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How to Help Someone with Alzheimer’s

Personality and behavioral changes are common with the onset of Alzheimer’s Disease.

Alzheimers is a progressive and irreversible disease that can slowly destroy not only long term memory, but can disturb basic cognitive function as well. Those who suffer from Alzheimers eventually lose the inability to carry out everyday tasks, and therefore are rendered completely dependent on the help of others.

A caregiver is anyone who provides care for another person. In the United States millions of people care for a family member, friend or patient suffering from Alzheimer’s and other related Dementia. For many families, looking after someone with Alzheimer’s is not a job for one person, but the role of many caregivers sharing responsibility.

Caregivers cannot stop the progression of Alzheimer’s related personality and behavioral changes, but we together can communicate more effectively to help those suffering live more fulfilling and comfortable lives.

Here are four tips on how to help someone with Alzheimer’s disease:

Keep things simple:
Try to ask or say only one thing at a time. Plan simple activities and ask them for help. For example “let’s go for a walk together” or “could you help me set the table” and “I need your help folding clothes”.
Encourage routine:
Setting a time for bathing, dressing and eating are great ways to start. Plan activities they enjoy and work these into the routine. Help the person keep track with to-do lists, appointments, events and activities in a notebook or calendar.
Keep it light:
Obviously arguing with someone who is struggling with Alzheimer’s is a losing battle. Instead if they are confused, anxious, agitated, uncnoltrollably pacing, or simply disoriented, try using music, singing, or dance to distract them. Focus on feelings. For instance instead of saying “why are you so worried” try “you seem worried”. This allows the person to look inward for solutions, rather than outward for stimulus. If you find yourself getting upset by the situation, step away and ask for help. Do not let yourself become so overwhelmed by the complexity that is this awful disease that you lose track of your own wellbeing.
Give them space to move:
Allowing someone suffering from Alzheimer’s disease enough space to walk safely can make a massive difference in their mental wellbeing. We don’t need to get into the specifics of how beneficial exercise is for the human body, but know that even with this disease it is important to keep them moving physically. Provide comfortable appropriate clothes for the weather if outside, as well as sturdy shoes. Remember to give snacks as to not lose too much weight and plenty of water to stay well hydrated.

Among the challenges are moments of joy.

Because Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) looks at the individual holistically, this medicine has modalities that can help those suffering from Alzheimers. TCM is safe, natural, effective and side-effect free. Considering a TCM perspective could dramatically help both those suffering from Alzheimer’s disease as well as those supporting caregivers.

Give me a call at (218) 724-3400 today for more information.

Traditional Chinese Medicine & Women’s Health

In TCM theory, weakening of key female reproductive health aspects might be linked with genetic defects, overwork, too little rest, injury from too much menstrual bleeding, emotional distress, improper diet, too much alcohol, or too much chilled food. Contemporary TCM practitioners believe that some medicines and medical interventions, like long-term use of hormonal birth control methods, can also have a detrimental effect on the female system.

Is there a natural, non-invasive way to help ease symptoms of women’s health issues? Yes!

A multitude of scientific studies have shown that Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is an effective way to treat many gynecological health conditions, and to maintain general good health for women. That includes acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine, which are finally gaining more and more scientific validity in the Western Medicine arena—thought they have been used successfully for centuries!

Women’s health issues that can be supported by TCM include reproductive health (fertility and pre-natal care), menstrual wellness, menopause and perimenopause symptoms, and so much more. Because so many gynecological issues involve painful symptoms, and acupuncture is proven to provide pain relief, it’s natural that acupuncture is so helpful when it comes to women’s health.

Blood Flow

So much of our health depends on the flow of blood throughout our body and to our organs—this is even more important for women. Scientific studies show that acupuncture is effective for improving blood flow to vital organs as it relaxes blood vessels, and reduces high blood pressure.

Fibromyalgia

5 million people in the United State suffer from fibromyalgia, and most of those are women. Fibromyalgia is complicated and can be difficult to treat, because of its many linked causes and symptoms. According to the Mayo Clinic, acupuncture can help reduce the pain of fibromyalgia symptoms.

Fertility

Recent studies have found that acupuncture may improve menstrual health and help women conceive. Because these studies are so new (since TCM has been rejected in the Western world for so long, and is only beginning to become a part of scientific medical research and practice), more research is needed.

PMS

An analysis of 15 studies found that acupuncture treatment was significantly effective in treating PMS, compared with medicine and sham acupuncture. While more, larger studies are needed to fully confirm the scientific evidence of acupuncture to treat Premenstrual Syndrome symptoms, there is a slew of promising research to back it. Since PMS has such varied effects on different women—from moodness to severe abdominal pain—there are also a variety of ways acupuncture and TCM may be used to help. In particular, studies show that acupuncture and acupressure are sure-fire solutions for mood swings, depression, pain, and anxiety—some of the major symptoms of PMS.

A Natural Solution for PMS

Extreme fatigue, depression, severe abdominal cramps, food cravings. Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is one of the most common women’s health conditions that completely lacks any reliable Western medical treatment for its symptoms. Yet it’s part of many people’s regular menstrual pattern.

So many women suffer from severe side effects of PMS—so much so that it affects their daily lives for at least a few days every single month.

While the painful and disruptive PMS are naturally occurring and there’s no way to get rid of them completely (after all, menstrual symptoms are messages from the body asking for rest and care!), Traditional Chinese Medicine offers a natural solution that may be even more effective than medication.

Can Acupuncture & Acupressure Ease PMS?

An analysis of 15 studies with over 1000 subjects found that acupressure can reduce moderate to severe PMS symptoms.

The most commonly used acupoints for PMS treatment are SP6, LR3, and RN4.

Other Natural Treatments

There are a variety of natural, personalized solutions for the debilitating aggravation of PMS. If you’re a person who experiences PMS symptoms, you know it can be quite the journey with advice, experimentation, and routine to discover what works best for you. Here are some tips that experts agree help reduce the pain and discomfort of PMS:

Get plenty of rest!
Choose foods high in complex carbohydrates and rich in calcium.
Avoid caffeine and alcohol.
Try supplements like calcium, magnesium, and vitamin B6 can also help.
Move your body gently. Exercise helps the body regulate our mood and gets blood flowing to sore muscles and organs.
Chasteberry extract, though not sufficiently scientifically studied, is reported to have helpful effects on swelling and pain.
Keep track of your cycle, symptoms, and treatments, to help figure out what works best for you—and, at least, to be prepared!
Schedule an acupuncture appointment a few days before you begin menstruating! Planning for PMS before it happens can be one of the best ways to avoid a pitfall when that time rolls around.

Sources:
Acupuncture for PMS at Different Intervention Time
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6614973/

Joint Health & Traditional Chinese Medicine

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.

Sources:
NCBI Article
Medicine Article
Arthritis Foundation Article

Managing Arthritis Naturally

Arthritis can be one of the most life-altering and unpleasant common pain conditions. Caused by a swelling of the joints, it can range from bothersome to extremely painful and can be a hindrance to everyday activities. Arthritis is also associated with other chronic health conditions like heart disease, diabetes, obesity, and high blood pressure.

Over 54 million adults in the United States are affected by arthritis. That’s one in four adults! Interestingly, it is more common in rural areas. Arthritis is the number one cause of disability in the United States.

That means millions of people aren’t able to work or are limited in their ability to work, are missing out on life-enhancing activities and travel, and may be in near-constant pain due to arthritis.

Thankfully there are a multitude of ways to manage arthritis and the pain that so inhibits sufferers’ lives.

Acupuncture For Arthritis

When you consider that Traditional Chinese Medicine (or TCM) dates back over 3,000 years, it is easy to see the vastness of theory and history involved. This complementary medicine arms practitioners with a plethora of unique diagnostic tools. These tools include an ability to detect Qi imbalances, define the underlying problems and correct them.

Many clinical studies support acupunctures ability to be an effective treatment for arthritis. In addition to the increased production of endogenous opioid endorphins (the body’s natural pain-relieving chemicals), acupuncture is a great option to keep in mind to reduce swelling and increase range of motion safely, naturally and without harmful side effects.

Managing Arthritis

Move!

“Motion is lotion,” you may have heard a physical therapist, chiropractor, or acupuncturist say. Movement can help reduce arthritic swelling and pain, and is a sure-fire mood-booster that can also help manage those conditions that are common in conjunction with arthritis. It’s important that people suffering from arthritis choose low-impact exercise and only engage in physical activity that feel safe.

Reduce Stress

Stress has a big impact on the body’s ability to heal itself, especially when it comes to inflammatory conditions such as arthritis. The pain of arthritis can also contribute to stress, creating a vicious cycle.

Making sure you are taking care of your mental and emotional health by making self-care time, getting exercise and outdoor time, and having a mindfulness routine can all help manage daily stress.

The Mediterranean Diet

No diet can cure arthritis outright, but you have a full table of options when it comes to foods that can help fight inflammation and pain.

Often called the The Mediterranean Diet (because, well, it’s common in the Mediterranean regions!), a diet low in processed food and full of fruits, vegetables, fish, nuts and beans, and healthy oil can greatly reduce the symptoms of arthritis. Plus, it’s just good for you!

Professional Acupuncture & Physical Therapy

Duluth, MN