This photo came to me in a Facebook feed and I thought it would help set the appropriate tone as we reflect back on 2011 and create our mindset for 2012. Happy New Year!
Primer on Happiness
This photo came to me in a Facebook feed and I thought it would help set the appropriate tone as we reflect back on 2011 and create our mindset for 2012. Happy New Year!
Primer on Happiness
This photo came to me in a Facebook feed and I thought it would help set the appropriate tone as we reflect back on 2011 and create our mindset for 2012. Happy New Year!
Quick Coherence for Holiday Peace
We have been using a lot of Biofeedback for soldiers with PTSD to decrease anxiety and increase mindfulness. I am currently in the process of reviewing the emWave by HeartMath to determine if it is a good fit to use and recommend at Jing, and one of the initial practices suggested is a short heart meditation that does not require the aid of a device. Detailed information is available on their website along with a number of free tools and research. Try out this quick, proactive practice for your own centered presence before taking on holiday traffic or that pesky family drama!
Step 1: Focus
Bring awareness to the area around your heart in the center of your chest. Place your hand over your sternum to help maintain this focus.
Step 2: Breath
Begin by taking your normal breaths gradually deepening each inhale and elongating each exhale. Imagine each inhale and exhale originates and flows freely from your heart center. Continue this practice until the breath feels natural and relaxed.
Step 3: Feeling
As you maintain your heart focus and breath, recall a positive memory or pleasurable feeling. Try to re-experience that moment, taking in all of the enjoyable sensory and interpersonal aspects that bring joy and peace. Linger here, allowing yourself to rebalance and recharge before moving forward.
Step 1: Focus
Bring awareness to the area around your heart in the center of your chest. Place your hand over your sternum to help maintain this focus.
Step 2: Breath
Begin by taking your normal breaths gradually deepening each inhale and elongating each exhale. Imagine each inhale and exhale originates and flows freely from your heart center. Continue this practice until the breath feels natural and relaxed.
Step 3: Feeling
As you maintain your heart focus and breath, recall a positive memory or pleasurable feeling. Try to re-experience that moment, taking in all of the enjoyable sensory and interpersonal aspects that bring joy and peace. Linger here, allowing yourself to rebalance and recharge before moving forward.
Quick Coherence for Holiday Peace
We have been using a lot of Biofeedback for soldiers with PTSD to decrease anxiety and increase mindfulness. I am currently in the process of reviewing the emWave by HeartMath to determine if it is a good fit to use and recommend at Jing, and one of the initial practices suggested is a short heart meditation that does not require the aid of a device. Detailed information is available on their website along with a number of free tools and research. Try out this quick, proactive practice for your own centered presence before taking on holiday traffic or that pesky family drama!
Step 1: Focus
Bring awareness to the area around your heart in the center of your chest. Place your hand over your sternum to help maintain this focus.
Step 2: Breath
Begin by taking your normal breaths gradually deepening each inhale and elongating each exhale. Imagine each inhale and exhale originates and flows freely from your heart center. Continue this practice until the breath feels natural and relaxed.
Step 3: Feeling
As you maintain your heart focus and breath, recall a positive memory or pleasurable feeling. Try to re-experience that moment, taking in all of the enjoyable sensory and interpersonal aspects that bring joy and peace. Linger here, allowing yourself to rebalance and recharge before moving forward.
Step 1: Focus
Bring awareness to the area around your heart in the center of your chest. Place your hand over your sternum to help maintain this focus.
Step 2: Breath
Begin by taking your normal breaths gradually deepening each inhale and elongating each exhale. Imagine each inhale and exhale originates and flows freely from your heart center. Continue this practice until the breath feels natural and relaxed.
Step 3: Feeling
As you maintain your heart focus and breath, recall a positive memory or pleasurable feeling. Try to re-experience that moment, taking in all of the enjoyable sensory and interpersonal aspects that bring joy and peace. Linger here, allowing yourself to rebalance and recharge before moving forward.
Top 5 Self-Care Experiences of 2011
Many patients ask me what I do for my own self-care regimen - after all, if you are going to preach it, you need to practice it. One of my main sources of R&R are spa adventures both for my own personal enjoyment, but also as a way to research a variety of therapies to recommend as part of a total individual treatment plan for my patients. This year I had the opportunity to try several modalities in various locations across the country, and the following are my reflections on those experiences.
Maya Abdominal Massage - I have only had one "full body" massage in my life where abdominal work was part of the treatment. I have asked a number of massage therapists why, and answers range from "nobody likes it" to "we didn't learn that in school." I agree, it feels a little weird partially because it is natural to guard the area, but also because most of us are not used to being so aware of our liver, stomach, or ileocecal valve. Maya abdominal massage requires additional training and involves the entire core. This therapy addresses issues including pelvic discomfort (including hips and low back), sexual function, and gastrointestinal irregularity. My favorite place in Louisville is Balance in Motion.
Ashiatsu - I had this done while at a conference in Orlando at Rosen Shingle Creek Spa. This is an intense deep tissue massage where the therapist stands over holding parallel bars for balance and uses feet instead of finger pressure to target common trigger or acupuncture points. This is sometimes called Oriental Bar Therapy and has become more popular in recent years. Deeper does not mean better or more effective and is not an appropriate therapy for everyone. Folks who have a lot of scar tissue or adhesions may like this therapy, however those with fibromyalgia or myofacial syndrome may find it makes their condition worse.
Reflexology - Perhaps my favorite treatment when done by someone formally trained, I have yet to get through one of these without falling asleep! More than a foot, hand, or ear massage, this modality uses sustained finger-pressure techniques to find areas of the body in need of attention without having to touch them directly. This is a great alternative to full-body massage for those who have discomfort but prefer to remain clothed. Those who tend to do well with this therapy can often tell when the therapist is touching the neck area of the hands or sinus area of the foot. I have had this done at Mandara spas in Orlando and Anaheim, Rachel's Salon in Memphis, Gould's Salon at the Peabody Memphis, and locally at my favorite place, J.R.s Salon.
Hot Stone - This is the number-one patient favorite, even in the summer and for those experiencing hot flashes! It is fantastic for people who like light-medium pressure with the goal of increasing circulation and relaxation. The stones are usually warm but some therapists will incorporate cold stones if appropriate. The stones warm and relax the muscles to allow deeper but less intense work with hands with less post-treatment soreness than with other types of massage. I am lucky enough to have a very talented therapist at Jing who also brings aromatherapy and a foot scrub into the session. Genevieve's Healing Arts
Body Wraps - I get questions about these from folks who want to "detox" after surgery, as a seasonal cleanse, or to remove excess water weight. Those who like it enjoy the warm, cocoon feeling, improved circulation, and skin softening or tightening effects. Again, this is a good therapy for people who like to spa, but may be touch-sensative. To be honest though, I do not like the feeling of being swaddled in plastic wrap and wet towels saturated by algae powder and my own sweat. I have had about three of these in my whole life and all were a bit different, but nonetheless, not for me.
***Disclaimer: None of these companies listed provided compensation for reviewing their services
Maya Abdominal Massage - I have only had one "full body" massage in my life where abdominal work was part of the treatment. I have asked a number of massage therapists why, and answers range from "nobody likes it" to "we didn't learn that in school." I agree, it feels a little weird partially because it is natural to guard the area, but also because most of us are not used to being so aware of our liver, stomach, or ileocecal valve. Maya abdominal massage requires additional training and involves the entire core. This therapy addresses issues including pelvic discomfort (including hips and low back), sexual function, and gastrointestinal irregularity. My favorite place in Louisville is Balance in Motion.
Ashiatsu - I had this done while at a conference in Orlando at Rosen Shingle Creek Spa. This is an intense deep tissue massage where the therapist stands over holding parallel bars for balance and uses feet instead of finger pressure to target common trigger or acupuncture points. This is sometimes called Oriental Bar Therapy and has become more popular in recent years. Deeper does not mean better or more effective and is not an appropriate therapy for everyone. Folks who have a lot of scar tissue or adhesions may like this therapy, however those with fibromyalgia or myofacial syndrome may find it makes their condition worse.
Reflexology - Perhaps my favorite treatment when done by someone formally trained, I have yet to get through one of these without falling asleep! More than a foot, hand, or ear massage, this modality uses sustained finger-pressure techniques to find areas of the body in need of attention without having to touch them directly. This is a great alternative to full-body massage for those who have discomfort but prefer to remain clothed. Those who tend to do well with this therapy can often tell when the therapist is touching the neck area of the hands or sinus area of the foot. I have had this done at Mandara spas in Orlando and Anaheim, Rachel's Salon in Memphis, Gould's Salon at the Peabody Memphis, and locally at my favorite place, J.R.s Salon.
Hot Stone - This is the number-one patient favorite, even in the summer and for those experiencing hot flashes! It is fantastic for people who like light-medium pressure with the goal of increasing circulation and relaxation. The stones are usually warm but some therapists will incorporate cold stones if appropriate. The stones warm and relax the muscles to allow deeper but less intense work with hands with less post-treatment soreness than with other types of massage. I am lucky enough to have a very talented therapist at Jing who also brings aromatherapy and a foot scrub into the session. Genevieve's Healing Arts
Body Wraps - I get questions about these from folks who want to "detox" after surgery, as a seasonal cleanse, or to remove excess water weight. Those who like it enjoy the warm, cocoon feeling, improved circulation, and skin softening or tightening effects. Again, this is a good therapy for people who like to spa, but may be touch-sensative. To be honest though, I do not like the feeling of being swaddled in plastic wrap and wet towels saturated by algae powder and my own sweat. I have had about three of these in my whole life and all were a bit different, but nonetheless, not for me.
***Disclaimer: None of these companies listed provided compensation for reviewing their services
Top 5 Self-Care Experiences of 2011
Many patients ask me what I do for my own self-care regimen - after all, if you are going to preach it, you need to practice it. One of my main sources of R&R are spa adventures both for my own personal enjoyment, but also as a way to research a variety of therapies to recommend as part of a total individual treatment plan for my patients. This year I had the opportunity to try several modalities in various locations across the country, and the following are my reflections on those experiences.
Maya Abdominal Massage - I have only had one "full body" massage in my life where abdominal work was part of the treatment. I have asked a number of massage therapists why, and answers range from "nobody likes it" to "we didn't learn that in school." I agree, it feels a little weird partially because it is natural to guard the area, but also because most of us are not used to being so aware of our liver, stomach, or ileocecal valve. Maya abdominal massage requires additional training and involves the entire core. This therapy addresses issues including pelvic discomfort (including hips and low back), sexual function, and gastrointestinal irregularity. My favorite place in Louisville is Balance in Motion.
Ashiatsu - I had this done while at a conference in Orlando at Rosen Shingle Creek Spa. This is an intense deep tissue massage where the therapist stands over holding parallel bars for balance and uses feet instead of finger pressure to target common trigger or acupuncture points. This is sometimes called Oriental Bar Therapy and has become more popular in recent years. Deeper does not mean better or more effective and is not an appropriate therapy for everyone. Folks who have a lot of scar tissue or adhesions may like this therapy, however those with fibromyalgia or myofacial syndrome may find it makes their condition worse.
Reflexology - Perhaps my favorite treatment when done by someone formally trained, I have yet to get through one of these without falling asleep! More than a foot, hand, or ear massage, this modality uses sustained finger-pressure techniques to find areas of the body in need of attention without having to touch them directly. This is a great alternative to full-body massage for those who have discomfort but prefer to remain clothed. Those who tend to do well with this therapy can often tell when the therapist is touching the neck area of the hands or sinus area of the foot. I have had this done at Mandara spas in Orlando and Anaheim, Rachel's Salon in Memphis, Gould's Salon at the Peabody Memphis, and locally at my favorite place, J.R.s Salon.
Hot Stone - This is the number-one patient favorite, even in the summer and for those experiencing hot flashes! It is fantastic for people who like light-medium pressure with the goal of increasing circulation and relaxation. The stones are usually warm but some therapists will incorporate cold stones if appropriate. The stones warm and relax the muscles to allow deeper but less intense work with hands with less post-treatment soreness than with other types of massage. I am lucky enough to have a very talented therapist at Jing who also brings aromatherapy and a foot scrub into the session. Genevieve's Healing Arts
Body Wraps - I get questions about these from folks who want to "detox" after surgery, as a seasonal cleanse, or to remove excess water weight. Those who like it enjoy the warm, cocoon feeling, improved circulation, and skin softening or tightening effects. Again, this is a good therapy for people who like to spa, but may be touch-sensative. To be honest though, I do not like the feeling of being swaddled in plastic wrap and wet towels saturated by algae powder and my own sweat. I have had about three of these in my whole life and all were a bit different, but nonetheless, not for me.
***Disclaimer: None of these companies listed provided compensation for reviewing their services
Maya Abdominal Massage - I have only had one "full body" massage in my life where abdominal work was part of the treatment. I have asked a number of massage therapists why, and answers range from "nobody likes it" to "we didn't learn that in school." I agree, it feels a little weird partially because it is natural to guard the area, but also because most of us are not used to being so aware of our liver, stomach, or ileocecal valve. Maya abdominal massage requires additional training and involves the entire core. This therapy addresses issues including pelvic discomfort (including hips and low back), sexual function, and gastrointestinal irregularity. My favorite place in Louisville is Balance in Motion.
Ashiatsu - I had this done while at a conference in Orlando at Rosen Shingle Creek Spa. This is an intense deep tissue massage where the therapist stands over holding parallel bars for balance and uses feet instead of finger pressure to target common trigger or acupuncture points. This is sometimes called Oriental Bar Therapy and has become more popular in recent years. Deeper does not mean better or more effective and is not an appropriate therapy for everyone. Folks who have a lot of scar tissue or adhesions may like this therapy, however those with fibromyalgia or myofacial syndrome may find it makes their condition worse.
Reflexology - Perhaps my favorite treatment when done by someone formally trained, I have yet to get through one of these without falling asleep! More than a foot, hand, or ear massage, this modality uses sustained finger-pressure techniques to find areas of the body in need of attention without having to touch them directly. This is a great alternative to full-body massage for those who have discomfort but prefer to remain clothed. Those who tend to do well with this therapy can often tell when the therapist is touching the neck area of the hands or sinus area of the foot. I have had this done at Mandara spas in Orlando and Anaheim, Rachel's Salon in Memphis, Gould's Salon at the Peabody Memphis, and locally at my favorite place, J.R.s Salon.
Hot Stone - This is the number-one patient favorite, even in the summer and for those experiencing hot flashes! It is fantastic for people who like light-medium pressure with the goal of increasing circulation and relaxation. The stones are usually warm but some therapists will incorporate cold stones if appropriate. The stones warm and relax the muscles to allow deeper but less intense work with hands with less post-treatment soreness than with other types of massage. I am lucky enough to have a very talented therapist at Jing who also brings aromatherapy and a foot scrub into the session. Genevieve's Healing Arts
Body Wraps - I get questions about these from folks who want to "detox" after surgery, as a seasonal cleanse, or to remove excess water weight. Those who like it enjoy the warm, cocoon feeling, improved circulation, and skin softening or tightening effects. Again, this is a good therapy for people who like to spa, but may be touch-sensative. To be honest though, I do not like the feeling of being swaddled in plastic wrap and wet towels saturated by algae powder and my own sweat. I have had about three of these in my whole life and all were a bit different, but nonetheless, not for me.
***Disclaimer: None of these companies listed provided compensation for reviewing their services
A little Monday Morning Advocacy from the Coalition for Safe Acupuncture Practice
I received this in an email newsletter this morning and I believe it is important to get this information out. While crossover practice exists in multiple western medicine disciplines, proof equivalent training is always part of the equation. I have long maintained there is a problem with MDs, DOs, DPTs, and DCs being able to take a quick (if any) course of acupuncture and have it fold into their scope of practice. Stating that techniques like dry needling are not TCM and therefor do not require TCM theory is fine, however there is ample training in technique and clinical supervision that is necessary regardless of the guiding theory. By that rational, anyone who draws blood, administers injections, pierces body parts, gives tattoos, or otherwise has a needle meeting skin as part of their discipline should be eligible to take a course for a few hours and hand their shingle. If that does not sound like a good idea, neither should this . . .
Please join us in responding to Dry Needling...
Dry Needling for Pain Management, as developed by Yun-Tao Ma, PhD., is a 24 classroom hour work-shop designed for Physical Therapists who wish to use Dry Needling in their patient practice. After completion of Dry Needling for Pain Management, Physical Therapists are encouraged to insert needles into their patients as part of their treatment protocols. Dry Needling is,by definition, the insertion of solid, acupuncture-type needles into body tissue. Dry Needling technique is acupuncture technique.
Training in Dry Needling, as provided to Physical Therapists, does not include the 6 hour Clean Needle Technique safety course and Clean Needle certification exam that all Acupuncture students must complete and pass. Training in Dry Needling, as provided to Physical Therapists, does not include the 150 hours of clinical observation plus 118 hours of needling technique classroom instruction required of all Acupuncture students prior to beginning their clinical internships. Training in Dry Needling, as provided to Physical Therapists, does not include the Illinois state mandated additional 660 hours of needling and acupuncture technique practice that all present Acupuncture students must complete while being supervised by Illinois State licensed acupuncturists at an ACAMO-accredited and Illinois state approved educational institution.
The Coalition for Safe Acupuncture Practice (CSAP) seeks to bring attention to the inadequacy of clinical, classroom and Clean Needle Technique instruction received by Physical Therapists who are using Dry Needling in their treatment practices. Please read the CSAP mission statement at end and consider joining us so that we may bring social awareness to this public health issue.
CCAOM Position Paper on Dry Needling
American Association of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine Position Statement of Acupuncture Trigger Point Dry Needling and Intramuscular Manuel Therapy
Please join us in responding to Dry Needling...
Dry Needling for Pain Management, as developed by Yun-Tao Ma, PhD., is a 24 classroom hour work-shop designed for Physical Therapists who wish to use Dry Needling in their patient practice. After completion of Dry Needling for Pain Management, Physical Therapists are encouraged to insert needles into their patients as part of their treatment protocols. Dry Needling is,by definition, the insertion of solid, acupuncture-type needles into body tissue. Dry Needling technique is acupuncture technique.
Training in Dry Needling, as provided to Physical Therapists, does not include the 6 hour Clean Needle Technique safety course and Clean Needle certification exam that all Acupuncture students must complete and pass. Training in Dry Needling, as provided to Physical Therapists, does not include the 150 hours of clinical observation plus 118 hours of needling technique classroom instruction required of all Acupuncture students prior to beginning their clinical internships. Training in Dry Needling, as provided to Physical Therapists, does not include the Illinois state mandated additional 660 hours of needling and acupuncture technique practice that all present Acupuncture students must complete while being supervised by Illinois State licensed acupuncturists at an ACAMO-accredited and Illinois state approved educational institution.
The Coalition for Safe Acupuncture Practice (CSAP) seeks to bring attention to the inadequacy of clinical, classroom and Clean Needle Technique instruction received by Physical Therapists who are using Dry Needling in their treatment practices. Please read the CSAP mission statement at end and consider joining us so that we may bring social awareness to this public health issue.
CCAOM Position Paper on Dry Needling
American Association of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine Position Statement of Acupuncture Trigger Point Dry Needling and Intramuscular Manuel Therapy
A little Monday Morning Advocacy from the Coalition for Safe Acupuncture Practice
I received this in an email newsletter this morning and I believe it is important to get this information out. While crossover practice exists in multiple western medicine disciplines, proof equivalent training is always part of the equation. I have long maintained there is a problem with MDs, DOs, DPTs, and DCs being able to take a quick (if any) course of acupuncture and have it fold into their scope of practice. Stating that techniques like dry needling are not TCM and therefor do not require TCM theory is fine, however there is ample training in technique and clinical supervision that is necessary regardless of the guiding theory. By that rational, anyone who draws blood, administers injections, pierces body parts, gives tattoos, or otherwise has a needle meeting skin as part of their discipline should be eligible to take a course for a few hours and hand their shingle. If that does not sound like a good idea, neither should this . . .
Please join us in responding to Dry Needling...
Dry Needling for Pain Management, as developed by Yun-Tao Ma, PhD., is a 24 classroom hour work-shop designed for Physical Therapists who wish to use Dry Needling in their patient practice. After completion of Dry Needling for Pain Management, Physical Therapists are encouraged to insert needles into their patients as part of their treatment protocols. Dry Needling is,by definition, the insertion of solid, acupuncture-type needles into body tissue. Dry Needling technique is acupuncture technique.
Training in Dry Needling, as provided to Physical Therapists, does not include the 6 hour Clean Needle Technique safety course and Clean Needle certification exam that all Acupuncture students must complete and pass. Training in Dry Needling, as provided to Physical Therapists, does not include the 150 hours of clinical observation plus 118 hours of needling technique classroom instruction required of all Acupuncture students prior to beginning their clinical internships. Training in Dry Needling, as provided to Physical Therapists, does not include the Illinois state mandated additional 660 hours of needling and acupuncture technique practice that all present Acupuncture students must complete while being supervised by Illinois State licensed acupuncturists at an ACAMO-accredited and Illinois state approved educational institution.
The Coalition for Safe Acupuncture Practice (CSAP) seeks to bring attention to the inadequacy of clinical, classroom and Clean Needle Technique instruction received by Physical Therapists who are using Dry Needling in their treatment practices. Please read the CSAP mission statement at end and consider joining us so that we may bring social awareness to this public health issue.
CCAOM Position Paper on Dry Needling
American Association of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine Position Statement of Acupuncture Trigger Point Dry Needling and Intramuscular Manuel Therapy
Please join us in responding to Dry Needling...
Dry Needling for Pain Management, as developed by Yun-Tao Ma, PhD., is a 24 classroom hour work-shop designed for Physical Therapists who wish to use Dry Needling in their patient practice. After completion of Dry Needling for Pain Management, Physical Therapists are encouraged to insert needles into their patients as part of their treatment protocols. Dry Needling is,by definition, the insertion of solid, acupuncture-type needles into body tissue. Dry Needling technique is acupuncture technique.
Training in Dry Needling, as provided to Physical Therapists, does not include the 6 hour Clean Needle Technique safety course and Clean Needle certification exam that all Acupuncture students must complete and pass. Training in Dry Needling, as provided to Physical Therapists, does not include the 150 hours of clinical observation plus 118 hours of needling technique classroom instruction required of all Acupuncture students prior to beginning their clinical internships. Training in Dry Needling, as provided to Physical Therapists, does not include the Illinois state mandated additional 660 hours of needling and acupuncture technique practice that all present Acupuncture students must complete while being supervised by Illinois State licensed acupuncturists at an ACAMO-accredited and Illinois state approved educational institution.
The Coalition for Safe Acupuncture Practice (CSAP) seeks to bring attention to the inadequacy of clinical, classroom and Clean Needle Technique instruction received by Physical Therapists who are using Dry Needling in their treatment practices. Please read the CSAP mission statement at end and consider joining us so that we may bring social awareness to this public health issue.
CCAOM Position Paper on Dry Needling
American Association of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine Position Statement of Acupuncture Trigger Point Dry Needling and Intramuscular Manuel Therapy
Cold & Flu Self-Care
With the wind and cold kicking up and the holiday bustle putting us in contact with as many germs as there are shoppers, I find myself frequently handing out the following self-care education. These tips are excellent for anyone with low immunity, undergoing stress, suffering from allergies, or actively ill. Enjoy!
Cold & Flu Self-Care
With the wind and cold kicking up and the holiday bustle putting us in contact with as many germs as there are shoppers, I find myself frequently handing out the following self-care education. These tips are excellent for anyone with low immunity, undergoing stress, suffering from allergies, or actively ill. Enjoy!
"Melting You Icebergs"
A Facebook professional contact posted this recently and I thought it was worth sharing because, chances are, you are reading this on a computer and susceptible to frozen icebergs!
Shoulders.
You keyboard right?
Midway between the far end of your shoulder and your spine there is a gathering point for stress. It feels both good and bad whenever someone presses on it. 1 iceburg on each shoulder. Not quite as bad as Atlas. So let's melt them.
Push your shoulders up to your ears or as far as they will go. Then let them fall slowly and SOFTEN. Think of hot butter. Think of ice melting. Move your right hand to your left shoulder and gently GRAB that point and squeeze, not like you are wrestling with an enemy, but like you are embracing a wounded loved one. With care. And work out sone of that tender stiffness. Do the same with the other hand and shoulder. Then make some really REALLY BIG circles with your shoulders. All the way up back down forward, and around and around.
W O R K I T O U T.
Now step away from your computer and do something else for a while. Take care of you!
Shoulders.
You keyboard right?
Midway between the far end of your shoulder and your spine there is a gathering point for stress. It feels both good and bad whenever someone presses on it. 1 iceburg on each shoulder. Not quite as bad as Atlas. So let's melt them.
Push your shoulders up to your ears or as far as they will go. Then let them fall slowly and SOFTEN. Think of hot butter. Think of ice melting. Move your right hand to your left shoulder and gently GRAB that point and squeeze, not like you are wrestling with an enemy, but like you are embracing a wounded loved one. With care. And work out sone of that tender stiffness. Do the same with the other hand and shoulder. Then make some really REALLY BIG circles with your shoulders. All the way up back down forward, and around and around.
W O R K I T O U T.
Now step away from your computer and do something else for a while. Take care of you!
"Melting You Icebergs"
A Facebook professional contact posted this recently and I thought it was worth sharing because, chances are, you are reading this on a computer and susceptible to frozen icebergs!
Shoulders.
You keyboard right?
Midway between the far end of your shoulder and your spine there is a gathering point for stress. It feels both good and bad whenever someone presses on it. 1 iceburg on each shoulder. Not quite as bad as Atlas. So let's melt them.
Push your shoulders up to your ears or as far as they will go. Then let them fall slowly and SOFTEN. Think of hot butter. Think of ice melting. Move your right hand to your left shoulder and gently GRAB that point and squeeze, not like you are wrestling with an enemy, but like you are embracing a wounded loved one. With care. And work out sone of that tender stiffness. Do the same with the other hand and shoulder. Then make some really REALLY BIG circles with your shoulders. All the way up back down forward, and around and around.
W O R K I T O U T.
Now step away from your computer and do something else for a while. Take care of you!
Shoulders.
You keyboard right?
Midway between the far end of your shoulder and your spine there is a gathering point for stress. It feels both good and bad whenever someone presses on it. 1 iceburg on each shoulder. Not quite as bad as Atlas. So let's melt them.
Push your shoulders up to your ears or as far as they will go. Then let them fall slowly and SOFTEN. Think of hot butter. Think of ice melting. Move your right hand to your left shoulder and gently GRAB that point and squeeze, not like you are wrestling with an enemy, but like you are embracing a wounded loved one. With care. And work out sone of that tender stiffness. Do the same with the other hand and shoulder. Then make some really REALLY BIG circles with your shoulders. All the way up back down forward, and around and around.
W O R K I T O U T.
Now step away from your computer and do something else for a while. Take care of you!
Engage With Grace
Death. The big "D" word. We only die once, yet the subject is often taboo to discuss even when terminal illness or unexpected event occurs. Just as preventative healthcare is preferable to interventional disease care, having these kinds of discussions are important not just for the one who is dying, but for those who are left to grieve. Many acupuncturists provide palliative care both for the individual and their families and can play a role in facilitating these discussions. When you and your family know the answers to the following questions, the burden of decision-making and potential for conflict in the midst of grief and shock is greatly lessened. This movement is just as important for those in the bed as it is for those standing by it. Please pass it on!
Engage With Grace/The One Slide Project
Engage With Grace/The One Slide Project
Engage With Grace
Death. The big "D" word. We only die once, yet the subject is often taboo to discuss even when terminal illness or unexpected event occurs. Just as preventative healthcare is preferable to interventional disease care, having these kinds of discussions are important not just for the one who is dying, but for those who are left to grieve. Many acupuncturists provide palliative care both for the individual and their families and can play a role in facilitating these discussions. When you and your family know the answers to the following questions, the burden of decision-making and potential for conflict in the midst of grief and shock is greatly lessened. This movement is just as important for those in the bed as it is for those standing by it. Please pass it on!
Engage With Grace/The One Slide Project
Engage With Grace/The One Slide Project
Acupuncture's Method of Action: Adenosine (?)
"A patient's report of pain is to be believed." This basic assessment is taught to all aspiring healthcare providers. Their report of pain relief, however, is often accepted only if there is a scientific explanation. Acupuncture is constantly being called quack medicine with all of it's "Qi" and "meridian" hocus-pocus, while patients who support it's efficacy cajoled for being so simple or desperate that they experience nothing more than a placebo effect. Thanks to an ever-expanding body of research, we may start referring to "Qi" as both energy and chemical transmission.
Researchers from the Center for Translational Neuromedicine in Rochester now offer another plausible scientific explanation for the analgesic effect of acupuncture. A study on peripheral nervous system pain in animals found acupuncture increases formation of adenosine, a nucleoside that produces anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effect. Although deeper insertion and stimulation produced a greater effect, a moderate increase in adenosine may be observed with application of pressure, heat, or vibration to this skin. This may also explain why non-invasive "sham" acupuncture treatments can elicit a therapeutic effect, but also why these benefits do not endure over the course of follow-up. Previous studies focused on the central nervous system determined acupuncture also stimulates the release of endorphins in the brain. Bring on the science!
For the full article, visit Nature Neuroscience
Researchers from the Center for Translational Neuromedicine in Rochester now offer another plausible scientific explanation for the analgesic effect of acupuncture. A study on peripheral nervous system pain in animals found acupuncture increases formation of adenosine, a nucleoside that produces anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effect. Although deeper insertion and stimulation produced a greater effect, a moderate increase in adenosine may be observed with application of pressure, heat, or vibration to this skin. This may also explain why non-invasive "sham" acupuncture treatments can elicit a therapeutic effect, but also why these benefits do not endure over the course of follow-up. Previous studies focused on the central nervous system determined acupuncture also stimulates the release of endorphins in the brain. Bring on the science!
For the full article, visit Nature Neuroscience
Acupuncture's Method of Action: Adenosine (?)
"A patient's report of pain is to be believed." This basic assessment is taught to all aspiring healthcare providers. Their report of pain relief, however, is often accepted only if there is a scientific explanation. Acupuncture is constantly being called quack medicine with all of it's "Qi" and "meridian" hocus-pocus, while patients who support it's efficacy cajoled for being so simple or desperate that they experience nothing more than a placebo effect. Thanks to an ever-expanding body of research, we may start referring to "Qi" as both energy and chemical transmission.
Researchers from the Center for Translational Neuromedicine in Rochester now offer another plausible scientific explanation for the analgesic effect of acupuncture. A study on peripheral nervous system pain in animals found acupuncture increases formation of adenosine, a nucleoside that produces anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effect. Although deeper insertion and stimulation produced a greater effect, a moderate increase in adenosine may be observed with application of pressure, heat, or vibration to this skin. This may also explain why non-invasive "sham" acupuncture treatments can elicit a therapeutic effect, but also why these benefits do not endure over the course of follow-up. Previous studies focused on the central nervous system determined acupuncture also stimulates the release of endorphins in the brain. Bring on the science!
For the full article, visit Nature Neuroscience
Researchers from the Center for Translational Neuromedicine in Rochester now offer another plausible scientific explanation for the analgesic effect of acupuncture. A study on peripheral nervous system pain in animals found acupuncture increases formation of adenosine, a nucleoside that produces anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effect. Although deeper insertion and stimulation produced a greater effect, a moderate increase in adenosine may be observed with application of pressure, heat, or vibration to this skin. This may also explain why non-invasive "sham" acupuncture treatments can elicit a therapeutic effect, but also why these benefits do not endure over the course of follow-up. Previous studies focused on the central nervous system determined acupuncture also stimulates the release of endorphins in the brain. Bring on the science!
For the full article, visit Nature Neuroscience
Pain Relief for Veterans
For several years, the military has recognized the benefit of incorporating acupuncture therapy in a holistic treatment plan for PTSD and substance abuse issues, even if they generally do not used trained, qualified, and licensed acupuncturists to perform it. As miffed as I am that they allow the "jab-and-go" providers instead of hiring people with an actual degree in the medicine (yes, I am jealous . . . and available for collaboration), at least they recognize the contribution of the modality. Our soldiers and veterans are returning with some interesting autoimmune and auto-inflammatory diseases at a rate higher than the general population. Rheumatoid arthritis, scleroderma, pernicious anemia, chronic recurrent multifocal osteomylitis - whether contracted by inhaling burning trash, as result of traumatic-brain injury, excessive vaccination (double vaccination in the cases where they lost a soldiers records "just in case") or physical manifestation of a psychological malady, there is no denying many of our vets are in physical and emotional pain. And so, I put aside my professional irritation and offer nothing but praise for using acupuncture as an adjunct for pain control in our wounded warriors.
By Sig Christenson
Read more
Army looks toward new ways to fight the pain
Soldiers are getting alternative medicine.
By Sig Christenson
sigc@express-news.net
Published 01:55 a.m., Monday, September 26, 2011
Sgt. 1st Class Jennifer Wright used to jog, walk, lift weights and ride her Harley-Davidson Fat Boy, the motorcycle she bought after serving in Iraq.
Today, she's among a growing legion of war veterans suffering from scleroderma, a painful and potentially fatal disease. Wright, 40, feels pain in her face, joints and toes. She's lost some of her hair, and her toenails fell off.
“It's to the point I want them to deaden the nerves in my face. But (the doctor) said if you do that you take a chance of developing muscle atrophy, Bell's palsy with the real bad facial droop, no muscle control,” she said. “I said I'm willing to take my chances. Just do something about it. It's just consumed me, and I'm miserable.”
Pain pills are part of the treatment, but in her case they don't last long, so an orthopedic physician's assistant last week performed an acupuncture treatment, injecting small gold needles into selected parts of her ear.
Her care is part of the Army's fledgling complementary alternative medicine program, which is testing new therapies, some of them unproven and one literally out of this world.
It's another option for GIs who have returned from combat with pain from a variety of wounds and illnesses, for whom the Army has spent billions on drugs that have resulted in complications, dependency, abuse and even accidental deaths and suicides.
Read more
Pain Relief for Veterans
For several years, the military has recognized the benefit of incorporating acupuncture therapy in a holistic treatment plan for PTSD and substance abuse issues, even if they generally do not used trained, qualified, and licensed acupuncturists to perform it. As miffed as I am that they allow the "jab-and-go" providers instead of hiring people with an actual degree in the medicine (yes, I am jealous . . . and available for collaboration), at least they recognize the contribution of the modality. Our soldiers and veterans are returning with some interesting autoimmune and auto-inflammatory diseases at a rate higher than the general population. Rheumatoid arthritis, scleroderma, pernicious anemia, chronic recurrent multifocal osteomylitis - whether contracted by inhaling burning trash, as result of traumatic-brain injury, excessive vaccination (double vaccination in the cases where they lost a soldiers records "just in case") or physical manifestation of a psychological malady, there is no denying many of our vets are in physical and emotional pain. And so, I put aside my professional irritation and offer nothing but praise for using acupuncture as an adjunct for pain control in our wounded warriors.
By Sig Christenson
Read more
Army looks toward new ways to fight the pain
Soldiers are getting alternative medicine.
By Sig Christenson
sigc@express-news.net
Published 01:55 a.m., Monday, September 26, 2011
Sgt. 1st Class Jennifer Wright used to jog, walk, lift weights and ride her Harley-Davidson Fat Boy, the motorcycle she bought after serving in Iraq.
Today, she's among a growing legion of war veterans suffering from scleroderma, a painful and potentially fatal disease. Wright, 40, feels pain in her face, joints and toes. She's lost some of her hair, and her toenails fell off.
“It's to the point I want them to deaden the nerves in my face. But (the doctor) said if you do that you take a chance of developing muscle atrophy, Bell's palsy with the real bad facial droop, no muscle control,” she said. “I said I'm willing to take my chances. Just do something about it. It's just consumed me, and I'm miserable.”
Pain pills are part of the treatment, but in her case they don't last long, so an orthopedic physician's assistant last week performed an acupuncture treatment, injecting small gold needles into selected parts of her ear.
Her care is part of the Army's fledgling complementary alternative medicine program, which is testing new therapies, some of them unproven and one literally out of this world.
It's another option for GIs who have returned from combat with pain from a variety of wounds and illnesses, for whom the Army has spent billions on drugs that have resulted in complications, dependency, abuse and even accidental deaths and suicides.
Read more
Providers Treating Providers
The past several days I noticed many people posting about a study reporting the increasing popularity of acupuncture and other CAM among healthcare providers over the general population. Shock? Nope. I see my fair share of MDs, RNs, NPs, DPTs, PharmDs, LMTs and folks who work in the healthcare administrative arenas. They, more than anyone else, see the end effects of poorly managed chronic illness and reactive rather than proactive self-care. Contrary to popular opinion, they often make the best patients . . . and even joke about how bummed out they are that this stuff actually works!
My only gripe with the CAM classifications in the study is they include self-administered therapies like nutrition (which is an alternative to what, exactly, starving?) and exercises like pilates and yoga. I do not think anything that is diet, exercise, or rest related is complementary or alternative - you either do those things or you drop dead of something. Overall it was well done and I am glad to see an increase in acceptance that a patient's report of relief is a reliable resource, with or without an impressive postscript after their name!
Discussion Excerpt:
This study provides the first population-based description of CAM use by U.S. health care workers. Our analyses reveal that, overall, health care workers are significantly more likely to use CAM therapies, particularly mind-body therapies, than the employed U.S. population. This is not surprising as health care workers, particularly those in ambulatory care settings, are more exposed to these methods, and exposure is probably correlated with higher use. Our results are also consistent with findings of previous studies documenting a high prevalence of CAM use in narrowly defined health care worker populations. For example, one study found that 63 percent of nurse practitioners in Connecticut reported personal use of CAM (Hayes and Alexander 2000), whereas another reported 96 percent of critical care nurses across the United States had personal experience with CAM (Lindquist, Tracy, and Savik 2003). Studies of physicians reveal a lower prevalence of personal CAM use. One study reported that 24 percent of physicians in Denver had personally used CAM (Corbin Winslow and Shapiro 2002), whereas another found that 49 percent of primary care clinicians in Kentucky reported personal use of CAM in the past year (Flannery et al. 2006). A high percentage of health professions faculty report CAM use, with 83 percent of primary care faculty at one medical school having ever used CAM (Levine, Weber-Levine, and Mayberry 2003) and 100 percent of nursing faculty in another university having personally used a CAM therapy (Halcon et al. 2003).
Read More
Johnson, P. J., Ward, A., Knutson, L. and Sendelbach, S. (2011), Personal Use of Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) by U.S. Health Care Workers. Health Services Research. doi: 10.1111/j.1475-6773.2011.01304.x
My only gripe with the CAM classifications in the study is they include self-administered therapies like nutrition (which is an alternative to what, exactly, starving?) and exercises like pilates and yoga. I do not think anything that is diet, exercise, or rest related is complementary or alternative - you either do those things or you drop dead of something. Overall it was well done and I am glad to see an increase in acceptance that a patient's report of relief is a reliable resource, with or without an impressive postscript after their name!
Discussion Excerpt:
This study provides the first population-based description of CAM use by U.S. health care workers. Our analyses reveal that, overall, health care workers are significantly more likely to use CAM therapies, particularly mind-body therapies, than the employed U.S. population. This is not surprising as health care workers, particularly those in ambulatory care settings, are more exposed to these methods, and exposure is probably correlated with higher use. Our results are also consistent with findings of previous studies documenting a high prevalence of CAM use in narrowly defined health care worker populations. For example, one study found that 63 percent of nurse practitioners in Connecticut reported personal use of CAM (Hayes and Alexander 2000), whereas another reported 96 percent of critical care nurses across the United States had personal experience with CAM (Lindquist, Tracy, and Savik 2003). Studies of physicians reveal a lower prevalence of personal CAM use. One study reported that 24 percent of physicians in Denver had personally used CAM (Corbin Winslow and Shapiro 2002), whereas another found that 49 percent of primary care clinicians in Kentucky reported personal use of CAM in the past year (Flannery et al. 2006). A high percentage of health professions faculty report CAM use, with 83 percent of primary care faculty at one medical school having ever used CAM (Levine, Weber-Levine, and Mayberry 2003) and 100 percent of nursing faculty in another university having personally used a CAM therapy (Halcon et al. 2003).
Read More
Johnson, P. J., Ward, A., Knutson, L. and Sendelbach, S. (2011), Personal Use of Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) by U.S. Health Care Workers. Health Services Research. doi: 10.1111/j.1475-6773.2011.01304.x
Providers Treating Providers
The past several days I noticed many people posting about a study reporting the increasing popularity of acupuncture and other CAM among healthcare providers over the general population. Shock? Nope. I see my fair share of MDs, RNs, NPs, DPTs, PharmDs, LMTs and folks who work in the healthcare administrative arenas. They, more than anyone else, see the end effects of poorly managed chronic illness and reactive rather than proactive self-care. Contrary to popular opinion, they often make the best patients . . . and even joke about how bummed out they are that this stuff actually works!
My only gripe with the CAM classifications in the study is they include self-administered therapies like nutrition (which is an alternative to what, exactly, starving?) and exercises like pilates and yoga. I do not think anything that is diet, exercise, or rest related is complementary or alternative - you either do those things or you drop dead of something. Overall it was well done and I am glad to see an increase in acceptance that a patient's report of relief is a reliable resource, with or without an impressive postscript after their name!
Discussion Excerpt:
This study provides the first population-based description of CAM use by U.S. health care workers. Our analyses reveal that, overall, health care workers are significantly more likely to use CAM therapies, particularly mind-body therapies, than the employed U.S. population. This is not surprising as health care workers, particularly those in ambulatory care settings, are more exposed to these methods, and exposure is probably correlated with higher use. Our results are also consistent with findings of previous studies documenting a high prevalence of CAM use in narrowly defined health care worker populations. For example, one study found that 63 percent of nurse practitioners in Connecticut reported personal use of CAM (Hayes and Alexander 2000), whereas another reported 96 percent of critical care nurses across the United States had personal experience with CAM (Lindquist, Tracy, and Savik 2003). Studies of physicians reveal a lower prevalence of personal CAM use. One study reported that 24 percent of physicians in Denver had personally used CAM (Corbin Winslow and Shapiro 2002), whereas another found that 49 percent of primary care clinicians in Kentucky reported personal use of CAM in the past year (Flannery et al. 2006). A high percentage of health professions faculty report CAM use, with 83 percent of primary care faculty at one medical school having ever used CAM (Levine, Weber-Levine, and Mayberry 2003) and 100 percent of nursing faculty in another university having personally used a CAM therapy (Halcon et al. 2003).
Read More
Johnson, P. J., Ward, A., Knutson, L. and Sendelbach, S. (2011), Personal Use of Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) by U.S. Health Care Workers. Health Services Research. doi: 10.1111/j.1475-6773.2011.01304.x
My only gripe with the CAM classifications in the study is they include self-administered therapies like nutrition (which is an alternative to what, exactly, starving?) and exercises like pilates and yoga. I do not think anything that is diet, exercise, or rest related is complementary or alternative - you either do those things or you drop dead of something. Overall it was well done and I am glad to see an increase in acceptance that a patient's report of relief is a reliable resource, with or without an impressive postscript after their name!
Discussion Excerpt:
This study provides the first population-based description of CAM use by U.S. health care workers. Our analyses reveal that, overall, health care workers are significantly more likely to use CAM therapies, particularly mind-body therapies, than the employed U.S. population. This is not surprising as health care workers, particularly those in ambulatory care settings, are more exposed to these methods, and exposure is probably correlated with higher use. Our results are also consistent with findings of previous studies documenting a high prevalence of CAM use in narrowly defined health care worker populations. For example, one study found that 63 percent of nurse practitioners in Connecticut reported personal use of CAM (Hayes and Alexander 2000), whereas another reported 96 percent of critical care nurses across the United States had personal experience with CAM (Lindquist, Tracy, and Savik 2003). Studies of physicians reveal a lower prevalence of personal CAM use. One study reported that 24 percent of physicians in Denver had personally used CAM (Corbin Winslow and Shapiro 2002), whereas another found that 49 percent of primary care clinicians in Kentucky reported personal use of CAM in the past year (Flannery et al. 2006). A high percentage of health professions faculty report CAM use, with 83 percent of primary care faculty at one medical school having ever used CAM (Levine, Weber-Levine, and Mayberry 2003) and 100 percent of nursing faculty in another university having personally used a CAM therapy (Halcon et al. 2003).
Read More
Johnson, P. J., Ward, A., Knutson, L. and Sendelbach, S. (2011), Personal Use of Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) by U.S. Health Care Workers. Health Services Research. doi: 10.1111/j.1475-6773.2011.01304.x
Engineering Explanations
Lately I have noticed my usual answers to the common questions "how does acupuncture work? I mean, what do the needles really do?" have not been working for the folks who want an explanation in 20 words or less. Although I provide excellent literature on theory, a few months ago I jettisoned my TCM explanation and shortened it to "the needle sensation helps direct the release and flow of endorphins to stimulate the body's self-healing processes." This seems to satisfy those who find things like Qi and meridians either too esoteric or too hippy dippy to accept as viable healthcare.
As it turns out, my simple explanation has evidence-based research to back it. The Columbia University electrical engineering department and University of Hong Kong medical faculty of the collaborated on a study published in the June 2011 issue of The European Journal of Physiology to explain how acupuncture works. Needling acupuncture points sends slow-moving acoustic waves into the muscles. This triggers a flow of calcium that interacts with white blood cells and produces endorphins which can relieve pain and nausea throughout the body. Accuracy and point selection are important. Correct placement generates a 6-8 centimeter wave whereas incorrect placement up to 1 centimeter generates only a 3-4 centimeter wave. This finding may help explain why sham acupuncture can have a therapeutic effect even if delivered via toothpick (as I have been saying as nauseam!).
Here is the abstract:
This article presents a novel model of acupuncture physiology based on cellular calcium activation by an acoustic shear wave (ASW) generated by the mechanical movement of the needle. An acupuncture needle was driven by a piezoelectric transducer at 100 Hz or below, and the ASW in human calf was imaged by magnetic resonance elastography. At the cell level, the ASW activated intracellular Ca2+ transients and oscillations in fibroblasts and endothelial, ventricular myocytes and neuronal PC-12 cells along with frequency–amplitude tuning and memory capabilities. Monitoring in vivo mammalian experiments with ASW, enhancement of endorphin in blood plasma and blocking by Gd3+ were observed; and increased Ca2+ fluorescence in mouse hind leg muscle was imaged by two-photon microscopy. In contrast with traditional acupuncture models, the signal source is derived from the total acoustic energy. ASW signaling makes use of the anisotropy of elasticity of tissues as its waveguides for transmission and that cell activation is not based on the nervous system.
Link to Study
10.1007/s00424-011-0993-7
As it turns out, my simple explanation has evidence-based research to back it. The Columbia University electrical engineering department and University of Hong Kong medical faculty of the collaborated on a study published in the June 2011 issue of The European Journal of Physiology to explain how acupuncture works. Needling acupuncture points sends slow-moving acoustic waves into the muscles. This triggers a flow of calcium that interacts with white blood cells and produces endorphins which can relieve pain and nausea throughout the body. Accuracy and point selection are important. Correct placement generates a 6-8 centimeter wave whereas incorrect placement up to 1 centimeter generates only a 3-4 centimeter wave. This finding may help explain why sham acupuncture can have a therapeutic effect even if delivered via toothpick (as I have been saying as nauseam!).
Here is the abstract:
This article presents a novel model of acupuncture physiology based on cellular calcium activation by an acoustic shear wave (ASW) generated by the mechanical movement of the needle. An acupuncture needle was driven by a piezoelectric transducer at 100 Hz or below, and the ASW in human calf was imaged by magnetic resonance elastography. At the cell level, the ASW activated intracellular Ca2+ transients and oscillations in fibroblasts and endothelial, ventricular myocytes and neuronal PC-12 cells along with frequency–amplitude tuning and memory capabilities. Monitoring in vivo mammalian experiments with ASW, enhancement of endorphin in blood plasma and blocking by Gd3+ were observed; and increased Ca2+ fluorescence in mouse hind leg muscle was imaged by two-photon microscopy. In contrast with traditional acupuncture models, the signal source is derived from the total acoustic energy. ASW signaling makes use of the anisotropy of elasticity of tissues as its waveguides for transmission and that cell activation is not based on the nervous system.
Link to Study
10.1007/s00424-011-0993-7
Engineering Explanations
Lately I have noticed my usual answers to the common questions "how does acupuncture work? I mean, what do the needles really do?" have not been working for the folks who want an explanation in 20 words or less. Although I provide excellent literature on theory, a few months ago I jettisoned my TCM explanation and shortened it to "the needle sensation helps direct the release and flow of endorphins to stimulate the body's self-healing processes." This seems to satisfy those who find things like Qi and meridians either too esoteric or too hippy dippy to accept as viable healthcare.
As it turns out, my simple explanation has evidence-based research to back it. The Columbia University electrical engineering department and University of Hong Kong medical faculty of the collaborated on a study published in the June 2011 issue of The European Journal of Physiology to explain how acupuncture works. Needling acupuncture points sends slow-moving acoustic waves into the muscles. This triggers a flow of calcium that interacts with white blood cells and produces endorphins which can relieve pain and nausea throughout the body. Accuracy and point selection are important. Correct placement generates a 6-8 centimeter wave whereas incorrect placement up to 1 centimeter generates only a 3-4 centimeter wave. This finding may help explain why sham acupuncture can have a therapeutic effect even if delivered via toothpick (as I have been saying as nauseam!).
Here is the abstract:
This article presents a novel model of acupuncture physiology based on cellular calcium activation by an acoustic shear wave (ASW) generated by the mechanical movement of the needle. An acupuncture needle was driven by a piezoelectric transducer at 100 Hz or below, and the ASW in human calf was imaged by magnetic resonance elastography. At the cell level, the ASW activated intracellular Ca2+ transients and oscillations in fibroblasts and endothelial, ventricular myocytes and neuronal PC-12 cells along with frequency–amplitude tuning and memory capabilities. Monitoring in vivo mammalian experiments with ASW, enhancement of endorphin in blood plasma and blocking by Gd3+ were observed; and increased Ca2+ fluorescence in mouse hind leg muscle was imaged by two-photon microscopy. In contrast with traditional acupuncture models, the signal source is derived from the total acoustic energy. ASW signaling makes use of the anisotropy of elasticity of tissues as its waveguides for transmission and that cell activation is not based on the nervous system.
Link to Study
10.1007/s00424-011-0993-7
As it turns out, my simple explanation has evidence-based research to back it. The Columbia University electrical engineering department and University of Hong Kong medical faculty of the collaborated on a study published in the June 2011 issue of The European Journal of Physiology to explain how acupuncture works. Needling acupuncture points sends slow-moving acoustic waves into the muscles. This triggers a flow of calcium that interacts with white blood cells and produces endorphins which can relieve pain and nausea throughout the body. Accuracy and point selection are important. Correct placement generates a 6-8 centimeter wave whereas incorrect placement up to 1 centimeter generates only a 3-4 centimeter wave. This finding may help explain why sham acupuncture can have a therapeutic effect even if delivered via toothpick (as I have been saying as nauseam!).
Here is the abstract:
This article presents a novel model of acupuncture physiology based on cellular calcium activation by an acoustic shear wave (ASW) generated by the mechanical movement of the needle. An acupuncture needle was driven by a piezoelectric transducer at 100 Hz or below, and the ASW in human calf was imaged by magnetic resonance elastography. At the cell level, the ASW activated intracellular Ca2+ transients and oscillations in fibroblasts and endothelial, ventricular myocytes and neuronal PC-12 cells along with frequency–amplitude tuning and memory capabilities. Monitoring in vivo mammalian experiments with ASW, enhancement of endorphin in blood plasma and blocking by Gd3+ were observed; and increased Ca2+ fluorescence in mouse hind leg muscle was imaged by two-photon microscopy. In contrast with traditional acupuncture models, the signal source is derived from the total acoustic energy. ASW signaling makes use of the anisotropy of elasticity of tissues as its waveguides for transmission and that cell activation is not based on the nervous system.
Link to Study
10.1007/s00424-011-0993-7
The "Other" Provider: It's Time to Talk
Despite most intake forms including a section for vitamin, supplements, and other therapies, many people keep complementary and alternative treatments from their primary care provider. Sometimes this is because of a lack of knowledge that a particular health behavior is an actual therapy, that it has the potential to interfere with conventional treatment, or that it should be reported. Providers neglecting to ask, lack of time to bring up the topic, and concern of provider disapproval or embarrassment over what they might think also contribute to underreporting. Although we are moving to a partnership model of healthcare, many of those in the "greatest," "boomer," and even "X" generations in the US are more comfortable with the paternalistic paradigm. The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, a division of the National Institute of Health, launched a program called "Time to Talk" for providers, patients, and organizations to foster communication and improve care coordination. The site provides a variety of material to help get the discussion started. I am especially impressed that it reassures providers they are not expected to be CAM experts and encourages them to refer patients to available evidence-based education materials rather than, as I have seen, run into their office to Google an herb or supplement to fein expertise.
Check out the program at Time To Talk
What People 50 and Older are Using and Discussing with Their Physicians
Check out the program at Time To TalkWhat People 50 and Older are Using and Discussing with Their Physicians
The "Other" Provider: It's Time to Talk
Despite most intake forms including a section for vitamin, supplements, and other therapies, many people keep complementary and alternative treatments from their primary care provider. Sometimes this is because of a lack of knowledge that a particular health behavior is an actual therapy, that it has the potential to interfere with conventional treatment, or that it should be reported. Providers neglecting to ask, lack of time to bring up the topic, and concern of provider disapproval or embarrassment over what they might think also contribute to underreporting. Although we are moving to a partnership model of healthcare, many of those in the "greatest," "boomer," and even "X" generations in the US are more comfortable with the paternalistic paradigm. The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, a division of the National Institute of Health, launched a program called "Time to Talk" for providers, patients, and organizations to foster communication and improve care coordination. The site provides a variety of material to help get the discussion started. I am especially impressed that it reassures providers they are not expected to be CAM experts and encourages them to refer patients to available evidence-based education materials rather than, as I have seen, run into their office to Google an herb or supplement to fein expertise.
Check out the program at Time To Talk
What People 50 and Older are Using and Discussing with Their Physicians
Check out the program at Time To TalkWhat People 50 and Older are Using and Discussing with Their Physicians
"Will Acupuncture Work for Me?"
The July/August 2011 issue of the Clinical Journal of Pain includes a German randomized-control study investigating potential patient characteristics that could predict positive outcomes to acupuncture for the treatment of chronic pain. Nearly 10,000 individuals were included in the study, all of whom received routine standard therapies with half receiving acupuncture over a three-month period. Although not statistically significant, the acupuncture group showed greater pain relief than the routine treatment only group. Potential predictors of positive outcomes include living in a multi-person household, former positive experience with acupuncture, female gender, and failure of other therapies.
These results support the contention that acupuncture, like many other therapies, is a helpful modality that may work better in some people than in others, Naturally, more studies are necessary to further investigate potential effect modifiers, however there is no strong evidence that you have to believe in acupuncture for it to work or that a practitioner can tell acupuncture is going to work for an individual based solely on their demographics and health history.
These results support the contention that acupuncture, like many other therapies, is a helpful modality that may work better in some people than in others, Naturally, more studies are necessary to further investigate potential effect modifiers, however there is no strong evidence that you have to believe in acupuncture for it to work or that a practitioner can tell acupuncture is going to work for an individual based solely on their demographics and health history.
"Will Acupuncture Work for Me?"
The July/August 2011 issue of the Clinical Journal of Pain includes a German randomized-control study investigating potential patient characteristics that could predict positive outcomes to acupuncture for the treatment of chronic pain. Nearly 10,000 individuals were included in the study, all of whom received routine standard therapies with half receiving acupuncture over a three-month period. Although not statistically significant, the acupuncture group showed greater pain relief than the routine treatment only group. Potential predictors of positive outcomes include living in a multi-person household, former positive experience with acupuncture, female gender, and failure of other therapies.
These results support the contention that acupuncture, like many other therapies, is a helpful modality that may work better in some people than in others, Naturally, more studies are necessary to further investigate potential effect modifiers, however there is no strong evidence that you have to believe in acupuncture for it to work or that a practitioner can tell acupuncture is going to work for an individual based solely on their demographics and health history.
These results support the contention that acupuncture, like many other therapies, is a helpful modality that may work better in some people than in others, Naturally, more studies are necessary to further investigate potential effect modifiers, however there is no strong evidence that you have to believe in acupuncture for it to work or that a practitioner can tell acupuncture is going to work for an individual based solely on their demographics and health history.
Acupuncture and Herbs for Burning Foot Pain
Chief Complaint: Severe burning foot pain
Western Diagnosis: Sciatica
Medical History: Patient suffered traumatic fall and damaged sciatic nerve resulting in burning foot pain
Pulse exam: slightly rapid and wiry
Tongue exam: pale pink body, thin white coat
OM Diagnosis: Decided not to treat root. Only treating branch, so diagnosis was channel obstruction or “blood stagnation”.
Treatment Principle: Stop pain, Remove obstruction, Move blood
Point Prescription: Ear points: shen men, occiput, brain. E-stim on shen men and occiput. GB31 opposite side
Herbal Formula: Yan Hu Suo Zhi Tong Wan
Results: After 10 treatments two times a week, patient could put weight on the foot and pain was 90% reduced.
The Treatment of Sciatica Pain with Acupuncture
Chief Complaint: sciatica
Medical History: The patient’s history included having his right femur crushed in a car accident 50 years before, and right knee replaced 3 1/2 years before.
Questioning exam: A seventy-nine year old man presented with sciatic pain which had begun 6 weeks before, in the early winter. The pain began in the lumbar area and traversed down the posterior aspect of the right thigh, calf, and into the 4th and 5th toes, following the Urinary Bladder channel. In addition, pain also went into the right inguinal area and down the medial aspect of the right thing, following the Liver and Kidney meridians.
OM Diagnosis: Wind cold and damp in the channels
Treatment Principle: Eliminate wind, warm the channels, dry damp
Point Prescription: Using Dr. Richard Tan’s Balance Method of mirroring, points on the left and right shoulder were unsuccessful in alleviating pain rapidly. So, per Tan protocol, other locations were tried, until success was found by treating the left wrist. In this mirror image, the leg was mirrored onto the arm in an inverted fashion. Therefore, the hip was at the wrist, and the toes at the shoulder. Following Balance Method protocol, ashi points were located on the meridians related to the areas of pain previously mentioned. Since the UB, K, and Lv meridians exhibited pain, SI, H, and P meridians were needled, and the area was warmed with a TDP lamp.
Results: The patient was treated three times per week for a total of 10 treatments The patient got significant relief from his pain. There was some residual lumbar pain, but all pain down the leg, both medial and posterior was gone.
Synopsis: The most interesting aspect of this case was an unexpected benefit. The patient reported before the 8th treatment that he had been a soldier in the War in the Pacific, and had had malaria 60 years prior. The illness had left a rash on his posterior right shoulder which had been continuous ever since. It was now completely gone. The practitioner had been unaware of the condition and had made no attempt to address the problem. Possible reasons the condition cleared up are pure conjecture, but could be the PC and SI points used to address the sciatica did double duty on the shoulder. However, upon close inspection, it was discovered that one of the SI channel ashi points used to treat the patient’s pain radiating down the leg, was in fact Gan Men, one of the points described in Dr. Tan’s Twelve and Twelve in Acupuncture (copyright 1991). Gan Men is used to treat disease and dysfunction of the liver, which of course is exactly what malaria is.
Chief Complaint: Chronic Pelvic Pain
Western Diagnosis: Endometriosis
Medical History: 30y.o. female presents with main complaint of chronic lower pelvic pain. Patient states she got off of Aleese (birth control pill) approximately 6 months ago and began experience pelvic pain around ovulation and menses.
Symptoms: irregular pattern of menses, occasional spotting around ovulation and pre-menses, pain during intercourse, slightly painful bowel movements, a dislike of touch around the area, large clots, thirsty, constipation. Patient has had history of dysmennorea as an adolescent and visited her family physician who began her on birth control at the age of 14. Her current reason for discontinuing is to become pregnant. Patient states that around ovulation she is irritable and frustrated. Post-ovulation and menses she becomes depressed and sad. Her pain is located left lower pelvic region–described as very sharp “as if a knife is piecing me”. This pain will last until menses subsides (usually 5-7 days). Diet: red meat, fruits/veggies, dairy, does have daily caffeine and sugar intake. Exercise habits are moderate at best and states she is too busy to have a steady exercise routine. She is seeking acupuncture/herbal treatment because her doctor simply recommends her returning on the birth control pill.
Questioning exam: Most obvious symptom was her localized chronic pelvic pain, also associated pain symptoms (painful intercourse, bowel movements, etc).
Pulse exam: Pulse: Deep, wiry/choppy, slightly rapid
Complexion is slightly red
Tongue exam: Tongue: body is bluish purple, coat is pinkish/reddish.
OM Diagnosis: Blood stasis with heat. Blood should normally be shedding during the menstrual cycle and not backing up causing the endometriosis. If the blood doesn’t shed, it becomes stagnant, and causes pain. After time, stagnant Qi turns into heat causing this patient to also exhibit heat symptoms.
Treatment Principle: Clear heat, move qi and blood
Point Prescription: Sedate LI11, Four gates, Zigong, TW6, SP6, SP10, LIV5.
Herbal Formula: The developing sequence of the follicular phase is governed by the movement of Liv qi and Blood. Liv qi triggers the transformation of yin into yang to support ovulation. The free flow of liver qi is a must so ovulation can happen. Ovulatory/menstrual pain is indicative of blood stasis and the following herbs should be continuously used for a minimum of six months to promote the free flow of qi/blood and clear heat.
Bai Shao
Yi Mu Cao
Xu Duan
Xiang Fu
Dong Chong Xia Cao
Chaun Xiong
Dang Gui
Chen Pi
Zhi Ke
Shan Zha
Gou Qi Zi
Sha Shen
Hei Zhi Ma
Dan Shen
Da Zao
Lifestyle Prescription: I recommend patient to clean up her diet. Incorporate Vit E (800iu) into her diet-this improves scar tissue caused by the internal endometrial bleeding.
Reduce yeast/sugar. Both are very inflammatory to the body–increasing her pain.
Add a high fiber, vegetarian based diet. Reduce meat/dairy–both contain hormones that may be causing hormonal/endometrial fluctuations and adding unnecessary heat.
Incorporate 30minutes of exercise 4x/week. This to increase endorphins which are our bodies natural painkillers.
Results: Great results. Patient has come to my office 2x/week for first twelve weeks, then lowered to one time a week. It is the forth month and patients symptoms have reduced by over 70%. Acupuncture/herbs are key to pain reduction, but diet and exercise factors also play a key role in gynecological conditions
Synopsis: Patient will continue with treatments. Will adjust acupuncture points and discontinue herbs one month prior to patient wanting to conceive.
Acupuncture Treatment of Ganglion Cyst
Chief Complaint: 1x1x1x inch. right wrist lump
Western Diagnosis: Ganglion cyst
Medical History: Right handed computer/mouse user
Questioning exam: Cosmetic reasons:[/b] looked prominent though painless.
OM Diagnosis: Phlegm accumulation based on local Qi and blood stagnation
Treatment Principle: Local needling
Point Prescription: Looking up medical acupuncture and general acupuncture websites I could not find any particularly relevant information
Herbal Formula: N/A
Lifestyle Prescription: Wrist support, exercise
Results: After one treatment, basically my idea was just to “puncture” the cyst and using direct moxa on site, within 24 hours the cyst fluid leaked out and the prominent, disfiguring lump disappeared.
I had to repeat the very same treatment a couple of times later when the lump was just about showing gain and it has not returned as of today.
Herbs and Acupuncture for Dark Scanty Menstrual Flow
Chief Complaint: dark scanty menstrual blood
Medical History: Patient is a 35 year old pilates instructor.
- very active lifestyle with a 4 year old daughter
- eats irregularly and often on the run
- healthy pregnancy and no surgeries or major illness
Questioning exam: – blood dark in colour, brownish purple and scanty with some clots.
-energy levels very low lately
-some lower abdominal cramping first day of menstruation
-fatigue worse during and just after menstrual cycle
-complexion pale
Pulse exam: thin, choppy, wiry
Tongue exam: pale purple tongue more pale on the sides
OM Diagnosis: Liver blood deficiency and blood stasis
Treatment Principle: Tonify liver blood, dispel blood stagnation
Point Prescription: Sp4, P6, St 36 Liv 3 Li4 Liv 8 Sp10
R4, K3
Herbal Formula: Ba Zhen Tang for the first 2 weeks of cycle and then Tao hong si wu tang for last 2 weeks of cycle
Lifestyle Prescription: Ask patient to follow a spleen qi diet, eating more cooked foods, less dairy and wheat.
- eat on a regular basis and stop eating on the run, sit down to eat, chew food well
-to listen to her body and if she is feeling tires to try to get some rest and miss a day of exercise
Results: After 2 months cycle has improved,abdominal pain is gone, menstrual blood is a much brighter colour and the blood flow is becoming heavier
-overall energy has increased and feeling less stress
Synopsis: Overall patient has learned how to listen to her body, to take the time to slow down when tired and also has stopped eating on the run. These have made a large difference in her health and overall well-being.
Research: Acupuncture and Moxibustion for IBS
An article examining treatment modalities for irritable bowel syndrome revealed acupuncture is promising as a stand-alone or adjunct therapy. In all of the studies below, improvement was demonstrated by adding or using acupuncture to treat IBS symptoms. Although sham groups also showed improvement, I do not agree with the authors that this means it is all an "in-your-head" placebo effect, especially as the last study cited showed the best improvement came from a combination of acupuncture and moxibustion therapy. Many "sham" controls elicit a therapeutic effect because all forms of acupuncture release endorphins, but the effect is more masking than curative. Long-term relief comparison studies between sham and true acupuncture are remarkably absent in the literature and are necessary to dispel the notion that you can stick a needle anywhere and get the same outcome. Additionally, there is no "standardized" acupuncture treatment protocol for IBS because acupuncture uses pattern discrimination, not medical diagnosis, to determine individual treatment plans.
Excerpt from the June 2011 issue of Alternative Medicine Review:
Acupuncture and Moxibustion
Acupuncture can cause physiological changes that affect various endogenous neurotransmitter systems. Of specific interest to the treatment of IBS is the influence of acupuncture and moxibustion on the serotonergic and cholinergic neurotransmission of the brain-gut axis. Both animal and human trials indicate specific targets for acupuncture on serotonergic, cholinergic, and glutamatergic pathways as well as reductions in blood Cortisol levels.
In a controlled, randomized pilot study, 30 subjects received routine clinical care or acupuncture for IBS. After three months of treatment, outcomes of acupuncture intervention revealed statistically and clinically significant improvements in symptom severity, including pain, distension, bowel habits, and QOL compared to usual care only. In this study, however, the type of IBS was not defined for the sample population.
In a large, randomized, controlled study, 230 subjects with IBS were assigned to one of three groups. The two intervention groups were either three weeks of true or sham acupuncture following a three-week run-in period of sham acupuncture therapy with a "limited" (friendly, interactive) patient-practitioner relationship, while the third arm was a waitlist control group. Findings indicated no significant difference in global outcome measurements between real and sham acupuncture, but both interventions showed significant improvement over the waitlist control group.
In another similar study, Schneider and colleagues randomized 43 subjects to receive either
acupuncture or sham acupuncture for 10 sessions(an average of two per week). Although the Functional Diseases QOL questionnaire (FDDQL) in this study revealed that both groups improved significantly in overall QOL, there was no difference between the two groups, suggesting that the effect of acupuncture was primarily a placebo response.
According to Anastasi and colleagues, a combination of acupuncture and moxibustion (acu/moxa)can be highly effective in IBS treatment. Twenty-nine subjects who met Rome II criteria were randomized into either individualized acu/moxa treatments or sham/placebo acu/moxa treatments. Results indicated that acu/moxa reduced abdominal pain, significantly reduced gas and bloating, and improved stool consistency over a four-week, eight-session intervention period. A Cochrane meta-analysis suggests larger-scale studies are warranted to confirm the benefits of acu/moxa in alleviating IBS symptoms.
Excerpt from the June 2011 issue of Alternative Medicine Review:
Acupuncture and Moxibustion
Acupuncture can cause physiological changes that affect various endogenous neurotransmitter systems. Of specific interest to the treatment of IBS is the influence of acupuncture and moxibustion on the serotonergic and cholinergic neurotransmission of the brain-gut axis. Both animal and human trials indicate specific targets for acupuncture on serotonergic, cholinergic, and glutamatergic pathways as well as reductions in blood Cortisol levels.
In a controlled, randomized pilot study, 30 subjects received routine clinical care or acupuncture for IBS. After three months of treatment, outcomes of acupuncture intervention revealed statistically and clinically significant improvements in symptom severity, including pain, distension, bowel habits, and QOL compared to usual care only. In this study, however, the type of IBS was not defined for the sample population.
In a large, randomized, controlled study, 230 subjects with IBS were assigned to one of three groups. The two intervention groups were either three weeks of true or sham acupuncture following a three-week run-in period of sham acupuncture therapy with a "limited" (friendly, interactive) patient-practitioner relationship, while the third arm was a waitlist control group. Findings indicated no significant difference in global outcome measurements between real and sham acupuncture, but both interventions showed significant improvement over the waitlist control group.
In another similar study, Schneider and colleagues randomized 43 subjects to receive either
acupuncture or sham acupuncture for 10 sessions(an average of two per week). Although the Functional Diseases QOL questionnaire (FDDQL) in this study revealed that both groups improved significantly in overall QOL, there was no difference between the two groups, suggesting that the effect of acupuncture was primarily a placebo response.
According to Anastasi and colleagues, a combination of acupuncture and moxibustion (acu/moxa)can be highly effective in IBS treatment. Twenty-nine subjects who met Rome II criteria were randomized into either individualized acu/moxa treatments or sham/placebo acu/moxa treatments. Results indicated that acu/moxa reduced abdominal pain, significantly reduced gas and bloating, and improved stool consistency over a four-week, eight-session intervention period. A Cochrane meta-analysis suggests larger-scale studies are warranted to confirm the benefits of acu/moxa in alleviating IBS symptoms.
