Alban Acupuncture & Chinese Herbs Clinic, New York City
Posts Tagged ‘Acupuncture’
Acupuncture Stimulates the Body to Heal Itself
Aug 24, 2009
This is the second in a series of articles explaining what is acupuncture and how it works.
Chinese medicine believes in the body’s power to heal itself. As clinicians, we remove the imbalances that are keeping you from being healthy.
Interestingly, modern acupuncture research is beginning to show how it actual does to stimulate the body’s own power to heal itself. The acupuncture needle does not inject any medicine, nor is it coated. It is simply reprogramming the body to be healthy again.
The research is still young and we don’t know everything. It is probably a complex series of events which occur in many systems across the body. But we do know that it works to regulate the nervous, endocrine, and the immune system. We also think that it works on a cellular level to influence intercellular communication and regeneration.
The brain and
nervous system
Using a type of brain scanner called an fMRI, scientists have shown that acupuncture regulates pain centers in the brain.1 When there is chronic pain, the brain can get stuck in an unhealthy pattern of pain and illness. For example in back pain, your back can be healed, but the brain remembers the pain and still feels it. The acupuncture helps to reset this pattern as a way of reteaching the body to be healthy.
Although not fully understood, acupuncture also has been shown to affect the release of many neurotransmitters such as opoids, endorphins, and endocannaboids that regulate pain, emotion, and possibly help with addiction.
Hormonal level
It has also been suggested that acupuncture can help regulate hormones. This is because we know it works great for conditions like PCOS, hot flashes, diabetes and infertility. In one study, electroacupuncture was shown to increase estradiol and other hormones in rats who had their ovaries removed.2 This suggests that electroacupuncture stimulates the hypothalamus to release the hormones that help to treat infertility.
Cellular level
Healing also occurs at the place where the needle is inserted, on a cellular level. The surrounding connective tissue cells actually grabs hold of the needle and expands.3 Some scientists believe this begins the replication and repair of the cells around the needle.
This needles grasp by the cells also represents the beginning of the communication within the acupuncture channels and may signal that the channels are alternative communication system through the connective tissue.
Immune System
The immune system is tricky. Without it, we could not live. But often it can overreact and attack ourselves, causing autoimmune conditions like asthma, allergies, and eczema. Acupuncture may help to down regulate the overactive immune system as well as give a boost to those with poor immune systems.
In one study, electroacupuncture was shown to lower the number of inflammatory cells in asthmatic rats compared to placebo acupuncture. It also lowered the number of cytokines, which are proteins that signal the inflammatory reaction.4 In another rat study, electroacupuncture to the point ST 36 showed to decrease inflammation through release of opioids.5
This shows that acupuncture has both a analgesic effect and an anti-inflammatory effect. This is good news, because so many disorders with pain also have significant inflammation.
A Glimpse into the Research
This is a glimpse of what modern research is explaining about acupuncture. There is still a lot more to learn, but what we know is really exciting.
In the next post I will explain acupuncture theory of channels and meridians.
Read more about acupuncture and…
Images: Wikipedia, Wikipedia, Wikipedia
References
¹ Napadow, V. Kettner N., Liu J. Et. al. Hypothalamus and Amygdala Response to Acupuncture Stimuli in Carpel Tunnel Syndrome. Pain. 2007; (130): 254-266.
2. Zhao H, Tian Z, Feng Y, Chen B. Circulating estradiol and hypothalamic corticotrophin releasing hormone enhances along with time after ovariectomy in rats: Effects of electroacupuncture. Neuropeptides. 2005; (39): 433–438.
3. Langevin HM, Churchill DL, Wu J. Et. al. Evidence of Connective Tissue Involvement in Acupuncture. FASEB Journal. April 10, 2002. Published Online.
4. Carneiro ER, Et. Al. Effect of Electroacupuncture on Bronchial Asthma Induced by Ovalbumin in Rats. JACM. Volume 11, Number 1, 2005, pp. 127–134.
5. Kim HW, Et. Al.The Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Low- and High-Frequency Electroacupuncture Are Mediated by Peripheral Opioids in a Mouse Air Pouch Inflammation Model. JACM. Volume 12, Number 1, 2006, pp. 39–44.
The Theory Behind Acupuncture
Aug 19, 2009
Acupuncture definitions usually sound like this, “Acupuncture is a therapy which is uses small solid needles inserted into specific points on the body to create a physiological effect.”
True. Yet this misses the powerful theory of acupuncture. This is what really makes it effective. It is not about the needle itself, but the theory behind it.
In the next three articles, I will tell you about the theory behind acupuncture, how it works, and also some of the other treatments you may encounter in an acupuncturists office. In fact, what we call acupuncture is really only one therapy in Chinese medicine, and a combination is often the most effective.
What is acupuncture theory?
Acupuncture is based upon the theory of Chinese medicine. It uses thin solid needles, gently inserted into specific acupuncture points on the body. The point prescription is created specifically for you in order to correct the imbalances that are causing your health concern.
Chinese medicine theory asserts that diseases are caused by imbalances in the body. By correcting the imbalances, then the body can work to heal itself. Imbalances are often related to the body’s energy, called qi (pronounced chee). Qi travels though channels in the body like water flowing through a winding river. These channels connect the body’s surface to the internal organs and muscles, this is why acupuncture can treat diseases of the internal organs.
Acupuncture Channels
Acupuncture corrects imbalances by stimulating specific points on specific channels. When stimulated, these points help the qi to flow smoothly. Acupuncture points are located on the channels, each having a precise healing action.
Treatment will correct the imbalance and remove the impediments to the flow of qi. Other imbalances may also occur. For example heat is a common cause of many illnesses from menstrual cramps to asthma. If this is the case, the acupuncture is prescribed specifically to remove the heat from the body.
After the needles are inserted, they will remain in the points for about 30 minutes. This is the period of time for qi to make one circulation through the channels in the body. After the needle is in, there’s a feeling of warmth and tingling. People usually find that acupuncture treatments are very relaxing and often loose track of time.
Read more about qi and health
Acupuncture for Rotator Cuff Injury
Aug 10, 2009
Rotator cuff tendinitis is an injury that plagues athletes and non-athletes alike. It most often occurs from repetitive actions like throwing a ball, lifting, or even sitting at a computer. But the good news is that acupuncture can help. I believe that acupuncture for shoulder pain, and specifically, rotator cuff tendonitis, is possibly the most effective and safest treatment available.
What is the rotator cuff?
The rotator cuff consists of four muscles that connect the shoulder to the humerus of the arm: the suprspinatus, infraspinatus, teres minor, and subscapularis muscle. These muscles stabilize the arm while it moves.
How does an injury develop?
Rotator cuff tendinitis is an injury to the tendons, but the muscles can also be injured. Injuries can develop from an acute sudden injury like falling or lifting something too heavy. As I mentioned, it can also happen from repetitive movements like throwing a ball.
From the injury, one may develop pain, weakness, difficultly moving the arm, and irritation. If left untreated, it may become worse. Due to lack of motion of the arm, you may loose muscles mass and develop long term weakness. Also, I have seen rotator cuff and neck injuries lead to wrist problems and arm pain.
Acupuncture and rotator cuff tendinitis
Acupuncture works great for rotator cuff tendinitis. First, it works by increasing the circulation to the area and decreasing inflammation in the tendons. Secondly, acupuncture may stimulate regrowth of the cells and tissues in an injured area. And also, it helps to reduce pain. Sometimes in pain conditions, the central nervous system remembers the pain, even if the injury is healed. Acupuncture may help to reteach the brain and nervous system to be healthy again.
Research on Acupuncture for Rotator Cuff Tendinitis
There is a wonderful study done on acupuncture for rotator cuff tendinitis published in 1999 in the journal Pain.
52 people were enrolled and received acupuncture 2 times per week for 4 weeks. In this study, they used an interesting placebo needle. When the acupuncturist goes to insert the needle, the tip of it retracts, so there is no needle insertion. The acupuncture group’s pain was reduced much more than the placebo acupuncture group.
This was a great study. I think even better results can be obtained with the inclusion of acupressure, which I regularly do in my treatment for shoulder pain. I have already written about my unique acupressure and tui na technique for shoulder pain.
Exercises and Stretches
In addition to acupuncture and acupressure, it is important to include stretches and exercises. In my next post, I will write about the 3 essential shoulder stretches for shoulder and rotator cuff rehabilitation.
Read more about preventing neck and shoulder pain
- Ten Ways to Prevent Neck and Shoulder Pain
- Acupuncture for Neck and Shoulder Pain
- Five Essential Stretches for Neck Pain
Photos: Wikipedia
Acupuncture and Cupping for an Acute Injury
Jul 13, 2009
These last six weeks have been monsoon season here in New York City. Everything was soaked, soggy, and slippery.
And that makes for poor bike riding conditions. A few weeks ago, I was riding home from my Tai Ji class in central park. I wa
s trying to be cautious, but when I hit a muddy spot on a turn my bike slipped out form under me.
Splat, I fell on my left elbow.
I was worried. Is this going to require a serious rehab time? I knew, no mater what, it soon swell up badly and needed quick treatment. I would get an x-ray later in the day, and luckily nothing was broken. But I knew I could start reducing the inflammation immediately.
I rode home, and got out my cups, acupuncture needles, and the all too valuable herbal anti-inflammatory topical poultice San Huang San.
My arm was swelling up, becoming red and hot. These are all signs of the inflammation in the area. As the swelling increase, my range of motion decreased. From previous similar injuries, I knew if I did not do anything this would take at least 2-3 months to heal.
The best way to reduce the inflammation and swelling is the ancient technique of cupping and bleeding. Cupping is
Chinese Fire Cups
done by creating a vacuum in a glass (or wooden) cup with a flame and then pressing that cup to the skin, drawing up the muscle beneath it.
For acute injuries, the bleeding helps to reduce the inflammation and swelling. Tom Bisio, one of my teachers and an expert on treating traumatic injuries, says in his wonderful book A Tooth from the Tiger’s Mouth,
this is like breaking holes in a beaver dam. Once you open a little hole, it gets larger and larger, and more and more water will flow through. For injuries, this allows qi to flow through to promoting healing.
By using a small thick lancet, I pricked the swollen area to draw a little blood. Then, I used cupping to draw that blood away from the injury. I also needled some points for qi and blood circulation.
After the cupping treatment I used the herbal poultice called San Huang San, which has anti-inflammatory and cooling properties, and wrapped my arm for the night.
The next day I felt better, and the swelling had gone down considerable. I repeated the cupping and bleeding, and again wrapped my arm. Each hour I felt more circulation and relaxation. I repeated for another day. After that, there was very little swelling and I had almost full range of motion.
That week I treated myself with acupuncture two more times, and by the end of the week, I was 90% better. Within two weeks, the pain and tightness was completely gone.
I still have to rebuild some of the strength, but thanks to the cupping and acupuncture, my rehabilitation will be only a few weeks, rather than a couple of months.
photos: magicattic88
Electroacupuncture works for Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome
Jun 12, 2009
Chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CPPS) is the most common form of prostatitis, yet not many clinicians know how to treat it. I have written about what chronic pelvic pain syndrome is and also how acupuncture can help.
A recent research study is also supporting the use of electroacupuncture to relieve chronic pelvic pain in men.
Electroacupuncture and Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome
Electroacupuncture is when electric stimulation is attached to the acupuncture needles. It is generally used for pain relief. I often use it for treating pain and with men with CPPS.
This study showed that electroacupuncture reduces pain in men with CPPS by using just six standard acupuncture points on the sacrum and buttock. There was also a placebo acupuncture group, in which the patients received acupuncture at non-acupuncture points. Lastly, they had a group that was instructed in relaxation techniques and used a sitz bath.
After 3 weeks the men with electroacupuncture experienced a greater relief than the other two groups. After 6 weeks, the pain was nearly cut in half. There was also a reduction in prostaglandin E, an inflammatory marker, in the electroacupuncture group alone.
Beyond the research
This is great news for men with CPPS. These results support the use of acupuncture for relieving pain with CPPS. Hopefully, this will encourage men with CPPS to find help through acupuncture.
As much of great medical research does, the answer to a question gives us practical advise, and at the same time, creates more questions.
I would like to see researchers go further into examining the acupuncture methodology to see if they can produce more powerful results. For example, I believe that the best acupuncture is done through individualized diagnosis and treatment which addresses the underlying imbalance causing the pain. This type of treatment is based in Chinese medicine theory and practice. It will reduce inflammation and muscle spasm, as well as correct the imbalance that is causing the disease. This could be done through a study that includes an individualized treatment group.
Second, I would like to see a study address questions of how the acupuncture can best reduce the pain. Should the electroacupunture be set at 4HZ, 100 HZ, 200HZ, or a mixed pattern? What is the optimal time dosage? Another great question is to look into if the length of the needle affects the outcomes.
Through these type of question, we can search to find the optimal method that not only reduces pain, but eliminates the pain totally.
Acupuncture Cure for the Insomniac Nation
Jun 3, 2009
Sleep. We are supposed to spend one third of our lives sleeping. But for many people, that’s a lot easier said than done.
In fact, up to 58% of adults in America complain of having trouble sleeping.
Insomnia is an issue that most of my patients experience. Actually, this is not so surprising because many chronic illnesses and pain are also associated with insomnia.
Can acupuncture treat insomnia?
Yes, acupuncture is helpful to reduce those sleepless nights. Just like other conditions, treatment of chronic insomnia should address root imbalance that is causing the condition.
The root treatment addresses the heart, liver-gallbladder, and stomach. The heart houses the spirit, yin and blood deficiency will irritate the spirit causing insomnia characterized by restlessness, anxiety, and palpitations. Sweating hands, a red complexion and tongue signals yin deficiency, while pale white complexion with a pale tongue reveals blood deficiency.
Heart Seven
One of the good acupuncture points for this pattern is HT 7.
Stress and frustration can cause insomnia from liver qi stagnation. This pattern is associated with irritability, tightness in the chest and rib-sides, and neck pain. Use LV 3 and LI 4 for liver qi stagnation.
Sometimes stagnation in the stomach harasses the spirit, which will cause insomnia with bloating, belching, and nausea. For this condition use ST 36 and PC 6.
Also, you can try acupressure for insomnia at home to enhance the effect of the acupuncture.
Photo: Wikipedia
Acupuncture for Overactive Bladder
May 20, 2009
Overactive bladder is a syndrome characterized by the frequent, strong, and sudden urge to urinate. The syndrome can seriously disrupt your life by interrupting your work and make you avoid social situations.
Chinese medicine can help. Chinese medicine has been treating syndromes of frequent urination for over 2000 years.
Overactive bladder from the Western and Eastern Viewpoints
The precise cause of overactive bladder is often unknown. Like many other syndromes, the search for the single cause is often impossible as the condition arises from a complex interaction of causes. For overactive bladder, the name throws us off because it suggests that the bladder alone is responsible and is somehow hyperactive. The syndrome probably involved many of the organs and muscles involved in urination.
Urination is a complex action involving the nervous system, smooth muscles of the bladder, the urinary sphincters, and pelvic floor muscles. The symptoms of OB may be from any one of these functions: from the involuntary contraction of the bladder creating the sudden need to urinate, a sudden feeling of urination when the bladder is filling, although it is not totally full, or contraction of the pelvic floor muscles.
Most often, the symptoms of overactive bladder are serious, but the syndrome itself does not pose a threat to your health. But in rare cases it can be due to a growth or obstruction or a neurological disorders such as Parkinson’s disease, strokes, and multiple sclerosis. So it is important to check in with your physician about these symptoms.
Chinese medicine offers a holistic approach to address overactive bladder. Chinese medicine views the body as an interconnected whole. Rather than examining the body to find a specific organ, muscle, or tissue that is diseased, Chinese medicine seeks to understand the imbalance of the interactions between the organs, muscles, and tissues. Once the imbalance is corrected, the root of the problem is improved and body can work to heal itself.
Chinese Medicine Imbalances of Overactive Bladder
Overactive bladder is very similar to the Chinese medicine syndrome of frequent urination. This can be caused by many factors such as an injury to the pelvic floor while giving birth, congenital issues, an injury, and factors in your life, such as stress, grief, and pain.
The root of this imbalance can be in the kidneys, spleen, urinary bladder, or liver, and, more often than not, these imbalances are interconnected. Please note that while the organ names and some of the functions are the same in both TCM and Western medicine, a dysfunction of the TCM kidney, spleen, and liver does not mean a disease in the western medicine organ.
In TCM, the kidneys are said to “govern water.” In other words, the kidneys are in charge of water metabolism and urination. Just like in western medicine, the kidneys filter out the urine. But unlike western medicine, kidney qi (or energy) also contributes to the ability to hold urine in the bladder. So problems with the kidney qi may cause overactive bladder.
The functions of the kidney can be described in terms of yin and yang. The ability for the bladder to sufficiently hold urine is a yin function. When there is too little kidney yin, the bladder cannot hold urine and may result in overactive bladder symptoms, such as the frequent and sudden need to urinate, which is called urge incontinence. Weak kidney yin can also cause stress incontinence, which is when urine leaks while laughing, coughing, or sneezing. Other symptoms of kidney yin deficiency are night sweats, hot flashes, a red face, thirst, frequent nighttime urination, a rapid pulse, and a red tongue.
The spleen is also an important organ in overactive bladder. If the overactive bladder is accompanied by extreme fatigue especially in the morning, loose stools, poor digestion, and a pale swollen tongue, the imbalance may be in the spleen. Often, the spleen problem is combined with an imbalance in the liver.
The liver is said to “govern the muscles and sinews,” which means the liver reflects the general health of the muscles in the body. Because the many different muscles are the key to having the ability to hold urination, imbalances in the liver can lead to overactive bladder. Another sign of liver involvement is when the condition is worsened by stress or anger.
A Holistic Treatment with Acupuncture and Chinese Herbs
The acupuncture and Chinese herbal treatment are focused on correcting the root imbalance in the body. The treatment is usually once or twice a week with acupuncture and a treatment series is usually 10-12 sessions. The treatment should increase one’s ability hold urination, decrease number of times one urinates at night, decrease urinary urgency, and create a smoother urine flow. In addition, patients can see an improvement in sexual function over the same period of time.
Acupuncture points such as Ren 4 and 6 on the lower abdomen as well as Bladder 23 and Du 4 on the lower back all tonify the Kidney. Kidney 7 can be added to tonify the yang, while Kidney 2 will be used if there is more yin deficiency with heat. Other points, such as Ren 3 and Bladder 64 can directly tonify the Bladder and help with incontinence. If the spleen is involved, Spleen 3 and 9 will be helpful. If the liver is in disharmony, Liver 5, 3, or 2 can help move the qi and open the channels in the genitals.
Chinese Herbal Formulas
Herbal formulas such as liu wei di huang tang can be used for kidney yin deficiency, while ba wei di huang tang is effective for yang deficiency. If the root imbalance is in the spleen, wu ling san or bu zhong yi qi tang can be effective When taking Chinese herbs, it is very important to get diagnosed and treated by a trained practitioner of Chinese medicine.
Research on Acupuncture or Overactive Bladder
There is some research into acupuncture for overactive bladder. In one randomized controlled trial, women with overactive bladder who received acupuncture once a week for 4 weeks saw a decrease in urge incontinence and urinary frequency.
If you are interested in finding out more about how acupuncture can help your overactive bladder symptoms, please call us at 917.887.4946 for a free consultation.
Photo: Wikipedia
President Obama’s Acupuncture Policy
May 4, 2009
President Obama
Last week at President Obama’s Town Hall Meeting in St. Louis, a local acupuncturist asked him a question regarding acupuncture and national health care policy.
Here is the transcript from that interaction…
–Q I’m a licensed acupuncturist and licensed massage therapist in Florissant. And so –
THE PRESIDENT: I could use one right now. (Laughter.) My back is stiff. I’ve been working hard.
Q I’ll be happy to help you. (Laughter.) And this kind of fits into what you were just talking about as far as health care. I’m wondering, as a practitioner of Oriental medicine, knowing that the National Institutes of Health and the World Health Organization has discovered through their studies that alternative medicine often is more cost-effective and very effective, how will alternative medicine fit in your new health care program?
THE PRESIDENT: Well, look, my attitude is that we should — we should do what works. So I think it is pretty well documented through scientific studies that acupuncture, for example, can be very helpful in relieving certain things like migraines and other ailments — or at least as effective as more intrusive interventions.
I will let the science guide me. We just swore in an outstanding new Secretary of Health and Human Service, Kathleen Sebelius, former governor of Kansas. (Applause.) It’s good to see that a Jay Hawk got applause on this side of the border here. (Laughter.) But she’s going to do an outstanding job. And my charge to her is, as we’re going through health care reform let’s find out what works…
–
He then goes on to discuss other aspects of his healthcare plan.
Okay, so it is not a policy…
But it is a start.
First off, he seriously answers the question instead of avoiding it or joking it off. This is very important. It shows that the President considers acupuncture as a legitimate and effective health care choice.
Secondly, President Obama actually knows, without prepping for this question, that there is evidence supporting acupuncture’s efficacy for “migraines and other aliments.” Not many people know that there is a lot of research about acupuncture. In fact, many journalists and authorities often wrongly state that there is no evidence at all. This is one well informed President!
Personally, I think President Obama should support acupuncture. Not only because I am an acupuncturist, but because he is a self described pragmatist. And acupuncture is pragmatic- it is an affordable and safe answer that solves problems.
- If you want to read more about the many uses of acupuncture, please read this article called, What Can Acupuncture Treat?
Photo: Change.gov
10 Ways to Prevent Neck and Shoulder Pain
Apr 30, 2009
I treat a lot of neck and shoulder pain with acupuncture and acupressure. After the pain has been reduced, it is important for you to adopt healthy habits in order to prevent the pain from coming back.
Here are ten things I tell all my patients with shoulder pain.
1. Get a backpack with two straps. Bags with single straps are often not balanced.
2. Do breathing exercises to relax the auxiliary respiratory muscles of the neck.
3. Sleep! If you can’t sleep, get acupuncture for insomnia.
4. Stretch your neck and shoulders.
5. Be aware when you are uncomfortable and in pain and try to adjust your body.
6. Use a wrist support for your keyboard and your mouse.
7. Regularly massage the acupuncture point Small Intestine 3.
8. Don’t slouch. Practice tai ji, yoga, or Alexander Method to improve your posture.
9. Take a break from working (especially on the computer) to give yourself a rest.
10. Reduce your stress.
Acupuncture for Neck and Shoulder Pain
Apr 28, 2009
Recently, a young mother came into my office suffering from shoulder and neck pain. The center of the pain was a tight knot at the apex of her left shoulder. The pain was strong and nearly constant. It radiated from the shoulder to the base of the skull and there was a feeling of tightness that radiated across the front of the chest.
She is a busy mother. Playing and lifting her daughter exacerbated the problem. She had been seeing a chiropractor and a pain management doctor who was doing injections for 3 years without relief. She ended up taking pain medication almost everyday, she was extremely frustrated with her situation, and her sleep was terrible from the pain and tightness.
After one acupuncture session her pain was lessened by about half. At the end of a series of five treatments, along with some exercises at home, she had only occasional minor pain, and did not take any pain medications.
What is your approach to treatment?
The results of the acupuncture treatment depends upon the skill and approach of the practitioner. My success comes from the combination of acupuncture and acupressure over large muscle groups, using the whole acupuncture channel, treating the root of the condition, and my unique acupressure technique, which I learned in China. Also,I advise patients to do exercises and stretches at home to prevent the problem from returning.
Shoulder and Neck muscle groups
Trapezius Muscle from Gray's Anatomy
The body is interconnected, tension from one area can create problems in other muscles. In Tai ji we say that tension in the little toe can create tension in the whole body. Often, trying to target and treat only the location of the pain does not relieve the tension in the surrounding muscle groups. This is particularly true when treating pain in the neck and shoulders. All of the muscles in the region need to be addressed.
In my patient’s case the knot was on her shoulder, specifically in her trapezius muscle. Focusing on this muscle alone, and not relaxing the detoids, rhomboids, SCM, and even the biceps leaves the surrounding muscles tight.
Acupuncture Channels
Acupuncture Channels
The body is integrated by a series of channels. The location of pain and stiff muscles often follows the course of a specific channel. Targeting powerful acupuncture points on that channel, will move the stagnation that is causing the pain. In my patient’s case, the pain was on the Gallbladder channel and I used GB 34 to move the stagnation.
Some outside the field of acupuncture and Oriental Medicine believe that needling the location of the pain is sufficient. This is called dry needling, which is not nearly as effective as when the entire channel is considered.
Tui Na
Beginning of rolling movment
The key tui na technique I use is called the rolling technique, called gun fa in Chinese. Many acupuncturists know this technique. However, most do not utilize the movement of the wrist along with the whole hand which makes the technique feel smooth. I learned this while studying in China with Dr. Xiao at the Hunan University of traditional Chinese Medicine.
Ending of rolling movement
If you push too hard on a muscle, the muscle will rebel. Instead of relaxing, it can become tighter. My rolling technique, because it is smooth allows the use of strength while avoiding resistance within the muscle.
Treating the root of the condition
Chinese medicine is not simply putting a needle into the body where it hurts. It is based on a theory that the problem you have is caused by an imbalance. When it comes to muscle pain, the clinician must determine if it is an excess condition or a deficiency condition, and tailor the treatment to that diagnosis.
Excess conditions are when there is a build up in the muscles. This impedes the circulation of qi which leads to pain. A deficient condition is when there is not enough energy. Then the muscles do not have enough substance to support them, as a result they tense up.
I like to describe excess and deficiency by comparing the muscles to a narrow bridge (please excuse any physics mistakes, I am not an engineer).
When there is an excess condition, there is too much trash, debries, and cracks in the pavement for you to safely and easily cross the bridge. Climbing over the obstacles causes you to slow down, and sometimes you injure yourself. The acupuncture and tui na helps to remove the trash and smooth over the cracks.
When there is a deficiency, the support columns for the bridge are unstable. The bridge is rocky, can develop cracks, the sidewalk is tense, but shaky, and the tension on sides of the bridge increases. This also makes it hard for you to pass. In this case, the acupuncture and acupressure helps to support the bridge, which will allow you to cross safely.
For an excess condition, you will use a stronger technique, and for a deficient condition, you will use a more gentle technique. If the deficiency is very extreme, then the treatment may be take a longer time.
Neck Exercises at Home
Acupuncture treatment helps to correct the imbalance and allow the body to heal. Staying healthy and preventing the pain from returning is something you do on your own with qi gong exercises and stretches. Use these neck stretches and basic qi gong to keep your body healthy and prevent the pain from returning.
Photos: Wikipedia, EEcue, Library of Congress
