Alternative Treatment | Illinois Acupuncture

What is Acupuncture?

Many people have heard about acupuncture as a form of alternative medicine. However, many people do not know exactly what acupuncture is or how it can help them. Here is a closer look at acupuncture which is a form of alternative medicine.

Acupuncture is a form of alternative medicine that comes from the traditional Chinese medicine practice. It has been used as a form of medical treatment for over 5,000 years and started back in China. The core basics of acupuncture use the belief that all living beings and objects have an energy force known as qi. The qi revolves around the body and can be separated into twelve groups. These groups are associated with the different parts of the body and center around the main organs within ones body.

It is believed that disease begins when the qi of the body is off balance. Acupuncture takes this belief about disease and uses it to heal. The acupuncturist will insert into specific points of the body that are associated with the lines and main body organs. There are over 1000 different points within the body that can be used. Once the needles are inserted into the various points within the body, it is believed that the flow of energy or qi can be restored and the disease is prevented.

There are many beliefs about how and why acupuncture works. Some experts believe that acupuncture works by stimulating the body and causing it to release pain relieving endorphins that heal the pain. Other experts believe that there is an increase in neurotransmitters that send messages to the brain and cause it to release pain relieving endorphins. While there are many theories there is no concrete explanation for why acupuncture works.

Acupuncture has been used to relieve a number of different medical conditions. These conditions include migraines or headaches, sinustis, colds, addictions, tennis elbow, arthritis, cramps, fibromyalgia, lower back pain and asthma.

Filed Under: Acupuncture, Alternative Treatment Tagged With: Acupuncture, Disease, Medicine, Qi, Traditional Chinese Medicine

Risks of Acupuncture: Be Informed

With proper technique and when performed by a licensed technician, acupuncture is a very safe procedure for most people. Acupuncture needles are regulated by the FDA and complications are also reported to this agency. Few complications have been reported to the agency – especially given the large number of people who receive acupuncture each year in the United States. However, the procedure can cause some side effects.

Less serious side effects include bruising, bleeding, or soreness at the needle insertion sites. You may also feel dizzy after the procedure. These events do not require medical attention and typically resolve within one day.

The more serious side effects like injury to internal organs or infection are very rare. Injury to underlying tissues may result from incorrect application of the needles; transmission with infectious diseases like hepatitis can occur if the needles are reused. You should make sure that the acupuncturist is following appropriate protocol before undergoing services to protect your health.

Although most people have no problems undergoing acupuncture therapy, there are people with certain health conditions who should undergo the procedure with caution.

People with bleeding disorders: Since one of the risks of acupuncture is bleeding, people who are at higher risk for bleeding may find themselves bleeding more. Bleeding disorders do not mean that a person cannot have acupuncture but he or she should be aware of the issues. People who take blood thinners like warfarin are in this category as well.

People with pacemakers: Using electroacupuncture can cause problems in these patients because the electrical current may interfere with the function of the pacemaker.

Women who are pregnant: Pregnancy is not a contraindication to acupuncture but the therapy can be used to manage the symptoms associated with the condition. Care, however, should be taken to avoid the types of acupuncture that might stimulate labor early; pregnant women should use acupuncturists who are experienced in treating pregnant women.

Filed Under: Acupuncture, Alternative Treatment Tagged With: Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine, Alternative, Alternative medicine, Health, Karolinska Institutet

Acupuncture Treatments for Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition where you feel pain throughout all of your muscles as well as fatigue and tenderness to the touch of specific points on the body. Approximately 2% of people in the US suffer from fibromyalgia; it can be a very debilitating disorder. Medications like analgesics or antidepressants can improve the symptoms; another treatment that has demonstrated some success in managing fibromyalgia is acupuncture.

The rationale for acupuncture is fibromyalgia is not fully understood. Acupuncture may create changes in blood flow throughout the body as well as alterations in the levels of neurotransmitters in the brain. The increase in blood flow may reduce the number of tender points on the body. Neurotransmitters can inhibit or stimulate the nerve impulses in the body; this can play a role in how pain stimuli are perceived or relayed through the body. The change in nerve impulses may increase the patient’s pain tolerance and may alleviate the symptoms of chronic pain.

The acupuncture treatment may also increase the levels of endorphins in the body which also lowers the perception of pain. The acupuncture treatment may also improve depression and fatigue as well. The improvement in symptoms may last for a month after the therapy session. Research has shown that the results for acupuncture may be similar to the use of other medications.

Electroacupuncture can also be used to activate the same areas in patients with fibromyalgia. Another variation of acupuncture, using lasers, can also be used in place of traditional acupuncture.

Finding an acupuncture practitioner who is experienced in treating fibromyalgia is important when looking for the best treatment. You should discuss the use of acupuncture with the physician who is managing your condition; your doctor may have advice about experienced acupuncturists. You also should not stop any previously prescribed medications without discussing it with your physician; your doctor may want to assess your progress with the acupuncture treatments before discontinuing any other therapies.

Filed Under: Acupuncture, Alternative Treatment Tagged With: Conditions and Diseases, Connective Tissue, Health, Musculoskeletal Disorders

Acupuncture and Its Role in Drug and Alcohol Detoxification

Acupuncture has been found to help remove toxins from the body and to modify the sensation of pain. Acupuncture has been used since the 1970s to treat drug and alcohol addiction for that reason. The National Acupuncture Detoxification Association is an important provider of acupuncture detoxification services and has members like physicians, counselors, social workers, and nurses worldwide. Many researchers find it difficult to understand how acupuncture works in relation with drug addiction but it is being used in many drug recovery programs.

Acupuncture is often a part of an integrated drug detoxification plan which has both beneficial psychologic and physiologic aspects. It is thought that acupuncture sessions can reduce a person’s cravings which may decrease the person’s desire for the addictive substance. Another benefit is the removal of toxins because of the diuretic effect of acupuncture.

However, one of the main roles of acupuncture in drug detoxification is the impact on pain sensation. Acupuncture treatments can increase the release of endorphins in the brain which can affect the perception of pain. One of the challenges in drug addiction recovery is the painful withdrawal symptoms which acupuncture may be able to reduce or relieve. The use of this therapy may also decrease the amount of powerful analgesics that may be needed to help the patient manage the pain associated with withdrawal.

The National Acupuncture Detoxification Association has a protocol with five specific points for the insertion of the needles which remain in place for up to one hour. The patient undergoes the treatment while sitting in a chair; usually a group of patients are treated at the same time. Acupuncture can be utilized by treatment counselors and centers in a variety of settings such as hospitals, outpatient centers or even street outreach programs. As long as a licensed acupuncturist or medical doctor is supervising the procedures, many states have approved this protocol and allow it to be incorporated into drug recovery programs.

Filed Under: Acupuncture, Alternative Treatment Tagged With: Acupuncture, Alcoholism, Substance dependence, United States

Acupuncture and Chronic Sinus Problems

Many people have chronic sinus problems which can be exacerbated by almost anything – dust, animals, fungi, bacteria and other allergens in the environment. Treatments for chronic sinusitis and other sinus problems include avoidance of the offending agent, decongestants, antihistamines and antibiotics. There is another treatment that may offer some benefits for people suffering from these problems – acupuncture. Acupuncture may be used alone to manage early or mild sinus issues but it can also be used in combination with traditional medical therapies to treat these problems.

Sinus problems can be caused by a variety of problems like lung heat or dampness according to traditional Chinese medicine. The acupuncturist would diagnose the cause of the sinus problems and develop a plan of therapy for those patients who do not have significant sinus infections. The actual acupuncture sessions are typically incorporated with nasal washes and acupressure; this treatment may take place over several months. The acupuncture treatments may vary depending on your specific sinus issue; the sessions will address the specific deficiency that is present in each individual case.If a sinus infection or more serious condition is present, the practitioner will generally work with your physician in managing your sinus complaints.

The success of acupuncture in treating sinus disease has been shown in a few scientific studies. A recent study published in the “Journal of Acupuncture and Tuina Science” found that acupuncture can improve chronic sinus congestion. After 30 acupuncture treatments, the researchers found that over 96% of people who participated in the study experienced either total improvement or partial improvement of their rhinitis symptoms. Other studies have shown success in management of sinus problems with acupuncture as well.

More health care professionals are aware of the potential benefits of acupuncture for sinus disease. Before discontinuing your previously prescribed medications, you should discuss your interest in acupuncture with your physician. Your physician may be able to work with you and your acupuncturist to manage your sinus problems.

Filed Under: Acupuncture, Alternative Treatment Tagged With: Chronic (medicine), Health, Otolaryngology, Paranasal sinuses, Physician

Treat Your Gut

Most leading Holistic or Natural health care providers agree that one of the most important things in maintaining a healthy lifestyle is to keep your intestines healthy and full of the right bacteria. The most beneficial thing you can do is to eat a proper diet that consists of high amounts of fiber, lactose, complex carbohydrates and enzymes. Whole foods like grains, fresh fruits and vegetables, and healthy dairy fats, such as yogurt, are essential in maintaining a healthy gut.

The main problem with Americans today is the mass consumption of foods that damage or block the intestinal tract. Greasy fast foods, coffee, alcohol, tea, excessive meats, dairy, and refined or processed sugars all bring an unhealthy balance to your body by providing the wrong bacteria, preventing it from properly digesting and assimilating your food. This in turn forces the immune system to work harder than it should to clean these unwanted materials from your body, leaving it overtaxed and ineffective.

If you find yourself feeling sluggish, crampy, or constipated, the first thing you need to do is cleanse the gut using an effective intestinal cleanse. Make sure you do your research, as not all cleanses produce the best results. Decide what feels right for your particular situation.
Next, enrich your diet with the right amounts of healthy foods. The traditional eastern diet is rich in fresh vegetables, which provide many of the complex carbohydrates and vitamins that we need. Fish are rich in omega 3 fatty oils that aid the gut in proper digestion. Whole grains, fruits and yogurt can also be very beneficial in maintaining a healthy balance in your intestines.

Besides all the health benefits bestowed by eating a healthier whole foods diet, you will find that you feel better, look better and have all the energy necessary to compete with today’s busy lifestyle.

Filed Under: Acupuncture, Alternative Treatment, Health Tagged With: Health, Intestine, Nutrition

The AcuBido Treatment

Within the Chinese culture, acupuncture has been used to treat a wide range of sexual health issues for centuries. Emperors, for example, took their sexual health very seriously and would continually consult with physicians in case any difficulties in the bedroom should arise.

If you feel like your libido has been unnaturally low, or are having difficulties with other aspects of your sexual health, acupuncture may be the right thing for you. Having the ability to increase male and female libido quickly, as opposed to many medications that increase in potency only over time, it has been a remarkable remedy for many people.

One of the other benefits that acupuncture has over traditional western medicine is that it works synergistically with itself to aid in curing a wide range of the same ailments. You can make an appointment to increase your libido and find that it has also helped you with other related problems, such as impotency, infertility, low sperm count, menopause, dryness or premature ejaculation.

In addition, there are virtually no side effects to treatment by acupuncture. Many medications, especially hormonal ones, only work with a certain chemical makeup, and you can never be certain of what side effects will occur. There have even been cases where a medical libido enhancer was taken and been a factor in facilitating cancer. Not to mention other side effects, which can include, but are not limited to restlessness, nausea, over excitability, seizures, fainting, and an increase in blood pressure.

Acupuncture, which has been a great method of avoiding these adverse side effects, has been proven over many hundreds of years. Most cities have acupuncture centers nearby and are always discreet in providing service that are of a sensitive sexual nature. Another benefit is the cost. Compare it to expensive doctor’s visits, medications and follow-up appointments, and as you weigh the other benefits with it, you will see why acupuncture may be the best choice for you.

Filed Under: Acupuncture, Alternative Treatment, Health Tagged With: Acupuncture, Health, Medicine

Acupuncture and Fertility

Infertility is a major concern for around 5 million women in the U.S., and science is constantly trying to find ways around it. There are many factors that contribute to this malady, the most popular being ovulation disorder, and hundreds of chemical factors play a part in balancing the hormonal structure of the body in order to conceive.

We live in a busy world. Today, American women are constantly on the go, whether they be a stay-at-home wife, a business tycoon or a Fashionista. High stress levels, combined with lack of nutrition, over consumption of caffeine, alcohol and sugar, create a chemically unbalanced body that is exactly the wrong kind of environment needed to conceive. Although these issues may or may not be a contributing factor in becoming pregnant, it is certainly advisable to take the healthiest approach to becoming pregnant as possible. Take some time out of your day to relax, eat a healthy snack, or do some calming yoga stretches. A small amount of action on your part can go a long way in readying your body for the changes you so wish for.

Acupuncture has become increasingly popular among women who are attempting conception. It is a low-risk procedure that has an astonishing success rate of 60% in women. This is amazing when one also considers the fact that most women do not choose to try acupuncture until late in their infertility.

When being treated for infertility with Acupuncture, you will not need to worry about interfering with a busy schedule. Treatments are usually conducted once per month, depending on the practitioner and depth of the problem. Sessions range from 30-50 minutes, hardly taking any time from your day, and with the going popularity and success rate of the treatment, is becoming one of the most popular conception methods sought out by women today.

Filed Under: Acupuncture, Alternative Treatment, Health Tagged With: Acupuncture, Fashionista, Fertilisation, Health, Infertility, Ovulation

Asprin VS Acupuncture

We live in a fast paced, high stress world. People bustle around, from here to there, trying to make it to one appointment after the other.
One of the disadvantages of living in such a rushed society is injury and sickness. When the body is low on rest and nutrition, it becomes a breeding ground for viruses and bacteria. Also, when muscles are so overexerted that they cannot rebuild themselves, also from lack of proper rest and nutrition, we develop what is called a trigger point, where the muscles bunch together in a tight and painful knot. These trigger points are usually located in the neck and back muscles, although they are not limited to one area.

The most common method for treating back and muscle pain by Medical Practitioners and Doctors is to prescribe an anti-inflammatory pain medication, such as Ibuprofen. While an anti-inflammatory drug may provide comfort over time, it is missing the most fundamental element in relieving the pain. Medications, unfortunately, do not treat pain. They smother it, mask it, or cover it, leaving the body still crippled and in danger of further injury since it’s pain messages are no longer being received. In addition, pain medications come with a wide range of side effects, which include dependency, kidney stones, restlessness, fatigue, and stomach pain.

In almost all cases where pain is being treated by medicine, Acupuncture can be substituted with astonishing, low-risk results. Practitioners insert hair-thin needles directly into the trigger points and send vibrating messages to the muscles from the tiny spring that comprises the top half of the needle. This aids in releasing blocked energy and increasing blood flow to the damaged tissue, helping it to relax and restore itself. The result is a pain free back or neck with little cost, and without the need for expensive physical therapy or medication.

Filed Under: Acupuncture, Alternative Treatment, Health Tagged With: Acupuncture, Health, Muscle, Pain, Physical therapy, Trigger point

Acupuncture for Chemotherapy

Acupuncture has been used for centuries to alleviate a wide range of ailments. Anything is treated, from circulatory disorders to gastrointestinal problems, gynecological problems, immune disorders, addictions, emotional and psychological disorders, musculoskeletal and neurological disorders, weight control, and treatments of the common cold. It has been used by Chinese Physicians for centuries and is increasingly becoming more popular in the U.S. as people turn to more holistic means to find relief from their illnesses without the burden of side effects that many drugs produce.

Other patients are also turning to acupuncture for relief. Many patients undergoing radiation and chemotherapy for cancer treatment have found that it gives them relief from the side effects. In a recent study, 7 out of 8 patients were completely relieved from their nausea and vomiting through the use of acupuncture, prior to the chemotherapy session. In cases where the chemotherapy lasted 5 days, acupuncture was used again on the 3rd day to help relieve symptoms. Relief lasted anywhere from 1 to 48 hours.

Physicians believe this is an effective treatment for relief of symptoms because the method of administration helps to release 5-HT in the brain. Serotonin or 5-Hydroxytryptamine has many functions within the body, aiding in digestion, activating responses of hunger or anger, to name a few. Using Acupuncture helps to release serotonin so that it can essentially send the correct signals throughout the body to cease nausea and vomiting.

The benefit of using this type of therapy is that it would require fewer hospitalizations for cases of extreme nausea and vomiting after a chemotherapy session, thereby improving the quality of life of the patient. It also aids in improving human tolerance to chemotherapy which improves clinical experiences or both the patient and the physician. It is not a cure for cancer, but definitely a positive step in trying to find ways to alleviate the side effects associated with the disease.

Filed Under: Acupuncture, Alternative Treatment, Health Tagged With: Acupuncture, Chemotherapy, Health, Patient