Posts Tagged ‘Insomnia’
Seasonal Allergies (Allergic Rhinitis)
Mar 16, 2012
Everyone knows that seasonal allergies are painful and uncomfortable causing runny nose, sneezing, sinus pain, fatigue, watery eyes, and other debilitating symptoms. Allergies also effect your productivity at work and school and may be linked to depression, insomnia, and anxiety.(1)
Acupuncture offers an effective drug free treatment so you can smell the flowers.
Acupuncture for Allergies
Acupuncture is different than taking a pill. Acupuncture helps to reduce pain and inflammation. But rather than adding a medication that will temporarily block a receptor, histamine in the case of allergies, acupuncture works to regulate the body’s functioning. The goals is for long term improvement from the acupuncture treatment.
The idea is that acupuncture helps to reset the body and remind it how to be healthy. As balance is achieved, your body is able to maintain the healthy state without medications. So instead of simply suppressing the body’s reaction, it works to correct the root cause of the problem.
Acupuncture’s Understanding of Allergies
Acupuncture has its own view of the body and health. Acupuncturists look for an imbalance that is causing of allergies.
Qi (pronounced chee) is the body’s vital energy, it gives you the power to work, study, exercise, and fight illness. In acupuncture, the cause of allergies is often a qi imbalance. There are two major qi imbalances. The most common one for allergies is when there is too little qi, we call this a qi vacuity. When your qi is vacuous, you feel tired, can get colds easily, may have poor digestion, coughing, wheezing, and possibly asthma. The acupuncture and herbs work to boost up your qi, giving you more energy and protecting you from allergies.
The second imbalance is called qi stagnation. This is when your qi does not circulate well. This is often caused by stress, and can cause pain, headaches, menstrual cramps, and in some cases, bring on asthma attacks.
Inflammation is a cause of allergies and chronic sinus pain. In acupuncture, this is often related to an imbalance called heat. Heat can cause dryness, irritation, and pain. This is often common in chronic sinusitis.
The Acupuncture Treatment
An effective acupuncture treatment is based upon a specific and accurate diagnosis of the imbalance. Chinese herbs can also be helpful in reducing inflammation and sinus pain. By targeting the exact root of the condition leads to the most successful treatment.
I combine acupressure, Chinese medicine massage, with the acupuncture to create greater results and a stronger sense of relaxation. Usually people will feel some relief after only a few weekly visits.
How Acupuncture Works
Acupuncture helps to reduce inflammation and increase circulation. Acupuncture also helps to regulate the brain to reduce pain, so it is also possible that is another way it works to help regulate the immune response to allergies (2).
References:
1. Marcus MB. Seasonal allergies could spark depression, fatigue. USA Today. 3/18/2008.
2. Napadow V, Ahn A, Longhurst J, et.al. The Status and Future of Acupuncture Mechanism Research. J Altern Complement Med. 2008 September; 14(7): 861–869.
written by: Joseph Alban, L.Ac.
Late Edited: 2/22/2012
The Art of Electro-Acupuncture
Feb 6, 2012
The art of electro-acupuncture is in the details of how one uses the therapy. An effective electro-acupuncture treatment comes from what electric stimulation machine is used, proper selection of acupuncture points, how long you use the stimulation, and the proper frequency.
Acupuncture Microstim
Electro-acupuncture stimulator
In our New York City Acupuncture clinic, we use the Pantheon Research microstim machine. This is one the highest quality machines ensure a safe and effective treatment. Microstim means that the amplitude of the electric stimulation is much smaller. This is much more comfortable for the patient.
Acupuncture Point Selection
Selecting the best acupuncture points is important when using the electro-acupuncture. The acupuncture points should be chosen based upon the type of pain, the location of pain, and the muscle tightness.
This is particularly important when using acupuncture for shoulder pain. For example, if there is an acute shoulder pain with a tight knot on the corner of the shoulder blade or on the apex of the shoulder, then the leads can be placed on acupuncture points surround the area of pain.
If the spasm is very reactive to pressure, the muscle will resist too much stimulation. In that case, the leads should be placed on the acupuncture points along the effected acupuncture channel a little distance from the pain.
What is the optimal duration for electro-acupuncture?
The optimal time for electro acupuncture pain relief is 20 minutes. My preference is to perform electro acupuncture for 20 minutes. Afterwards, twirl the acupuncture needles to stimulate them and continue with 15 minutes more of regular acupuncture. This helps to get the pain relief and anti-inflammatory effects of both the electro acupuncture and regular acupuncture.
What is the best frequency for electro-acupuncture?
The lower frequencies of electo-acupuncture, such 2hz, 4 hz, or 10hz, can address both pain and inflammation. Most of the time, I use 4hz or 10hz, for most joint pain. These low frequencies can also be useful for insomnia and anxiety in some people.
Is there is chronic muscle tightness that is causing pain, the higher electro-acupuncture frequencies can sometime be effective. In my last post I wrote about electro-acupuncture for a patient with Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome.
Headaches and Migraines
Nov 9, 2011
Acupuncture is very effective at treating chronic migraines, tension headaches, and sinus headaches. Acupuncture therapy has been used for over 2000 years to treat chronic headaches.
How does acupuncture treat headaches?
Acupuncture and Chinese medicine scholars theorize that health is based upon balance in the body. Imbalances can cause long term illnesses and pain. Acupuncture and Chinese medicine work by correcting these imbalances in the body. Once the imbalance is corrected, the body can then works to heal itself.
Physiological, acupuncture works to reduce pain and inflammation through regulating neural pain pathways, stimulating the release of natural pain relievers in the body, such as opioids, as well as regulating pain relieving opioid receptors. Many studies have also shown acupuncture to have a anti-inflammatory effect, reducing the circulating inflammatory hormones in the blood (1).
Chronic headaches and migraines there is often a terrible cycle of tension and pain. The muscles tense up in reaction to the pain and then the pain causes the muscles to tense up more. Some believe this cycle of pain further exasperates the decreased blood flow to and from the skull, which may be one of the causes of migraines. Acupuncture cuts off this cycle of tension and pain by relaxing the muscles and relieving tension.
Acupuncture is also very relaxing. Most people feel very calm during the treatment and this lasts for a period of time afterwards. Over time, treatment helps influence you to be calm and increase your ability to deal with stress. This is because acupuncture does not separate the body and the mind. The mind influences the body, and the body influences the mind. So in treating the body we also relax the mind.
What are the most common imbalances that cause headaches?
When comes to headaches, the imbalance is often rooted in the circulation or production of the body’s energy called qi (pronounced chee). Qi needs to be abundant and circulate through channels in the body or else illness occurs.
In Chinese medicine, it is said “When the qi flows there is no pain, when qi stops, there is pain and illness.” When there is stress, trauma, or other illness, the qi circulation can slow down and become stagnated. Someone with qi stagnation will have headaches that are intense, worse with stress, neck pain, ribside pain, possible insomnia, and digestive problems.
Another imbalance can be too little energy, or what is called qi deficiency. If there is too little energy, then people will feel tired, get bloated after they eat, and have a weak pulse.
Acupuncture, Chinese herbs, and acupressure all help to build more qi and smooth the flow of qi.
What is acupuncture treatment like?
An effective acupuncture treatment is based upon a specific and accurate diagnosis. The root imbalance of the condition and by asking in depth questions, taking your pulse, and examining your body. By targeting the exact root of the condition leads to the most successful treatment.
I combine acupressure, Chinese medicine massage, with the acupuncture to create greater results and a stronger sense of relaxation. Usually people will feel some relief after only a few weekly visits.
Research on Acupuncture for Headaches
A recent metanalysis of 31 studies, showed that acupuncture was more effective than both medication and placebo acupuncture (2). For those who do not know, a metanalysis is a more definitive study which examines many many previously performed studies. The studies showed that acupuncture was stronger than placebo acupuncture for reducing headaches, and even stronger than medication for reducing headache frequency, intensity, and overall physical function.
References:
1. Napadow V, Ahn A, Longhurst J, et.al. The Status and Future of Acupuncture Mechanism Research. J Altern Complement Med. 2008 September; 14(7): 861–869.
2. Sun Y, Gan TJ. Acupuncture for the management of chronic headache: a systematic review. Anesth Analg. 2008 Dec;107(6):2038-47.
written by Joseph Alban
edited: November 7, 2011
Conditions
Oct 5, 2011
Below is in-depth information about conditions we commonly treat. No list can be complete. If you do not see your concern please call and ask us about it.
Many of the diseases on this list are linked to articles we’ve written.
Pain:
- Chronic pain
- Arthritis
- Chronic low back pain
- Neck pain
- Knee pain
- Shoulder pain
- Rotator cuff injuries
- Sciatica
- Fibromyalgia
- Frozen Shoulder
- Tendonitis
- Neuropathy
Skin Conditions:
- Acne
- Psoriasis
- Eczema
- Atopic eczema
- Pompholyx eczema
- Nummular Eczema
- Perioral Dermatitis
- Seborrheic dermatitis
- Hives
- Rosacea
Urology Conditions:
- Chronic prostatitis and chronic pelvic pain syndrome
- Overactive bladder
- Interstital cystitis
- Bladder Spasms
- Frequent Urination
- Post Prostate Cancer Recovery
- Erectile Dysfunction
Headaches:
Wellbeing:
Respiratory Health:
- Seasonal Allergies
- Asthma
- Chronic Bronchitis
- Frequent colds
- Smoking Cessation
Women’s Health:
- Infertility
- Acupuncture for IVF
- Endometriosis
- Fibroids
- Painful and Irregular Cycles
- Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)
- Hotflashes
Digestive Health:
- Poor Digestion
- Constipation
- Nausea and morning sickness
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome
- Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis
Boost your Qi with Kidney Three
Oct 1, 2010
Kidney 3
Because it helps to boost the energy in the body, KI 3 can help with many different conditions. In the last post, I wrote about kidney 3 for back pain, but it can also help with many symptoms like fatigue, insomnia, and sometimes PMS and reproductive health.
It works best for people with too little qi or energy, but it does not move stagnated qi as well as LI 4 or SP6 does.
KI 3 is located just behind the inside ankle bone. To boost KI 3, gently massage in a small circle. The point should feel warm and relaxed. It is best to massage this point daily.
Acupressure Book Coming Soon!
Just wanted to let my readers know I am working on an acupressure book. This book will guide you through a number of acupressure routines introducing the location of the acupressure points, the massage technique, and how to combine the appropriate acupressure points. The routines will be focused on specific health concerns, such as headaches, digestive problems, menstrual cramps, and stress, insomnia, and anxiety.
Sign up for blog updates through the Sign Up box on the right or send me an e-mail indicating you want to find out more information about the acupressure book. We’ll let you know as we develop this invaluable tool.
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Better Habits for Better Sleep
Jun 7, 2009
In my last post, I wrote about how acupuncture can treat insomnia. But there are also a lot of things you should do on your own.
1. Turn off the T.V. at least 30 minutes before bed. The television stimulates you and wakes you up. The computer too. So if you are reading this blog late at night, stop now, turn the computer off, and get some sleep.
2. Only use your bed for sleep and making whoopie. Don’t use it as a spare desk.
3. Try doing self acupressure for better sleeping everyday before bed.
4. Practice breathing exercises for relaxation.
5. Drink chamomile tea.
6. Avoid caffeine after 12 noon. Don’t drink coffee even if it is decaffeinated, if you are sensitive it will still keep you up.
7. If you cannot sleep, taking a warm bath will help you relax.
8. Also, if you cannot sleep, read a lighthearted article or story in dim light.
9. Exercise during the day will help you sleep at night.
10. Most importantly, don’t nap. I know it sounds hard, but it is best to go to sleep and wake up on a schedule which will confuse force your body into a sleeping schedule.
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
Help for your insomnia
Jan 13, 2009
Insomnia is very difficult to deal with, and can impact the work, social life and overall quality of life. But this is an alternative to sleep aids. Acupuncture has a long history of treating this condition, and I have seen many people in my clinic overcome sleeping probelsm. Recently, I was published in Medical Acupuncture about how to treat difficulty sleeping.
As with all acupuncture treatments, treating insomnia should address both the
root cause and the branch symptom of the illness. The branch treatment means to help the person relax and go to sleep in the near future. It is treated with calming points such as Yin Tang in the center of the forehead, ear points, and points on the head such as DU 20, and Si Shen Cong. On your own, try massaging these areas.
The root treatment of insomnia addresses the cause and can lead to overall improvement of the condition. The insomnia can be caused from a disharmony in the Heart, Liver-Gallbladder, and Stomach. In Chinese medicine, the Heart houses the spirit which is the mental and emotional state of the person. The blood must nourish the heart, or else it would irritate the spirit causing insomnia characterized by restlessness, anxiety, and palpitations. HT 7 threaded to HT 5 should be used, which are on the forearm near the hand.
Emotions are also a factor because the mind and body are strongly connected. Stress and frustration can cause insomnia from Liver Qi stagnation. This pattern is associated with irritability and neck pain. The liver qi should be smoothed with LV 3 on the foot and LI 4 on the hand for Liver Qi stagnation. Sometimes, stagnation in the stomach harasses the spirit, which is characterized by insomnia with bloating, belching, and nausea. For this condition, open the stomach channels by ST 36 and PC 6.
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