In Chinese Medicine Qi and blood need to flow unimpeded within the meridians. Disruption in this process can cause stagnation. It can also allow wind, cold and damp etc, to invade the channels. The result is blockage, which leads to pain, discomfort, limitation of movement, inflammation, and impairment.
What can Acupuncture and TCM do?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L7dI6syzdtM&feature=related
Increases the flow of qi and blood to the site of pain / injury.
Reduces swelling.
Cools inflammation.
Relieves pain.
Improves range of motion.
Speeds up recovery time.
http://tcm.health-info.org/WHO-treatment-list.htm#_pain
What can we treat?
Arthritis, Back pain, Muscle and joint problems, Rheumatism, Sciatica, Sports injuries, Gout, Frozen shoulder, Sciatica, Tennis elbow, Fibromyalgia, Fasciitis, Tendonitis, Osteo arthritis, Trigeminal neuralgia, Sprain, Post operative pain, Pain of all sorts.
Rheumatoid Arthritis – A chronic inflammatory disorder which effects the lining of the joints. It is an autoimmune disorder. Causes are unknown, but genetic factors may have some bearing. Acupuncture can reduce pain and inflammation, improve the immune system, and help prevent further progression.
http://www.castanet.net/news/Needle-Notes/63502/Rheumatoid-Arthritis
Shin splints – Acupuncture has a 72% success rate in the treatment of shin splints.
http://www.live-pr.com/en/research-on-acupuncture-treatment-for-r1049040114.htm
Osteo Arthritis – Caused by the cartilage in the joints wearing away. Acupuncture can reduce the pain of Osteo arthritis in the knees, by 40% and increase mobility by 40%.
http://www.boulder-colorado-acupuncture.com/arthritis.html
Tennis elbow – Acupuncture can reduce the pain of Tennis elbow by 70%.
http://www.jcm.co.uk/research-archive/article/acupuncture-and-tennis-elbow-782/
Shoulder pain – Acupuncture is an effective treatment for chronic shoulder pain.
Plantar Fasciitis – Inflammation of the layer of the tissue which supports the arch of the foot. An area that is prone to injury especially amongst runners. Acupuncture can heal this injury.
http://www.runnersworld.com/article/0,7120,s6-241-286–11417-0,00.html
Neck pain – 1753 people with chronic neck pain were randomly chosen to receive Acupuncture treatments, over 3 months. Results showed significant improvement in pain and quality of life.
http://www.jcm.co.uk/research-archive/article/acupuncture-for-neck-pain-149/
Celebrity athletes are using Acupuncture to treat a variety of injuries.
http://www.healthcmi.com/index.php/acupuncturist-news-online/65-athletesacupuncturesports200747346
Back pain – Many people have suffered with back pain. It can be both painful and debilitating. A study involving over 14,000 people with low back pain, showed greater success with acupuncture treatments, compared to standard medical treatment.
Acupuncture consultation
The initial visit involves a comprehensive consultation. This includes, tongue, pulse, and facial diagnosis, diet, nutrition and lifestyle assessment, past and present medical history. Depending on your diagnosis a treatment plan will be devised for you. Your treatment plan may include the following –
Acupuncture treatments.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WzMUhD8hecU&feature=relateda
Chinese Herbal Formulas
Have been used to treat painful conditions for thousands of years. Depending on your diagnosis, a specific formula may be valuable to your recovery. Here are some examples –
Xiao huo luo dan
Used to treat fixed or migrating pain in the bones and joints, with limited mobility.
http://tcm.health-info.org/formulas/singles/Xiao%20Huo%20Luo%20Dan.htm
Fu yuan huo xue tang
Treats pain due to traumatic injury.
http://tcm.health-info.org/formulas/singles/Fu%20Yuan%20Huo%20Xue%20Tang.htm
Du huo ji sheng tang
Alleviates pain and stiffness, especially in the lower back.
http://tcm.health-info.org/formulas/singles/Du%20Huo%20Ji%20Sheng%20Tang.htm
Diet – In most painful conditions there are varying degrees of inflammation. Foods which increase inflammation should be avoided, eg, sugar, sweets, cakes, biscuits, saturated fats , full fat dairy produce. Food allergies / intolerance’s can also trigger pain and inflammation. A food allergy / intolerance test may be advised. It is also important to maintain a healthy weight. Excess weight puts pressure on the joints etc, slowing recovery. The anti inflammatory diet is weight friendly. Foods which help inflammation include – oily fish, fresh fruit and vegetables, peppers, sweet potatoes, etc.
http://nutritiondiva.quickanddirtytips.com/foods-that-fight-inflammation.aspx
Exercise decreases inflammation. It also improves health and well being. Find something you can do that will not aggravate your condition, eg, water aerobics, walking, stationary bike, etc.
http://www.lifetimefitness.com/magazine/index.cfm?strWebAction=article_detail&intArticleId=270
Nutrition and Herbs
It is important that your diet contains the right amounts of nutrition, to maintain good health. Depending on your condition, specific nutrition, herbs, and food supplements can improve painful conditions. Examples include –
Omega 3 – Reduces inflammation throughout the body. Reduces pain and stiffness. Improves stamina and mobility. Alleviates muscle and joint soreness.
http://www.minami-nutrition.com/website/docs/PR_Omega-3%20in%20active%20sportspeople020610_EU.pdf
Vit D – Is deficient in many diets. Known as the sunshine vitamin, it is difficult to maintain adequate levels in climates like Ireland. Low levels of vitamin D are associated with chronic musculoskeletal pain, limb pain, and low back pain.
Vit B3 – Improves joint mobility and reduces inflammation.
Glucosamine and Chondroitin – Maintain joint health, renew and repair joint cartilage, and maintain the lubricating properties around the joints. They are widely used in the treatment of arthritis conditions.
http://www.vitabiotics.com/Jointace/500.aspx?gclid=CJyK5qX9xqoCFRJc4QodfTip0A
Willow Bark – An antioxidant, which works in multiple complex ways, to reduce pain.
Boswellia – A plant medicine, which effectively reduces pain and inflammation.
Bromelain – Reduces edema and inflammation.
For further information and contra indications etc, click on the link below.
http://www.eorthopod.com/content/chronic-pain-and-nutrition
