Acupuncture

Arthritis is one of the most common joint ailments, affecting over 54 million adults in the United States. Caused by a swelling of the joints, it can range from bothersome to extremely painful and can be a hindrance to everyday activities. Arthritis, along with other types of joint health issues, can be one of the most life-altering conditions to live with—because it can hinder everything from one’s ability to get regular exercise to how much someone can go to work.

Thankfully, applications of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and acupuncture can be amazingly helpful as arthritis treatments and general joint health maintenance protocol.

Within the theory of TCM and acupuncture, our essential life energy or qi (pronounced “chee”) flows along the meridians of the body. When the flow is constricted or imbalanced, we may experience illness or pain. The needles used in acupuncture are carefully placed along points connected to the meridians, stimulating those places to correct and encourage the flow of energy.

In TCM, the entire body is understood as a multifaceted mechanism whose parts function in concert—not silo-ed sections to be treated in isolation.

Various studies, including one by the Center for Integrative Medicine at the University of Maryland School of Medicine, found that patients felt significantly less pain and had an easier time walking after receiving legitimate acupuncture treatments.

Treating Rheumatoid Arthritis

There are many different types of arthritis, some with very few treatment options as dictated by Western Medicine.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is one variety that can be hugely disruptive to sufferers’ lives. RA is a chronic systemic autoimmune disease that’s linked with progressive joint damage, resulting in severe chronic pain and long-term mobility issues.

Western medicine comes up short when trying to treat RA. Yet many clinical trials have shown that Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has advantages in the treatment of RA.

Osteoarthritis & Preventing Knee Replacement

Another common and very detrimental type of arthritis is osteoarthritis, particular in the knee joints, and especially affecting older adults. When knee osteoarthritis gets severe enough, total knee replacement is the final treatment option.

A wide-ranging study of over 34,000 patients in Taiwan showed that TCM treatments reduced risk of total knee replacement in patients with knee osteoarthritis, and that enhanced benefits results from long-term treatment. The longer a patient used TCM, the less likely they were to need a knee replacement.

Consider getting TCM treatments in Duluth MN. We are conveniently located at 205 W. 2nd Street.

A 2018 study published in the World Journal of Acupuncture-Moxibustion looked at the effect of acupuncture treatments on rectal cancer patients who were experiencing hand-foot syndrome caused by their chemotherapy treatments. Hand-foot syndrome is a known side effect of chemotherapy characterized by redness, swelling, tingling, numbness, itching and pain in the palms of the hands and soles of the feet.

The researchers found acupuncture significantly reduced all of the symptoms associated with hand-foot syndrome to the extent they considered 17 percent of patients completely cured and the treatments were significantly effective in 70 percent of patients.

To conduct the study, researchers from Chongqing Cancer Institute recruited 60 patients with rectal cancer undergoing chemotherapy. Half of the patients received acupuncture and half were treated simply by taking B6 vitamins. Their hand-foot syndrome was scored using two internationally recognized scales indicating symptom severity and physical disability.

The patients in the acupuncture group received 30-minute treatments every day for two weeks. The patients in the B6 vitamin group took the supplement daily for two weeks.

According to traditional Chinese medicine, hand-foot syndrome indicates poor qi and blood circulation, a deficiency in qi and blood or dampness leading to a blockage in qi that prohibits nourishment from reaching the skin and muscles, causing numbness and pain. The acupuncture treatments were directed at promoting blood and qi circulation and removing stagnation.

After the treatments, patients in both groups showed improvement, but symptoms and physical disabilities for the patients in the acupuncture group decreased significantly more than for the patients in the B6 vitamin group. Based on the analysis of the scores, In the acupuncture group, there were 5 cured, 16 effective, and 9 ineffective cases, yielding a total effective rate of 70.0%. This means their symptom score was downgraded to the lowest possible number on the scale and their physical ability score increased to between 80 and 89 out of 100 possible points. The treatments were effective for 70 percent of patients compared with 36 percent of patients in the B6 vitamin group.

The report concludes, “The results demonstrate that an integrative model of patient care utilizing acupuncture as a treatment modality produces significantly less adverse effects associated with chemotherapy.”

Research consistently shows acupuncture is effective at increasing circulation throughout the body, improving the flow of blood and therefore nutrients to injured cells, muscles or tissues.

Source

With September being Self-Care Month, it’s the perfect time to reset, refresh, and reassess your health and wellness practices. Acupuncture, a well-established healing practice in traditional Chinese medicine, is an excellent method to promote overall health and wellbeing. In addition to that, here are some self-care tips to help you cultivate a healthier life.

1. Make Sleep a Priority

Sleep is as important to our health as eating, drinking, and breathing. It allows our bodies to repair and our brains to consolidate memories and process information. Good sleep is critical to ensure optimal health and quality of life. Try to maintain a regular sleep schedule and create a calming pre-sleep routine.

2. Exercise Regularly

Regular physical activity can help reduce the risk of several health conditions, like heart disease and diabetes. It can also help maintain healthy body weight and promote a positive mental state. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise each day.

3. Practice Mindful Eating

Pay attention to what you eat and why. Are you genuinely hungry, or are you stressed, bored, or tired? Mindful eating can help you maintain a healthy relationship with food and promote better digestion.

4. Stay Hydrated

Keeping your body hydrated is essential to support all its vital functions. Aim to drink at least eight glasses of water a day. Infuse your water with fruits for added nutrients and flavor.

5. Prioritize Mental Health

Keep stress in check through practices like meditation, yoga, or tai chi. Consider setting aside a few minutes each day for mindfulness or relaxation exercises. Regular acupuncture sessions can also contribute to better mental health by reducing stress and anxiety levels.

6. Regular Health Check-ups

Regular health check-ups can help find problems before they start. They also can help find problems early, when your chances for treatment and cure are better. Include acupuncture as part of your routine check-ups to keep your health at its peak.

7. Connect with Others

Building strong, healthy relationships can enrich your life. Take time each day to connect with those who enrich your life. Spend quality time with your family, meet up with a friend for coffee, or join a local club or organization.

This Self-Care September, remember to incorporate these self-care habits into your routine. Above all, listen to your body and give it what it needs, whether it’s a hearty meal, a good night’s sleep, or an acupuncture session. Here’s to a healthier, happier you!

September is here, and with it comes Pain Awareness Month. This month gives us an opportunity to raise awareness about pain syndromes and the available treatment options. 

One such option that we’d like to shed light on is acupuncture—a centuries-old practice that can potentially offer relief to those suffering from chronic or acute pain. 

Understanding Acupuncture

Acupuncture is a key component of Traditional Chinese Medicine, where thin needles are inserted into the body at specific points to promote healing and wellness. The practice has gained traction in the West due to its potential benefits in pain management and overall wellness. 

Acupuncture for Pain Relief

Scientific evidence supports that acupuncture can help manage various pain conditions including migraines, lower back pain, and osteoarthritis pain. Acupuncture is thought to work by stimulating the body’s natural healing mechanisms, releasing endorphins, and improving blood circulation. 

Why Consider Acupuncture for Pain Management?

While there are several reasons to consider acupuncture, the primary ones include:

• Natural Treatment: Acupuncture is a non-invasive, drug-free method to manage pain. This means it can be a suitable option if you’re looking for natural methods to deal with your pain or if you’re unable to take conventional pain relief medication.
• Few Side Effects: When carried out by certified professionals, acupuncture is generally safe with very few side effects.
• Complementary Treatment: Acupuncture can be used alongside other treatments without any negative interactions.

This Pain Awareness Month, we invite you to explore acupuncture as a potential solution to your pain problems. To get you started on your journey towards natural pain relief, we’re offering free initial consultations for the month of September. 

If you’ve been dealing with chronic pain or know someone who is, we encourage you to share this information and take a step towards a healthier, pain-free life. Contact Heidi today at (218) 724-3400 to schedule your consultation.