Acupuncture is one of the fastest growing fields in medicine right now as it provides real solutions to health issues, without the side effects of pharmaceuticals.

Here’s a link to an interesting article and video by The Wall Street Journal about acupuncture and Chinese Medicine.  It’s pretty well done and gives some good information.

New research published in Nature Neuroscience in July of 2010 shows that acupuncture can increase the body’s levels of adenosine, which has the ability to reduce pain.  Here’s a link to a BBC Health News article about that study.  And, here’s the link to the study in Nature Neuroscience.

According to the University of Chicago Medical Center, attention has been focused on the following theories to further explain how acupuncture affects the body:

• Conduction of electromagnetic signals
  Evidence suggests that acupuncture points are strategic conductors of electromagnetic signals. Stimulating these points enables electromagnetic signals to be relayed at greater-than-normal rates. These signals may start the flow of pain-killing biochemicals, such as endorphins, or release immune system cells to specific body sites.
• Activation of the body’s natural opioid system
  Considerable research supports the claim that acupuncture releases opioids, synthetic or naturally-occurring chemicals in the brain that may reduce pain or induce sleep. These chemicals may explain acupuncture’s pain-relieving effects.
• Stimulation of the hypothalamus and the pituitary gland
  Joined at the base of the brain, the hypothalamus and pituitary glands are responsible for many body functions. The hypothalamus activates and controls part of the nervous system, the endocrine processes, and many bodily functions, such as sleep, regulation of temperature, and appetite. The pituitary gland supplies some of the body’s needed hormones. Stimulation of these glands can result in a broad spectrum of effects on various body systems.
• Change in the secretion of neurotransmitters and neurohormones
  Studies suggest that acupuncture may alter brain chemistry in a positive way. This is accomplished by changing the release of neurotransmitters (biochemical substances that stimulate or inhibit nerve impulses) and neurohormones (naturally-occurring chemical substances that can change the structure or function, or impact the activity of, a body organ).

©2012 In Good Health Blog. All Rights Reserved.

Allergies:

Acupuncture and herbs can strengthen the immune system, which in turn helps the body defend against pollen and other pathogens.  Symptoms of allergies can be greatly reduced through the use of acupuncture meridians and botanical medicines.

Arthritis

Acupuncture is a safe and natural method to help control joint pain for both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Asthma

Acupuncture and herbs can be very useful in reducing both the symptoms and root cause of asthma and other lung disorders.

Colds & Flus

Acupuncture can boost the immune system to prevent the body from succumbing to acute infection.  Acupuncture treatment and herbal medicines can also help reduce the intensity of external pathogens.

Fibromyalgia

Acupuncture can be used in conjunction with gua-sha ‘tool sand massage’ to bring significant relief to the pain associated with fibromyalgia.

Headaches

Acupuncture and herbs can offer safe and effective approaches to relieving headaches without causing side effects.

Insomnia

Acupuncture and herbs are useful for improving sleep quality and duration.

Menopause & Menstrual Conditions

Symptoms of menopause and menstrual issues can be relieved with the use of acupuncture and botanical medicines.  In both cases, there can be imbalances in the body that when not addressed will lead to uncomfortable symptoms that can be treated naturally without side effects.

Pain

Acupuncture and herbs can be a helpful form of treatment for both acute and chronic pain.  It can help identify the underlying causes of the pain while making the body more comfortable.

Stress

Acupuncture and herbs can help people manage stress by addressing the root causes while reducing the signs and symptoms.

©2012 In Good Health Blog. All Rights Reserved.

In California, acupuncturists are considered primary care providers and a referral may not be required for insurance purposes.  Acupuncture medical services are covered by many insurance companies, so check the details of your particular coverage.  Your acupuncturist should be a source of guidance and instruction in how to live a healthier life, so be sure you can communicate well with them.

It is important to check out the credentials of an acupuncturist with whom you are considering working.  Below is a list of questions to ask any potential acupuncturist you might be thinking of seeing for treatment:

1.  Where did the acupuncturist get their training? How long was that training?

2.  How long has the acupuncturist been in practice?

3.  Since Oriental medicine is a very general medicine, does the acupuncturist have a specialty?

4.  Is the acupuncturist legally registered or licensed in the state where you are looking for treatment?   In California, this certification is done by the ‘Acupuncture Board’. In other states, the ‘National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine’ (NCCAOM) is the licensing institution.

If you are considering working with me at my Lafayette office, you can read about my training and about my current & past work by clicking the highlighted links.

If you would like a referral for a different area, you can try a referral website such as AcuFinder, which charges a fee to acupuncturists who would like to have their name listed (which I personally decided not to do since my referrals come from word of mouth within the local community).

©2012 In Good Health Blog. All Rights Reserved.