DAATC

Dublin Acupuncture & Allergy Testing Clinic

GET RID OF PERIOD PAIN ONCE AND FOR ALL

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For many women period pains are the bane of their existence. At least one day per month, they find themselves laid up, coping with pain that ranges anywhere from mildly inconvenient to borderline unbearable. They have accepted this unfortunate pattern as unavoidable, their penance for opting against birth-control pills. It doesn’t have to be this way. Women really can have their cake and eat it too: Acupuncture gets rid of menstrual cramps once and for all, no Pill required.

http://acutakehealth.com/get-rid-of-period-cramps-once-and-for-all

Acupuncture and the management of dysmenorrhea pain/painful periods:

In a controlled test over a year, a group of women were split into 4 groups. Only group 1 were given acupuncture for dysmenorrhea pain. 90.9% of group 1 showed a reduction in pain. Conclusion: Acupuncture can help to reduce pain in primary dysmennorrhea.

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DO YOU SUFFER FROM ACUTE OR CHRONIC PAIN???

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DO YOU SUFFER FROM ACUTE OR CHRONIC PAIN???

Acute pain, which often starts quickly, may be caused by an infection, accident or surgery. Chronic pain, on its part, could be the result of a specific condition and often fails to diminish with conventional therapies. Even the passage of time fails to overcome it. Whether acute or chronic, pain is a warning sign that something is wrong.

Help is however available through acupuncture.

http://www.sbwire.com/press-releases/the-healing-acupuncture-center-says-acupuncture-is-now-officially-an-effective-pain-reliever-131114.htm

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ACUPUNCTURE NEWS

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Do you suffer from high BP??

 researched by Joanne Mc Govern – Dip Ac., Lic Ac., Dip. Chinese Herbs, Dip. Nutritional Advisor, Dip Stress Management.

http://acupunctureandallergytesting.blogspot.com/2012/02/joanne-mc-govern-chinese-herbalist.html

 

 

 

 

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chronic fatigue and tcm

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Chronic fatigue syndrome, or CFS, is a condition that causes severe feelings of tiredness. It is not known how many people live with CFS, but one study in the US estimated the number to be between 75 and 265 people for every 100,000 in the general population. CFS is observed in women far more than in men. However, it may be that women are more likely to seek help and report their symptoms more often than men. The condition varies a great deal and can last several months, or it can persist for more than a decade.

 symptoms may include

Poor concentration Short-term memory problems Joint and muscle pain Flu-like symptoms,Tender lymph nodes Headache Word-finding problems Impairment of speech Blurring,Sensitivity to light, sound or odours, Depression Diarrhoea and/or constipation, Irritability, Anxiety, Panic attacks, Personality changes, Mood swings, Dizziness, Sensitivity to heat and/or cold, Irregular heartbeat, Chest pains, Ringing in the ears, Muscle twitching.

Other factors known to increase a person’s risk of developing CFS include

An overworked, “stressed immune system caused by recent acute illness, chronic health problems, emotional factors (anxiety, depression), and/or poor nutrition. Exposure to certain environmental pollutants and contaminants.High levels of oxidative damage caused by free radical exposure. Uncontrolled, chronic inflammation within the body caused by toxicity, leaky gut, poor diet, autoimmunity or allergies. Extreme and/or prolonged emotional stress.

There are numerous disorders associated with CFS, eg Lupus, and Fybromyalgia, 

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and TCM

As with all diseases, the TCM approach to CFS is individualised to each patient; treatment begins with a detailed consultation in which the therapist discusses all aspects of a patient’s health, takes their pulse and looks at the tongue which can provide a wealth of information about the inner workings of the body. This enables the therapist to come to some understanding of how the patient’s Qi is impaired and how to redress their natural inner balance.

Often CFS patients are suffering from what is known in TCM as a ‘Retained Pathogen’. This is an originally external pathogen which has invaded the body and is lurking inside. ‘Pathogen’ here means an energetic entity which blocks the free flow of Qi; this is something more subtle than the western concepts of bacteria or virus, although it may well come along with them. It is conceptualised by analogy with climatic factors; just as extreme weather inhibits natural processes outside, so pathogens have the same effect in the body.

The patient may or may not have experienced acute symptoms when the pathogen invaded, and although any symptoms will have abated, the pathogen has not been expelled. This might be due to not taking time to recover properly after the illness, to constitutional weakness, or to exposure to damaging climatic conditions. It may also be due to the use of antibiotics, which kill the bacteria but trap the pathogen.

This retained pathogen is typically ‘Damp’ and/or ‘Heat’. Damp in TCM refers to a build up of bodily fluids which are not metabolised and circulated properly. It causes heaviness, lethargy, poor concentration and dull headaches. It can easily interfere with the digestion, leading to symptoms such as bloating and weight gain. Damp is difficult to move – hence the chronic nature of CFS – and it often combines with Heat which can  interfere with sleep patterns, and cause symptoms such as excess sweating and a sore throat.

In this situation treatment will aim to ‘drain’ Damp from the body and clear Heat if necessary. This will involve the use of acupuncture points specific to these tasks as well as herbal therapy if appropriate. Appropriate dietary choices will be encouraged; certain foods can help to clear Damp or Heat, whilst others can exacerbate the symptoms.

http://tlc.howstuffworks.com/family/how-to-treat-fatigue-with-traditional-chinese-medicine.htm

 DOES DIET MATTER?

Diet can be a huge part of CFS. All aspects of the diet needs to be examined. This includes, food intolerance’s, nutritional deficiencies, poor eating habits, and weather nutrition and energy are being absorbed from the foods your eating.


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

EASY TIPS FOR PLANNING A HEALTHY D…:

Foods such as white bread, white pasta, white potatoes and rice are rated high on the glycemic index. When these types of food are eaten in abundance and often, they tend to elicit a state of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). Symptoms of hypoglycemia include fatigue, moodiness and mental fogginess. Selecting lower glycemic index grains such as whole grains that have not been refined (e.g., kamut, spelt or 100 per cent whole wheat), sweet potatoes and brown rice will help to keep your energy up and weight down. As a general rule, check the nutrition facts label — a good bread will contain 2 to 3 grams of fibre per slice.

Not only is green tea loaded with antioxidants and a terrific addition to any weight-loss program, it also contains natural caffeine that fights fatigue, as it mimics the same feelings you get from coffee. Looking to quit or decrease your morning java? Turn to some delicious green tea to avoid coffee withdrawals and keep energy up.Eating the right amount of protein helps to balance blood sugar, which in turn avoids energy fluctuations. Optimal sources of protein are those that are lower in saturated fat, such as low-fat dairy products (yogurt, cottage cheese, low-fat cheese), chicken, fish, turkey, soy and egg whites. On average, men need approximately 5 to 7 ounces of protein per meal while women need approximately 4 to 6 ounces of protein per meal. For an approximate measurement technique, the palm of your hand (without fingers or thumb) is equivalent to 3 ounces of protein.When selecting your foods, try to make your plate look as colourful as a pack of Crayola markers. Nature is very wise and has made our healthiest food — loaded with nutrients and vitamins — bright and beautiful. Tomatoes, blueberries, raspberries, broccoli, sweet potatoes, carrots, oranges and spinach are just a few of the nutritional superstars that will leave you feeling full of life. iron  There are two sources of iron in food:One is  found in iron-enriched cereal, dark green leafy vegetables, beans, nuts, seeds and some dried fruit. The other is found in red meats.

http://acupunctureandallergytesting.blogspot.ie/2012/09/healthy-eating-easy-tips-for-planning.html?spref=bl

 

TREATMENT

  There are numerous causes to this condition. Some are not known. It is therefore imperitive to look at all aspects. Diet, Lifestyle, Nutrition Levels, Stress, food intolerances, etc       

Depending on the results, a treatment plan will  be advised for you. This may involve exclusion diet (for allergies / intolerances )  acupuncture / needle free acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, nutrition diet and lifestyle changes.

 Any exclusion diet will be fully explained and include recommendations for alternative foods.   All consultations are strictly private and by appointment 

 Joanne Mc Govern – Dip Ac., Lic Ac., Dip. Chinese Herbs, Dip. Nutritional Advisor, Dip Stress Management.

 


 





 

 


 


 


 


 

 

 

 

 

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ACUPUNCTURE CAN IMPROVE DEMENTIA

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Researchers conclude that acupuncture is beneficial for the treatment of vascular dementia. Vascular dementia is caused by brain damage due to impaired blood flow to the brain. This is common after a stroke or a series of mini-strokes. Any condition that damages blood vessels that feed oxygen and nutrients to the brain may cause vascular dementia.

The study compared scalp acupuncture with standard body acupuncture. In this multi-center randomized controlled clinical trial, 184 subjects with vascular dementia due to Liver and Kidney deficiency received either scalp acupuncture or body acupuncture. The scalp acupuncture group showed significantly greater improvements in cognition than the body style acupuncture group. Social behavior scores improved significantly in both hthe body style and scalp acupuncture groups. TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) differential diagnostic conditions improved significantly in both acupuncture groups as did the ADL (Activities of Daily Living) score. Overall, scalp acupuncture received higher improvement scores due to its ability to improve cognition. The researchers concluded that scalp acupuncture substantially improves the overall condition of patients with vascular dementia including cognition, activities of daily living, TCM signs and symptoms, mental state and social behavior.

  Joanne Mc Govern – Dip Ac., Lic Ac., Dip. Chinese Herbs, Dip. Nutritional Advisor, Dip Stress Management Consultant.

 

 

 

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IVF AND ACUPUNCTURE

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In vitro fertilisation (known as IVF) is the name given to a technique where eggs are fertilised with sperm outside the body, usually in a test tube. It is widely practised throughout the world and has enabled many couples to successfully conceive and give birth.

 IVF can be an emotional roller coaster for the people involved. It is physically invasive and puts a mental and physical toll on the body.  Success rates vary, but the average is  26%. It is expensive, and more than one cycle may be required.

 Acupuncture can enhance the IVF experience, and improve the success rates. It is recommended by many professionals eg,  Deborah Betts, Clane Fertility Clinic, The British Medical Journal,  Zita West, and the Dublin Acupuncture And Allergy Testing Clinic,  to name but a few.

Acupuncture has been endorsed by the WHO. And is covered by all major health insurance.

 Inspiring stories

http://community.babycentre.co.uk/post/a726775/about_to_start_acupuncture_any_success_stories

Written and researched by Joanne Mc Govern – Dip Ac., Lic Ac., Dip. Chinese Herbs, Dip. Nutritional Advisor, Dip Stress Management Consultant.

http://acupunctureandallergytesting.blogspot.com/

 

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Irritable Bowel Syndrome

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By Beverly Mc Govern  Dip. Ac., Lic. Ac.,  ITEC., IFR., Dip. Chinese Herbs, Dip. Nutritional Advisor,

 

What is Irritable Bowel Syndrome?

This syndrome is a very upsetting and common condition.  Also known as Spastic Colon.  It occurs because the muscles that lie in the gut or intestines don’t function properly causing irritation, spasm and pain.  Erratic contractions of the wall of the intestines causes normal peristalsis movement (wave like action that propels food through the digestive system) to become irregular.  The illeocaecal valve (valve in the bowel) is also prone to spasmodic attacks.  Bowels may not empty properly and faeces can be like rabbit like pellets.  In severe cases blood may also be seen in the bowel motion/stool.

The symptoms are Diarrhoea, Constipation, Flatulence, Cramps & Spasms, Irritation and Inflammation of the intestines, Low back pain and Haemorrhoids.  There is no known organic reason for this condition but the following can affect it:  Stress, Diet, Lifestyle, Food Intolerances and Nutritional Deficiencies.

What Can help it?

I would recommend finding out if there are any food intolerance or vitamin and mineral deficiencies by simple testing.  The tests are pain free and provide instant results.  But lifestyle also must be examined.  Stress over a long period of time can cause a person to be deficient in certain B Vitamins.  If there is ongoing diarrhoea then a person may well be magnesium and other minerals deficient.  Inflammation and irritation in the intestines responds well to specific Chinese Herbs.

For severe constipation it is very important that the food is chewed well, that sufficient water is being consumed and that regular healthy eating habits are adhered to.  A healthy lifestyle is also paramount.  This should include enough sleep and regular activity eg: walking, swimming, etc.  Stress can be another big factor in Irritable Bowel Syndrome and it is important to address it.  This may involve lifestyle changes, specific acupuncture treatments, nutritional supplementation, stress management and dietary changes.

Where there are food intolerances, a food exclusion diet would usually be recommended.  That is where an intolerance test pin points certain offending foods and they are then excluded from the diet for a short period of time.  In my experience 80% of Irritable Bowel Syndrome cases are food related to some degree.  IBS is no longer a condition that you have to suffer in silence.  It can be helped.

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Detox to Boost Fertility?

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This is something that we support in our clinic.  It is something we cover in our initial consultation for anyone trying to conceive or hoping to start in the near future.  This article is from the Sydney Morning Herald and is by Michelle Bridges who is an author and a trainer on “The Biggest Loser”.  Our clinic would agree and employ most of the advice in this article.

http://www.smh.com.au/lifestyle/wellbeing/detox-to-boost-fertility-20110712-1hbe4.html

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