Dublin Acupuncture & Allergy Testing Clinic
A study done by the National Institutes of Health NIH showed that electro-acupuncture “inhibits osteoarthritis-induced pain by enhancing 5-HT2A/2C [serotonin] receptor activity.” Activation of this serotonin receptor produces powerful anti-inflammatory effects.
The article is from the Healthcare Medical Institute http://www.healthcmi.com/index.php/acupuncturist-news-online/437-acupuncturearthritispainserotonin
A new study done by Yale Universtity/University of Pittsburg, has shown a 30% reduction in hot flushes suffered by women as a result of their chemotherapy treatment of breast cancer. The acupuncture points that were used are traditional ones used for treating hot flushes and menapausal symptoms. The study found there was “a significant difference in the average physical quality of life” during acupuncture treatment. It has long since been widely accepted that acupuncture is an effective treatment of menapausal symptoms in general.
This article is from Continuing Education Online – Healthcare Medicine Institute.
A review of studies was carried out. Data from 13 trials was considered. 9 were based on acupuncture treatment and 4 on acupressure. The conclusions included the following:
So all of this is very promising. It was concluded that more research into acupuncture for Labour pain relief was indicated. The full results can be viewed on PubMed here…
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21735441
The “New England Journal of Medicine” recently published an article which states that acupuncture and ginger may be beneficial to women suffering with nausea and vomitting in pregnancy. The article is from the Health Care Medical Institute. Anything that helps morning sickness has to be a good thing!
Evidence is now sugesting that acupuncture can help with certain types of infertility. This is an interesting article by Hilary Easmom highlighting this. Acupuncture is increasingly becoming thought of as main stream treatment of fertility issues. Acupuncture can be used in conjunction with Chinese Herbs. This article highlights the potential for acupuncture and chinese herbs in the treatment of recurrent miscarriage, high FSH levels, hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism. It can also help improve conditions such as endometriosis.
Here is an interesting article, on a holistic approach to the treatment of fibromyalgia. It was written by Dr Wang and published by preweb.com. Fibromyalgia is a debilitating condition presenting with aches and pains, insomnia, headaches, fatigue, tingling and numbness. One of the things this article focuses on how effective acupuncture is for pain management.
http://www.prweb.com/releases/2011/7/prweb8624184.htm
OK so while this link is not directly related to our area of expertise I found it fascinating all the same! Be sure to check out the short Youtube clip with the article. It just shows how versatile acupuncture can be and great to see it being recognised in this way. The link is from Dod Emerging Media in US http://www.dodlive.mil/index.php/2011/06/acupuncture-pinpointing-tbi-treatment/
The article and clip show how acupuncture is being used to treat PTSD (post traumatic stress disorder) in US Troops in the field in Afghanistan. Fascinating to think of it being used in field hospitals!
Acupuncture first developed during the Chou dynasty (1030 BC to 221 BC) of Chinese history, as a system of therapy involving the needling of precise points on the body derived from the philosophical concepts of humanity and its relationship to the natural environment.
The Warring States period (480 BC to 221 BC) of the Chou dynasty was particularly important for the incorporation of two major philosophical ideologies into the mainstream of Chinese thought, Confucianism and Daoism.
One of the main beliefs of Confucianism was the sacrosanct completeness of the human body. The Dao of Daoism literally means the ‘Way’ to an integrated harmony of human beings with the forces of the natural world. The cyclic rhythm of these forces naturally balance and complement each other to create an environment favourable to life. The traditional concepts of Chinese medicine derived from Daoism maintain the necessity for regulation of each person’s essential bodily processes to accord with the need for natural harmony.
Acupuncture, as a means of treating internal disease with external techniques, evolved as a necessary and important adjunct to these beliefs.
Fundamental to acupuncture, and to Chinese philosophy in general, is the concept of energy. This energy, which seems to correspond to fluctuations in the body’s electro-magnetic field, is described as flowing along discrete pathways near the surface of the skin according to a diurnal cycle.
Each pathway or channel of energy corresponds to a particular organ. Acupuncture points are specific locations on the channel that may be needled to affect the balance of its energy and thereby regulate the function of its corresponding organ.
Evaluation of the exact nature and degree of energy imbalance resulting in disease is the aim of traditional Chinese diagnostic procedures. These involve precise sequential consideration of data obtained by clinical observation, interrogation (to obtain a detailed case history), palpation of the pulses and tongue diagnosis.
Diagnostic information is applied by the practitioner to select a small number of appropriate points for needling according to a complex set of criteria and priorities.
Acupuncture has shown itself to be a remarkably effective and safe form of therapy when applied with a rigorous adherence to traditional Chinese medical concepts by well-trained practitioners.
Western and Chinese scientists are currently undertaking research into the scientific basis of acupuncture. Though the exact mechanisms of acupuncture are not fully understood from a Western scientific viewpoint, traditional acupuncture remains an effective modality, distinct from all others in its unique philosophical and physiological comprehension of life.
Recent research now indicates that acupuncture causes the body to produce endorphins, the body’s natural pain reliever. Research also shows that it can have beneficial effects on the body’s immune system and endocrine system.
Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine have been around for over 3,000 years. It has been proven to help in the treatment of many conditions. It is also extremely useful as a treatment of preventative medicine. At our clinics we take a holistic approach to all conditions and patients.
When you arrive for your initial consultation, the therapist will take a detailed case history. It is useful if you have brought a list of medications that you are taking with you. Please include a list of any vitamin, mineral, herbal or homeopathic supplements that you are currently taking. It is important that you disclose all medical history to the therapist as it will effect the acupuncture points chosen to treat you and the type of treatment used. All information is strictly confidential and the therapists are strictly bound by a code of ethics from the TCMCI (Traditional Chinese Medicine Council of Ireland).
The therapist will then examine your pulses and your tongue. Traditional Chinese Medicine believe that a huge amount can be learned from both a patient’s tongue and pulses and they give vital information about the state of health and assist in forming a Chinese Medicine Diagnosis.
Acupuncture will be explained to you in relation to your condition and where possible the number of visits needed, will be discussed. However, the number of visits, are often easier to predict at the 2nd or 3rd visit when the therapist can judge how quickly the patient is reacting. An acupuncture treatment is usually given in the first visit. All acupuncture needles used by our clinic are disposable as is required by the code of ethics enforced by the TCMCI. If you enter any clinic and see they do not use disposable needles then leave immediately. There is no excuse for this and shouldn’t happen in Ireland.
The use of Chinese Herbs will be discussed where appropriate. Diet and Lifestyle are also assessed where necessary. For example if a patient is being treated for a shoulder problem, other areas will be discussed such as suitability of workstations or triggers of repetitive injuries. If possible the trigger or cause of injuries should be addressed.
If it is the opinion of the therapist that other therapies will benefit, then they will be recommended.
