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.

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The AcuDetox Treatment

The typical human American body is full of toxins. We encounter them every day in our lives, in many different forms. Prescription drugs, additives in food, air pollution, heavy metals in water, chemicals in soaps, lotions and shampoos, and especially through the use of cigarettes, illegal drugs and alcohol are some of the many ways we encounter toxins.

Many toxins are common food additives that are believed to be completely innocuous. There are 4 that have been named the worst to the human physiology. High Fructose Corn Syrup has recently been linked to heart disease, obesity and diabetes. It has actually been defined as a killer additive because it is used in so many foods. Hydrogenated oils are high in Trans fat, which leads to diabetes, atherosclerosis and obesity. Excitotoxins, such as aspartame and monosodium glutamate (MSG) interfere with neural pathways within the brain and should be completely avoided. Nitrates and Nitrites are a preservative found in cured meats that are directly linked to severe cardiovascular conditions because they cause the blood vessels to narrow and harden, damaging the lining and impairing heart function.

Avoiding these harmful substances should be high on our priority list in trying to achieve optimal health. Unfortunately, in today’s world of processed meats, high sugar content and preserved foods, avoiding them is almost impossible without eating a diet completely comprised of raw or whole foods.

The use of acupuncture to relieve the body of toxins is so effective because it has a natural diuretic effect on the body, aiding in eliminating toxins through urination. Eating foods high in toxins is believed to interfere in the flow of Qi, and acupuncture helps restore the balance of Qi within the body, which also assists in relieving the body of toxins. It has also been used in relieving withdrawal symptoms caused by detoxification of illegal drugs. It is one of many effective steps in achieving optimal health.

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Exercise to Happiness

Studies have been made for years on how exercising can benefit your body. Besides the obvious benefits of losing weight and improving heart health, there have been many other advantages that are proven to improve your mental health, memory and endorphin release.

Mental Health. Depression is increasingly becoming a problem in the U.S. today. In a study done in 2010, over 8% of Americans over the age of 18 suffered from depression. This may seem like a small number until you realize that it is actually over 15 million people. Exercising has been proven to help people recover from cases of mild depression because it stimulates the sympathetic nervous system and increases levels of neurotransmitters, such as serotonin and norepinephrine. Combining exercise with other holistic healing methods, such as acupuncture, can help alleviate the symptoms completely.

Memory. One of the other benefits that only exercise can claim to effect is that it has the ability to generate new neurons in the brain. This is especially true for aerobic exercise. This effect helps the brain to better process and store information. It has been suggested that aerobic exercise is a great preventative method for treating brain diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.

Endorphin Release. Endorphins play a very important role in the body because they help regulate stress, anxiety and pain. Stress seems to be a very universal problem today’s world and doctors are constantly prescribing medications that block neurotransmitters in the brain that prevent the release of endorphins and dopamine. However, most of these drugs have adverse side effects, an result that does not happen with exercise. Unfortunately, the release of endorphins does not usually happen until about 30 minutes after exercise, which prevents people from becoming dependant on it as a source of stress release because it does not have the same immediate effect as other sources.

According to recent polls, only 15% of Americans exercise regularly, which is very unfortunate, considering the benefits.

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Reaching Optimal Health

As America’s obesity rates reach alarming numbers, more and more people are asking what they can do to achieve better health. Many would argue that physical health leads to optimal bodily health, because it has so many benefits on the brain. Others would argue that mental health is the most important because your brain essentially controls your body and life. Then there is the group of people who believe that optimal health can be reached through intellectual stimulation.

While all these areas are certainly beneficial to reaching optimal health, it is the balance of the three that is truly important.
Physical Health is important because it is true that it has many effects on your mental and intellectual health. Taking care of your physical body has far reaching benefits. Getting enough sleep and eating a healthy, well-balanced diet helps your body repair itself after exercise and it gives the brain enough energy to think clearly and maintain intellectual health. Maintaining proper weight for your age is essential to your future physical, mental and intellectual health.

Mental Health relates to how well you regulate stress, emotion, and social relationships. Stress plays a major role in deteriorating physical health and facilitates early aging. Learning to manage stress through relaxation techniques and leisure time can greatly reduce stress. Balancing emotions and social relationships takes a certain amount of toll on the body as well, so learning to keep these things prioritized can help to maintain optimal mental health.

Many would argue that Intellectual and Mental Health go hand in hand, but where mental health deals with Mental output, Intellectual Health deals with input. We can help keep our minds sharp by constant progression through learning and practice. Education does not end after High School or College. Reading books, news articles, magazines and decreasing the time spent on television and video games can help properly balance your intellectual health.

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Acupuncture VS Acupressure

While searching for ways to improve your physical health, alleviate pain, or treat illnesses or disorders, you may come across the terms acupuncture and acupressure. While they sound very similar in name, and do have many similarities in practice, they are two very different methods of treatment and knowing the difference between the two can help you decide which is best suited to you.
Acupressure and Acupuncture both originate in China and have been used for many centuries. They are recently increasing in popularity in the U.S. as people turn to more holistic forms of cure without adverse side effects.

Acupressure is the use of pressure on certain meridians in your body to help balance the flow of Chi, or Qi. It is simple to learn by book, and has a fairly high success rate, though it is better used over time, making it similar to deep tissue massage. An Acupressure professional will use their fingers, elbows or hands to put pressure on certain spots to treat complaints, so usually you only get one or two pressure points treated at a time. An example of acupressure is when you apply pressure to the fleshy spot between your pointer finger and thumb you can quickly alleviate the pain from a tension or dehydration headache.

Acupuncture is the practice of using very fine, hair-thin needles on the same meridian points on the body. These needles are inserted usually by using a quick jab though a small plastic tube. Since they are so fine, there is usually no feeling of pain as it enters. The treatment of acupuncture usually has quicker and longer lasting results than acupressure, but it has to be administered by someone who has experience practicing TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine). One of the benefits of acupuncture over acupressure is that the practitioner can treat many areas at once that usually work in tandem with each other to treat ailments.

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Acupuncture for Arthritis

Today, arthritis is one of the most common health problems in the US. About 1 in 6 people are afflicted by this condition and are continually seeking ways to alleviate the pain associated with it. Arthritis affects the everyday life of everyone afflicted and limits their day to day activities such as walking, exercising, shopping, bathing and driving. This can be especially frustrating for very active people. Treatment for arthritis can include non-invasive things such as gentle exercise, rest and assistive devices.

People who suffer from arthritis are usually seeking effective forms of pain management. This can be difficult since many medications can be unpalatable, have nasty side effects, or can even be toxic. We constantly see commercials advertised on television for effective pain management pills for arthritis, such as aspirin, Excedrin, or ibuprofen, to name a few. However, even these mild over-the-counter medications can have serious repercussions if taken in excess. For example, ibuprofen has been proven to cause kidney stones when taken over long periods.

Acupuncture provided a wonderful relief from the pain of arthritis because it is virtually free of side effects and is very low risk. Although in most cases of acupuncture treatment where there is very little pain involved, treatment of arthritis can be slightly painful at first since the insertion of needles are usually placed in areas where arthritis is the worst. In addition to that, since arthritis is an unvarying condition, treatments should be conducted more often than would be considered normal for other types of pain management. Two to three times per week is usually sufficient in the beginning and it provides wonderful relief. However, this may seem a very small sacrifice when you consider that there are no side effects and that acupuncture can be much less expensive than doctors visits and medications.

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The Potential of Injury: Acupuncture

Old Chinese medical chart on acupuncture meridians
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There can be no doubt that acupuncture is a worthy process. Its ability to relieve pain and soothe all stresses is nothing less than remarkable – with countless individuals seeking to experience it every year, wishing to indulge in its many advantages. The value in its practices is earned from centuries, and it can often offer assistance to those whom traditional medicine has failed. This could never be argued (nor would any try).

Despite the wealth of rewards offered through acupuncture, however, there is still one great risk to be found: nerve damage. While the occurrence of this is rare (and should therefore not provide individuals with such a high concern that they refuse the process entirely), it is still possible – and that possibility demands that each patient be aware of the danger and its consequences.

Acupuncture – as all know – is the manipulation of the body’s nervous system through the strategic use of needles and puncture points. These points have been carefully chosen, meant to offer relief throughout the skin and organs. They are clusters of specific nerves and receptors, allowing for immediate comfort when they are contacted.

That contact, however, can prove devastating when done incorrectly. If a needle is inserted into any nerve, it can offer a puncturing effect. This can cause a variety of complications, such as: infection, painful tremors, disruption of blood flow, sensory loss and toxicity increases. These can all force hospitalization, the introduction of potent medications or even incurable paralysis. When the nerve is damaged, it may not be able to repair itself – and this is potentially overwhelming.

Acupuncture cannot be refused as a viable practice. Its purpose is to alleviate pain and it succeeds. There are chances, however, for a needle to cause much concerns for an individual and his health. Seeking out only expert care is therefore recommended, with great attention given to the levels of experience and certification.

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Acupuncture: The Seven Inquiries

Drops of sweat
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It seems the most mortifying of questions – a body is examined, prodded with needles and concerns. The unspeakable functions (deemed impolite within society, meant to be shaped to secrets) are demanded. They must be offered honestly, without shame or silence. No blush is to force them into deceptions; they are instead to be without pause or hesitation. The cycles of blood and perspiration, dreams and fevers are all understood. And this was thought to be an impossibility. Acupuncture is not a traditional form of medicine, after all. There was no expectation of histories or current pains. And, without the seclusion of a doctor’s office, such pains seem too lewd to detail.

They are, however, necessary.

The all too frequent misconception with acupuncture is that it is not a true division of healing. It is instead too often deemed a simple stress relief. This is not true. It intends to assuage the worries found within an individual – and must ask essential questions to do so.

These questions are known as the Seven Inquiries. Simply explained, these are the most common concerns patients may have, reflecting changes within their bodies. These must be defined to offer a better understanding of meridians and the proper points to seek.

The Seven Inquiries wish to know elements of:

1. Current eating habits.
2. Bowel movements and the regularity of them.
3. Menstrual cycles.
4. Pain.
5. The amount of perspiration.
6. Sleep schedule.
7. Fevers or hot flashes.

By learning of these problems, an practitioner of acupuncture can then devise the best treatment for an individual. And this is vital in receiving the full value of this procedure. While the questions may embarrass, they will also offer insight into specific complications. Solving those complications requires knowing first where to look.

Acupuncture is a form of healing. Expect therefore the inquiries that a doctor would give – and answer accordingly.

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The Occasional Risks: Acupuncture

Accupuncture and moxing
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It’s an assumption of ease – needles are thought to be without worry, the simple incisions and their convenient effects. The practice of acupuncture does not alarm you. It is instead a simplicity you have come to expect, the techniques you desire. Tension can be released; stress can be replaced to comfort; and there are to be no concerns beyond the pleasure of losing pain.

But then you glance down and find a sudden arrival of bleeding, the beginnings of bruises along your body. You’re confused (and panicked) by them. You thought this practice was without risk. You thought there could be no possible complications.

You thought wrong.

Acupuncture – like any form of medical treatment – has a collection of possible concerns. The insertion of needles into the skin, however practiced, can still be dangerous. It is therefore necessary for patients to understand the possible risks involved with this procedure. They are often minor and should have no adverse effects; but they can be alarming when not addressed.

The most common problems associated with acupuncture are:

1. Bleeding. This is the most obvious of worries and yet often the most ignored. If a needle is inserted too quickly or goes too deep, then the opening can bleed. It should be a small cut, however, and can heal without issue.

2. Nausea. While often a psychological effect instead of a physical one, illness can still develop during an acupuncture session. It is especially typical within beginners as the sight of needles slipping into the skin can cause feelings of dizziness or fatigue.

3. Paresthesia. Often the body will react to the intrusion of needles by offering a trembling sensation. This can quickly frighten individuals, with them mistaking it to be a betrayal of nerves. It’s not. It is instead a simple reaction and should not panic.

Acupuncture is not without its complications. These are, however, often minor and shouldn’t dissuade any from this process.

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A Layman’s Rundown of Acupuncture

Basic Acupuncture.
Image via Wikipedia

The practice of acupuncture has existed for thousands of years. In recent times, this healing practice has often had its effectiveness called into effect. It relies on the insertion of needles into specific points of the human body and then working them to relieve pain and stress and to increase the emotional and physical well-being of the patient.

While scorned by some, others insist that acupuncture is a legitimate medical practice. Both the United States National Institutes of Health and the prestigious World Health Organization have decreed, after extensive and ongoing research into the scientific aspect, that acupuncture can bring about healing. Those opposed to the practice complain that the effectiveness of acupuncture rests solely in the mind and that medical conditions should be treated with medicine. Certainly, a prescription drug can have a huge impact on disease and ailments that the human body faces.

Studies have shown that acupuncture has a lower chance of causing post-treatment problems than most conventional methods. The needles are placed in spots based on the vital organs of the body. This allows the process to clear the “channels” through the body. Some dismiss this as esoteric. Arguments to the side, however, the use of acupuncture to alleviate and eradicate pain is a documented fact.

Shortly before acupuncture was accepted in the West as a medical treatment, an American journalist was treated with acupuncture in China and was supremely awed by its effectiveness. Today, acupuncture is administered by trained and expert medical professionals, and extensive measures are taken to ensure the patient’s safety. While some in American society may be wary of someone, even a professional, sticking needles in their body, they can rest assured that there is plenty of evidence to prove that acupuncture will solve their ailments.

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