol and over time high levels of cortisol will impact metabolism, increase blood pressure and inflammation and suppress the immune system.

Acupuncture can help by increasing blood circulation and oxygen in the tissues while decreasing cortisol and releasing natural painkillers and feel-good endorphins. Heart rate and blood pressure are lowered and muscles relax- leaving the body feeling less stressed. Review a study conducted in 2015 by Georgetown University Medical Center and published in The Journal of Endocrinology.

 

 

Anxiety

Medications prescribed for anxiety can come with serious side effects and/or may not provide all the relief needed. Acupuncture can help. Click on the tip sheet below for a list of acupuncture points you can put pressure on yourself to help alleviate symptoms temporarily and more.

Pediatrics

Erika uses a variety of treatment modalities when working with children and/or babies. She is specially trained in pediatric Tui Na, which is an effective bodywork technique for reducing symptoms in young children such as:

  • Digestive disorders- constipation, diarrhea and stomach pains
  • Immune challenges- common cold, chronic earaches
  • Neurological challenges- ADHD, migraine headaches, epilepsy

Erika also uses a cold laser as well as acupressure with children to stimulate the prescribed acupuncture points, which is a non-invasive and gentle technique.

Certain kids can do well with acupuncture needles as well, and each situation is handled individually and with sensitivity and fun!

Menopause

Acupuncture, a traditional Chinese medicine practice that involves the insertion of thin needles into specific points on the body, has been studied and used for addressing various symptoms associated with menopause. While individual experiences may vary, here are some potential benefits of acupuncture for menopause:

  • Hot Flash Reduction: Acupuncture may help alleviate hot flashes and night sweats, two common and bothersome symptoms of menopause. Some studies suggest that regular acupuncture sessions can lead to a reduction in the frequency and severity of hot flashes.
  • Improved Sleep: Menopausal women often experience sleep disturbances. Acupuncture may promote better sleep quality and help individuals fall asleep more easily by reducing anxiety and stress.
  • Hormonal Balance: Acupuncture is believed to influence the body’s hormonal balance by stimulating certain points. This can potentially lead to a more stable hormonal environment during menopause, which may reduce mood swings and other related symptoms.
  • Stress and Anxiety Reduction: Menopause can be a stressful and emotionally challenging time for many women. Acupuncture sessions can promote relaxation and reduce anxiety, helping women better cope with the emotional aspects of this life stage.
  • Improved Mood: Some women experience mood swings, irritability, or even depression during menopause. Acupuncture may help regulate mood by releasing endorphins and promoting a sense of well-being.
  • Pain Relief: Menopausal women may experience joint pain, muscle aches, or headaches. Acupuncture can provide relief from these discomforts by promoting blood circulation and reducing inflammation.
  • Enhanced Quality of Life: Overall, acupuncture can contribute to an improved quality of life during menopause by addressing a range of physical and emotional symptoms. It can help women better manage their health and well-being during this transitional phase of life.

It’s essential to note that individual responses to acupuncture may vary, and while many women report positive outcomes, more research is needed to fully understand its effectiveness in managing menopausal symptoms. Before starting acupuncture or any alternative therapy, it’s advisable to consult with a qualified healthcare provider to discuss the potential benefits, risks, and appropriate treatment options for your specific needs.

Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia affects about 3-6% of the population globally- that is an estimated 200-400 million people worldwide and affects more women than men. Symptoms include fatigue, stiffness, aches and pains, muscle tenderness, sleep disturbances and digestive issues. A study conducted in 2010 suggests that acupuncture treatment is effective in relieving pain and discomfort that are symptoms of this disorder and also helps to address the underlying causes of the condition by restoring the balance to the body.

Fertility

Of the approximately 62 million American women of reproductive age in 2002, 1.2 million (2%), had an infertility-related medical appointment within the previous year, and 10% had an infertility-related medical visit at some point in the past. A 2007 study found that acupuncture may improve the quality of life in patients undergoing in vitro fertilization. Women receiving acupuncture reported less stress, pain, nausea and stress after egg collection procedures compared to conventional analgesia. A 2008 study concluded acupuncture was effective as an adjunct therapy to IVF to aid in relaxing the uterus and increasing blood flow for improved rates of embryo implantation.

Addictions

Acupuncture originated in China and involves inserting needles into the skin in specific locations. It is used as a complementary and alternative treatment for a number of physical and mental ailments, including  drug (opioids, sleep aids, stimulants, cocaine, LSD, heroin, marijuana, Spice/K2, etc.) and alcohol addiction.

Acupuncture is becoming a complementary treatment in addiction recovery programs. Auricular or ear acupuncture (called the NADA protocol) is a popular form of this treatment that involves shallow insertion of a thin needle at various points on the skin of the external ear to help ease withdrawal symptoms and reduce cravings.

Treatments at our clinic include the NADA protocol as well as other points to help balance out the patient’s system. When the nervous system is regulating well patients overcoming addiction will experience improved mood, less anxiety, easier withdrawal, and increased energy.

After completing an effective addiction treatment program, there are many ways acupuncture can bolster your long-term addiction recovery plan – as mounting research shows this ancient, low risk Chinese medical practice to have favorable effects on many of our body systems.

Review more about how acupuncture is being shown in research to aid in addiction recovery.

 

Digestive Disorders/IBS

Digestive disorders can cause abdominal pain, gas/bloating, constipation/diarrhea and/or acid reflux/indigestion.  Chronic symptoms can lead to more serious diagnoses like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). An estimated 10–15% of adults in North America suffer from IBS , and it is associated with a significant reduction in health related quality of life. IBS is one of the most common reasons for work and school absenteeism. Acupuncture along with nutritional guidance and/or recommendations can help address the symptoms related to these conditions as demonstrated by this study conducted in 2012.

Weight Loss

According to the National Institutes of Health, 66% of adults in the U.S. are overweight or obese. Maintaining a healthy weight is key to for having healthy blood sugar levels, blood pressure and cholesterol. It is also instrumental for preventing diseases related to weight- including heart disease, diabetes, arthritis and some cancers. Using acupuncture along with wellness coaching is a unique and cutting edge approach to permanent weight loss. 

Acupuncture is great for those interested in losing weight. First, it reduces cortisol, a hormone known for promoting weight gain (see this study that shows how acupuncture reduces cortisol levels). It also increases production of endorphins- a hormone related to the sensation of relaxation— improving stress management. Acupuncture helps you get out of pain and gain energy, so you can be more active in physical activities and exercise. In addition it helps reduce cravings for sugar and junk food and helps improve digestion and rebalances organ systems that govern metabolism.

Allergies

Chronic allergies creates physical symptoms such as sneezing congestion, sinus infections, hives, swelling, and itching or redness of the skin. It also creates emotional symptoms as many chronic allergy sufferers experience moodiness and/or depression as a result of aggravating symptoms. Many allergy medications also come with unwanted side effects like fatigue and low libido.

Acupuncture can help. Combined with herbal therapy, acupuncture improves the function of the immune system by increasing the production of white blood cells in the body. Acupuncture can help alleviate sinus congestion and pressure as well, giving patients immediate relief.

PTSD

Many veterans suffer from PTSD.  The Veterans Administration (VA) reports that as many as 11-20% of veterans of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars have it.  Common war traumas include having been shot at, having seen someone shot or having seen death, but another cause of PTSD in veterans is military sexual trauma (MST).  According to the VA, 23% of women in the military report sexual assault.

Patients who receive acupuncture for PTSD report stress reduction, improved mental clarity, improved energy, enhanced performance, better sleep, fewer bad dreams and headaches, less anxiety and depression, reduced anger and pain, improved general health and better relationships.

and more…

Are you wondering if a health condition you have can be helped by acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine? Contact us for a free consult.

810-512-2957

info@lakelandacupuncturist.com

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