Acupuncture  for common Colds: How to Get Rid of a Cold Fast

Winter is the season when most of us are most likely to be exposed to catch a cold, especially if our immune system is low.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine we consider some conditions to be external, meaning that they come from outside the body, in the form of pathogenic factors like heat, cold, wind, and dampness. Based on the environment, and the types of symptoms, we determine whether a cold follows a pattern of a cold-wind type, or a heat-wind type, or sometimes a hot-damp type as might occur during the summertime. An acupuncture practitioner will then base the treatment on the pattern of cold presented.

Acupuncture treatment influences the immune system’s response, and since that is what is actually causing the symptoms of a cold, the use of acupuncture points for cold and sore throat can really have a positive effect on reducing cold symptoms.

Cupping treatment helps move Qi, blood, and lymph to relieve congestion. Cupping is a modality that may be used to help treat colds and other respiratory conditions. Cupping helps to relieve congestion and gets lymph and blood circulation moving.

When you come in with a cold, I will tailor your acupuncture treatment  specific to your needs.

TONGUE DIAGNOSIS  ACCORDING TO TRADITIONAL CHINESE MEDICINE VIEW

First, it’s important to know what a “normal” tongue looks like – whole tongue is uniform pink in colour with thin white coating and slightly rounded shape.

As you look at your tongue then, check the following regularly, note their location on the tongue, as well as any changes over time:

* Colour of the tongue body, including red prickles or black dots
* Coating on the tongue surface
* Colour, thickness, dryness or moistness of the coating
* Shape of the tongue
* Fissures/cracks in the tongue
* Movement of the tongue

                                                     PULSE DIAGNOSIS

Pulse diagnosis is based on another microsystem with internal organs represented on the wrists. Once the Chinese practitioner has questioned the patient and looked at the tongue, it is time for pulse diagnosis.. The doctor will use three fingers to take the patient's pulse at three positions on each wrist simultaneously, and will judge the pulse according to 28 variables. He will first use only light pressure against the patient's wrist, then increase it. The light pressure allows the doctor to check one specific organ, the increased pressure another one. Every organ's status can be monitored by the quality of the pulse. The doctor can, among other things, feel if the organ lacks energy, or the energy has stagnated, if there is a lack of ‘blood', or if a pathogenic factor has invaded the organ.

PULSE LEFT ORGAN POSITIONS            LUNGS/LARGE INTESTINE,    LIVER/GALL BLADDE ,    KIDNEY YIN                                                       

PULSE RIGH ORGANS  POSITIONS       HEART,    SPLEEN/STOMACH,    KIDNEY YANG   

                                     ACUPUNCTURE FOR ADDICTION

Acupuncture is increasingly used for addiction. In fact, one specific type of acupuncture, called auricular acupuncture which  involves inserting needles in the outer part of the ear to help quiet symptoms of withdrawal.

The NADA Protocol *National Acupuncture Detoxification Association involves the gentle placement of up to five small, sterilised disposable needles into specific sites on each ear.

The recipients sit quietly in a group setting for 30-45 minutes allowing the treatment to take effect.

For example NADA Acupuncture Protocol helps to quit smoking by;

Reducing cravings: Acupuncture slows down the body's stress response which can help curb your cravings for nicotine, especially in the earliest stages of withdrawal when you're also battling fatigue and irritability. "Instead of smoking, your body learns to rest, relax and breathe deeply

Releasing feel-good hormones: Acupuncture triggers the brain to pump out feel-good chemicals called endorphins that can help stabilise your mood and mitigate irritability  promoting relaxation. Also it can further help in alleviating your fatigue, anxiety, restlessness.

Enhancing overall health and well-being: When you start eliminating unhealthy habits, you feel physically better. And when you feel physically better, you may feel empowered to pick up other healthy habits.

  "Acupuncture, particularly in conjunction with other treatment options and complementary modalities like physical exercise, yoga,  meditation etc, allows you to be more aware of your breathing and the body to reset itself, plus learn how to relax in the midst of a craving.

 Benefits of NADA

• Reduced cravings for alcohol and drugs, including nicotine

• Minimised withdrawal symptoms

• Increased calmness, helps with Insomnia for a better sleep 

• less agitation and irritability

• Relief from general stress, anxiety and emotional trauma PTSD

• An easier connection with counselling

• A discovery of inner quiet and strength

ACUPUNCTURE AND STRESS

Everyone is affected by stress. There is almost no escaping it these days. Whether it is from an external stressor, such as work, family, friends or relationships, a physical stressor such as lack of exercise, poor diet or disease symptoms or a psychological stressor such as anxiety or depression, we all suffer.

Prolonged stress like  feeling overwhelmed, irritable, anxious, difficulty concentrating and making decisions, headaches and migraines, tension and pain, sleep problems, lethargy and appetite changes. Long-term stress can lead to heart conditions and is implicated in most chronic inflammatory diseases.

Acupuncture, on the other hand, has no long-term risks associated with it and has been proven to be safe. Acupuncture direct effects on stress shows positive effects for related conditions, such as: insomnia, anxiety and depression, aches and pains, headaches and migraines, post traumatic stress disorders, digestive issue, skin issues etc

Acupuncture has been used to treat stress and related conditions for centuries. It was known to do so by balancing the mind and body and restoring physiological and physiological functioning.

                             -Internal injury caused by the seven emotions-

                                            A Traditional Chinese Medicine view

Mental Activity and Organ: Specific Emotions to Specific Organs according to chinese medicine view

Emotions are classified into seven classes in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM): 

Joy, anger, anxiety, contemplation, grief, fear and fright. 

The seven emotions refer to the human mental activities. In TCM, the seven emotions directly affect the corresponding organs to bring on diseases. 

This is known as “internal injury caused by the seven emotions”: 

Excessive joy impairs the heart; 

Anger impairs the liver; 

Grief impair the lung, 

Anxiety, worry and over thinking impairs the spleen, 

Fright and fear impair the kidney. 

The internal organs are strongly affected by the emotions.  An explanation about this notion is that the abnormal mental activities influence the circulation of Qi, which is one of the fundamental substances maintaining life activities.  To be more concrete, “

Anger causes the Qi to ascend: 

Joy makes the Qi sluggish; 

Sorrow makes the Qi consumed; 

Fear induces the Qi to dissipate; 

Fright results in disorder of the Qi; 

Anxiety brings about the depression of the Qi.” 

The dysfunction in ascending and descending of Qi will lead to changes in breathing rhythms.  Researchers do have found that breathing rhythms can change in response to changes in emotions, such as sadness, happiness, anxiety or fear. This may open a door for research that could link specific emotions to specific organs as every organ has its own natural frequency.  Harmony in seven emotions is the best medicine: 

A certain organ is closely related to a certain emotional activity

-The heart corresponds to joy in the emotions. 

-The lungs correspond to grief in the emotions. 

-The liver corresponds to anger in the emotions. 

-The spleen corresponds to anxiety and contemplation in the emotions. 

-The kidney corresponds to fright and fear in the emotions

. This traditional notion might offer a different way of thinking about how to treat diseases: cancer, diabetes, Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, Leukaemia, Hodgkin’s disease, heart failure, lung failure, coronary artery disease, osteoporosis, hypertension, mental disorders, suicide, etc. 

Harmony in seven emotions is the best medicine to protect the corresponding organs from getting hurt. 

Sudden, strong, long emotional stimuli will cause dysfunction of Qi, blood and the organs, hence Abstract In Traditional Chinese Medicine, the seven emotions, namely joy, anger, anxiety, contemplation, grief, fear and fright, directly affect the corresponding organs to bring on diseases.

This is known as “internal injury caused by the seven emotions”. This traditional notion may offer a different way of thinking about how to treat diseases. 

Breathing rhythms can change in response to changes in emotions, such as sadness, happiness, anxiety or fear. 

This may open a door for research that could link specific emotions to specific organs as every organ has its own natural frequency. 

Therefore, a Chinese medicine practitioner treats the underlying cause of emotional maladjustment of patients first, bodies the second and the diseases lastly.

                            Acupuncture For Joints and Muscles

Acupuncture is particularly useful in treating back and neck pain, muscle and joint problems and headaches. Such musculoskeletal conditions can be treated very successfully as it not only alleviates pain, but reduces muscle spasm, and inflammation thereby increasing mobility.

 Acupuncture For upper Back Pain

The back is the structure that supports most of our daily activities. Over time and through repetitive use we develop postures that are not as capable of adapting to stresses as they need to be. Muscular strain occurs and is the most common form of back discomfort. It is the most predominant back pain early on. These patterns become ingrained in us and if left unattended become more problematic in later years. The muscular system of the back is intended to be a balanced entity. When this balance is altered stresses are unable to be absorbed and distributed producing pain patterns.  Acupuncture points release the muscles along your thoracic and cervical spine as well as those big trigger points that ball up along your traps and shoulder blades.  Acupuncture works because it decreases inflammation and swelling while relaxing muscle spasms.  The best part about acupuncture is that it also raises your endorphin levels and diminishes the nervous system’s pain response giving you long-term relief from pain.  This also results in you feeling very relaxed and much less irritable.  

 ACUPUNCTURE FOR neck PAIN

Neck pain is a common condition which can be experienced on one or both sides of the neck and can often also affect the back of the skull or upper back. It can have a variety of causes such as keeping your head in an awkward position causing your joints to ‘lock’ into place causing pain and limited range of movement. A sudden jolt can also have this same effect as well as very medical conditions and in some cases headaches, something which acupuncture can also assist with.

Acupuncture aims to help relieve neck pain by stimulating the neck muscles through precise accupoints. This will help to lessen the pain and reduce muscle spasms in the neck area, promoting relaxation and an overall mental and physical wellbeing. It can also help to improve blood flow and circulation which will aid in preventing future neck pain and ease muscle contractions.

Acupuncture for Knee Pain

Acupuncture helps relieve knee pain by targeting the muscles and trigger points that are causing the pain. By inserting fine needles into specific points in the affected muscles and tissues, acupuncture and dry needling can stimulate the body's natural healing response, reduce inflammation, improve blood flow, and promote muscle relaxation.

Moreover, studies have shown that acupuncture can effectively reduce knee pain and improve physical function in individuals with knee osteoarthritis and running injuries. The treatment is safe, minimally invasive, and can be used as a complementary therapy alongside conventional medical treatments.

Acupuncture For Sport Injuries

All patients, and particularly athletes or other physically active individuals, may benefit from acupuncture’s muscle-cueing, motor pattern influences to address the faulty body mechanics that predispose one to injury. This holds for acute injury with an abrupt onset as well as insidious inflammatory conditions. In truth, many so-called “over-use” injuries are really “improper-use” injuries that require retraining movements and skills to avoid mechanically stressing structural weak spots. Acupuncture can facilitate this retraining. Acupuncture also plays a role in retraining the body after injury, to restore proper movement patterns.

A popular sports injury is sprains and strains. Acupuncture’s anti-inflammatory effects may benefit acutely injured muscle, tendon, or ligament. All patients, and particularly athletes and physically active individuals, may benefit from acupuncture’s muscle-cueing, motor pattern influences to address the faulty body mechanics that predispose one to injury.

Acupuncture For Inflammation/Swelling

Acupuncture can address inflammation and swelling both directly and indirectly. Local needling at the site of inflammation engages the inflammatory agents directly through histamine released in the tissue. Once the cascade of chemical reactions thus triggered plays itself out (over a few days), a net anti-inflammatory influence is realized, frequently accompanied by a decrease in swelling and pain from pre-treatment levels. Moreover, a skilled acupuncturist can achieve additional gains through targeted cueing and/or inhibition of muscular tone in areas where the patient’s own soft tissue generates mechanical strain on the inflamed tissue. This latter process can be critical to resolving long-term, well established chronic inflammatory conditions.

Inflammatory conditions, whether a tendonitis, regional muscular pattern, internal organ or joint presentation can be addressed by acupuncture. Not all of the physiology is well understood but studies have shown that with the application of acupuncture there is a production of cortisol, the body’s natural steroid, in the adrenal gland. This, along with a general easing of reactivity in the peripheral nervous system, combine to aid in the resolution of inflammatory disorders.

Lower back pain  or lumbago

Lower back pain (LBP) or lumbago is a condition that affects 80-85% of individuals at least once during their lifetime. Lumbago is defined as nonspecific lower back pain or discomfort located in the lumbar region of the spine, an area located between the twelfth rib and iliac crest of the back. It can be further characterised as acute or chronic. The pain and discomfort may be on one or both sides, mild or severe; sharp or dull; achy or stiff; occasional or constant, and may radiate down the glutes and legs. Chinese medicine treatment involves acupuncture, electro acupuncture stimulation, cupping.

Acupuncture For Sciatica

The sciatic nerve is commonly subject to irritation in two places: first, at the roots of nerves exiting the spine in the lower back before they bundle together to form the sciatic nerve, and second, in the hip region where the sciatic nerve passes through a key structural balance point. Whether the inflammation results from deep spinal structures in the lower back pinching the nerve roots, or from deep rotator muscles of the hip (most frequently the piriformis) squeezing the nerve itself, symptoms may arise all down the length of the nerve pathway, from hip to foot.

Acupuncture is effective in the treatment of this common disorder by releasing the structural restriction in the form of tight muscular patterns and reducing inflammatory agents in your system.

Acupuncture For Arthritis

Arthritis is a common complaint of patients seeking acupuncture. The most common diagnosis within this broad category are those people who suffer with osteoarthritis which is an chronic inflammation and degeneration of the articular cartilage. Most commonly found in the the major weight bearing joints it is also most notable in the joints of the hands and fingers. The cartilage breakdown and inflammation produces spurring in and around the joints.

The acupuncture addresses the inflammation and muscular guarding and tension that occur around the joint spaces. This decrease in tension allows for less irritation in the joints and a marked decrease in pain. Despite the presence of spurring there is substantial evidence to show a marked decrease in pain levels that persist as treatment progresses.

Acupuncture For Chronic Pain

Pain that is unrelenting has many causes. The chronicity of a pain signal can become a cause in and of itself. In the treatment of a chronic pain pattern acupuncture addresses both the underlying cause of the pain as well as the pain signal. This process and response are slower because of the interplay between the injury signal of the tissue and the central nervous system memory of that signal. This approach is also what gives acupuncture its successes in the treatment of these problems.

Acupuncture For Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia is a noninflammatory disorder of the soft tissue. It is usually preceded by traumatic injury, acute illness or emotional trauma in which the normal recovery mechanisms do not operate properly. This results in pain, fatigue, sleep and digestive disorders. 70% of those diagnosed with FMS fit the clinical criteria for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. Acupuncture has been studied and found to be very effective in the treatment of fatigue, pain and sleep in this population. It is also effective in the treatment of digestive disorders related to FMS

How to Treat Dermatitis With Acupuncture and TCM

Itchy skin, dry skin irritation, or skin rash? Dermatitis a broad term that covers many skin problems, including eczema heat rash, diaper rash, and other kinds of skin allergy. Acupuncture and TCM offer a way to treat dermatitis  eczema, and itchy skin conditions.

The medical term “dermatitis” can refer to many types of skin irritation that involve inflammation. Inflamed skin can cause itching, redness, dryness, and rashes. A dermatitis itchy skin rash is caused by an inflammatory response related to the immune system.

Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is a common inflammatory skin condition. Eczema can show up as early as a few weeks after birth in some babies, or during childhood, or during adulthood.

While what exactly causes atopic dermatitis to occur in some people is not completely understood, it is generally accepted that it is a combination of genetic, immunological, and environmental factors.

Dermatitis is not contagious; it is not passed from person to person. However, you are more likely to be susceptible to dermatitis or eczema if other people in your family have it, or if there is a family history of allergies and asthma.

Eczema and other forms of dermatitis tend to “flare up” when a person is exposed to some sort of trigger and has an allergic reaction. This could be due to something in the environment, or some product or plant that touched the person’s skin. It can also be due to internal causes, like an autoimmune problem, excess heat in the body, or emotional stress.

Signs of Dermatitis:

• Itchy dry skin rash skin irritations (pruritus)

• Red rash, red bumps on skin

• Rash like a burn

• Blisters

• Thick skin, hard skin, swelling

• Scaly skin, creasing skin 

• Crusty sores, painful skin sores

• Bleeding rash, oozing skin rash

• Flaking skin (dandruff)

Symptoms of dermatitis can come and go. Scratching at itchy patches or blisters associated with dermatitis can cause a skin infection, so it is important to manage and control this condition.

Acupuncture and TCM herbs can help relieve itchy skin and inflammation, while also helping to balance the immune system to prevent further eczema flare ups.

Can Acupuncture Help Dermatitis and Eczema?

One of the core concepts of TCM  according to which organs of the body correspond with seasons and weather conditions. According to it eczema and other kinds of dermatitis arise due to imbalances within the internal organ systems affected by external conditions, such as Wind and Heat. 

The lungs, especially, are connected to the skin in the TCM system. The lungs can be affected by excess heat or stagnation in the liver. Thus, an itchy red rash on the skin is actually an expression of a deeper, more complex internal condition. Therefore, it is necessary to treat dermatitis and eczema not only with topical creams, but to use acupuncture and herbs to balance all of the organ systems.

The acupuncturist gets clues about which internal organs are out of harmony by observing the eczema symptoms: the type of rash or scaly skin, the color and temperature. Each individual case of dermatitis is unique, triggered by different irritants, and arising from a person’s overall state of health.

Studies showed that acupuncture treatment worked better than antihistamines for helping to reduce the itchiness of atopic dermatitis pruritus. Acupuncture also helps to reduce inflammation and overall stress. So acupuncture for eczema showed the patients who were given acupuncture treatment instead of conventional treatment experienced better overall symptom reduction and quality of life.

                                                     Cupping therapy.

What does it do?

From a Western physiology perspective, cupping loosens connective tissue or fascia and increases blood flow to the surface. Cupping also stimulates tissue relaxation and better cell-to-cell communication.

According to Traditional Chinese Medicine any form of stagnation ( of qi which is  energy and/or blood)  causes pain and disease. Cupping invigorates local circulation of qi and blood in the area being treated, resolving swelling, pain, and tension. By drawing impurities to the surface, it removes toxins.

It has been demonstrated that techniques like cupping, acupuncture, and massage relax tissue and reduce levels of inflammation and so promote healing and increased relaxation.

What are the benefits of cupping?

The benefits of cupping include local pain relief and muscle relaxation. Cupping improves overall health by removing the energy blockages that TCM practitioners identify as barriers to the flow of healthy energy or qi. For example for athletes, cupping may help increase blood flow to a particular muscle region or help reduce pain. 

What does cupping treat?

Commonly used for cough, cold, asthma, digestive issues, muscle skeletal pain, congestions etc.

Cupping could leave red marks on the skin

Cupping could leave red marks on the skin. This is due to bringing blood to the surface, similar to a bruise. So the more stagnation an area has  the darker the mark will appear. Moderate, temporary discomfort is expected as stagnation is removed and connective tissue and muscles are loosened. The marks from cupping can last for a few days up to1 week.

Acupuncture for Plantar Fasciitis

What s Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis involves pain and inflammation of the band of tissue running across the sole of the foot, the plantar fascia. A major cause of heel pain, many people with plantar fasciitis experience severe pain with the first few steps in the morning after getting out of bed. Plantar fasciitis pain is also exacerbated when walking after sitting for an extended period of time. Essentially, the pain becomes intense when placing weight onto the foot. Pain on the posterior aspect of the heel often indicates achilles tendinitis and pain on the underside of the heel is an indicator of plantar fasciitis.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is often caused by tension and stress on the plantar fascia. Repeated pressure may lead to tearing, irritation, and inflammation of the fascia, resulting in pain and decreased foot function.

Although there is no apparent plantar fasciitis cause, some factors may increase the ligament wear and tear risk. For example:

• Age: People between 40 and 60 are more prone to developing plantar fasciitis.

• Exercise: Particular activities, including long-distance running, ballet dancing, or aerobic, may place a lot of stress on your heel and attached tissue, contributing to the onset of this condition.

• Foot mechanics: The way you walk, a high arch, or flat feet may put a lot of stress on the plantar fascia.

• Overweight: Obesity and excess pounds may put extra pressure on the plantar fascia, causing stabbing pain and stiffness.

• Prolonged standing: Teachers, factory workers, and other people who stand on hard surfaces a lot during the day are more likely to experience damage to the plantar fascia.

Acupuncture For Plantar Fasciitis

Acupuncture is characterized by the use of small and thin acupuncture needles gently placed into specific acupoints   By stimulating these points, it encourages energy flow ( Qi ) and blood circulation in the foot and surrounding areas. Other techniques may be used alongside acupuncture, like Electric needle stimulation using a tens machine, Cupping, Moxibustion, Guasha, Massage. Regular foot bath may help to relax the fascia and surrounding muscles.

Acupuncture for Headache and Migraine

Headaches and Migraines

Most people at some stage throughout their lives, experience Headaches or Migraines. There are different causes why they appear.

Headaches are usually fairly mild comparison to migraines

Headaches can affect various parts of the head, depending upon the cause. There are a number of causes of headaches.

- Flu/Cold, Stress, Muscular tension, Bad posture, Dehydration and hunger, Eyesight problems, , Excessive consumption of alcohol, PMS, Periods, Menopause

A migraine is usually a moderate or severe headache felt as a throbbing pain on one side of the head. Many people also have symptoms like nausea, vomiting and increased sensitivity to light or sound. Some people experience only occasional migraines, while others can suffer frequently

Migraines, are caused by temporary narrowing of the blood vessels to the brain. Immediately afterwards the arteries open up, allowing a gush of blood to the brain and causing a severe throbbing pain on one side of the head. There are a number of causes of migraine

Hormonal changes, Emotional triggers, Physical triggers, Dietary triggers., Migraine with aura or without aura

Traditional Chinese Medicine ( TCM ) view 

Traditional Chinese Medicine traces headaches and migraine back to disturbances in the flow of the life energy Qi.

Unblocking the Qi flow

Qi circulates in various energy channels, or meridians. These, in turn, are connected to certain organs to form a functional circle. According to the teachings of TCM, headaches are often related to the meridian that supplies Qi life energy to the functional circle of the liver. TCM treatments for headaches aim to disperse the blockages disrupting the Qi flow in this meridian.

Identify and avoid the causes of pain , Avoid stress and make time to relax , Choose cooling foods if diagnosed with inner heat,   Change eating and drinking habits

Acupuncture for IT Band Syndrome 

IT band syndrome, known as iliotibial band syndrome

What is it?

IT band syndrome, also known as iliotibial band syndrome, is a common overuse injury that affects the iliotibial band, a thick band of fibrous tissue that runs along the outside of the thigh from the hip to the shin. This injury can also be referred as “runners knee”. The injury is often caused by repetitive motions, such as running or cycling, and results in pain, inflammation, and stiffness in the affected area. People with IT band Syndrome will experience:

• Knee pain which can be sharp or dull, (especially on the medial aspect of the knee)

• Tenderness or soreness along the iliotibial band

• Stiffness or a burning sensation in the affected area

• Pain or discomfort when going up or down stairs

• Swelling or inflammation on the outside of the knee

• Pain that worsens with activity, particularly with running, cycling, or other repetitive motions

• Pain that improves with rest